An order from Genossen Kuhn's Combat Command to the Red Army Company Commanders regarding the division of the company, inspection instructions regarding the combat situation, etc.. The original document can be found here.
Combat Command Kuhn, March 24, 1920
To the Company Commanders,
Following our discussion, I issue the following orders:
Each company is to be divided into squads, organized so that those men willing to fight until the end are grouped into separate squads, and the others are likewise grouped separately. If possible, it may be feasible to organize the men into two platoons. The names of the individual platoon leaders and squad leaders are to be reported to me. The seriousness of our situation compels us to ensure that all rifles remain at the front. Therefore, I am forced to order that rifles and ammunition be taken from those men who wish to return home. To avoid misunderstandings, I request that company commanders issue passes to those men who are only temporarily leaving the front. I will issue the strictest orders to the Hünxe Police Company to demand passes from all men leaving the front.
I ask the company commanders to provide the men with the following instructions regarding our current combat situation: Our combat unit is named Combat Group Hünxe and is in the process of forming into a regular military unit, with its left wing in Bocholt and its right wing ending in Gastrop or Gahlen. Combat Group Hünxe will be divided into two attack groups, each with a command post and an attack leader. These attack groups will, in turn, be divided into companies with a core strength of 200 men. This core strength is structured as follows: These 200 men must commit, under signature, to stand for our ideal cause until their last breath and not to leave the front without permission or orders. Additionally, each company will be assigned: 4 bicycles, machine guns as needed, and mortars. Runners and medical personnel with equipment, as well as squads of those men who are willing to fight but are unable to commit to the aforementioned obligations, will also be assigned. We must implement this organization in the interest of establishing a unified front. Many men are still unaware of the gravity of the situation. To our fallen comrades, who gave their best—their lives—for our ideal cause, we owe it to carry on the fight against capitalism to the end. There is an old saying: Unity makes strength. Therefore, we must be united to achieve our goal. Our motto is: Victory or death.
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