The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1919-10-31

preferred to have it north of the Car
pathians, as there was little chance
that the Russians would attempt to en-
velop our extreme right wing between
our front and the Carpathians. Their
communications behind their line were
much too bad, and this danger could
never become serious. 1t would always
be possible to meet it in time. despite
the incredible railway communications
in Hungary.
LOUD CRIES FROM AUSTRIA
But the Austrian general staff. mt
Teschen, feared n Russian invasion of
Hungary, and their cries for help
erations.
On the return journey to Brest-
Litovsk, where we intended to remain
for the present in our train, we dis
cussed matters with General Won der
Marwitz and General Litzman. who now
commanded mixed German and Austro-
Hungarian troops in Linsingen's army
group. They regarded their position
if the Russians resumed their attacks
and this they anticipated-as very
grave, basing their fears on their ex-
periences in recent actions. Both Cen
eral Won der Marwitz and General Litz-
mann were splendid soldiers and fear
less leaders, who had the we1l-being and
efficiency of their men very much at
heart.
We heard the same story everywhere.
The situation in the east remained as
critical ever. 1 had set myself the
double task of consolidating the front
and training the troops of the Austro-
Hungarian army. With what measure
Of success was doubtful
Our headquarters in the train in
Brest-LitovSk station was anything but
ideal. We were really very poorly
housed There was no room to work.
The big maps alone took lot of space,
to say nothing of our clerical staff. The
way in which Lieut-Colonel Hoffman,
made the most of what he called his
salon" was a source of continuous
amazement. The other officers had even
less room, and, on top of all this, the
sun beat pitilessly down on the roofs
of the carriages, and made out stay un-
endurable.
HE FIXES UP A CITADEL
I decided therefore, to leave the train
as soon as possible and suggested to
the field marshal that we should find
quarters in Riest-Litovsk itself. The
members of the staff had mild shock.
The town had been burnt to the ground
and was out OF the question, he citadel
was a little prison. The commandan.
of the fortress had made it his resi-
dence and fixei ro his officers there.
but labor had been too scarce for him
to make 1T really suitable.
The whole place was neglected and
overgrown. for nothing lad been done
for q long time past Nettns ran wild
ami zoe air was damp ald musty. The
barracks were still trere. but there
was not a stick of furniture. But this
was nothing; we had 10 decide some
thing.
1 made arrangements for cur head
quarters to be established in the cita-
del OF course, it took a considerable
time before everything was ready. and
we could leave the train.
l liked being in Brest, and did not
leave the citadel. The remarkably fire
tall willows, with their boughs droop-
ing into the water which flowed through
the citadel. and the few short avenues
gave the whole pleasant aspect
Desolation reigned outside the fortress.
The ugly but highly important railway
junction and the Quilted town offered
few attractions.
I had the barracks CLEARED OF the
invading creepers, SO that the air could
get to the walls and dry out the damp
trees were also felled and branches
Topped. to allow the sun and air to get
in. I took pleasure in putting things
to rights.
NO GERMANS TO SPARE
German troops were needed to stiffen
the Austro-Hungarian front. The old
front of the COMMANDMENTS asef in the
east Tin the north had already been
SO heavily drawn upon that no further
demands co4ld be made upon IT Tor the
time being. SH
We released few cavalry regiments.
. mixed division. about three battahons