TRAPPING SAPPERS
My first big adventure in No Man’s Land occurred at Plugstreat in the
Flanders campaign. I was sent out on patrol duty with five men in my
command. For the war front it was a very quiet night. Guns were silent.
Star-shells were absent. The enemy evidently didn’t expect anything of
us nor we of them.
But what might be happening in that streak between enemy trenches that
constituted No Man’s Land was never a certainty to any commander on
either side. They detailed me, therefore, to find out if the Germans
were attempting to move in any way toward our position. I was to find
out if there had been a movement or advance of any kind such as might
be suggested by a line of trench newly thrown out.
In so far as the progress of my five men and myself were concerned it
was easy going. We advanced well across the equator of No Man’s Land
without detection and much further.
It was, as a matter of fact, all too quiet. We had gone too far without
detection in so far as my judgment kept warning me. I was frankly
afraid that we were walking into a trap. The Germans rarely left the
dividing line of No Man’s Land unguarded. To be sure, I had worked my
men from our own trenches and through a land of stubble and hillocks.
Most cautiously we had hidden from time to time in our advance to note
if anything moved ahead.
No Man’s Land in its aspect in this locality presented a hard problem
for night observation, in that many small trees had been smashed by
artillery fire, leaving stumps that an observer in the night might take
to mean a sentry.
One such object appeared to me because of its absolute immobility to
be surely a tree trunk. I am mighty glad I didn’t jump at my first
conclusion.
I told my men to “get down,” which brought them prostrate to the
ground. I ordered them to hold that position until I could find out
what the strange figure in the night might mean.
I crawled toward it and crawled for at least twenty yards, before I
was positive that it was no shell-broken tree. I saw the man move. He
was not moving watchfully but wearily. He had a bayoneted rifle in his
hand, and as I moved toward him he stuck the bayonet point in the turf
and leaned on the butt in the manner of a man thoroughly tired out.
It was all very silent in No Man’s Land and I had to move with extreme
caution particularly to avoid ruffling the gravel over the stones.
There wasn’t much shrubbery left which I might crackle in my advance.
Such as was there was so dampened by rains and mud that you could pass
over it without making a sound.
So I got to this man without his having the slightest suspicion of
my approach. And it was the meanest job I had to perform of the war.
Because when I got to him I saw that he was really standing at the
top of a tunnel. What this tunnel might mean I did not know. But, of
course, I knew that it led somewhere and that at the end of it this
single soldier would have reinforcements.
Other men who had gone over No Man’s Land before me had given
information which guided me in this situation. Such sapper tunnels had
been frequently made in No Man’s Land by the Germans to meet and defeat
British patrols. The usual thing had been if you saw a man standing in
No Man’s Land to shoot at him. He was supposed to be wary enough to
detect your advance and while jumping down into his tunnel protection
to let go a discharge of his rifle which was a signal to the other
end of the tunnel of an enemy patrol approach. At this other end from
twelve to eighteen men would be stationed. The single man at one end of
the tunnel was merely bait to betray the scout patrol into firing at
him. At which the Germans would send half of their force through the
tunnel to support their single sentry while the other half at the other
end of the excavation would take to the surface, speed along and come
on top of the discovered entrance to the tunnel. In this wise they
would have the enemy patrol surrounded.
I had never been in one of these engagements before, but I had been
thoroughly well instructed as to what you must look out for. This
sentry would have been a simple mark for a revolver shot. He did not
know that I was there. He stood at ease, a perfect target. But the
report of a pistol shot would have been as perfectly a report to his
comrades of our presence.
To get him, as I have learned in America to say, “right,” my duty was
to knife him. I got up behind him all undetected. I never felt such
miserable hesitation or qualms of conscience in my life. I had lost
all revulsion at destroying human life when it was German human life,
because I had already seen that they rather took an insane joy in
killing their fellow man. But to sneak up behind one and stab him to
death was a very difficult thing to do. I had to bring into my mind the
reason and cause for my act. There were dead men right behind me in No
Man’s Land to create a moral support.
And when I felt this I did get up and without hesitation stabbed him in
the back of the neck. I stabbed him in the neck so that he might not be
able to make outcry.
Then I went back to my small force of men. With the Germans at the
other end of the tunnel thus left unsuspecting the advantage was all
with us. I sent three men to follow the line of this tunnel and,
immediately, on sight of the enemy give attack while I led my other two
men through the tunnel from the entrance where I had slain the sentry.
So thus we had reversed the expected. When my men “on top” gave the
attack and the German patrol sought retreat into their tunnel we met
them with quick revolver firing and bombs. And we killed all but one.
But he was shot six times and had no chance to live. I’ll grant him he
was brave. We set him up with such first-aid articles as we had and
then I tried to pump him as to the position behind. He wouldn’t tell.
He smiled at me and thanked me for having his wounds bandaged. But he
was a square and nervy patriot and wouldn’t talk at all. I did not
attempt the persuasion of telling him that his life could be saved nor
did I attempt to prevail upon such gratefulness as he may have felt for
our attention to him. Not but what I hated him; not but what I detested
him as the type of which I had sworn to myself deserved no mercy. Yet
the man died with a steady loyal look in his eyes and you cannot help
but respect that.
The discovery of this night was of extreme value in that it informed
my officers of the higher command of a German engineering plan to
undermine our position.
From the sentry I killed and from two others of the men killed we
possessed ourselves of papers of interest to my superiors. And also
from the lieutenant killed who was in command of this squad in No Man’s
Land I took documents which I will herewith reproduce in the belief
that the reader may find particular interest in a German official
document designed to instruct their own men against the dangers of the
gas attack which they began and out of which pure necessity caused us
to retaliate. These papers had their value to the British commanders
by way of guidance in future gas attacks.
Here are the instructions accurately translated:
_H. Q. 6th Army Army Headquarters.
IV B. No. 19388 26 7 15_
To the subordinate formations (including Technical Services down to
battalions and detachments inclusive)
_Appendices 1-3_
The C. G. L. of the Field Army has issued the following under his
number 3582 R. 3803 R dated 18. 7. 15 viz “Instructions in case
of a Hostile Gas Attack” and “Notes on the Protective Measures to
be taken to meet a Gas Attack” drawn up by the 2nd Foot Artillery
Brigade and the 4th Army, and based upon actual experience in
combating hostile gas attacks.
(_Sgd_) _Von Hartz._
_Appendix 1_
_H. Q. 4th Army Army H. Q. Thielt
1 a No. 1/28 28 6 15_
From all parts of the Army suggestions have been submitted to Army
H. Q. for weakening the force or even entirely neutralizing the
effects of a hostile gas attack, apart from the use of respirators
and oxygen breathing apparatus. These suggestions show what
trouble the commanders of all ranks have taken to advise means
of protection for our troops against the effects of the enemy’s
gas. Many of the suggested devices are theoretically practical.
In many cases actual experiments have given successful results.
Nevertheless, none of these devices can be employed, for the
simple reason that before they can take effect the enemy’s gas has
reached our troops. Further, the employment of such devices is _not
necessary_. The combined fire of our Artillery, Infantry, Machine
Guns, Minenwerfer and Hand Grenades breaks up the gas clouds, and
the respirators then afford complete protection against such gas as
may reach our position.
_The aim and object of all training in combating gas attack must
be to instill into the troops complete confidence in the fact that
our fire and the respirators afford complete protection against the
effects of gas._ The possession of this confidence by every man is
the surest guarantee that, in the event of a hostile gas attack, he
will remain calmly at his post, allowing the gas cloud to pass over
him.
The following notes have been drawn up in accordance with this view
and should be issued to all Officers and Men. The notes lay down
the lines upon which the Systematic training of the troops is to
be carried out. The system of training and the scheme of actual
defense are briefly described below. I request all commanders to
exercise a constant supervision over this training and to use every
means in their power to attain the object described above.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMBATING HOSTILE GAS ATTACKS
(1) All troops in the trenches must be fully equipped with
respirators; the respirators must always be kept in such a
condition that they are ready for immediate use. Officers and
Medical Officers, must by frequent inspections, satisfy themselves
as to the above.
(2) It is not desirable that the men should retain their
respirators when in rest billets. When troops are going to rest
billets, respirators will be withdrawn from them, preferably under
Company arrangements; during the period of rest they will be
examined and stored by the Medical personnel and re-issued just
before the men return to the trenches.
(3) In order that the respirators may be always ready for use
small quantities of anti-gas solution and water will be kept in
readiness by the Medical personnel in front line for the purpose of
re-moistening the respirators.
(4) Machine gunners, artillery observers and when possible all
officers in the front line will be issued with oxygen breathing
apparatus (Selbstretter). It is desirable that men who are used
to working with the apparatus in peace time should be detailed
to assist artillery observers and machine gunners in the use of
the apparatus, to enable the latter to carry out their particular
duties undisturbed. Special stress is laid on the necessity for
affording every possible protection to the machine gunners and
artillery observers.
(5) The Pulmotors and large oxygen apparatus must be kept in
readiness at suitable points behind the front--the situation of all
this apparatus should be known to the troops.
(6) As soon as the weather conditions favor a hostile gas attack,
all commanders must exercise the utmost vigilance. All the above
mentioned protective appliances will be once more inspected as
regards numbers and conditions. In particular all preparations
should be completed so that, the moment a gas cloud appears, fire
may be opened by artillery, infantry, machine guns, minenwerfer
and hand grenades. At the same time care should be taken that
equanimity of troops is not disturbed by all these preparations.
(7) At the first sure sign of an impending gas attack a signal will
be given for donning respirators and opening fire. It is specially
desirable to direct enfilade fire on the area covered by the gas.
(8) It is a mistake, before or at the beginning of a gas attack, to
leave only a weak garrison in the front trenches and withdraw the
remainder of the troops into the support trenches, as the effect
of the gas will be equally felt in these. It is almost equally
mistaken, to allow the men to withdraw laterally along the front
trench. It is imperatively necessary that every man should remain
in his place and commence firing.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR TRAINING IN COMBATING HOSTILE GAS ATTACKS
(1) _Training to be directed by Officers._
(1) Instructions as to the harmless nature of a gas attack if
a timely and correct use be made of the respirators, and if a
combined fire of all arms be directed against the gas cloud.
(2) Drill in putting on the respirators, fire being opened
immediately afterward.
(3) Respirators to be worn while firing.
(4) Instructions regarding wind and weather conditions which favor
or prevent a hostile gas attack.
(2) _Training to be given by Medical Officers._
(1) The use of the respirator.
(2) The rapid improvisation of a substitute in case the respirator
has been lost or become unserviceable.
(3) Training of Officers, Artillery Observers, Machine Gunners, and
a number of other suitable men in the manipulation of the oxygen
breathing apparatus. Special stress is to be laid in the training
of Artillery Observers.
(4) Action to be taken by a man who has inhaled gas or whose eyes
are suffering from its effects.
(Sgd) Herzog Albrecht von Wurtemburg.
_Appendix 1A_
_Headquarters VI Army.
IV B No. 19388_
_Notes_
(1) A hostile gas attack is only possible when the wind is blowing
toward our trenches and then only in cloudy weather or darkness. A gas
attack cannot be carried out when the wind is blowing in the other
direction.
(2) None need fear a gas attack. The fire of our artillery which in
its retired position remains unaffected by the combined fire of our
infantry machine guns and hand grenades, breaks up the clouds and
prevents the enemy from following it up. Further the respirator affords
complete protection, it should therefore be put on immediately a gas
cloud appears, and fire should be opened against the latter.
(3) The gas cloud can approach with great rapidity, therefore the
respirator should be rapidly and correctly adjusted. Every man must
learn by repeated practice to adjust his respirator quickly.
(4) The respirator must always be kept in perfect order, they are only
effective when damp; the anti-gas solution can be obtained from Medical
personnel. Every man is responsible that his respirator is ready for
use.
(5) When the gas cloud appears, it is imperative that every man remain
in his place and not take shelter in dug-outs and not withdraw to a
flank or to the rear.
(6) In case the respirator is lost or becomes unserviceable a
substitute should be extemporized immediately, a cloth containing damp
earth or a damp cloth should be firmly pressed on nose and mouth. A
makeshift respirator is better than none.
(7) Should any man inhale the gas the Medical Officers have apparatus
ready at the dressing stations which at once banish the ill effects.
(8) Gas does not injure the eyes, at the most it causes temporary
irritation.
_Appendix 2_
_H. Q. 2nd Foot Artillery Brigade
No. 4 B 430 Secret_
INSTRUCTIONS IN THE CASE OF A HOSTILE GAS ATTACK
In the case of a hostile gas attack, in addition to opening the
heaviest possible fire, the main effort must be directed toward
preventing the gas cloud from reaching our lines, or at any rate
breaking it up to such an extent that it is harmless. This result is
best obtained by creating upward currents of air which are most easily
produced by means of highly inflammable material placed close in front
of our position. The most suitable materials for this purpose are hay,
straw, old sacks, wood shavings, etc., soaked in paraffin, etc., so
that they can be readily ignited even in wet weather.
On the approach of the gas cloud the fire must be lighted by some
reliable means of ignition. According to a statement of a prisoner the
French intend to combat the gas cloud by the ignition of black powder.
_Appendix 3_
_H. Q. 2nd Foot Artillery Brigade
B No. 430 15 Secret_
Notes on the protective Measures to be taken in case of a gas attack.
1 PREPARATIONS.
(1) Heaps of inflammable materials soaked with paraffin should be
placed, if possible, at several points in front of the position.
(2) A supply of the above materials should be kept stored in the
shelters, so that the fire can be kept burning for about half an hour.
(3) Every man should be supplied with special matches or other means of
ignition which can be relied on in a wind.
(4) Respirators must always be kept ready for use.
(5) All oxygen apparatus must be maintained in a serviceable condition
(Individuals who are equipped with such apparatus should be exercised
in its use).
ACTION TO BE TAKEN ON THE APPROACH OF A GAS CLOUD
(1) A heavy fire should be opened with guns, machine guns, and rifles
against the source of the gas cloud.
(2) The fires should be lighted all along the front and kept burning.
(3) The respirators should be firmly placed over nose and mouth as soon
as the gas penetrates the position.
(4) Breathing should only take place through the moistened respirator.
(5) The gas cloud should be fanned upward by means of waterproof cloths
(ten squares).