Trench 1915, p.14
Trench 1915, page 14
“We are doing something, Richter. We are providing support to them. It may not seem much, but our presence here makes a difference should they face heavy resistance. We’ll be here to help as much as we can. We are their first and last line of defense.”
“I can sort of understand, it’s just I don’t feel safe here.”
“Well, get used to it. Danger will always be around the corner. We all knew what we signed up for and...” Lothar couldn’t finish his sentence as the sound of several grenades hitting the floor made a metallic sound.
“HIT THE DECK!” Lothar shouted as he and Richter took cover.
The grenades exploded throwing shrapnel all over the trench. Some of the soldiers managed take cover in the dug outs, but the unfortunate souls that did not get out of the blast radius were torn to shreds, their bodies on floor, some missing limbs, and some left as a bloody mess.
“Grabenangriff (Trench Raid)!” screamed a German soldier.
Lothar gets up to see the silhouettes appearing over the parapet with one of them shouting “Attaque (Attack)!” and what followed was men shouting, “Pour la France!” It was an attack conducted by a French trench raiding team. Some had portable shields and were armed with either a club, pistol, or rifles, but mostly carbines. The soldiers immediately came out of the dugout with their rifles ready and their bayonets mounted while some had only their knives or shovels. Lothar quickly got his machine gun ready and opened fire at the silhouettes before they could jump into the trench. The soldiers fired few shots before engaging in bloody close quarter combat with the French.
“Richter, watch my back! I’m pressing forward into fray! Richter, did you hear me?” Lothar ordered as he put a new strip into the machine gun.
No response came from Richter causing Lothar to turn around. He saw Richter still on the ground plugging his ears in a fetal position, sobbing. Suddenly a French trench raider appeared behind the private with a portable shield and a trench club, ready to attack. Without hesitating Lothar aimed the down sight and opened fire at the trench raider who hastily blocked a barrage of bullets with his shield. Lothar hurriedly switched to his pistol and fired a shot in the raider’s leg which caused the raider to scream in agony, leaving himself exposed for Lothar to finish him off.
“Richter, get back on your feet! Help me out, NOW! THATS AN ORDER, KID!” Lothar shouts affirmatively with a hint of anger. Richter still showed no response, and Lothar turned his attention back to the fighting at hand.
“I need to end this raid quickly now, but how...Okay, I have an idea but it’s risky,” he thought.
Lothar loaded another strip into it and cocked it then shouted out.
“Men, take cover! Firing machine gun!”
The men heard what Lothar said and rushed back into the dugouts and some went prone as Lothar unleashed a hail of bullets into the trench clearing out every French soldier in the trench line. In the end there was nothing but corpses of soldiers in their horizon blue colored uniforms, now riddled with bullet holes and blood stains.
Lothar, still standing, held his weapon firm with the barrel still smoking waiting for any more of them to appear. Suddenly a bullet grazed his right arm which forced him to drop his machine gun. He quickly turned to see a French soldier charging at him with his Label rifle mounted with a bayonet. Slightly irritated by this, Lothar readied himself for the Frenchmen’s attack. The soldier thrust his bayonet forward only to miss as Lothar dodged then grabbed his arm and flung him across the cross-section with force.
The soldier quickly recovered only to see Lothar standing tall and now armed with his shovel. He beckoned him. The Frenchmen raised his rifle and charged him; and as he did gave out his loudest war cry. Prepared for his bayonet charge , Lothar left blocked the Frenchmen’s attack with his shovel on the left and in one swing dug his shovel into the Frenchmen’s neck. A gurgle-like sound could be heard as the attacker collapsed to the ground. Lothar pulled the shovel out from his neck and sheathed it. The trench raid was over as the last enemy soldier was killed.
Lothar walked over to Richter who is still whimpering on the ground. He pulled him up on his feet and spoke.
“Richter, Richter! Snap out of it, come on!”
Richter was still whimpering until Lothar delivered a slap to face. Then Richter began to slowly come back.
“Lo-thar?” Richter stammers his words.
“What the hell happened back there, Private? Why did you freeze up like that and break?”
“I-I saw them Lothar, my friends back at Ypres and the Marne! Their faces, I saw them...when the bombs went off, I was back in those places, reliving the horrible moments of my life...I’m...sorry. That’s why I called myself a coward because I hid among their corpses during the battle...I didn’t want to share the same fate.” A tear fell from his eye and his face turned red.
“Listen to me. Apologies are not going to bring them back. You can’t freeze up like that during combat otherwise you’ll be the reason why I’ll die or anyone else for that matter,” he sighed. “Here’s a little technique I learned a long time ago. Repeat after me.”
“Okay.” Richter replied.
“Count to three, then inhale. Count to three and exhale. Keep it up until your mind is at ease. While you’re at it, think of something that makes you happy,” Lothar said slowly, demonstrating. Richter repeated the technique until he was at ease.
“Now come on, let’s report to the commanding
officer of this sector.”
CHAPTER 13
Overcoming Fear
The two headed to the support trench and followed the cross-section until they found the company HQ dugout. Lothar opened the door and walked right in with Richter following behind him. There they spotted the table with a map on it along with some wired telephones. On the left side sat a telegraph operator and on the right were some bunk beds in the corner. An officer walked behind the table facing the pair.
“There something you need soldaten (soldiers)?” he asked.
“We’re looking for the acting CO of this sector,” said Lothar.
“Well congratulations, he’s right in front of you. I’m Cpt. Schmitz, acting CO of this corner of the frontlines. State your name and rank and tell me why you are here?”
“Sir, I’m Cpl. Lothar.” Lothar stood to attention while saying it.
“Sir, I’m Pvt. Richter of the special units Battalion.”
“Special unit...oh that’s right they informed me of your arrival. As you were men, now tell me what you must report,” said Capt. Schmitz.
“Sir, we repelled an enemy trench raid, and the fire trench is secured,” said Lothar.
“How many enemy trench raiders were killed?”
“Fifteen, Sir.”
“Well, you didn’t repel the enemy, you wiped out an entire trench raiding team. Nice job, but what were our casualties like?”
“They surprised us with grenades, five killed and ten wounded, Sir,” Lothar said firmly.
“Hmm, this is the fifth time this week they raided us. If you hadn’t shown up, myself and few others would have been killed or taken prisoner. We are seriously low on manpower right now and we’re still awaiting additional reinforcement. I fear they might launch one more attack, but I don’t know for certain. For now, they’re probing for attacking this sector.”
“Sir, that’s why we are here, to provide support in any way possible.” said Richter.
The captain was silent for a minute then spoke.
“Indeed...Soldaten (soldiers), I’m giving you a new assignment. I’m placing you two to keep eye on the enemy’s trench for any sign of preparation for an attack. You can use the observation balloon as a start but do so in the morning. Now then go get some rest because there is a lot of work to do at dawn. Dismissed,” Captain Schmitz finished.
Lothar and Richter responded with “Yes Sir!” and saluted the captain. Before leaving Lothar walked toward the telephone that was labeled “Special unit communication line”. He told Richter to go on ahead to the underground barracks.
He picked up the receiver of the phone and was greeted by the operator on the other line.
“Number or code, Bitte (Please),” said the phone operator.
“Titan squad. I request an audience with Hermes.”
“Standby...Connecting now.” The sound of a click could be heard indicating the call had been transferred.
“This is Hermes, identify yourself.”
“Cpl. Lothar of Titan squad, reporting in. I have at arrived at my destination.”
“Very good Titan squad. Squads Perseus, Ares, and Panacea are already checked in, I’ll send the report to Wotan. Is there something you need assistance with, if not the call shall end,” said Hermes.
“I do have some concerns about Pvt. Richter. The mission file stated the ‘conditions’ that he has from his previous deployment before joining the Battalion. He froze up during a trench raid from the enemy and almost got me and himself killed. Any advice?”
“I’m not an expert on health, but it’s usually common for soldiers to freeze up in combat, but if Pvt. Richter is going to be a liability and jeopardize the mission then you have full authorization to send him back to Wotan. We’ll decide what to do with him. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“Nein, that is all. Danke (thank you).”
“Do not hesitate to contact us if there’s a development. We are always on the line. End Communication.” Hermes ended the call as the line goes click.
Lothar put the receiver down and walked out of the HQ dugout. He made his way to the underground bunker where the barracks are located. After walking down the steps he saw Richter sitting on the bunks analyzing his equipment. Lothar walked over to him.
“How are you holding up?”
“Um...a little better. Lothar, about what happen during the raid I …”
“Save it, I just got off the horn with command. Usually if a soldier is underperforming, they get transferred to the rear echelon and no longer have to worry about frontline combat. But in your case, you get a one-way ticket out of the army with full honors in other words you get a discharge. However, I believe in second chances here. You can buckle up and be a man or you can use this opportunity to get out of the Battalion and go home where its safe and peaceful. I’ll be honest with you, the way you acted during the French attack on our trench is unacceptable. The last thing I need is deadweight, both figuratively and literally. That will get me, you, or anyone killed, do you understand? Even though I showed you a simple trick, that won’t help if we engage in combat with the enemy,” Lothar finished firmly.
Richter stayed silent and listened to what Lothar had to say, then responded with “Ich verstehe (I understand).”
“Good. Now get some rest then come find me at the trench line when you’ve made your decision. That is all.”
“Wait, you’re not going rest?” Richter asked.
“Nein, I’m going to help the first trench line clean the mess I made and stand watch for any sign for another surprise assault. Until then rest up, you already know where to find me,” Lothar finishes and walks away leaving Richter alone.
Richter put his hands to face in embarrassment and let out deep breathe. He then said to himself.
“What am I going to do, what am I going to do? I can’t believe I cracked and did nothing to help. I shouldn’t stress over this. I – I need to lay my head down. Hopefully I can have clear mind once I wake up. Yeah, I’ll do that.”
Richter slowly climbed into bed and closed his eyes. He fell fast asleep and began to dream. The first thing he heard was voices...voices of the past, then started seeing images, memories from Liege, Ypres, and the Marne. The dream continued.
Come on Richter, don’t want to be late before our train leaves everyone from our class is waiting! Can’t believe we are going to war but I’m optimistic we’ll win this one no sweat. We’ll come back as heroes to our families and to the Vaterland (Fatherland). The sound train of the whistle is heard as it begins to move from the train station with every soldier’s family there to see them off.
“We were naïve...thinking this would be a grand adventure that would get us fame and glory. Oh how wrong we were...our entire class was in same unit, all my friends...”
An image of the battle of Liege and its aftermath begins to form. With smoke on the horizon and German troops marching along a road.
They really don’t want to make this easy for us do they, huh Ric...They may have given us a beating, but we won’t break that easy...We did it Richter! We took Liege...
“Our first victory, Gotha was so happy, and the others were already bringing out the kegs...We thought we would find more success in future battles but instead the only thing we found was death...”
Another image of the first battle of Ypres begins to show.
Men listen up, high command wants this area taken...our artillery is already firing on the British as I speak. We must secure another victory for our empire, for our country...Now move all of you! The sound of a trench whistle could be heard and the raging screams of soldiers charging into battle is heard then the sound of machine guns.
“This is where the slaughter began...our own slaughter...oh Mein Gott...I don’t, I don’t want to go through this again...Please...No...”
Richter coughs up blood. No-ah, you’re the only one left...please don’t forget us...continue the fight...continue the fight...
His comrades can be seen strewn about in no man’s land, bleeding and slowly dying. All except for him. Richter survived by hiding among the dead, watching his friends die.
“Nein, Nein, Nein...this can’t be happening, this can’t be happening...Gotha, Bernhard, Schmidtz, and Engel...in a blink an eye...gone. I’m so sorry...I didn’t want to die; I don’t want to die...”
He sees himself in the Dugout HQ at Ypres.
I’m sorry Pvt. Richter, but...you’re the only survivor from your platoon. The battle turned into a stalemate, there is nothing else we can do. So, I’m transferring you to the 5th army that will be preparing for an attack on the Marne. Hopefully we can breach the Entente lines and bring end to this bloody war. Dismissed.
“The battle of Ypres ended, along with my friend’s lives...I thought I could put it behind me, but by the time I arrived at the Marne I was still having nightmares ...until I made new friends...then it stopped for a while at least...”
Once we take this sector, we’ll march all the way to Paris and end this war! ADVANCE...The whistle was blown once again, and the men went over the top and began their charge into enemy lines.
“What followed next was a total massacre...”
Keep going men, just few more...The NCO is cut off as bullets rip through him.
This is madness! We’re getting torn apart and,, .(explosion)...
AHHHH...Helfen Sie mir! Bitte (Help me! Please)!
RICHTER...GET OUT OF HERE! Before we…(gargling noises)
The machine guns are firing, bombs exploding, bullets whistling, and soldiers screaming in agony from getting shot. Others die from a single shot to the head or the chest before they even hit the ground. Many barely make it to the enemy trench while many didn’t make it at all. Among the dead was Richter, still alive with his rifle that hadn’t even been fired. Fast forward to him holding a dear friend in his arms with his hands soaked from blood...their blood.
“I don’t want to do this anymore...I don’t want to do this anymore...Please for God’s sake make it stop!!! I CAN’T DO THIS ANYMORE ...please make the pain stop...”
Richter...here’s a little technique I learned a long time ago...Keep it up until your mind is at ease...think of something that makes you happy...
Count to three, then inhale...count to three, then exhale...think of something that makes you happy...somewhere I feel safe...
Suddenly he finds himself back home, back at the farm in the countryside. The sun is slowly rising and standing beside him is his father and out by the barn where his brothers and sister move sacks of potatoes. The birds were chirping, and the wind was blowing, the sense of peace was all around.
Noah, mein sohn (my son) ...life will never be easy for anyone, not even us. When your mother died after giving birth to your sister Mary...I feared the worst would come. Ursula, your mother was everything to me when she passed, however, she left me the greatest gift of all...her children...mein kinder (my kids). When my time comes, you will be man of this house, and you always have a home...you always have a happy place, never forget that...
Think of something that makes you happy...
“I understand now...NEIN! I do understand, I thought I was fighting for myself and my friends...but I’m fighting for them…my family...my happy place. I see now, I’ll continue the fight for their sake, for their memories. I’ll keep serving under Cpl. Lothar for I am not giving up, NEVER!”
Day 2, March 17
“Wake up soldat (soldier)! I said WAKE UP!” said a soldier, shaking Richter back and forth trying to wake him up.
“Wha-, what...where am I?” mumbled Richter.
“You’re in the underground barracks in Champagne, France. That’s where you are,” the soldier said sarcastically.
“Oh, I – forgot. Entschuldigung (apologies).”
“It’s alright, I just came back from my night watch. Surprisingly, there was another soldier who was really tall and kept me and the others company, though he never said a word, he just stood there watching in the observation trench. Anyway, my twelve hours are up so I’m here to hit the hay although you were thrashing about in your bunk. That must be one hell of a nightmare, are you going to be alright?”
“Yeah, I just found the light at the end of a dark tunnel.”
“That’s good to hear, now if you’ll excuse me there is a bunk with my name on it.” The soldier walked away and immediately collapsed onto the bed facing down.
Richter looked at the clock, it was six-thirty in the morning. He quickly grabbed his kit and readied himself then rushed out the door up the steps, and outside. He walked with purpose to the observation trench, where he saw Cpl. Lothar observing through the periscope. He noticed Richter and turned toward him and spoke.
