_The French counterblow described above by Mr. Duranty was of great
importance in changing the entire aspect of affairs for the Allies. Mr.
Perris, in a dispatch dated June 12, gave these further particulars:_
Faces that wore a serious expression yesterday morning are decidedly
cheerful today. The battle has, in fact, taken a better turn. It is a
very dreadful struggle; no Frenchman can forget that fact, and in the
fever of weighing and measuring results more distant observers should
not for a moment overlook what they mean in flesh and blood. That being
said, we may join in the satisfaction of our allies that on its third
day the German onset has suffered a distinct check.
Following the front from west to east, the first thing to note is the
series of French counterattacks on the left, carried to a considerable
measure of success by skill in the direction and high spirit and
fortitude in the ranks.
At 11 A. M. yesterday a movement began from a little east of the
railway line between Domfront and Wacquemoulin. The infantry were
supported by tanks, and along the whole line the Germans were swept
back. A French contingent actually reached points which were within the
German front. The French advance went well beyond Rubescourt and Le
Fretoy, half way between Courcelles and Mortemer, and between Mery and
Couvilly, beyond Belloy, and to the border of St. Maur.
Meanwhile the enemy had delivered a very powerful blow at the French
centre and had driven a way, despite vigorous opposition, as far as the
village of Antheuil, two miles south of the Matz. At 4 P. M. a further
counterattack was therefore made from the French left centre, and the
enemy advance was completely arrested. In these combats a certain
amount of confusion was apparent in the German ranks, and the fact that
1,000 prisoners and some cannon were taken speaks eloquently. This was
not the heaviest punishment. Eyewitnesses say that German corpses strew
the battlefield in piles.
Three critical days of the offensive have then given the enemy at the
cost of enormous losses a not very magnificent result. We now know
that the program was to reach Compiègne on the second day. General von
Hutier must be greatly disappointed.
The attack was begun with fourteen divisions, at full strength, in the
line. They included at the centre divisions of the Prussian Guard and
four other crack divisions. About twice as many divisions have now been
thrown into this battle, ten already holding the sector and the rest
being fresh reserves.
These figures may be measured by the fact that the total German forces
in the west amount to 207 divisions, and that of these before the
offensive only sixty-two were in the general reserve, the rest being
engaged on the front. The more we consider in the light of material
considerations like these what the German command essayed and what it
has accomplished the more we shall appreciate the valor of the French
armies and the qualities of their chiefs; and it is impossible to do
justice to either without such reflection.