EXTRACT from Reports of Field Artillery Regiment No. 12.
August 23rd, 1914.
Regimental Staff.
As our infantry was hindered in the advance into Dinant by franc-tireur
fighting, the town was bombarded and set on fire by the regiment.
1st Detachment.
Since we had not gained possession of that part of Dinant situated west
of the Meuse, and, according to reports coming from the front, our
troops had been fired on from the houses by civilians, General Lucius
gave the order to bombard this part of the town. Two companies of the
1st Battery were posted on the western border of Herbuchenne, and set
on fire some large houses with about thirty shrapnel shells.
As our infantry had again evacuated Dinant in the afternoon, our
detachment received orders to bombard and burn the town. After a short
time the order came to cease fire.
At 6 o'clock in the evening the opposite heights of the Meuse were in
the possession of our infantry.
2nd Detachment.
The commander of the detachment asked for companies from Captain
Pechwell, 3rd Company, Infantry Regiment No. 182, and proceeded with
these to the position ordered; as all the houses and the quarries on
the way had to be searched for francs-tireurs, the position was only
reached at 8.30 p.m. At 11 o'clock two farms situated on the right
flank suddenly burst into flames; at 11.30 lamp-signals were observed
from the quarries north-east of the position.