Of this infantry detachment half a platoon was assigned to act as escort of the Heavy Baggage.
2. When shortly afterwards the head of the baggage column reached the neighbouring village of Rosée, here, too, it was assailed by a vigorous fire from houses and gardens and from a neighbouring copse. I ordered a search to be made of a farm standing on the road from which an extremely hot fire had previously come. Inside were found a man, a woman, and two half-grown boys. The man and the woman were shot while attempting to escape.
No Belgian or French troops of any kind were present either in Anthée or Rosée.
The attacks on our troops were always made from ambush, and gave one the appearance of a general and concerted co-operation; they were usually preceded by a shot, fired as a signal.
Signed: Heltzer.
App. 39.
Statement of 1st Lieutenant Stiemcke, commanding Military Train Column 7, X. Army Corps, attached to Train Section 1, X. Army Corps.
On August 26th, 1914, when the column, in conjunction with the 2nd Echelon, approached the village of Silenrieux, it was immediately fired upon by members of the civilian population from the church tower. It was therefore necessary for our riflemen to advance against the place. When these accordingly replied to the fire, shooting took place from a number of houses in the village.
Signed: Stiemcke, 1st Lieutenant and Column Commander.
App. 40.