Part 11 (2/2)

There had been no time to entrench the position properly, but the troops showed a nificent front to the terrible fire which confronted theh outht, and inflicted heavy losses on their opponents

At length it became apparent that, if complete annihilation was to be avoided, a retireiven to commence it about 330 pm The movement was covered with the most devoted intrepidity and determination by the Artillery, which had itself suffered heavily, and the fine work done by the Cavalry in the further retreat from the position assisted materially in the final coerous operation

Fortunately the eneetic pursuit

I cannot close the brief account of this glorious stand of the British troops without putting on record my deep appreciation of the valuable services rendered by General Sir Horace S of the left wing of the Arust could never have been accomplished unless a commander of rare and unusual coolness, intrepidity, and determination had been present to personally conduct the operation

The retreat was continued far into the night of the 26th and through the 27th and 28th, on which date the troops halted on the line Noyon-Chauny-La Fere, having then thrown off the weight of the enemy's pursuit

On the 27th and 28th I was much indebted to General Sordet and the French Cavalry Division which he coback some of the enemy on Cambrai

General D'Amade also, with the 61st and 62nd French Reserve Divisions, ht flank and took much pressure off the rear of the British Forces

This closes the period covering the heavy fighting which coust 23, and which really constituted a four days' battle

At this point, therefore, I propose to close the present despatch

I deeply deplore the very serious losses which the British Forces have suffered in this great battle; but they were inevitable in view of the fact that the British Army--only two days after a concentration by rail--was called upon to withstand a vigorous attack of five Gerhly of the skill evinced by the two General Officers co and devoted exertions of their Staffs; the direction of the troops by Divisional Brigade and Regimental Leaders; the conificent fighting spirit displayed by non-com to your Lordshi+p's notice the ad Corps under Sir David Henderson Their skill, energy, and perseverance have been beyond all praise They have furnished me with the most complete and accurate information, which has been of incalculable value in the conduct of the operations Fired at constantly both by friend and foe, and not hesitating to fly in every kind of weather, they have rehting in the air, they have succeeded in destroying five of the eneratitude the incalculable assistance I received fro this trying period

Lieutenant-General Sir Archibald Murray, Chief of the General Staff; Major-General Wilson, Sub-Chief of the General Staff; and all under thely with the utmost skill, self-sacrifice and devotion; and the saadier-General Hon W Lambton, my Military Secretary, and the Personal Staff

In such operations as I have described the work of the Quartermaster-General is of an extremely onerous nature

Major-General Sir William Robertson has met what appeared to be aly, skill and deter to his exertions that the hardshi+ps and sufferings of the troops--inseparable froreater

Major-General Sir Nevil Macready, the Adjutant-General, has also been confronted with most onerous and difficult tasks in connection with disciplinary arrangements and the preparation of casualty lists He has been indefatigable in his exertions to meet the difficult situations which arose

I have not yet been able to co to your Lordshi+p's notice for services rendered during the period under review; and, as I understand it is of ier be delayed, I propose to forward this list, separately, as soon as I can

I have the honour to be, Your Lordshi+p's ned) JDP FRENCH, Field-Marshal, Commander-in-Chief, British Forces in the Field