Anonymous German Reservist

A German reservist in Manila, who shortly after the declaration of war in 1914, left to join the German defense forces in Tsingtao, China.

August 1, 1914

(Manila). We are expecting war to be declared any moment, and have been expecting it for several days now. As I have nothing else to

August 2, 1914

Complete mobilization of Tsingtao is announced and the reserves are called in. Haipo Woods is cleared and the Chinese villages of Kang-tchia-shuang and Hsi-wu-tshia are

August 3, 1914

Germany declares war on France. The 3rd Company of the East-Asiatic Detachment of Marines arrives at Syfang at noon. The SMS. Iltis is decommissioned. (Manila).

August 4, 1914

The North German Lloyd Steamer Prinz Eitel Friedrich is being commissioned as an auxiliary cruiser with the help of the dismounted guns from the SMS

August 5, 1914

The S.M.S. Emden brings in the steamer Reysan of the Russian Volunteer fleet. The steamer, Reysan is armed with guns from the S.M.S. Cormoran and

August 6, 1914

The news is received that England has declared war on Germany. I am called to the Consulate once more and am ordered to get myself

August 7, 1914

I board the ship at Manila with a perfect contempt for death. Then I wait. The steamer is supposed to leave at three. It is

August 8, 1914

At last the telegram arrives. “We should go head with our trip and not worry. On our arrival at Hongkong it would be seen what

August 9, 1914

The Austrian cruiser Kaiserin Elisabeth goes to sea for target practice. THE JAPANESE NEWSPAPERS ARE FIRM IN ASSURANCES THAT JAPAN HAS NO HOSTILE INTENTIONS TOWARDS

August 10, 1914

According to a report of the Tokyo German Embassy, a Japanese attack may be expected within the hour. The report is denied during the day.

August 11, 1914

In the afternoon we are herded out in troops of ten and taken before the Provost Marshal one by one. I put on the most

August 12, 1914

I leave Hongkong aboard the China, where I meet a few of my fellow passengers from the Manchuria. One of these is a German who

August 13, 1914

The German cable on the Island of Yap is destroyed. The S.M.S. Torpedo-boat, S-90 arrives in the harbor at noon, returning from a trip of

August 14, 1914

I arrive at Shanghai, and have my baggage brought to the Hotel Kalee. Then I go to see the Consul right away, together with the

August 15, 1914

We arrive in Nanking, and pass over the Yangtse to take the Pukow-Tientsin train in Pukow. Three more Germans have joined our party who are

August 16, 1914

A grand field service is held in front of the Bismark Barracks on the Iltis Square.

August 17, 1914

At seven in the morning we arrive at Tsinanfu, where we have to change cars for Tsingtao. The Shantung railway which is to take us,

August 18, 1914

At seven in the morning I return to barracks. During the forenoon I am examined and am found to be acceptable. The same afternoon we

August 19, 1914

I fall in for the first time. The company is redivisioned and assigned to its quarters. We are ten in our room. The infantry posts

August 20 and 21, 1914

August 21, 1914

We get up at half past five, wash ourselves at the pump, eat breakfast which consists of coffee and black bread, and fall in at

August 22 and 23, 1914

August 23, 1914

This morning we march to Point Iltis where we build trenches which are to control the beaches and stop possible landing parties. In the afternoon,

August 24, 1914

The Austrian cruiser Kaiserin Elisabeth disarms. Her crew is sent to Tientsin, but later come marching back.

August 25, 1914

Today I am appointed to carry food to the watches at the first aid station. Two big jugs, full of tea and soup are handed

August 27, 1914

At 8:30 in the morning, one large and three small Japanese cruisers, besides four torpedo-boat destroyers appear from behind the “Haystack”. After maneuvering for a

August 28, 1914

I am sworn in, together with fifteen other men. Cape Jaeschke is said to have been taken by the Japanese.

August 29, 1914

I stand guard today for the first time, at the artillery depot. This lies between two hills and consists of about thirty large and small

August 30, 1914

A sea mine is exploded in front of the “Haystack” by a Japanese torpedo-bast destroyer. The last railroad train leaves Tsingtao.

August 31, 1914

The weather is very stormy and there is much rain all day. The Japanese Torpedo-boat Destroyer Shituye runs aground at the little island of Lientao,

September 2, 1914

From yesterday until today, I stood guard at the artillery depot. Upon my return to barracks I find out that they are just looking for

September 3, 1914

Today we go on leave and I take the opportunity to visit my brother in the city. He has moved in the meantime and is