German losses now total 1,750,000

Enemy’s attacks weakening

Just at a moment when we are smarting under a naval defeat it is comforting to read the available news with regard to our land operations and to learn that up to date the German losses, killed and wounded, amount to one and three quarter million.

At the same we are waiting, perhaps with some impatience, for a full account of what actually took place off the Chilean coast.

If the Monmouth alone went down, the sinking of the German cruiser Yorek would help to balance matters but in any case we must be prepared to learn of a decided German victory on a small scale; a strategical and tactical success of which the enemy are entitled to make the most.

The huge superiority of the German guns is some salve to our wounded pride but we are not likely to rest satisfied until we have heard that full revenge has been exacted.

Let us hope that the Japanese cruisers reported to be in hot pursuit of the German squadron will speedily get in range and do what is necessary.

With regard to the fighting in Flanders, apart from the formidable preparation made along the coast we once more get satisfactory official reports.

The fact that the enemy are at several points displaying less energy than formerly is a hopeful feature of the situation and it is pleasing to learn that we have made notable progress in several directions.

There is further evidence too that a general retirement is not outside the enemy’s calculations, but on the other hand their new plan is likely to be tried for all its worth before General Joffre’s confident hopes are realised.

It is stated that they are concentrating a large force near the centre of their right wing and there are movements in the Thielt district which indicate that one more desperate effort is to be made to throw back the allies.

There is good reason to believe, however, that at whatever point the attack is made we are ready for it and that the enemy will be repulsed.

In the meantime, we have gratifying assurance that, in the latest fighting officially reported upon, we have given ground nowhere.

Almost any positions temporarily lost have quickly been regained and, at numerous points, we can claim to have advanced.

The Russian troops are making a rapid advance into Turkish territory and have occupied even more towns, including Bayaxed - an important point some 40 miles over the frontier.

The Allied Fleet’s bombardment of the Dardanelles forts continues and it is now officially stated that two of them have been seriously damaged in the attack.

From South Africa the news is also satisfactory and the Germans must be bitterly disappointed at the failure of their attacks.

De Wet, it is suggested, has not lately been quite responsible for his actions, an illness being accountable.