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(2nd row, 2nd from the left)
"Glorious"
We were taught alsways to show respect to everybody.
Attacks on civilians, especially on women and children
never occurred, in spite of what enemy propaganda said.
We only wore weapons on special occasions,
and when we had to guard military objects.
We were told to defend ourselves only when we got attacked.
Then, however, we were told to fight back with rigour
to demonstrate that one could not just push us around.
We had and we wanted to make clear that we were no cowards
and that we did not want to be treated as such.
Enemy propaganda made the situation for us much worse.
Enemy propaganda has even accused us of having shot at castaways and
swimming, helpless enemy marines. It is totally untrue.
I have never seen anything like it.
On the contrary. These sailors and civilians
were helped on board. They were never
mistreated, hurt or tortured.
All I can say is that we German Marines
who had been taught to treat others with respect and decency
never would treat others in such a repulsive manner.
I was a German Marine for 8 years of my life
and I am vouching for the truth of my statement.