In the account book of the Great War the page recording the Russian losses has been ripped out. The figures are unknown. Five millions, or eight? We ourselves know not.
Meaning of the quote
The quote suggests that the true number of Russian casualties during World War I is unknown. The German soldier who said this believed the page in the war's records that had the exact figures was torn out, so no one knows for sure how many Russians died, whether it was around 5 million or 8 million. The speaker admits they do not have the actual information.
About Paul von Hindenburg
Paul von Hindenburg was a renowned German military officer and statesman who played a crucial role in World War I and the rise of the Nazi regime. He served as the President of Germany from 1925 until his death in 1934, and his actions during this time period had a profound impact on the course of German history.
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More quotes from Paul von Hindenburg
In the account book of the Great War the page recording the Russian losses has been ripped out. The figures are unknown. Five millions, or eight? We ourselves know not.
Prussian-German field marshal of the German Empire, statesman and president of Weimar Germany and Nazi Germany (1847-1934)
In spite of certain distressing but isolated occurrences in the last battle, I certainly hoped that the Army would be in a position to continue to hold out.
Prussian-German field marshal of the German Empire, statesman and president of Weimar Germany and Nazi Germany (1847-1934)
It does not seem to me to be sufficiently recognized everywhere among the officials that the existence or non-existence of our people and Empire is at stake.
Prussian-German field marshal of the German Empire, statesman and president of Weimar Germany and Nazi Germany (1847-1934)
However, the fact that the tanks had now been raised to such a pitch of technical perfection that they could cross our undamaged trenches and obstacles did not fail to have a marked effect on our troops.
Prussian-German field marshal of the German Empire, statesman and president of Weimar Germany and Nazi Germany (1847-1934)
I believed that our own public would keep this in mind even in this serious crisis, and stand firm if only we at the front continued to stand firm too.
Prussian-German field marshal of the German Empire, statesman and president of Weimar Germany and Nazi Germany (1847-1934)
All we know is that, at times, fighting the Russians, we had to remove the piles of enemy bodies from before our trenches, so as to get a clear field of fire against new waves of assault.
Prussian-German field marshal of the German Empire, statesman and president of Weimar Germany and Nazi Germany (1847-1934)
It is impossible for our working people to maintain their full strength if they do not succeed in obtaining a sufficient supply of fat, allotted to them on a proper basis.
Prussian-German field marshal of the German Empire, statesman and president of Weimar Germany and Nazi Germany (1847-1934)
I also believed that our public at home would be strong enough to survive even the present crisis.
Prussian-German field marshal of the German Empire, statesman and president of Weimar Germany and Nazi Germany (1847-1934)