The third battle of Ypres

“The rain it raineth every day,” and the result is that the third battle of Ypres, which began so auspiciously on Tuesday, is necessarily marked by long pauses. On the other hand the Allied assault has brought the Kaiser to the Western front with a swiftness which does not seem in keeping with the almost elated German bulletin published yesterday. In an effusive message to Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria His Majesty suggests that the Anglo-French attack of July 31 was “intended to conquer the coast of Flanders”. No attack was delivered on that day within 17 or 18 miles of the coast; but doubtless any statement is good enough for the Berlin public. We seem to get a little nearer the anxiety which evidently prompted the Imperial rush from the Riga front when we learn that a War Council was held at Brussels yesterday at which all the military dignitaries were present. A further commentary upon the “great success” which the Kaiser mendaciously claims is furnished by the fierce and costly counter-attacks which the enemy launched on Wednesday along the area traversed by the road from Ypres to Zonnebeke. These counter-attacks at first recovered a little of the lost ground, but late on Wednesday night were driven back at all points. Until the weather clears we must not expect a further advance, but meanwhile the enemy may rest assured that the Allied commanders are well satisfied with the progress made. Considering the difficult ground, the strength of the defences, and the fact that the enemy were forewarned, our Correspondent regards the operation of Tuesday as a “wonderful achievement”. We may add that in no respect was it more wonderful than in the comparative smallness of the number of casualties. The public are perhaps inclined to be sceptical when they are told that the first stage of a mighty conflict has been cheaply won. They may rest assured that on this occasion the statement is in no sense conventional, but is happily true in all respects. The public must not, however, conclude that because our methodical attacks are now being delivered at a lower price, the question of sending steady reinforcements to the armies in the field can be neglected. A steady flow of recruits is as urgently necessary now as it was last winter.