We have deemed proper to close with a few remarks on the discreditable means of warfare employed by the Germans: they have played too great a part in important operations not to be mentioned. Our readers will understand the reason why in certain instances we have merely alluded to possible impending improvements of some parts of the armament, without going into details which could not be given without danger. The few examples we cite have been selected with due consideration. We have either personally played a part in them or they have been supplied to us by officers whom we trust implicitly. The perusal of this book will enable those who have sons in the European armies to follow them more intelligently through the operations in which they will soon take part, for we are in a position to state that the United States Government has, for the formation of the American army, adopted the figures which experience has taught France to decide upon. Consequently what we say of the French and even of the British forces will apply to the American armies. CONTENTS PAGE Synopsis of the Principal Military Operations of the Allies on the Western Front 1 THE MILITARY SITUATION IN OCTOBER, 1917 6 WAR PRINCIPLES (For 1917) 10 Strategy and Tactics Are Unchanged 10 Violation of the Laws of Warfare--influence of Science 16 FIGHTING UNITS 17 A Glance at the Normal Composition of a Division 18 The Command 22 The Staffs 24 Aviation--its Military Beginnings, Its Increasing Importance 29 Use and Scope of Aviation 32 Different Kinds of Aircraft--battle-planes 34 Bombing-planes 36 Observation Or Scout-planes 40 Use of Scout-planes to Direct Artillery Fire 43 Use of Scout-planes to Direct the Movements of Infantry 44 Hydroplanes 48 Balloons--zeppelins 48 Trench Organization--general Remarks 51 General Plan of an Entrenchment System 58 Communication Lines 66 Mines and Counter-mines 69 Special Railway Troops 70 Transportation by Road 73