Battles in the West
Sir John French’s Own Story
France’s “Eyewitness” Reports and Germany’s Offensive
in the Argonne
Since June 15, 1915, the British army, reinforced by divisions of the "new" army now in France, has held practically the same position on the front to the north and south of Ypres. The subjoined report by Sir John French, Commanding-in-Chief the British forces in France, published July 12, covers the operations from April 5 down to June 15, and deals particularly with the great poison-gas attacks by the enemy, the capture and loss of Hill 60, the second battle of Ypres, and the battle of Festubert. It embodies the story by Sir Herbert Plumer of the terrible fighting that began May 5. France's official reports, following, tell of the battle of Hilgenfirst in the Vosges, the week's battle in the Fecht valley, the 120 days' struggle between Betlaine and Arras, and the battle of Fontenelle. The Crown Prince's "drive" in the Argonne resulting in German advantages is also dealt with.
FROM THE FIELD-MARSHAL COMMANDING-IN-CHIEF
THE BRITISH ARMY IN FRANCE
To the Secretary of State for War, War Office, London, S.W.
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS,
June 15, 1915.
My Lord,