14 APRIL 1917, Page 1

We have dealt with the main features of the battle

of Arras elsewhere, but must add here some account, however short, of the perfectly wonderful work done by the artillery throughout the engagement. The bombardment before Easter Monday's advance —thanks to the great guns which Mr. Lloyd George insisted on ordering, to the bewilderment, it is said, of his technical advisers— was probably the greatest in the world's history for intensity, efficiency, and weight of metal discharged. We do not nonder that an enthusiastic infantryman expressed his wish to kiss the guns. Excellent also was the work done by the cavalry whenever and wherever the slightest chance offered itself ; while the airmen sur- passed themselves in boldness and ingenuity. The tanks were of course splendid. They always are. Though obviously the corre- spondents have been very much restricted in their references, the tanks flounced forward through the mud in gallant style and assaulted with that clumsy grace which is peculiar to them. Of . them indeed we may say with Wordsworth :- " And when they choose to sport and play No dolphin ever was so gay Upon the tropic sea."