to attain
its objective, the flanking of the Lens line south. They therefore were
steadily retreating without any intention other than to extricate
themselves from positions of no value, in the most economical manner.
The quick operations of the British, however, led to the capture of many
prisoners and guns.

The English offensive in Picardy was a more serious matter, and from
some points of view was the greatest offensive in the war. The Allied
front had been prepared for offensive operations by minor attacks which
had secured for the Allied troops dominating positions. The attack was a
surprise attack. The Germans were expecting local attacks but not a
movement of this magnitude. The surprise was increased because it was
made through a heavy mist which prevented observation. It was preceded
by tremendous artillery fire which lasted for four minutes, and which
was followed by the charge of infantry and tanks. The German artillery
hardly replied at all, and only the resistance of a few rifles and
machine guns fired vaguely through the fog met the charging troops.

The attack was on a twenty-five-mile front and on the first day gained
seven miles, captured seven thousand men and a hundred guns. On the
following day there was an advance of about five miles and seventeen
thousand more prisoners were captured.

The Germans were now retiring in great haste, blowing up ammunition
dumps and abandoning an enormous quantity of stores of all kinds. The
English were using cavalry and airplanes, which were flying low over the
field and throwing the German troops into confusion. Over three hundred
guns, including many of heavy caliber, were captured. The ground had
been plowed up by shells and thousands of bodies of men and horses were
found lying where they fell. A feature of the attack was the swift
whippet tanks which advanced far ahead of the infantry lines.

[Illustration: Photograph]
Copyright Western Newspaper Union
British Official Photo
FORWARD WITH THE TANKS AGAINST BAPAUME
This picture gives an excellent idea of the method of combined tank
and infantry attack. Behind a low ridge among artillery positions they
are forming their line. A company falls in behind one of the waddling
monsters that will break a way for it through all obstacles, while on
both sides of the road other detachments await the arrival of the tank
they are to accompany.

[Illustration: Photograph: Line of marching soldiers