Generally, however, in the night and early
morning attacks, groups of forty or fifty men have come on, the
groups sometimes widely separated from one another and making every
endeavor to obtain any advantage from cover. Light balls and
searchlights have on some occasions been used. Latterly the attacks
have become more and more half-hearted. Against us the enemy has
never closed with the bayonet. The German trenches I have seen were
deep enough to shelter a man when firing standing, and had a step
down in rear for the supports to sit in.
As regards our own men, there was at first considerable reluctance
to intrench, as has always been the case at the commencement of a
war. Now, however, having bought experience dearly, their defenses
are such that they can defy the German artillery fire.
VI.
*Becomes an Artillery Duel*.
[Made Public Oct. 10.]
Comparative calm on our front has continued through the fine and
considerably warmer weather. The last six days have been slightly misty
with clouds hanging low, so that conditions have not been very favorable
for aerial reconnoissance.
In regard to the latter, it is astonishing how quickly the habit is
acquired, even by those who are not aviators, of thinking of the
weather in terms of its suitability for flying.
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