But by the time the army reached the approaches of Paris the forced marches had so depleted the stock of horses that for remounts the Germans were seizing all they met.

Those that could not keep up were shot.

For miles along the road from Meaux to Soissons and Rheims their bodies tainted the air.
They had served their purposes, and after six weeks of campaigning the same animals that in times of peace would have proved faithful servants for many years were destroyed that they might not fall into the hands of the French.

Just as an artillery-man spikes his gun, the Germans on their retreat to the Aisne River left in their wake no horse that might assist in their pursuit.

As they withdrew they searched each stable yard and killed the horses.