The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1918-12-20
CHAPTE l.

I am a German soldier. Naturally
ut the time when the war started we
did not know that there would be such
q war as Is being waged today.
Daily we soldiers were told that
France and Russia wanted to attack
us and that the kaiser was doing ev-
erything possible for our protection.
Already on July 20 we were armed to
the teeth and prepared to march away.
During these preparations, when
showed us all that war had to come,
IS men of my company deserted,
The government published. during
this time, bulletins almost hourly to
prepare the people for the war.
subterfuge that succeeded perfectly.
Consequently two days before war was
declared, the people were overwhelm-
ingly for war. but they were certain
that II was only to be between Ger
many and France.
or the Intervention OF Belgium,
Russia, England and Italy, the coun-
try had as little thought as 1t did OF
any participation Of the United States
All thought only OF the promenade to
Paris. which, to the disappointment OF
the people, and also, surely to the
aisappointment Of the autocracy, mas
been longer drawn out than had been
wished for.
In these days Of uncertainty the
.oldiers. contrary to the cruel treat
ment which they had experienced De-
fore. were treated literally with great
quantities Of supplies, delicacies ana
heer so that most of the soldiers were
10 drunk continuously that they were
unable to realize the seriousness OF
the situation. TX
And vet the majority Of the SOL
diers could not be enthused over the
war. They cheered and were ehthu-
siastIc because> they knew 1t was the
orders. On July 81, 1914, one day pc
fore the declaration Of war. we left'
after being brought to war strength,
Cor our garrison at Mainz-am-Rheine'
Where the enemy toward which we
were to point our bayonets was we
had not the slightest idea. All we DID
know was that we had to be trans
ported somewhere to protect the Dor
der.
There were stirring times as we
started out. Tens Of thousands OF
people threw flowers at us and all
wanted to shake hands. All-even
soldiers-criedl Many embraced their
wives or young brides. The bands
played farewell songs and people
laughed aud cried all Mt the same
time. Strangers embraced and kissed
each other. "a veritable witch's holi
day" of emotion was loosened and en-
quilted the populace like storm. M
one, not even the strongest, could re
sist its powers. Yet even this wal
surpassed by the leave-taking at thu
depot. where last farewells had to 81
said. This scene will never leave me
How desperately many women clunl
TO their men Many had to be forciDl!
removed.
But this was at last done and thel
we were placed In cattle cars. Nigh
came and we had no lights The tran
went slowly toward the Rhine. !
went smoothly enough. Our company
which had had days of great excite
ment. welcomed the rest that the jour
ney Afforded. Most of the soldier
slept with their knapsacks as pillows
Others looked dreamily into the ~
ture. Sull others secretly pulled pic
lures from their breastpockets and onl
q very few killed time by discussion
and comment on their possible destl
Nation.
.where are We goingY Ye'
wheref No one knew. Then afte
endless hours, the train stopped w
were In Duren. What were We Their
fort We did not know. The ofiicer
only shrugged thsir shoulders 1t on
questions.