The Cambria Daily Leader

PRICE OF NEUVE c E ;I I & T% w o 1 v w me I ffl MR m s CHAPELLE. I t i a British Lose Over 12,000 Men. SlR DOUGLAS HAIG S GREAT WORK. ?Jt&?&jAaLA ww ??A?&B?t Wonderful Bravery of Our Troops. THE FATAL DELAY. I Sir John French's Story of Our Biggest Battle. ( The Press Bureau on Wednesday issued t he following dispatches from Field- Marshal Sir Jobn French, dealing with ?he o?rations of the British force at Neuve Ghapelle and t. Eloi;- From the Field-Marshal Commanding- in-Chief the British Army in tho Field. To the Secretary of StatE: for War, War Oflice, London, S. W General Headquarters, April 5, 1915. My Lorrl,-I have the honour to report the operations of the forces under my command since the date of my last dis- patch, February 2, 1915. (1) The event of chief interest and im- portance which has taken place is the victory achieved over the enemy at the battle of Neuve ChaP eHoe, Whidl was I fought on March, 10, 11, and 12. Tho main attack was delivered by troops of the First Army, under the command of General Sir Douglas Haig, supported by a largo force of heavy artillery, a division, of cavalry, and some infantry of the general reserve. Secondary and holding attacks and demonstrations were made along the front of the Second Army, under the direction of its commander, General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien. Whilst the success attained was due to the magnificent beanug and indomitable courage displayed by the troops of tlic -ith and Indian Corps, I consider that the able and skilful dispositions which were made by the general officer commanding the First Army contributed largely to the defeat of the enemy and to the capture of his position. The energy and vigour with which General Sir Douglas Haig handled his command show him to be a leader of great ability aud power. A Surprise Attack. Another action, of considerable ini- portance vas brought about by a sur- prise attack of the Germans made on March 14 against the 27th Division, hold- ing the trenches east of St.. Eloi. A large force of artillery was concentrated in this area, under cover of BU £ t» and a heavy volume of tiro was suddenly brought to bear on the.trencher at p.m. This artillery attack was aecom- panied by two iiiine, explosions; and, in iiie confusion caused by these and the t-udd-eunees ot' the attack, the position of St. Eloi was captured and held for some hours by the enemy. Well-directed and vigorous counter-at- tacks, in which. the troops of the 5th Army Corps showed great bravery and determination, restored the fcituation by the evening of the 15th. A more detailed account of these oper- ations will appear in subsequent pagos of 'j this dispeitch. IV (2) on February 6 a brilliant action by troops of the hot Corps materially im- proved our position in the area south of the La Rassee Canal. During the pre- Lri,)118 night parties of Irish Guards and of 4-iie, 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards had succeeded in gaining ground whence fconverging fire could be directed on the "flanks and rear of certain brickstacks" occupied by tho Germans, which had lieen for enme time a source of consider- able annoyance. At two p.m. the affair commenced with a severe bombardment of the bri-c.kst3eJæ and the enemy's Stenches. A brisk attack by the ;Ird Coldstream Guards and Irish Guards f.rom our trenches west of the brickstacks followed, and was tsup- ported by tiro from the flanking posit/ions which had been prized the previous night J). the same regiments. The attack bile- rceded, the brickstacks were occupied v 'thout difficulty, and a line established north and south through a point about fK-rty yards east of the brickstacke." Casualties not Unduly Heavy. The casualties suffered by the 5th Corpe throughout tho period unde.r re- view, and particularly during the month or -February. have been heavier than those in other parts of tho 1 tHe. 1 re- gret this; but I do not think, taking all circumstances into consideration, .that they were unduly numerous. Tho j.usition then occupied by the 5th Corps ijias always been a yery vulnerable part of our line; the ground i,s marshy, and tt'csicheb are most difficult to construct Itind ma-iiftaiu. The 27th and 28th Divi- sions of the 5th Corps have had no pre- vious experience of European warfare. ,ia-xl a number of the unite composing it ,t.ad only recently returned from service in tropical climates. In consequence, tiie hardships of rigorous winter cam- paign fell wit-i greater weight upon th-Pte divisions than upon any other in the command. Chiefly owing to these eausfti, the 5th Cinps. up to the beginning of March, was constantly engaged in <-ounte-r-Attaek to TP-take trenches and ground which had been lost- In their difficult an4 arduous task, how- ever, the troops displayed the utmost gal- lantry and devotion, and it is most credi- table to the skill and energy of their leaders that I am able to report, how well ) th have surmounted all their difficulties that the ground fit take nover by them j is still intact, and held with little greater -loss than is incurred by troops in all other parts of the lina. Always Repulsed. On February 11th the 82nd Brigade of the 2ïLh Division was driven from its trenches east of St. EJvi; but by seven a.m. on the 15th all these trenches had been recaptured, 15 prisoners taken, and ti') German dead counted in front of the trenches. Similarly in the 28th Division, trenches were lost, by the 85th Brigade and re-taken the following night. During the month of February the enemy made several attempts to get through all along the line, but he was in- vatiahi,v repulsed with loss. A particu- larly vigorous attempt was made on Feb- ruary 17th against the trenches held by the Indian Corps, but it was brilliantlv repu lsed. On February 28tli a successful minor at- tack was made on the enemy's trenches near St. Eloi by small parties of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light In- lantry. The attack was divided into three small groups, the whole under the com- mand ot Lieutenant Crabbc: No. 1 Group under Lieutenant Papineau, No. 2 Group under Sergeant Patterson, and No. ,'3 Group under Company-Serg?ant-Mujor Lloyd. The head of the party got within 15 or 20 yards of the German trench and charged it was dark at the time (about 5.15 a.m.) Lieutenant Crab be, who showed the greatest dasfti a.nd elan, took his paTty over everything in the trench until they had gone down it about eighty yards, when they were stopped by a barricade of samlba^s and timber. This party, as well as the others, than puHed down ?he front face of the German pa.rd l*L '1 number of Germans were killed and wounded, and a few prisoners were taken. The sendees performed by this dis-I tinguished corps have continued to be very valuable since I had occasion to refer to them in my lamt dispatch. They have been most ably organised, trained, a ud commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel F. D. Farquhiar, D.S.O., who, I deeply i,o-Pet to say, was killed while -superin- tending Faiiie trench work on March 20th. His loss will be deeply felt. A very gallant attack was made by the 4th Battalion off the King's Royal Rifle Corps of the 80th Brigade on the enemy's trench.es in the etirly houir of Maaoih 2nd. The liattalion was led by Major Widdrington, who launched it at 12.30 a..m. (he himself being wounded during its progress), covered by an extremely a ecu rate and effective artillery fire. About sixty yards of the enemy's trench were cleared, but the attack was brought to a standstill by a very strong barricade, ni a.t:tempftiing to stonn which seronal casualties were incurred. Cavalry in French Trenches. (3) During the month of February I ar- ranged with General Fodi to render the 9th French Corps, holding the trenches on my left, some much-needed rest by send- ing the three divisions of the British Cav- alry Corps to hold a portion of the French trenches, each division for a period of ten days alternately. It was very gratifying to me to note once again in this campaign the eager readiness which the cavalry displayed to undertake a role which does not properly belong to them in order to support and assist their French comrades. In carrying out this work leaders. officers, and men displayed the same skill and energy which 1 have reason to comment upon in former dispatches. The time passed by the cavalry in the French trenches was, on the whole, quiet and uneventful, but there are one or two incidents calling for remark. At about J.15 a.m. on February l(i a half- hearted attack was made against the right of the line held )) 'v (he 2nd Cavalry Divi- sion, but it: was easily repulsed by rifle fire, and the enemy hifi several dead in front of the trenches. The attack was delivered against the second and third trenches from the right of the line of this division. Indians in Action. At six a.m. oil the 21st the enemy bloloV up one of the 2nd Cavalry Division trenches .held by the 16th Lancers, and some adjoining French trenches. The t enemy occupied forty yards of our tren-r-h and tried to advance, but were stopped. An immediate counter-attack by the sup- porting squadron was stopped by machine- gun fire. The line was established oppo- site the gap. and a counter-attack by two squadrons and one company of French re- serve waft ordered. At 5.30 p.m. the 2nd Cavalry Division reported that the coun- ter-attack did not succeed in re-taking the trench blown in ,but that a new line had been established forty yards in rear of it, and that tht re was no further activity Oli. the part of the enemy. At ten p.m. the situation was unchanged. The commander of the Indian Cavalry Corps expressed a strong desire that the troop6 under his command should gain some experience in trench warfare. Ar- rangements were made, therefore, with the general officer commanding the In- dian Corps, in pursuance of which tho various units of tho Indian Cavalry Corps have from time to time taken a turn in the trenches, and have Bliiw gained some valuable eciperient^. NEUVE CHAPELLE. (4) About the end otf February many vital considerations induced me to believe that a vigorou-s offensive movement by the forces under my command should be planned and carried cut at the earliest possible moment. Amongst the more important reasons which convinced mo of this necessity were: -Tho general aspect of the allied situa- tion throughout Europe, and particularly the marked success of the Russian army in repelling the violent onslaughts of Mar- shal von Hindenburg; the apparent weak- ening of the enemy in my front, and the. necessity for assisting our Russian allies to the utmost; by holding as many hostile troops at-i possible in the western theatre; .ttu, efforts to this end which were being made by the French forces at Arras and Champagne; and. perhaps the, most weighty consideration of all. the need of fostering the offensive spirit in the t roops under my command after the trying- and possibly enervating experiences which they had gone through ot a severe winter in the trenc hes. In a former dispatch 1 commented upon the difficulties and drawbacks which the winter weather in this climate imposes upon a vigorous offensive. Early in March these difficulties became greatly lessened by the drying up of the country and by | spells of brighter weather. I do not propose in this dispatch to ,Pnt.er at length into the considerations which actuated me in deciding upon the plan, time and place of my attack, but your lordship is fully aware of these. As mentioned above, the main attack was carried out by units of the First Army, supported by troops of the Second Army and the general reserve. The object of the main attack was to be the capture of the village of Neuve Chapelle and the enemy's position at that point, and the establishment of our line as far forward as possible to the east of that place. The object, nature, and scope of the attack and instructions for the conduct of the operations were communicated by me to Sir Douglas Haig in a secret memor- andum dated February 19. Topographical Features. The main topographical feature of this part of the theatre is a marked ridge which runs south-west from a point two miles south-w<>st of Lille to the village of bournes, whence two spurs run out, one due west to a height known as Haut Pommereau, the other following the line of the main road to lilies. The buildings of the village of Neuve Chapelle run along the Rue du Bois- Fauquisart road. There is a triangle of roads just north of the village. This area consists of a few big houses, with walls, gardens, orchards, etc., and here, with the aid of numerous machine guns, the enemy had established a strong post which flanked the approaches to the vil- lage. The Bois du Biez, which lies, roughly, south-east of the village of Neuve Chapelle, influenced the course of this operation. Full instructions as to assisting and supporting the attack were issued to the Second Army. Ths battle opened at 7.30 a.m. on the 10th of March by a powerful artillery bombardment of the enemy's position at Neuve Chapelle. The artillery bombard- ment had been well prepared, and was most effective, except on the extr c n ic- northern portion of the front of attack. Infantry Advanced to Attack. At 8.5 a.m. the 23rd (left) and 25th. (right) Brigades of the 8th Division as- saulted the German trenches on the north- west of the village. At the same hour the Garhwal Brigade of the Mcerut Division, which occupied the position to the south of Neuve Chapelle, assaulted the German trenches in its front. The Garhwal Brigade and the 25th Brigade carried the enemy's lines of entrenchments where the wire entanele- ments had been almost entirely swept a v. ay by our shrapnel fire. The 23rd Brigade, however, on the north-east, was held up by the wire entanglement, which were not sufficiently cut. At 8.5 a.m. the artillery turned on to Neuve Chapelle, and at 8.35 a.m. the ad- vance of the infantry was continued. The 25th and Garhwal Brigades pushed on eastward and north-eastward respec- tively, and succeeded in getting a footing in the village. 'The 23rd Brigade was still held up in front of the enemy's wire entanglements, and could not progress. Heavy losses were. Buffered, especially in the Middlesex Regiment, and the Scottish Rifles- The progress, however, of the 25th Brigade into Neuve Chapelle im- mediately to the south of the 23rd Brigade bad the effect of turning the ocuthern flank of the enemy's defences in ttont of the 23rd Brigade. This fact, combined with powerful aitillery support, enabled the 23rd Bri- gade to get forward between ten and eleven a.m., and by eleven a.m., the whole of the village of Neuve Chapelle and the roads leading northward and south-west- ward from the eastern end of that village were in our hands. During this time our artillery com- pletely cut off the village and the surroun- ding country from any German reinforce- ments which could be thrown into the fight to restore the situation by means of a curtain of shrapnel fire. Prisoners sub- sequently reported that all attempts at reinforcing the front line were checked. Steps were taken at once to consolidate the position won, A Considerabk Delay. Considerable delay occurred after U.e capture of the Neuve Chapelle position. The infantry was greatly disorganised by the violent nature of the attack and by its passage through the enemy's trenches and the buildings of the village. It was necessary to get units to some extent to- gether before pushing on. The telephonic communication being cut by the enemy's fire rendered communication between front and rear most difficult. The fact of the left of the 23rd Brigade having being held uo had kept back the 8th Division, and had involved a portion of the 55th. Brigade in fighting tothp. north out of its proper direction of advance. -All this re- quired adjustment. An orchard held by the enemy north of Neuve Chapelle also ;hreatend the flank of an advance towards II the Aubers Ridge. I am of opinion that this delay would not have occurred had the clearly ex- pressed order of the general officer com- manding the First Army been more carc- fullv observed. The difficulties above enumerated might; have been overcome at an earlier period of the day if the general officer oommand,ing the 4fh Corps had hoon ablo to bring his reserve brigades more speedily into action. As it was, the further advance did not cominence before 3.30 p.m. The 21St Brigade woe able to form up in the open on the left without a shot being fired at it, thus showing that at the time the enemy's resistance had been paralysed. The brigade pushed forward in the direction of Moulin du Pietre. I At first it made good progress, but was subsequently held up by the machin^gnn fire from tfee houses and from a defended work in the line of the ¡ German entrenchments ojpposite the I right of the 22nd Brigade. Further to t'ho south the 2ttli Brigade, which had I'n dim-ted on Pietre, was similarly held up by uxachine-gixns the houses and trenches at the road [ junction 13CO yards north-west of Pibtre. i nic 25th Brigade, on the right of the 24th. was also held up by machine- guns from a bridge held by the Germans over the River DŒ Layes, which is situated to the n&rtb-?-est ,r the Bois du Bjez. I Brought to a Standstill. Will il^t two brigades of the Meerut Division were establishing themselves on the new line the Dehra Dun Brigade, supported by the Jullundur Brig-ade of the Lahore Division, movetl to the at- tack of the Bois du Biex, but were he1-ll up on the line of the Raver Des Laves by the German post at the bridge, which en- filaded tlwlli and brought them to a standstill. The defended bridge over t:he River Des La.yes and its neighbourhood imme- diately assumed (considerable importance. Whilst ajibiUery fire was brought to hear, as far as carcumsfatices would permit, on this yoint, Sir Douglas Haig directed the I 1st Corpts to despa.l rh one or more battalions of the 1st Brigade in sup'port of the troops attacking the bridge. Three battalions were thus sent to Riohebourg St. A*a?&t. l?arkne?s coming on, and the I enemy having brought up reinforcements, no further progress could be made, and the Indian Corps and 4tb Corps pro- ceeded to consolidate the position they had giained. Whilst the opr-rations which I have thus brieriy recorded were, going on the lat Corps, in accordance with order?. delivered an attack in the morning from Givenehy, simultaneously wish that against Neuve Chapelle; but, as tho enemy's wire was insufficiently cut, very little progress could be made, and the troops at this poirt did little more than hold fast tiie Geminr.s in front of them. Weather Hampered Artillery Action. On the following day, March 11, the ai Lack was renewed by the 4th and Indian | Corps, but it was soo'; pepn that a jurtber advance would be impossible until the artillery head dealt effectively with the various houses and defended localities which held up the troops along the entire front. Lfforts were iaado to direct the artillery tire accordingly: but owing to the weather conditions, which did not permit of aerial observation, and the fact that nearly all tho telephonic communications between the artillery observers and their batteries had been cut, it was impossible to do so with sufficient accuracy. Even I when our troops which were pressing for- ward occupied a house here and there it was not possible to stop our artillery fire, and the infantry had to he withdrawn. The two principal points which barred the advance were the same as on the pre- ceding day—namely, the enemy's position about Moulin de Pietre ajad at the bridge over the River Des La yes. On March 12 the same unfavourable con- ditions as regards weather prevailed, and hampered artillery action. Although the ith and Indian Corps most gallantly attempted to capture the strongly fortified positions in their front, they were unable to maintain themselves, although they succeeded in holding theni for some hours. | Offensive Operations Suspended. Operations on this day were chiefly re- markable for the violent counter-attacks, supported by artillery, which were de- livered by the Germans, and the ease with which they were repulsed. As most of the objects for which the operations had been undertaken had been attained, and as there were reasons why I considered it inadvisable to continue the attack at that tiive, I directed Sir Douglas Haig ou the night of the 12t]i to hold and consolidate the ground which had been f gained by the 4th and Indian Corps, and to suspend further offensive operations for I the present. On the morning of the 12th I informed the general officer commanding the First Army that he could call on the 2nd Cavalry Division, under General Gough. for immediate support in the event of the successes of the First Army opening up opportunities for its favourable employ- ment. This division and a brigade of the North Midland Division, which was tem- porarily attached to it, were moved for- ward for this purpose. The 5th Cavalry Brigade, under Sir Philip Chetwode, reached the Rue Bac- querot at 4 p.m., with a view to rendering immediate support; but he was in- formed by the general officer commanding the 4th Corps that the situation was not so favourable as he had hoped it would be. and that no further action by the cavalry was advisable. General Gouglr's command, therefore, retired to Estaires. The artillery of all kinds was handled with the utmost energy and skill, and rendered invaluable support in the prose- cution of the attack. Our Losses. The losses during these three days' fighting were, I regret to say, very severe, numbering: 190 officers and 2.337 other ranks, killed. 359 officers and 8,174 other ranks, wounded. 23 officers and 1,728 other ranks, missing. But the results attained were, ill my opinion, wide and far-reaching. The enemy left several thousands dead on the battlefield, which were seen and counted; and we have positive information that upwards of 12.000 wounded were re- moved to the north-east and east by train. Thirty officers and 1,657 other ranks of the enemy were captured. I can best express my estimate of this battle by quoting an extract from a special order of the day whioh I addressed to Sir Douglas Haig and the First Army at its conclusion: I am anxious to express to you person- ally my warmest appreciation of the skil- ful manner in which you have carried out your orders, and my fervent and most heartfelt appreciation of the magnificent gallantry and devoted, tenacious courage displayed by all ranks whom you have ably led to success and victory. Capture of L'Epinette. (5) Some operations in the nature of holding attacks, carried out: by troops of the Second. Army, were instrumental in keeping the enemy in front of them oc- cupied, and preventing reinforcements being sent from those portions of the I front to the niaui point of attack. At 12.30 a.m. on March 12th. the 17th Infantry Brigade of the 4th Division. 3rd Corps, engaged jon an attack on the enemy which resulted in the capture of the vil- lage of '"Epinette and adjacent farms. Supports by a brisk fire from the 18th Infantry Brigade, the 17th Infantry Bri- gade, detailed for the attack, assaulted in two columns converging, and obtained the first houses of the village without much loss. The remainder of the vil- lage was very heavily wired, and the enemy got away by means of communica- tion trenches while our men were cutting through the wire. The enemy ?uSered OO1Sidrahle loss, our casualties being five officers and 30 other ranks killed and wounded. I The result of this operation was that an advance of 300 yards was made on a front of half a mile. All attempts to re-take this position have been repulsed with heavy loss to the enemy. The general officer commanding the 2nd Corps arranged for an attack on a part of the enemy's position to the south-west of the village of Wytschaete which he bad timed to commence at 10 a.m. on March 12. Owing to dense fog, the assault could not be made until four o'clock in the after- noon. It was then commenced by the Wilt- shire and Worcestershire Regiments, but was so hampered by the mist and ap- proach of darkness that nothing more was effected than holding the enemy to Jiis ground. 11 ST. ELOI. The action of St. Eloi referred to in the first; paragraph of this dispatch com- menced at 5 p.m. on March 14 by a very heavy cannonade which was directed against eur trenches in front of St. Eloi, the village itself, and the approaches to it. There is a large mound lying to the south-east of the village. When the artillery attack was at its height a mine exploded umder this mound, and a strong hostile infantry attack was immediatjly launched against the trenches and the mound. Our artillery opened fire at. once, as well a.s our infantry, and inflicted con- siderable le>sses on the enemy during their advance: but. chiefly owing to the explosion of the mine and the surprise of the overwhelming artillery attack, the enemy s infantry had penetrated the first line of trenches at some points. As a consequeeiee the garrisons of other works which had successfully resisted the assault were enfiladed, and forced to retire just .bofore it t-ui-ned dark. A counter-attack was at once organised by the general officer commanding the 82nd BiVaile,, under the orders of the general officer commanding the 27th Division, who brought up a reserve brigade to support it. The attack was launched at 2 a.m.. and the 83nd Brigade succeeded in re- capturing the portion of the village of St. Eloi which was in the hands of the I enemy and a portion of the trenches east of it. At 3 a.m. 80th Brigade in sup- port took more tranches to the east and west of the village. The counter-attack, which was well carried out under difficult conditions, resulted in the iMvcapture of all lost ground of material importance. Gallant Soldiers. It is satisfactory to he able to record t that, though the troops occupyins the first I lino of trenches were at first overwhelmed, they afterwards behaved very gallantly in the counter-attack for the ,ücovery of the' lost ground, and the toUowin units E3rnoo and received the special commenda- tion of the Army Commander:—The 2nd I Royal Irish Fusiliers, the 2nd Duke of I Cornwall's Light Infantry, the 1st Lein- ster Regiment, the 4th Rifle Brigade, and the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. A vigorous attack made by the enemy on the 17th to re-capture these trenches was repulsed with great loss. j Throughout the period under ro\-iew ¡ night enterprises by smaller or larger patrols, which were led with consummate "hll alld daring, have .been very active along the whole line. A moral suwriority has thus been estab- lished, and valuable information has been collected. I cannot speak too highly of the inviii- cible courage and the remarkable resource displayed by t.he"i(\ patrols. The troops of the 3rd Corps have par- ticularly impressed me by their conduct of these operations. The Flying Men. (fi) The work of the Royal Flying Corps throughout this period, and especially I during the operations of the 10th, llth, and 12th of March, was of the greatest value. Though the weather on March 10 and on the subsequent days was very unfavourable for -aerial work, on account of low-lying clouds and mist, a remarkable number oi hours' flying of a most valuable charac- ter were effected, and continuous and close reconnuissanec was maintained over the enemy's front. In addition to the work of reconnais- sance and observation of artillery fire, the Royal living Corps was charged with the special duty of hampering the enemy's movements by destroying various points on his communications. The railways at Menin. Courtrai, Don. and Douai were attacked, and it is known that very extensive damage was effected at certain of these places. Part of a troop train was hit by a bomb. it I wireless installation near Lille is bf- 'I lieved to have been effectively destroyed, and a house in which the enemy had in- stalled one of his headquarters was set on fire. These afford other instances (II succestul operation of this character. Most of the objectives mentioned were att.acked at a height of only 100 to 150 feet. In one case the pilot descended to about 50ft. above the point he was at- tacking. Certain new and important forms of activity, which it is undesirable to specify, have been initiated and pushed forward with much vigour and success. There have been only eight days during the period under review of which recon- naissances have not been made. A total of aproximately 130,000 miles have been lfo,wn-almost entirely over the enemy's lines. No great activiity lias been shown over our troops on the part of the enemy's air- craft, but they have been atacked when- ever and wherever met with. and usually forced down or made to seek refuge in their own lines. Making Good the Deficiencies. (7) In my last dispatch I referred to the remarkable promptitude and rapiditv with which reinforcements arrived in this country from England. In collection with this it is of interest to call attention to the fact that, in spite of the heavy casual- ties incurred in the fighting between the 10th and 15th March, all deficiencies, oath in officers and rank and file, were made good within a few days of the conclusion of the battle. The drafts for the Indian contingents have much improved of late, and are now quite satisfactory. Since the date of my last report the general health of the army has been excel- lent; entcric has decreased, and there has been no recurrence on any appreciable scale of the "foot" trouble which ap- peared so threatening in "December and January. These results are due to the skill and energy which have characterised in a marked degree the work of the Royal Aiiny Medical Corps throughout the cam- paign, under the able supervision of Surgeon-general T. J. O'Donnell. D.S.O., Deputy Diree tor-general Medicil Set-, viccs. But much credit is also due to divisional, brigade, regimental, and con.- pany commanders for the close super- vision which has been kept over the health of their men by seeing that the precautions laid down fo.- the troops be- fore entering and after leaving the tienehes are duly observed, and by tho establishment and efficient maintenance of bathing-places and wash-houses, and by the ingenious means universally em- ployed throughout the forces to maintain the cleanliness of the men, having re. gard both to their bodies and their clothing I have inspected most of these houses and establishments, and consider them models of careful organisation and super- vision. ruion. Checking Disease. I I would particularly comment upon the energy displayed by the Royal Army Medical Corp? in th 8Cientific efforts they have made to discover and cheek disease in its earliest stages by a system of experimental research which I think ) has never before been so fully developed in the field. In this work they have been ably as- j sis led by. thoec diitm^uiili-ed members of 1 the medical profession who are now em- ployed as military medical officers, and whose invaluable services I gratefully ac- knowledge. The actual strength of the force in the field has been increased and the health of the troops improved by a system of con- valescent hospitals. In these establishments slight wounds and minor ailments are treated and men requiring attention and rest are receiv<*l. By these means efficient soldiers, whose services would otherwise be lost for a long time, are kept in the country, whilst a large number of men are given immediate ¡ relief and rest when they require it with- out removing them from the area of opera- ti This adds materially to the fighting efficiency of the forces. The principal convalescent hospital is at St, Oiner. It was started and organised by Colonel A. F. L. Bate, Army Medical Service, whose zeal, energy, and organis- ing poiver have rendered it a model hos- pital of its kind, and this example 11:1.0 materialy assisted in the efficient organisa- tion of similar smaller establishments at every divisional headquarters. Heavy Toll Exacted. (8) I have already commented upon the number and severity ot the casualties in action which have occurred in the period under report. Here once again I have to draw attention to the excellent work done by Surgeon-General O'Donnell and his officers. No organisation could excel the .efficiency of the arrangements—whether ;n regard to time, space, care, and com- fort, or transport—which are made for the speedy evacuation of the wounded. I wish particularly to express my deep sense of the loss incurred by the Army in general, and by the forces in France in particular, in the death of Britradie- General J. E. Gough V.C., C.M.G., A.D.C. late brigadier-general, General Staff, First Army. which occurred on February 22 as a result of a severe wound received on February 20 when inspecting the trenches of the 4th Corps. [ I always regarded General Gough as ene ioF our Jnost promising military leaders I of the future. His services as a staff officer thrcTaghcut the campaign have been invaluable, and I had already brought liis uarne before your lordship I for immediate promotion. I can well understand how deeply these casualties are felt by the nation at large, but each daily report shows clearly that they are being endured on at least an equal eeale bv all the combatants engaged throughout Europe, friends and foes alike. In war as it is to-day between civilised nations, armed to the teeth with the pre- sent deadly ritle and machine-gun, heavy casualties are absolutely unavoidable.- For the slightest undue exposure the heaviest toll is exacted. The powder of deienee conferred by .modern weapons i? the main -au&e of the long duration of the battles of the present [day. aud it is this fact which mainly accounts for such loss and waste of life. I Both one and the other can, however, be shortened and lessened if attacks can ¡ be supported by the most efficient and powerful force of artillery available: but i an almost unlimited supply of ammuni- ■ tion is necessary and a most liberal dis- [cretionarv power as to its u-se must be igiven to the artillery commanders. I am confident that this is the only m^ans by which great results can be ob- tained with a minimum of loss. Arrival of Canadians. un On February 15 the Canadian Divi- sion began to arrive in this country. I I inspected the division, which was under j the command of Lieutenant-General E. A. |H. Alderson, C.B., on February :W. They presented a splendid and most soldierlike appearance on parade. The men were of good physique, hard and fit. I judged by what I saw of them that they were well trained and quite able to 4ake their places in the line of battle. Since then the division has thoroughly justified the good opinion I formed of it. The troops of the Canadian Division were first attached for a few days by bri- gades for training in the 3rd Corns trenches under Lieutenant-General Sir W illiam Pulteney, who gave me such an excellent report of their effieienev that I was able to employ them in the trenches early in March. During the battle of Neuve Chapelle they held a part of the line allotted to the First Army, and although they were not actually engaged iu the main attack, they rendered valuable help by keeping the enemy actively employed in front of their trenches. All the soldiers of Canada serving in the army under my command have so far splendidly upheld the traditions of the Empire, and will. I feel sure, prove to be a great source of additional strength to the forces in this country. The Territorials. In former dispatches I have been able to comment very favourably upon the con- duct and bearing of the Territorial Forces throughout the operations in which they have been engaged. As time goes on and I see more and more of their wcrk, whether in the trenches or engaged in more active operations, I am still further impressed with their value. Several battalions were engaged in the most critical moments of the heavy fight- ing which occurred in the middle of March, and they acquitted themselves with the utmost credit. Up till lately the troops of the Terri- torial Force in this country were only em- ployed by battalions, but for >ome weeks past I have seen formed divisions work- ing together, and I have every hope that their employment in the larger units will I)ri)ve as successful as in the smaller. These opinions are fully borne out by the result of the close inspection which I I have lecentlv made of the North Midland Division, under Major-General the Hon. Montague-Stuart-Wortley, and the 2nd London Division, under Maior-General Barter. Distinguished Visitors. (10) General Baron von Kaulbars. of the I Russian General Staff, arrived at my head- quarters on March 18. He was anxious to study our aviation system, and I gave him every opportunity of doing so. The Bishop of London arrived here with the chaplain on Saturday, March 27, and left on Monday, April 5. During che course of his visit to the army his lordship was at the front every day, and I think I am right in saying that, there was scarcely a unit in the command which was not at one time or another present at his services or addresses. Personal fatigue and even dttnger were completely ignored by ill" lordship. The bishop held «everal services virtrially under shell ifre, and it was with difficulty that he could b" prevented from carry- ing on his ministrations under rifle fire in the trenches. I am anxious to place on record my ) deep sense ot the good effect produced I' throughout the armv by this soli-sacrific- in? devotion <?n ae ?ri of the Bishop of Loudon, to whom I fed personally I very deeply indebted. I have once more to remark upon the I devotion to duty, oourage, and contempt oi danger which lL" eh-araolerised the work of the chaplains 01 the &rmy throughout this campaign. Our Growing Strength. (11* The in-creased strength of dtie fore* end lie gradual exhaustion of the local resources have necessitated a correspond- ing increase in our demands on the line ot comniunicatior>s. -tinee we are now compelle d tn import many articles which in the stages could be obtained by local pi; iT-.ha.se. The directorates con- cerned have, however, been carefully watching the jituation. and all the administrative services on the line of commun ications Jiav continued ho work with smoothne*»s and regubritv. in spite of the increased pressure thrown UJKWI 1 1 hem. In this connection 1 wi.-h to bring to rol.c tle good service which bac been rendered by the staff of the base ports. Tii, work of the Railway Transport Department has been excellently carried out, and I take tlii^ opportunity of px- pressing my appreciation of the valuable service rendered by the French railway authorities generally, and especially by Colonel Ragueneau. late Directeur des 113 ^ieutenant-colonel Le Ilenaff, J)ire(-t(,iir Chf>nin.-5 de For, Chemifrs de Fer,. des Chemins de Fer, Lieutenant-colonel Dumont. Commissaire > Militaire, Cliemin de Fer du Xord, and Lieutenant-colonel Frid, Conimissaire Rcgulateuj-, Amiee, Anglaisc. Tiie Army Postal Service has con- tinued to work well, and at the present time a letter posted in London is de- livered at General headquarters or at the headquarters of the armies and army corps on the following evening., and readies an addressee in tlie trenches on the second day after posting. The de- livery of parcels has al) heRIl accele- rated, and is carried out with regularity and despatch. [ King Albert's Inspection. I (12) His Majesty the King of the B»elV i gians visited the British lines on Feb. S I and inspected some of the units in l'e- serve Itciiiiicl the trenches. During the laet two months I have S| l>een much indebted to his Majesty and his gallant army for valuable assistance i and co-operation in variuus ways. | 03 His Royal Highness the Prince of Wak is the bearer of this dispatch. i His Royal Hig iiness continues to make i most satisfactory jirogress. During the battie of Neuve Chapelle he acted on my Geneial Staff as a liaison officer. Reports from the general officers commanding corps and divisions to which he has been attached agree in commending the ■thoroughness with which lie perforins any work entrusted to him. I have myself been favourably im- press'-d oy the quickness with which his Royal Highness has acquired knowledge 1 of the various branches of the service and the deep interest he has always displayed in the comfort and welfare oi the men. His visits to the troops, both in the field and in hospitals, have been greatly appre- eiated by all ranks. His Royal Highness did duty for a time in the. trenches with the battalion to which he belongs. (11) In connection .with the battle of Chapelle I desire to bring to your lordship's special notice the valuable ser- vices of General Sir Douglas Haig, K.C.B., K.C.I.E., K.C.Y.O.. A.D.C., commanding the l-'irst Army. I am also much indebted to the able and devoted assistance I have r £ K-eived from Lieutenant-General Sir Wil- liam Robertson, K.C.B., K.C.V.O.. D.S.O., chief of the General Staff, in the direction of all the operations recorded in this dis- patch. I have many other names to bring to notice for valuable, gallant, and distin- guished service during the ]>eriod under review, and these, will form the subject of separate report at an early date. I have the honour to be. 1 our lordship's most obedient servant, J. D. P. FRENCH, I Field Marshal. Ccmmanding-in-Chicf, The British Army in the Field. 1. i