Strosstruppgeist - 6th Pioneer Battalion Report

March 1918. The long awaited German offensive began at the strategic point in France known to some as Jack Rabbit Trail. This site has endured many fierce battles between the outnumbered German forces and their more numerous Allied foe. With the collapse of Russia last winter, and the transfer of veteran Divisions from the east to the Western Front, the Imperial German Army could now match the number of Allied troops that opposed them in this sector. From the upper echelons of the General Staff to the most junior member of the officer corps, it is well known that the initiative and tactical training of the German soldier is second to none. In this case of numerical equality, the balance of power clearly favored the Germans.

The elite 6th Pioneer Battalion assited by elements of I.R. 23 were assigned the task of achieving a breakthrough at this sector. On March 7th the American, Canadian, and French contingents that occupied the opposing trenches, were overwhelmed by an artillery bombardment. The brave stormtroopers easily overcame most of the pockets of resistance that remained. The speed of the German advance caught many of the Allies off guard. Infiltration tactics allowed for attacks to take place simultaneously on both front line positions and rear assembly areas.

The Kaiser and the German people are extremely please with the success of this battle. It will surely strenghten our resolve to see this conflict to its end. As I write this dispatch, our Stormtroopers are preparing for additional offensives, which may eventually inflict such a blow to the Allies, that they would be forced to sue for peace. Perhaps the end is in sight now that our competent soldiers, like those of the 6th Pioneers, have achieved breakthroughs in several sectors along the Western Front.

F. Fehr, 6th Pioneer Battalion

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