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'German Excuse for Murder of a Boy Scout'

A French Boy Scout was caught by Germans in the Vosges. Asked if the French were about he refused to say. after the Germans were fired at from a wood. The boy did not deny he knew the French were there. A German writer describes what followed, "A traitor has been shot. He went with firm step to a telegraph pole and stood against it, with the vineyard at his back and received the volley of the firing-party with a smile on his face. Infatuated wretch ! It was a pity to see such wasted courage." This account is quoted from a German 'Kriegs Chronik'.

'Prussian dog Meets Timely End'

When the Germans entered a French village, a woman spat in the face of a Prussian officer who attempted to embrace her. She was shot dead on her own doorsteps. At eight a friend stole through the sentries and wrote on the door; "A brave Frenchwoman died here. God's curses follow the Prussian dog who killed her." The next morning the officer added; "For every word written here a woman shall die." But one hour later French troops entered the village and the 'Prussian dog' was shot through the head not ten yards from the scene of his handiwork.

'Death Before Dishonour: A French Boy's Heroism'

A wounded Frenchman having shot a Prussian officer for insulting a countrywoman who was tending his injuries, was himself about to be shot when a French boy, Emile Prospre, aged fourteen, entered the cottage where the affair took place, with a glass of water for the condemned man. Told that he might go free if he shot his wounded countryman, the lad took the proffered rifle and shot the officer instead. He fell afterwards riddled with bullets.

'Uhlan's Brutal Torture of an Irish Fusilier'

Captured by Uhlans near Compiegne, an Irish Fusilier was tied to a tree and threatened with death if he did not disclose the whereabouts of general French. Thwarted by his refusal the Uhlans proceeded to kick him in the body as high as their boots could reach. Happily a party of French troppers arrived on the scene in time to save him. Having disposed of the Uhlans, the French cavalrymen looked after the fusilier for a couple of days until he could be removed to hospital. He is now well again and says his rifle will never miss another Uhlan - if he can help it.

 

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