5 OCTOBER 1918, Page 2

This offensive is obviously of great importance. The Germans have

lost in two days the barrier-ridges of Flanders, and the plain, defended only by its watercourses and its mud, lies open to the Allies. The attack threatens the German hold of the coast with its . submarine bases. It also threatens to outflank Lille from the north, and to turn any line which the enemy might think of holding on the Schelde. The double menace has compelled the Germans to pour reserves into Flanders and to counter-attack most violently. Thus Flanders has swallowed up men who are sorely needed further south.