Machine-Gun Company, Infantry Regiment No. 102.
The Machine-Gun Company of Infantry Regiment No. 102 had started off from Houx in the rear of the regiment towards the evening of August 23rd, 1914, and had marched along the Meuse to Leffe. When the company had entered Leffe about midnight, and the last of their vehicles were passing a bridge, two white figures were all at once seen under it. The men of the company bringing up the rear noticed these people; two shots followed close upon one another, and immediately after two figures enveloped in white clothes were seen to jump into the Meuse. The marksmen of the Machine-Gun Company fired at the two persons, who, shortly after, were washed up dead to the bank. A closer examination showed that they were two men wearing female dress, who had wrapped themselves up in white cloths. Under the bridge stood two chairs, and from here the column in marching by had been fired on. It was supposed that the two francs-tireurs wanted to blow up the bridge, and, surprised by our people, flew to arms; as their retreat was cut off, they wanted to make their way through the water.
Shortly after, Infantry Regiment No. 177, which was marching behind us, was fired at from the factory which stands close to the bridge. As was ascertained, a passage led from the bridge into the factory, which was, at any rate, made use of by other francs-tireurs in order to withdraw in safety into the factory, from the windows of which they then opened a brisk fire.
Signed: Noack, Lieutenant and Company Leader.
C. App. 65.
Present:
1st Lieutenant Winkler, as Officer of the Court.
Non-commissioned Officer Schwertner, as Clerk of the Military Court.
Near St. Marie, March 7th, 1915.
In the matter for inquiry concerning the firing on a Machine-Gun Company by francs-tireurs at Leffe-Dinant there appeared as witnesses Privates Büchner and Ulbricht of the Machine-Gun Company, Infantry Regiment No. 102, who, after the importance of the oath had been pointed out to them, were examined individually as follows:
1. Private Büchner.
As to Person: My name is Heinrich Max Emil Büchner, 22 years old; private in the Machine-Gun Company, Infantry Regiment No. 102.