The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1915-04-15

of German communication, most of
which, General French says. were at
tackled from n height of 100 TO loo
feet. In one case a pilot descended to
about so feet above the point he was
attacking.
'Thcre have been only eight lays
during the period under review" GEN
eral French continues. "on which re-
commissioners have not been made. A
total OF approximately 10000 miles
have been flown almost entirely over
the enemys lines. No great activity has
been shown above our troops by the
enemys air craft, but they have been
attacked whenever and wherever they
met with and usually forced down or
made to seek refuge within their own
lines"
Referring to what he terms the re-
mGrkable promptitude in the arrival OF
achievements from England, the held
marshal calls attention to the fac,
that all casualties were made good
within a few days after the conclusion
of the battle.
Praises Medical Corps
General French eulogizes the work
of the medical corps and of the dis
tinguished civilian populations assist
ing it.
Referring to the severity of the
casualties in action, the commander in
chief writes:
II can we'll understand how deeply these
casualties are felt by the nation at large,
but each daily report shows clearly that
they are endured on at least an equal
scale by all the combatants throughout
Europe, friends and foe alike.
'In war it is today heavy casualties
are unavoidable The power of defense
conferred by modern weapons is the main
cause for the long duration of the battles
of the present day, and it is this fact
which mainly accounts for such loss and
waste of life
The general says he is convinced that
only by an extensive use of artillery can
great results be obtained with a mini
mum of loss.
In a glowing tribute. to the Canadian
forces, the commander in chief says
All the soldiers of Canada serving in
the army under my command have SPLEEN
didly upheld the traditions of the empire
and feel sure, prove to be great source
of additional strength to the forces of
this country
Values Territ0rials
lie says also he is greatly impressed
with the value of the territorials. Refer
ring to the Easter visits. to the front OF
the bishop of London the Right Rev.
Arthur Ingram, he records that the bishop
held services virtually under shell fire,
and that 1t was with difficulty he could be
prevented from carrying on ministrar,ons
under rifle fire in the trenches.
~ testimony to the efficiency of the
lines of communication the field marshal
points out that letter posted in london
is delivered at the various headquarters
the following evening, reaching the adj
dresses in the trenches the second cay
after the posting.
Noting the recent visit of the King of
the Belgians to the British lines, the COM
mander in chief acknowledges his indebt-
edness to King Albert and his gallant
army for valuable assistance and CO.
operation during the past two months.
lie concludes with pleasant reference
to the Prince of Wales, who has acted
as a bearer of his dispatches. lie men
lions that the Prince of Wales did duty
for time in the trenches.
Field Marshal French fails to reveal the
name of the officer whom he so sharply
blames for the delay which robbed the
British of the full fruits of their victory
at Neuye Chapel