The German Army in Belgium, the White Book of May 1915Germany. Auswärtiges Amt
History
The German Army in Belgium, the White Book of May 1915
Germany. Auswärtiges Amt
World War, 1914-1918 -- Atrocities; World War, 1914-1918 -- Belgium
The company then occupied the heights south of Leffe on the east bank
of the Meuse. From here could be plainly seen how, from the windows
of various houses, and stealing about round the houses and in the
gardens and yards, civilians quickly popped up and fired on the German
soldiers. The company had lain on the heights by the Meuse about 4
hours, and had made these observations chiefly during the first 1-1/2
hours (10.30 to 12 midday). The last facts I can bear witness to myself.
Signed: JOHN, Captain and Chief Company.
1st Battalion, Infantry Regiment No. 178.
_February 19th, 1915._
_Deposition._
Captain John, questioned, made the following statements, additional to
his preceding report:
Before the 7th Company was placed at the disposal of the 3rd Battalion
in Leffe on the morning of August 23rd, the company received the
order from the Battalion Commander, Major Koch, to send out, from the
halting-place of the battalion, about 500 metres east of Leffe, a
detachment to La Papeterie, in order to clear this group of houses of
armed civilians who had fired on marching troops and mounted officers
(Captain Wilke), and to shoot the guilty civilians. For this purpose
the detachment of Lieutenant of Reserve Wendt (who fell later) was
detailed to me. When the detachment rejoined the company later on the
heights south of Leffe, Lieutenant of Reserve Wendt reported to me
that, in accordance with the order received, he had had some men shot
whom he had caught in the act; they were armed with Browning pistols.
I was wounded myself on August 23rd towards 2.30 by a French rifle
bullet which came from the west bank of the Meuse.
I did not observe any shooting or ill-treatment of women and children.
Read over, approved, signed.
Signed: JOHANNES JOHN.
Signed: KAISER, Lieutenant and Legal Officer.
_Deposition._
Present:
Lieutenant THOMAS, as Officer of the Court.
Acting-Sergeant-Major LANGE, as Clerk of the Court.
There appeared as witness Captain John, who, being advised of his
previous statement, deposed:
As to Person: My name is Wilhelm Johannes John. I am 36 years old;
Protestant; Captain and Company Chief, 7th Company, Infantry Regiment
No. 178.
As to Case: I maintain my statements.
The witness was thereupon sworn.
Read over, approved, signed.
Signed: JOHANNES JOHN.
Signed: THOMAS. Signed: LANGE.
C. App. 28.
7th Company, Infantry Regiment No. 178.
_February 15th, 1915._
_Report._
1. On the events in Dinant I am able, as leader at that time of the
first platoon of the 5th Company, Infantry Regiment No. 178, to make
from personal observation the following statements:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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