This time it was the turn of the French to win the benefits of
initiative and surprise. Only a quarter of an hour was given to the
French artillery for its preparation work. Tanks and infantry then went
forward in alternate lines. An officer describes the advance of the
tanks rolling over the green wheatfields, while shells burst around
them, as having the appearance of a battle at sea.
The allied airmen, swooping above the moving line, not only sowed death
in the enemy's ranks with their machine guns, but also raced forward
and dropped bombs with effect on heavy batteries in the rear, killing
their crews and putting the guns out of action.
In some enemy units during this battle the men fought well. In others
there have been unmistakable signs of demoralization. Such inequalities
are not surprising in this crisis. The total superiority of force which
a few months ago was enough to have terrified us, and which is still
sufficiently serious to require every effort that can be put forth, is
ebbing away.