(_Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, April 12, 1918_)
Three weeks ago to-day the enemy began his terrific attacks against us
on a fifty-mile front. His objects were to separate us from the French,
to take the Channel Ports, and to destroy the British Army.
In spite of throwing already one hundred and six divisions into the
battle, and enduring the most reckless sacrifice of human life, he has
yet made little progress toward his goals.
We owe this to the determined fighting and self-sacrifice of our
troops. Words fail me to express the admiration which I feel for the
splendid resistance offered by all ranks of our army under the most
trying circumstances.
Many among us now are tired. To those I would say that victory will
belong to the side which holds out the longest. The French Army is
moving rapidly and in great force to our support. There is no other
course open to us but to fight it out.
Every position must be held to the last man. There must be no
retirement. With our backs to the wall, and believing in the justice
of our cause, each one of us must fight to the end. The safety of our
homes and the freedom of mankind depend alike upon the conduct of each
one of us at this critical moment.