One night we were moving out to take up a new position, when we
suddenly came on a big force of Germans occupying a strong position
right across the road along which we had to march. Soon the still
night air brought the sound of marching men further up the road, and
as the new force came nearer, we found that they were French troops
moving to effect a junction with the force we were going to reinforce.
The Germans had somehow got wind of the move, and were preparing a
little surprise for the French. They were so cocksure about their rear
that they had not taken the ordinary precautions, and as we had moved
quietly they were in ignorance of our presence within easy rifle shot.
Just when they were getting ready for the attack on the oncoming French
force the order to fire was passed along our ranks quietly, and we
let drive right into them. They were absolutely panic-stricken, and
fled in terror along the road, right into the arms of the French. The
impetuosity of their rush, and its unexpected character, threw the
French infantry into disorder for a time, and when we moved forward the
French at first took us for Germans, and were getting ready to fire on
us. At great personal risk an officer and two men rushed towards the
French force with a white flag and explained things. Then we were all
right, and you may believe me we generally are all right: _A Private of
the Cameron Highlanders_.