REPORT on the encounter of the Machine-Gun Company with Francs-Tireurs
at Leffe-Dinant on August 23rd, 1914.
Machine-Gun Company, Infantry Regiment No. 102.
The Machine-Gun Company of Infantry Regiment No. 102 had started off
from Houx in the rear of the regiment towards the evening of August
23rd, 1914, and had marched along the Meuse to Leffe. When the company
had entered Leffe about midnight, and the last of their vehicles were
passing a bridge, two white figures were all at once seen under it.
The men of the company bringing up the rear noticed these people;
two shots followed close upon one another, and immediately after two
figures enveloped in white clothes were seen to jump into the Meuse.
The marksmen of the Machine-Gun Company fired at the two persons, who,
shortly after, were washed up dead to the bank. A closer examination
showed that they were two men wearing female dress, who had wrapped
themselves up in white cloths. Under the bridge stood two chairs,
and from here the column in marching by had been fired on. It was
supposed that the two francs-tireurs wanted to blow up the bridge, and,
surprised by our people, flew to arms; as their retreat was cut off,
they wanted to make their way through the water.
Shortly after, Infantry Regiment No. 177, which was marching behind us,
was fired at from the factory which stands close to the bridge. As was
ascertained, a passage led from the bridge into the factory, which was,
at any rate, made use of by other francs-tireurs in order to withdraw
in safety into the factory, from the windows of which they then opened
a brisk fire.
Signed: NOACK, Lieutenant and Company Leader.