The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1912-1921, 1918-07-12
CONCENTRAT|ONOF
DIVISIONS FOR AN
ATTACK DIFFICULT
PLANS HELP IN
ATTACK WHICH HARRlES
TROOPS.
TASK OF MOVING MASSES OF
MEN OVER RAILS "OPENS
WAY TO SERIOUS LOSSES.
GERMAN SOLDIERS. KEPT IN
STATE OF NERVOUS TENSION
WHILE MOVING FORWARD.
(By the Associated Press.J


(By the Associated PressJ
] Behind the British Lines in France,
July 1.-THE task of concentrating
divisions for a modern battle ON the
western front is by no means AN easy
one, for it is naturally the enemys
chief concern to prevent such move
ment from being successfully and
easily accomplished.
Rapid concentrations are essential
or else the all important element of
| surprise is lost, and rapidity depends
largely upon the skillful use of rail
ways already overburdened with the
normal demands of the troops in the
assault area. For this reason the
enemy's longzrange fire, as well as a
| considerable proportion of his bomb
! ing airplanes are concentrated upon
the railroads, in the back areas.
Under normal conditions, the ordi-
nary straight railway line s. not par
particularly vulnerable. The fact that
is SO narrow makes it a hard target to
hit. The curves of "a railroad are,
however, much more important. The
destruction of a section of rail on a
curve means more trouble than the
destruction of half dozen sections
on the straight.
Sidings, railway stations, and pa
ces where there is network of
rails, and where there are points,
functions, and other special types of
rails, are even more important than
curves, for damage done at a vital
center may completely delay traffic
for many hours Such rai!-centers
behind the German lines are subject
ed by the British ito form of time
pairs have, to be carried out under
the most harassing conditions; and
not an hour passes without shells
or bombs bursting in the affected
area. .il 8f
An important result of this con-
centration against the rail centers is
that troops cannot be massed for an
attack without undergoing certain
amount of Notwithstanding eXperien-
ces first. There is no peace for
hem by day or by night. Under
these conditions the troops are stale
before the attack is launched.
AS this long-range rbombardment is
controlled chiefly by airplane obser.
vation, an enormous advantage lies
with that side which is predominant
in the air. BY the superiority of their
airmen the Allied armies are abe to
sweep all roads and railways in the
enemy's rear with concentrated ar
ti'lery fire by day and night; whilst
large squadrons of bombing airplanes
keep the German rest areas and bill
lets perpetually under fire.
Thus the German soldiers are kept
in state of nervous tension. the cas-
ualties are heavy, and the extra
work involved by the ever-incre2sing
difficulties Leads to the concentra-
ton being continuously delayed and
hung up. Divisions suffer and lose
their fighting value without ever be-
ing launched against the enemy.
All these things together conspire
to make the German concentrations
difficult of accomplishment and more
and more dependent upon the wealth
er, which alonce can suspend the
British and French aerial activity
and hamper observation. Every days
delay in preventing a German con-
centration is of the utmost value to
the Allies, who can prepare and
strengthen positions, bring up rein
forcements, construct roads and light
railways, and generally make valua-
BILE use of the time thus gained
When the delay occurs between
the phases of big battle it is even
more important. for experience goes
to show that an arrested offensive
that fails to attain its objects is lit.
tie better than a real defeat.