Original subtitles

We were Comrades - The End -

Two friends, in a difficult time.

In the summer of 1944 We were on the retreat for nearly a year.

Well, our military leaders called it „straightening the front“ - A euphemism.

They could call it what they wanted -

We simple soldiers just hoped

the Russians would never reach German home ground.

Our casualties grew heavily during this year of the war.

Death and destruction wherever I looked.

So many of my comrades had already fallen.

I am glad to the day it wasn't me

who had to write the death notes to the families back home.

My valued captain found better words for that. My god,

„fallen for the Führer, the people and the father land“ was a line always used.

Today I am still not sure what gave me

strength and the will to survive those dreary circumstances.

Maybe it was my family back home, which I wanted to take into my arms again.

Or maybe it was pure instinct to survive.

I can't explain it today.

Everything I experienced in those days changed who I am today.

At the time I was driven by the hope that, should I survive the war and return home,

my family and friends would still recognize their dear Hellmut.

On my way back to the front after my first home leave

I just hoped my dear friend Heinrich was still alive and well.

I have been with him through thick and thin since basic training.

Dismount!

Come on, dismount guys.

Günsche, back again?

Captain, Sir, yes, surely.

-Böttger! -Captain, Sir.

-Boy, back from home leave? -Yes, it's about time.

-And how's it been? -Too short!

-As always,right? I hope you're well rested. -Well, it's been alright.

The troops need support, though.

We need to go inside for a bit. I have to tell you something.

-Yes, Sir. -Follow me.

Good afternoon, gentlemen. Come in, put your rifle aside.

-Sergeant. -Captain, Sir?

-Have you got the shoulder boards? -Of course, Captain, Sir.

Well, Böttger. After your well deserved home leave, I now have the honor

to congratulate one of the longest serving privates to his promotion to

Non-commissioned officer.

The Führer himself in all his kindness and greatness

sent you a pair of shoulder borads. I hope you take pride in this.

And when there's a bang, better keep your head down, will you?

Better so!

And remain with the troop!

Yes, Sir.

Congratulations. Get the cords attached by our shoemaker.

And since you are my best leader of the reconnaissance patrol,

I'll briefly explain our current situation.

We've got ourselves a Russian prisoner here

and he told us the exact date of their next attack.

It is as follows – have a look as well.

Due to the statement of this prisoner, brought by military police..

we know the date of the next attack.

If the Russians attack on summit 371,

they'll break through.

There's no way for us to get armor piercing weapons up there.

We can only disrupt their attack with a counterattack.

And you'll take part in that. Good.

-Captain? -Yes?

-What's with the Bolshevik bastard here? -Yes?

-Shoot him? Or what? -Nonsense.

-What do you mean: „Nonsense“? -Mr. Leiner, we wage this war

following the Geneva Conventions a as well as the Hague Conventions.

Prisoners are neither mistreated nor shot in my combat sector.

I think I've used enough of your time.

I'm sure you've got more important issues to attend to.

-Well, we'll leave. -Thank you.

We'll leave but I'm sure we'll meet again. With that in mind....

Yes, with that in mind. Thank you, gentlemen.

I thank you. I'm sure we'll meet a second time.

Böttger, take your rifle

leave your equipment outside.

You take care of the prisoner

and finish this off in our sense.

-Understood? -Yes, Sir.

Alright, Günsche, come here now.

Get up!

Forward, man.

Now stop!

Don't shoot. Please.. don't shoot.

It's alright man. Be quiet. Here.

Now get lost! Go! Dawai, dawai...

Move!

Comrade! Next time the boots you hand in are cleaned!

Come on, I've just arrived from relocation of the front. I didn't have the time.

-Did you gum up the seam alright? -Of course.

-Hellmut! -Heinrich!

You old scumbag, what are you doing here?

I've just arrived from front relocation.

And a fine time you picked for that. Now, put your boot on.

Hold that for a minute.

And? Happy?

It fits, yes!

Come on, let's go find a quiet corner.

Next time they're clean!

Alright!

-Let's grab a bite first. -It's about time.

Chef, still got a cup full for the both of us?

Yes. Soup's ready.

-A dream! -Just a moment, I'll wash those first.

Leave it, just fill them with the stuff.

We didn't get one bite during relocation.

We've been on the road for almost two days now, and not one potato.

-Well, that looks much better now. -What's cooking anyway?

-Potatoes, onions... -Just give me a fill.

What did you eat out there, by the way?

-Well, nothing! -Now you've got German potato soup.

Don't be like that. You'd get your hands on something edible anywhere.

-Oh, officer, Sir! Yes. To you I am officer Böttger from now on.

Don't be a show-off, boy.

Dig in, comrades!

Something to chew! Thanks.

It's been a long time.

-So, tell me, how's home leave been? -Don't ask... No sign of recovery.

Let's sit.

Tell me, what's new at home?

Air raid alerts every other night.

my dad's been recruited for air raid defenses... temporarily

-So, it's that bad now... -Yes, I've hardly seen him.

And the neighbors, they're all talking about other cities' bombardments.

But wait till you hear this: The word is,

the Führer will use some wonder-weapon, soon.

-What kind of wonder- weapons? -They don't know yet. It's classified,

But they say it won't be long.

Do you think this will make a difference?

We're here on the front line

and back home they're throwing bombs on our people.

The Führer will bail us out!

Right, the Führer. Sure they have to tell the people at home there's progress.

I don't think so. The Führer will bail us out. You'll see.

It's a matter of one or two weeks and we'll turn the tables.

Ah, shut up with „the Führer“.

Man, don't talk like that. What if someone hears us?

We can turn the tide. Believe in the final victory!

All I believe is that one day I'll return home.

Unharmed at the most.

Come on, you, too, have sworn an oath to the Führer.

Yes. Maybe I should have thought about that beforehand.

Nonsense. Stop it now.

It doesn't matter anyway. We're in it now.

Now we'll see the whole story to its end.

-Let me have a sip. -Firewater for our new NCO!

-Where did you get that from? -I won't tell.

-Here, something fresh. -Thank you.

-What a damn canteen. It hardly closes. You should get a new one!

Division, we're under severe artillery fire.

Yes!...Yes!...Get out. Everybody out!

Medic!

Where are the medics?

That's the Russian large-scale attack.

Come on, guys! Mount the vehicles.

Günsche, drivers: Get in the cars.

Evacuate camp immediately.

What's going on here?

Who are you?

Captain, the Russians broke through towards Obol.

Obol? My goodness.

Dismount. Group leaders to me.

Captain?

We can forget the attack on summit 371. The Russians broke through.

But Captain, it's Führer's orders!

Ask your Führer what he'd do in this situation.

Come on Gentlemen. Western direction.

Günsche, you regroup. We'll set up tank destroying squads

using the motorcycles. Arm them with anti-tank weapons.

We'll go for the Russian flank.

We've got to stop the main attack on Obol.

There are wounded there. They can't evacuate the main hospital quick enough.

We need to secure it.

We've got to push away the front of tanks. Clear?

Ready the anti-tank weapons!.

Russians! Dismount!

Get into position!

Advance, advance everyone. Go! The Russians are here. Go guys, go.

What's wrong, Hellmut?

Hellmut's hit!

They've blown up the tank and Hellmut must have been hit by a fragment.

Shit, let's bring him out. Come on, get him out of here.

Get up. Can you walk?

Get him away! Leave the rifle. It doesn't matter.

Come on! Keep moving!

-Damn shit! -Come on, keep going, Hellmut.

We're almost there. Let's pause over there.

-You're lucky! -Lucky?

Back for one day and a return ticket wound already...

Put that away now. You're going home!

-Easy, we're almost there. -Heinrich, what's with the others?

Everything is fine. We'll get through.

Take off that damn helmet now.

-Alright? -Yes.

Let's get rid of all this stuff, first.

-We must get to the road, can you do that? -Yes

No one will find us here...

And then?

Let's hope there's someone passing. They'll get you behind the front line.

Alright. Come on

I've lost a lot of blood. I'm dizzy.

We're almost there. We've got to get to the road.

Do you hear me? No one will find us here. Come on, get up!

Better put on that helmet before

there's bullets swishing by your ears.

I support you. Come on.

We're there! Lie down now.

Shut up! Something's coming. Quiet now. Stay

Stop. Come on stop you asshole!

Heinrich, there's another one!

Come on! Stop. Stop! I've got one wounded!

Yes. Get him in. We'll drive to the hospital.

Hang in there. You're going home!

I'll go to the hospital with him. Stay with me Comrade.

I can't remember the pain today.

And I don't know a thing about the drive to the hospital.

But I will never forget all the memories,

the pictures of everything that was up to that moment.

Medic, Medic! A wounded man.

Entrance wound.

Easy now.

Got him? Easy, careful.

-Got him. -Me too.

-What have we got here? -He's got a gun-shot-wound.

Just arrived.

Get him off the stretcher.

On three. One, two, three.

Anesthesia!

Of course I can't remember all that.

But later I've been told what happened.

Scalpel

As so many do, I owe my life to the tireless work of the doctors

and nurses in the field hospital.

Swab.

On bad days, after heavy fighting they operated round the clock

and thus saved thousands of lives.

Forceps.

The doctor successfully removed the

bullet from my shoulder without any complications.

-Nurse Inge! -Doctor.

-How are you? -Everything's alright.

-You look quite tired. -It's OK.

Have a cup of black coffee now...

-Thanks a lot. -It'll get better.

Nurse, I've got to go, my patients.

Dear Mommy, I am fine here.

I have already found a friend.

Her name is Alma and I am glad I have found her. That way, I am not alone here.

I miss you very much. Please come back soon, Mommy, because I love you so much.

Yours, Eldrid.

Nurse, come on. Pull yourself together

we have got a convoy of severely wounded

Nurse!

Where to?

To 1, this man to ward 1.

Since when are Russians treated before Germans?

Officer, Who's treated by me is up to me to decide.

Now get back to your comrades and do your work.

Take the Ivan to ward two.

Ward 1.

To ward three. Can you walk?

-How old are you, boy? -Twenty-two.

-Nurse, to ward 1. -Yes, Doctor.

Get up, you've made it, boy.

Nurse Antje, did you change the bandages in your section?

-I changed them this morning. -Very good.

-And you? Did you empty the bedpans? -I did.

-And served fresh water? -I'll do that in a moment.

Well, Mr. Böttger? I've got something to give you some strength.

I am glad you do.

You look much better today.

That's thanks to the good care I get.

I meant to ask you... will we meet again when the war is over?

After we've won the fight?

-I sure hope so! -I would be happy.

-But rest now, Mr. Böttger. -Yes, nurse Inge.

-Doctor. -Nurse Inge, stay for a moment.

-Officer, how are you? -Fine, doctor.

Well, we'll see about „fine“.

I want to get back to the front.

We'll think twice about going back to the front.

So, officer: In the name of our beloved Führer I hereby hand to you

your ticket home.

My ticket home?

-You know what this means? -Yes.

And you, nurse Inge, you will accompany the officer back home.

-Thank you, doctor. -Not at all.

Nurse Inge, let me know if I can help you pack.

Get a little rest, Mr. Böttger.

Congratulations, Hellmut. Have a good time.

I wanted to return to my unit and not go on home leave again.

Hand it up to me.

Comrades, All the best.

After the War I've read a lot about that fateful day,

the 22nd of June 1944.

It was the day the Russians started their large-scale offensive

against us, against Army Group Center.

Their aim was to reconquer Minsk.

The operation was named „Bagration“

after a Russian General From the 18th century.

The whole thing cost us more than Twenty of our divisions.

Almost the entire Army Group Center.

We never recovered from that.

You can say it was the beginning of the end.

In the middle of the chaos, that suddenly broke loose,

my captain and my comrades managed evacuate the hospital in Obol,

while everybody else was retreating - not to say flying.

I was lucky to have caught a bullet under those circumstances.

That way, I got away quickly,

out of this hell of heavy artillery and bloodshed.

Return ticket, Heinrich had called it.

But me? I didn't want to go home.

As so many, I still believed firmly in the final victory.

You held on to every straw those days.

And I wanted to get back to the front line, back to my comrades.

Heinrich was right, though.

After treatment in the field hospital I was sent to Plauen

for recovery inanother hospital.

So I was almost at home.

But my mind was with my comrades on the front line constantly.

Just nurse Inge managed to give me different ideas altogether.

She, too, made great sacrifices. Separated from her daughter,

she took great care of the wounded soldiers.

In her spare time, we often went for a walk in the park together.

Well Hellmut, how are you today?

After such good care I'll return to the front soon, hopefully.

Let me get a paper quickly.

-Good Morning. -Hello

-How much for a paper? -Ten Reichspfennig.

Alright. Here you are. Bye.

So, what does it say?

I told you so! The Führer announces the new wonder weapons.

It's back to the front for me, soon. Careful.

Why are you men so keen on returning to battle anyway?

Dear Inge, you can't understand. Let's sit over there.

Well, I've seen them all with their bones shot to pieces.

It wasn't a nice sight.

War is never nice, I know that myself.

But we have to make sacrifices for Germany.

I know, and I want to do my part as well.

But it is all just so wearing.

Well, it's all going to be over soon and final victory will be achieved.

My dear, you've dropped your teddy bear.

Thank you

There there Inge. You'll see your daughter soon.

She's better off with the Children's Evacuation than she would be here.

But I've got a little surprise for you.

I invite you tocome to my father this afternoon.

Do you think he'd like that?

Of course. He likes having guests. So, cheer up now.

Father? Come on, Inge.

Who's there? Hellmut!

I don't believe it. Where do you come from now?

And who is this lovely lady you brought with you?

That's nurse Inge

-Inge, may I? -Hello

We met during my recovery leave.

Did she look after you?

Yes, I told you all about it In my last letter.

Right, but such a beautiful nurse! I wasn't expecting that!

Boy, you look good as well. Is your shoulder better yet?

Yes, slowly but it heals. It has to.

Well, we talk about that later.

I just scrounged some coffee. Now sit down you two.

-Scrounged off farmer Müller? -Well he had some hidden away.

I'll prepare some coffee.

Can we give you a hand?

No, you sit down, please.

-Inge, may I? -Thank you.

Just a moment please.

-Your father is a nice man. -I told you so.

Here we are children. Real coffee.

A little thin maybe but it will surely taste good!

Better than what we get on the front.

I've also scrounged some milk.

So much trouble, just for us!

And now I'll have a seat myself.

-May I, nurse? -Thanks.

Looks great!

How long has it been since we last had a cup of real coffee?

Do you get some real coffee from time to time after battle?

Only on very special occasions.

Well, tell me Hellmut,

rumor has it Army Group Center is almost completely defeated?

People talk too much.

Well, I mean you small soldiers, too

do not know everything the higher levels of authority have planned

planned. But one could start to be afraid. You're always retreating.

An this wonder weapon, which is to come some day, is not ripe yet.

I simply don't want to lose my son.

And half the German people will live In total misery.

I've seen it in the first war. What has been the result?

It's been for our worse. Hellmut, It doesn't make sense!

Nothing will come of it but misery. And in the end we are the ones who lose, again.

You see it all in too dark colors, you know that, father.

Sure, we've had our losses.

It doesn't look so bad at the moment.

But Army Group Center is never defeated.

You listen to enemy radio too often, that's the problem.

That's the problem. Don't get caught with that!

Hellmut, we've already lost mother. Your mother, my wife.

I just don't want to lose my son, too. I don't want to lose you.

I want to hide you in farmer Schulze's barn, so nobody sees you

until the war is over.

And it's going to be over in four, five weeks tops!

Are you out of your mind? I've sworn an oath to the Führer.

I'll go and hide in some barn now? Like a coward? What did you do in 1914?

Did you hide away in a haystack? You didn't shirk either.

You, too,fought for Germany and we will restore this honor.

Erase the embarrassment of the first war.

We've said enough. Sorry father, this is going too far.

Inge, come with me please.

He must be crazy, suggesting what he did!

Hellmut, calm down, please.

I just can't! Inge, he's been to war himself. He knows what it means.

He's your father, he means well.

Fine, he means well, but I fight for Germany!

Back there, do you see that? Planes!

But those aren't German planes. Those are Americans.

And they're headed for Plauen.

Plauen?

There's no other city in that direction. Or none that would be worth it.

How many there are!

Yes, and they drop their bombs. They drop countless bombs.

My god. It can't be true!

They'll destroy the whole city with that many bombers.

And that's happening in every German city.

That's the reason I need to return to the front.

Yes, I understand.

Come on now.

Well, there I was, back in the field where I wanted to be, where I belonged.

Next to my comrades, to Heinrich and the captain.

My troop had been relocated to Orga in Lithuania.

Historians later called the area Courland Pocket.

We all felt that winter wasn't far anymore.

Cold? It's only autumn.

Well, enough for me. It's about time the supply arrives with winter clothes.

What do you mean?

Which supply?

We haven't got new supplies for two weeks.

Well then, it's about time.

We live on leftovers!

Don't be so negative all the time.

I'm not negative.

I've got thirty rounds left. That's all.

You won't need more. The Russians have probably surrendered by now.

Nothing has happened for hours!

You have no clue how many Russians are sneaking about out there.

Well, as far as I see: none.

That's what they want you to think.

Even so, we still got the big gun over there.

But look, two boxes are empty already.

Well, better than nothing. We won't need more.

One day your optimism will kill you.

I don't think so.

What happened in hospital, seems they left a screw loose with you.

In the hospital I had different things .

You were vaccinated.

No, I met a beautiful nurse of the red cross.

And?

And what? Do you think I'll tell you that?

Well, did you or did you not?

Of course not. I want to get to know her better.

She's not like all the others.

You know what will be written on your tomb stone one day?

What?

Fallen for the Führer, the people and the fatherland. And an iron virgin.

Well, maybe. But I've told you before: Just believe in the final victory.

I've seen, heard and read so many things back home.

The wonder weapons are gonna come, just like I said before.

It's just a question of time.

And supplies will arrive, too.

Final victory will come. Just not for us.

You'll see.

Well guys. What's the situation?

It's quiet.

Damn quiet. Too quiet.

Nothing's stirring, is there?

Maybe the Russians have surrendered.

Nonsense.

They really loosened a screw with you.

Nothing for two hours. Nothing.

Last night as well. Nothing.

That's too quiet, boys.

When will we make a move forward?

Keep calm, guys.

Something's coming. They're not done yet.

Alarm!

There they are. Get the MG!

and fire! More to the right!

High Explosive shells!

Do not let them reach us!

Cease fire! They're running away

Take care of the wounded.

Captain, the Russians broke through near the 2nd platoon.

Shit! The Russians are through. In the trenches. Get ready forclose combat.

You hold this position. You come with me.

Grenades!

Watch out! Grenade!

There they are. Fire!

Ivan, stop it.

-What happened? -He ambushed me.

He broke through.

Well, he's gone now. The bastard.

That was close.

Maybe you were right after all.

But look. Supplies came through.

Come on Heinrich, let's see if he has food or something.

They haven't even got decent buttons on their uniforms.

Look what we have here...

I know that face.

What? Where from?

That's the Ivan I set loose before.

I was supposed to kill him. Damn bastard.

I told him to get lost.

Idiot.

We'll hand that to the captain. Let's go.

We must get ready to march. Take the helmets. I'll take the gun.

Take my gun as well.

So much for „the Russians have surrendered“.

-Yes. I think you were right. -As I often am. But you don't listen.

-Quiet. -What is it?

-Vehicle. -No, it's one of us.

Hello, where are you headed.

To the Combat Headquarters von Bielski.

That's back there.

I've got letters from home. I must get on, though. It's getting dark.

Then give me the bag. I'll bring it over.

Thanks comrade.

And tell your unit we need supplies. We've got nothing left. Now forward.

-Get on well. -Thanks.

well, then, let's go to the captain.

Take that. I've already carried enough today.

Yes, we've stopped the attack. Two dead, two lightly injured.

We need ammunition urgently. I've got about five shots left per man.

MG ammo, Rifle ammo and for the PAK-40.

Yes, understood. Over. My god! That doesn't work anymore.

Captain? We met a driver on our way. He gave us field post.

Mail!

Well, he wanted to get to you but he was in a hurry.

No ammunition but letters!

Come over here, for you.

Heinrich, the big packages as always.

Who's that? Schmidt? Schmidt has fallen.

So you can send it back.

Captain, we could give the contents to those comrades who got nothing,

except for the letters.

That's not decent. It's not ours.

Böttger, for you!

-Sergeant Bernd? -Yes, Sir.

Get the rest of the field post out to the comrades.

Captain, there's been one for you as well.

-For me? -Sure.

What's this?

Dear Mr. Von Bielski,

My Name is Gerda Lehmann. I am your neighbor from Bahnhofstraße 8.

Sadly, I have to tell you that your wife was killed during a severe British

air raid in the night of October 15th.

The house was fully hit by one of the bombs in this terrible attack.

It collapsed completely through the enormous force of the explosion.

The whole street lies in ashes.

While cleaning up I found your wife

together with other neighbors amongst the debris.

I hope you're not alone in these dark times and find consolation

with your comrades.

The countless dead were brought away to be buried this morning

along with your wife.

This is all so terrible. How long will this air raid terror on our cities go on?

Even if the pain must be immense: Please hold on.

Too many have already fallen. Wishing you all the best,

Yours, Gerda Lehmann

Well, not much news from home. Food stamps are getting scarce.

Captain, would you like a piece?

No, thanks. My appetite has left me.

Captain? Everything alright?

Well, Hellmut, have a look.

What's up?

That's up...

-Can I read, too? -Yes.

Is there anything we can do for you?

No, give me a drink.

Got something by mail?

My goodness.

Would you like a cigar?

We're standing here fighting for every fucking inch of bloody Russian soil

And gild it with our blood.

The boys are fighting day and night.

And those bastards are throwing bombs on women and children.

That can't be real!

They drop them on women and children..

Here. For your nerves.

Where did you get that sludge?

Got it off Ivan this morning when he stormed the position.

They drink nothing but shit.

Well, Russians!

Come on guys. We've got to keep going. It doesn't matter.

Captain, if we can do anything for you...

We've got to move on. Give me the letter. Shit!

Let's go.

From that day on my Captain hasn't been the same as before.

The message about the death of his wife deeply wounded him.

As if this wasn't enough, another letter arrived some time later.

His mother... she, too, was killed in an air raid.

What was home for him now? He had nobody left to return to.

And we? The Russians didn't tire and drove us further west.

Battle by battle.

Worries about our loved ones at home added to the wearing combat action.

The situation got more and more confusing.

Hundreds, thousands took flight towards the west with us.

Many dislocated managed to escape the Russians via Lauban

When the Red Army conquered this area, they sealed an important escape corridor.

So we got relocated near Lauban at the beginning of March.

By March 5th the town was back in our control.

Excitement was huge.

I didn't expect at the time that this should be one of our last victories.

We approached the town with mixed feelings.

So close to the border... we just had to stop the Russians.

Repulse them if possible.

Approach as far as possible.

Don't shoot. We wait for Russian fire.

Take that MG out!

Throw grenades!

Forward, go on.

There are children there. Get out.

Siggi, get the kids away from here.

I think we should have a look around here.

Go in now. Careful.

There's a woman sitting there. Quiet now.

You open the door, I throw the grenade and you quickly close the door. Clear?

All clear.

Get out and take the woman with you.

We made it!

She's scared out of her mind. Let's get her to the medic.

Give me your canteen so we can give her a sip to drink.

Medic! Take care of the woman. We found her with the Russians.

What happened?

A little boy..

Get the boy down.

Come on, we've seen enough.

It's finally going forward again.

Forward? For what cost if it's backwards again tomorrow?

You've seen it, too! The troops have been concentrated.

You saw how many tanks came.

I'm telling you. Two or three days, then we're on the retreat again.

There's not much left of our company. Look around you.

But it's a convinced bunch and we will make it.

Hellmut, it's over. We're only moving backwards. Understand that. We're done.

Just be proud of what we' ve achieved!

Proud? Half the company's dead!

But they have you to thank for rescuing this woman.

Pull yourself together now!

The Minister of Propaganda Dr. Josef Goebbels.

Man, put your hat on.

Man, what's he here for?

I told you so. That wasn't just some battle. Even Berlin's high ranks come here.

There must be a reason for that.

And we'll advance again.

We did it. We're going forwards now.

It was an important battle.

And we've won. With convinced people.

Captain, your German Cross is about to fall.

Well, it falls just like Germany.

But it's gonna go forward!

How far? With whom? With those guys? With fourteen year old boys? It's over!

But there are enough convinced soldiers.

The Russians are coming in Studebaker trucks .

They ride Willys Jeep and eat American corned beef.

And we? What do we have? Nothing. No people, no ammunition.

Lauban is liberated. And now?

We can't get a second to breathe. We're through.

We just wait for the Russian counter attack and I will be happy if I can stop it.

That's how things are. Germany is screwed! Once and for all.

Let's stop it. It doesn't help.

But that can't be it.

It's over.

We're only rescuing civilians, man!

When will you get it? It's not about final victory anymore.

We're saving civilians. Nothing more.

Captain, I think it would be a good idea to disband ourselves in the west.

That's my opinion too.

Alright. Let's go.

Even if many of us still had hopes that Lauban would turn the tables,

my god, I myself was still waiting for wonder weapons.

Our captain was right. It wasn't about the final victory anymore.

We just tried to save what we could.

We were retreating further and further.

We won battles near Görlitz and Bautzen but they were meaningless.

Via Dresden and the ridge of the Erzgebirge we came close to my home.

The Russians were in the East. In the West we could already see the American lines.

It was only a matter of days, hours maybe until it all had to come to an end.

-Did you notice anything last night? -No, I even slept!

-Do you hear something? -I don't hear anything

Exactly. The Americans are too quiet.

Well, I think they're preparing for the final assault.

Yeah, and this time we might perish.

Something's off. There's something cooking.

But with this bunch we've got here, we won't get anywhere.

Right. How could we?

They haven't had a bite in days.

I'll go to my group now.

Alright. I'm with the captain.

Captain, Officer Böttger reporting back from the listening post.

And?

Nothing important to report. On the contrary.

The Americans seem too quiet. No evening 'prayer'...

No morning salute.

Like everyone else's report.

What do the Americans do?

Nothing! A comrade reported they were celebrating.

_What? -And shooting in the air.

Celebrating?

Günsche, You're in charge. I'll have a look.

Should I assemble a reconnaissance patrol?

No. We'll go on our own. Hey, Private, come along.

Captain, any news of my brother?

No. Nothing new from the Missing Persons Collecting point.

-Captain. -Yes.

You have a clear view of the village here.

A vehicle's coming. Get down!

Shut up! Nobody move! Get down.!

Don't move. I don't believe one word they're saying.

Further combat action is of no use. Come out and surrender

to the American army.

Nobody moves!

Go and get one of those leaflets they have thrown.

And watch out. You stay here, head down.

-It's over. -What?

-You can lower your guns. -What do you mean, Captain?

Unconditional surrender.

It's nothing but a trick. It's enemy propaganda. It can't be true.

I don't think so.

So last night's observations were right after all.

Exactly. No sign of combat on the American or the Russian front.

Let's go back. It's all futile anyway.

And this after six years!

Come here for a moment.

This. After six years.

That's impossible.

Unconditional surrender. After six years.

Tell the boys to form up.

Get ready to from up.

Captain, reporting the group formed up as ordered.

Thanks.

Comrades

As I learned just now, the new government of the German Reich led by

Grant Admiral Dönitz, signed the unconditional surrender of the German

yesterday, on the 8th of May.

Wehrmacht and all its branches of military service,

As of this morning today, May 9th at 0:00 h, all guns have fallen silent.

Great victories have been won and countless heroic deeds been done.

Now, however, we must surrender to an overwhelming force,

which no army, no matter how great and brave, could withstand.

Our thoughts turn to those who are no longer among us.

We commemorate our fallen comrades, the missing and those recovering in military hospitals.

We think of our wives and children

who perished in endless and countless air raid nights.

Our thoughts go out to those who stand defenseless before the enemy,

the deported and displaced, who've lost their homes.

Be assured: Armed combat for Germany has ended.

But you, who are to return home;

your task is of building a new Germany.

which is worthy of your lives, your love and your work. Hard times are ahead.

We all know how the enemy fought us: Fiercely and with full force.

But you will master those hard times with your courage and your toughness.

You'll get through. Each and everyone of you has proven so in countless battles.

Soldiers. Soldiers, I hereby release you from service to the German Wehrmacht.

Who wishes to stay with the group will report to me at 2 pm.

Those who wish to make their way home on their own are free to leave.

Those who decide to stay with me and face the bitter fate of captivity

report to me in full and clean uniform with all honors and decorations.

Undefeated in battle and with our heads held high we will face the Americans.

We are looking back on six years of honor, virtue and bravery.

Hard in combat, fierce in the face of our enemy,

helpful and kind towards civilians and victorious in battle:

This is the image, that you, soldiers of my unit, carved .

Your medals and decorations guarantee your bravery.

Men, you have achieved more than anyone could ever have asked you to.

If our fatherland will ever show its gratitude? I don't know.

And maybe it doesn't matter after all.

Who will go on their own? Take one step forward.

All the best. Try and get another uniform.

Thank you, Captain.

Brave as always. All the best.

You'll get through.

And you? Going home to wife and children?

What else is there to do for me?

Get rid of that Panzerfaust.

You won't need it.

-Captain, my home's not far. -From Brandenburg, aren't you.

-You'll get through. -We always get through.

-Come on, Günsche, we're on our way. -Men, line up in twos,

And that's it.

A queasy feeling, don't you think?

Maybe we'll get something to eat now.

Captain, what will become of us now?

I don't know what's gonna happen. To our advantage we've never fought the Americans.

But you know there's an order, right?

The Americans could turn us in to the Russians because they were the last ones we fought.

I know, but they are humans too.

If they do that, I'll run for it.

Who is the officer here?

Hauptmann von Bielski, Combat Group Bielski.

I surrender to you two officers, three sergeant majors and ten men.

Günsche, at ease.

Left face. Now put your weapons down.

The decorations stay with the men!

It's the golden German Cross.

I didn't kill any Jew!

Hellmut, bring the boys back home.

You dirty bastards!

-Stop it! The war's over! -Damn! It can't be true!

The Americans are already in the neighboring village!

I've got to go.

-The War is over! -Really?

Your Mom's surely coming home soon. Everything will be fine.

-Eldrid? -Mommy!

My darling, come here! Oh my Dear. Let me look at you.

How much you've grown! Oh my darling.

Come, say goodbye to everybody

It was over. But none of us knew what was to come.

After a true odyssey through severalcamps our group reached the 'Rheinwiesen' camps, as did many others.

A camp, that didn't deserve the name.

There was not much more than the barbed wire fences.

Try and get your backpack in.

-Hey, they found two SS guys. -Yes, I see.

-And now? -We wait.

-They're gonna kill them. -That's to be expected.

Bastards.

Leave us our food at least!

Bastards! Just shoot us!

-So this is our new home now? -Just shut your mouth, will you?

I smuggled some bread in.

Chin up now. You know what?

We'll sleep here for a night and tomorrow we look what's gonna happen.

I think that's the best we can do.

Nothing else left to do, anyway.

The bread will last till tomorrow. Then we'll have to see.

Ration it well.

Did you hear anything about rations? Something to drink? I didn't drink for almost two days.

If I don't get anything soon I'll bite the dust.

There were rumors the red cross is coming...

There were rumors the red cross is coming. But if they do and when, I have no clue.

Well, the Americans, too, have signed the Geneva Conventions.

What does a signature count today?

They'll follow the conventions. You'll see. Now dig and don't grump so much.

Well, that's why they shot those SS-guys.

Keep digging.

Heinrich, how long have we been here now?

Two or three weeks, I'd say.

And how much food have we had by now?

A handful.

I guess I m next then...

Cut the crap. Nonsense.

Stop it. One day, all this will be over.

Stop it.

One day, all this will be over. - You were right, you know -You were right, you know. .

That doesn't help us now.

We'll get some food. They can't let us starve to death here.

You've seen what they do to the others.

We wouldn't be the first who get carried out.

It will be a tight squeeze for you to get some food.

I think I'll try and go tonight.

Well hurry. I could be dead by tomorrow morning.

they throw it away! I'm so hungry!

Hey, pull yourself together.

they throw it away! I'm so hungry!

I'm so hungry!

That's it. One less again.

Don't talk so much. Eat!

Save it for later.

From time to time we got a handful of food.

Most of the time we went hungry.

Many a man I saw perish there.

They died of illness or of starvation.

If Heinrich had not been there for me and looked after me,

I'd surely be buried in one of the countless mass graves.

I had no strength left and almost lost my will to survive.

You know what? I'll go tonight and get some food.

Hold on until tonight, boy. - Yes -

Yes, hurry.

Slowly, slowly.

Sit up.

Tonight. Hold on until tonight, boy.

I will, Heinrich.

Stay up now. Don't fall asleep.

Drink slowly.

Rest now.

To this day it is hard for me to remember that day.

I feel the pain,- just like I did then. He sacrificed himself for me.

All I had left of him was his badge. I still keep it today.

I had to survive. I owed it to my captain. I owed it to Heinrich.

Hellmut Hellmut Hellmut. Wake up! You need to live.

You promised to bring the boys back home.

Hellmut Hellmut Hellmut. Wake up! Wake up! You need to live.

Bring the boys home.

Hellmut! Get up. Wake up. They want to throw us out. Come. Get to the Americans. They let us go!

Suddenly we were all released. WI still don't know why.

Maybe the red cross set them under pressure.

Well, I was alone now. It was truly all over and I began making my way back home.

A part of me never arrived there.

Much was said and written about us small soldiers after the war.

Most of it by those, who had not been in it themselves.

Be that as it may. I'm 93 years of age now.

I was blessed with a long life. Most of my generation weren't.

Still today I can't forget those, who deserve my gratitude for that.

My Captain. There's no man I'd value more.

A smart and just man.

And above all others: My friend Heinrich. I'd have given my life for those men.

They instead gave theirs for me...