Deadly artillery

German retirement

Berlin’s admission

Fine work by the allies

Yesterday two messages of more than usual importance came to hand.

One indicated a change of German plans, a new concentration with La Fere as the pivot.

The other is not easy to reconcile with the first but it is of an even more significant character as it contained an official German admission that the village of Vermeilles has been evacuated according to a concerted plan.

After blowing up the buildings left standing, the Germans apparently retired to prepared positions to the east of Vermeilles and the enemy was unable to follow them.

This is either a piece of bluff, an attempt to deceive the allies, or a fact and an admission which suggests a great deal more that even the most optimistic would care to state in so many words.

Artillery strength

It has been clear from the recent French official reports that the allies are making real progress and, surveying the situation generally, there is certainly ground for hope that once more we are on the eve of great events.

The carrying of two lines of trenches in Belgium in a single charge and gaining 500 yards of fortress-like territory was a fine achievement and the absence of counter attacks is also important.

There seems reason to believe that the allies’ artillery has been strengthened of late and that in this area we are superior to the foe.

Yser line retreat

On other parts of the front the French position seems to have been well held and on their right they have made such notable advances as to seriously imperil the German communications with Metz.

We are again forbidden to make deductions but a mere recital of facts is sometimes illuminating.

Last bid to cross

Unofficial messages indicate that the Germans have retired along the Yser line at points for a considerable distance, it is said due to sanitary conditions and the marshy character of the ground.

At the same time it is reported that the German troops are becoming more and more reluctant to take part in the fighting and are being assured by their officers that this is the last time they will attempt to make a crossing.

Statements are also made that the Germans have despatched large numbers of troops to the eastern theatre of war and the activity on the Yser is intended to mislead the allies with a view of preventing any attempts on their part to break through the German lines.