Note 18 — Chapter VI · HOW GENERAL VON KLUCK AVERTED RUIN
Reading edition
An interesting sidelight on the German movements is afforded by these particulars given on official authority:—
"At Villers-Cotterets, though supplies far in excess of the capabilities of the place were demanded, the town was not seriously damaged. The Germans evacuated the place on September 11th in such haste that they left behind a large amount of the bread requisitioned. It was stated by the inhabitants that the enemy destroyed and abandoned fifteen motor-lorries, seven guns, and ammunition wagons.
"At Crepy, on Sept. 3, various articles were requisitioned under threat of a fine of 100,000f. for every day's delay in the delivery of the goods. The following list shows the amounts and natures of the supplies demanded, and also the actual quantities furnished:
Requisitioned. Supplied.
Flour 20,000 kilos. 20,000 kilos.
Dried vegetables 5,000 kilos. 800 kilos.
Coffee 1,000 kilos. 809 kilos.
Salt 1,000 kilos. 2,000 kilos.
Oats 100,000 kilos. 55,000 kilos.
Red wine 2,500 litres. 2,500 litres.
All smoked meats, ham, cloth, }
new boots, tobacco, biscuits, } 61 prs. of boots.
handkerchiefs, shirts, braces, } 91 bicycles.
stockings, horse shoes, bicycles, } 15 motor tyres.
motor-cars, petrol. } 6 inner tubes.