“How far it is due to this cause it is not possible at present to ascertain definitely, but the fact remains that the enemy have recently become much less enterprising in their flights.  Something in the direction of the mastery of the air already has been gained in pursuance of the principle that the main object of military aviators is the collection of information.

“Bomb dropping has not been indulged in to any great extent.  On one occasion a petrol bomb was successfully exploded in a German bivouac at night, while from a diary found on a dead German cavalry soldier it has been discovered that a high explosive bomb, thrown at a cavalry column from one of our aeroplanes, struck an ammunition wagon, resulting in an explosion which killed fifteen of the enemy.”

LOSSES AT THE MARNE ENORMOUS

Some idea of the terrific character of the fighting at the Marne and of the great losses in the prolonged battle may be gained from the following story, telegraphed on September 14 by a correspondent who followed in the rear of the allied army: 

“General von Kluck’s host in coming down over the Marne and the Grand Morin rivers to Sezanne, twenty-five miles southwest of Epernay, met little opposition, and I believe little opposition was intended.  The Allies, in fact, led their opponents straight into a trap.  The English cavalry led the tired Germans mile after mile, and the Germans believed the Englishmen were running away.  When the tremendous advance reached Provins the Allies’ plan was accomplished, and it got no farther.

“Fighting Sunday, September 6, was of a terrible character, and began at dawn in the region of La Ferte-Gaucher.  The Allies’ troops, who were drawn up to receive the Germans, understood it would be their duty to hold on their very best that the attacking force at Meaux might achieve its task in security.  The battle lasted all night and until late Monday.

“The Germany artillery fire was very severe, but not accurate.  The French and English fought sternly on and slowly beat the enemy back.

“Attempts of the Germans to cross the Marne at Meaux entailed terrible losses.  Sixteen attempts were foiled by the French artillery fire directed on the river and in one trench 600 dead Germans were counted.

COUNTRY STREWN WITH DEAD

“The whole country was strewn with the dead and dying.  When at last the Germans retired they slackened their rifle fire and in once place retired twelve miles without firing a single shot.  One prisoner declared that they were short of ammunition and had been told to spare it as much as possible.

“Monday saw a tremendous encounter on the Oureq.  In one village, which the Germans hurriedly vacated, the French in a large house found a dinner table beautifully set, with candles still burning on the table, where evidently the German staff had been dining.  A woman occupant said they fled precipitately.