It is not only on sea that the Germans make use of mines. They do it on
land. Nearly all the approaches to their trenches are mined for about
two hundred yards, and even one thousand yards. One day an infantry
battalion of ours, supported by French infantry and cavalry, fought
their way right up to the enemy’s trenches and were formed up for the
last rush, when suddenly the earth under them gave way with a terrific
explosion, and the air was thick with bodies blown sky high. Our own
men seemed to get very little damage, though many of them were stunned
for the time being by the awful explosion. After a time they were
re-formed, and swept across the intervening space with a ringing cheer
that told its own story. The Germans were ready for them, and they had
a hard tussle to clear the trenches, but they succeeded in the end: _A
Lance-Corporal of the Lincolnshire Regiment_.
Rescued!
Several of us got separated from our company at St. Quintin. After
tramping about twelve miles we reached a farmhouse. The farmer gave
us two chickens, a piece of bacon, and some potatoes, and we were
just sitting down to a meal after a long fast when a body of Uhlans
came round the corner. We hadn’t even time to reach our rifles. They
rode straight at us, and one knocked me over. As I got up he turned
his horse back and, taking his foot from his stirrup, kicked me in
the mouth, displacing all my teeth. After I was taken prisoner I was
kicked all over the body. Just as they were marching us off a patrol of
British cavalry came on the scene. The Uhlans did not attempt to meet
them, but immediately rode off. We were greatly relieved at the turn of
events, but I was so badly injured by the Germans that I was sent to
hospital: _Private Goulder_.
A “Sensational Feeling”
There came a terrible sensational feeling over me. I shall never forget
it. I knew it was the smartest man wins. Off we started at the trot and
I was gradually getting confidence, and by the time the charge sounded
I felt as if I didn’t care. Consequently the “devil-may-care” crowd
won easily. Then we had to rally and ride down on them again, as they
were about twice our strength, but it was an easier job than the first
one, as they were more or less dumbfounded at our madness. Well, at the
end of the second run there wasn’t one left standing. Oh, I saw one
fellow get up and lurch and over he toppled again: _Corpl. Leather, 2nd
Dragoon Guards_.
“Silence Those Guns!”
Quite the worst sight I saw was when a big mass of French infantry
were advancing to clear the front of our position, where the Germans
had been gathering in strength. They were coming along at the double,
carrying everything before them, when, without the slightest warning,
German batteries posted under the shelter of a wood opened fire upon
them with a deadly shower of shrapnel and machine-gun bullets. The long
advancing line seemed to contract like a frog does when you stick a pin
in it, and it isn’t any exaggeration to say that you could hear the
shells cutting through their closely packed ranks just like the scythe
cuts through the grass. The men went down by the hundred until they
opened in extended order. Then they made a rush for the position where
the guns were, and though they were galled by a heavy infantry fire,
and were attacked by both infantry and cavalry at nearly every step
of the way, they ultimately fought their way along and silenced those
guns: _A Lance-Corporal of the Royal Irish Fusiliers_.
Playing at Soldiers!
The Germans came on us like a great mob. They were as close as 100
yards or less in a mango field on several occasions, but we drove them
back each time with severe losses. It was hot work, but the boys have
plenty of courage. They delight in seeing them come along, for it is
great sport to see them running back again when we start to shake them
up. They don’t seem to have any sore feet. They run back like hares or
else they chuck in. Tell any of the boys around that if they want to
see some sport and what real fighting is to join and come out to us
_and not be playing at soldiers at home drilling with wooden sticks_.
Well, I hope you are all well at home. If it be God’s will to let us
meet once more; if not, dear mother, do not grieve, for your boys will
do the best they can to serve our King and country, and by doing what
we believe is God’s will. Always think kind of a soldier, as I know you
do: _Sergeant T. R. Kenny_.