The Kingdom of serbia : report upon the atrocities committed by the Austro-Hungarian Army during the first invasion of Serbia

8 AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN ATROCITIES

the signal to do so. Pertz had told them that they were explosive bullets. No. 12 had been given some along with the rest.

No. 13, of the 73rd Regiment, states that he saw only few Serb prisoners. The peasants and other inhabitants were carried off to Bosnia as prisoners. “Einschusspatronen” were served out to good shots. These cartridges raised more dust than ordinary bullets, and must only be used to fire at the ground.

No. 14, of the 73rd Regiment, was in Bosnia with the Reserve. He said that the soldiers of the army on active service were given from 5 to 10 explosive bullets. Not having been with the army on active service, he knew nothing of the effect of these “ Einschusspatronen.”

No. 45, of the 96th Regiment, states that the good shots were given 10, sometimes 20 explosive bullets, and were not allowed to use them without special orders. These cartridges were distinguished from ordinary ones by a black band.

No. 16, of the 78th Regiment, declares that all good shots were supplied with from 5 to 10 ¢ Einschusspatronen.” They were ordered to use them in firing upon the enemy. The officers explained to them that one of these bullets could kill two soldiers, and that they inflicted a large wound. Soon afterwards the soldiers were given the order to spare no one. It was Lieutenant Witze of 1st Marschbataillon (battalion on active service), 2nd Company, who explained the effect of these special bullets to the men. They were served out to the good shots in the Austrian army, but care was taken not to give any to soldiers of Serb extraction.

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