THE POSITION AT THE CLOSE OF 1916 AND BEGINNING OF 1917
N" OTWITHSTANDING 'the successful close of the year 1916, the outlook for the coming year was exceedingly grave. It was certain that in 1917 the Entente would again make a supreme effort, not only to make good their losses, which they were certainly in a position to do, but to add to their strength everywhere and swell their superiority in numbers. Though they had not yet recovered, our worn-out troops would have to take the offensive as early as possible, and on a greater scale than in the autumn of 1916, if they were to achieve ultimate victory.
France had already given her children. The battalions now consisted of three, instead of four companies. But she possessed in her colonies extraordinary resources in man-power, on which she drew in ever-increasing measure.
England brought her army up to strength and set about increasing it.
Russia, in particular, produced very strong new formations. Divisions were reduced to twelve battalions, the batteries fr six guns, and new divisions were formed out of the surplus fourth battalions and the seventh and eighth guns of eacn battery. This reorganization meant a great increase & strength*
The Rumanian Army was to be reorganized and trained by French officers. Thanks to the natural affinity of the two races nd the influence of France on Rumanian thought, and particularly on the Rumanian Army, it was only to be expected
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