THE SIEGFRIED LINE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21574, 9 February 1940, Page 11

THE SIEGFRIED LINE

WORK OF THE GARRISON According to official information reaching the French High Command, German advance posts are used as veritable schools for reconnaissance and patrol work, says the “Yorkshire Post.” A German regiment or brigade, in British military terms, consists of three battalions, of which one mans the advance posts, the second the line of resistance on the Siegfried Line itself, while the third is kept in reserve and resting. These three battalions rotate fairly frequently, since it is essential to rest the troops after their stay in the Siegfried Line, where it is not possible to keep them longer than from eight to ten days.

In great contrast with the Maginot Line, where everything is provided for the health and comfort of the troops, the Siegfried Line consists mostly of small concreted shelters, holding five, six, or ten men, and constructed only for fighting. There is no room to rest comfortably, and no provision for cooking.

The small garrison must be sent out to fetch their rations, and must leave the blockhouse for various other purposes, even under fire. These conditiorif are very wearing to the men, even the docile German troops. In the advanced line the Germans dot little posts about everywhere, changing positions frequently, and sending out occupants continually on patrol and reconnaissance, thus training them in the art of warfare. Battalions of one regiment thus remain in the same position on the front, under the rotating system, until there is a general divisional relief.