Enemy’s plans

Big effort in the west

Failure in Poland

Bombardment of Zeebrugge

A comfortable distance from the seat of war we see or imagine we see the Germans. Preparing to attack in greater force than ever before, the vital spot in the line blocking the way to Calais.

We argue that the weather out there, although further south, is such that a continuance in the trenches is next to impossible, that on other grounds too the Germans cannot afford to wait and that there will be renewed resort to shock tactics.

We read of reinforcements for the German right and like the agitated gallery occupant who shouted to the stage heroine a warning of the villains intentions, work ourselves into a mild frenzy for fear the allies be not fully aware of what the foe contemplates.

Probably the Germans will again be hurling dense masses of men upon the allies lines and more particularly upon the lines held by the British.

But we need have no doubt whatever that the Allies are fully prepared for any emergency and that when the time comes, they will give an excellent account of themselves.

Where 15 battalions of the Prussian guard failed we are entitled to believe that the ground can be held against whatever kind of troops the Germans may next bring up, but while saying this, it has to be admitted that weight of numbers tells and that the terrain is not altogether in favour of the defending forces.

That the enemy will eventually break through our lines in view of certain facts which may be just as well disclosed, it is hard to believe. But the effort to advance may not be so much towards a definite strategic end as towards improving the tactical position of the German armies.

The Germans are anxious to avoid retreat on the prepared defence along the Meuse, Sambre and Scheldt, for political as well as military reasons they are not satisfied with their present lines and may indeed regard them as being untenable, but one alternative is left.

Whether the retirement of the allies for which doubtless all preparations have been made is likely, ultimately to be of advantage to the Germans is not however the question, if the enemy thinks so, that is all that has to be taken into consideration.

From the eastern theatre the news is good. The great struggle in Poland between the Vistula and Warta has apparently ended in a victory for the Russians and it is officially stated that the Germans are in retreat.

Though no official details are available, unofficial messages state that the Russians who have been strongly reinforced are in close pursuit. The Germans have suffered heavy losses.