The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1918-03-25
THE BATTLE.


THERE is nothing to show to-day that the German
Il attack has made any gains commensurate with the
losses In men involved in vast assault employing many
troops in massed formations
All of the fighting has ranspired within the 300 square
miles of territory from which the Kaiser withdrew his
year ago.
The British fighting battle of slow withdrawal in
which comparatively trench systems kill
as many as they conveniently and fall back upon the
line.
Upon this concept the are opposing heavy mass
ed formations against comparatively defenders The trench
systems for many miles back of ready and fill
ed each with its detail of defenders.
The British withdrawal, it is compelled by weight of
numbers recalls in each instance defenders to trench
lines further back which fresh fresh powers of
defense.
The number of prisoners very great considering the
intensity of the assault and the miles involved nor
the capture of guns necessarily significant
The whole question, up to this time, is comparative
losses.
group of men and batteries set long before an advan
tageous position will operate against the enemy, dealing de-
struoton to him until the position becomes untenabe Then
these have taken their proper price casualties 9TH
er cases it is practical to withdraw the guns.
There is little to derenate the from that the
Germans attempted at 1916 when after five DAYS of
intensive assault they took hundred square miles ground
which mostly aferward retaken by the French.
With the territory from which the British have retreaed
there is nothing of value Nor would much greater withdraw
al necessarily be important much less fna in obtaining
cision
territory not the factor determnant but whether
the armies remain.
Up to this time large counter offensive is recorded
Something of the kind will probably be attempted
must not be assumed that counter offensive would be
successful because the Germans have hnned their lines
1t is precisely the nature of modern warfare that few men
well covered and thoroughly equipped with material
hold many who must leave and attack in OPEN
1t is doubtful there has been in the entire an often
sive the West that gained much except that
the first forward movement of the Germans France and
that at the beginning of the the compelled the Ger
to retreat to the Marine
The British report that their retrements are in good order
and frequently by elaboration Confirming are such facts
that most Of the prisoners taken by the KAISER were
on the opening day of the drive.
Taking for granted that the British preserved their
formations and that they conducting the fight along the
lines of similar deensves this front it be expected
that the first impact of the attack the greatest re-
suits.
At the beginning of the attack the German commanders
had everything in readiness, material the ground troops
ready to proceed known territory and known con
ditions.
AS the attack proceeded got further away from its bases
supplies could longer be readily brought to the first line
of attack become difficult to concentrate artillery and
many other disadvantages inherent conditions had to be
overcome.
The British the other hand retiring ALWAYS toward
their bases under conditions that should increase their
powers Of resistance for the lines of their defense became
denser and their gunfre more intense they withdrew.
1t is good to know that American engineers are in the
heat of this battle and doing their share safety of Amer
lea.