The Mobridge news. [volume] (Mobridge, Walworth Co., S.D.) 190?-1917, 1914-10-30
BY jacques Obcls.

antwerp, Belglum.-l have just
reached Antwerp after an absence of
20 days, Il of which passed as pris-
oner in the hands of the Germans in
Brussels. | find scattered patches of
this city either knocked down by shells
or burned, but it is impossible at the
mCment TO estimate the damage. The
town IS dead, the total Belgian popula-
tion amounting only to about five hun
dred. However, refugees are return
ing slowly, the trains which are bring
ing them arriving intermittently from
HoI"rd. The Germans are running a
service of mote" cars from Brussels to
Antwerp aDG | came here on one of
these cars.
Sees MaIines Bombardmcnt.
by experiences since leaving Client
.nclude, besides Imprisonment. walk
ing with half a dozen other civilians
before column Of German infantry
advancing against the Relgians in the
streets of Malnes, while the bullets
whiStled about US and w lie shells
from the kaisers heavy artillery
screamed overhead and doomed
against Fort Waelhem. | was an eye
witness of the bombardment of Ma
lines, the details of which | will give
as my story progresses.
On riding oGt from Antwerp on a
bicycle 20 days ago as the battle on
the plain was beginning | heard the
heaviest firing in the direction OF Ma
lines. | asked responsible Belgian
commander if it would be sale for me
to go to Malincs. Yes" said he, for
we shall hold the town at least until
tonight"
Runs Into German Army.
Theroupon | rode rapidly toward
Malines, around which thundered
heavy guns. Entering the town with
the full assurance that it was held by
Belgians suddenly found myself face
to face with a column Of German in
rantry keeping close to one side Of a
street on the other side Of which
she'll fire was bringing down quantities
Of brick and stone. This she'll fire pro
| cGcueQ from lllc DtlSld guns az L Va
Waelhem. At the other end OF the
! town saw the last of the regiments
Of Belgian infantry backing stubborn
ly out of the bullet-swept streets.
Rides on His Wheel to Front.
But | must return to the beginning
Of my story. Every day, beginning
with September II, rode on my bl-
cycle from Antwerp to the fighting
| front. which extended in a wide semi
| circle well beyond the outer ring OF
! forts. On the l1th, 18th and 18Th the
! Belgians fought a series OF battles 50
| determined and brilliant that the Ger
mans are still talking admiringly OF
| them. Then they were driven within
the outer forts and the Germans be-
! gan Immediately TO prepare positions
for their great guns by leveling the
| ground and building concrete plat
| forms. Saturday, September 26, the
Belgians made a desperate sortie for
| the purpose of blowing UP the German
| intrenchments and concrete emplace-
ments.
They persisted in this attempt all
day Saturday and Saturday night, but
early Sunday morning | found them in
full retreat | reached the foremost
trenches, where the final stand was
made prior to the return within the
forts. The Belgians had fallen back
from Buggenhout and were making
their stand along the high road to Ma
lines and Termonde. Their trenches
were hastily dug and manned and ma
chine guns were hurried into position.
The Germans hidden in the wood
opened heavy rifle fire and this was
so hot that the Belgians launched a
cavalry movement to clear the wood
Sees Marvellous Workmanship.
When the cavalry had covered about
half the distance | witnessed a marvel
Gus feat of craftsmanship by the Ger
mans. Their artillery was in position
about two and quarter miles behind
their advance troops. The Belgian
charge having been signaled, the Ger
man artillerists fired one shell, which
dropped in the very midst of the Bel
gian horsemen, killing and wounding
many and sending the others into
headlong fight for shelter. Afterward
the Germans. came quickly upon US
with their bayonets, charging reck-
.essly through our rifle fire. SO many
were there that we were forced to fee
for our lives
Witnesses Artillery Duel.
The next day, Monday, September
%, | went to Wildebroek An artillery
duel ragged along the whole length Of
the line and the incessant scream Of
the shells deafened one and made
ones head ache.
Pushing on to Malines. fell into
the hands of the Germans, as previous
ly told They ordered me TO take my
place with other civilians at the head
Of a column Of infantry. | pointed to
the American flag about my arm with
letters in gilt. 1T is no USE" said the
officer in command.
took my place in front of the sol
diers and advanced at the word OF
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