Sir Douglas Haig reported on Tuesday that our troops on
all parts of the battle front had shown the utmost courage. He singled out for special praise the 8th, 18th, 31st, 41st, 61st, 63rd, and 66th Divisions, besides those already mentioned. In face of attacks by overwhelming numbers—a battalion very often having to face a German division—our men have fought, as British soldiers always fight, with splendid courage, skill, and determination. The King on Monday assured the Field-Marshal that " the Empire stands calm and confident in its soldiers." The Prime Minister thanked the Army for its splendid defence, and assured the troops that " at home we are prepared to do all in our power to help in the true spirit of comradeship." Reinforcements and guns to replace those lost were either in France or on their way. Further reinforcements were ready to be thrown into the battle. President Wilson tele- graphed to Sir Douglas Haig an expression of his " warm admira- tion for the splendid steadfastness and valour " of the British Army, and of America's confident belief that it would win.
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