Chapter II

As I thought it was the end of the day, during our sleep about five hours in, a disturbing sound was being played loudly. I was startled by it, but I didn’t know what it was at first. As I stood up and listened carefully, I suddenly realized that it was an alarm, coming from the siren outside of the barracks. Then suddenly, I heard explosions; that woke everyone up. I was nervous and confused of what was going on and I didn’t dare to look outside. Above me, Herrick, on the other hand, was just sitting there and looked pretty calm. I think he knows what is going on, but I didn’t ask. I was too scared to ask.

The barracks door suddenly busted open and about four to six men came inside. Then another person stepped in, it was Sergeant Schwarze. He didn’t look quite worried as far as I can tell; matter of fact, he looked disappointed. ‘Now just what is going on?’ I thought to myself.

“This ain’t vacation son. I’m pretty sure all of you heard that siren, and that explosion, and all your asses are still on that bed, looking like a midnight snack? Now get asses up and move out to the yard. Move it!” (Sgt. Schwarze)

As scared as I was, I quickly dressed up and walked out of the barracks and stood in line under the dark sky. I was tired as my eyes didn’t want to open. When all of us arrived outside in after a couple of minutes, Schwarze began another running exercise of five kilometers. After about a little more than half an hour of running, we regrouped once again, waiting for the next exercises. First came a hundred pushups, and then came a hundred sit-ups, and finally a hundred pull-ups at the training yard.

After all that training, we got back into the barracks for some rest. I sat down on my bed and reached under the pillow, realizing that the letter was missing. I searched up and down all over the bed and floor, but I had no hope in finding the letter. The door opened again, but I didn’t even notice as I was too focused on the letter. Schwarze walked, but I still wasn’t paying attention until he called my name.

“Kastner.” he called and immediately, I looked up, “Come outside.”

“Yes, sir.” I replied as I put on my boots and followed him out the barracks.

“Is this envelope yours?” he asked as he pulled out a white envelope out of his pocket. I recognized it as it was the one I had under the pillow.

I replied, “Yes, sir.”

“Take this back first.” he said as he handed me the envelope, “Take this to the front post. They’ll take care of the mailing. Be sure to have the mailing destination address. Understood?”

And once again, I replied, “Yes, sir.”

“Alright then, dismissed.” he said as he walks away from me.

After he leaves as I saluted him, I walked to the front post as Schwarze told me and handed them my letter. They took my envelope, stamped it and placed it into a box with other envelopes that are to be mailed. With that being taken care of, I returned to the barracks and continued my resting. I really hope that this was the end of the first day.

As the first day passed by, we continued training day after day. We did the routine running exercise, pushups, sit-ups, pull-ups and there was a new exercise that was introduced to us. This exercise required much balance and speed in the combined form. The objective was to cross a narrow platform placed about two meters above the ground and reach the other side in the shortest amount of time possible. Schwarze was yelling at us for almost the whole exercise and of all the things he said, I thought one of them was actually quite funny. He was yelling at the recruit right before me saying “You can that running? My grandma can run faster than you and she’s ninety years old!” I have to admit, his grandma can run pretty fast then. After this training exercise, we moved onto target practice with the Kar 98, MP 40, and grenades. I had to admit, this was actually kind of fun compared to the other exercises. The meals are great, especially after all the training. Many recruits have been transferred away from the camp as new recruits joined. I wonder where they’re going.

As almost two weeks have passed, Herrick was transferred away along with Connor. I didn’t see Heinrich or Gisela around either; they probably got transferred too. The only one I know that is still in the camp was Anna. Even so, the day just went on like usual: training, training, and training. I feel like I’m improving through these days; my stamina increased, I’m doing more pushups, sit-ups and pull-ups than my usual self and my speed in the exercise increased too. I guess there are changes after all through training. By the end of the day, I would usually go to the front post to see if Elsa had returned a letter. I’ve been there probably about eleven times now since I gave in my letter, but there was none. I was beginning to worry if something has happened back at home. Tonight, however, I received a letter from Elsa; my worries can now leave. I got back into the barracks on my bunk and opened the envelope. Inside was a white piece of paper.

To My Most Loved Brother:

Oh Robert! I missed you so much! Is everything alright? It’s quiet and lonely back at home without you. Oh how I long for your return. I hope you are having some good sleep and rest. In a few days, I will be returning to our parents’ home with their remains and have them rest back home at Sachson. Do not worry Robert, I will be back to Anhalt in a few days. I can take care of myself. I long to see you come home brother. Please...come back safely...

Love,

Elsa

After I finished reading the letter, I folded the paper to its original form and placed it back into the envelope and with the envelope, I then placed it into my section of the drawer next to the bunk. Soon, the Sergeant came in to call the night. I slept well that night and the next day, I was going to be ready for any training.

After about a few more weeks of training, I found out that there was a test. It’s not exactly a test, but rather live training. It was supposed to be some sort of simulation of the actual battlefield where we are in a given scenario and we will need to fight through it. For this training, special rounds for our weapons were made. There is one thing however; the training is not only involving with the recruits in this camp, but also other recruits from other training camps. Those who were transferred away would also be joining us in this training. This “test” was scheduled on the next few days, three days from today to be exact, but until then, our training continued; it only got harder and harder, from five kilometer runs to twenty kilometer runs, a hundred pushups, sit-ups and pull-ups to three hundred, it just never ends does it?

As the last few days until the live test starts, I grew more nervous each day. I’ve been training and improving, but I just don’t know what it would be like to be on an actual battlefield, even if it is just a simulation. And so it is, a very bright clear morning, as I stand with the group of recruits from this camp alongside with another group of recruits that is from another camp. As I was looking, I saw Conner in a group and Herrick and Gisela in another group. I didn’t see Herrick though. However, I did hear that this test is separated into two opposing groups. Herrick might be in the other group. As time passed ever so slowly, everyone has finally gathered together. As everybody settled down, a group of people walked through the path between the two groups. Sergeant Schwarze was there standing beside another officer with the Corporal on his side. There were two other officers on the other side of the middle man. They stopped and they stood on the side of the group they are assigned to. Schwarze and the Corporal were taking over our group. I kind of took a slight hearing of what the people are saying. Apparently, the officer in the middle was Herbert Himmler; as far as I know, he is quite famous in the army. We all saluted and I believe that the test had officially begun.

Schwarze and the officer of the opposing group walked up in the middle of the two groups and began to speak.

“As all of you know, today we have a simulated training. There will be two combat groups in this training, each with an armored platoon, an artillery platoon, two infantry platoons, one engineer platoon, one medical squad, and one machine gun squad. Sergeant Schulz will debrief the entire operation.” (Sgt. Schwarze)

“This training exercise will be called Operation Borderline. The operation will be taken place in the southern woods of Anhalt. The two groups will be separated as Groupmente East and Groupmente West; Groupmente E will be held as a defensive force and Groupmente W, offensive. Groupmente W’s objective is to break through the defenses of Groupmente E before reinforcements arrive and Groupmente E’s objective is to the hold the defensive line until reinforcements arrive. The defense line is set fifteen kilometers behind Groupmente E’s defenses. For this training and the safety of all of you, your weapons will not utilizing live rounds, instead there will special rounds. Your rifles, pistols, submachine guns, and machine guns will be utilizing a hard paint round, leaving indication of any wounds along with leaving a somewhat painful feeling to bring you out of combat. All tanks will be utilizing shell similar to the paint round, leaving indication of damage upon impact. Artillery guns will be utilizing a paint shell capable of travelling long distances like the live high explosion shell. Flamethrowers will not be available for this training exercise. Grenades will be modified to meet the safety standards of the training exercise. Any questions?” the crowd stood in silence, “......Operation Borderline will begin at 0800 hours.” (Sgt. Schulz)

Once he finished, he went back to his group. Himmler walked toward Schwarze and began to speak to him. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but Himmler threw something into the air and landed back on his hand. Maybe it was a coin to decide the groups. Himmler then walked back to the center and spoke.

“Sergeant Schwarze will be leading Groupmente E and Sergeant Schulz will be leading Groupmente W.” He turns his head to Schwarze, then Schulz, “Go on.” (Maj. Gen. Himmler)

“Alright everyone listen up! Those who are in the infantry platoons, engineer platoons, medical squads, and machine gun squads, head into the barracks to get yourselves ready. The transport vehicles will be arriving in fifteen minutes. The rest, follow the overwatch platoon to the headquarters.” (Sgt. Schwarze)

At his order, the armored platoon and the artillery platoon left with another group and the rest of us went back into the barracks. I sat down on my bed and fixed myself up. I was really nervous. I couldn’t even tie my shoe laces without my hands shaking like a generator. Then, I waited. After about thirteen minutes later, I heard a whistle blow coming from outside. It must be the signal for us to leave. I got off my bed and followed the group to the trucks. There were about three trucks and two half-tracks. The machine gun squad, medical squad, and engineer platoon got on the trucks and the rest of us got on the half-tracks. I followed and stepped up onto the truck. Once everyone was on board, we began to move. It was early in the morning at about six o’clock maybe.

We travelled for about half an hour until we finally reach the woods. The place seems to be prepared; there was a trench that stretches across the woods as far as I can tell and craters and barbed wires. There’s still about an hour and a half until the operation starts. As the trucks unloaded us, Schwarze gathered us around to give us our positions.

“The area of operations will taking place in these woods. The operation will be starting shortly, set up your positions. The machine gun squad will set up in the central positions. Infantry platoons take the sides. Engineer teams, set up the defenses along trenches and craters. The artillery platoon will arrive soon in the rear. The tanks and armored vehicles, take the sides along the infantry platoons. Double time! The enemy won’t wait!” (Sgt. Schwarze)

At his order, everyone began to mobilize. I followed the infantry platoon I was assigned to and headed towards the left side of the giant trench. For about a minute of travelling, I finally reached the destination. There were many wooden crates stacked on top of each other at the end of the trench. I took a peek above the trench seeing barbed wires not too far away along with craters. I settled down with the others away from the open path as the other recruits continued the preparation for the operation. A few short moments later, the recruits began to stop moving around and opened some of the crates. Inside were ammunition, grenades and supplies. I took a look at my watch and there were only seven minutes left before the operation begins.

I checked all my equipment before starting the operation. Everything was intact; I cocked my rifle and waited. I last few moments was very quiet, almost peaceful as I can only hear the wind and my heart beating. As still as it was, only until the silence broke; a whistling sound was heard as I saw a smoking light reaching to the skies. That was the signal; the operation had begun. The first moment of the operation was silence. I couldn’t see any signs of the opponents in the far distance. Our squad leader was on the lookout with his binoculars. We waited for about six minutes until the next event occurred. I didn’t see it clearly, but I saw a flash in the distance, and at the same instance, our squad leader yelled “Incoming!” and we all took our measures. I placed myself down to the trench leaning on the wall as the whistling shells came closer and impacted the ground. Many explosions landed as they poured out paint. More and more shells came like rain for the next few minutes, bombarding the trench. I didn’t see any tanks around, but I didn’t have the chance to check. As the last shells landed, I saw some recruits from our platoon leaving. I supposed that they were killed in battle.

As I got myself up from the cover, suddenly in the distance were shadows, large and small. I turned my head to the squad leader, who was also seeing what I’m seeing.

“The enemy is approaching, infantry and tanks. Everyone get ready.” (Squad Leader)

I heard another from a distance, which sounded like a command, in the back, and shortly after, our artillery guns began to fire. I took another look at the battlefield in front of us, only this time with explosions. Our guns are scoring hits on the opponents. After about twenty explosions, our guns stopped firing. The enemy is getting closer. I can even start to see the enemy tank’s model which resembled a Panzer IV.

“Enemy tanks approaching fast. Panzerfausts up!” (Squad Leader)

I didn’t really know what he referred to, but after his order, some of the recruits came to the front holding something that resembled a stick with a grenade shaped like an arrow that wasn’t sharpened. Our artillery guns soon fired again as we began to engage. There were too many for me to shoot especially with my poor aim, but I just kept on firing. The machine guns in the center were not just firing, but roaring at the enemy. It was much louder than I thought it would be. There was a tank that was closing in at a range about fifteen hundred meters and began to spray its machine gun. I didn’t take the risk and immediately ducked down. Next to me, the recruit stood up and fired his Panzerfaust at the enemy tank, but did it hit, I don’t know. The only thing I know was, there was less ricocheting sounds, so I took a look. The enemy tank stopped, but only because it was hit on the caterpillar. Its turret was still turning. Suddenly, machine gun fire came from the trees area near us. I got down again and noticed that we were taking casualties.

“Panzerfausts!” (Squad Leader)

There was a recruit running to the front, but was shot at and he dropped the Panzerfaust in front of me. I thought about it and came up with a conclusion that it was risky, but I still grabbed it and without much aim, I fired it towards the enemy tank. I missed of course, but at least I hit some people. As the tank came close to the trench, about less than seven hundred meters, it stopped and turned. The tank was moving away, but behind her were the enemy troops.

We continued to fight and paint was all over the place left by the shells and grenades. I was starting to run short on ammunition for my rifle, but I couldn’t obtain any from the crates. The enemy troops are pinning us down. Out of nowhere all the sudden, was an explosion near the group of enemy troops. What the hell was that? I thought to myself. Then machine gun fire followed the explosion. A tank? I ducked down and looked towards the back. It was a tank, our Panzer IV. It was about time they showed up. We probably lost like half of our platoon. The Panzer rolled forward with high speed bringing suppressive fire and cover for our platoon as the enemy slowly falls back. I believe that we’re saved, well at least on this side. Just before I could take a quick breather, the tank was hit by a shell on the side. The tank was still moving, but only shortly before it was hit by another shell. I took another look out of the trench. It was kind of clear on our side, but towards the center were five more tanks. Oh shit! The tank closest to us fired its gun towards us, landing a hit on the destroyed tank. I was searching for another Panzerfaust, but there was none. I only found out that our squad leader was killed. There were less than twenty people remaining in our platoon counting myself. We’d be done for if the enemy showed up again. The other sides were still fighting fiercely; I can still hear the loud machine guns and explosions. With a little bit of breathing time, I took a look at my watch. It had been almost an hour of fighting already. As I took a breath, there was suddenly a loud whistle behind and before I could react, an explosion landed on the ground above the trench in less than a meter away from my position, knocking me down to ground. My ears were ringing and I can’t hear anything but my ringing ears. As I opened my eyes, there was a recruit in front of me. I can see his mouth moving, but I can’t hear what he’s saying. He gave me hand and helped me up. I lost my rifle and there was another group of enemy troops approaching from the trees area again. I still have a few grenades on me, so I grabbed my two stick grenades and tossed them towards the enemy. I took a peek and saw myself score a kill. I got back down and saw a MP-40 on the ground. I ran for it and picked it. As I turned around, I saw Anna in the trench all of the sudden. That was a bad idea; I was too focused on her and I didn’t even notice the enemy that was coming towards me. He took a shot and to me was the most accurate shot ever. It hit precisely on my right elbow. As he was loading his rifle, I quickly switched to my left arm and fired the submachine gun. Embarrassingly, it took me the whole clip to land two rounds on him. I guess I’m just not a lefty after all.

I walked back to my spot and sat down as the area cleared. We lost another two recruits during the fight. As Anna finishes patching up with the recruit next to me, she came to me next. For some reason, I asked a pretty silly question.

“So you’re a combat medic?” I asked.

“That’s right,” she replied as she patches up my wound.

As she finishes, I thanked her and she left for the central area of the trench. They were still fighting apparently and our reinforcements still didn’t arrive yet. They’re probably stuck in traffic. As I finished that thought, explosions, many of them like about at least ten, hit the central area. I took a look and saw nothing but smoke and dust. Following the explosions was another flare into the sky. I think the test is over. Everything suddenly calmed with no more explosions and gun fire. I stood up and climbed out of the trench. What a mess. We all gathered together, the dead and the alive. Schwarze ordered us to get all the equipment and supplies and get ready to head back to the camp.

Back at the camp, we all lined back up like usual in our groups. Himmler stepped up.

“All of you have performed well today during Operation Borderline. Both Groupmente E and Groupmente W have suffered heavy casualties, but the operation was still a success. Your remaining days of training are few until you truly see a battlefield. You must always keep in mind that there is no mercy in war. You either kill or be killed; don’t let your guard down at any time. Alright, Groupmente E, report.” (Maj. Gen. Himmler)

“Operation Borderline was success. The enemy is successfully held back. Heavy casualties: forty-eight dead, thirty-two wounded, four Panzer IVs destroyed, one Pak 42 destroyed.” (Sgt. Schwarze)

“Very well. Groupmente W, report” (Maj. Gen. Himmler)

“Operation Borderline was success. Groupmente E successfully held their position. Heavy casualties: seventy-one dead, fifty-nine wounded, eight tanks destroyed and no artillery guns damaged.”

(Sgt. Schulz)

“Very well. Sergeant Schwarze, I’ll hand over the calls back to you.” (Maj. Gen. Himmler)

“Yes, sir.” (Sgt. Schwarze)

As Himmler walked through the open path between the groups, we all stood firm and saluted. The recruits that are not originally in this camp also began to leave.

“Helluva job back there, but don’t get comfortable, we got work to do. Get yourselves to the waters and wash the paint off. I want to see a clean uniform when we start our next training. Move out!” (Sgt. Schwarze)

This ought to be fun. To the river!