osing heavily.

On the 23d the four 6-inch howitzer batteries, which I had asked to be
sent from home, arrived. Two batteries were handed over to the Second
Corps and two to the First Corps. They were brought into action on the
24th with very good results.

Our experiences in this campaign seem to point to the employment of more
heavy guns of a larger calibre in great battles which last for several
days, during which time powerful intrenching work on both sides can be
carried out. These batteries were used with considerable effect on the
24th and the following days.

8. On the 23d the action of Gen. de Castelnau's army on the allied left
developed considerably, and apparently withdrew considerable forces of
the enemy away from the centre and east. I am not aware whether it was
due to this cause or not, but until the 26th it appeared as though the
enemy's opposition in our front was weakening. On that day, however, a
very marked renewal of activity commenced. A constant and vigorous
artillery bombardment was maintained all day, and the Germans in front
of the First Division were observed to be "sapping" up to our lines and
trying to establish new trenches. Renewed counter-attacks were delivered
and beaten off during the course of the day, and in the afternoon a
well-timed attack by the First Division stopped the enemy's intrenching
work.

During the night of the 27th-28th the enemy again made the most
determined attempts to capture the trenches of the First Division, but
without the slightest success.

Similar attacks were reported during these three days all along the line
of the allied front, and it is certain that the enemy then made one last
great effort to establish ascendency. He was, however, unsuccessful
everywhere, and is reported to have suffered heavy losses. The same
futile attempts were made all along our front up to the evening of the
28th, when they died away, and have not since been renewed.

On former occasions I have brought to your Lordship's notice the
valuable services performed during this campaign by the Royal Artillery.

Throughout the battle of the Aisne they have displayed the same skill,
endurance, and tenacity, and I deeply appreciate the work they have
done.

Sir David Henderson and the Royal Flying Corps under his command have
again proved their incalculable value. Great strides have been made in
the development of the use of aircraft in the tactical sphere by
establishing effectiv