Best Stories of the 1914 European War — John Shaqi
Best Stories of the 1914 European WarVarious
History
Best Stories of the 1914 European War
Various
World War, 1914-1918
“When they were approaching it the British torpedo destroyers which
headed the flotilla sighted the Austrian protected cruiser _Zenta_ and
three smaller war vessels doing blockade duty. Before they were
discovered the allied flotilla opened fire upon the enemy’s cruiser,
which, being taken wholly by surprise, was slow in replying. When at
last the _Zenta_ began to return the fire it did so at long intervals,
with its shots very wide of the mark.
“In the meantime the gunners of the Anglo-French fleet were tearing ugly
rents in the _Zenta’s_ flank and within four minutes had flooded her
engine rooms. The other three Austro-Hungarian vessels--torpedo
boats--then began racing away with many dead aboard.
“Seeing that the _Zenta_ was foundering rapidly while its crew was
intent on seeking a way of escape, the largest of the English torpedo
boats went alongside and rescued 200 marines who were on the point of
drowning.
“Fifty of these men subsequently succumbed to injuries received in the
battle. Besides these 200 were wounded by lively rifle fire.”
AEROPLANES GUIDED UHLANS
From the _Daily Telegraph’s_ Dunkirk correspondent: “The Germans seem to
be directing their march on three points. In the north they have pushed
across to Antwerp, under the shelter of the guns of which the Belgian
army which has retreated from Malines has retired. A second body
approached the vicinity of Ghent, riding close up to the city. The
Uhlans were preceded by two German aeroplanes, which were in quest of
the whereabouts of any armed Belgian force. The appearance of the Uhlans
practically at the gates of Ghent created something very nearly
approaching a panic among those inside the city.
“Those who had no pressing business in the city commandeered every kind
of vehicle, from automobiles to carts drawn by dogs. Here were military
officers in automobiles, citizens rich and poor, influential and humble,
town councillors--everybody bent on making his escape as fast as
possible toward Bruges.
“I interviewed several of the officers, and they told me that, while
the city was still free, the Uhlans had come in from the south, and a
larger force was hourly expected. They believed that the occupation of
the city by the Germans was a question of only a few hours.”
BLEW UP FORT AND DIED A HERO
The Paris Ministry of War issued the following communique concerning the
holding out of the Liége forts:
“The Chaudefontaine fort at Liége was the scene of an act of heroism
which brilliantly affirms once more the valor of the Belgian army.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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