4. We have already captured 5,448 prisoners, including 125 Officers. Up to date the capture of eight guns, 10 trench mortars, and 36 machine guns has been reported.
5. In addition we have inflicted extremely heavy casualties on the enemy. Owing to losses during our preliminary bombardment, he was forced to bring up six fresh Divisions. Since then three more Divisions have been withdrawn shattered. Thus, in a fortnight, we have disposed of seven or eight Divisions and severely handled 10 more, several of which must be shortly withdrawn.
6. The 2nd Army on our right and the 1st French Army on our left have been as successful as ourselves. The French captures to date number 157 prisoners and three guns. The 2nd Army have also taken 390 prisoners and several machine guns.
7. Despite the weather on the day of the battle, we shot down five enemy machines and one balloon, losing only one machine ourselves.
(Signed) R. T. COLLINS,
Lieutenant-Colonel,
For Major-General, G.S.
55th (West Lancashire) Division.
Special Order of the Day.