[WW] A German Soldier's 10 Commandments

[Soothsprayer <hercubadger@yahoo.com>]

Found this when researching some detail for the DAK
play by mail. Interesting to note that the Africa
front did indeed follow these rules to the letter at
Rommel's direct orders. In Europe and in Italy a more
'gentlemanly' conduct to war was shown towards the
enemy

Of course, in Russia and depending on the unit
involved, the rules were certainly convieniently
forgotten or ignored.

An interesting read all the same.

Cheers,
Mr. B

Reprinted from:
http://www.igc.apc.org/ddickerson/german-soldier-rules.html

1- While fighting for victory the German soldier will
observe the rules of chivalrous warfare. Cruelties and
senseless destruction are below his standard.


2- Combatants will be in uniform or will wear
specially introduced and clearly distinguishable
badges. Fighting in plain clothes or without such
badges is prohibited.


3- No enemy who has surrendered will be killed,
including partisans and spies. They will be duly
punished by courts.


4- P.O.W. will not be ill-treated or insulted. While
arms, maps, and records are to be taken away from
them, their personal belongings will not be touched.


5- Dum-Dum bullets are prohibited; also no other
bullets may be transformed into Dum-Dum.


6- Red Cross Institutions are sacrosanct. Injured
enemies are to be treated in a humane way. Medical
personnel and army chaplains may not be hindered in
the execution of their medical, or clerical
activities.


7- The civilian population is sacrosanct. No looting
nor wanton destruction is permitted to the soldier.
Landmarks of historical value or buildings serving
religious purposes, art, science, or charity are to be
especially respected. Deliveries in kind made, as well
as services rendered by the population, may only be
claimed if ordered by superiors and only against
compensation.


8- Neutral territory will never be entered nor passed
over by planes, nor shot at; it will not be the object
of warlike activities of any kind.


9- If a German soldier is made a prisoner of war he
will tell his name and rank if he is asked for it.
Under no circumstances will he reveal to which unit he
belongs, nor will he give any information about German
military, political, and economic conditions. Neither
promises nor threats may induce him to do so.


10- Offenses against the a/m matters of duty will be
punished. Enemy offenses against the principles under
1 to 8 are to be reported. Reprisals are only
permissible on order of higher commands.



__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Make a great connection at Yahoo! Personals.
http://personals.yahoo.com