in the conduct of the operations. Fired at constantly both by friend and
foe, and not hesitating to fly in every kind of weather, they have
remained undaunted throughout.

Further, by actually fighting in the air, they have succeeded in
destroying five of the enemy's machines.

I wish to acknowledge with deep gratitude the incalculable assistance I
received from the General and Personal Staffs at Headquarters during
this trying period.

Lieut. Gen. Sir Archibald Murray, Chief of the General Staff; Major Gen.
Wilson, Sub-Chief of the General Staff; and all under them have worked
day and night unceasingly with the utmost skill, self-sacrifice, and
devotion; and the same acknowledgment is due by me to Brig. Gen. Hon. W.
Lambton, my Military Secretary, and the personal Staff.

In such operations as I have described the work of the Quartermaster
General is of an extremely onerous nature. Major Gen. Sir William
Robertson has met what appeared to be almost insuperable difficulties
with his characteristic energy, skill, and determination; and it is
largely owing to his exertions that the hardships and sufferings of the
troops--inseparable from such operations--were not much greater.

[Illustration: Map. 2.--The retreat continued. From Compiègne, Sept. 1,
to the new position south of Meaux, Sept. 3 and 4.]

[Illustration: Map 3.--Commencement of the battle of the Marne, Sept. 6
(Sunday), morning.
Concentration of the Germans on a central point, and the position of the