Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-10-04


9th of September, 1915:
my warmest congratulations to you
and all serving under you on the SUD-
stantial success you have achieved. ana
my best wishes for progress In your
important operations
Special order of the day by fleld
Marshal Sir John French, commander
in-chief of the British army In the
field:
Definite State in Battle.
I'VE have now reached definite state
in the great battle which commenced
the 25th instant Our allies in the
south have pierced the enemy's last
line intrenchments and effected large
captures of prisoners, guns and tents.
1.-THE French army on our immediate
right has been heavily opposed. but
has brilliantly succeeded in securing
an important position known as the
Vimy ridge.
The operations of the British forces
have been most successful. and have
had great and important results. ON
the morning of the 25th the LIST ana
4th Corps attacked and carried the en-
emys first and most powerful line OF
intrenchments. extending from our en-
IRENE right flank at Grenay to point
north of the Hohenxollern redoubt,
distance of $500 yards.
German Position Strong.
This position was exceptionally
strong. consisting of a double line
which included some large redoubts and
network of trenches and bomb
proof shelter. Dugouts were construct
cd at short intervals all along the line,
some of them being large caves thirty
feet below the ground.
THE 18th Corps in general reserve
and the Sd Cavalry Division were sub
sequently thrown into the fight, and
finally the 2Sth Division. After the
vicissitudes attendant upon every great
fight the enemys line and second line
posts were taken. a commanding po-
sition. known as Hill 20, in advance of
Loos, was finally captured, and strong
line established and consolidated in
close proximity to the German third
and last line.
The main operations south of the La
Bassee canal were much facilitated and
assisted by subsidiary attacks delivered
by the Sd and Indian Corps and the
troops of the I'd Army. Great help also
was rendered the operations by the 5th
Corps east of Ypres, during which some
important captures were made.
Assistance Given by Fleet.
I'VE also are much indebted to Vice
Admiral Bacon and our naval comrades
for the valuable cooperation of the
fleet
Our captures have amounted to over
5000 prisoners and some twenty-five
guns. besides many machine guns and
a quantity of war material.
The enemy has suffered heavy losses.
particularly in many counter attacks.
by which he has vainly endeavored to
wrest back captured positions. but
which have all been gallantiy repulsed
by our troops.
81 desire to express to the army under
my command my deep appreciation of
the splendid work sthey have accom- !
brilliant leadership displayed by Gen. |
Sir Douglas Haig and the corps and
divisional commanders who acted under |
his orders in the main attack.
Praise for His Troops.
IN the same spirit of admiration and
gratitude. l wish particularly to COM
ment upon the magnificent spirit, in
domitable courage and logged te-
nacity displayed by the troops of the
old and new army and the territorials. |
who have WED with one another in the |
heroic conduct displayed throughout !
the battle. as-d by the officers and non |
commissioned officers.
Il feel the utmost confidence and as
surance that the same glorious spirit |
throughout the first phase of this great
battle will continue until our efforts
are crowned by final and complete vic
tory.
~. D. P. FRENCH.
Field Marshal, Commander-in-Chief
British Army in the Field
"30th of September, 1915"