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According to reliable information from Germany, the Germans had, up to August—September, 1915, mobilised 60 per cent, of the men between 19 and 45—i.e., approximately 8,500,000. Of these 3,400,000 are lost (killed, unfit for further service, missing, &c.), leaving 5,100,000 still available. Now they are calling up the men from 45 to 50, as well as the men of the younger classes, who were not taken from among the 40 per cent, already mentioned.
Out of this reserve Germany can levy a large number of new soldiers. It will depend upon what percentage is taken. Forty per cent. make 5,600,000; the number of men from 45 to 50 gives 2,000,000. Germany therefore still has 7,600,000 men, out of whom she can put at least 2,000,000 more in the field. It is possible that even men over 50 and of 18 would be taken. The number of men required to keep going industry and commerce is now considerably less than before the war, because all industries are on a reduced footing.
The decisive question is what quantity of equipment and armament Germany has. In any case, the strength of the German Army must not be underestimated, for the German war industry is strong and effective.
4.—The Austro-Hungarian Army.
Austria-Hungary has up till now mobilised about 4,000,000, and of these at best 2,000,000 are still fit for service. (The Austrian losses are known to include 930,000 prisoners in Russia, 70,000 prisoners in Serbia, 537,000 killed, 90,000 permanently disabled.) Over 1,250,000 are probably now at the front.
But Austria-Hungary is now calling up the classes from 18 to 50, and that would give an additional 4,000,000. The first mobilisation was not strictly carried out; but now all classes are closely examined, and a much higher percentage is taken-on an average 70 per cent., and in the Slav districts of Austria-Hungary as much as 90 per cent. The new levies consist of the following classes:—
(1) Men of 24—37, second revision, May—June.
(2) Men of 18, June.
(3) Men of 43—50, July—September.
(4) Men born in the years 1891, 1895, 1896, October.
(5) Men of 37—42, second revision, November—December.
(6) Third revision of all men of 18—50, January—February, 1916.
This gives the high total of 4,000,000. Of these at least 250,000 will be dismissed as unfit, and of the remaining 3,750,000 at least 2,250,000 can be sent to the front, while the rest accounts for the reserves and the service behind the front. That would give about 3,500,000 combatants.
For more detailed figures see La Nation Tchèque, 15th October, 1915.
5.—The Turkish and Bulgarian Armies.
The Turkish Army may amount to 1,000,000 (rather less!), while the Bulgarians can put about 300,000 men actually into the field.
