The tactical importance of Kemmel Hill is evident, but the
mere possession of the hill by the enemy is not in itself decisive. It seems, indeed, that the hilltop is deluged with shells from the Allied batteries and with bombs and bullets from our aeroplanes, so that the Germans cannot occupy it. Our lines to the east of Ypres were drawn back still closer to the ruins on Saturday last, in consequence of the advance made by the enemy along the canal by St. Eloi ; but the positions which we now hold are much the same as those which the enemy twice failed to take in the first year of the war. The question is whether he can develop the success which he gained at Kemmel by occupying the low hills to the north-west, from the Scherpenberg and Mont Rouge to the Mont des Cats. Until he has won these hills, he cannot progress.
