SKULL AND CROSS BONES

Volunteers came in every day, and names are still being put down. Marie Bochkareva has been appointed commander of this battalion, whose badge is a skull and cross bones, and their regimental colours, red and black, symbolising blood and death. They have sent a petition to General Brussiloff to be sent to the most dangerous spot, and where he thinks moral influence is most needed.

More enthusiastic, daring, and cheerful soldiers have not been seen since the first days of the war. They are volunteers of the best type. Although they have been training only a fortnight, they have adapted themselves to military discipline and the hardships of drilling. Their one idea is – To the front!

Bochkareva is loved by every one of her soldiers. She is firm and strict when on duty, and their comrade when free. She makes no distinction of class. In her battalion are girls of high education, girls of the middle-class, and girls of her own rank in life. There are even several married women, but only those with no children are accepted. Bochkareva has so little education that she can hardly write her name, and reads by syllables. Her aide-de camp, Skridlova, is a well-educated girl, daughter of an admiral, speaking four languages.

On July 6 the battalion left for the front. They walked through the main streets of Petrograd led by a sailors’ band, and thousands of spectators, mostly women, cheered them as they passed. Flowers were showered upon these valiant young soldiers, and even their bayonets were decorated to the very points.