The Daily News. FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 1917. THE WINTER CAMPAIGN ON THE WEST.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 June 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 1917. THE WINTER CAMPAIGN ON THE WEST.

It is quite possible that a large number of those who followed with much interest the daily records of the operations on the West front during the last winter on the Continent, will have in great measure lost touch of the sequence of events, only keeping in mind more important moves. There is every excuse for this because no definite plan of action was divulged, so that it was practically impossible to arrive at any conclusion ,as to the real object of the various attacks. The publication of Sir Douglas Haig's despatch dealing with his winter campaign in a connected and lucid manner enables the people of the Empire to obtain not only an insight into the purpose of the movements, but also into the comprehensive and systematic scheme

n:'d elaborated with consummate skill to pave the way for the great spring offensive. This explains many points that were otherwise obscure, and enables us to see matters in quite a new light, and it demonstrates the tactical and strategic skill of the Commander-in-Chief, jit will be seen that Sir Douglas Haig's first work was to obtain possession of the commanding spur in the region of the Ancre, and it is gratifying to learn that this important work was carried out successfully, as soon as tie weather permitted, with exceedingly light casualties. The conservation of his forces has always been a strong point with Sir Douglas Haig, and so thoroughly is this maxim appreciated by the inon that they cheerfully and eagerly entered into any and every offensive movement, knowing that the cost had been well calculated beforehand, in sharp contrast to the German Bystem of reckless waste of man power on objects of minor importance. Possession of the high ground gave the British an extensive artillery field which soon resulted in the capture of Grandecourt. Then commenced the drive of the enemy from the Beaiicourt valley and an attack on the Thiopval ridge, another commanding ■i-iition, which led up to the evacuation of Pys and Miraumont, followed by other captures that formed part of the scheme. In spite of the roads becoming k quagmire when the thaw set in, favoring the enemy's retreat, the British troops kept in constant touch with the enemy and systematically drove him from point to point. It is safe to assume that no one in the distant' parts of fflie Empire could have even the faintest idea of the colossal difficulties involved in pursuing the enemy and maintaining communications. The Germans paw to it that In their en'oreed retreat every formidable obstacle should be placed in the way of the pursuers. Bridges were destroyed and as far as possible the roadways made impassable, the wide belt of devastate:! ground north of Peronne over which the Somme battle had been fought, offering even greater difficulties for the passage of guns and transport. It was a great test of British grit and determination, but, as usual,.our men won through. On the other hand the enemy had all the advantages for an orderly and successful retreat and for harassing the pursuers, besides being able to prepare their defensive positions, while our men, the further they advanced the further behind were their defences. It can easily be realised that the nearer the British

approached to the Hindenburg line the greater was tlio resistance of the enemy, and ttio frequent intervals of comparative inaction are accounted for by the necessity -for caution and this coiu=»al difficulties of progress. (Still the work of constructing bridges, roads and railways went on without cessation, and despite the severity of the weather the campaign was successfully conducted, though under conditions that were most arduous and trying, culling for that courage and endurance which fortunately is never lacking in British military exploits. It was a means to an end, and formed the connecting link between Jie autumn offensive and that which has lately been made with such magnificent results. The triumphs of that winter campaign are none the less worthy of the highest .praise because they were not spectacular like those of the spring offensive, for without the hardships and physical strain entailed by the former; the brilliant victories of the latter would not have been possible. It was drudgery of the most exacting type and Sir Douglas Haig's generous praise of the work will bo heartily endorsed by the people of the Umpire. It was also a test of strength ,as between the opposing forces, the outcome of winch justifies the opinion of tne Commander-in-Chief that a general resumption of open lighting can bo regarded with great confidence. Naturally tho brunt of the toil and exposure fell on the engineers and sappers, and that they faced and overcame their task with indomitable zeal and perseverance is a tribute to their sterling worth as one of the most important arms of the service. Pew can read the description of the overwhelming difficulties ot the transport service without a thrill of pride at tiip success achieved, especially as on the rapid solution of the problem depended success or failure. It is a grand record that Sir Douglas Haig furnishes, worthy of the best traditions of the service and adding lustre to the already brilliant feats of' the engineers, Theirs is work that only the army knows of, for it does not come into the limelight like the dashing feats of arms. The devastation and destruction caused by the intense bombardments on both sides can only be realised on the spot, and it was a graceful and kindly act on the part of Sir Douglas Haig to express the deepest sympathy and most profound regret at the desolation that has overtaken a once fair and prosperous countryside. Tho despatch is doubly welcome, on account of its .stirring records and the confidence it engenders in the ultimate success of the Allies' efforts. \ ============