Ashland tidings. [volume] (Ashland, Or.) 1876-1919, 1917-10-08
British Win
D'''' 's'' In Great Drive


the most terrific offensive drives OF
the war penetrated the German lines
nearly a mile along ten-mile 'front.'
gaining possession of the crest OF a
number of hills overlooking a broad
plain, where the Germans will now
be to the disadvantage Of fighting
from level ground up hill, as well as
placing the British forces In a posi-
tion to lombard the Roulers-Menin
railroad, the principal German line of
communication In the Ypres sector.
In addition to the loss of impor-
tant strategic positions, the Germans
suffered heavy losses from the Brit
fish barrage fire More than 5000
German prisoners were taken, half
of them being wounded. The Ger
man losses were so severe that Prince
Rupprecht attempted only few
counter attacks.
American officers watched the Of
fensive of Field Marshal Haig with
great interest. Among the American
officers difference of judgment ap-
pears as to whether the Germans are
really attempting another strategic
withdrawal or are being forced back
by the British. From the Importance
of the positions gained by the Brit
fish the theory of withdrawal seems
improbable.
German counter attacks seem ex-
ceedingly weak. While the new Brit
fish positions were heavily bombarded
Friday night, no decisive counter at
tacks were attempted.
The British seem secure in all the
positions they won Friday along the
eight-mile front on the Ypres sector
in Flanders. Haig's men we're busy
Saturday and Sunday consolidating
their newly won positions. The Ger
mans dropped few shells which in
terrupted the breathing spell the
British were tak,ng but their efforts
were ineffective.
In addition to enormous casualties,
the Germans lost to the British 4,446
prisoners and ia officers in the
great offensive
Victory Believed in Sight.
In view of these developments Of
ficers believe a definite ascendency
has been established by the allies in
the morale of their armies. They re-
gard that condition as forecasting
complete victory, although none are
willing to venture prediction as to
when German collapse may come.
There have been indications that
the allied commanders have been in
tent on the destruction of the morale
of the German soldier as much as on
forcing their way forward in recent
battles. The lavish expenditure Of
artillery ammunition in which they
have engaged steadily for months
may have been designed largely to
shake the nerves of the Germans.
The results of the last drive, some
Officers believe, may prove clearly
that the demonstrated preponderance
of allied artillery, shown repeatedly
TO the men Of both armies, has served
not only to hearten the men of the
British and French armies and instill
into them confidence in the final out
come Of the war, but has equally
served to depress and make doubtful
the rank and file of the Germans
There are many observers also who
believe that with the Germans forced
back out Of the more rugged country
the fighting may assume more open
character next spring. In the wide
level lands into which the battle
lines are being carried there are no
strong natural positions. Sandbags
must replace ridges and concrete and
steel the hills that have made posi-
BILE the small forts which have held
mp many charge heretofore.
Coupled with this goes the sugges-
tion that real strategic operations
may become possible next year for
the first time since the armies dug
in after the retreat from the Marne
Spring may see gigantic movements
set afoot to break the deadlock Of
trench warfare. Whether COM
bined land and sea assault on the
exposed flank of the German line
might be included no officer would
predict.
The / w w NAV not have ohiect