Franz Adam Beyerlein

'Jena' or 'Sedan'? Franz Adam Beyerlein

Book Excerpt: ...ften think of this. Now sleep well, your last night at home." And as his son went off upstairs he added softly to himself, "My dear good boy!"Early next day Franz Vogt departed. The greater number of the recruits left the train when it reached the capital, and it was only a small company that proceeded onwards to the little garrison town. Two or three non-commissioned officers received the detachment when it ultimately arrived at its destination. The recruits were then formed into squads and conducted to a large exercise-ground. The main body, hailing from the coal-mines and factories of the neighbouring mountain district, had already arrived by special train. There must have been about four hundred men altogether. Two or three officers, and numerous non-commissioned officers with helmets and shoulder-straps, were standing about. An endless calling over of names began. Those who were told off to the first battery were taken first, and were led away as soon as their number was complete. T...