Klaiber Posted May 30 Report Posted May 30 . . . Norddeutsche Kriegszeitung 5 February 1917 — Special Dispatch from the Western Front Vol. XXVII, Nr. 312 Glorious Deeds Amidst Adversity at the Ypres Front Heroic Blue Troops Complete Daring Missions — Narrow Margins Favor Enemy From our correspondent embedded with the gallant forces of the Kaiser on the Ypres Front: The frozen mists of Flanders bore witness yesterday to a clash of exceptional ferocity and resolve between the valiant soldiers of the Empire (Blue Team) and the combined forces of the Entente powers (Red Team). In a contest of strategic importance and operational daring, both sides struck bold blows, yet it was the enemy who eked out a narrow and costly advantage—ten points to our nine. Despite the enemy’s temporary upper hand, the deeds of our brave sons of Germany must be recorded with pride. Most notable was the daring and precise extraction of an Imperial agent from deep within enemy-held territory. Under cover of night and fire, our operatives secured the spy and returned him to our lines, unbroken and bearing vital intelligence. Furthermore, our air and ground forces combined to obliterate an enemy supply convoy and their strategic supply train. Eyewitnesses reported the thunder of artillery and the howl of biplanes as crates of materiel were engulfed in flames, depriving the foe of essential resources. At the southern edge of the encampment zone, our bomber pilots executed a bold strike upon a fortified Entente encampment, eliminating three-quarters of the enemy presence therein before resistance stiffened. Though full neutralization was not achieved, the damage inflicted was substantial and will surely echo through their ranks. Yet, it must be noted with sober clarity that the enemy, too, struck with venom. They succeeded in damaging one of our encampments to a considerable degree, and—in a grave affront—absconded with one of our experimental flying machines. Their audacity in this matter will not go unanswered. In addition, the enemy mounted a rescue of their own agent, believed to have been held near Harelbeke, and succeeded in destroying one of our forward convoys near the canal. These acts, while executed under duress, earned them vital points in the engagement. As dusk fell over the shattered fields of Ypres, the final reckoning stood close: ten points to the Red, nine to the Blue. A narrow margin, purchased dearly by both sides in blood and fire. Yet our resolve remains iron, our courage undimmed. The spirit of 1871 beats strongly in every chest. Let no man say that the sons of the Empire have faltered. We await the next phase with determination and faith in ultimate victory. Mit Stahl und Geist, — Heinrich Kröger, Front Correspondent Etzel and Hans von Freden 2
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