September 2, 01:00.
We decided to rest and take turns keeping watch. Of course, I always reminded all of my subordinates that even while sleeping, they must hold or embrace their rifles, because a rifle is a soldier’s lover.
A few hours earlier, I had informed all the soldiers that we would retreat and join the main force, which was not too far from here.
"Being a soldier in wartime is truly nerve-wracking."
"You never know when you’ll die, when the enemy will strike, or when a bullet will pierce your head."
Even though I am an officer, I also take my turn to stand guard, and right now it is my watch while most of my troops are asleep. They sleep in various places—some on the beds inside the house, and others on the floor of a house.
Of course, their bags serve as pillows to make their sleep more comfortable.
"The night is quite cold."
(The invasion of Poland can be described as a race against time because if Poland holds out long enough, the rains will slow the invasion.)
(Though this will happen two years later in Russia.)
I am sitting here, observing my rifle. There’s nothing I can do but stay still and watch the surroundings. Oh yes, tonight is very quiet, and certainly eerie for those who believe in ghosts.
(I can’t imagine if all the spirits of these soldiers are wandering around.)
"No... No... It’s not good for a soldier to discuss the supernatural."
Then I think again.
"They should launch a massive attack on this village tomorrow morning; of course, I will retreat before sunrise."
"Speaking of sunrise, if I’m not mistaken, the Empire of Japan is currently fighting at Khalkin Gol, and that’s the reason the Soviets will only attack Poland on September 17."
"Haha, my memory is quite good."
Of course, I made sure no one heard what I said, as even small things can change history.
"It reminds me that all of this started with the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, which triggered a domino effect leading to World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and the modern era."
"I’d better start recording all of this."
I always carry a notebook in my bag because I like to write a diary about my life as a German soldier.
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September 2, 04:00, my remaining troops and I began leaving the village, and luckily the enemy did not launch an attack.
Perhaps they thought we had a larger force? No one knows what the enemy is thinking.
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05:30, we marched in two lines, with me leading on the front right. I needed to be at the front to inspire the troops and show, indirectly, that their officer was strong.
Suddenly, three men appeared on both my right and left sides and started shooting at us. They were about 400 meters away.
"GET DOWN, ENEMY ATTACKING!" I shouted.
All my troops immediately scattered, and most of them hit the ground to avoid being shot. Naturally, we returned fire.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
"Damn it, there’s always a parasite causing trouble," I said.
I then used my binoculars to identify the enemy, and it turned out to be civilians armed with rifles, or in other words, partisans.
"FIRE BACK AT THEM!"
Luckily, the enemy’s shots were inaccurate, making it difficult for them to hit us. But whether we are hit or not is ultimately decided by fate.
My troops began to split into two squads and returned fire at the enemy more aggressively, with two of the enemies immediately shot down.
Seeing their two comrades killed, the remaining four enemies decided to flee, but I managed to shoot three of them, leaving only one to escape.
"Got you," I said.
After that, my troops and I approached the five bodies, and they turned out to be armed civilians.
Naturally, we took their rifles and military equipment as souvenirs, and then we continued our journey, which took two hours to return to the main force.
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06:15, I then met Major Klaus after returning to the main force at the officers' camp.
"Heii, Frau Hauptmann," Major Klaus greeted.
"I’ve returned, Herr Major," I replied confidently.
Major Klaus and I then shook hands and smiled at each other. It was a proud smile—Major Klaus was proud that I had successfully led a perfect retreat, and I was proud of leading my troops.
"You’ve done a great job. Do you have any reports?"
"Yesterday afternoon, around five o'clock, we managed to hold off hundreds of enemies and killed about thirty to forty of them. I have prepared some documentation as proof, and the wounded unit I sent last night should have provided the same report?"
"You're right, Frau Hauptmann. I’ve also heard the same from the wounded survivors and some of your returning unit."
"Thank you, Herr Major."
Major Klaus then took out a box and showed it to me.
"I have reported this to the Oberkommando des Heeres, and they have approved that Frau Hauptmann Erika von Einzerben is officially awarded the Iron Cross Second Class for her leadership in the heroic defense."
The Oberkommando des Heeres was the central command of the German Army during World War II.
I then received the box containing the Iron Cross Second Class, and with great pride, I shook hands with Major Klaus.
"Thank you very much, Herr Major."
"You're welcome, and thank you for your sacrifice, Frau Hauptmann."
(The Iron Cross Second Class, if I’m not mistaken, is worn in the pocket of the uniform, and its ribbon is attached to the middle button.)
"You and your entire unit will be granted rest until the evening, due to your heroic actions."
"Yes Sirl!"
"I look forward to your next heroic deeds on the battlefield, Frau Hauptmann."
"Yes, Herr Major."
image [https://i.ibb.co.com/khFPvMp/3819246.jpg]
(Example for Iron Cross Second Class on Uniform)
Major Klaus and I then saluted each other.
After that, I left the officers' camp and began walking around the military camp, which was quite large. In the camp, many soldiers were bustling with their various duties.
They were all preparing for an attack to destroy the 9th Division, which was defending the Brda River, a part of the Vistula River.
The 32nd Infantry Division would support the right flank of the 3rd Panzer Division to destroy Poland’s 9th Division. The battle would likely take place near the town of Koronowo.
Of course, I didn’t bother to join the fight since I had been granted a long rest period. Most of my troops also seemed to receive military honors, including those who were severely wounded.
I didn’t forget to immediately pin my Iron Cross onto my left pocket and attach the ribbon to my button. I could say that I am one of the early recipients of the Iron Cross Second Class, and that’s quite an achievement to be proud of.
As I walked, of course, the soldiers passing by noticed my Iron Cross, and it made them show me more respect, even though I am a female officer.
I also received a coupon from Major Klaus, which could be exchanged for food like sausages and chocolate, and of course, I redeemed it right away.
"A beautiful morning, I can relax," I said.
Then, a man approached me. He seemed like a regular soldier, quite young, perhaps around 25 years old. He had an average build and black hair.
Naturally, he immediately looked at my rank.
"Frau Hauptmann, may I sit beside you?" he asked very politely.
I smiled and allowed him to sit.
"Please, go ahead."
"The weather is nice, isn’t it, Frau Hauptmann?"
"Yes, it’s a truly beautiful and bright morning."
(This morning is wonderful because I’ve been given a long rest period.)
The man had already noticed my Iron Cross. I felt like I had something to show off now. Even though showing off isn’t always the best thing, it sometimes brings a sense of satisfaction, like being able to display the fruits of one's hard work.
"Congratulations, Frau Hauptmann, on your Iron Cross Second Class," he said.
"Thank you."
"Frau Hauptmann, which unit do you command?"
"I command the 2nd Company of the 2nd Battalion. How about you?"
"I’m in the second platoon of the 1st Company, 1st Battalion."
"Wow, the 1st Battalion? That’s impressive."
"Thank you, Frau Hauptmann."
In short, we talked for about half an hour, and I also received notification that my unit would be reorganized, with half of my troops being replaced by new soldiers.
It could be said that the casualties in my unit during yesterday’s battle amounted to nearly half, which is quite high, but it was worth it considering the number of enemies we captured or killed was much greater.
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September 2, 10:00. All infantry forces, along with dozens of Luftwaffe planes, began moving eastward, signaling that the Blitzkrieg had resumed.
Naturally, I just sat in the military camp, watching as many infantry soldiers left for their mission to attack enemy positions. I decided to lie down and relax in my tent.
"Ah, it’s perfect for me to sleep right now. Even in the midst of war, besides food, sleep is a luxury."
I decided to write a few notes while waiting for the new soldiers brought from Germany to replace the half of my unit lost due to death and injuries.
September 2, 12:00. A convoy from Germany arrived, bringing in many new, battle-ready soldiers. Of course, it wasn’t just my unit that suffered losses yesterday, but other units as well.
After the convoy arrived, I immediately gathered the officers under my command—Oberleutnant Fred, Leutnant Anton, and Leutnant Aldrich—to inspect the troops.
"FALL IN!" Leutnant Aldrich commanded.
All the new soldiers immediately lined up as ordered. They seemed quite young, aged between 21 and 30.
I then walked through and inspected each soldier who would be fighting under my command, looking at them with a stern expression. I wanted to ensure their mental toughness when facing battle.