SURPRISE IN THE WEST.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 March 1918, Page 8

SURPRISE IN THE WEST.

CERJIAX OFFENSIVE TACTICS. London, Feb. 20. .Mr Perry Robinson, correspondent ft the Times at tlio British headquarters, stales that the fiercest battle the world has over seen is about to break. It may lie days, but at the utmost weeks, before we have to withstand massed attacks of troops backed by mechanical assistance, and trained to a degree never before seen. J'lie German army and people are worked up to such a pitch of expectancy that a postponement of the -offensive is impossible without u collapse. Like a horse trained to run at a certain date, they would be overtrained unless soon brought to the post. Our men are calm and confident. German aeroplanes , are dropping wholesale behind the lines copies of the Continental Times and Gazette Ardennes, printed in English. The propaganda falls on stony graunu. if. Marcel Ilutin, writing to the Echo (le Paris, says the main German od'en- | sive will be launched against the British, with a great demonstration on the [ French front.

Reuters correspondent says there is no longer any doubt that the enemy attempt to break through may come at any moment, and while the French will doubtless have to withstand the shock of heavy numbers, a grand attack will be burled against the British somewhere between Arras and St. Quentin. Evidence goes to show that the coming offensive will be conducted upon principles of surprise. The winter training of the enemy divisions has been based upon the idea of repeating tlio tactics which succeeded in Galicia, at Riga, and on tlie Isonzo. The enemy's training exercises have been based on the principle of the infantry breaking through without artillery preparation. This confirms the belief that the Germans will employ tanks, and it is probable that exciting tank duels will be witnessed. If this proves to be so numbers and experience will be on our side.

The enemy is also expecting great results from new poison gas, and we know they intend using gas shells in the freest possible manner. Another interesting fact has 'been revealed While the new method of enemy attack ha« the. entire confidence of' the German -officers, the men regard it with dismay declaring that local successes only will be purchased at a frightful cost. ' Anyway, it is manifest that in the forthcoming gamble the German HWli Command intends to be absolutely reckless regarding wastage of men'.

The special correspondent at French headquarters of the Daily Chronicle says: Rome soldiers believe that the enemy will make a dramatic, but limited Wow on the French, instead of an offensive on a grand scale- The Cham pagne sector offers difficulties for an attack, 'because it is commanded by the crescent of hills 0 n the Rheims Plateau and hy the Moronvillers massif The French desired information regarding the German fortress at Brimont. Thev therefore poured MOO shells into the enemy's lines in 15 minutes, and then made a raid. The officer who led the raiders pointed the direction in which they were to go with his cane. The French destroyed trenches, captured the occupants, who had been stunned by the bombardment, and secured valuable information. A corporal returned, carrying a German machine-gun, and singI ing "The Toreador? song at the top of i his voice.