29 AUGUST 1914, Page 2

As we write on Friday we learn that Mr. Asquith

has made a serious statement in the House of Commons. Sir John French had just reported that in the fighting which took place between our Army and the enemy on Wednesday our troops were exposed to an attack by five German army corps, two cavalry divisions, a reserve guard of cavalry, and a second cavalry division. Our Second Army Corps in the Fourth Division bore the brunt of the cavalry attack, while our First Army Corps was attacked on the right and inflicted very heavy losses on the enemy. Our casualties were very heavy, but the exact numbers were not yet known. The behaviour of our troops was in all respects admirable.