War Memories, 1914-1918
on the whole of the Western Front had developed into trench warfare. The cessation of the advance in France, the bending back of the right wing in September and the poor results of the fighting in Flanders had caused great depression in the Army in the West, and this had been deepened by the lack of ammunition. In January an attack near Soissons by the 3rd A.C., under their admirable and distinguished commander, General von Lochow, had had a most encouraging effect, and an attack by the Saxons near Craonne immediately afterwards led to splendid results. In February and March, after a great struggle, we had at last succeeded in shattering a determined French effort to break through in Champagne.
The future hopes of the Entente, were, for the moment, based on Russia alone. In England Kitchener's Army was in course of formation. This was a great creation of a distinguished organizer. Of the 32 divisions the first 12 could be ready by May. The Entente's war industry was extending. The United States had been added to the number of their contractors. Although at first we were able to hinder the export of war materials from America by economic means, this could not have a lasting effect. In our great struggle this action on the part of the United States could only be interpreted by us as evidence of favouritism towards our enemies. Her behaviour roused feelings of the greatest bitterness in us.
It was to be expected that the German offensive against Russia would give rise to enemy attacks on the Western Front for her relief. The critical engagements in May near La Bass6e and Arras which gave us so much anxiety, illustrate the responsibility assumed by G.H.Q. when they risked a decisive battle in the East.
General von Mackensen, with the newly-formed nth Army which consisted principally of troops from the Western Front, received instructions early in May to attack and crush in the flank of the Russian armies, which were pursuing their offensive in the Carpathians with supreme contempt of death. He was a distinguished man, of great accomplishments, and a brilliant whose deeds will live in history for all time. Colonel 140