The Washington times., 1914-09-14
'SCOrn of Foe Lost Battle
For Germans, Says London
By ED L. KEEN.

Dy Ell
LONDON, Sept. 1i-Overconidence
and overwork of their army undoubted-
ly cost the Germans their loss of the
battle OF the Marine. which, ii now seems
certain, has ended the German offensive
in France. This was emphasized in an
official review of the general opera
uons. which was issued by the war Of
fice today.
The story of the general campaign
Vas q duplication of the official state
ment issued on Saturday night, but the
incidents as reported by General French
throw new light on many phases Of the
campaign.
Much needless damage has been
caused by the Germans, the report says,
Chateaus HAVING been pillaged and wan
tonly destroyed
The report says that on September
the Germans were apparently con-
hdept that they had completely de-
feated the British and ;hat from then
on they would have only the French.
whom they held in contempt, to reckon
with. Consequently, General Won KlrSk
negen attempted fiankins march di-
rectly across the front of the allied
allies in two and then defeat them at
his leisure.
0utgeneraled By Allies.
In this maneuver he was outgener-
aled, the allies beng freed 10 attack
in force by the splendid cooperation
Of the army of the defense of Paris.
1t is stated that the numerous letters
found on the German dead show that
all of the troops believed they were
about 10 enter Paris when the order TO
retreat was given. They were SO close
TO the city that the blttercst Gisappoint- |
meut is expressed in many OF the let |
ters that the attempt to take the city !
vas not made.
On September :. il is apparent. General !
Won Kluck realized that he was in dam
ger of being completely outfianked, and |
either annihilated or forced to sur
render. Consequently. on that day the |
order to retreat was given. and the high |
tide of the German invasion of France |
had been reached.
At that time the entire British army |
and the French Sixth army were CO. |
operating. and the German rear and !
tight flank were in great danger. and |
We're only saved by a precipitate flight. |
General French pays the highest |
tribute TO the work of the British avia- |
operated with the French general staff, |
and that their work was appreciated is |
evidenced from the message regarding
them which General Joffre sent to Cen |
eral French in which he said:
The precision. exactitude. and reg
ularity OF the news brought to head |
quarters by the British aviation corps |
is evidence of the perfect organiza-
tion of these trained pilots and OBJ |
servers. Their reports have been of
the greatest benefit to me and my |
staff
Step Toward Air MASTERY.
In reviewing the work of his avi-
stors. General French says: Some
thing in the direction of the mastery
Of the air already has been gained
During twenty days of fighting the
British aviators have made a daily |
average of nine reconnaissances,
flights Of more than 100 miles each,
establishing the individual ascend !
ency of the British methods When |
ever hostile aircraft have been seen
the British have immedia tely attack
ed with one or TWO machines and |
have driven them off. killing many of
them
Wherever the Germans occupied viii !
lagos on the route of march, the re-
port of General French says, il was
their invariable custom to abuse the
Inhabitants. They destroyed furni- ]
lure in the homes they occupied. even
going to the extent of pulling pic
lures from the walls and demolishing
them. according TO the report
RULE FOR AID
Striking Incidents Told
The report is filled with striking !
Incidents One OF the most remark
: BILE deals with the operations of a |
~ TT of the British second army corps. |
on September 10. this section OF the |
British forces was marching north |
ward. Another force was reported |
marching in the same direction along !
4 parallel road. For time it was !
believed this boCy also was British !
troops Finally scout reported il /
was composed Of Germans who were
TerreatinF
The British commander Immediately !
took steps TO give battle to the enemy. /!
First they wee headed off and then !
when in the trap an endeavor was !!
made TO give battle by the Germans. |
They had all the worst of the posi- !
tion. however. being trapped in :
sunken road wI'h a great marsh on !
lhciT flank Til Germans were badly |
defeated and one body OF 400 sur I
rerdered
The same dav a small party of French !
troops under commissioned officer /
"as surrounded by body Of Germans. /
They fought d""''- until only the !
as left alive. |
ID and surren- |
ar in command |
hands with |
on their bra
to retain their
rried of on
Belgium.
today say
troops have
nd are TO CO.
in attacking
nmunica ton.
uded in the
'ossacks and |
rrEr 1ber not less
! that forty
the British
these troops
nd, among