The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-05-31
British and French Steadily
Overcoming Numerical
Superiority at Aisne.
FIGHTING IS TERRIFIC
Defenders Outmatched in Ma
chine Guns, Infantry,
Tanks and Artillery.
~ GERALD CAMPBELL.
Special Cable Despatch 10 THs SrS from the
London Tines

Copyright, 1913: all rights reserred.
WITH THE FRENCH ARMY IN THE
FIELD. May 80. The Germans have
made another big advance. but for the
moment the movement appears to be
checked. On our right, northwest OF
Rheims. the British and French troops
are making n determined stand. so far
holding their positions. and on the left
fank the French have held the enemy
back successfully from further progress
in the direction of Compeigne.
But between these two points the
enemy has pushed to tho southward
steadily. In some places advancing some
miles toward the Marne. There Is per-
haps a good omen In the temperance OF
this name on the map Of the field OF bat
.le We retreated once before to the
Marne and then drove the enemy back.
What We have done once We can do
again. Elsewhere We shall stop them
that Is the confidence that remains un-
shaken.
Both French and British officers who
have been in the Aisne night declare that
the enemy's success Is due entirely to his
great numerical superiority in machine
guns and tanks - we'll as in infantry
and artillery. The equilibrium will not
be restored until the necessary reen-
forcements. which are coming steadily
day by day In ever increasing force, are
on the spot.
Refugees DRAG Along Roads.
On the roads which serve the front
perfect order prevails: there Is little
congestion and no confusion. although
many homeless fugitives from the in
vaded districts are dragging their tired
bodies along these roads The spirit OF
these long suffering victims OF the war
and OF German ambitions Is wonderful.
They took It all quietly. and are resigned
and calm despite the misfortunes that
have come upon them through no fault
OF their own.
Their confidence even in this critical
hour in the ultimate triumph of France
and her allies Is a fine thing to see so
Is the friendly sympathy with which
they and the walking cases of wounded
are treated by the soldiers. especially by
the drivers OF empty ammunition lorries.
French and English. coming back from
the front. When the drivers overtake
walkers they always offer them, with
their pathetic bundles OF household
goods. a welcome and cheering lift. and
hour by hour in these last two days a
closer and kindlier spirit OF fellowship
and understanding has been built up
between soldiers and civilians. French
and British. In the dust and turmoil of
the crowded roads.
Brotherhood In Common Peril.
As to the relations OF the British and
French soldiers. I doubt II at any time
the feeling Of brott erhood and honest
admiration ever fourished so strongly as
in these anxious days OF common peril
common heroism and endurance. When
the attack began there were four Brit
ish divisions. the Eighth. Twenty-tirst
Twenty-fifth and the F'iftietn Territorial
holding thirteen miles OF the front on
the French right, from Craonne to Ber-
| mericourt< They had on their right a
French colonial division and next to the
Fiftieth, who were to the left OF Craonne
was anotf er French division holding the
eastern end Of the valley OF the Aiettc
Through all the hghtinE OF Monday
and Tuesday the British in the centre
and the French on their right and lef,
stood together. shoulder to shoulder
facing the enemy and the common boast
OF them all. or rather their common
tribute to each Other. Is that never once
except for one short interval on the
left because there were too few men to
cover that length OF front--did they lose
touch.
The British on the right and the Colo
mails next to them were attacked to-
sether by four German divisions (abou
$4,000 mem. These particular Britis!
regiments apparently had had no expe
rlence with the French Colonials.
II have never seen finer fighters" sait
one of our officers. IF twice as man.
Germans had attacked them they woui,
not have got through. In fact, wisl
twice as many had attacked them. fol
they would have got something for theii
pains"
Fiftteth Bears the Brunt. 4
Our men were just plain. ordinary
! Englishmen. All four divisions, accord
ing to the French. and they ought to b,
pretty good judges. fought like heroes
When the battle began the Germanl
made their most violent thrust and threw
their greatest weight OF numbers agains
the Fiftieth at Craonne.
The others had hard hghtils. hut tn
/ TnssSi Sisss s>A isd De-