Berlin blood

Trains… Thielicke hasn’t ridden one before, so it’s new to him. He was enveloped in a variety of emotions, and the release of adrenaline into his blood increased significantly. The thought that he would soon be in a new place and in a new environment excited him. He sat down next to the window, which now overlooked a gorgeous forest landscape. Small bushes dashed dashingly before his eyes, and somewhere nearby he saw exactly the same train, but heading towards the city. The gray clouds that clouded the sky stretched over both Berlin and Stuttgart, from where he was traveling. He felt good at heart. He was impatient to know the matter that he had been thinking about for the last week, if not more. Tanks. Schlosser always knew that he would be neither a cook nor an engineer, only a tank driver and only an officer. He remembers that when he was little, two officers came to one of the brothels where he worked. Oh, how beautifully they were dressed! Tilika remembered this for a long time: a black jacket with oak leaves and orders embroidered on it, high boots and black leather gloves that gave a special shine, a cap that complemented the already imperious image. Yes, the guy liked the look of those men then, he would also like to wear such a uniform. But it was not only the uniform that attracted him to the image of a tank driver. Thielicke saw a special nobility in the features and behavior of men. He liked how the appearance emphasized the special status of these people — and Thielike did not delve into other aspects. He wants to be a tank driver, but he knows that the selection is quite strict, and sometimes he can be sent to another branch of the military. He looks at the landscape outside the train window and later turns his attention to the atmosphere in the carriage. People from completely different walks of life, different ages, were surprisingly similar to each other. They were united by anticipation; no one knew what awaited them, and therefore many frowned worriedly. Someone, of course, has already been to Berlin, but not as a military serviceman. A couple of hours later they arrived in Berlin, and people immediately rushed to the exit. On the platform they were confused, not knowing where to go. Thilike, getting off the train, immediately knew where he wanted to go. He approached an unfamiliar soldier and asked how he could get into a tank school? He directed him to the car, where, according to him, people like him were gathering. Thielike thanked him and left. So far everything has turned out to be much simpler than thought. They drove along the outskirts of Berlin. They arrived when the sun was almost setting behind the horizon, turning the cloud-covered sky scarlet. At first glance, the place was gloomy, depressing and not much like a school. Only by looking at the uniform of the officers did Thielike understand that they would be made into soldiers here. — Formed up! — the loud, trained voice of the officer quickly brought him to his senses. There was nothing left from looking at the place that had now become a place of study for him. They lined up. “You came here to work and become soldiers!” Forget your homes and your peaceful life. Now you are warriors — the future of our state, and you will be taught to be them. You will now undergo a medical examination and be given a form. Then they will distribute it into blocks and from tomorrow you will start learning! After these words, everyone began, one after another, to enter the premises where they could wash themselves and change their dusty traveling clothes. They had their hair cut, shaved and given a uniform. The procedure was, of course, not the simplest in moral terms. Passing by a mirror that hung in one of the corridors, he did not recognize himself. Standing in front of him was not a street guy who had once carried apples and stolen from drunken visitors in a den. Before him stood a real cadet and soldier in the future, who had a lot to go through and learned. This is the beginning of his journey. Entering the room indicated by the elder, he found one free bed by the window — just as he likes. There were no neighbors yet. Thilike settled down on it and looked around. The room was not too small: two bunk beds against the walls, two lamps and a shared closet, the walls painted white. It was warm, they gave you a blanket in case you were too susceptible to the cold. There was a sound of stomping and loud laughter as his neighbors were returning. I wonder who they are? “The hell with it, Alfred,” said a blue-eyed guy who entered the room, with short hair and five years older than him, maybe even ten. He has a strange face: white skin and light azure-colored eyes, too bright, like the spring sky. “They moved us in, look, Jens,” the guy turned around, looked at Tilike and, approaching, extended his hand to him in greeting. Thielike also said hello. — My name is Jens Filler. — It’s a pleasure, Tilike Schlosser. “My name is Alfred Schneider,” the man with whom Jens spoke a moment ago introduced himself. He was very different from both of them, he was no longer very young — about thirty, thirty-five, and it was clear that he had gone through a lot. “Very nice,” Tilike was open to making acquaintance. New comrades and friends never hurt. All three began to tell a little about themselves — general information. However, Thielicke was once again convinced that general information can also be different. As well as living together with him. Jens really didn’t like being bossed around, because, as it turned out, he would be the commander of the group where he and several other people were assigned. Therefore, if you start teaching him about life and giving him advice, then a quarrel cannot be avoided… Alfred turned out to be a married man, who enthusiastically talks about his wife, and who also fought in the First World War. More precisely, he got to the front at the end of the war, but still. It was clear from him that he had seen a lot. It’s best never to argue with him about politics and economics, otherwise you’ll feel like a complete idiot. The last person from their room turned out to be the same age as Thielick — Neumann Erich. He was an extremely shy character and Thielike never managed to understand him. During every conversation, he avoided communication, and attempts to understand him came to naught, and everyone abandoned this idea. As Jens said, they will study until the fall, and then they will go to the front. Thielike tried many times to ask Alfred what the war was, the front, and what it was like there. But he only said that there was a lot of blood there and there was no point in it. They will all fly into the abyss, as in the First World War, and Hitler will again drive the country into a corner. Jens always intervened and said that everything would be completely different. Alfred just shrugged it off and went out to smoke. After that they didn’t talk for a long time. Studying was difficult. Tilike didn’t particularly like to study; he didn’t like cramming theory and sitting around without putting the acquired knowledge into practice. Tielike was eager to go into battle, even though he didn’t know anything, he was overcome by the desire to quickly learn and go into battle, but they were not allowed much, only occasionally taking units to the training ground. I had to pore over textbooks. But this was not in vain — he became calmer and more reserved, and also very organized. This could not but please not only Tilike, but also his comrades, who at first did nothing but teach him the rules of society and decency. Did he think a lot about Hilda and what was between them? Was he in a hurry for her to become his wife? Thielike never thought about the seriousness of these words, but apparently now he definitely will. He won’t take back his words. And why? He didn’t believe in accidents. He believed in destiny. Summer flew by pretty quickly. It began to get dark at seven o’clock in the evening, and lights out at nine. At the end of his training, Thilike was sure that he was ready and was now a full-fledged soldier. Sitting with his neighbors in the evenings, he talked about dreams and life. — Just wait! Where to go to battle already? First, get used to the situation, and then rush to war,” Alfred drank his fourth mug of tea. — I will be the best soldier! — Tilike playfully slammed the table. — Well, well, of course. First, rise above me in rank, and then say that you are the best. “Okay, stop arguing like little children,” after these words everyone went to bed. No one, not even Jens, could tell Alfred. And he was their commander. Two days before September, Thielicke sent a letter to Hilde. He subconsciously felt that he had to tell her something. Even if everything is clear between them. “Dear Hilda, I am on the outskirts of Berlin and have almost become a tank driver! I have not forgotten the promise I made to you, and I will fulfill it as soon as I come to Stuttgart again. I have wonderful neighbors, I will tell you about them when we meet in person. Promise me not to go anywhere! And answer the letter, even if I’m already at the front. Love you. Yours Tielike Schlosser.” He finished writing under the lamp on the night of August 28, 1939. The unknown lies ahead and there is no turning back. Tielike was worried. He almost physically felt the current of his heart — how anxiety slowly spread throughout his body to the very tips of his fingers. He really hoped to receive a reply letter. And I received it on the afternoon of August 31st. “Hello. Yes, I think about you a lot and I don’t regret that I chose you. I’m glad you’re doing well. I’m thinking of moving to Berlin because Stuttgart is uneasy. I’ll send you a letter with my address so you can find me. Your Hilda” They were already gathering, receiving equipment and much more, preparing for the offensive and invasion of Poland. As they were explained, Poland is opposed to Germany, so they are obliged to capture it in order to prevent the possible loss of their territory. There was a lot of noise that day, although it was understandable. Everyone was given weapons, units were recruited, commanders were appointed, and tanks and other equipment were distributed. They described the plan of attack and much more. Towards evening, they sat down for the last time in their common room, to which they had become attached with all their souls for so long. — Well, is everyone ready? — Jens became serious. He is their commander, and now seriousness suits him and his rank. Alfred is a driver-mechanic, Thielicke is a gunner, Erich is a machine gunner. They left the room and headed towards the tank. The officer told them that they would be in the first tank regiment, and they would be joined by one more person, a radio operator — Eris Jung. At first glance, he was an ordinary guy; Thielike did not draw attention to him. He introduced himself and ran his hand through his blond hair, it was clear that he was very tense. Without saying a word, everyone took their place in the tank. The night promised to be dangerous, most likely there would be bloodshed. Thilike looked at the rising moon and remembered Hilda — her beautiful eyes, which he dreams of at night. Having spent the whole night on the road, none of them slept a wink, and there was deathly silence in the tank. The sun had just begun to rise above the horizon, painting the sky crimson and illuminating the earth. A new page of his life was opening, which would be filled with incredible things. He exhaled and prepared for battle. Their tank moved into position, loading its gun and taking aim. The first shot rang out. They act as a well-coordinated team. The only thing Thielike feels while sitting in the tank is stuffiness. He hears constant screams, the closed space presses on him. Understanding that you can see the whole world and the whole battle only through a scope makes your blood boil. Jens' command shouts: where to point and when to shoot. Eris keeps in touch with other tanks, finds out who is where. Alfred also does not lag behind and directs the tank to a position, to a small hill, from there no one will notice them. The Germans surround and the Poles have no choice but to surrender. Erich works together with Thielicke. Erich loads, Thielicke takes aim and fires. The enemy is hit and destroyed. The Germans do not suffer any losses, except for one destroyed tank. Tielike is overwhelmed by numbness. His first fight took place and he did it. Everything is happening too fast… The numbness subsides only when Jens gives the order to get out and look around. They are located in a village near the Polish border, which they have just crossed.