Across the spreading war of Europe,
In the Region of Belarus and Smolensk,
Involved the Russian town of Gorodok.
Within density of forests and woodland
Marked by Austrians firmly entrenched,
And Germans, forming a line of defence.
As September sun shone upon thickets,
Behind each tree's undergrowth, lurked
Austrians, who stepped out to shoot at
The storming of Russian advancement.
For seven times the soldiers fought over
Their slain, before dislodging the invaders.
On the edge of one wood, a detachment
Of Russians, came on an emplacement
For a Austrian patrol, being in telephonic
Communication with their headquarters.
On cutting up this enemy, a Russian officer
Called down the wire of enemy's retreat.
Soon afterwards the Austrians advanced,
Into the ruse - from out of the trees appeared,
Falling before the force of Russian guards.
In the capture came evidence of bullets
Of the dum-dum kind - these expanding
Weapons, shot from rifle and machine guns,
Littered the trenches the enemy had occupied.
Among the Russian wounded was a young lad
Aged 16 - Vacheslaw Bershanoff, a volunteer.
A veteran of nine battles, was in the regiments
Charging front rank, breaking into the enemy's
Lines. In capturing several guns and standard,
The youthful hero was awarded for gallantry.
by Jamie Mann.
Anon.,1914.
Dum-Dum Bullets - Russian Discoveries - Fierce Fight in a Wood. The Daily
Telegraph - Special War Edition, [online]
20 Sept. p.5.
Col.4. Available at:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11107177/Daily-Telegraph-September-20-1914.html
[Accessed: 20th September 2014].
Mann, J., 2014. 100
years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal communication, 20
September 2014).
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