The New York Times Current History of the European War, Vol 1, Issue 4, January 23, 1915Various
History
The New York Times Current History of the European War, Vol 1, Issue 4, January 23, 1915
Various
World War, 1914-1918
There have been reports from so many different quarters of the enemy
having been seen wearing British and French uniforms that it is
impossible to doubt their truth. One absolutely authentic case occurred
during the fighting near Ypres. A man dressed in a uniform closely
resembling that of a British staff officer suddenly appeared near our
trenches and walked along the line. He asked if many casualties had been
suffered, stated that the situation was serious, and that a general
retirement had been ordered. A similar visit having been reported by
several men in different trenches, orders were issued that this strange
officer was to be detained if seen again. Unluckily he did not make
another appearance.
The following remarks taken from the diary of a German soldier are
published not because there is reason to believe they are justified with
regard to the conduct of German officers but because of their interest
as a human document. Under date of Nov. 2 this German soldier wrote:
Previous to noon we were sent out in a regular storm of bullets on
the order of the Major. These gentlemen, the officers, send their
men forward in a most ridiculous way. They themselves remain far
behind, safely under cover. Our leadership is really scandalous.
Enormous losses on our side are partly from the fire of our own
people, for our leaders neither know where the enemy lies nor where
our own troops are, so that we often are fired on by our own men.
It is a marvel to me that we have got on as far as we have done.
Our Captain fell, as did also all our section leaders and a large
number of our men. Moreover, no purpose was served by this advance,
for we remained the rest of the day under cover; we could go
neither forward nor back, nor even shoot.
The trench we had taken was not occupied by us. The English
naturally took it back at night. That was the sole result. Then
when the enemy had intrenched themselves another attack was made,
costing us many lives and fifty prisoners. It is simply ridiculous,
this leadership. If only I had known it before! My opinion of
German officers has changed.
An Adjutant shouted to us from a trench far to the rear to cut down
a hedge in front of us. Bullets were whistling round from in front
and from behind. The gentleman himself, of course, remained behind.
The Fourth Company has now no leaders but a couple of non-coms.
When will my turn come! I hope to goodness I shall get home again.
In the trenches shells and shrapnel burst without ceasing. In the
evening we get a cup of rice and one-third of an apple per man. Let
us hope peace will soon come. Such a war is really too awful. The
English shoot like mad. If no reinforcements come up, especially
heavy artillery, we shall have a poor lookout and must retire.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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