The papers of Friday week contained summaries of a memorandum
by General Sixt von Arnim, commanding the Fourth German Corps, on the Somme fighting during July. This document, which was captured during one of our advances, is the most flattering tribute which the British troops have yet received. It is one long record of German deficiencies and British superiority written by a careful and capable officer who knows what he is talking about. "The English infantry has undoubtedly learned much since the autumn offensive," says the memorandum (we quote from the Times), and goes on to speak of the "great dash" of our men, who have "training and physique" in their favour. Perhaps the chief impression made on the General's mind is that the British artillery is "numerically far superior" to the German. Everything behind the German lines is so systematically bombarded that all kinds of movements are difficult. He does not complain that Germany has not enough ammunition, but he does point out that it did not reach the places where it was vitally needed. German aerial recon aissance failed to supply the necessary direction.
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