Trench 1915, p.1
Trench 1915, page 1
Copyright © 2023 Jake Barrett
All rights reserved.
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission from the author, except for brief passages for purposes of reviews. For more information, contact the publisher at office@publishandgo.com.
ISBN 978-1-961093-10-2 (Softcover Book)
ISBN 978-1-961093-11-9 (eBook)
Published by Silversmith Press–Houston, Texas
www.silversmithpress.com
This digital document has been produced by Nord Compo.
CONTENTS
Title Page
Copyright
Prologue
Chapter 1 - Behemoth of the East
Chapter 2 - Eyes of Wolves
Chapter 3 - The Enemy Unveiled
Chapter 4 - Recovery Before Combat
Chapter 5 - Old Friends, New Enemy, and a New Type of War
Chapter 6 - Saboteur of Przemyśl Fortress
Chapter 7 - Visiting Valhalla Base
Chapter 8 - Arrival at the Fortress
Chapter 9 - Find the Saboteur
Chapter 10 - Confronting the Saboteur
Chapter 11 - Kudos for the Sergeant
Chapter 12 - Farmers Yesterday, Soldiers Today
Chapter 13 - Overcoming Fear
Chapter 14 - Diversion for a Ghost
Chapter 15 - Their Finest Hour
Chapter 16 - Lothar's Triumph
Chapter 17 - Beware of the Gallic Rooster?
Chapter 18 - “Advance, We Dare!”
Chapter 19 - Infiltration Assault
Chapter 20 - Calm Before the Coming Storm
Chapter 21 - Bloody Trap
Chapter 22 - The Ship
Chapter 23 - Abandon Ship
Chapter 24 - Fortezza di Montagna
Chapter 25 - Marching Through the Mountains
Chapter 26 - Hall of the Mountain Fortress
Chapter 27 - An Eruption in the Alps
Chapter 28 - The Sandhai Raiders
Chapter 29 - There was Thunder in Artois
Chapter 30 - Advance to the R.O.B. Base
Chapter 31 - Firefight in the Base Camp
Chapter 32 - Clearing the Skies
Chapter 33 - Bearing the Bad News
Chapter 34 - Argonne
Prologue
Trench 1915: The Dawn of Modern Warfare is inspired by events that unfolded over a hundred years ago. Millions upon millions of soldiers would take part in this mighty struggle of this World War or the Great War.
This fictious adventure tale explores the possibilities of what a modern war would look like in various aspects and perceptions of fictitious characters. The characters and factions portrayed in this series are works of fiction, and any resemblance of our real historical figures and events are purely coincidental. The weapons, gear, and vehicles portrayed in this story are for educational purposes and no manufacturer had sponsored this book.
In June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist who was then arrested. Austria-Hungary would send an ultimatum to the Kingdom of Serbia which eventually lead to the July crisis as a string of ultimatums, diplomatic communications, and threats that culminated in the outbreak of the First World War and would change the world forever. The events of late 1914 would end in a stalemate as the war of movement ceased and what followed would be hellish trench warfare.
Among the fires and embers of this developing war comes a secret elite military organization from the German Empire; a unit that performs clandestine operations or Black Ops, espionage, and other various forms as they conduct themselves to make attempt to change the course of the Great War. Most importantly, they must remain hidden from the public for they do not exist but, those in powerful positions such as the Kaiser, the Bundesrat (Federal council), and German high command are aware of their existence, for they are the ones who have given the approval to one intelligent yet ambitious officer for the creation before the war even started. This secret unit would be known as Kaiserliche Waffen Spezialisten Battalion or the K.W.S Battalion. This is their story.
Somewhere in the train station in Oppenheim a German officer holding files in his hand stands in wait for his train. He checks his watch to see the time.
“Hmm, train is running late,” Jorgensen said to himself. Another Officer calmly walks up beside him. On his uniform was the rank of Major and he wore a monocle.
“Train is running late, huh captain...uh...apologies, I mean Commander Jorgensen.”
“It’s alright Reinhard, I know it takes some time to get used to it. It’s baffling really,” said Commander Jorgensen.
“Too right, my friend. Two years ago, you were a Captain, then suddenly the unit you dreamed of creating gets the go ahead and you become a Commander. Certainly, interesting times we live in,” Major Reinhard said.
“Came to see me off, Major?”
“As pleasant as it may sound but, no. I came here to ask why are you going? A Commander’s place is away from the frontlines not close to it, especially in the Eastern Front.”
“There is reason to why I’m going.”
“And what’s that?”
Commander Jorgensen handed the file to Major Reinhard. He took it and opened it and saw two small photos of two young soldiers and their description. The first one read:
Name: Friedrich Wilhelm Maxis
DOB: 11/20/96
Height: 6’0 Ft
Hair color: Brown
Eye color: Greenish blue
Build: Athletic
Language: German, English, and Russian.
National: German
Military unit: Kaiserliche Waffen Spezialisten Battalion
Rank: Sergeant
M.O.S: Classified
Siblings: One sister, Monika Maxis
In the photo Maxis is wearing his pickelhaube without the cover. Reinhard read the second file.
Name: Ludvig Hansel Lothar
DOB: 6/10/96
Height: 6’1
Hair color: Black
Eye color: Brown
Build: Strong
Language: German, English, French
National: German
Military unit: Kaiserliche Waffen Spezialisten Battalion
Rank: Corporal
M.O.S: Classified
Siblings: Two brothers
“Hmph, I remember these two. They blasted through the whole training and conditioning process in the span of three months. Sgt. Maxis was the very dedicated one, being able to figure things out quickly, and physically fit to the point of carrying a lot of gear with ease. Intelligent and strong, but I also heard he gained three nicknames during his fight in Belgium. Der Wolf, Black Wolf, and the Black Wolf of Mons. Then there’s Cpl. Lothar. Strong, brave, and being right behind Maxis. Nothing here said anything in terms of titles or nicknames besides a heroic fighter in Tannenberg. I’m still curious on how they managed get through it and...oh, I see now. These two were trained by the legendary Sgt. Kurtz before they even got recruited into the Battalion! God rest his soul.” Major Reinhard finishes, with a look of surprise on his face and hands the files back.
“Correct Major. Our form of advance training was modeled by him and few other salty old, experienced sergeants.”
“But that doesn’t answer why you are going to the front, Sir?” Major Reinhard asked.
“Because I personally deployed those two to a quiet sector in the Eastern Front. Not to mention I am the Godfather to Maxis because of my friendship with his father.”
“How so?”
“It’s a long story, I’ll tell it another time. Do not see it as form of favoritism, though I may be a hypocrite to that point but there have been strange reports regarding that area and so I’m giving them a real mission rather than the miscellaneous ones I’ve already bestowed upon them. They’re ready and already skilled enough to get it done. Second, after the mission I intend to check on the construction of our other two bases in the east, Odin and Jotunheim.”
Commander Jorgensen paused as the train finally arrived, screeching to a halt. Soldiers and officers disembark.
“It looks like your train is here, Commander. Atrociously slow if you ask me.” Reinhard hands back the file.
“Indeed, I’ll put in a request for our own train and probably our own rail system that can get us anywhere with better timing,” Jorgensen said, as he stepped on the first step of train car. “Well, this is where we part ways my friend.”
“True but, temporary. Though I strongly advise caution, Sir.”
“Fear not, Reinhard. I’ll be careful though. Who knows? Something might come out of this trip...shall we say a breakthrough on the Eastern Front? Then I would certainly be pleased since the Hapsburgs already have their backs against the Carpathians.”
“If you were pleased then you would share that sentiment with nice bottle of wine.” Major Reinhard smirks.
“Always the classic one, huh Major?”
“Always will be, even your wife would agree. Safe travels, Gott Mit Uns (God with us), Commander Jorgensen!” Major Reinhard bid, with a salute.
“Immer mit Präzision (Always with Precision), Major Reinhard.” Jorgensen returned the salute, then boarded the train. The train leaves the station bound for the Eastern Front. Major Reinhard walks away and back to his private automobile.
With Jorgensen on his way to meet our two protagonists on the Eastern front, what lies within the frontlines is unknown, but w
CHAPTER 1
Behemoth of the East
February 27th, 1915, Bochnia, near the Galician Front
“Being deployed to Austria-Hungary after joining and training with the Kaiserliche Waffen-spezialisten Battalion (Imperial Special Weapons Battalion) or the KWS battalion before being sent to Austria-Hungary under the orders by my godfather, Commander Jorgensen, was not how I wanted to spend my time during this war. We were stuck doing reconnaissance missions, support, and helping improve the Hapsburgs’ lacking combat effectiveness. I guess that was the reward that Lothar and I earned for our bravery. My actions in Belgium during the Schlieffen Plan may have given me some recognition for my “strategic maneuvering,” not always in the ways my commanding officer hoped, while leading my squad in taking vital key positions. As Lothar always said, “The actions of the few are more noticeable than the of actions of the many,” Maxis entered in his journal.
During the Battle of Tannenberg, Lothar was part of a machine gun crew. Once, as he tells it, they were hit by an enemy shell during the Russian assault. After the shelling, two were dead, one was badly wounded, and Lothar received some shrapnel to parts of his left arm and leg. Lothar still got up and manned the machine gun. He managed to hold off an entire company of Imperial Russian infantry on his left flank.
It really takes two soldiers to man the machine gun, but Lothar can handle himself in situations like that. So, he loaded the gun, despite the pain he endured from his wounds, and he kept fighting. By the time the left flank was reinforced they found Lothar still clutching the machine gun and fifty meters in front of him lay two hundred fifty dead Russian soldiers, from the tree line to the open field. I’m quite curious what our first mission will entail. Though if I remember what Sgt. Kurtz told me, it is to be prepared for anything or anyone. Wish he was here now.” Maxis put his journal down and stood to attention with Lothar and saluted the Commander.
Commander Jorgensen walked into the tent. Both men held attention until the Commander returned their salute.
“I have a mission for you two, and a peculiar one at best. The scouts from the Austria-Hungarian 1st Army have reports of strange activities beyond the enemy lines. Reports state that large trees have been knocked down like dominos and the ground shakes at certain parts of the day besides the normal artillery hitting the battlefields,” Commander Jorgensen finished.
“So, it’s a Reconnaissance mission, Sir?” asked Maxis.
“No, this a search and destroy mission, Sergeant.” Jorgensen continued, “The Austrian-Hungarian High command believes it to be nothing more than large troop movement and heavy equipment, but that’s a load of exaggeration coming from Field Marshal Conrad von Hötzendorf himself. I believe there is more to this than meets the eye, that’s why I’m going to send you two to investigate.
“The two of you are capable of infiltrating the Russian lines with or without the need of support from us or that of our allies. Once you get through their lines, gather as much enemy intelligence as you can and if possible, destroy whatever they are working on and come back to our lines safely. Any questions?”
The two responded with a crisp, “No Sir!”
“Report to Quartermaster Heinrich to receive your equipment and that is all. Dismissed!”
Lothar and Maxis salute again as the commander walked away.
“Search and destroy, huh?” Lothar asked. Maxis responded with a nod. “I guess we should go see what Heinrich has for us,” says Lothar.
“You go ahead. I have to go survey the sector so we can make our approach.” Maxis replied.
“Oh, so that’s your excuse for not coming to get your equipment. Got it,” Lothar nodded with a grin and walked away.
Lothar made his way to the tent where Heinrich was sitting. He walked in to be greeted by a man sitting at his desk and behind him are crates of weapons and ammo. Heinrich turned his head toward Lothar and asked with a smile, “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Heinrich, we’re going to need the shipment that you received.”
“Oh, what for?” he questioned.
“All I can say is that we need to infiltrate the Russian line.”
“Well, that is the most insane mission I’ve ever heard, but alright,” Heinrich rebutted.
“So, what do you have for us?” Lothar inquired.
“Hold on.” Heinrich walked away then grabbed a large crate. “Here.” Heinrich put the large crate on the table, then immediately used a crowbar to open it. “Alright, let’s see what we have here,” says Heinrich, as he reached into the hay-filled crate.
“Well, this is interesting. A well modified Madsen light machine gun,” said Lothar as he focused his gaze on the gun. Heinrich continued to speak.
“Hmmm, this is an interesting design. Built-in wooden foregrip for increased control, painted reflex sight, and the barrel has been shortened by six inches.”
“I like it already,” Lothar responded, with a smile on his face.
“Well, she’s all yours! Moving on.” Heinrich reached in again to see what else was within the crate. “Well…” Heinrich paused just a moment as he pulled out a strange rifle with a large magazine.
“What is that?” Lothar asked.
“This is the Mauser M1913 Selbstlader (Self-loader).”
“How do you know that?” Lothar furrowed his brow questioningly.
“I didn’t, just read the note that came with it.,”” Heinrich responded. “Here, take a look.” He passed the note over.
The note read:
“Dear Sgt. Maxis,
I’m a representative of the Mauser company in Oberndorf. I’ve heard great things from Herr Jorgensen about your in accomplishments in Belgium and the special Battalion that you been enrolled in. My company is currently working on a couple of prototypes for the German Imperial Army. I’ve taken the liberty to let you have the privilege of trying out one of our new experimental rifles, the M1913 Selbstlader (self-loading) long rifle version. What makes this rifle unique is the detachable fifteen round magazine – not stripper clips, but a bona fide “magazine” and you can attach a bayonet lug at the end of the barrel as well. We do hope to hear some feedback about our rifle.
Respectfully,
Mayer Clausewitz
Representative, Mauser GMBH”
Lothar finished reading the letter and turned it to Heinrich and spoke. “That was interesting, and also why were you looking through his letter?”
“I was bored and there was nothing to read besides the shipment manifest,” Heinrich responded with a smirk on his face. He shrugged his shoulders.
“Just be glad that we’re not in Germany, otherwise this would be a federal crime,” Lothar retorted.
“Anyway, here’s the ammunition for the two of you, six magazines each, four new M1915 stick grenades. Which means the two of you get to use them first since there are delays that are preventing the rest of the Imperial German army from receiving them. Also, a prototype grenade discharger attachment, one magazine filled with blank munitions to help propel the grenade from inside the discharger, some dynamite, and 3 smoke grenades for the discharger!” Heinrich finished with a flourish of excitement.
“Alright, thanks.” Lothar picked up the equipment and headed out of the tent.
Meanwhile, Maxis surveyed the area. He found the high ground and went as far as literally climbing a tree. He also studied battle plans and maps provided to him by Commander Jorgensen thoroughly for his operation. He memorized everything from troop movement to guard posting, to the highest concentration of troops and where they were located, and went so far as to stay up to date with Hapsburg scouts that had the latest intel from the field. Later he returned to the tent.
“This has to work,” Maxis mumbled to himself and looked at the map on the table.
“We need to make this work, otherwise we’ll end up dead for trying. Kurtz made it look easy, I just hope I can do the same,” Maxis thought to himself.
“Delivery!” Lothar shouted as he walked into the tent carrying their equipment and gear.
“You’re back already?” Maxis remarked sarcastically but with a smile.
“Of course, and I brought back many good gifts, courtesy of our friend Heinrich,” Lothar says as he lays the bag down.
