fresh despatch from Sir John French was published on Wednesday.
It is dated February 2nd, and reviews the operations from the last days of November to the beginning of February. At the end of November the British and French forces were mingled to some extent, but at the beginning of the period under review they were separated, and the British were enabled to occupy a shorter front, and regular reserves were established. The whole period was of extraordinary rigour owing to execrable weather, floods, and intense cold. It is pointed out that under conditions of modern war, when an advance is made, it is necessary for the attacking troops to expend the least possible time in leaving their trenches and advancing over the ground in front of them. But when trenches are waterlogged and the ground deep with holding mud, quick movements are out of the question, and it was not to be expected that during deep winter major operations could be conducted. Moreover, the accurate reconnaissance of air. craft, necessary for long-range gunfire, was generally impossible owing to mist. The operations which call for special comment are comparatively few. The fierce fighting round Givenchy and along the Bethune—La Bassee Canal is, however, described in detail.
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