Dark 19: The war is over

"If they wait it out it will be the end of the war.” Feldwebel Brandt heard the officer who was stuck with him on the No-Man’s Land. That day was November 1918 and the Great War was coming to an end by noon.

"We will not wait for the date. We will proceed to do one more battle on the British. They won’t respect it either” The Oberst was adamant that the British will not adhere to the Armistice call by noon knowing that the Germans are losing the war.

“We are officers and will not give up without a real fight. We will do our work as if there is a war on.” The platoon left on that day at dawn and crawled for an hour before they took shelter in the bomb crater. The officer was observing the enemy line with his binoculars. It was then the Sergeant spoke out his view.

“No, Feldwebel. I won’t rest until I have the Iron Cross pinned on my jacket.” The Oberst looked through the viewer and saw the other side was without sentries. It was an hour to noon. It will be over soon.  

“Feldwebel, must we fight? I have lost my brother and cousin to the war.” The Feldwebel heard the private next to him whispered into his ear. They were at the start from the Battle of Somme to the Russian Front and back. Their losses were only numbers counted in the casualties list.

“I am not fighting no more.” The private turned away towards his own line.

“Halt that man.” The Oberst saw the other crawling back. He raised his Luger pistol to shoot. It was then the bayonet stabbed into the back of the Oberst’s neck.

“The war is over, men.” Feldwebel Brandt spoke out.

“Amen.”