From statements of prisoners it appears that they have been greatly disappointed by the moral effect produced by their heavy guns, which, despite the actual losses inflicted, has not been at all commensurate with the colossal expenditure of ammunition, which has really been wasted.  By this it is not implied that their artillery fire is not good; it is more than good—­it is excellent.  But the British soldier is a difficult person to impress or depress, even by immense shells filled with a high explosive which detonate with terrific violence and form craters large enough to act as graves for five horses.

The German howitzer shells are from 8 to 9 inches in calibre, and on impact they send up columns of greasy black smoke.  On account of this they are irreverently dubbed “coal boxes,” “black Marias,” or “Jack Johnsons” by the soldiers.  Men who take things in this spirit are, it seems, likely to throw out the calculations based on the loss of morale so carefully framed by the German military philosophers.

A considerable amount of information has been gleaned from prisoners.  It has been gathered that our bombardment on the 15th produced a great impression.  The opinion is also reported that our infantry make such good use of ground that the German companies are decimated by our rifle fire before the British soldier can be seen.

From an official diary captured by the First Army Corps it appears that one of the German corps contains an extraordinary mixture of units.  If the composition of the other corps is similar, it may be assumed that the present efficiency of the enemy’s forces is in no way comparable with what it was when the war commenced.

The losses in officers are noted as having been especially severe.  A brigade is stated to be commanded by a Major; some companies of food guards by one-year volunteers; while after the battle of Montmirail one regiment lost fifty-five out of sixty officers.  The prisoners recently captured appreciate the fact that the march on Paris has failed and that their forces are retreating, but state that the object of this movement is explained by the officers as being to withdraw into closer touch with the supports, which have stayed too far in the rear.

The officers are also endeavoring to encourage the troops by telling them that they will be at home by Christmas.  A large number of the men believe that they are beaten.  Following is an extract from one document: 

“With the English troops we have great difficulties.  They have a queer way of causing losses to the enemy.  They make good trenches, in which they wait patiently; they carefully measure the ranges for their rifle fire, and they open a truly hellish fire on the unsuspecting cavalry.  This was the reason that we had such heavy losses.

“According to our officers, the English striking forces are exhausted; the English people really never wanted war.”

From another source:  “The English are very brave and fight to the last man.  One of our companies has lost 130 men out of 240.”