Diary of Annie's War Read Online Free PDF Page B

first few weeks all corn etc. was held up by the government and the farmers were not allowed to sell any until the soldiers were well provided for. Then they could dispose of what was left. But only at the same price the government gave. It was very fair for it allowed everyone to get a little. It was the same when the paraffin oil gave out. There was no rise in the price but the shopkeepers were not allowed to sell to any one person more than a pint. So everyone got a little. It was not a question of one offering double money and getting the most.
    There was a very good harvest of corn and potatoes, and fruit was very plentiful. Also the government was very kind to the farmers. Before taking the horses away from the farms they asked how much land you farmed and left you a horse or two according to the size of the place. When a farmer was called up, as in the case of the Steinoff’s’ son-in-law, he told them he had so much land and no one to take charge. He was allowed to go back for one month and get in the harvest. On presenting himself again he was told he would be sent for when necessary. Up to the end of November the farmer was not called up. It rather surprised me for he is a fine fellow. He is in the reserves and about thirty-seven years of age. The men they were most keen about were those who left the army about five or six years ago. They required scarcely any training and were ready for the front in a week or two.
Wednesday 11 th November.
    I received a postcard from Arthur from Ruhleben. He said that there were all sorts and conditions of men put together. He said that it was far from agreeable. He complained of the cold and I sent him at once some thick underclothes.
Thursday 12 th November.
    I got a postcard from Emily, and later a telegram, in which she said she was coming to have a talk with me. She arrived on Saturday the14 th , eight days after Arthur had gone, but did not get here till nine-thirty at night for there are not any through trains to Köln.
    I was glad to have her if only for the nights. I had not slept three hours each night since Arthur had left. I often thought of the nights at Woltershausen when I had to go to bed at nine-thirty for I could not keep awake. It used to be a great joke amongst us. I would have given a lot for one of those nights. In my room every night from eight o’clock in the evening I heard every hour strike till six o’clock in the morning. Then when the first tram car came down I would sleep until nine or so. Emily’s company was very acceptable to me and she stayed six days.
    She had an idea that we could get Arthur free if she went to see the General Commander. After a talk with Herr Forster, our lawyer, she went to Hannover and there saw the General Commander. I had no faith in the affair from the first. I do not think it did any good. But we had the satisfaction of knowing we had done our best.
Monday 16 th November.
    Emily went to Woltershausen and said what she thought of the people there. She told the Steinoffs that the people in the Rhine district were astonished and that they scarcely believed her. She said a lot I think.
Wednesday 18 th November.
    The Herr Pastor of Woltershausen called to see me. I noticed one thing. Not one person, with the exception of the Steinoffs and Herminie Steffen, said they were very sorry for either Arthur or I. All made the same remark: ‘So Herr Droege is in Ruhleben. You must thank your abominable government for that. He will be better treated than England treats our men’.
    I said to one man: ‘I would far rather he was in England as a German prisoner’.
    Also many ladies told me I should be thankful I was in Germany during the war as in England they were starving. They also told me that the Germans were constantly dropping bombs in the towns on the coast.
    Once or twice I said a little. As on the occasion when one person said they had a letter from a German soldier, captive in England, and his