The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-11-30
Gen. French Pays High Tribute to British Va0r
in Hard Fought Battle of YpreS-Ar1entteres

tlUpSl udlIN, ne says ne UfNPlOIlI'UN
Of their use and employment has been
quite extraordinary. No efforts Mould be
spared 10 increase their numbers and
perfect their equipment"
The Field Marshal bestows great praise
on the services of the territorial infantry
and yoemanry. who are now being used
for the frs, time Nine regiments al
ready are engaged and their conduct and
bearing under fire and their efficiency
have filled him with the highest hopes ~
the value Of territorials generally. Other
regiments in addition to tho nine have
gone TO tho front.
Last stage. Of the Battle.
rs close the despatch" he continues,
there are signs that we are possibly in
the last stages Of the battle For several
days past the enemy's artillery fire has
considerably slackened. and their infantry
attacks have practically ceased In re-
marking upon the general military situa-
ton OF the Allies. II appears to me ~
the present moment that II does not seem
to be clearly understood that the opera
tions in which we have been engaged
embrace nearly all the continent of central
Europe. from east to west. The COM
bined French. Belgian and British
armies In the west and the Russian
army in the east are opposed to the united
forces Of Germany and Austria acting a.
a combined army between W..
"Our enemies elected at the commence
/ nent of the war to throw the weight OF
| their forces against the armies to the
, west and to detach only a comparatively
| weak force, composed OF very few FIRST
| line troops and several corps OF the sec
| ond and third line. to stem the Russian
advance until the western force could be
completely defeated and overwhelmed
Their strength enabled them from the
f..I.s
against us IA the west This prevented
our taking a vigorous offensive except
when misCalculations and mistakes made
by their commanders opened up special
opportunities for successful attack and
! pursuit
The battle Of the Marine was ar
example Of this as was also our advance
20 Saint Omer and Hazcbrouck and 10 ths
line Of the Lys at the commencement Of
this battle. The role which our armies II
the west consequently have been called
upon to fulfil has been to occupy stronf
defensive positions. holding the groun,
gained and inviting the enemy's attack
20 throw these attacks back, causing tn
enemy heavy losses In retreat. and fol
lowing him In powerful and successful
counter attacks to his complete dis'om
future
The value and sruihca. zee of tin, rol
nilcd since the commcuc, Of host'.i
les ny the Allies forces IN III" wcs
800 I'm thu fact that az the moment Whe
he eastern provinces II Germany arc !!
. minent DANCE Of being overr'lN by IN
mum. t,Is and POW erful armies Of Russia
nearly she whole actiy. army ~ German
! Is i'pd down 10 = limo Of tr"9ch.s OK
tending from the .\lsatian frontier roun
to The sea AT Newport q distance Of 20
| miles where they are held much -
duoed in number and morale. by the sue
ceSsful action Of gu" troops
sir John French pays cordial trlhut
. to the engineers and mentions the Valu
able and Gallant services Of many oiH
iccrs. saying. MANY others al" still L
he mentioned similarly"
Il deeply regret the heavy casual
: ties We have suffered he conclude.
4 hut the nature OF the fighting has bee
: very desperdt" and We h!evo been assaile
y by vastly superior numbers. ] have ever
; reason TO know that throughout the cours
D.. OF the battle We placed AZ least thrc
z times ~ many of the enemy hors d
4 combat IN dead. wounded and prisoner.