WAR- CHRONICLE

60
The German Victory at Ypres.
The long expected and '. eagerly longed for day has at, last
arrived—at last our heart's desire has been granted. We have
crossed the Yser Canal and taken up positions on the opposite bank
at a sufficient distance from the water way, which in the course of
the past few months has often well-nigh brought us to despair. The
monotonous view of the Canal has at last disappeared and we are
thankful at no longer hearing the gurgling of the yellow brown
waves, which .even with a moderate wind so often honoured us with
a visit in the trenches, drenching us to the skin! How often did
we pray for this, when on cold winter or stormy early springnights
we kept watch in the trenches, shivering with cold and our
teeth shattering. And now it- is really a fact, we have got across,
have fairly dry ground under pur feet, and the principal—have
given the Allies a sound and thorough thrashing.
It all happened so suddenly that it seems almost incomprehensible
now, although for days before we could all see that something
was in preparation. Conjectures and assumptions were exchanged,
watchwords Hew hither and thither, still nobody believed in the
seriousness of the situation. Already for days past, we could hear
incessant cannonading to our light, which was so violent that we
supposed an extensive battle was in progress. In our section perfect
calm prevailed, only the pioneers were more active than usual.
Pontons were brought up, beams and planks piled up in our vicinity,
while the pioneer officers passed by with mysterious glances. What
was going on:' But we soon learned what was in the wind, and
I must say the news was received with, such enthusiasm that it
made us forget all the dreadfulness in store. Preparations were
eagerly inaugurated for.the great venture, and all of us could scarcely
await the hour, which was to bring us victory or death.
This time, our artillery worked wonders, the whole enemy
position had the appearance of a large Lake of fire. Incessantly
our shells burst in and above the English trenches, working havoc
and destruction. I cannot actually remember how long this bombardment
lasted, whether long or short. None of us in the front
trenches looked at our watches, our eyes were riveted on the
gruesome, but magnificent spectacle before us. We suffered from
the biting, smoke which came, over to our position in dense-clouds
and caused a choking sensation in our throats, so that we were
hardly able to stand it, although we got but a fraction of what
was sent. to the enemy trenches. And yet no one left his place.
We all stood and. stared. When suddenly, as. if at a given signal,
our guns ceased fire and an almost solemn stiLlness reigned, man}'
a one felt his head which.was throbbing, as a result of the fearful
din, looked at his comrade and silently pointed over beyond, where
the thick columns of smoke still darkened the sky. Was it a dream,
or was it reality!' .....