Britain enters fourth year of Great War carnage

Saturday last was the third anniversary of Great Britain’s entry into the war.

In an Army Order Sir Douglas Haig says the British enter the fourth year of the war with a firm confidence that they will continue until their labours are crowned by certain and definite victory.

There was a continuance of heavy rainfall in Flanders on Saturday, but on Sunday the weather was clearer.

During Monday our lines were advanced slightly south-west of Lens.

Successful raids by British troops in the neighbourhood of Lens on Thursday are reported. At all points attacked the enemy’s positions were entered, his dug-outs destroyed, and his defences wrecked.

The Lord Mayor of London has received the following message from the King:“I thank you, my Lord Mayor, for your message on behalf of the citizens of London, reaffirming their loyalty to me, and to my House, and expressing grateful confidence in the splendid efficiency of our fighting forces as well as those of our valued Allies.

“Three years of war, with all they have meant to every home in the British Empire, have served to weld more closely than ever the bonds of unity, which steel the hearts of the whole nation in their firm resolve to secure the sacred principles of justice, freedom and humanity.

“It is for these we fight, and, by God’s help, we mean to triumph.”