Interesting detail that was passed over by the discussants.
I saw a version of the story about Balck saying he was going to continue the attack personally which had some additional dramatic detail. As I recall it, he had apparently suffered a leg injury and was limping. Balck told a soldier standing near the officers who were reporting to him to hand him his rifle. He then announced that he was going to continue the attack himself and began walking off, limping, in the direction of the enemy. At this point everyone promptly got moving and made the attack. Apparently there was nothing but disorganized French troops in front of them, who were not permitted time to prepare a defense because the Germans stayed relentlessly at their heels. Beyond those few Frenchmen, open country and open roads all the way to the coast …
Can’t remember where I read this. It would be a great scene in a movie. Here Balck is showing some humility and reticence, and not gilding the story, which is in character.
From horseback!
Did they really? How did that work?
Interesting detail that was passed over by the discussants.
I saw a version of the story about Balck saying he was going to continue the attack personally which had some additional dramatic detail. As I recall it, he had apparently suffered a leg injury and was limping. Balck told a soldier standing near the officers who were reporting to him to hand him his rifle. He then announced that he was going to continue the attack himself and began walking off, limping, in the direction of the enemy. At this point everyone promptly got moving and made the attack. Apparently there was nothing but disorganized French troops in front of them, who were not permitted time to prepare a defense because the Germans stayed relentlessly at their heels. Beyond those few Frenchmen, open country and open roads all the way to the coast …
Can’t remember where I read this. It would be a great scene in a movie. Here Balck is showing some humility and reticence, and not gilding the story, which is in character.