Original subtitles

Russia, October 1944

Werner

Yes, Anton, just a moment!

You old fox, whats it like down there?

We have been in intervisibility for 2 days.

Only civilians there?

Yes

Only civilians? That cant be right?

Heavy equipment, tanks, trucks – movements?

No

Very good, back in your hole!

Sergeant, Group 2, bypass the locality, - as discussed.

Group 1 – follow on!

Up to the edge of the forest - take a stand!

First rain, then sun.

You said it.

I'm looking forward to going home again.

Let's see what happens.

Wait!

Shooting!

Come with me!

Get out, come on!

Quickly, take cover!

Shit, I have nothing left!

Werner, come!

We have to go back, we have to go back, we have to save you!

What is that shit over there?

This is Lang's group!

From Lang?

Yes!

There at the edge of the forest, a Russian PAK

At 11 o'clock!

What is here?

Stay down! This is our salvation, this is our salvation!

Fire!

Quickly, set up, quickly!

Come, move, move, move!

Dismount, now!

All out, spread out!

Fubi, grab the “stovepipe”, go!

Go forward and shoot!

PAK not destroyed, PAK not destroyed!

I've finished the Goliath!

Send the Goliath forward!

Drive the thing forward, - let's drive, - let's go, go, go!

Fire! Take cover!

Forward! Go forward!

Werner, - Werner.

What happened here?

Shit, the man has to go to the dressing station immediately!

Well, then get him there immediately, go!

Come on boy come on!

Main Dressing Station Mitau!

Thanks men!

We have to move on!

Look at this, but they made it this far.

Werner, we just have to get past that one.

Anton, lets go!

No!

We've made it this far!

Anton, lets go.

Wait a moment!

Still, then it works!

So, now!

Doctor, may I disturb you for a moment?

Just a moment!

Anton lets go!

Doctor, please take a look at our comrade, he has suffered a shock!

What do you think?

We are on the frontline!

You can see what's going on here, leave the dressing station!

Doctor, he is under shock!

Leave the dressing station!

Belly shot!

Belly shot, strecher bearers!

Go away!

Come on, come on, we have to get in there!

Come on, lets go.

Come on, lets go.

Anton lets go!

No, we're staying here, there's the doctor, don't look there!

Don't look there!

Oh God!

Helene, please take that off!

So, come here now.

What about you?

Doctor, we were in combat this morning, he needs an urgent check-up, he's in shock!

We're not in a madhouse here, now stop it, we've got the really injured here, you can forget that!

Doctor, he is under shock!

Now you can have a look, these are the right cases!

See that, we're in shock, all day we're in shock!

And we are fighting!

Get out now, see the people outside, let them get through, get out now!

Shit, now they kicked us out too.

I told you that right away.

Oh stop it, what else should we do?

And now where?

Where, where, where do you want to go, to the divisional command post, we have to report to our superior!

Sit down!

We have to report back to the divisional command post, if we don't do that, we'll have the others on our backs.

Oh, look at that, where does it come from?

Look at him, my god, what a cute dog.

Where does he come from?

I don't know, I just saw that him.

Let's take it with us!

I do not think this is going to work.

It will.

The only peaceful thing in this whole war!

Oh, it's beautiful, look at it!

Where is the doctor here?

Captain von Stock, I'm here to scour the dressing station for shirkers and the lightly wounded who are fit for war.

I think we have some people that we can give you!

We will take a look.

They look like obvious self-mutilators!

Yes, Captain Sir, Wolzow, follow me!

Yes, Sir!

Captain, let's start at the beginning, we'll go through them all.

Line up!

Come on, line up!

Please!

I think the comrade has already reached his age, they shouldn't send him to the front anymore.

He's way too old!

Whats wrong with him?

Knee pains!

So he is fully operational!

Upgrade him and take him!

Whats wrong with you?

Head injury, let me take a look.

No, the man is fit for service!

Take him!

Immediately to the form up point.

Shell splinter in the foot.

Not fit!

Arm shot.

Conditionally usable as a messenger, - right!

No.

You can see he's hurt!

Can you still operate an anti-tank gun, Sergeant?

Yes Sir, I can do that.

No, the man is not fit!

I am speechless!

What are you doing with that dog?

Tell me, have you gone insane?

Captain!

What!

Captain!

What!

These are the last two survivors from the scout squad we bailed out earlier.

Man what are you doing here?

Have you gone insane?

The front is burning, the Russians are pressing, we're supposed to keep the harbors free and you're sitting around playing with a dog?

So what is it then?

Captain, may I speak?

We should report to the hospital, the comrade suffered a severe shock.

I should bring him here immediately.

Oh, you're the wonder boy?

Well, I heard about the story.

I can understand that, bad thing for him.

But, well, we'll get there.

Get ready for action, I'll take you to the front!

Yes!

You take care of the boy.

Yes, Sir!

You stay with me in the staff first, and then we'll see about your further use!

Yes, Sir!

Get ready!

Go to the collection point!

That just went well!

South of Libau (Courland)

Werner, how are you now?

Better, well, it's gotten a little better, but I would have liked to have kept the dog.

That would have cheered me up a bit.

That's true, me too, but unfortunately that's not possible.

But he was also cute!

Do you actually know where to go?

I don't know where we are.

Roughly to the west, Libau seems to be 80 kilometers away from us, or 90.

They probably want to put us in a new containment position.

We'll end up somewhere.

As always!

Captain, I report no special incidents!

Well, you've already taken a stand.

Yes!

All right, then back into position.

You, go to the unit HQ!

Günsche, with me!

Sergeant, you take over the battle group and have trenches dug here.

And offset, not everything in one line, I would like to have the offset in the forest.

Watch the field of fire!

Sergeant Lindenberg, PAK dismount, decide according to own situation, position PAK, get position ready.

Everything is fine so far.

Yes, Captain, Sir!

Prefer PAK 5 meters.

Cyclists, put down your bikes behind the forest, behind the clearing and line up.

Vehicles, see that the Opel Super 6 is repaired again!

Behind the forest, also on the clearing!

Everybody ready?

Lets go!

Runner, Runner to me!

I'm back there in the command post, you stay there with your bike so you can deliver reports.

All right, go!

You take care of the expansion of the positions, so that everything is finished.

Alright guys.

Captain!

Captain!

And Werner how are you?

Better, but I would have liked to have kept the dog.

I can understand that, but there's war here, what's the point of the dog here, he's not doing well here either.

You are right!

Will be again!

They are at my personal disposal but still get ready for a foxhole!

So far clear?

Yes, Sir!

There in front between the trees behind the PAK, come with me!

Yes.

Werner come!

Get yourself a spade, dig in and keep your head down.

Yes, we will.

Come on let's stay here.

We'll do that, I'll get some spades, and you hold the fort here and don't give it away.

All right!

Back soon!

December 24, 1944

Sergeant, you think one is enough?

Yes, laid as a wire mine, that's enough for MG Nest protection!

The wire tight in a line.

Seems like we're staying here longer?

I also think we have had to secure a lot of positions now, I think it takes longer here.

Give me the bayonet!

Now we have to plant mines here too.

Stop moaning, -come on!

Sergeant, - left?

Yes, same again on the side!

Do you need another one?

Absolutely!

Over here!

So lads how does it look?

Last mine Captain!

Very good!

Make sure you get into position right away, food is there so that you get something warm in your stomach.

That sounds good!

You were long enough outside!

Come on cut!

Let's go eat something!

Anton, did I tell you about my school friend?

Alfred?

Yes, thats right, Alfred!

He wrote me a letter, he's on the western Front.

I'm curious what he writes!

Dear Werner!

I have now been given a day of special leave and can therefore write to you again.

As the leader of a scouting party, I was nominated for the Iron Cross, first class.

In this action we were able to track down a large number of Americans.

They had made themselves very comfortable in the wooded area of Foy.

We crept up to sight and earshot of the American positions and could therefore observe them very well.

But they must not have known anything about our offensive.

I could see a first lieutenant step out of his vehicle without cover and like peace time, ran around greeting everyone in the foxholes.

He would have made a very good target for our snipers.

The only thing that makes it difficult for us and certainly for the Americans is the bad weather.

Rain turns into sleet and so it changes all the time.

The trenches of the Americans are definitely always full.

However, since we have only been advancing via Luxembourg in the direction of the Ardennes since December 16, luckily we are spared that.

This offensive has been a great success so far.

With strong tank support, we have so far been able to drive the Americans in front of us.

Our firepower is almost like it was at the beginning of the war.

Our squad is also more motivated by these successes than it has been for a long time.

I see many comrades fighting with tears in their eyes they had to suffer so many defeats.

The Americans are surrendering to our troops by the thousands.

Maybe now the tide is turning.

Tomorrow we're going in the direction of Bastogne and from there to Antwerp to the

large fuel depot and from there we'll drive the Americans back out to sea.

So hang in there, maybe we'll come and get you out of there!

Your school friend, Alfred.

Man, they are already in front of Bastogne!

Really unbelievable!

Then comes Antwerp, and then they defeated the Americans!

Have a word in God´s ear!

Oh, they can do it!

Definitely!

You read what he writes!

I want your optimism!

Medic!

Oh, thanks!

Tell me, what are you doing at the front?

I ask myself the same thing!

The medical officer wanted to have us up front, the distances to the dressing station are getting longer!

Thats right!

So, I grabbed Helmut and said let's go to the front, we can achieve more here than at the dressing station!

We are needed is at the front!

Thats true!

Good man!

And all without a weapon?

Yes, I have them with me, but that's about it...

You two should go out and get some food!

The container is outside!

Us again? Thats not right!

We have just sat down!

Could you use someone else?

Come on lad!

Bring your helmet!

Anton, finally we have arrived!

Just as good, we have sore feet...

I can't anymore, I'm getting blisters on my feet again, I think I need new boots.

The whole thing…

Where do we have to go anyway?

To the reporting area.

Reporting area is here Comrades.

Lieutenant Sir, 502 First Company

yes, 502.

We are here for the field post delivery...

For field post delivery and food.

Yes, give me the field post!

Wait, I have a letter too.

Moment.

Out with it!

Here, for Mum.

You and your post.

And provisions?

And provisions!

502, you're late!

That's probably true!

Collect and take away!

Merry Christmas Comrades!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Here, take the sack!

Lets have a look at what we got.

Potatoes, Coffee...

Coffee is there, here!

Hello Sir!

We should have a kilo coffee.

Let me look!

So, coffee.

Is that the right coffee?

That is the right coffee!

Coffee, and then we have soup.

2 cans for a whole company?

I dont have more!

But it is Christmas!

One milk!

We have a long way to go.

Men, -

- come here it is Christmas!

I don't have more, share it with yourselves!

Some chocolate..

Happy Christmas.

You too, thanks!

Here, pork. Merry Christmas.

Thanks!

Next we need sausages!

13 sausages, - 13 large sausages would be good!

Yes!

Good day, hello Comrades!

We're supposed to pick up 13 sausages.

We wont have any left!

Sorry, I can give you 10!

10?

I'm sorry...

10 pieces...?

Oh, I'll eat it then!

We now have the sausages, -

And the big ones, because it is Christmas!

The cook is frying them now, so you can pick up warm ones!

That is nice! We`ll do that!

We have bread here!

Bread!

Moment!

Come on, let's get the bread!

Hey, they're still warm.

We should pick up 5 kilos of bread!

Is that okay?

Here they are still warm.

Come on, take one!

Thank You!

So that's it, do we have everything?

Yes, just drink my coffee!

Mine is empty!

Coffee is important.

Thanks Men!

Come on, let's get cigarettes!

We'll go in again!

Lieutenant, supplies received.

However, we didnt get the cigarettes!

Sergeant, it's Christmas, but the Santa Claus hasn't arrived yet!

What should I do, I don't have anything either!

If you can find anything outside, help yourself!

Come on Werner, let's go, the men are hungry in the trenches!

Lucky we got an extra portion of the sausage!

Thank goodness the boys deserve it too!

In this cold, definitely!

It's starting to snow again.

Well, we have Christmas.

Christmas, and when I think about the food now.

We have relatives in Silesia, we always have Silesian sausage.

With potatoes, cabbage and lots of butter!

Ah, I'm getting hungry.

Me too!

Yes, what's up with you?

We always have venison at Christmas!

What is that then?

Leg of venison, peppered with garlic, onions, delicious sauce and red cabbage and dumplings according to grandma's recipe.

Ah, delicious!

Everything always tastes best at Grandma's anyway.

So it should!

So it should!

We always had everything at home, my father was a butcher - well, you can see it!

Mine was a ranger.

We always had a nice, big Christmas tree at Christmas.

That has been our tradition.

With balls and tinsel?

Yes, with everything.

Mum always took care of the ball and we hung up the tinsel!

Thats a good idea.

Let's get the boys a Christmas tree too!

Do you think so?

Oh sure!

We have enough forest!

Definitely!

Now we just have to find one.

That one? Let's take it!

Come on!

Shit! Get down!

To the left!

Come on!

I'm not the youngest anymore!

Anton, look here!

Come on, leave it there!

Come come!

Cover down!

Shit, count on the dirty Russians, the morning greeting always comes.

Yes.

All right?

Look who's wounded, I'll report it to the staff.

Yes, Captain, report coming immediately.

Bugger me!

You look good, what was going on?

Evening greetings from the Russians, punctual as always!

Every day, even at Christmas.

Yes!

Get me a line to the division, I have to report there.

Yes sir!

Lieutenant Günsche, I need a line to the division, but quickly!

How does it look?

Yes, Captain, the line is open!

Hello!

Captain von Stock here!

We had a heavy artillery raid.

Shells, - so the usual!

Nothing is known about losses yet, I'll report!

Yes, out!

I'm finally getting rid of this heavy thing!

That's right!

Oh nice, finally something to eat!

There are extra sausages inside!

Come on, let's go in and report!

Leave the tree outside!

No, it has to come with us!

Captain Sir!

Back from fetching food.

And what is that?

Sir it is Christmas!

Your orders were to collect food.

We thought for the boys in the position...

You were to blame for the shooting back there?

Your job was to get food for the comrades and not buy Christmas trees!

This is totally irresponsible behavior!

You can't just go around cutting down Christmas trees of your choice!

You endanger the whole combat group!

How long have you actually been at the front?

5 years Captain Sir!

5 years? You should be aware that you can't do that!

Yes, but...

I don't want to hear “yes but” get out of my sight!

Really!

Yes, but Kurt, you have to understand it from their view.

Here, there's sausage to go with it!

We got a pretty good lecture there!

Thats true...

He was right...

They have to put up with hard time, so they hold on to a Christmas tree...

and it gives them something...

Yes, I understand that!

But what do I write to the family if something happens to them?

Fallen for Hitler, nation, fatherland and a Christmas tree?

Yes, I understand that yes, but that is the Christian faith, -

and they have something to hold on to!

Yes!

If they have nothing more to believe in, that's bad!

Yes, I understand that!

The artillery raid has subsided, I'm making my rounds and you're holding the fort here!

Yes!

Whats with this man?

Slight splinter injury from a ricochet.

Who are you?

Corporal Böttger Sir!

Ah you, Böttger!

With MG?

Yes, MG as always!

This time it got me with a Russian Christmas greeting!

Yes, unfortunately at Christmas.

Do you smoke?

Yes!

Unfortunately I don't have any more, here's a pack of cigarettes.

Thanks!

Clench your teeth, take that man away!

Right away!

Attention!

Carry on!

And, everyone fed?

Yes, the field post has come too!

Field post has also come, very nice!

Then, carry on!

Yes, Sir!

Lindenberg, how is the situation?

Everything ok, the PAK a full crew!

Corporal Neugebauer is on guard!

All quiet?

All quiet, the Russian leaves us alone today!

Hopefully, this morning was enough!

Can I offer you a coffee?

Very good!

Carry on!

How is it with your father?

Doing fine!

He healthy again, Did you get mail?

Yes I did.

Very good!

Thank you, that's excellent!

And hot!

I'll give you the coffee back, I have to keep going.

Yes!

I might come by again and get another sip of coffee!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

I don't know how this is going to continue either, my daughter was born in July and I've never seen her.

How does it look?

All quiet!

Is there a Corporal Keller here?

Yes, here!

Here is field post!

Thanks!

Here, this is for you, reach in!

Have a Merry Christmas!

Let's see what Mum writes!

Merry Christmas Men!

Merry Christmas!

How is it with you?

Have you heard from your brother?

Can I pass?

He is fine!

Yes, finally another message?

He's on home leave, unlike me!

Yes!

He's on home leave, unlike me!

Yes, that's the way it is, I can't change it either.

Field post doesn't always come for everyone...

Cold?

Yes!

Well, I'll have you relieved regularly so you don't have to be outside all the time.

And, who wrote?

Mum!

And?

It doesn't look good, the sister isn't feeling well, she's sick.

And I'm sitting here, 2 brothers have fallen, there's not much left of us.

Well, it's quiet here now, we'll make it!

Chin up, keep going boys...

Keep going - Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, Captain Sir!

Here, Chocolate!

How does it look?

That is a letter from my Mother!

They bombed Essen again, but their fine so far.

Luckily they are outside, I told you that once.

Yes, right, that's good!

Luckily they are fine!

Men, luckily no bad news!

Here because it's Christmas, a nice schnapps from home. Distilled!

Do we have another one?

Yes, we have one more.

Cheers to home!

To Home!

Merry Christmas!

Attention!

Keep going!

Shit snow!

How does it look? Had your post yet?

We got our post Sir!

But it's not always the best news!

Yes, yes, but unfortunately I can't change anything.

Carlos, pretty cold for a Spaniard?

Yes, cold, very cold!

Merry Christmas!

Thanks!

To Home!

Normally I would have to bring you presents!

But I don't have anything, so at least I'll get something from you

To you lads!

All the best lads...

Hold on!

Merry Christmas, well...

Keep your ears pricked...

Something may happen!

Thanks Sir!

Yes, thats our captain!

The old man...

Always at the forefront!

Thats him.

He is an old warhorse, old school!

Luckily we have him as an officer!

Do we have another one?

There's something going on inside.

There's an end to it all...

There's an end to it okay...

On every December...

Follows May.

On his post in a lonely night

There's a soldier watching out

Dreaming of Hanne and happiness

That had remained at home

The clouds in the sky are drifting

All towards home, we know

And his heart is thinking silently:

That's where I'll go one day, too.

There's an end to it all

There's an end to it okay

On every December

Follows May

There's an end to it all

There's an end to it okay

But two people in love

stay true...

stay true!

Merry Christmas Comrades!

Merry Christmas!

On every December

Follows May

There's an end to it all

There's an end to it okay

But two people in love

Stay true!

February 24, 1945

Hey boy, another letter from your girlfriend?

No, letter from Mother!

With a photo!

Look, that is my sister.

Yes.

You can see it?

Yes!

Yes, lad.

But I'll tell you one thing, the girls in France, -

I was only there for a short time.

When I think about it, I was as randy as a sailor on shore leave!

That's why you got the close combat clasp, huh?

Should have gotten the gold for that!

Well, just laugh!

Why are you lugging the whole box around with you now?

This here?

Everything is there that I have experienced in the last 6 years!

Letters from my mother, my school friend Alfred.

I told you about that.

So, everything I've experienced in the last 6 years.

Notes from the patrol - all my experiences are in there!

It's like a piece of home for me!

And who should read it?

My children!

Have you any?

Not yet.

Sergeant, get ready, there's fighting up by Birch woods!

The Winkler patrol is out there.

I think they're going to get shot!

They were probably ambushed.

Grab the company squad, -

You go with me!

Get those out of there, -Now!

Medics, get up immediately, let's go!

Always the same shit!

Don't get caught out!

Have everything?

Always keep your head down!

Lets go!

Go Werner!

Man, it's a miracle that anyone survived at all

That was an ambush

Luckily we can at least recover him

We've got to make sure we bury the boys properly

They deserve that!

I don't think we'll come here again...

It's all full of Russians

We have to!

We have to, no matter how!

We'll get there!

Left!

Take cover.

Careful!

A few more meters,

That's the position ahead.

We've done it soon.

I cant go on...

Come, 60 meters.

Come on comrade!

Come, come!

Come, come!

Careful, he has an injured leg!

Down here.

Come on!

You left.

Come on, side by side.

We're almost there, come on!

Together!

Pretty tight here!

Careful.

Careful!

They have a wounded there!

That is the patrol!

Over here!

Get him on the motorcycle!

Careful with his leg!

We will!

Ziegler, come here!

Ziegler, go to the dressing station!

Report direct to the chief sergeon.

Greet Reiner from me.

Go, on your way!

Go!

Away with him!

It will be fine!

Hope he will keep his leg.

What happened?

Captain, I report...

7 dead, 1 wounded!

Tröger was with them.

The rest?

Left behind?

Yes...

Good, now go in and get warm.

Take a tea.

Yes, Sir!

Come in!

Sit down and get something to eat.

Thank you.

Sit there!

Nice and warm here.

Thank God, the place is really warm.

Lucky!

The Captain said something to eat?

We have “Sopa de Lentejas”.

Yes, please.

Lovely.

Your welcome.

“Sopa de Lentejas” is lentil soup.

I said that.

You are right again.

The first.

That is mine!

Your welcome.

Thank you.

Did you make it yourself?

Yes, the recipe from my grandmother.

Tastes very good.

Thanks.

A good grandmother.

I say, is that Spanish?

Yes, sure.

How do you get here to Kurland from Spain?

Volunteer!

The German people helped us to fight against Bolshevism!

And now it is my great honor,

to fight with our German comrades against Bolshevism!

But, we're not the only volunteers here!

There are volunteers from France,

from Holland, from England,

Even from Russia.

There are even volunteers from Finland, Estonia and many other countries!

Half of Europe is fighting on our side!

Yes.

Half of Europe...

Comrade, thanks for the food.

You are welcome.

It was lovely.

It was very tasty.

I am very tired.

Ask me!

We take our leave.

So, to bed now.

Thank you.

Good night.

Good night.

The soup tasted very good.

I didn't think so many countries would join!?

Half of Europe is fighting the Reds.

I am dog tired.

I will sleep now.

Me too.

Sergeant Lang!

I've been asked by the division to make a report.

About the patrol that was shot up.

You were the first in the area, -

I would like a detailed report from you!

Captain, we were too late, we were too late.

When we got there they were all dead.

We could only find a lot of dead!

The comrades had been ambushed in some sort of corridor!

The Reds fired from all guns.

And our comrades had no way of getting away from there!

It was a horrific picture, no prisoners were taken.

They were shot at point blank range!

You must have been completely taken by surprise at the narrow part of the river.

Mortars must also have been used in a targeted manner, they didn't stand a chance!

You can't imagine that...

And he could only save himself because he had covered himself with a dead man!

Thank God, we got him out.

I can already imagine that, -

we will soon set up our patrols differently!

I will pass on my report.

Carry on!

Come now, lets sleep.

Is this free?

Yes, if you're lucky, there's still some body heat from me in there!

Werner, see you later!

Division command post Colonel General Carl Hilbert

March 18, 1945

Thank you, you can go.

Yes, here is the material for what you need!

Right!

Enough Ammo.

Petrol!

Maintenance is here.

Bikes.

Here in the boxes is definitely the food!?

Nice!

I don't know what the General wants from us...

Then let's go in!

Now look at that!

Lovely.

Look, a chandelier.

Open fireplace...

Office girls.

Very nice!

This is different from our trench!

Yes!

We might get to like it.

Yes.

Corporal come here!

Yes Sir!

The general had ordered.

That way please!

Thank You!

Gentlemen!

General Sir.

Welcome Captain!

I took command from Colonel-General Rendulic 3 days ago.

The situation is as follows.

The Russians have 6 infantry divisions and strong armored support.

They made an attack between the 24th and 122nd Infantry Divisions.

They tore holes in the front, but the 12th Panzer Division was able to iron them out again.

By quickly moving our units, including engineer battalions.

Did we manage to hold the front line?

The Russians have occupied another village east of Saldus, but when the thaw started,

he Russian got stuck in the mud again.

That's the only nice thing.

The ports of Gotenhafen, Hela, Libau and Windau are still free.

So supplies are still reaching us, -

but the convoys are becoming fewer and fewer

and the Soviet air raids more and more almost every hour!

The supply situation therefore looks very, very bad.

And despite all that, we still have the 2 volunteer divisions

We relinquish the Dutch, Nordland and 215th Divisions.

Oh yes...

Herr Hauptsturmfuhrer, your marching orders!

Ou have your instructions!

You report in the port of Liepaja (Libau)

I wish you all the best!

Thank you General.

So we're rid of them too.

Yes, how should we hold the front then?

Es, that is the situation!

We no longer have mobile reserves!

We have no more reserves...

This is the situation that presents us!

In addition, I expect massive Soviet attacks on the ports.

And above all on the port, Liepaja (Libau)

And that brings us to the point...

that is your front sector!

I expect you to hold!

I know they've held 5 times so far!

You can do it!

General, yes sir!

Oh, then I also have good news for you!

The Führer has commissioned an armband for the Courland fighters.

Which all units are awarded.

Can we already make an entry in the service record?

Yes, you can already enter that!

Yes, the comrades will be happy about that...

Yes...

Unfortunately that's all I can tell you today.

Good.

I thank you!

Thank you General.

Dismissed!

Gentlemen.

Can this be taken away?

You are welcome to take this with you.

Thank you General.

I wouldn't pin it...

We still have the problem with this order...

How do we want to implement this.

So, I see massive problems there.

We don't have any personel anymore....

Yes, a nice cufftitle,

No ammo, no people, but a cufftitle...

Yes...

I don't know how much longer this will go well.

We are to hold Liepaja (Libau), where all the refugees are flocking towards it...!

Come on, let's go.

Sir!

Thank you!

Courland cufftitle, thats a nice target at the frontline...

Cover! Take cover!

In the trenches, Go!

So, here we are right now!

What's going on Here?

Driver, the position is under attack!

Go! Go!

Is the wire connection to the division still up?

Yes, Sir!

Give me Division!

Erika 1 here!

We're under heavy artillery fire!

This is probably the Russian full-scale attack!

Where's the reinforcements?

Yes, then they should dig in, -

The frontline almost doesn't exist anymore!

Out!

Captain, the Russians are breaking in everywhere!

Damn shit!

Ready everyone, including the staff, for a counterattack!

Come now!

Damn!

Go! Go!

Anton, Werner!

The MG on the left flank is out!

Take over the machine gun!

Go! Go!

Come on!

Move your lazy bones!

Anton, help me Anton!

Come on!

Go!

You, get out of here, you're too young!

Chin up!

Theres the MG!

Down, down!

Make the MG ready!

Whats with the MG?

I am on it.

What? Get the MG ready!

Man, Engineer, get the charge ready!

Charge ready!

Straight ahead, - edge of the forest! Fire!

Captain, the engineer has fallen!

We need a replacement charge!

All right, I'll get Werner, he knows his stuff!

Cover me!

Werner, Werner, a man dropped out at the PAK

You know what to do, come with me!

Chin up!

Straight ahead, edge of the forest, tank crossing!

800 meters!

Werner, listen...

You need to get the explosive charge ready in case the PAK needs to be detonated!

The engineer has fallen, you know what to do!

Fire! Hit!

Yesss!

Loaded, ready!

Fire!

Hit!

Yes!

Charge is ready!

Understood!

Make sure you get away!

Load anti-tank shell! Right!

Yes sir!!

Loaded! Fire!

Werner!

Werner!

Werner, can you walk?

Come up!

Where?

Werner, keep awake!

The Russian tank attack was repelled!

Yes, we have 12 killed, 4 seriously wounded and 8 lightly wounded.

8 Russian tanks destroyed.

And about 150 to 180 enemy.

Yes, I will report back!

Yes, understood!

Out!

We didn't find more, the rest is gone...

I have another...

And did you pull him out?!

That was a big mess!

Yes, I saw it, right when the explosive charge was being set up...

The ear is damaged...

Oh, it'll be fine, it'll be fine!

Take care of him!

Come...

I'm afraid we won't last much longer...

I'm starting to think so too...

Division command post Colonel General Carl Hilbert

May 8, 1945

What's going on here?

What's going on here, what are you doing here?

We should burn everything!

What?!

What's going on here?

Come on let's go in!

Have they gone insane?

No, they have their orders!

Corporal, get that stuff out of here!

They have their orders and expect them to obey them immediately!

Thank you and out!

Captain!

What's going on here, General?

Nothing is going on!

Jodl announced the capitulation last night!

What!

Yes, from today at 11 p.m. all combat operations will cease!

And why are my men still fighting?

We don't fight anymore, it's over!

The only thing left for me to tell you,

we are able to evacuate exactly 250 people per division.

Listen up!!!

And that applies to your group, 5 men!

5 Men?

Yes, 5 men you can save!

But we have more than 5 men!

Know you have more, but we don't have more space on the ship!

I have stragglers from the Waffen SS!

You can save five lives!

I got stragglers from the Waffen SS, you know what happens when they fall into Russian hands!

Yes, but you know what will happen if I fall into their hands!

And I'm staying here too!

I expect you to save the lives of 5 men,

And save them from Russian captivity and bring them to safety!

That's a heavy order, General!

I know!

I wish you luck!

Thank you General!

All the best!

Good luck Leutenant!

To you too!

Thanks.

This stuff has to go too, it has to be destroyed!

Where is all the staff?

Sergeant, the stamps must be destroyed!

What are they doing back there, a little faster!

All that crap has to get out of here!

That is for you.

Is that all?

This needs to be stamped...

Attention!

Captain!

Carry on!

I need the personnel list, bring it over to me right away!

Yes sir!

The list!

Thank you!

So, we can now choose 5 men,

Who should we take, family fathers,

those who have already fallen?

And what do we do with those from the Waffen - SS?

I would first see that we get our boys out.

You know what the Russians do when they get their hands on the Waffen SS.

I know.

We only have the personnel lists from our unit...

Now see that we work through them.

That's Kowalski, he's single, but his brother died recently.

Yes that is fine.

Then we have Peter Therhorst here, who is married but has 5 children!

Yes, I know him.

Gustaf Wirtz is also single, but his father died.

Yeah, it's about time he came out.

He's too old too.

Then we have Wilhelm Zimmermann,

yes, that's fine too.

What about the Spaniard?

Unfortunately we have to leave it here.

Yes, the next!

Yes, here Friedhelm Jansen!

Also good!

He is also single, but half the family is dead.

Leaving the decision to us to pick 5 people who come out, -

and the rest will perish!

Yes, that is absolute cheek.

That's impossible!

That's impossible!

Let the boys line up, we'll announce the names.

Alright!

So, you know, let them all line up!

Company on parade!

Company, attention!

Stand at ease!

Eyes front!

Company on parade Captain, eyes left!

Sir! Company on parade Sir!

Thank you, stand them at ease.

Eyes front, Company, stand at ease!

Soldiers,

I heard from the General Staff that arms will be laid down tomorrow.

That means capitulation of the German Wehrmacht and all units.

From tomorrow the guns,

will be silent and we will have to surrender to the enemy.

The order is,

that we go to the Soviets as a cohesive, orderly unit.

I thank you for your deeds,

for your heroism and commitment,

I never doubted you,

but this is the end...

The lieutenant and I picked 5 names

5 comrades who will be shipped home via Libau.

Leutenant

Sir!

Leutenant, give out the names of the comrades.

The soldiers I am calling now, step forward.

You will leave us tonight,

for the rest that means, order, clean the uniforms, shine boots, fill your stomach again,

Clean weapons!

And write letters to the homeland,

The comrades will definitely take them with them.

I don't have any better news.

Get home safely.

All the best!

Well, how many children do you have? You have grandchildren soon.

Yes, I can see them again there.

All the best!

Look after your parents, you're the only one!

You will go soon, think of us!

We will

Dont forget us!

All the best!

Thanks!

So, the 5 chosen ones, turn left -

and away.

Leutenant, dismiss the troops!

Yes, Sir!

Company, Dismissed!

Are they crazy at OKW, why should we clean the weapons?

Have you prepared the vehicles for the demolition?

All ready for the destruction!

All ready for the destruction!

That's it...

Well, did you write another letter?

Yes, of course, maybe it will be the last one!

Yes...

Well, Lindenberg, is the frontline hairstyle finally coming off?

Yes, thank God, I look like a cave man!

Yes.

There were many bombing raids over Eilenburg...

Carlos,

is the letter ready, -

to Spain?

Yes, to Spain!

Very good!

Hey guys, are you getting smart again?

How should things proceed now, Sir?

I would disappear!

Where?

Direction Libau, or Sweden. You might get a place.

That will be pretty crowded!

Better than Russian captivity!

Go now!

I'll issue you papers,

you know where to find me!

Hello, Kurt, are you coming?

But sure, I'm not going to the Russians!

And are you coming too?

Yes, maybe you can use me, I'll come with you!

Then let's start tomorrow at 5 and then on to the coast.

I'll take just what I need with me.

We don't have much anymore.

Good, are you still doing it up here?

Sure!

Lads, my ship is about to leave, anyone else have anything for home?

Yes, to Spain please!

Get home safely!

Greet home!

All the best, get through!

Good luck!

Thanks!

Have a good one boys!

I've got something too!

That's all I have for the 6 years, bring it home safely!

You know where my mother lives!

Yes, I know!

That is 6 years!

I'll deliver them personally!

Get through well!

Keep your chin up!

Thanks!

Hope he makes it!

May 9, 1945

Anton, Anton, Sergeant!

Yes!

Are we still correct? Where do we have to go?

West, we have to keep going.

Anton mine!

Mines, look out, mines!

Medic!

Slowly, slowly, Mines!

Medic! Medic!

Medic!

Go ahead, pressure!

Hold on Kurt!

What's wrong with my leg?

I can't feel my leg!

You make a plan how to get away!

Stay with us, stay with us!

We will get help.

Man, go alone, I'll stay here!

No, you come with me!

We'll get motorized reinforcements, we know where we are!

Medic, can you do this?

Yes, I must!

I have to get in here!

Man, come!

That was the last!

What do we do now?

Can we get him out of here?

No, we can't get him carried away from here!

You go - and get help!

Are you still there?

Send me anything that can roll, a motorbike, a jeep or a tank, I don't care!

I don't feel like it.

Lets go!

We'll get you out of here!

Lets go!

Medic, my leg!

Wait, they're coming back!

I cover you!

Hands up!

Dont shoot!

Listen!

Let's grab them!

Wait a minute, wait, there's more coming!

He's hurt, don't shoot!

Stop! Dont shoot!

Stop l say! Keep back.

This man is a prisoner of war! They burned down our villages!

I said stop! That's an order! I´ll kill him!

They argue!

Listen!

Hands up, stay back!

Dont shoot!

Stop!

They let them live!

Come up, it's gonna be alright!

Come German, come!

I will kill him!

I said stop there!

He seems to be alive!

I hope, come!

We'd better get out!

You, how far do we still have it? My feet are hurting!

We should already be on the outskirts of Libau.

Have a look here!

I'm going up!

Your on lookout!

The coast is clear, come up!

Great, here we can lie down.

I cant go on, my feet hurt!

Listen, even the dog is quiet!

Wonderful!

How far?

It is a few kilometers now,

We have to make sure that we get to the boat tomorrow so we can get out of here!

That was a tremendous distance, but it shouldn't be far!

I think we still have 6 to 5 km.

We are already on the edge of Libau.

We'll manage the rest.

That's the way it is!

But tonight we sleep.

That's enough for today!

I have something else for you!

I just wanted to say thank you!

I couldn't have done it all without you!

I would have died after the first minute!

I'll write down my address for you.

I already told you about my father's forester's business.

That is Luiesenstraße,

4 in Mühlheim.

I've told you about this before.

Many times.

Keep it safe!

Hope you come visit me one day!

Write down your address!

Give it to me

If you are faster than me...

Horst Wessel Street,

in Genthin No. 1

You will see the slaughterhouse.

I look forward to it.

We just have to get out of this hole!

Hopefully!

We hit the sack now!

We did it all, we can do the rest!

I'm tired

I am going to sleep too.

May 10, 1945

I will be right back, I am going to throw up.

Hands up!

Stand still!

Everything OK!

Forward!

Forward!

Forward!

Forward!

Where do you come from?

Who are you?

I have something for you to eat.

For you!

For me!

Dog come here!

Dog come here!

Dont shoot!

Dont shoot!

German?

Yes!

No fear!

Come with me!

Come sit.

Do want to eat?

Yes!

Not much, but something.

Thanks.

Tomorrow I'll take you to a small boat,

The small boat takes you to a big boat,

Then it's home!

Thanks!

Why do you help me?

My son was murdered by Russian communists.

My wife was also murdered by Russian communists.

Russians are not good!

How old?

Twenty.

Sorry...

Shit war!

Who is that?

German.

Good day.

Hello!

How old?

How old?

Twelve.

I have a sister.

My sister, -

is eleven.

Yes.

Look at my sister.

Sister?

Yes, my sister!

Come on, we have to sleep now, tomorrow we're going to the small boat!

Fine.

May 11, 1945

Come quickly!

The small boat takes you to a big boat, then it's home!

Thanks, i will never forget you!

We'll meet again.

Thanks.

All the best, goodbye.

Come on!

This is a medic, a medic!!

No longer!

Shut up now!

Go! Go!

You stand here!

That's just a kid!

What shoud that?!

I will reconise if some one doesnt shot.

For Russia! On my command!

Shoot!

Bloody murderer!

Line up, Line up!

Come on, go, go!

Follow me, follow me!

Go and hurry up

Move, go, move!

December 24, 1949

Thank you Captain, see you later.

Good day.

Good day, can I help you?

Yes I am sure, I am looking for Werner Schmidt!

Yes, he lives here.

Werner for you, someone is outside, come on out.

I am coming.

I have to go, we will meet tomorrow.

Yes!

Anton,

come here!

You made it,

I cant believe it!

From Friedland.

How are you?

You kept the addresse!

Yes, it brought me here.

Thats great.

The captain drove me.

The Captain?

Yes!

Come it, tell me everything.

That is a joy!

Come up, let's go to the room to the wife and child!

There's a cup of coffee, that's nice!

Helene, do you know who it is?

You will not believe this!

Anton!

Anton, my wife Helene.

Hello.

Hello.

A beautiful woman.

Our child.

You know who it is?

Thats Anton.

Anton, Anton like me?

Yes, I named him after you.

Lovely boy.

How old?

18 months.

Looks like father.

Yes.

I have something nice for you, take a look!

Do you remember?

1944...

In the war...

Christmas...

Christmas in Kurland...

We survived!

We made it…