The Washington herald., 1919-04-17
The Amazing Story of
Maria BOtchkarepa

We were reviewed before returning
to the front line by Gen. Valuyev, the
commander of the Fifth Corps. 1 was
presented to him by our commander.
The general shook my hand warmly.
remarking that he had heard many
praiseworthy things Of me.
Our positions were now on a hill, in
the vicinity of Zelenaya Kolonia, while
the enemy was at our feet in the val
ley. Tho trenches we occupied had
been In German hands some time be-
fore.
1t was late in January when made
an expedition into No Mans Land at
the head Of a patrol of fifteen men.
We crawled along a ditch that was
formerly a German communication
trench. 1t ran along a very exposed
part Of the field and the utmost eau
ton was exercised by us. AS we came
nearer to the enemy's trench line
thought I heard German conversation.
Leaving ten men behind, with instruc-
tions to rush to our aid in case of a
fight, five of us crept forward at a
snail's pace and with perfect noise
lessness. The German voices grew
clearer and clearer.
Finally we beheld a llstening-post
There were four of them, all seated
with their backs toward US. Their
ries were scattered on the ground
while they warmed their hands over a
fire. Two of my men stretched their
hands out, reached the rifles and re-
moved them. 1t was a painstaking
operation, as slow as eternity. The
Germans chartered on unconcernedly.
As I was cautiously going after the
third rifle two Of the Germans, having
FanflU hnorI rnfan ah
to turn.
In an instant my men We're upon
them. The two were bayoneted before
1 had an opportunity to realize what
was on. 1t was my intention to bring
In the four alive. The other two Ger
mans were safe in our hands.
In all my experience in patrol duty.
and must have participated in at
least q hundred expeditions into No
Mans Land. 1t was the first case Of a
German listening-post being caught in
such a manner. We returned trium-
phantly with our prizes.
One Of the prisoners was a tall. red
headed fellow, the other was evidently
an educated person, with pince-nez.
We took them to regimental head
quarters. accompanied on the way by
numerous ovations and congratula-
tions. The commander inquired as to
the details of the capture and had
them recorded verbatim. He congrat-
ulated me. pressing my hand. and SO
did all the other officers. telling me
that my name would live forever in
the annals OF the Polotsk Regiment. 1
was recommended for a gold cross of
the first degree and given two days
leave for recuperation in the village.
At the end OF the two days my COM
pany Joined me in the reserve. Strange
things were occurring in our midst. In
subdued voices the men repeated dark
rumors about Rasputin's death. Wild
stories about his connection with the
court and Germany were communi-
Gated from mouth to mouth. The spir-
it of insubordination was growing in
the soldiers midst. 1t was still sup
pressed at that time. The men were
weary. terribly weary Of the war.
How long shall we continue this
fghting?" and What are we fighting
for7" were on the lips of everybody.
1t was the fourth winter and still there
was no end In sight.
Our boys were genuinely anxious to
! solve the great puzzle that the war