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UC-NRLF
OPERATION ORDERS.
V. .O.
1307
A TECHNICAL STUDY.
BY
HANS VON RIESLING,
Hauptmann im Generalstabe.
TEANSLATED BY THE GENEEAL STAFF, WAE OFFICE.
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4
OPERATION ORDERS
40
w\a
1307
A TECHNICAL STUDY.
HANS VON KIESLING,
Bauptmann im Generalstdbe.
TEANSLATED BY THE GENEEAL STAFF, WAE OFFICE.
WITH TWO I£APS.
LONDON:
PUBLISHED BY HIS MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE.
To be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from
WYMAN AND SONS LIMITED, FETTER LANE, E.G. ; or
OLIVER AND BO YD, TWEEDDALE COURT, EDINBURGH; or
E. PONSONBY, LTD., 116, &RAFTON STREET, DUBLIN.
PRINTED BY
HAHEISON AND SONS, PRINTERS IN ORDINARY TO His MAJBSTT.
45-47, ST. MARTIN'S LANE, W.O.
Price One Shilling and Sixpence.
1910.
(B 760) Wt. w 33784—1040 2000 2/11 H & S ~^-
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PART I.— THE ATTACK.
PAGE.
Prefaces 5
General and Special Ideas 7
Action and Orders of Brigade Staff I)
Orders of Advanced Guard Commander ... ... ... ... ... 1C
Orders of Regimental Commanders —
13th Infantry Regiment ;. 12
10th Infantry Regiment 10
1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment —
No. 1 Company 13
No. 2 Company 16
Machine Gun Company ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 18
Action and orders of Divisional Staff ... 21
Instructions of Principal Medical Officer of the Division 25
Action and orders of Headquarters, llth Infantry Brigade 26
Orders issued in 13th Infantry Regiment 27
Action and orders of Regimental Medical Officer 30
Action and orders in 10th Infantry Regiment ... 32
No. 1 Company 32
No. 2 Company 33
Action and orders of 1 1th Infantry Brigade 33
Action and orders in 1st Infantry Brigade —
Headquarters ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 36
1st Infantry Regiment ... 38
Body Guard Infantry Regiment -. ... 38
Orders in 10th Infantry Regiment ,, ... 40
Action and orders of 1st Infantry Brigade 42
Action and orders of Divisional Headquarters 46
Action and orders in 1st Infantry Brigade —
Headquarters >. ... 52
1st Infantry Regiment ... 52
Body Guard Infantry Regiment 53
1st Battalion, Body Guard Infantry Regiment 53
No. 1 Company, Body Guard Infantry Regiment ... ... 54
Action and orders of Divisional Headquarters ... ... ... ... 54
Divisional Telephone Detachment 56
Action and orders of 1 1 th Infantry Brigade 59
Special Instructions, &c. —
1st Army Corps 62
1st Infantry Division , ... 63
llth Infantry Brigade 65
13th Infantry Regiment. Requisitioning ... ... ... ... 68
2nd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment. * Protection 68
(B760) 334663 A2
PART II.— THE DEFENCE.
PAGE.
Preface 71
General and Special Ideas 72
Orders and action of the Brigade Staff at 10 a.m 73
Orders and action of the subordinate commanders —
The main body 75
1st Reserve Infantry Regiment 77
2nd Reserve Infantry Regiment 78
The Advanced Guard 80
Orders and action of the Brigade Staff after 11 a.m. 91
Orders in 1st Reserve Infantry Regiment 100
Orders in 2nd Reserve Infantry Regiment 106
Regimental Medical Officer 109
Army Corps Order 113
Action of Advanced Guard Battalion after 3 p.m 115
Orders and action of the Brigade Staff ... 119
PART III.— THE RETREAT.
General and Special Ideas
Action and orders of Divisional Staff after 4 p. m 126
Orders of 19th Infantry Brigade 134
Orders in 37th Infantry Regiment 137
Orders in 39th Infantry Regiment 141
Orders in 10th Field Artillery " Brigade "
Action and orders of 20th Field Artillery Regiment 148
Action and orders of Divisional Staff after 6 p.m 153
Orders issued in Column "M" 159
Orders of 19th Infantry Brigade ... 163
Action and orders in 38th Infantry Regiment ... ... ... 168
Regimental Medical Officer 169
Nos. 1 and 9 Companies ... 173
Action and orders of Rear Guard Commander, 10th Infantry Division,
after3a.m ... 179
Action of Commander of M Battalion after 2.30 a.m. ... ... 182
Action and orders of Rear Guard Commander, 10th Infantry Division,
after 5 a.m 184
Orders in M Battalion after 7.45 a.m
Conclusion 198
General Sketch Map 500>000
>at end.
Tactical Map. Dachau.
PAKT I.
THE ATTACK,
PKEFACE.
IT has been my experience that battle orders are less practised at all our
exercises in applied tactics than are orders for the march, for deployment, for
bivouac, etc. Among those of our young officers who study tactics seriously
there are few who cannot write satisfactory orders for the march or bivouac of
a division ; but when it is a question of issuing orders either for or during a
battle, and of issuing them under the practical conditions of the battle-field, the
number of experts will be found to be considerably reduced, especially if orders
for detachments smaller than a division have to be issued rapidly, perhaps
from the saddle. The war-game is almost the only means of training in applied
tactics at the disposal of the regimental officer ; but war-games are often too
much concerned with the preliminaries of the battle, and there is no time for
the discussion of the most important part, viz., the actual conduct of the fight.
Besides, the direction of war-games which deal with the battle itself, requires
a more complete system and greater skill than the direction of games
which do not go beyond reconnaissance, deployment, and the advance to the
battle-field.
I therefore acceded with pleasure to the suggestion of some young comrades
of mine to prepare a series of exercises which should illustrate phases of a
modern battle, with the special object of emphasizing training in the preparation
of orders. After the publication of the new " Eegulations for Medical Services
in the Field," it appeared desirable to complete these exercises by working out
the battle orders of the medical officers, and also to prepare routine orders, to
which so little attention is paid. The examples of orders which I here present
are the result of these exercises. They are the consequence of a series of
informal discussions, and have no pretensions to be models. In fact it is not
possible to give models of orders, for this would lead to a formal system, and
every formal system in which form is emphasized at the expense of matter, is
an evil. In the composition of orders the individuality of the composer must
find expression. But some training, some method of emphasizing essential
points and of expressing the meaning clearly, is indispensable. Guidance in
this is often welcome, for it saves the beginner much time. Such guidance shows
him how to work and gives him the means of beginning his work in the right way.
I maintain that constant, regular practice is essential if orders are to be clear,
brief, and at the same time complete. The object of this book is to lay the
foundation for such practice.
VON KIESLING.
Munchen,
January, 1907.
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.
WHEN I published these pages three years ago, I did so with some anxiety,
for I was aware of the difficulty of the task which I had set myself. To-day I
am conscious that my work has been on the right lines. The hearty commenda-
tion with which my German comrades have received my work, and the great
good will with which it has been met everywhere, and with which its many
defects have been overlooked, justify me in concluding that it has supplied a
widely felt want.
I have therefore agreed to the request of my publisher, and now present my
little book to military readers in a new edition, which has been considerably
altered and brought up to date.
The appearance of a new edition of the " Field Service Kegulations," and of
a number of new manuals, has made it necessary to introduce new terms and to
change a number of expressions ; the great importance which machine guns,
telephones, etc., have acquired in the modern battle has made it desirable to
consider them also in the text. The feeding of the troops has been placed on a
new basis by the introduction of field kitchens, and it has become necessary to
discuss their employment and the duties of the supply officers.
The introduction of the various means which the progress of science makes
available to an increasing extent en uses the organization of our army to become
continually more complicated. Improvements in armament, and in the commu-
nication and supply services, have been introduced and require consideration.
It is a difficult task to give the necessary orders for the employment of these
various organizations correctly and at the right time ; instruction is necessary
if nothing important is to be forgotten and orders are still to be clear, simple,
and to the point. In using the expression the "technique" of orders in this
connection, 'I mean thereby the confidence in issuing orders which is acquired by
deep thought and constant practice. This confidence depends upon personal
experience, practice in the use of terms, and upon clearness of intention, acquired
by a logical system of mental training and by development of character.
" The Field Service Kegulations " direct that there is to be no fixed form for
battle orders. Orders may therefore be given either verbally or in writing,
but always in such a way that there is no doubt as to the responsibility of the
issuer for them, that his intention and will are clearly expressed, and that none
of the units under his command are forgotten in the order. If all this Js
achieved, the order is a good order, more especially if it is expressed briefly and
emphatically in clear, military language.
The germs of success or failure appear in the orders. The best intention
and the most correct solution of a difficult problem are of little use if the
commander in question cannot, either personally or by means of his staff, give
them expression in correct order. Not only is the end to be attained of
importance, but also the method of attaining it, though the latter may vary
greatly in various circumstances.
I hope this new edition will find its place, and gain as many friends as
the first.
HANS VON KIESLIXG,
Neuburg on the Danube,
March, 1910.
GENERAL IDEA.
A Red army coming from the north is advancing on Munchen,*
on the front Aichach — Schrobenhausen ; a Blue army is advancing
through Munchen against it. The Danube forms the frontier between
Red and Blue. Ingolstadt is a Red frontier fortress.
SPECIAL IDEA.
The llth Infantry Brigade (10th and 13th Inf. Regts.), which had
originally been kept back at Ingolstadt as a reinforcement to the
general reserve, was ordered on 21. XL, to advance by Pfaffenhofen
to the Ilm, in order to join the left wing of the Red army, which
was intended to reach the Glonn on the line Unter-Weikertshofen —
Weichs on 23. XI. with the object of seeking and attacking the
enemy's army. The most northerly column (1st Army Corps) of the
Red army was marching on the Aresing — Hilgertshausen — Ainhofen
— Weichs road.
On the night of 22-23. XL, the following telegram reached the;
bivouac of the brigade at Reichertshausen by way of Ingolstadt : —
" Altomunster,
22. XL, 4 p.m.
" The enemy's army is advancing on the Glonn through Munchen.
The army will attack the enemy and will cross the Glonn on 23. XL,
on the line — Unter-Weikertshofen — Weichs. Your brigade to
advance to-morrow, 23rd, as early as possible by Petershausen.
" Army Headquarters."
* In order to facilitate reference to the maps, the German names of places
have been retained in place of the English equivalents, e.g., Munchen, not
Munich. For the same reason distances are given in metres and kilometres
instead of in yards and miles.
The infantry regiments referred to in this book all consist of 3 battalions.
Each battalion has 4 companies. The companies in a German regiment are
numbered from 1 to 12. Thus, No. 9 Company is the first company of the
third battalion. In the following pages companies are usually described
by their number and regiment, without reference to the battalion to which
they belong.
The German field artillery is organized in brigades, which are subdivided
into regiments. Each regiment has two Abteilungen of three batteries. It is
important to remember in reading this book, that the corresponding unit to our
field artillery brigade is the Abteilung, not the brigade. — TRANSLATOR'S NOTE.
8
The brigade marched from Eeichertshausen at 6 a.m. on 23. XL
At 7.45 a.m. the point of the advanced guard (1st Bn., 13th Inf.
Kegt.) reached Petershausen (by way of Ober-Marbach). The
brigade commander was between the advanced guard and the main
body. The main body was marching in the following order : —
2nd Bn., 13th Inf. Kegt.
3rd Bn., 13th Inf. Eegt.
10th Inf. Eegt.
At that moment a cavalry orderly arrived with the following
order :—
" Eglersried, 23. XL, 6.45 a.m.
" The enemy's army reached the south bank of the Glonn yester-
day afternoon, on the line Gross-Berghofen — Jedenhofen (inclusive).
"The army advances to-morrow, 23rd, to and over the Glonri and
attacks. 1st Inf. Div. by Franking — Edenpfaffenhofen on Weichs
(exclusive) — Jedenhofen.
" The llth Inf. Bde., which is under the orders of the 1st Inf.
Div., will advance to Ziegelberg (west of Petershausen) and be at the
disposal of the divisional commander.
" Headquarters, 1st Inf. Div., Edenpfaffenhofen."
Eequired the instructions and orders of the brigade commander
on the arrival of this order. It is to be assumed that the only
officers of the brigade staff are the brigade major (adjutant) and one
orderly officer.
Eeconnaissances have established the facts that the Glonn is
everywhere fordable by infantry, but that mounted troops must,
generally speaking, use the bridges. It is a bright, fine day in late
autumn.
Composition of the llth Infantry Brigade : —
10th Inf. Eegt.
13th Inf. Eegt.
Each infantry regiment has a machine gun company of six guns.
Each battalion has a telephone detachment, provided with 13,000
yards of cable and four instruments.
Each company has a field kitchen ; supply officers are attached to
each battalion.
THE ACTION OF, AND ORDERS ISSUED BY, THE BRIGADE STAFF.
I. a. The staff rode forward to Ziegelberg and gave the order to
the main body, " Pass the word for regimental commanders to come
to the front."
&. The following order was issued verbally to the advanced guard
commander as the staff rode by : — " Occupy the bridge at Petershausen
with one section ; reconnoitre towards Asbach and Kollbach. The
9
advanced guard will turn off to Ziegelberg ; the brigade staff is going
to that place. The advanced guard commander will accompany the
brigadier."
II. The brigade staff reached Ziegelberg at 8 a.m. As it rode
forward, the sound of guns, increasing in volume, was heard from
a westerly direction. Hostile artillery was observed from the hill at
Ziegelberg, apparently in action at Jedenhofen against Eed artillery
on the north bank of the Glonn in the neighbourhood of Aufhausen,
which could not be seen at the. moment. Small parties, presumed to
be hostile cavalry, were observed in the Glonn valley between Asbach
and Jedenhofen.
From time to time fairly heavy infantry fire was heard from the
west.
A. At 8 a.m.* the brigadier gave the following verbal order to
the advanced guard commander : — " The enemy's army is in position
on the other bank of the Glonn on the line Gross-Berghofen —
Jedenhofen (exclusive) ; our army will attack.
" The brigade is in echelon in rear of the left flank of the 1st Inf.
Div., which is attacking on the front Weichs — Jedenhofen. The
brigade will deploy in this valley, north of Ziegelberg (this place he
points out) facing Asbach, and will be at the disposal of the
divisional commander.
" The advanced guard will cover the deployment of the brigade by
occupying the small wood south of Ziegelberg ; it will send a small
detachment to hold the bridge at Asbach. It will reconnoitre by
Ebersbach — Asbach towards Jedenhofen and the country north of
Vierkirchen, and will discover the position of the enemy's right flank.
It will observe in the direction of Aufhausen. It will report on the
situation there, particularly as to our own troops. It will reconnoitre
the ground towards Ebersbach and Asbach with the view to the
advance of the brigade. The brigade staff will move in a quarter of
an hour to the southern edge of the small wood."
B. The following verbal order was issued at Ziegelberg to the
commanders of the 10th and 13th Inf. Eegts. who had arrived in
the meantime (8.15 a.m.): —
" Ziegelberg. 23. XL, 8.20 a.m.
" The enemy is in position on the far side of the Glonn, on the
line Gross-Berghofen — Jedenhofen (inclusive). Our army will attack.
The brigade is in echelon in rear of the left wing of the 1st Inf. Div.,
which is advancing against the line Weichs — Jedenhofen. The
brigade will form up in this valley facing the hills at Ziegelberg.
"The 18th Inf. Kegt. will be on the right in one line, with its
left on Ziegelberg.
" The 10th Inf, Eegt. will be on the left with its left east of that
clump of bushesf over there. Two of its battalions will be echeloned
in second line on the left.
"The 10th Inf. Regt. will reconnoitre through Asbach and
Petershausen, towards the woods south of Asbach, and towards
* At this time the point of the advanced guard was approaching Ziegelberg.
t Supposed to be 500 metres east of Ziegelberg on a level with the norther n
edge of that place.
10
Rollback. It will observe and be responsible for the security of the
left flank. It will send one section to the railway bridge south of
Petershausen, and strong cyclist patrols through Kollbach and
Eettenbach on Vierkirchen. The field kitchens of the 13th Inf.
Eegt. will be south-west of Sollern, those of the 10th Inf. Eegt. will
be south-east of Sollern.
" The brigade headquarters are moving to the south edge of that
small wood, which is occupied by the 1st Bn., 13th Inf. Eegt., to
reconnoitre."
C. At 8.25 a.m. the brigadier gave the brigade orderly officer the
f ollowing order : — " Take four cyclists from the 13th Inf. Eegt. and
ride by Lindach to Edenpfaffenhofen, and find out where divisional
headquarters are. Eeport my dispositions and find out the situation
of the 1st Inf. Div., which you will accompany. Keep me informed
of all important events and of the information which conies in about
the enemy. If the cyclists allotted to you are not sufficient, ask the
divisional staff to let you have some orderlies. Orders and reports
to be sent to Ziegelberg. Start at once."
D. The brigade major (adjutant) had, meanwhile, prepared a
written order for the 2nd line transport, which was despatched by
cyclist orderly.
" Ziegelberg. 23. XL, 8.30 a.m.
" The army is engaged on the line of the Glonn. The brigade is
deploying at Ziegelberg, west of Petershausen.
" 2nd line transport will move to Lampertshausen (west of
Steinkirchen). It will be prepared to move either towards Jetzendorf
or Steinkirchen, and will reconnoitre routes towards the Glonn
valley and Gerolsbach. Supply wagons to be at the head of the
column. Keep communication with brigade headquarters at
Ziegelberg.
^ A. B.,
Lieutenant and Brigade Major."
ORDERS ISSUED BY THE ADVANCED GUARD COMMANDER ON RECEIPT
OF BRIGADE ORDERS.
a. Verbal order issued at 8.10 a.m. to the point, which had just
reached Ziegelberg : — u The point will advance through Ziegelberg to
the extreme corner of the small wood in front of us, which juts out
towards Asbach, and will halt there and not advance beyond the
southern edge of the wood; the remainder of the company is
following."
~b. Verbal order at 8.20 a.m. to the commander of the vanguard
company (1st Bn., 13th Inf. Eegt.) : —
1. " Pass the order back, ' Company commanders to come to the
commanding officer.' "
2. " The enemy is in position on the far side of the Glonn. Our
army will attack. Hostile artillery is in position at Jedenhofen.
"The brigade is deploying in this valley, facing Asbach. It is in
echelon in rear of the left wing of the 1st Inf. Div., which is attacking
on the line Weichs — Jedenhofen.
11
" The advanced guard is to cover the deployment of the
brigade.
" No. 1 Company is to advance to the furthest corner of the wood
which juts out towards Asbach (the point has been already sent
there), and will watch the valley of the Glonn from Ebersbach to
Petershausen. It will reconnoitre the ground east of Jedenhofen
through Asbach. It will examine the ground between the edge of
the wood and Asbach, with a view to the brigade advancing over it
to attack. Sketches will be sent to me. It will occupy the bridge
at Asbach with half a section. If the enemy attacks, the southern
edge of the wood is to be held.
" No. 2 Company will advance to the western part of the wood ;
Nos. 3 and 4 Companies to the centre of the northern edge of the
wood. All reports to the latter place.
" 1st line transport (less S.A.A. carts) will join Nos. 3 and 4
Companies."
c. Verbal order at 8.30 a.m. to the assembled commanders of the
2nd, 3rd and 4th Coys, 13th Inf. Eegt. : — " The enemy has occupied
the southern bank of the Glonn. The enemy's artillery is in action
on a hill near Jedenhofen, which can be seen from here over the
edge of that wood.
" The brigade is deploying in this valley facing Asbach. It is in
echelon in rear of the left wing of the 1st Inf. Div.
" The 1st Bn., 13th Inf. Eegt., will occupy the small wood in front
to cover the deployment.
" No. 1 Company has been ordered to the east part of the wood.
"No. 2 Company will advance to the west part of the wood
which juts out towards Ebersbach, and will watch the ground
towards Edenpfaffenhofen, Aufhausen, and Ebersbach, as well as the
hills on the west front, whither the 1st Inf. Div. is expected to
advance.
" It will reconnoitre through Ebersbach towards Jedenhofen and
to the east of that place. It is important to discover the position of
the enemy's right. It will examine the ground between the edge
of the wood and Ebersbach, with a view to attack. In case of attack,
the southern edge of the wood is to be held.
"Nos. 3 and 4 Coys, and the machine gun company, under
Captain B, will take up a position behind the centre of the northern
edge of the wood. The shortest way to Nos. 1 and 2 Coys, will be
marked.
" The field kitchens will be assembled behind the wood, and will
move under a senior under-officer of No. 4 Company from Ziegelberg
to Sollern, the hamlet on the next hill on our right. A supply
officer will take over command of them at that place.
" The telephone detachment will establish communication with
Nos. 1 and 2 Companies.
" I am going first to Nos. 1 and 2 Coys, and then to Nos. 3 and 4
Coys. All reports to be sent to the latter. The commander of the
machine gun company will accompany me."
12
ORDERS ISSUED BY THE EEGIMENTAL COMMANDERS ON RECEIPT OF
BRIGADE ORDERS ISSUED VERBALLY AT 8.20 A.M.
13TH INFANTRY KEGIMENT.
a. Verbal order at 8.25 a.m., immediately on receipt of the brigade
order, to the regimental adjutant : — " Eide and meet the regiment, and
direct the leading (2nd) battalion behind this hill (491, west of
Ziegelberg), and the 3rd Bn. to Ziegelberg.
" Tell the battalion commanders to come to me at Ziegelberg."
b. Verbal order at 8.45 a.m. to the two battalion commanders : —
" The brigade is forming up behind this ridge, facing it. 13th Inf.
Eegt. on the right of 10th Inf. Eegt. The 2nd Bn. will form up
behind hill 491 (pointed out on the ground), near that yellow field.
The 3rd Bn. will form up behind Ziegelberg. Close up to 200 metres.
Send out scouts. When they have issued their orders, battalion
commanders will please come to me to be informed as to the
situation."
c. Orders issued by the O.C. 2nd Bn., 13th Inf. Eegt., at the
moment when No. 5 Company reaches hill 491 : — " No. 5 Company
halt. No. 6 Company will form up on the right of No. 5 Company
at 30 paces interval. No. 8 Company will form up behind No. 5.
No. 7 Company behind No. 6. Send out scouts.
" The telephone detachment will form up behind No. 7 Company.
S.A.A. carts will join their companies."*
d. The supply officer of the 2nd Bn., 13th Inf. Eegt. (the
supply officer of the 1st Bn. was with the supply wagons), after he
had met the regimental adjutant and received his instructions, galloped
to the point where the Petershausen road turns off towards Jetzen-
dorf and drew up the field kitchens of the regiment in column on the
road. He then marched them to Sollern, where he placed them in a
covered position, west of that place, close to the lane leading to
Thann. He next left a few reliable men in charge of the field
kitchens and formed the remainder into a requisitioning party. He
instructed the latter to seize any supplies there might be in Kreithof,
Sollern, and Lindach. As he was in an enemy's country he considered
he was justified in doing this. He conferred with the supply officer
in charge of the field kitchens of the 10th Inf. Eegt., whom he met
shortly afterwards, and agreed with him that all supplies requisi-
tioned should be taken to Sollern and divided between the two
regiments.
10TH INFANTRY REGIMENT.
a. Verbal order issued by the regimental commander at 8.25 a.m.
to the regimental adjutant : — " Eide back to the regiment and send
* The S.A.A. carts marched together in rear of the battalion, with the
remainder of the 1st line transport.
13
the battalion commanders to me. I will be at the railway crossing
south-west of Petershausen. Send the supply officer with the
regiment to that point too. Tell the 1st Bn. to send a cyclist officer
to me, and six cyclists to the church at Petershausen to wait for the
cyclist officer."
b. Verbal order issued at 8.45 a.m. to the assembled battalion
commanders : —
" The brigade is deploying in this valley facing this ridge (pointed
out on the ground). 10th Inf. Kegt. on the left of 13th Inf. Eegt.
" The 1st Bn. will advance to the north-east corner of Ziegelberg.
The 2nd Bn. will be on the left of the 1st, at 300 metres interval and
100 metres distance. The 3rd Bn. will be on the left of the 2nd,
with its head at that small clump of bushes.* Eeduce the length of
columns to 200 metres. Send out scouts.
" The machine gun company will be in a covered position behind
the 3rd Bn.
" The 3rd Bn. will send a strong observation post to Wasenhof
to watch the south bank of the Glonn from Asbach to Kollbach, and
a smaller post to the hill north-west of Petershausen. It will
reconnoitre the country over the Glonn south of Asbach — Hockhof —
Glonbercha. It will send one section to the railway bridge south of
Petershausen. One section of the 13th Inf. Kegt. is at the road
bridge at Petershausen. Battalion commanders and the commander
of the machine gun company, after issuing their orders, will accom-
pany me to Ziegelberg to be informed as to the situation."
c. The cyclist officer, after being told the situation, was ordered
to go to Vierkirchen, by way of Kollbach and the neighbourhood of
Eettenbach, in order to find out the position of the enemy's right and
of his reserves. He was to report to brigade headquarters at
Ziegelberg.
d. The supply officer of the 1st Bn. was ordered to take over
command of all the field kitchens of the regiment and to move them
to Sollern by way of Petershausen. He was told to form them up at
the eastern end of the village, so that they could march at once to
Ziegelberg. He was to keep in touch with regimental headquarters
at Ziegelberg.
e. The supply officer of the 2nd Bn. (the supply officer of the
1st Bn. was with the supply wagons and the 2nd line transport) was
directed to accompany regimental headquarters and to remind the
latter about bringing up the field kitchens.
While the brigade was forming up, the brigadier and his brigade
major (adjutant) had gone to the southern edge of the small wood
south of Ziegelberg, the brigadier having first directed the senior
regimental commander to take over command, to open all messages
and to send on those of importance.
IST BN., 13iH INF. EEGT.
No. 1 COMPANY.
On receipt of the order of the battalion commander, the commander
of No. 1 Company, 13th Inf. Eegt. (vanguard company), after
* 500 yards east of Ziegelberg, level with the northern edge of that place.
14
handing over command to the senior lieutenant, rode to the point
and reached it as it arrived at the southern edge of the wood and was
about to lie down there in observation. From this position the country
appeared to him as follows : —
Immediately south of the wood the ground fell in a gentle
glacis-like slope towards the valley of the Glonn, which, with
the exception of a small corner of dead ground near its northern
extremity, was visible almost throughout its breadth. Towards the
west the view was limited, about 800 metres away, by a ridge
springing from the western part of the wood. This ridge concealed
the valley at Aufhausen and also the greater part of Ebersbach. To
the south the view was uninterrupted up to, and in some cases
beyond, the line of the hills which form the southern edge of the Glonn
valley. The hill east of Jedenhofen was clearly recognizable, and so
were the heights south of Asbach. Behind the latter, portions of the
wooded area north of Vierkirchen and Eettenbach were visible.
Asbach itself, a small village dominated by a church with a
conspicuous green-roofed tower, lay in full view.
From the place where this part of the wood turns eastward, a
view of the course of the Glonn was obtainable to beyond the far
side of Petershausen, and one could see past the southern edge of
that place until the distance was shrouded in mist. A church tower,
which apparently was that of the village of Kollbach, showed over
the bare hills between Petershausen and Asbach. Still farther off
could be seen a line of wooded heights.
A small rise, which ran about 50 metres beyond the edge of the
wood, seemed to offer a suitable line of defence, for the field of fire
was good and the cover satisfactory. The high pine trees which
formed the small wood were easy to climb and afforded suitable
positions for observation posts. There was little to be seen of the
enemy, but the sound of heavy firing was heard from the neighbourhood
of Jedenhofen. From that direction and from further west the
sound of continuous gunfire was also distinguishable. Hostile
artillery was visible in action south of Jedenhofen. Shells were
constantly bursting over this artillery and over Jedenhofen ; these
must have been fired by Ked artillery in position on this side of the
Glonn.
The infantry fire was particularly heavy from the direction of
Ebersbach, but neither Eed nor Blue infantry was visible. On
the other hand, cavalry could be seen in the valley about 500 metres
east of Asbach. Some horsemen were standing on hill 496, west of
Kollbach, and were examining the northern bank of the Glonn
through glasses, but they soon disappeared again.
A. At 8.35 a.m. the commander of No. 1 Company issued the
following verbal order to Lieutenant A., who was in command of the
point: — "The brigade is behind at Ziegelberg, the small hamlet
which we have just passed through ; it is attached to the 1st Inf. Div.,
which is advancing on our right, behind that line of hills, to the
attack across the valley of the Glonn, the southern slopes of which
have been occupied by the enemy. The company is covering the
brigade in the small wood and will defend its southern edge in case
of attack.
" Try and get to Asbach, that village straight opposite us, unseen
15
if possible, and occupy the bridge over the Glonn at that place. I
will send you reinforcements and a signaller later.
" Try and find out what is going on at Jedenhofen and Pasenbach.
It is particularly important to discover the position of the enemy's
right and of his reserves. Eeconnoitre the ground north and south
of Asbach with a view to attack. Send me a sketch of the ground
as soon as possible. Advance carefully, there appears to be hostile
cavalry west of Kollbach. Hostile artillery is in position south of
Jedenhofen. Send reports here, where there will be a signalling
station."
B. He next issued the following orders to the company which
had come up in the meanwhile : — " Form company column. Order
arms. Stand at ease."
The company halted about 20 metres inside the wood. The
words of command were given in a low tone on account of the echo.
C. The following verbal order was issued by the company
commander at 8.45 a.m. to his company : — " The enemy is in position
on the far side of the Glonn. Our army is about to attack. The
1st Inf. Div., to which the llth Bde. is attached, is advancing on our
right. The llth Bde. is in echelon in rear of the left flank of the
1st Inf. Div., and is at Ziegelberg, that small village which we have
just passed through.
" No. 1 Company, which is on the right of No. 2 Company in the
wood, is covering the brigade and will hold this edge of the wood in
case of attack. The remainder of the battalion is behind the wood,
about the centre of the north edge.
" The company will occupy that small rise in front of us, No. 1
Section on the right, No. 2 Section on the left, of that small tree.
The front of each section will be 100 metres. The section commanders
accompanied by the squad commanders will go forward to the position
without showing themselves, and reconnoitre. The company will
pile arms and Lieutenant D. will identify the country from the map.
"Two under-officers with field glasses, two privates and two
signallers of No. 3 Section, will come with me. I will return to the
company in ten minutes."
D. The company commander next placed an observation post at
the extreme southerly corner of the wood, and another at the
easternmost corner. To the first of these posts was allotted the country
from Jedenhofen to Asbach. The country between Asbach and
Petershausen was allotted to the second, which was directed to keep
itself informed as to the movements of the brigade. The under-officers,
having been carefully instructed as to their duties, were posted in
high trees which offered a good view ; a private was placed at the
foot of each tree to carry messages. The two signallers were placed
near the first observation post and were to establish communication
with the troops holding Asbach bridge.
E. The company commander returned at 9 a.m. to the company.
He sent two squads and a signaller to the bridge at Asbach to
Lieutenant A., and a patrol to get touch with No. 2 Company and
with the battalion, and to mark the nearest way to them. He
inspected the positions selected by the section commanders, and
satisfied himself that the company knew the situation. He then
allowed the men to fall out and lie down near the piled arms.
16
The telephone detachment arrived later and established communi-
cation between the company and battalion headquarters.
No. 2 COMPANY.
Meanwhile, No. 2 Company had reached its position. The
following were the instructions issued to it. The company commander
had, immediately on receipt of the advanced guard, i.e., battalion,
commander's order, issued the following order : —
A. " Lieutenant N. will go forward with the leading squad. He
will move through the centre of the wood in front, and then along
the edge of the wood opposite Ebersbach to the point of the wood
which juts out towards that place. He will halt on the far edge of
the wood, the remainder of the company will follow."
B. The company commander then rode forward to the point of
the wood in question. There he saw that the view and field of fire
were very limited. He therefore waited for the squad and ordered
it to advance to the spur which runs towards Ebersbach, until the
men could overlook Ebersbach and the Glonn valley, and to lie down
there in observation. The squad commander was directed to watch
the Glonn valley particularly between Weichs and Asbach, and the
heights on the far side occupied by the enemy. He was told that
hostile artillery was in action at Jedenhofen : that it was expected
that detachments of the 1st Inf. Div. would be in Ebersbach ; that
that division was advancing by Aufhausen, and that the llth Inf.
Bde., which was forming up behind at Ziegelberg, the place they had
just marched through, was attached to it. He was also told that
No. 2 Company, which was on the right of No. 1 Company, had to
cover the llth Inf. Bde., and would hold the southern edge of the west
part of the wood, and also the highest point of the spur running
towards Ebersbach in case of attack.
C. The company commander dismounted, left his horse in the
wood, and also halted the company there. He then walked to the
highest point of the spur which runs towards Ebersbach, between the
wood and Aufhausen.
Here he obtained the following view of the country and of the
situation : —
Looking west he saw the whole extent of the valley from
Aufhausen to Ebersbach, and also the road connecting those places.
Edenpfaffenhofen was concealed by a bare spur, above which the
wooded area north of that village was visible. Beyond Eden-
pfaffenhofen a line of hills ran towards the Glonn from the
neighbourhood of Franking, the brickworks (Zgl) of which could
be seen, the highest hills (points 508) being at Franking and south-
west of Aufhausen. A large tract of wood in the northern part of
this line of hills shut out all view, but over the more open
southerly part, the hills 519 and 513 at Westerholzhausen were
apparently recognizable. A glimpse of the valley of the Glonn west
of Ebersbach, and also of Jedenhofen and of the country between
Jedenhofen and Albertshofen was obtainable over the lowest spurs of
hill 508, south-west of Aufhausen.
The hill, on the highest point of which the company commander
stood, fell in a convex slope towards Ebersbach ; from the highest
17
point rather less than 100 metres of this slope was visible, the lower
part and the village of Ebersbach, of which only the top of the church-
tower was in view, lay in dead ground. Nor could the valley of the
Glonn immediately to the south be seen, but, on the other hand,,
there was a good view of the hills opposite, which rose gently east of
Jedenhofen, and also of that part of the Glonn valley which lies-
between Ebersbach and Asbach. On the far side of the valley rose
a broad round hill (496) between Asbach and Jedenhofen. The part
of this hill between Asbach and Kollbach fell away in gentle slopes
towards the Glonn. The Asbaeh — Vierkirchen road and the railway
were easily recognizable To the left of Asbach the eye was caught
by the church tower of Kollbach, which showed between the hills ;
behind it the horizon was bounded by wooded heights, which rose
like lines of waves.
The country north of the line Asbach — Kollbach, was concealed
by the wood which has been so frequently referred to. The southern
edge of this wood was visible as far as the point where it turns,
slightly north.
Of the battle, the progress of which was announced by heavy gun?
and rifle fire, this much was to be seen : —
A long line of Eed artillery was in position on the ridge south-
west of Aufhausen, in action against hostile artillery between
Albertshofen and Jedenhofen. Along the north bank of the Glonn,
north and north-west of Jedenhofen, lines of Eed infantry, extended
among the copses, were seen to be engaged with hostile infantry
deployed west of Jedenhofen. Kifle fire was also heard from the
direction of Ebersbach.
A few wounded were seen on the road from Ebersbach to
Aufhausen, going back to the latter place. Above one of the most,
southerly houses of Aufhausen the red cross flag was waving. About
two battalions of Eed infantry were just north of Aufhausen in a
covered position. A line of wagons was seen trotting along the-
road which runs westward from Aufhausen. They were, apparently^
an ammunition column and soon disappeared from view. Behind
hill 508, south-west of Aufhausen, the signalling station of the
artillery in position there was seen at work. Nothing was to be
seen either of the enemy or of Eed troops in the country east of
Ebersbach and Jedenhofen.
D. The company commander returned to the company, when he
had completed this reconnaissance, and issued the following
orders : —
a. Verbally, at 9 a.m., to the whole company.
" The enemy has occupied the far bank of the Glonn. Hostile
artillery is in position east of Albertshofen, the enemy has infantry
at and near Jedenhofen.
" The 1st Inf. Div. is advancing to the attack on our right (west),,
apparently through Ebersbach. Our artillery is south and south-
west of Aufhausen.
"The brigade is marching by Ziegelberg, the small place we have-
just passed through, to be at the disposal of the 1st Inf. Div.
" The 1st Bn., 13th Inf. Eegt., has been ordered to cover the
brigade ; No. 1 Company is on our left, Nos. 3 and 4 Companies are;
at the northern edge of the small wood.
(B 760) B
18
" Lieutenant B. will hold the height on our right front, on both
sides of the field track leading to Ebersbach, with No. 1 Section, in case
of attack. His front will be towards Ebersbach, and will extend for
80 metres. The position will be reconnoitred. No. 1 Section will
take up position in rear of it and will not occupy it till necessary.
The point has been pushed forward in front of the division towards
Ebersbach. Nos. 2 and 3 Sections will remain here and be at my
disposal.
" Connection will be established with No. 1 Company on the left,
and Nos. 3 and 4 Companies in rear. 1st Lieutenant C. will issue
any further instructions required.
" I shall be on the hill on our right front.
b. " Under-officer M., with one private, will form an observation
post at the corner of the wood straight in front of us. He will climb
one of the highest trees and will watch the valley of the Glonn and
the opposite heights. He will place himself so as to see the point
and me if possible. The private will remain at the foot of the tree
to carry messages.
c. " Sergt. N., with 5 men, will patrol towards Ebersbach, and
ascertain the situation there. He will then reconnoitre the ground
between Ebersbach and Asbach with a view to the brigade attacking
over it. He will endeavour to find out the situation at Jedenhofen ;
it is especially important to discover the position of the enemy's right
flank. Keports will be sent here."
d. While 1st Lieutenant C. was detailing the patrols to No. 1
Company and to the battalion, and was explaining the situation and
the country to the company, the company commander wrote out a
full report of what he had seen and sent it to the battalion commander
and to brigade headquarters.
The company commander then went to the hill mentioned above
for observation purposes, and examined the ground with a view to
an attack being carried out over it. He put down his impressions in
the form of a sketch, which he completed from the reports as they
came in ; he then sent the sketch back to the battalion commander.
The two signallers whom he took with him were placed so that
they could be seen by the company and from hill 508 south-west of
Aufhausen. They were then ordered to try and get communication
with the artillery signal station on hill 508. When communication
was established they were directed to send the following message : —
" llth Bde., marching from Reichersthausen, is now approaching
Ziegelberg ; protective detachments hold wood south of Ziegelberg.
Please send information as to the situation.
" No. 2 Coy., 13th Inf, Kegt."
THE MACHINE GUN COMPANY.
The commander of the machine gun company had accompanied
the commander of the 1st Bn., 13th Inf. Regt., on his ride to the
advanced companies, and arrived with him, about 8.30 p.m., at the
edge of the wood J ,400 metres north-west of Asbach, just as the
commander of No. 1 Company was issuing his orders. The advanced
guard commander recognized from a reconnaissance of the ground
that No. 1 Company would be much assisted in holding its
19
position against an attack from the far side of the Glonn by the
addition of some machine guns. He therefore addressed the com-
mander of the machine gun company who was with him, as follows
at 8.40 a.m. :—
" No. 1 Company will presumably hold the rise in front of us.
" Place two machine guns at the corner of this wood, so that they
can sweep the ground in front of Asbach and between that village
and the railway bridge north-east of it. The guns will be attached
to No. 1 Company.
" Draw the remainder of your company up in close order behind
the wood, where it will be at my disposal.
" Eecormoitre the edge of the wood and the ground to the west as
far as the ridge which runs down east of Ebersbach towards the
Glonn, and submit to me proposals for the employment of the machine
gun company in case we have to hold this bank of the Glonn against
attack/'
A. The commander of the machine gun company then rode off to
the commander of No. 1 Company who was close by, informed him of
the orders he had received, and added : —
" The best position for the machine gun section is at the most
southerly corner of the wood with the guns close together. There
they can flank the Glonn valley. The section will bring its vehicles
as far forward as possible, but the guns must be brought up by hand
to the edge of the wood. It seems to me that Wasenhof should be
occupied in case the machine gun company has to move up to the
edge of the wood, which appears desirable."
B. When the commander of No. 1 Company had arranged for the
occupation of Wasenhof, the commander of the machine gun com-
pany rode back to the northern edge of the wood, drew his company
up in line behind the piled arms of Nos. 3 and 4 Companies, and
ordered his men to dismount. He called up his section commander
and gave him the following order verbally at 9.15 a.m. : —
" The advanced guard is covering in this wood the deployment of
the brigade near Ziegelberg, the village on the right rear.*
" The brigade is in echelon in rear of the left flank of the 1st Inf.
Div., to which we are attached. The 1st Inf. Div. is engaged with
the enemy, who is attacking from the far bank of the Glonn, and is
west of us. The valley of the Glonn begins immediately on the far
side of the wood in front of us. The left of the division is in Ebers-
bach. Nos. 1 and 2 Companies are at the southern edge of this wood,
whence the valley of the Glonn is in full view. No. 2 Company is
on the right, and No. 1 on the left, close to the corner of the wood
which juts out towards Asbach. Lieutenant A., with No. 1 Section,
will be in the portion of the front allotted to No. 1 Company, to
which he is attached. He will take up a position at the corner of
the wood 1,400 metres north-west of Asbach to assist No; 1 Com-
pany. He will move to his position by the near edge of the wood,
left from here, as far as the farthest point where he is still under
cover from the Glonn valley. He will then unload and move the
guns by hand straight through the wood towards the corner, without
exposing himself. March off.
* The company commander was facing his command.
(B 760) B 2
20
" The rest of the company will remain here. 1st Lieutenant B.
will take over command, will have shoes, harness, and vehicles
examined, and see that the situation is explained to the company. I
am going to reconnoitre the southern edge of the wood and will
return here."
C. Captain M. then hurried forward to carry out the reconnaissance
as ordered. He arrived at the southern edge of the wood at a point
near the centre, whence a field track led down to the Glonn valley
road.
The view to the west was bounded at this point by the ridge
which runs down to the valley of the Glonn, between the wood and
Ebersbach. Only a few of the roofs of Ebersbach and its small
pointed church spire were visible. Looking to the left, however,
there was a clear view over the whole of the broad level of the Glonn
valley as far as the hill east of Jedenhofen (which was crowned by
the enemy's artillery), and of the lower slopes of the hills between
Jedenhofen and Asbach, as far as the edge of the wood north of
Vierkirchen. Nothing was to be seen of the country on the far side
of the high railway embankment. This embankment allowed the
enemy to approach Asbach under almost complete cover, only that
edge of the latter village facing the Glonn valley being exposed to
view.
From Captain M.'s position in the middle of the wood, the Glonn
valley road was almost 800 metres away, and the Glonn itself was
another 800 metres farther off. The range to Asbach was about
2,000 metres. If the infantry remained in position on the edge of
the wood, neither its fire nor that of the machine guns would be
able to search the Glonn valley effectively. The range was too great.
The enemy would only come within effective range when he reached
the Glonn valley road.
As it seemed probable that the enemy in attacking would make
use of the covered approach to Asbach, the main attack was to be
expected from that direction. It was, therefore, desirable to place
the machine guns so that they could bring effective fire to bear upon
the enemy's firing lines as they emerged from Asbach. It would
only be possible to do this from the corner of the wood which jutted
out to Asbach, whence the range to the edge of the village was from
1,300-1,400 metres. As this corner of the wood jutted out like a
bastion to the south, it would then be possible to flank the valley of
the Glonn on both sides.
If the brigade were to advance to the attack across the Glonn,
a position in this corner of the wood would be suitable for the
machine gun company to support the attack. From this position the
company would be able both to support the attack on Asbach, which
the enemy would probably hold in strength, and also to assist in the
attack longer than if it took up a position more to the west, for, in
the latter case, it would apparently have to change position to the
Glonn valley road when the infantry advanced.
As the result of this reconnaissance Captain M. rode back again
to No. 1 Company, and had a careful look at the ground from the
above-mentioned corner of the wood. This reconnaissance confirmed
him in his previous opinion.
When he had approved of the position which had meantime been
21
taken up by his 1st Section, had interviewed the commander of
No. 1 Company, and had found his position accurately on the map.
he rode back straight through the wood, which was not thick, to its
northern edge, and at the same time reconnoitred a route by which
he could bring up his vehicles close to the position of No. 1 Company.
As soon as he returned he reported the result of his reconnais-
sance to the advanced guard commander. He then assembled his
subordinates and explained the situation, the ground, and the results
of his reconnaissance to them.
BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS.
The brigade headquarters reached the position of No. 2 Coy.,
13th Inf. Regt., soon after 9 a.m. The staff left their horses under
cover and ascended the hill to reconnoitre. They had the same view
of the country and of the situation as had the commander of
No. 2 Coy. The brigade major (adjutant), who had been looking
round with his glasses, called his general's attention to the fact
that the divisional flag was on the road between Aufhausen and
Edenpfaffenhofen, and that the divisional headquarters were dis-
mounted on the hill east of the road. The brigade staff thereupon
mounted and galloped off after informing the commander of No. 2
Coy., 13th Inf. Regt., that they were going to the headquarters of the
1st Inf. Div.
ACTION OF, AND ORDERS ISSUED BY, THE DIVISIONAL STAFF.
When the brigadier had reported the arrival and dispositions of
the llth Inf. Bde., he received the following information from the
divisional headquarters : —
The advanced guards of the army reached the line Eisenhofen —
Hirtlbach — Markt-Indersdorf — Weichs, about mid-day 22. XL, the
main bodies reached the line Pfaffenhofen — Altomiinster — Pipenried
— Hilgertshausen.
On the evening of 22. XL, the advanced guards reported that the
enemy was in strength at Ottmarshart, south of Kloster-Indersdorf,
and at Pasenbach, and that their patrols south of the Glonn had
been everywhere fired on. Hostile infantry had been seen entrench-
ing at Arnbach — Kloster-Indersdorf — Zillhofen and at Jedenhofen.
According to the Army Order for the 23rd, the intention was to
attack the enemy across the Glonn, and to make the decisive attack
with the 3rd and 4th Army Corps on the right flank. The latter
corps had been directed to attack on the line Unter-Weikertshofen —
Hirtlbach. The centre (2nd Army Corps) was directed to hold the
enemy on the line Albersbach — Markt-Indersdorf — Glonn. The left
(1st Army Corps) was to hold the enemy on the line Glonn
(exclusive) — Ebersbach, and, in the event of the enemy attacking, to
hold the northern heights along the Glonn at all costs.
The 2nd Inf. Div. was engaged on the line Glonn — Weichs to a
point 1,000 metres towards Ebersbach.
The 1st Inf. Div., to which the llth Inf. Bde. was attached, had
gained touch with the enemy at Jedenhofen and in front of
22
Ebersbach with its 2nd Inf. Bde. — the 1st Field Artillery Eegt. was
in action on the hill south-west of Aufhausen against one of the
enemy's artillery regiments near Jedenhofen.
From an infantry and artillery point of view the situation was
favourable.
The left wing of the 7th Inf. Bde. was deployed at the southern
edge of Ebersbach, and was engaged with hostile infantry, which
had advanced east of Jedenhofen as far as the further bank of the
Glonn, which at this point makes a bend northward. The outskirts
of Ebersbach had been placed in a state of defence.
The divisional commander added that it was not his intention to
throw all his troops into the fight, but that he was keeping the
1st Inf. Bde. at his disposal. Two battalions of the latter brigade
had just reached Aufhausen. He was also keeping the 7th F.A. Regt.
in hand at Edenpfaffenhofen. The remainder of the 1st Inf. Bde.
was still on the march from Hilgertshausen to Eglersreid.
At this moment (9.30 a.m.) an under-officer of the Chevaulegers
galloped up with the following message, which was received and read
by the general staff officer of the division : —
" 2nd Chevaulegers Kegt. Lauterbach.
East of Karnmerberg.
To 1st Inf. Div. at Aufhausen. 23. XI., 8 a.m.
" Strong hostile reserves have been identified at Vierkirchen and
Kettenbach. These troops were marching at 7.30 a.m. towards
Jedenhofen and Asbach. At 7.30 a.m. five battalions were assembled
south of Vierkirchen and three battalions south of Rettenbach.
" I have been attacked by a strong body of hostile cavalry (more
than one regiment) from the direction of Kollbach, and have been
pushed back from Piflitz to Lauterbach. If compelled I will fall
back by Weissling and Hohenkammer towards the left flank of the
division.
A.,
" Colonel, Commanding 2nd
'•' Chevaulegers Regt."
When he had finished reading this message, the general staff
officer remarked : " We must expect to be attacked at any moment."
He signed the envelope, handed it back to the under-officer, and told
him to wait for orders.
The divisional commander then issued the following orders : —
1. Verbal order at 9.40 a.m., 23. XL, to the commander of the
1st F.A. Bde., who was with him.
" The enemy is expected to attack from the direction Jedenhofen —
Asbach. I intend to meet him on the line west of Ebersbach —
Ebersbach — Wasenhof (inclusive), and will hold this position in any
circumstances. Place one AUeilung of the 7th F.A. Regt. in
position east of Aufhausen, and support the portion of the division
(llth Inf. Bde.) in position east of Ebersbach in the defence. One
.Abteilung, 7th F.A. Regt., will remain at my disposal at Eden-
pfaffenhofen."
2. To the 2nd Inf. Bde. at Ebersbach, at 9.45 a.m., by telephone
to the general staff officer : " The enemy is expected to attack from
23
the direction Jedenhofen — Asbach. The division will meet this
attack on the north bank of the Glonn, which is to be held in any
circumstances.
" The 2nd Inf. Bde. holds the section Ebersbach (inclusive) to a
point 1,000 metres west of Ebersbach, where it connects with the
2nd Inf. Div. The llth Inf. Bde. is formed up at Ziegelberg and
will deploy east of Ebersbach. The 1st Abtcilung, 7th F.A. Kegt.,
will take up a position east of Aufhausen. Chief dressing station at
Aufhausen; collecting stations for slightly wounded at Edenpfaffen-
hofen."
3. Verbal order at 9.50 a.m. to the commander of the llth Inf.
Bde. :—
" You have heard that I intend to meet the attack, which is
expected from the direction of Jedenhofen and Asbach, on this bank
of the Glonn, and that I mean to hold this position to the
last.
" The llth Inf. Bde. will hold the section Ebersbach (exclusive)
— Wasenhof (inclusive). The brigade will deploy at once and will
prepare its position for defence. The brigade will be responsible for
the security of the left flank until the 1st Inf. Bde., only two
battalions of which have reached Aufhausen, is ready at my disposal
at the wood north-east of Sollern.
" I will order the divisional cavalry regiment to cover my
extreme left flank in the neighbourhood of Petershausen. The chief
dressing station will be at Aufhausen ; collecting station for slightly
wounded at Edenpfaffenhofen.
"Divisional headquarters will be here.
" Get connection from a point north of Wasenhof with the
divisional headquarters signalling station."
4. The following written orders were then prepared by the
general staff officer : —
a. "To the 1st Inf. Bde. by way of Edenpfaffenhofen,* 23. XL,
10 a.m.
" The division is holding the north bank of the Glonn on the line
west of Ebersbach — Ebersbach — Wasenhof (inclusive), left flank
at the latter point (llth Inf. Bde.), against an attack which is
expected from Jedenhofen and Asbach. This position will be held
to the last.
" The 1st Inf. Bde. will move by the shortest route to the wood
north-east of Sollern, and will form up in the wood on either side of
the Jetzendorf — Petershausen road, facing Petershausen, where it
will be at the disposal of the divisional commander. The line
Petershausen — Goppertshausen — Ober-Marbach, will be watched and
reconnoitred. Connection with the llth Inf. Bde. by way of
Ziegelberg. On reaching its position the brigade will take over the
protection of the left flank.
" 1st and 2nd Bns., 1st Inf. Kegt., at Edenpfaffenhofen, will move
at 10.10 a.m. by Lindach to Sollern, and join the brigade. The
divisional cavalry regiment has been ordered to Petershausen.
" Divisional headquarters will be at Aufhausen.
* On the march from Hilgertshausen to Eglersried.
24
" Chief dressing station will be at Aufhausen, collecting stations
for slightly wounded at Edenpfaffenhofen.
M.,
" Captain, General Staff Officer.
" 1st Inf. Div."
I. " 1st Inf. Div. Aufhausen, 23. XL, 10.15 a.m.
" To the 1st Army Corps, 1 kilometre east of Erlhausen.
" The divisional cavalry regiment reports the advance of strong-
reserves from Yierkirchen (five battalions) and Eettenbach (three
battalions) on Jedenhofen and Asbach.
" Expect attack on the line west of Ebersbach — Ebersbach —
Wasenhof. Orders issued for this event. Please send ammunition
columns and field hospital to Edenpfaffenhofen.
" Divisional headquarters at Aufhausen.
A.,
" Lt.-Gen., Commanding 1st Inf. Div."
An orderly officer was given both messages, and was ordered to
go first to the 1st Inf. Bde., and then to Army Corps Headquarters,
and deliver them.
5. The following order to the 2nd Chevaulegers Kegt. was then
prepared, and given to the under-omcer, who was waiting, to deliver : —
" 23. XL, 10.15 a.m.
" To 2nd Chevaulegers Kegt., by way of Petershausen.
" 1st Inf. Div., which forms the left flank of the army, expects
attack on the line west of Ebersbach — Ebersbach — Wasenhofen
(inclusive ; llth Inf. Bde. here).
" 1st Inf. Bde. has been ordered to the wood north-west of
Petershausen, on the line Jetzendorf — Petershausen, to be in
divisional reserve.
" 2nd Chevaulegers Kegt., if pressed, will fall back on Petershausen,
and cover the left flank of the army. Keconnoitre enemy's right
flank ; observe in the direction of Unterbruck — Thurnsberg —
Allershausen ; get connection with 1st and llth Inf. Bdes.
" Divisional headquarters at Aufhausen."
6. The commander of the 1st Inf. Kegt., who was with the two
battalions at Aufhausen, was directed to come to divisional head-
quarters, was told the situation, and was ordered to inarch by
Lindach to Sollern to join his brigade. He was told to explain the
situation to his brigadier.
7. The principal medical officer of the division was ordered to
take the necessary steps for establishing the chief dressing station.
The bearer company was ordered to Edenpfaffenhofen and placed
under him. He was told that requisitioned vehicles would be halted
north of Aufhausen, on the side of the road from Edenpfaffenhofen.
He was to obtain the concurrence of the divisional commander in
his proposals for the establishment of the chief dressing station at
Aufhausen, and of the collecting station for slightly wounded at
Edenpfaffenhofen.
25
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE PRINCIPAL MEDICAL OFFICER OF THE
DIVISION.
It will perhaps be interesting to consider briefly the instructions
issued by the principal medical officer of the division for the medical
services on the battle-field.
Immediately after the issue of the divisional orders a mounted
orderly was sent with the following written order to the bearer
company at Edenpfaffenhofen : —
" East of Aufhausen,
23. XL, 10.15 a.m.
" To Bearer Company, 1 st Inf. Div.
" Chief dressing station will be at Aufhausen ; move there at once.
Medical officer in charge will come to the principal medical officer at
Aufhausen church. Collecting station for slightly wounded will be
at Edenpfaffenhofen."
The principal medical officer then reconnoitred Aufhausen and
issued the following order at 10.45 a.m. to the officer in command of
the bearer company, who had ridden on ahead :—
"The chief dressing station will be at the southern end of
Aufhausen on the Weichs road. The regimental dressing station of
the 1st F.A. Eegt., which is at Aufhausen, and the dressing station
of the 2nd Inf. Bde., which has been pushed forward towards
Ebersbach, will be attached to it. No. I halting place for wagons
will be pushed forward towards Ebersbach. No. 2 halting place for
wagons of the llth Inf. Bde. will be at the wood south of Ziegelberg.
You will be informed of the position of the dressing station of the
llth Inf. Bde. as soon as possible.
"The division has the 2nd Inf. Bde. in action at and west of
Ebersbach, and will extend the left with the llth Inf. Bde. as far as
Wasenhof inclusive. The position will be held to the last. The 1st
F.A. Eegt. is just south of Aufhausen, part of the 7th F.A. Eegt.
will take up position east of Aufhausen. Twenty requisitioned
vehicles are parked just north of Aufhausen and are at the disposal
of the bearer company, as are also the personnel and material of the
attached dressing stations. The latter must, however, be ready at
any time to be employed elsewhere.
" Collecting station for slightly wounded remains where it is.
Slightly wounded, and severely wounded who can be transported,
will be evacuated by way of Eglersried and Jetzendorf to the
stationary hospital at Schrobenhausen. Wounded who cannot be
moved will remain temporarily at Aufhausen, where it is intended
to establish a field hospital.
" I am going to divisional headquarters east of Edenpfaffenhofen."
On his return the principal medical officer informed the units
concerned of the position of their dressing stations, and of the establish-
ment of the field hospital, sent up by the army corps, at Edenpfaffen-
hofen. A report of the medical arrangements for the 1st Inf. Div
was prepared and sent to the principal medical officer of the 1st Army
Corps on the first opportunity.
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY, AND ACTION OF, THE HEADQUARTERS,
HTH INFANTRY BRIGADE.
The commander of the llth Inf. Bde. had received his orders at
9.45 a.m., and had then galloped off with his staff to Ziegelberg.
While riding back he appreciated the situation, in view of the orders
he had received and of his personal reconnaissance of the ground, as
follows : —
"The brigade is to hold its position to the last and is to occupy
the area Ebersbach (exclusive) — Wasenhof. This section is about
1,500 metres long and can, therefore, be suitably held by the brigade.
As the brigade is also responsible for the protection of the left flank,
the whole of it must not be employed in holding the front, but troops
must also be echeloned on the flank, which they will have to recon-
noitre and watch.
" The Glonn valley road from Ebersbach to Wasenhof forms a good
line of defence. This line is sufficiently in advance of the artillery
position not to interfere with the guns, runs parallel to the enemy's
probable line of attack, and has a stretch of absolutely level ground,
which it will be difficult for the enemy to cross, from 700 to 800
metres in front of it. Besides this, the Glonn, which is a considerable
obstacle even though infantry can cross it at most points, lies within
effective rifle range of the position. The deployment preceding the
occupation of the position can be carried out in the wood south of
Ziegelberg, though it must be remembered that the southern edge of
the wood does not correspond with the position selected. It will be
necessary to be careful at this point to prevent the occupation of a
wrong line of defence. For this reason the edge of the wood itself
cannot form part of the defensive position.
" The ditches along the Glonn valley road afford cover which can
be improved, if the enemy allows us time.
" The greatest danger to the position is Asbach. At this point the
enemy can approach the position under cover nearer than elsewhere ;
but even here he will have 800 metres of open ground to cross. If
the enemy extends further to the east he can only be met by
employing the troops echeloned on the flank.
" Four battalions will be sufficient to hold the position in the first
instance. It appears best to employ the whole of the 13th Inf. Eegt.
and one battalion of the 10th Inf. Kegt. for this. The two remaining
battalions of the 10th Inf. Kegt. will remain where they are, and will
protect the left flank. ' They can be left under the commander of the
regiment to be disposed according to requirements. It will also be
best to keep back the machine gun company of the 10th Inf. Begt. at
first."
On reaching Ziegelberg at 10 a.m., the brigadier called up the
regimental commanders and issued the following order : —
" Ziegelberg,
"23. XL, 10.10a.m.
" The enemy has deployed infantry along the Glonn on either side
of Jedenhofen ; his right flank extends to a point opposite Ebersbach
He has artillery on the hill south of Jedenhofen.
27
" Strong hostile reserves are on the march from Yierkirchen and
Eettenbach to Jedenhofen and Asbach.
" The division will await the enemy's attack on the line west of
Ebersbach — Ebersbach — Wasenhof. The 2nd Inf. Bde. is at and
west of Ebersbach. The artillery of the division is on either side of
Aufhausen. The 1st Inf. Bde. is on the Jetzendorf — Petershausen
road. The divisional cavalry regiment has been ordered to Peters-
hausen.
"The brigade forms the left flank. It will hold the section
Ebersbach (exclusive) — Wasenhof (inclusive). It will occupy the
line of the Ebersbacli — Wasenhof road. The 1st Bn., 13th Inf. Regt.,
will be under the orders of the regimental commander, and the 13th
Inf. Regt. will deploy with its right on Ebersbach and its left at the
junction of the tracks 300 metres south-west of Wasenhof. The
10th Inf. Regt. will extend the left of the 13th Inf. Regt. with
one battalion as far as Wasenhof (inclusive). The remainder of the
regiment will remain here at my disposal. It will be responsible for
the protection of the left flank and will reconnoitre in that direction.
It will send a signalling detachment to brigade headquarters at
Ziegelberg.
"The position will be strengthened. Wasenhof will form a
supporting point.
" Brigade headquarters will be at Ziegelberg.
" The chief dressing station is at Aufhausen.
" The collecting station for slightly wounded is at Edenpfaffen-
hofen."
This order was taken down by the brigade major (adjutant) as it
was given out. The signalling detachment, which arrived at Ziegel-
berg five minutes afterwards, endeavoured to get connection from the
roof of a house with the divisional signalling station. Communica-
tion was established at 10.25 a.m.
ORDERS ISSUED IN THE 13TH INFANTRY REGIMENT.
The commander of the 13th Inf. Regt., immediately on receipt of
the brigade order, issued the following order to the 2nd and 3rd Bus.,
13th Inf. Regt. :—
" S. A.A. carts will be emptied. Medical personnel and material
will be sent to the regimental medical officer. The regiment will
advance. The 2nd Bn. will move on the right corner of the small wood
in front, the 3rd Bn. on the centre of the wood. Advance to the
southern edge of the wood and then halt under cover. Battalion
commanders will come to me at the centre of the southern edge of the
wood."
The regimental commander, as he rode by, directed the commander
of the 1st Bn. of the 13th Inf. Regt. and the commander of the
machine gun company to come with him. He and his adjutant
reached the centre of the small wood at 10.20 a.m. The commander
of the No. 1 Coy., 13th Inf. Regt., reported himself there and gave
the regimental commander, who had meanwhile dismounted, the
following information : —
" The village in the valley half- left is Asbach ; the church tower
behind it belongs to Kollbach. The group of houses straight in front
28
of us is the eastern portion of Ebersbach ; the greater part of that
village is concealed by the spur which runs down to the Glonn west
of us. Above and beyond the group of houses you can see a flat-
topped hill on the far bank of the river, that is the hill east of
Jedenhofen.
" A short time ago there were some of our infantry in front of
Ebersbach about 400 metres from the river. A few minutes ago
they retired, apparently on Ebersbach, as they were being enfiladed
from the hill south of Asbach, which was occupied about a quarter of
an hour ago by hostile infantry. This infantry is now advancing
towards the Glonn. During the last half hour movements of hostile
bodies have been observed near Asbach. There is at least one
battalion in Asbach but it has not crossed the edge of the village.
The enemy's patrols have been active on this bank of the Glonn.
Our small patrols have already had to be recalled from the edge of
the wood which No. 1 Coy. holds. A strong patrol which No. 1 Coy.
sent to the bridge over the Glonn at Asbach has had to retire. I no
longer hold the bridge.
" A number of infantry columns have been observed on the hill
south-east of Asbach ; they were all moving towards the valley just
south-west of hill 496 (west of Kollbach). There must be about two
battalions assembled there. A party of horsemen was visible for a
short time on hill 496, but it soon disappeared."
The battalion commanders had in the meantime come up. The
commander of the 13th Inf. Eegt. then issued the following order : —
" Small wood south of Ziegelberg.
23. XL, 10.40 tun.
" The hills which you see in front of us and the village of Asbach
in the valley half -left are occupied by the enemy. East of Asbach
the enemy has a number of battalions in close order.
" The division is awaiting the enemy's attack on this bank of the
Glonn. The artillery is in position on either side of Aufhausen, the
2nd Inf. Bole, is on our right at and west of Ebersbach. The section
Ebersbach (exclusive) to Wasenhof (inclusive) — Wasenhof is the small
group of houses on the left ,'below us — is allotted to the llth Inf.
Bde. The 10th Inf. Eegt. is on the left of the 13th Inf. Kegt.
" The 2nd and 3rd Bns. will deploy in the wood under cover, the
2nd Bn. on the right of the track where we are standing, the 3rd Bn.
on the left. Both battalions will advance simultaneously, on my
signal, from the wood to the Ebersbach — Wasenhof road, which they
will hold ; the right of the 2nd Bn. will be directed on Ebersbach,
the left of the 3rd Bn. on the sign post* below us. The track on
which we are standing will be the dividing line between battalions.
The position will be strengthened. Telephonic communication with
the front line will be established from the edge of the wood. Bat-
talion commanders will report their positions and the position of
their telephone stations. When the firing lines of the 2nd and 3rd
Bns. have left the wood Nos. 3 and 4 Companies of the 1st Bn. will
close and will be at my disposal.
" Observation posts will remain in position.
" The S.A.A. carts will be left full.
* At the junction of the roads 300 metres south-west of Wasenhof.
29
" The machine gun company will move to the corner of the wood
which juts out towards Asbach and support the 3rd Bn. in the
defence. It will bring fire to bear on the ground between Asbach
(inclusive) and the railway bridge north-east of that place. Empty
S.A.A. carts of the 2nd and 3rd Bns. will move to Ziegelberg.
" A cyclist officer of the 3rd Bn. will be sent with them. The
dressing station for the whole regiment will be in the centre of the
northern edge of this wood. I remain here."
The regimental commander then directed the regimental medical
officer to establish a dressing station at the place ordered, and sent
the regimental adjutant to brigade headquarters to report the informa-
tion obtained by the commander of No. 1 Coy., 13th Inf. Eegt., and to
find out at the same time the shortest way to brigade head-
quarters.
There was no difficulty about establishing telephonic communi-
cation with brigade headquarters, as the way there was completely
under cover and the line could be laid rapidly.
The following verbal order was issued at 10.50 a.m. by the
commander of the 2nd Bn., 13th Inf. Eegt, to the company
commanders, who had been called up : —
"The enemy has occupied the southern bank of the Glonn
opposite Ebersbach (partially visible to the right below us) and at
Asbach, the village on the left below in the Glonn valley. Hostile
artillery is in position on the hill south of Jedenhofen (the position
of this place was pointed out).
" The division will await the enemy's attack on the north bank of
the Glonn. The artillery is in position on either side of Aufhausen.
The 2nd Inf. Bde. is at and west of Ebersbach. The llth Inf. Bde.
has been allotted the section on the left as far as Wasenhof. The
13th Inf. Eegt is on the right of the 10th Inf. Eegt
" The 13th Inf. Eegt. will deploy two battalions, the 2nd Bn. on
the right, the 3rd Bn. on the left of the track on which the regimental
commander is standing. The 1st Bn. remains in the wood at the
disposal of the regimental commander.
" Nos. 5, 6, and 7 Coys, will each occupy 150 metres of front,
No. 5 Coy. on the right, No. 7 Coy. on the left. Companies will
deploy their firing lines in the wood, and will advance, on my signal,
to the Ebersbach — Wasenhof road, with the right on the spur on our
right, and the left on the track which leads down to the valley.
" Companies will halt and establish themselves on that line as
follows : — No. 5 Coy. from Ebersbach (exclusive) as far as the
prominent round tree, 150 metres left of that place. No. 6 Coy.
will extend the left as far as that dark heap of earth close to the
road. No. 7 Coy. will extend the^left as far as the junction of the
field track with the road. No. 8 Coy. will remain at my disposal in
the wood. The dressing station will be at the northern edge of this
wood. I shall be with No. 8 Coy. The telephone detachment will
establish a station at the edge of the wood and lay out a line to
No. 6 Coy."
Similar orders were issued to the 3rd Bn., 13th Inf. Eegt. When,
shortly after 11 a.m., the commander of the 13th Inf. Eegt. was
informed by his battalion commanders that the battalions were
deployed on the edge of the wood, he gave the signal for the advance,
30
which was carried out simultaneously. The battalions were, in
consequence of the angle made by the edge of the wood with the
position to be occupied, echeloned from the right.
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY, AND ACTION OF, THE EEGIMENTAL MEDICAL
OFFICER, 13TH INFANTRY EEGIMENT.
Meanwhile, the orders for establishing the dressing station were
issued. The medical personnel and material were assembled by the
senior medical officer of the battalion at 10.15 a.m., and moved to the
north edge of the wood, halting behind the centre. They were then
formed into two requisitioning parties, consisting of stretcher bearers
who were not required and the horse holders of the medical officers,
and into two stretcher bearer parties, each of two stretchers, for each
battalion.
The ambulances and requisitioned vehicles were drawn up in
line ; the horses of the medical officers were with the ambulances of
their battalions. One mounted medical officer kept communication
with the regimental medical officer, who was at regimental head-
quarters. At 10.45 a.m. the regimental medical officer had been
ordered to establish the dressing station for the whole regiment
behind the centre of the northern edge of the wood, at the same time
he received permission to employ the band of the regiment at the
dressing station. He thereupon rode back and issued the following
verbal order to the medical personnel : —
a. " Medical officer A. please come here !
" Kequisitioning parties will be drawn up on the right ; parties
for duty on the battle-field on the left, five paces interval between
parties."
b. To the bandmaster, who was with the 1st Bn., 13th Inf. Eegt.,
close by : —
" In accordance with the orders of the regimental commander, the
band will be under my orders for duty at the dressing station. Join
the medical personnel, place the instruments on the ground and
detail twelve men as assistant stretcher bearers. They should put
on brassards."
c. To the whole of the medical personnel : —
" The regiment is engaged in front of this wood, 2nd Bn. on the
right, 3rd Bn. on the left of this track, which leads down to the
Glonn valley. Senior medical officer A., with two medical under-
officers, two medical orderlies with medical panniers, and the
stretcher bearers of the 2nd Bn., will take over duties on the battle-
field south of the track leading to the Glonn valley.
" Senior medical officer B., with two medical under-officers, two
medical orderlies with panniers and the stretcher bearers of the 3rd
Bn., will take over the duties on the battle-field north of the track
leading to the Glonn valley.
" The dressing station will be here. The receiving section will be
on this track. The dressing section will be in the forester's hut on
the left in the wood. The collecting station for the slightly wounded
will be by that haystack. Unload field equipment, take over the
articles required and move off.
31
" No. 1 requisitioning party, under the No. 1 medical under-officer
of the receiving section, will work in the area Ziegelberg and Sollern
Tables, buckets, spoons, glasses, clean handkerchiefs and blankets are
required. These will be banded over to the dressing section. When
this is done, four stretcher bearers will be sent to the receiving
section, and two to the dressing section.
" No. 2 requisitioning party, under No. 2 medical under-officer,
will obtain straw or hay, thirty trusses are required for the receiving-
section and twenty for the dressing station. As many vehicles as
possible will be requisitioned. The party should obtain a number of
lanterns.
"Five bandsmen, with one of the requisitioned vehicles, will
fetch water.
" The requisitioning parties will move off.
" No. 3 medical under-offieer will superintend the issue from the
wagons, which will begin with the wagons of the 2nd Bn.
"No. 4 medical under-officer, with five bandsmen, will arrange
the receiving section. Three rows of hay or straw beds will be made,
each row 20 metres long by 4 metres wide. Screens of straw or
leaves will be erected. No. 2 requisitioning party will provide the
straw or hay. When this is done the under-officer will draw one
bottle of wine as a restorative and a glass from the infantry
ambulances. Wine will not be issued without my orders. He will
then take over the panniers and see that they are properly filled. I
will superintend the receiving section myself.
" Medical officer C., with five medical under-officers, will arrange
the dressing section. A latrine will be marked out. When No. 1
requisitioning party has obtained what is required, two stretcher
bearers and two bandsmen will be at the disposal of the dressing
section.
" Senior medical officer D. will take over the collecting station
for slightly wounded. He will have No. 3 medical under-officer and
two bandsmen from No. 2 requisitioning party. Slightly wounded
will be sent to Edenpfaffenhofen, the collecting station of the
division. Those who are fit for duty will be sent to the 1st Bn.,
and afterwards will be sent back to the firing line. The men will be
sent off in parties of twenty, under charge of slightly wounded under-
officers. Ammunition will be handed over to those who are fit for
duty. No. 5 medical under-officer will hand over the ammunition of
the severely wounded and dead to senior medical officer D. One
charger of ammunition will be left with those who are not fit for
duty. Medical officer K, with No. 6 medical under-officer and three
bandsmen of No. 2 requisitioning party, will supervise the transport
of the severely wounded to the chief dressing station at Aufhausen.
Four of the requisitioned vehicles, on which hay or straw should be
spread, are at his disposal.
" The remainder of the medical personnel and the bandsmen will
remain behind the ambulances and be at my disposal. The band-
master will see that the Geneva cross and the national flag are
hoisted in the open. He will get the flags from No. 3 medical
under-officer. He will leave a man at the flagstaff to direct wounded
to the receiving section."
32
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED IN, AND ACTION OF, THE K)TH INFANTRY
EEGIMENT.
We will now examine briefly the instructions issued in the 10th
Inf. Eegt., the 1st Bn. of which had been ordered to extend the left
of the 13th Inf. Eegt. as far as Wasenhof (inclusive).
The battalion commander first ordered the S.A.A. carts to be
emptied, and sent for the company commanders. The medical
personnel and material were placed at the disposal of the battalion
medical officer, who was told to establish a dressing station at
Ziegelberg. He was informed at the same time of the position of
the chief dressing station and of the divisional collecting station for
slightly wounded.
The company commanders were then given the following verbal
order at 10.20 a.m. : —
" Hostile reserves are advancing on Jedenhofen and Asbaeh, the
village in the valley which can be seen to the south.
" The llth Inf. Bde. forms the left flank of the division and holds
the near bank of the Glonn from Ebersbach to Wasenhof (inclusive).
"The 13th Inf. Eegt. is deploying on our right through this small
wood. The 2nd and 3rd Bns., 10th Inf. Eegt., remain at the disposal
of the brigadier.
" The 1st Bn., 10th Inf. Eegt., forms the extreme left flank of the
position at Wasenhof, and will hold the ground to the west as far as
the sign-post which can be seen at the junction of the roads on the
right. It connects there with the J 3th Inf. Eegt.
" No. 1 Coy. will hold the section from the sign-post to a point,
100 metres towards Wasenliof, where that low bush is. It will
advance to the Ebersbach — Wasenhof road and establish itself there.
No. 2 Coy. will extend the left as far as Wasenhof, which will be
prepared for an obstinate defence. Nos. 3 and 4 Coys, will form the
reserve at Ziegelberg. A signalling station at Ziegelberg will
communicate with the signallers of No. 2 Coy. at Wasenhof. The
dressing station of the battalion will be- at Ziegelberg. Empty
S.A.A. carts will be sent to that place. I shall be at Ziegelberg.
Telephone detachment will lay out a line to No. 1 Coy."
No. 1 COMPANY.
Orders of the commander of No. 1 Coy. 10th Inf. Eegt. on receipt
of the battalion order.
a. " Ammunition will be issued by sections, empty S.A.A. carts and
led horses will be sent to Ziegelberg."
&. " Stretcher bearers will report to the battalion medical officer."
c. Verbal order issued to the whole company : —
" The enemy has occupied the hills on the far bank of the Glonn.
The brigade holds this bank of the Glonn. The section of the position
from the sign-post in the valley on the right as far as Wasenhof, that
small group of houses on the left, is allotted to the 1st Bn., 10th Inf.
Eegt. The 13th Inf. Eegt. is on our right. Our No. 2 Coy. is on the
left at Wasenhof. The dressing station is at Ziegelberg. Nos. 1 and
2 Sections will extend, No. 2 Section on the left, and will move on
33
the clump of bushes 100 metres left of the sign-post. The sections
will advance as far as the Ebersbach — Wasenhof road, and will
establish themselves there. I shall be with the firing line. "No. 3
Section will form the support at the large haystack on the right front.
It will establish connecting files with the firing line. It will keep
a look out for signals from brigade headquarters and from the
battalion commander at Ziegelberg."
When these orders were issued, the company commander handed
over his horse and followed the advancing firing line.
No. 2 COMPANY.
Orders issued in the No. 2 Coy., 10th Inf. Eegt.
a. " Ammunition will be issued by sections. S.A.A. carts and led
horses will remain at Ziegelberg till further orders."
b. " Stretcher bearers will report to the battalion medical officer."
c. Verbal order issued to the company on receipt of the battalion
order: —
" The enemy has occupied the hills on the far bank of the Glonn.
The brigade holds the heights on the near bank. The 13th Inf. Kegt.
and our No. 1 Coy. are on our right. We form the left flank of the
firing line, and have to hold Wasenhof, the group of houses in front
of us, and also a front of 100 metres to the right of that place on the
Wasenhof — Ebersbach road, where we connect with our No. I Coy.
The 2nd and 3rd Bns., 10th Inf. Eegt., are to remain here. The
dressing station is at Ziegelberg. No. 1 Section will extend on both
sides of this track and advance to the southern edge of Wasenhof,
which it will prepare for an obstinate defence. No. 2 Section will
extend behind No. 1 Section, and will advance with its left to
Wasenhof, and will hold the line from Wasenhof as far as the left of
our No. 1 Coy. It will establish itself in that position. No. 3
Section will form the support behind the house with the red roof.
The signallers will establish a station at the northern edge of
Wasenhof and get communication with the brigade signalling station
at Ziegelberg. I shall follow No. I Section to Wasenhof."
The company commander then dismounted and followed No. 1
Section, which was already extended, to Wasenhof. There he per-
sonally superintended the preparation of the houses for defence.
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED IN, AND ACTION OF, THE HTH INFANTRY
BRIGADE.
About 10.45 a.m., as the firing lines of the 1st Bn., 10th Infantry
Eegt., crossed the Ziegelberg ridge and began to descend to Wasenhof,
they came under a fairly heavy fire from Asbach ; this fire, however,
was not particularly effective, as the range was very long. A few
men were wounded. No. 1 Coy., 10th Inf. Eegt., had one man killed,
shot through the chest. The allotted position was reached without
further difficulty, the last 100 metres being covered at the double.
No. 1 Coy. and one section of No. 2 Coy. occupied the ditch of the
Ebersbach— Wasenhof road. No. 2 Coy. held Wasenhof. The
position along the road was strengthened by deepening the ditch,
(B 760) c
34
the men digging lying down and shooting in turn. The buildings of
Wasenhof were placed in a state of defence.
At 11 am., as the firing lines of the 2nd and 3rd Bus., 13th Inf.
Eegt., left the southern edge of the small wood, they came under
fire from Ashach and from the ground west of that village. The
firing lines, however, reached their position without suffering any
considerable loss. The position could only be strengthened at
certain points, and that gradually, as immediately it was occupied it
became necessary to keep up a steady fire.
It appeared that the enemy had strong firing lines moving from
the hilly ground south of Asbach towards the Glonn, and that his
infantry had occupied the bushes along the bank of the river.
Their fire was chiefly directed against the left flank of the 2nd Inf.
Bde., and against the 2nd Bn., 13th Inf. Eegt. The troops holding
Asbach were engaged in a well-sustained fire fight with the 3rd Bn.,
13th Inf. Eegt., and the 1st Bn., 10th Inf. Eegt. No. 2 Coy.,
10th Inf. Eegb., at Wasenhof did not come under any heavy fire
after it had occupied that place.
The brigadier could only see, from his position at Ziegelberg,
that part of the field in which the 10th Inf. Eegt. and the left flank
of the 13th Inf. Eegt. (3rd Bn.) were engaged ; the remaining portion
was concealed by the small wood south of Ziegelberg.
The noise of battle increased every quarter of an hour, and at
11.45 a.m. there appeared to be a heavy fight opposite Ebersbach,
that is to say, in front of the centre of the division.
The 1st Abteilung, 7th F.A. Eegt., east of Aufhausen, kept up
a hot fire on Asbach and on the infantry west of that place ; its fire
seemed to be well directed and to be effective.
The following information was available up to 11.45 a.m., partly
from verbal reports and partly from signed messages sent in by the
portions of the brigade engaged : —
The 2nd Bn., 13th Inf. Eegt., had 3 companies in the firing line
and 1 company in reserve at the southern edge of the small wood.
The 3rd Bn., 13th Inf. Eegt, had all its 4 companies engaged from
the first, and had only a few sections held back as supports at the
edge of the wood. No part of the battalion held in reserve by the
commander of the 13th Inf. Eegt. had yet been engaged.
The machine gun company had taken up a covered position in
the corner of the wood jutting out towards Asbach, and was actively
engaged. The rattle of its guns was specially noticeable whenever
the enemy's firing line moved forward.
The enemy's firing lines opposite the 13th Inf. Eegt. had, at
11.45 a.m., got to within 600 metres of the position. At this point
the fire fight appeared to become stationary. It was also at a stand
opposite the 10th Inf. Eegt., which had only 2 companies, Nos. 1
and 2, deployed. The enemy's troops holding the northern edge of
Asbach had not advanced beyond the village.
The company in Wasenhof, which was favourably placed for
observation, reported by signal that the enemy's infantry on hill
496, between Asbach and Kollbach, was entrenching, that hostile
cavalry were assembled at Hockhof, and that the enemy was sig-
nalling towards the west from Kollbach church.
The infantry section holding Petershausen bridge reported that
35
the 2nd Chevaulegers Eegt. had come in from Glonbercha at 11 a.m.,
had crossed the Glomi at Petershausen, and had taken up a position
at Petershausen station. The section had also met hostile cavalry
(apparently a brigade) at Hockhof. This cavalry had attempted to
cross Petershausen bridge, but had been driven back by the fire of
the infantry.
An officer of the 2nd Chevaulegers Eegt. arrived at brigade head-
quarters at 11.45 a.m. He had come from divisional headquarters,
and reported that news had come in there that the right flank of
the army was victorious, and that the divisional commander had said
that he was only awaiting the arrival of the 1st Inf. Bde. to attack
with his whole division. The cavalry officer said that he had left
the 2nd Chevaulegers Eegt. at Petershausen station f hour ago, and
was riding back there.
The brigade major (adjutant) explained the situation and the
dispositions of the llth Inf. Bde. to the officer, and requested that
important information should be repeated to the llth Inf. Bde. He
pointed out to him the signalling station of the brigade at Ziegelberg,
which might be of use as a transmitting station to divisional
headquarters.
At 11.50 a.m. the following signalling message from the division
arrived : —
"23. XL, 11.47a.m.
" Eight wing of army victorious. Whole will attack.
2nd Inf. Bde. on bend in road 1,000 metres south of Asbach.
llth Inf. Bde. east and west of Asbach.
1st Inf. Bde. through Petershausen on hill 496, west of Kollbach
and Kollbach.
1st Inf. Bde. begins attack.
Through llth Inf. Bde. to 1st Inf. Bde.— Acknowledge.
1st Inf. Div."
The brigadier sent his brigade major (adjutant*) with this order
to the 1st Inf. Bde., and directed him to explain the situation to
that brigade. He then dictated the following order to the adjutants
of the 10th and 13th Inf. ,Eegts., who had been called up : —
"23. XL
" (time not yet inserted.)
" 1. The right flank of the army is victorious. The whole army
will attack.
" 2. The 1st Inf. Division, on the left flank, will seize the heights
on the far bank of the Glonn ; the 2nd Inf. Bde. on the right is
advancing on Jedenhofen — bend in the road 1,000 metres south of
Asbach ; 1st Inf. Bde. on the left will advance through Petershausen
on hill 496, west of Kollbach (inclusive) — Kollbach.
" 3. The llth Inf. Bde. in the centre will seize Asbach and the
hills east of that place.
" 4. The 10th Inf. Eegt. will deploy with its left flank on both
sides of the railway embankment, right flank (1st Bn.) on Asbach
bridge. Objective north and east front of Asbach, and hill
200 metres east of that place. It will get connection with 13th Inf.
Eegt. and with the 1st Inf. Bde. Two companies will be at my disposal
at the railway crossing south-west of Petershausen.
(B 760) c 2
36
" 5. The 13th Inf. Eegt. will support the attack of the 10th Inf.
Eegt., the left of which it will extend at the proper moment. Its
left will move due south on Asbach ; its right will connect with the
2nd Inf. Bde.
" 6. Empty S.A.A. carts to Ziegelberg. Brigade headquarters at
that place.
x.,
Major-General, commanding Brigade."
This order was not issued at once. The advance of the 1st Inf.
Bde., which was to give the time for the attack, was awaited.
At 12.15 p.m. a field officer of the field artillery galloped up to
Ziegelberg hill and reported that he had been directed to support
and accompany the attack of the llth Inf. Bde. with the 2nd
Abteilung, 7th F.A. Eegt. He stated that his Abteilung was following
him from Edenpfaffenhofen.
The brigadier rapidly explained the situation to him, and directed
him to bring fire from Ziegelberg upon Asbach and any targets east
of that place. He told him that the llth Inf. Bde. would make its
main attack with its left, where the 10th Inf. Eegt. would attack
the north-east part of Asbach.
The following was then added to the written order : —
"The 2nd Abteilung, 7th F.A. Eegt., will be in position at
Ziegelberg and support the attack of the llth Inf. Bde. Target
Asbach."
Meanwhile, the brigade major (adjutant) returned and reported
that he had met the 1st Inf. Bde. at the exit of the wood on the
Jetzendorf — Petershausen road, 1,200 metres north-west of Peters-
hausen. He said that the brigade would pass through Petershausen
in about half an hour. The brigade major then made himself
acquainted with the instructions issued by his commander during
his absence.
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED IN, AND ACTION OF, THE IST INFANTRY
BRIGADE.
We will now turn to the 1st Inf. Bde. (Body Guard Inf. Eegt. —
1st Inf. Eegt.). The orderly officer sent from divisional headquarters,
at 10 a.m. had met the brigadier at the head of the 4 battalions of
his brigade in Stachussried, just as the latter was about to ride
forward in order to get touch with the divisional commander at
Aufhausen. In consequence of the order: — "to form up the brigade
in the wood 1 kilometre north-east of Sollern, on both sides of the
Jetzendorf — Petershausen road, and be at the disposal of the
divisional commander," he had directed his march at once on Thann.
At 12 noon, when the brigade major (adjutant) of the llth Inf. Bde.
reached the 1st Inf. Bde., the whole of the latter brigade was
assembled at the place ordered, the 2 battalions of the 1st Inf. Eegt.
having marched in from Aufhausen by way of Kreithof.
The Body Guard Inf. Eegt. was north, and the 1st Inf. Eegt.
south, of the Jetzendorf — Petershausen road. The brigade was
drawn up as follows: — Each regiment had 2 battalions, at 100 metres
interval, with the head at the edge of the wood, and 1 battalion
37
Echeloned to the flank, at 200 metres interval and distance. The
machine gun companies of both regiments were in column of route,
that of the 1st Inf. Eegt. leading, on the Jetzendorf — Petershausen
road, about 1,500 metres from the south-east edge of the wood. The
battalions were drawn up in column of squads. The brigadier was
on the road between the regiments, the regimental commanders being
with him, and was engaged in issuing orders for observation and
protection.
S.A.A. carts, telephone detachments, and led horses were with
their battalions. The field kitchens were behind the machine gun
companies under a supply officer, and had been told to halt on the
road inside the wood until further orders.
The brigade major (adjutant) of the llth Inf. Bde. arrived
shortly after midday with the divisional order given above. A few
minutes afterwards an orderly officer sent direct from divisional
headquarters brought a second copy.
The brigadier thereupon issued the following verbal order to his
regimental commanders, who were with him, at 12.30 p.m. :—
" The enemy is holding the far bank of the Glonn ; his right is
at present at Asbach. He is entrenching between Asbach and
Kollbach. A strong force of hostile cavalry is south of Petershausen.
The 1st Inf. Div. is holding the near bank of the Glonn from Peters-
hausen to Wasenhof. The llth Inf. Bde., which is nearest to us,
has its left at Wasenhof. The 2nd Chevaulegers Eegt. is at Peters-
hausen station. One section of the llth Inf. Bde. is holding Peters-
hausen bridge.
" The right flank of the army is victorious ; the whole army will
attack.
" The 2nd Inf. Bde. is moving on Jedenhofen and east of that
place, the llth Inf. Bde. on Asbach.
"The 1st Inf. Bde. will seize hill 496, west of Kollbach, and
Kollbach.
" The brigade will deploy on either side of the road to Petershausen.
The 1st Inf , Eegt. will be on the right ; the Body Guard Inf. Eegt.
will have one battalion on the left connecting with the 1st Inf. Eegt.
The brigade will move through Petershausen and attack the line
indicated. The 1st Inf. Eegt. will have its left on the line Peters-
hausen— Kollbach road — hill 496, and will take up 800 metres of
front. The battalion of the Body Guard Inf. Eegt. will move on
Kollbach church tower, frontage 300 metres.
"The remainder of the Body Guard Inf. Eegt. will take up a
covered position at Petershausen station, and be at my disposal.
" The medical personnel and material will be at the disposal of the
regimental medical officer of the 1st Inf. Eegt., who will control the
medical services of the brigade. Dressing station at Petershausen ;
chief dressing station at Aufhausen ; collecting station for slightly
wounded at Edenpfaffenhofen.
" Empty S.A.A. carts to Sollern under a cyclist officer of the Body
Guard Inf. Eegt. Field kitchens remain in the wood north-west of
Petershausen. Brigade orders will be issued as to bringing them up.
"Brigade headquarters will be at Petershausen station. Eegi-
ments will arrange signalling communication with that place."
38
IST INFANTE Y EEGIMENT.
The commander of the 1st Inf. Eegt. issued the following orders,
at 12.45 p.m., to his battalion commanders and the regimental
medical officer, who had been sent for at once : —
" 1. The medical personnel and material will be at the disposal of
the regimental medical officer, who will superintend the medical
services of the brigade. The brigade will deploy for attack against
hill 496, west of Kollbach, and Kollbach. Dressing station at
Petershausen ; chief dressing station at Aufhausen ; collecting
station for slightly wounded at Edenpfaffenhofeii;
" 2. The 1st Bn. will advance on Petershausen with its left on the
road ; the 2nd Bn. will be on the right of the 1st Bn., at 400 metres
interval. Petershausen is the large village in front of us ; the regi-
ment will move through it as far as the southern edge, but will not
advance beyond it.
" Patrols will be sent ahead to hill 496, west of Kollbach.
" The 3rd Bn. will follow behind the centre, at 500 metres distance,
as far as the north edge of Petershausen.
" The machine gun company will be in rear on the road. The Body
Guard Inf. Eegt. is moving east of the road.
" Battalion commanders and the commander of the machine gun
company will come to me, as soon as possible, to the mill at the
southern edge of Petershausen."
3. Verbal order issued to the battalion commanders and the
commander of the machine gun company at the mill at 1 p.m.
" The right flank of the army is victorious, the whole army will
attack. The llth Inf. Bde., immediately on our right, is advancing
on Asbach, the village which can be seen on the right flank in front
of the railway embankment.
"The flat hill straight in front of us is the hill 496, west of
Kollbach. \ The church tower visible to its left belongs to Kollbach.
" This hill, which is entrenched, is the objective of the regiment
"The 2nd Bn. will deploy on the edge of the village on the right,
the 1st Bn. on the left. Battalions will, on my signal, advance
simultaneously to the attack. Frontage of each battalion 400 metres.
" The left flank of the 1st Bn. will move on the Petershausen —
Kollbach road, it will connect with the Body Guard Inf. Eegt. which
is advancing on the far side of the road'. The 3rd Bn. and the
machine gun company will remain at the northern edge of Peters-
hausen at my disposal. The battalion will observe towards
Ziegelberg and Asbach, and keep in touch with the front line. The
telephone detachment of the 3rd Bn. will be sent to me at the
mill.
" Eegimental headquarters will be at the mill."
BODY GUAED INFANTEY EEGIMENT.
Meanwhile, the following orders had been issued verbally in the
Body Guard Inf. Eegt. at 12.45 p.m., shortly after receipt of the
brigade order, to the commander of the 1st Bn. : —
" The right flank of the army is victorious, the army will
attack.
39
" The 1st Inf. Bde. forms the left flank of the 1st Inf. Div., and
will attack through Petershausen and Kollbach on hill 496, west of
Kollbach. The 1st Inf. Kegt. will deploy south of this road, the
1st Bn., Body Guard Inf. Kegt., north of the road. This battalion
will connect with the 1st Inf. Regt.
" The battalion will advance through Petershausen, with its right
on the Petershausen — Kollbach road and its centre on Kollbach
church, and will attack Frontage 300 metres.
" The remainder of the regiment is in brigade reserve at Peters-
hausen station.
"A detachment of the llth Inf. Bde. is at Petershausen bridge.
The 2nd Chevaulegers Eegt. is at Petershausen station. Empty S.A. A.
carts to Sollern. Medical personnel and material will be sent to
the regimental medical officer, 1st Inf. Eegt. Dressing station for the
whole brigade is at Petershausen."
The commander of the 1st Bn., Body Guard Inf. Eegt., then gave
the following instructions to his adjutant : —
" Have the ammunition issued from the S.A. A. carts. Then send
the carts to Sollern. Send the medical personnel and material to the
medical officer of the 1st Inf. Eegt., which is on our right.
" Then have the battalion drawn up north of this road, and direct it
on the further edge of Petershausen.
" No. 1 Coy. will be on the road level with the 1st Inf. Eegt. with
which it will connect ; No. 2 Coy. on the left at 200 metres interval
both companies in front line.
" Nos. 3 and 4 Coys, will be in second line, Echeloned to the left at
200 metres distance and interval.
" The telephone detachment will follow No. 3 Coy. Patrols will
be sent through Petershausen to Kollbach.
" Company commanders will come with me to Petershausen."
The battalion commander reached the outskirts of Petershausen, at
the point where the road to Kollbach leaves the village, shortly before
1 p.m. with his company commanders. The party first examined the
ground. There was a fairly extended view along the Glonn valley to
the north-east. It was possible to recognize Goppertshausen on the
north bank and Glonbercha on the south bank. The outlook to the
south was less extensive. It is true that the valley itself, as far as
the point where the hills on the south bank begin, was open to
view, but the upper part of the hills themselves was not visible. The
prolongation of the Petershausen road eastwards could be followed
along a flat valley, behind which the church tower of Kollbach was
visible. A small group of houses (Hockhof) could be seen west of
the road, at the point where the valley mentioned above bends
down towards the Glonn. Above Hockhof a flat-topped hill, hill 496,
could be seen.
At first nothing was to be seen of the enemy, but an observation
post of the section of the llth Inf. Bde., part of which had been
pushed forward to the bridge, while the remainder was in a covered
position on the edge of the village, reported that strong bodies of
hostile cavalry had been a short time before at Hockhof; that the
enemy had been busily entrenching for the last hour on the hills west
of Kollbach ; and that during the same period a number of infantry
patrols had been moving towards Petershausen.
40
The section commander reported that he was only waiting for the
1st Inf. Bde. to advance from Petershausen, to rejoin his brigade.
The battalion commander then turned to his company commanders
and issued the following orders at 1.10 p.m. : —
" The right flank of the army is victorious. The whole army will
attack. The 1st Inf. Div. forms the left flank. The 1st Inf. Eegt. is
advancing on our right against the flat- topped hill with the small
bush in front of it. The 2nd and 3rd Bns., Body Guard Inf. Regt., are
in brigade reserve at Petershausen station. The 1st Bu., Body Guard
Inf. Regt., will seize Kollbach, the church tower of which is visible in
prolongation of the line of this road. The church tower is the
objective of the centre of the battalion in the advance. No. 1 Coy.
will move with its right on the road, No. 2 Coy. will be on the left,
both companies in first line, the frontage of each company being
100 metres. Strong patrols will be sent in advance.
" Nos. 3 and 4 Coys, with a telephone detachment will follow under
my orders in Echelon from the left, and will advance through the
plantation in front of us.
" No. 3 Coy. will send an officer's patrol towards Weissling, and
will have a strong flank patrol. The dressing station is at
Petershausen."
The commander of the Body Guard Inf. Regt. issued the following
order at the same time to his 2nd and 3rd Bns. which were approach-
ing Petershausen station : —
"The 2nd Bn. will halt with its head opposite the station
building. The 3rd Bn. will form up on the left at 100 metres
interval. Columns will be closed up to 200 metres. The machine
gun company will halt under cover between the railway crossing west
of the station and the railway buildings. Battalion and company
commanders will then come to the station. The 2nd Bn. will also
send a signalling party there."
The situation was then explained to the battalion and company
commanders. The 2nd Bn. was directed to watch and reconnoitre
the line Hockhof — Glonbercha, the 3rd Bn. to do the same on the line
Glonbercha — Mitter-Marbach. The regimental adjutant placed a
signalling station on the roof of the station building to get connection
with the signallers of the llth Inf. Bde. at Ziegelberg. He watched
with his glasses the ground on which the brigade was deploying for
the attack.
ORDERS ISSUED IN THE lOra INFANTRY REGIMENT.
We will now return to the llth Inf. Bde. The brigadier had
seen the 1st Inf. Bde. moving down towards Petershausen between
12.45 and 1 p.m. He then issued the written order given above to
his regiments so that they should receive it at 1 p.m. The orders
issued in consequence by the 10th Inf. Regt., which had one battalion
at Wasenhof, and the remainder of the regiment assembled east of
Ziegelberg, were as follows : —
Verbal order issued at 1.10 p.m. to the commanders of 2nd and
3rd Bns., 10th Inf. Regt,
" The right flank of the army is victorious. The whole army will
attack, the 1st Inf. Div. forming the left flank.
41
" The enemy has occupied Asbach in strength, and has reserves east
of Asbach.
" The 13th Inf. Eegt. will advance on our right with its left on
Asbach. The 1st Inf. Bde. will advance through Petershausen, the
large village in the valley on the left, against the flat-topped hill
behind which the church cower of Kollbach is visible.
"The 10th Inf. Kegt. will seize Asbach, and the small hill,
200 metres east of Asbach, on the far side of the railway. The 2nd
Bn. will deploy with its right 150 metres east of Wasenhof, where the
1st Bn. is, and with its left on the railway. It will advance to the
attack on Asbach. Subsequently, the direction of the right flank
will be on Asbach church.
" The 1st Bn. will join in this attack at the proper moment.
" The 3rd Bn., less N"os. 11 and 12 Coys., will cross the railway at
the crossing west of Petershausen, and deploy for attack with its
right on the railway embankment. It will advance on the small hill
200 metres east of Asbach in echelon from the right. It will keep
touch with the 1st Inf. Bde.
" The machine gun company will gain the railway embankment
behind the 3rd Bn., it will advance along the railway embankment
to the attack. Nos. 11 and 12 Coys, will move to the railway
crossing to be in brigade reserve.
" Empty S.A.A. carts to Ziegelberg.
" I will accompany the 2nd Bn. in its attack along the railway
embankment, and be 300 metres behind the front line. The 2nd and
3rd Bns. will arrange connecting files with me. One signalling
party from the 2nd Bn. will be sent to regimental headquarters.
The dressing station is at Ziegelberg."
A message which ran as follows was sent by orderly to the 1st
Bn. 10th Inf. Eegt. :-—
" 23.XL, 1.15 p.m.
" 1. The right flank of the army is victorious, the army will
attack.
" 2. The 2nd and 3rd Bns., 10th Inf. Eegt., are advancing on
Asbach on both sides of the embankment. The right of the
2nd Bn. will be 150 metres east of Wasenhof. Thence it
will move on Asbach church.
" 3. The 1st Bn. will join in this attack at the proper moment.
The objective of its right will be Asbach bridge. The 13th
Inf. Eegt. is advancing west of Asbach.
" 4. Eegimental headquarters are on the embankment behind the
2nd Bn. Get communication with them from Wasenhof
by signal."
The commander of the 2nd Bn., 10th Inf. Eegt., issued the following
verbal order to his company commanders* at 1.15 p.m. : —
" 1. Empty the S.A.A. carts and send them to Ziegelberg ; led
horses to the same place."
* The battalion was drawn up in the valley about 300 metres north-east of
Ziegelberg, facing south-east. The four companies were drawn up in line of
columns of squads, at 20 paces interval, in the following order from the west :
Nos. 5, 6, 7 and 8 Coys.
42
" 2. Medical personnel and material will be sent to the regimental
medical officer.
" 3. (Assuming that the company commanders have made them-
selves familiar with the country.)
" The right flank of the army is victorious, the whole army will
attack, with the 1st Division on the left flank. Asbach is held in
strength and the enemy has reserves east of that place. The 1st Bn.,
10th Inf. Regt., is advancing on Asbach on our right. Our 3rd Bn.
is moving on our left on the far side of the railway against hill 200,
east of Asbach. The 1st Inf. Bde. is attacking still further to the
east.
"The battalion will advance for 500 metres towards the railway,
and will deploy to the right. Objective Asbach.
" Nos. 6, 7, and 8 Coys, will be in first line. No. 6 Coy. will connect
with the 3rd Bn. and move with its left on the railway. The
battalion will attack Asbach from the railway on the left to the church
on the right, frontage of each company 150 metres.
" No. 5 Coy. will form the battalion reserve, at the gravel pit near
the railway embankment, and will keep communication with No. 6
Coy. by means of connecting files.
" The machine gun company will follow No. 6 Coy. and support the
attack. The signallers of No. 6 Coy. will be sent to regimental
headquarters.
" I will order the deployment of the companies and afterwards be
with No. 5 Coy.
" No. 6 Coy. will remain close to No. 5 Coy. while the change of
direction to the left is being carried out. Nos. 7 and 8 Coys, will
advance at 150 metres distance between companies.
" The telephone detachment will join No. 5 Coy. It will then
follow under escort of the machine gun company, which is moving
along the embankment. The dressing station for the 10th Inf. Bde.
is at Ziegelberg.
" Move off by companies."
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITUATION UP TO 2 P.M.
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED IN, AND ACTION OF, THE IST
INFANTRY BRIGADE.
The fire fight had remained stationary opposite the 13th Inf.
Eegt. The 3rd Bn. of that regiment was very heavily engaged, for
the enemy opposite to it had established himself within 500 metres,
in good cover amongst the bushes and along the bank of the Glonn.
The losses in the 3rd Bn. were considerable, for the enemy was
shooting well and the battalion had not much cover. It had only
been possible to deepen the ditch along the road slightly, as the
battalion had become heavily engaged at once.
The 1st Bn., 10th Inf. Regt., which extended the left of the 13th
Inf. Bde. as far as Wasenhof, had for a time opened fire on Asbach, but
owing to the length of the range this fire was soon stopped. When
the order to attack arrived at 1.20 p.m., the right flank had been left
in position, but the left flank and centre advanced further into the
valley, changing direction on Asbach. At 1.30 p.m. 3 companies
43
were deployed in the front line, and were firing on the part of
Asbach designated as the objective of the attack. The firing lines of
the 2nd Bn., 10th Inf. Eegt., were at that time on the left of the 1st
Bn., in the area between Wasenhof and the railway, and had opened
fire on the part of Asbach east of the church, which was not strongly
held.
The enemy had deployed a fresh firing line, which was, however,
not very strong. It was lying partly in trenches and partly in the
open on the far side of the railway. This firing line became engaged
with the skirmishers of the 1st Inf. Eegt. advancing from Peters-
hausen, and with the right of the 3rd Bn., 10th Inf. Eegt., which
was on the railway embankment. At this period the position of the
attackers ran generally along the lane leading from Asbach to
Hockhof. There was a gap of 150 metres between the 3rd Bn., 10th
Inf. Eegt,, and the 1st Inf. Eegt.
A very heavy fire fight soon developed here. There was no news
at the headquarters of the Body Guard Inf. Eegt. of the 1st Bn. of the
regiment, which was engaged on the far side of the Petershausen —
Kollbach road.
The 7th F.A. Eegt., in position east of Aufhausen, directed a
heavy fire upon Asbach. The artillery AUeilung at Ziegelberg
was enfilading the enemy's firing lines on the far side of the railway
embankment. At 1.45 p.m. fire broke out at several points in
Asbach.
The regimental commander was informed by the 3rd Bn., 13th
Inf. Eegt., that the battalion was beginning to run short of ammu-
nition. The commander of the 13th Inf. Eegt. therefore sent the
following order to the commander of his 1st Bn. at 1.50 p.m. : —
" Issue the ammunition in your S.A.A. carts to one of your
companies, and send that company forward so that it is distributed
over the whole front of the 3rd Bn., in order to supply that battalion
with ammunition. Empty S.A.A. carts of all battalions to
Ziegelberg."
At 2 p.m. it was seen that the attack of the 10th Inf. Eegt., and
also that of the 1st Inf. Eegt. on the far side of the embankment was
gaining ground. The commander of the 13th Inf. Eegt. therefore
sent the following message by signal to the front line of his regi-
ment : —
" Left flank of 3rd Bn. will attack west of Kollbach, right flank
of 2nd Bn. will connect with 2nd Inf. Bde."
The following information as to the position beyond the railway
line had been obtained at the headquarters of the llth Inf. Bde. at
Ziegelberg and at the headquarters of the 1st Inf. Bde. at Peters-
hausen station : —
Shortly before the firing lines of the 1st Inf. Bde. had emerged
from Petershausen, hostile firing lines had been seen advancing over
hill 496. These firing lines descended part of the slope towards the
Glonn, and took up a position just north of the Asbach — Kollbach
lane. The 1st Inf. Eegt. came very soon under the fire of this firing
line, which was, however, not very strong. Its firing line lay down
level with the Asbach — Hockhof lane, and advanced then by rushes
towards the enemy's position. By 1.45 p.m. the left had got beyond
Hockhof.
44
The fire fight here soon became heavy. The 1st Bn., Body
Guard Inf. Eegt., had been seen to disappear among the hills on the far
bank of the Glonn, but no message had been received from it. The
battalion, therefore, appeared to have met no serious obstacle in its
advance on Kollbach. The 2nd Chevaulegers Eegt. had crossed
Petershausen bridge behind the 1st Bn., Body Guard Inf. Eegt., and had
advanced in the direction of Glonbercha and Kammerberg.
Shortly before 1.45 p.m., the commander of the 1st Inf. Bde. sent
the following order to the commander of the Body Guard Inf.
Eegt. :—
" I place at your disposal the 2 battalions and the machine gun
company which are here. Advance across the Glonri valley and
occupy Kollbach. Observe and protect the left flank.
" Brigade headquarters will be at Petershausen at the exit of the
road to Kollbach."
The commander of the Body Guard Inf. Eegt. then issued the
following verbal order at 1.50 p.m. : —
" The regiment will advance and extend the left of the 1st Bn.
which is attacking on Kollbach church. The advance will be
directed on the centre of Kollbach. Kollbach is to be captured.
" The 2nd Bn. will advance across the Glonn valley, and will
move on Kollbach, with its right in the wood which can be seen
on the other side of the valley. It will get connection with the 1st Bn.
Strong patrols will be sent on at once through the plantation.
Frontage 400 metres.
" The 3rd Bn. will follow in Echelon on the left, at 300 metres
interval and distance, and be at my disposal. Eegimental head-
quarters will accompany this battalion. It will observe towards
Weissling and Waltenhofen.
" The machine gun company will cross the Glonn at Petershausen,
follow the 2nd Bn. and support the attack.
" The 2iid Chevaulegers is either in front of us, or on our left
flank."
The Body Guard Inf. Eegt. was approaching the hills on the far
bank of the Glonn about 2 p.m. when the adjutant of the 1st Bn.
was seen running back, and asking for the regimental commander.
Scattered infantry fire was heard from the direction of Kollbach,
but a loud roar of battle came from the direction of Hockhof.
The adjutant of the 1st Bn. reported as follows : —
" Kollbach is ours. Two companies hold the southern edge, and
two companies are engaged on the western edge with the right flank of
the enemy on hill 496. They are in close touch with the 1st Inf.
Eegt. The enemy appears to be deploying a weak reserve from
Piflitz towards Kollbach.
" The capture of Kollbach took place almost without a struggle.
We came under some fire in advancing out of the small plantation at
Kollbach, but then captured the village at the first rush. We took
about 100 of the enemy's dragoons prisoners."
The regimental commander then gave the following verbal order
to the 2nd Bn., Body Guard Inf. Eegt. :—
" Kollbach is taken ; the 1st Bn. at the south-west corner of the
village is engaged with the enemy's right. Join in this attack.
The machine gun company is placed under your orders.
45
" The 3rd Bn. will be at rny disposal in the eastern part of
Kollbach."
Events developed in this part of the battlefield as follows : —
The participation of the 2nd Bn., Body Guard Inf. Eegt., in the
attack on hill 496 compelled the enemy's flank, which was already
turned sharply back at this point, to give way. By 2.30 p.m. the
enemy had begun to retire, and a few minutes afterwards it was seen
from the western edge of Kollbach that the whole of the enemy's
line on hill 496 was withdrawing in a southerly direction. As this
retirement came under the enfilade fire of some companies of the 1st
and 2nd Bns., Body Guard Inf. Eegt., and also of the machine gun
company it soon grew confused and turned into a night, the more so
as it came under the fire of the AUeiiung of the 7th F.A. Eegt.,
which was in action at Ziegelberg.
The 1st Inf. Eegt. followed the enemy closely and pursued his
firing lines, part of which was retiring on to the Eettenberg road
and part on the woods north of Yierkirchen, with fire from hill
496. The portions of the Body Guard Inf. Eegt. at the southern
edge of Kollbach also directed its fire upon them. The fire of the two
machine gun companies which were in the centre of the infantry
line was particularly effective.
A weak attack coming from the direction of Piflitz, apparently
delivered by dismounted cavalry, was easily driven off. The 2nd
Chevaulegers surprised and charged this portion of the enemy and
completed his annihilation.
When the commander of the 1st Inf. Bde. reached Kollbach
shortly before 2.45 p.m., he found 2-| battalions and the machine gun
company deployed along the Asbach — Kollbach road ; 2 companies
were following by way of Hockhof.
Parts of the 1st and 2nd Bns. of the Body Guard Inf. Eegt. near
Kollbach church, and part of the machine gun company, were
pursuing the enemy with fire from the southern edge of the village.
The 3rd Bn. was in the eastern part of the village at the disposal
of the regimental commander.
Thin hostile firing lines were seen, from the position of the 1st
Inf. Eegt,, climbing the opposite slopes, some slowly, others quickly.
Two companies, who were retiring east of the Eettenbach road,
had just disappeared behind the hill south of Kollbach. The 2nd
Chevaulegers appeared to be engaged with hostile cavalry in the
direction of Piflitz.
At 2.45 p.m. the 2nd AUeiiung, 7th F.A. Eegt., appeared from
the direction of Petershausen on hill 496, unlimbered in the middle of
the firing lines of the 1st Inf. Eegt., being greeted with cheers by the
infantry, and opened fire on the enemy who were retiring on the
woods north of Vierkirchen.
In these circumstances the brigadier gave the following verbal
order, at 2.50 p.m., to his regimen cal commanders who were with
him: —
" The brigade will pursue the enemy, who is retiring on both
sides of the Kollbach — Eettenbach road ; the 1st Inf. Eegt. will be
west, and the Body Guard Inf. Eegt. east of the road. Next
objective the southern edge of the woods in front. The Body Guard
Inf. Eegt., will leave 6 companies at Kollbach at my disposal. The
46
artillery will support and accompany the advance of the brigade. The
2nd Chevaulegers are on the left front near Piflitz. Brigade head-
quarters will be on the Kollbach — Eettenbach road."
The orderly officer of the brigade then brought the following
verbal order to the 2nd Abteilung, 7th F.A. Eegt. : —
" The commander of the 1st Inf. Bde. commands in this portion
of the battle-field until the divisional commander arrives.
" The 1st Inf. Bde. is pursuing the retreating enemy on both sides
of the Kollbach — Eettenbach road.
"The 2nd Abteilung, 7th F.A. Kegt., will support and
accompany the advance of the brigade.
" Brigade headquarters will be on the Kollbach — Eettenbach
road."
The brigade major (adjutant) had, meanwhile, prepared the
following message, which was sent by the orderly officer to-
divisional headquarters : —
To the 1st Inf. Div. at Aufhausen. Kollbach.
" 23. XL 2.45 p.m.
" Kollbach and hill 496, west of Kollbach, have been captured.
" The 1st Inf. Bde. and the 2nd Abteilung, 7th F.A. Eegt., are-
pursuing the retreating enemy on both sides of the Kollbach—
Eettenbach road. The enemy's right is on that road.
"The 2nd Chevaulegers have made a successful charge near
Piflitz, and are covering the left flank of the brigade.
" Brigade headquarters will be on the Kollbach — Eettenbach road.
"Will endeavour to get signalling connection with Aufhausen
from Kollbach church.
x.,
" Major-General, commanding Brigade."
An orderly was sent with the following written message to the
2nd Chevaulegers Eegt. : —
" Kollbach, 23. XL, 2.50 p.m.
" I have taken over command on the flank until the arrival of the
divisional commander. The 1st Inf. Bde. is pursuing the retreating
enemy on both sides of the Kollbach — Eettenbach road.
" Cover my left flank and accompany the advance.
" It is especially important to reconnoitre through Kammerberg
towards Eettenbach — Weidenhof — Biberbach.
" Keep communication with brigade headquarters on the Kollbach
— Eettenbach road.
X.,
" Major-General, commanding Brigade."
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY, AND ACTION OF, THE DIVISIONAL
HEADQUARTERS.
We will now turn to the divisional headquarters and examine its
action from the moment when the divisional commander gave the
order for the attack. This order was sent to the 2nd Inf. Bde. by
telephone, and to the llth and 1st Inf. Bdes. by flag, a second copy was
also sent to the latter by an orderly officer.
The divisional commander then moved to the hill north of
47
Ebersbach, in order to get a better view of the battle-field. An
officer of the staff and the divisional flag were left at the old position
to point out the way to the divisional commander.
At noon an officer from the army corps headquarters arrived and
reported that one infantry and one artillery ammunition column
would be at Eglersried at 2 p.m., at the disposal of the 1st Inf. Div.,
and 2 field hospitals at 1 p.m. at Edenpfaffenhofen.
The divisional medical officer proposed to establish one field
hospital at Aufhausen, where the chief dressing station was already
overcrowded, in order that he might be able to free the personnel
and material as early as possible. He also proposed to keep the
second field hospital for the present at Edenpfaffenhofen as a reserve.
The divisional commander agreed and directed the divisional medical
officer to issue the necessary instructions.
As regards the empty S.A.A. carts of the brigades engaged,
reports had been received that those of the 2nd Bde. were at
Edenpfaffenhofen, of the llth Bde. at Ziegelberg, and of the 1st Bde.
at Sollern.
The 2nd Inf. Bde., which had been in action throughout the fore-
noon, had reported by telephone that it was beginning to run short of
ammunition.
The general staff officer prepared the following written orders on
message forms between 12.30 and 1 p.m.
1. To 1st Inf. Am. Col. and 1st Arty. Am. Col. at Eglersried.
"Aufhausen 23. XL, 12.45 p.m.
"Both Am. Cols, are under the 1st Inf. Div. (at Aufhausen).
The Inf. Am. Col. will leave four sections at Eglersried to fill up the
S.A.A. carts of the 2nd Inf. Bde. which have been ordered to that
place. The remainder will move by Thann to Sollern and Ziegelberg,
where they will issue their ammunition to the S.A.A. carts of the
llth and 1st Inf. Bdes. Issue of ammunition to be expedited.
" The Arty. Am. Col. will move to Edenpfaffenhofen and be at the
disposal of the 1st F.A. Bde.
"(1st Inf. Div.)"
2. To the commander, 1st F.A. Bde.
"Aufhausen 23. XL 12.45 p.m.
" 1st Arty. Am. Col. will reach Edenpfaffenhofen at 2 p.m. and
will be under the 1st F.A. Bde. for ammunition supply."
3. 4, 5. Corresponding messages were sent to the 2nd, llth and
1st Inf. Bdes.
From his position the divisional commander had gathered the
following information as to the development of the situation : —
The 2nd Inf. Bde. had gained ground to the front from Ebersbach,
and was engaged in a heavy fire fight with the enemy's firing lines,
which had taken cover in the bushes, etc., along the Glonn. The
distance between the opposing lines was between 400 and 500 metres.
The left flank of the brigade, which was drawn slightly back, was in
touch with the 2nd Bn., 13th Inf. Eegt. Here the distance between
the lines was somewhat greater and the fire was less intense. But
about 1 p.m. the noise of battle increased here too to a noticeable
extent. About 1.30 p.m. the firing lines of the 13th Inf. Eegt.
began to work forward, and gained ground slowly but steadily. The
48
advance of the 10th Inf. Eegt. between the railway and Wasenhof had
been observed some time previously.
Hostile firing lines were seen deployed beyond Asbach. These
were opposing the attack of the 1st Inf. Bde. Part of the 1st F.A.
Kegt. was in position south of Aufhausen, engaged with hostile
artillery at Jedenhofen. The greater part of the regiment, however,
was supporting the attack of the 2nd Inf. Bde., and was distributing
its shrapnel over the whole of the front opposed to that brigade.
The 1st Abteihmg, 7th F.A. Eegt., was firing from the heights
east of Aufhausen at Asbach, which, by 1.45 p.m., had been set on
fire at various points. By 2 p.m. the firing lines of the 13th and
10th Inf. Eegts. had encircled Asbach on all sides, and were barely
200 metres from the edge of that place. Some of the attackers
appeared to have penetrated the village at certain points. The
1st Abteilung, 7th F.A. Eegt., had changed its target and was
directing its fire on the enemy's firing lines outside the village.
By 2.30 p.m., the enemy opposed to the 2nd Inf. Bde. and the
right of the 13th Inf. Eegt. had been pushed back to Jedenhofen,
and the heights between that place and Asbach, the attackers
following down to and over the Glonn. Part of the 13th Inf. Eegt.
had pushed into the southern portion of Asbach, and a fierce fight
was raging in the village. At that moment the 1st Divisional Adjutant
who was watching with his glasses the country about Asbach, said : —
" The enemy is retiring from hill 496."
Long firing lines were seen descending the slope of hill 496,
moving south. They came at once under fire of the 2nd Abteilunp,
7th F.A. Eegt. Shortly afterwards a signalling party was seen at
work on the church tower of Kollbach, which was clearly visible.
The message was read with the help of glasses arid ran as follows : —
" Kollbach captured, the enemy is retiring south. 1st Inf. Bde."
Soon after the enemy's firing lines had begun to retire, the
attacking firing lines appeared on hill 496, and were seen to be
pursuing the enemy with fire. About 2.45 p.m. artillery was seen
to come into action in the middle of these firing lines and to open fire
in a southerly direction. It was assumed that the 2nd Abteilung,
7th F.A. Eegt., which had originally been in position at Ziegelberg,
had taken up a new position on the south bank of the Glonn.
In Asbach, too, things grew quieter. Single men were seen
retiring eastward. The fire in the village slackened. Companies
were seen assembling at the edge of the village, and these were
recognized to be part of the attacking force.
About 3 p.m., the divisional commander sent an adjutant to the
artillery commander of the division with the following order : —
" The enemy's right is giving way. Asbach, hill 496, and
Kollbach, have been captured. The 2nd Abteilung, 7th F.A. Eegt.,
is already on hill 496. The division will continue its attack on the
far bank of the Glonn.
" The whole of the artillery will change position as soon as possible
to the heights on the far bank and will support the further attack of
the division.
" Divisional headquarters, are going to hill 496, west of Kollbach."
An officer was then left near Aufhausen, the motor cars were
ordered to Kollbach by way of Petershausen, and divisional head-
49
quarters then galloped off' to Asbach, whither the telephone detachment
was also ordered.
Just before reaching Asbach, the commanders of the llth Inf.
Bde. and of the 10th Inf. Regt. were met on their way to that place.
The brigadier reported as follows : —
"Asbach has been taken. The greater part of the 10th Inf. Regt.
and about 6 companies of the 13th Inf. Regt. are in the place. I have
ordered the latter companies to assemble outside the village.
" The garrison of Asbach, about 2 battalions strong, has been
captured. There are about 1,000 unwounded prisoners of the enemy's
40th Inf. Regt. There are a large number of wounded in Asbach.
It is urgently necessary to establish a dressing station at that place.
The brigade does not, however, possess the necessary personnel and
material for this."
Thereupon the divisional commander issued the following
orders : —
A. Verbally to the senior medical officer of the division who was
riding with him : —
" See to the wounded in Asbach. The personnel and material of
the chief dressing station must, by this time, have been relieved by
No. 1 Field Hospital. No. 2 Field Hospital will only be employed
if it is absolutely necessary. Report the steps you take to me at
Kollbach."
B. Verbal order to the commander of the llth Irlf. Bde. : —
"The division will continue to push the enemy in a southerly
direction with the 1st Inf. Bde., which has captured Kollbach and
hill 496, west of that place. The 2nd Inf. Bde. will also continue its
attack. The llth Inf. Bde., except that part which is in the firing
line, will assemble at Asbach and form the divisional reserve. All
prisoners will be sent to Asbach. Report the strength and position
of the brigade as soon as possible to Kollbacb, whither divisional
headquarters are now riding."
The divisional commander arrived at Kollbach, at the exit of the
Rettenbach road, at 3.30 p.m. There the commander of the 1st Inf.
Bde. reported to him what had happened up to 3.15 p.m., and also
the steps he had taken. The divisional commander expressed his
concurrence in the latter.
The following view was obtainable from hill 496 : —
Below, to the right, the Glonn valley from Petershausen as far as
the neighbourhood of Weichs was in view. The whole of Asbach,
which was in flames, could be overlooked, but a spur, which runs
parallel with hill 496 and projects south of Asbach like a tongue
into the Glonn valley, hid the ground round Jedenhofen. This spur,
which is somewhat lower than hill 496, was in full view, but the
valley which runs south of it, in which begin the woods crowning
hili 481, north of Vierkirchen, could not be seen. The northern edge
of these woods was not in view. Behind hill 496, which is entirely
covered with woods and not sharply defined, is a bare hill, point
506, south-west of Rettenbach, and east and west of it are church
towers, that on the right belonging to Vierkirchen, that on the left to
Rettenbach. About 500 metres of the road running south from
Kollbach to Rettenbach were in view, the road then disappeared
behind the ridge mentioned above. East of the road lies hilly country
(B 760) D
50
visible as far as Piflitz, a hamlet consisting of a few houses on
an isolated hill. Beyond Piflitz a church tower believed to be
that of Kammerberg was to be seen. There was nothing more of
the enemy to be seen. In front, on the ridge running parallel with
hill 496, the firing lines of the 1st Inf. Bde. could be discerned
firing southwards at an enemy who appeared to be holding the
northern edges of the above mentioned woods. On the right of
the 1st Inf. Eegt. the firing lines of the 3rd Bn., 10th Inf. Eegt.,
extended as far as the railway. Beyond the railway embankment in
the Glonn valley parts of the 2nd Inf. Bde. could be seen near the
foot of the hills on the near bank. It therefore appeared that the
trenches east of Jedenhofen, which the enemy had recently occupied,
were not yet captured.
At 3.45 p.m. the 1st Abteilung, 7th F.A. Eegt., came into action
on hill 496 alongside the 2nd AUeilung, and turned ite fire on the
woods. Fire was controlled by telephone from the ridge on which
were the firing lines of the 1st Inf. Eegt. The 1st F.A. Eegt. was
still firing at Jedenhofen from its old position. A few troopers of
the 2nd Chevaulegers were seen near Piflitz looking out to the west,
but nothing was visible of the main body of the regiment. The 2nd Inf.
Bde. reported that it had not yet been able to take the enemy's
trenches east of Jedenhofen, but that it hoped to storm them shortly.
The 16th Inf. Eegt. had entered Jedenhofen and was engaged in a
fierce fight in that place. Farther to the west, the 2nd Inf. Div.
seemed to be making good progress.
The commander of the llth Inf. Bde. reported that he had
4 battalions, each of about 600 men, available at the railway embank-
ment north-east of Asbach. He added that the 1st Bn., 13th Inf.
Eegt., was engaged alongside the 2nd Inf. Bde. ; that one battalion
10th Inf. Eegt. was in action alongside the 1st Inf. Bde. with its
right on the railway ; that one company was guarding about 1,000
prisoners who had been placed in Asbach church ; and that parts of
the medical company and field hospital had come up.
At 4 p.m. the front lines of the 1st Inf. Eegt. and of the Body
Guard Inf. Eegt. reported that the enemy in the woods was beginning
to give way. The adjutant, who was watching the 2nd Inf. Bde., also
observed that it was moving forward.
The divisional commander then issued the following order at 4.30
p.m., the commanders of the 1st Inf. Bde. and of the 7th F.A. Eegt.
being present ; six copies were also made by two officers provided with
copying materials :—
'•' Kollbach, 23. XI, 4.30 p.m.
" Divisional order, No. 3, for 23. XI.
" 1. The enemy's right has been driven back from the line
Asbach — Kollbach, and is retiring through the woods south .of that
line.
" 2. The division is pursuing.
" 3. The 2nd Inf. Bde. to which the battalion of the 13th Inf. Eegt.
alongside it is attached, will seize Jedenhofen and the neighbouring
heights ; it will then advance to the line Esterhofen station (exclusive)
— Vierkirchen (inclusive). Its right will keep touch with the 2nd
Inf. Div., its left will move on both sides of the Asbach — Vierkirchen
road.
51
"4. The 1st Inf. Bde., with those detachments of the llth Bde.
between it and the railway line, will drive the enemy from the woods
south of Kollbach, and capture Eettenbach. It will advance on both
sides of the Kollbach — Rettenbach road, on the same front as before.
It will observe and protect the left flank of the division, reconnoitring
through Piflitz towards Giebing and the country south of Retten-
bach.
" 5. The llth Inf. Bde. will form the divisional reserve, and move
by the shortest route to Piflitz.
" 6. The artillery will support the advance of the division. 1st F. A.
Regt. will be with the 2nd Inf. Bde., 7th F.A. Regt. with the 1st
Inf. Bde. Two batteries 7th F. A. Regt. will proceed at once by Piflitz
to join the second Chevaulegers Regt.
" 7. The 2nd Chevaulegers Regt., with 2 batteries 7th F.A. Regt.
will attack through Kammerberg. It will reconnoitre on the line
Kammerberg — Gross-Nohbach, towards the line Rettenbach — Amper-
pettenbach. It will seize the bridge at Unter-Bruck.
" 8. Divisional headquarters will be at Kollbach, and later will
follow the 1st Inf. Bde. on the road to Rettenbach.
In writing to
2nd Chevaulegers.
2nd and llth Inf. Bdes.
F.A. Bde.
A.,
" Lieut.-Gen., commanding
Division."
At the same time the following message was sent by cyclist by
way of Petershausen, to the 2nd line transport of the division at
Hilgertshausen : —
" 1st Inf. Div. Kollbach, 23. XL, 4.30 p.m.
" Supply wagons will move at the head of the transport, which will
march by Jetzendorf to Petershausen. Report arrival at Peters-
hausen to divisional headquarters on the Kollbach — Rettenbach road.
1st Inf. Div."
(The 2nd line transport received this order at 5.30 p.m. and moved
at once to Petershausen, the head of the column reaching that place
about 7.30 p.m.)
The general staff officer then prepared the following report to
Headquarters 1st Army Corps : —
To Headquarters, 1st Army Corps, 1 kilometre east of Erlshausen.
" Kollbach, 23. XL, 4.45 p.m.
" Enemy's right has been driven back from the line Asbach — Koll-
bach, through the woods south of that line.
" Division is pursuing to the line Esterhofen station — Vierkirchen
— Rettenbach and thence according to circumstances. Left on both
sides of the Kollbach — Rettenbach road. Divisional headquarters are
.at Kollbach, they will be subsequently along the road mentioned above.
A.,
Lieut.-General."
(B 760) D 2
52
This report was sent to Army Corps Headquarters by motor car.
The orderly officer in charge .of it was told to order the pioneer
company, which was still at Aufhausen, to move through Asbach to
Kollbach and there wait for orders.
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED IN, AND ACTION OF, THE IST INFANTRY
BRIGADE.
In consequence of the above divisional order the commander of the
1st Inf. Bde. issued the following order : —
" The brigade will pursue the enemy and will seize Vierkirchen,
Eettenbach and Giebing.
"The 1st Inf. Eegt'., to which the detachments of the llth Inf.
Bde. as far as the railway are attached, will direct its right on the
centre of the road between Vierkirchen and Eettenbach, and its left
along the Kollbach — Eettenbach road.
" The Body Guard Inf. Eegt. will extend the left. Frontage 400
metres. Its right will move on Eettenbach church tower ; it will send
officers' patrols on Giebing and Kammerberg and get touch with the
2nd Chevaulegers. The brigade reserve, with which brigade head-
quarters will move, will follow along the Kollbach — Eettenbach road.
The left flank of the 2nd Inf. Bde. is advancing on both sides of the
Asbach — Vierkirchen road; the 2nd Chevaulegers are attacking
through Kammerberg. The field kitchens will be moved to Kollbach
under brigade orders. A supply or a cyclist officer from each regiment
will be sent at once to brigade headquarters."
Issued verbally by the brigade major (adjutant) to the 1st Inf.
Eegt. and the Body Guard Inf. Eegt.
IST INFANTRY KEGIMENT.
Orders in the 1st Inf. Eegt. issued verbally through the regimental
adjutant, who galloped to the battalion qommanders : —
" The brigade will pursue the retreating enemy through the woods
in front and seize Vierkirchen, Eettenbach and Giebing.
" The Body Guard Inf. Eegt. will advance left of the Kollbach—
Eettenbach road. The 1st Inf. Eegt., to which the companies of the
llth Inf. Bde. alongside it, as far as the railway, are attached, will
advance on the right of that road.
" The frontage will be as before. The 1st Bn. will have its left on
the above-mentioned road and will connect with the Body Guard Inf.
Eegt. The regimental reserve,* with which regimental headquarters
will be, will follow behind the 1st Bn."
The regimental adjutant then galloped to the battalion commander
of the 10th Inf. Eegt., who was in command of the troops on the
right of the 1st Inf. Eegt., and gave him the following verbal
order : —
" According to divisional orders your battalion is attached to the
1st Inf. Eegt., which is pursuing the enemy with its left on the Koll-
bach— Eettenbach road, arid intends to seize the Vierkirchen— Eetten-
bach road.
* Two companies.
53
" Your battalion will be on the right and will connect with the 1st
Inf. Regt. It will move on the centre of the road between Yier-
kirchen and Rettenbach, keeping touch with the 2nd Inf. Bde., the
left of which is moving on both sides of the Asbach — Vierkirchen
road. The regimental reserve, with which regimental headquarters
are, is following behind the left flank of the regiment. The brigadier
is on the Kollbach — Eettenbach road."
BODY GUARD INFANTRY REGIMENT.
The commander of the Body Guard Inf. Regt. issued the following
verbal order to his two battalion commanders : —
" The brigade will pursue the enemy through the woods in front
and seize the Vierkirchen — Rettenbach — Giebing road.
" The 1st Inf. Regt. is advancing on our right. The 2nd Chevau-
legers, reinforced by artillery, are on our left. Field artillery will
accompany our advance.
" The 1st Bn., with the machine gun company, will move with its
right on the Kollbach — Rettenbach road. Frontage 400 metres. It
will seize Rettenbach, which is on that road on the far side of the
woods. The 2nd Bn.* will follow as regimental reserve. Regimental
headquarters will be with it. It will be Echeloned to the left at 300
metres distance, and advance through the gap in the woods which can
be seen in front of us. It will send a strong officer's patrol of cyclists,
and a party of signallers with lanterns by Piflitz on Giebing.
" Half the 2nd Bn. and the 3rd Bn. form the brigade reserve at
Kollbach."
A supply officer belonging to the regiment was then directed to
report himself at once to brigade headquarters at Kollbach, to bring
up the field kitchens, and to inform the regiment, as soon as possible,
of the arrival of the field kitchens at Kollbach.
IST BN., BODY GUARD INF. REGT.
The following verbal order was issued by the commander of the
1st Bn., Body Guard Inf. Regt., to his battalion : —
'•'The enemy will be energetically pursued. Rettenbach, which
lies beyond the woods at the end of this road, is to be captured.
" The 1st Inf. Regt. is advancing on our right, the 2nd Chevau-
legers Regt., reinforced by artillery, is on our left. Field artillery will
accompany our advance. Nos. 1 and 2 Coys, will be in the front line.
No. 1 Coy. will be on the right with its right on the road, and will
connect with No. 2 Coy. which will be on the left. Frontage of each
company 150 metres. The first line will move at 100 metres distance
from the second line and pursue the enemy through the woods in front.
The front line will advance. Objective Rettenbach.
"The machine gun company will move at 50 metres distance
behind the centre of the first line, and be ready to come into action
at once.
" Nos. 3 and 4 Coys, will follow in the second line ; No. 3 Coy. on
the road, at 100 metres distance, No. 4 Coy. echeloned to the left, at 100
* Two companies.
54
metres interval and distance. These companies will reinforce the first
line whenever necessary, I shall be with No. 3 Coy."
No. 1 COY,, BODY GUARD INF. EEGT.
1. Verbal order to No. 1 Section which was extended.
" The enemy will be pursued through the woods in front to Retten-
bach, which lies on the far side of the woods at the end of this road.
Rettenbach must be taken. The 1st Inf. Regt. is advancing on our
right. No. 2 Coy., Body Guard Inf. Regt., on our left. The section
will extend to 150 metres with its right on the road. It will gain 50
metres distance to the front, and push through the wood. Patrols
will be sent to the far edge of the wood. The company is
following."
2. To the remainder of the company, which was partly extended
and partly in close order : —
" No. 1 Coy. on the move, close ! Double ! "
3. Verbal order issued on the move to Nos. 2 and 3 Sections : —
" When we reach the far edge of the wcod we shall see the village
of Rettenbach at the end of the road on our right. That village is
O\\Y objective. Our right is to be on the road and our frontage is
150 metres.
" No. 2 Coy. is moving in touch with us on our left. No. 3 Coy.,
with which the battalion commander is, is moving directly behind
us. The 2nd Bn. is following beyond the wood on the left flank.
Our right is in touch with the 1st Inf. Regt. Field artillery is
accompanying our advance."
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY, AND ACTION OF, THE DIVISIONAL HEAD-
QUARTERS.
The divisional headquarters remained at Kollbach after issuing the
order of 4.30 p.m.
At 5.50 p.m., as it was beginning to get dark, an officer from army
corps headquarters arrived in Kollbach in a motor car with the
following order : —
" 1 kilometre east of Erlhausen, 23. XI., 4.30 p.m., to the 1st Inf.
Div. at Kollbach by way of Petershausen.
" The enemy is retiring along the whole front. The right flank of
the army is victorious, and is pushing forward to the Ober-Roth —
Dachau road ; Kloster- Indersdorf, Zillhofen, and Jedenhofen have
been captured. The army will pursue the enemy to-day as far as the
Amper.
" The left of the 2nd Inf. Div. will move by Vierkirchen— Milberts-
hofen — Horgenbach on Fuchsberg.
"The 1st Inf. Div. will move on Fahrenzhausen and seize the
crossings over the Amper there. Press on relentlessly.
" Prepare quarters for the division on the Kammerberg — Fahrenz-
hausen road (Giebing and Viehbach inclusive). The division will not
halt until the Amper is reached.
" Corps headquarters will probably be at Rettenbach. Report
position of divisional headquarters to that place.
" Headquarters 1st Army Corps."
55
At this moment artillery fire was heard from the south-east, and
rifle fire from the direction of Kettenbach and Vierkirchen. The
7th F.A. Kegt, on hill 496, was limbering up to change position
forwards.
The divisional commander had barely read the army corps order
when an adjutant of the Body Guard Inf. Kegt. galloped up and
reported : — " The enemy is in full retreat. Kettenbach is ours. The
2nd Inf. Bde., mixed up with troops of the 2nd Inf. Div., has entered
Vierkirchen."
Shortly afterwards an officer of the 2nd Chevaulegers reported : —
" The regiment has seized the west side of Glebing, and, with the
assistance of the artillery, has surprised a hostile column marching
from Bettenbach on Giebing. This column has fled southwards in
confusion. About 100 prisoners have been shut up in Giebing.
Detachments of the enemy are retiring in disorder through
Milbertshofen and Biberbach, pursued by detachments of the 2nd
Inf. Div. A number of wagons have been upset on the Giebing—
Biberbach road. The country between Kammerberg and Viehbach
is full of stragglers ; these are being collected at Giebing. The
regiment is pursuing the enemy towards Fahrenzhausen, on which
place strong bodies of hostile troops are retiring."
The divisional commander then gave the following verbal orders
at 5.35 p.m. : —
1. To the 2nd divisional adjutant.
" Eide to the 7th F.A. Kegt.* and tell it to halt, Tell the
commander to come to me at Piflitz.
" Then go to the 1st, and afterwards to the 2nd Inf. Bde., and tell
the 1st Inf. Bde. to assemble at Giebing, and the 2nd Inf. Bde. at
Kettenbach. The 1st E.A. Kegt. will join the 1st Inf. Bde. ; the
parts of the llth Inf. Bde. with the 1st and 2nd Inf. Bdes. will move
to Kammerberg.
" Brigades will send representatives for orders to Piflitz as soon
as possible. Take 2 orderlies from the escort with you."
2. To the officer of the 2nd Chevaulegers Kegt. : —
" Take a message form and write as follows : — The 2nd
Chevaulegers Kegt. and 2 batteries, 7th F.A. Kegt, will pursue the
enemy at once towards Unter-Bruck and seize the bridge at that
place.
"The llth Inf. Bde., to which the 2nd Chevaulegers Kegt. is
attached, is following at once.
" Keconnoitre on Biberbach, Horgenbach, Oberndorf and Gross
Nobach.
" Send 1 patrol on Thurnsberg and 1 troop to divisional head-
quarters.
"Divisional headquarters are moving to Piflitz, and thence by
Kammerberg on Bachenhausen."
As soon as the 2nd divisional adjutant and the cavalry officer had
ridden off, the staff galloped to Piflitz. The motor cars were ordered
to the latter place. The llth Inf. Bde., which had been ordered to
move to Piflitz, was met just west of that place at 6 p.m.
The divisional commander greeted the men and shouted to them
* It was trotting southwards along the Rollback — Rettenbach road.
56
that the enemy was defeated and must be pursued. He then turned
to the brigadier, who was riding at the head of the brigade. The
latter reported as follows : —
" I have 4 battalions available. One company has been left at
Asbach in charge of prisoners. The 2nd line transport of the
brigade, which was originally left at Stein kirchen, has been ordered
to Petershausen, but can hardly arrive there before 7.30 p.m."
The divisional commander then gave the following verbal order
to the commander of the llth Inf. Bde. at 6.15 p.m.
" The enemy has been defeated and is retiring everywhere. The
army will pursue him to-day as far as the Amper.
"The 2nd Inf. Div. is moving south of us, with its left on
Vierkirchen and Milbertshofen, towards Fuchsberg. The 2nd
Chevaulegers Kegt. with some artillery is in front, and has been
ordered to seize Unter-Bruck bridge.
" The llth Inf. Bde., with the 7th F.A. Kegt., will follow the 2nd
Chevaulegers Kegt., which is under its orders, by Kammerberg and
Bachenhausen to the Amper. Press the enemy relentlessly at all
points. The bridge at Unter-Bruck must be in our possession to-day.
Touch with the enemy must not be lost. The 1st Inf. Bde. will be
assembled in the neighbourhood of Viehbach, the 2nd Inf. Bde. in
the neighbourhood of Giebing and Kammerberg.
" Divisional headquarters will be at Piflitz and will move later to
Bachenhausen."
When he had left the brigadier, Piflitz having meanwhile been
reached, the divisional commander said to his general staff officer : —
" Prepare the orders for the 1st and 2nd Inf. Bdes., and explain
the situation to the commander of the 7th F.A. Kegt., and also to
those portions of the 12th Inf. Bde. which are coining in."
I
DIVISIONAL TELEPHONE DETACHMENT.
At this moment the commander of the divisional telephone
detachment reported himself, and stated : —
" The lines on the far bank of the Glonn have been reeled up, and
the detachment is ready at Asbach church. The section which was
working from Aufhausen towards Ebersbach and Weichs has lost a
considerable amount of material. One telegraphist has been killed."
The general staff officer took the commander of the detachment
aside and gave him the following order : —
" The enemy is retiring everywhere. We are pursuing him to-day
as far as the Amper, and will then go into quarters. The llth Bde.
is pursuing as far as Fahrenzhausen. The 1st Inf. Bde. is going into
quarters in the area Yiehbach — Bachenhausen ; the 2nd Inf. Bde. in
the area Giebing — Kammerberg. The artillery will be distributed
among the brigades. Divisional headquarters,, which the telephone
detachment will accompany, are moving to Bachenhausen.
"The telephone detachment will advance by Kollbach and
Kammerberg to Bachenhausen, and will connect Kammerberg,
Bachenhausen, and Fahrenzhausen on its march.
" Stations will be established at Kammerberg (2nd Inf. Bde.),
Bachenhausen (Div. hdqrs.), and at Fahrenzhausen (llth Inf. Bde.).
57
" Quarters will be prepared for the detachment ; 2nd line transport
has been ordered up.
" There is a great deal of traffic on the Kollbach — Kammerberg
road. Move as quickly as possible. The officer charged with the
preservation of order has been instructed to give you precedence."
The pioneer lieutenant rode back at once to his detachment and
found it at Asbach, drawn up at the side of the road close to the exit
on the Kollbach road. The square near the church had not been
occupied by the detachment, owing to the number of prisoners
collected and to the fact that a dressing station had recently been
established there.
Lieutenant F. then moved his detachment from Kollbach with
the section which had been already used at the head. He then called
his section commanders to the head of the column and explained the
situation to them. He issued the following order at 7.30 p.m. while
he was still 2 kilometres from Kammerberg : —
" The division is going into quarters in the area Fahrenzhausen —
Viehbach — Kammerberg. No. 2 Section will connect Kammerberg,
Bachenhausen and Fahrenzhausen. Stations will be established at
Kammerberg (for 2nd Inf. Bde.), and at Fahrenzhausen (for llth Inf.
Bde.). The remainder will be billeted at Fahrenzhausen. Nos. 3
and 1 Sections will be quartered at Bachenhausen, where No. 1
section will establish a station for divisional headquarters. The
commander of No. 1 Section will proceed at once to Bachenhausen
to fix the position for his station and to arrange for quarters."
When the detachment entered Kammerberg No. 2 Section
remained behind and began to lay its line. The commander with
I
the other two sections continued the march to Bachenhausen.
DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS.
We will now return to divisional headquarters. After the com-
mander of the telephone detachment had ridden off, the staff had
dismounted. A large fire was then lighted outside Piflitz, the divisional
flag was placed alongside it, and the escort posted near by. The
general staff officer informed the commander of the 7th F.A. Eegt. that
he was attached to the llth Bde., which was then marching through
Piflitz. He then entered the nearest house in Piflitz with the
orderly officers. There he dictated the following order, several
-copies of which were taken by the officers : —
" Piflitz, 23. XI., 6.30 p.m.
"Divisional Order, No. 4, for 23. XL
•" 1. The enemy has been defeated and is retiring everywhere.
'" 2. The army will pursue to-day as far as the Amper.
2nd Inf. Div. is moving, with its left through Vierkirchen
and Milbertshofen, on Fuchsberg, north of Oberndorf.
" 3. The 1st Inf. Div. will pursue the enemy through Kammerberg
on Bachenhausen.
* 4. The llth Inf. Bde., with the 2nd Chevaulegers and 7th F.A.
Regt., will move on Unter-Bruck and seize the bridge at
that place.
58
" 5. The 1st Inf. Bde. will advance to the area Viehbach —
Bachenhausen, 2nd Inf. Bde. to the area Glebing —
Kammerberg, and will go into temporary quarters in those
areas. Brigades will cook and prepare everything for the-
night, but will hold themselves in readiness to move.
1st Inf. Bde. will prepare quarters in Bachenhausen
for divisional headquarters, the telephone detachment and
the headquarters of the F.A. Bde.
Ammunition wagons which have not yet come up, and
the 2nd line transport will be forwarded under divisional
orders.
" 6. Divisional headquarters will be at Piflitz till 7 p.m., and will
move to Bachenhausen. Eepresentatives for orders will be-
at the latter place at 7.30 p.m.
In writing to representatives of : —
1st and 2nd Inf. Bdes.
1st F.A. Bde.
1st F.A. Regt.
A.,
" Lt.-General, commanding Division."
This order was handed over to the representatives of units, who
arrived about 6.30 p.m.
At 6.45 p.m. a lieutenant of the 2nd Chevaulegers reported
himself with a troop of cavalry.
An orderly officer of the divisional staff was then given 6 troopers,,
and the following instructions were issued to him by the general
staff officer : —
" You will find the S.A.A. carts of the llth Inf. Bde. at Asbach.
Send these by way of Kollbach to Kammerberg. Send the 1st
Pioneer Coy., which is at Kollbach, to Bachenhausen. Then ride to
Petershausen, and there meet the S.A.A. carts of the 1st Inf. Bde.,
which are coming from Tharm, and the 2nd line transport of the
division and of the llth Inf. Bde., which is coining from Jetzendorf.
Direct all these columns, with the transport of the llth Inf. Bde., if
possible, by Kollbach to Kammerberg. At the latter place Captain A.,
the 1st adjutant of the division, will take over control.
" See that strict order is kept on the road. Keep the right side of
the road free. The telephone detachment of the division, which has
been ordered to Bachenhausen, must have precedence."
While the orderly officer was making notes of the most important
points of his instructions, the general staff officer prepared the
following authorization for him :—
" Lieutenant M. has been directed to take over control of the
transport columns of the division. His instructions will be followed
even by officers senior to him.
M.,
Captain, General Staff Officer,.
" 1st Inf. Div."
The 1st divisional adjutant was then requested by the general
59
staff officer to be at Karnmerberg at 7 p.m., and to arrange for the
movement of the transport thence in the following order : —
S.A.A. carts of the llth Inf. Bde.,
2nd line transport of the llth Inf. Bde.,
„ „ „ „ 2nd Chevaulegers Regt.,
„ „ „ „ 7th F.A. Kegt,
to Fahrenzhausen.
2nd line transport of divisional headquarters, including that of
headquarters of F.A. Bde.
2nd line transport of the 1st Inf. Bde.,
„ „ „ „ Divisional bridging train,
S.A.A. carts of 1st Inf. Bde.,
to Bachenhausen.
The 2nd line transport of the 2nd Inf. Bde. and of the 1st F.A.
Bde. was to be handed over to the respective units at Kammerberg.
He was told that no transport was to pass through Karnmerberg
before 7.30 p.m., as the llth Inf. Bde. was not expected to reach
Fahrenzhausen until that hour.
The telephone detachment of the division, which had been
ordered to Bachenhausen, was, however, to be assisted in its march.
A cyclist was sent with a message to army corps headquarters,
giving a resume of the orders issued and naming the headquarters of
the division (Bachenhausen).
The divisional staff was then ordered to move to Bachenhausen.
The divisional commander and his general staff officer entered a
motor car shortly before 7 p.m. and followed the llth Inf. Bde., the
commander of which was met at the head of his main body, about
7.15 p.m., in front of Bachenhausen.
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED IN, AND ACTION OK, THE HTH INFANTRY
BRIGADE.
We must now consider the instructions which the commander of
the llth Inf. Bde. issued on receipt of the divisional order of
6.15 p.m. First of all the order was given to the column : —
" Pass the word along for regimental commanders to come to the
head of the column."
When the regimental commanders had arrived, the brigadier gave
them the following verbal order as he rode along, at 6.20 p.m. : —
" The enemy has been defeated and is retiring everywhere.
" The army will pursue him to-day as far as the Amper. The
2nd Inf. Div. is moving, with its left on Vierkirchen, Milbertshofeii
and Horgenbach, on Fuchsberg.
" The 1st Inf. Bde. and the 2nd Inf. Bde. are moving respectively
on Giebing and Viehbach.
"The llth Inf. Bde., with the 2nd Chevaulegers Kegt. and the
7th F.A. Kegt., is moving by Kammerberg and Fahrenzhausen, and
will seize the bridge over the Amper at Uuter-Bruck. The enemy
will be relentlessly attacked everywhere. The 2nd Chevaulegers Kegt.
with some artillery is already in front of us. The leading company
(1st Bn., 10th Inf. Regt.) will form the advanced guard. The point
only will be pushed out. A distance of 300 to 400 metres to be
60
maintained. Connection by cyclists with the 2nd Chevaulegers Regt,
Eeconnoitre on both sides of the road.
" The 2nd Bn., 10th Inf. Kegt., will move by the shortest way to
Lauterbach (2 kilometres north-east of Kammerberg), and will
advance thence along the main Fahrenzhausen road to Jarzt. It will
connect thence with the brigade.
"The 3rd Bn., 10th Inf. Regt., will move by Gramling and
Wiehbach to the southern part of Fahrenzhausen.
" The 7th F.A. Kegt. will follow behind the brigade. Five cyclists
of the 10th Inf. Regt. will be sent to No. 1 Coy., 10th Inf. Regt., and
five more to No. 2 Coy.
"Five cyclists of the 13th Inf. Regt. will be sent to brigade head-
quarters, which will move at the head of the main body.
" One mounted officer, 13th Inf. Regt., will remain in Kammerberg,
and will tell the 3rd Bn., 13th Inf. Regt., and the 3rd Bn., 10th Inf.
Regt., which have been ordered to that place, that they are to follow
the brigade without delay."
The supply officers of both regiments, who reported themselves
.shortly afterwards, were directed to ride back to Sollern as quickly
as possible, and to bring the field kitchens of the brigade, by way
of Petershausen and Kammerberg, to Fahrenzhausen. The kitchen
fires were to be lighted at once and food prepared. The field kitchens
were to inarch together, those of the 10th Inf. Regt. in front. The
supply officers were told to establish communication with Fahrenz-
hausen as soon as the columns were near that place, and that they
would then receive further orders.
The road between Kammerberg and Bachenhausen was clear of
the enemy. But after leaving Bachenhausen many signs of a retreat
in disorder were observed. The enemy's most northerly line of
retirement appeared to be by Milbertshausen and Viehbach on
Fahrenzhausen ; ammunition pouches, rifles, and overturned wagons
littered the road.
At 7.15 p.m., as the head of the main body was passing through
Bachenhausen, heavy rifle fire, which, however, only lasted a short
time, was heard from the direction of Viehbach. The 3rd Bn.,
10th Inf. Regt., soon after reported that a party of stragglers had
made a short stand in Viehbach, that about 100 prisoners had been
taken, and that these had been handed over to the 1st Inf. Bde.
At this moment the divisional commander with his general staff
officer arrived, and announced that he would accompany the
llth Inf. Bde.
At 7.30 p.m., shortly before the advanced guard of the llth Inf.
Bde. reached Fahrenzhausen, an officer of the 2nd Chevaulegers Regt.
-arrived and reported to the brigadier as follows : —
" The 2nd Chevaulegers Regt. has surprised a number of stragglers
between Giebing and Bachenhausen. Shortly before reaching
Fahrenzhausen it overtook and charged the end of a long column
of infantry and artillery. The enemy fled in all directions, the
majority in the direction of the bridge at Unter-Bruck, abandoning
their wagons and guns. The 2nd Chevaulegers Regt. pressed forward
to the bridge, which the enemy blew up just as the first troopers
reached it in the midst of the fugitives. A number of men were
killed and wounded on both sides by the explosion, and the
61
commander of the 2nd Chevaulegers Regt. was killed. The wounded
have been placed in Unter-Bruck, close to which place the regiment
is in position dismounted. The prisoners, who are very numerous,
and whose numbers are continually being increased by the capture of
men who have been cut off, have been placed in Fahrenzhausen under
a guard."
In consequence of this report, the divisional commander issued the
following order to the commander of the 11 th Inf. Bde., at 7.45 p.m. : —
" The llth Inf. Bde., with the attached units, will go into quarters
in the area Fahrenzhausen — Unter-Bruck — Jarzt. Outposts will be
established on the Amper from the junction of the backwater,
500 metres south of Unter-Bruck, with the main stream to Weng
(inclusive).
" The crossings at Weng and Thurnsberg must be seized to-night.
Touch will be kept with the enemy. Strong cavalry patrols will be
sent to Griineck (near Neufahrn on the Isar), Aschering and
Freising. The enemy's lines of retreat must be discovered.
" Preparations will be made for repairing the bridge at Unter-
Bruck.
" The Pioneer Coy. and Divisional Bridging Train will reach
Unter-Bruck during the night.
" Supplies will be issued from field kitchens and supply wagons.
2nd line transport and S.A.A. carts will be sent on.
ei Divisional headquarters will be at Bachenhausen. Signal
communication will be established with that place, and representatives
for orders will be sent there at once. Telephone communication will
be established with the brigade."
The divisional commander and his general staff officer then
returned to Bachenhausen, where the remainder of the divisional
staff was established already. Two lanterns had been fixed on
a large house directly on the road, the divisional flag had been
erected, and an office established in a room on the ground floor.
The senior medical officer of the division, who had returned
in the meanwhile, reported that "No. 1 Field Hospital was in
Aufhausen, No. 2 Field Hospital in Petershausen, with 1 section
at Asbach, and that the personnel and material of the bearer
company were employed at Asbach.
A dressing station was still at Kollbach. He stated that the
wounded were still coming in in large numbers, particularly to-
Asbach, and that, in his opinion, the dressing stations would not
complete their work before midnight. The hospital at Petershausen
had been taken over for the wounded at that place. He added that
it appeared desirable to establish under the control of the Lines
of Communication, at the latter place, a stationary hospital, which
could supply a quantity of material, and that he had for that reason
ordered all wounded in and east of Asbach to be evacuated to the
field hospital at Petershausen. He stated that he had reported the
disposition of the medical services on the battlefield to the principal
medical officer of the Corps.
The divisional commander expressed himself as satisfied with
these arrangements, and directed the divisional medical officer to
arrange for the relief of the medical personnel and material of units
as early as possible.
62
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS, ETC.
IST ARMY CORPS.
At 8 p.m. an officer from army corps headquarters arrived at
Bacheuhausen, and brought the following written order : —
" Army Corps Headquarters, Eettenbach.
" 1st Army Corps. 23. XI., 7.30 p.m.
" Extract from the special instructions of the 1st Army Corps for
the 1st Inf. Div. at Bachenhausen.
" 1. Ammunition Supply. — No. 2 Inf. Am. Col. and Nos. 3 and 4
Art. Am. Cols, moving by Peter shausen, will reach Kammerberg
at midnight, and be at the disposal of the 1st Inf. Div. Issue of
ammunition is to be completed by 3 a.m.
" 2. Supply. — An issuing depot of the 1st Army Corps will be at
Vierkirchen at midnight. Supply wagons of the 1st Inf. Div. will
move by Giebing and Eettenbach. Eations for 24. XI. will be
carried on the man, supply wagons will load up with 2 days' rations.
Eequisitioning area allotted to the 1st Inf. Div. : — the country
between the Amper and the Glonn, north of the Petershausen—
Fahrenzhausen road. Eequisitioning will be begun as soon as
possible. The supplies obtained will be collected at Fahrenzhausen,
and handed over to the Field Intendant of the 1st Army Corps.
The supply depot staff will reach the latter place to-morrow
morning.
" 3. Medical. — Field hospitalswill remain at work in their present
positions till further orders. Positions to be reported to army corps
headquarters.
The medical personnel and material of units will be relieved as
soon as possible.
Empty supply columns march, at 8 a.m. to-morrow, from Vier-
kirchen by Eettenbach, Kollbach, Petershausen, Jetzendorf and
Gerolsbach, to the line of communications, and are available for the
transport of wounded.
" 4. Prisoners and trophies will be handed over to-morrow, the 24th,
at Ebersbach to Lt.-Col. A. of the 2nd Inf. Div. The latter will
arrange for the evacuation of the battlefield. One battalion from each
division will report to him at 4 a.m., 24. XI.
" 5. Captured horses will be handed over to the horse depot, 1st
Army Corps, at Weichs to-morrow.
" 6. Line of Communication, \st Army Corps. — Petershausen —
Jetzendorf — Gerolsbach — Aresing — Schrobenhausen. Nearest station
on the line of communication, Schrobenhausen, and, on the morning
of 25. XL, Petershausen.
" 7. Postal.— Field Post Office, 1st Army Corps, Eettenbach.
Nearest permanent post office, Schrobenhausen.
" Headquarters 1st Army Corps."
The following note was added to the message : — " Units will
probably march early to-morrow, 24. XI. to pursue the enemy.
Touch must be maintained with the enemy. Eeconnoitre towards
the Isar. Patrols towards Neufahrn, Aschering, and Freising are of
special importance.
63
•" Corps orders will probably arrive late. Arrange to rouse units
•quietly. The Corps Telegraph Detachment will connect Eettenbach
*and Bachenhausen.
" Army Corps Headquarters."
IST INFANTRY DIVISION.
The divisional commander sent 2 cyclists at once to Giebing to
"the 2nd Inf. Bde., and an orderly to the l??t Inf. Bde. at Viehbach,
with the following written order : —
"Bachenhausen, 23. XL, 8.15 p.m.
" To 1st Inf. Bde. at Viehbach, and 2nd Inf. Bde. at Giebing.
" The llth Inf. Bde. has reached the Amper and driven the enemy
over the river. It is quartered for the night in the area Fahrenz-
hausen — Unter-Bruck — Jarzt.
" Divisional headquarters and the headquarters of the F.A. Bde. are
-quartered for the night at Bachenhausen.
" The 1st Inf. Bde. and the 2nd Inf. Bde. (with the 1st F.A. Eegt.)
will pass the night in the areas allotted. Arrangements will be made
to rouse troops quietly.
" 1st Inf. Div."
The general staff officer then prepared the special instructions for
23-24. XI. The order was reduplicated by the two adjutants of the
division, and ran as follows : —
" Divisional Headquarters, Bachenhausen,
23. XL, 8.45 p.m.
" Special instructions of the 1st Inf. Div., 23-24. XL
" 1. Ammunition Supply. — S.A.A. carts have been ordered into the
billeting areas. They will be emptied at once, and sent back to
Kammerberg to refill. (2nd Inf. Am. Col., and 3rd and 4th Art. Am.
•Cols, are at that place.) Vehicles of the llth Inf. Bde., 2nd Chevau-
legers Eegt., and 7th F.A. Eegt. will march to and fro by Lauter-
bach. If wagons arrive at the same time they will refill in the
following order : —
llth Inf. Bde., 2nd Chevaulegers Eegt., 7th F.A. Eegt., 1st Inf.
Bde., 2nd Inf. Bde.
A field officer of the 1st F.A. Eegt. will arrange for the issue of
ammunition and regulate the traffic.
" 2. Supply. — Supplies will be issued from field kitchens and supply
wagons. The latter will refill from the depot of the 1st Army Corps
at Vierkirchen. The wagons will march together by brigades closed
up. Heads of columns will move through Eettenbach as follows : —
2nd Inf. Bde. and 1st F.A. Eegt. at 11.30 p.m.
1st Inf. Bde. with divisional headquarters and headquarters of
the F.A. Bde. not before 12 midnight,
llth Inf. Bde. with 2nd Chevaulegers Eegt., 7th F.A. Eegt. and
No. 1 Pioneer Coy. not before 12.30 a.m.
Eations for to-morrow, the 24th, will be issued at once from the
supply wagons, and will be carried on the man.
Beginning at 4 a.m. to-morrow, a company of the llth Inf. Bde.
64
will requisition in the area east of the Hohenkammer — Fahrenz-
hausen road, a company of the 2nd Inf. Bde. will requisition in the
area between that road and the Petershausen — Fahrenzhausen road.
All supplies obtained are to be handed over to the divisional intend-
ant at Fahrenzhausen.
" 3. Medical. — The field hospitals at Edenpfaffenhofen and Peters-
hausen will remain at work. Dressing stations will be evacuated on
them.
The medical personnel and material of the latter will rejoin their
units as soon as possible, at the latest, by 4 a.m.
"Wounded at Unter-Bruck will be sent back to Petershausen
to-morrow on requisitioned transport ; slightly wounded will be sent
back on captured transport.
Empty supply columns are leaving Vierkirchen at 8 a.m. to-morrow
and will move by Eettenbach, Kammerberg and Petershausen, to th&
line of communications, they are available for the transport of the-
wounded.
"4. Prisoners and trophies. — One battalion 2nd Inf. Bde. (at
Kammerberg) will remain behind to clear the battlefield. It will
report at 4 a.m. to-morrow to Lt.-Col. A. at Ebersbach.
" 5. The 1st and llth Inf. Bdes. will hand over prisoners and
trophies as early as possible to-morrow to this battalion, which will
escort them to Ebersbach and hand them over to Lt.-Col. A.
Guns captured in the area of the llth Inf. Bde. will be horsed by
the 7th F.A. Eegt. and sent to Ebersbach.
" 6. Captured horses will be handed over to No. 1 Horse depot,
1st Army Corps, at Weichs by 12 noon to-morrow.
" 7. Line of communications. — The line of communications of the
1st Army Corps runs through Petershausen — Jetzendorf — Gerolsbach
— Aresing — Schrobenhausen. Nearest station on the line of com-
munications, Schrobenhausen, and, after the morning of the 25th,
Petershausen.
" 8. The strictest march discipline will be observed in all transport,
right, sides of roads to be kept free. Transport which is not
marching will be clear of the roads.
" 9. Postal. — The post orifice of the 1st Inf. Div. is at Bachenhausen.
All letters addressed to killed, wounded and missing will be returned
at once to the field post office. Postmen will call at Fahrenzhausen,
Giebing, and Kammerberg for letters at 2 a.m.
" 10. Telephone stations Kammerberg, Bachenhausen, Fahrenz-
hausen. " 1st Infantry Division."
"Note. — Units will probably march early to-morrow, 24th.
Arrangements will be made for rousing troops quietly. Representa-
tives for orders will be sent to divisional headquarters."
As soon as this order was issued to the representatives of units,
with instructions to deliver it at once, the divisional intendant was
directed to go to Fahrenzhausen during the night and prepare for the
establishment of a depot there, and to take over all supplies collected by
the llth Inf. Bde.
A police patrol was ordered to go to the Fahrenzhausen — Bachen-
hausen— Kammerberg road, and to keep order on it. The senior
medical officer of the division was then requested to expedite the
evacuation of wounded from the chief dressing station at Asbach to-
65
the field hospitals at Aufhausen and Petershausen, and to report when
the personnel and material of the bearer company would be available
for further employment. He was told that it was necessary that
part of the company should be |it Kammerberg by 4 a.m. on the
24th.
The pioneer company reached Bachenhausen about 9 p.m., and
was followed by the field kitchens, the S.A.A. carts, and the 2nd line
transport of the llth Inf. Bcle., in that order, Next came the
divisional bridging train, which was followed by the 2nd line trans-
port of divisional headquarters, of the 2nd Chevaulegers Regt., of the
7th F.A. Eegt., and of the 1st Inf. Bde.
The pioneer company and the divisional bridging train were
ordered to march to Unter-Bruck to repair the bridge over the Amper,
which had been destroyed at that place. The transport of divisional
headquarters and of the headquarters of the 1st F.A. Bde. and of
the 1st Inf. Bde. was halted. The field post office of the 1st Inf. Div.,
which arrived with the 2nd line transport, was directed to start work
at Bachenhausen and to send postmen to collect letters at Fahrenz-
hausen, Giebing, and Kammerberg. At the same time the postal
official in charge was informed that the post office of the 1st Army
Corps was established at Rettenbach, and that the nearest post office
on the line of communications was at Schrobenhausen.
Soon afterwards the 1st divisional adjutant came in and reported
that the 2nd Inf. Bde. had received its transport. The clerks of the
divisional headquarters were then established in the office room, the red
lantern inscribed 1st Inf. Div. was fixed to the house and lighted.
Instructions were issued, besides, that lights were to be kept burning
in the office, and that two men of the escort were always to be on duty
there. They were directed to rouse the general staff officer when-
ever orders or reports came in.
At 9.30 p.m. a serjeant of the corps telephone detachment
reported himself to divisional headquarters. Telegraphic connection
was established with army corps headquarters, and the telegraph
station was placed in the house next to the divisional office.
Telephonic communication was also working with llth and 1st
Inf. Bdes.
HTH INFANTRY BRIGADE.
After the divisional commander had left the llth Inf. Bde., the
brigadier issued the following verbal order at 7.45 p.m. to his
regimental commanders, who had been sent for : —
" The enemy has been driven behind the Amper, and has blown
up the bridge at Unter-Bruck.
" The 2nd Chevaulegers Regt. is at Unter-Bruck, and has a number
of prisoners.
" The brigade, with the 2nd Chevaulegers Regt. and the 7th F.A.
Regt., will go into quarters in the area Unter-Bruck — Fahrenzhausen
— Jarzt.
"The 2nd Bn., 10th Inf. Regt., and the Machine Gun
Coy., 10th Inf. Regt., will form the outposts, they will move
to Unter-Bruck and watch the line of the Amper from the
junction of the backwater, 500 metres south of Unter-Bruck bridge
. (B 760) E
66
(inclusive), with the main stream, to Weng (inclusive), and will
reconnoitre towards H6lenzhausen,Hetzenhausen, and Gesseltshausen.
The outposts will connect with 2nd Inf. Div. at Oberndorf, and patrol
along the Amper to Thurnsberg. 0
" The pioneer company of the division and the divisional bridging
train are moving to-night to Unter-Bruck to repair the bridge.
Suitable material will be requisitioned.
" The 2nd Chevaulegers Eegt. will send 1 troop to the 2nd Bn.,
10th Inf. Eegt., and will occupy the bridge at Thurnsberg with
1 squadron.
" Officer's patrols will be sent to-night to Gruneck near Neufahrn,
on the Isar, to Aschering, to Freising, and also towards Schleissheim
and Garching.
"The enemy's times of retreat must be discovered, and touch
maintained with him in any circumstances.
" Billets and bivouacs are allotted as follows : —
" 10th Inf. Regt. "1 at Fahrenzhausen, under the orders of the com-
" 7th F.A. Regt. J mander of the 10th Inf. Regt.
" 13th Inf. Regt. 1 at Jartz, under the orders of the com-
" 2nd Chevaulegers Regt. J mander of the 18th Inf. Regt.
" Supplies will be issued from field kitchens and supply wagons.
2nd line transport has been ordered up to units.
"Brigade headquarters will be at Fahrenzhausen. Representa-
tives for orders will be sent to that place as soon as possible, and
also a signalling party of the 10th Inf. Regt. with lanterns."
" The brigade office was then established at Fahrenzhausen, and
was marked outside by a number of lanterns.
The brigade received the instructions of the division for 23-24.
XI. at 9.15 p.m. While the brigade major (adjutant) was reading
these through, the commander of the 2nd line transport of the
llth Inf. Bde. arrived, the supply officers in charge of the field
kitchens being with him. He reported as follows : —
" The 2nd line transport, with supply wagons at the head, will
reach Fahrenzhausen in 15 minutes. The S.A.A. carts of the llth
Inf. Bde. are immediately in rear of it. The 2nd line transport of
the 2nd Chevaulegers Regt, of the 7th F.A. Regt., and the divisional
bridging train come next. The pioneer company and the field
kitchens are in front of the 2nd line transport of the llth Inf. Bde."
The commander of the pioneer company reported himself shortly
afterwards.
The brigade major requested the commander of the 2nd line
transport and the supply officers, to post themselves at the entrance
to Fahrenzhausen, and to direct the transport to its units. They
were told that the 13th Inf. Regt. and the 2nd Chevaulegers Regt,
were quartered at Jarzt ; the 10th Inf. Regt., and the 7th F.A. Regt.
at Fahrenzhausen ; and the 2nd Bn., 10th Inf. Regt. at Unter-
Bruck.
The commander of the pioneer company was then informed that
the brigade was bivouacking at Fahrenzhausen and Jarzt, and that
the 2nd Bn., 10th Inf. Regt., at Unter-Bruck, had been instructed to
give him every assistance. The company was told to leave behind
a representative for orders.
67
The brigade major then prepared the following notification on
a message form, addressed to : —
10th Inf. Eegt.
7th F.A. Eegt.
13th Inf. Kegt.
2nd Chevaulegers Eegt.
2nd Bn., 10th Inf. Eegt.
Pioneer Coy.
9.30 p.m.
" Ammunition pouches will be filled as soon as the S.A.A. carts
arrive. Eations for to-morrow, the 24th, will be drawn from the
supply wagons. They will be prepared and carried on the man.
" Field kitchens and 2nd line transport which have just reached
Fahrenzhausen have been ordered to unite. Orders follow."
The brigade major then prepared the special instructions for the
brigade, which he dictated to representatives who had arrived in the
meantime.
"Brigade Headquarters, Fahrenzhausen, 23. XL, 10 p.m.
" Special instruction for 23-24. XL
" 1. Ammunition Supply. — Infantry S.A.A. carts and artillery
ammunition wagons will be assembled at 11 p.m. on the main
Fahrenzhausen — Hohenkammer road. Those which arrive first will
be drawn up level with the brick-field (Zgl), 1 kilometre west of
Jarzt, and will move under a mounted officer of the 13th Inf. Eegt.
by Lauterbach to Kammerberg to refill. They will return by the
same road.
" 2. Supply. — Supply wagons will be ready to move off at
11.30 p.m. as follows : —
"Brigade Headquarters, 10th Inf. Eegt., 7th F.A. Eegt., in that
order, on the Fahrenzhausen — Bachenhausen road. Eear
at the cross-roads 200 metres north of Fahrenzhausen.
" 13th Inf. Eegt., 2nd Chevaulegers Eegt., on the Jarzt — Fahrenz-
hausen road ; 2nd Bn., 10th Inf. Eegt., and Pioneer Coy.,
on the Unter-Bruck — Fahrenzhausen road ; heads of both
columns at the above-mentioned cross-roads. They will
move, under the senior supply officer, by Kammerberg and
Giebing to Vierkirchen, where they will fill up from the
depot of the 1st Army Corps with 2 days' supplies.
•' 3. The strictest discipline will be maintained in the transport,
which will move on the right side of the road. Transport will halt
clear of villages.
" 4. Medical. — Dressing stations will be evacuated on No. 1 Field
Hospital at Aufhausen, and No. 2 Field Hospital at Petershausen.
Severely wounded from Fahrenzhausen, Unter-Bruck and Jarzt will
be sent to-morrow on requisitioned transport to Petershausen. Part
of the medical personnel and material of units will be available at
4 a.m.
"5. Prisoners. — All prisoners, trophies, and horses taken by the
llth Inf. Bde. are to be handed over at Fahreuzhausen to a company
of the 10th Inf. Eegt., which will escort them to Kammerberg and
hand them over to the 2nd Inf. Bde. The 7th F.A. Eegt. will at the
same time arrange for the transport of captured guns to Ebersbach.
(B 760) E 2
68
" 6. Requisition. — 1 company, 13th Inf. Eegt., which has been
ordered to requisition to-morrow, will receive special instructions.
" 7. Line of Communication, — The line of communication, 1st Army
Corps, is Petershausen — Jetzendorf — Gerolsbach — A resing — Schroben-
hausen. Nearest station on the L. of C., Schrobenhausen, and, on the
morning of 25. XI., Petershausen.
" 8. Postal. — Field post office of the 1st Inf. Div. is at Bachen-
hausen. Letters addressed to wounded, killed, and missing, will be
returned at once to the field post office. Letters will be despatched
from brigade headquarters at Fahrenzhausen at 2 a.m. to-morrow.
" llth Inf. Bile."
13TH INFANTRY REGIMENT. REQUISITIONING.
The instructions sent in the course of the night to the 13th Inf.
Regt. for the company detailed for requisitioning ran as follows : —
" The company will requisition in the area between the Fahrenz-
hausen— Hoheukammer road, the Amper and the Glonn, beginning
at 4 a.m. to-morrow, the 24th. Articles specially required are : —
slaughter cattle, flour, vegetables, and potatoes. Vehicles will be
requisitioned for transport purposes; receipts will be given. Any
resistance on the part of the inhabitants will be severely repressed.
"All articles requisitioned will be delivered to the divisional
intendant at Fahrenzhausen. The company will rejoin immediately
on completion of the duty."
2ND BN., IOTH INFANTRY REGIMENT. PROTECTION.
Finally it may be of interest to see how the 2nd Bn., 10th Inf.
Regt., carried out the protective duties allotted to it.
The first order issued was : —
" The battalion, followed by the machine gun company, will move
on Unter-Bruck." The battalion and company commanders then
trotted on ahead.
The following verbal order to the company commanders was
issued between 8 p.m. and 8.15 p.m., during the ride and in Unter-
Bruck :—
" The enemy has retired behind the Amper, and has left a number
of prisoners in the hands of the 2nd Chevaulegers Regt., which is in
front at Unter-Bruck. The bridge at Unter-Bruck has been blown
up.
" The 10th Inf. Regt. and the 7th F.A. Regt. are quartered at
Fahrenzhausen, where brigade headquarters are also.
"The 13th Inf. Regt. and the Chevaulegers Regt. are quartered at
Jarzt.
" The 1st Inf. Bde. has pursued the enemy as far as Yiehbach and
Bachenhausen. The 2nd Inf. Bde. is at Geibing and Kammerberg.
" The 2nd Bn., 10th Inf. Regt., has to find the outposts from the
mouth of the backwater, 500 metres south of the Unter-Bruck bridge
as far as Weng (inclusive).
" No. 6 Coy. will bivouac at the south-east exit of Unter-Bruck,
No. 7 Coy. at the north-east exit, No. 8 Coy. will be in Unter-Bruck,
south of the main road.
69
" The commander of No. 7 Coy. will arrange for requisitioning in
Unter-Bruck.
" No. 6 Coy. will occupy the bridge with a piquet, and will find
the outposts from the mouth of the backwater as far as the plantation
on both sides of the Amper (north of the bridge), inclusive. It will
construct foot-bridges. It will reconnoitre towards Lohhof, Hohrenz-
hausen and Hetzenhausen. It will connect with the 2nd Inf. Div.
up stream.
" No. 5 Coy. will move by Jarzt to the small wood in the bend of
the Amper, east of that place. It will occupy Weng and the crossing
there, and extend the left of No. 1 Coy. as far as Weng, inclusive.
" The machine gun company will send 1 section to No. 5 Coy.
and 1 section to No. 6 Coy., the remaining section will be at my
disposal with No. 8 Coy.
" The machine gun company will reconnoitre towards Gross-
Eisenbach and Gesseltshausen. It will connect with the 13th Inf.
Eegt. at Jarzt and with Thurnsberg, which 1 squadron, 2nd Chevau-
legers Eegt. has been ordered to occupy to-night.
" In case of attack the Amper, and more especially the bridge,
will be held.
" No. 7 Coy. will send a half section to Fahrenzhausen and another
half section to Jarzt, to requisition wagons, teams, planks, ropes, etc.,
for the repair of the bridge. All material will be brought to
Unter-Bruck.
" Six troopers of the troop of Chevaulegers, which will be quartered
with No. 7 Coy., will be attached to No. 5 Coy., and 6 more to No. 6
Coy.
" Eations will be issued from the field kitchens. No. 4 (sic) Coy*
will draw its supplies in Unter-Bruck, where all the vehicles of the
battalion will be parked with No. 3 (sic) Coy.f
" Battalion headquarters will be with No. 3 (sic) Coy.f
" The field kitchens will be at once refilled from the supply
wagons, and a second ration will be prepared for to-morrow. Sick and
wounded will be sent to Unter-Bruck. where medical under-officer M.
of No. 6 Coy. and 2 stretcher-bearers will prepare a room for the
reception of wounded."
As such special instructions as would be issued in the regiments
would be only extracts and repetitions of those issued by the brigade,
I do not think it necessary to give them.
This brings me to the end of my little study. Its object has been
not so much to present specially difficult situations designed to
practise those who worked them out in forming decisions, as to
illustrate the principles on which such orders as would be issued in a
modern battle on a large scale should be based.
It may be more amusing to occupy oneself with the action of
small independent detachments, but I hold that the study and
detailed working out of the requirements' and details of a great
struggle between two large armies is of more use. In this, less
* Should be No. 8 Coy. G.S.
t Should be No. 7 Coy. G.S.
70
scope is left for the initiative of the individual, and the difficult task
of obeying, and of working in co-operation with another man's ideas,
takes the place of the delights of independent command ; subordina-
tion of self takes the place of tactical liberty of action. A battle on
a large scale makes a more severe demand upon a leader of an inde-
pendent mind, it requires him to work in accordance with the ideas
of a superior, and to subordinate his own ideas and wishes. But
here, as in every other case, victory over self is the noblest victory.
My First Edition closes with these words. I wish to leave them
at the end of my Second Edition for I have no reason to change
them.
I am still, as formerly, of the opinion that it is a matter of life
and death for the armies of the great continental nations to study
war on a large scale. We must get to know, and must consider, the
limitations within which the decisive struggle of these days is fought
out. We must also know the demands which modern leadership
makes upon the discipline and subordination of all commanders, if
they are not to see the power of control slip from their grasp. The
Imperial Manoeuvres prove conclusively every year that we have not
got the idea of co-operation on the battlefield within the sense of the
instructions emanating from higher authority, that we often place the
attainment of cheap personal glory higher than playing our proper
part in the whole scheme. The large number of small tactical
exercises which we practise have a bad effect in this respect.
Let us therefore work together, and study war on a large scale, at
least in theory, so that when the real trial comes we may not be
taken by surprise, and may not have to go through the bitter
experience of unlearning, under the stress of compulsion, much of
what we have learnt and taught in peace.
VON RIESLING.
PAET II.
THE DEFENCE
PKEFACE.
THE cordial reception which the military world gave to my first attempt to
illustrate the technique of battle orders in a series of practical exercises has
induced me to produce this second small book. In the first part I was only
able to deal with certain phases of the modern battle, i.e., the attack, the
envelopment, and the pursuit immediately following the battle. The present
work deals with the defence in a similar manner. In accordance with many
requests I have included a number of explanations in the text, in order to show,
on the one hand, how the various tactical decisions have been arrived at, and
on the other, to justify those decisions.
In doing this, attention has been paid to the new " Field Service Kegulations"
and medical orders in the field as well as special instructions (formerly called
orders of the day) have been included. My intention is to give a complete
picture of the methods of preparing such orders as affect a unit during the
course of one day.
I must not neglect, however, to mention here that my orders are not sealed
patterns, but rather examples of how orders may be issued to meet specific
situations. Some one else would probably employ different expressions to
arrive at the same result.
My only intention is to lay the foundation for a thorough system of self-
instruction, which has for its object training in the preparation of orders. The
only royal road is constant practice, and it is this which I wish to assist.
I have laid special emphasis on the fact that the will and attention of the
commander must be clearly expressed in every order. The habit of clear and
exact expression, and the knowledge of what it is necessary for subordinates to
know, in order that they may be able to carry out the intention of their superior,
are just as necessary as is the assumption of responsibility for orders which
have once been issued. Orders, the meaning of which is not clear, and
instructions for eventualities are usually the outcome of a want of clear
thinking. They are often also the result of a desire to avoid responsibility, in
that they leave the choice of means to the subordinate. Readiness to accept
responsibility is just as important in military life in peace time as it is in war ;
it is essential to success that it should be clearly expressed in all orders in
definite language, which cannot be misinterpreted, and this is a goal which
peace training must strive to reach.
I must express my thanks to those gentlemen who helped in working out the
examples of orders here presented for the great assistance which they have
given me.
HANS VON KIESLING.
Miinchen,
September, 1908.
72
GENERAL IDEA.
A Red army coming from the north is advancing on Miinchen
through Aichach and Schrobenhausen. A Blue army is advancing
through Miinchen against it.
The Danube forms the frontier between Red and Blue. Ingolstadt
is a Red frontier fortress.
SPECIAL IDEA.
The Blue army crossed the Amper north and west of Dachau on
the 22. XL, and at 9 a.m. on that day was advancing between the
Amper and the Glonn with the object of defending the heights on
the south bank of the latter river.
The 5th Army Corps on the right wing was advancing by
Rohrmoos on Pasenbach and Kloster-lndersdorf.
The 1st Reserve Infantry Brigade (1st Res. Inf. Regt., 2nd Res.
Inf. Regt., each of three battalions and one machine gun company,
1st Sq., 1st Res. Cav. Regt., one section of the 1st Field Telephone
Detachment), which had originally been detached towards
Freising to observe Ingolstadt, had reached Kammerberg with the
head of its advanced guard at 10 a.m. on 22. XI.
\
Advanced Guard.
1st Bn., 1st Res. Inf. Regt., It was moving as in the
machine gun coy., 1st Res. Inf. margin, from Freising by
Regt., 1st squadron, 1st Res. Thurnsberg on "Vierkirchen,
Cav. Regt. where it was to form the
right wing of the army.
Main body in order of march.
At 1,000 metres distance —
Two connecting files, 1st
Sq., 1st Res. Cav. Regt., one
section 1st Tel. Det., 1st Res.
Inf. Regt. (less 1st Bn. and
m. gn. coy.), 2nd Res. Inf.
Regt., 2nd line transport (at
5 kilometres distance).
At that hour the brigade commander, who was at the head
of the main body, received the following order from the 5th
Army Corps : —
73
" 5th Army Corps. Gross Inzemoos,
22. XL, 9.15 a.nu
" To 1st Ees. Inf. Bde.
(By Eiedenzhofenen — Vierkirchen — Karnmerberg).
" The army will hold the south bank of the Glonn against the
enemy, who is reported to be advancing by Klenau, Schiltberg and
Aichach. The section Jedenhofen — Kloster-Indersdorf is allotted to
the 5th Army Corps. The 9th Inf. Div. will occupy the line
Zillhofen (inclusive) — Kloster-Indersdorf (inclusive). The 10th Inf.
Div., which will not reach Eohrmoos till 2 p.m., is advancing by
Eiedenzhofen and Vierkirchen on Eettenbach and Giebing to form
the right wing of the Army Corps. The 1st Ees. Inf. Bde., which
is attached to the 5th Army Corps, will hold the section Jedenhofen
(inclusive) — Albertshofen (inclusive). It will advance and occupy
this section to-day (22nd), and will be responsible for the right of
the Army Corps, until the arrival of the 16th Inf. Div.
" Army Corps headquarters will be at Esterhofen from 12 noon.
(By motor.) Z.
General."
At the same time the following report arrived from the com-
mander of the 1st Sq., 1st Ees. Cav. Eegt. : —
'•'Advanced guard squadron. East of Jedenhofen,
22. XL, 9 a.m.
"Am east of Jedenhofen, in touch with enemy's cavalry in
strength on the hills at Aufhausen. Have occupied the crossings at
Petershausen, Asbach, and Jedenhofen with mounted troopers.
" The water in the Glonn is low ; it is fordable by infantry except
at one or two deep places ; mounted troops can only cross at the
bridges. The infantry of the 9th Inf. Div., which has just arrived,,
is entrenching at ZiJlhofen. Orders will reach me at the hill east
of Jedenhofen."
This report was marked as read by the commander of the advanced
guard. (1st Bn., 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt.)
Eequired : — (1) The orders and action of the brigade staff in view
of the above order and of the situation. (The only officers of the
brigade staff, besides the brigade commander, are the brigade major
and one orderly officer.)
(2) The orders and action of subordinate commanders.
ORDERS AND ACTION OF THE BRIGADE STAFF' AT 10 A.M.
(a) The brigade commander first sent the following order to the
column by cyclists : —
"Regimental commanders to come to the brigade commander at
the head of the main body."
74
(£) On the arrival of the regimental commanders he issued the
following order at 10.25 a.m. : —
" Col. A. (comdg. 2nd Res. Inf. Eegt.) will take over command of
the brigade and will advance to Vierkirchen. The advanced guard
will be ordered to advance to Jedenhofen to cover the brigade at
that place. The main body will halt at Vierkirchen and dinners will
be issued from the field kitchens. The brigade will be ready to
march at short notice, as the position Jedenhofen — Albertshofen must
be prepared for defence to-day. The brigade will hold that position
against the enemy, who is expected from the far side of the Glonn
from the north-west, and will connect with the 9th Inf. Div. which
is on its left.
" Kollbach and Petershausen are to be observed. A look-out must
be kept towards Rohrmoos, through which the 10th Inf. Div. will be
marching at 2 p.m. from Riedenzhofen and Vierkirchen towards
Rettenbach and Giebing. The march of that division must not be
interfered with.
" Tool and technical wagons will join the regiments. Entrenching
tools will be requisitioned from the places marched through and
brought on. I am going forward to the position."
The staff then rode forward and reached the commander of the
advanced guard at 10.45 a.m. That officer had just reached
Rettenbach and was riding between the vanguard and the main
guard. The following verbal order was issued to him : —
(c) " The brigade will hold the line Jedenhofen — Albertshofen in
co-operation with the 5th Army Corps, to which it is attached,
against attack from the north-west, and will prepare that position for
defence to-day.
"The 9th Inf. Div. holds the line from Zillhofen to Kloster-
Indersdorf ; the 10th Inf. Div. is expected at Rohrmoos at 2 p.m., and
will move thence to Rettenbach and Giebing to guard the right flank.
You will send the machine gun company back to join its regiment at
Vierkirchen, and will move to Jedenhofen to cover the brigade, which
will halt at Vierkirchen. Later you will have to cover the brigade
while it is entrenching this afternoon. Reconnoitre at once towards
Petershausen, Aufhausen and Weichs, and get connection with the
9th Inf. Div., parts of which are already entrenching at Zillhofen. I
am going forward to Jedenhofen."
(d) The orderly officer of the brigade was given four orderlies, and
was told to ride" to the 9th Inf. Div. to act as reporting officer ; he
was told to report the dispositions of and orders received by the
brigade, and to send information as soon as possible as to the
intentions and dispositions of the 9th Inf. Div. as well as anything
that was known about the enemy.
ORDERS AND ACTION OF THE SUBORDINATE COMMANDERS BASED
UPON THE ORDERS OF THE BRIGADE COMMANDER.
THE MAIN BODY.
Colonel A., who was placed in temporary command of the brigade,
issued the following verbal order at 10.30 a.m., immediately after
the brigade staff had ridden off, to the two regimental commanders
who were with him : —
(a) " The brigade will halt at Vierkirchen, and dinners will be
issued from the field kitchens. 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt. will send one
section, with the addition of two cyclists and a detachment of
signallers, under an officer, to Kollbach, to cover the brigade. This
officer occupy the bridge at Petershausen, will watch the far
bank of the Glonn, and endeavour to establish signal communication
with Vierkirchen. 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt. will arrange for requisitioning
entrenching tools and material for obstacles and over-head cover from
Kammerberg, Giebing, Eettenbach and Vierkirchen, and also
will requisition the necessary transport. A mounted officer from
each regiment will be sent to me at once to receive further
information as to the situation, and to reconnoitre positions for
bivouac."
(5) The adjutant next prepared a message to the second line
transport which was forwarded by cyclist after being approved by the
officer in command of the brigade. It ran as follows : —
41 1st Ees. Inf. Brigade. Giebing,
22. XL, 10.35 a.m.
4t To second line transport, via Kammerberg and Lauterbach.
"The brigade will halt at Vierkirchen where dinners will be
issued. Tool and technical wagons will proceed at a trot to join the
brigade ; the remainder of the 2nd line transport will follow to
Vierkirchen, where bivouacs will be allotted. One officer will be
sent forward to Vierkirchen."
A.,
Colonel.
In temporary command of the brigade.
(c) At 10.45 a.m., as the head of the main body was approaching
Kammerberg, Captains M. and N". of the 1st and 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegts.
respectively reported themselves. %
They received the following verbal instructions : —
" The brigade will halt at Vierkirchen and dinners will be issued
from the field kitchens. The 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt. will be west of
Vierkirchen, and the 2nd Res. Inf. Eegt. east of that place and at
Eammelsbach. No troops are to be south of the Esterhofen —
Vierkirchen — Eettenbach road. The advanced guard has been
pushed forward to the neighbourhood of Jedenhofen to cover the
brigade. You will reconnoitre halting places for the battalions of
your regiments, and will arrange for the allotment of areas for
water, wood, and straw at Passenbach, Esterhofen, Eammelsbach, and
76
Vierkirchen. The troops should, if possible, be placed under cover.
Start at once."
At 11 a.m., as the head of the main body was approaching the
eastern exit of Rettenbach, the officer in command of the brigade
rode forward to Vierkirchen, where he received reports as to the
halting places which had been reconnoitred. He then dictated to
his adjutant the following order, which was taken down on a message
form : —
" 1st Res. Inf. Bde. " Vierkirchen.
22. XL, 11.15 a.m.
" Brigade order No. 1 for 22. XI.
" 1. The brigade will halt at Vierkirchen, and dinners will be
issued from the field kitchens.
"2. The ground west of Vierkirchen as far as the railway is allotted
to the 1st Res. Inf. Regt. The ground between the 1st Res. Inf.
Regt. and Vierkirchen, and the ground east of Vierkirchen half way
to Rettenbach, are allotted to the 2nd Res. Inf. Regt.
Captains N. and M. will point out the exact position of halting
places. No troops are to be south of the Esterhofen — Vierkirchen —
Rettenbach road.
"3. The following areas are allotted for water, if required, for
requisitioning wood and straw, and for shelter : —
To the 1st Res. Inf. Regt., Esterhofen, Passenbach and Vierkirchen
west of the church.
To the 2nd Res. Inf. Regt., Rammelsbach and Vierkirchen east of
the church.
"4. 1st line transport will be parked with units. The 2nd line
transport has been ordered up and will halt immediately in rear of the
2nd Res. Inf. Regt. Tool and technical wagons will join their
regiments.
" 5. No transport is to be in Vierkirchen. Roads are to be kept
clear. Captain N. is responsible for the maintenance of order in
Vierkirchen.
The march of the 10th Inf. Div., which is moving about 3 p.m.
from Rohrmoos through Vierkirchen on Rettenbach, must not be
interfered with.
" 6. The advanced guard has been pushed forward to the neighbour-
hood of Jedenhofen to cover the brigade. One section, 1st Res. Inf.
Regt., is at Kollbach.
" 7. A signalling detachment, 2nd Res. Inf. Regt. will endeavour
to get connection with Kollbach from the church tower of
Vierkirchen (transmitting station at Rettenbach if necessary).
" 8. I shall be at Rammelsbach ; representatives of regiments will
come there for orders." A.,
Colonel.
A message form with this order was then given to each of the two
captains, who had been ordered to reconnoitre the halting places.
They were instructed to hand them to their regimental commanders,
and to report to the latter as to the halting places reconnoitred ; they
were also directed to guide the battalions to their halting
places.
77
ORDERS ISSUED IN THE IST RES. INF. REGT.
Captain M. met the officer in the command of the 1st Res. Inf.
Regt. (2 battalions) at the head of the 2nd Battalion, which was
just approaching Vierkirchen. He handed over the brigade order and
reported as follows : — "I have reconnoitred two halting places. The
first for the 2nd battalion is immediately east of the railway, at the
point where the track from Vierkirchen crosses it 800 metres north of
Esterhofen station.
" The 3rd Battalion had best turn west of Vierkirchen and bivouac
by companies on either side of the lane leading to Rammelsbach. It
should not be north of the big bend in this lane between Vierkirchen
and Rammelsbach.
" Esterhofen and Passenbach are available for the 2nd Battalion for
requisitioning wood and straw, and for water and shelter. Vierkirchen,
west of the church, is available for the 3rd Battalion. The ground is
dry ; the big ridge running west from Rammelsbach, affords cover from
the north."
The battalion commanders, who had previously been ordered to
come to the regimental commander, then received the folio wing verbal
order at 11.35 a.m. : —
" The brigade, which will prepare a defensive position on the south
bank of the G-lonn this afternoon, the 22nd, will halt at Vierkirchen,
and dinners will be issued from the field kitchens. The ground about
Rammelsbach and east of Vierkirchen is allotted to the 2nd Res. Inf.
Regt., and that west of Vierkirchen, as far as the railway, to the 1st
Res. Inf. Regt. The advanced guard is covering the brigade in the
neighbourhood of Jedenhofen.
" The 2nd Battalion will halt east of the railway, at the point where
the track from Vierkirchen crosses it 800 metres north of
Esterhofen.
" The 3rd Battalion will halt immediately west of Vierkirchen, on
•either side of the lane leading to Rammelsbach. Both battalions will
be covered from the north.
" The 2nd Battalion will watch the left flank and towards
Jedenhofen.
" The following areas are allotted for water, for requisitioning wood
•and straw, and for shelter : —
" To the 2nd Battalion, Passenbach and Esterhofen.
" To the 3rd Battalion, Vierkirchen west of the church.
" 2nd line transport will be parked with units. All roads in
Vierkirchen, where Captain M. is responsible for order, will be kept
iree from vehicles. The march of the 10th Inf. Div., which is moving
.about 3 p.m. from Rohrmoos through Vierkirchen on Rettenbach,
must not be interfered with.
" The 2nd line transport will halt with the 2nd Res. Inf. Regt.
Regimental headquarters will be at' the church at Vierkirchen.
Representatives of battalions will be there by 12 noon for
orders.
" The battalions will march through Vierkirchen together, and
.afterwards will move independently to their halting places."
The battalions reached the allotted areas about 11.30 a.m. The
78
2nd Battalion halted in column. It posted two observation posts on
the hills west of the railway, one of which could see towards Jeden-
hofen, while the other could watch the Passenbach — Albertshofen
road. A strong patrol was sent towards the wood east of Alberts-
hofen, and a piquet was posted on the ridge north of the bivouac
ground. The battalion headquarters were established at the railway
station adjoining. Meanwhile, the men had taken off their packs,
parties had been sent off for water, horses were taken to water, and
the 1st line transport was drawn up behind the companies. The
field kitchens were halted on a flank, and dinners were cooked and
ready for issue at 12.30 p.m., fires having been lighted during the
march.
The 3rd Battalion had distributed its companies singly over the
available ground ; they halted in various formations. An observation
post was placed on the ridge which ran just to the north. The 2nd
line transport was parked together behind the battalion, the field
kitchens only being brought up to the companies when dinners were
ready.
ORDERS ISSUED IN THE 2ND EES. INF. HEGT.
Captain N. of the 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt., who met his regimental
commander as he was riding through Rettenbach, gave him the brigade
order and reported : — " The 1st Battalion had best halt in and round
Rammelsbach, as the companies can find room. The 2nd Battalion
should halt immediately north of Vierkirchen with its left level with
the church. The 3rd Battalion should halt on the east side of
Vierkirchen north of the road to Rettenbach.
" Eammelsbach is available for the 1st Battalion for water, for
requisitioning wood and straw, and for shelter. The north part of
Vierkirchen east of the church is available for the 2nd Battalion, and
the southern part east of the church for the 3rd Battalion. I will
make a further reconnaissance of the quarters available and indicate
their distribution clearly. The ground is dry meadow-land, springs
are numerous and well supplied with water."
The regimental commander then issued the following verbal order
to his battalion commander, who had come up : —
" The brigade will halt at Vierkirchen and dinners will be issued
from the field kitchens.
" The advanced guard is covering the brigade in the neighbourhood
of Jedenhofen, one section 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt. is at Kollbach. The
2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt. will halt at Eammelsbach and Vierkirchen.
Detailed arrangements will be made by Captain N., who will guide the
battalions.
" The 3rd Battalion will watch the front towards Piflitz, Kollbach,.
and Asbach, and will also reconnoitre the wood north of
Vierkirchen.
" Transport will join its units, roads are to be clear. The brigadier
has directed Captain M., 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt., to preserve order in
Vierkirchen ; the 10th Inf. Div. is marching about 3 p.m. from
Eohrmoos through Vierkirchen on Eettenbach ; its march must not be
interfered with. A signalling party of the 2nd Battalion will
endeavour to get connection with Kollbach from the church
79
tower of Vierkirchen (transmitting station at Eettenbach if
necessary).
" Eegimental headquarters will be at Eammelsbach. Represent-
atives of battalions will come there at noon for orders."
Captain N. then galloped forward with the battalion commanders
north of the road and gave the necessary directions as to the allotment
of the various localities for requisitioning wood and straw, and for
water. He then pointed out the bivouacs, and proceeded to
Vierkirchen in order to reconnoitre and allot quarters for the various
units. In doing this, he did not take the buildings south of the
Esterhofen — Rettenbach road into account, owing to the march of the
10th Inf. Div.
When the commander of the 3rd Battalion, which was marching
last, had surveyed the ground, he sent his adjutant to the portion of
Vierkirchen which had been allotted to his battalion, with orders to
make arrangements for drawing water for the men and watering
horses.
He then halted on his bivouac ground and raised his hand high
above his head, whereupon the battalion, which had come up mean-
while, turned off to the right from the road and marched on him. He
then gave these orders: — "9th and 10th Companies halt. The llth
and 12th Companies will halt level with the 9th and 10th Companies
at 150 metres interval. Pile arms. Take off packs. Lie down.
Company commanders."
The company commanders issued orders for water parties, and told
the men to get out their mess tins. The battalion commander then
issued them the following verbal instructions : — " The brigade
is halted near Vierkirchen, the large village on our left front. The
2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt. is disposed as follows : — 1st Battalion and
regimental headquarters at Eammelsbach, that small group of houses
with red roofs half left, the 2nd Battalion is halted between Eammels-
bach and Vierkirchen ; we remain here. The 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt. is
halted on the far side of Vierkirchen. The advanced guard is covering
the brigade in the neighbourhood of Jedenhofen, one section 1st Ees.
Inf. Eegt. is on hill 496 west of Kollbach. The 9th Company will
establish an observation post on the hill straight in front of us ; this
post will watch the big wood, and send patrols towards Piflitz, Koll-
bach and Asbach. I want to know to what extent the wood is pass-
able especially for vehicles.
" Dinners will be issued from the field kitchens, which will be
drawn up on the outer flanks of companies. Water for men and horses
in the southern part of Vierkirchen, east of the road which runs south
of the church. Detailed instructions will be issued by the adjutant
who has been sent on.
" The 1st line transport will clear the roads, and will be drawn up
in rear of the battalion in the following order : — Headquarters, 9th,
10th, llth, 12th Coys. The Esterhofen-Eettenbach road must not
be used after 2 p.m., as the 10th Inf. Div. will be marching along it
from Eohrmoos. The 2nd line transport will be parked on our right
towards Eettenbach. I will be with the llth Company."
Similar orders were issued in the other battalions. By 12.30 p.m.
all the battalions were resting on their allotted halting places. By
1 p.m. dinners were ready for issue.
80
We will now return to the officer in temporary command of the
brigade. The officer in command of the brigade had, after he had
issued the brigade order at 11.15 a.m., ridden with his adjutant to
Eammelsbach and surveyed the country there. The wood north of
Vierkirchen shut out the view to the north-east, hill 485 and its
spurs hid the valley of the Glonn, but the heights on the north bank
of the Glonn, particularly those about Aufhausen and Weichs, were
visible over the top of that hill. Jedenhofen was not in view, but
on the other hand the hill south-east of Albertshofen was clearly
visible. The dismounted troopers of the 1st Sq., 1st lies. Cav. Regt.,
were seen some 800 metres in front on the road leading to Asbach.
The officer in command of the brigade directed his adjutant to
get from the squadron any information as to the situation, and then
to report to the brigade commander, whom he would find between
Jedenhofen and Albertshofen, that the brigade had arrived at
Vierkirchen and that representatives for orders were at Eammels-
bach.
He then watched the battalions arrive at their halting places arid
at 1 p.m. he was informed that signalling connection had been
established between the church towers of Vierkirchen and Kollbach
by way of Rettenbach. A cyclist officer was sent to meet the 10th
Inf. Div. to tell them that the 1st Res. Inf. Div. was at Vierkirchen.
OKDERS ISSUED IN THE ADVANCED GUARD, AND ITS ACTION AFTER
11 A.M.
"While these events were taking place in the main body, the
advanced guard had marched on in order to cover the brigade in
the neighbourhood of Jedenhofen, while the brigade was halted in
accordance with orders. At 11.15 a.m., as the point was approaching
the railway crossing on the road between Vierkirchen and hill 485,
the commander of the 1st Sq., 1st Res. Cav. Regt, came up and
reported: — '"When the squadron reached the neighbourhood of
Jedenhofen about 9 a.m., it found the country round Kollbach,
Petershausen and Aufhausen clear. It immediately occupied the
crossings at Petershauseu, Asbach and Jedenhofen with dismounted
troopers. At the same time a further reconnaissance was initiated,
and patrols were sent into the valley of the Ilm towards Jetzendorf
and Hilgertshausen. Only one of these, which was sent in the
direction of Ilmmunster, has reported ; it states that Petershausen
and Paindorf are clear. Observation posts have been extended
along the near bank of the Glonn. A standing patrol has been
placed on hill 496 west of Kollbach, an observation post, which is
able to see into the Aufhausen valley, is on hill 485, a third is on a
high tree at the edge of the wood south-east of Albertshofen. Soon
after 9 a.m. horsemen were observed on the far bank of the Glonn on
hill 508, south-west of Aufhausen, and at 9.15 a.m. a column of
cavalry, about two squadrons, came out of the Aufhausen valley
against the post at the bridge of Jedenhofen, but it retired at once
behind Ebersbach when the post opened fire. Since then, the
enemy's cavalry have made a number of attempts to cross the Glonn,
but they have so far all failed owing to the alertness of my posts at
the bridges. A few of the enemy, who have been killed in these
attempts, belong to the 2nd Chevaulegers Regiment, and I think I
81
have also observed some lancers. A squadron is at present behind
hill 485, dismounted and ready to oppose by its lire any attempts of
the enemy to cross.
" The Glonn is low and is fordable by infantry at many points ;
at the same time, there are a number of pools and reaches of
considerable depth in the river. Mounted troops must use the
regular crossings owing to the marshy nature of the banks. There
is a practicable ford, which I have had marked, just below the mill
at Jedenhofen. Attempts to get telegraphic connection with
Pfaffenhofen and Eeichertshausen from Esterhofen station have
failed. On the other hand, the railway officials at Esterhofen report
that Eeichertshausen answered at 7 a.m. and stated that there was
nothing to be seen of the enemy."
The commander of the point then asked the squadron commander
to wait a few moments while he rapidly reconnoitred the country
from hill 485. He at once recognized that it would be possible to
cover the brigade, while it was halted, from a position on the near
bank, but that it would not be possible to cover the preparation of
the defensive position Jedenhofen-Albertshofen from the same
position. It was also clear to him that in order to hold Jedenhofen
it would be necessary to occupy the heights east of that place, and
that if the infantry position was to command the valley of the Glonn
it must be pushed well forward towards the river. The whole slope
would, however, be visible from the Aufhausen hills, and could
thence be swept with effective artillery fire. It would even be
possible for small parties of infantry pushed down to the Glonn to
interfere considerably with the work of defence. Although there
were no parties of the enemy at present in dangerous proximity, they
were to be expected, and might certainly arrive during the long
period required for the preparation of the position for defence. The
less the enemy could make himself felt and the less he was able to
see of the position, the better it would be for the defence.
Thorough security could, therefore, only be obtained by occupying
a position on the far bank of the Glonn. On these grounds the
advanced guard commander determined not to remain at Jedenhofen,
but to occupy the heights on either side of Aufhausen at once and to
cover the 1st Bes. Inf. Brigade from that position. He then informed
the brigade commander, who was reconnoitring a short distance off
on the hill east of Jedenhofen, of his intention, and received his
approval of the plan. The squadron commander was directed to
follow, as soon as the vanguard company had reached the hill
immediately east of Aufhausen, as far as Ebersbach, where he would
be given further instructions.
The advanced guard commander then galloped off to the
vanguard, and reached it just as it was approaching Jedenhofen on
its way round the south side of the hill, which has been mentioned
above, east of Jedenhofen.
He signalled to the vanguard commander to join him, and issued
the following order verbally from the small knoll immediately east
of Jedenhofen : —
11.15 a.m.
" The brigade will entrench a position on this bank of the Glonn,
(B 760) F
82
on either side of Jedenhofen, that small place on the left below us,
and will hold that position. It will connect at Albertshofen with the
9th Inf. Div., which is already entrenching. The advanced guard
squadron is dismounted behind this hill ; dismounted troopers are
holding the bridges at Petershausen, Asbach and Jedenhofen.
"Hostile cavalry are on the far bank about Aufhausen. The
Glonn is passable by infantry. I intend to occupy the heights of
Aufhausen in order to carry out my duty of protecting the brigade
while it is entrenching. Aufhausen is that small place visible
behind Ebersbach, which lies in front of us in the valley of the
Glonn.
" You will cross with the vanguard at the mill in front of us, and
will secure the hill 200 metres east of Aufhausen. The hill is that
flat-topped rise straight over the small dome of Ebersbach church.
You will patrol constantly towards Ziegelberg, paying particular
attention to the wood in front of it, through Lindach on Sollern and
Thann, and by Edenpfaffenhofen on Eglersried. •
" The company is responsible for the section Wasenhof (inclusive)
— Aufhausen (inclusive). I am sending the 2nd Company to hill 508,
south-west of Aufhausen, and the remainder of the battalion towards
Ebersbach. Eeports to Ebersbach."
The order had been previously sent back by cyclist to the
column : — " Company commanders to come to the advanced guard
commander on the hill just east of Jedenhofen."
The company commanders arrived at 11.30 a.m., just as the head
of the vanguard was approaching the mill of Jedenhofen. They
received the following verbal order : —
11.30 a.m.
" The village through which you have just ridden is Jedenhofen.
On the far - side of the valley of the Glonn, in front of us, is
Ebersbach, on its left above the foot of the flat- topped hill you can
see Aufhausen, which you will recognize by the small dome of the
church. Aufhausen is occupied by hostile cavalry. The enemy's
army is reported to be marching to-day, the 22nd, on Klenau,
Schillberg and Aichach. Those places lie about 20 kilometres
(12^ miles) north-west of the Glonn. Our army is to hold the
southern bank of the Glonn.
" The brigade, which is attached to the 5th Army Corps, will
deploy on the line Jedenhofen — Albertshofen, where its left will
connect with the 9th Inf. Div., which is already entrenching, and
will dig itself in to-day. The hill on which we are standing will
probably form the extreme right flank. The advanced guard
squadron is behind this hill, and has dismounted detachments at the
bridges of Petershausen, Asbach and Jedenhofen. The Glonn is
passable by infantry, but it is necessary to reconnoitre it. The
advanced guard is charged with the protection of the brigade while
entrenching, and will occupy the hills on either side of Aufhausen.
The vanguard, which has been allotted the section Wasenhof
(you can see it by that waste ground left of Asbach) to Aufhausen,
has been ordered to that flat-topped hill, which you can see straight
over Ebersbach church.
83
" No. 2 Company will cross the Glonn at the mill ; it will occupy
hill 508, south-west of Aufhausen, and hold the line Aufhausen
(inclusive) — Erlhausen. It will get touch with the 9th Inf. Div. at
the latter place. It will send a small detachment to the hill with
the poplars above Weichs. Strong patrols will he sent to Franking
and Edenholzhausen. It will search the wood between those two
places. The remainder of the battalion will follow under my orders
to Ebersbach. All reports to the latter place."
Let us now return to the vanguard. After the company
commander had received his order he reached the point of the
advanced guard at 11.30 a.m., as it was halting for a moment at the
northern exit of Jedenhofen. He then called out to Lieutenant A.,
who commanded the point, " March on the mill half right and then on
Ebersbach." As he rode alongside him he gave him the following
instructions : — " The advanced guard will seize the hills on either side
of Aufhausen in order to cover the brigade, which will entrench a
position above this place, Jedenhofen. Aufhausen is the place with
the church which has a small dome, to the left of the small village
with a similar church immediately in front of us, which is Ebersbach.
Hostile cavalry are in Aufhausen. The heads of columns of the
enemy's army are reported to be marching on Klenau, Schiltberg
and Aichach, about 20 kilometres (12 J miles) north-west of the
Glonn. The point will advance through Ebersbach, whither it will
move at once, on the flat-topped hill straight over Ebersbach church.
The company is following. If the hill is occupied it will be taken.
No. 2 Company is moving on our left towards hill 508, south-west of
Aufhausen ; the remainder of the battalion is following to Ebers-
bach."
He then waited at the mill for the company, and gave the section
commanders and senior under-officers the following information as to
the situation : — " The brigade will entrench a position behind us at
Jedenhofen, the small place we have just passed through, and will
hold it in touch with the 9th Inf. Div., parts of which are already
entrenching on our left at Zillhofen. The stream in front of us is
the Glonn, which is passable nearly everywhere by infantry.
Straight in front of us on the opposite bank lies Ebersbach. That
small church tower to its left belongs to Aufhausen. On the
extreme right, in the valley, lies Asbach, that large place over there.
A strong force of hostile cavalry is reported to be in Aufhausen.
The heads of columns of the enemy's army are marching on Klenau,
Schiltberg and Aichach, 20 kilometres north of the Glonn.
" The advanced guard will occupy the hills rising in front of us.
Our company is ordered to secure the flat-topped hill which we can
see above Ebersbach church. No. 2 Company is moving on our left
on the ridge south-west of Aufhausen, Nos. 3 and 4 Companies are
following to Ebersbach.
" Under-officer A. will, when the company has crossed the Glonn,
go with six men to the far edge of the wood, 1,500 metres north of
Ebersbach, and reconnoitre towards Ziegelberg and Lindach."
When the company commander concluded, the company moved off
over the bridge crossing the second arm of the Glonn just north of
the mill. As it was crossing the bridge it was received with heavy
rifle fire from the direction of Ebersbach. It suffered considerable
(B 760) F 2
84
loss, and it appeared for a moment as if the men would be panic
stricken.
The company commander immediately drew his sword, and
springing to the front, ordered : — " Leading section extend, Double.
Advance on Ebersbach to the attack. No. 2 Section will extend to
the right, No. 3 to the left."
The leading section extended, and, at the double, reinforced the
point which was lying down about 200 metres in front. Thence it
directed its fire against the eastern edge of Ebersbach, which was
occupied by the enemy.
As the enemy's fire though heavy was not particularly effective,
the section advanced by rushes. In doing this it suffered some
slight loss. When it got to within 400 metres the enemy's fire
ceased.
When the village was entered, a trooper of the enemy's
2nd Chevaulegers Regiment was found lying severely wounded ; he
was not in a condition to answer questions. He belonged to the
1st Squadron. The inhabitants stated that there had been at least
two squadrons in Ebersbach, and that they had gone off in the
direction of Aufhausen.
The company commander, who had remounted, then ordered the
No. I Section to move on the hill east of Aufhausen. It was first of
all to lie down in position there and keep a sharp look out towards
Lindach and Edenpfaffenhofen. A strong patrol was to be sent to
Aufhausen.
He then waited for the remaining two sections, which were
approaching the southern edge of Ebersbach, one extended and the
other in close order.
He signalled to these two sections to close immediately north
of Ebersbach, and at 12.30 p.m., when he had seen that the
No. 1 Section had occupied the hill east of Aufhausen unopposed, he
issued the following instructions : — " The company will watch the
line Wasenhof — Aufhausen, both inclusive. No. 2 Section will
move on the small wood 1,500 metres north-east of Ebersbach (we
can see the southern edge of that wood on our right), and will watch
the line from Wasenhof to the west edge of the wood. It will
reconnoitre towards Petershausen, the Petershausen — Jetzendorf
road and the tracks leading to Sollern and Lindach. In case of
attack, No. 2 Section will hold the north edge of the wood.
No. 1 Section will watch the line from the left of No. 2 Section to
Aufhausen, and will hold the hill on which it now is.
" The remainder of the company will remain here for the present.
I am going to ride round the company's position beginning from the
left. No. 2 Section will march off."
He then ordered the commander of No. 3 Section to pile arms,
and to instruct his men as to the situation, the role of the company
and the country. One under-ofncer and three men were sent back
to reconnoitre the Glonn from Asbach to the north-west of Jedenhofen
and to mark deep places.
The stretcher bearers and medical under-officer of the company
were directed to take the wounded to the mill at Jedenhofen, and to
inform the medical officer of the battalion.
Meanwhile Nos. 3 and 4 Companies had approached the southern
85
edge of Ebersbach ; the No. 2 Company was seen to be ascending
the southern slopes of hill 508.
The advanced guard commander met the commander of No. 1
Company at 12.40 p.m., and learned from him what had happened
and the steps taken. After he had expressed his concurrence with
the latter, and had promised to make arrangements for the wounded of
No. 1 Company, the commander of No. 1 Company rode off to his
section, which was still lying down in extended order on the hill
just east of Aufhausen.
At 1 p.m., Lieutenant A., the section commander, made him the
following report : — " I have occupied this hill without fighting.
I have just seen the enemy, estimated at two squadrons, disappear
into Edenpfaffenhofen. I have sent patrols as follows: —
" Through Lindach on Thann ;
" Straight through the wood in front of us on Thann ;
" Through Edenpfaffenhofen on Eglersried.
" An uncler-officer and ten men are in Aufhausen."
The hill on which the company commander was standing was a
small under-feature of the ridge running down from Edenpfaffenhofen
on the east side of the valley. It afforded but little view, for the
ground in front was rising. The highest point of the hill lay some
800 metres to the north-west. Beyond it nothing could be seen ;
the field of fire for infantry was not very good and extended barely
i'or 500 metres in front of the section. Due north, towards Lindach,
rose a small knoll, which commanded the position of the section at
about 1,000 metres and limited the view. Only at an occasional
point was it possible to get a glimpse of the edges of the woods
which extend east of Lindach and north of Edenpfaffenhofen.
Looking eastwards there was also a ridge in front, which sloped down
to the valley of the Glonn, and intervened between the position of
the section and the wood which has been mentioned so often,
1,500 metres north of Ebersbach. The western part of this wood
was visible. The knoll 1,000 metres north of Aufhausen, which
has been mentioned above, shut out the view of the country towards
Ziegelberg.
The position of No. 1 Section did not therefore seem particularly
favourable ; if it were pushed further forward toward Edenpfaffen-
hofen, it would, however, be too close to the wood north of that place,
and the extent of front would be too great.
At 1.10 p.m. the company commander gave the following verbal
order : — " Lieutenant A., you will watch the ground on the west
edge of that wood there on the right, as far as Aufhausen inclusive,
with No. 1 Section, and will occupy also the knoll which you see in
the direction of Lindach.
" No. 2 Section will extend your right from the wood. In case of
attack you will hold this position ; No. 3 Section, which is at present
at Ebersbach, will be sent to the west edge of the wood on your
right. I agree with your arrangements for reconnaissance. It is
especially important to observe the roads leading on Thann and
Eglersried from the north and north-west. Hostile patrols must be
prevented from observing the valley of the Glonn.
" You must keep connection with No. 2 Company, which by this
time must have reached that hill over there on the left (hill 508
86
south-west of Aufhausen). Its section begins at Aufhausen. The
remainder of the battalion is straight behind you at Ebersbach.
Eeports to No. 3 Section. I am going now to No. 2 Section."
The company commander then galloped off to the knoll between
Aufhausen and Lindach to have a look at the country. From this
point the country east and west of Lindach was in view. Looking
west, the southern edges of the woods which extend about that place
were visible, and Thann was easily recognizable through a gap in the
wood. Looking east, the eye ran along the line of hills which
extends towards Ziegelberg, and was then caught by the red roofs of the
small village of Ziegelberg, which was almost concealed in the trees.
The meadows lying in the deep valley which lay to the south,
between this line of hills and the wood, were in full view ; looking
beyond them, one could see, far down the valley of the Glonn,
Petershausen, and beyond it the hills of Glonnbercha could be
identified.
Over the line of hills between Ziegelberg and Lindach stretched
the long ridge which runs from Sollern to Petershausen, and above
this ridge the line of big woods shut out the view to the north. The
valleys between these ridges were not in view.
The company commander recognized that the position of
No. 2 Section was even less favourable than that of No. 1. The
ground rose on the far side of the meadows mentioned above,
which were scarcely 800 metres wide, from the northern edge of the
wood which he had been directed to hold. The slope of the ground
towards Ziegelberg was concave, and the field of view and fire was
very limited.
He had, therefore, to decide either to give up the defence of the
wood altogether, or to extend the line of defence to the Ziegelberg
ridge (hill 491), whence a view of from 2 to 3 kilometres was
obtainable, and the field of fire for 2,000 metres appeared very good.
By including this line the position to be held by the company would
be considerably extended. But this appeared to be the only means
of preventing the enemy, even for a time, from penetrating into the
wood from the southern edge of which the valley of the Glonn and
the positions of the 1st Res. Inf. Brigade could be observed at
leisure.
In case of necessity, No. 3 Section must be posted at the western
edge of the wood to fill the gap between No. 2 and No. 1 Sections,
which would be increased by pushing forward No. 2 Section.
Captain B. then found the commander of No. 2 Section at the
centre of the northern edge of the wood occupied in issuing
instructions to his section. He asked him to postpone issuing his
orders and said : — " The edge^ of this wood is not a suitable position.
Your position must be furthe^r forward ; it will begin at Wasenhof
and extend through Ziegelberg and hill 491, towards that meadow
land half way between Lindach and this wood. The limit of No. 1
Section is on that small knoll which you see to the left of
the corner of the wood. There will be a strong observation post
there. I am going to place No. 3 Section in front of the western
edge of this wood. There is no change in the orders for reconnais-
sance."
1st Lieutenant P. then marched off towards Ziegelberg. The
87
company commander accompanied him and added the following
instructions : — " In case of attack, you must hold Ziegelberg and
hill 491 west of that place. If compelled you must fall back east of
the wood on Asbach where I intend to collect the company."
At 1.30 p.m. the section arrived behind the ridge between
Ziegelberg and hill 491. The section commander ordered the section
to halt, and took the under-officers to the front until they could see
over the hill. When he had explained the situation, he issued the
following verbal order : — " Our brigade, which is attached to the
5th Army Corps, will dig itself in this afternoon about Jedenhofen,
and will hold its position against every attack. The 1st Bn., 1st Res.
Inf. Kegt., is directed to cover the brigade while entrenching, and
will hold the ground on either side of Aufhausen. No. 1 Company
occupies the line Wasenhof — Aufhausen. No. 1 Section is on our
left, its nearest observation post is on the hill which you see past
the corner of the wood. You can recognize the hill by the chalk
pit. No. 3 Section holds the west edge of the wood behind us. We
form the extreme right wing and have to hold from Wasenhof,
which is by that bare ground below us in the valley of the Glonn,
which I have already pointed out to you, through Ziegelberg, the
village close by, and hill 491, on the left of the village, as far as
that meadow-land below there. The section will remain behind
Ziegelberg, and in case of attack will hold Ziegelberg and the hill on
its left. The village in the valley on the right, with that big red
building (the railway station) is Petershausen, the place half left in
that flat valley is Sollern. Still further to the left you see, at the
end of that ridge, the chapel of Lindach.
" The following will be the observation posts : —
" Under-officer A. and six men will be on the right wing in
Wasenhof : they will observe the valley of the Glonn and Peters-
hausen. Under-officer B. and four men in Ziegelberg : they will
observe from Petershausen to Sollern.
" Corporal C. and three men will form a standing patrol in the
neighbourhood of Lindach, to watch the ground west of Sollern and
the roads coming from Thann.
" The following will be the patrols : —
(1) Private D. with two men by Petershausen station, along the
Jetzendorf road as far as its junction with the road from
Kreithof. This patrol will come back by Kreithof.
(2) Private E. with two men by Sollern — Kreithof — the Peters-
hausen road — Jetzendorf, and so back.
(3) Private F. with two men by Lindach to Thann and back.
" Hostile patrols are to be stopped as far as possible ; they must be
prevented from getting down to the valley of the Glonn. Eeports
here. Observation posts and patrols will march off. Serjeant M.
will take charge of the section, tell it off, pile arms at Ziegelberg,
get water, and inform the men as to the situation. I am going
through Ziegelberg to No. 2 observation post, and then to hill 491."
The captain asked 1st Lieutenant P. to establish a signalling
station to connect with No. 3 and No. 1 sections at the south-west
corner of Ziegelberg. The following abbreviations were to be
used : —
88
F. to mean " Enemy advancing."
A. „ „ " Enemy about attack."
S. „ „ " Section to take up its position."
E. „ „ " Section will retire."
When 1st Lieutenant P. had made a note of these abbreviations,
the company commander rode back to No. 1 Section and explained to
Lieutenant A. the change in the dispositions of Nos. 2 and 3 Sections.
He also ordered the section to establish a signalling station,
explained the abbreviations given above, arid then returned to
Ebersbach.
At Ebersbach, dinners were issued to No. 3 section from the field
kitchens, which were then sent to No. 1 section at Aufhausen and
afterwards to No. 2 section at Ziegelberg.
When dinners were finished, No. 3 section, together with the
1st line transport of the company, marched off to take up its position
at the west edge of the wood north of Ebersbach.
We will now go to No. 2 Company, 1st Bn., 1st Ees Inf. Eegt., the
head of which had reached the bridge at Jedenhofen mill at
11.45 a.m.
When the firing occasioned by the collision between No. 1.
Company and the enemy holding Ebersbach was heard, the company
had begun to double, but as soon as it was recognized that the affair
was trifling quick time was resumed. The company had deployed
its sections and had formed a thin line of skirmishers, 600 metres in
front, directed on hill 508, south-west of Aufhausen. An officer and
ten men had previously been sent on towards this hill. The officer
was directed to lie down there and to wait for the company. He was
told that the company was to attack if the hill was occupied.
When the company was on the march towards the valley and
was crossing the Ebersbach- Weichs road, half-way between hill 508
and Ebersba'ch, some horsemen were seen at the eastern exit of
Weichs. They were recognized through glasses to be infantry officers
of the Blue army. A cyclist sent thither reported that the No. 2
Company, 33rd Inf. Eegt. was occupying Weichs, and was charged
with the duty of covering the 9th Inf. Div., which was entrenching
at Zillhofen. The easternmost post of the company was on the knoll,
300 metres north of Weichs.
The officer sent forward to hill 508 reported that he had reached
that place without difficulty, and that nothing was to be seen of the
enemy.
Thereupon Captain B. issued the following verbal order at
12.30 p.m. to his company, which was drawn up close behind
hill 508 : — " The brigade, which is attached to the 5th Army Corps,
is to occupy a defensive position behind us at Jedenhofen, the place
on the far side of the Glonn which we have just marched through,
and will dig itself in there to-day. The advanced guard on the north
bank of the Glonn is to cover the brigade, while entrenching, against
the enemy, detachments of whose army have been reported to be on
the march this morning, the 22nd, on Klenau, Schiltberg, and
Aichach. Hostile cavalry which were holding Ebersbach have been
driven out by No. 1 Company.
" No. 1 Company is on our right, with its left at Aufhausen, the
89
church tower of which you can see over the hill. The remainder of
the battalion is in Ebersbach, half right behind us.
" No. 2 Company, 33rd Inf. E-egt. is on our left in Weichs, that
large village with the factory chimney. The nearest observation
post of that company is on the hill with the two poplars, north of
Weichs. The section allotted to No. 2 Company extends from
Aufhausen to the hill with the poplars.
" The company will remain in this valley, and in case of attack,
will hold the hill in front. Lieutenant A. will remain on hill 508
and watch the ground in front.
" Under-officer B. will act as patrol No. 1 and move through
Edenpfaffenhofen to Eglersried. Under-officer C. and four men will
form patrol No. 2 and will move through the wood half left to
Franking. Hostile patrols are to be stopped as far as possible ; they
must not be allowed to get into the Glonn valley. 1st Lieutenant
K. will take over command of the company, tell it off and instruct
the men as to the situation and the surrounding country.
" Water can then be fetched from Ebersbach, and dinners be
issued from the field kitchen. No. 1 Section is to be ready for
instant action. I am going to Lieutenant A. on the hill in
front."
Captain G-. met Lieutenant A. on hill 508 at 1 p.m. A good view
was obtainable from the hill. An observer stationed there not only
had the whole country east of Aufhausen, as far as Ziegelberg, in full
view, but also the whole of the country as far as the ridge, which runs
east of Erlhauseri, was visible to the west. The high ground north
and north-east of the Glonn, and the woods about Gundachersdorf
were clearly distinguishable over the latter ridge
The big wood east of Edenholtzhausen, however, limited the field
of view, but the country between Franking and Edenpfaffenhofen
was visible through gaps in the trees.
Lieutenant A. had placed two look-out men who divided the
ground to be watched between them. He called the attention of his
company commander to the fact that there was a line of men in
extended order on the hill east of Aufhausen, and that they
appeared to be the left of No. 1 Company. He also pointed out that
there was a post of that company at the first house of Aufhausen,
on the Edenpfaffenhofen road. The company commander ordered
Lieutenant A. to remain on hill 508 as observation post of No. 2
Company, which had taken up a position in the valley behind, half
right. At the same time he gave him the necessary information as
to the enemy and the situation. When he had ridden back to his
company, the company commander met the advanced guard
commander, to whom he reported the position of his company and
that of No. 2 Company, 33rd Inf. Eegt.
We will now return to Nos. 3 and 4 Companies, which had
reached Ebersbach about 1 p.m. There Major M., the battalion
commander, issued them the following order : — " No. 1 Company has
occupied the wood on our right, the hill in front of us, and
Aufhausen ; No. 2 Company holds the big spur which runs north-
west from our left.
"Nos. 3 and 4 Companies will remain at my disposal at the
northern exit of Ebersbach. No. 3 Company will be on the right
90
and No. 4 on the left of the Aufhausen road. The companies will
find shelter, and dinners will be issued from the field kitchens.
"All the field kitchens of the battalion will afterwards be
assembled at the southern exit of Ebersbach, and will move by
Jedenhofen to Vierkirchen, where they will come under the charge
of the supply officer of the 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt. No. 3 Company will
establish posts on the roads to Petershausen and Aufhausen to
connect with No. 1 Company, and a piquet of one imder-officer and
ten men at the bridge at Petershausen. No. 4 Company will keep
connection with No. 2 Company and with the 1st Bn., 33rd Inf.
Eegt., which is at Weichs. It will send piquets to the bridges at
Asbach and Jedenhofen mill. It will establish signalling communi-
cation with the south bank of the Glonn.
" The medical officer will arrange for the care of the wounded of
No. 1 Company, who will be brought back to Jedenhofen mill, and
will subsequently be sent back to Vierkirchen. The ambulance
wagon is at Jedenhofen mill, where the wounded of other companies
will be sent. Transport will be requisitioned and held in readiness
at Ebersbach.
" I am going to No. 1 Company and afterwards to No. 2. Captain
N. will take over command here, and will see that the men are
instructed as to the situation and their duties."
Just as the advanced guard commander was about to ride off, the
commander of the 1st Sq., 1st Ees. Cav. Eegt., reported himself and
asked for orders. He was directed to draw in his dismounted
troopers as they were relieved at the bridges by Nos. 3 and 4
Companies, and to resume the reconnaissance both down the valley
of the Ilm and on the line Jetzendorf — Hilgertshausen towards
Petershausen. He was also directed to secure the right flank and
to watch the Klenau-Hilgertshausen road especially. He was told
that the battalion, in the event of a serious attack, would fall back
on Asbach, and that the squadron would conform to the retirement
through Hockhof.
The advanced guard commander then rode off to inspect the
positions of Nos. 1 and 2 Companies, while Captain N. gave the
squadron commander more detailed information as to the position of
the brigade, and then wrote out a report to the brigade commander.
At 2 p.m. the brigade was seen to begin work above Jedenhofen,
and about 3.30 p.m. signalling communication was established with
a post of 3rd Bn., 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt., at the point where the
Vierkirchen-Asbach road crosses the railway.
The medical officer had meanwhile dressed the wounds of the
few men who were severely wounded, and had them driven to
Vierkirchen. He himself remained at the dressing station at
Jedenhofen mill.
Three two-horse farm wagons were drawn up at the church at
Ebersbach under a medical under-ofticer, with some of the stretcher
bearers of Nos. 3 and 4 Companies.
91
ORDERS ISSUED BY, AND ACTION OF, THE BRIGADE STAFF AFTER
11 A.M.
The brigade commander, accompanied by his brigade-major and
some orderlies, reached the hill east of Jedenhofen at 11 a.m. The
commander of the 1st Sq., 1st Ees. Cav. Kegt., reported himself there.
He told the brigadier what he had done and gave him the information
gleaned about the enemy and the surrounding country. (See pages
80 and 81 for a similar report made to the advanced guard
commander.)
The brigade staff then dismounted and ascended the hill to
reconnoitre. The horses were left behind the hill under cover.
The view obtained was as follows : — The whole of the valley of
the Glonn between Asbach and Weichs, between which places its
width varies from 800 to 1,500 metres, was in full view ; the Glonn
itself, a sluggish winding stream, was difficult to identify, but a
continuous line of trees and bushes marked its course more or less
clearly. The line of bushes was less dense between Asbach and
Ebersbach than between the latter place and Weichs, which lies
further upstream. The valley appeared to be level, though in some
places the lower spurs of the hills approached the river closer than
in others.
The ground was in most places dry meadow and plough land,
though, here and there, reeds and rushes indicated marshy ground.
Thick clumps of reeds were visible at intervals along the course of
the river, and were an indication of boggy banks.
The view from the hill looking north-east down the valley of the
Glonn was unusually extensive ; it was possible to see for a distance
of 10 kilometres. The first thing which caught the eye in this
direction was the railway line, which ran first of all through a number
of cuttings, and then crossed the valley to Petershausen on a high
embankment. The bridge by which the railway crossed the Kollbach-
Asbach road was clearly visible. Beyond that bridge a round hill
with gentle slopes rose eastwards ; this was hill 496 west of Kollbach.
The village of Kollbach was hidden in the valley behind the hill, but
two church towers were visible over the crest. One of these, the
most westerly, was a slender spire, the other was a tower with white
walls and a zinc roof. The latter was visible from the north-west
corner of the wood north of Vierkirchen. This wood consisted of
high firs mixed with deciduous trees. Portions of the valley of the
Glonn north-east of Petershausen, and the hills of Mitterkammer, were
visible over the western end of hill 496, the view being limited by the
woods north-east and north of Mitterkammer. Goppertshausen, a
small village with bright red roofs, was in full view, and so was
Ober-Marbach, which lay half-way up the slope and could be
identified by its prominent white church tower.
The most prominent object in the foreground was the pleasant
little village of Asbach, which was dominated by the dome of its
church and was surrounded by trees. Beyond Asbach the church
tower of Petershausen, and, some distance to the left, the red buildings
of the station, which was on the slopes on the north bank of the
92
Glonn, could be seen. From the point of observation, Asbach and
Petershausen appeared to run into each other. The valley between,
which is about 2,000 metres wide, was concealed by the buildings of
Asbach.
To the left of Asbach the small group of houses at Wasenhof, and
a little further to the left the single house between Wasenhof and
Ziegelberg could be discerned. Ziegelberg lay still farther to the left
and was almost hidden in the trees. Looking over the avenue of trees,
through which runs the road along the Glonn valley, the wooded land
south of Ziegelberg was to be seen. Ziegelberg did not appear to
stand by itself, as it does on the map, but seemed to join on to the
woods lying behind it.
Past the right corner of Ebersbach, which lay in full view, the
ground rose gently, and behind and above this rise, Lindach was
visible in a gap in the woods.
The valley running from Ebersbach to Aufhausen could be
identified, and also the small village of Aufhausen, the houses of
which were similar to those of Ebersbach. The broad spur, the
highest point of which is formed by hill 508, and which runs north-
west from Ebersbach, shut out the view into this valley and into the
country round Edenpfaffenhofeii. The dark woods east of Edenholz-
hausen bounded the horizon in that direction. The portion of the
village of Weichs which runs from east to west was in full view, but
the part which juts out towards Erlhausen could not be seen. The
ridge beyond Weichs, abpve which place the hill of Gundackersdorf
and the woods east of Langenpettenbach were easily distinguishable,
was marked by two high poplars, which formed the most conspicuous
landmark in the neighbourhood. The view up the Glonn is much
more limited than that down the valley. The hills west of Alberts-
hofen, the red roofs of which could be seen, and the stretch of woods
running up the hill east of Albertshofen, formed the limits of vision
in that direction.
North of Albertshofen, the -outskirts of Glonn could be dis-
tinguished, and it was possible to identify the hills north of that
place.
The small village of Jedenhofen, which lay deep in a grassy
valley, could not be seen till one moved to the western slopes of hill
485. The place had little value as a tactical locality, for it was shut
in and commanded on all sides.
The position to be occupied by the 1st Ees. Inf. Bde. appeared,
from an infantry point of view, generally strong when looked at from
the road between Jedenhofen and Albertshofen. The left was
connected with the 9th Inf. Div. ; in front the field of fire extended
to the limits of effective rifle range, and the enemy, in passing
through this danger zone, had to cross the Glonn. The only
unfavourable point was the right flank at Jedenhofen. It was, there-
fore, necessary to consider whether the hill 300 metres east of that
place should be included in the line of defence. If this were done the
right flank would be very strong. By bending back the right flank
round this hill as far as the railway, a turning movement from
Asbach would be made comparatively ineffective. If the enemy were
to attempt to outflank the position from hill 496 and Kollbach, it
would be necessary for him to make a wide detour and to employ a
93
very considerable force. Besides this, such a turning movement must
soon be discovered.
The undulating nature of the country behind the position was
particularly valuable. It not only made it possible to post supports
and reserves close to the position under complete cover, but also made
communications behind easy. The ground was plough land, easy to
dig-
After this general reconnaissance, the staff mounted and rode
through Jedenhofen down the position. From the narrow spur on
which Albertshofen lay, and which ran down into the valley of the
Glonn from the wood so often mentioned above, it was possible to see
the ground about and west of Weichs. The small wood, however,
shut out the view due east ; on the other hand, the first houses of
Jedenhofen with the buildings of the adjoining mill could be
recognized. Ebersbach lay further to the left. Between these places
the part of the Glonn valley as far as the isolated group of houses of
Wasenhof, which were recognized by their bright red roofs, lay in
view. Aufhausen was entirely concealed by spur 508 and so was the
ground towards Ebersbach. The south-western slope of hill 508,
which runs down into a grassy valley, and the extensive village of
Weichs, were clearly seen. Above Weichs rose a pointed hill
crowned by two large and characteristic poplars, which were visible
from all points in the surrounding country. The wood extending
north-east of Erlhausen limited the view in this direction. Looking
over the roofs of Weichs one could see far into the Erlhausen valley,
the houses of Erlhausen being still visible. Between this valley and
the village of Glonn, which could still be identified though it was
partially concealed by a November mist, hill 493 rose from the valley
of the Glonn. The lower part of this hill fell in a concave slope into
the valley, and above its highest point appeared the woods south of
Gundackersdorf.
The brigade major thought he could identify beyond Erlhausen the
church tower of Gundackersdorf, but it was not possible to confirm
this. The valley of the Glonn was of the same character here as
lower down, it was flat plough and meadow land, about 1200 metres
wide, with a few marshy places ; clumps of bushes and reeds
offered some temporary cover from view to advancing infantry. On
the far side of the narrow valley through which the tiny Pasenbach
runs down to the Glonn, the ground rose from Zillhofen, a con-
spicuous group of houses, in a slope covered with scattered bushes.
The highest point of this slope lay to the west of Breitenwiesen, of
which only an occasional roof was visible. Infantry were at work
along the lane leading from the Pasenbach valley through Zillhofen
westwards. A large group was noticed on the slope north of
Breitenwiesen, and it was quickly identified as consisting of dis-
mounted staff officers.
The commander of the 1st Ees. Inf. Bde. directed his brigade
major to bring the regimental commanders to the hill south of Jeden-
hofen, saying that he would be there at latest at 12.30 p.m., and then
galloped off' to the hill north of Breitenwiesen. There he found out
that the staff was that of the 17th Infantry Brigade, and he received
the following information as to the situation : —
" The 17th Inf. Bde., which forms the right wing of the
94
9th Inf. Div., reached the Glonn at 9.30 a.m. and has one battalion
of the 33rd Inf. Eegt. pushed forward to the north bank in the
neighbourhood of Weichs. The brigade began to entrench at
10.45 a.m. on the line Pasenbach valley — road junction at
Engelbrechtsmuhle. You can see the buildings of the latter place in
the valley to the left of Zillhofen. The right of the 2nd Bn., 33rd
Inf. Eegt., which is on the right, is at the bend in the road 300
metres south-west of Albertshofen. On the left the brigade connects
with the 18th Inf. Bde., which extends as far as Kloster-Inders-
dorf. The divisional commander intends, owing to the great extent
of the position, to occupy it with all the infantry except two
battalions ; these are to be kept in reserve west of Dazberg. An
Abteilung of the 17th Field Artillery Regt. was in position on the
hill on which the staff stood. The 18th Field Artillery Eegt. was
east of Kloster-Indersdorf at the disposal of the divisional com-
mander.
" Nothing definite was known about the enemy. There was a
rumour that the divisional cavalry regiment had been repulsed by
hostile cavalry near Erlhausen about 9 a.m. The covering detach-
ments reported constant collisions with patrols of the enemy's lancers-
in front."
The commander of the 1st Ees. Inf. Bde., who knew that the
whole of the ground in front of the 17th Inf. Bde. could be flanked
by fire from Albertshofen, suggested to the commander of the 17th
Inf. Bde. that it might be advisable to entrench some guns there.
This was put in hand at once.
The 17th Inf. Bde. undertook, on its side, to flank with its
artillery fire the ground in front of the left wing of the 1st Ees. Inf.
Brigade, and asked permission to place a section of machine guns in
position at Albertshofen, in order to make the front of the 33rd Inf.
Eegt. still stronger This proposal was agreed to. At the same time
it was arranged that the 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt., and the 33rd Inf. Eegt.,
which would be alongside each other, should support each other
mutually as far as possible. After making these arrangements
Major-General P., who commanded the 1st Ees. Inf. Bde., rode off
by the Albertshofen — Passenbach road in order to reach the hill south
of Jedenhofen. In doing this, he crossed a long column of artillery
which had halted. The officer in charge of this artillery, a lieutenant-
colonel, informed him that it was attached to the 1st Ees. Inf. Bde.
and that the commander of the regiment and the battery commanders
had gone on to the hill south of Jedenhofen. The Abteilung was the
2nd Abteilung, 17th F.A. Eegt.
General P. reached the said hill at 12.25 p.m. The commanders
of 1st and 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegts. and of the 2nd Abteilung, 17th F.A.
Eegt., the latter accompanied by his battery commanders, reported
themselves there. The general asked the officers to excuse him while
he retired for a short time in order to think over the action he would
take.
The following were his ideas of the position which he had to
defend: — The extent of the position between Jedenhofen and Alberts-
hofen was about 1400 metres. Since army corps orders directed
that Jedenhofen should be held, it was necessary to include the hill
immediately east of that place which completely commanded Jeden-
95
hofen, and formed the only suitable point upon which to rest the
right flank. By including this hill the extent of the position was
increased to from 1800 to 2000 metres. This did not seem too great
a front to be held by an infantry brigade even in somewhat difficult,
circumstances.
Four battalions were available to hold the front line, taking the
battalion which was covering the front and an additional
battalion to form the brigade reserve into consideration.
It seemed best to employ the 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt. complete in the.
front line and to find the reserve from the 1st Res. Inf. Regt. which
had already been split up, as the battalion covering the front belonged
to it. The section Jedenhofen — Albertshofen, therefore, fell naturally
to the 2nd Res. Inf. Regt., the hill east of Jedenhofen would then be
occupied by one battalion 1st Res. Inf. Regt., the remaining two
battalions of that regiment, including the battalion covering the f ront^
being in second line.
Since the co-operation of the 10th Inf. Div. could not for the
present be reckoned upon, it was necessary for the brigade to provide
for the security of the right Hank. The reserves had therefore to be
Echeloned behind that flank, their exact position depending upon the
facilities for their employment. Now, whether the brigade was to
act on the defensive against a hostile advance on the right wing, or
whether it was itself to assume the offensive on that side, the reserve
would probably have to be employed in the country between Jeden-
hofen and Asbach. It was also necessary to take into consideration
the possibility of the enemy attempting a turning movement by hill
496.
The best position for the available reserves appeared, therefore,,
to be the wood north of Yierkirchen, and particularly the western
part of that wood. This position was the more suitable because it
was possible to withdraw the covering battalion into it without
difficulty.
It was of great importance to ensure the co-operation of the
infantry and the artillery. The section of the infantry position,
Jedenhofen — Albertshofen, allotted to the 2nd Res. Inf. Regt., could
be pushed forward towards the Glonn, and might follow the general
line of the lane connecting Jedenhofen and Albertshofen. From this
position infantry fire could be employed up to the extreme limits of
rifle range, and the obstacle which the enemy had to cross, the river
Glonn, would be well within effective rifle range. The ground,
which was plough land, seemed to be easy to dig.
The best position for the field artillery, therefore, seemed to be the
spur running down from the wood east of Albertshofen where there
would be plenty of room for the artillery Abteilung. From that position
there was a good view of the Glonii Valley between Petershausen and
Weichs and of the opposite heights, particularly hill 508 south-west
of Aufhausen, which formed the most probable position for the enemy's
artillery. The position was also favourable for long range fire, and
for the close support of the infantry in the defence of the
position.
The problem was much more difficult on the extreme right flank,
i.e., the hill east of Jedenhofen, allotted to the 1st Res. Inf. Regt. Here
it was first necessary to decide whether the mill on the Glonn north-
96
east of Jedenhofen should be included in the line of defence or not.
In favour of including it were the facts that it lay immediately in
front of the position and masked the field of fire, thereby making it
necessary to draw back the main line of defence. Against inclusion
was the fact that the mill had all the disadvantages of an advanced
post, it would easily be enveloped on three sides, and would then have
to be evacuated, while it was possible that the enemy in following up
would obtain a footing 011 the main position. If the mill were
to be included in the main line of defence, it would be necessary to
push the right wing forward which would cause it to be very exposed.
In that case it would not be possible to take advantage of the hill
east of Jedenhofen, the special value of which was that it afforded
a good defensive position against the north.
For these reasons it seemed advisable to give up the idea of
occupying the mill, and to accept the resulting disavantage of not
being able to bring any strong force of artillery into action on the
hill, for the infantry line must then run close to its highest point It
would, however, still be possible to entrench a few guns in the infantry
line in order to be able to give the infantry close artillery support, by
sweeping with fire the Glonn Valley as far as the farther side of
Asbach. The shields of the guns would justify the employment of the
artillery in this way.
It would not be feasible to employ more than a section of artillery
on the hill east of Jedenhofen, the remainder of the battery being
used in a similar way to bring flanking fire to bear upon the ground
in front of the position. For this purpose two guns might be placed
in a retired position behind Jedenhofen to sweep the valley in the direc-
tion of Weichs, and two more could be concealed in the wood south-
east of Albertshofen to fire eastwards down the Glonn valley. This
disposition of the guns would considerably assist the infantry
defence.
Lastly, it was intended to entrench machine guns in order to bring
fire to bear upon specially important points, such as the mill at Jeden-
hofen, the mouth of the Ebersbach valley and the exits of Weichs,
and also to enfilade the front of the position.
On these grounds the brigadier issued the following instructions
to the regimental and artillery Alteihmg commanders : —
" 12.45 p.m. I intend to dispose the brigade as follows : —
" 1 battalion, 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt. on the hill 300 metres east of
Jedenhofen.
" 2nd Kes. Inf. Eegt. on the line Jedenhofen — Albertshofen, both
inclusive.
" The position will be entrenched ; the firing line of the 2nd Ees.
Inf. Eegt, will follow approximately the lane connecting Jedenhofen
and Albertshofen. The battalion of the 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt. will
entrench the hill east of Jedenhofen so as to form a point of support
for the right flank, and to be able to withstand hostile attacks from
the front not only from across the Glonn, but also from the direction
of Asbach along the railway line. This position is of special
importance, for it forms the extreme right flank of the army.
" I wish the machine guns to be employed to bring flanking fire to
bear across the front of the position. One machine gun section, 2nd
Ees. Inf. Eegt., is to be employed at Albertshofen to flank the ground
97
in front of the 17th Infantry Brigade, of which the 33rd Inf. Eegt.
connects with our left. Steps are to be taken to arrange with this
regiment for mutual support.
," The bulk of the field artillery will be entrenched on this ridge ;
targets, Aufhausen and the high ground east and west of that place.
Artillery fire is to be brought, as far as possible, to bear upon hostile
infantry up to the last moment of the assault. One section of guns
will be placed on the hill east of Jedenhofen to support the battalion
of the 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt. which will be there, one section will be
placed in a retired position behind Jedenhofen to fire in the direction
of Weichs, and one section in the wood on our left to fire in the
direction of Ebersbach.
" Commanders will reconnoitre the position and will come to
Eammelsbach, north of Vierkirchen, not later than 1.45 p.m. for final
orders."
The brigadier then despatched his brigade major to Eammelsbach
to prepare the operation order, and went himself to Esterhofen station,
where he met the Chief of the General Staff of the 5th Army Corps
at 1 p.m. He there received the following information as to the
situation : —
" The enemy, estimated at three army corps, reached the line
Schrobenhausen — Pottmes — Tierhaupten with his advanced troops
yesterday evening, the 21st. Hostile infantry have been identified
this morning at Hilgertshausen, Pipinsried and Pfaffenhofen (near
Altomiinster), where they are apparently halted for the
present.
" Army headquarters expect an attack from the far bank of the
Glonn on the morning of the 23rd, and intend to meet this first of
all by holding a defensive position on the south bank of the river. It
is intended later to make a counter-attack with the 3rd Army Corps
on the left flank of the army.
" The 5th Army Corps is ordered to maintain itself at all costs on
the line Jedenhofen — Kloster-Indersdorf. Any portions of the 10th
Inf. Div., which is still on the march, not required to hold the position
are to be sent to Sulzemoos to be at the disposal of the 3rd Army
Corps. The 5th Army Corps has at present the 1st Ees. Inf. Bde.
in position on the line Jedenhofen— Albertshofen, and the 9th Inf.
Div., extending bo the left as far as Kloster-Indersdorf. We must
maintain ourselves in this position until the decision has been
obtained on the other flank. The position of the 1st Ees. Inf. Bde.
is particularly difficult because it is on the extreme right flank, and
because Jedenhofen and the hill east of that place, which must be in-
cluded in that position, cannot be given up in any circumstances.
For the present, army corps headquarters are not able to give any
further infantry support, but it is intended to place the army corps
reserve (20th Inf. Bde., and 20th Field Artillery Eegiment) in Echelon
at Eettenbach and Giebirig. It is not at present possible to say
when, how, and where these troops will be employed. They are
marching by Eohrmoos, Eiedenzhofen, and Vierkirchen, and will not
reach Eettenbach before 5 p.m.
" The 10th Inf. Div., which has been kept back east of the Isar to
watch the right flank of the army, is not expected to reach Dachau
with its leading troops before 12 noon. The 19th Inf. Bde. and
(B 760) G
98
the 19th Field Artillery Eegiment will be moved at once by Webling
to Sulzemoos, to join the 3rd Army Corps.
" The 1st Abteilung of the 5th Heavy Artillery Eegiment will be
attached to the 1st Res. Inf. Bde. as soon as it comes up, in order
to strengthen the right flank. It must not be expected before 5 p.m.
Army Corps headquarters will pass the night at Esterhofen station.
The headquarters of the army will be in Schwabhausen,, with which
we are in telegraphic communication by way of Dachau. The 1st
Ees. Inf. Bde. will establish telephonic communication between its
headquarters and the headquarters of the army corps."
General P. stated that his brigade would rest till 2 p.m. at
Yierkircheri, where it had already arrived, and would then begin the
preparation of the position for defence. He added that the 1st Bn.,
1st Res. Inf. Regt., had been pushed forward to the far bank of the
Glonn to cover the brigade, that he was going first to Rammelsbach,.
and would later on fix his headquarters at the ganger's cottage on
the railway, 1,000 metres north of Esterhofen station. He requested
that the commander of the heavy artillery should be sent to him as.
soon as possible, and that he should be kept informed of the arrival
of the corps reserve, and of its subsequent movements. He then
rode off.
As he passed through the bivouacs of his brigade, he directed the
battalions to be ready to 'march off at 2 p.m. He ordered the
commander of the 1st Res. Inf. Regt., who reported that 600 large
spades, 150 picks, and 200 axes, had been collected and loaded on
six wagons, to send 400 spades, 100 picks, and 150 axes to the
church at Yierkirchen for the use of the 2nd Res. Inf. Regt. ; the
remainder were to be sent to the ganger's cottage, 1,000 metres north
of Esterhofen, for the 1st Res. Inf. Regt. The wagons were than to
be used to transport material for obstacles and overhead cover. The
2nd Res. Inf. Regt. was directed to begin requisitioning these at once
in Rammelsbach, Vierkirchen, Pasenbach, and Jedenhofen, while the
1st Res. Inf. Regt. did the same in Asbach and Ebersbach. Special
efforts were to be made to get wire for obstacles, but care was to be
taken not to damage the telegraph or telephone lines. The general
then went to Rammelsbach, where he read through the order which
had been drafted by his brigade major, and completed it with
reference to the information which he had received from army corps
headquarters. The operation order, of which many copies had been
made, finally ran as follows : —
" Rammelsbach north of Yierkirchen, 22. XL. 1.50 p.m.
" Brigade order No. 2 for 22. XI.
" 1. The enemy's army is advancing by Schrobenhausen and
Aichach. Its leading troops had reached Hilgertshausen, Pipinsried,
and Pfaffenhofen (near Altomunster) at noon to-day, the 22nd.
Hostile cavalry have been met north of Aufhausen, and near Weichs.
" 2. The army will hold the near bank of the Glonn, on the line
Jedenhofen-Grossberghofen. Strong reserves are posted on the left
flank.
" 3. The 5th Army Corps, which is on the right, is to hold the
section Jedenhofen — Kloster-Indersdorf ; it has the 9th Infantry
Division in position from the Pasenbach Yalley to Kloster-Indersdorf.
99
The 20th Inf. Bde. with some artillery form the corps reserve at
Eettenbach and Giebing.
" 4. The 1st Ees. Inf. Bde., which is attached to the 5th Army
Corps, is to hold the line Jedenhofen — Albertshofen. The 2nd Abtg.,
17th Field Artillery Eegt., and the 1st Abtg., 1st Heavy Artillery
Eegt., are attached to the brigade.
" 5. The 1st Bn., 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt., will entrench and hold the hill
east of Jedenhofen against attack from the north and from the
direction of Asbach.
" 6. The 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt. will entrench and hold the section
Jedenhofen — Albertshofen, both inclusive. The infantry line of
defence will follow the lane between Jedenhofen and Albertshofen.
One machine gun section will be posted at Albertshofen to flank the
position of the 33rd Inf. Eegt. which is on the left.
" 7. The 2nd Abteilung, 17th Field Artillery Eegt., will post two
batteries on the ridge running south-east from the wood south-east
of Albertshofen. Targets, hill 508 south-west of Aufhausen,
Aufhausen, and the ground east and west of that place. It will post
one section on the hill east of Jedenhofen, one section near
Jedenhofen. and one section in the wood south-east of Albertshofen,
to flank the ground in front of the position.
" 8. The remainder of the 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt. will move to the
western portion of the wood north of Yierkirchen, and be at my
disposal. It will watch the ground towards Kollbach and Asbach,
and get communication with the 1st Bn., 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt, which,
for the present, will cover the brigade on the far side of the Glonn,
and when compelled will fall back on Asbach and then join the
reserve.
" 9. The 1st Abteilung, 1st Heavy Artillery Eegt., which will not
arrive before 5 p.m., will be at the disposal of the 1st Ees. Inf.
Brigade.
"10. A tool depot has been established at the railway crossing
1,000 metres north of Esterhofen. 200 spades, 50 picks, and 50 axes
have been sent from it to Vierkirchen church for the 1st Ees. Inf.
Eegt. ; and 400 spades, 100 picks, and 150 axes for the 2nd Ees.
Inf. Eegt.
Asbach and Ebersbach have been allotted to the 1st Ees.
Inf. Eegt. for requisitioning material ; Eammelsbach, Vierkirchen,
Pasenbach, Jedenhofen, and Albertshofen to the 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt.
" 11. Field kitchens will fill up at once from the supply wagons,
and will be halted west of Vierkirchen, and the supply wagons east
of that place, both under the supply officer of the 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt.
They will be drawn up by regiments clear of the roads. 2nd
Line transport remains where it is.
" 12. Brigade headquarters at Eammelsbach, and after 3 p.m. at
the ganger's cottage 1,000 metres north of Esterhofen. Eegiments
will arrange for positions for the telephone detachment which will
establish communication with brigade headquarters. An officer of
the regimental staff must always be at the regimental telephone
station.
" Issued in writing to regimental commanders.
P,
" Major-General."
(B 760) G 2
100
Simultaneously a message form was sent to the 1st Bn., 1st Res.
Inf. Eegt., by cyclist to Ebersbach. Its contents were as follows : —
" Eammelsbach, 22.XL, 2 p.m.
" To 1st Bn., 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt., Ebersbach, by way of Jedenhofen.
" 1. The enemy's army, which is estimated at three army corps, is
advancing by Schrobenhausen and Aichach. Its advanced guards
had reached Hilgertshausen, Pipinsried, and Pfaffenhofen (near
Altomiinster) at noon to-day, the 22nd. Hostile cavalry are known
to be at Erlhausen.
" 2. The army will oppose the enemy on the south bank of the
Glonn. The 5th Army Corps, to which the 1st Ees. Inf. Bde. is
attached, is on the right flank, and will hold the section Jedenhofen
— Kloster-Indersdorf.
" 3. The 1st Ees. Inf. Bde. will begin to entrench its section,
which runs from the hill east of Jedenhofen to Albertshofen, to-day
at 2.30 p.m. One battalion 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt. will hold the hill east
of Jedenhofen. The 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt. will hold the line
Jedenhofen — Albertshofen. The remainder of the 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt.
will be in reserve at the wood north-east of Yierkirchen. The field
artillery attached to the brigade will be on the hill south of
Jedenhofen.
" 4. The advanced guard will cover the brigade, and will remain on
the north bank of the Glonn. It will reconnoitre by Jetzendorf,
Stachusried, and Ainhofen towards the Klenau — Hilgertshausen road.
It will ascertain whether the enemy's detachments reported at
Hilgertshausen are still there. It will observe the ground towards
Paindorf and Lampertshausen.
It will delay the enemy's advance, and if seriously attacked will
fall back on Asbach.
" 5. Field kitchens will be sent to Vierkirchen, where they will
come under the supply officer of the 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt.
" 6. Brigade headquarters at the ganger's cottage 1,000 metres
north of Esterhofen.
p.,
"Major-General commanding 1st Ees. Inf. Bde."
ORDERS ISSUED IN THE IST EES. INF. EEGT., BASED ON BRIGADE
OPERATION ORDER No. 2.
The regimental commander assembled his battalion commanders
and his supply officer, and issued them the following order : — " The
field kitchens and supply wagons of the brigade are placed under the
supply officer. Field kitchens will fill up at once and will be parked
west of Vierkirchen. The supply wagons, orders for refilling which
will be issued later, will be parked clear of the 2nd Line Transport
and east of Vierkirchen. Transport will be drawn up by regiments
clear of the road.
" The 1st Bn. will move to the ganger's cottage, 1,000 metres
north of Esterhofen, take over the entrenching tools there and then
march to the hill just east of Jedenhofen, where it will halt, covered
from the north. One machine gun section, and the tool and
10L ' ; ;
technical wagons of the regiment will accompany this battalion. It
will requisition material in Asbach and Ebersbach.
" The 2nd Bn. and machine gun company will move by Eammels-
bach to the western part of the wood north of Vierkirchen, where they
will halt and watch the ground in the direction of Petershausen and
Ebersbach.
" Battalion commanders and the commander of the machine gun
company will come as soon as possible to the ganger's cottage
1,000 metres north of Esterhofen, and will ride round the position
with me."
The regimental commander found the battalion commanders and
the commander of the machine gun company waiting for him at the
ganger's cottage. The party thereupon rode off towards the hill east
of Jedenhofen. On reaching the hill, they dismounted and ascended
high enough to get a good view.
The commander of the 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt. then issued the
following verbal instructions at 2 p.m. : —
" The valley of the Glonn lies in front of us. The Glonn is
fordable by infantry, but it is necessary to reconnoitre it. That
village half right, with the church with the dome, is Asbach. Over
there you can see Petershausen ; the big red building is the railway
station. That place still farther off half-way up the slope, is Ober-
Marbach. To the left of Asbach is Waserihof, the place with the
red roofs by that bare ground. Farther, to the left, half hidden in
the trees, is Ziegelberg ; straight across the valley are Ebersbach and
Aufhausen. Our 1st Battalion is in position there. That gently
rising hill, on the near slope of which you can see a company of the
1st Battalion, is hill 508 south-west of Aufhausen. That big village
to the left in the valley is Weichs. The enemy is advancing by
Schrobenhausen and Aichach. His advanced guards reached Hilgerts-
hausen, Pipinsried and Pfaffenhofen (near Altoiminster) at noon
to-day, the 22nd.
"The 1st Battalion is in touch with the enemy's cavalry. The
army is holding the line of the Glonn from Jedenhofen to Grossberg-
hofen. The 5th Army Corps, to which we are attached, has the
1st Pies. Inf. Bde. on the line Jedenhofen — Albertshofen with the
9th Inf. Div., extending the left as far as Kloster — Indersdorf.
" The village behind us is Jedenhofen. The right wing of the
1st Ees. Inf. Eegt. which is on our left, is at that place. The
2nd Bn., 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt., and one machine gun section will
hold the hill on which we are standing. This hill is of great
importance as it forms the extreme right flank of the army. It must
be held at all costs. In the wood on our right front, beyond the
railway embankment, the 3rd Bn., 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt. and the machine
gun company will be posted as a brigade reserve. Later the
1st Battalion will join them if compelled to fall back. The corps
reserve will arrive this evening at Eettenbach and Giebing.
cc Strengthen the position as much as possible to meet attacks from
the north and from the direction of Asbach.
"Jedenhofen will not be held. A section of field artillery
will be entrenched in this section. I will be at the railway crossing
half right, and will inspect the progress of the defensive works about
4 p.m."
102
While these orders were being issued, the battalion had reached
the ganger's cottage north of Esterhofen and halted there to take over
the entrenching tools which had been requisitioned.
The battalion commander directed his adjutant to ride to the
battalion to superintend the taking over of the entrenching tools.
He was then to lead the battalion into position behind the hill so
that the companies, when drawn up in line of company columns, would
be under cover from the Glonn valley. The company commanders
were to come at once to the battalion commander. The latter then
reconnoitred the hill with a view to its defence. He recognized that
the most unfavourable part of the position was that opposite the mill,
fur the enemy would be able to gain that place quickly, and he would
then be only about 600 metres from the position, even if the line of
defence were drawn back to the highest point of the hill. This part
of the position would therefore have to be strengthened specially. It
appeared feasible to arrange the trenches in tiers, to construct
positions for machine guns, and to place obstacles in front. These
measures would considerably strengthen this portion.
The field of fire to the north in the direction of Asbach was very
good, and extended to the limits of effective rifle-range. The ground
was also favourable for defence on the extreme right flank near the
railway. It should be possible to resist all attacks on this part of the
position, if the enemy did not attempt a turning movement beyond
the railway.
On these grounds, the battalion commander issued the following
verbal order to his company commanders at 2.10 p.m. : — " The enemy's
army is advancing to the Glonn by Schrobenhausen and Asbach.
His advanced guards reached Hilgertshausen, Pipinsried, and
PfafFeiihofen, near Altomiinster, at 11 a.m. to-day, the 22nd. The
1st Bn., 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt., which is covering the brigade on the far
bank of the Glonn at Ebersbach and Aufhausen, is in touch with the
enemy's caValry. The Glonn is passable by infantry at most points,
but it is necessary to reconnoitre the river as it is deep in places.
Detachments of our 1st Bn. can be seen on the slope opposite, near
Ebersbach and to the left of that place.
" The army is holding the near bank of the Glonn. The 1st Ees.
Inf. Bde. forms the right wing of the 5th Army Corps, to which it
is attached, and holds the line from this hill on which we are stand-
ing to Albertshofen, that hamlet with the red roofs which you can see
just by the wood opposite.
" The battalion will hold this hill, which forms the extreme right
flank, against attack from the direction of Ebersbach or Asbach.
" The 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt, is on our left near Jedenhof en, the small
village below there. The 3rd Bn., 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt., will be in the
wood on the right beyond the railway embankment, and will be
joined later by the 1st Bn. when it is forced to retire. The corps
reserve will be at Eettenbach and Giebing.
" I intend to occupy this hill and to hold it to the last. Nos. 5, 6,
and 7 Companies will be in the front line. No. 8 Company will be at
my disposal. No. 5 Company will be on the right, pointing towards
Asbach. Its left will be on tfle track from Vierkirchen ; its line of
entrenchments will extend for 200 metres towards the railway line.
It will arrange to flank its position from the railway line. No. 6
103
Company will be on the left of No. 5, at 100 metres interval. Its
front will be towards the wood south of Ziegelberg, and will extend
for 150 metres. Trenches will be arranged in tiers.
" No. 7 Company will prolong the left at 100 metres interval. Its
front will be towards the mill in the valley. Trenches to be in tiers.
Its line of defence will be as close as possible to the highest point of
the hill. Extent of front 100 metres.
" Two guns of the 2nd Abteilung, 17th Field Artillery Eegiment,
will be entrenched in the section of No. 6 Company, and one machine
gun section in that of No. 7 Company.
" The profiles of trenches will be as strong as possible. Flanking
fire will be arranged from the inner flanks of companies. Overhead
cover and cover for supports 'are to be provided,
" No. 8 Company will send one section to No. 7 Company to make
wire entanglement ; the material which has been requisitioned may
be used for this. It will also construct communication trenches to
the positions of Nos. 6 and 7 Companies. I will point out the places
where these trenches are to be begun. No. 8 Company will be posted
here, behind the hill.
" Companies will work in reliefs. Eeliefs will be ready for action
The position will be marked out at once. Work will begin as soon as
I have approved of the positions selected.
" No. 5 Company will watch the ground between Kollbach and the
wood south of Ziegelberg. No. 7 Company will watch the ground to
the left as far as Weichs.
" Small arm ammunition carts will be behind the hill near No. 8
Company. I will begin the inspection of the position with No. 5
Company."
While this was going on in the 2nd Battalion, the regimental com-
mander had ridden off with the commander of the 3rd Battalion towards
the railway crossing 1,800 metres south of Asbach, and during the
ride had given him the following instructions: — "You know the
situation, the task, and the disposition of the brigade. Your battalion
will form the brigade reserve. Move to the gap in the wood east of
this railway crossing (on the Vierkirchen — Asbach road) and place
your battalion under cover facing north ; watch the ground towards
Kollbach and Petershausen, and get connection by signal with the
1st Battalion, which has been pushed forward towards Ebersbach.
Eeconnoitre the wood to find out how far it is passable, and report
your position to brigade headquarters. I will be here at the cottage
near the railway crossing."
When the two commanders had crossed the railway, they saw the
head of the battalion which was inarching along the lane between
Vierkirchen and Asbach, about 400 metres away. The battalion
commander trotted forward to meet it, directed company commanders
to come to the head of the battalion and issued the following verbal
order at 2.20 p.m. : — " The battalion will take up position at the gap in
the wood 400 metres in front of us. Its left flank will be at the
railway crossing; it will face north, Nos. 9, 10, 11 and 12 Companies
will be drawn up in that order from right to left. No. 12 Company
will get touch with the troops on the left. 25 metres interval
between companies. When the battalion is in position, company
commanders will come to me at the northern edge of the wood."
104
The companies moved at once to their new position. Their form-
ations varied according to the space available. The majority were
in company column, but No. 12 Company on the left was in column
of squads, in order to take advantage of the cover which the railway
embankment afforded. After arms had been piled, the company
commanders went to meet the battalion commander who was waiting
for them at the north edge of the wood. A hill rose in front of
them about 500 metres from the edge of the wood. This hill lay in
the direction of Kollbach, the two towers of which were clearly
visible, and connected with the gentle slopes of hill 496 west of that
place. Hill 496 dominated the hill in question and it was not
possible to see beyond it. A better view was obtainable into the
Glonn valley. The railway embankment which lay below was only
visible in places, but the Glonn, between Ebersbach and Asbach, and
the hills rising on the i'ar bank were in full view. The section of the
valley towards Aufhausen and Aufhausen itself were also to be seen.
A long re-entrant which turned eastwards ran from the edge of the
wood, and behind it Piflitz lay in view.
When Major S. had explained the ground to his officers he
continued as follows : — " The enemy is advancing by Hilgertshauseii,
Pipinsried and Pfaffenhofen, and reached those places witli his
advanced guards during the forenoon of this day, the 22nd. Hostile
cavalry have been met north of Aufhausen near Weichs.
" The army will hold the south bank of the Glonn. The 5th Army
Corps, to which the 1st Ees. Inf. Bde. is attached, forms the right
wing, and will entrench a position from the hill east of Jedenhofen to
Kloster-Indersdorf. Our 2nd Bn. is on the extreme right flank on
the hill east of Jedenhofen, over there where you see the men digging.
The 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt. is on its left.
" We form the brigade reserve at the wood north of Vierkirchen.
The men will lie down.
" No. 9 Company will place an observation post at the corner of
the wood, which juts out on our right, to watch the ground from
Kollbach, by hill 496, as far as Petershausen. It will keep com-
munication with the section which has been pushed forward to hill
496. Signal messages sent from Kollbach church tower are to be
read and reported to me. This company will also post a man at the
southern edge of the wood where he can see Giebing and Eettenbach,
at which places the corps reserve is expected to arrive towards even-
ing. No. 11 Company will post a sentry at the railway cottage south-
east of Asbach to watch the ground between Petershausen and
Aufhausen.
"No. 12 Company will post a group near the railway crossing
1800 metres south of Asbach, which will watch the ground from
Aufhausen to Weichs, and keep in communication with the 2nd Bn.,
1st Ees. Inf. Regt., on the hill east of Jedenhofen. Signalling com-
munication will be established with the 1st Bn., 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt., at
Ebersbach. The Glonn will be reconnoitred from the railway bridge
north of Asbach by Asbach to Jedenhofen mill. Places where the
river is deep will be marked. No. 12 Company will post a sentry at
the corner of the wood in front of us. Captain A. will supervise the
placing of these sentries and posts. Captain B. will take over the
command of the battalion till my return in half an hour."
105
Major S. next reconnoitred the ground over which the battalion
might have to act. In doing this he bore in mind the following
considerations : — The battalion forms the brigade reserve and the
extreme right flank of the army. Though it is not possible to foresee
how the battalion will be employed, it may be assumed that it will
be used either to prolong the line of defence or to oppose a hostile
turning movement. In the latter case it may be employed either
offensively or defensively ; it is also possible that it may be used to
cover the withdrawal of the 1st Bn., 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt. In any one
of these cases the battalion will have to act in the area between
Kollbach, Asbach, and the wood north of Vierkirchen. It will, there-
fore, be of advantage to reconnoitre this ground with a view to the
employment of the battalion on these various missions, and this-
reconnaissance can be easily carried out while the battalion is not
employed.
In the case of an offensive forward movement, the ground in the
direction of Ebersbach and Asbach must be considered. The railway
embankment south of Asbach would have considerable influence on a
movement in either direction. It is possible to deploy the battalion
behind it and to advance direct on Ebersbach if a fire fight from the
embankment is not sufficient. Besides this, troops may be pushed
forward towards Ebersbach almost unobserved from the far bank of
the Glonn, which makes it possible to gain a fire position on the
outskirts of Asbach.
The railway embankment is equally important for the purposes,
of defence whether it be necessary to prolong the position, to assist
the retirement of the covering troops, or to oppose a turning move-
ment from the Glonn valley. The high ground between Kollbach and
Asbach comes next in importance. Should the enemy attempt a
turning movement from the direction of Petershausen, the best
position on which to oppose him is hill 496 west of Kollbach, which
affords a good defensive position. The fold in the ground running
parallel to that hill, and to the south of it affords a second position, and
the edge of the wood, in the western portion of which the battalion
is posted, forms a final position. The ground is therefore favourable
for defensive action in order to gain time, as it is possible to oppose
the enemy in a series of positions.
Lastly, the wood north of Vierkirchen is of importance should
the battalion be forced to retire, and it will also assist the deployment
of the corps reserve, which has been ordered to Eettenbach and
Giebing.
Major S. made a personal reconnaissance of the railway embank-
ment, and then galloped off to hill 496 and reconnoitred it also. At
2.50 p.m he met Lt. M. of No. 5 Coy., 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt., on that hilL
Lt. M. made him the following report : — " I have posted strong stand-
ing patrols at Petershausen bridge, at the railway bridge, and at
Asbach bridge. At the latter my patrol has reinforced the dismounted
troopers of the 1st Squadron who were already there. I have
established a signalling station on the western tower of Kollbach
church. It is in communication with the brigade signalling station
near Vierkirchen, through Eettenbach church, where there is a
transmitting station. I have not gained any information of the
enemy. In marching through Kollbach, I captured a lancer of the
106
enemy's cavalry, who had been thrown from his horse and therefore
remained behind in Kollbach. Perhaps you would like to cross-
examine him ; I have not been able to get much information out of
him. He is not seriously hurt, and I was just about to send him
back on a requisitioned wagon."
Major S. then gave Lt. M. all available information as to the
situation, the intentions of the brigadier, and the dispositions of the
brigade. He also pointed out to him the detachments of the
1st Battalion which were visible on the far side of the G-lonn. He
requested thejieutenant to repeat any important information to him,
and told him that the battalion would have a signalling station on
the railway embankment south of Asbach, at the point where it
leaves the wood. He informed him that this signalling station had
been directed to read all messages sent from Kollbach church. He
learned from the prisoner that he had formed part of a lancer patrol
which had left Klenau at 4 a.m., that the 1st Lancer Eegt. had halted
the previous evening at that place, and had subsequently marched by
Kollbach on Gross-Nohbach. The prisoner also stated that they had
met hostile infantry during the forenoon at Kammerberg, that during
the retirement he had had a fall in Kollbach and that his lieutenant
had directed him to remain behind.
Major S. returned to the battalion at 3.10 p.m. He was then
told that the observation posts were in position. A table and chairs
had been got ready for writing. The major dismounted and his
adjutant spread out maps, message forms and writing material.
Signalling communication was working with the 1st Bn., 1st Ees.
Inf. Eegt., and also with Kollbach church. Cyclist orderlies were
at hand. Major S. first dictated to his adjutant a report to brigade
headquarters, which stated what he had learnt from the prisoner,
and also a message to the 1st Bn., 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt., giving the
disposition of the battalion and the arrangements for its protection.
ORDERS ISSUED IN THE 2ND EES. INF. EEGT., BASED ON BRIGADE
OPERATION ORDER No. 2.
Colonel A. had directed his battalion and company commanders
to assemble at the southern end of Eammelsbach. At 2.10 p.m. he
issued them the following verbal instructions : — " The 2nd Ees. Inf.
Eegt. will entrench a position on the line Jedenhofen-Albertshofen
and will hold it to the last. The battalion commanders and the
commander of the machine gun company will ride with me along the
position so that I may allot them their sections.
" Captain B. (the senior captain) will take over command of
the regiment, and will arrange for the distribution of 400 spades,
100 picks and 150 axes, equally between the three battalions. The
battalions will then move as follows : — 1st Bn. to Jedenhofen, 2nd
Bn. to the north edge of the small wood north-east of Albertshofen,
3rd Bn. to the south edge of the same wood. One machine gun
section will accompany each battalion. On reaching their positions
the battalions will halt under cover from the north.
" An officer of the 1st Bn. will superintend the requisitioning of
-entrenching tools and material for overhead cover and obstacles in
107
Rammelsbach, Vierkirchen, Esterhofen and Pasenbach, and will bring
what he obtains on requisitioned transport to Jedenhofen.
" Field kitchens will fill up from the supply wagons and both
will move under the orders of the supply officer 1st Res. Inf. Regt.
The supply officer 2nd Res. Inf. Regt. will remain behind. Two
cyclist orderlies of the 2nd Bn. will be attached to him.
" Brigade headquarters are at Ramrnelsbach, and after 3 p.m. at
the ganger's cottage, 1,000 metres north of Esterhofen station."
Colonel A. then rode with the battalion commanders and the
commander of the machine gun company to the hill south of
Jedenhofen. During the ride he gave the officers the following
information as to the situation : — " The enemy is expected to attack
in force to-morrow, the 23rd. His advanced guards reached
Hilgertshausen, Pipinsried and Pfaffenhofen, near Altomunster, on
the far bank of the Glonn, to-day. These places are from 10 to 12
kilometres (6 to 7 miles) north-west of the Glonn.
" The army will oppose the enemy's attack in a defensive position
on this bank of the Glonn, and will seek to obtain the decision with
reserves massed on the left bank.
" The 5th Army Corps, to which we are attached, forms the right
wing of the army from Jedenhofen to Kloster — Indersdorf. The
1st Res. Inf. Bde. forms the extreme right from the hill east of
Jedenhofen to Albertshofen.
" One battalion 1st Res. Inf. Regt. is posted on the hill east of
Jedenhofen. The 2nd Res. Inf. Regt. will entrench and hold the
line Jedenhofen- Albertshofen. One battalion 1st Res. Inf. Regt.
forms the brigade reserve at the wood north of Vierkirchen. The
1st Bn., 1st Res. Inf. Regt., is covering the brigade, while entrenching,
•on the far bank of the Glonn near Aufhausen. The section of the
9th Inf. Div. begins west of Albertshofen. (While the colonel was
saying this, the party had reached the hill south of Jedenhofen,
where the 2nd Abteilung, 17th Field Artillery Regt., was already at
work.) The artillery which is entrenching here is the 2nd Abteilung
17th Field Artillery Regt., which is attached to the brigade. Two
batteries will come into action on this hill. They have been ordered
not only to employ long-range fire, but also to engage the enemy's
infantry at close quarters as long as possible. This must be taken
into consideration in selecting the position of the fire trenches.
Heavy artillery will come into position near Pasenbach, the church
tower of which you can see over the hill behind us. The small
village in the valley in front of us, a little to the right, is Jedenhofen.
The right flank of the regiment will be at that place. Beyond it, on
the far bank of the Glonn, you can see Aufhausen on the left and
Ebersbach on the right. Both places may be identified by their
church towers, which are of the same character. The big village on
the left front is Weichs. Further to the left, past that corner of the
wood, you can see Albertshofen, where our left flank rests. The
Glonn is passable by infantry, but is deep in places. Mounted troops
must use the crossings which have been occupied by our cavalry.
" I allot the sections of the position as follows : —
" The 1st Bn. will hold from Jedenhofen (inclusive) to that clump
of bushes on the lane leading to Albertshofen.
"The 2nd Bn. will prolong the left as far as Albertshofen (inclusive).
108
" The profiles of trenches will be as strong as possible. . Neigh-
bouring units will make arrangements for communication and mutual
support.
"The material collected at Jedenhofen will be equally divided
between the 1st and 2nd Bns. The latter battalion can also
requisition in Albertshofen, and, by arrangement with the 33rd Inf.
Eegt., in Weichs.
" The 3rd Bn. will be posted behind this wood, and will be at my
disposal. Later, it will construct covered communication with the
front line.
" Work will begin at once in reliefs, reliefs will be ready for
action.
" I will ride along the line beginning from the right flank."
He then went to the commander of the artillery Abteilung, who
was close by, and asked him to send the commander of the battery
which would come into action in the infantry position to him,
When the battery commander, accompanied by his section com-
manders, had reported himself, Major S. rode off with them and the
commander of the machine gun company towards the hill east of
Jedenhofen, which was reached about 2.50 p.m. He there learnt the
dispositions of the 2nd Bn., 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt. He directed that the
artillery section which was to entrench there should be so placed as
to be able to fire both in the direction of Asbach and towards
Jedenhofen mill, and also that the machine guns with No. 5
Company, 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt., should sweep the ground in front of
the position of the 1st Bn., 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt.
It was agreed that the right flank of the 1st Bn., 2nd Ees. Inf.
Eegt., should make arrangements for flanking the ground in front of
No. 5 Company, 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt.
Major S. met the commander of the 1st Bn., 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt.,
in Jedenhofen. and arranged with him that a machine gun section
should be so placed, on the west edge of Jedenhofen, as to be able to
fire along the ground in front of the position as far as Albertshofen.
It was also agreed that two guns should be posted at Jedenhofen for
the same purpose.
The position of the 1st Bn., 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt., was arranged as
follows : — An advanced post for one company was pushed forward a
little beyond the northern edge of Jedenhofen, the edge of the village
being strengthened to form a second position. On the left of that
company, at about 100 metres interval, a trench, about 250 metres
long, was to be prepared for two companies, the left flank of this
trench being turned back towards the lane connecting Jedenhofen
and Albertshofen. The battalion commander intended to keep the
remaining company behind Jedenhofen in reserve. A covered
position was being prepared for battalion headquarters behind the
left wing. It was to be connected by telephone with the front line
and with the battalion reserve.
The line of defence for two companies of the 2nd Bn., 2nd Ees.
Inf. Eegt., ran along the line of the lane connecting Jedenhofen and
Albertshofen. Two machine guns, protected by traverses, were
entrenched at the point where the lane juts forward, in order that
they might flank the front. One company was drawn somewhat
back into the Pasenbach valley, and was working at a trench which
109
was intended to bring fire to bear upon the ground between Weichs
and Albertshofen. The remaining company was to be posted in rear
in the Pasenbach valley as battalion reserve. The headquarters of
the battalion was to be placed in a trench to be constructed at the
northern edge of the wood south-east of Albertshofen. This trench
was to be connected by telephone with the front line.
The regimental commander further directed that the remaining
machine gun section should be entrenched behind Albertshofen in
•order to sweep the ground in front of the 33rd Inf. Eegt. A position
was then reconnoitred for the guns which were to be posted in the
wood south-east of Albertshofen, and a satisfactory position was
found near the north-west corner. From this point it was possible
to bring Jedenhofen mill under fire, and also to sweep the ground
in front of the 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt. at close range.
Colonel A. determined to fix his position at the northern edge of
the wood. He informed the battalion commanders of his intention,
and then directed the commander of the 3rd Bn. to come to him. He
gave the latter the following verbal instructions at 3.20 p.m. : — "Your
battalion will remain where it is and be at my disposal. The
material which has been collected in the wood will be at the
disposal of the 2nd Bn. Prepare a covered position for regimental
headquarters here, and arrange for telephonic communication with
the headquarters of the 1st and 2nd Bus. Post a signalling station at
the southern edge of the wood to connect with the headquarters of
the 17th Inf. Bde. at Breitenweisen, and with the headquarters
of our brigade at the ganger's cottage, 1,000 metres north of
Esterhofen. Eeport to me when communication is established. You
will also arrange for the construction of a communicating trench
between the edge of this wood and the position of the 2nd Bn., and
will reconnoitre and mark a covered line of communication between
your position and Jedenhofen. The regimental band will be under
the orders of the medical officer."
The regimental medical officer was then ordered to take the
necessary measures for arranging the dressing station, and to report
as soon as possible what steps he proposed to take.
ORDERS ISSUED BY, AND ACTION OF, THE EEGIMENTAL MEDICAL
OFFICER OF THE 2ND EES. INF. EEGT.
The regimental medical officer then rode back to the 3rd Bn.,
where he found the band, and gave the following order to the band
Serjeant : — u The band will be under my orders. Place the band
instruments together here and divide the men into three parties for
requisitioning."
He then gave further orders as follows : — " I intend to employ
the band to collect the material necessary for the dressing station.
I particularly want you to get horsed vehicles, in which to transport
the wounded. The bottoms of the vehicles should be covered with
hay and straw for the wounded to lie on. You will also requisition
clean linen and materials for bandages of all kinds. No. 1 requisition-
ing party will work in Yierkirchen, Eammelsbach and Jedenhofen.
No. 2 requisitioning party will work in Weichs and Albertshofen.
No. 3 requisitioning party will march to Pasenbach church under
110
the band Serjeant and will there receive further orders. All
requisitioned material will be sent to the exit of Pasenbach on the
Albertshofen road. March off."
Senior Medical Officer L. then asked for the medical personnel of
the 3rd Bn. and directed them also to go to the exit of Pasenbach on
the Albertshofen road. He then took the medical officer of the
battalion with him to that point.
Pasenbach appeared to be well suited for the reception of
wounded. There was plenty of water and a big inn near the
railway station suitable for a hospital. The inn had a large
room which could be used for operations, and the remaining
rooms were suitable for accommodating the wounded. A large and
pleasant courtyard, close by, afforded space for the vehicles bringing
in the wounded, and a waiting room could also be arranged there.
If the inn did not provide sufficient accommodation, as seemed
probable, for the large number of severely wounded which might be
sent in, houses in the vicinity could be gradually adapted for use as-
field hospitals as required. There was plenty of room between
Esterhofen and Pasenbach to park the vehicles of the field hospitals.
There could be no question of preparing a central dressing station, as.
no medical company was available for the purpose. After making
this reconnaissance, and considering the various points mentioned
above, the regimental medical officer gave the following instructions
to the battalion medical officer who had accompanied him : — " It is
my intention, provided my proposals are approved by higher
authority, to establish a large dressing station in Pasenbach, and
to make the best possible arrangements for the proper care of the
wounded, who are likely to be numerous. I intend to use this inn
for that purpose, and the neighbouring houses also in case of
necessity. That shed over there seems to me suitable as a waiting
room. You will take all the necessary measures for the reception of
the wounded. The party from the band which has been directed ta
come to the church will be at your disposal for the purpose ; you
must, in addition, apply to the civil authorities of the place. Only
requisitioned material will be at your disposal, as I require the
medical appliances with units myself. Your chief duties will be
to mark off the various positions for hospitals, &c., to see that they
are clean, to requisition beds and bedding, and to arrange for
lighting. I am going to ride back to the regiment and will return
to issue final orders. You will wait for me here."
Let us see for a few moments what steps were taken by the
battalion medical officer who had remained behind. He first went
to find the mayor of the place and met him near the church. He
addressed him as follows : — " Pasenbach and Esterhofen will be used
for the establishment of a field hospital. The inn near the railway
station, and houses Nos. 32, 33, 34, and 35 will first be arranged for
the reception of the wounded. Direct the inhabitants to leave these
houses. I then want you to place some of the inhabitants at my
disposal to clean out those buildings, and to send them as quickly as
possible with cleaning materials to the inn. • I am also compelled to
require the inhabitants to give up all beds, bedding, and clean linen,
which they do not require for their immediate use, and to allow
these things to be collected by my requisitioning party, which will
Ill
begin at the west end of the village. I also require you to supply
me with food, and particularly medical comforts such as spirits.
Everything which is requisitioned will be replaced in full, and if
you run short of supplies the military authorities will arrange for
the feeding of the inhabitants.
" I want three horsed wagons to be sent to the church for transport
purposes. It is desirable that some person nominated by you should
accompany my requisitioning party. I will give you one general
receipt for everything you deliver. I call your attention to the fact
that places which distinguish themselves by showing special care for
wounded are entitled to special favours."
The mayor immediately placed three horsed wagons at the-
disposal of the medical officer, and asked the clergyman who had come
up, to accompany and assist the requisitioning party. The battalion
medical officer then went to the requisitioning party, which had
halted at the church, and said to them : — " You have to requisition
and collect, under the orders of the band serjeant, bedding, food
stuffs, spirits, clean linen, etc., from all the houses in Pasenbach,
beginning at the exit of the village on the Kloster-Indersdorf road,
and will bring what you have collected to the inn where I will take
it over. The clergyman will accompany and assist you. These
three wagons are available as transport/'
He then explained to the clergyman what articles were especially
required, and returned to the inn in order to superintend its cleaning
and the establishment of the hospital.
Meanwhile, the regimental medical officer had returned to the
regimental commander and laid the following proposals before
him : — " It appears desirable to arrange for the care of the wounded
of all the various detachments of the 1st Ees. Inf. Kegt. which are-
in the front line together. Since medical companies are not available,
an extemporized central dressing station should, I think, be made up
from the medical material with the units, and in that case it will be
necessary to give up any idea of forming a number of battalion
dressing stations. Paseribach seerns the best place for this extem-
porized central dressing station. There is sufficient space there, and
the necessary materials are available to allow of the wounded being
properly treated. It is, however, necessary that a field hospital be
sent there later. All preliminary steps have been taken, except as-
regards the allotment of personnel and material belonging to the
units. For this the situation is not yet sufficiently developed. There
should be no particular difficulty in getting the wounded back to
Pasenbach. Arrangements for requisitioning wagons are in hand,
and I hope to be able to obtain sufficient to establish two wagon
stations. I intend to employ the band to accompany these wagons.
One wagon station might be near Jedenhofen, and the second near
the edge of the wood where the 3rd Battalion is posted. Wounded
will be able to reach the latter from the position of the 2nd Battalion,
either by way of the wood south-east of Albertshofen or through the
Pasenbach valley. Covered communications at Jedenhofen must be
reconnoitred and marked out.
" The lack of personnel causes considerable difficulty. It is to be
expected that the wounded of the 2nd Bn., 1st Ees. Inf. Kegt., of the
2nd AUeilung, 17th Field Artillery Kegt., as well as those of the
112
1st AUeilung, Heavy Artillery Eegt., will come to Pasenbach, so that
the number of wounded to be dealt with there will probably be
considerable. It might perhaps be arranged that the medical
personnel of the units named should co-operate. As I am the senior
medical officer in the brigade, the control of the whole would in that
case be in my hands."
Col. A agreed and directed his senior medical officer to prepare
the following message to brigade headquarters : —
"No. 1. 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt.,
" Wood south-east of Albertshofen,
" 22. XL, 4.15 p.m.
" From Senior Medical Officer to Headquarters,
1st Ees. Inf. Bde.,
" Ganger's Cottage, 1,000 metres north-east of Esterhofen.
"Desirable that the medical services of the section of the 1st Ees.
Inf. Brigade should be under one control. It is proposed to establish
a collecting station at Pasenbach ; preliminary steps have been
taken. Suggest that the medical personnel and material of 2nd
Bn., 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt., 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt., 2nd Abtg., 2nd Field
Artillery Eegt., and of the 1st AUg.t 5th Heavy Artillery Eegt.,
should be placed under my orders as senior medical officer of the
brigade. Eequest that a field hospital may be sent to Pasenbach on
the morning of the 23rd. Attached is an appendix to the special
instructions of the brigade.
L,
" Seen A., " Senior Medical Officer."
Colonel."
No. 2. APPENDIX TO THE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS OF THE IST
EES. INF. BRIGADE FOR 23. XL
" 1. Senior Medical Officer L., regimental medical officer of the
2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt., will take over the medical services of the
brigade. The medical personnel and material of the 2nd Bn., 1st Ees.
Inf. Eegt., 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt., 2nd AUg., 17th Field Artillery Eegt.,
and of the 1st Abtg.y 5th Heavy Artillery Eegt., will be at his disposal.
" 2. Collecting station at Pasenbach. Slightly wounded and sick
will be sent there up to 4 a.m. on the 23rd. After that hour slightly
wounded will be sent to the station of the 9th Inf. Div. in Klein-
Inzemoos.
" 3. Wagon stations after 4 a.m. on the 23rd will be : —
(a) 500 metres south of Jedenhofen on the Vierkirchen road.
(b) South of the wood south-east of Albertshofen on the
Pasenbach road. Units will arrange for covered communi-
cation with those points.
" 4. One-third of the medical personnel, and all material which is
not immediately required, will be at 4 a.m. 23. XL, at Esterhofen
station at the disposal of Senior Medical Officer L., who will deal
direct with units."
The above message was carried by the adjutant of the 2nd Ees.
Inf. Eegt., who was directed to report the progress made by, and
113
the disposition of, the 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt., to brigade headquarters,
where he arrived at 4.30 p.in.
The following corps order had reached brigade headquarters, to
which we will now return, at 4 p.m. : —
" 5th Army Corps, Esterhofen, 22.XI.
" Corps order No. 2 for 22. XL 3.45 p.m.
" (Extract for 1st Ees. Inf. Brigade.)
" 1. Hostile advanced guards which reached Hilgertshausen,
Pipinsried, and Pfaffenhofen, near Altomiinster, this
morning had not advanced further towards the Glonn at
mid-day to-day, the 22nd.
" 2. The Army Corps is entrenching its position, and at dusk
units will go into alarm quarters as follows : —
1st Ees. Inf. Bde. in the area Asbach — Jedenhofen — Alberts-
hofen — Pasenbach — Vierkirchen (all inclusive). Strong
covering parties will be held in readiness in the position.
"3. Outpost-s.—The 1st Ees. Inf. Bde. will find the outposts
on the far bank of the Glonn on the line Ziegelberg —
Auf hausen to the Weichs — Franking road (exclusive), where
they will connect with the outposts of the 9th Inf. Div.
The roads running north from Jetzendorf, Gumpersdorf,
and Hilgertshausen will be reconnoitred during the night,
and the valley of the Ilm will be watched.
" 4. Army Corps headquarters at Esterhofen. — Brigade head-
quarters will send reports there by telephone.
Special instructions for 22-23. XI.
(Extract for 1st Ees. Inf. Bde.)
" A. Supplies. — A supply depot for the 5th Army Corps will be
opened from 11 a.m. at Eohrmoos railway station. The
supply wagons of the 1st Ees. Inf. Bde., which will use
the Vierkirchen — Eiedenzhofen road, will fill up after those
of the 9th Inf. Div., which will march by Gross-Inzemoos.
The road between Eohrmoos railway station, Eohrmoos,
and Schonbrunn is to be kept clear of traffic.
" B. Ammunition Supply. — Small arm ammunition carts will be
emptied. They will refill after 3 a.m. on the 23rd from
the 1st Infantry Ammunition Column, which will be at
that time at the exit of Pasenbach, on the Pasenbach —
Albertshofen road. Artillery ammunition with batteries
and light ammunition columns will be arranged in ammu-
nition depots. The 1st and 2nd Artillery Ammunition
Columns will be ready to begin issuing ammunition at
Gross- Inzemoos at 4 a.m. on the 23rd. Ammunition
wagons of the 2nd Abtg., 17th Field Artillery Eegt.,
will march by Pasenbach, but will not pass through that
place before 3 a.m.
" C. Medical. — No. 5 Field Hospital will be in rear of No. 1
Infantry Ammunition Column in Pasenbach at 2 a.m.
on the 23rd, for use of 1st Ees. Inf. Bde. No. 6 Field
Hospital has been directed to be in readiness at Gross-
Inzemoos at 10 a.m. on the 23rd. It may be moved
(B 760) H
114
forward from that place if necessary. A section of the
field hospital will be sent forward towards Esterhofen if
requisitioned.
" D. 2nd Line Transport. — 2nd line transport may be brought up
to units, but will be parked by regiments near the bivouacs,
clear of the roads, by 4 a.m. on the 23rd. The 2nd line
transport of the 2nd Ees. Inf. Bde. will be parked south
of Vierkirchen, on either side of the lane leading to
Eiedenzhofen.
" E. Horse Depot. — No. 1 Horse Depot, 5th Army Corps, will be
at Eohrmoos to-morrow morning.
"F. Field Post Ojfice.—The 1st Ees. Inf. Bde. will use the
field post office of the 9th Inf. Div. at Eohrmoos railway
station. The postal officials have been directed to collect
letters at brigade headquarters at 4 a.m. to-morrow.
" G. Line of Communication 5th Army Corps. — Klein-Inzemoos
— Eohrmoos — Ampermoching — Schleissheim — Munchen.
Nearest stationary hospital, Munchen.
Nearest station on the line of communication, Amper-
moching.
" H. Transport. — Strict order is to be observed in all transport
columns. The right side of roads is to be kept clear.
Transport columns will halt clear of all towns and villages.
" Capt. A. of Army Corps Headquarters is charged with the
preservation of order in the area Vierkirchen — Pasenbach — Gross-
Inzemoos — Eohrmoos — Biberbach. His orders are to be unhesitat-
ingly obeyed."
This order was transmitted by telephone, taken down and repeated
for checking.
The brigade major was about to issue the instructions consequent
on the a,bove army corps order, the brigade commander having
ridden off to inspect the position, when the commander of the 1st
AUeilung, 5th Heavy Artillery Eegt. arrived. He stated that his
brigade, which was marching at the head of the 20th Inf. Bde.,
would reach Pasenbach at 6 p.m., and that he had been directed by
Army Corps Headquarters to leave the 20th Inf. Bde,, at Eohrmoos,
and to march to Pasenbach to come under the orders of the 1st Ees.
Inf. Bde. The brigade major explained the situation, the intentions
of the brigadier and the dispositions of the brigade to Major X.,
and added :
"The brigadier intends to place the heavy artillery on either
side of the railway embankment level with this cottage. Its chief
duty will be to assist the defence of the right flank. It is particularly
desirable that the heavy artillery should be able to bring fire to bear
upon the ground on both sides of Aufhauseii and about Weichs.
The brigadier also wishes you to be able to sweep the ground between
Petershausen and Weichs with fire. The position should be re-
connoitred at once, as the batteries will have to entrench during the
night. You cannot reckon on any assistance from the infantry, which
is fully employed."
Major X. went off at once to reconnoitre, while the brigade major
returned to his work. Just then, about 4.30 p.m., the brigadier
returned. He was about to read the corps order, when the noise of
115
heavy firing, which increased rapidly, was heard from the north. The
brigade staff mounted to ride to the hill east of Jedenhofen, from
which a view of the battlefield was to be expected.
We will now return for a short time to the 1st Bn., 1st Ees.
Inf. Eegt., which is on the far bank of the Glonn.
PROGRESS OF EVENTS IN THE ADVANCED GUARD BATTALION AFTER
3 P.M.
The reports received during the early afternoon stated that Pain-
dorf and Eeichertshausen were clear, but that hostile cavalry, round
Jetzendorf and Eglersried, made it impossible to reconnoitre towards
Hilgertshausen. At least one regiment of lancers was stated to be
in Jetzendorf, and at Eglersried were the 2 squadrons of chevaulegers
which had been driven out of Ebersbach.
From 2 p.m. onwards the enemy's patrols were active along the
whole front. A number of lancer and chevaulegers patrols
penetrated as far as the Glonn, but were mostly stopped by the
piquets at the bridges.
At 4 p.m. the commander of No. 1 Coy., 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt.,
reported personally to the advanced guard commander as
follows : —
"For some time my patrols have been unable to get into the wood
north of Edenpfaffenhofen, as they have been met by fire everywhere
from the edge of the wood. A patrol leader who has just come in
reports that Thann is occupied, and he feels certain that there is
infantry there."
The advanced guard commander ordered the reserve to stand to
arms and galloped off with the commander of No. 1 Coy., to the small
hill; 800 metres north-east of Auf hausen, whence the best view was
obtainable. He found the hill occupied by a part of No. 3 Section of
No. 1 Coy., and No. 1 Section was seen in position on the hill
immediately east of Auf hausen.
About 4 p.m. a few shots were fired from the edge of the wood
opposite, and almost immediately afterwards a heavy infantry fire
was opened on No. 1 Section. The latter did not reply, both because
of the long range, and because nothing was to be seen of the enemy.
About 4.15 p.m. a dense firing line, about 300 metres long, advanced
from the edge of the wood towards No. 1 Section, and took up a fresh
position 400 metres in front of the wood. This firing line suffered
considerable1! loss from the fire of Nos. 1 and 3 Sections, that of
No. 3 Section, which enfiladed the line somewhat, being particularly
effective.
A stationary fire fight now began between the two sections of No.
1 Coy. and the enemy, who was constantly being reinforced from the
wood.
About this time the adjutant called the attention of his com-
manding officer to the fact that No. 2 Coy. was going into position on
ispur 508. He also read with his glasses a signal message from that
section which ran as follows : —
" Hostile infantry attack from the wood, S. of Franking."
The company appeared to be facing north-west towards the south-
east edge of the wood south of Franking.
(B 760) n 2
116
At the same time a report arrived that several battalions of infantry
with artillery, which had marched from Stachusried about 3.15 p.m.,
were approaching Eglersried, and that the 2 sections at Ziegelberg
were engaged with hostile infantry, in no great strength, advancing
from Lindach. Major M. considered that the time had now come to
break off the action and begin the retreat. He directed his adjutant
as follows : —
" Ride to Nos. 3 and 4 Coys, and tell them to fall back in the
direction of Asbach. The medical officer will see that the wounded
are brought back to Jedenhofen mill, where their wounds will be
dressed. Ths stretcher bearers of Nos. 3 and 4 Coys., are at his
disposal."
As the enemy's line was considerably reinforced about 3.30 p.m.,
he gave the following verbal order to the commander of No. 1
Coy.:-
" I do not wish to become heavily engaged here, and intend to
move Nos. 3 and 4 Coys, back into a position to cover the retirement
on the far bank of the Glonn south of Asbach. No. 2 Coy. will be
ordered to fall back towards Jedenhofen mill as soon as the reserves
are over the Glonn and have taken up a new position at that place.
No. 1 Coy. will hold on until No. 2 Coy. has retired, and will then
fall back, beginning from the left. The company will reassemble in
Asbach. Wounded will be sent to Asbach. I am going to place
Nos. 3 and 4 Coys, in position."
When Major M. had ridden back to Ebersbach he found his two
companies already marching towards a ford on the Glonn 400 metres
south of Asbach. He instructed his adjutant to tell No. 2 Coy.
to retire slowly on the mill at Jedenhofen, where they were to take
up a fresh position. He was to say that Nos. 3 and 4 Coys, would
take up a covering position beyond the Glonn south of Asbach.
Major & then ordered Captain C. to ride back and reconnoitre
a position behind the Glonn with its left flank about Asbach, and
with a good field of fire towards Ebersbach.
The battalion commander issued the following order, based on
Capt. C.'s report, to his two company commanders about 4.50 p.m.,
after the companies had crossed the Glonn : —
" Nos. 3 and 4 Coys, will take up a position behind the Glonn in
order to cover the retirement of No. 1 Coy. on Asbach, and of
No. 2 Coy. on Jedenhofen mill. The right of No. 3 Coy. will be at
Asbach, its left on the two bushes on the right front. No. 4 Coy.
will extend the left for about 150 metres, its left being drawn back
towards the railway embankment. Both companies will front towards
the Glonn. The firing line is to be widely extended, supports will
be behind the railway embankment. I will be behind the railway
embankment between Nos. 3 and 4 Coys."
He then rode off towards the railway embankment. The
commander of No. 3 Coy., as soon as his company had crossed the
Glonn, gave the order "form company column." And riding in the
centre of his company continued : — " Hostile infantry are engaged
with our Nos. 1 and 2 Coys, on the far side of the Glonn. The
battalion commander does not wish to become seriously engaged, and
intends to withdraw No. 1 Coy. to Asbach on our left, and No. 2
Coy. on Jedenhofen mill on our right. Nos. 3 and 4 Coys, will take
117
up a position behind the Glonn in order to facilitate the retirement of
the other companies. No. 3 Coy. will hold from Asbach on the left
to the two bushes straight in front of us. Nos. 2 and 3 Sections will
move at 100 metres interval to covered positions behind the railway
embankment. No. 1 Section will halt when Nos. 2 and 3 Sections
have advanced somewhat, will extend and occupy the whole of the
position which has been pointed out. I will be with No. 1 Section.
Battalion Headquarters are on the railway embankment."
The covering position was occupied about 5 p.m. Similar orders
were issued in No. 3 Coy.
Events had meanwhile developed on the far side of the Glonn.
The enemy had been gradually reinforced from the wood east of
Eglersried, and Edenpfaffenhofen was in his hands. About one
section of infantry was advancing from the southern edge of that
village "with the intention of occupying* Aufhausen. The enfilade
fire which they received from hill 508, however, prevented them
from advancing farther.
The enemy's firing line opposite Nos. 1 and 3 Sections had been
extended by constant reinforcements to more than 600 metres, its
left flank was about level with the south-east corner of the wood
east of Eglersried. In spite of this the commander of No. 1 Coy.
did not feel that his position was threatened. The enemy's line,
which had advanced incautiously from the wood, had suffered con-
siderable loss from the well-concealed position of No. 1 Coy., and
although the company was widely extended, the effect of its
converging fire was such that the enemy could only gain ground
very slowly. No. 2 Section reported from Ziegelberg that the
enemy opposed to it was in no great strength, and that the section
would be able to hold on for some time longer.
Two ambulance wagons were below on the Glonn valley road
near the wood which has been so often mentioned. The 1st line
transport was marching towards Asbach church where it was to
halt.
About 5 p.m. portions of No. 2 Coy. were seen to be retiring
towards the Glonn from hill 508 ; that hill was, however, still
occupied. About this time Capt. B. gave the following order to
No. 1 Section of his company, which was on the hill east of Auf-
hausen : — " The company is not intended to become closely engaged. It
will retire on Asbach in succession from the left. When No. 2 Coy. has
left hill 508, and when its last men have crossed the Weichs —
Ebersbach road, No. 1 Section will retire on Asbach. . Part of the
section will make a short stand on the hill north-east of Ebersbach.
No. 3 Section will retire through the wood south of Ziegelberg, and
No. 3 Section by Wasenhof. The company will reassemble in
Asbach.
" Nos. 3 and 4 Coys, are in a covering position south of Asbach
behind the Glonn. Wounded will be sent to Jedenhofen mill or to
the wagons south of the wood south of Ziegelberg. I will be with
No. 3 Section."
About 5.20 p.m. a number of men were seen to crawl back
from the firing line of No. 1 Section, and then to run down towards
the ground north of Ebersbach, while the remaining men increased
their rate of fire. No. 3 Section also began to retire in a similar
118
manner. The men who had retired assembled in the north-west
corner of the wood under cover, those of No. 1 Section moving direct
on Asbach.
About 5.30 p.m. the half of No. 1 Section still on the hill east
of Aufhausen began to retire, and moved in widely extended order
towards the spur north-east of Ebersbach, where a fresh position
was taken up. . The men had scarcely reached the new position,
when the enemy appeared on the hill east of Aufhausen, being
received with a hot tire from those parts of No. 1 Coy. which were
still in position. The company commander thereupon gave the
following order to the commander of No. 3 Section : — " Eetire
through the wood behind us to Asbach, where I will issue further
orders. Leave one squad, which will be attached to No. 1 Section,
behind at the edge of the wood. Nos. 1 and 2 Sections will follow."
When No. 3 Section had employed rapid fire for some little time,
and the last of the wounded had been sent off, the men began to
creep back towards the edge of the wood.
About this time (i.e., 5.45 p.m.) the guns of the 2nd Abteilung,
17th Field Artillery Kegt, opened fire from the hill south of
Jedenhofen. Their shrapnel was soon bursting well above the
enemy's firing line east of Aufhausen. The commander of No. 2
Section at Ziegelberg received a message from his company com-
mander about the same time. It ran as follows : — " Conform to the
retirement of the company and move on the railway bridge south of
Petershausen."
About 6 p.m. the remainder of No. 1 Section left its position on
a signal from the company commander, and retired through the wood
on Asbach. The enemy pursued them with fire which, owing to- the
twilight, was comparatively harmless. As No. 1 Section was
descending into the Glonn valley from the wood, No. 2 Section
was seen to be retiring on Wasenhof. Capt. B. rode on towards
Asbach, where he found one and a half sections formed up, and
gave the following order : — " The company will hold Asbach. Half
No. 1 Section will occupy the edge of the village which runs down
towards the Glonn south of the church. The remaining half section
when it arrives will extend north of the church. No. 3 Section will
be at my disposal at the church."
An under-officer was directed to take the following message to
No. 2 Section at the railway bridge south of Petershausen : — " The
company is holding Asbach. Leave a strong piquet on the bridge and
retire with the remainder of your section along the railway embank-
ment to Asbach church."
By 6.30 p.m. it was quite dark, and the remainder of No. 1 Section
under Lt. A. reached Asbach. Lt. A. reported that the enemy had
not followed him up, and that he believed that the enemy had
evacuated the hill east of Aufhausen in consequence of the artillery
fire. He stated that he had left strong patrols at the north and west
edge of the wood which he had just come through. Capt. B. there-
upon determined to leave the half section already posted in position,
and to keep the remainder of the company together. No. 2 Section
came in soon after and reported that the enemy had not followed
beyond Ziegelberg. One patrol had been left at Wasenhof, and a
squad at the bridge south of Petershausen.
119
About 6.15 p.m. Major M., the commander of the advanced guard,
arrived, and on receiving the report of the commander of No. 1 Coy.
issued the following verbal order : — " 1st Bn., 1st Ees. Inf. Eegt.,
will cover the brigade on the line railway bridge north of Asbach —
Asbach — Jedenhofen mill (inclusive). No. 1 Coy. will hold the
section from the railway bridge (inclusive) to a point 1,000 metres
south-east of Asbach. No. 2 Coy. will hold from that point to the
right of the line of the 2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt. west of Jedenhofen.
Strong piquets will be posted along the G-lonn. Constant patrols
will be sent towards Ziegelberg, Aufhausen, and hill 508. Touch
must be kept with the enemy. The bulk of No. 1 Coy. will remain
in Asbach, which it will hold in case of an attack. 1st Sq.,
1st Ees. Cav. Eegt., will be ordered to cover the right flank at
Hockhof. The outpost reserve formed by Nos. 3 and 4 Coys, will be
near the railway crossing 1,800 metres south of Asbach. Battalion
headquarters and signalling station will be at that place."
THE INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY, AND ACTION OF, THE BRIGADE STAFF
FROM THE TIME WHEN THE ADVANCED GUARD BECAME ENGAGED.
The brigade staff reached the hill east of Jedenhofen about 4.45
p.m., and was able from that position to follow the course of the action
on the far side of the Glonn.
About 5.30 p.m., when the last two companies of the advanced
guard were seen to be retiring, the 2nd AUeilung, 17th Field Artillery
Eegt., was ordered to open fire in order to assist the evacuation
of the position. This the artillery did, apparently with good
effect.
About the same time the advanced guard commander reported
himself to the brigadier, informed him of what had happened, and
told him the information gained about the enemy, which amounted
to the facts that about one infantry regiment with some artillery had
advanced about 2 p.m. from Hilgertshausen by Gumpersdorf on
Stachusried, and that strong bodies were billeted along the Hil-
gertshausen— Klenau road; the latter had not made any forward move-
ment. The 9th Inf. Div. had also reported that hostile infantry ad-
vancing from Ainhofen had captured Weichs, but had not been able
to cross the Glonn. The advanced guard commander added, that,
after he had disengaged his two companies, which were still fighting,
he would occupy in strength a covering position from the railway
bridge north of Asbach to the mill near Glonn. He requested that the
2nd Ees. Inf. Eegt. should extend his left at Jedenhofen. He added
that he would leave the 1st Eeserve Squadron to cover the right flank
in the neighbourhood of Hockhof, and to hold the bridge at Peters-
hausen.
The brigadier expressed his agreement with these dispositions and
then briefly reviewed the situation as follows : — The 1st Bn., 1st Ees,
Inf. Eegt, had been driven fiom its position on the far bank of the
Glonn by the enemy in superior numbers. The far bank of the Glonn
was now in the enemy's hands. Though the enemy's main bodies were
not yet advancing, and they had for the present only to deal with ad-
vanced detachments,the possibility of theenemyadvancing tothe Glonn
120
in strength during the night, and beginning a general attack on the
morning of the 23rd, perhaps at dawn, must not be over-
looked.
At the least it was to be expected that the enemy would fight in
some strength in order to obtain information. The first and most
important duty, therefore, appeared to be to hamper the enemy's
reconnaissance, and to be prepared for a general attack.
The corps order issued at 3.45 p.m. on the 22nd (see p. 113) was
based upon a different situation and could no longer be carried out.
Other measures must therefore be taken.
The outpost line ordered could not be held, and it would not be
possible to assure the troops in rear the complete rest which that
order had in view.
The line of protection must now follow the line of the Glonn, and
to the south of Weichs even this must be given up. The enemy was
therefore immediately in front of the main position. Thus it was
necessary, in order to guard against surprise, to keep strong bodies in
a state of readiness in the position, with reserves in close formation
behind them, in order to drive back the enemy should he attempt to
effect a surprise under cover of darkness.
On the above grounds the brigadier dictated the following
order, which was reduplicated on a number of message forms : —
" 1st Res. Inf. Bde.
"Hill east of Jedenhofen.
"22. XL, 6 p.m.
< "Brigade Order No. 3 of 22. XI.
" 1. The enemy, estimated atone infantry regiment with artillery,
has occupied the far bank of the Glonn. Strong bodies of hostile
troops are on the Hilgertshausen — Klenau road.
"2. The 1st Ees. Inf. Bde. will be prepared during the night to
meet any attack on its position. Strong detachments will be held in
readiness in the position with reserves in close order behind
them.
Troops not immediately required will be billeted as follows : —
1st Res. Inf. Regt. at Rammelsbach and Vierkirchen.
2nd Res. Inf. Regt. at Pasenbach and Esterhofen.
Alarm posts will be occupied as follows : —
3rd Bn., 1st Res. Inf. Regt. at Vierkirchen.
2nd AUeilung, 17th Field Artillery Regt., at Pasenbach.
1st AUeilung, 5th Heavy Artillery Regt., at Vierkirchen.
Guns will be left in position.
" 3. Protection. — 1st Bn., 1st Res. Inf. Regt., will find the outposts
from the railway bridge north of Asbach to Jedenhofen mill, inclusive,
the 2nd Res. Inf. Regt. extending the left to a point opposite Alberts-
hofen. Strong piquets will be posted along the Glonn. Patrols will
be constantly sent towards the hills on the opposite bank. The enemy
must be prevented from reconnoitring as far as possible, and any
intention to attack discovered : Asbach and Jedenhofen mill will be
held.
One section 1st Res. Inf. Regt., will remain on hill 496 west of
Kollbach as a support to 1st Sq., 1st Res. Cav. Regt., which will
hold the bridge at Petershausen, cover the right flank and continue to
watch the Hilgertshausen — Klenau road and the Ilm valley.
121.
"4. Brigade Headquarters will be at the railway cottage 1000
metres north of Esterhofen. Kepresentatives for orders will be
there at 9 p.m."
The special instructions which had been meanwhile drawn up
by the brigade major were attached to this order. They ran as
follows : —
" 1st Ees. Inf. Bde. 22. XL, 6 p.m.
Special instructions for 22-23. XI.
" 1. Supplies. — Field kitchens, when filled up, will rejoin their units.
Those of the 2nd Res. Inf. Eegt. will go to Pasenbach, those of the
1st lies. Inf. Regt. will remain at Yierkirchen.
Supply wagons will be refilled. Supply officers will take the
necessary action. The supply wagons of the 2nd Abteilung, 17th Field
Artillery Regt., and of the 1st Abteilung, 5th Heavy Artillery Regt.,
will reach Vierkirchen at 7 p.m. and will come under the orders of
the supply officer of the 1st Res. Inf. Regt.
" 2. Ammunition Supply. — S.A.A. carts will be emptied. They
/will fill up to-morrow from the 1st Infantry Ammunition Column
which is at the exit of Pasenbach on the Albertshofen road. Carts
of the 1st Res. Inf. Regt. will march by Yierkirchen and Esterhofen
and those of the 2nd Inf. Regt. by Albertshofen.
" 3. Medical— Senior Medical Officer L. of 2nd Res. Inf. Regt. will
superintend the medical arrangements. The medical personnel and
material of the 1st Bn., 1st Res. Inf. Regt., the 2nd Res. Inf. Regt.,
the 2nd Abteilung, 17th Field Artillery Regt., and the 1st Abteilung,
5th Heavy Artillery Regt., are at his disposal. He will deal direct
with units.
The chief dressing station on the morning of the 23rd will be at
Pasenbach, where will also be the collecting station for slightly
wounded and sick. The collecting station for slightly wounded will
be combined later on with that of the 9th Inf. Div. at Klein-
Inzemoos.
No. 5 Field Hospital will be at 2 a.m. to-morrow at Pasenbach, at
the disposal of Senior Medical Officer L. Application for an additional
field hospital and also for an auxiliary hospital train, to be at
Esterhofen station, will be met when required.
" 4. Transport. — 2nd line transport will remain with units, but must
be south of Yierkirchen at 4 a.m., where it will be parked under
the senior transport officer clear of the road from Riedenzhofen.
"5. No. 1 Horse Depot, 5th Army Corps, will be at Rohrmoos
village to-morrow morning.
" 6. Postal— Field Post Office of the 9th Inf. Div. will serve the
1st Res. Inf. Bde. Letters are to reach brigade headquarters not
later than 3.30 a.m.
" 7. Line of Communications, 5th Army Corps, runs as follows : —
Klein-Inzemoos — Rohrmoos — Ampermoching — Schleissheim — Mun-
chen. Nearest station on the lines of communication Ampermoching.
Nearest stationary hospital Miinchen.
" 8. Transport — Strict order is to be observed in the transport.
Captain A. of Army Corps Headquarters is charged with the preser-
vation of order. His instructions will be obeyed even by senior
officers.
122
" Lieutenant X., Brigade transport officer, will control the traffic
on the Pasenbach— Vierkirchen road and in those villages. Blocks,
halting in villages, driving on the left side of the road, are on no
account to be permitted.
In writing to : —
1st Bn., 1st Ees. Inf. Regt.
1st Res. Inf. Regt.
2nd Res. Inf. Regt.
2nd AUg.t 17th Field Artillery Regt.
1st Abtg., 5th Heavy Artillery Regt.
Telephone detachment.
" 1st Res. Inf. Bde."
The following instructions were prepared at the same time for
Lieutenant M., the supply officer of the 1st Res. Inf. Regt., who was
in charge of all supply vehicles : —
" The supply depot of the 5th Army Corps will be ready for
issues after 11 p.m. at Rohrmoos railway station. The supply
wagons of the brigade, including 2nd Abteilung, 17th Field Artillery
Regt. and 1st Abteilung, 5th Heavy Artillery Regt., which have been
ordered to be at Vierkirchen at 8 p.m., will move by the Vierkirchen-
Riedenzhofen road to Rohrmoos railway station to fill up. The head
of the column will reach the station at midnight. You will fill up
after the wagons of the 9th Inf. Div., which are marching by Gross-
Inzemoos. You will not use the Rohrmoos station — Rohrmoos —
Schonbrunn road. Strict march discipline will be observed. After
filling up you will return to Vierkirchen to a position of readiness
next to the 2nd line transport. Field kitchens will be sent to units.
Those of the 2nd Res. Inf. Regt. will be sent to Pasenbach, those of
the 1st Res. Inf. Regt. will remain at Vierkirchen. Report when
you have filled up to brigade headquarters at the railway cottage,
1,000 metres north of Esterhofeu."
123
PART III.
THE RETREAT,
GENERAL IDEA.
A main Blue Army has crossed the line of the Isar between
Landshut and Freising, and is advancing against a strong Red force,,
which is known to have passed the Danube at Rain, Ingolstadt and
Neustadt, and to be advancing south-east.
The Danube is the frontier between Red and Blue.
SPECIAL IDEA.
The Second Blue Army (Army of the Glonn), which was-
originally echeloned behind the left flank, had gained touch with
hostile detachments on the Glonn. These hostile detachments had
advanced on the line Schrobenhausen — Aichach, and had deployed
on 22. XL, on the southern bank of the Glonn in order to defend th&
line Jedenhofen — Gross-Berghofen.
The 5th Army Corps formed the right wing of the 2nd Army ; it
had the 1st Res. Inf. Bde. in position from the hill east of Jeden-
hofen to Albertshofen, with the 9th Inf. Div. extending the left as
far as Kloster-Indersdorf.
The 1st Abteilung, 5th Heavy Artillery Regt., was placed at
Pasenbach to fire north. The troops were entrenched.
The 10th Inf. Div. was held back behind the left wing in the
area Giebing — Rettenbach.
Early in the morning of 23. XL, the enemy, who had approached
the position during the night, had deployed his artillery in strength
on the heights on the far bank of the Glonn, and developed a
decisive attack with his infantry against the whole of the front of
the 2nd Blue Army. A battle ensued which was at its height about
midday.
As the enemy kept extending his left through Wasenhof, and
hostile reserves were discovered to be in the neighbourhood of
124
Ziegelberg, the 20th Inf. Bde. of the 10th Inf. Div. was deployed on
the line Kollbach — hill 496 — Asbach and south of that place to
extend the right of the 1st Kes. Inf. Bde.
During the early afternoon the enemy developed a decisive
attack against this part of the position also, and advanced in force
through Petershausen. This caused the commander of the 10th Inf.
Div. to deploy his 19th Inf. Bde. which had remained at Giebing and
Eettenbach, on either side of the Kammerberg — Kollbach road, and
to counter-attack with it, with the object of enveloping the enemy's
left, which had been discovered to be opposite Kollbach. The field
artillery "Brigade" of the division, which had been kept back at
Biberbach, was directed to support the counter-attack.
Meanwhile the 39th Inf. Eegt. which held Kollbach and the hill
west of that place, was in difficulties. By continually putting fresh
reserves into the fight, the enemy had gradually gained superiority
of fire, and when, about 2 p.m., hostile artillery enfiladed hill 496
from the neighbourhood of Aufhausen, the 39th Inf. Eegt. was
compelled to employ its last reserves in order to reinforce the
northern front of Kollbach.
About 3 p.m., as the 38th Inf. Eegt. was advancing through the
small wood south of Piflitz, and the 37th Inf. Eegt was marching
through Kammerberg in order to deploy for attack east of the
Kammerberg — Kollbach road, individual men were seen to be
retiring from Kollbach, and these were soon followed by small
groups. A final attack with every available man, undertaken by the
enemy's left wing, had compelled the 39th Inf. Eegt. to give way.
The divisional commander immediately diverted the nearest
units of the 37th and 30th Inf. Eegts. towards the 39th Inf. Eegt. in
order to check the retreat.
Events developed in this part of the battlefield up till dusk as
follows : —
The advance of the 38th Inf. Eegt., which carried the 39th Inf.
Eegt. forward with it, and that of the 37th Inf. Eegt., on the right,
succeeded, after heavy fighting from house to house, in driving the
enemy, who had penetrated int<* Kollbach, out of that village and
pressing him gradually back to the Glonn.
In this fighting the infantry were supported by the 10th Field
Artillery "Brigade" which came into action at first on hill 504 north
of Kammerberg, and then changed position to the heights on either
-side of Kollbach. In coming into action west of Kollbach, this
" Brigade " came for a time under the fire of hostile artillery, which
was in the neighbourhood, of Sollern, but owing to the long range
this fire was not particularly effective.
The fire of the 10th Field Artillery "Brigade" combined with the
attack of the last battalion of the 32nd Inf. Eegt., which advanced
from the Weissling wood and struck the enemy's left flank, at last
forced the enemy to give way. He suffered heavily during the
retreat, for the 5th Dragoon Eegt. came up from Glonbercha and
•charged.
The situation, about 4 p.m., was as follows : — -
The 19th Inf. Bde., mixed with which were portions of the
59th Inf. Eegt., extended from Petershausen (its right being about
opposite Glonbercha) to the railway bridge south-west of that place,
J25
and was in close touch with the enemy who held Petershausen..
Petershausen was on fire.
The 40th Inf. Kegt., which extended the left, was more or less
massed together, with its 1st Bn. holding the outskirts of Asbach,
and engaged with hostile skirmishers, who were firing from cover in
the re-entrant on the far bank of the Glonn. This battalion was
under heavy artillery fire from the neighbourhood of Aufhausen.
The 2nd Bn., 40th Inf. Kegt., which was turned slightly back,
occupied the railway embankment south of Asbach, and was engaged
with lines of hostile infantry which had attacked the railway
embankment about midday, but had fallen back almost to the
Glonn when their attack had been shattered.
Still further to the left lay the trenches of the 1st Ees. Inf. Bde.,
the right wing of which was on hill 485 east of Jedenhofen. The
enemy's attack on these trenches had also failed, and he had fallen
back to Ebersbach.
The 3rd Bn., 39th Inf. Eegt., had been collected when the
regiment was passing through Kollbach, and was kept back as
brigade reserve. The 3rd Bn., 40th Inf. Regt., and the 10th Pioneer
Coy. were still at the disposal of the divisional commander on the
Rettenbach — Kollbach road, west of Piflitz.
One company, 37th Inf. Regt., had been pushed out to Weissling
to protect the right flank, and had piquets at Pelka and Waltenhofen.
The 5th Dragoon Regt. had been rallied, and was at Muhldorf.
It was watching the Glonn valley as far down as Allershausen, and
held the bridges at Hohenkammer and Herschenhofen.
Divisional headquarters were at Piflitz. Observing officers were
on the church towers of Kammerberg and Kollbach, in signalling
communication with divisional headquarters.
Telephonic communication was established with Kollbach, where
were the headquarters of the 19th Inf. Bde. and 10th Field Artillery
" Brigade" and with the ganger's cottage south of Asbach, the head-
quarters of the 20th Inf. Bde.
The headquarters of the 10th Inf. Div. were connected with the
headquarters of the 5th Army Corps at Esterhofen station by field
telegraph.
The field kitchens of the 20th Inf. Bde. were near Rettenbach,
those of the 19th Inf. Bde. were just north of Giebing, clear of the
road, under the supply officers. Dinners had been issued to the
20th Inf. Bde. at mid-day, but the field kitchens of the 19th Inf.
Bde. were still full.
The 2nd line transport of the division, at the head of which were
the divisional bridging train and the divisional headquarters
baggage, was halted on the Lotzbach — Biberbach road, with its head
1 kilometre south of Biberbach. The ammunition of the 1st line
transport was completely -expended ; the empty S.A.A. carts of the
20th Inf. Bde. were collected north of Rettenbach, clear of the
Kollbach road. Those of the 19th Inf. Bde. were south of
Giebing in the angles between the roads from Biberbach and
Rettenbach. A cyclist officer had been left behind by each brigade
in charge of the S.A.A. carts.
The ammunition in the light ammunition columns of the field
artillery had been used up to replace the ammunition expended by
126
the batteries. The light ammunition columns were, therefore,
standing empty in the area between Kammerberg and Piflitz, facing
north.
The following dressing stations had been established : —
Eegimental dressing stations of the 19th Inf. Bde. were collected
in Kollbach, those of the 40th Inf. Eegt. were in the valley running
from the railway embankment south t)f Asbach towards Piflitz. A
small auxiliary dressing station was established in Asbach.
The bearer company of the 10th Inf. Div. was employed at the
chief dressing station, which was established at the point where
the Eettenbach — Kollbach road leaves the wood north of Eettenbach.
The 10th Field Hospital, 5th Army Corps, had been established in
Eettenbach since 2 p.m. and looked after the wounded who were
brought to that place. A number of houses had been prepared for
the reception of the wounded, and about half the beds in the hospital
were in use. The stream of wounded increased hourly. No. 9
Field Hospital had been ordered to Kollbach, and was expected to
arrive in half an hour.
No. 1 Infantry Ammunition Column and the 1st and 2nd
Artillery Ammunition Columns had been directed by Army Corps
Headquarters to be at Vierkirchen at 7 p.m., at the disposal of the
10th Inf. Div. The ammunition depot of the 5th Army Corps was
to be ready for issue at Eohrmoos at midnight.
The Field Post Office of the 10th Inf. Div. was in Eettenbach,
that of the 5th Army Corps was at Eohrmoos railway station.
ACTION OF, AND ORDERS ISSUED BY, THE DIVISIONAL STAFF AFTER
4 P.M. (23. XI).
Shortly after 4 p.m. an officer from the headquarters of the 5th
Army Corps reported himself at divisional headquarters, and gave a
copy of the following order to the divisional commander : —
" 5th Army Corps. " Headquarters, Esterhofen Station.
23. XI., 3 p.m.
" Confidential.
" To the Commander of the 10th Inf. Div.
" 1. According to reports of reliable agents, hostile reinforcements
are advancing down the Ilm valley on Ilmiminster. The right wing
of the enemy's main army is advancing on Freising.
" 2. The 1st Army has been driven back behind the Isar by the
enemy in superior force to-day, 23rd. The 2nd Army will retire
during the night of the 23rd-24th, by Dachau and Palsweis in
order to connect with the left of the 1st Army.
" 3. The 5th Army Corps will take up a position behind the
Amper on the line Weng — Ottershausen in order to cover the retreat
of the army. Those units which are not in the front line will march
to the new position at 4 a.m. to-morrow.
" 4. Lines of retreat are as follows : —
127
10th Inf. Div. by Bachenhausen — Gross-No bach and west of
that place as far as Vierkirchen (exclusive) — Schonbrunn —
Amperpettenbach — Haimhausen. The division may use
the bridges on the Amper north-east of Haimhausen. The
1st Ees. Inf. Bde. will use the Yierkirchen — Schonbrunn
Amperpettenbach — Haimhausen road.
The 9th Inf. Div. will use roads west of those allotted to 1st
Ees. Inf. Bde. as far as the Gross-Inzemoos — Unter-
Weilbach — Herbertshausen road inclusive.
" 5. The 10th Inf. Div., to which the 5th Dragoon Eegt. at
Hohenkammer is attached, will reconnoitre at once on the line
Allershausen — Hohenkammer — Petershausen towards Freising and
the valley of the Ilm, and will find out the position of the right
wing of the enemy's main army as well as that of the hostile troops
reported in the lira valley. Negative reports are required.
" 6. Eear guards will follow when the situation admits, under the
orders of a brigadier to be appointed by the 10th Inf. Div., who will
take over command at 4 a.m. to-morrow of all covering detachments
remaining on the Glonn.
" 7. The 2nd line transport of all columns under divisional control
must be clear of the area between the Glonn and the Amper before
4 a.m. to-morrow. Empty transports will move by Schleissheim to
Munchen.
" 8. The 1st echelon of the ammunition columns and train of the
5th Army Corps has been ordered to Lohhof ; the 2nd e'chelon to
Erching (east of the Isar). The depot at Eohrmoos has been
evacuated, supply wagons have been ordered to Lohhof, where they
can fill up after midnight. Transport vehicles of the 10th Inf. Div.
will use the Gross-Nobach — Maisteig road.
" 9. Army Headquarters move at 3.45 a.m. by motor car through
Ampermoching to Haimhausen. Eepresentatives of divisions and
of the 1st Ees. Inf. Bde. will be there at 4.30 a.m.
Transmitted by
" Captain F.,
" Adjutant, Headquarters 5th Army Corps. X.,
" General."
Captain F., the bearer of this order, reported at the same time that
the Army Corps Telegraph Detachment would reel up the line from
Piflitz to Esterhofen, beginning from Piflitz, at 3.45 a.m., and that he
was attached to the headquarters of the 10th Inf. Div. as reporting
officer.
Captain G., the general staff officer of the 10th Inf. Div., then
marked out on the map spread out in front of him the lines of retreat
of the units of the 5th Army Corps, and verified the positions of the
places named in the army corps order. He then placed the
following appreciation of the situation before his commander : —
" The enemy immediately in front of our infantry on the Glonn
has been beaten, and will not be in a condition to interfere seriously
with the retreat which is to be begun to-night. The first step
necessary is to reorganize the units which have become mixed up in
the battle, and to arrange for the proper issue of orders. The section
of defence extending from the right wing, east of Petershausen, as
128
far as the railway bridge, 120 metres south-west of that place, may
be placed under Major-General P., commander of the 19th Inf. Bde. ;
the next section on the left through Asbach, as far as the right flank
of the 1st Kes. Inf. Bde., may be allotted to Colonel B., commander
of 40th Inf. Kegt., as the commander of the 20th Inf. Bde. has fallen,
" The next thing is to withdraw troops from the front line and
place them in readiness in positions in rear ; in doing this the front
line must be left sufficiently strong to prevent the enemy breaking
through. These measures can only be carried out after dark. The
detachments of the 19th Inf. Bde. withdrawn from the frdht line
may be suitably ordered to Kollbach, and behind hill 496, west of
that place, those of the 20th Inf. Bde. being sent to the wood north
of Vierkirchen. These units can then be fed from the field kitchens-
which should be brought up to them. They should march at 4 a.m.
by Kammerberg and Giebing respectively.
"We are ordered to retire behind the Amper; the bridge at
Gross-Nobach is the only one available. As hostile troops are
reported to be in the Ilm valley and the right wing of the enemy's
main army is advancing on Freising, it is possible that hostile-
cavalry coming from the north may reach the Amper at any time.
The bridge at Gross-Nobach must, therefore, be occupied as soon as
possible, and also the bridges at Thurnsberg and Kranzberg, but in
less strength. It is also necessary to arrange for the reconnaissance
of the Amper, and of the country about Weng and Gross-Nobach,
with reference to defence against attack from the west and north-west.
It is also necessary to arrange for the construction of bridges south
of Gross-Nobach. The divisional bridging train is available for
this, and should march at once to the Amper, together with the
pioneer company, a company of infantry and some cyclists.
" It is of special importance to initiate fresh reconnaissances of
the enemy's main army and of the enemy advancing down the Ilm
valley. Th0 concealment of the retreat from hostile cavalry recon-
naissance by occupying the crossings of the Glonn from Allershausen
to Herschenhofen must also be arranged. For this the 5th Dragoon
Eegt. is available.
" Finally, it is very important to clear the area between the
Amper and the Glonn of transport as quickly as possible, but the
troops must first be supplied with food and ammunition. The
supply and forage wagons are at Biberbach. If orders are issued at
once, those of the field artillery can be ready at Kammerberg, those
of the 19th Inf. Bde. at Giebing, and of the 20th Inf. Bde. at
Eettenbach, between 6 and 7 p.m. They can then either fill up the
field kitchens direct or be off-loaded for use later. They should have
completed the issue of supplies by 10 p.m., and have crossed the
Amper at Gross-Nobach at latest between midnight and 1 a.m., thus
clearing the way for the ammunition columns, which will be ready
to move from Vierkirchen after 7 p.m. If the ammunition columns
begin to issue at Kammerberg, Giebing and Eettenbach about
11 p.m., they can certainly be behind the Amper by 4 a.m.
" The medical services must be informed as soon as possible of the
intended retreat, so that they may economize in personnel and
material as far as possible. It will be best to make no further use
of No. 9 Field Hospital. Slightly wounded can march with 2nd
129
line transport to Eching, severely wounded can be sent back in the
empty supply wagons from Kammerberg, Giebing and Kettenbach.
No. 9 Field Hospital should move to Eching, whence the wounded
may perhaps be sent to Miinchen by train. It will be necessary to
apply to Army Corps Headquarters for this. Collecting stations for
slightly wounded should be closed at once, and the chief dressing
station as soon as possible. The dressing stations of units must still
remain open. Personnel no longer required can retire with the rear
guard.
" These orders should be drafted at once. As regards the final
order for the retreat, the disposition of the division for this purpose
must still be considered. In arranging this it must be remembered
that it is not impossible that the enemy may operate by way of
Hohenkammer, or that he should penetrate into the Ainper valley
from Allershausen."
Lt.-General D., divisional commander, approved of the proposals
of his general staff officer, and instructed him to prepare the necessary
orders at once.
Captain G-. thereupon dictated the following order to his clerk,
who used a typewriter which was carried in the divisional head-
quarters' motor car. A number of copies were made of the order.
" I., 10th Inf. Div.
" Piflitz, 23. XL, 4.30 p.m.
" To commander 2nd line transport, 10th Inf. Div., Biberbach. '
" The 2nd line transport will march at once by Giebing — Kammer-
berg— Bachenhausen — Water-Bruck to Eching. The Divisional
Bridging Train will await the Pioneer Company, which is on its way
to Fahrenzhausen. Supply wagons of the Field Artillery " Brigade "
will march to Kammerberg ; those of the 19th Inf. Bde. to Giebing,
and of the 20th Inf. Bde. from Giebing to Eettenberg : those of the
5th Dragoon Regt. will march from Kammerberg to Lauterberg.
They will park at the places named, clear of the roads, and wait for
further orders. The collecting station for slightly wounded at
Biberbach will be evacuated. Personnel and material together with
the slightly wounded will accompany the 2nd line transport.
" Capt., Gen, Staff Officer, 10th Inf. Div."
The senior medical officer of the division had meanwhile
prepared the following order on a message form, making several
copies of it.
" II., 10th Inf. Div.
" Piflitz, 23. XL, 4.30 p.m.
"To No. 9 Field Hospital, Kollbach.
" To Chief Dressing Station, 10th Inf. Div., north of Rettenbach.
" To No. 10 Field Hospital, Eettenberg.
" Only such personnel and material as is absolutely necessary will
be used, the remainder will be held in readiness to march.
" Severely wounded will be sent to Kammerberg, Giebing, and
Eettenbach, at which places empty supply wagons will be available
until 10 p.m., for further transport to Eching.
" No. 9 Field Hospital will march at once to Eching and make
preparations for the reception of the wounded there. An auxiliary
(B 760) I
130
hospital train has been ordered to be at Eching on the morning of
the 24th.
" The collecting station for slightly wounded at Biberbach will be
evacuated. Slightly wounded, together with the personnel and
material, will march with the 2nd line transport to Eching.
"A.,
" Senior Medical Officer, 10th Inf. Div."
When Captain G. had looked through the latter order, both orders
were handed to an orderly officer of the divisional staff, with instruc-
tions to go first to Kollbach to No. 9 Field Hospital, then to the chief
dressing station and No. 10 Field Hospital at Eettenbach, and after-
wards to the 2nd line transport at Biberbach. When he had done
this he was to remain on the Giebing — Rettenbach road with two
orderlies from the escort to divisional headquarters and to devote all
his energies to the preservation of order in the transport. He was
told that, after the supply wagons had marched off, the 1st Infantry
Ammunition Column and the 1st and 2nd Artillery Ammunition
Columns would come in from Vierkirchen, fill up the ammunition
of the various units at Kammerberg, Giebing, and Rettenbach, and
then march by Bachenhausen to Gross-Nobach. He was directed to
requisition the assistance of the inhabitants in lighting the roads by
means of bonfires, and also in lighting the houses in the various
villages, to mark the exits of villages, and to employ men acquainted
with the locality to point out the way. He received the following
paper as his authority : —
" 10th Inf. Div.
" Piflitz, 23. XL, 4.45 p.m.
" Lt. M. of the headquarters, 10th Inf. Div., is charged with the
preservation of order on the Rettenbach — Giebing — Kammerberg
road, and also on the Giebing — Biberbach road. His instructions
are to be rigidly complied with even by officers who are senior to
him. D.,
10th Inf. Div. " Lt.-Gen. commanding the Division."
Captain G. then requested the two divisional adjutants to ride to
the commander of the 19th Inf. Bde. to find out the situation there,
to arrange that the brigade should send one infantry company at
once to Kammerberg, and that the commander of that company should
report himself as soon as possible at divisional headquarters at
Piflitz. Three cyclist officers were to be sent at the same time to
Kammerberg, to be at the disposal of the commander of this company.
The adjutants were directed to return by way of the position of the
pioneer company, and to direct its commander to march his company
at once by Kammerberg to Unter-Bruck, coming himself to Piflitz for
orders.
After issuing these instructions, the divisional general staff officer
dictated to the typewriter the following order to the commander of
the 5th Dragoon Regt. : —
" 10th Inf. Div.
"Piflitz, 23. XL, 4.45 p.m.
" To the Commander 5th Dragoon Regt. (confidential).
" 1. The 1st Army has been driven over the Isar on the line
131
Landshut — Freising by superior force : the 2nd Army will fall back
during the night of the 23rd-24th. XI., through and north of
Miinchen.
" 2. According to reliable information the right wing of the enemy's
main army is advancing on Freising. Fresh bodies of hostile troops
are reported to be in the valley of the Ilm marching on Ilmmunster.
" 3. The 5th Army Corps will cover the retirement of the army
from a position behind the Amper on the line Weng — Ottershausen.
"4. The 10th Inf. Div. will retire at 4 a.m. by Bachenhausen on
Gross-Nobach, leaving rear guards opposite Petershausen and
Asbach.
" 5. Eeconnoitre the valley of the G-lonn, between G-lonn and Tim,
and the valley of the Ilm, and find out the position of the enemy
reported to be in the Ilm valley and also that of the right wing of his
main army. The enemy at and west of Petershausen must be
watched.
At the same time you must delay the advance of the enemy over
the Gloun on the line Allershausen (inclusive) — Herschenhausen
(inclusive). The bridges over the Glonn may be destroyed. The
crossings at Kranzberg and Thurnsberg will be occupied and held
to-night by cyclists. If forced back, join the right flank of the
division. Send one section as soon as possible to the bridge at Gross-
Nobach to be at the disposal of the infantry commander at that place
and two sections to Piflitz to be at the disposal of divisional
headquarters.
The regimental supply wagons will be at Lauterbach between 7
.and 8 p.m., to march not later than 11 p.m. by Jarzt — Gross-Nobach
to Lohhof, where they will fill up.
" 6. Divisional headquarters will be at Piflitz till 4 a.m. and will
then move by motor car by Bachenhausen to Gross-Nobach. Kepre-
sentative for orders is to be at the latter place by 4.30 a m.
" 10th Inf. Div."
This order was then handed to the first adjutant of the division,
who was instructed to deliver it by motor car. He was to hand it
personally to the commander of the 5th Kegt. at Hohenkammer, and
to make himself acquainted with the situation at that place.
The following divisional order was then prepared at divisional
headquarters : —
" 10th Inf. Div. " Piflitz, 23. XL, 5.30 p.m.
" Divisional Order No. 3 for 23.XI.
" 1. The enemy has been repulsed along the whole front of the
army. The 10th Inf. Div. holds the crossings at Petershausen and
Asbach.
" 2. The division will hold its present position without advancing.
The following will be the sections of defence: — Major-Gen. P.,
commander of 19th Inf. Bde, will hold the section from the right
wing as far as the railway bridge south of Petershausen (inclusive) ;
the section from the railway bridge as far as the position of the 1st
Kes. Inf. Bde will be under Col. B., who will take over command of
the 20th Inf. Bde.
" 3. Units will reorganize, and after dark will withdraw as many
men as possible from the front line, which must, however, be
(B V60) I 2
132
sufficiently strong to prevent the enemy breaking through. The
19th Inf. Bde. will assemble at Kollbach. The 20th Inf. Bde. will
assemble in the wood north of Vierkirchen, west of the road con-
necting Eettenbach and Kollbach. Brigades will bivouac at the
places of assembly.
" 4. The Field Artillery ' Brigade ' will leave one Abteilung to
support the 19th Inf. Bde. on the line of the Glonn. Guns will
remain in position after dark. The remainder of the ' Brigade, '
will pass the night at Kammerberg, Bachenhausen, and Viehbach.
The 'Brigade' will obtain an escort from the 19th Inf. Bde. in
Kollbach.
" 5. Divisional headquarters, which will be marked by a lantern,
will be at Piflitz. Representatives will be there for orders at 9 p.m.
The telephone detachment will establish stations at Kollbach, at
the ganger's cottage south of Asbach, and at Piflitz.
Special Instructions for 23-24. XL
" 1. Supply. — Supply wagons will reach the following positions
between 6 and 7 p.m. : —
Those of the Field Artillery ' Brigade' Kammerberg.
Those of the 19th Inf. Bde., Giebing.
Those of the 20th Inf. Bde., Eettenbach.
Issues will be completed as soon as possible, and supply vehicles
will march not later than 11 p.m. by Bachenhausen to Lohhof, where
they may resume work after midnight. They will march by brigades
under brigade supply officers. Requisitions from the medical service
for transport for wounded are to be complied with.
" 2. Ammunition. — The 1st Inf. Ammunition Column will send
one section to Giebing for the 19th Inf. Bde., and one section to
Rettenbach for the 20th Inf. Bde., from Vierkirchen at 11 p.m.
1st and 2nd Artillery Ammunition Columns will send ammunition
for the Field Artillery 'Brigade' from Vierkirchen at 11 p.m. to
Kammerberg. Issue of ammunition must be completed by 2 a.m.
Empty columns will march to Munchen, and must be east of the
Amper not later than 4 a.m.
" 3. The Field Post Office for the 19th Inf. Bde and the field
artillery will be at 10 p.m. in Kollbach, and for the 20th Inf.
Bde. at the brigade bivouac.
" 4. A mounted officer of the field artillery will be sent to
Kammerberg, another from the 19th Inf. Bde. to Giebing, and
another from the 20th Inf. Bde. to Rettenbach to preserve order and
control traffic.
Lt. M., of divisional headquarters, is charged with these duties on
the Rettenbach — Giebing — Kammerberg road.
" 5. Villages will be lighted, and guides posted at the exits.
Strict discipline is to be maintained among the transport. Transport
not in movement will be drawn up on the sides of roads clear of
villages."
10th Inf. Div.
After this order had been read to the divisional commander and
signed by him, it was dictated to the representatives who had come
for orders. The latter left to take it to their units at 5.45 p.m.
133
Meanwhile, the general staff officer had gone to the telephone,
called up army corps headquarters, and asked for an officer. He then
asked whether it would be possible to send an auxiliary hospital
train to Eching on the morning of the 24th, in order to transport
the wounded of the 10th Inf. Div. from that place to Munchen. He
received the reply that the train for the 10th Inf. Div. would be
ready at Eching on the morning of the 24th.
The following messages were then prepared and handed to a
mounted officer of the 3rd Bn., 40th Inf. Kegt., which was close by,
to deliver : —
" I. 10th Inf. Div. Piflitz, 23.XL, 6 p.m.
" To 1st Infantry Ammunition Column and 1st and 2nd Artillery
Ammunition Columns at Yierkirchen.
" The 1st Inf. Am. Col. and 1st and 2nd. Arty. Am. Cols, are
under the orders of the 10th Inf. Div. ; they will move from
Vierkirchen at 11 p.m. (not earlier) as follows : — 1st and 2nd Arty.
Am. Cols, to Kaminerberg for issues to 10th F.A. Bde. 1 section,
1st Inf. Am. Col., to Giebing for issues to 19th Inf. Bde. 1 section,
1st Inf. Am. Col., to Eettenbach for issues to 20th Inf. Bde. The
issue of ammunition must be completed at 2 a.m. Columns will
then be closed up, and march by Bachenhausen — Gross-Nobach —
Lohhof to Miinchen.
" II. 10th Inf. Div. Piflitz, 23. XI., 6 p.m.
" To the Field Post Office, 10th Inf. Div. at Kettenbach.
" Letters of the 19th Inf. Bde. for despatch will be received at
Kollbach till 10 p.m.; those of the 20th Inf. Bde. at the brigade
bivouac in the wood north-east of Yierkirchen ; and those of the Field
Artillery 'Brigade' at Kammerberg, also at 10 p.m. The Field Post
Office will be ready to move off from Eettenbach at 3 a.m."
Shortly after these messages had been despatched, the com-
manders of the 10th Pioneer Coy. and of the 10th Coy., 38th Inf
"Regt., which had been ordered to Kammerberg, reported themselves.
They received the following instructions from the general staff
officer, who added that everything relating to the retreat was to be
considered as confidential : —
" The 2nd Army is retiring behind the Amper and on Munchen
during the night of the 23rd-24th. XI. The 5th Army Corps will
cover this retirement against fresh bodies of the enemy which are
reported to be advancing up the Ilm valley, and also against the
right wing of the enemy's main army, which is reported to be moving
on Freising. The 5th Army Corps will take up a position behind
the Amper on the line Weng — Otter shausen. The 1st Army has
been driven by an enemy in superior force behind the Isar on the
line Landshut — Mossburg — Freising. No. 10 Coy. will move at
once to Gross-Nobach, and will occupy the bridge there and the
crossing leading to Weng. 3 cyclist officers and 10 cyclists of
the 19th Inf. Bde., who "have been ordered to Kammerberg, and
1 section of the 5th Dragoon Kegt., which has been ordered to the
bridge at Gross-Nobach, are available to hold the crossings at
Kranzberg and Thurnsberg. The company will reconnoitre east of
the Amper towards Freising. The pioneer company will join the
divisional bridging train, which has been ordered to Fahrenzhausen,
134
and will throw a bridge suitable for all arms and a number of foot
bridges between Unter-Bruck and Haimhausen. Sketches showing
the position of and approaches to bridges to be sent to divisional
headquarters as soon as possible. A report on the river Amper
between Appercha and Amperpettenbach is required at the same
time. Fords in this section of the river are to be reconnoitred and
marked.
" The rearmost units of the division will begin the retirement on
Gross-Nobach at 4 a.m. Up to that hour the roads are being used
by the transport, supply, and ammunition columns. Divisional head-
quarters are moving from Piflitz at 3.30 a.m. by motor car to Gross-
Nobach."
Lastly, an artillery lieutenant attached to the divisional head-
quarters as orderly officer was directed to reconnoitre the roads
from Giebing by Gramling to Bachenhausen, from Milbertshofen
to Viehbach, and from Eettenbach by Wiedenhof to Biberbach and
Oberndorf.
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED IN THE 19TH INF. BDE.
We will now see what instructions were issued in the 19th Inf.
Bde. in consequence of the divisional order given above.
Divisional Order No. 3 reached the commander of the 1 9th Inf.
Bde. about 5.45 p.m., just as he had gone to hill 496, west of
Kollbach, to examine the general situation.
The various detachments in this part of the battlefield were
known to be disposed as follows : —
The greater part of the 37th Inf. Eegt. was astride the Hockhof
— Petershausen road opposite Petershausen ; small detach-
ments held Weissling and Glonbercha to cover the flank ;
there was a small reserve at Hockhof. The 38th Inf. Eegt.
extended the left of the 37th Inf. Eegt., and held the line
of the Glonn as far as the neighbourhood of Asbach.
Detachments of the 39th Inf. Eegt. were mixed up with
both regiments.
The 3rd Bn., 38th Inf. Eegt., was still at the disposal of the
brigadier south of Kollbach, as he had withdrawn it from
the front line after the re-capture of that village. One
company of this battalion (the 10th) was on the march to
Kammerberg in accordance with instructions from divi-
sional headquarters.
It was nearly dark by 6.0 p.m. The heights on the far bank of
the Glonn were only dimly visible, though the position of the
enemy's firing lines was still clearly distinguishable, owing to the
flashes of the rifles on the outskirts of Petershausen, which the
enemy still held obstinately, despite the heavy artillery fire directed
on the place.
South and west of Petershausen the fight had almost died out.
Thanks to the effective fire of the 10th Field Artillery "Brigade"
which was still vigorously engaged, the enemy's infantry in this
part of the field had evacuated the railway embankment, and had
retired on to the Petershausen — Wasenhof road. Wasenhof had just
135
caught fire, and Petershausen had been in flames since a late hour
in the afternoon.
After 5 p.m. the fire of the enemy's artillery about Sollern had
gradually lessened, and about 5.30 p.m. it ceased altogether, just after
a loud explosion from the direction of Kreithof led to the supposition
that a part of its ammunition had been blown up.
The brigade staff had dismounted and had gone to the nearest
house in Kollbach in order to be better able to work. A representa-
tive of the staff was left on hill 496 in order to direct messengers.
The position of brigade headquarters was also clearly marked by a
bonfire.
The empty ammunition carts of the 37th Inf. Eegt. were at
Giebing under a cyclist officer, and those of the 38th Inf. Eegt. were
at Rettenbach.
The field kitchens of the 37th Inf. Regt. were at the southern
edge of the wood north-west of Giebing ; those of the 38th Inf.
Regt. were close to Rettenbach ; both were under the regimental
supply officers.
The following order was then prepared at brigade headquarters : —
" 19th Inf. Brigade, Kollbach, 23. XL, 6.15 p.m.
" To the 37th, 38th, 39th Inf. Regts.
" 1. The Glonn will not be crossed. The positions won will be
held.
" 2. The section extending from the right flank as far as the
railway bridge south-west of Petershausen (inclusive) will be under
my command. The section on the left is under Col. B., who is in
command of the 20th Inf. Bde.
" 3. The 37th Inf. Regt. will hold the line from the right flank as
far as a point opposite the south-west corner of Petershausen. The
38th Inf. Regt. will extend the left as far as the railway bridge.
Units will be reorganized.
" 4. The 39th Inf. Regt. will move back at once to Kollbach, and
will bivouac in the wood north of Vierkirchen. Supports and
reserves of the 37th Inf. Regt. will be withdrawn from the front as
soon as possible and sent to Kollbach, those of the 38th Inf. Regt.
to hill 496, west of Kollbach. The following troops will be left as a
minimum in the front line : — One bn. 37th Inf. Regt. astride the
Hockhof — Petershausen road, 2 coys. 38th Inf. Regt. in the section as
far as the railway bridge. Glonbercha and Weissling will be held.
The 5th Dragoon Regt. will hold the crossings of the Glonn at and
below Herschenhofen. The far bank of the Glonn in the direction of
Obermarbach and the woods north-west of Petershausen as well as
towards Ziegelberg will be regularly patrolled.
" 5. The^eld kitchens of the 37th Inf. Regt. are at Kollbach, those
of the 38th Inf. Regt. have been ordered to the valley south of
hill 496, they will be sent up to units under brigade arrangements.
Food will be issued to the troops as quickly as possible.
" 6. Representatives for orders will be sent as soon as possible to
brigade headquarters at the western exit of Kollbach.
" 7. The 37th Inf. Regt. will arrange to send this order on as
quickly as possible to the 38th and 39th Inf. Regts.
P,
"Major -General."
136
An under-officer from the orderlies attached to brigade head-
quarters was given the message form with the ahove order. He was
told by the brigade major to ride to Hockhof, the only village between
Petershausen and Kollbach, and to ask the infantry companies at
that place to tell him the position of the headquarters of the 37th Inf.
Eegt. He was to give the message to the commander of the
37th Inf. Eegt., and at the same time to inform him of para. 7 of the
order.
The orderly officer of the brigade was then given the following
instructions by the brigade major : —
" Take one of the brigade orderlies and ride to the neighbourhood
of Kettenbach. In the wood north-east of that place you will find
the field kitchens of the 38th Inf Eegt. and, nearer to Giebing, those
of the 37th Inf. Eegt. You will have both of them drawn up in one
column on the Eettenbach — Kollbach road, and see that those of the
37th Inf. Eegt. go to Kollbach, and those of the 38th Inf. Eegt. to
a position behind hill 496, just west of the village. The regimental
supply officers are with the field kitchens.
" You will then see to the issue of supplies and ammunition. The
supply wagons of the brigade will reach Giebing from Biberbach
about 7 p.m. They will be off-loaded at a suitable place, and the
empty vehicles will march together, not later than 11 p.m., under
one of the supply officers whom you will select, by Kammerberg and
Gross-Nobach to Lohhof, where they will fill up. They will be used
as far as possible to take wounded from the field hospital at
Eettenbach.
" One section of the 1st Inf. Am. Col. is marching behind the
1st and 2nd Arty. Am. Cols., which have been ordered to Kammerberg.
to Giebing, where it is to be at our disposal at 11 p.m. You will
divide the ammunition in this section equally among the ammunition
carts of the brigade, which are assembled at Giebing, in the angle
between the roads from Biberbach and Eettenbach. The issue of
ammunition must be completed by 2 a.m. The empty ammunition
column, which will be followed by another section coming from
Eettenbach, will then move to Kammerberg and Gross-
Nobach.
" In addition, you will be responsible for the maintenance of order
mongst the transport in Giebing. Make use of the inhabitants for
such labour as you require, employ them if necessary to light the
houses and streets, and to mark the exits of the village. I should
advise you to post guides. Afterwards you will see that the field
kitchens are refilled. The regiments will report to you when the
field kitchens reach Giebing. Eeport when the issue of ammunition
is completed. Orders will then be issued as to the disposal of the
ammunition carts. Take two cyclists of the 37th Inf. Eegt. with
you for use as orderlies. Eettenbach is connected by telephone with
Kollbach through Piflitz."
The orderly officer made notes of the principal points and then
rode oflf.
The brigade major then set to work to draft the final order
to the units under the brigade. At 7 p.m. the order, which
ran as follows, was ready for dictation to the representatives of
units : —
137
" 19th Inf. Brigade, " Kollbach, 23. XL, 7 p. m.
" Brigade Order No. 5 for 23. XI.
" 1. Bivouacs. — The 37th Inf. Eegt. will bivouac south of Kollbach
as soon as the 39th Inf. Eegt. has left that place.
The 38th Inf. Eegt. will bivouac behind' hill 496, near the south-
west corner of Kollbach. The following areas are allotted for water,
wood, and straw : —
To the 37th Inf. Eegt. — Kollbach, east of the eastern church and
Piflitz.
To the 38th Inf. Eegt. — Kollbach, west of the eastern church.
" 2. Protection. — The 37th Inf. Eegt. .will arrange for the protection
of the right wing as far as a point opposite Petershausen. Close
touch will be kept with the enemy. Glonbercha, Weissling, and
Petershausen bridge will be held. Not less than one battalion will
occupy the ground opposite Petershausen. Touch will be kept with
the 5th Dragoon Eegt. which is lower down the Glonn.
The 38th Inf. Eegt. will watch the ground from the left of the
37th Inf. Eegt. as far as the railway bridge, which will be strongly
held. Touch will be kept with the 20th Inf. Bde.
" 3. Brigade headquarters are at the western exit of Kollbach.
Special Instructions.
" 1. Supplies. — Field kitchens have been ordered to the bivouacs of
units. Supplies to refill the field kitchens are at Giebing. After
issuing morning coffee, the field kitchens will march by Eettenbach
to Giebing. Those of the 37th Inf. Eegt. will start not later than
1.0 a.m. ; those of the 38th Inf. Eegt. not later than 1.15 a.m.
Capt. B., of brigade headquarters, who is superintending the issue of
supplies in Giebing, is to be informed when the field kitchens reach
that place.
"2. Ammunition. — Ammunition carts will rejoin regiments when
they have refilled.
" 3. Medical. — Wounded will be sent to Kamrnerberg, Eettenbach
and Giebing, at which places empty supply wagons will be available,
up till 11.0 p.m., for transport to Eching.
The 37th Inf. Eegt. will search for wounded in the area
Kammerberg — Weissling — Glonbercha — Petershausen — Kollbach —
Pifatz.
The 38th Inf. Eegt. in the area between hill 496 and the Glonn
on the line Petershausen — railway bridge south of that place.
"4. Postal. — Letters will be collected^at the bivouacs of units at
7 p.m.
P,
" Major-General."
We will now briefly examine the instructions issued in the units
of the 19th Inf. Bde., taking the 37th Inf. Eegt. first.
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED IN THE 37TH INF. EEGT.
When the message with the brigade order issued at 6.15 p.m. (see
page 135) reached the headquarters of the 37th Inf. Eegt. at Hockhof,
it was so dark that very little view was obtainable of the surround-
138
ing country. Mist was gradually rising in the Glonn valley, in which
the houses and church tower of Petershausen, lit up by the
conflagration which was still raging, were clearly visible. The
infantry fire had died out ; only a few scattered shots were heard
from time to time as opposing patrols met.
The hostile artillery on the hill near Sollern had ceased fire as
darkness came on. On the other hand the 10th F.A. Bde. was still
firing at Petershausen, and its shells were bursting both in the
village itself and on its outskirts. They were destroying the
buildings and the outer walls of the village systematically. Shells
from Blue artillery were also seen to be bursting along the road to
Wasenhof.
The 1 st Bn., 37th Inf. Kegt., was known to be to the east, on the
extreme right flank, while the 2nd Bn. was west of the Hockhof—
Petershausen road. Companies of the 39th Inf. Regt., with which
there was no officer of the staff of that regiment, were mixed up with
both battalions.
The 3rd Bn., 37th Inf. Eegt., had two companies under the
battalion commander at Hockhof at the disposal of the regimental
commander. The llth Company of this battalion at Glonbercha, and
the 12th Company in Weissling, were protecting the right flank.
These companies had protective detachments in Pelka and
Waltenhofen.
The front line in the direction of Petershausen was connected
with the regimental headquarters by telephone ; the line ran to the
commander of the 1st Bn., 37th Inf. Regt., near the bridge, where the
7th Company was in close touch with the enemy. The machine gun
company, which was originally in action on the right flank, had
ceased fire when it became dark. It had already been ordered to
retire from the front line and to move to the exit of Kollbach on the
Kollbach — Hockhof road, to be at the disposal of the regimental
commander. Signalling communication by lamp was established
between the most southerly house of Hockhof and the signalling
station of the brigade on Kollbach church tower.
Five cyclist orderlies were ready in the village ; the horses of the
regimental staff, which had been at work in the zone of fire, had been
placed in a shed close by, and had been unsaddled and fed. An under-
officer of the 3rd Bn., 37th Inf. Regt., was posted on the road to direct
messengers to the regimental headquarters.
At this time the enemy was still holding the outskirts of Peters-
hausen, but appeared to become weaker towards the late afternoon.
He had a firing line south-west of Petershausen turned back towards
the Petershausen — Wasenhof road, and patrols only were on the
Glonn itself. It had been ascertained that he had only weak
protective detachments east of Petershausen opposite Glonbercha. A
large number of wounded, both friend and foe, were lying between
Hockhof and the Glonn, for the struggle had raged most fiercely
there. In this part of the field the Glonn had proved to be a more
serious obstacle than had been supposed. Owing to heavy rain
during the previous days, the river had risen and could only be
crossed by infantry with safety at the fords.
Mounted troops were confined to the regular crossings because
the banks were boggy.
139
A regimental dressing station for the 37th Inf. Eegt. was at
Hockhof. The medical officers of the 38th and 39th Inf. Eegts. were
at work in Kollbach.
After the regimental commander had read the brigade order he
called up the 1st Bn., 37th Inf. Eegt., and asked its commander, who
was the senior of the two battalion commanders in the front line, to-
come to the telephone. He then gave him the following instructions
verbally at 6.30 p.m. : —
" The regiment will not cross the Glonn,it will hold the positions it
has gained. The 39th Inf. Eegt. is falling back on either side of the
Petershausen — Kollbach road, and will assemble south of Kollbach.
You will take over command of the front line. You will see that
units are reorganized, and will fix the strength of the covering
troops to remain during the night opposite Petershausen. At least
one battalion must be employed for this. The regiment is to hold
the line from the right flank as far as the copse on which the left of
the 2nd Bn. is now resting. The 38th Inf. Eegt. extends our left as
far as the railway bridge. Weissling and Glonbercha will continue
to be held by the companies now at those places.
" All troops not required in the front line will be assembled at
Kollbach. Bivouacs will be allotted at that place. See that
frequent patrols are sent to the north round Petershausen towards
the station, into the woods north-west of it, and towards Sollern.
Keep communication with the units on your flanks. Touch with
the enemy must not be lost. Kepeat this order at once to the
39th Inf. Kegt. and to our 2nd Battalion.
" Send representatives for orders to regimental headquarters at
Hockhof."
The regimental adjutant was then directed to reconnoitre places
for bivouacs for two battalions. The valley running from Kollbach
towards Hockhof did not seem suitable. In the first place, the
ground was damp meadowland, covered with dense mist. In the
next place, bivouac fires would probably be visible from the far bank
of the Glonn, and might draw artillery fire. As it was a cold
November night, it was not desirable to do without fires.
The most favourable position was on the dry, cultivated land
just south of Kollbach; but, as the detachments of the 39th Inf.
Eegt. were falling back to assemble there, it appeared better to
avoid contact with that regiment, to obviate any confusion, so that
this ground too was rejected. There remained only the country
east of Kollbach. In this area there was a valley, well covered from
the north by a wood, through which the road to Weissling ran. The
ground was dry and there was room enough for two battalions.
At 8 p.m. the regimental adjutant returned and reported to his
commander in the above sense. At this moment Brigade Order
No. 5 (see page 137) arrived. At the same time columns were seen
in the darkness retiring in the direction of Kollbach. They were
mostly companies of the 39th Inf. Eegt. under command of
lieutenants.
About 8.30 p.m., 1st Lieut. V., the regimental supply officer,
reported himself and stated : —
"As the senior supply officer, I have arranged for bringing up
the field kitchens. The head of the column is at the southern end
140
of Kollbach, on the road from Eettenbach. I did not take the
column through Kollbach, as the machine gun company of the regi-
ment is there. I have given it its field kitchens. I have had the
fires in the field kitchens lighted.
" Lieut. M., the supply officer of the 2nd Battalion, has been left
at Giebing. In accordance with the orders of an orderly officer from
headquarters, he is superintending the off-loading of supplies from
the supply wagons. The supply wagons are to march back as soon
as possible by Gross-Nobach to Lohhof to refill.
" The supply officer of the 1st Battalion has been placed in charge
of them, as Lieut. M. must remain in Giebing with the supplies
which have been off-loaded. Will you please give me orders as to
where the field kitchens are to go."
1st Lieut. V. was told to leave the field kitchens where they
were until the battalions had reached their bivouacs; the latter
would then fetch their field kitchens themselves.
He was himself directed to undertake at once the requisitioning
of food, wood, straw, and forage in the eastern part of Kollbach, in
Weissling and Glonbercha, and to send everything which he requisi-
tioned to the exit of Kollbach on the Weissling road. He was told
that the regiment would bivouac in the valley running from that
point towards Weissling.
One section of the 3rd Bn. at Hockhof was placed at his disposal
as a working party. He was directed to place sentries at once on
all the wells in Kollbach to prevent the water being fouled or
wasted, and to select quarters for the regimental staff in the eastern
part of Kollbach. He was told that the regiment would reach its
bivouacs in about an hour.
Shortly afterwards Major M., commander of the 1st Bn., reported
by telephone as follows : —
" The companies of the 39th Inf. Eegt., which were in the position
of the 37th Inf. Eegt., were withdrawn about 7.30 p.m. The enemy
has not made any change in his dispositions in consequence. I have
the 1st, 2nd, 7th and 8th Coys, in a covering position opposite
Petershausen under my orders. The 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Coys.
are on the march to Hockhof under Capt. L., as the commander of
the 2nd Battalion has been severely wounded this afternoon.
" One company of the 38th Inf. Eegt. is on my left front on the
Glonn south of Petershausen. The enemy has about one battalion
deployed on the outskirts of Petershausen. It has been ascertained
that stronger bodies are in bivouac at Peterhausen station and at
Ziegelberg.
" It is my intention to withdraw more troops from the front line
during the night, but to keep the companies which are withdrawn
handy in close formation, and to make my headquarters at
Hockhof. I can send the field kitchens up to the front line. We
-are short of ammunition ; it is very desirable that we should have
fresh supplies before daylight. The companies of the composite
battalion under L. have been directed to take all wounded, who can
be transported, to the dressing station as they fall back."
Major M. was then directed to establish telephonic connection
with the regimental headquarters, which he was told would be billeted
in the eastern part of Kollbach. He was also informed of the
141
position of the regimental bivouacs, and told that he might send for
his field kitchens.
Ahout 8.45 p.m. Capt. L. reported himself at Hockhof, and stated
that his companies were following. Col. C. gave him and the com-
mander of the 3rd Battalion, who was present, the following verbal
order at 9 p.m. : —
" The regiment will bivouac in the valley east of Kollbach. It
will be covered by No. 12 Coy. at Weissling, No. 11 Coy. at Grlon-
bercha, and the composite battalion under M. opposite Petershausen.
The composite battalion under L. and the machine gun company
will bivouac on the right, the 3rd Battalion on the left near Kollbach.
The regimental adjutant will point out the positions of the bivouacs.
The field kitchens are at the exit of Kollbach on the Eettenberg — *
Kollbach road ; they may be fetched at once ; the fires have been
lighted. Wood, straw, and water may be obtained from the eastern
part of Kollbach.
"The supply officer of the 3rd Battalion has been directed to
requisition food and forage for the regiment. The composite battalion
under L. will keep connection by cyclists with Weissling, and will
arrange for local protection towards Hochholz and G-lonbercha*
Eegimental headquarters will remain at Hockhof till 9.30 p.m.,
and will then move to Kollbach to billets at the eastern end of that
place.
" Eepresentatives for orders will be there at 10 p.m."
The regimental adjutant was then directed to show the battalions
the bivouac places he had reconnoitred, and, after the battalions had
passed through Kollbach, to see that the field kitchens of the
1st, 2nd, 7th and 8th Companies marched by Hockhof to the front
line. Their field kitchens were also to be sent to the companies in
Weissling and G-lonbercha. The machine gun company was directed
to join the composite battalion under L. at its bivouac near the
eastern exit of Kollbach.
At 9.30 p.m. the regimental commander rode off to Kollbach.
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED IN THE 39ra INF. EEGT.
After it had been withdrawn from Kollbach in the early hours of
the afternoon, the 3rd Bn., 39th Inf. Eegt., had halted, had been
re-formed in three companies, and remained at the disposal of the
Brigadier. Up to 9 p.m. five weak companies, for the most part
commanded by lieutenants, had joined it from the front line. The
regimental commander, and all field officers except the com-
mander of the 3rd Bn., were casualties. The latter, Major N., took
over command of the regiment. After he had received the order
from the 19th Inf. Bde., dated 6.15 p.m., and transmitted to him by
the 37th Inf. Eegt., he called the officers to the front and gave them
the following order : —
" I take over command of the regiment. Capt. 0. will command
the battalion formed from A, B, C, and D Coys.,* and Capt. L. that
formed from E, F, G-, and H Coys.* Company commanders will
* Companies made up from parts of other companies in consequence of the
intermixture of units during the battle. Normally, companies in the German
Army are numbered not lettered. — G. S.
142
remain with their companies. The regiment will move to the
northern edge of the wood north of Vierkirchen, where it will pass
the night. It will march under Capt. 0. along the road to Retten-
bach, which is the road running southwards from our left front. I
am going on ahead with the adjutant to reconnoitre a place for the
bivouac. Carry on."
As he rode back, the regimental commander gave the following
order to the adjutant, who accompanied him : —
" Eide towards Rettenbach and find out where the field kitchens
of the regiment are. Direct the supply officer in charge of them to
fill up from the supply wagons, which have been ordered to be at
Rettenbach at 6 p.m., and tell him to bring them as soon as possible
to the battalion, which will bivouac at the northern edge of the
wood in front of us and west of this road. A second supply officer
will take charge of the empty supply wagons, which will transport
the wounded from the field hospital in Rettenbach, and will march
to Lohhof to refill from the depot which is there. He will receive
further orders there. If a third supply officer is with the field
kitchens, place him in charge of the issue of ammunition. One
.section of the 1st Inf. Am. Col., which is to inarch from Vier-
kirchen at 11 p.m., remains at Rettenbach to fill up our ammunition
carts which are at that place. As soon as they have been refilled
they are to be sent at once to the regiments. If there is no third
supply officer present, you must undertake the latter duty yourself."
Major N. then left the road, followed by two orderlies and his
groom, and went towards the northern edge of the wood to find a
suitable place for the bivouac. A cavalry under-officer, who was in
charge of the mounted orderlies attached to the regiment, was left on
the Rettenbach road, at the point where it enters the wood north of
Vierkirchen, with orders to direct the regiment, when it arrived at
that point, ^o follow the northern edge of the wood and march
westwards.
As far as it was possible to see in the dark, a wide re-entrant ran
north from the wood and sloped gently up to a long and broad ridge
at its northern end. The southern end of this re-entrant was closed
by a large tract of wood consisting partly of high trees and partly of
thick copse, and at about the centre of the northern edge a portion
of the wood ran out in a point towards the north. At the western
•end of the valley the dark shadows of the high railway embankment
were visible. Behind the bit of wood which jutted out to the
north was a clearing which, though partly covered with pine
.seedlings, was large er.ough to accommodate the regiment.
The ground appeared dry and the place was completely covered
from view and sheltered from the wind. A little further to the
east, near the point where the Rettenbach — Kollbach road left the
wood, the medical company of 10th Inf. Div. was at work at the
chief dressing station, and the dressing station of the 40th Inf.
Regt. was established in the space between the railway embankment
and the projection in the wood.
Major N. found a spring close by with a good flow of water, to
which his attention was directed by wounded men of the 40th Inf.
Regt. who were lying there. It was the source of a small stream
running westwards and its water was clean and fit to drink. The
143
regimental commander had barely finished his reconnaissance when
the regiment came up, marching along the edge of the wood. He
ordered it to halt, called for battalion and company commanders,
rode with them to the clearing in the wood and then issued the
following verbal order at 9.45 p.m. : —
" The regiment will bivouac in this clearing, 0. Bn. on the right
near that plantation ; L. Bn. 300 metres further to the left ; the
front will be towards the north. Water may be drawn as follows : —
0. Bn. from that spring where the fire is burning, a guard is to be
placed over it at once ; L. Bn. from the stream flowing westwards
from the spring ; horses may be watered at the stream 200 metres
west of the point where the wood juts out.
" 0. Bn. will send a party under an officer to requisition straw,
food and forage from Eettenbach. L. Bn. will send a similar party
to Yierkirchen. Wood may be taken from this wood.
" Capt. L. will be in charge of the bivouac ; he will arrange for its
protection towards Asbach and the Glonn south-west of that place,
-and will get connection with the 40th Inf. Eegt. at Asbach, and the
1st Ees. Inf. Bde. at Jedenhofen.
" Fires may be lighted. The arrival of the 2nd line transport
•cannot be counted upon. Eegimental headquarters will bivouac
between the two battalions. A Coy. will supply the fatigues for
headquarters."
While the battalions were going into bivouac and were sending
off parties for water, wood and requisitioning, the regimental com-
mander dictated the following message to an under-officer whom he
had called up for the purpose : —
•" 39th Inf. Eegt. " Wood N. of Yierkirchen,
*23. XL, 10.15p.m.
" To the 20th Inf. Bde. (Col. B.) at Asbach.
" The 39th Inf. Eegt., which has been re-formed into 2 battalions
•of 8 weak companies, has been assembled under my orders south of
Kollbach. I have moved it to the wood north of Yierkirchen. It is
bivouacking in the centre of the northern edge of that wood, facing
Mil 496. N.,
"Major."
Before this message had been sent off, the regimental adjutant
who had been sent to Eettenbach, returned and reported that he
liad not been able to find the field kitchens. He stated that so
much transport was moving to and fro through Eettenbach that it
would be very difficult to make the issues from the supply wagons
there, and further that the supply wagons had not arrived. He said,
that he merely wished to inform the commander of these facts, and
intended to start at once to do what was possible to obtain supplies
and ammunition. The regimental commander directed him to carry
out his difficult task with the utmost energy, and then authorized the
regiment to use part of the iron ration.
An addition was then made to the message given above. A
mounted officer was given the message to deliver, and told to
find out Col. B., the brigade commander, near Asbach, and to
acquaint himself with the general situation and the disposition of
the brigade.
144
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED IN THE K)TH FIELD ARTILLERY "Brigade!"
The divisional order reached the 10th .F.A. Bde. at 6.30 p.m.
The staff of the brigade was 'on the highest point of the ridge
south of Kollbach, which is marked by a high poplar. The
brigade had originally come into action on hill 504, north of
Kammerberg, to support the attack on Kollbach, but owing to the
poor field of fire it had moved forward as soon as Kollbach was
taken. In changing position it had been surprised by the fire of
hostile artillery, which had not been observed till then, and which
was only discovered, after a long interval, to be in action in the
neighbourhood of Sollern. The fire of this artillery was, however,
not particularly effective, as it was well over 4,000 metres distant.
The brigade then came into action on the ridge running towards
Weissling with one regiment firing towards Sollern ; the remaining
regiment, the 20th, took up a position on hill 496 in order to
support the infantry attacking through Kollbach on Petershausen.
The left flank of this line of guns suffered so much from the rafales
of the enemy's artillery, which was still firing from Sollern, that it
became necessary to divert the fire of the Abteilung of the 20th
F.A. Eegt. on the left against this artillery. During the early
afternoon the remaining Abteilung was first engaged against lines
of the enemy's infantry retiring slowly from Hockhof, towards the
Glonn. After 3.30 p.m., when the enemy had been driven back to
Petershausen, and was obstinately holding that place, fire was
turned upon Petershausen. Percussion shrapnel was used systemati-
cally to destroy the buildings. About 4.30 p.m. the village was on
fire at several points, but the enemy still held it. At 4.0 p.m., the
19th F.A. Eegt., which had been unable to bring effective fire from
its former position east of Kollbach, either against the enemy's
artillery, which was now definitely identified on the north-east slope
of the spur running down from Sollern towards the Glonn, or against
the troops in the Glonn valley, had sent its 1st Abteiluny forward
to the hill north-east of Kollbach and had joined in the fight round
Petershausen. The 2nd Abteiluny changed position to the ground
east of the ganger's cottage in front of Asbach; it was directed to
support the hard-pressed 40th Inf. Eegt., particularly by engaging
the hostile artillery near Aufhausen, which had been for a long time
bringing a heavy fire to bear on Asbach. About 4.30 p.m., as it
began to grow dusk, the position was as follows : —
The 2nd Abteilung, 19th F.A. Eegt., was on the hill north-east
of Kollbach, where it was assisting in the infantry struggle round
Petershausen.
The 20th F.A. Eegt. was on hill 496, with its 1st Abteilmxj
firing on Petershausen and the 2nd engaged with the enemy's
artillery at Sollern. The 1st Abteilung of the 19th F.A. Eegt.
was on the ridge east of the ganger's cottage south of Asbach, engaged
with hostile artillery at Aufhausen.
The headquarters of the brigade, at the poplar on the hill south of
Kollbach, were connected by telephone with the headquarters of the
20th F.A. Eegt. on hill 496, and with the headquarters of the 19th
F.A. Eegt., which was with the 1st Abteilung of that regiment.
The wagons of the 2nd Abteilung of the 19th F.A. Eegt. were
145
in the hollow between Kollbach and Weissling ; those of the 20th
F.A. Eegt. were in the broad re-entrant south of hill 496, and
those of the 1st Abteilung, 19th F.A. Eegt., were close to the
northern edge of the wood north of Vierkirchen. The ammunition
of the 1st Am. Col. had all been issued to the batteries, which,
towards evening, had barely one-third of the ammunition carried in
the batteries left. The light ammunition columns, which were empty,
were in the re-entrant between Kammerberg and Piflitz, drawn up
by regiments. The vehicles were in column of route, with 500
metres interval between regiments. When it began to grow dark
the 1st Abteilung, 19th F.A. Kegt., and the 2nd Abteilung,
20th F.A. Eegt., ceased firing upon the enemy's artillery and
changed their target to Petershausen. The hostile artillery ceased
fire. It was quite dark* by 6.0 p.m. Only the country in the
immediate vicinity could be clearly seen from the position of the
brigade headquarters, and by the observer on the small church spire
of Kollbach. The Glonn valley was shrouded in mist, through which
the flames of Petershausen and Wasenhof were dimly visible. The
course of the Glonn was barely discernible. It was indistinctly
marked by a denser line, rising above the bank of rnist which
shrouded the valley. It was a cold starlight night.
When the above-mentioned divisional order arrived about 6.0 p.m.,
the following brigade order was prepared after some consideration,
and re-duplicated by dictation to members of the staff : —
"10th Field Artillery Brigade. Kollbach, 23. XI., 6.30 p.m.
" Brigade Order for 23. XI.
" 1. The division will not pursue the beaten enemy across the
Glonn : it will hold the positions gained.
" 2. Protective detachments of the 19th and 20th Inf. Bdes. are
holding the line of the Glonn in touch with the enemy. The main
body of the 19th Inf. Bde. is passing the night at Kollbach. Part
of the 20th Inf. Bde. is in the wood north of Yierkirchen.
" 3. The 1st Abteilung, 20th F.A. Eegt., will remain in position
and support the 19th Inf. Bde., to which it will be attached, in
holding its section of the Glonn during the night.
It is desirable to disturb the enemy in his bivouacs and to
bombard Petershausen and Wasenhof. Connection will be at once
established with the 19th. Inf. Bde Ammunition wagons which
have not been refilled may be sent to the northern exit of Kammer-
berg up to 10.0 p.m.
" 4. The remainder of the 20th F.A. Eegt. will billet and bivouac
in Kammersberg, the 19th F.A. Eegt. in Bachenhausen and
Viehbach. The 1st Am. Col. will bivouac with its regiment. The
wagons attached to the 19th F.A. Eegt. will receive orders from that
regiment as to moving to Bachenhausen. Quartermasters will
proceed at once to the billeting areas to which the supply vehicles
have been ordered from Giebing.
Eegiments will evacuate their positions as quietly as possible, and
will form up on the Kollbach — Kammerberg road, 19th F.A. Eegt.
in front. The 2nd Abteilung, 20th F.A. Eegt., will not follow
until the 19th F.A. Eegt. has cleared Kollbach.
* Sic, but see p. 134, llth line from bottom, " nearly dark."— Translator's note.
(B 760) K
146
" 5. Ammunition Supply. — The 1st and 2nd Art. Am. Cols, will be
at Kammerberg, on the Giebing road, at midnight. The column
which arrives first will supply the 19th Regt., the rear column will
supply the 20th Regt. Regiments will meet the columns at the
western exit of Kammerberg and make arrangements for unloading
ammunition as quickly as possible. The ammunition columns will
march by Bachenhausen, Unter-Bruck, and Lohhof to Munchen as
soon as they are empty.
" 6. Brigade headquarters will be at Kammerberg House. Repre-
sentatives will be there for orders by 10.0 p.m. The 20th F.A. Regt.
will establish telephonic connection with Kammerberg through the
19th Inf. Bde. at Kollbach. M
" Major-General."
This order was transmitted to the regiments by telephone.
General M. then instructed his orderly officer to ride at once to
Kammerberg and direct the light Am. Col. of the 19th F.A. Regt. to
Bachenhausen. He was to wait for the supply vehicles of the
brigade and to send them to the billeting areas of the regiment to
off-load their supplies at suitable points. The empty wagons were
to march back as soon as possible to Lohhof to refill from the depot
of the 5th Army Corps. One of the supply officers of the brigade
was to take charge. The orderly officer was then to prepare
quarters at Kammerberg House for the brigade staff which would
arrive at 8.0 p.m.
1st Lt. D., the orderly officer, met the light ammunition columns
at 7.0 .p.m. They were drawn up, with their teams hooked in, in the
re-entrant which has been described above. The columns of the
19th Regt. were on the left, i.e., on the west and nearest to Piflitz.
All the columns were facing north. 1st Lt. D. asked the column
commanders to come to him, and gave them the following order in
the name of the brigade commander : —
" The brigade is going into billets and bivouacs ; the 19th Regt. at
Bachenhausen and Viehbach ; the 2nd AUeihing, 20th F.A. Regt.,
at Kammerberg ; the 1st Abteilung of that regiment will remain
in position throughout the night. The light ammunition columns
will pass the night with their regiments, those of the 20th F.A.
Regt. where they now are, those of the 19th F.A. Regt. will march
at once to Bachenhausen, where they will receive further orders from
the quartermaster of the 19th Regt. who has gone on. Supply
wagons will be sent to the columns. Brigade headquarters are going
to Kammerberg House.'
The light columns of the 19th F.A. Regt. marched off at once,
moving by the rear of the columns of the 20th F.A. Regt./ to the
Giebing — Kammerberg road, which they struck about 200 metres
west of the point where it enters Kammerberg, just in front of the
head of a column of transport approaching from the direction of
Giebing, which had not been observed in the darkness, and which
proved to be the 2nd line transport of the 10th Inf. Div. The two
columns were only prevented from crossing (which must have caused
some intermixture of vehicles) by the officer in charge of the 2nd line
transport giving the order to halt. The light columns thereupon
moved through Kollbach at a trot in order to gain ground. In
147
about a quarter of an hour the road was clear for the 2nd line
transport, which had closed up in the meantime. While this was
going on, 1st Lt. D. went to the officer in charge of the 2nd line
transport and said :
" Will you please turn off the supply wagons of the 20th F.A.
Eegt. to the left, and have them assembled close to the outskirts of
Kammerberg. Please take those of the 19th F.A. Eegt. along with
you to Bachenhausen and hand them over to the regiment which is
quartered about Bachenhausen and Viehbach."
He had hardly issued this order when a lieutenant who had
ridden to the head of the column reported himself as supply officer
of the 2nd AUeilung, 20th F.A. Eegt. He was directed to collect
the supply and forage wagons of the regiment just west of Kollbach,
between that place and the light ammunition column of the 20th
F.A. Eegt., north of the Giebing road, and to off-load. He was told
to ask for men from the 1st Am. Col. to look after the supplies
which were unloaded. The wagons of the 1st Am. Col. were to be
sent to that unit at once, those of the 1st AUeilung, 20th F.A.
Eegt., were to be kept loaded in readiness to join the AUeilung at
Kollbach. He was informed that the regimental commander would
give further instructions as to the latter, and that the empty wagons
were to march as soon as possible to Bachenhausen, whence they
were to move, not later than 11 p.m., to Lohhof. They were to refill
at the latter place from the depot of the 5th Army Corps. He (the
supply officer) was, in accordance with the orders of the brigade
commander, to take charge of all the supply wagons moving from
Bachenhausen. While the 2nd line transport continued its march
through Kammerberg, the supply wagons were turned off to the left
out of the column, and formed up in a stubble field, the surface of
which was frozen fairly hard.
1st Lt. D. had, meanwhile, gone to Kammerberg House. He took
over the ground floor for the brigade staff, gave the necessary orders
for preparing a room as an office and for having it marked and lighted,
.and then rode back to brigade headquarters. As he passed
Kammerberg he met the 2nd line transport, only half of which had
passed through the village, on the march.
He met the 19th F.A. Eegt. with the regimental staff at its head
.about half-way between Kammerberg and Kollbach. He informed
the commander that the 2nd line transport had not yet cleared
Kammerberg, and reported that the supply wagons of the regiment
were marching with the transport to Bachenhausen and would wait
for orders at that place.
" The supply wagons," he continued, " must march from Bachen-
hausen to Lohhof not later than 11 p.m. Lt. X., of 2nd F.A. Eegt.,
is in charge of them. The light ammunition columns have already
gone on to the billeting area of the regiment." 1st Lt. D. met
the brigade staff just as it was about to move to Kammerberg.
The brigade major was not with it ; he had been sent to the 19th
Inf. Bde. to tell the latter that the 1st AUeilung, 20th Eegt., was
remaining in position, and that the rest of the artillery was falling
back, and to ask at the same time for a detachment of infantry to cover
.the billets of the artillery brigade.
(B 670) K 2
148
ACTION OF THE 20ra FIELD ARTILLERY EEGIMENT.
We will go now to the 20th F.A. Regt. and consider its action on
receipt of the brigade order issued at 6.30 p.m. The regimental
commander had received and read this order on hill 496 about 6.45
p.m. He had at once called for representatives for orders to whom the
following regimental order, which was taken down at the same time
by the regimental adjutant, was dictated at 7.20 p.m.
" 20th F.A. Eegt. " Hill 496, W. of Kollbach.
" 23. XI., 7.20 p.m.
" Regimental Order for 23-24. XI.
" 1. The division will hold the positions it has gained. The 19th
Inf. Bde. is covering the front on the line Petershausen — Asbach
(exclusive), connecting with the 20th Inf. Bde. at the latter place.
The main body of the 19th Inf. Bde. is passing the night at Kollbach
and behind hill 496. Parts of the 20th Inf. Bde. are in the wood
north of Yierkirchen.
" 2. The F.A. Bde., with the exception of the 1st Abteilung,
20th F.A. Regt., will leave its positions and go into billets and
bivouacs, the 19th F.A. Regt. about Bachenhausen and Viehbach.
" 3. The 1st Abteilung, 20th F.A. Regt., will remain in position
during the night, and will fire upon Petershausen, the enemy's position
as far as Wasenhof, and the enemy's bivouacs. The Abteilung
will send for further orders to the 19th Inf. Bde. at Kollbach,
to which it is attached. Transport may be sent to Kollbach with the
approval of the 19th Inf. Bde. Ammunition wagons which have
not been refilled will be sent to the northern exit of Kammerberg up
till 10 p.m.
" 4. The 2nd Abteilung, 20th F.A. Regt., will gradually evacuate
its position, as soon as the 19th F.A. Regt., which will fall back first,
has passed through Kollbach, and go into billets and bivouacs about
Kammerberg. The light ammunition columns of the regiment will
be at the same place. Major P. is appointed Commandant of
Kammerberg.
" 5. Quartermasters will be sent on at once under charge of
senior officers. Units will not enter Kammerberg until quarters
have been allotted to the Abteilung and to the two light ammuni-
tion columns. Kammerberg House is at the disposal of the brigade,
regimental and Abteilung headquarters.
" 6. Supplies will be drawn at once from the supply wagons
which have been ordered into the billeting area. Empty supply
wagons will be assembled at the exit of Kammerberg on the
Bachenhausen road, poles towards Bachenhausen, and will march off
so as to reach the latter place not later than 11 p.m. They will join
the wagons of the F.A. Regt. at that place and march together
to Lohhof to refill. A separate order will be issued as to the supplies-
for the 1st Abteilung, 20th F.A. Regt.
" 7. Ammunition will be issued to the 2nd Abteilung, 20th
F.A. Regt., at the gun parks, and to the 1st Abteilung, 20th F.A.
Regt., just north of Kammerberg ; further orders will be issued later.
One officer from each Abteilung and a representative from each
of the light ammunition columns will be at the regimental office by
149
8.30 p.m. Demands for ammunition are to be sent in as early as
possible.
" 8. Eepresentatives for orders will be at regimental head-
quarters at Kammerberg House by 9 p.m."
This order reached Abteilung commanders about 7.35 p.m.
"We will now consider briefly how this order was carried out by
the commander of the 2nd Abteilung, 20th F.A. Eegt., which was on
the left flank of the regiment behind hill 496, facing Sollern.
The batteries were in position unlimbered. The men were
resting by the guns. Some officers were with the infantry covering
the front on the Glonn below, for communication purposes. Look
outs were lying down in front. Some men selected for their good
eyesight were observing the front, as far as the darkness allowed.
The battery commanders were with the Abteilung commander
when the order given above arrived. The Abteilung commander
looked through the order, read out extracts from it, and added : —
" 7.50 p.m.
"The F.A. Bde., with the exception of the 1st Abteilung, 20th
F.A. Eegt., which is remaining in position, is going into quarters for
the night at Kammerberg, Bachenhausen and Viehbach. The 19th
Eegt. is quartered at Bachenhausen and Viehbach. Kammerberg is
allotted to us. The light ammunition columns of the regiment will
be at the same place.
" Batteries will limber up. Words of command are to be given
in a low tone. The position is to be evacuated as quietly as possible.
I will give the order to move off. Captain M. and 1st Lieutenant P.
will hand over their batteries. A mounted man will be sent from
each battery to act as quartermaster to report to Captain M."
While the battery commanders were giving the necessary orders
for evacuating the position, Captain M. received the following
instructions : — " The 2nd Abteilung, 20th F.A. Eegt., and the
light ammunition columns of the regiment will go into billets and
bivouacs about Kammerberg. Take the quartermasters, who have
been ordered to come here from each battery, and go on to Kammer-
berg as quickly as possible. Allot quarters there and fix the positions
of the gun parks. Avoid changing the quarters of the ammunition
columns, which are already there, as far as possible. Lieutenant X.,
the supply officer of the Abteilung, must have already reached
Kammerberg with the supply wagons, or will arrive there very
shortly. He is to off-load supplies at suitable points if there is no
time to take them direct to the batteries, which will reach Kammer-
berg at 9 p.m. In any case the supply wagons must be drawn up
empty by 10.30 p.m., at the exit of Kammerberg on the Bachen-
hausen road, poles towards Bachenhausen. The Abteilung will
halt north of Kammerberg on the Kollbach road until I hear from
you that the allotment of quarters is completed. The headquarters
of the Abteilung will be at Kammerberg House, where the head-
quarters of the " Brigade " and of the regiment will also be."
1st Lieutenant P. was then directed to ascertain the ammunition
expended by each battery, to ask for an under-officer from each
battery, and to go with them to Kammerberg to supervise the issue
of ammunition. The Abteilung commander continued : —
" Two ammunition columns coming from G-iebing are expected to
150
reach Kammerberg about midnight ; the rear one belongs to the 20th
F.A. Eegt. You will find out all other details from regimental
headquarters at Kammerberg House, where you are to go at once.
You must take the ammunition states of the batteries with you."
The adjutant of the Ableilung was then sent to Kollbach to
wait for the 19th F.A. Regt., and to report when it would have
cleared that place. At 8.30 p.m. he returned and reported
that the 19th F.A. Eegt. would have passed through Kollbach in
about five minutes. The batteries then moved off, on a signal from
the Abteilung commander, round the rear of hill 496 in order to
gain the Kammerberg road.
Captain M. had, in the meantime, reached Kammerberg at about
8.15 p.m.
Kammerberg proved to be a long narrow village composed of
small mud cottages, with a fairly large number of spacious sheds.
The north side of the village extended half-way up the southern
slope of a ridge running east and west. The western end sloped
gently into the broad valley lying between Piflitz and Kammerberg.
The lights of the former place, and a large fire burning there, were
visible. The part of Kammerberg consisting of Kammerberg House
and its farm buildings lay somewhat apart to the south.
To the south and south-west, the valley mentioned above
separated Giebing, where a number of lights were to be seen, from
the hill near Bachenhausen.
It appeared best to leave the 1st Am. Col. in the valley west of
Kammerberg and north of the road from Giebing, and to quarter its
personnel in the western part of the village adjoining.
The battery parks would be most suitably placed on the northern
part of the village at the side farthest from the enemy, that of the
leading battery being on the east. The part of the village
immediately behind could then be divided into three billeting
areas for the three batteries. This arrangement would allow of the
part of the village south of the main street being allotted to the light
ammunition columns.
At first sight it did not seem easy to arrange for water supply,
but further reconnaissance proved that the brook running down from
Piflitz, and the small stream which joined it from Giebing, provided
enough water for the horses. It would, however, be necessary to
arrange an allotment of the watering places.
When the quartermasters had been given general instructions as
to the parks and billeting areas, and had been told that the order of
the batteries was not definitely settled, they were ordered to mark
out the positions of the parks and the boundaries of the billeting
areas, and to meet Captain M. in a quarter of an hour at the
northern exit of Kammerberg.
The latter then rode to Kammerberg House where he took over
the first floor for the regimental and detachment staffs. He fixed on
one of the neighbouring out-buildings for the offices. He had not
quite finished doing this when the regimental staff arrived. Captain
M. pointed out to the regimental adjutant the room intended for the
office, informed him of the quarters allotted to the staff in the house,
and then rode off. As he was passing the western edge of Kammer-
berg, on his way to the light ammunition columns, he met Lieutenant
151
X., who was engaged in issuing orders for unloading his supply
wagons. He said to him : —
" Do not unload. The batteries will be here so soon that your
wagons can be sent to them without fear of delay. Leave your
wagons here and ride with me to the Abteilung, where you will
get further orders."
He then informed the commander of the light ammunition
columns of the billeting area allotted to him, and told him that his
horses must water in the stream south of the Giebing — Kammerberg
road.
At 9 p.m. he met the batteries halted a few hundred yards north
of Kammerberg with the Abteilung staff and the battery com-
manders at the head. The 4th, 5th and 6th Batteries were in that
order. Captain M. made the following report : — " I left the light
ammunition columns west of Kammerberg, in the valley running
towards Piflitz. Pitiitz lies over there where that large fire is
burning. I have allotted them the part of Kammerberg west of
the road from Kollbach, and also the part south of the main street.
" The parks of the Abteilung will be just here, east of the road
and north of the village. The 4th Battery will be farthest to the
east, then the 5th, and the 6th Battery nearest to this road. The
under-officers who are allotting quarters know the position of
the parks and of the billeting areas immediately in rear of them.
The latter in no case extend south of the village street. The
boundaries of the areas allotted to batteries are marked out.
Lieutenant X. will send the supply wagons to the gun parks when
the batteries are drawn up. They must be unloaded at once as they
must be ready to march off at the exit of Kammerberg on the
Bachenhausen road at 10.30 p.m., with poles facing towards Bachen-
hausen. Lieutenant X. has received orders from the brigade to take
all the supply vehicles of the brigade to Lohhof to refill.
"The only wells available for the batteries are those in their
billeting areas. The horses may be watered in the brook running
from Piflitz, but only as far as the point 300 metres north of the
Giebing — Kammerberg road, which point is marked by a large bush.
The quartermasters know the watering places allotted to the
batteries.
"I have arranged quarters for the Abteilung and regimental
staffs on the first floor of Kammerberg House. The office is in an
out-building. The regimental and brigade staffs have already
arrived."
The batteries moved to their parks after 9 p.m. ; sentries were
posted over the parks, the necessary orders for protection were
issued, the supply and forage wagons joined the batteries, and were
unloaded as far as was necessary. By 10 p.m. the horses had been
groomed and the men were busy feeding the horses and preparing
their own meal.
We will now accompany 1st Lt. P. who had been told, on hill
496, to superintend the issue of ammunition.
He had reported himself at the regimental office at 8.30 p.m., and
stated the amount of ammunition used by the batteries. It was clear
from the reports received from the other Abteilung, and from the
light ammunition columns, that it would only be possible to replace
152
the ammunition of the battery wagons and a very small part of the
ammunition of the light ammunition columns from the ammuni-
tion column allotted to the regiment. The batteries of both Abteilun-
gen required about 900 rounds of shrapnel and common shell; so
that there would only remain about 400 rounds for the light
ammunition columns ; it therefore appeared best to allot the whole of
this to one light column so that the regimental commander might
have a reserve of ammunition under his hand. It also seemed
most suitable to distribute the common shell of the artillery ammuni-
tion column to the two Abteilungen. On these grounds the regi-
mental adjutant laid the following proposal for orders for the issue
of ammunition before his commanding officer : —
" Two artillery ammunition columns will reach Kammerberg about
midnight from Giebing. The first is allotted to the 19th and the
second to the 20th F.A. Eegt. The ammunition will be unloaded at
the gun parks, that for the 1st Abteilung, 20th F.A. Eegt., just
north of Kammerberg. Preparations are to be made for doing this
as quickly as possible. Representatives from both Abteilungen and
from the light ammunition columns, under 1st Lt. P. of the 2nd
Abteilung, will be at 11 p.m. at the western exit of Kammerberg
towards Giebing, to guide the various parts of the ammunition
columns to the gun parks. 1st Lt. P. will arrange the necessary
details with the commander of the column. The following is the
allotment of the ammunition : —
"1st Abteilung, 20th F.A. Regt., 800 shrapnel,* 200 common
shell.
" 2nd Abteilung, 20th F.A. Regt., 700 shrapnel, 200 common
shell.
" 1st Light Am. Col. remainder of the available ammunition.
" The 2nd Light Am. Col. will hand over its ammunition to-night
to the 1st Am. col. The empty wagons of the Arty. Am. col. will be
sent without delay to the eastern exit of Kammerberg. Reports as
to the issue of ammunition will be made in the morning, on
marching off."
Simultaneously with this order, 1st Lt. P. received the following
verbal instructions : —
" It will be quite sufficient to distribute the ammunition of the
Artillery Ammunition Columns by wagons, without taking account
of what little ammunition the Abteilungen have left. In any case
a detailed distribution of ammunition by boxes should be avoided
in order not to lose time. The commander of the ammunition column
is to be informed that the issue of ammunition must be completed by
2 a.m. The ammunition column is then to move at once by
Unter-Bruck and Lohhof to Munchen."
Thanks to the energetic measures taken by the commandant of
Kammerberg for the preservation of order, the issue of supplies and
ammunition was completed without serious hitch, in spite of the
amount of traffic passing through the village. The empty wagons
were despatched at the right time, and in the right order, towards
the area east of the Amper without any block ensuing on the
roads.
* 100 shrapnel to replace rounds fired during the night.
153
The only hitch was that the supply wagons of the 1st Abteilung,
20th F.A. Eegt., ordered to Kollbach, did not clear Kammerberg on
the march to Bachenhausen till 1 a.m., and were so much delayed by
the issue of ammunition, which was in full swing at that hour, that
they were unable to resume their march till the empty wagons of the
2nd Arty. Am. Col. were ready to move off.
The Abteilung provided for the local protection of its billets and
bivouacs. It was covered in addition by a company of the 19th Inf.
Bde., which had been sent at the request of the artillery brigade
commander to Lauterbach.
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED AT DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS AFTER 6 P.M.
We will return to the divisional headquarters which were still at
Pifiitz. Shortly after Divisional Order No. 3 had been issued, the
general staff officer of the division laid the following appreciation
before his commander : —
" The distribution of the division for the retreat must now be
considered. The 19th Inf. Bde. which is in the neighbourhood of
Kollbach, and the 20th Inf. Bde. which is in the wood north of
Vierkirchen, are available to form the main body of the division.
As they are not in touch with the enemy they can march at once.
One battalion, 37th Inf. Eegt., at Petershausen, 2 companies, 38th Inf.
Eegt., to the south of that place, and parts of the 40th Inf. Eegt.
at Asbach and south of it remain facing the enemy during the night.
It should be sufficient to leave one battalion of the 37th Inf. Eegt.,
which has been ordered to include the railway bridge south of
Petershausen in its line, and one battalion of the 40th Inf. Eegt. in
the neighbourhood of Asbach to watch the beaten enemy, the
remainder being withdrawn from the front line. With the addition
of the 1st Abteilung, 20th F.A. Eegt., which is now on hill 496,
and of a machine gun company, an advanced guard of sufficient strength
can be formed, and may be suitably placed under the commander of
the 37th Inf. Eegt. At the same time, a brigade commander from
the division should be nominated to command all the rear guards of
the army corps. The Kollbach — Kammerberg — Gross-Nobach road,
the track from Eettenbach by Wiedenhof to Biberbach and thence by
Oberndorf to the Amper, are available as lines of retreat. In order
to hasten the retreat it seems advisable to retire in several columns.
The grouping of the division and the available roads make it best to
move in two columns. Of these, that moving from Eettenbach on
Biberbach should consist only of infantry, owing to the bad stretch of
road at Wiedenhof. It therefore becomes necessary to move the
20th Inf. Bde. by this road, the 19th Inf. Bde. and the F.A. Bde.
marching by the good road through Kammerberg and Bachenhausen.
" We must take into consideration that the enemy may threaten
the retreat from the valley of the Ilm. The enemy discovered to-
day near Ilmmiinster would, if he advanced by Hohenkammer, not
have much further to go to reach Unter-Bruck on the Amper than
would the division moving from Kollbach. Care must, therefore, be
taken that such a hostile advance is held off till the main body of
the division is east of the Amper, and until the remainder of the
army moving further to the west is out of danger. It might be
154
thought that sufficient protection would be afforded by pushing a.
strong flank guard out at once to the Lauterbach hills. This would,
however, split up the division and necessitate a strong force being
kept on this bank, of the Amper, whereas the division is required on
the far bank. It is probable that it is the more necessary for it to
move to the far bank, because a hostile advance between the Isar
and the Amper from the direction of Freising, whence the right wing
of the enemy's main army is known to be advancing, is well within
the region of probability. Therefore it seems preferable not to
occupy the Lauterbach hills till such a course becomes necessary, in
consequence of a hostile advance by Hohenkammer. These hills can
be rapidly occupied by deploying to a flank the column which
is retiring through Kammerberg. But for this it is essential that
early information be obtained of such a hostile movement. Steps
must, therefore, be taken to establish rapid and certain communi-
cation between the 5th Dragoons and headquarters.
" My proposal for action is, therefore, as follows : — The 20th Tnf.
Bde., to retire at 3.30 a.m. by Rettenbach — Wiedenhof — Biberbach
— Oberndorf on the bridges thrown by the pioneer companies south
of Unter-Bruck ; the 19th Inf. and the F.A. Bdes. to retire at 4 a.m.
by Kammerberg — Bachenhausen — Gross-Nobach to a position behind
the Amper ; the second divisional adjutant to be sent, with one of
the divisional motor cars and 10 cyclists of the 20th Inf. Bde., to the
5th Dragoons to report at once if any serious danger threatens on
that flank."
The divisional commander expressed his agreement with the
views of his general staff officer. The divisional staff at once began
to work out the necessary orders, as follows : —
In the first place the senior medical officer of the division was
directed to arrange for the evacuation of the chief dressing station,
so that the bearer company should be at Rettenbach at 3 a.m.
ready to move off behind the 10th Field Hospital, which was at work
in Rettenbach. He was told that orders for the march would follow
later.
Only such personnel and material as were absolutely necessary
were to remain behind. Wounded were, as far as possible, to be
taken to Eching. It was intended to have an auxiliary hospital train
there in the forenoon of 24. XI., which would transport the wounded
to Munchen. Orders would be issued to units to cease sending
wounded to the chief dressing station, to arrange the transport of
wounded, as far as wagons were available, to Eching, and to leave the
remainder in the adjoining villages in charge of the local authorities,
with such personnel and material as were absolutely essential. Such
of the medical personnel and material as was not to remain behind
would move off not later than the rear guard.
Shortly after receiving these instructions the senior medical officer
of the division rode off to see personally to the execution of his
orders. The second divisional adjutant was then requested to go to
Hohenkammer with the second motor car and 10 cyclists, which he
was to get from the 40th Inf. Regt., and to join the 5th Dragoons as
reporting officer. He received the following orders from the general
staff officer : —
" Keep us informed of all important events in that direction.. It
155
is particularly important that divisional headquarters should he
informed early if fresh bodies of hostile troops are in the Tim
valley and, if so, where they are, also where the right flank of the
enemy's main army is at the present time. Negative reports should
also be sent in.
" Hostile movements from the direction of Ilmmunster or Freising
to the south or south-west must be reported at once. A hostile
advance on or through Hohenkammer should be reported by motor
car. Keport the dispositions of the division for the retreat to the
commander of the 5th Dragoons."
During the next few hours a number of reports reached divisional
headquarters, for the most part by telephone. These did not delay
the issue of the final order for the retreat. By 11 p.m. the following
information was available as to the situation of the various units
composing the division : —
Opposite to the 37th Inf. Kegt, which had one battalion astride
the Kollbach — Petershausen road in close touch with the enemy, the
enemy had again become active during the early hours of the night,
Numerous hostile patrols were coming down to and across the Glonn ;
hostile patrols were also in touch with the 5th Dragoons at
Hohenkammer and Miihldorf. An attempt by the enemy from the
direction of Goppertshausen to seize the road bridge at Petershausen
was discovered in time by the detachments of the 37th Inf. Eegt. at
that place and defeated. A reconnaissance had established the fact
that Petershausen was occupied by one battalion, but that strong
bodies of hostile troops were at Petershausen station, and at Sollern,
The fire of the 1st Abteilung, 20th F.A. Eegt., from hill 496, which
was occasionally directed on those places, had only caused the bivouac
fires to be extinguished.
Opposite the 40th Inf. Eegt. which was at, and south of, Asbachy
all was quiet. Patrols found no enemy nearer than the small wood
south-west of Ziegelberg and Ebersbach. Hostile troops appeared
to be bivouacked north of Aufhausen. Two troops of the 1st
Squadron, 5th Dragoons, had arrived at Piflitz to be at the disposal
of headquarters.
Shortly before midnight the artillery lieutenant, sent out to
reconnoitre the roads, arrived and reported : —
" The road through Wiedenhof towards Biberbach is barely
practicable for vehicles. It is, however, suitable for infantry; the
only obstacle consists in the mud. The track running from
Biberbach through the wide re-entrant towards Westerndorf and
Oberndorf is of similar character. The track running from Milberts-
hofen towards Viehbach is also very bad, and not practicable for
vehicles, but the Kammerberg — Bachenhausen — Unter-Bruck road,
though somewhat cut up by the large number of transport columns
which are using it, is suitable for all arms. The road from Lauterbach
to Fahrenzhausen is a first class main road, well-metalled, and suitable
for the heaviest vehicles.
" The pioneer company began the construction of a bridge one
kilometre east of Oberndorf about 10 p.m. The commander of the
company expressed the opinion that the bridge would be finished
about 2 a.m. There is little difficulty in constructing the bridge at
that point."
156
The latter report was confirmed by the following report from the
pioneer company, which arrived about midnight by cyclist orderly : —
" 10th Pioneer Coy. East of Oberndorf, 23. XI.
" To the 10th Inf. Div., Piflitz. 11 p.m.
" 1. The Amper between Weng, Unter-Bruck, and Haimhausen is
not passable by any arm. The water is at average height. Depth
2 to 3 metres. The river is nowhere fordable by infantry. Mounted
men can cross with difficulty at certain points. The banks are boggy
in places. The valley consists of dry firm meadow land.
" 2. The bridge at Unter-Bruck is a solid timber bridge available
for all arms. It is held by the 10th Coy., 38th Inf. Eegt., which has
pushed out covering parties towards Gesselshauseri and Weng, and
has occupied the bridges at Kranzberg and Thurnsberg.
" 3. A bridge suitable for all arms will be finished, 1 kilometre east
of Oberndorf, at 2 a.m. ; position and approaches marked on the
attached sketch.
" 4. Orders may be sent to Oberndorf, where representatives of
the company, who know the way to the bridge, will always be found.
X.,
" Capt. commanding the Coy."
A message had meanwhile come in from Army Corps headquarters
that the 3rd and 4th Arty. Am. Cols, would be in Lohhof at 6 a.m. at
the disposal of the 10th Inf. Div.
About midnight the following order was sent by telephone to the
19th Inf. and 20th F.A. Bdes.:—
" 10th Inf. Div. Piflitz,
12 midnight, 23-24. XL
" The division will retire to-night behind the Amper. All troops
•except one battalion of the 37th and one battalion of the 40th Inf.
Eegt. will be withdrawn from the front line, and will be ready to move
off from their bivouacs at 3 a.m. Fires will be left burning.
" Dressing stations will be evacuated, and the wounded will either
be sent to Eching or handed over to the authorities of the adjoining
villages.
" Units remaining in the front line, together with the 1st Ab-
teilung, 20th F.A. Eegt.,'and the machine gun company of the 37th Inf.
Eegt., are placed under the commander of the 37th Inf. Eegt. The
19th Inf. Bde. and the F.A. Bde. are placed under General M.
commanding the F.A. Bde. General P., commanding the 19th Inf.
Bde., will come as soon as possible to divisional headquarters. Opera-
tion orders follow."
The final divisional order was then prepared, and dictated to the
representatives of units who were able to start off with it at 1 a.m.
It ran as follows : —
" 10th Inf. Div. P. " Piflitz,
24. XI, 1 a.m."
" Divisional Order No. 1 for 24. XI.
" 1. The 1st Army has retired behind the Isar, before superior force
on the line Landshut — Freising. The 2nd Army will retire to-night,
on and through Mtinchen in order to connect with the left wing of
the 1st Army.
157
" 2. Fresh bodies of hostile troops are believed to be in the Ilm
valley advancing south ; the right wing of the enemy's main army
is believed to be advancing on Freising.
" 3. The 5th Army Corps is to cover the retreat of the army in a
position behind the Amper on the line Weng — Otterhausen. The 1st
Res. Inf. Bde. is retiring by Vierkirchen — Schonbrunn — Lotzbach —
Amperpettenbach, and Haimhausen, the 9th Inf. Div. is retiring
further to the west ; the 5th Dragoons and the rear guards remain on
the Glonn.
Rear guard.
" Under command of Col. C.
(commanding 37th Inf. Regt.).
1 bn., 37th Inf. Regt. 1 in front
1 „ 40th „ „ J line.
Machine gun coy. 7th Inf.
Regt, 1 troop, 1st Sqn., 5th
Dragoons, 1st Altg.t '20th F.
A. Regt.
" Column ' M:
Under Maj.-Gen. M. (comg.
10th F. A. Brigade) ; 19th Inf.
Bde. (less 1 bn. and machine
gun coy.) ; J troop, 1st Sq., 5th
Dragoons (which has been
ordered to Kammerberg) ; 10th
F.A. Bde. (less 1st Abtg.,
20th F.A. Regt.) ; Bearer Coy.
and 10th Field Hospital ; Field
Post Office, 10th Inf. Div.
' Column " B!
Under Col. B. (comg. 40th
Inf. Regt.) ; 20th Inf. Bde. (less
1 bn., 40th Inf. Regt.).
" 4. The rear guard will re-
main on the Glonn in touch
with the enemy ; it will main-
tain connection with the 5th
Dragoons, who hold the line
of the Glonn, east of Peter-
hausen, as far as Allershausen.
The rear guard will be under
the orders of Maj.-Gen. P.,
who will take over command
of all rear guards of the 5th
Army Corps, and of the 6th
Dragoons, at 4 a.m.
"5. 'M' Column will march
at 4 a.m. from Kammerberg
by Bachenhausen to Unter-
Bruck. It will reconnoitre
the line Grandlmiltach —
Weissling towards the Glonn.
Strong standing patrols will be
sent . to Belcha to watch the
bridge over the Glonn at
Hohenkammer, and keep touch
with the 5th Dragoon Regt.
which has been instructed to
send reports to column ' M.'
The Bearer Coy., 10th
Field Hospital, and Field Post
Office will be at Rettenbach
ready to march off at 3 a.m.
" 6. Column 'B' will march
at 3 a.m. from Rettenbach, by
Mitten Wiedenhof — Biberbach
— Oberndorf, to a bridge which
has been thrown east of
Oberndorf and south of Gross-
Nobach.
" 7. Troops are to move off
as silently as possible. Bivouac
fires will be left burning.
"8. Dressing stations will be
evacuated as far as possible to.
158
Eching. The chief dressing
station and the field hospital
at Rettenbach have been
closed. Only such personnel
and material as are essential
will be left behind. Wounded
will be handed over to local
authorities.
" 9. The 3rd and 4th Arty.
Am. Cols, will be at Lohhof at
6 a.m., at the disposal of the
10th F.A. Brigade.
" 1 0. Divisional headq uar ters
will be at Piflitz till 3.30 a.m.,
will move to Kammerberg at
3.45 a.m. to interview Maj.-
Gen. M., and thence by
Bachenhausen to Gross-Nobach.
Representatives for orders will
be at that place at 4 a.m.
Dictated to representatives of units. D.,
" Lt.-Gen. corns, division."
While this order was being issued, Maj.-Gen. P. arrived and
reported himself to the divisional commander who was in the office.
He received from the latter the following instructions : —
" In accordance with instructions from Army headquarters you are
to take over command of all the rear guards of the 5th Army Corps
remaining on the Glonn. The 10th Inf. Div. on the right wing has
been holding the line Petershausen — Jedenhofen (exclusive), with the
1st Res. Inf. Bde. "extending the left as far as Albertshofen, and the
9th Inf. Div. from Albertshofen to Kloster-Indersdorf. All in-
formation necessary for you to know is contained in this corps order,
which I request you to read at once."
When Maj.-Gen. P. had read the corps order of 3 p.m., 23. XL,
and had marked the positions on his map, the divisional commander
continued : —
" The 10th Inf. Div. will retire in two columns. The first, composed
of the 19th Inf. Bde. and the F.A. Bde., will march at 4 a.m. from
Kammerberg by Bacherihausen to Gross-Nobach ; the second, consisting
of the 20th Inf. Bde., which is bivouacked in the wood north of
Vierkirchen, will march by Wiedenhof — Biberbach — Oberndorf to a
bridge which has been thrown east of the latter place. The following
troops remain on the Glonn : —
" The 5th Dragoon Regt. east of Peterhausen holding the crossings
over the Glonn as far as Allershausen inclusive ; one battalion, 37th
Inf. Regt., with a machine gun company, opposite Petershausen, and
one battalion, 40th Inf. Regt., at Asbach. The 1st Abtettung, 20th
F.A. Regt., which is west of Kollbach, is placed under the orders of
the commander of the 37th Inf. Regt., who commands the whole of
the rear guard of the 10th Inf. Div. We shall be in telephonic
communication with Kollbach till 3.30 a.m. ; at that hour the line
159
connecting the division with army corps headquarters in Esterhofen
will also be reeled up.
" Divisional headquarters leave Piflitz at 3.30 a.m. and go to
Unter-bruck by way of Kammerberg."
Maj.-Gen. P. thereupon placed himself in telephonic communica-
tion with army corps headquarters, reported himself and received
instructions to come at once to Esterhofen to receive orders personally.
He asked for some mounted orderlies from divisional headquarters
and, on receiving these, rode off.
Meanwhile the commander of the 2 troops of the 1st Sq., 5th
Dragoons, which were at Piflitz, received the following orders from
the general staff officer : —
11 One troop will join Column " M " at Kammerberg at 3 a.m., the
other, less 5 orderlies, who will remain with divisional headquarters,
will be at Kollbach at the same hour and will join the rear guard."
The officer in charge of the telephone detachment received orders
to reel up at 3 a.m. and to join Column " M " by way of Kammerberg
as soon as possible.
Instructions were then issued for the horses of divisional head-
quarters to march at 1 a.m. by Kammerberg and Bachenhausen to
Unter-bruck • they were to be ready for the staff at the latter place
at 4 a.m., having been watered, fed, and saddled.
ORDERS ISSUED IN COLUMN " M."
The telephonic instructions from the division issued at 12
midnight reached Kammerberg House at 12.33 a.m., where the
commander of the 10th F.A. Bde. was billeted and had established
his office. The adjutant was woken up by the under-officer who
brought the order, and acted as follows on his own initiative : —
1. The following messages were sent simultaneously to the 19th
and 20 F.A. Kegts. :—
" 10th F.A. Bde. Kammerberg,
24. XL, 12.55 a.m.
" The division will retire during the night behind the Amper.
Regiments will be ready to march off from their bivouacs at 3 a.m.
Commanders will be at Kammerberg at that hour, at the exit on the
Kollbach road."
2. The following was sent by telephone to the 19th Bde.
" Kammerberg,
24. XL, 12.55 a.m.
" Eepreseritatives for orders will come at once to the headquarters
of the 10th F.A. Bde. at Kammerberg House."
The adjutant then went to his commander, reported the arrival of
the divisional order and the instructions he had issued, with which
Maj.-Gen, M. expressed his agreement. When Divisional Order
No. 1 had arrived, they proceeded to consider the best arrangement
of Column " M " for the retreat.
The detachments composing the column were in various groups.
160
The 19th F.A. Eegt. was in Bachenhausen and Viehbach, the 20th
F.A. Eegt., less the 1st Abteilung, was in Kammerberg, the 19th
Inf. Bde. was for the most part about Kollbach. Companies of the
latter brigade were holding Weissling and Glonbercha, and 1 company
was at Laufcerbach covering the bivouac of the F.A. Bde. The
bearer company, No. 10 Field Hospital, and the field post
office would have to be drawn in from Eettenbach to Kammerberg.
As the infantry company at Lauterbach was most conveniently
placed to form the support for the 5th Dragoons, it appeared ad-
visable to move a battalion of the 37th Inf. Eegt. off first through
Kammerberg, and to let the 2nd Abteilung, 20th F.A. Eegt., follow
it. One company of the 37th Inf. Eegt. would come next, and then
the 19th F.A. Eegt. The 19th Inf. Bde. which would push out a
small rear guard, would form the rear of the column. The bearer
company and the field hospital would join the column according to
the time of their arrival at Kammerberg. The 1st Am. Col. would
have to be moved off at once, in order that it might fill up at
Lohhof ; as it was empty, there would be no difficulty in arranging this.
As a first step Capt. M., the senior of the commanders of the light
ammunition columns of the 20th F.A. Eegt. was summoned to
the office, and given the following verbal instructions : —
" You will take over command of all the light ammunition columns
of the brigade, and will march with them at once by Bachenhausen
and Unter-Bruck to Lohhof, where you will fill up from the 3rd and
4th Arty. Am. Cols., which have been ordered to be at that place at
6 a.m., and will await further orders.
" The division is retiring this morning, the 24th, in two columns
behind the Amper, in order to take up a position on the line Weng —
Ottershausen to cover the retreat of the army, which is moving
through Dachau and Mimchen.
" Brigade headquarters are moving at 4 a.m. by Bachenhausen on
Unter-Bruck, with the easternmost column of the division, to which
the whole of the field artillery is attached. You will leave a represent-
ative for orders at the latter place. No vehicles of the light am-
munition columns should be on this bank of the Amper after
4 a.m."
At the same time the following message was given to him to deliver
to the 19thF.A. Kegt.:—
" All the light ammunition columns of the brigade are placed
under the orders of Capt. X., those of the 19th F.A. Eegt. are to be
aroused at onne, and will move in accordance with the instructions of
Capt. X. to join the light ammunition columns of the 20th F.A. Eegt.
which are already on the march.
" 10th F.A. Bde."
At 1.45 a.m. the following telephone message was sent to the 19th
Inf. Bde. at Kollbach :—
" We are retiring by Bachenhausen on Unter-Bruck.
" The following is the order of march of column " M " : —
1 bn., 37th Inf. Eegt.
2nd Abteilung, 20th F.A. Eegt.
1 coy., 37th Inf. Eegt.
161
19th F.A. Eegt.
19th Inf. Bde.
" The following will march from Kollbach to Kammevberg to join
the column : —
5 companies, 37th Inf. Eegt., at 3.15 a.m.
Eemainder 19th Inf. Bde., at 4 a. m.
" Orders will be issued direct to the company at Lauterbach which
will remain there till further orders. The commander of the 19th
Inf. Bde. and the commander of the battalion marching off at 3.15 a.m.
will be at Kammerberg at 3 a.m."
The following message was then sent by cyclist orderly to the
company of the 38th Inf. Eegt. at Lauterbach : —
" To No. 10 Coy., 38th Inf. Eegt.,
" 24. XI, 2 a.m.
" Lauterbach.
" The division is retiring behind the Arnper in two columns, moving
by Kammerberg and Fahrenzhausen to Unter-Bruck and by
Eettenbach and Biberbach to Oberndorf, respectively.
" The 19th Inf. Bde. and the field artillery march under my orders
at 4 a.m. from Kammerberg by Fahrenzhausen to Unter-Bruck. The
5th Dragoons remain on the G-lonn and watch the crossings from
Petershausen to Allershausen. Two battalions from the 37th and 40th
Inf. Eegts. are on their left, at Kollbach and Asbach, as rear guard to
the division. Fresh bodies of the enemy are believed to have reached
the Ilm valley at Ilmmunster to-night. The right wing of the
enemy's main body is believed to be advancing on Freising.
" The 10th Coy., 38th Inf. Eegt., will remain at Lauterberg as a
flank guard, and will watch the southern exit of the wood at Weissling,
especially the road from Hohenkammer. If the enemy advances it
will delay him as long as possible, in conjunction with the 5th
Dragoons, who will retire on Thurnsbeg if pressed. Six cyclists of
the 28th Inf. Eegt. will join the company at 4.30. a.m. to be at the
disposal of the company commander for orderly duties. The company
will reconnoitre through Hohenbercha and Dornbach. Brigade head-
quarters will leave Kammerberg at 4.30 a.m., and march between
the 19th F.A. Eegt. and the head of the 19th Inf. Bde. which forms
the rear of the column.
M.,
"Maj.-Gen. Com. I. 10th F.A. Bde."
The brigade staff met the commanders of the 19th and 20th F.A.
Eegts., and of the 19th Inf. Bde. at 3 a.m. at the exit of Kammerberg
on the Kollbach road. The commander of the 19th Inf. Bde. reported
that the 3rd Bn., 37th Inf. Eegt, and 1 company of the 2nd Bn. had
been ordered to march to Kammerberg and would arrive at 4 a.m.,
and that the companies at Glonbercha and Weissling had been called in.
He stated that the remainder of the 19th Inf. Bde. was ready Lo
move off from its bivouacs and would march at 4 a.m. The respective
commanders also reported that the field artillery was ready as ordered.
Lt. A. of the 5th Dragoons reported himself as in charge of the
troops which had reached Kammerberg to join column M.
The following verbal order was then issued at 3 a.m. to the
(B 760) L
162
assembled commanders, the brigade major taking it down in short-
hand : —
"Northern exit of Kammerberg. 24. XI., 3.15 a.m.
" The 2nd Army is retiring behind the Amper in order to connect
with the 1st Army which is falling back on the lines Landshut —
Moosberg — Freising before a superior hostile force, the right wing of
which is located at Freising.
" Fresh bodies of hostile troops coming from the north are believed
to have reached Ilmmiinster in the Urn valley to-night.
" The 5th Army Corps is covering the retreat of the army, which is
retiring through and north of Mtinchen, in a position behind the
Amper on the line Weng — Oltershausen, against the hostile main
army and the enemy's troops in the Ilm valley.
" The 10th Inf. Div. will retire in two columns, the 20th Inf. Bde.
moving west of us by Wiedenhof — Biberbach — Oberndorf to a bridge
which has been thrown south of Unter-Bruck.
"The 19th Inf. Bde. and the field artillery march under my orders
by Fahrenzhausen and Unter-Bruck to the neighbourhood of Gross-
Nobach.
" 3rd Bn., 37th Inf. Eegt., less 1 coy., will detach one company as
advanced guard 600 metres in front, the 2nd Abteilutig, 20th F.A.
Eegt., will follow this battalion from Kammerberg, another company
37th Inf. Kegt., will come next, and then the 19th F.A. Eegt., and the
19th Inf. Bde. One battalion of the latter brigade will follow as rear
guard at 600 metres distance. As the time of arrival of the bearer
company and the field hospital at Kammerberg is not yet known,
they will join the column when they arrive. Two battalions and one
F.A. AUeilung remain in touch with the enemy at Kollbach and
Asbach under Col. C. The 5th Dragoon Eegt. is watching the Glonn
from Allershausen to Petershausen. The 10th Coy., 38th Inf. Eegt.,
is atLauterbach as a flank guard ; six cyclists will be sent to that
company by the 19th Inf. Bde. The adjutants will see to the ordering
of the column, the commanders will remain here, as I expect the
divisional commander at 3.30 a.m. and, after interviewing him, may
have to issue further orders.
" The commander of the cavalry troop will detach a squad to the
advanced guard and to the rear guard of the column, the remainder of
the troop remaining with brigade headquarters."
While the adjutants were riding off about 3.45 a.m., divisional
headquarters arrived in a motor car from Eettenbach. At that hour
the head of the 3rd Bn., 37th Inf. Eegt., was just approaching.
When General M. had reported himself, the divisional commander
said to him : —
" General, you are in command of the easternmost column of the
army. It will be your duty to oppose any hostile movements from
the direction of Hohenkammer or Allershausen.
" My chief object is to get behind the Amper, as far as possible
without fighting, but that will only be possible if the enemy does not
bring pressure to bear from the direction of Hohenkammer till after
5 a.m. The 5th Dragoon Eegt. has just reported that it has strong
bodies of the enemy opposite it at Hohenkammer, but at 2.30 a.m.,
when this report was sent off, the regiment was still in possession of
163
the bridge over the Glonn at that place. It has been instructed to
repeat important information direct to you. If the enemy debouches
from the exit of the woods at Hohenbercha and Dornbach before your
main body has passed Bachenhausen, you must attack him with all
your -available force.
" Divisional headquarters are now moving to the neighbourhood
of Hetzenhausen. You will receive orders at Unter-Bruck in good
time as to your next objective. If such orders do not reach you,
take up a position facing the Amper on the line Weng — Gross-Nobach
and occupy all the crossings over the Amper in that section. Eeports
to Hetzenhausen."
The commanders were then dismissed to join their units and the
divisional staff went off to Unter-Bruck. Maj.-Gen. M. remained in
Kammerberg to supervise the formation of the column, and to place
himself at the head of the 19th Inf. Bde. The latter marched through
Kammerberg at 4.55 a.m., while the 19th F.A. Eegt. joined the
column at Bachenhausen.
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED TO THE 19TH INFANTRY BDE.
We will now turn to the 19th Inf. Bde. Maj.-Gen. P. had, as
we know, established his quarters in the western part of Kollbach.
When the telephone message which placed him in command of all
the rear-guards of the 5th Army Corps arrived from the division
about 12.30 a.m., he summoned the commander of the 38th Inf.
Eegt., the senior of the two regimental commanders, and handed
him over the 19th Inf. Bde. with the following instructions : —
" I am placed in command of all the rear guards of the 5th Army
Corps remaining on the Glonn, and am going to ride at once to
divisional headquarters at Pinitz. You will take over command of the
19th Inf. Bde. in my absence.
" I am leaving the subordinate staff of the brigade at your disposal
as well as my orderly officer, who is at the present moment at
Giebing, where he is superintending the issue of supplies and
ammunition. The supplies from the supply wagons are ready in
Giebing to be taken over by the field kitchens, which have already
gone there. The ammunition carts must also have been refilled by now.
Instructions for their farther movements have not yet been issued.
It was intended, however, to issue orders for this to the orderly
officer, who will report when the issues are completed. The brigade
is disposed as follows : —
" In the front line, a composite battalion of the 37th Inf. Eegt.
under Major M. is opposite Petershausen ; 2 coys, (llth and 12th),
3rd Bn., 37th Inf. Eegt., are at Glonbercha and Weissling in touch
with the 5th Dragoon Regiment, which holds the bridges over the
Glonn from Allershausen to Herschenhofen and has its main body
at Hohenkammer.
"As you know, 2 coys, of the 38th Inf. Eegt. are between
Petershausen and Asbach, the latter place being held by detachments
of the 40th Inf. Eegt.
"Of the 37th Inf. Eegt., the 3rd Bn. (only 2 coys, strong) is
bivouacked just east of Kollbach on the road to Weissling, the
composite battalion L. is alongside at 200 metres interval.
(B 760) L 2
164
" You know the disposition of the 38th Inf. Eegt. The following
order for the retirement of the division behind the Amper has just
arrived. I have taken no action on it. You are connected by
telephone with the divisional headquarters in Piflitz and the 10th F.A.
Bde. in Kamrnerberg."
When Maj.-Gen. P. had ridden off, Col. N., who was now in
command of the brigade, had Maj. A., the commander of the 3rd Bn.
38th Inf. Eegt., informed that he was to take over command of the
38th Inf. Kegt., and asked Col. C., the commander of the 37th Inf.
Eegt. at Kollbach, to come to the brigade office. At 1.15 a.m. the
final order for the retreat, Divisional order No. 1 for 24. XL, arrived.
When this had been read, the following written order was sent to
the 37th and 38th Inf. Eegts., whose headquarters were billeted in
Kollbach :—
" All units are to be ready to march from their bivouacs at
3.30 a.m. Medical personnel and material, which it is not essential
to leave behind, will be called in."
Instructions were added to the 37th Inf. Eegt. that the companies
at Weissling and Glonbercha, with the exception of one section of the
latter, which was to remain behind, were to be drawn in at once,
and that the 5th Dragoons and M. Bn., 37th Inf. Eegt., at Petershausen
were to be informed. The two wagons of the 37th Inf. Eegt. were to
remain at Kollbach, and be at the disposal of the commander of the
rear guard.
Shortly after this order was despatched, the orderly officer of the
brigade, who had been sent to Giebing, reported by telephone as
follows : —
" The ammunition carts have been refilled and are drawn up ready
north of Giebing in the hollow running north. The supply wagons
have been sent off with wounded from the hospital at Eettenbach,
and their supplies have been collected in a large depot at Giebing,
near a detached house north of that place. The field kitchens have
come in to fill up. I will remain at the telephone until 1 receive
orders as to the disposal of the ammunition carts and field kitchens.
Call up Kamrnerberg, Hd. Qrs. 10th F.A. Bde."
He received the following answer at once from Col. N.'s adjutant,
who had meantime arrived at the brigade office : —
" Col. N. is in command of the brigade ; you remain with the
brigade staff. The division is retiring to-night in two columns behind
the Amper. The 19th Inf. Bde. and field artillery march at
4.0 a.m. from Kammerberg by Bachenhausen to Gross-No bach, the
20th Inf. Bde. by Eettenbach — Wiedenhof — Biberbach — Oberndorf to
a bridge which has been thrown east of Oberndorf.
" You will remain in charge of the ammunition carts and field
kitchens, and will have them ready at Kammerberg at 3.45 a.m., so
that they can take their places in the column of the 19th Inf. Bde.
which is marching from Kollbach. The brigade will march through
Kammerberg as follows: —
" At 4 a.m. 5 coys. 37th Inf. Eegt.
" At 4.45 a.m. remainder of brigade in the following order : —
" 37th Inf. Eegt. 38th Inf. Eegt.
" One battalion and the machine gun company, 37th Inf. Eegt.,
remain in touch with the enemy. Major M. will issue instructions to
165
these vehicles, which will wait for orders at Kammerberg. One
ammunition cart and one field kitchen should join each company, it
is immaterial which carts join which companies. You must avoid
crossing the 2nd Abteilung, 20th F.A. Eegt., in Kammerberg.
Brigade headquarters, which you will rejoin as soon as possible after
you have carried out these orders, will be at the northern exit of
Kammerberg at 3 a.m."
About 1.55 a.m. the telephone message from , Maj.-Gen. M.,
commanding the column, arrived. At the same time Col. C. reported
himself at the brigade office. He received the following instructions
from the brigade commander : —
" Fresh bodies of hostile troops are believed to have reached Ilm-
miinster in the llm valley to-night.
"The right wing of the enemy's main army, which is pressing
back our 1st Army behind the Isar, is moving on Freising. Our
army is retiring through and north of Miinchen, and its main bodies
are marching off at 4 a.m. The 5th Army Corps is covering the
withdrawal of the army behind the Am per, on the line Weng —
Ottershausen. The 10th Inf. Div. is retiring to this position in
2 columns as follows : —
" 19th Inf. Bde. and F.A. Bde. march at 4 a.m. from Kammerberg
by Bachenhausen to Gross-Nobach ; 20th Inf. Bde. marches at
3.30 a.m. from Eettenbach by Wiedenhof, Biberbach, Oberndorf to a
bridge thrown east of the latter place. You will take over the
command of the rear-guard of the 10th Inf. Div., which remains on
the Glonn. The following are placed under your orders : —
"The composite battalion M. at Petershausen together with
the machine gun company, 37th Inf. Regt., and the tool
carts of the 37th Inf. Eegt., which are at Kollbach :
1 bn., 40th Inf. Eegt. near Asbach and the 1st Abtg.y
20th F.A. Eegt., which is in position west of Kollbach, as
well as 1 troop, 5th Dragoon Eegt., which has been ordered
from Piflitz to Kollbach. Maj.-Gen. P., who has just
ridden off to the divisional headquarters at Piflitz, takes
over the command, at 4 a.m., of all the rear-guards of the
5th Army Corps remaining on the Glonn;'
Meantime the acting brigade major had prepared a brigade order,
had it reduplicated on message forms and now laid it before his
commander to sign. It ran as follows : —
" Kollbach, 24. XL, 2.30 a.m.
" We are retiring behind the Amper.
" The division is falling back in two columns.
" 19th Inf. Bde. and F.A. Bde. under Maj.-Gen. M., commanding
F.A. Bde., by Bachenhausen on Gross-Nobach. The 20th Inf.
Bde. from Eettenbach, by Biberbach and Oberndorf, to a bridge
which has been thrown east of the latter place.
" M. Bn. with the machine gun company, 37th Inf. Eegt.,
1 bn., 40th Inf. Eegt. and the 1st AUg., 20th F.A. Eegt., remain
under Col. C. to form the rear-guard.
" Eegiments will be ready to move off from their bivouacs at 3 a.m.
Fires will be stoked up and left burning. Eegimental dressing
stations will be closed. Wounded will be sent as far as possible to
166
Eching, or will be handed on to the local authorities. Only such
medical personnel and material as is essential will be left behind.
" The brigade will move off as follows : —
5 coys., 37th Inf. Regt., which regiment will be under the
command of Major L., will march to Kammerberg at
3.15 a.m. The remainder of the brigade will follow at
4 a.m. under the senior field officer in the following
order : —
37th Inf. Eegt., 38th Inf. Regt.
Units will move off as quietly as possible. Words of command
will be given in a low tone. Units will march in the fields
alongside the road in the neighbourhood of Kammerberg.
Waterbottles will be carried in the haversacks. Ammuni-
tion carts and field kitchens will join the column at
Kammerberg from Giebing. Units must not expect to
receive their own vehicles. Col. N". commanding 38th Inf.
Regt., has taken over command of the brigade. Brigade
headquarters will be at the northern exit of Kammerberg
on the Kollbach road at 3 a.m.
•" Representatives for orders will come to that point.
N.,
" Col. in command of the Bde."
As soon as this order was issued, Col. N. mounted, directed brigade
headquarters to move off, and rode away in the direction of
Kammerberg. He arrived there shortly before 3 a.m. and met the
orderly officer of the brigade who was waiting at the northern exit of
Kammerberg ; the latter reported as follows : —
"The ammunition carts and field kitchens have been refilled.
The former are parked close by, to the west of the road, the leading
vehicle being close to the exit of the village where we now are. The
field kitchen^ are on the G-iebirig — Kammerberg road with their poles
towards Kammerberg, the head of the column is about 50 metres
from Kammerberg. The vehicles allotted to the composite battalion
M., the machine gun company and the company of the 38th Inf.
Regt. at Lauterbach are back at Giebing."
The orderly officer was told to see the vehicles take their places in
the column and then to rejoin the brigade headquarters. He was to
send off the wagons for the company at Lauterbach before the head
of column M passed through Kammerberg.
The brigade commander met Maj.-Gen. M. the commander of
the column, about 3.50 a.m., was present at the interview between
the latter and the divisional commander and then waited for his
brigade to come up. About 3.45 a.m. the 5 companies, 37th Inf. Regt.,
under Major C., were approaching Kammerberg. Major C. had been
present when orders were issued in Kammerberg, and had previously
collected his company commanders and given them the following
verbal order : —
" Kammerberg, 24. XL, 3.45 a.m.
" The 10th Inf. Div. is retiring in two columns behind the Arnper.
The 19th Inf. Bde. and the 19th F.A. Bde. by the Kammerberg—
Bachenhausen — Farenzhausen road : the 20th Inf. Bde. moving west
of us by Biberbach and Oberndorf to a bridge which has been thrown
167
west of Oberndorf. The rear guards remain on the Glonn. No. 10
Company, 38th Inf. Regt., is at Lauterbach behind the 5th Dragoon
Kegt., which is holding the section of the Glonn below Petershausen.
Maj.-Gen. M., in command of the 10th F.A. Bde., is in command of
our column.
" My battalion (less No. 9 Company) forms the advanced guard.
G Coy. will form the vanguard and will move at a distance of
600 metres in front of the main guard, I will halt the battalion till
this distance has been gained. Further instructions for the march,
after the bridge at Unter-Bruck has been reached, will be issued
later."
On reaching Kammerberg the battalion commander gave the
signal to halt, and directed G Coy. to march on. He then gave his
company commanders the following information as to the situation :-
" The 2nd Abteilung, 20th F.A. Kegt., which is here in
Kammerberg, will follow us. "When the battalion moves on, No. 9
Company will halt until the 2nd Abteilung, 20th F.A. Kegt., has
marched off, and will then take its place in the column behind it.
The 19th F.A. Regt. will join the column, in rear of No. 9 Coy., at
Bachenhausen. Our brigade forms the rear of the column."
When the ammunition carts and field kitchens had taken their
places in the column, the battalion resumed its march. The
vehicles belonging to G Coy., which had not been able to join it,
inarched with the main body of the battalion. No. 9 Coy. waited until
the 2nd Abteilung, 20th F.A. Kegt., had moved off.
While these events were taking place at Kammerberg the brigade
commander had ridden towards Kollbach to join his brigade, and
met it about 4.30 a.m. half-way between Kammerberg and Kollbach.
He sent for the commanders of regiments and battalions to come to
the head of the brigade and issued the following verbal instructions
as the column was approaching Kammerborg : —
" We are just marching through Kammerberg and form the
easternmost column of the 10th Inf. Div., which is moving, under
Maj.-Gen. M., commander of the F.A. Bde., by Bachenhausen and
Unter-Bruck to the country east of the Amper.
'k The 10th Inf. Div. will take up a position at and south of Weng,
on the right flank of the 5th Army Corps, in order to cover the
retirement of the army through and north of Miinchen against hostile
troops which are believed to be at Ilmmiinster in the Ilm valley. On
our right, to the west, the 20th Inf. Bde. is moving from Kettenbach,
by Biberbach and Oberndorf, to a bridge which has been thrown east
of Oberndorf. Parts of the 37th and 40th Inf. Kegts. remain behind
in touch with the enemy. The 5th Dragoon Kegt. is on the Glonn
at Petershausen and below it, 1 coy. of the 38th Inf. Kegt. is support-
ing it at Lauterbach.
" The order of march of our column is as follows : —
" Composite battalion C. is in front, and furnishes the advanced
guard, then come the 2nd Abteilung, 20th F.A. Regt., 1 coy., 37th Inf.
Kegt., and the 19th F.A. Kegt. "We form the rear of the column. The
38th Inf. Regt. will leave one company at 600 metres distance to form
the rear-guard. Bde. Hd. Qrs. will be at the head of the brigade."
168
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED IN 38TH INF. KEGT.
We will now turn to the 38th Inf. Eegt.
The 38th Inf. Eegt. had been withdrawn from the front during the
evening of 23. XI., and had been assembled behind hill 496, west of
Kollbach, Nos. 1 and 9 Coys, were in the front line, and covered the
front between composite battalion M. of the 37th Inf. Eegt. on the
right and the detachments of the 40th Inf. Eegt. in Asbach on the
left. No. 1 Coy. held the ground between Petershausen and the
railway bridge, No. 9 Coy. was close to the railway bridge.
The regiment was bivouacked in the re-entrant which runs east and
west, south of hill 496. The 1st Bn. (3 coys.) and the machine gun
company were on the right near the south-west corner of Kollbach,
the 2nd Bn. was 300 metres further to the left, and the 3rd Bn. was
still further to the left, on the small brook which rises a little to the
south-west of the highest point of hill 496. The headquarters of the
regiment were billeted in the western part of Kollbach.
The 1st Abteilung, 20th F.A. Eegt, was about 100 metres north of
the bivouac of the 38th Inf. Eegt. along the lane between Kollbach
and Asbach, with its wagons close behind it.
Eations had been issued ready cooked from the field kitchens
Coffee had then been prepared and had been issued to the men
part of it being used to fill the water-bottles. The field kitchen
had then joined those of the 37th Inf. Eegt., moving from Eetten-
bach to Giebing, in order to fill up again from the supplies which
had been placed ready there. Shortly after midnight the regimental
commander had been summoned to brigade headquarters and had
been placed in command of the brigade. Maj. A., commander of the
3rd Battalion, took over command of the regiment, the senior
captain taking over command of the 3rd Battalion.
The greater part of the medical personnel of the 38th Inf. Eegt.
was at work at "the general dressing station of the brigade at
Kollbach. The work was under the direction of the senior medical
officer, 38th Inf. Eegt., who was also the senior medical officer of the
brigade. Shortly after 2 a.m. the instructions issued at brigade head-
quarters at 2 a.m. were received at regimental headquarters. Maj. A.,
commander of the regiment, then gave the following instruction to
his adjutant : —
" Take one of our orderlies with you and ride to the dressing
station of the brigade at Kollbach. Tell the senior medical officer of
the regiment, who is there, that in view of the impending retreat he
is to leave only such personnel and material as are absolutely
essential at the dressing station, and to send the remainder at once
to the regiment. Wounded may be sent by Gross-Nobach to Eching
as far as transport is available, the remainder will be handed over to
the local authorities. After that, ride to the commander of the
battalion opposite Petershausen and inform him that I am with-
drawing the 1st and 9th Coys., 38th Inf. Eegt., from the front line,
and ask him to take over the post at the railway bridge.
" Then go to the officer in command of those two companies, and
direct him to withdraw at once from the front line. The post
holding the railway bridge is not to be withdrawn until it has been
169
relieved by a detachment of the 37th Inf. Eegt. Take care that the
companies do not retire through the 1st Abteilung, 20th F.A.
Eegt., but that they go round its left flank.
" After informing the officer in command of the detachments of
the 40th Inf. Eegt. at Asbach of the situation, come back to the
regiment where I shall be. I shall march at 4 a.m. through
Kollbach to Kammerberg."
Let us now accompany Lt. D., the adjutant, on his journey.
He found the senior medical officer of the regiment hard at work
at the dressing station which had been established close to the
church. Wounded men were continually being brought in by the
search parties and the stretcher bearers, though the number had
diminished after dark. The whole of the medical personnel of both
regiments was employed ; that which had accompanied the units
during the battle had joined for duty at the dressing station, as soon
as the troops had gone into bivouac. The temporary dressing
station of the 37th Inf. Eegt. at Hockhof had been closed after dark,
and its personnel and material were being used at Kollbach.
The senior medical officer of the 38th Inf. Eegt. was engaged at
the receiving station, the senior medical officer of the 39th Inf. Eegt.
at the dressing station, and the senior medical officer of the
37th Inf. Eegt. was in charge of those whose wounds had already
been dressed in the village of Kollbach. The latter officer had the
whole of the personnel and material of the 37th Inf. Eegt. at his
disposal. Some of the wounded were in the houses on beds, which
had been hurriedly collected, some were lying on straw in the church
and in the adjoining barns. Owing to the deficiency of transport^
few wounded had been sent off either to Eching or to the chief
dressing station. Some 25 wounded had been placed, about
midnight, on the supply wagons of M. Bn., 37th Inf. Eegt., which
were passing through Kollbach, and had been sent off to Eching.
No more vehicles were available.
In addition to the medical personnel, three civilian surgeons from
the neighbourhood were engaged in looking after the wounded. When
the senior medical officer of the 38th Inf. Eegt., who was in charge
of the brigade dressing station, received through Lt. D. the order
from his regimental commander to retire, he replied that he was
working under the brigade commander, but that brigade headquarters
had apparently forgotten to send him orders. He said that he would,
therefore, carry out the instructions of the regimental commander.
Thereupon Lt. D. gave him detailed information as to the situation,
and told him in particular that the retreat was general, and that the
19th Inf. Bde. would move off at 4 a.m., M. Battalion alone
remaining opposite Petershausen. Brigade orders stated that only
such material and personnel as were absolutely essential should
remain behind, and that even these were, as far as possible, to fall
back with the rear-guards. Lt. D. then rode off towards Hockhof.
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICER, 38TH INF.
EEGT., AT KOLLBACH.
The clergyman of the village was also at work at the dressing
station, in order that he might give the dying, who had been
170
placed apart in a large barn near the church, the comfort of their
religion.
Senior Medical Officer C. addressed him as follows at 2.30 a.m. : —
" The division is marching off. I am only able to leave such
personnel as is absolutely essential behind, and I must hand over all
the wounded who are lying here to the care of the local authorities.
As I am unable to look for the mayor, I request you to give every
assistance to the medical officers who remain behind, and to get the
inhabitants to assist in the care of the wounded. Thorough search
must be made again at daylight over the whole of the surrounding
district as far as the Glonn. The dressing station will remain open with
reduced personnel. The personnel which remains behind is under the
protection of the Geneva Convention."
The order was then passed by means of stretcher bearers
inhabitants, etc., that all the medical personnel in Kollbach, with the
exception of those men who were absolutely indispensable at the
receiving and dressing sections, should assemble in front of Kollbach
church.
Senior Medical Officer C. then handed over the work at the
receiving section to the staff surgeon of the 38th Inf. Regt., who was
assisting him, and went to the dressing section, where he gave the
following order to the senior medical officer of the 39th Inf. Regt.
who was at work there : —
" The division is retiring by Bachenhausen and Gross-Nb'bach, and
by Biberbach and Oberndorf, behind the Amper.
" Our brigade is marching off from Kollbach at 4 a.m., rear-guards
being left on the Glonn at Petershausen.
" The dressing station at Kollbach will remain behind with
reduced personnel and will be under your orders. I am leaving
Staff Surgeon M., of the 38th Inf. Regt., in charge of the dressing
section, and 3 medical officers besides. I am also leaving some of the
stretcher bearers and medical personnel. I am sending off the
remainder to join their units. I have requested the local clergyman
to give assistance. Wounded are to be handed over to the local
.authorities. You will retire with the rear-guard if it is in any way
possible. In any case send off as much personnel as possible with it.
I am leaving two infantry ambulances at your disposal.
" I am returning to my regiment as soon as I have issued the
necessary orders."
About 3 a.m. Senior Medical Officer C. found the personnel of the
37th, 38th and 39th Inf. Regts. assembled in front of the church ;
they had been drawn up by the senior medical officer by regiments.
The strengths were as follows : —
37th Inf. Regt.—
4 medical officers, 10 medical uncler-officers, 24 stretcher bearers,
10 bandsmen.
38th Inf. Regt.—
3 medical officers, 4 medical under-officers, 8 stretcher bearers,
20 bandsmen.
39th Inf. Regt —
3 medical officers, 6 medical under-officers, 12 stretcher bearers,
15 bandsmen.
171
The remainder of the medical personnel was either engaged in
looking for wounded or employed in the receiving and
dressing sections.
Senior Medical Officer C. was given the following verbal order at
3.15 a.m. : —
"The division is moving off. The 19th Inf. Bde. is moving from
Kollbach by Kammerberg and Fahrenzhausen to a position behind
the Amper. The medical personnel here will join its units.
" The personnel of the 37th Inf. Eegt., under the senior medical
officer, will join the regiment which is bivouacked just east of Kollbach.
If the regiment has already marched off it will follow it down the
road to Kammerberg.
" Staff Surgeon A. of the 38th Inf. Eegt. will take charge of the
personnel and material of the 38th and 39th Inf. Eegts. and move
them to the western exit of Kollbach, where they will await me.
Infantry ambulances will accompany the personnel of their
regiments. One ambulance from the 37th Inf. Eegt. and one from
the 38th will be left at the disposal of the senior medical officer of
the 39th Inf. Eegt., who will take charge of the dressing station
which remains here."
Senior Medical Officer C. then returned to the senior medical
officer of the 39th Inf. Eegt., and informed him that half the
personnel was marching off, and impressed upon him that he was
to bring back as much of the remaining personnel as possible with
the rear guard.
He then went to the western exit of Kollbach and gave the
following order to the personnel of the 39th Inf. Eegt., which was
still waiting, after he had learnt from the 1st Bn., 38th Inf. Eegt.,
that the 20th Inf. Bde. had marched off from Eettenbach at
3.30 a.m. :—
" Personnel of the 39th Inf. Eegt. will join the 1st Bn., 38th Inf.
Eegt., during the retreat and will be for the present under my
orders. I will send it to join the 39th Inf. Eegt. when we have
crossed the Amper, as soon as the position of that regiment is
known. Senior Surgeon M. will ride back by Eettenbach and seek
out the 39th Inf. Eegt. He will wait for me at Gross-Nobach,
and report where the personnel of the 39th Inf. Eegt. is to be
sent."
The adjutant of the 38th Inf. Eegt. had meanwhile ridden on.
At Hockhof he met Major M. of the 39th Inf. Eegt., who was in
command of the composite battalion at that place. Major M. had
withdrawn A and B Companies during the night, while C and D
Companies were covering the front on either side of Petershausen
bridge, and were in close touch with the enemy's outposts, which
were holding the outskirts of Petershausen. Glonbercha was still
held by one section of the llth Coy., 37th Inf. Eegt. Just as Lieut.
D. was reporting himself, Colonel C., the commander of the rear
guard of the 10th Inf. Div., arrived. When Major M. had informed
the latter of the position of his battalion, Colonel C. gave the
following verbal order to Major M. about 2.30 a.m. : —
" The division is marching in two columns by Fahrenzhausen and
Oberndorf across the Amper where it will take up a position near
Weng on the right flank of the nth Army Corps in order to cover the
172
retreat of the army, which is retiring behind the Isar through and
north of Munchen. Fresh bodies of hostile troops are believed to
have reached Ilmmiinster in the Urn valley to-night. The right
wing of the enemy's main army, which is pressing back our 1st
Army, is advancing on Freising. Your battalion, the machine gun
company of the 37th Inf. Eegt., 1 battalion, 40th Inf. Eegt., near
Asbach, the 1st Abtg., 20th F.A. Eegt., on the hill behind us west of
Kollbacb, are remaining behind under my orders. The whole of the
rear guards of the 5th Army Corps are under the command of Major-
General P. Hold the line of the Glonn weakly, from the point down
the river, where you connect with the 5th Dragoon Eegt., which is
remaining in its former position, as far as the railway bridge
(inclusive). The railway bridge must be occupied when the com-
panies of the 38th Inf. Eegt. at that place retire. Send one com-
pany to Kollbach to be at my disposal. Troops must be withdrawn
from the front line as quietly as possible. You must endeavour to
deceive the enemy as to this withdrawal by increased patrolling and
activity of the outposts remaining in the front line. If the enemy
attacks you must be ready to meet him at the bridges. You must
defend the lower slopes of the hills on the Glonn at Hockhof, and
prepare fresh trenches for that purpose before daylight. You may
use the reserve company, which has been ordered to Kollbach, until
6 a.m. for this work. I have ordered the tool wagons of the 37th
Inf. Eegt. to Hockhof, they are at your disposal. 1 will ask the 5th
Dragoons for explosives. You will prepare the bridges which are in
our possession for demolition, but will not destroy them without
orders from me.
" The field kitchens and ammunition carts which have been refilled
are at Kammerberg at your disposal. Do not fetch them up until
the 19th Inf. Bde. has passed through Kammerberg. Extend the
infantry telephone line to Kollbach. I am now going to ride to
Asbach, and will afterwards fix my headquarters at Kollbach."
Colonel C. then turned to his adjutant and dictated to him the
following message to the 5th Dragoons : —
" Eear-guard 10th Inf. Div. Hockhof 24. XL, 2.45 a.m.
" To 5th Dragoon Eegt. Herschenhofen.
"The division is moving in two columns from Kollbach by
Kammerberg and Gross-Nobach behind the Amper. The eastern-
most column starts at 4 a.m. 2 battalions and 1 F.A. Abteiluny
remain on the Glonn, under my orders, to form the rear-guard. My
right flank (one section) is at Glonbercha. I intend to make a
temporary stand at the bridges, if the enemy advances, and to hold
the lower slopes of the hills on the Glonn obstinately. Please send
sufficient explosives to Hockhof near Kollbach to destroy the three
bridges. I shall be at Kollbach, where there is signal communi-
cation with Glonbercha, It is desirable to get signalling communi-
cation with you. Please repeat important reports to me.
a,
Colonel,
" Commanding rear-guard, 10th Inf. Div."
This message was handed to a cyclist of M. Battalion, who was
directed to take it by Glonbercha to the commander of the 5th
173
Dragoons at Hersehenhofen. He was to be escorted by two other
cyclists.
I will deal with the order issued to M. Battalion later (see
page 182).
We will now go to the two companies, 38th Inf. Eegt., which had
been covering the front on the line Petershausen — Asbach, and were,
in particular, charged with holding the railway bridge.
'COURSE OF EVENTS IN THE IST AND 9ra COYS., 38TH INF. EEGT.
These companies were not in close touch with the enemy.
Patrols did not come in contact with the enemy's outposts, which
seemed to be in no great strength, until they reached the
Wasenhof — Petershausen road. Ziegelberg and the small wood south
of that place were apparently held in greater strength. As the night
was fairly bright, it was possible to identify strong bodies of troops
resting in the re-entrant between the small wood and Ziegelberg.
One section of No. 1 Coy. was finding the piquets between
Petershausen and the railway bridge, and watched the line of the
Olonn. The sentries were connected by a number of visiting patrols
which were constantly on the move. The remainder of the company
was some 500 metres behind the centre of this line, behind a large
«lump of low bushes, the dark outline of which was only visible
at a short distance in the surrounding darkness.
One section, No. 9 Coy., was pushed forward on to the railway
bridge ; the bridge was blocked by an overturned cart which formed a
barricade. The barricade was permanently occupied, and the side of
it nearest to the enemy could be swept by fire from the near bank of
the Glonn. Two sections at the disposal of the senior company
officer, who was in command of both companies, were on the railway
.embankment, about 500 metres from the bridge.
The adjutant of the 38th Inf. Eegt. arrived, about 2.45 a.m., with
the order for the two companies to withdraw. He said at the same
time that the railway bridge was not to be evacuated until the
arrival of the relieving detachment of the 37th Inf. Eegt., which was
on its way from Hockhof. The commander of the two companies
then rode off to No. 1 Coy., the commander of which he found with the
main body of his company at the clump of bushes mentioned above.
He gave him the following order in a low tone : —
" The companies of the 38th Inf. Eegt. are to withdraw from the
front line and rejoin the regiment, which is behind that hill on which
the artillery is in action. Withdraw your section, which is on the
river, as quietly as possible, and fall back with your company on the
9th Coy. at the railway embankment. Orders are to be given as
quietly as possible, and all noise is to be avoided. The post at the
railway bridge is to remain there at present. I am going there."
1st Lieutenant T., in command of No. 1 Coy., began to assemble
his company at once. The sentries posted by the company were
drawn in, and the men put on their packs. The following written
order was sent to the section extended along the Glonn : —
" No. 1 Section will withdraw as quietly as possible to the position
of the company. All sentries and patrols will be called in."
174
The men of this section had rejoined the company about 3.30 a.m.
The company had meanwhile piled arms and formed column of squads.
As soon as the section commander had reported his section present,
the company moved off on a signal from its commander. Water-
bottles had been placed in the haversacks, rifles were slung, and the
men held their bayonets and entrenching tools in their left hands to
prevent them rattling. The company joined No. 9 Coy. about
3.45 a.m. The latter company was formed up ready to march off in
column of squads. The commander of No. 9 Coy. had not yet
returned. A lieutenant was in command of the two sections.
No. 1 Coy. had unslung arms and the men had just lain or sat
down on a signal from the company commander, when heavy rifle fire
was suddenly heard from the direction of the railway bridge. The
flashes of the rifles were seen clearly. It appeared from the direction
of the flashes that the section holding the bridge was firing at an
enemy who did not return the fire. After a few moments the firing
increased to a well sustained rapid fire, and then suddenly ceased almost
entirely. A few single shots fired from the near bank of the Glonn
and at a greater distance from the railway bridge were heard after
a short interval, then everything was quiet. These events passed in
a much shorter time than it has taken to narrate them.
1st Lieutenant T., the senior officer present, was quite sure that
the enemy had succeeded in capturing the bridge. He also had no
doubt but that he must retake the bridge if it was in the enemy's
hands. He at once sent two good scouts of his company down both
sides of the embankment to find out what had happened. He told
them he would follow along the embankment with the two companies.
He then ordered the companies to rise, load, and fix bayonets, and
summoned the section commanders.
He issued them the following order rapidly in a whisper : —
" Both companies are under my orders. I intend to advance on
the railway bridge which must be recaptured. No. 9 Coy. will
advance on the bridge on the right of 'the embankment, No. 1 Coy.,
less No. 3 Section, on the left of the embankment. Each company
will have one section in line with its inner flank on the embankment,
and one section in echelon on the outer flank, at 50 metres interval
and distance, in column of half-sections. Both companies will keep
level with me. I will move along the railway embankment. I will
signal niy position with my pocket lantern. No. 3 Section will
follow me down the embankment at 100 metres distance. When
I signal a number of flashes in succession, the whole will charge.
The enemy must be assaulted. No cheering ; no firing ; only the
bayonet will be used. Companies will move to their places at once.
I will signal the advance. No words of command will be given."
1st Lieutenant T. mounted the railway embankment and took his
electric lamp in his hand. As soon as he saw that the two companies
were level with him on either side, he gave the signal for the
advance, and moved forward with two under-officers along the
railway embankment. Shortly afterwards one of the scouts returned
and reported as follows : —
" The bridge is in the enemy's hands, our piquet at the bridge has
been surprised. The enemy has a firing line in a semi-circle round
the bridge and about 50 metres from it. Entrenching is going on at
175
the bridge, the noise can be clearly heard. There appears to be a
formed body of the enemy on the bank. I was not able to find out
anything about the commander of No. 9 Coy. or of the officer in
command of the piquet.
" It is about 300 metres from here to the enemy's firing line."
At this moment the flashes of some rifles were seen, first half
right and then half left. The scout added in a whisper, " They are
firing on our patrols which are lying down there." Then all was
quiet again.
The companies had meanwhile advanced silently some 300 metres
from their first position. A hedge which came right down to the
embankment was then discernible about 50 metres in front of
1st Lieutenant T. Men were heard whispering, and one of the
under-officers who was with the company commander, said in a low
tone, " There are men lying down at that bush there." The gleam of
a torch showed the position of the bridge dimly in the background.
The companies moved on for a short distance, when a wild uncon-
trolled fire suddenly broke out in front of them. The noise of the
firing was deafening. An under-officer fell close by the company
commander and rolled down the embankment.
1st Lieutenant T. thereupon gave the agreed signals, and
the companies, which were wavering at the moment, charged forward.
For a brief period the enemy's fire made many gaps in the ranks,
but the semi-circle of the enemy's firing line was then broken
through at the point where it met the embankment. 1st Lieu-
tenant T. allowed No. 3 Section, which was moving on the
embankment a short distance behind him, to overtake him, and then
charged towards the bridge at its head. Some of the enemy, who
were engaged in removing the barricades, had barely time to stand to
arms. They were overwhelmed, and the men of No. 3 Section
occupied the barricade just in time to bring an annihilating fire to
bear upon hostile reinforcements which were hurrying forward in
close order. Parts of the two companies had meanwhile pushed
down to the Glonn close to the bridge, and had closed when they saw
the bridge in the hands of No. .\ Section, No. 1 Coy. Other parts
of these companies were still engaged with the remnants of the
enemy's firing line which they had surprised. Shortly afterwards
prisoners, about equal to one section in numbers, were brought in.
"The enemy appeared to have had about one company in action. By
4.30 a.m. all was over. The firing died out, only a few shots being
occasionally heard in the distance towards Petershausen from patrols
which came into sudden collision with parties of the enemy which
had been cut off.
About 4.45 a.m. Lieutenant A. of the 37th Inf. Eegt. arrived at
the bridge, and reported that he had been sent from M. Bn.,
37th Inf. Eegt., to relieve the companies of the 38th Inf. Kegt. at
the railway bridge.
Though the bridge had been recaptured, and only small parties
of the enemy remained on the near bank of the Glonn, the struggle
at the bridge had shown that the enemy opposite to the two companies
of the 38th Inf. Regt. was becoming more active. The far bank of
the Glonn appeared at this time to be everywhere occupied by the
enemy ; the patrols, who waded through the Glonn at the various
176
shallow places, were captured by the enemy and did not come
back.
1st Lieutenant T. believed the situation to be as follows at
4.45 a.m. : —
No. 3 section of No. 1 Coy. held the barricade on the bridge,
the remainder of the company was west of the railway embankment
close to the Glonn. No. 1 section of No. 9 Coy. was assembled
just east of the embankment in reserve, while No. 2 Section had
drawn off about 200 metres to the east after some of the enemy who
had retired in that direction, and was lying down facing north close
to the Glonn. A half-section of the enemy which had been surprised
in this part of the field, had been driven into one of the bends which
the Glonn makes here, some being killed and the remainder taken
prisoners.
Lieutenant A.'s section, which had just arrived, was drawn up
-close to No. 1 section of No. 9 Coy. There were no signs of the
commander of No. 9 Coy. nor of the commander of the section of that
company, which had originally held the railway bridge. A number
of wounded were lying in the neighbourhood of the bridge, and
groans heard some way off showed that it would be necessary to seek
further afield for the victims of the hand to hand struggle.
1st Lieutenant T. had very little information as to the orders
which had arrived from the 38th Inf. Regt. He had, however, the
impression that it was essential to hold the railway bridge, and he
therefore determined, as the relieving detachment under Lieutenant
A. did not appear to be strong enough, not to march off in the altered
circumstances, but to continue to hold the bridge on his own
responsibility. He therefore gave Lieutenant A. the following
verbal instructions at 4.30 a.m. (sic)* : —
"You will hold the bridge itself with your section, and will
relieve No. 3 Section of No. 1 Coy. which is at the barricade. You
are under my orders. At the same time you will patrol the Glonn
downstream towards Petershausen and upstream towards Asbach,
where are portions of the 40th Inf. Regt. The Glonn is fairly deep
towards Petershausen and is only passable at crossings. The river
is shallow at a point some 300 metres downstream where No. 2
section of No. 9 Coy. is now lying. This point will be held by a
post from No. 9 Coy. Serjt. P. of No. 1 Coy., who knows the Glonn
well, will remain here.
" No. 9 Coy. will be about 200 metres behind you on the embank-
ment, and will support you in holding the bridge. I am taking
No. 1 Coy. back to the track between Hockhof and Asbach, where it
will form my reserve. It will be about half-way between the two
places. I shall be there. Find out the nearest way to No. 1 Coy. at
once and mark it out. No. 3 Section of the company will be sent
back to me when you do not any longer require it."
1st Lieutenant T. then turned to the senior N.C.O. of No. 9 Coy.,
who had taken over the command, as the last officer of the company
had fallen in the attack on the bridge, and said : —
" You will remain in command of No. 9 Coy. and will take it
about 200 metres back along the embankment. You will remain
* This time and those in the account of the remainder of this incident
•appear to be about 20 minutes too early. — G. S.
177
there in support of the detachment holding the bridge and will give
it every assistance. Search the area between the embankment and
Asbach with strong patrols for parties of the enemy, who have been
cut off, and for wounded. Prisoners will be sent to No. 1 Coy. on
the Hockhof — Asbach lane, wounded to the dressing station of the
40th Inf. Kegt. in Asbach.
" Leave a strong post at the ford where your 2nd section now is."
While No. 9 Coy. was preparing to march off, 1st Lieutenant T.
gave the following order to Nos. 1 and 2 Sections, No. 1 Coy. : —
" No. 3 Section and the section of the 37th Inf. Eegt. which has
just come up are remaining at the bridge and on the Glonn. No. 9
Coy. forms the support for the detachment at the bridge and will be
200 metres back on the embankment. No. 1 Coy. will be in reserve
and will march to the lane between Hockhof and Asbach, where it
will take up a position about half-way between those two places.
Serjt. P. will fall out and remain with Lieutenant A. at the bridge.
The medical under-officer of the company, with the stretcher bearers
and 8 men of No. 1 Section, will search the ground east of the embank-
ment for wounded and will take them to the dressing station of the
40th Inf. Eegt. at Asbach. Serjt. E. and 10 men of No. 2 Section
will search the same area for any of the enemy who have been cut
off, and will take them to the company. No. 1 Section will
escort the prisoners and move off at once. No. 2 Section will
follow."
When No. 1 Section had taken over the prisoners, 1st Lieutenant
T. placed himself at the head of the company and led it to the
Hockhof-Asbach lane, halting near a large clump of bushes about
half-way between the two places, and piling arms.
He then called up a man who wrote a good hand and dictated to
him the following message to the 38th Eegt. : —
" 1st Coy., 38th Inf. Eegt. Between Hockhof and Asbach.
" 1st Lieut. T. 24. XL, 4.45 (sic) a.m.
" To the 38th Inf. Eegt.
" As Captain M. of the 9th Coy. is missing, I have taken over
command of the 1st and 9th Coys., 38th Inf. Eegt. I am unable to
carry out the retirement ordered, as the enemy opposite me on the
Glonn is in strength. The railway bridge, which was temporarily
seized by the enemy, has been retaken. I have placed myself under
the orders of the commander of the rear -guard of the 10th Inf. Div.
until I receive orders to the contrary from the regiment. Orders
should be sent to the Hockhof — Asbach lane.
T.,
1st Lieutenant."
This message was handed to the under-officer in charge of the
prisoners with the following order : —
"Take the prisoners to the bivouac of the regiment behind
this hill. If the regiment has already marched off, follow it towards
Kammerberg. Take 10 men of No. 1 Section with you. You can
march off as soon as the prisoners have been disarmed. You will
give this message personally to the commander of the 38th Inf.
A second message was then dictated to the commander of the
rear-guard : —
(B 760) M
178
"1st and 9th Coys., 38th Inf. Eegt. Between Hockhof and
Asbach.
24. XI., 4.45 a.m. (sic).
" To the commander of the 10th Inf. Div. at Kollbach.
*' The enemy captured the bridge about 4.30 a.m. ; the 1st and 9th
Coys, of the 38th Inf. Eegt. have recaptured it. The activity of the
enemy in front of me has prevented me from withdrawing. I am
holding the line Petershausen (exclusive) — railway bridge (inclusive),
as originally ordered, and have placed myself under the commander
of the rear-guard 10th Inf. Div. I request that the 38th Inf. Eegt.
may be informed if my action is approved.
.T-
1st Lieutenant."
This message was given to a corporal of No. 1 Coy. with two men
as escort. He was told to go down the lane to Hockhof, to deliver
the message to the composite battalion M., and to ask that it
should be read, and forwarded to the commander of the rear-guard.
Three selected corporals each with two men were then called out
and given the following instructions : —
" Corporal A. will go with No. 1 patrol to the bridge at
Petershausen, thence along the Glonn to the railway bridge and
return. He will watch the far bank of the river, and will report at
once any attempt of the enemy to cross. Corporal B. will reconnoitre
and mark out the nearest way to the railway bridge. He will then
remain with Lieutenant A. at the bridge for orderly duties.
" Corporal C. will perform the same duties with the commander of
No. 1* (sic) Company at the railway embankment."
One under-officer and 4 men were directed to go to Hockhof and
to prepare coffee, either in one of the houses, or by borrowing one of
the field kitchens of the battalion of the 37th Inf. Eegt. at that
place. The coffee was to be sent as soon as possible to the company.
The coffee required was taken from the iron ration. Similar measures
were taken in No. 9 Coy. About 5 a.m., just as No. 1 Coy. was
engaged in pushing out listening patrols towards the Glonn and
posting a sentry over the arms, Colonel C. arrived from the direction of
hill 496 and met 1st Lieutenant T. When the latter had reported
what had happened, Colonel C. gave the following orders :—
" The two companies 38th Inf. Begt. will be under your orders. I
will take the responsibility for ordering them to remain on the Glonn
and prevent the enemy from advancing between Petershausen and
the railway bridge. This line must be held at all costs. You will
form Detachment T. under my orders, and will be attached to the rear
guard of the 10th Inf. Div. Leave weak posts on the Glonn at daybreak
and take up a position for your main line of defence farther back. You
should be able to bring effective fire to bear from your position on the
Glonn and the railway bridge. The 19th Inf. Bde. has retired by
Kammerberg and Fahrenzhausen behind the Ainper, and the parts
of the 5th Army Corps which were on our left are in full retreat.
There has been no change in the situation in M. Battalion on the
right, or in that of the detachments of the 40th Inf. Eegt. at Asbach.
* No. 9 Company is apparently meant. — G. S.
179
The 1st Abtettiwg, 20th F.A. Regt., is in action behind you on hill
496. I am going to Kollbach by Hockhof. Get signalling communi-
cation with Hockhof, and send a representative to Kollbach for
orders."
ACTION OF AND ORDERS ISSUED BY COLONEL C., COMMANDING
REAR GUARD, lOxn INF. DIVISION.
It may perhaps be interesting at this point to look back and see
what Colonel C. did after he left Hockhof at 3 a.m.
He first went to the 1st Abteilung, 20th F.A. Regt., on hill
496. Thence he had the following view of the surrounding
country : —
The ground in front of the detachment fell in a glacis-like slope
to the Glonn valley, in which the mist, which had veiled everything
the previous evening, had more or less dispersed. The valley was
recognizable as a dark hollow from which a number of black-looking
bushes and single trees rose more or less clearly. The river itself was
not clearly visible, though a bright stretch of water showed up here
and there, and the burning houses of Petershausen were reflected at
points in the dark pools and stagnant ponds, which lay at intervals
along the course of the river. The conflagration at Petershausen,
above which rose the church tower, wrapped in flame, resembled a
huge burning torch, and lit up the whole of the ground round that
extensive village. At this point the part of the Glonn, which winds
round the outskirts of the village, was clearly visible, and the bridge
lying between the opposing forces, but occupied by neither, was also
lit up. Parts of the hills rising behind Petershausen were brightly
illuminated so that it was possible to recognize the movements of
troops, particularly in the area north-west of the railway station as
far as the large woods. The station buildings, which had not been
damaged by the fire, rose conspicuously, and were clearly recognizable
from the red reflections of the fires in the windows. The far bank
of the Glonn west of Petershausen and about 500 metres from that
place, was shrouded in darkness. Here and there a few lights which
belonged to Ziegelberg gleamed through the night above the smoking,
smouldering ruins of Wasenhof, from which tongues of flame
occasionally shot up. Two hours previously it had been possible to
recognize the edge of the woods south of Zeigelberg in the light of
the burning houses of Wasenhof, but now darkness once more hid
the whole neighbourhood. The light which glimmered over the
latter woods appeared to belong to Lindach, and a bright glare
from behind the wood led to the supposition that hostile detachments
were bivouacking there. The 1st AUeilung, 20th F.A. Regt., had
occasionally directed its fire on that point during the night without
much result. The conflagration at Asbach had also nearly died out,
though the glow still lit up the valley of the Glonn for a few hundred
metres, so that portions of the river and of the adjoining meadow
land were visible. Beyond Asbach nothing could be distinguished.
A house was burning in the extreme distance, but it was not possible
to decide on which bank of the Glonn it was. To the rear, that is,
south of hill 496, the re-entrant running down from that hill was
bright with a number of small and large bivouac fires. Here was
(B 760) M 2
180
the 38th Inf. Eegt., with the 37th Inf. Regt. closer to Kollbach.
Though the 38th Inf. Regt. was about to march off and the bivouac
shelters had been struck, the men were still engaged in feeding the
fires. All the batteries of the 1st Abteilung, 20th FA. Regt., the
commander of which had taken up his position at the eastern exit
of Kollbach, were in line at full interval. The 1st and 2nd Batteries
faced generally towards the line Petershausen — Ziegelberg, the 3rd
Battery was echeloned slightly back on the left, facing the small
wood south of Ziegelberg. During the night one battery was held
in readiness in turn, while the men of the remaining batteries rested
after the guns had been entrenched. The fire action had been limited
to shelling Petershausen, where hostile troops had been observed
moving to and fro, and to firing at the places where the enemy was
assumed to be bivouacked. The commander of the Abteilung had
not, on the whole, expected much from this night firing, and therefore
had economized the ammunition. His wagons had been refilled and
had returned at 3 a.m., but the light ammunition columns were still
absent. An observer connected with the Abteilung by telephone
was on the western church tower of Kollbach, and a second was on
the spur running down towards Asbach.
Colonel C. had met the commander of the Abteilung shortly
after 3 a.m. and given him the available information as to the
situation and the retreat of the division. He also informed him that
the Abteilung formed part of the rear-guard and concluded with
the following order : —
" You will be ready to open fire, at daylight, at all targets on the
far bank of the Glonn between Petershausen and Aufhausen. It is
specially important to keep the bridges and fords under fire so as to
make it as difficult as possible for the enemy to cross the river. The
Abteilung must get the infantry, which is still on the Glonn, to
mark the position of the fords.
" As the infantry will be withdrawn slightly back from the river
at daybreak, it will be in no danger from the artillery fire directed
on the bridges. The section which is still holding the railway bridge
will also fall back at daybreak. It is intended to destroy the bridges,
but the possibility of doing this depends upon whether the 5th
Dragoons can supply the necessary explosives. The Abteilung
must cover the section of the Glonn between Petershausen and the
railway bridge without assistance, as the companies of the 38th Inf.
Regt. in that section have been ordered to fall back.
" I am now going to Asbach and then to Kollbach, where I shall
remain. You will eventually reconnoitre artillery positions, when it
is light, from which you can effectually assist the retirement of the
rear-guard, which is intended to fall back by Kammerberg and
Bachenhausen on Gross- Nobach."
Colonel C. then rode off. He met the commander of the 3rd Bn.,
40th Inf. Regt, which was charged with holding Asbach, at the
ganger's cottage, 600 metres south-west of Asbach.
The latter made him the following report at 3.45 a.m. : — " I have
been in and around Asbach since yesterday forenoon. My command
has suffered heavily from the hard fighting of yesterday. My
battalion is now formed in three companies. One company is on
the outskirts of Asbach facing the Glonn, with outposts extending
181
from the railway line (exclusive) to Asbach (inclusive). Half a com-
pany is watching the Glonn above Asbach as far as the right of the
1st Ees. Inf. Bde., which is about half-way between Asbach and
Jedenhofen. The remaining 1J companies are assembled here.
Yesterday afternoon I beat off a determined attack, and the enemy
has remained throughout the night opposite to and in close touch
with me, but has attempted nothing serious. Since midnight
his patrols appear to have become more active. My field kitchens
have not come up, and the men had no food till the evening. After
dark I allowed a portion of the iron ration to be issued, and I have
had coffee prepared from it. I have not been in communication with
my regimental headquarters since midnight. My ammunition carts,
which were to have filled up at Eettenbach and were expected
yesterday afternoon, have not yet arrived. After collecting all
available ammunition my companies have about 30 rounds per man.
Ammunition is urgently needed. I have a dressing station at
Asbach. I have been able to send off most of the wounded yesterday
afternoon to the chief dressing station. A considerable number
more, however, have come in during the night ; these are billeted in
Asbach, but are not properly cared for."
Thereupon Colonel C. gave him the following verbal order at
4 a.m. : —
"The division is retiring, the 19th Inf. Bde. and the field
artillery by the Kammerberg — Fahrenzhausen road, the 20th Inf.
Bde. by Biberbach and Oberndorf on a bridge, which has been
thrown south of Gross-Nobach.
" In order to cover the retirement of the army, which has already
begun, through and to the north of Munchen, the 5th Army Corps
will take up a fresh position behind the Amper, on the line
Weng — Ottershausen, against both the enemy opposite us on the
Glonn, and fresh forces which are reported to be moving up the
Ilm valley through Ilmmunster. The right wing of the enemy's
main army, which is advancing on the Isar, is believed to be moving
by Freising.
" I have taken over command of the rear-guard of the 10th Inf.
Div. It is composed of the composite battalion of the 37th Inf.
Eegt., opposite Petershausen, of the 1st Abteilung, 20th F.A. Eegt.,
which is on the hill rising in the direction of Kollbach, and of your
battalion.
" The two companies of the 38th Inf. Eegt., which are between
the battalion and you, have been ordered to withdraw and should
have fallen back by this."
A short burst of heavy firing interrupted the speaker at this
moment. In reply to the question, " What can that be ? " the com-
mander of the 3rd Bn., 40th Inf. Eegt., replied that it must be
another attempt by the enemy to take the railway bridge, attempts
having been made several times during the night, all of which,
however, had been repulsed. He said he would at once reconnoitre
in that direction. While the adjutant of the battalion was arranging
for the despatch of a patrol towards the railway bridge, Colonel C.
continued his order as follows : — " I intend to leave the infantry on
the Glonn till daybreak. The following is the allotment of sections
for protective duties : — M. Battalion, the line Petershausen to the
182
railway bridge inclusive ; you will extend the left through Asbach
as far as the 1st Ees. Inf. Bde.
" You must hold the outskirts of Asbach in any circumstances.
Turn your right back to the railway embankment at daybreak, as the
37th Inf. Eegt. will then evacuate the railway bridge and will fall
back to a position on the hills on this bank of the Glonn.
" Send your wounded, as far as transport is available, by
Kettenbach, Kammerberg and Gross-Nobach to Eching ; if this is
impossible, hand them to the local authorities with such personnel
as is absolutely indispensable.
" Establish telephonic communication with Kollbach ; I shall be
there.
" I will send you ammunition if possible."
Colonel C. then rode back along the lane to Kollbach. When he
reached the position of the 1st Abteilung, 20th F.A. Eegt., he was
informed by the commander that a severe struggle had apparently
taken place at the bridge. Heavy firing had not only been heard,
but flashes from a number of rifles had been seen. The companies of
the 38th Inf. Eegt. in that neighbourhood had apparently not
marched off. Colonel C. thereupon rode off rapidly towards the
position of these two companies. He met 1st Lieutenant T. at 5 a.m.,
and gave him the order described on p. 178. He returned to Kollbach
at 5.25 a.m. and remained there.
ACTION OF THE COMMANDER OF COMPOSITE BATTALION M. FROM
2.30 A.M. ONWARDS.
Major M. had received Colonel C.'s verbal order, given on p. 171,
at 2.30 a.m. He at once sent for the commanders of A and B
Companies', which were close by in Hockhof, and gave them the
following verbal order : — " The army is evacuating its position on the
Glonn and is retiring behind the Isar. The 5th Army Corps is
moving to a position behind the Amper on the line Weng-Ottershausen
to cover the retreat of the army, both against the enemy on the
Glonn, arid against hostile forces which, according to reliable
information, have reached Ilmmunster in the Ilm valley. Possible
action by the enemy's right wing, wrhich is advancing on the Isar,
must also be taken into account.
" The 10th Inf. Div. is marching at 4 a.m. to the Amper, the
19th Inf. Bde. and the field artillery by Fahrenzhausen, the 20th
Inf. Bde. by Biberbach and Oberndorf on a bridge, which has been
thrown east of the latter place. We, together with 1st Bn., 40th
Inf. Ees., at Asbach and the Abteilung of the 20th F.A. Eegt. which
is in position behind us, remain as rear-guard under Colonel C.
"The 5th Dragoon Eegt. extends our right at Herschenhofen,
while the rear-guard of the 1st Ees. Inf. Bde. is on the left of the 40th
Inf. Eegt,
" The two companies in position on the line Petershausen-Asbach
have been ordered to fall back.
" The section allotted to the battalion for protection extends from
Glonbercha to the railway bridge south of Petershausen (inclusive).
" A Company will send one section at once to the railway bridge
183
to relieve the post of the 38th Inf. Regt. This section will hold the
railway bridge, and patrol down the Glonn as far as the single oak
tree, about half-way between Petershausen and the railway bridge,
where the section allotted to C Company begins.
"The bridge will be evacuated at daybreak, and a position
occupied in rear from which effective fire can be brought to bear
upon the bridge.
" After daybreak I intend to make the foot of the hills on this
bank of the Glonn my main position and will draw the companies
slightly back from the Glonn for that purpose.
" B Company will move at once to the small wood, the outline
of which you see half right, beyond the road, and will entrench itself
along the edge facing the Glonn. The left flank must be able to fire on
the bridge ; extent of front 250 metres.
" A Company will entrench a position, west of the road from here
to Petershausen, with its right on the road at the point where the
lane from Glonbercha joins it. Extent of front from west to east
about 200 metres.
" Work is to be begun as soon as possible ; reports as to the
progress made will be sent to me at 6 a.m. Half the tools in the
tool carts are allotted to each company. Capt. A. will see to the
issue.
" Telephone stations will be established in the trenches of A and
B Companies and at Hockhof.
" Battalion headquarters will be at Hockhof."
While the companies started upon the tasks allotted to them,
Major M. turned toLt. R, who was in charge of the telephone detach-
ment attached to the battalion, and gave him the following
instructions : —
" Establish stations with A and B Companies and at Hockhof, and
then arrange for connection with the headquarters of the commander
of the rear guard at Rollback"
The adjutant of the battalion was directed to ride to Kammerberg,
to look for the field kitchens and ammunition carts of the battalion,
and to bring them to the battalion after the 19th Inf. Bde, had
marched through Kammerberg towards Kollbach.
After the battalion adjutant had ridden off, the commander went
to the telephone, which was at a haystack close by, and called up
the advanced station, near Petershausen Bridge. He asked the
commanders of C and D Companies to come to the telephone, and
gave them similar information as to the situation to that given above.
He then continued —
" Your companies will continue to watch the Glonn during the night
in the sections already allotted. The section allotted to D Company
will be extended on the left, about half-way between Petershausen and
the railway bridge south of that place, as the companies of the 38th Inf.
Eegt. now in that section have been ordered to withdraw. One
section of A Company has inarched off towards the railway bridge ;
it will watch the Glonn as far as the left of D Company.
" Towards daybreak only weak piquets will be left on the Glonn.
You will then fall back with your main bodies on to a position at the
foot of the hills, which is now being entrenched.
" A trench will be prepared for C Company at the north-western
184
edge of the small wood between Glonbercha and the Hockhof-
Petershausen road.
" A Company is entrenching a position for D Company, with its
right at the junction of the lane from Glonbercha with this road.
" Get connection with the companies which are entrenching at
once ; reconnoitre the positions and mark out the ways to them.
" Telephone stations will be in the trenches and at Hockhof ; the
advanced station will be given up. Battalion headquarters will be at
Hockhof."
I am unable to give the orders issued in the various companies
on these instructions, as it is a question of choosing positions, which
can only be fixed on the ground.
We will now return to Kollbach to Col. C.
ACTION OF, AND INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY, THE BEAR-GUARD
COMMANDER FROM 5 A.M. ONWARDS.
On his return from his ride round the positions of the units
under his command, Col. C. found his adjutant in one of the houses
of the main street of the village. The house was marked by a
lantern, on one side of which red paper had been pasted. The
necessary maps had been spread out in a room on the ground floor,
and writing materials and message forms, etc., had been placed ready.
Col. C. found the positions of the units composing the rear-guard
marked on the map.
The adjutant reported as follows : —
" I have taken 3 cyclists and some orderlies from the composite
battalion M., and 3 orderlies from the troop attached to the rear-guard.
They are ready in the next room. The telephone station of the 37th
Inf. Begt. (M. Bn.) is also close by. An orderly is stationed there
permanently.
" Two mounted orderlies have been sent off, one to M. Bn. and one
to the battalion of the 40th Inf. Eegt. in Asbach. The troop of
cavalry has stabled its horses in Kollbach, but is ready to move off
at any moment. Its commander is with his men.
" I have placed the machine gun company of the 37th Inf. Begt.,
which asked for orders, in readiness just south of Kollbach, by the
single poplar, which you will remember is there, sir.
" The 37th and 38th Inf. Begts have marched off. The rear of
the 37th Inf. Eegt. passed through the village at 4.30 a.m. They
were moving on Kainmerberg.
" The telephone to Esterhofen station was working till 3 a.m.
General P. has spoken to me and directed that cyclist relays should
be established at once through Eetteiibach to Esterhofen ; I asked for
and received the necessary cyclists from M. Battalion. The first relay
post is ai the door.
" Shortly after 3 a.m. the telephone was reeled up, beginning from
the rear."
An under-officer of the 5th Dragoon Eegt. arrived at 5.30 a.m.
and reported as follows :
" I have been sent here by the commander of the 5th Dragoon
Eegt., who is at Hohenkammer, to deliver explosives. My men are
185
halted in front of the house and have 10 charges with them. I am
also to deliver this message."
The message ran as follows : —
" 5th Drag. Kegt. " Hohenkarnmer, 24. XI.,
3.45 a.m.
" To the rear-guard, 10th Inf. Div.,
" The main body of the 5th Dragoons is at Hohenkammer, with
posts at Allershausen, Englhausen and Miihldorf. All bridges in the
above area are occupied ; only that at Hohenkammer is prepared for
demolition.
" The enemy opposite the regiment has been very active throughout
the night. Fresh bodies of hostile troops have been met at Ober-
Wohlbach and Mittenkammer. An attack on the bridge at Hohen-
kammer at midnight has been repulsed.
"No more charges than those sent can be spared. A signalling
party is at Miihldorf, and is trying to communicate with Kollbach.
" Beg to be informed when the rear-guard retires. Am at the
brickworks (Zgl.), 1,000 metres south of Hohenkammer on the road
to Pelka,
X.,
" Col. Going. 5th Drag. Kegt."
At the same time a cyclist from the line of relays handed in the
following written order from General P. : —
" Major-General f . " Esterhofen Station, 24. XL,
4.45 a,m.
" To the rear-guard 10th Inf. Div. at Kollbach.
"The rear-guard of the 10th Inf. Div. will prevent the enemy
opposite it on the Glonn from crossing the river on the line Glon-
bercha — Petershausen — Asbach (all inclusive) as long as possible, and
will also prevent the occupation of the bridges at Petershausen, of
the railway bridge and of the crossing at Asbach. These bridges
should be destroyed.
" It will hold the foot of the hills on i he near bank of the Glonn
against hostile attack, and if pressed will fall back on the line
Kollbach — hill 496. This line will not be evacuated without orders
from me.
" Get communication with the 5th Dragoon Kegt. and with the 1st
Kes. Inf. Bde. at and west of Jedeuhofen.
" Ammunition is at Kiedenzhofen. Keport whether and when the
ammunition carts arrive.
" 1 remain at Esterhofen : hourly reports to be sent there after
6 a.m.
P.,
"Major-General."
When Col. C. had read this report, he instructed his adjutant to
prepare a message to the 5th Dragoons, giving briefly the disposition
of the rear-guard. The message was then to be given to the under-
officer of the regiment, who was still waiting.
The message was still being prepared, when the rattle of vehicles
passing along the street was heard.
The field kitchens and refilled ammunition carts of M. Battalion
were passing through the village, in charge of the adjutant of the
186
battalion. The latter was summoned to Col. C. and given the-
following verbal order : —
" The field kitchens and two ammunition carts remain at the
disposal of the battalion ; I will take two ammunition carts for the
battalion of the 40th Inf. Eegt., which is at Asbach."
" Ammunition carts will be emptied at once and sent back to
Kollbach, where they will receive further orders as to refilling from
me.
"You will take these charges with you ; 4 are for M. Battalion,
which will prepare Petershausen bridge for demolition ; 6 are to be
sent at once to the two companies of the 38th Inf. Kegt., which are
still on the Hockhof — Asbach lane, with orders to prepare the
railway bridge for demolition.
" I will give the orders for the demolition of the bridges."
The two last ammunition carts were then sent of!' to the 3rd Bn._
40th Inf. Eegt., with orders that they were to be emptied at once and
sent back to Kollbach.
By this time it was 6 a.m. Dawn began to break.
About 7.0 a.m. when it was getting light, the commander of the
rear-guard, who had placed himself at the western exit of Kollbach,
had the following view of the situation : —
Immediately in front of his position, and west of the main road
to Petershausen, which ran down like a white ribbon, the broad
northern slope of hill 496 fell gently into the Glonn valley. The
level slope was only once broken by a steep drop of about 10 feet, at
the point where it joined the valley, the width of which between
the foot of the hills and the Glonn varied from 400 to 1,000
metres.
The river wound along in a number of pronounced bends from
south-south-west to north-north-east, with thick clumps of grass and
pools of stagnant water, which glistened in the morning sun, along its
banks. In the valley itself, which was composed for the most part of
dry cultivated land, were a number of single trees and clumps of
bushes, distributed equally on both banks. From the position of the
rear-guard commander the whole valley was, except in one or two
places, in full view as far as the foot of the hills on the opposite
bank.
To the right, i.e., beyond the Kollbach — Petershausen road, the
view was limited, more especially by the hills east and north of
Kollbach and by the tongue-shaped wood, which jutted out northwards
east of Hockhof.
Past the left of this wood the valley east of Petershausen was
visible, but it was difficult to see clearly, partly owing to the rising
sun, partly because of the mist in the valley. The small village of
Goppertshausen, close against the hills on the river bank, was
recognizable, and beyond it the outline of the woods north of
Mitterkammer could be seen. The part of the railway line near
Ober-Marbach was particularly prominent, and the point of the
church spire of this pleasant little village, which nestled in the slope
half-way up the hill, could be distinguished.
In the foreground, on the far side of the valley at Hockhof, where
it is some 1,000 metres wide, lay Petershausen. It was still burning.
The church tower had fallen in the early hours of the morning and
187
between the church and the G-lonn there was nothing but ruins, over
which rose a thick cloud of dark yellow smoke, through which bright
tongues of flames burst at intervals.
A light east wind drove this cloud of smoke like a curtain in front
of the hills at Ziegelberg and Sollern, and it was only when a strong
puff of wind made an occasional gap that a peep was obtainable of
the broad slopes and big features of the hills in this part of the field,
which was crowned by the woods north-west of Petershausen, the
single farm at Sollern and the small hamlet of Ziegelberg.
The white road, running along the far bank of the Glonn from
Petershausen to Wasenhof between an avenue of trees, was very
noticeable arnid the green and brown of the surrounding cultivation.
Wasenhof, which formerly consisted of a small group of three build-
ings, had been destroyed. The smoke which rose from it mingled
with the cloud of smoke from Petershausen or floated away in light
lines towards Ebersbach.
A chapel, that of Linclach, was visible above the firs of the small
wood west of Wasenhof, which appeared bright green in the morning
light.
The valley of the Glonn north-west of Asbach and Asbach itself
were concealed by the convex slope of hill 496. The green church
tower of Asbach, which formed a landmark to the country round,
alone was to be seen.
Infantry fire had broken out again some time ago — as soon as it
began to grow light. Firing lines, under good cover, were recogniz-
able on the far bank of the Glonn at Petershausen, and at the railway
bridge. They were firing at the covering detachments, which had
now fallen back somewhat from the Glonn.
Permission had been given at 6 a.m. to blow up the bridges, when
a favourable opportunity should arrive, but up to the present they
had not been destroyed.
D Company was clearly visible in the valley straight below, in
the trenches which had been dug west of the Petershausen road.
The company occupied the whole of these trenches. Of G Company,
which was deployed in the small wood east of Hockhof, only a signal
station was to be seen. This station was opposite Hockhof in an
angle of the edge of the wood.
There did not appear to be any piquets left on the Glonn, but a
few infantrymen were seen taking cover behind a fold in the ground
near Petershausen bridge, apparently the men intended to fire the
charges. Eifle fire could also be heard from the north-east.
Shortly after 7 a.m. the 1st AUg., 20th F.A. Eegt., opened
fire with all its batteries on the ground near Petershausen station,
where strong bodies of hostile troops were observed drawn up. This
fire was soon answered by hostile artillery from a well- concealed
position between Sollern and Ziegelberg. The batteries of the 1st
AUg., 20th F. A. Eegt., which were entrenched and provided with
shields, suffered little from this fire and remained in action against
Petershausen, except the third battery on the left flank, which
returned the fire of the enemy's artillery. The target of the first
battery was a firing line deployed on the outskirts of Petershausen,
the second battery directed its fire upon the neighbourhood of the
railway station, where bodies of the enemy's troops appeared from
188
time to time and seemed to be constantly changing their positions
owing to the artillery fire.
B Company, which had been withdrawn when the entrenchments
were completed, and the machine gun company of the 37th Inf. Eegt.
were just south of Kollbach at the disposal of the commander of the
rear guard. Behind were the field kitchens of M. Battalion, which
had been sent back after coffee had been prepared and issued.
Shortly after 6 a.m., the ammunition carts had returned to Kollbach
and had been sent off to Eiedenzhofen to refill. They had been
directed to move by Biberbach and Viehbach to Bachenhausen after
refilling, and to wait for orders at the latter place. A cyclist officer
of the 3rd Bn., 40th Inf. Eegt., had been placed in charge of
them.
About 7.15 a.m. after C and D Companies had opened fire from
their trenches against the enemy lying along the Glonn, a short burst
of rapid fire was observed near the railway bridge and then a loud
report was heard. As the smoke cleared away, the rear-guard com-
mander saw through his glasses that the bridge had been blown up.
Two of the girders were lying in the water and the broken end of
the railway lines were sticking up in the air.
The destruction of the wooden bridge at Petershausen was less
successful. Before the railway bridge was blown up, the two
infantrymen detailed to fire the charges had been seen to creep
forward under cover of the ditch and of the trees alongside the road.
An explosion followed by a cloud of smoke had also been observed,
but when the smoke cleared away, the bridge was seen to be little
damaged. There was a slight depression in the roadway.
As Col. C. attached great importance to preventing the enemy
from crossing this bridge in strength, he issued the following verbal
order to the Commander of the machine gun company, who was with
him, as soon as he was sure that the bridge had not been
destroyed : —
7.20 a.m.
" The enemy must be prevented from crossing Petershausen
bridge in force.
" C Company is on the right at the small wood, which you see
near Hockhof, I) Company is in the trenches in the valley straight
below us, botli companies are firing towards the Glonn.
" The machine gun company will take up a position near Hockhof
to fire on the bridge.
" If I withdraw the advanced companies later on, the machine
gun company, which I place under Major M., will assist their
retirement.
" Be as quick as possible."
Major M. was informed by telephone of the orders issued to the
machine gun company.
The adjutant was still at the telephone sending this message
when the following order from General P. arrived by the relay
line : —
" Major-General P. Esterhofen Station, 24. XI., 6.45 a.m.
"To the rear-guard of the 10th Inf. Div., Kollbach.
" The 5th Army Corps will be behind the Amper at 8 a.m.
189
" Rear-guards will fall back as follows : —
" That of the 10th Inf. Div., at 8 a.m., by Kollbach— Bachen-
hausen — Gross-Nobach.
" That of the 1st Res. Inf. Bde., at 8.30 a.m., by Vierkirchen—
Biberbach — Oberndorf — to the temporary bridge.
"That of the 9th Inf. Div., by Eohrmoos — Ampermoching —
Ottershausen.
"The 5th Dragoon Regt. will move at 8 a.m. from Hohen-
kammer by Pelka on Thurnsberg.
" The enemy is to be delayed if he presses his attack, but decisive
action is to be avoided.
" I am leaving Esterhofen at 7 a.m. and going by Rettenbach
to Kammerberg, whence I will accompany the rear-guard of the
10th Inf. Div.
P,
Major-General."
The following was known as to the situation at and above
Petershausen at this time : —
The two companies of the 38th Inf. Regt. (Detachment T) had
evacuated their position on the Glonn at 7 a.m., shortly before the
railway bridge was blown up, and withdrawn to the Hockhof —
Asbach lane, behind which trenches had been prepared during the
night. The railway bridge was within effective rifle range of this
position. The right flank of this detachment was about half-way
between Hockhof and Asbach, about 250 metres from the Jeft wing
of D Company, which was strongly posted somewhat further to the
front.
Both companies were firing slowly at small parties of the enemy,
which had come down to the Glonii after the bridge had been blown
up.
A small party was pushed slightly forward to the railway
embankment, where it completely commanded the bridge from behind
a fold in the ground, which afforded sufficient cover.
Beyond the embankment near the first houses of Asbach was a,
post connecting with the garrison of that place, which was being
heavily bombarded, since it had grown light, by hostile artillery hi
position near Aufhausen. The garrison was also engaged with hostile
infantry, which had come down to the Glonn in strength under cover
of darkness. At 7 a.m. the enemy had not yet succeeded in gaining
Asbach bridge, but it had not been possible to destroy it. Ammuni-
tion was beginning to run short here, in spite of the two ammunition
carts which had been sent up by Col. C.
The machine gun company had taken up a covered position at
7.30 a.m. east of Hockhof. The positions of the guns could hardly
be discerned even from the place where the rear guard commander
was standing. At 7.45 a.m. the enemy began to rush forward in
thick masses to seize the bridge, and the machine guns thereupon
opened a continuous fire. The enemy's losses appeared to be heavy.
Numbers of men were seen to fall, a few reached the far bank and
at once took cover, but the mass wavered and turned, despite the
efforts of the officers to stop them, and took to flight, only stopping
when they reached cover amid the first buildings of Petershausen.
190
A renewed attempt to cross the bridge shortly afterwards was equally
unsuccessful.
When this was going on, the rear-guard commander briefly
reviewed the situation as follows : —
" The retreat is to begin at 8 a.m. and is to be carried out without
committing the rear-guard to a decisive engagement until it has
rejoined the 10th Inf. Div. in its position behind the Amper. It
therefore seems necessary to begin the retirement at once, leaving
sufficient troops on the line of the Glonn. The whole must not,
therefore, be withdrawn at the same time.
" C Company, in the small wood north-east of Hockhof, and the
two companies of Detachment T, appear to be least threatened.
These can be withdrawn quietly ; the withdrawal of C Company will,
thanks to the wood behind it, probably be unobserved by the enemy.
The garrison of Glonbercha, D Company, which is nearest to the
Petershausen bridge, the machine gun company and the portions of
3rd Bn., 40th Inf. Regt., holding Asbach, must remain. C* Company
(sic), the machine gun company and the artillery Abteilung must be
the last to move off. The latter must remain on hill 496, until the
machine gun company and C* Company (sic) have begun to withdraw.
" Units withdrawn from the front line must form up in column of
route on the Kammerberg — Fahrenzhausen road. M. Battalion
should move by Kollbach, and Detachment T and the 3rd Bn.,
40th Inf. Regt., by Piflitz."
On these grounds the following orders were issued at 7.45 a.m.
1. By telephone to Major M. in Hockhof : —
"The rear-guard will retire, and march by Kammerberg and
Fahrenzhausen to the position of the 10th Inf. Div. behind the
Amper.
"Withdraw C Company end move it, together with your
reserves, by Kollbach to the Kollbach — Kammerberg road, where you
will receive further orders, My adjutant has been sent there to
marshal the column.
" D Company and the machine gun company will hold off the
enemy and retire under orders from me. Detachment T has been
ordered to move off at once. The artillery will cover your retirement
as long as possible.
" 1 remain at Kollbach."
2. By written message to 3rd Bn., 40th Inf. Eegt.
" Kollbach, 24. XI, 7.50 a.m.
"The rear-guard will* retire, moving by the Kammerberg —
Fahrenzhausen road.
" Part of M. Battalion and Detachment T will move off at once ;
the reserves of the 3rd Bn., 40th Inf. Regt., are moving by Piflitz on
Kammerberg ; the front line holds Asbach until I order it to
withdraw. The artillery will cover the retreat. I remain at
Kollbach.
3. By signal message to Detachment T.
" Detachment T will move under cover to Piflitz. Orders will be
sent to that place."
4. By signal message to the 5th Dragoon Regt. at Glonbercha.
* D Company is apparently meant. — G. S.
191
" Eear-guard 10th Inf. Div. withdraws from Glonn at 8 a.m.
Line of retreat Kammerberg — Unter-Bruck."
After issuing the last order the rear-guard commander gave his
adjutant the following instructions :—
" Eide back to B Company behind Kollbach, and move it off, in
rear of the field kitchens of M. Battalion and the tool carts of the
37th Inf. Eegt., in the direction of Kammerberg. Halt the company
just short of Kammerberg, and form all detachments falling back to
the Kollbach — Kammerberg road in column of route. The column will
retire by Bachenhausen and Fahrenzhausen as soon as C Company
of M. Battalion and the two companies of the 38th Inf. Eegt. have
come in. The column will be under the senior officer.
" Eeport to me when it has moved off ; I will then order the front
line to withdraw. As you pass, send the under-officer in charge of
the relay line to me."
The commander of the troop of cavalry, who was present,
received orders to keep his troop ready to move off and to place 4
orderlies for the rear-guard commander at the western exit of
Kollbach.
When this was done, Col. C. turned to him again and said, " Take
a message form and write " : —
" Eear-guard, 10th Inf. Div. Kollbach;
24. XL, 8 a.m.
To the 10th Inf. Div. by Gross-Nobach.
" ' The rear-guard is retiring at 8 a.m. under orders from General P.
by Kammerberg and Fahrenzhausen. The enemy on the Glonn is in
close touch with my front line. The railway bridge south of
Petershausen has been destroyed. The 5th Dragoon Eegt. was still
in possession of the bridge at Hohenkammer at 7 a.m.'
" Give this message to one of your men and tell him to take it to
the headquarters of the lOch Inf. Div., going by way of Gross-Nobach.
Pace : trot and walk."
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED IN M. BATTALION AFTER 7.45 A.M.
We will now turn to M. Battalion. C Company of M. Battalion
was, as has been mentioned, entrenched at the edge of the wood,
north-east of Hockhof, and was engaged with hostile firing lines,
which had come down to the Glonn, east of Petershausen ; the section
in Glonbercha, which was in signalling communication, was engaged
with hostile patrols which had crossed the Glonn by the ford at
Goppertshausen.
D Company was entrenched in front of Hockhof, west of the
road, and was engaged with skirmishers, who had taken cover in the
bushes on the Glonn near Petershausen. No further attempts were
made to cross the bridge after the previous efforts of the enemy had
been defeated by the machine gun company. The machine gun
company, which was in a well covered position in a hollow north-
east of Hockhof, was not firing. Its commander was within shouting
distance of Hockhof where Major M. still was.
A Company lay hidden in a fold in the ground about 200 metres
behind the machine gun company. The company was in reserve and
192
its commander was with the battalion commander at Hockhof.
Kollbach was connected by telephone with Hockhof on the one side,
and with C and I) Companies on the other. Signal communication
was also established with the two companies in the front line. At
8 a.m. Major M. addressed the commander of H Company as
follows : —
" The rear-guard is retiring. Withdraw your company, as far as
possible under cover, by Kollbach to the Kollbach — Kammerberg
road. You will receive orders there from the adjutant of the
commander of the rear-guard.
" C Company, which I am sending back at once, will follow you.
The remainder of the battalion and the machine gun company will
cover the retirement. I am remaining here. Yon, as the senior
company commander will be in charge of the portions of the battalion
which are moving off. Take the 1st line transport of the battalion
and the tool carts of the 37th Inf. Regt. with you."
He then said to the commander of the machine gun company, who
had been fetched : —
" Your company is under my orders.
" The rear-guard is retiring by Kammerberg and Fahrenzhausen
behind the Amper, where the division has already arrived.
" A Company, which is in reserve behind you, C Company, which
is at that small wood on the right front, and the companies of the
38th Inf. Regt. on our left, some men of which you can see lying
down over there on the left, near that single bush on the Asbach lane,
are retiring first.
"D Company, which is in front of us, and the machine gun company,
will cover the retreat. You will prevent the enemy from crossing
Petershausen bridge and the portion of the Glonn east of it, so far as
you can see the latter from your position. You must watch the small
wood on your right, which C Company will very shortly evacuate.
You will not move from your position without orders from me."
The following signal message was sent to C Company at 8 a.m.,
as telephonic communication was interrupted : —
" The company will retire at once under cover by Kollbach to the
Kammerberg road. Orders will be sent there. The section at
Glonbercha will remain."
Shortly afterwards Major M. went to the telephone, called up
Captain IX, and gave him the following information as to the
situation : —
" The rear-guard is retiring by Kammerberg and Unter-Bruck,
behind the Amper. C Company and the companies of the 38th Inf.
Regt. on your left, have been ordered to withdraw. Your company
and the machine gun company remain under my orders, and, with
the assistance of the artillery, cover the withdrawal of the remainder
of the battalion.
" The machine gun company is bringing fire to bear upon the bridge
and the Glonn east of it. You must prevent the enemy crossing the
river above the bridge. You will not withdraw without orders from
me, and will then retire straight on Kollbach. Reel up the telephone
line. Establish signal communication. The signal RR from Hockhof
will mean retire. I remain at Hockhof."
193
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED IN C COMPANY.
When C Company received the signal message, ordering it to
retire, from the battalion commander at 8 a.m., it was disposed as
follows : —
One section was in a covered position in the wood as support, two
sections, No. 2 on the right and Nt>. 3 on the left, held the line of
trenches. Signal communication was established between the right
of No. 2 Section and the garrison of Glonbercha, which was holding
the edge of the village nearest the Glonn without difficulty against
small bodies of the enemy.
Two observation posts were placed in the trees of the wood
behind the trenches. They had an extensive view of the surrounding
country, one towards Ober — Marbach and the other towards
Petershausen. The enemy appeared to have occupied the far bank of
the Glonn from about opposite to Glonbercha as far as Petershausen.
His firing lines had come down to the banks in no great strength
during the night, but had not anywhere crossed the Glonn, which
here flows slowly between marshy banks and is fairly deep.
The enemy confined himself to a well-sustained fire, to which C
Company hardly replied. It had no great effect owing to the
range. The trenches occupied by the company were about 10 metres
from the edge of the wood ; the left end of the part held by No. 3
Section, however, ran for a short distance inside the wood.
Captain C. was at this point, whence the commander of the
reserve section in the wood could easily be reached. He sent for the
latter and gave him the following verbal order at 8.10 a.m. : — -
" The company is retiring. Move off at once with your section
through the wood to the lane from Kollbach, and wait there for the
remainder of the company. I will follow with Nos. 2 and 3 Sections."
The two observation posts were then called in, and the following
signal was sent to the section in Glonbercha : —
" C Company is retiring. The section at Glonbercha will remain.
Order of the battalion commander."
Meanwhile, the commanders of Nos. 2 and 3 Sections were
directed to come to the company commander, and received the
following order from him : —
" The company is retiring. No. 1 Section has already marched
off to Kollbach ; Nos. 2 and 3 Sections will follow. We will retire
under cover through this wood. Cease fire, but don't whistle. The
sections will then leave the trenches, No. 3 leading, in single file, and
will form column of squads in the wood. I will give the order to
move off. Each section will leave one squad, which will be dis-
tributed over the whole of the trenches, and will keep up a rapid fire.
The squads will follow in ten minutes."
At 8.30 a.m. Nos. 2 and 3 Sections were in column of squads in
the wood, ready to move off ; they retired on Kollbach, on a signal
from the company commander, by a track leading through the wood,
which had been reconnoitred and marked out the previous evening.
The men left behind kept up a rapid fire. At 9 a.m. the company
was assembled at the eastern exit of Kollbach, and the squads left
behind were seen at the edge of the wood nearest Kollbach.
(B 760) N
194
The company commander, who had ridden up the hill close to
and south-east of Kollbach, observed a column of troops moving on
the road to Kammerberg. This column was followed by some
transport, and in the re-entrant at Piflitz, a small hamlet on an
isolated knoll, about two companies were seen approaching Kammer-
berg.
In accordance with orders, C Company also moved off on
Kammerberg. The company commander then handed over his
company to his 1st Lieutenant and rode on to Kammerberg.
About half-way between Kammerberg and Kollbach, at the point
where the corner of the Weissling wood crosses the road, he met
Captain A. -of the same battalion.
He received the following verbal order from him : —
" Your company, the two companies of the 38th Inf. Eegt. coming
by way of Pifiitz, and my company, will form a battalion under my
command.
" The battalion will march by Bachenhausen and Gross-Nobach to
a position east of the Amper, where the 10th Inf. Div. has already
arrived.
" The companies will join my company in the order in which they
arrive. The latter is halted close to Kammerberg and will wait for
them The transport of M. Battalion will remain behind my
company.
" D Company, the machine gun company, and the artillery remain
behind under Colonel C. I will give the order for the column to
move off."
Colonel C.'s adjutant, who was present, was able to calculate that
this part of the rear guard would have moved off at latest by 9 a.m.
He galloped off to Kollbach to inform Colonel C. of this.
The situation there had hardly changed. The enemy did not
appear to have observed the withdrawal of C Company, but he
had become more active since 8.30 a.m.
Attempts to cross the Petershausen bridge were frequent, and
though the fire of the machine gun company prevented large bodies
from crossing, yet the number of the enemy's patrols on the near
bank increased steadily, and they troubled the machine gun company
a good deal.
At 8.30 a.m. a number of small columns were seen to double
down to the Glonn from Petershausen, to a point where the river
ran nearest to that place. It was observed from the position of the
rear guard commander that a raft was being built at this point,
apparently unseen by D Company, for a number of bushes hindered
the view.
Colonel C. was about to tell the artillery to direct its fire on this
point, for the enemy were already beginning to cross, when the
Abteilung which had been firing at Petershausen and the ground
to the north of it, turned its fire without orders on the enemy, who
was crossing. This fire, delivered at close range and easy to observe,
soon compelled the enemy to give up the attempt.
At 8.50 a.m. the following brief instructions were given to the
Abteihmg commander as to his further duties : —
"Kollbach, 24. XL, 8.50a.m.
" I am now withdrawing the last of the infantry detachments by
195
Kollbach and Piflitz to Kammerberg, and then by Gross-Nobach
behind the Amper.
"The 1st Abteilung, 20th F.A. Kegt., will facilitate the with-
drawal of the front line, and at 9 a.m. will form a screen of smoke in
front of the enemy at Petershausen and opposite Asbach. The
Abteiluug will then change position to the neighbourhood of
Kammerberg, so as to be able to fire upon the enemy if he advances
through Kollbach, or from Asbach by Piflitz. I am moving to
Piflitz. D Company and the machine gun company are moving
off."
The following order was then sent to Major M. by telephone : —
" You will retire at 9 a.m. by Kollbach on Piflitz and thence to
Kammerberg.
" The artillery AUeiluny will cover the retirement and will form a
screen of smoke in front of the enemy. Use this occasion to retire.
The artillery will afterwards take up a position near Kammerberg.
" The troops holding Asbach are ordered to retire to Piflitz, where
I shall be. I will issue further orders at that place."
The detachments of the 3rd Bn., 40th Inf. Eegt., in Asbach, were
given the following verbal order by the rear guard commander's
adjutant : —
" Evacuate the village when you see D Company retire through
Hockhof. March on Piflitz."
When Colonel C. had told the cyclist under-officer to call in the
line of relays to Esterhofen, and to assemble his men at Kammerberg,
he mounted and rode off across country with the remainder of the
troop of cavalry to Piflitz; where he arrived at 9.15 a.m.
INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED TO THE DETACHMENTS OF M. BATTALION STILL
IN TOUCH WITH THE ENEMY.
We will now conclude with the instructions issued in M. Battalion,
in consequence of the order to retire, which arrived a little before
9 a.m. A message had been prepared some time before for the
section which was still in Glonbercha. It ran as follows : —
"Hockhof, 24. XL, 8.55a.m.
" Evacuate Glonbercha and retire on Kammerberg. General retire-
ment by Gross-Nobach behind the Amper.
" D Company and the machine gun company have just been ordered
to move off and are moving to the Kammerberg — Fahrenzhausen
road, where reports will reach me.
J£,
" Major."
When the two dragoons in charge of this message had ridden off
(the contents of the order and the way to go had been previously
explained to them), the signal KPt was sent to D Company at the
moment when the artillery Abteilung, by rapidly increasing its rate
of fire, formed a thick veil of smoke in front of the enemy's firing
lines on the Glonn. Directly afterwards the machine gun company
was instructed to seize a favourable moment to retire, and, after
rejoining its vehicles by way of Kollbach, to move off to Piflitz.
It was told to expect further orders at the latter place, and that
196
the general direction of the retreat was through Gross- Nobach behind
the Amper.
Orders were then issued to reel up the telephone line, and to send
off the telephone detachment to Kammerberg. At 9.10 a.m., the
whole line of D Company, which had left its trenches on receiving
the signal, was seen ascending the slope to Hockhof. The whole
valley about Petershausen was tilled with the smoke of the artillery
fire, when Major M. mounted and rode back through Kollbach. At
9.30 a.m., the commander of the machine gun company, moving at the
head of his company under cover just east of the road, met his
vehicles at the north-west corner of Kollbach. By 9.40 a.m., the
company had limbered up and passed through Kollbach at a trot
towards Piflitz, where Major M. had already arrived. From Pitiitz
the artillery Ableiluny, which had been firing up to the last moment
at the enemy's raft and the Petershausen bridge, was seen to limber up
and to move, first of all due south, down the slope of the hill, and
then on Piflitz. During this retirement it suffered considerably from
the heavy fire of the enemy's artillery.
One gun was left in the position, and another had afterwards to
be left behind, as only two of the horses of the team were unwounded
and they were unable to drag the gun. Several of the wagons also
had reduced teams.
Firing lines were seen retiring at the same time in a south-easterly
direction beyond the railway embankment, on either side of the
ganger's hut near Asbach. Part crossed the embankment and
continued the retirement, the remainder lay down and kept up a
heavy fire in the direction of Asbach, the green church tower of which
was clearly visible from this point too.
Meanwhile, Major M. had reported himself to Colonel C. in
Piflitz, and had received the following order from him : —
"The rear-guard will retire through Bachenhausen and Gross-
Nobach behind the Amper.
" Eight companies under Captain A. constitute the main guard.
You will take over command of the rear units, i.e., the machine gun
company, D Company, and part of the 3rd Bri., 40th Inf. Regt.
Disengage these troops as quickly as possible and follow.
" The artillery Abteiluny will support you from a position near
Kammerberg, and will then trot off' to join the main guard. The
troop of cavalry which is with me is at your disposal. I will ride
off through Kammerberg as soon as the artillery has retired, and will
be between you and the main guard."
At 9.45 a.m., the machine gun company reached Piflitz at the
same time as a company of the 40th Inf. Regt., in close order, which
had marched down a fold in the ground west of Piflitz. A firing
line was seen approaching from Kollbach and another from the
railway embankment. Some infantry fire was heard at Kollbach.
The commander of the company of the 40th Inf. Reg., which
proved to be No. 9 Company, reported as follows: —
" One company of the 40th Regt. marched off an hour ago in the
direction of Kammerberg. N"os. 9 and 10 Companies then remained
in touch with the enemy. Of these my company was withdrawn
first from the front line and ordered to Piflitz, to which place the
battalion commander intended to ride on ahead. I was to receive
197
fresh orders here. The firing line approaching from the railway
embankment appears to be that of No. 10 Company. Where is my
battalion commander ? "
As the commander of the 3rd Bn., 40th Inf. Regt, was nowhere
to be found, Major M. assumed direct command of the companies of
the 40th Inf. Kegt., which had just come up. He told the company
commanders, and the commander of the machine gun company, to
direct their units to march southwards on Kammerberg, and to
remain themselves for further orders. He then addressed them as
follows : —
" The company of the 40th Iiif. Keg., the machine gun company,
and all units of the rear-guard still in touch with the enemy are
under my orders, and will follow the companies which have already
moved off on Bachenhausen by Gross-Nobach. No. 9 Company,
40th Inf. Kegt., and the machine gun company will wait at the exit
of Kammerberg on the Bachenhausen road for D Company and the
main body of No. 10 Company, 40th Inf. Kegt., to come up. The
whole will then move off on my order on Unter-Bruck.
" The detachments in immediate touch with the enemy, including
the troop of cavalry, will follow under the orders of Captain D. of
the 37th Inf. Kegt."
Major M. then turned to his adjutant and told him to ride to
meet No. 10 Company, 40th Inf. Kegt., to inform the company
commander of the above instructions, and then to find Captain D.
who would probably be near Kollbach. He was to tell the latter to
take over command of the rearmost detachments, to disengage them
from the enemy, and to follow the remainder of the rear guard at a
suitable distance. He was to say that the half troop of the
5th Dragoons would be at Captain D.'s disposal, and would wait for
orders from him at Piflitz.
The rearmost firing line retired from hill 496 without much
interference from the enemy, shortly after 10 a.m., and moved on
Piflitz. The 1st AUeilung, 20th F.A. Kegt., was in position on hill
504 near Kammerberg, with its right covered by a section of infantry
retiring from Glonbercha ; it had not, however, opened fire. At
10.10 a.m., it limbered up and trotted through Kammerberg towards
Bachenhausen. The machine gun company and No. 9 Company,
40th Inf. Keg., waited near Kammerberg till 10.15 a.m. and then
joined D Company and No. 10 Company, 40th Inf. Kegt., which had
come up meanwhile. The whole then retired, on an order from
Major M., at the moment when the enemy's firing lines appeared
near Kollbach on hill 496 and on the railway embankment east of
Asbach. The enemy opened fire on the rearmost portions of D
Company and of No. 10 Company, 40th Inf. Kegt., which were
retiring on Kammerberg and Piflitz, but without doing any damage
worth mentioning ; the range was at least 1,000 metres. At 10.30 a.m.,
the whole of the rear guard, disposed in several bodies, at considerable
distances, was in retreat, and all touch with the enemy was given up.
198
CONCLUSION.
I must bring my studies to an end at this point. They form the
third part of a work which had for its object to show, in a simple
manner, the different phases and forms of a battle, while laying special
emphasis on training in the preparation of orders. I am well aware
that there is no sealed pattern for the form of orders. One man will
issue an order in one way and a second in another, and both orders
may be equally complete and to the point,
There are, however, certain characteristics which good battle orders
must have, and there is, if one must say so, a technique in the pre-
paration of orders with which officers should be acquainted and which
can be learnt. But it must be studied by means of frequent exercises
under proper supervision. I should like to say, now that my whole
work is completed in front of me, that I am of opinion that a real
solid foundation is often lacking in the training of our young officers.
Those who know the winter training in our regiments, and study the
programme of instruction carefully, must admit that war-games
between two sides dominate everything else. Junior officers command
brigades and divisions against each other, and practise themselves in
coming to independent decisions ; in the larger garrison war-games
captains and field officers command army corps, units which only the
very smallest proportion of them will ever be called upon' to
command.
When it is considered that lieutenants who are capable of coming
to the most appropriate independent decisions on paper often fail when
they have to issue actual orders in the field, and that senior officers
who command brigades and divisions in war-games are often at a loss
when they have to issue a single clear battalion order, because they
do not know in what form to put it, there can be no doubt that war-
games, as they are usually carried out by regimental officers, do not
give the instruction which they are expected to supply.
The importance of practice in coming to independent conclusions
must not be minimized. It is certainly an admirable thing. But, in
trying to form military character in this way, it must not be forgotten
that the foundation of all practice consists in knowledge built upon a
solid foundation. In other words, junior officers must have a sufficient
elementary knowledge of the tactics of the three arms, must have
learnt to express their orders in clear language which should carry
conviction with it, and must also be clear as to the object in view in
the battle, and as to the words to be used to express that object,
before they attempt to deal with the problems of a war-game between
two sides. When this solid foundation has been laid, the war-game,
the great importance of which I have no intention of minimizing, has
its proper uses. It is when the course of training has advanced
progressively that the war-game is of chief advantage, but the
beginner requires other fare if we do not wish to train him to be a
mere tactical amateur.
In my opinion, next to exercises on the ground, which of course
have the greatest value, come simple exercises on the war-game maps.
I here give opportunities for training in giving orders even to the
smallest detachments and afford instruction to the beginner in the
199
tactics of the three arms and the principles of the modern
battle.
It has been my object to show how to prepare and work out
such problems, and to encourage units to practise these simple but
useful exercises. If I have succeeded in awakening an interest in
them, and in emphasizing the practical in our professional training as
opposed to the theoretical, I have fulfilled my purpose.
Such exercises also afford ample opportunity for the training of
character. There are often a number of occasions in such battle
exercises when an example of the value of independent action in such
a situation as the pupil might find confronting him in war, can be
pointed out. A clear and precise style in expressing orders, which
states what is required without ambiguity, is a sign of a strong
character. It should be the high but not unattainable ideal of our
winter instruction to train our young officers to acquire this.
HANS VON KIESLING.
Miinchen, June, 1909.
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