I am getting old ships with the heaviest guns ready, protected by barges with nets against submarines, so as to dispute the whole seaboard with him. On the 31st instant Revenge, four 13½-inch guns, will come into action if required, and I have a regular fleet of monitors and ‘bomb-ketches’ now organised which they all say has hit the Germans hard, and is getting stronger every day.
If you could again passage off to the left, I could give you overwhelming support from the sea, and there you will have a flank which certainly they cannot turn.
You have on your front gained a fine success in hurling back the whole weight of the German right. All your messages are so good—cool, resolute and informing. They will make a good page of military history. My heart is with you in the army.
Sir John French to Mr. Churchill.
October 28.
‘Your letters are always a great help and strength to me. Thank you indeed for the last one. I wish you would try and take a less gloomy view of what those people chatter about. What does it matter....’ I tried hard to retain a hold on the Belgians and with them to operate alone on the northern flank; but the French sent Foch and a Mission. As the Belgians were practically the guests of France, using their territory and Calais as a base, I had no alternative but to gracefully ‘submit.’
I am, however, on the very best terms with Foch, who is doing splendid work....
He added—
The fighting is still severe—I’ve been at two points of the line to-day—but it is certainly slackening.
The Germans will never get further west.