Red Yser

German effort defeated

Allies pushing on

The Dardanelles

There is good reason to believe that the Germans are reverting to their earlier lying. There is an air of plausibility about the official statements they are now issuing but they oil the efforts by the betrayal of a very real exasperation.

Only in one respect is there the slightest doubt about the complete accuracy of Sir John French’s report and his latest report is of a highly encouraging character. The fighting North and North East of Ypres is evidently of the sternest character but it is just as evident that the offensive for the time being at all events is wholly on the side of the allies for the British Commander in Chief goes on to say, ‘our operations in conjunction with the French definitely stopped the German attack and it has it since been renewed’.

Since yesterday there have been no Germans west of the canal.

The question which naturally occurs to everyone who has closely followed recent operations is, does the dash which has undoubtedly failed represent the maximum German effort? To be consistent the only answer that can be given here is that it does not.

It was clear for one thing that the thrust forward was dictated by circumstances over which the Germans had no control, that in fact their hands were forced and they were obliged to make the counter move before they were fully prepared.

As has been mentioned before, intelligence from various sources has shown that German reinforcements are being rapidly pushed to the position of the line and it is not unlikely that within the next few days they may again hurl forward forces on a narrow front.

While we see this taking place whatever section of the elongated battlefield is selected we still know that the enemy is attempting his ultimate offensive.

He is bound to essay something on a large scale before long, if only to counteract the effect of the Allied operations on the near Eastern field.

There can be no doubt that the landing of troops in large numbers on both sides of the Dardanelles is already having a considerable effect on neutral nations with whom self preservation is naturally the first law.

The enemy would have dearly liked to retake Neuve Chapelle and on this his plans were probably based but if repetition of the fact is not becoming monotonous, Hill 60 quashed his plans and so he sought for a weaker spot.

It has been suggested that the enemy has a contempt for our colonial troops and that learning where they were stationed he struck at the point.

The net result is that he knows a lot more about the Canadians now than he ever did before and on this front he is not likely to suffer any delusions.

The official report issued this morning on the Dardanelles operations makes cheerful reading.

The troops not only obtained a secure footing but best of all they are steadily advancing.