It is not a light thing that ground so full of tragic memories should
be lost. It seems only the other day that I was adventuring along the
Ailette by Anizyle-Château, sleeping in a dugout in Pinon Forest, and
examining the outposts that then held the northern edge of the hills.
War pays little regard to sentiment, and it is not any spectacular
stroke or sentimental score that will restore the falling fortunes of
the Hohenzollerns.
[Illustration: Total Gains of German Drive]
SHADED PORTIONS SHOW TOTAL GAINS OF THE GREAT GERMAN OFFENSIVE. THE
NUMERALS INDICATE THE SEQUENCE OF THE FOUR BATTLES OR PHASES. THE DRIVE
ON THE SOMME WAS LAUNCHED MARCH 21, THAT IN FLANDERS APRIL 9, THE
CHAMPAGNE DRIVE MAY 27, AND THE OFFENSIVE ON THE OISE JUNE 9
No doubt the French command found it grievous yesterday to order a
retreat to the Aisne. Feebler men might have temporized and lost in
doing so many good lives which are, after all, more sacred than the
most sacred earth.
The attack could not be anticipated. It was far beyond the powers of
the small defending forces to ward it off. With sound tactical sense
the heaviest assault was directed toward the eastern end of the Aisne
Hills at Craonne as soon as it became evident that this corner could
not be held, and that from here the whole line was in danger of being
turned.
The German forces included some of the specially trained units that
fought in von Hutier's army in the March attack--two divisions of the
Prussian Guard and other crack formations. It was only at heavy cost
that they got forward so quickly. The French retired from position to
position without confusion, firing continuously. The fact that their
losses are small in comparison with those of the enemy is an essential
point.