Unable to obtain credentials from the English authorities, he started for Brussels and arrived there in time to see the entry of the German troops, which he afterward described so graphically.

Indeed this article is considered by many to be one of the finest pieces of descriptive writing the Great War has produced.
For several days after Brussels had come under the control of the Germans Richard remained there and then decided to go to Paris as the siege of the French capital at the time seemed imminent.

He and his friend Gerald Morgan, who was acting as the correspondent of the London Daily Telegraph, decided to drive to Hal and from there to continue on foot until they had reached the English or French armies where they knew they would be among friends.

At Hal they were stopped by the German officials and Morgan wisely returned to Brussels.

However, Richard having decided to continue on his way, was promptly seized by the Germans and held as an English spy.