The Daily News. MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 1917. ON THE WEST FRONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 August 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 1917. ON THE WEST FRONT.

It is quite possible that the majority of readers of war news may be somewhatbewildered at the rapid succession of offensive movements at various places on the west front. Apparently these movements seem to be spasmodic, but in reality they are all part of a co-ordinat-ed scheme. An Allied blow at kens is followed by another at Ypres, then at Verdun and again at l.ens, where the Canadians are putting up such a great light. There is also the news that the British are conducting an offcn.ive in the vicinity of Langemarek and Roulers. 'Probably this last mentioned move will not convey much to those who do not closely follow the war map, but it certainly is one of the most important operations that have been undertaken. If, as a cable message stated, the Germans are preparing to evacuate Roulers, the object of the British, by driving up the plain beside the ridge, will menace the rear of the enemy's stronghold on the ridge, and compel a retirement towards Roulers. The abandonment of Roulers means that the enemy's hold on Ostend and Zeebrugge must go, while Bruges will be unsafe, and a decided step will have been taken towards ridding Belgium of the enemy. It is, however, at the old buttle grounds at Loos and Lens where the heaviest lighting is taking place. It will he remembered that the first attack on Loos was made in 1915, but the real struggle took place last April, when .some of the troops who were engaged in the original attack again had a sight of Hill VU, in front of Loos,a very powerful fortress. The capture of the Vimy ridge and the rapid progress down the eastern slope upset the enemy's plans and the Lens noose was drawn tighter. Since then the hammering process has been continued, first in one place and then in another, wearing down tho German strength, reducing their moralo and proving the superiority of the Allies over the enemy. That the Gorman high command realises this i t evident from the fact than an unprecedented concentration lias taken place, there being six enemy divisions engaged. The fighting at Lens has all the appearance of a final trial of strength, but it ia not prudent to

give it that construction. There is no question as to the nature of the fighting; it is as desperate as it can he, and this is .proved ,hy the smnllness of the number of prisoners. This battle lias a far greater significance than is usually attached to such conflicts. It is well known the German people are realising that their armies, which were, so boastfully credited with invincibility, have been suffering reverses for a longtime past, and the military authorities are, therefore, straining everv resource to obtain a success that will hearten

up the people, but the Allies are not taking any risks; they are probably luring as many Germans as possible to one point so as to deliver a crushing blow. It is evident the Germans place great value on the retention of Lens, for they are. aware that a British victory there will be a disaster that will have a considerable effect. At Verdun, the French gains partake of the nature of a triumph. At the outset of this conflict, the French lino from Avocourt stood, and during the succeeding monthsnever lost its grip, but the lino from Mort Homme to the Mouse fell to the enemy. It is on this last sector that severe fighting has been taking place, and the French rush lias swept away opposition, aided by their new powerful long-range guns, the fury of the storm rising to unprecedented intensity. The capture of Mort Homme and Hill \m was the most important success of all, for the top of Hill 30-t commands all the nine miles of country south-east to Verdun. The position on the West front is now absorbingly interesting, as developments may at any time time, bring about a great change in the situation, which is decidedly in the Allies' favor. The Allied plans aro very properly kept secret, but making deductions from the various operations in progress it would justify the belief that before long the great German sector will be in extremis, and ihat is probably why the lighting is so fierce and the conildence of the Allies so pronounced. Of their superiority over the enemy there is conclusive proof.