image [https://i.ibb.co.com/bd531cs/Poland-1939-px800.jpg]
There are several reasons why I joined the military, even though I knew that within a few years, the German Reich would lose in this most deadly conflict. First, during the rule of the German Reich, it was extremely difficult for civilians to travel abroad.
Second, all Germans abroad were expected to return and serve the Vaterland. Third, by joining the military, I could escape abroad in the final year of the war, and I already had several routes planned for escape if Germany were to lose.
The first option was through Spain, and the second was to seek assistance from the Vatican. By becoming a German military officer, I might also secure a "retirement fund" for my future.
September 1, 1939, 01:00. I was summoned by my superior for a meeting. My feelings were very tense and mixed, and for some reason, I kept glancing at the clock. Together with several officers of the same rank, I began entering a room in a building not far from the field.
"I don't know if war in real life will be like it is in the movies or not,"
Four people then entered the room, all of whom held the rank of captain or Hauptmann, making a total of five including myself. A major was already present, waiting, and he stood in front of a board on which there was a large map.
I then lined up with the other four officers, standing side by side, with me in the middle. We all saluted simultaneously, extending our hands forward and upwards.
(The atmosphere is currently quite tense and cold.)
I occasionally glance to the left and see that all the officers of the same rank as mine are wearing very stern and authoritative expressions. There are no smiles on their faces; the aura in this room is truly very cold.
"Herr Hauptmann, Frau Hauptmann, as you already know, Poland has rejected our offers and negotiations five times, but instead, they responded with provocative actions at the border and have attacked villages on the German-Polish border several times,"
(I don't know whether what the Major is saying is truthful or propaganda, but it’s better for me to just listen.)
"Our patience has its limits, and the Führer has reluctantly decided to resort to military action after diplomatic efforts failed over the past few years,"
"You are the hope of the entire German people and the Führer himself, so I hope you all give your best now,"
"We are the 2nd Battalion of the 96th Infantry Regiment and part of the 32nd Infantry Division, and we are the spearhead of the Blitzkrieg,"
"The goal of this war is, first, to reclaim the old German territories, or the German territories seized by the Jews after the end of the First World War,"
"Second, we will rescue the German ethnic groups oppressed in Poland,"
The Major then took a pointer and indicated the map.
"We will employ the Blitzkrieg tactic. The 3rd Panzer Division will pave the way, supported by the Luftwaffe and Artillery, and then we will advance after the Panzer Division opens the way,"
(If I'm not mistaken, the 3rd Panzer Division is part of the 19th Corps under Guderian; I wonder if I'll get to meet that historic figure?)
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"We will support the right flank of the 3rd Panzer Division and advance until we reach the Tuchola Forest. Our objective is to secure all the gaps opened by the 3rd Panzer Division,"
The meeting lasted several hours, and afterward, I immediately conveyed the strategy to the officers under my command.
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September 1, 1939, 03:10. I decided to personally meet all of my subordinates, who seemed to be gathering and chatting. When I arrived, all of my subordinates stood up immediately, thinking that there would be an order.
I simply smiled at them.
"No need to stand, relax; I’m just here to join you all,"
"Yes, Frau Hauptmann,"
The atmosphere became somewhat awkward, but I decided to start a conversation.
"Are you afraid of going to war?"
"No, ma'am,"
"Not at all,"
"This is for the glory of the German nation,"
"I heard that Poland attacked and killed some people at the border, I want to retaliate against them,"
They all seemed enthusiastic before the battle, and enthusiasm and confidence were valuable assets before going to war.
"Good, have you all had your rest?"
"Yes, as ordered!"
Most of them are young soldiers, probably around 20 to 30 years old, though I’m young too, as I’m only 22.
Their expressions seemed calmer than before. One of the indirect duties of an officer is to boost the morale of all their subordinates because morale is a crucial asset before going into battle.
"You are all the future generation of the German Reich, so make sure that none of you die or get injured in the upcoming battle,"
"As I’ve emphasized several times, the first objective is to survive, and the second objective is to win the battle,"
"Yes, ma'am!!"
"My grandmother brought me a lot of sausages; does anyone want some?" one of the soldiers said.
In short, we ended up chatting for quite a while, which greatly reduced the awkwardness between me and my subordinates.
The atmosphere in this area is truly bustling and striking; many mechanized units and Panzer units are checking their equipment, from refueling to loading ammunition into the Panzers and repairing vehicles or Panzers that had sustained damage.
Many other units were also seen gathering and chatting, and there were also units warming up. Of course, it’s still very dark and cold outside.
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At 03:40, I then met with the other Company leaders who had previously attended the meeting with the Major.
"Hey, Frau Hauptmann Erika,"
"Hello, Herr Hauptmann Karl, Herr Hauptmann Bohn, Herr Hauptmann Gustav, Herr Hauptmann Norm,"
"Heil Hitler,"
"Heil Hitler,"
"How is the condition of your units?" I asked.
"My unit is eager and can't wait to fight," said Bohn.
"My unit has mixed feelings, but most of them are very enthusiastic," said Karl.
"My unit is the same, everyone is excited," said Gustav.
"My unit too," said Norm.
"Good, my unit is also very enthusiastic."
"Anyone want a cigarette?" asked Karl.
"Sure," said Bohn.
"I'd like one," said Norm.
"Frau Hauptmann Erika and Herr Hauptmann Gustav, don’t you want a cigarette?"
"No, no, I don't smoke," I said.
"I don't smoke either," said Gustav.
"Alright, you two are true followers of the Führer by not smoking, haha."
I could only give a slight smile at Karl's remark.
"Are you feeling nervous about the upcoming battle?" I asked.
"Honestly, yes, because our lives could be lost at any moment," said Karl.
"Maybe, I have mixed feelings, but I'll do my best to stay alive. I don't want to die young, haha, because I want to marry my fiancée after the war," said Gustav.
"You’re very lucky; I don't even have a girlfriend or a fiancée!" said Norm.
"Hahaha, you'll find one," said Bohn.
"What about you, Frau Hauptmann?"
"Well, honestly, there's no one," I said with a slightly confused expression.
(I’ve never even thought about finding a partner!)
"In that case, you and Herr Hauptmann Norm would be a perfect match," said Karl.
"Hey, I’m going to hit you!" said Norm.
"Hahaha, just kidding."
"I brought a Leica camera; would you like to take a photo together?" asked Bohn.
"Sure."
In short, the five of us ended up taking a photo together. There’s a possibility this might be the last photo we take, as the battlefield is too mysterious and terrifying—one or more of us might not survive the fight. Thinking about it sends chills down my spine, but it’s a consequence of war.
War inevitably brings casualties; every soldier going into battle has to prepare themselves and their mental state. They leave behind family, children, or wives at home.
In short, we continued chatting, growing closer to one another. Amid the conversation, many Luftwaffe planes flew overhead, signaling that the attack was about to begin. The Panzer forces also began to move, and I returned to my unit.
"The goal of war is not to win, but to survive," I murmured.