CHAPTER 5 draws once again on the personal diary of Major von Heygendorff of Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 245 together with that of his subordinate Hauptmann Curt John (acting commander of the regiment's II. Bataillon) to describe the prominent role played by their regiment in the Second Battle of Ypres (April-May 1915).
This provides a broader perspective on the battle than one would expect, as RIR 245 was divided up across two sectors at the time. Its commander was tasked with leading a composite Regiment von Heygendorff (comprising battalions from RIR 245, 246 and 247) in the assault on the Gravenstafel Ridge on the northeastern face of the Ypres salient. Meanwhile Hauptmann John was with the rump of the regiment in its established sector at In de Ster Cabaret, with the simpler mission of keeping as many enemy troops as possible pinned in place opposite.
Above: Leutnant von Vahl (by "E.T.")
In addition to multiple photographs of Major von Heygendorff, we have included some very characterful pencil portraits both of the major and of Hauptmann John (von Heygendorff's is in chapter 4) by the talented regimental artist known only as 'E.T.' Elsewhere in the book you will find portraits by 'E.T.' of Major Gustav von Aspern (commander of I./245) and Leutnant der Landwehr Prof. Karl Ramshorn (Ortskommandant of Waterdamhoek). We are pleased to present another one here, depicting Leutnant von Vahl (first name sadly unknown). This uhlan officer originally commanded the regimental despatch riders but later became Major von Heygendorff's adjutant, and can be seen with him in several photos.
All of these sketches are taken from the same series of RIR 245 officers (dated January 1915) which were printed and sold as picture postcards. Jürgen has thirteen of them, but we have not yet been able to discover how many there were in the full series. We would be delighted to hear from readers in possession of other cards and/or information about the elusive 'E.T.'!
