The document is a collection of diary entries from Maximilian Huyskamp, a German soldier fighting in the Battle of Tannenberg in World War I. The entries describe the brutal conditions of the battle, the heavy casualties suffered, and the fear and hardship experienced by Huyskamp and other soldiers. They also discuss the tactics and new military technologies used by Germany, including machine guns, gas warfare, and air reconnaissance, which contributed to their decisive victory over Russian forces in September 1914.

1. World War I The Tannenberg Diaries By: Sarah Mamlouk Nour Barrage

2. Table of Contents Entry #1- August 17, 1914 Entry #2- August 19, 1914 Entry #4 –August 21, 1914 Entry #5- August 21, 1914 Entry #6- September 1, 1914 Entry #7- September 2, 1914 E! True Tannenberg Story Bibliography

3. Dear Diary, My life is awful right now. Because of Germany everything is changing right now. The battle between Germany, my country, and Russia is a very brutal and bloody battle. I am apart of Germany’s 8 th army. This is the first day of the battle. This day has not ended and will not end for a while. If only it would end soon. I can not feel my feet and I feel that I will not last. Its only the first day. But in the end I am dying for my country Germany. They are who I will die for in the end of this battle, in Tannenberg. Sincerely, Maximilian Huyskamp August 17, 1914

4. Dear Diary, The battle is going on for one reason. The battle happened mostly as an opening to this world war between allies. But most of all the United Kingdom and France wanted to check Germany’s armed forces to see if they were strong enough. I feel used and abused for this purpose, checking if we are a strong army or not. This battle is hard an is taking a long time. Already we are about 2 weeks in a not much is going on other then people dieing. I am scared to watch my friends come and go and I am worried that I am next. I am going to write a poem and how I am feeling. “ My heart is gone, I cant feel or breath. All I can think about is war, and if I will always be here. My love is at home, everyone is waiting for me to come back and be in there arms forever. If I died and you read this remember I died for my country, Germany.” In the end, this battle has been fought I understand the reason and why. And I hope you do to. Sincerely, Maximilian Huyskamp August 19, 1914

5. Dear Diary, This morning I woke up just happy to be alive, but realizing how my country has industrialized in many ways possible. We now have new machines and inventions that have been invented and there are still new inventions to come. Some of the technology that we are using while in battle are things like the machine guns, armored cars, submachine guns, and automatic rifles. But something new that we use is poison gas. This gas is very poisonous and when you release it into the air you need to wear a gas mask. These can all be used by only one man instead of many. Like right now in my tent I have my own machine gun, bullets, rifles, and a whole bunch of other weapons. Our battles have become more brutal and scary because of this. You never no when a bullet is near your or not. It is a scary feeling. But when your country is more industrialized its easy. Sincerely Maximilian Huyskamp August 21, 1914

6. Dear Diary, During this battle we had many different tactics of our own as well. There is something called a counter barrage. This is something that is used to target infantry. We use microphones to try and get the position of our enemies guns. After spotting it we usually engage counter battery fire, fire delivered for the purpose of destroying or neutralizing indirect fire weapon systems( from the dictionary). Because of this more then 85% of the guns that this counter barrage was aiming for would be wiped out within the first couple of minutes during our battle. We use this tactic a lot. Some other tactics that we have been using are radio transmitters and air planes to see everything. We also use air renaissances. This battle that I am fighting has many tactics and new technologies especially since my country Germany is very powerful. This battle is very dangerous but with our wonderful commander General Paul Von Hindenburg. Because we have such great commanders, technologies, and tactics we are sure to win. And I will then go home! Sincerely Maximilian Huyskamp August 21, 1914

7. Dear Diary, During this whole battle, we encircled and destroyed the Russian 2 nd Army. The Russian 1st Army tried to come to the aid of the 2 nd Army but they were too late. We accused the commander of the 1st Army, Paul Rennenkampf, of cowardice, sloth and treason and the commander of the 2 nd Army shot himself !! I couldn’t have been more happy in my life, I am so relieved that this is finally over! I thank the Lord for being where I am today. Amen Sincerely Maximilian Huyskamp September 1, 1914

8. Dear Diary, That’s it! It’s over! Finally! General Alexander Samsonov, of Russia’s second army attempted to retreat, but we captured or slaughtered most of his soldiers, 30 000 were killed or wounded and only 10 000 of the 150 000 Russian soldiers managed to escape. I think it was kind of amusing how Samsonov was so shocked by this disastrous outcome that he committed suicide! He ACTUALLY killed himself! Although we lost 20 000 of our brothers, wow… they were really good men, one moment of silence for each and every one of them please...Okay that felt good. We were still able to take over 92 000 Russian prisoners! That’s all the news for today! Sincerely Maximilian Huyskamp September 2, 1914

9. E! True Tannenberg Story Maximilian Huyskamp was an amazing man. He was born on June 27, 1895. He was born and raised in East Germany. He had 4 brothers and 6 sisters. His mamma died while giving birth to him. He was the last child. Because of this his father was never able to support there rather large family. So when Maximilian Huyskamp reached the age of 19 and heard Germany was recruiting men for the army Maximilian Huyskamp immediately jumped for the opportunity to fight for his wonderful country, Germany. This young man kept a journal of his hardships and life in battle. It was very tuff but he sucked it all up and tried his best. He fought for his country, family, and dead mamma with pride. He just only documented things about the first battle of Tannenberg but he showed us the hardships of men in battle. He wrote poems as well; to show is emotions, thoughts, and feelings towards his hard life. Maximilian Huyskamp sadly died on the last day of battle in Tannenberg, Germany, September 2, 1914. He was only 19. Maximilian Huyskamp will remain in our hearts for a long time. He was one of the brave men out there who fought for there country.

10. And World War I Has Begun

11. Bibliography http://www.answers.com/topic/technology-during-world-war-i http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/tannenberg.htm http://www.answers.com/topic/the-battle-of-tannenberg