Cocks letter diary, 1916-1919 / Verner Cocks - Page 425
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Transcription
[Page 425]
I have to-day seen a significant captured order signed by General von Marwitz, commanding the German Second Army, but issued by the Commanding Officers of the 41st and 108th Divisions, which were amongst those opposed to General Rawlinson's Fourth Army in its recent successful advance bwetween the Ancre and the Roye road. It complains that outposts and even whole battalions are frequently captured almost without resistance for want of proper sentry duty and careful watchfulness. It states that battalions in the front line ought to be particularly on their guard when opposed to Australians, who are trained in the bush, to creep over ground unobserved, and are specially dangerous among standing corn, in which they entirely conceal themselves.
The order concludes by saying that above all things the men must fight and never surrender. They must remember that victory cannot be won by the defensive but only by vigorous action and assault.
Certainly in the great forward movement of the last 12 days the Australians have well earned the compliment of this warning, and by their conduct have proved the vital importance of movement and assault. No praise can be too high for them, but at the same time we need not forget the Canadians and the familiar old British divisions which shared in the honour.
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