Observer at Mackensen

‘As an observer I might have been quite suitable in my capacity as a cavalryman; for after a fortnight I was sent out, to my great joy, to the only place where we still had a war of movement, namely Russia. Mackensen was just making his triumphal march. He had broken through at Gorlice, and I joined him as we took Rawa Ruska. One day in the army airfield, then I came to the famous Abt. 69, where I felt colossally stupid as a beginner. My guide was a ‘cannon’ – First Lieutenant Zeumer – who was already crooked and lame. Of the others, I’m the only one still alive today. This was actually my best time. It was very similar to the cavalry. Every day, in the mornings and afternoons, I was able to fly my reconnaissance. I brought home many a nice report.’