Frederick Ernest Whitton

“ Nothing very definite indeed seems to have been decided at the meeting beyond the under- standing that the retreat was to be continued as slowly and deliberately as possible, until the Allies should find themselves in a favourable position to make a firm stand and take the offensive. ”

“ Gen. von Moltke considered that the great decisive battle in the W. had been fought and ended in Germany's favour, and that the moment had arrived when forces might safely .be sent to the eastern front. ”

“ Lanrezac, at the conference at St. Quentin. The other factor on which he had formed decided views was " the shattered condition of the troops which had fought at Le Cateau." In a further interview between the two commanders-in-chief on Aug. 27 Gen. Joffre showed himself most sympathetic and " understanding " in reference to the special position of the British, and promised that the French V. Army would be directed to take energetic action to take the pressure off it.
It was now the forenoon of the 2yth, and the French V. Army, in accordance with Gen. ”

“ The latter described to his chief the dispositions he was making, pointing out at the same time the exposed situation in which his right flank would find itself while his main body was committed to the offensive against St. Quentin. These observations do not appear to have been taken in good part by the commander-inchief, who became very angry. He peremptorily ordered the V. Army commander to proceed with the offensive against St. ”