While every effort was made by the respective General Staffs to
supply their fighting troops with such comforts as were absolutely
necessary to keep body and soul together and in trim for the next
day's work, little could be accomplished and it is a marvel how
these poor soldiers did withstand the rigorous weather which blighted
the prospect of victory, so dear to all who wear a uniform.
* * * * *
CHAPTER XXXI
END OF SIX MONTHS' FIGHTING IN THE WEST
There were few military movements on the French battle front during
December, 1914, along the Aisne, the Oise and in the northern Champagne.
The fighting was mostly artillery duels and skirmishes by separate
units. In the Argonne, however, the Crown Prince of Germany was
active and there, as well as along the Moselle and on the heights
of the Vosges, many engagements were fought out resulting in varying
advantages to either opponent. Both sides had been strongly intrenched
and the ground was covered by snow to great depths, making progress
impossible except upon skis and snowshoes.
On December 3, 1914, the French captured Burnhaupt, a hill east of
Muelhausen in Upper Alsace, only to give up their advantage after
a German counterattack. On December 16 the Germans attacked in the
Woevre region and in Alsace; but were repulsed the following day.
On December 31, 1914, the French attacked Steinbach in Alsace, but
were driven out again.
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