That the Germans are cunning fighters, and well up in all the tricks of the trade, has frequently been pointed out.  For instance, they often succeed in ascertaining what regiment or brigade is opposed to them, and because of their knowledge of English, they are able to employ the information to some purpose.  On a recent occasion, having by some means discovered the name of the commander of the company holding the trench they were attacking, they called him by name, asking if Captain ——­ was there.  Fortunately the pronunciation of the spokesman was somewhat defective, and their curiosity was rewarded by discovering that both the officer in question and his men were very much there.

There have been reports from so many different quarters of the enemy having been seen wearing British and French uniforms that it is impossible to doubt their truth.  One absolutely authentic case occurred during the fighting near Ypres.  A man dressed in a uniform closely resembling that of a British staff officer suddenly appeared near our trenches and walked along the line.  He asked if many casualties had been suffered, stated that the situation was serious, and that a general retirement had been ordered.  A similar visit having been reported by several men in different trenches, orders were issued that this strange officer was to be detained if seen again.  Unluckily he did not make another appearance.

The following remarks taken from the diary of a German soldier are published not because there is reason to believe they are justified with regard to the conduct of German officers but because of their interest as a human document.  Under date of Nov. 2 this German soldier wrote: 

Previous to noon we were sent out in a regular storm of bullets on the order of the Major.  These gentlemen, the officers, send their men forward in a most ridiculous way.  They themselves remain far behind, safely under cover.  Our leadership is really scandalous.  Enormous losses on our side are partly from the fire of our own people, for our leaders neither know where the enemy lies nor where our own troops are, so that we often are fired on by our own men.  It is a marvel to me that we have got on as far as we have done.

Our Captain fell, as did also all our section leaders and a large number of our men.  Moreover, no purpose was served by this advance, for we remained the rest of the day under cover; we could go neither forward nor back, nor even shoot.

The trench we had taken was not occupied by us.  The English naturally took it back at night.  That was the sole result.  Then when the enemy had intrenched themselves another attack was made, costing us many lives and fifty prisoners.  It is simply ridiculous, this leadership.  If only I had known it before!  My opinion of German officers has changed.

     An Adjutant shouted to us from a trench far to the rear to cut down
     a hedge in front of us.  Bullets were whistling round from in front
     and from behind.  The gentleman himself, of course, remained behind.