om pieces placed well back behind the woods
on top of the plateau.

A feature of this action, as of the previous fighting, is the use by the
enemy of their numerous heavy howitzers, with which they are able to
direct long-range fire all over the valley and right across it. Upon
these they evidently place great reliance.

Where our men are holding the forked edges of the high ground on the
north side they are now strongly intrenched. They are well fed, and in
spite of the wet weather of the last week are cheerful and confident.

The bombardment by both sides has been very heavy, and on Sunday,
Monday and Tuesday was practically continuous. Nevertheless, in spite of
the general din caused by the reports of the immense number of heavy
guns in action along our front on Wednesday, the arrival of the French
force acting against the German right flank was at once announced on the
east of our front, some miles away, by the continuous roar of their
quick-firing artillery, with which their attack was opened.

So far as the British are concerned, the greater part of this week has
been passed in bombardment, in gaining ground by degrees, and in beating
back severe counter-attacks with heavy slaughter. Our casualties have
been severe, but it is probable that those of the enemy are heavier.

The rain has caused a great drop in the temperature, and there is more
than a distinct feeling of Autumn in the air, especially in the early
mornings.

On our right and left the French have been fighting fiercely and have
also been gradually gaining ground [Transcriber: original 'gronud']. One
village has already during this battle been captured and re-captured
twice by each side, and at the time of writing remains in the hands of
the Germans.

The fighting has been at close quarters and of the most desperate
nature, and the streets of the village are filled with dead on both
sides.

As an example of the spirit which is inspiring our allies, the following
translation of an ordre du jour, published on Sept. 9 after the battle
of Montmirail by the commander of the French Fifth Army, is given:

Soldiers: Upon the memorable fields of Montmirail, of Vauchamps, of
Champaubert, which a century ago witnessed the victories of our
ancestors over Blucher's Prussians, your vigorous offensive has
triumphed over the resistance of the Germans. Held on his flanks,
his centre broken, the enemy is now retreating toward the east a