AN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER FROM GERMANY: "The greatest war book that has yet been written " Ae!

akte"rS#o#$r FROM ENGLAN%: "S"re&y the greatest o# a&& war books It stan!s 're(e)inent " Manchester Guardian FROM FRAN*E: "It sho"&! be !istrib"te! by the )i&&ions an! rea! in e+ery s$hoo& " Le Monde FROM S,E%EN: It is a great !o$")ent A 'ower#"& work o# art A&& other books abo"t the wear be$o)e s)a&& an! insigni#i$ant by $o)'arison " A&bert Engstro)- the Swe!ish A$a!e)y in Son!ags Nisse FROM AMERI*A: "It is to )e the greatest book abo"t the war that I ha+e e+er seen " *hristo'her Mor&ey- Saturday Review ONE ,e are at rest #i+e )i&es behin! the #ront Yester!ay we were re&ie+e!- an! now o"r be&&ies are #"&& o# bee# an! hari$ot beans ,e are satis#ie! an! at 'ea$e Ea$h )an has another )ess(tin #"&& #or the e+ening. an!- what is )orethere is a !o"b&e ration o# sa"sage an! brea! That '"ts a )an in #ine tri) ,e ha+e not ha! s"$h &"$k as this #or a &ong ti)e The $ook with his $arroty hea! is begging "s to eat. he be$kons with his &a!&e to e+eryone that 'asses- an! s'oons hi) o"t a great !o&&o' /e !oes not see how he $an e)'ty his stew('ot in ti)e #or $o##ee T0a!en an! M"&&er ha+e 'ro!"$e! two washbasins an! ha! the) #i&&e! "' to the bri) as a reser+e In T0a!en this is +ora$ity- in M"&&er it is #oresight ,here T0a!en '"ts it a&& is a )ystery- #or he is an! a&ways wi&& be as thin as a rake ,hat1s )ore i)'ortant sti&& is the iss"e o# a !o"b&e ration o# s)okes Ten $igars- twenty $igarettes- an! two 2"i!s o# $hew 'er )an. now that is !e$ent I ha+e e3$hange! )y $hewing toba$$o with 4at$5insky #or his $igarettes- whi$h )eans I ha+e #orty a&together That1s eno"gh #or a !ay It is tr"e we ha+e no right to this win!#a&& The 6r"ssian is not so genero"s ,e ha+e on&y a )is $a&$"&ation to thank #or it Fo"rteen !ays ago we ha! to go "' an! re&ie+e the #ront &ine It was #air&y 2"iet on o"r se$tor- so the 2"arter)aster who re)aine! in the rear ha! re2"isitione! the "s"a& 2"antity o# rations an! 'ro+i!e! #or the #"&& $o)'any o# one h"n!re! an! #i#ty )en B"t on the &ast !ay an astonishing n")ber o# Eng&ish hea+ies o'ene! "' on "s with high( e3'&osi+e- !r"))ing $ease&ess&y on o"r 'osition- so that we s"##ere! se+ere&y an! $a)e ba$k on&y eighty strong Last night we )o+e! ba$k an! sett&e! !own to get a goo! s&ee' #or on$e: 4at$5insky is right when he says it wo"&! not be s"$h a ba! war i# on&y one $o"&! get a &itt&e )ore s&ee' In the &ine we ha+e ha! ne3t to none- an! #o"rteen !ays is a &ong ti)e atone stret$h It was noon be#ore the #irst o# "s $raw&e! o"t o# o"r 2"arters /a&# an ho"r &ater e+ery )an ha! his )ess(tin an! we gathere! at the $ook(ho"se- whi$h s)e&t greasy an! no"rishing- At the hea! o# the 2"e"e o# $o"rse were the h"ngriest7&itt&e A&bert 4ro''- the $&earest thinker a)ong "s an! there#ore on&y a &an$e($or'ora&. M"&&er- who sti&& $arries his s$hoo& te3tbooks with hi)- !rea)s o# e3a)inations- an! !"ring a bo)bar!)ent )"tters 'ro'ositions in 'hysi$s. Leer- who wears a #"&& bear! an! has a 're#eren$e #or the gir&s #ro) o##i$ers8 brothe&s /e swears that they are ob&ige! by an ar)y or!er to wear si&k $he)ises an! to bathe be#ore entertaining g"ests o# the rank o# $a'tain an! "'war!s An! as the #o"rth- )yse&#- 6a"& Ba")er A&& #o"r are nineteen years o# age- an! a&& #o"r 0oine! "' #ro) the sa)e $&ass as +o&"nteers #or the war *&ose behin! "s were o"r #rien!s: T0a!en- a skinny &o$ks)ith o# o"r own age- the biggest eater o# the $o)'any /e sits !own to eat as thin as a grassho''er an! gets "' as big as a b"g in the #a)i&y way. /aie ,esth"s- o# the sa)e age- a 'eat(!igger- who $an easi&y ho&! a ration(&oa# in his han! an! say: G"ess what I1+e got in )y #ist. then %etering- a 'easant- who thinks o# nothing b"t his #ar)(yar! an! his wi#e. an! #ina&&y Stanis&a"s 4at$5insky- the &ea!er o# o"r gro"'- shrew!- $"nning- an! har!(bitten- #orty years o# age- with a #a$e o# the soi&- b&"e eyes- bent sho"&!ers- an! a re)arkab&e nose #or !irty weather- goo! #oo!- an! so#t 0obs O"r gang #or)e! the hea! o# the 2"e"e be#ore the $ook(ho"se ,e were growing i)'atient- #or the $ook 'ai! no attention to "s Fina&&y 4at$5insky $a&&e! to hi): "Say- /einri$h- o'en "' the so"'(kit$hen Anyone $an see the beans are !one " /e shook his hea! s&ee'i&y: "Yo" )"st a&& be there #irst " T0a!en grinne!: ",e are a&& here " The sergeant($ook sti&& took no noti$e "That )ay !o #or yo"-" he sai! "B"t where are the others9" "They won1t be #e! by yo" to(!ay They1re either in the !ressing(station or '"shing "' !aisies " The $ook( was 2"ite !is$on$erte! as the #a$ts !awne! on hi) /e was staggere! "An! I ha+e $ooke! #or one h"n!re! an! #i#ty )en(" 4ro'' 'oke! hi) in the ribs "Then #or on$e we1&& ha+e eno"gh( Go)e on- begin:" " ( ;

S"!!en&y a +ision $a)e o+er T0a!en /is shar'- )o"sy #eat"res began to shine- his eyes grew s)a&& with $"nninghis 0aws twit$he!- an! he whis'ere! hoarse&y: "ManTthen yo"1+e got brea! #or one h"n!re! an! #i#ty )en too- eh9" The sergeant($ook no!!e! absent()in!e!- an! bewi&!ere! T0a!en sei5e! hi) by the t"ni$ "An! sa"(Ginger no!!e! again- - T0a!en1s $ha's 2"i+ere! 1Toba$$o too9" <=1TSTese+erything " T0a!en bea)e!: ",hat a bean(#east: That1s a&& #or "s: Ea$h )an gets7wait a bit7yes- 'ra$ti(=&y two iss"es " Then Ginger stirre! hi)se&# an! sai!: 1That won1t !o " 1>?#e got e3$ite! an! began to $row! aro"n! <T@hy won1t that !o- yo" o&! $arrot9" !e(< )an!e! 4at$5insky 1"Eighty )en $an1t ha+e what is )eant #or a <n!re! an! #i#ty " 1<,e1&& soon show yo"-" grow&e! M"&&er < "I !on1t $are abo"t the stew- b"t I $an on&y iss"e rations #or eighty )en-" 'ersiste! Ginger 4at$5insky got angry "Yo" )ight be genero"s % on$e Yo" ha+en1t !rawn #oo! #or eighty )en Yo"1+e !rawn it #or the Se$on! *o)'any Goo!- Letts ha+e it then ,e are the Se$on! *o)'any " ",e began to 0ost&e the #e&&ow No one #e&t kin!&y towar! hi)- #or it was his #a"&t that the #oo! o#ten $a)e "' to "s in the &ine too &ate an! L $o&! An!er she&&#ire he wo"&!n1t bring his \ Mt$hen "' near eno"gh- so that o"r so"'( $arriers- ha! to go )"$h #arther than those o# the other $o)'anies Now B"&$ke o# the First *o)'any is sho"&!ers- an! a re)arkab&e nose #or !irty weather- goo! #oo!- an! so#t 0obs O"r gang #or)e! the hea! o# the 2"e"e be#ore the $ook(ho"se ,e were growing i)'atient- #or the $ook 'ai! no attention to "s Fina&&y 4at$5insky $a&&e! to hi): "Say- /einri$h- o'en "' the so"'(kit$hen Anyone $an see the beans are !one " /e shook his hea! s&ee'i&y: "Yo" )"st a&& be there #irst " T0a!en grinne!: ",e are a&& here " The sergeant($ook sti&& took no noti$e "That )ay !o #or yo"-" he sai! "B"t where are the others9" "They won1t be #e! by yo" to(!ay They1re either in the !ressing(station or '"shing "' !aisies " The $ook( was 2"ite !is$on$erte! as the #a$ts !awne! on hi) /e was staggere! "An! I ha+e $ooke! #or one h"n!re! an! #i#ty )en(" 4ro'' 'oke! hi) in the ribs "Then #or on$e we1&& ha+e eno"gh( Go)e on- begin:" " ( ; S"!!en&y a +ision $a)e o+er T0a!en /is shar'- )o"sy #eat"res began to shine- his eyes grew s)a&& with $"nninghis 0aws twit$he!- an! he whis'ere! hoarse&y: "ManTthen yo"1+e got brea! #or one h"n!re! an! #i#ty )en too- eh9" The sergeant($ook no!!e! absent()in!e!- an! bewi&!ere! ALL BAIET O/ T/E ,ESTERN FRONT T0a!en sei5e! hi) by the t"ni$ "An! sa"( ( Ginger no!!e! again- - T0a!en1s $ha's 2"i+ere! 1Toba$$o too9" <=1TSTes- e+erything " T0a!en bea)e!: ",hat a bean(#east: That1s a&& #or "s: Ea$h )an gets7wait a bit7yes- 'ra$ti(=&y two iss"es " Then Ginger stirre! hi)se&# an! sai!: 1That won1t !o " 1>?#e got e3$ite! an! began to $row! aro"n! <T@hy won1t that !o- yo" o&! $arrot9" !e(< )an!e! 4at$5insky 1"Eighty )en $an1t ha+e what is )eant #or a <n!re! an! #i#ty " 1<,e1&& soon show yo"-" grow&e! M"&&er < "I !on1t $are abo"t the stew- b"t I $an on&y iss"e rations #or eighty )en-" 'ersiste! Ginger 4at$5insky got angry "Yo" )ight be genero"s % on$e Yo" ha+en1t !rawn #oo! #or eighty )en Yo"1+e !rawn it #or the Se$on! *o)'any Goo!- Letts ha+e it then ,e are the Se$on! *o)'any " ",e began to 0ost&e the #e&&ow No one #e&t kin!&y towar! hi)- #or it was his #a"&t that the #oo! o#ten $a)e "' to "s in the &ine too &ate an! L $o&! An!er she&&#ire he wo"&!n1t bring his \ Mt$hen "' near eno"gh- so that o"r so"'( $arriers- ha! to go )"$h #arther than those o# the other $o)'anies Now B"&$ke o# the First *o)'any is a )"$h better #e&&ow /e is as #at as a ha)ster in winter- b"t he tr"n!&es his 'ots when it $o)es to that right "' to the +ery #ront(&ine ,e were in 0"st the right )oo!- an! there wo"&! $ertain&y ha+e been a !"st("' i# o"r $o) 'any $o))an!er ha! not a''eare! /e in#or)e! hi)se&# o# the !is'"te- an! on&y re)arke!: "Yes- we !i! ha+e hea+y &osses yester!ay " /e g&an$e! into the !i3ie "The beans &ook goo! " Ginger no!!e! "*ooke! with )eat an! #at " The &ie"tenant &ooke! at "s /e knew what we were thinking An! he knew )any other things too- be$a"se he $a)e to the $o)'any as a non($o)- an! was 'ro)ote! #ro) the ranks /e &i#te! the &i! #ro) the !i3ie again an! sni##e! Then 'assing on he sai!: "Bring )e a '&ate #"&& Ser+e o"t a&& the rations ,e $an !o with the) " Ginger &ooke! shee'ish as T0a!en !an$e! ro"n! hi) "It !oesn1t $ost yo" anything: Anyone wo"&! think the 2"arter)aster1s store be&onge! to hi): An! now get on with it- yo" o&! b&"bber(sti$ker- an! !on1t yo" )is$o"nt either " "Yo" be hange!:" s'at o"t Ginger ,hen things get beyon! hi) he throws "' the s'onge a&together. he 0"st goes tC 'ie$es An! as i# to show that a&& things were e2"a& to hi)- o# his own #ree wi&& he iss"e! in a!!ition ha&# a 'o"n! o# syntheti$ honey to ea$h )an

To(!ay is won!er#"&&y goo! The )ai& has $o)e- an! a&)ost e+ery )an has a #ew &etters an! 'a'ers ,e stro&& o+er to the )ea!ow behin! the bi&&ets 4ro'' has the ro"n! &i! o# a )argarine t"b "n!er his ar) On the right si!e o# the )ea!ow a &arge $o))on &atrine has been b"i&t- a roo#e! an! !"rab&e $onstr"$tion B"t that is #or re$r"its who as yet ha+e not &earne! how to )ake the )ost o# what e+er $o)es their way ,e want so)ething better S$attere! abo"t e+erywhere there are se'arate- in!i+i!"a& bo3es #or the sa)e '"r'ose They are s2"are- neat bo3es with woo!en si!es a&& ro"n!- an! ha+e "ni)'ea$hab&y satis#a$tory seats On the si!es are han! gri's enab&ing one to shi#t the) abo"t ,e )o+e three together in a ring an! sit !own $o)#ortab&y An! it wi&& be two ho"rs be#ore we get "' again I we&& re)e)ber how e)barrasse! we were as re$r"its in barra$ks when we ha! to "se the genera& &atrine There were no !oors an! twenty )en sat si!e by si!e as in a rai&way $arriage- so that they $o"&! be re+iewe! a&& at one g&an$e- #or so&!iers )"st a&ways be "n!er s"'er+ision D E Sin$e then we ha+e &earne! better than to be shy abo"t s"$h tri#&ing i))o!esties In ti)e things #ar worse than that $a)e easy to "s /ere in the o'en air tho"gh- the b"siness is entire&y a '&eas"re I no &onger "n!erstan! why we sho"&! a&ways ha+e shie! at these things be#ore They are- in #a$t- 0"st as nat"ra& as eating an! !rinking ,e )ight 'erha's ha+e 'ai! no 'arti$"&ar attention to the) ha! they not #ig"re! so &arge in o"r e3'erien$e- nor been s"$h no+e& ties to o"r )in!s7 to- the o&! han!s they ha! &ong been a )ere )atter o# $o"rse The so&!ier is on #rien!&ier ter)s than other )en with his sto)a$h an! intestines Three(2"arters o# his +o$ab"&ary is !eri+e! #ro) these regions- an! they gi+e an inti)ate #&a+o"r to e3'ressions o# his greatest 0oy as we&& as o# his !ee'est in!ignation It is i)'ossib&e to e3'ress onese&# in any other way so $&ear&y an! 'ithi&y O"r #a)i&ies an! o"r tea$hers wi&& be sho$ke! when we go ho)e- b"t here it is the "ni+ersa& &ang"age F : En#or$e! '"b&i$ity has in o"r eyes restore! the $hara$ter o# ($o)'&ete inno$en$e to a&& these things More than thatthey are so )"$h a )atter o# $o"rse that their $o)#ortab&e 'er#or)an$e is #"&&y as )"$h en0oye! as the '&aying o# a sa#e to' r"nning #&"sh Not #or nothing was the wor! ? AL=LBAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT tt &atrine(r")OArC in+ente!. these '&a$es are the Regi)enta& gossi'(sho' an! $o))on(roo)s ;) ,e #ee& o"rse&+es #or the ti)e being better o## in any 'a&atia& white(ti&e! "$on+enien$e " ere Gaa on&y be hygieni$. here it is bea"ti#"& (##These won!er#"&&y $are(#ree ho"rs O+er wi is the b& Ae sky On the hori5on #&oat the bright &ow- s"n&it obser+ation(ba&&oons- an! the sy htt&e white $&o"!s o# the anti(air$ra#t - &is O#ten they rise in a shea# as they #o&&ow G 3X1 air)an ,e hear the )"##&e! r")b&e o# #ront Hniy as +ery !istant th"n!er- b")b&e(!rotiing by 2"ite !rown it Aro"n! "s et$hes the #&owery )ea!ow The grasses sway -taN s'ears. the white b"tter#&ies #&"tter I! an! #&oat on the so#t war) win! o# the s"))er ,e rea! &etters an! news'a'ers >)ok. e ,e take o## o"r $a's an! &ay the) h<i!e "s The win! '&ays with o"r hair. it J with o"r wor!s an! tho"ghts The three < sta00! in the )i!st o# the g&owing- re! #ie&!( the &i! o# the )argarine t"b on o"r ( anK so ha+e a goo! tab&e #or a ga)e o# "G0#$0 4ro<' nas the $ar!s with hi) A#ter e+ery ( oul>erte we ha+e a ro"n! o# na' One $o"&! te GhiB #or e+er L no tes o# an a$$or!ion #&oat a$ross #ro) the (ts( O#ten we &ay asi!e the $ar!s an! &ook M abo"t "s One o# "s wi&& say: ",e&&- boys " Or "It was a near thing that ti)e " An! #or a )o)ent we #a&& si&ent There is in ea$h o# "s a #ee&ing o# $onstraint ,e are a&& sensib&e o# it. it nee!s no wor!s to $o))"ni$ate it It )ight easi&y ha+e ha''ene! that we sho"&! not be sitting here on o"r bo3es to(!ay. it $a)e !a)n near to that An! so e+erything is new an! bra+e- re! 'o''ies an! goo! #oo!- $igarettes an! s"))er bree5e 4ro'' asks: "Anyone seen 4e))eri$h &ate&y9" "/e1s "' at St =ose'h1s-" I te&& hi) M"&&er e3'&ains that he has a #&esh wo"n! in his thigh. a goo! b&ighty ,e !e$i!e to go an! see hi) this a#ternoon 4ro'' '"&&s o"t a &etter "4antorek sen!s yo" a&& his best wishes " N ,e &a"gh M"&&er throws his $igarette away an! says: "I wish he was here " 4antorek ha! been o"r s$hoo&)aster- a stern &itt&e )an in( a grey tai&($oat- with a #a$e &ike a shrew )o"se /e was abo"t the sa)e si5e as *or'ora& /i))e&stoss- the "terror o# 4&osterberg " It is +ery 2"eer that the "nha''iness o# the wor&! is so o#ten bro"ght on by s)a&& )en They are so )"$h )ore energeti$ an! "n$o)'ro)ising than the big #e&&ows I ha+e a&ways taken goo! $are to LH

ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT kee' o"t o# se$tions with s)a&& $o)'any $o))an!ers They are )ost&y $on#o"n!e! &itt&e )artinets %"ring !ri&&(ti)e 4antorek ga+e "s &ong &e$(\ t"res "nti& the who&e o# o"r $&ass went- "n!er his she'her!ing- to the %istri$t *o))an!ant an! +o&"nteere! I $an see hi) now- as he "se! to g&are at "s thro"gh his s'e$ta$&es an! say in a )o+ing +oi$e: ",on1t yo" 0oin "'- *o)ra!es9" These tea$hers a&ways $arry their #ee&ings rea!y in their waist$oat 'o$kets- an! trot the) o"t by the ho"r B"t we !i!n1t think o# that then There was- in!ee!- one o# "s who hesitate! an! !i! not want to #a&& into &ine That was =ose'h h)- a '&")'- ho)e&y #e&&ow B"t he !i! a&&ow - iaase&# to be 'ers"a!e!- otherwise he wo"&! &ie been ostra$i5e! An! 'erha's )ore o# "s ght as he !i!- b"t no one $o"&! +ery we&& ! o"t- be$a"se at that ti)e e+en one1s 'arts were rea!y with the wor! "$owar!". no one " the +ag"est i!ea what we were in #or The est were 0"st the 'oor an! si)'&e 'eo'&e They ew the war to be a )is#ort"ne- whereas those Owere better o##- an! sho"&! ha+e been ab&e to )ore $&ear&y what the $onse2"en$es wo"&! . were besi!e the)se&+es with 0oy 4at$5insky sai! that was a res"&t o# their "'("nging It )a!e the) st"'i! An! what 4at Strange to say- Beh) was one o# the #irst to #a&&- /e got hit in the eye !"ring an atta$k- an! we &e#t hi) &ying #or !ea! ,e $o"&!n1t bring hi) with "s- be$a"se we ha! to $o)e ba$k he&ter(ske&ter In the a#ternoon s"!!en&y we hear! hi) $a&&- an! saw hi) $raw&ing abo"t in No Mat#s Lan! /e ha! on&y been kno$ke! "n$ons$io"s- Be$a"se he $o"&! not see- an! was )a! with 'ain- he #ai&e! to kee' "n!er $o+er- an! so was shot !own be#ore anyone $o"&! go an! #et$h hi) in Nat"ra&&y we $o"&!n1t b&a)e 4antorek #or this ,here wo"&! the wor&! be i# one bro"ght e+ery )an to book9 There were tho"san!s o# 4antoreks- a&& o# who) were $on+in$e! that they were a$ting #or the best7in a way that $ost the) nothing An! that is why they &et "s !own so ba!&y For "s &a!s o# eighteen they o"ght to ha+e been )e!iators an! g"i!es to thP wor&! o# )at"rity- the wor&! o# worko#""ty- o# $"&t"re- o# 'rogress7to the #"t"re ,e o#ten )a!e #"n o# the) an! '&aye! 0okes on the)- b"t in o"r hearts we tr"ste! the) The i!ea o# a"thority- whi$h they re'resente!- was asso$iate! in o"r )in!s with a greater insight an! a )ore h")ane wis!o) B"t the #irst !eath we saw shattere! this be&ie# ,e ha! to re$ogni5e that o"r generation was )ore to be tr"ste! than theirs They s"r'asse! "s on&y in LQ ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT 'hrases an! in $&e+erness The #irst bo)bar!( ! )ent showe! "s o"r )istake- an! "n!er it the 1wor&! as they ha! ta"ght it to "s broke in 'ie$es ,hi&e they $ontin"e! to write an! ta&k- we tew the wo"n!e! an! !ying ,hi&e they ta"ght Kthat !"ty to one1s $o"ntry is the greatest thing- R1,e a&rea!y knew that !eath(throes are stronger 0B"t #or a&& that we were no )"tineersno !e(ers- no $owar!s7they were +ery #ree with a&& &ese e3'ressions ,e &o+e! o"r $o"ntry as )"$h 1 they. we went $o"rageo"s&y into e+ery a$tion. R)t a&so we !isting"ishe! the #a&se #ro) tr"e- we s"!!en&y &earne! to see An! we saw that giere was nothing o# their wor&! &e#t ,e were a&& on$e terrib&y a&one. an! a&one we )"st see it %Agh #ore going o+er to see 4e))eri$h we 'a$k "' %i" things: he wi&& nee! the) on the way ba$k In the !ressing station there is great a$ti+ity: 11reeks as e+er o# $arbo&i$- '"s- an! sweat ,e a$$"sto)e! to a goo! !ea& in the bi&&ets- b"t is )akes "s #ee& #aint ,e ask #or 4e))eri$h &ies in a &arge roo) an! re$ei+es "s with #ee(e e3'ressions o# 0oy an! he&'&ess agitation- tie he was "n$ons$io"s so)eone ha! sto&en wat$h M"tter shakes his hea!: "I a&ways to&! yo" LS that nobo!y sho"&! $arry as goo! a wat$h as that " Mii&&er is rather $r"!e an! ta$t&ess- otherwise he wo"&! ho&! his tong"e- #or anybo!y $an see that 4e))eri$h wi&& ne+er $o)e o"t o# this '&a$e again ,hether he #in!s his wat$h or not wi&& )ake no !i##eren$e- at the )ost one wi&& on&y be ab&e to sen! it to his 'eo'&e "/ow goes it- Fran59" asks 4ro'' 4e))eri$h1s hea! sinks "Not so ba! b"t I ha+e s"$h a !a)ne! 'ain in )y #oot " ,e &ook at his be! $o+ering /is &eg &ies "n!er a wire basket The be! $o+ering ar$hes o+er it I ki$k Mii&&er on the shin- #or he is 0"st abo"t to te&& 4e))eri$h what the or!er&ies to&! "s o"tsi!e: that 4e))eri$h has &ost his #oot The &eg is a)'"tate! /e &ooks ghast&y- ye&&ow an! wan In his #a$e there are a&rea!y the straine! &ines that we know so we&&- we ha+e seen the) now h"n!re!s o# ti)es They are not so )"$h &ines as )arks An!er the skin the &i#e no

&onger '"&ses- it has a&rea!y 'resse! o"t the bo"n!aries o# the bo!y %eath is working thro"gh #ro) within It a&rea!y has $o))an! in the eyes /ere &ies o"r $o)ra!e- 4e))eri$h- who a &itt&e whi&e ago was roasting horse #&esh with "s an! s2"atting in the she&&(ho&es /e it is sti&& an! yet it is not he any &onger /is #eat"res ha+e be$o)e "n$ertain an! LK ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT #aint- &ike a 'hotogra'hi$ '&ate #ro) whi$h two 'i$t"res ha+e been taken E+en his +oi$e so"n!s &ike ashes I think o# the ti)e when we went away /is )other- a goo! '&")' )atron- bro"ght hi) to the station She we't $ontin"a&&y- her #a$e was b&oate! an! swo&&en 4e))eri$h #e&t e)barrasse!- #or she was the &east $o)'ose! o# a&&. she si)'&y !isso&+e! into #at an! water Then she $a"ght sight o# )e an! took ho&! o# )y ar) again an! again- an! i)'&ore! )e to &ook a#ter Fran5 o"t there In!ee! he !i! ha+e a #a$e &ike a $hi&!- an! s"$h #rai& bones that a#ter #o"r weeks1 'a$k($arrying he a&rea!y ha! #&at #eet B"t how $an a )an &ook a#ter anyone in the #ie&!: "Now yo" wi&& soon be going ho)e-" says 4ro'' "Yo" wo"&! ha+e ha! to wait at &east three or #o"r )onths #or yo"r &ea+e " 4e))eri$h no!s I $annot bear to &ook at his han!s- they are &ike wa3 An!er the nai&s is the !irt o# the tren$hes- it shows thro"gh b&"e(b&a$k &ike 'oison It strikes )e that these nai&s wi&& $ontin"e to grow &ike &ean #antasti$ $e&&ar( '&ants &ong a#ter 4e))eri$h breathes no )ore I see the 'i$t"re be#ore )e They twist the)se&+es into $orks$rews an! grow an! grow- an! with the) the hair on the !e$aying sk"&&- 0"st &ike grass in a goo! soi&- 0"st &ike grass- how $an it be 'ossib&e( L> M"&&er &eans o+er ",e ha+e bro"ght yo"r things- Fran5 " 4e))eri$h signs with his han!s "6"t the) "n!er the be! " M"&&er !oes so 4e))eri$h starts on again abo"t the wat$h /ow $an one $a&) hi) witho"t )aking hi) s"s'i$io"s9 M"&&er rea''ears with a 'air o# air)an1s boots They are #ine Eng&ish boots o# so#t- ye&&ow &eather whi$h rea$h to the knees an! &a$e "' a&& the way 7they are things to be $o+ete! M"&&er is !e&ighte! at the sight o# the) /e )at$hes their so&es against his own $&")sy boots an! says: ",i&& yo" be taking the) with yo" then- Fran59" ,e a&& three ha+e the sa)e tho"ght. e+en i# he sho"&! get better- he wo"&! be ab&e to "se on&y one7they are no "se to hi) B"t as things are now it is a 'ity that they sho"&! stay here. the or!er&ies wi&& o# $o"rse grab the) as soon as he is !ea! ",on1t yo" &ea+e the) with "s9" M"&&er re'eats 4e))eri$h !oesn1t want to They are his )ost 'ri5e! 'ossessions ",e&&- we $o"&! e3$hange-" s"ggests M"&&er again "O"t here one $an )ake so)e "se o# the) " Sti&& 4e))eri$h is not to be )o+e! LD ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT I trea! on M"&&er1s #oot. re&"$tant&y he '"ts the #ine boots ba$k again "n!er the be! ,e ta&k a &itt&e )ore an! then take o"r &ea+e "*heerio- Fran5 " I 'ro)ise hi) to $o)e ba$k in the )orning M"&&er ta&ks o# !oing so- too /e is thinking o# the &a$e("' boots an! )eans to be on the s'ot 4e))eri$h groans /e is #e+erish ,e get ho&! o# an or!er&y o"tsi!e an! ask hi) to gi+e 4e))eri$h a !ose o# )or'hia /e re#"ses "I# we were to gi+e )or'hia to e+eryone we wo"&! ha+e to ha+e t"bs #"&&(" "Yo" on&y atten! to o##i$ers 'ro'er&y-" says 4ro'' +i$io"s&y I hasti&y inter+ene an! gi+e hi) a $igarette /e takes it "Are yo" "s"a&&y a&&owe! to gi+e it- then9" I ask hi) /e is annoye! "I# yo" !on1t think so- then why !o yo" ask9" I 'ress a #ew )ore $igarettes into his han! "%o "s the #a+o"r(" ",e&&- a&& right-" he says 4ro'' goes in with hi) /e !oesn1t tr"st hi) an! wants to see ,e wait o"tsi!e M"&&er ret"rns to the s"b0e$t o# the boots "They wo"&! #it )e 'er#e$t&y In these boots I get b&ister a#ter b&ister %o yo" think he wi&& &ast ti&& LE to)orrow a#ter !ri&&9 I# he 'asses o"t in the night- we know where the boots(" 4ro'' ret"rns "%o yo" think(9" he asks "%one #or-" sai! M"&&er e)'hati$a&&y

,e go ba$k to the h"ts I think o# the &etter that I )"st write to()orrow to 4e))eri$h1s )other I a) #ree5ing I $o"&! !o with a tot o# r") M"&&er '"&&s "' so)e grass an! $hews it S"!!en&y &itt&e 4ro'' throws his $igarette away- sta)'s on it sa+age&y- an! &ooking aro"n! hi) with a broken an! !istra$te! #a$e- sta))ers "%a)ne! shit- the !a)ne! shit:" ,e wa&k on #or a &ong ti)e 4ro'' has $a&)e! hi)se&#. we "n!erstan!- he saw re!. o"t there e+ery )an gets &ike that so)eti)e ",hat has 4antorek written to yo"9" M"&&er asks hi) /e &a"ghs ",e are the Iron Yo"th " ,e a&& three s)i&e bitter&y- 4ro'' rai&s: he is g&a! that he $an s'eak Yes- that1s the way they think- these h"n!re! tho"san! 4antoreks: Iron Yo"th: Yo"th: ,e are none o# "s )ore than twenty years o&! B"t yo"ng9 Yo"th9 That is &ong ago ,e are o&! #o&k TWO It is strange to think that at ho)e in the !rawer # )y writing tab&e there &ies the beginning o# a &ay $a&&e! "Sa"&" an! a b"n!&e o# 'oe)s Many T e+ening I ha+e worke! o+er the)7we a&& !i! ()ething o# the kin!7b"t that has be$o)e so rea& to )e I $annot $o)'rehen! it any )ore- ear&y &i#e is $"t o## #ro) the )o)ent we <$a)e here- an! that witho"t o"r &i#ting a han! ,e o#ten try to &ook ba$k on it an! to #in! an E3'&anation- b"t ne+er 2"ite s"$$ee! For "s youn# )en o# twenty e+erything is e3traor!inar("y +ag"e- #or 4ro''- M"&&er- Leer- an! #or )e- #or o# "s who) 4antorek $a&&s the "Iron Yo"th " L the o&!er )en are &inke! "' with their 're( +io"s &i#e They ha+e wi+es- $hi&!ren- o$$"'ations- an! interests- they ha+e a ba$kgro"n! whi$h is so strong that the war $annot ob&iterate it ,e yo"ng )en o# twenty- howe+er- ha+e on&y o"r 'arents- an! so)e- 'erha's- a gir&7that is not )"$h- #or at o"r age the in#&"en$e o# 'arents is at its weakest an! gir&s ha+e not yet got a ho&! o+er "s Besi!es this there was &itt&e e&se7so)e enth"sias)- a #ew hobbies- an! o"r s$hoo& Beyon! this o"r &i#e !i! not e3ten! An! o# this nothing re)ains 4antorek wo"&! say that we stoo! on the thresho&! o# &i#e An! so it wo"&! see) ,e ha! as yet taken no root The war swe't "s away For the others- the o&!er )en- it is b"t an interr"'tion They are ab&e to think beyon! it ,ehowe+er- ha+e been gri''e! by it an! !o not know what the en! )ay be ,e know on&y that in so)e strange an! )e&an$ho&y way we ha+e be$o)e a waste &an! A&& the sa)e- we are not o#ten sa! Tho"gh M"&&er wo"&! be !e&ighte! to ha+e 4e)()eri$h1s boots- he is rea&&y 2"ite as sy)'atheti$ as another who $o"&! not bear to think o# s"$h a thing #or grie# /e )ere&y sees things $&ear&y ,ere 4e))eri$h ab&e to )ake any "se o# the boots- then M"&&er wo"&! rather go bare(#oot o+er barbe! wire than s$he)e how to get ho&! o# I the) B"t as it is the boots are 2"ite ina''ro'ri(Rate to 4e))eri$h1s $ir$")stan$es- whereas 9 MU&&er $an )ake goo! "se o# the) 4e))eri$h . wi&& !ie. it is i))ateria& who gets the) ,hy- Rthen- sho"&! MU&&er not s"$$ee! to the)9 /e has I1)ore right than a hos'ita& or!er&y ,hen 4e)(V)eri$h is !ea! it wi&& be too &ate There#ore 0 M"&&er is a&rea!y on the wat$h ,e ha+e &ost a&& sense o# other $onsi!erations- $a"se they are arti#i$ia& On&y the #a$ts are ea& an! i)'ortant #or "s An! goo! boots are r$e Wn$e it was !i##erent ,hen we went to the !istri$t $o))an!ant to en&ist- we were a $&ass o# +enty yo"ng )en- )any o# who) 'ro"!&y i+e! #or the #irst ti)e be#ore going to the bar(&a$ks ,e ha! no !e#inite '&ans #or o"r #"t"re tho"ghts o# a $areer an! o$$"'ation were as 'et o# too "n'ra$ti$a& a $hara$ter to #"rnish any $he)e o# &i#e ,e were sti&& $ra))e! #"&& o# R +ag"e i!eas whi$h ga+e to &i#e- an! to the war &so an i!ea& an! a&)ost ro)anti$ $hara$ter ,e +ere traine! in the ar)y #or ten weeks an! in Rthis ti)e )ore 'ro#o"n!&y in#&"en$e! than by ten at s$hoo& ,e &earne! that a bright b"tton weightier than #o"r +o&")es o# S$ho'enha"er- 0kt #irst astonishe!- then e)bittere!- an! #ina&&y in!i##erent- we re$ogni5e! that what )atters is not the )in! b"t the boot br"sh- not inte&&igen$e b"t the syste)- not #ree!o) b"t !ri&& ,e be$a)e so&!iers with eagerness an! enth"sias)- b"t they ha+e !one e+erything to kno$k that o"t o# "s A#ter three weeks it was no &onger in$o)'rehensib&e to "s that a brai!e! 'ost)an sho"&! ha+e )ore a"thority o+er "s than ha! #or)er&y o"r 'arents- o"r tea$hers- an! the who&e ga)"t o# $"&t"re #ro) 6&ato to Goethe ,ith o"r yo"ng- awakene! eyes we saw that the $&assi$a& $on$e'tion o# the Father&an! he&! by o"r tea$hers reso&+e! itse&# here into a ren"n$iation o# 'ersona&ity s"$h as one wo"&! not ask o# the )eanest ser+ants7sa&"tess'ringing to attention- 'ara!e()ar$hes- 'resenting ar)s- right whee&- &e#t whee&- $&i$king the hee&s- ins"&ts- an! a tho"san! 'etti#ogging !etai&s ,e ha! #an$ie! o"r task wo"&! be !i##erent- on&y to #in! we were to be traine! #or herois) as tho"gh we were $ir$"s('onies B"t we soon a$$"sto)e! o"rse&+es to it ,e &earne! in #a$t that so)e o# these things were ne$essary- b"t the rest )ere&y show So&!iers ha+e a #ine nose #or s"$h !istin$tions By threes an! #o"rs o"r $&ass was s$attere! o+er the '&atoons a)ongst Frisian #isher)en- 'eas ants- an! &abo"rers with who) we soon )a!e #rien!s 4ro''- Mii&&er- 4e))eri$h- an! I went y to No M '&atoon "n!er*or'ora&&4r)he&stoss 1s /e ha! the re'"tation o# being the stri$test <!is$i'&inarian in the $a)'- an! was 'ro"! o# it /e was a s)a&& "n!ersi5e! #e&&ow with a #o3y- T wa3e! )o"sta$he- who ha! seen twe&+e years1 ser+i$e

an! was in $i+i& &i#e a 'ost)an /e ha! a s'e$ia& !is&ike o# 4ro''- T0a!en- ,esth"s- an! )e- be$a"se he sense! a 2"iet !e#ian$e I ha+e re)a!e his be! #o"rteen ti)es in one )orning Ea$h ti)e he ha! so)e #a"&t to #in! an! '"&&e! it to 'ie$es I ha+e knea!e! a 'air o# 'rehistori$ boots that were as har! as iron #or twenty ho"rs7with inter+a&s o# $o"rse7 "nti& =hey be$a)e as so#t as b"tter an! not e+en /i)(iae&stoss $o"&! #in! anything )ore to !o to the). 1Gn!er his or!ers I ha+e s$r"bbe! o"t the *or(tra&s1 Mess with a tooth(br"sh 4ro'' an! I G ere gi+en the 0ob o# $&earing the barra$k(s2"are G snow with a han!(broo) an! a !"st('an- an! e wo"&! ha+e gone on ti&& we were #ro5en ha! $ut a &ie"tenant a$$i!enta&&y a''eare! who sent 1 ( o##- an! ha"&e! /i))e&stoss o+er the $oa&s- i&t the on&y res"&t o# this was to )ake /i))e&(<osshate "s )ore For si3 weeks $onse$"ti+e&y I "! g"ar! e+ery S"n!ay an! was h"t(or!er&y #or tie sa)e &ength o# ti)e ,ith a #"&& 'a$k an! 1/e I ha+e ha! to 'ra$tise on a wet- so#t- new&y('"ghe! #ie&! the "6re'are to a!+an$e- a!+an$e:" an! the "Lie !own:" "nti& I was one &")' o# )"! an! #ina&&y $o&&a'se! Fo"r ho"rs &ater I ha! to re'ort to /i))e&stoss with )y $&othes s$r"bbe! $&ean- )y han!s $ha#e! an! b&ee!ing Together with 4ro'',esth"s- an! T0a!en I ha+e stoo! at attention in a har! #rost witho"t g&o+es #or a 2"arter o# an ho"r at a stret$hwhi&e /i))e&stoss wat$he! #or the s&ightest )o+e)ent o# o"r bare #ingers on the stee& barre& o# the ri#&e I ha+e r"n eight ti)es #ro) the to' #&oor o# the barra$ks !own to the $o"rtyar! in )y shirt at two o1$&o$k in the )orning be$a"se )y !rawers 'ro0e$te! three in$hes beyon! the e!ge o# the stoo& on whi$h one ha! to sta$k a&& one1s thii0gs A&ongsi!e )e ran the $or'ora&- /i))e&stoss. in! tro! on )y bare toes At bayonet('ra$ti$e I ha! $onstant&y to #ight with /i))e&stoss- I with a hea+y iron wea'on- whi&st he ha! a han!y woo!en one with whi$h he easi&y str"$k )y ar)s ti&& they were b&a$k an! b&"e On$e- in!ee!- I be$a)e so in#"riate! that I ran at hi) b&in!&y an! ga+e hi) a )ighty 0ab in the sto)a$h an! kno$ke! hi) !own ,hen he re'orte! )e the $o)'any $o))an!er &a"ghe! at hi) an! to&! hi) he o"ght to kee' his eyes O'en. he "n!erstoo! /i))e&stoss- an! a''arent&y was not !is'&ease! at his !is$o)#it"re I be$a)e a 'ast )aster on the 'ara&&e& bars an! e3$e&&e! at 'hysi$a& 0erks.7we ha+e tre)b&e! at the )ere so"n! o# his +oi$e- b"t his r"naway 'ost(horse ne+er got the better o# "s One S"n!ay as 4ro'' an! I were &"gging a &atrine(b"$ket on a 'o&e a$ross the barra$k(yar!- /i))e&stoss $a)e bya&& 'o&ishe! "' an! s'ry #or going o"t /e '&ante! hi)se&# in #ront o# "s an! aske! how we &ike! the 0ob In s'ite o# o"rse&+es we tri''e! an! e)'tie! the b"$ket o+er his &egs /e ra+e!- b"t the &i)it ha! been rea$he! "That )eans $&ink-" he ye&&e! B"t 4ro'' ha! ha! eno"gh "There1&& be an in2"iry #irst-" he sai!- "an! then we1&& "n&oa! " "Min! how yo" s'eak to a non($o))issione! o##i$er:" baw&e! /i))e&stoss "/a+e yo" &ost yo"r senses9 Yo" wait ti&& yo"1re s'oken to ,hat (wi&& yo" !o- anyway9" "Show yo" "'- *or'ora&-" sai! 4ro''- his th")bs in &ine with the sea)s o# his tro"sers /i))e&stoss saw that we )eant it an! ,ent o## witho"t saying a wor! B"t be#ore he !isa''eare! he grow&e!: "Yo"1&& !rink this:"7 b"t that was the en! o# his a"thority /e trie! it on on$e )ore in the '&o"ghe! #ie&! with his "6re'are to a!+an$e- a!+an$e" an! "Lie !own " ,e obeye! ea$h or!er- sin$e an or!er1s an or!er an! has to be obeye! B"t we !i! it so s&ow&y that /i))e&stoss be$a)e !es'erate *are#"&&y we went !own on o"r knees- then on o"r han!s- an! so on. in the )eanti)e- 2"ite in#"riate!- he haX . other $o))an! B"t be#ore we ha! eY sweat he was hoarse A#ter that he &e#t "s in 'ea$e /e !i! in!ee! a&ways re#er to "s as swine- b"t there was- ne+erthe&ess- a $ertain res'e$ts in his tone There were )any other sta## $or'ora&s- the )a0ority o# who) were )ore !e$ent B"t abo+e a&& ea$h o# the) wante! to kee' his goo! 0ob there as &ong as 'ossib&e- an! this he $o"&! !o on&y by being stri$t with the re$r"its So we were '"t thro"gh e+ery $on$ei+ab&e re#ine)ent o# 'ara!e(gro"n! so&!iering ti&& we o#ten how&e! with rage Many o# "s be$a)e i&& thro"gh it. ,o&# a$t"a&&y !ie! o# in#&a))ation o# the &"ng B"t we wo"&! ha+e #e&t ri!i$"&o"s ha! we ha"&e! !own o"r $o&o"rs ,e be$a)e har!- s"s'i$io"s- 'iti&ess- +i$io"s- to"gh7an! that was goo!. #or these attrib"tes were 0"st what we &a$ke! /a! we gone into the tren$hes witho"t this 'erio! o# training )ost o# "s wo"&! $ertain&y ha+e gone )a! On&y th"s were we 're'are! #or what awaite! "s ,e !i! not break !own- b"t a!a'te! o"rse&+es. o"r twenty years- whi$h )a!e )any another thing so grie+o"s- he&'e! "s in this B"t by #ar the )ost i)'ortant res"&t was that it awakene! in "s a strong- 'ra$ti$a& sense o# es$rit de cor$s! whi$h in the #ie&! !e+e&o'e! into the #inest thing that arose o"t o# the war7 $o)ra!eshi' I sit by 4e))eri$h1s be! /e is sinking stea!i&y Aro"n! "s is great $o))otion A hos'ita& train has arri+e! an! the wo"n!e! #it to be )o+e! are being se&e$te! The !o$tor 'asses by 4e))eri$h1s be! witho"t on$e &ooking at hi) "Ne3t ti)e- Fran5-" I say /e raises hi)se&# on the 'i&&ow with his e&bows "They ha+e a)'"tate! )y &eg " /e knows it too then I no! an! answer "Yo" )"st be thank#"& yo"1+e $o)e o## with that " /e is si&ent I res")e: "It )ight ha+e been both &egs- Fran5 ,ege&er has &ost his right ar) That1s )"$h worse Besi!es- yo" wi&&

be going ho)e " /e &ooks at )e "%o yo" think so9" "O# $o"rse " "%o yo" think so9" he re'eats "S"re- Fran5 On$e yo"1+e got o+er the o'eration " 1 /e be$kons )e to ben! !own I stoo' o+er hi) an! he whis'ers: "I !on1t think so " "%on1t ta&k r"bbish. Fran5- in a $o"'&e o# !ays yo"1&& see #or yo"rse&# ,hat is it anyway7an a)'"tate! &eg9 /ere they 'at$h "' #ar worse things than that " /e &i#ts one han! "Look here tho"gh- these #ingers " "That1s the res"&t o# the o'eration ="st eat !e$ent&y an! yo"1&& soon be we&& again %o they &ook a#ter yo" 'ro'er&y9" /e 'oints to a !ish that is sti&& ha&# #"&& I get e3$ite! "Fran5- yo" )"st eat Eating is the )ain thing That &ooks goo! too " /e t"rns away A#ter a 'a"se he says s&ow&y: "I wante! to be$o)e a hea!(#orester on$e " "So yo" )ay sti&&-" I ass"re hi) "There are s'&en!i! arti#i$ia& &i)bs now- yo"1! har!&y know there was anything )issing They are #i3e! on to the )"s$&es Yo" $an )o+e the #ingers an! work an! e+en write with an arti#i$ia& han! An! besi!es- they wi&& a&ways be )aking new i)'ro+e)ents " For a whi&e he &ies sti&& Then he says: "Yo" $an take )y &a$e("' boots with yo" #or M"&&er " I no! an! won!er what to say to en$o"rage hi) /is &i's ha+e #a&&en away- his )o"th has be$o)e &arger- his teeth sti$k o"t an! &ook as tho"gh they were )a!e o# $ha&k The #&esh )e&ts- the #orehea! b"&ges )ore 'ro)inent&y- the $heekbones 'rotr"!e The ske&eton is working itse&# thro"gh The eyes are a&rea!y s"nken in In a $o"'&e o# ho"rs it wi&& be o+er /e is not the #irst that I ha+e seen th"s. b"t we grew "' together an! that a&ways )akes it a bit !i##erent I ha+e $o'ie! his essays At s$hoo& he "se! to wear a brown $oat with a be&t an! shiny s&ee+es /e was the on&y one o# "stoo- who $o"&! !o the giant1s t"rn on the hori5onta& bar /is hair #&ew in his #a$e &ike si&k when he !i! it 4antorek was 'ro"! o# hi) B"t he $o"&!n1t stan! $igarettes /is skin was +ery white. he ha! so)ething o# the gir& abo"t hi) I g&an$e at )y boots They are big an! $&")sy- the bree$hes are t"$ke! into the)- an! stan!ing "' one &ooks we&&( b"i&t an! 'ower#"& in these great !rain'i'es B"t when we go bathing an! stri'- s"!!en&y we ha+e s&en!er &egs again an! s&ight sho"&!ers ,e are no &onger so&!iers b"t &itt&e )ore than boys. no one wo"&! be&ie+e that we $o"&! $arry 'a$ks It is a strange )o)ent when we stan! nake!. then we be$o)e $i+i&ians- an! a&)ost #ee& o"rse&+es to be so ,hen bathing Fran5 4e))eri$h &ooke! as s&ight an! #rai& as a $hi&! There he &ies now7b"t why9 The who&e wor&! o"ght to 'ass by this be! an! say: "That is Fran5 4e))eri$h- nineteen an! a ha&# years o&!- he !oesn1t want to !ie Let hi) not !ie:" My tho"ghts be$o)e $on#"se! This at)os'here o# $arbo&i$ an! gangrene $&ogs the &"ngs- it is a thi$k gr"e&- it s"##o$ates It grows !ark 4e))eri$h1s #a$e $hanges $o&o"r- it &i#ts #ro) the 'i&&ow an! is so 'a&e that it g&ea)s The )o"th )o+es s&ight&y I !raw near to I !o not re'&y It is no 1 Tri##&##&,F:#e1MTI one $an $onso&e hi) I a) wret$he0<&'<<ne&'&ess( ness This #orehea! with its ho&&ows t0bin'&es- this )o"th that now see)s a&& teeth<*T<0i=hai61nose: An! the #atwee'ing wo)an at hoi )"st write Ihi) /e whis'ers: "I# yo" #"iZZ<=/4rk1 sen! ho)e77"# on&y the &etter rea!y: /os'ita&(or!er&ies go to an! #rt# ,ith bott&es an! 'ai&s One o# the) $o)es "'- $asts a g&an$e at 4e))eri$h an! goes away again Yo" $an see he is waiting- a''arent&y he wants the be! I ben! o+er Fran5 an! ta&k to hi) as tho"gh that $o"&! sa+e hi): "6erha's yo" wi&& go to the $on+a&es$ent ho)e at 4&osterberg- a)ong the +i&&as- Fran5 Then yo" $an &ook o"t #ro) the win!ow a$ross the #ie&!s to the two trees on the hori5on It is the &o+e&iest ti)e o# the year now- when the $orn ri'ens. at e+ening the #ie&!s in the s"n&ight &ook &ike )other(o#('ear& An! the &ane o# 'o'&ars by the 4&osterba$h- where we "se! to $at$h sti$k&e(ba$ks: Yo" $an b"i&! an a2"ari") again an! kee' #ish in it- an! yo" $an go witho"t asking anyone- yo" $an e+en '&ay the 'iano i# yo" want to " I &ean !own o+er his #a$e whi$h &ies in 0the sha!ow /e sti&& breathes- &ight&y /is #a$e is wet- he is $rying ,hat a #ine )ess I ha+e )a!e o# it with )y #oo&ish ta&k: "B"t Fran5"7I '"t )y ar) ro"n! his sho"&!er an! '"t )y #a$e against his ",i&& yo" s&ee' now9" /e !oes not answer The tears r"n !own his $heeks I wo"&! &ike to wi'e the) away b"t )y han!ker$hie# is too !irty An ho"r 'asses I sit tense&y an! wat$h his e+ery )o+e)ent in $ase he )ay 'erha's say so)ething ,hat i# he were to o'en his )o"th an! $ry o"t: B"t he on&y wee's- his hea! t"rne! asi!e /e !oes not s'eak o# his )other or his brothers an! sisters /e says nothing. a&& that &ies behin! hi). he is entire&y a&one now with his &itt&e &i#e o# nineteen years- an! $ries be$a"se it &ea+es hi) This is the )ost !ist"rbing an! har!est 'arting that I e+er ha+e seen- a&tho"gh it was 'retty ba! too with Tie!0en- who $a&&e! #or his )other7a big bear o# a #e&&ow who- with wi&! eyes #"&& o# terror- he&! o## the !o$tor #ro) his be! with a !agger "nti& he $o&&a'se! S"!!en&y 4e))eri$h groans an! begins to g"rg&e

I 0")' "'- st")b&e o"tsi!e an! !e)an!: ",here is the !o$tor9 ,here is the !o$tor9" ( As I $at$h sight o# the white a'ron I sei5e ho&! o# it: "*o)e 2"i$k- Fran5 4e))eri$h is !ying " THREE I1")rtrrrri rrwww w rv ITTT/F1 I rnrnTn rrn Rein#or$e)ents ha+e arri+e! The +a$an$ies ha+e been #i&&e! an! the sa$ks o# straw in the h"ts are a&rea!y booke! So)e o# the) are o&! han!s- b"t there are twenty(#i+e )en o# a &ater !ra#t #ro) the base They are abo"t two years yo"nger than "s 4ro'' n"!ges )e. "Seen the in#ants9" I no! ,e sti$k o"t o"r $hests- sha+e in the o'en- sho+e o"r han!s in o"r 'o$kets- ins'e$t the re$r"its an! #ee& o"rse&+es stone(age +eterans 4at$5insky 0oins "s ,e stro&& 'ast the horsebo3es an! go o+er to the rein#or$e)ents- who are a&rea!y being iss"e! with gas )asks an! $o##ee "Long ti)e sin$e yo"1+e ha! anything !e$ent to eat- eh9" 4at asks one o# the yo"ngsters /e gri)a$es "For break#ast- t"rni'(brea!7 &"n$h- t"rni'(stew7s"''er- t"rni'($"t&ets an! t"rni'(sa&a! " 4at gi+es a knowing whist&e "Brea! )a!e o# t"rni's9 Yo"1+e been in &"$k- it1s nothing new #or it to be )a!e o# saw!"st B"t what !o yo" say to hari$ot beans9 /a+e so)e91 The yo"ngster t"rns re!: "Yo" $an1t ki! )e " 4at$5insky )ere&y says: "Fet$h yo"r )ess(tin " ,e #o&&ow $"rio"s&y /e takes "s to a t"b besi!e his straw sa$k S"re eno"gh it is ha&# #"&& o# bee# an! beans 4at$5insky '&ants hi)se&# in #ront o# it &ike a genera& an! says: "Shar' eyes an! &ight #ingers: That1s what the 6r"ssians say " ,e are s"r'rise! "Great g"ts- 4at- how !i! yo" $o)e by that9" I ask hi) "Ginger was g&a! I took it I ga+e hi) three 'ie$es o# 'ara$h"te(si&k #or it *o&! beans taste #ine- too " 6atroni5ing&y he gi+es the yo"ngster a 'ortion an! says: "Ne3t ti)e yo" $o)e with yo"r )ess(tin ha+e a $igar or a $hew o# toba$$o in yo"r other han! Get )e9" Then he t"rns to "s "Yo" get o##1s$ot #ree- o# $o"rse " GGG ,e $o"&!n1t !o witho"t 4at$5insky. he has a si3th sense There are s"$h 'eo'&e e+erywhere b"t one !oes not a''re$iate it at #irst E+ery $o)'any has one or two 4at$5insky is the s)artest I know By tra!e he is a $obb&er- I be&ie+e- b"t that hasn1t anything to !o with it. he "n!erstan!s a&& tra!es It1s a goo! thing to be #rien!s with hi)- as 4ro'' an! I are- an! /aie ,esth"s too- )ore or &ess B"t /aie is rather the e3e$"ti+e ar)- o'erating "n!er 4at1s or!ers when things $o)e to b&ows For that he has his 2"a&i#i$ations For e3a)'&e- we &an! at night in so)e entire&y "nknown s'ot- a sorry ho&e- that has been eaten o"t to the +ery wa&&s ,e are 2"artere! in a s)a&& !ark #a$tory a!a'te! to the '"r'ose There are be!s in it- or rather b"nks7a $o"'&e o# woo!en bea)s o+er whi$h wire netting is stret$he! ,ire netting is har! An! there1s nothing to '"t on it O"r water'roo# sheets are too thin ,e "se o"r b&ankets to $o+er o"rse&+es 4at &ooks at the '&a$e an! then says to /aie ,esth"s: "*o)e with )e " They go o## to e3'&ore /a&# an ho"r &ater they are ba$k again with ar)s #"&& o# straw 4at has #o"n! a horse(bo3 with straw in it Now we )ight s&ee' i# we weren1t so terrib&y h"ngry 4ro'' asks an arti&&ery)an who has been so)e ti)e in this neighbo"rhoo!: "Is there a $anteen anywhere abo"ts9" "Is there a what9" he &a"ghs "There1s nothing to be ha! here Yo" won1t #in! so )"$h as a $r"st o# brea! here " "Aren1t there any inhabitants here at a&& then9" /e s'its "Yes- a #ew B"t they hang ro"n! the $ook(ho"se an! beg " "That1s a ba! b"siness1 7Then we1&& ha+e to '"&& in o"r be&ts an! wait ti&& the rations $o)e "' in the )orning " B"t I see 4at has '"t on his $a' ",here to- 4at9" I ask "="st to e3'&ore the '&a$e a bit " /e stro&&s o## The arti&&ery)an grins s$orn#"&&y "Go ahea! an! e3'&ore B"t !on1t strain yo"rse&# in $arrying what yo" #in! " %isa''ointe! we &ie !own an! $onsi!er whether we $o"&!n1t ha+e a go at the iron rations B"t it1s too risky. so we try to get a wink o# s&ee' 4ro'' !i+i!es a $igarette an! han!s )e ha&# T0a!en gi+es an a$$o"nt o# his nationa& !ish7 broa!(beans an! ba$on /e !es'ises it when not #&a+o"re! with bog()yrt&e- an!- "#or Go!1s sake- &et it a&& be $ooke! together- not the 'otatoes- the beans- an! the ba$on se'arate&y " So)eone grow&s that he wi&& 'o"n! T0a!en into bog()yrt&e i# he !oesn1t sh"t "' Then a&& be$o)es 2"iet in the big roo)7on&y the $an!&es #&i$kering #ro) the ne$ks o# a $o"'&e o#

bott&es an! the arti&&ery)an s'itting e+ery now an! then ,e are 0"st !o5ing o## when the !oor o'ens an! 4at a''ears I think I )"st be !rea)ing. he has two &oa+es o# brea! "n!er his ar) an! a b&oo!staine! san!bag #"&& o# horse(#&esh in his han! The arti&&ery)an1s 'i'e !ro's #ro) his )o"th /e #ee&s the brea! "Rea& brea!- by Go!- an! sti&& hot too9" 4at gi+es no e3'&anation /e has the brea!- the rest !oesn1t )atter I1) s"re that i# he were '&ante! !own in the )i!!&e o# the !esert- in ha&# an ho"r he wo"&! ha+e gathere! together a s"''er o# roast )eat- !ates- an! wine "*"t so)e woo!-" he says $"rt&y to /aie Then he ha"&s o"t a #rying 'an #ro) "n!er his $oat- an! a han!#"& o# sa&t as we&& as a &")' o# #at #ro) his 'o$ket /e has tho"ght o# e+erything /aie )akes a #ire on the #&oor It &ights "' the e)'ty roo) o# the #a$tory ,e $&i)b o"t o# be! The arti&&ery)an hesitates /e won!ers whether to 'raise 4at an! so 'erha's gain a &itt&e #or hi)se&# B"t 4at$5insky !oesn1t e+en see hi)- he )ight as we&& be thin air /e goes o## $"rsing 4at knows the way to roast horse(#&esh so that it1s ten!er It sho"&!n1t be '"t straight into the 'an- that )akes it to"gh It sho"&! be boi&e! #irst in a &itt&e water ,ith o"r kni+es we s2"at ro"n! in a $ir$&e an! #i&& o"r be&&ies That is 4at I# #or one ho"r in a year so)ething eatab&e were to be ha! in so)e one '&a$e on&y- within that ho"r- as i# )o+e! by a +ision- he wo"&! '"t on his $a'- go o"t an! wa&k !ire$t&y there- as tho"gh #o&&owing a $o)'ass- an! #in! it /e #in!s e+erything7i# it is $o&!- a s)a&& sto+e an! woo!- hay an! straw- a tab&e an! $hairs7b"t abo+e a&& #oo! It is "n$anny. one wo"&! think he $on0"re! it o"t o# the air /is )aster'ie$e was #o"r bo3es o# &obsters A!)itte!&y we wo"&!-rather ha+e ha! a goo! bee# steak ,e ha+e sett&e! o"rse&+es on the s"nny si!e o# the h"t There is a s)e&& o# tar- o# s"))er- an! o# sweaty #eet 4at sits besi!e )e /e &ikes to ta&k To!ay we ha+e !one an ho"r1s sa&"ting !ri&& be$a"se T0a!en #ai&e! to sa&"te a )a0or s)art&y eno"gh 4at $an1t get it o"t o# his hea! "Yo" take it #ro) )e- we are &osing the war be$a"se we $an sa&"te too we&&-" he says 4ro'' sta&ks "'- with his bree$hes ro&&e! "' an! his #eet bare /e &ays o"t his washe! so$ks to !ry on the grass 4at t"rns his eyes to hea+en- &ets o## a )ighty #art- an! says )e!itati+e&y: "E+ery &itt&e bean )"st be hear! as we&& as seen " The two begin to arg"e At the sa)e ti)e they &ay a bott&e o# beer on the res"&t o# an air(#ight that1s going on abo+e "s 4at$5insky won1t b"!ge #ro) the o'inion whi$h as an o&! Front(hog- he rhy)es: Give e% all the sa%e #ru" and all the sa%e $ay &nd the war would "e over and done in a day' 4ro'' on the other han! is a thinker /e 'ro'oses that a !e$&aration o# war sho"&! be a kin! o# 'o'"&ar #esti+a& with entran$e(ti$kets an! ban!s- &ike a b"&& #ight Then in the arena the )inisters an! genera&s o# the two $o"ntries!resse! in bathing(!rawers an! ar)e! with $&"bs- $an ha+e it o"t a)ong the)se&+es ,ho e+er s"r+i+es- his $o"ntry wins That wo"&! be )"$h si)'&er an! )ore 0"st than this arrange)ent- where the wrong 'eo'&e !o the #ighting The s"b0e$t is !ro''e! Then the $on+ersation t"rns to !ri&& A 'i$t"re $o)es be#ore )e B"rning )i!!ay in the barra$k(yar! The- heat hangs o+er the s2"are The barra$ks are !eserte! E+erything s&ee's A&& one hears is the !r"))ers 'ra$tising. they ha+e insta&&e! the)se&+es so)ewhere an! 'ra$tise broken&y- !"&&y- )onotono"s&y ,hat a $on$or!: Mi!!ay heat- barra$k s2"are- an! !r"))ers beating: The win!ows o# the barra$ks are e)'ty an! !ark Fro) so)e o# the) tro"sers are hanging to !ry The roo)s are $oo& an! one &ooks towar! the) &onging&y O !ark- )"sty '&atoon h"ts- with the iron be!stea!s- the $he2"ere! be!!ing- the &o$kers an! the stoo&s: E+en yo" $an be$o)e the ob0e$t o# !esire. o"t here yo" ha+e a #aint rese)b&an$e to ho)e. yo"r roo)s- #"&& o# the s)e&& o# sta&e #oo!- s&ee'- s)oke- an! $&othes 4at$5insky 'aints it a&& in &i+e&y $o&o"rs ,hat wo"&! we not gi+e to be ab&e to ret"rn to it: Farther ba$k than that o"r tho"ghts !are not go Those ear&y )orning ho"rs o# instr"$tion7 ",hat are the 'arts o# the M? ri#&e9"7the )i!!ay ho"rs o# 'hysi$a& training7"6ianist #orwar!: By the right- 2"i$k )ar$h Re'ort to the $ook(ho"se #or 'otato('ee&ing " ,e in!"&ge in re)inis$en$es 4ro'' &a"ghs s"!!en&y an! says: "*hange at Lohne:" That was o"r $or'ora&1s #a+o"rite ga)e Lohne is a rai&way 0"n$tion In or!er that o"r #e&&ows going oh sho"&!n1t get &ost there- /i))e&stoss "se! to 'ra$tise the $hange in the barra$k(roo) ,e ha! to &earn that at Lohne- to rea$h the bran$h(&ine- we )"st 'ass thro"gh a s"bway The be!s re'resente! the s"bway an! ea$h )an stoo! at attention on the &e#t si!e o# his be! Then $a)e the $o))an!: "*hange at Lohne:" an! &ike &ightning e+eryone s$ra)b&e! "n!er the be! to the o''osite si!e ,e 'ra$tise! this #or ho"rs on en! Meanwhi&e the Ger)an aero'&ane has been shot !own Like a $o)et it b"rsts into a strea)er o# s)oke an! #a&&s hea!&ong 4ro'' has &ost the bott&e o# beer %isgr"nt&e! he $o"nts o"t the )oney #ro) his wa&&et "S"re&y /i))e&stoss was a +ery !i##erent #e&&ow as a 'ost)an-" say I- a#ter A&bert1s !isa''oint)ent has s"bsi!e!

"Then how !oes it $o)e that he1s s"$h a b"&&y as a !ri&&(sergeant9" The 2"estion re+i+es 4ro''- )ore 'arti$"&ar&y as he hears there1s no )ore beer in the $anteen "It1s not on&y /i))e&stoss- there are &ots o# the) As s"re as they get a stri'e or a star they be$o)e !i##erent )en- 0"st as tho"gh they1! swa&&owe! $on$rete " That1s the "ni#or)-" I s"ggest "Ro"gh&y s'eaking it is-" says 4at- an! 're'ares #or a &ong s'ee$h. "b"t the root o# the )atter &ies so)ewhere For instan$e- i# yo" train a !og to eat 'otatoes an! then a#terwar!s '"t a 'ie$e o# )eat in #ront o# hi)- he1&& sna' at it- it1s his nat"re An! i# yo" gi+e a )an a &itt&e bit o# a"thority he beha+es 0"st the sa)e way- he sna's at it too The things are 're$ise&y the sa)e In hi)se&# )an is essentia&&y a beast- on&y he b"tters it o+er &ike a s&i$e o# brea! with a &itt&e !e$or") The ar)y is base! on that. one )an )"st a&ways ha+e 'ower o+er the other The )is$hie# is )ere&y that ea$h one has )"$h too )"$h 'ower A non($o) $an tor)ent a 'ri+ate- a &ie" tenant a non($o) - a $a'tain a &ie"tenant- "nti& he goes )a! An! be$a"se they know they $an- they a&& soon a$2"ire the habit )ore or &ess Take a si)'&e $ase: we are )ar$hing ba$k #ro) the 'ara!e(gro"n! !og(tire! Then $o)es the or!er to sing ,e sing s'irit&ess&y- #or it is a&& we $an !o to tr"!ge a&ong with o"r ri#&es At on$e the $o)'any is t"rne! abo"t an! has to !o another ho"r1s !ri&& as '"nish)ent On the )ar$h ba$k the or!er to sing is gi+en again- an! on$e )ore we start Now what1s the "se o# a&& that9 It1s si)'&y that the $o)'any $o))an!er1s hea! has been t"rne! by ha+ing so )"$h 'ower An! nobo!y b&a)es hi) On the $ontrary- he is 'raise! #or being stri$t That- o# $o"rse- is on&y a tri#&ing in stan$eb"t it ho&!s a&so in +ery !i##erent a##airs Now I ask yo": Let a )an be whate+er yo" &ike in 'ea$eti)e- what o$$"'ation is there in whi$h he $an beha+e &ike that witho"t getting a $ra$k on the nose9 /e $an on&y !o that in the ar)y It goes to the hea!s o# the) a&&- yo" see An! the )ore insigni#i$ant a )an has been in $i+i& &i#e the worse it takes hi) " "They say- o# $o"rse- there )"st be !is$i'&ine-" +ent"res 4ro'' )e!itati+e&y "Tr"e-" grow&s 4at- "they a&ways !o An! it )ay be so. sti&& it o"ghtn1t to be$o)e an ab"se B"t yo" try to e3'&ain that to a b&a$k(s)ith or a &abo"rer or a work)an- yo" try to )ake that $&ear to a 'eas ant7an! that1s what )ost o# the) are here A&& he sees is that he has been '"t thro"gh the )i&& an! sent to the #ront- b"t he knows we&& eno"gh what he )"st !o an! what not It1s si)'&y a)a5ing- I te&& yo"- that the or!inary to))y sti$ks it a&& "' here in the #ront(&ine Si)'&y a)a5ing:" No one 'rotests E+eryone knows that !ri&& $eases on&y in the #ront(&ine an! begins again a #ew )i&es behin!- with a&& the abs"r!ities o# sa&"ting an! 'ara!e It is an Iron &aw that the so&!ier )"st be e)'&oye! "n!er e+ery $ir$") ( stan$e /ere T0a!en $o)es "' with a #&"she! #a$e /e is so e3$ite! that he st"tters Bea)ing with satis#a$tion he sta))ers o"t: "/i))e&stoss is on his way /e1s $o)ing to the #ront:" T0a!en has a s'e$ia& gr"!ge against /i))e&stoss- be$a"se o# the way he e!"$ate! hi) in the barra$ks T0a!en wets his be!- he !oes it at night in his s&ee' /i))e&stoss )aintaine! that it was sheer &a5iness an! in+ente! a )etho! worthy o# hi)se&# #or $"ring T0a!en /e h"nte! "' another 'iss(a(be!- na)e! 4in!er+ater- #ro) a neighbo"ring "nit- an! 2"artere! hi) with T0a!en In the h"ts there were the "s"a& b"nks- one abo+e the other in 'airs- with )attresses or wire netting /i))e&stoss '"t these two so that one o$$"'ie! the "''er an! the other the &ower b"nk The )an "n!erneath o# $o"rse ha! a +i&e ti)e The ne3t night they were $hange! o+er an! the &ower one '"t on to' so that he $o"&! reta&iate That was /i))e&stoss1s syste) o# se&#(e!"$ation The i!ea was &ow b"t not i&&($on$ei+e! An#ort"nate&y it a$$o)'&ishe! nothing be$a"se the #irst ass")'tion was wrong: it was not &a5iness in either o# the) Anyone who &ooke! at their sa&&ow skin $o"&! see that The )atter en!e! in one o# the) a&ways s&ee'ing on the #&oor- where he #re2"ent&y $a"ght $o&! Meanwhi&e /aie sits !own besi!e "s /e winks at )e an! r"bs his 'aws tho"ght#"&&y ,e on$e s'ent the #inest !ay o# o"r ar)y(&i#e together7 the !ay be#ore we &e#t #or the #ront ,e ha! been a&&otte! to one o# the re$ent&y #or)e! regi)ents- b"t were #irst to be sent ba$k #or e2"i')ent to the garrison- not to the rein#or$e)ent(!e'ot- or $o"rse- b"t to another barra$ks ,e were !"e to &ea+e the ne3t )orning ear&y In the e+ening we 're'are! o"rse&+es to s2"are a$$o"nts with /i))e&stoss ,e ha! sworn #or weeks 'ast to !o this 4ro'' ha! e+en gone so #ar as to 'ro'ose entering the 'osta& ser+i$e in 'ea$eti)e in or!er to be /i))e&stoss1s s"'erior when he be$a)e a 'ost)an again /e re+e&&e! in the tho"ght o# how he wo"&! grin! hi) It was this that )a!e it i)'ossib&e #or hi) to $r"sh "s a&together7we a&ways re$kone! that &ater- at the en! o# the war- we wo"&! ha+e o"r re+enge on hi) In the )eanti)e we !e$i!e! to gi+e hi) a goo! hi!ing ,hat $o"&! he !o to "s anyhow i# he !i!n1t re$ogni5e "s an! we &e#t ear&y in the )orning9 ,e knew whi$h '"b he "se! to +isit e+ery e+ening Ret"rning to the barra$ks he ha! to go a&ong a !ark- "ninhabite! roa! There we waite! #or hi) behin! a 'i&e o# stones I ha! a be!($o+er with )e ,e tre)b&e! with s"s'ense-

ho'ing he wo"&! be a&one At &ast we hear! his #ootste'- whi$h we re$ogni5e! easi&y- so o#ten ha! we hear! it in the )ornings as the !oor #&ew o'en an! he baw&e!: "Get "':" "A&one9" whis'ere! 4ro'' "A&one " I s&i''e! ro"n! the 'i&e o# stones with T0a!en /i))e&stoss see)e! a &itt&e e&e+ate!. he was singing /is be&t(b"$k&e g&ea)e! /e $a)e on "ns"s'e$ting&y ,e sei5e! the be!($o+er- )a!e a 2"i$k &ea'- threw it o+er his hea! #ro) behin! an! '"&&e! it ro"n! hi) so that he stoo! there in a white sa$k "nab&e to raise his ar)s The singing sto''e! The ne3t )o)ent /aie ,esth"s was therean! s'rea!ing his ar)s he sho+e! "s ba$k in or!er to be #irst in /e '"t hi)se&# in 'osition with e+i!ent satis#a$tionraise! his ar) &ike a signa&()ast an! his han! &ike a $oa&(sho+e& an! #et$he! s"$h a b&ow on the white sa$k as wo"&! ha+e #e&&e! an o3 /i))e&stoss was thrown !own- he ro&&e! #i+e yar!s an! starte! to ye&& B"t we were 're'are! #or that an! ha! bro"ght a $"shion /aie s2"atte! !own- &ai! the $"shion on his knees- #e&t where /i))e&stoss1s hea! was an! 'resse! it !own on the 'i&&ow I))e!iate&y his +oi$e was )"##&e! /aie &et hi) get a gas' o# air e+ery so o#tenwhen he wo"&! gi+e a )ighty ye&& that was i))e!iate&y h"she! T0a!en "nb"ttone! /i))e&stoss1s bra$es an! '"&&e! !own his tro"sers- ho&!ing the whi' )eanti)e in his teeth Then he stoo! "' an! set to work It was a won!er#"& 'i$t"re: /i))e&stoss on the gro"n!. /aie ben!ing o+er hi) with a #ien!ish grin an! his )o"th o'en with b&oo!&"st- /i))e&stoss1s hea! on his knees. then the $on+"&se! stri'e! !rawers- the kno$k kneese3e$"ting at e+ery b&ow )ost origina& )o+e)ents in the &owere! bree$hes- an! towering o+er the) &ike a woo!$"tter the in!e#atigab&e T0a!en In the en! we ha! to !rag hi) away to get o"r t"rn Fina&&y /aie stoo! /i))e&stoss on his #eet again an! ga+e one &ast 'ersona& re)onstran$e As he stret$he! o"t his right ar) 're'aratory to gi+ing hi) a bo3 on the ear he &ooke! as i# he were going to rea$h !own a star /i))e&stoss to''&e! o+er /aie stoo! hi) "' again- )a!e rea!y an! #et$he! hi) a se$on!- we&&(ai)e! bea"ty with the &e#t han! /i))e&stoss ye&&e! an! )a!e o## on a&& #o"rs /is stri'e! 'ost)an1s ba$ksi!e g&ea)e! in the )oon&ight ,e !isa''eare! at #"&& s'ee! /aie &ooke! ro"n! on$e again an! sai! wrath(#"&&y- satis#ie! an! rather )ysterio"s&y: "Re+enge is b&a$k('"!!ing " /i))e&stoss o"ght to ha+e been '&ease!. his saying that we sho"&! ea$h e!"$ate one another ha! borne #r"it #or hi)se&# ,e ha! be$o)e s"$$ess#"& st"!ents o# his )etho! /e ne+er !is$o+ere! who) he ha! to thank #or the b"siness At any rate he s$ore! a be!($o+er o"t o# it. #or when we ret"rne! a #ew ho"rs &ater to &ook #or it- it was no &onger to be #o"n! That e+ening1s work )a!e "s )ore or &ess $ontent to &ea+e ne3t )orning An! an o&! b"##er was '&ease! to !es$ribe "s as "yo"ng heroes " SO FOUR ,e ha+e to go "' on wiring #atig"e The )otor &orries ro&& "' a#ter !ark ,e $&i)b in It is a war) e+ening an! the twi&ight see)s &ike a $ano'y "n!er whose she&ter we #ee& !rawn together E+en the stingy T0a!en gi+es )e a $igarette an! then a &ight ,e stan! 0a))e! in together- sho"&!er to sho"&!er- there is no roo) to sit B"t we !o not e3'e$t that M"&&er is in a goo! )oo! #or on$e. he is wearing his new boots The engines !rone- the &orries b")' an! ratt&e The roa!s are worn an! #"&& o# ho&es ,e !are not show a &ight so we &"r$h a&ong an! are o#ten a&)ost 'it$he! o"t That !oes not worry "s- howe+er It $an ha''en i# it &ikes. a broken ar) is better than a ho&e in the g"ts- an! )any a )an wo"&! be thank#"& eno"gh #or s"$h a $han$e o# #in!ing his ho)e way again Besi!e "s strea) the )"nition($o&")ns in &ong #i&es They are )aking the 'a$e- they o+ertake "s $ontin"a&&y ,e 0oke with the) an! they answer ba$k A wa&& be$o)es +isib&e- it be&ongs to a ho"se whi$h &ies on the si!e o# the roa! I s"!!en&y 'ri$k "' )y ears A) I !e$ei+e!9 Again I hear !istin$t&y the $a$k&e o# geese A g&an$e at 4at$5insky7a g&an$e #ro) hi) to )e. we "n!erstan! one another "4at- I hear so)e as'irants #or the #rying('an o+er there " /e no!s "It wi&& be atten!e! to when we $o)e ba$k I ha+e their n")ber " O# $o"rse 4at has their n")ber /e knows a&& abo"t e+ery &eg o# goose within a ra!i"s o# #i#teen )i&es The &orries arri+e at the arti&&ery &ines The g"n(e)'&a$e)ents are $a)o"#&age! with b"shes against aeria& obser+ation- an! &ook &ike a kin! o# )i&itary Feast o# the Taberna$&es These bran$hes )ight see) gay an! $heer#"&

were not $annon e)bowere! there The air be$o)es a$ri! with the s)oke o# the g"ns an! the #og The #")es o# 'ow!er taste bitter on the tong"e The roar o# the g"ns )akes o"r &orry stagger- the re+erberation ro&&s raging away to the rear- e+erything 2"akes O"r #a$es $hange i)'er$e'tib&y ,e are not- in!ee!- in the #ront(&ine- b"t on&y in the reser+es- yet in e+ery #a$e $an be rea!: This is the #ront- now we are within its e)bra$e It is not #ear Men who ha+e been "' as o#ten as we ha+e be$o)e thi$k(skinne! On&y the yo"ng re$r"its are agitate! 4at e3'&ains to the): "That was a twe&+e(in$h Yo" $an te&& by the re'ort. now yo"1&& hear the b"rst " B"t the )"##&e! th"! o# the b"rst !oes not rea$h "s It is swa&&owe! "' in the genera& )"r )"r o# the #ront 4at &istens: "There1&& be a bo)bar!)ent to(night " ,e a&& &isten The #ront is rest&ess 1The To))ies are #iring a&rea!y-" says 4ro'' The she&&ing $an be hear! !istin$t&y It is the Eng&ish batteries to the right o# o"r se$tion They are beginning an ho"r too soon A$$or!ing to "s they start '"n$t"a&&y at ten o1$&o$k ",hat1s got the)9" says M"&&er- "their $&o$ks )"st be #ast " "There1&& be a bo)bar!)ent- I te&& yo" I $an #ee& it in )y bones " 4at shr"gs his sho"&!ers Three g"ns o'en #ire $&ose besi!e "s The b"rst o# #&a)e shoots a$ross the #og- the g"ns roar an! boo) ,e shi+er an! are g&a! to think that we sha&& be ba$k in the h"ts ear&y in the )orning O"r #a$es are neither 'a&er nor )ore #&"she! than "s"a&. they are not )ore tense nor )ore #&abby7an! yet they are $hange! ,e #ee& that in o"r b&oo! a $onta$t has shot ho)e That is no #ig"re o# s'ee$h. it is #a$t It is the #ront- the $ons$io"sness o# the #ront- that )akes this $onta$t The )o)ent that the #irst she&&s whist&e o+er an! the air is rent with the e3'&osions there is s"!!en&y in o"r +eins- in o"r han!s- in o"r eyes a tense waiting- a wat$hing- a heightening a&ertness- a strange shar'ening o# the senses The bo!y with one bo"n! is in #"&& rea!iness It o#ten see)s to )e as tho"gh it were the +ibrating- sh"!!ering air that with a noise&ess &ea' s'rings "'on "s. or as tho"gh the #ront itse&# e)itte! an e&e$tri$ $"rrent whi$h awakene! "nknown ner+e($entres E+ery ti)e it is the sa)e ,e start o"t #or the #ront '&ain so&!iers- either $heer#"& or g&oo)y: then $o)e the #irst g"n( e)'&a$e)ents an! e+ery wor! o# o"r s'ee$h has a new ring ,hen 4at stan!s in #ront o# the h"t an! says: 1There1&& be a bo)bar!)ent-" that is )ere&y his own o'inion. b"t i# he says it here- then the senten$e has the shar'ness o# a bayonet in the )oon&ight- it $"ts $&ean thro"gh the tho"ght- it thr"sts nearer an! s'eaks to this "nknown thing that is awakene! in "s- a !ark )eaning7 "There1&& be a bo)bar!)ent " 6erha's it is o"r inner an! )ost se$ret &i#e that shi+ers an! #a&&s on g"ar! To )e the #ront is a )ysterio"s whir&'oo& Tho"gh I a) in sti&& water #ar away #ro) its $entre- I #ee& the whir& o# the +orte3 s"$king )e s&ow&y- irresistib&y- ines$a'ab&y into itse&# Fro) the earth- #ro) the air- s"staining #or$es 'o"r into "s7)ost&y #ro) the earth To no )an !oes the earth )ean so )"$h as to the so&!ier ,hen he 'resses hi)se&# !own "'on her &ong an! 'ower#"&&y- when he b"ries his #a$e an! his &i)bs !ee' in her #ro) the #ear o# !eath by she&&(#ire- then she is his on&y #rien!- his brother- his )other. he sti#&es his terror an! his $ries in her si&en$e an! her se$"rity. she she&ters hi) an! re&eases hi) #or ten se$on!s to &i+e- to r"n- ten se$on!s o# &i#e. re$ei+es hi) again an! o#ten #or e+er Earth:7Earth:7Earth: Earth with thy #o&!s- an! ho&&ows- an! ho&es- into whi$h a )an )ay #&ing hi)se&# an! $ro"$h !own In the s'as) o# terror- "n!er the hai&ing o# annihi&ation- in the be&&owing !eath o# the e3'&osions- O Earth- tho" grantest "s the great resisting s"rge o# new(won &i#e O"r being- a&)ost "tter&y $arrie! away by the #"ry o# the stor)- strea)s ba$k thro"gh o"r han!s #ro) thee- an! we- thy re!ee)e! ones- b"ry o"rse&+es in thee- an! thro"gh the &ong )in"tes in a )"te agony o# ho'e bite into thee with o"r &i's: At the so"n! o# the #irst !roning o# the she&&s we r"sh ba$k- in one 'art o# o"r being- a tho"san! years By the ani)a& instin$t that is awakene! in "s we are &e! an! 'rote$te! It is not $ons$io"s. it is #ar 2"i$ker- )"$h )ore s"re- &ess #a&&ib&e- than $ons$io"sness One $annot e3'&ain it A )an is wa&king a&ong witho"t tho"ght or hee!.7s"!!en&y he throws hi)se&# !own on the gro"n! an! a stor) o# #rag)ents #&ies har)&ess&y o+er hi).7yet he $annot re)e)ber either to ha+e hear! the she&& $o)ing or to ha+e tho"ght o# #&inging hi)se&# !own B"t ha! he not aban!one! hi)se&# to the i)'"&se he wo"&! now be a hea' o# )ang&e! #&esh It is this other- this se$on! sight in "s- that has thrown "s to the gro"n! an! sa+e! "s- witho"t o"r knowing how I# it were not so- there wo"&! not be one )an a&i+e #ro) F&an!ers to the @osges ,e )ar$h "'- )oo!y or goo!(te)'ere! so&!iers7we rea$h the 5one where the #ront begins an! be$o)e on the instant h")an ani)a&s An in!igent &ooking woo! re$ei+es "s ,e 'ass by the so"'(kit$hens An!er $o+er o# the woo! we $&i)b o"t The &orries t"rn ba$k They are to $o&&e$t "s again in the )orning be#ore !awn Mist an! the s)oke o# g"ns &ie breast(high o+er the #ie&!s The )oon is shining A&ong the roa! troo's #i&e Their he&)ets g&ea) so#t&y in the )oon&ight The hea!s an! the ri#&es stan! o"t abo+e the white )ist- no!!ing hea!s-

ro$king barre&s Farther on the )ist en!s /ere the hea!s be$o)e #ig"res. $oats- tro"sers- an! boots a''ear o"t o# the )ist as #ro) a )i&ky 'oo& They be$o)e a $o&")n The $o&")n )ar$hes on- straight ahea!- the #ig"res reso&+e the)se&+es into a b&o$k- in!i+i!"a&s are no &onger re$ogni5ab&e- the !ark we!ge 'resses onwar!- #antasti$a&&y to''e! by the hea!s an! the wea'ons #&oating on the )i&ky 'oo& A $o&")n7not )en at a&& G"ns an! )"nition wagons are )o+ing a&ong a $ross(roa! The ba$ks o# the horses shine in the )oon&ight- their )o+e)ents are bea"ti#"&- they toss their hea!s- an! their eyes g&ea) The g"ns an! the wagons #&oat 'ast the !i) ba$kgro"n! o# the )oon&it &an!s$a'e- the ri!ers in their stee& he&)ets rese)b&e knights o# a #orgotten ti)e. it is strange&y bea"ti#"& an! arresting ,e '"sh on to the 'ioneer !")' So)e o# "s &oa! o"r sho"&!ers with 'ointe! an! twiste! iron stakes. others thr"st s)ooth iron ro!s thro"gh ro&&s o# wire an! go o## with the) The b"r!ens are awkwar! an! hea+y The gro"n! be$o)es )ore broken Fro) ahea! $o)e warnings: "Look o"t- !ee' she&&(ho&e on the &e#t"7"Min!tren$hes"(O"r eyes 'eer o"t- o"r #eet an! o"r sti$ks #ee& in #ront o# "s be#ore they take the weight o# the bo!y S"!!en&y the &ine ha&ts. I b")' )y #a$e against the ro&& o# wire $arrie! by the )an in #ront an! $"rse There are so)e she&&(s)ashe! &orries in the roa! Another or!er: "*igarettes an! 'i'es o"t " ,e are near the &ine In the )eanti)e it has be$o)e 'it$h !ark ,e skirt a s)a&& woo! an! then ha+e the #ront(&ine i))e!iate&y be#ore "s An "n$ertain re! g&ow s'rea!s a&ong the sky&ine #ro) one en! to the other It is in 'er'et"a& )o+e)ent- '"n$t"ate! with the b"rsts o# #&a)e #ro) the no55&es o# the batteries Ba&&s o# &ight rise "' high abo+e it- si&+er an! re! s'heres whi$h e3'&o!e an! rain !own in showers o# re!- white- an! green stars Fren$h ro$kets go "'- whi$h "n#o&! a si&k 'ara$h"te to the air an! !ri#t s&ow&y !own They &ight "' e+erything as bright as !ay- their &ight shines on "s an! we see o"r sha!ows shar'&y o"t&ine! on the gro"n! They ho+er #or the s'a$e o# a )in"te be#ore they b"rn o"t I))e!iate&y #resh ones shoot "' in the sky- an! again green- re!- an! b&"e stars "Bo)bar!)ent-" says 4at The th"n!er o# the g"ns swe&&s to a sing&e hea+y roar an! then breaks "' again into se'a rate e3'&osions The !ry b"rsts o# the )a$hine(g"ns ratt&e Abo+e "s the air tee)s with in+isib&e swi#t )o+e)ent- with how&s- 'i'ings- an! hisses They are s)a&&er she&&s.7an! a)ongst the)- boo)ing thro"gh the night &ike an organ- go the great $oa&( bo3es an! the hea+ies They ha+e a hoarse- !istant be&&ow &ike a r"tting stag an! )ake their way high abo+e the how& an! whist&e o# the s)a&&er she&&s It re)in!s )e o# #&o$ks o# wi&! geese when I hear the) Last a"t")n the wi&! geese #&ew !ay a#ter !ay a$ross the 'ath o# the she&&s The sear$h&ights begin to swee' the !ark sky They s&i!e a&ong it &ike giganti$ ta'ering r"&ers One o# the) 'a"sesan! 2"i+ers a &itt&e I))e!iate&y a se$on! is besi!e hi)- a b&a$k inse$t is $a"ght between the) an! tries to es$a'e7 the air)an /e hesitates- is b&in!e! an! #a&&s At reg"&ar inter+a&s we ra) in the iron stakes Two )en ho&! a ro&& an! the others s'oo& o## the barbe! wire It is that aw#"& st"## with $&ose(set- &ong s'ikes I a) not "se! to "nro&&ing it an! tear )y han! A#ter a #ew ho"rs it is !one B"t there is sti&& so)e ti)e be#ore the &orries $o)e Most o# "s &ie !own an! s&ee' I try a&so- b"t it has t"rne! too $hi&&y ,e know we are not #ar #ro) the sea be$a"se we are $onstant&y wake! by the $o&! On$e I #a&& #ast as&ee' Then wakening s"!!en&y with a start I !o not know where I a) I see the stars- I see the ro$kets- an! #or a )o)ent ha+e the i)'ression that I ha+e #a&&en as&ee' at a gar!en #[te I !on1t know whether it is )orning or e+ening- I &ie in the 'a&e $ra!&e o# the twi&ight- an! &isten #or so#t wor!s whi$h wi&& $o)e- so#t an! near7 a) I $rying9 I '"t )y han! to )y eyes- it is so #antasti$- a) I a $hi&!9 S)ooth skin. 7it &asts on&y a se$on!- then I re$ogni5e the si&ho"ette o# 4at$5insky The o&! +eteran- he sits 2"iet&y an! s)okes his 'i'e7a $o+ere! 'i'e o# $o"rse ,hen he sees I a) awake- he says: "That ga+e yo" a #right It was on&y a nose($a'- it &an!e! in the b"shes o+er there " I sit "'- I #ee& )yse&# strange&y a&one It1s goo! 4at is there /e ga5es tho"ght#"&&y at the #ront an! says: "Mighty #ine #ire(works i# they weren1t so !angero"s " One &an!s behin! "s So)e re$r"its 0")' "' terri#ie! A $o"'&e o# )in"tes &ater another $o)es o+er- nearer this ti)e 4at kno$ks o"t his 'i'e ",e1re in #or it " Then it begins in earnest ,e $raw& away as we&& as we $an in o"r haste The ne3t &an!s #air a)ongst "s Two #e&&ows $ry o"t Green ro$kets shoot "' on the sky(&ine Barrage The )"! #&ies high- #rag)ents whi55 'ast The $ra$k o# the g"ns is hear! &ong a#ter the roar o# the e3'&osions Besi!e "s &ies a #air(hea!e! re$r"it in "tter terror /e has b"rie! his #a$e in his han!s- his he&)et has #a&&en o## I #ish ho&! o# it an! try to '"t it ba$k on his hea! /e &ooks "'- '"shes the he&)et o## an! &ike a $hi&! $ree's "n!er )y ar)his hea! $&ose to )y breast The &itt&e sho"&!ers hea+e Sho"&!ers 0"st &ike 4e))eri$h1s I &et hi) be So that the he&)et sho"&! be o# so)e "se I sti$k it on his behin!.7 not #or a 0est- b"t o"t o# $onsi!eration- sin$e that is his highest 'art An! tho"gh there is '&enty o# )eat there- a shot in it $an be !a)ne! 'ain#"& Besi!es- a )an has to &ie #or )onths on his be&&y in the hos'ita&- an! a#terwar!s he wo"&! be a&)ost s"re to ha+e a &i)'

It1s got so)eone 'retty ba!&y *ries are hear! between the e3'&osions At &ast it grows 2"iet The #ire has &i#te! o+er "s an! is now !ro''ing on the reser+es ,e risk a &ook Re! ro$kets shoot "' to the sky A''arent&y there1s an atta$k $o)ing ,here we are it is sti&& 2"iet I sit "' an! shake the re$r"it by the sho"&!er "A&& o+er- ki!: It1s a&& right this ti)e " /e &ooks ro"n! hi) !a5e!&y "Yo"1&& get "se! to it soon-" I te&& hi) /e sees his he&)et an! '"ts it on Gra!"a&&y he $o)es to Then s"!!en&y he t"rns #iery re! an! &ooks $on#"se! *a"tio"s&y he rea$hes his han! to his behin! an! &ooks at )e !is)a&&y I "n!erstan! at on$e: G"n(shy That wasn1t the reason I ha! st"$k his he&)et o+er it 1That1s no !isgra$e-" I reass"re hi): "Many1s the )an be#ore yo" has ha! his 'ants #"&& a#ter the #irst bo)bar!)ent Go behin! that b"sh there an! throw yo"r "n!er'ants away Get a&ong(" /e goes o## Things be$o)e 2"ieter- b"t the $ries !o not $ease ",hat1s "'- A&bert9" I ask "A $o"'&e o# $o&")ns o+er there got it in the ne$k " The $ries $ontin"e! It is not )en- they $o"&! not $ry so terrib&y ",o"n!e! horses-" says 4at It1s "nen!"rab&e It is the )oaning o# the wor&!- it is the )artyre! $reation- wi&! with an g"ish- #i&&e! with terror- an! groaning ,e are 'a&e %etering stan!s "' "Go!: For Go!1s sake: Shoot the) " /e is a #ar)er an! +ery #on! o# horses It gets "n!er his skin Then as i# !e&iberate&y the #ire !ies !own again The s$rea)ing o# the beasts be$o)es &o"!er One $an no &onger !isting"ish when$e in this now 2"iet si&+ery &an!s$a'e it $o)es. ghost&y- in+isib&e- it is e+erywhere- between hea+en an! earth it ro&&s on i))eas"rab&y %etering ra+es an! ye&&s o"t: "Shoot the): Shoot the)- $an1t yo"9 %a)n yo" again:" "They )"st &ook a#ter the )en #irst-" says 4at 2"iet&y ,e stan! "' an! try to see where it is I# we $o"&! on&y see the ani)a&s we sho"&! be ab&e to en!"re it better Mii&&er has a 'air o# g&asses ,e see a !ark gro"'- bearers with stret$hers- an! &arger b&a$k $&")'s )o+ing abo"t Those are the wo"n!e! horses B"t not a&& o# the) So)e ga&&o' away in the !istan$e- #a&& !own- an! then r"n on #arther The be&&y o# one is ri''e! o'en- the g"ts trai& o"t /e be$o)es tang&e! in the) an! #a&&s- then he stan!s "' again %etering raises "' his g"n an! ai)s 4at hits it in the air "Are yo" )a!(9" %etering tre)b&es an! throws his ri#&e on the gro"n! ,e sit !own an! ho&! o"r ears B"t this a''a&&ing noise- these groans an! s$rea)s 'enetrate- they 'enetrate e+erywhere ,e $an bear a&)ost anything B"t now the sweat breaks o"t on "s ,e )"st get "' an! r"n no )atter where- b"t where these $ries $an no &onger be hear! An! it is not )en- on&y horses Fro) the !ark gro"' stret$hers )o+e o## again Then sing&e shots $ra$k o"t The b&a$k hea' $on+"&ses an! then sinks !own At &ast: B"t sti&& it is not the en! The )en $annot o+ertake the wo"n!e! beasts whi$h #&y in their 'ain- their wi!e o'en )o"ths #"&& o# ang"ish One o# the )en goes !own on one knee- a shot 7one horse !ro's7another The &ast one 'ro's itse&# on its #ore&egs an! !rags itse&# ro"n! in a $ir$&e &ike a )erry(go(ro"n!. s2"atting- it !rags ro"n! in $ir$&es on its sti##ene! #ore&egs- a''arent&y its ba$k is broken The so&!ier r"ns "' an! shoots it S&ow&y- h")b&y- it sinks to the gro"n! ,e take o"r han!s #ro) o"r ears The $ries are si&en$e! On&y a &ong(!rawn- !ying sigh sti&& hangs on the air Then on&y again the ro$kets- the singing o# the she&&s an! the stars there7)ost strange %etering wa&ks "' an! !own $"rsing: "Like to know what har) they1+e !one " /e ret"rns to it on$e again /is +oi$e is agitate!- it so"n!s a&)ost !igni#ie! as he says: "I te&& yo" it is the +i&est baseness to "se horses in the war " ,e go ba$k It is ti)e we ret"rne! to the &orries The sky has be$o)e brighter Three o1$&o$k in the )orning The bree5e is #resh an! $oo&- the 'a&e ho"r )akes o"r #a$es &ook grey ,e tr"!ge onwar! in sing&e #i&e thro"gh the tren$hes an! she&&(ho&es an! $o)e again to the 5one o# )ist 4at$5insky is resti+e- that1s a ba! sign ",hat1s "'- 4at9" says 4ro'' "I wish I were ba$k ho)e " /o)e7he )eans the h"ts ",e1&& soon be o"t o# it- 4at " /e is ner+o"s "I !on1t know- I !on1t know77" ,e $o)e to the $o))"ni$ation(tren$h an! then to the o'en #ie&!s The &itt&e woo! rea''ears. we know e+ery #oot o# gro"n! here There1s the $e)etery with the )o"n!s an! the b&a$k $rosses That )o)ent it breaks o"t behin! "s- swe&&s- roars- an! th"n!ers ,e !"$k !own7a $&o"! o# #&a)e shoots "' a h"n!re! yar!s ahea! o# "s The ne3t )in"te "n!er a se$on! e3'&osion 'art o# the woo! rises s&ow&y in the air- three or #o"r trees sai& "' an! then $rash to 'ie$es The she&&s begin to hiss &ike sa#ety(+a&+es7hea+y #ire(

1Take $o+er:" ye&&s so)ebo!y7"*o+er:" The #ie&!s a3e #&at- the woo! is too !istant an! !angero"s7the on&y $o+er is the gra+eyar! an! the )o"n!s ,e st")b&e a$ross in the !ark an! as tho"gh he ha! been s'at there e+ery )an &ies g&"e! behin! a )o"n! Not a )o)ent too soon The !ark goes )a! It hea+es an! ra+es %arknesses b&a$ker than the night r"sh on "s with giant stri!es- o+er "s an! away The #&a)es o# the e3'&osions &ight "' the gra+eyar! There is no es$a'e anywhere By the &ight o# the she&&s I try to get a +iew o# the #ie&!s They are a s"rging sea!aggers o# #&a)e #ro) the e3'&osions &ea' "' &ike #o"ntains It is i)'ossib&e #or anyone to break thro"gh it The woo! +anishes- it is 'o"n!e!- $r"she!- torn to 'ie$es ,e )"st stay here in the gra+eyar! The earth b"rsts be#ore "s It rains $&o!s I #ee& a s)a$k My s&ee+e is torn away by a s'&inter I sh"t )y #ist No 'ain Sti&& that !oes not reass"re )e: wo"n!s !on1t h"rt ti&& a#terwar!s I #ee& the ar) a&& o+er It is gra5e! b"t so"n! Now a $ra$k on the sk"&&- I begin to &ose $ons$io"sness Like &ightning the tho"ght $o)es to )e: %on1t #aint: I sink !own in the b&a$k broth an! i))e!iate&y $o)e "' to the to' again A s'&inter s&ashes into )y he&)et- b"t has a&rea!y tra+e&&e! so #ar that it !oes not go thro"gh I wi'e the )"! o"t o# )y DD ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT eyes A ho&e is torn "' in #ront o# )e She&&s har!&y e+er &an! in the sa)e ho&e twi$e- I1&& get into it ,ith one &"nge- I shoot as #&at as a #ish o+er the gro"n!. there it whist&es again- 2"i$k&y I $ro"$h together- $&aw #or $o+er- #ee& so)ething on the &e#t- sho+e in besi!e it- it gi+es way- I groan- the earth &ea's- the b&ast th"n!ers in )y ears- I $ree' "n!er the yie&!ing thing- $o+er )yse&# with it- !raw it o+er )e- it is woo!- $&oth- $o+er- $o+er- )iserab&e $o+er against the whi55ing s'&inters I o'en )y eyes7)y #ingers gras' a s&ee+e- an ar) A wo"n!e! )an9 I ye&& to hi)7no answer 7a !ea! )an My han! gro'es #arther- s'&inters o# woo!(7now I re)e)ber again that we are &ying in the gra+eyar! B"t the she&&ing is stronger than e+erything It wi'es o"t the sensibi&ities- I )ere&y $raw& sti&& #arther "n!er the $o##in- it sha&& 'rote$t )e- tho"gh %eath hi)se&# &ies in it Be#ore )e ga'es the she&&(ho&e I gras' it with )y eyes as with #ists ,ith one &ea' I )"st be in it There- I get a s)a$k in the #a$e- a han! $&a)'s onto )y sho"&!er7has the !ea! )an wake! "'97The han! shakes )e- I t"rn )y hea!- in the se$on! o# &ight I stare into the #a$e o# 4at$5insky- he has his )o"th wi!e o'en an! is ye&&ing I hear nothing- he ratt&es )e- $o)es DE nearer- in a )o)entary &"&& his +oi$e rea$hes )e: "Gas7Gaas7Gaaas76ass it on " I grab #or )y gas()ask So)e !istan$e #ro) )e there &ies so)eone I think o# nothing b"t this: That #e&&ow there )"st know. Gaaas7 Gaaas( I $a&&- I &ean towar! hi)- I swi'e at hi) with the sat$he&- he !oesn1t see7on$e again- again7 he )ere&y !"$ks7it1s a re$r"it7I &ook at 4at !es'erate&y- he has his )ask on7I '"&& o"t )ine- too- )y he&)et #a&&s to one si!e- it s&i's o+er )y #a$e- I rea$h the )an- his sat$he& is on the si!e nearest )e- -R sei5e the )ask- '"&& it o+er his hea!- he "n!erstan!s- I &et go an! with a 0")' &o<nte the she&&(ho&e L ()*S+ !"&& th"! o# the gas(she&&s )ing&es with the $rashes o# the &ight e3'&osi+es A be&& so"n!s between the e3'&osions- gongs- an! )eta& $&a' 'ers warning e+eryone 7Gas7Gas7Gaas So)eone '&")'s !own behin! )e- another I wi'e the gogg&es o# )y )ask $&ear o# the )oist breath It is 4at4ro''- an! so)eone e&se A&& #o"r o# "s &ie there in hea+y- wat$h#"& s"s'ense an! breathe as &ight&y as 'ossib&e These #irst )in"tes with the )ask !e$i!e be(tween &i#e an! !eath: is it air(tight9 I re)e)ber the aw#"& sights in the hos'ita&: the gas 'atients who in !ay(&ong s"##o$ation $o"gh "' their b"rnt &"ngs in $&ots D? ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT *a"tio"s&y- the )o"th a''&ie! to the +a&+e- I breathe The gas sti&& $ree's o+er the gro"n! an! sinks into a&& ho&&ows Like a big- so#t 0e&&y#ish it #&oats into o"r she&&(ho&e an! &o&&s- there obs$ene&y I n"!ge 4at- it is better to $raw& o"t an! &ie on to' than to stay where the gas $o&&e$ts )ost B"t we !on1t get as #ar as that. a se$on! bo)bar!)ent begins It is no &onger as tho"gh she&&s roare!. it is the earth itse&# raging ,ith a $rash so)ething b&a$k bears !own on "s It &an!s $&ose besi!e "s. a $o##in thrown "' I see 4at )o+e an! I $raw& a$ross The $o##in has hit the #o"rth )an in o"r ho&e on his o"tstret$he! ar) /e tries to tear o## his gas()ask with the other han! 4ro'' sei5es hi) 0"st in ti)e- twists the han! shar'&y behin! his ba$k an! ho&!s it #ast 4at an! I 'ro$ee! to #ree the wo"n!e! ar) The $o##in &i! is &oose an! b"rsts o'en- we are easi&y ab&e to '"&& it o##we toss the $or'se o"t- it s&i!es !own to the botto) o# the she&&(ho&e- then we try to &oosen the "n!er('art , Fort"nate&y the )an swoons an! 4ro'' is ab&e to he&' "s ,e no &onger ha+e to be $are#"&- b"t work away ti&& the $o##in gi+es with a sigh be#ore the s'a!e that we ha+e !"g in "n!er it

It has grown &ighter 4at takes a 'ie$e o# the &i!- '&a$es it "n!er the shattere! ar)- an! we DM wra' a&& o"r ban!ages ro"n! it For the )o)ent we $an !o no )ore Insi!e the gas()ask )y hea! boo)s an! roars 7it is nigh b"rsting My &"ngs are tight- they breathe a&ways the sa)e hot- "se!("' air- the +eins on )y te)'&es are swo&&en I #ee& I a) s"##o$ating A grey &ight #i&ters thro"gh to "s I $&i)b o"t o+er the e!ge o# the she&&(ho&e In the !irty twi &ight &ies a &eg torn $&ean o##. the boot is 2"ite who&e- I take that a&& in at a g&an$e Now so)ething stan!s "' a #ew yar!s !istant I 'o&ish the win!ows- in )y e3$ite)ent they are i))e!iate&y !i))e! again I 'eer thro"gh the)- the )an there no &onger wears his )ask I wait so)e se$on!s7he has not $o&&a'se!7 he &ooks aro"n! an! )akes a #ew 'a$es7rat t&ing in )y throat I tear )y )ask o## too an! #a&& !own- the air strea)s into )e &ike $o&! water- )y eyes are b"rsting the wa+e swee's o+er )e an! e3ting"ishes )e The she&&ing has $ease!- I t"rn towar!s the $rater be$koning to the others They take o## their )asks ,e &i#t-"' \he wo"n!e! )an- one taking his s'&inte! ar) An! so we st")b&e o## hasti&y The gra+eyar! is a )ass o# wre$kage *o##ins EH ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT an! $or'ses &ie strewn abo"t They ha+e been ki&&e! on$e again. b"t ea$h o# the) that was #&"ng "' sa+e! one o# "s The he!ge is !estroye!- the rai&s o# the &ight rai&way are torn "' an! rise sti##&y in the air in great ar$hes So)eone &ies in #ront o# "s ,e sto'. 4ro'' goes on a&one with the wo"n!e! )an The )an on the gro"n! is a re$r"it /is hi' is $o+ere! with b&oo!. he is so e3ha"ste! that I #ee& #or )y water(bott&e where I ha+e r") an! tea 4at restrains )y han! an! stoo's o+er hi) ",here1s it got yo" $o)ra!e9" /is eyes )o+e /e is too weak to answer ,e s&it o'en his tro"sers $are#"&&y /e groans "Gent&y- gent&y- it is )"$h better(" I# he has been hit in the sto)a$h he o"ghtn1t to !rink anything There1s no +o)iting- that1s a goo! sign ,e &ay the hi' bare It is one )ass o# )in$e()eat an! bone s'&inters The 0oint has been hit This &a! won1t wa&k any )ore I wet his te)'&es with a )oistene! #inger an! gi+e hi) a swig /is eyes )o+e again ,e see now that the right ar) is b&ee!ing as we&& 4at s'rea!s o"t two wa!s o# !ressing as wi!e as 'ossib&e so that they wi&& $o+er the wo"n! I &ook #or so)ething to bin! &oose&y ro"n! it ,e ha+e nothing )ore- so I s&i' "' the wo"n!e! )an1s tro"ser &eg sti&& #arther in or!er to "se a 'ie$e o# his "n!er'ants as a ban!age B"t he is EL wearing none I now &ook at hi) $&ose&y /e is the #air(hea!e! boy o# a &itt&e whi&e ago In the )eanti)e 4at has taken a ban!age #ro) a !ea! )an1s 'o$ket an! we $are#"&&y bin! the wo"n! I say to the yo"ngster who &ooks at "s #i3e!&y: ",e1re going #or a stret$her now(7(" Then he o'ens his )o"th an! whis'ers: "Stay here(" ",e1&& be ba$k again soon-" says 4at ",e are on&y going to get a stret$her #or yo" " ,e !on1t know i# he "n!erstan!s /e whi)'ers &ike a $hi&! an! '&"$ks at "s: "%on1t go away(" 4at &ooks aro"n! an! whis'ers: "Sho"&!n1t we 0"st take a re+o&+er an! '"t an en! to it9" The yo"ngster wi&& har!&y s"r+i+e the $arrying- an! at the )ost he wi&& on&y &ast a #ew !ays ,hat he has gone thro"gh so #ar is nothing to what he1s in #or ti&& he !ies Now he is n")b an! #ee&s nothing In an ho"r he wi&& be$o)e one s$rea)ing b"n!&e o# into&erab&e 'ain E+ery !ay that he $an &i+e wi&& be a how&ing tort"re An! to who) !oes it )atter whether he has the) or not77 ;;. I no! "Yes- 4at- we o"ght to '"t hi) o"t o# his )isery " /e stan!s sti&& a )o)ent /e has )a!e "' his )in! ,e &ook ro"n!7b"t we are no &onger EQ ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT a&one A &itt&e gro"' is gathering- #ro) the she&&(ho&es an! tren$hes a''ear hea!s ,e get a stret$her 4at shakes his hea! "S"$h a ki!77" /e re'eats it "Yo"ng inno$ents(" O"r &osses are &ess than was to be e3'e$te!7#i+e ki&&e! an! eight wo"n!e! It was in #a$t 2"ite a short bo)bar!)ent Two o# o"r !ea! &ie in the "'t"rne! gra+es ,e )ere&y throw the earth in on the) ,e go ba$k ,e trot o## si&ent&y in sing&e #i&e one behin! the other The wo"n!e! are taken to the !ressing(station The )orning is $&o"!y The bearers )ake a #"ss abo"t n")bers an! ti$kets- the wo"n!e! whi)'er It begins to rain An ho"r &ater we rea$h o"r &orries an! $&i)b in There is )ore roo) now than there was The rain be$o)es hea+ier ,e take o"t water'roo# sheets an! s'rea! the) o+er o"r hea!s The rain ratt&es !own- an!

#&ows o## at the si!es in strea)s The &orries b")' thro"gh the ho&es- an! we ro$k to an! #ro in a ha&#(s&ee' Two )en in the #ront o# the &orry ha+e &ong #orke! 'o&es They wat$h #or te&e'hone wires whi$h hang $rosswise o+er the roa! so &ow that they )ight easi&y '"&& o"r hea!s o## The two #e&&ows take the) at the right )o)ent on their ES 'o&es an! &i#t the) o+er behin! "s ,e hear their $a&& "Min!7wire7-" !i' the knee in a ha&#(s&ee' an! straighten "' again Monotono"s&y the &orries sway- )onotono"s&y $o)e the $a&&s- )onotono"s&y #a&&s the rain It #a&&s on o"r hea!s an! on the hea!s o# the !ea! "' in the &ine- on the bo!y o# the &itt&e re$r"it with the wo"n! that is so )"$h too big #or his hi'. it #a&&s on 4e))eri$h1s gra+e. it #a&&s in o"r hearts 1N: An e3'&osion so"n!s so)ewhere ,e win$e- o"r eyes be$o)e tense- o"r han!s are rea!y to +a"&t o+er the si!e o# the &orry into the !it$h by the roa! Nothing ha''ens7on&y the )onotono"s $ry: "Min!7wire-"7o"r knees ben!7we are again ha&# as&ee': EK FI@E 4i&&ing ea$h se'arate &o"se is a te!io"s b"siness when a )an has h"n!re!s The &itt&e beasts are har! an! the e+er&asting $ra$king with one1s #ingernai&s +ery soon be$o)es weariso)e So T0a!en has rigge! "' the &i! o# a boot( 'o&ish tin with a 'ie$e o# wire o+er the &ighte! st")' o# a $an!&e The &i$e are si)'&y thrown into this &itt&e 'an *ra$k: an! they1re !one #or ,e sit aro"n! with o"r shirts on o"r knees- o"r bo!ies nake! to the war) air an! o"r han!s at work /aie has a 'arti$"&ar&y #ine bran! o# &o"se: they ha+e a re! $ross on their hea!s /e s"ggests that he bro"ght the) ba$k #ro) the hos'ita& at Tho"rho"t- where they atten!e! 'er( E> sona&&y on a s"rgeon(genera& /e says he )eans to "se the #at that s&ow&y a$$")"&ates in the tin(&i! #or 'o&ishing his boots- an! roars with &a"ghter #or ha&# an ho"r at his own 0oke B"t he gets &itt&e res'onse to(!ay. we are too 'reo$$"'ie! with another a##air The r")o"r has )ateria&i5e! /i))e&stoss has $o)e /e a''eare! yester!ay. we1+e a&rea!y hear! the we&&(known +oi$e /e see)s to ha+e o+er!one it with a $o"'&e o# yo"ng re$r"its on the '&o"ghe! #ie&! at ho)e an! "nknown to hi) the son o# the &o$a& )agistrate was wat$hing That $ooke! his goose /e wi&& get so)e s"r'rises here T0a!en has been )e!itating #or ho"rs what to say to hi) /aie ga5es tho"ght#"&&y at his great 'aws an! winks at )e The thrashing was the high water )ark o# his &i#e /e te&&s )e he o#ten !rea)s o# it 4ro'' an! Mii&&er are a)"sing the)se&+es Fro) so)ewhere or other- 'robab&y the 'ioneer($ookho"se- 4ro'' has bagge! #or hi)se&# a )ess(tin #"&& o# beans Mii&&er s2"ints h"ngri&y into it b"t $he$ks hi)se&# an! says: "A&bertwhat wo"&! yo" !o i# it were s"!!en&y 'ea$e(ti)e again9" "There won1t be any 'ea$e(ti)e-" says A&bert b&"nt&y ",e&&- b"t i#7" 'ersists Mii&&er- "what wo"&! yo" !o9" "*&ear o"t o# this:" grow&s 4ro'' ED ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT "O# $o"rse An! then what9" "Get !r"nk-" says A&bert "%on1t ta&k rot- I )ean serio"s&y(7" "So !o I-" says 4ro''"what e&se sho"&! a )an !o9" 4at be$o)es intereste! /e &e+ies trib"te on 4ro''1s tin o# beans- swa&&ows so)e- then $onsi!ers #or a whi&e an! says: "Yo" )ight get !r"nk #irst- o# $o"rse- b"t then yo"1! take the ne3t train #or ho)e an! )other 6ea$e(ti)e- )anA&bert(" /e #")b&es in his oi&($&oth 'o$ket(book #or a 'hotogra'h an! s"!!en&y shows it a&& ro"n! "My o&! wo)an:" Then he '"ts it ba$k an! swears: "%a)ne! &o"sy war(" "It1s a&& +ery we&& #or yo" to ta&k-" I te&& hi) "Yo"1+e a wi#e an! $hi&!ren " "Tr"e-" he no!s- "an! I ha+e to see to it that they1+e so)ething to eat " ,e &a"gh 1They won1t &a$k #or that- 4at- yo"1! s$ro"nge it #ro) so)ewhere " Mii&&er is insatiab&e an! gi+es hi)se&# no 'ea$e /e wakes /aie ,esth"s o"t o# his !rea) "/aie- what wo"&! yo" !o i# it was 'ea$e(ti)e9" "Gi+e yo" a ki$k in the ba$ksi!e #or the way yo" ta&k-" I say "/ow !oes it $o)e abo"t e3a$t&y9" "/ow !oes the $ow(shit $o)e on the roo#9" re( EE sona&&y on a s"rgeon(genera& /e says he )eans to "se the #at that s&ow&y a$$")"&ates in the tin(&i! #or 'o&ishing his boots- an! roars with &a"ghter #or ha&# an ho"r at his own 0oke B"t he gets &itt&e res'onse to(!ay. we are too 'reo$$"'ie! with another a##air

The r")o"r has )ateria&i5e! /i))e&stoss has $o)e /e a''eare! yester!ay. we1+e a&rea!y hear! the we&&(known +oi$e /e see)s to ha+e o+er!one it with a $o"'&e o# yo"ng re$r"its on the '&o"ghe! #ie&! at ho)e an! "nknown to hi) the son o# the &o$a& )agistrate was wat$hing That $ooke! his goose /e wi&& get so)e s"r'rises here T0a!en has been )e!itating #or ho"rs what to say to hi) /aie ga5es tho"ght#"&&y at his great 'aws an! winks at )e The thrashing was the high water )ark o# his &i#e /e te&&s )e he o#ten !rea)s o# it 4ro'' an! Mii&&er are a)"sing the)se&+es Fro) so)ewhere or other- 'robab&y the 'ioneer($ookho"se- 4ro'' has bagge! #or hi)se&# a )ess(tin #"&& o# beans Mii&&er s2"ints h"ngri&y into it b"t $he$ks hi)se&# an! says: "A&bertwhat wo"&! yo" !o i# it were s"!!en&y 'ea$e(ti)e again9" "There won1t be any 'ea$e(ti)e-" says A&bert b&"nt&y ",e&&- b"t i#7" 'ersists Mii&&er- "what wo"&! yo" !o9" "*&ear o"t o# this:" grow&s 4ro'' ED ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT "O# $o"rse An! then what9" "Get !r"nk-" says A&bert "%on1t ta&k rot- I )ean serio"s&y(7" "So !o I-" says 4ro''"what e&se sho"&! a )an !o9" 4at be$o)es intereste! /e &e+ies trib"te on 4ro''1s tin o# beans- swa&&ows so)e- then $onsi!ers #or a whi&e an! says: "Yo" )ight get !r"nk #irst- o# $o"rse- b"t then yo"1! take the ne3t train #or ho)e an! )other 6ea$e(ti)e- )anA&bert(" /e #")b&es in his oi&($&oth 'o$ket(book #or a 'hotogra'h an! s"!!en&y shows it a&& ro"n! "My o&! wo)an:" Then he '"ts it ba$k an! swears: "%a)ne! &o"sy war(" "It1s a&& +ery we&& #or yo" to ta&k-" I te&& hi) "Yo"1+e a wi#e an! $hi&!ren " "Tr"e-" he no!s- "an! I ha+e to see to it that they1+e so)ething to eat " ,e &a"gh 1They won1t &a$k #or that- 4at- yo"1! s$ro"nge it #ro) so)ewhere " Mii&&er is insatiab&e an! gi+es hi)se&# no 'ea$e /e wakes /aie ,esth"s o"t o# his !rea) "/aie- what wo"&! yo" !o i# it was 'ea$e(ti)e9" "Gi+e yo" a ki$k in the ba$ksi!e #or the way yo" ta&k-" I say "/ow !oes it $o)e abo"t e3a$t&y9" "/ow !oes the $ow(shit $o)e on the roo#9" re( EE a"t")n- the S"n!ays in the heather- the +i&&age be&&s- the a#ternoons an! e+enings with the ser+ant gir&s- the #rie! ba$on an! bar&ey- the $are#ree ho"rs in the a&e(ho"se7( /e $an1t 'art with a&& these !rea)s so abr"'t&y. he )ere&y grow&s: ",hat si&&y 2"estions yo" !o ask " /e '"&&s his shirt o+er his hea! an! b"ttons "' his t"ni$ ",hat wo"&! yo" !o- T0a!en:" asks 4ro'' T0a!en thinks o# one thing on&y "See to it that /i))e&stoss !i!n1t get 'ast )e " A''arent&y he wo"&! &ike )ost to ha+e hi) in a $age an! sai& into hi) with a $&"b e+ery )orn ing To 4ro'' he says war)&y: "I# I were in yo"r '&a$e I1! see to it that I be$a)e a &ie"tenant Then yo" $o"&! grin! hi) ti&& the water in his ba$ksi!e boi&s " "An! yo"- %etering:" asks M"&&er &ike an in2"isitor /e1s a born s$hoo&)aster with a&& his 2"estions %etering is s'aring with his wor!s B"t on this s"b0e$t he s'eaks /e &ooks at the sky an! says on&y the one senten$e: "I wo"&! go straight on with the har+esting " Then he gets "' an! wa&ks o## /e is worrie! /is wi#e has to &ook a#ter the #ar) They1+e a&rea!y taken away two )ore o# his horses E+ery !ay he rea!s the 'a'ers that ?H ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT $o)e- to see whether it is raining in his &itt&e $orner o# O&!enb"rg They ha+en1t bro"ght in the hay yet ; ; 1 At this )o)ent /i))e&stoss a''ears /e $o)es straight "' to b"r gro"' T0a!en1s #a$e t"rns re! /e stret$hes his &ength on the grass an! sh"ts his eyes in e3$ite)ent /i))e&stoss is a &itt&e hesitant- his gait be$o)es s&ower Then hie )ar$hes "' to "s No one )akes any )otion to stan! "' 4ro'' &ooks "' at hi) with interest /e $ontin"es to stan! in #ront o# "s an! wait As no one says anything he &a"n$hes a ",e&&:" A $o"'&e o# se$on!s go by A''arent&y /i))e&stoss !oesn1t 2"ite know what to !o /e wo"&! &ike )ost to set "s a&& on the r"n again B"t he see)s to ha+e &earne! a&rea!y that the #ront(&ine isn1t a 'ara!e gro"n! /e tries it on tho"ghan! by a!!ressing hi)se&# to one instea! o# to a&& o# "s ho'es to get so)e res'onse 4ro'' is nearest- so he #a+o"rs hi) ",e&&- yo" here too9"

B"t A&bert1s no #rien! o# his "A bit &onger than yo"- I #an$y-" he retorts The re! )o"sta$he twit$hes: "Yo" !on1t re$ogni5e )e any )ore- what9" T0a!en now o'ens his eyes "I !o tho"gh " /i))e&stoss t"rns to hi): "T0a!en- isn1t it9" ?L T0a!en &i#ts his hea! "An! !o yo" know what yo" are9" /i))e&stoss is !is$on$erte! "Sin$e when ha+e we be$o)e so #a)i&iar9 I !on1t re)e)ber that we e+er s&e't in the g"tter together9" /e has no i!ea what to )ake o# the sit"ation /e !i!n1t e3'e$t this o'en hosti&ity B"t he is on his g"ar!: he has a&rea!y ha! so)e rot !inne! into hi) abo"t getting a shot in the ba$k The 2"estion abo"t the g"tter )akes T0a!en so )a! that he be$o)es a&)ost witty: "No yo" s&e't there by yo"rse&# " /i))e&stoss begins to boi& B"t T0a!en gets in ahea! o# hi) /e )"st bring o## his ins"&t: ",o"&!n1t yo" &ike to know what yo" are9 A !irty ho"n!- that1s what yo" are I1+e been wanting to te&& yo" that #or a &ong ti)e " The satis#a$tion o# )onths shines in his !"&& 'ig1s eyes as he s'its o"t: "%irty ho"n!:" /i))e&stoss &ets #&y too- now ",hat1s that- yo" )"$k(rake- yo" !irty 'eat(stea&er9 Stan! "' there- bring yo"r hee&s together when yo"r s"'erior o##i$er s'eaks to yo" " T0a!en wa+es hi) o## "Yo" take a r"n an! 0")' at yo"rse&#- /i))e&stoss " /i))e&stoss is a raging book o# ar)y reg"&ations The 4aiser $o"&!n1t be )ore ins"&te! "T0a!en- I $o))an! yo"as yo"r s"'erior o##i$er: Stan! "':" ?Q ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT "Anything e&se yo" wo"&! &ike9" asks T0a!en ",i&& yo" obey )y or!er or not9" T0a!en re'&ies- witho"t knowing it- in the we&&(known $&assi$a& 'hrase At the sa)e ti)e he +enti&ates his ba$ksi!e "I1&& ha+e yo" $o"rt()artia&&e!-" stor)s /i))e&stoss. ,e wat$h hi) !isa''ear in the !ire$tion o# the Or!er&y Roo) /aie an! T0a!en b"rst into a reg "&ar 'eat(!igger1s be&&ow /aie &a"ghs so )"$h that he !is&o$ates his 0aw- an! s"!!en&y stan!s there he&'&ess with his )o"th wi!e o'en A&bert has to '"t it ba$k again by gi+ing it a b&ow with his #ist 4at is tro"b&e!: "I# he re'orts yo"- it1&& be 'retty serio"s " "%o yo" think he wi&&9" asks T0a!en "S"re to-" I say "The &east yo"1&& get wi&& be #i+e !ays $&ose arrest-" says 4at That !oesn1t worry T0a!en "Fi+e !ays $&ink are #i+e !ays rest " "An! i# they sen! yo" to the Fortress9" "rges the thoro"ghgoing Mii&&er ",e&&- #or the ti)e being the war wi&& be o+er so #ar as I a) $on$erne! " T0a!en is a $heer#"& so"& There aren1t any worries #or hi) /e goes o## with /aie an! Leer so that they won1t #in! hi) in the #irst #&"sh o# e3$ite)ent ?S :;;;;; G G' G MU&&er hasn1t #inishe! yet /e ta$k&es 4ro'' again ; "A&bert- i# yo" were rea&&y at ho)e now- what wo"&! yo" !o9" 4ro'' is $ontente! now an! )ore a$$o))o!ating: "/ow )any o# "s were there in the $&ass e3a$t&y9" ,e $o"nt "': o"t o# twenty- se+en are !ea!- #o"r wo"n!e!- one in a )a!(ho"se That )akes twe&+e 1 "Three o# the) are &ie"tenants-" says MU&&er "%o yo" think they wo"&! sti&& &et 4antorek sit on the)9" ,e g"ess not: we wo"&!n1t &et o"rse&+es be sat on #or that )atter ",hat !o yo" )ean by the three(#o&! the)e in 1,i&&ia) Te&&19" says 4ro'' re)inis$ent&y- an! roars with &a"ghter ",hat was the '"r'ose o# the 6oeti$ Leag"e o# Gottingen9" aske! MU&&er s"!!en&y an! earnest&y "/ow )any $hi&!ren has *har&es the Ba&!9" I interr"'t gent&y "Yo"1&& ne+er )ake anything o# yo"r &i#e- B]")er-" $roaks MU&&er ?K ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT ",hen was the batt&e o# ^ana9" 4ro'' wants to know "Yo" &a$k the st"!io"s )in!- 4ro''- sit !own- three )in"s(("I say ",hat o##i$es !i! Ly$"rg"s $onsi!er the )ost i)'ortant #or the state9" asks M"&&er- 'reten!ing to take o## his 'in$e( ne5

"%oes it go: 1,e Ger)ans #ear Go! an! none e&se in the who&e wor&!-1 or 1,e- the Ger)ans- #ear Go! an!("1 I s"b)it "/ow )any inhabitants has Me&bo"rne9" asks M"&&er "/ow !o yo" e3'e$t to s"$$ee! in &i#e i# yo" !on1t know that9" I ask A&bert hot&y ,hi$h he $a's with: ",hat is )eant by *ohesion9" ,e re)e)ber )ighty &itt&e o# a&& that r"bbish Anyway- it has ne+er been the s&ightest "se to "s At s$hoo& nobo!y e+er ta"ght "s how to &ight a $igarette in a stor) o# rain- nor how a #ire $o"&! be )a!e with wet woo!7nor that it is best to sti$k a bayonet in the be&&y be$a"se there it !oesn1t get 0a))e!- as it !oes in the ribs M"&&er says tho"ght#"&&y: ",hat1s the "se9 ,e1&& ha+e to go ba$k an! sit on the #or)s again " I $onsi!er that o"t o# the 2"estion ",e )ight I take a s'e$ia& e3a) " "That nee!s 're'aration An! i# yo" !o get ?>thro"gh- what then9 A st"!ent1s &i#e isn1t any better I# yo" ha+e no )oney- yo" ha+e to work &ike the !e+i& " "It1s a bit better B"t it1s rot a&& the sa)e- e+erything they tea$h yo" " 4ro'' s"''orts )e: "/ow $an a )an take a&& that st"## serio"s&y when he1s on$e been o"t here9" "Sti&& yo" )"st ha+e an o$$"'ation o# so)e sort-" insists M"i&er- as tho"gh he were 4antorek hi)se&# A&bert $&eans his nai&s with a kni#e ,e are s"r'rise! at this !e&i$a$y B"t it is )ere&y 'en(si+eness /e '"ts the kni#e away an! $ontin"es: "That1s 0"st it 4at an! %etering an! /aie wi&& go ba$k to their 0obs be$a"se they ha! the) a&rea!y /i))e&stoss too B"t we ne+er ha! any /ow wi&& we e+er get "se! to one a#ter this- here9"7 he )akes a gest"re towar! the #ront ",hat we1&& want is a 'ri+ate in$o)e- an! then we1&& be ab&e to &i+e by o"rse&+es in a woo!-" I say- b"t at on$e #ee& asha)e! o# this abs"r! i!ea "B"t what wi&& rea&&y ha''en when we go ba$k9" won!ers Mai&er- an! e+en he is tro"b&e! 4ro'' gi+es a shr"g "I !on1t know Let1s get ba$k #irst- then we1&& #in! o"t " ,e are a&& "tter&y at a &oss ",hat $o"&! we !o9" I ask ?D ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT "I !on1t want to !o anything-" re'&ies 4ro'' weari&y "Yo"1&& be !ea! one !ay- so what !oes it )atter9 I !on1t think we1&& e+er go ba$k " ",hen I think abo"t it- A&bert-" I say a#ter a whi&e ro&&ing o+er on )y ba$k- "when I hear the wor! 1'ea$e(ti)e-1 it goes to )y hea!: an! i# it rea&&y $a)e- I think I wo"&! !o so)e "ni)aginab&e thing7so)ething- yo" know- that it1s worth ha+ing &ain here in the )"$k #or B"t I $an1t e+en i)agine anything A&& I !o know is that this b"si ness abo"t 'ro#essions an! st"!ies an! sa&aries an! so on7it )akes )e si$k- it is an! a&ways was !isg"sting I !on1t see anything at a&&- A&bert " A&& at on$e e+erything see)s to )e $on#"se! an! ho'e&ess 4ro'' #ee&s it too "It wi&& go 'retty har! with "s a&& B"t nobo!y at ho)e see)s to worry )"$h abo"t it Two years o# she&&s an! bo)bs7a )an won1t 'ee& that o## as easy as a so$k " ,e agree that it1s the sa)e #or e+eryone. not on&y #or "s here- b"t e+erywhere- #or e+eryone who is o# o"r age. to so)e )ore- an! to others &ess It is the $o))on #ate o# o"r generation A&bert e3'resses it: "The war has r"ine! "s #or e+erything " /e is right ,e are not yo"th any &onger ,e !on1t want to take the wor&! by stor) ,e are #&eeing ,e #&y #ro) o"rse&+es Fro) o"r &i#e ,e ?E were eighteen an! ha! beg"n to &o+e &i#e an! the wor&!. an! we ha! to shoot it to 'ie$es The #irst bo)b- the #irst e3'&osion- b"rst in o"r hearts ,e are $"t o## #ro) a$ti+ity- #ro) stri+ing- #ro) 'rogress ,e be&ie+e in s"$h things no &onger- we be&ie+e in the war The Or!er&y Roo) shows signs o# &i#e /i))e&(stoss see)s to ha+e stirre! the) "' At the hea! o# the $o&")n trots the #at sergeant()a0or It is 2"eer that a&)ost a&& o# the reg"&ar sergeant()a0ors are #at /i))e&stoss #o&&ows hi)- thirsting #or +engean$e /is boots g&ea) in the s"n ,e get "' ",here1s T0a!en911the sergeant '"##s No one knows- o# $o"rse /i))e&stoss g&owers at "s wrath#"&&y "Yo" know +ery we&& Yo" won1t say- that1s the #a$t o# the )atter O"t with it:" Fatty &ooks ro"n! en2"iring&y. b"t T0a!en is not to be seen /e tries another way "T0a!en wi&& re'ort at the Or!er&y Roo) in ten )in"tes " Then he stea)s o## with /i))e&stoss in his wake "I ha+e a #ee&ing that ne3t ti)e we go "' wiring I1&& be &etting a b"n!&e o# wire #a&& on /i)()e&stoss1s &eg-" hints

4ro'' ?? ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT ",e1&& ha+e 2"ite a &ot o# 0okes with hi)-" &a"ghs Mii&&er 7 That is o"r so&e a)bition: to kno$k the $on$eit o"t o# a 'ost)an I go into the h"t an! '"t T0a!en wise /e !isa''ears Then we $hange o"r 'ossy an! &ie !own again to '&ay $ar!s ,e know how to !o that: to '&ay $ar!s- to swear- an! to #ight Not )"$h #or twenty years.7an! yet too )"$h #or twenty years /a&# an ho"r &ater /i))e&stoss is ba$k again Nobo!y 'ays any attention to hi) /e asks #or T0a!en ,e shr"g o"r sho"&!ers "Then yo"1! better #in! hi)-" he 'ersists "/a+en1t yo" been to &ook #or hi)9" 4ro'' &ies ba$k on the grass an! says: "/a+e yo" e+er been o"t here be#ore9" 1That1s none o# yo"r b"siness-" retorts /i))e&stoss 1L e3'e$t an answer " "@ery goo!-" says 4ro''- getting "' "See "' there where those &itt&e white $&o"!s are Those are anti(air$ra#t ,e were o+er there yester!ay Fi+e !ea! an! eight wo"n!e! An! that1s a )ere nothing Ne3t ti)e- when yo" go "' with "s- be#ore they !ie the #e&&ows wi&& $o)e "' to yo"- $&i$k their hee&s- an! ask sti##&y: 16&ease )ay I go9 6&ease )ay I ho' it9 ,e1+e been waiting here a &ong ti)e #or so)eone &ike yo" 1" /e sits !own again an! /i))e&stoss !isa''ears &ike a $o)et "Three !ays * B -" $on0e$t"res 4at "Ne3t ti)e I1&& &et #&y-" I say to A&bert B"t that is the en! The $ase $o)es "' #or tria& in the e+ening In the Or!er&y Roo) sits o"r Lie"tenant- Bertink- an! $a&&s "s in one a#ter another I ha+e to a''ear as a witness an! e3'&ain the reason o# T0a!en1s ins"bor!ination The story o# the be!(wetting )akes an i)'ression /i))e&stoss is re$a&&e! an! I re'eat )y state)ent "Is that right9" Bertink asks /i))e&stoss /e tries to e+a!e the 2"estion- b"t in the en! has to $on#ess- #or 4ro'' te&&s the sa)e story ",hy !i!n1t so)eone re'ort the )atter- then9" asks Bertink ,e are si&ent: he )"st know hi)se&# how )"$h "se it is in re'orting s"$h things It isn1t "s"a& to )ake $o)'&aints in the ar)y /e "n!erstan!s it a&& right tho"gh- an! &e$t"res /i))e&stoss- )aking it '&ain to hi) that the #ront isn1t a 'ara!e(gro"n! Then $o)es T0a!en1s t"rn- he gets a &ong ser)on an! three !ays1 o'en arrest Bertink gi+es 4ro'' a wink an! one !ay1s o'en arrest "It $an1t be he&'e!-" he says to hi) regret#"&&y /e is a !e$ent #e&&ow O'en arrest is 2"ite '&easant The $&ink was MH ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT on$e a #ow&(ho"se. there we $an +isit the 'risoners- we know how to )anage it *&ose arrest wo"&! ha+e )eant the $e&&ar They "se! to tie "s to a tree- b"t that is #orbi!!en now In )any ways we are treate! 2"ite &ike )en An ho"r &ater a#ter T0a!en an! 4ro'' are sett&e! in behin! their wire(netting we )ake o"r way into the) T0a!en greets "s $rowing Then we '&ay skat #ar into the night T0a!en wins o# $o"rse- the &"$ky wret$h ,hen we break it "' 4at says to )e: ",hat !o yo" say to so)e roast goose9" "Not ba!-" I agree ,e $&i)b "' on a )"nition(wagon The ri!e $osts "s two $igarettes 4at has )arke! the s'ot e3a$t&y The she! be&ongs to a regi)enta& hea!2"arters I agree to get the goose an! re$ei+e )y instr"$tions The o"t(ho"se is behin! the wa&& an! the !oor sh"ts with 0"st a 'eg 4at hoists )e "' I rest )y #oot in his han!s an! $&i)b o+er the wa&& 4at kee's wat$h be&ow I wait a #ew )o)ents to a$$"sto) )y eyes to the !arkness Then I re$ogni5e the she! So#t&y I stea& a$ross- &i#t the 'eg- '"&& it o"t an! o'en the !oor I !isting"ish two white 'at$hes Two geeseMLthat1s ba!: i# I grab one the other wi&& $a$k&e ,e&&- both o# the)7i# I1) 2"i$k- it $an be !one I )ake a 0")' I $at$h ho&! o# one an! the ne3t instant the(se$on! Like a )a!)an I bash their hea!s against the wa&& to st"n the) B"t I ha+en1t 2"ite eno"gh weight The beasts $a$k&e an! strike o"t with their #eet an! wings I #ight !es'erate&y- b"t Lor!:1 what a ki$k a goose has: They1 str"gg&e an! I stagger abo"t In the !ark these white 'at$hes are terri#ying My ar)s ha+e grown wings an! I1) a&)ost a#rai! o# going "' into the sky- as tho"gh I he&! a $o"'&e o# $a'ti+e ba&&oons in )y #ists Then the row begins. one o# the) gets his breath an! goes o## &ike an a&ar)$&o$k Be#ore I $an !o anythingso)ething $o)es in #ro) o"tsi!e. I #eer a b&ow- &ie o"tstret$he! on the #&oor- an! hear aw#"& grow&s A !og I stea& a g&an$e to the si!e- he )akes a sna' at )y throat: I &ie sti&& an! t"$k )y $hin into )y $o&&ar

It1s a b"&& !og A#ter an eternity he with!raws his hea! an! sits !own besi!e )e B"t i# I )ake the &east )o+e)ent he grow&s I $onsi!er The on&y thing to !o is to get ho&! o# )y s)a&& re+o&+er- an! that too be#ore anyone arri+es In$h by in$h I )o+e )y han! towar! it I ha+e the #ee&ing that it &asts an ho"r- The s&ightest )o+e)ent an! then an aw#"& grow&. I MQ ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT &ie sti&&- then try again ,hen at &ast I ha+e the re+o&+er )y han! starts to tre)b&e I 'ress it against the gro"n! an! say o+er to )yse&#: =erk the re+o&+er "'- #ire be#ore he has a $han$e to grab- an! then 0")' "' S&ow&y I take a !ee' breath an! be$o)e i $a&)er Then I ho&! )y breath- whi' "' the re(Is +o&+er- it $ra$ks- the !og &ea's how&ing to one si!e- I )ake #or the !oor o# the she! an! #a&& hea! iR1o+er hee&s o+er one o# the s$"ttering geese At #"&& s'ee! I sei5e it again- an! with a swing toss it o+er the wa&& an! $&a)ber "' No sooner Kon I on to' than the !og is "' again as &i+e&y as / e+er an! s'rings at )e B"i$k&y I &et )yse&# !ro' Ten 'a$es away stan!s 4at with the goose "n!er his ar) As soon as he sees )e we r"n At &ast we $an take a breather The goose is L- 4at saw to that in a )o)ent ,e inten! to - it at on$e so that nobo!y wi&& be any wiser I St$h a !i3ie an! woo! #ro) the h"t an! we $raw& a s)a&& !eserte! &ean(to whi$h we "se #or '"r'oses The sing&e win!ow s'a$e is hea+(gi&y $"rtaine! There is a sort o# hearth- an iron '&ate set on so)e bri$ks ,e kin!&e a #ire -'y 4at '&"$ks an! $&eans the goose ,e '"t the "&eathers $are#"&&y to one si!e ,e inten! to )ake .Ntwo $"shions o"t o# the) with the ins$ri'tion: N1S&ee' so#t "n!er she&&(#ire " The so"n! o# the g"n(#ire #ro) the #ront 'enetrates into o"r re#"ge The g&ow o# the #ire &ights "' o"r #a$es- sha!ows !an$e on the wa&& So)eti)es a hea+y $rash an! the &ean(to shi+ers Aero'&ane bo)bs On$e we hear a sti#&e! $ry A h"t )"st ha+e been hit Aero'&anes !rone. the ta$k(ta$k o# )a$hine(g"ns breaks o"t B"t no &ight that $o"&! be obser+e! shows #ro) "s ,e sit o''osite one another- 4at an! I- two so&!iers in shabby $oats- $ooking a goose in the )i!!&e o# the night ,e !on1t ta&k )"$h- b"t I be&ie+e we ha+e a )ore $o)'&ete $o))"nion with one another than e+en &o+ers ha+e ,e are two )en- two )in"te s'arks o# &i#e. o"tsi!e is the night an! the $ir$&e o# !eath ,e sit on the e!ge o# it $ro"$hing in !anger- the grease !ri's #ro) o"r han!s- in o"r hearts we are $&ose to one another- an! the ho"r is &ike the roo): #&e$ke! o+er with the &ights an! sha!ows o# o"r #ee&ings $ast by a 2"iet #ire ,hat !oes he know o# )e or I o# hi)9 For)er&y we sho"&! not ha+e ha! a sing&e tho"ght in $o))on7now we sit with a goose between "s an! #ee& in "nison- are so inti)ate that we !o not e+en s'eak It takes a &ong ti)e to roast a goose- e+en when it is yo"ng an! #at So we take t"rns One MK bastes it whi&e the other &ies !own an! s&ee's A gran! s)e&& gra!"a&&y #i&&s the h"t (G +G The noises witho"t in$rease in +o&")e- 'ass into )y !rea) an! yet &inger in )y )e)ory In a ha&# s&ee' I wat$h 4at !i' an! raise the &a!&e I &o+e hi)- his sho"&!ers- his ang"&ar- stoo'ing #ig"re7an! at the sa)e ti)e I see behin! hi) woo!s an! stars- an! a $&ear +oi$e "tters wor!s that bring )e 'ea$e- to )e- a so&!ier in big boots- be&t- an! kna'sa$ktaking the roa! that &ies be#ore hi) "n!er the high hea+en- 2"i$k&y #orgetting an! se&!o) sorrow#"&- #or e+er 'ressing on "n!er the wi!e night sky A &itt&e so&!ier an! a $&ear +oi$e- an! i# anyone were to $aress hi) he wo"&! har!&y "n!erstan!- this so&!ier with the big boots an! the sh"t heart- who )ar$hes be$a"se he is wearing big boots- an! has #orgotten a&& e&se b"t )ar$hing Beyon! the sky(&ine is a $o"ntry with #&owers- &ying so sti&& that he wo"&! &ike to wee' There are sights there that he has not #orgotten- be$a"se he ne+er 'ossesse! the)7'er'&e3ing- yet &ost to hi) Are not his twenty s"))ers there9 Is )y #a$e wet- an! where a) I9 4at stan!s be#ore )e- his giganti$- stoo'ing sha!ow #a&&s "'on )e- &ike ho)e /e s'eaks gent&y- he s)i&es an! goes ba$k to the #ire Then he says: "It1s !one " M> "Yes- 4at " I stir )yse&# In the )i!!&e o# the roo) shines the brown goose ,e take o"t o"r $o&&a'sib&e #orks an! o"r 'o$ket( kni+es an! ea$h $"ts o## a &eg ,ith it we ha+e ar)y brea! !i''e! in gra+y ,e eat s&ow&y an! with g"sto "/ow !oes it taste- 4at9" "Goo!: An! yo"rs9" "Goo!- 4at " ,e are brothers an! 'ress on one another the $hoi$est 'ie$es A#terwar!s I s)oke a $igarette an! 4at a $igar There is sti&& a &ot &e#t "/ow wo"&! it be- 4at i# we took a bit to 4ro'' an! T0a!en9"

"S"re-" says he ,e $ar+e o## a 'ortion an! wra' it "' $are#"&&y in news'a'er The rest we tho"ght o# taking o+er to the h"t 4at &a"ghs- an! si)'&y says: 1T0a!en " I agree- we wi&& ha+e to take it a&& So we go o## to the #ow&(ho"se to waken the) B"t #irst we 'a$k away the #eathers 4ro'' an! T0a!en take "s #or )agi$ians Then they get b"sy with their teeth T0a!en ho&!s a wing in his )o"th with both han!s &ike a )o"th(organ- an! gnaws /e !rinks the gra+y #ro) the 'ot an! s)a$ks his &i's: "May I ne+er #orget yo":" MD ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT ,e go to o"r h"t Again there is the &o#ty sky with the stars an! the on$o)ing !awn- an! I 'ass beneath it- a so&!ier with big boots an! a #"&& be&&y- a &itt&e so&!ier in the ear&y )orning7b"t by )y si!e- stoo'ing an! ang"&ar- goes 4at)y $o)ra!e The o"t&ines o# the h"ts are "'on "s in the !awn &ike a !ark- !ee' s&ee' ME There are r")o"rs o# an o##ensi+e ,e go "' to the #ront two !ays ear&ier than "s"a& On the way we 'ass a she&&e! s$hoo&(ho"se Sta$ke! "' against its &onger si!e is a high !o"b&e wa&& o# ye&&ow- "n'o&ishe!- bran!(new $o##ins They sti&& s)e&& o# resin- an! 'ine- an! the #orest There are at &east a h"n!re! 1That1s a goo! 're'aration #or the o##ensi+e-" says M"&&er astonishe! 1They1re #or "s-" grow&s %etering "%on1t ta&k rot-" says 4at to hi) angri&y "Yo" be thank#"& i# yo" get so )"$h as a $o##in-" grins T0a!en- 1they1&& s&i' yo" a water'roo# sheet #or yo"r o&! A"nt Sa&&y o# a $ar$ase " MM The others 0est too- "n'&easant 0ests- b"t what e&se $an a )an !o97The $o##ins are rea&&y #or "s The organi5ation s"r'asses itse&# in that kin! o# thing Ahea! o# "s e+erything is shi))ering The #irst night we try to get o"r bearings ,hen it is #air&y 2"iet we $an hear the trans'orts behin! the ene)y &ines ro&&ing $ease&ess&y "nti& !awn 4at says that they !o not go ba$k b"t are bringing "' troo's7troo's- )"nitions- an! g"ns The Eng&ish arti&&ery has been strengthene!- that we $an !ete$t at on$e There are at &east #o"r )ore batteries o# nine( in$h g"ns to the right o# the #ar)- an! behin! the 'o'&ars they ha+e '"t in tren$h)ortars Besi!es these they ha+e bro"ght "' a n")ber o# those &itt&e Fren$h beasts with instantaneo"s #"ses ,e are now in &ow s'irits A#ter we ha+e been in the !"g(o"ts two ho"rs o"r own she&&s begin to #a&& in the tren$h This is the thir! ti)e in #o"r weeks I# it were si)'&y a )istake in ai) no one wo"&! say anything- b"t the tr"th is that the barre&s are worn o"t The shots are o#ten so "n$ertain that they &an! within o"r own &ines To(night two o# o"r )en were wo"n!e! by the) LHH ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT G G G The #ront is a $age in whi$h we )"st await #ear#"&&y whate+er )ay ha''en ,e &ie "n!er the network o# ar$hing she&&s an! &i+e in a s"s'ense o# "n$ertainty O+er "s- *han$e ho+ers I# a shot $o)es- we $an !"$k- that is a&&. we neither know nor $an !eter)ine where it wi&& #a&& It is this *han$e that )akes "s in!i##erent A #ew )onths ago I was sitting in a !"g(o"t '&aying skat. a#ter a whi&e I stoo! "' an! went to +isit so)e #rien!s in another !"g(o"t On )y ret"rn nothing )ore was to be seen o# the #irst one- it ha! been b&own to 'ie$es by a !ire$t hit I went ba$k to the se$on! an! arri+e! 0"st in ti)e to &en! a han! !igging it o"t In the inter+a& it ha! been b"rie! It is 0"st as )"$h a )atter o# $han$e that I a) sti&& a&i+e as that I )ight ha+e been hit In a bo)b('roo# !"g(o"t I )ay be s)ashe! to ato)s an! in the o'en )ay s"r+i+e ten ho"rs1 bo)bar!)ent "ns$athe! No so&!ier o"t&i+es a tho"san! $han$es B"t e+ery so&i!er be&ie+es in *han$e an! tr"sts his &"$k ,e )"st &ook o"t #or o"r brea! The rats ha+e be$o)e )"$h )ore n")ero"s &ate&y be$a"se the LHL The others 0est too- "n'&easant 0ests- b"t what e&se $an a )an !o97The $o##ins are rea&&y #or "s The organi5ation s"r'asses itse&# in that kin! o# thing Ahea! o# "s e+erything is shi))ering The #irst night we try to get o"r bearings ,hen it is #air&y 2"iet we $an hear the trans'orts behin! the ene)y &ines ro&&ing $ease&ess&y "nti& !awn 4at says that they !o not go ba$k b"t are bringing "' troo's7troo's- )"nitions- an! g"ns

The Eng&ish arti&&ery has been strengthene!- that we $an !ete$t at on$e There are at &east #o"r )ore batteries o# nine( in$h g"ns to the right o# the #ar)- an! behin! the 'o'&ars they ha+e '"t in tren$h)ortars Besi!es these they ha+e bro"ght "' a n")ber o# those &itt&e Fren$h beasts with instantaneo"s #"ses ,e are now in &ow s'irits A#ter we ha+e been in the !"g(o"ts two ho"rs o"r own she&&s begin to #a&& in the tren$h This is the thir! ti)e in #o"r weeks I# it were si)'&y a )istake in ai) no one wo"&! say anything- b"t the tr"th is that the barre&s are worn o"t The shots are o#ten so "n$ertain that they &an! within o"r own &ines To(night two o# o"r )en were wo"n!e! by the) LHH ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT G G G The #ront is a $age in whi$h we )"st await #ear#"&&y whate+er )ay ha''en ,e &ie "n!er the network o# ar$hing she&&s an! &i+e in a s"s'ense o# "n$ertainty O+er "s- *han$e ho+ers I# a shot $o)es- we $an !"$k- that is a&&. we neither know nor $an !eter)ine where it wi&& #a&& It is this *han$e that )akes "s in!i##erent A #ew )onths ago I was sitting in a !"g(o"t '&aying skat. a#ter a whi&e I stoo! "' an! went to +isit so)e #rien!s in another !"g(o"t On )y ret"rn nothing )ore was to be seen o# the #irst one- it ha! been b&own to 'ie$es by a !ire$t hit I went ba$k to the se$on! an! arri+e! 0"st in ti)e to &en! a han! !igging it o"t In the inter+a& it ha! been b"rie! It is 0"st as )"$h a )atter o# $han$e that I a) sti&& a&i+e as that I )ight ha+e been hit In a bo)b('roo# !"g(o"t I )ay be s)ashe! to ato)s an! in the o'en )ay s"r+i+e ten ho"rs1 bo)bar!)ent "ns$athe! No so&!ier o"t&i+es a tho"san! $han$es B"t e+ery so&i!er be&ie+es in *han$e an! tr"sts his &"$k ,e )"st &ook o"t #or o"r brea! The rats ha+e be$o)e )"$h )ore n")ero"s &ate&y be$a"se the LHL we take the) away an! gi+e the) the or!inary kin! B"t the bayonet has 'ra$ti$a&&y &ost its i)'ortan$e It is "s"a&&y the #ashion now to $harge with bo)bs an! s'a!es on&y The shar'ene! s'a!e is a )ore han!y an! )any(si!e! wea'on. not on&y $an it be "se! #or 0abbing a )an "n!er the $hin- b"t it is )"$h better #or striking with be$a"se o# its greater weight. an! i# one hits between the ne$k an! sho"&!er it easi&y $&ea+es as #ar !own as the $hest The bayonet #re2"ent&y 0a)s on the thr"st an! then a )an has to ki$k har! on the other #e&&ow1s be&&y to '"&& it o"t again. an! in the inter +a& he )ay easi&y get one hi)se&# An! what1s1 )ore the b&a!e o#ten gets broken o## At night they sen! o+er gas ,e e3'e$t the atta$k to #o&&ow an! &ie with o"r )asks on- rea!y to tear the) o## as soon as the #irst sha!ow a''ears %awn a''roa$hes witho"t anything ha''ening 7on&y the e+er&asting- ner+e(wra$king ro&& behin! the ene)y &inestrains- trains- &orries- &orries. b"t what are they $on$entrating9 O"r arti&&ery #ires on it $ontin"a&&y- b"t sti&& it !oes not $ease @ ,e ha+e tire! #a$es an! a+oi! ea$h other1s eyes "It wi&& be &ike the So))e-" says 4at g&oo)i&y 1There we were she&&e! stea!i&y #or se+en !ays an! nights " 4at has &ost a&& his #"n sin$e we ha+e been here- whi$h is ba!- #or 4at is LHK ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT an o&! #ront(hog- an! $an s)e&& what is $o)ing On&y T0a!en see)s '&ease! with the goo! rations an! the r"). he thinks we )ight e+en go ba$k to rest witho"t anything ha''ening at a&& It a&)ost &ooks &ike it %ay a#ter !ay 'asses At night I s2"at in the &istening('ost Abo+e )e the ro$kets an! 'ara$h"te(&ights shoot "' an! #&oat !own again I a) $a"tio"s an! tense- )y heart th")'s My eyes t"rn again an! again to the &")ino"s !ia& o# )y wat$h. the han!s wi&& not b"!ge S&ee' hangs on )y eye&i!s- I work )y toes in )y boots in or!er to kee' awake Nothing ha''ens ti&& I a) re&ie+e!.7(on&y the e+er&asting ro&&ing o+er there Gra!"a&&y we grow $a&)er an! '&ay skat an! 'oker $ontin"a&&y 6erha's we wi&& be &"$ky A&& !ay the sky is h"ng with obser+ation ba&&oons There is a r")o"r that the ene)y are going to '"t tanks o+er an! "se &ow(#&ying '&anes #or the atta$k B"t that interests "s &ess than what we hear o# the new #&a)e(throwers ,e wake "' in the )i!!&e o# the night The earth boo)s /ea+y #ire is #a&&ing on "s ,e $ro"$h into $orners ,e !isting"ish she&&s o# e+ery $a&ibre Ea$h )an &ays ho&! o# his things an! &ooks again e+ery )in"te to reass"re hi)se&# that they are sti&& there The !"g( o"t hea+es- the night roars an! #&ashes ,e &ook at ea$h other in the LH>)o)entary #&ashes o# &ight- an! with 'a&e #a$es an! 'resse! &i's shake o"r hea!s E+ery )an is aware o# the hea+y she&&s tearing !own the 'ara'et- rooting "' the e)bank)ent an! !e)o&ishing the "''er &ayers o# $on$rete ,hen a she&& &an!s in the tren$h we note how the ho&&ow- #"rio"s b&ast is &ike a b&ow #ro) the 'aw o# a raging beast o# 'rey A&rea!y by )orning a #ew o# the re$r"its are green an! +o)iting They are too ine3'erien$e!

S&ow&y the grey &ight tri$k&es into the 'ost an! 'a&es the #&ashes o# the she&&s Morning is $o)e The e3'&osion o# )ines )ing&es with the g"n#ire That is the )ost !e)enting $on+"&sion o# a&& The who&e region where they go "' be$o)es one gra+e The re&ie#s go o"t- the obser+ers stagger in- $o+ere! with !irt- an! tre)b&ing One &ies !own in si&en$e in the $orner an! eats- the other- an o&!er )an o# the new !ra#t- sobs. twi$e he has been #&"ng o+er the 'ara'et by the b&ast o# the e3'&osions witho"t getting any )ore than she&&(sho$k The re$r"its are eyeing hi) ,e )"st wat$h the)- these things are $at$hing- a&rea!y so)e &i's begin to 2"i+er It is goo! that it is growing !ay&ight. 'erha's the atta$k wi&& $o)e be#ore noon The bo)bar!)ent !oes not !i)inish It is #a&&ing in the rear too As #ar as one $an see s'o"t LHD ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT #o"ntains o# )"! an! iron A wi!e be&t is being rake! ; The atta$k !oes not $o)e- b"t the bo)bar!)ent $ontin"es ,e are gra!"a&&y ben")be! /ar!&y a )an s'eaks ,e $annot )ake o"rse&+es "n!erstoo! O"r tren$h is a&)ost gone At )any '&a$es it is on&y eighteen in$hes high- it is broken by ho&es- an! $raters- an! )o"ntains o# earth A she&& &an!s s2"are in #ront o# o"r 'ost At on$e it is !ark ,e are b"rie! an! )"st !ig o"rse&+es o"t A#ter an ho"r the entran$e is $&ear again- an! we are $a&)er be$a"se we ha+e ha! so)e( _ thing to !o O"r *o)'any *o))an!er s$ra)b&es in an! re'orts that two !"g(o"ts are gone The re$r"its $a&) the)se&+es when they see hi) /e says that an atte)'t wi&& be )a!e to bring "' #oo! this e+ening That so"n!s reass"ring No one ha! tho"ght o# it e3$e't T0a!en Now the o"tsi!e wor&! see)s to !raw a &itt&e nearer: i# #oo! $an be bro"ght "'- think the re$r"its- then it $an1t rea&&y be so ba! ,e !o not !isab"se the). we know that #oo! is as i)'ortant as a))"nition an! on&y #or that reason )"st be bro"ght "' B"t it )is$arries A se$on! 'arty goes o"t- an! it a&so t"rns ba$k Fina&&y 4at tries- an! e+en he rea''ears witho"t a$$o)'&ishing anything No LHE one gets thro"gh- not e+en a #&y is s)a&& eno"gh to get thro"gh s"$h a barrage ,e '"&& in o"r be&ts tighter an! $hew e+ery )o"th#"& three ti)es as &ong Sti&& the #oo! !oes not &ast o"t. we are !a)nab&y h"ngry I take o"t a s$ra' o# brea!- eat the white an! '"t the $r"st ba$k in )y kna'sa$k. #ro) ti)e to ti)e I nibb&e at it The night is "nbearab&e ,e $annot s&ee'- b"t stare ahea! o# "s an! !o5e T0a!en regrets that we waste! the gnawe! 'ie$es o# brea! on the rats ,e wo"&! g&a!y ha+e the) again to eat now ,e are short o# water- too- b"t not serio"s&y yet Towar!s )orning- whi&e it is sti&& !ark- there is so)e e3$ite)ent Thro"gh the entran$e r"shes in a swar) o# #&eeing rats that try to stor) the wa&&s Tor$hes &ight "' the $on#"sion E+eryone ye&&s an! $"rses an! s&a"ghters The )a!ness an! !es'air o# )any ho"rs "n&oa!s itse&# in this o"tb"rst Fa$es are !istorte!- ar)s strike o"t- an! the beasts s$rea). we 0"st sto' in ti)e to a+oi! atta$king one another The ons&a"ght has e3ha"ste! "s ,e &ie !own to wait again It is a )ar+e& that o"r 'ost has ha! no $as"a&ties so #ar It is one o# the &ess !ee' !"go"ts A $or'ora& $ree's in. he has a &oa# o# brea! with hi) Three 'eo'&e ha+e ha! the &"$k to get LH? ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT thro"gh !"ring the night an! bring so)e 'ro+isions They say the bo)bar!)ent e3ten!s "n!i)inishe! as #ar as the arti&&ery &ines It is a )ystery where the ene)y gets a&& his she&&s ,e wait an! wait By )i!!ay what I e3'e$te! ha''ens One o# the re$r"its has a #it I ha+e been wat$hing hi) #or a &ong ti)e- grin!ing his teeth an! o'ening an! sh"tting his #ists These h"nte!- 'rotr"!ing eyes- we know the) too we&& %"ring the &ast #ew ho"rs he has ha! )ere&y the a''earan$e o# $a&) /e ha! $o&&a'se! &ike a rotten tree Now he stan!s "'- stea&thi&y $ree's a$ross the - Boor- hesitates a )o)ent an! then g&i!es towar!s the !oor I inter$e't hi) an! say: ",here are yo" going9" "I1&& be ba$k in a )in"te-" says he- an! tries to '"sh 'ast )e ",ait a bit- the she&&ing wi&& sto' soon " /e &istens #or a )o)ent an! his eyes be$o)e $&ear Then again he has the g&owering eyes o# a )a! !og- he is si&enthe sho+es )e asi!e "One )in"te- &a!-" I say 4at noti$es ="st as the re$r"it shakes )e o## 4at 0")'s in an! we ho&! hi) Then he begins to ra+e: "Lea+e )e a&one- &et )e go o"t- I wi&& go o"t:" /e won1t &isten to anything an! hits o"t- his )o"th is wet an! 'o"rs o"t wor!s- ha&# $hoke!- )eaning&ess wor!s It is

a $ase o# $&a"stro'hobiaLHM he #ee&s as tho"gh he is s"##o$ating here an! wants to get o"t at any 'ri$e I# we &et hi) go he wo"&! r"n abo"t e+erywhere regar!&ess o# $o+er /e is not the #irst Tho"gh he ra+es an! his eyes ro&&- it $an1t be he&'e!- we ha+e to gi+e hi) a hi!ing to bring hi) to his senses ,e !o it 2"i$k&y an! )er$i&ess&y- an! at &ast he sits !own 2"iet&y The others ha+e t"rne! 'a&e. &et1s ho'e it !eters the) This bo)bar!)ent is too )"$h #or the 'oor !e+i&s- they ha+e been sent straight #ro) a re$r"iting(!e'ot into a barrage that is eno"gh to t"rn an o&! so&!ier1s hair grey A#ter this a##air the sti$ky- $&ose at)os'here works )ore than e+er on o"r ner+es ,e sit as i# in o"r gra+es waiting on&y to be $&ose! in S"!!en&y it how&s an! #&ashes terri#i$a&&y- the !"g(o"t $ra$ks in a&& its 0oints "n!er a !ire$t hit- #ort"nate&y on&y a &ight one that the $on$rete b&o$ks are ab&e to withstan! It rings )eta&&i$a&&y- the wa&&s ree&- ri#&es- he&)ets- earth)"!- an! !"st #&y e+erywhere S"&'h"r #")es 'o"r in I# we were in one o# those &ight !"g(o"ts that they ha+e been b"i&!ing &ate&y instea! o# this !ee'er one- none o# "s wo"&! be a&i+e B"t the e##e$t is ba! eno"gh e+en so The re$r"it starts to ra+e again an! two others #o&&ow s"it One 0")'s "' an! r"shes o"t- we ha+e tro"b&e with the other two I start a#ter one who LLH ALL BAIET O/ T/E ,ESTERN FRONT es$a'es an! won!er whether to shoot hi) in the &eg7then it shrieks again- I #&ing )yse&# !own an! when I stan! "' the wa&& o# the tren$h is '&astere! with s)oking s'&inters- &")'s o# #&esh- an! bits o# "ni#or) I s$ra)b&e ba$k The #irst re$r"it see)s a$t"a&&y to ha+e gone insane /e b"tts his hea! against the wa&& &ike a goat ,e )"st try to( night to take hi) to the rear Meanwhi&e we bin! hi)- b"t in s"$h a way that in $ase o# atta$k he $an be re&ease! at on$e 4at s"ggests a ga)e o# skat: it is easier when a )an has so)ething to !o B"t it is no "se- we &isten #or e+ery e3'&osion that $o)es $&ose- )is$o"nt the tri$ks- an! #ai& to #o&&ow s"it ,e ha+e to gi+e it "' ,e sit as tho"gh in a boi&er that is being be&abo"re! #ro) witho"t on a&& si!es Night again ,e are !ea!ene! by the strain7 a !ea!&y tension that s$ra'es a&ong one1s s'ine &ike a ga''e! kni#e O"r &egs re#"se to )o+e- o"r han!s tre)b&e- o"r bo!ies are a thin skin stret$he! 'ain#"&&y o+er re'resse! )a!nesso+er an a&)ost irresistib&e- b"rsting roar ,e ha+e neither #&esh nor )"s$&es any &onger- we !are not &ook at one another #or #ear o# so)e )is$a&$"&ab&e thing So we sh"t o"r teeth7it wi&& en!7(it wi&& en!7'erha's we wi&& $o)e thro"gh S"!!en&y the nearer e3'&osions $ease The she&&ing $ontin"es b"t it has &i#te! an! #a&&s behin! "s- o"r tren$h is #ree ,e sei5e the han!(1 LLL he #ee&s as tho"gh he is s"##o$ating here an! wants to get o"t at any 'ri$e I# we &et hi) go he wo"&! r"n abo"t e+erywhere regar!&ess o# $o+er /e is not the #irst Tho"gh he ra+es an! his eyes ro&&- it $an1t be he&'e!- we ha+e to gi+e hi) a hi!ing to bring hi) to his senses ,e !o it 2"i$k&y an! )er$i&ess&y- an! at &ast he sits !own 2"iet&y The others ha+e t"rne! 'a&e. &et1s ho'e it !eters the) This bo)bar!)ent is too )"$h #or the 'oor !e+i&s- they ha+e been sent straight #ro) a re$r"iting(!e'ot into a barrage that is eno"gh to t"rn an o&! so&!ier1s hair grey A#ter this a##air the sti$ky- $&ose at)os'here works )ore than e+er on o"r ner+es ,e sit as i# in o"r gra+es waiting on&y to be $&ose! in S"!!en&y it how&s an! #&ashes terri#i$a&&y- the !"g(o"t $ra$ks in a&& its 0oints "n!er a !ire$t hit- #ort"nate&y on&y a &ight one that the $on$rete b&o$ks are ab&e to withstan! It rings )eta&&i$a&&y- the wa&&s ree&- ri#&es- he&)ets- earth)"!- an! !"st #&y e+erywhere S"&'h"r #")es 'o"r in I# we were in one o# those &ight !"g(o"ts that they ha+e been b"i&!ing &ate&y instea! o# this !ee'er one- none o# "s wo"&! be a&i+e B"t the e##e$t is ba! eno"gh e+en so The re$r"it starts to ra+e again an! two others #o&&ow s"it One 0")'s "' an! r"shes o"t- we ha+e tro"b&e with the other two I start a#ter one who LLH ALL BAIET O/ T/E ,ESTERN FRONT es$a'es an! won!er whether to shoot hi) in the &eg7then it shrieks again- I #&ing )yse&# !own an! when I stan! "'

the wa&& o# the tren$h is '&astere! with s)oking s'&inters- &")'s o# #&esh- an! bits o# "ni#or) I s$ra)b&e ba$k The #irst re$r"it see)s a$t"a&&y to ha+e gone insane /e b"tts his hea! against the wa&& &ike a goat ,e )"st try to( night to take hi) to the rear Meanwhi&e we bin! hi)- b"t in s"$h a way that in $ase o# atta$k he $an be re&ease! at on$e 4at s"ggests a ga)e o# skat: it is easier when a )an has so)ething to !o B"t it is no "se- we &isten #or e+ery e3'&osion that $o)es $&ose- )is$o"nt the tri$ks- an! #ai& to #o&&ow s"it ,e ha+e to gi+e it "' ,e sit as tho"gh in a boi&er that is being be&abo"re! #ro) witho"t on a&& si!es Night again ,e are !ea!ene! by the strain7 a !ea!&y tension that s$ra'es a&ong one1s s'ine &ike a ga''e! kni#e O"r &egs re#"se to )o+e- o"r han!s tre)b&e- o"r bo!ies are a thin skin stret$he! 'ain#"&&y o+er re'resse! )a!nesso+er an a&)ost irresistib&e- b"rsting roar ,e ha+e neither #&esh nor )"s$&es any &onger- we !are not &ook at one another #or #ear o# so)e )is$a&$"&ab&e thing So we sh"t o"r teeth7it wi&& en!7(it wi&& en!7'erha's we wi&& $o)e thro"gh S"!!en&y the nearer e3'&osions $ease The she&&ing $ontin"es b"t it has &i#te! an! #a&&s behin! "s- o"r tren$h is #ree ,e sei5e the han!(1 LLL si+es at the #eet o# the a!+an$ing ene)y be#ore we r"n The b&ast o# the han!(grena!es i)'inges 'ower#"&&y on o"r ar)s an! &egs. $ro"$hing &ike $ats we r"n on- o+erwhe&)e! by this wa+e that bears "s a&ong- that #i&&s "s with #ero$ity- t"rns "s into th"gs- into )"r!erers- into Go! on&y knows what !e+i&s. this wa+e that )"&ti'&ies o"r strength with #ear an! )a!ness an! gree! o# &i#e- seeking an! #ighting #or nothing b"t o"r !e&i+eran$e I# yo"r own #ather $a)e o+er with the) yo" wo"&! not hesitate to #&ing a bo)b at hi) The #orwar! tren$hes ha+e been aban!one! Are they sti&& tren$hes9 They are b&own to 'ie$es- annihi&ate!7there are on&y broken bits o# tren$hes- ho&es &inke! by $ra$ks- nests o# $raters- that is a&& B"t the ene)y1s $as"a&ties in$rease They !i! not $o"nt on so )"$h resistan$e It is near&y noon The s"n b&a5es hot&y- the sweat stings in o"r eyes- we wi'e it o## on o"r s&ee+es an! o#ten b&oo! with it At &ast we rea$h a tren$h that is in a so)ewhat better $on!ition It is )anne! an! rea!y #or the $o"nter( atta$k- it re$ei+es "s O"r g"ns o'en in #"&& b&ast an! $"t o## the ene)y atta$k The &ines behin! "s sto' They $an a!+an$e no #arther The atta$k is $r"she! by o"r arti&&ery ,e LLK ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT wat$h The #ire &i#ts a h"n!re! yar!s an! we break #orwar! Besi!e )e a &an$e($or'ora& has his hea! torn o## /e r"ns a #ew ste's )ore whi&e the b&oo! s'o"ts #ro) his ne$k &ike a #o"ntain It !oes not $o)e 2"ite to han!(to(han! #ighting. they are !ri+en ba$k ,e arri+e on$e again at o"r shattere! tren$h an! 'ass on beyon! it Oh- this t"rning ba$k again: ,e rea$h the she&ter o# the reser+es an! yearn to $ree' in an! !isa''ear.7b"t instea! we )"st t"rn ro"n! an! '&"nge again into the horror I# we were not a"to)ata at that )o)ent we wo"&! $ontin"e &ying there- e3ha"ste!- an! witho"t wi&& B"t we are swe't #orwar! again- 'ower&ess- )a!&y sa+age an! raging. we wi&& ki&&- #or they are sti&& o"r )orta& ene)ies- their ri#&es an! bo)bs are ai)e! against "s- an! i# we !on1t !estroy the)- they wi&& !estroy "s The brown earth- the torn- b&aste! earth- with a greasy shine "n!er the s"n1s rays. the earth is the ba$kgro"n! o# this rest&ess- g&oo)y wor&! o# a"to)atons- o"r gas'ing is the s$rat$hing o# a 2"i&&- o"r &i's are !ry- o"r hea!s are !eba"$he! with st"'or7th"s we stagger #orwar!- an! into o"r 'ier$e! an! shattere! so"&s bores the tort"ring i)age o# the brown earth with the greasy s"n an! the $on+"&se! an! !ea! so&!iersLL> who &ie there7it $an1t be he&'e!7who $ry an! $&"t$h at o"r &egs as we s'ring away o+er the) ,e ha+e &ost a&& #ee&ing #or one another ,e $an har!&y $ontro& o"rse&+es when o"r g&an$e &ights on the #or) o# so)e other )an ,e are insensib&e- !ea! )en- who thro"gh so)e tri$k- so)e !rea!#"& )agi$- are sti&& ab&e to r"n an! to ki&& A yo"ng Fren$h)an &ags behin!- he is o+ertaken- he '"ts "' his han!s- in one he sti&& ho&!s his re+o&+er7!oes he )ean to shoot or to gi+e hi)se&#:7a b&ow #ro) a s'a!e $&ea+es thro"gh his #a$e A se$on! sees it an! tries to r"n #arther. a bayonet 0abs into his ba$k /e &ea's in the air- his ar)s thrown wi!e- his )o"th wi!e o'en- ye&&ing. he staggers- in his ba$k the bayonet 2"i+ers A thir! throws away his ri#&e- $owers !own with his han!s be#ore his eyes /e is &e#t behin! with a #ew other 'risoners to $arry o## the wo"n!e! S"!!en&y in the '"rs"it we rea$h the ene)y &ine ,e are so $&ose on the hee&s o# o"r retreating ene)ies that we rea$h it a&)ost at the sa)e ti)e as they In this way we s"##er #ew $as"a&ties A )a$hine(g"n barks- b"t is si&en$e! with a bo)b Ne+erthe&ess- the $o"'&e o# se$on!s has s"##i$e! to gi+e "s #i+e sto)a$h wo"n!s ,ith the b"tt o# his ri#&e 4at s)ashes to '"&' the #a$e o# one o# the

"nwo"n!e! )a$hine(g"nners ,e bayonet the others be#ore they ha+e ti)e to get o"t their LLD ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT bo)bs Then thirsti&y we !rink the water they ha+e #or $oo&ing the g"n E+erywhere wire($"tters are sna''ing- '&anks are thrown a$ross the entang&e)ents- we 0")' thro"gh the narrow entran$es into the tren$hes /aie strikes his s'a!e into the ne$k o# a giganti$ Fren$h)an an! throws the #irst han!( grena!e. we !"$k behin! a breastwork #or a #ew se$on!s- then the straight bit o# tren$h ahea! o# "s is e)'ty The ne3t throw whi55es ob&i2"e&y o+er the $orner an! $&ears a 'assage. as we r"n 'ast we toss han!#"&s !own into the !"g(o"ts- the earth sh"!!ers- it $rashes- s)okes an! groans- we st")b&e o+er s&i''ery &")'s o# #&esh- o+er yie&! ing bo!ies. I #a&& into an o'en be&&y on whi$h &ies a $&ean- new o##i$er1s $a' The #ight $eases ,e &ose to"$h with the ene)y ,e $annot stay here &ong b"t )"st retire "n!er $o+er o# o"r arti&&ery to o"r own 'osition No sooner !o we know this than we !i+e into the nearest !"g(o"ts- an! with the "t)ost haste sei5e on whate+er 'ro+isions we $an see- es'e$ia&&y the tins o# $orne! bee# an! b"tter- be#ore we $&ear o"t ,e get ba$k 'retty we&& There is no #"rther atta$k by the ene)y ,e &ie #or an ho"r 'anting an! resting be#ore anyone s'eaks ,e are so $o)'&ete&y '&aye! o"t that in s'ite o# o"r great LLE h"nger we !o not think o# the 'ro+isions Then gra!"a&&y we be$o)e so)ething &ike )en again The $orne! bee# o+er there is #a)o"s a&ong the who&e #ront O$$asiona&&y it has been the $hie# reason #or a #&ying rai! on o"r 'art- #or o"r no"rish)ent is genera&&y +ery ba!. we ha+e a $onstant h"nger ,e bagge! #i+e tins a&together The #e&&ows o+er there are we&& &ooke! a#ter. they #are )agni#i$ent&y- as against "s'oor star+ing wret$hes- with o"r t"rni' 0a). they $an get a&& the )eat they want /aie has s$ore! a thin &oa# o# white Fren$h brea!- an! st"$k it behin! his be&t &ike a s'a!e It is a bit b&oo!y at one $orner- b"t that $an be $"t o## It is a goo! thing we ha+e so)ething !e$ent to eat at &ast. we sti&& ha+e a "se #or a&& o"r strength Eno"gh to eat is 0"st as +a&"ab&e as a goo! !"g(o"t. it $an sa+e o"r &i+es. that is the reason we are so gree!y #or it T0a!en has $a't"re! two water(bott&es #"&& o# $ogna$ ,e 'ass the) ro"n! The e+ening bene!i$tion begins Night $o)es- o"t o# the $raters rise the )ists It &ooks as tho"gh the ho&es were #"&& o# ghost&y se$rets The white +a'o"r $ree's 'ain#"&&y ro"n! be#ore it LL? ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT +ent"res to stea& away o+er the e!ge Then &ong streaks stret$h #ro) $rater to $rater It is $hi&&y I a) on sentry an! stare into the !arkness My strength is e3ha"ste! as a&ways a#ter an atta$k- an! so it is han! #or )e to be a&one with )y tho"ghts They are not 'ro'er&y tho"ghts. they are )e)ories whi$h in )y weak ( ness ha"nt )e an! strange&y )o+e )e The 'ara$h"te(&ights soar "'war!s7an! I see a 'i$t"re- a s"))er e+ening- I a) in the $athe!ra& $&oister an! &ook at the ta&& rose trees that b&oo) in the )i!!&e o# the &itt&e $&oister gar!en where the )onks &ie b"rie! Aro"n! the wa&&s are the stone $ar+ings o# the Stations o# the *ross No one is there A great 2"ietness r"&es in this b&osso)ing 2"a!rang&e- the s"n &ies war) on the hea+y grey stones- I '&a$e )y han! "'on the) an! #ee& the war)th At the right(han! $orner the green $athe!ra& s'ire as$en!s into the 'a&e b&"e sky o# the e+ening Between the g&owing $o&")ns o# the $&oister is the $oo& !arkness that on&y $h"r$hes ha+e- an! I stan! there an! won!er whether- when I a) twenty- I sha&& ha+e e3'erien$e! the bewi&!ering e)otions o# &o+e The i)age is a&ar)ing&y near. it to"$hes )e be#ore it !isso&+es in the &ight o# the ne3t star(she&& I &ay ho&! o# )y ri#&e to see that it is in tri) LLM The barre& is wet- I take it in )y han!s an! r"b o## the )oist"re with )y #ingers Between the )ea!ows behin! o"r town there stan!s a &ine o# o&! 'o'&ars by a strea) They were +isib&e #ro) a great !istan$e- an! a&tho"gh they grew on one bank on&y- we $a&&e! the) the 'o'&ar a+en"e E+en as $hi&!ren we ha! a great &o+e #or the)- they !rew "s +ag"e&y thither- we '&aye! tr"ant the who&e !ay by the) an! &istene! to their r"st&ing ,e sat beneath the) on the bank o# the strea) an! &et o"r #eet hang in the bright- swi#t waters The '"re #ragran$e o# the water an! the )e&o!y o# the win! in the 'o'&ars he&! o"r #an$ies ,e &o+e! the) !ear&y- an! the i)age o# those !ays sti&& )akes )y heart 'a"se in its beating It is strange that a&& the )e)ories that $o)e ha+e these two 2"a&ities They are a&ways $o) '&ete&y $a&)- that is 're!o)inant in the). an! e+en i# they are not rea&&y $a&)- they be$o)e so They are so"n!&ess a''aritions that s'eak to )e- with &ooks an! gest"res si&ent&y- witho"t any wor!7an! it is the a&ar) o# their si&en$e that #or$es )e to &ay ho&! o# )y s&ee+e an! )y ri#&e &est I sho"&! aban!on )yse&# to the &iberation an! a&&"re)ent in whi$h )y bo!y wo"&! !i&ate an! gent&y 'ass away into the sti&& #or$es that &ie behin! these things They are 2"iet in this way- be$a"se 2"ietness is

LQH ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT ESH1 "nattainab&e #or "s now At the #ront there is no 0"ietness an! the $"rse o# the #ront rea$hes so #ar at we ne+er 'ass beyon! it E+en in the re)ote i an! rest(areas the !roning an! the )"##&e! o# she&&ing is a&ways in o"r ears ,e are 'er so #ar o## that it is no )ore to be hear! B"t i &ast #ew !ays it has been "nbearab&e /1(Their sti&&ness is the reason why these )e)o(o# #or)er ti)es !o not awaken !esire so as sorrow7a +ast- ina''rehensib&e )e&an('&y On$e we ha! s"$h !esires7b"t they re(not They are 'ast- they be&ong to another that is gone #ro) "s In the barra$ks they #orth a rebe&&io"s- wi&! $ra+ing #or their #or then they were sti&& bo"n! to "s- we to the) an! they to "s- e+en tho"gh we a&rea!y absent #ro) the) They a''eare! Rihe so&i!ers1 songs whi$h we sang as we between the g&ow o# the !awn an! the i$k si&ho"ettes o# the #orests to !ri&& on the or- they were a 'ower#"& re)e)bran$e that i in "s an! $a)e #ro) "s ="t here in the tren$hes they are $o)'&ete&y /to "s They arise no )ore. we are !ea! an! ey stan! re)ote on the hori5on- they are a irsterio"s re#&e$tion- an a''arition- that ha"nts . that we #ear an! &o+e witho"t ho'e They are ong an! o"r !esire is strong7b"t they are "n(iinab&e- an! we know it LQL An! e+en i# these s$enes o# o"r yo"th were gi+en ba$k to "s we wo"&! har!&y know what to !o The ten!er- se$ret in#&"en$e that 'asse! #ro) the) into "s $o"&! not rise again ,e )ight be a)ongst the) an! )o+e in the). we )ight re)e)ber an! &o+e the) an! be stirre! by the sight o# the) B"t it wo"&! be &ike ga5ing at the 'hotogra'h o# a !ea! $o)ra!e. those are his #eat"res- it is his #a$e- an! the !ays we s'ent together take on a )o"rn#"& &i#e in the )e)ory. b"t the )an hi)se&# it is not ,e $o"&! ne+er regain the o&! inti)a$y with those s$enes It was not any re$ognition o# their 04a"ty an! their signi#i$an$e that attra$te! "s- 1<<`I0i#t1PMX)"nion- the #ee&ing o# a $o)ra!eshi' withG1the things an! e+ents o# o"r e3isten$e- whi$h $"t "s o## an! )a!e the wor&! o# o"r 'arents a thing in$o)'rehensib&e to "s7#or then we s"rren!ere! o"rse&+es to e+ents an! were &ost in the)- an! the &east &itt&e thing was eno"gh to $arry "s !own the strea) o# eternity 6erha's it was on&y the 'ri+i&ege o# o"r yo"th- b"t as yet we re$ogni5e! no &i)its an! saw nowhere an en! ,e ha! that thri&& o# e3'e$tation in the b&oo! whi$h "nite! "s with the $o"rse o# o"r !ays To(!ay we wo"&! 'ass thro"gh the s$enes o# o"r yo"th &ike tra+e&&ers ,e are b"rnt "' by har! #a$ts. &ike tra!es)en we "n!erstan! !istin$tions- an! &ike b"t$hers- ne$essities ,e are LQQ no &onger "ntro"b&e!7we are in!i##erent ,e . )ight e3ist there. b"t sho"&! we rea&&y &i+e there9 I- ,e are #or&orn &ike $hi&!ren- an! e3'erien$e! > &ike o&! )en- we are $r"!e an! sorrow#"& an! s"( :-#Y 'er#i$ia&7I be&ie+e we are &ost I My han!s grow $o&! an! )y #&esh $ree's. an! yet i the night is war) On&y the )ist is $o&!- this i )ysterio"s )ist that trai&s o+er the !ea! an! \ s"$ks #ro) the) their &ast- $ree'ing &i#e By i )orning they wi&& be 'a&e an! green an! their b&oo! $ongea&e! an! b&a$k . Sti&& the 'ara$h"te(ro$kets shoot "' an! $ast I- their 'iti&ess &ight o+er the stony &an!s$a'e- I whi$h is #"&& o# $raters an! #ro5en &ights &ike a . )oon The b&oo! beneath )y skin brings #ear an! R. rest&essness into )y tho"ghts They be$o)e #eeb&e an! tre)b&e- they want war)th an! &i#e They $annot 'ersist witho"t so&a$e- witho"t i&&"(\y sion- they are !isor!ere! be#ore the nake! 'i$( / t"re o# !es'air # I hear the ratt&e o# the )ess(tins an! i))e!i( I ate&y #ee& a strong !esire #or war) #oo!. it wo"&! !o )e goo! an! $o)#ort )e 6ain#"&&y I #or$e )y( h se&# to wait "nti& I a) re&ie+e! R Then I go into the !"g(o"t an! #in! a )"g o# I bar&ey It is $ooke! in #at an! tastes goo!- I eat it LQS s&ow&y I re)ain 2"iet- tho"gh the others are in a better )oo!- #or the she&&ing has !ie! !own The !ays go by an! the in$re!ib&e ho"rs #o&&ow one another as a )atter o# $o"rse Atta$ks a&ter(- nate with $o"nter( atta$ks an! s&ow&y the !ea! 'i&e "' in the #ie&! o# $raters between the tren$hes ,e are ab&e to bring in )ost o# the wo"n!e! that !o not &ie too #ar o## B"t )any ha+e &ong to wait an! we &isten to the) !ying For one o# (the) we sear$h two !ays in +ain . aIa] his be&&y an! "nab&e to t"rn it is har! to "n!erstan! why we .#in! hi). #or it is on&y when a )an has his )oi&th $&ose to the gro"n! that it is i)'ossib&e to ga"ge the !ire$tion o# his $ry /e )"st ha+e been ba!&y hit7one o# those nasty wo"n!s neither so se+ere that they e3ha"st the bo!y at on$e an! a )an !rea)s1 on in a ha&#(swoon- nor so &ight that a )an en!"res the 'ain in the ho'e o# be$o)ing we&& again 4at thinks he has either a broken 'e&+is or a shot thro"gh the s'ine /is $hest $annot ha+e been in0"re! otherwise he

wo"&! ( not ha+e s"$h strength to $ry o"t An! i# it were any other kin! o# wo"n! it wo"&! be 'ossib&e to see hi) )o+ing /e grows gra!"a&&y hoarser The +oi$e is so strange&y 'it$he! that it see)s to be e+erywhere LQK ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT The #irst night so)e o# o"r #e&&ows go o"t three ti)es to &ook #or hi) B"t when they think they ha+e &o$ate! hi) an! $raw& a$ross- the ne3t ti)e they hear the +oi$e it see)s to $o)e #ro) so)ewhere e&se a&together ,e sear$h in +ain "nti& !awn ,e s$r"tini5e the #ie&! a&& !ay with g&asses- b"t !is$o+er nothing On the se$on! !ay the $a&&s are #ainter. that wi&& be be$a"se his &i's an! )o"th ha+e be$o)e !ry O"r *o)'any *o))an!er has 'ro)ise! ne3t t"rn o# &ea+e with three !ays e3tra to anyone who #in!s hi) This is a 'ower#"& in!"$e)ent- b"t we wo"&! !o a&& that is 'ossib&e witho"t that #or his $ry is terrib&e 4at an! 4ro'' e+en go o"t in the a#ternoon- an! A&bert gets the &obe o# bis ear shot o## in $onse2"en$e It is to no '"r'ose- they $o)e ba$k witho"t hi) It is easy to "n!erstan! what he $ries At #irst he $a&&e! on&y #or he&'7the se$on! night he )"st ha+e ha! so)e !e&iri")- he ta&ke! with his wi#e an! his $hi&!ren- we o#ten !ete$te! the na)e E&ise To(!ay he )ere&y wee's By e+ening the +oi$e !win!&es to a $roaking B"t it 'ersists sti&& thro"gh the who&e night ,e hear it so !istin$t&y be$a"se the win! b&ows towar! o"r &ine In the )orning when we s"''ose he )"st a&rea!y ha+e &ong gone to his rest- there $o)es a$ross to "s one &ast g"rg&ing ratt&e The !ays are hot an! the !ea! &ie "nb"rie! LQ> ,e $annot #et$h the) ai& in- i# we !i! we sho"&! not know what to !o with the) The she&&s wi&& b"ry the) Many ha+e their be&&ies swo&&en "' &ike ba&&oons They hiss- be&$h- an! )ake )o+e)ents The gases in the) )ake noises The sky is b&"e an! witho"t $&o"!s In the e+ening it grows s"&try an! the heat rises #ro) the earth ,hen the win! b&ows towar! "s it brings the s)e&& o# b&oo!- whi$h is +ery hea+y an! sweet This !eath&y e3ha&ation #ro) the she&&( ho&es see)s to be a )i3t"re o# $h&oro#or) an! '"tre(Xon--an! #i&&s "s with na"sea an! ret$hing its be$o)e 2"iet an! the h"nt #or $o'(i+ing(ban!s an! the si&ken 'ara$h"tes o# th& "Fren$h star(she&&s begins ,hy the !ri+ing(ban!s are so !esirab&e no one knows e3a$t&y The $o&&e$tors )ere&y assert that they are +a&"ab&e So)e ha+e $o&&e$te! so )any that they wi&& stoo' "n!er the weight o# the) when we go ba$k B"t /aie at &east gi+es a reason /e inten!s to gi+e the) to his gir& to s"''&e)ent her garters At this the Friesians e3'&o!e with )irth They s&a' their knees: "By =o+e tho"gh- he1s a wit- /aie is- he1s got brains " T0a!en es'e$ia&&y $an har!&y $ontain hi)se&#. he takes the &argest o# the rings in his han! an! e+ery now an! then '"ts his &egs thro"gh it to show how )"$h s&a$k there is LQD ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT "/aie- )an- she )"st ha+e &egs &ike- &egs(7(" his tho"ghts )o"nt so)ewhat higher "an! a behin! too she )"st ha+e- &ike a7&ike an e&e'hant:" /e $annot get o+er it "I wish I $o"&! '&ay hothan! with her on$e- )y hat((" /aie bea)s- 'ro"! that his gir& sho"&! re$ei+e so )"$h a''re$iation "She1s a ni$e bit-" he says with se&#(satis#a$tion. "1 1 The 'ara$h"tes are t"rne! to )ore 'ra$ti$a& "ses A$$or!ing to the si5e o# the b"st three or 'erha's #o"r wi&& )ake a b&o"se 4ro'' an! I "se the) as han!ker$hie#s The others sen! the) ho)e I# the wo)en $o"&! see at what risk these bits o# rag are o#ten obtaine!- they wo"&! be horri#ie! 4at s"r'rises T0a!en en!ea+o"ring with 'er#e$t e2"ani)ity to kno$k the !ri+ing(ban! o## a !"! I# anyone e&se ha! trie! it the thing wo"&! ha+e e3'&o!e!- b"t T0a!en a&ways has his &"$k with hi) One )orning two b"tter#&ies '&ay in #ront o# o"r tren$h They are bri)stone(b"tter#&ies- with re! s'ots on their ye&&ow wings ,hat $an they be &ooking #or here9 There is not a '&ant nor a #&ower #or )i&es They sett&e on the teeth o# a sk"&& The bir!s too are 0"st as $are#ree- they LQE things They get ki&&e! si)'&y be$a"se they har!&y $an te&& shra'ne& #ro) high(e3'&osi+e- they are )own !own be$a"se they are &istening an3io"s&y to the roar o# the big $oa&(bo3es #a&&ing in the rear- an! )iss the &ight- 'i'ing whist&e o# the &ow s'rea!ing !aisy($"tters They #&o$k together &ike shee' instea! o# s$attering- an! e+en the wo"n!e! are shot !own &ike hares by the air)en Their 'a&e t"rni' #a$es- their 'iti#"& $&en$he! han!s- the #ine $o"rage o# these 'oor !e+i&s- the !es'erate $harges an! atta$ks )a!e by the 'oor bra+e wret$hes- who are so terri#ie! that they !are not $ry o"t &o"!&y- b"t with battere!

$hests- with torn be&&ies- ar)s an! &egs on&y whi)'er so#t&y #or their )others an! $ease as soon as one &ooks at the) Their shar'- !owny- !ea! #a$es ha+e the aw#"& e3'ression&essness o# !ea! $hi&!ren It brings a &")' into the throat to see how they go o+er- an! r"n an! #a&& A )an wo"&! &ike to s'ank the)- they are so st"'i!- an! to take the) by the ar) an! &ea! the) away #ro) here where they ha+e no b"siness to be They wear grey $oats an! tro"sers an! boots- b"t #or )ost o# the) the "ni#or) is #ar too big- it hangs on their &i)bs- their sho"&!ers are too narrow- their bo!ies too s&ight. no "ni#or) was e+er )a!e to these $hi&!ish )eas"re)ents LSH ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT Between #i+e an! ten re$r"its #a&& to e+ery o&! han! A s"r'rise gas(atta$k $arries o## a &ot o# the) They ha+e not yet &earne! what to !o ,e #o"n! one !"g(o"t #"&& o# the)- with b&"e hea!s an! b&a$k &i's So)e o# the) in a she&&(ho&e took o## their )asks too soon. they !i! not know that the gas &ies &ongest in the ho&&ows. when they saw others on to' witho"t )asks they '"&&e! theirs o## too an! swa&&owe! eno"gh to s$or$h their &"ngs Their $on!ition is ho'e&ess- they $hoke to !eath with hae)orrhages an! s"##o$ation In one 'art o# the tren$h I s"!!en&y r"n into /i))e&stoss ,e !i+e into the sa)e !"g(o"t Breath&ess we are a&& &ying one besi!e the other waiting #or the $harge ,hen we r"n o"t again- a&tho"gh I a) +ery e3$ite!- I s"!!en&y think: ",here1s /i))e&stoss9" B"i$k&y I 0")' ba$k into the !"g(o"t an! #in! hi) with a s)a&& s$rat$h &ying in a $orner 'reten!ing to be wo"n!e! /is #a$e &ooks s"&&en /e is in a 'ani$. he is new to it too B"t it )akes )e )a! that the yo"ng re$r"its sho"&! be o"t there an! he here "Get o"t:" I s'it /e !oes not stir- his &i's 2"i+er- his )o"sta$he twit$hes LSL "O"t:" I re'eat /e !raws "' his &egs- $ro"$hes ba$k against the wa&&- an! shows his teeth &ike a $"r I sei5e hi) by the ar) an! try to '"&& hi) "' /e barks This is too )"$h #or )e I grab hi) by the ne$k an! shake hi) &ike a sa$k- his hea! 0erks #ro) si!e to si!e "Yo" &")'- wi&& yo" get o"t7yo" ho"n!- yo" sk"nk- sneak o"t o# it- wo"&! yo"9" /is eye be$o)es g&assy- I kno$k his hea! against the wa&&7"Yo" $ow"7I ki$k hi) in the ribs7"Yo" swine"7I '"sh hi) towar! the !oor an! sho+e hi) o"t hea! #irst Another wa+e o# o"r atta$k has 0"st $o)e "' A &ie"tenant is with the) /e sees "s an! ye&&s: "Forwar!- #orwar!0oin in- #o&&ow " An! the wor! o# $o))an! !oes what a&& )y banging $o"&! not /i))e&stoss hears the or!er- &ooks ro"n! hi) as i# awakene!- an! #o&&ows on I $o)e a#ter an! wat$h hi) go o+er On$e )ore he is the s)art /i))e&stoss o# the 'ara!e(gro"n!- he has e+en o"tstri''e! the &ie"tenant an! is #ar ahea! Bo)bar!)ent- barrage- $"rtain(#ire- )ines- gas- tanks- )a$hine(g"ns- han!(grena!es(wor!s- wor!s- b"t they ho&! the horror o# the wor&! O"r #a$es are en$r"ste!- o"r tho"ghts are !e+( LSQ ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT astate!- we are weary to !eath. when the atta$k $o)es we sha&& ha+e to strike )any o# the )en with o"r #ists to waken the) an! )ake the) $o)e with "s(7o"r eyes are b"rnt- o"r han!s are torn- o"r knees b&ee!- o"r e&bows are raw /ow &ong has it been9 ,eeks7)onths7 years9 On&y !ays ,e see ti)e 'ass in the $o&o"r&ess #a$es o# the !yingwe $ra) #oo! into "s- we r"n- we throw- we shoot- we ki&&- we &ie abo"t- we are #eeb&e an! s'ent- an! nothing s"''orts "s b"t the know&e!ge that there are sti&& #eeb&er- sti&& )ore s'ent- sti&& )ore he&'&ess ones there who- with staring eyes- &ook "'on "s as go!s that es$a'e !eath )any ti)es In the #ew ho"rs o# rest we tea$h the) "There- see that wagg&e(to'9 That1s a )ortar $o)ing 4ee' !own- it wi&& go $&ean o+er B"t i# it $o)es this way- then r"n #or it Yo" $an r"n #ro) a )ortar " ,e shar'en their ears to the )a&i$io"s- har!&y a"!ib&e b"55 o# the s)a&&er she&&s that are not easi&y !isting"ishab&e They )"st 'i$k the) o"t #ro) the genera& !in by their inse$t(&ike h")7 we e3'&ain to the) that these are #ar )ore !angero"s than the big ones that $an be hear! &ong be#orehan! ,e show the) how to take $o+er #ro) air$ra#t- how to si)"&ate a !ea! )an when one is o+err"n in an atta$k- how to ti)e han!(grena!es so that LSS they e3'&o!e ha&# a se$on! be#ore hitting the gro"n!. we tea$h the) to #&ing the)se&+es into ho&es as 2"i$k as &ightning be#ore the she&&s with instantaneo"s #"ses. we show the) how to $&ean "' a tren$h with a han!#"& o#

bo)bs. we e3'&ain the !i##eren$e between the #"se(&ength o# the ene)y bo)bs an! o"r own. we '"t the) wise to the so"n! o# gas she&&s.7show the) a&& the tri$ks that $an sa+e the) #ro) !eath They &isten- they are !o$i&e7b"t when it begins again- in their e3$ite)ent they !o e+erything wrong /aie ,esth"s !rags o## with a great wo"n! in his ba$k thro"gh whi$h the &"ng '"&ses at e+ery breath I $an on&y 'ress his han!. "It1s a&& "'- 6a"&-" he groans an! he bites his ar) be$a"se o# the 'ain ,e see )en &i+ing with their sk"&&s b&own o'en. we see so&!iers r"n with their two #eet $"t o##- they stagger on their s'&intere! st")'s into the ne3t she&&(ho&e. a &an$e($or'ora& $raw&s a )i&e an! a ha&# on his han!s !ragging his s)ashe! knee a#ter hi). another goes to the !ressing station an! o+er his $&as'e! han!s b"&ge his intestines. we see )en witho"t )o"ths- witho"t 0aws- witho"t #a$es. we #in! one )an who has he&! the artery o# his ar) in his teeth #or two ho"rs in or!er not to b&ee! to !eath The s"n goes !own- night $o)es. the she&&s whine- &i#e is at an en! LSK ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT Sti&& the &itt&e 'ie$e o# $on+"&se! earth in whi$h we &ie is he&! ,e ha+e yie&!e! no )ore than a #ew h"n!re! yar!s o# it as a 'ri5e to the ene)y B"t on e+ery yar! there &ies a !ea! )an ,e ha+e 0"st been re&ie+e! The whee&s ro&& beneath "s- we stan! !"&&y- an! when the $a&& "Min!7wire" $o)es- we ben! o"r knees It was s"))er when we $a)e "'- the trees were sti&& green- now it is a"t")n an! the night is grey an! wet The &orries sto'- we $&i)b o"t7a $on#"se! hea'- a re)nant o# )any na)es On either si!e stan! 'eo'&e!ark- $a&&ing o"t the n")bers o# the briga!es- the batta&ions An! at ea$h $a&& a &itt&e gro"' se'arates itse&# o##- a s)a&& han!#"& o# !irty- 'a&&i! so&!iers- a !rea!#"&&y s)a&& han!#"&- an! a !rea!#"&&y s)a&& re)nant Now so)eone is $a&&ing the n")ber o# o"r $o)'any- it is- yes- the *o)'any *o))an!er- he has $o)e thro"ghthen. his ar) is in a s&ing ,e go o+er to hi) an! I re$ogni5e 4at an! A&bert- we stan! together- &ean against ea$h other- an! &ook at one another An! we hear the n")ber o# o"r $o)'any $a&&e! again an! again /e wi&& $a&& a &ong ti)e- they !o not hear hi) in the hos'ita&s an! she&&(ho&es On$e again: "Se$on! *o)'any- this way:" An! LSSthen )ore so#t&y: "Nobo!y e&se- Se$on! *o)'any9" /e is si&ent- an! then h"ski&y he says: "Is that a&&9" he gi+es the or!er: "N")ber:" The )orning is grey- it was sti&& s"))er when we $a)e "'- an! we were one h"n!re! an! #i#ty strong Now we #ree5e- it is a"t")n- the &ea+es r"st&e- the +oi$es #&"tter o"t weari&y: "One7two 7three7#o"r(" an! $ease at thirty(two An! there is a &ong si&en$e be#ore the +oi$e asks: "Anyone e&se9"7an! waits an! then says so#t&y: "In s2"a!s77" an! then breaks o## an! is on&y ab&e to #inish: "Se$on! *o)'any(" with !i##i$"&ty: "Se$on! *o)'any7)ar$h easy:" A &ine- a short &ine tr"!ges o## into the )orning Thirty(two )en LSD SE@EN They ha+e taken "s #arther ba$k than "s"a& to a #ie&! !e'ot so that we $an be re(organi5e! O"r $o)'any nee!s )ore than a h"n!re! rein#or$e)ents In the )eanti)e- when we are o## !"ty- we &oa# aro"n! A#ter a $o"'&e o# !ays /i))e&stoss $o)es "' to "s /e has ha! the bo"n$e kno$ke! o"t o# hi) sin$e he has been in the tren$hes an! wants to get on goo! ter)s with "s I a) wi&&ing- be$a"se I saw how he bro"ght /aie ,esth"s in when he was hit in the ba$k Besi!es he1s !e$ent eno"gh to treat "s in the $anteen when we are o"t o# #"n!s On&y T0a!en is sti&& reser+e! an! s"s'i$io"s LSE B"t he is won o+er- too- when /i))e&stoss te&&s "s that he is taking the '&a$e o# the sergeant($ook who has gone on &ea+e As a 'roo# he 'ro!"$es on the s'ot two 'o"n!s o# s"gar #or "s an! a ha&#('o"n! o# b"tter s'e$ia&&y #or T0a( !en /e e+en sees to it that we are !etai&e! the ne3t two or three !ays to the $ook(ho"se #or 'o tato an! t"rni' 'ee&ing The gr"b he gi+es "s there is rea& o##i$ers1#are Th"s )o)entari&y we ha+e the two things a so&!ier nee!s #or $ontent)ent: goo! #oo! an! rest That1s not )"$h when one $o)es to think o# it A #ew years ago we wo"&! ha+e !es'ise! o"rse&+es terrib&y B"t now we are a&)ost ha''y It is a&& a )atter o# habit7e+en the #ront(&ine /abit is the e3'&anation o# why we see) to #orget things so 2"i$k&y Yester!ay we were "n!er #ire- to(!ay we a$t the #oo& an! go #oraging thro"gh the $o"ntrysi!e- to()orrow we go "' to the tren$hes again ,e #orget nothing rea&&y B"t so &ong as we ha+e to stay here in the #ie&!- the #ront(&ine !ays- when they are 'ast- sink !own in "s &ike a stone. they are too grie+o"s #or "s to be ab&e to re#&e$t on the) at on$e I# we !i! that- we sho"&! ha+e been !estroye! &ong ago I soon #o"n! o"t this )"$h:7terror $an be en!"re! so &ong as a )an si)'&y !"$ks.7b"t it ki&&s- i# a )an thinks abo"t it

="st as we t"rn into ani)a&s when we go "' to LS? ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT the &ine- be$a"se that is the on&y thing whi$h brings "s thro"gh sa#e&y- so we t"rn into wags an! &oa#ers when we are resting ,e $an !o nothing e&se- it is a sheer ne$essity ,e want to &i+e at any 'ri$e. so we $annot b"r!en o"rse&+es with #ee&ings whi$h- tho"gh they )ight be orna)enta& eno"gh in 'ea$eti)e- wo"&! be o"t o# '&a$e here 4e))eri$h is !ea!- /aie ,esth"s is !ying- they wi&& ha+e a 0ob with /ans 4ra)er1s bo!y at the ="!g)ent %ay- 'ie$ing it together a#ter a !ire$t bit. Martens has no &egs any)ore- Meyer is !ea!- Ma3 is !ea!- Beyer is !ea!- /b))er&ing is !ea!- there are a h"n!re! an! twenty wo"n!e! )en &ying so)ewhere or other. it is a !a)nab&e b"si ness- b"t what has it to !o with "s now7we &i+e I# it were 'ossib&e #or "s to sa+e the)- then it wo"&! be seen how )"$h we $are! 7we wo"&! ha+e a shot at it tho"gh we went "n!er o"rse&+es. #or we $an be !a)ne! 2"i3oti$ when we &ike. #ear we !o not know )"$h abo"t7terror o# !eath- yes. b"t that is a !i##erent )atter- that is 'hysi$a& B"t o"r $o)ra!es are !ea!- we $annot he&' the)- they ha+e their rest7an! who knows what is waiting #or "s9 ,e wi&& )ake o"rse&+es $o)#ortab&e an! s&ee'- an! eat as )"$h as we $an st"## into o"r be&&ies- an! !rink an! s)oke so that ho"rs are not waste! Li#e is short LSM The terror o# the #ront sinks !ee' !own when we t"rn o"r ba$k "'on it. we )ake gri)- $oarse 0ests abo"t it- when a )an !ies- then we say he has ni''e! o## his t"r!- an! so we s'eak o# e+erything. that kee's "s #ro) going )a!. as &ong as we take it that way we )aintain o"r own resistan$e B"t we !o not #orget It1s a&& rot that they '"t in the war(news abo"t the goo! h")o"r o# the troo's- how they are arranging !an$es a&)ost be#ore they are o"t o# the #ront(&ine ,e !on1t a$t &ike that be$a"se we are in a goo! h")o"r: we are in a goo! h")o"r be$a"se otherwise we sho"&! go to 'ie$es E+en so we $annot ho&! o"t )"$h &onger. o"r h")o"r be$o)es )ore bitter e+ery )onth An! this I know: a&& these things that now- whi&e we are sti&& in the war- sink !own in "s &ike a stone- a#ter the war sha&& waken again- an! then sha&& begin the !isentang&e)ent o# &i#e an! !eath The !ays- the weeks- the years o"t here sha&& $o)e ba$k again- an! o"r !ea! $o)ra!es sha&& then stan! "' again an! )ar$h with "s- o"r hea!s sha&& be $&ear- we sha&& ha+e a '"r'ose- an! so we sha&& )ar$h- o"r !ea! $o)ra!es besi!e "s- the years at the Front behin! "s:7against who)- against who)9 LKH ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT G G G So)e ti)e ago there was an ar)y theatre in these 'arts *o&o"re! 'osters o# the 'er#or)an$es are sti&& sti$king on a hoar!ing ,ith wi!e eyes 4ro'' an! I stan! in #ront o# it ,e $an har!&y $re!it that s"$h things sti&& e3ist A gir& in a &ight s"))er !ress- with a re! 'atent(&eather be&t abo"t her hi's: She is stan!ing with one han! on a rai&ing an! with the other she ho&!s a straw hat She wears white sto$kings an! white shoes- #ine b"$k&e shoes with high hee&s Behin! her s)i&es the b&"e sea with white(horses- at the si!e is a bright bay She is a &o+e&y gir& with a !e&i$ate nosere! &i's- an! s&en!er &egs- won!er#"&&y $&ean an! we&& $are! #or- she $ertain&y baths twi$e a !ay an! ne+er has any !irt "n!er her nai&s At )ost 'erha's a bit o# san! #ro) the bea$h Besi!e her stan!s a )an in white tro"sers- a b&"e 0a$ket- an! sai&or1s $a'. b"t he interests "s )"$h &ess The gir& on the 'oster is a won!er to "s ,e ha+e 2"ite #orgotten that there are s"$h things- an! e+en now we har!&y be&ie+e o"r eyes ,e ha+e seen nothing &ike it #or years- nothing &ike it #or ha''iness- bea"ty an! 0oy That is 'ea$e ( ti)e- that is as it sho"&! be. we #ee& e3$ite! "="st &ook at those thin shoes tho"gh- she LKL $o"&!n1t )ar$h )any )i&es in those-" I say- an! then begin to #ee& si&&y- #or it is abs"r! to stan! in #ront o# the 'i$t"re &ike this an! think o# nothing b"t )ar$hing "/ow o&! wo"&! she be9" 4ro'' asks "Abo"t twenty(two at the )ost-" I ha5ar! "Then she wo"&! be o&!er than "s: She is not )ore than se+enteen- &et )e te&& yo":" It gi+es "s goose #&esh "That wo"&! be goo!- A&bert- what !o yo" think9" /e no!s "I ha+e so)e white tro"sers at ho)e too " ",hite tro"sers-" say I- "b"t a gir& &ike that(" ,e &ook askan$e at one another There1s not )"$h to boast o# here7two ragge!- staine!- an! !irty "ni#or)s It is ho'e&ess to $o)'ete So we 'ro$ee! to tear the yo"ng )an with the white tro"sers o## the hoar!ing- taking $are not to !a)age the gir&

That is so)ething towar! it ",e $o"&! go an! get !e&o"se!- anyway-" 4ro'' then s"ggests _ I a) not +ery enth"siasti$ be$a"se it !oesn1t !o one1s $&othes any goo! an! a )an is &o"sy again insi!e two ho"rs B"t when we ha+e $onsi!ere! the 'i$t"re on$e )ore- I !e$&are )yse&# wi&&ing I go e+en #arther LKQ ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT ",e )ight see i# we $o"&! get a $&ean shirt as we&&(" "So$ks )ight be better-" says A&bert- not witho"t reason "Yes- so$ks too 'erha's Let1s go an! e3'&ore a bit " Then Leer an! T0a!en stro&& "'. they &ook at the 'oster an! i))e!iate&y the $on+ersation be$o)es s)"tty Leer was the #irst o# o"r $&ass to ha+e inter$o"rse- an! he ga+e stirring !etai&s o# it A#ter his #ashion he en0oys hi)se&# o+er the 'i$t"re- an! T0a!en s"''orts hi) nob&y It !oes not !istress "s e3a$t&y ,ho isn1t s)"tty is no so&!ier. it )ere&y !oes not s"it "s at the )o)ent- so we e!ge away an! )ar$h o## to the !e&o"sing station with the sa)e #ee&ing as i# it were a swe&& gent&e)en1s o"t#itters The ho"ses in whi$h we are bi&&ete! &ie near the $ana& On the other si!e o# the $ana& there are 'on!s #&anke! with 'o'&ars.7on the other si!e o# the $ana& there are wo)en too The ho"ses on o"r si!e ha+e been aban!one!. On the other si!e tho"gh one o$$asiona&&y sees inhabitants In the e+ening we go swi))ing Three wo)en $o)e stro&&ing a&ong the bank They wa&k s&ow&y LKS an! !on1t &ook away- a&tho"gh we ha+e no bathing s"its Leer $a&&s o"t to the) They &a"gh an! sto' to wat$h "s ,e #&ing re)arks at the) in broken Fren$h- anything that $o)es into o"r hea!s- hasti&y an! a&& 0")b&e! together- anything to !etain the) They are not s'e$ia&&y won!er#"& 'ie$es- b"t then where are s"$h to be ha! abo"t here91 ; There is one s&i) &itt&e br"nette- her teeth g&ea) when she &a"ghs She has 2"i$k )o+e)ents- her !ress swings &oose&y abo"t her &egs A&t(ho"gh the water is $o&! we are +ery 0o+ia& an! !o o"r best to interest the) so that they wi&& stay ,e try to )ake 0okes an! they answer with things we $annot "n!erstan!. we &a"gh an! be$kon T0a!en is )ore $ra#ty /e r"ns into the ho"se- gets a &oa# o# ar)y brea! an! ho&!s it "' That 'ro!"$es a great e##e$t They no! an! be$kon "s to $o)e o+er B"t we !on1t !are to !o that It is #orbi!!en to $ross to the o''osite bank There are sentries on a&& the bri!ges It1s i)'ossib&e witho"t a 'ass So we in!i$ate that they sho"&! $o)e o+er to "s. b"t they shake their hea!s an! 'oint to the bri!ge They are not a&&owe! to 'ass either They t"rn ba$k an! wa&k s&ow&y !own the $ana&- kee'ing a&ong the tow('ath a&& the way ,e a$$o)'any the) swi))ing LKK ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT A#ter a #ew h"n!re! yar!s they t"rn o## an! 'oint to a ho"se that stan!s a &itt&e !istan$e away a)ong the trees an! shr"bbery Leer asks i# they &i+e there They &a"gh7(s"re- that1s their ho"se ,e $a&& o"t to the) that we wo"&! &ike to $o)e- so)eti)e when the g"ar!s $annot see "s At night To(night They raise their han!s- '"t the) together- rest their #a$es on the) an! sh"t their eyes They "n !erstan! The s&i) br"nette !oes a two(ste' The b&on!e gir& twitters: "Brea!7goo!(" Eager&y we ass"re the) that we wi&& bring so)e with "s An! other tasty bits too- we ro&& o"r eyes an! try to e3'&ain with o"r han!s Leer near&y !rowns trying to !e)onstrate a sa"sage I# it were ne$essary we wo"&! 'ro)ise the) a who&e 2"arter)aster1s store They go o## an! #re2"ent&y t"rn an! &ook ba$k ,e $&i)b o"t on the bank on o"r si!e o# the $ana& an! wat$h to see whether they go into the ho"se- #or they )ight easi&y ha+e been &ying Then we swi) ba$k No one $an $ross the bri!ge witho"t &ea+e- so we wi&& si)'&y ha+e to swi) o+er to(night ,e are #"&& o# e3$ite)ent ,e $annot &ast o"t witho"t a !rink- so we go to the $anteen where there is beer an! a kin! o# '"n$h ,e !rink '"n$h an! te&& one another &ying LK> ta&es o# o"r e3'erien$es Ea$h )an g&a!&y be&ie+es the other )an1s story- on&y waiting i)'atient&y ti&& he $an $a' it with a ta&&er one O"r han!s are #i!gety- we s)oke $o"nt&ess $igarettes- "nti& 4ro'' says: ",e )ight as we&& take the) a #ew $igarettes too " So we '"t so)e insi!e o"r $a's to kee' the) The sky t"rns a''&e(green There are #o"r o# "s- b"t on&y three $an go. we )"st shake o## T0a(!en- so '&y hi) with

r") an! '"n$h "nti& he ro$ks As it t"rns !ark we go to o"r bi&&ets- T0a(!en in the $entre ,e are g&owing an! #"&& o# a &"st #or a!+ent"re The &itt&e br"nette is )ine- we ha+e sett&e! a&& that T0a!en !ro's on his sa$k o# straw an! snores On$e he wakes "' an! grins so $ra#ti&y that we are a&ar)e! an! begin to think he is $heating- an! that we ha+e gi+en hi) the '"n$h to no '"r'ose Then he !ro's ba$k again an! s&ee's on ,e ea$h get ho&! o# a who&e ar)y &oa# an! wra' it "' in news'a'er The $igarettes we '"t in too- as we&& as three goo! rations o# &i+er(sa"sage that were iss"e! to "s this e+ening That )akes a !e$ent 'resent ,e stow the things $are#"&&y in o"r boots. we ha+e to take the) to 'rote$t o"r #eet against trea!ing on wire an! broken g&ass on the other LKD ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT bank As we )"st swi) #or it we $an take no other $&othes B"t it is not #ar an! 2"ite !ark ,e )ake o## with o"r boots in o"r han!s Swi#t&y we s&i' into the water- &ie on o"r ba$ks an! swi)- ho&!ing the boots with their $ontents "' o+er o"r hea!s ,e $&i)b o"t $are#"&&y on the o''osite bank- take o"t the 'a$kages an! '"t on o"r boots ,e '"t the things "n!er o"r ar)s An! so- a&& wet an! nake!- $&othe! on&y in o"r boots- we break into a trot ,e #in! the ho"se at on$e It &ies a)ong the trees Leer tri's o+er a root an! skins his e&bows . "No )atter-" he says gai&y The win!ows are sh"ttere! ,e s&i' ro"n! the ho"se an! try to 'eer thro"gh the $ra$ks Then we grow i)'atient S"!!en&y 4ro'' hesitates: ",hat i# there1s a Ma0or with the)9" "Then we 0"st $&ear o##-" grins Leer- "he $an try to rea! o"r regi)enta& n")bers here-" an! s)a$ks his behin! The !oor o# the $o"rtyar! stan!s o'en O"r boots )a!e a great $&atter The ho"se !oor o'ens- a $hink o# &ight shines thro"gh an! a wo)an $ries o"t in a s$are! +oi$e . "Ssh- ssh: $a)era!e7bon a)i7" we say- an! show o"r 'a$kages 'rotesting&y The other two are now on the s$ene- the !oor LKE o'ens an! the &ight #&oo!s o+er "s They re$ogni5e "s an! a&& three b"rst into &a"ghter at o"r a''earan$e They ro$k an! sway in the !oorway- they &a"gh so )"$h /ow s"''&e their )o+e)ents are "An )o)ent7" They !isa''ear an! throw "s bits o# $&othing whi$h we g&a!&y wra' ro"n! o"rse&+es Then we are a&&owe! in A s)a&& &a)' b"rns in their roo)- whi$h is war) an! s)e&&s a &itt&e o# 'er#")e ,e "nwra' o"r 'ar$e&s an! han! the) o+er to the wo)en Their eyes shine- it is ob+io"s that they are h"ngry Then we a&& be$o)e rather e)barrasse! Leer )akes the gest"res o# eating- an! then they $o)e to &i#e again an! bring o"t '&ates an! kni+es an! #a&& to on the #oo!- an! they ho&! "' e+ery s&i$e o# &i+ere! sa"sage an! a!)ire it be#ore they eat it- an! we sit 'ro"!&y by They o+erwhe&) "s with their $hatter.7we "n!erstan! +ery &itt&e o# it- b"t we &isten an! the wor!s so"n! #rien!&y No !o"bt we a&& &ook +ery yo"ng The &itt&e br"nette strokes )y hair an! says what a&& Fren$h wo)en say: "La g"erre7 gran! )a&he"r7'a"+res garcons7(" I ho&! her ar) tight&y an! 'ress )y &i's into the 'a&) o# her han! /er #ingers $&ose ro"n! )y #a$e *&ose abo+e )e are her bewi&!ering eyes- the so#t brown o# her skin an! her re! &i's /er )o"th s'eaks wor!s I !o not "n!erstan! Nor !o LK? ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT I #"&&y "n!erstan! her eyes. they see) to say )ore than we anti$i'ate! when we $a)e here There are other roo)s a!0oining In 'assing I see Leer- he has )a!e a great hit with the b&on!e /e1s an o&! han! at the ga)e B"t I7I a) &ost in re)oteness- in weakness- an! in a 'assion to whi$h I yie&! )yse&# tr"sting&y My !e( sires are strange&y $o)'o"n!e! o# yearning an! )isery I #ee& gi!!y- there is nothing here that a )an $an ho&! on to ,e ha+e &e#t o"r boots at the !oor- they ha+e gi+en "s s&i''ers instea!- an! now nothing re)ains to re$a&& #or )e the ass"ran$e an! se&#($on#i!en$e o# the so&!ier. no ri#&e- no be&t- no t"ni$- no $a' I &et )yse&# !ro' into the "nknown$o)e what )ay7yet- in s'ite o# a&&- I #ee& so)ewhat a#rai! The &itt&e br"nette $ontra$ts her brows when she is thinking. b"t when she ta&ks they are sti&& An! o#ten so"n! !oes not 2"ite be$o)e a wor! b"t s"##o$ates or #&oats away o+er )e ha&# #inishe!. an ar$h- a 'athway- a $o)et ,hat ha+e I known o# it7what !o I know o# it97The wor!s o# this #oreign tong"e- that I har!&y "n!erstan!- they $aress )e to a 2"ietness- in whi$h the roo) grows !i)- an! !isso&+es in the ha&# &ight- on&y the #a$e abo+e )e &i+es an! is $&ear /ow +ario"s is a #a$e. b"t an ho"r ago it was strange an! it is now to"$he! with a ten!erness that $o)es- not #ro) it-

b"t #ro) o"t o# the nightLKM the wor&! an! the b&oo!- a&& these things see) to shine in it together The ob0e$ts in the roo) are to"$he! by it an! trans#or)e!- they be$o)e iso&ate!- an! I #ee& a&)ost awe! at the sight o# )y $&ear skin when the &ight o# the &a)' #a&&s "'on it an! the $oo&- brown han! 'asses o+er it /ow !i##erent this is #ro) the $on!itions in the so&!iers1 brothe&s- to whi$h we are a&&owe! to go- an! where we ha+e to wait in &ong 2"e"es I wish I ne+er tho"ght o# the). b"t !esire t"rns )y )in! to the) in+o&"ntari&y an! &a) a#rai! #or it )ight be i)'ossib&e e+er to be #ree o# the) again B"t then I #ee& the &i's o# the &itt&e br"nette an! 'ress )yse&# against the)- )y eyes $&ose- I want it a&& to #a&& #ro) )e- war an! terror an! grossness- in or!er to awaken yo"ng an! ha''y. I think o# the 'i$t"re o# the gir& on the 'oster an!- #or a )o)ent- be&ie+e that )y &i#e !e'en!s on winning her An! i# I 'ress e+er !ee'er into the ar)s that e)bra$e )e- 'erha's a )ira$&e )ay ha''endddd So- a#ter a ti)e we #in! o"rse&+es reasse)b&e! again Leer is in high s'irits ,e '"&& on o"r boots an! take o"r &ea+e war)&y The night air $oo&s o"r hot bo!ies The r"st&ing 'o'&ars &oo) &arge in the !arkness The )oon #&oats in the L>H ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT hea+ens an! in the waters o# the $ana& ,e !o not r"n- we wa&k besi!e one another with &ong stri!es "That was worth a ration(&oa#-" says Leer I $annot tr"st )yse&# to s'eak- I a) not in the &east ha''y Then we hear #ootste's an! !o!ge behin! a shr"b The ste's $o)e nearer- $&ose by "s ,e see a nake! so&!ier- in boots- 0"st &ike o"rse&+es. he has a 'a$kage "n!er his ar)- an! ga&&o's onwar! It is T0a!en in #"&& $o"rse /e has !isa''eare! a&rea!y ,e &a"gh In the )orning he wi&& $"rse "s Anobser+e!- we arri+e again at o"r sa$ks o# straw I a) $a&&e! to the Or!er&y Roo) The *o)'any *o))an!er gi+es )e a &ea+e('ass an! a tra+e&('ass an! wishes )e a goo! 0o"rney I &ook to see how )"$h &ea+e I ha+e got Se+enteen !ays7 #o"rteen !ays &ea+e an! three !ays #or tra+e&&ing It is not eno"gh an! I ask whether I $annot ha+e #i+e !ays #or tra+e&&ing Bertin$k 'oints to )y 'ass There I see that I a) not to ret"rn to the #ront i))e!iate&y A#ter )y &ea+e I ha+e to re 'ort #or a $o"rse o# training to a $a)' on the )oors L>L The others en+y )e 4at gi+es )e goo! a!+i$e- an! te&&s )e I o"ght to try to get a base(0ob "I# yo"1re s)art- yo"1&& hang on to it " I wo"&! rather not ha+e gone #or another eight !ays. we are to stay here that )"$h &onger an! it is goo! here Nat"ra&&y I ha+e to stan! the others !rinks at the $anteen ,e are a&& a &itt&e bit !r"nk I be $o)e g&oo)y: I wi&& be away #or si3 weeks7that is &"$ky- o# $o"rse- b"t what )ay ha''en be#ore I get ba$k9 Sha&& I )eet a&& these #e&&ows again9 A&rea!y /aie an! 4e))eri$h ha+e gone7who wi&& the ne3t be9 As we !rink- I &ook at ea$h o# the) in t"rn A&bert sits besi!e )e an! s)okes- he is $heer#"&- we ha+e a&ways been together.7o''osite s2"ats 4at- with his !roo'ing sho"&!ers- his broa! th")b- an! $a&) +oi$e7M"&&er with the 'ro0e$ting teeth an! the boo)ing &a"gh. T0a!en with his )o"sey eyes.7Leer who has grown a #"&& bear! an! &ooks at &east #orty O+er "s hangs a !ense $&o"! o# s)oke ,here wo"&! a so&!ier be witho"t toba$$o9 The $anteen is his re#"ge- an! beer is #ar )ore than a !rink- it is a token that a )an $an )o+e his &i)bs an! stret$h in sa#ety ,e- !o it $ere)onia&&y- we stret$h o"r &egs o"t in #ront o# "s an! s'it !e&iberate&y- that is the on&y way /ow it a&& rises "' L>Q ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT be#ore a )an when he is going away the ne3t )orning: At night we go again to the other si!e o# the $ana& I a) a&)ost a#rai! to te&& the &itt&e br"nette that I a) going awayan! when I ret"rn we wi&& be #ar #ro) here. we wi&& ne+er see one another again B"t she )ere&y no!s an! takes no s'e$ia& noti$e At #irst I a) at a &oss to "n!erstan!- then it s"!!en&y !awns on )e Yes- Leer is right: i# I were going "' to the #ront- then she wo"&! ha+e $a&&e! )e again "'a"+re garcon". b"t )ere&y going on &ea+eG7she !oes not want to hear abo"t that- that is not near&y so interesting May she go to the !e+i& with her $hattering ta&k A )an !rea)s o# a )ira$&e an! wakes "' to &oa+es o# brea! Ne3t )orning- a#ter I ha+e been !e(&o"se!- I go the rai& hea! A&bert an! 4at $o)e with )e At the ha&t we &earn that it wi&& be a $o"'&e o# ho"rs yet be#ore the train &ea+es The other two ha+e to go ba$k to !"ty ,e take &ea+e o# one

another "Goo! &"$k- 4at: goo! &"$k- A&bert " They go o## an! wa+e on$e or twi$e Their #ig"res !win!&e I know their e+ery ste' an! )o+e)ent. I wo"&! re$ogni5e the) at any !istan$e Then they !isa''ear I sit !own on )y 'a$k an! wait L>S S"!!en&y I be$o)e #i&&e! with a $ons")ing i)'atien$e to be gone I &ie !own on )any a station '&at#or). I stan! be#ore )any a so"'(kit$hen. I s2"at on )any a ben$h.7then at &ast the &an!s$a'e be$o)es !ist"rbing- )ysterio"s- an! #a)i&iar It g&i!es 'ast the western win!ows with its +i&&agestheir that$he! roo#s &ike $a's- '"&&e! o+er the whitewashe!- ha&#(ti)bere! ho"ses- its $orn(#ie&!s- g&ea)ing &ike )other(o#('ear& in the s&anting &ight- its or$har!s- its barns an! o&! &i)e trees The na)es o# the stations begin to take on )eaning an! )y heart tre)b&es The train sta)'s an! sta)'s onwar! I stan! at the win!ow an! ho&! on to the #ra)e These na)es )ark the bo"n!aries o# )y yo"th S)ooth )ea!ows- #ie&!s- #ar)(yar!s. a so&itary tea) )o+es against the sky(&ine a&ong the roa! that r"ns 'ara&&e& to the hori5on7a barrier- be#ore whi$h 'easants stan! waiting- gir&s wa+ing- $hi&!ren '&aying on the e)bank)entroa!s- &ea!ing into the $o"ntry- s)ooth roa!s witho"t arti&&ery It is e+ening- an! i# the train !i! not ratt&e I sho"&! $ry o"t The '&ain "n#o&!s itse&# In the !istan$e- the so#t- b&"e si&ho"ette o# the )o"ntain ranges begins to a''ear I re$ogni5e L>K ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT the $hara$teristi$ o"t&ine o# the %o&benberg- a 0agge! $o)b- s'ringing "' 're$i'ito"s&y #ro) the &i)its o# the #orestsNBehin! it sho"&! &ie the town B"t now the s"n strea)s thro"gh the wor&!- !isso&+ing e+erything in its go&!en(re! &ight- the train swings ro"n! one $"r+e an! then another. 7#ar away- in a &ong &ine one behin! the other- stan! the 'o'&ars- "ns"bstantia&- swaying an! !ark- #ashione! o"t o# sha!ow- &ight- an! !esire The #ie&! swings ro"n! as the train en$ir$&es it- an! the inter+a&s between the trees !i)inish. the trees be$o)e a b&o$k an! #or a )o)ent I see one on&y7then they rea''ear #ro) behin! the #ore)ost tree an! stan! o"t a &ong &ine against the sky "nti& they are hi!!en by the #irst ho"ses A street($rossing I stan! by the win!ow- I $annot !rag )yse&# away The others '"t their baggage rea!y #or getting o"t I re'eat to )yse&# the na)e o# the street that we $ross o+er7Bre()erstrasse7Bre)erstrasse7 Be&ow there are $y$&ists- &orries- )en. it is a grey street an! a grey s"bway.7it a##e$ts )e as tho"gh it were )y )other Then the train sto's- an! there is the station with noise an! $ries an! signboar!s I 'i$k "' )y 'a$k an! #asten the stra's- I take )y ri#&e in )y han! an! st")b&e !own the ste's On the '&at#or) I &ook ro"n!. I know no one L>> a)ong a&& the 'eo'&e h"rrying to an! #ro A re!($ross sister o##ers )e so)ething to !rink I t"rn away- she s)i&es at )e too #oo&ish&y- so obsesse! with her own i)'ortan$e: "="st &ook- I a) gi+ing a so&!ier $o##ee:"7She $a&&s )e "*o)ra!e-" b"t I wi&& ha+e none o# it O"tsi!e in #ront o# the station the strea) roars a&ongsi!e the street- it r"shes #oa)ing #ro) the s&"i$es o# the )i&& bri!ge There stan!s the o&!- s2"are wat$h(tower- in #ront o# it the great )ott&e! &i)e tree an! behin! it the e+ening /ere we ha+e o#ten sat7how &ong ago it is7we ha+e 'asse! o+er this bri!ge an! breathe! the $oo&- a$i! s)e&& o# the stagnant water. we ha+e &eane! o+er the sti&& water on this si!e o# the &o$k- where the green $ree'ers an! wee!s hang #ro) the 'i&es o# the bri!ge.7an! on hot !ays we re0oi$e! in the s'o"ting #oa) on the other si!e o# the &o$k an! to&! ta&es abo"t o"r s$hoo&(tea$hers I 'ass o+er the bri!ge- I &ook right an! &e#t. the water is as #"&& o# wee!s as e+er- an! it sti&& shoots o+er in g&ea)ing ar$hes. in the tower b"i&!ing &a"n!resses sti&& stan! with bare ar)s as they "se! to o+er the $&ean &inen- an! the heat #ro) the ironing 'o"rs o"t thro"gh the o'en win!ows %ogs trot a&ong the narrow street- be#ore the !oors o# the ho"ses 'eo'&e stan! an! #o&&ow )e with their ga5e as I 'ass by- !irty an! hea+y &a!en L>D ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT In this $on#e$tioner1s we "se! to eat i$es- an! there we &earne! to s)oke $igarettes ,a&king !own the street I know e+ery sho'- the gro$er1s- the $he)ist1s- the baker1s Then at &ast I stan! be#ore the brown !oor with its worn &at$h an! )y han! grows hea+y I o'en the !oor an! a strange $oo&ness $o)es o"t to )eet )e- )y eyes are !i) The stairs $reak "n!er )y boots A'stairs a !oor ratt&es- so)eone is &ooking o+er the rai&ing It is the kit$hen !oor

that was o'ene!- they are $ooking 'otato($akes- the ho"se reeks o# it- an! to(!ay o# $o"rse is Sat"r!ay. that wi&& be )y sister &eaning o+er For a )o)ent I a) shy an! &ower )y hea!- then I take o## )y he&)et an! &ook "' Yes- it is )y e&!est sister "6a"&-" she $ries- "6a"&7" I no!- )y 'a$k b")'s against the banisters. )y ri#&e is so hea+y She '"&&s a !oor o'en an! $a&&s: "Mother- )other- 6a"& is here " I $an go no #"rther7)other- )other- 6a"& is here I &ean against the wa&& an! gri' )y he&)et an! ri#&e I ho&! the) as tight as I $an- b"t I $annot take another ste'- the stair$ase #a!es be#ore )y eyes- I s"''ort )yse&# with the b"tt o# )y ri#&e against )y #eet an! $&en$h )y teeth #ier$e&y- b"t I $annot s'eak a wor!- )y sister1s $a&& has )a!e )e 'ower&ess- I $an !o nothing- I str"gg&e L>E to )ake )yse&# &a"gh- to s'eak- b"t no wor! $o)es- an! so I stan! on the ste's- )iserab&e- he&'&ess- 'ara&yse!- an! against )y wi&& the tears r"n !own )y $heeks My sister $o)es ba$k an! says: ",hy- what is the )atter9" Then I '"&& )yse&# together an! stagger on to the &an!ing I &ean )y ri#&e in a $orner- I set )y 'a$k against the wa&&'&a$e )y he&)et on it an! #&ing !own )y e2"i')ent an! baggage Then I say #ier$e&y: "Bring )e a han!ker$hie# " She gi+es )e one #ro) the $"'boar! an! I !ry )y #a$e Abo+e )e on the wa&& hangs the g&ass $ase with the $o&o"re! b"tter#&ies that on$e I $o&&e$te! Now I hear )y )other1s +oi$e It $o)es #ro) the be!roo) "Is she in be!9" I ask )y sister "She is i&&(" she re'&ies I go into her- gi+e her )y han! an! say as $a&)&y as I $an: "/ere I a)- Mother " She &ies sti&& in the !i) &ight Then she asks an3io"s&y: "Are yo" wo"n!e!9" an! I #ee& her sear$hing g&an$e "No- I ha+e got &ea+e " My )other is +ery 'a&e I a) a#rai! to )ake a &ight L>? ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT "/ere I &ie now-" says she- "an! $ry instea! o# being g&a! " "Are yo" si$k- Mother9" I ask "I a) going to get "' a &itt&e to(!ay-" she says an! t"rns to )y sister- who is $ontin"a&&y r"n ning to the kit$hen to wat$h that the #oo! !oes not b"rn: "An! '"t o"t that 0ar o# 'reser+e! whort&eberries7yo" &ike that- !on1t yo"9" she asks )e "Yes- Mother- I ha+en1t ha! any #or a &ong ti)e " ",e )ight a&)ost ha+e known yo" were $o)ing-" &a"ghs )y sister- "there is 0"st yo"r #a+o"rite !ish- 'otato($akesan! e+en whort&eberries to go with the) too " "An! it is Sat"r!ay-" I a!! "Sit here besi!e )e-" says )y )other She &ooks at )e /er han!s are white an! si$k&y an! #rai& $o)'are! with )ine ,e say +ery &itt&e an! I a) thank#"& that she asks nothing ,hat o"ght I to say9 E+erything I $o"&! ha+e wishe! #or has ha''ene! I ha+e $o)e o"t o# it sa#e&y an! sit here besi!e her An! in the kit$hen stan!s )y sister 're'aring s"''er an! singing "%ear boy-" says )y )other so#t&y ,e were ne+er +ery !e)onstrati+e in o"r #a)i&y. 'oor #o&k who toi& an! are #"&& o# $ares are not so It is not their way to 'rotest what they a&rea!y know ,hen )y )other says to )e "!ear L>M boy-" it )eans )"$h )ore than when another "ses it I know we&& eno"gh that the 0ar o# whort&eberries is the on&y one they ha+e ha! #or )onths- an! that she has ke't it #or )e. an! the so)ewhat sta&e $akes that she gi+es )e too She )"st ha+e got the) $hea' so)e ti)e an! '"t the) a&& by #or )e I sit by her be!- an! thro"gh the win!ow the $hestn"t trees in the beer gar!en o''osite g&ow in brown an! go&! I breathe !ee'&y an! say o+er to )yse&#:7"Yo" are at ho)e- yo" are at ho)e " B"t a sense o# strangeness wi&& not &ea+e )e- I $annot #ee& at ho)e a)ongst these things There is )y )other- there is )y sister- there )y $ase o# b"tter ( #&ies- an! there the )ahogany 'iano7b"t I a) not )yse&# there There is a !istan$e- a +ei& between "s I go an! #et$h )y 'a$k to the be!si!e an! t"rn o"t the things I ha+e bro"ght7a who&e E!a)er $heese- that 4at 'ro+i!e! )e with- two &oa+es o# ar)y brea!- three(2"arters o# a 'o"n! o# b"tter- two tins o# &i+ere! sa"sage- a 'o"n! o# !ri''ing an! a &itt&e bag o# ri$e "I s"''ose yo" $an )ake so)e "se o# that("

They no! "It is 'retty ba! #or #oo! here9" I en2"ire "Yes- there1s not )"$h %o yo" get eno"gh o"t there9" I s)i&e an! 'oint to the things I ha+e bro"ght LDH ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT "Not a&ways 2"ite as )"$h as that- o# $o"rse- b"t we #are reasonab&y we&& " Erna takes away the #oo! S"!!en&y )y )other sei5es ho&! o# )y han! an! asks #a&ter(ing&y: ",as it +ery ba! o"t there- 6a"&9" Mother- what sho"&! I answer to that: Yo" wo"&! not "n!erstan!- yo" $o"&! ne+er rea&i5e it An! yo" sha&& ne+er rea&i5e it ,as it ba!- yo" ask 7Yo"- Mother-7I shake )y hea! an! say: "No- Mother- not so +ery There are a&ways a &ot o# "s together so it isn1t so ba! " "Yes- b"t /einri$h Bre!e)eyer was here 0"st &ate&y an! sai! it was terrib&e o"t there now- with the gas an! a&& the rest o# it " It is )y )other who says that She says: ",ith the gas an! a&& the rest o# it " She !oes not know what she is sayingshe is )ere&y an3io"s #or )e Sho"&! I te&& her how we on$e #o"n! three ene)y tren$hes with their garrison a&& sti## as tho"gh stri$ken with a'o'&e3y9 against the 'ara'et- in the !"g(o"ts- 0"st where they were- the )en stoo! an! &ay abo"t- with b&"e #a$es- !ea! "No Mother- that1s on&y ta&k-" I answer- "there1s not +ery )"$h in what Bre!e)eyer says Yo" see #or instan$e- I1) we&& an! #it(" Be#ore )y )other1s tre)"&o"s an3iety I re$o+er )y $o)'os"re Now I $an wa&k abo"t an! ta&k an! answer 2"estions witho"t #ear o# ha+ing s"!!en&y to &ean against the wa&& be$a"se the LDL wor&! t"rns so#t as r"bber an! )y +eins be$o)e bri)stone My )other wants to get "' So I go #or a whi&e to )y sister in the kit$hen ",hat is the )atter with her9" I ask She shr"gs her sho"&!ers: "She has been in be! so)e )onths now- b"t we !i! not want to write an! te&& yo" Se+era& !o$tors ha+e been to see her One o# the) sai! it is 'robab&y $an$er again " I go to the !istri$t $o))an!ant to re'ort )yse&# S&ow&y I wan!er thro"gh the streets O$$asiona&&y so)eone s'eaks to )e I !o not !e&ay &ong #or I ha+e &itt&e in$&ination to ta&k On the way ba$k #ro) the barra$ks a &o"! +oi$e $a&&s o"t to )e Sti&& &ost in tho"ght I t"rn ro"n! an! #in! )yse&# $on#ronte! by a Ma0or "*an1t yo" sa&"te9" he b&"sters "Sorry- Ma0or-" I say in e)barrass)ent- "I !i!n1t noti$e yo" " "%on1t yo" know how to s'eak 'ro'er&y9" he roars G I wo"&! &ike to hit hi) in the #a$e- b"t $ontro& )yse&#- #or )y &ea+e !e'en!s on it I $&i$k )y hee&s an! say: "I !i! not see yo"- /err Ma0or " "Then kee' yo"r eyes o'en-" he snorts ",hat is yo"r na)e9" I gi+e it LDQ ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT /is #at re! #a$e is #"rio"s ",hat regi)ent9" I gi+e hi) #"&& 'arti$"&ars E+en yet he has not ha! eno"gh ",here are yo" 2"artere!9" B"t I ha+e ha! )ore than eno"gh an! say: "Between Lange)ark an! Bi3s$hoote " "Eh9" he asks- a bit st"'e#ie! I e3'&ain to hi) that I arri+e! on &ea+e on&y an ho"r or two sin$e- thinking that he wo"&! then trot a&ong B"t not at a&& /e gets e+en )ore #"rio"s: "Yo" think yo" $an bring yo"r #ront(&ine )anners here- what9 ,e&&- we !on1t stan! #or that sort o# thing Thank Go!- we ha+e !is$i'&ine here:" "Twenty 'a$es ba$kwar!s- !o"b&e )ar$h:" he $o))an!s I a) )a! with rage B"t I $annot say anything to hi). he $o"&! '"t )e "n!er arrest i# he &ike! So I !o"b&e ba$kan! then )ar$h "' to hi) Si3 'a$es #ro) hi) I s'ring to a sti## sa&"te an! )aintain it "nti& I a) si3 'a$es beyon! hi) /e $a&&s )e ba$k again an! a##ab&y gi+es )e to "n!erstan! that #or on$e he is '&ease! to '"t )er$y be#ore 0"sti$e I 'reten! to be !"&y grate#"& "Now- !is)iss:" he says I t"rn abo"t s)art&y an! )ar$h o## That r"ins the e+ening #or )e I go ba$k ho)e an! throw )y "ni#or) into a $orner. I ha! in ten!e! to $hange it in any $ase Then I take o"t LDS )y $i+i&ian $&othes #ro) the war!robe an! '"t the) on

I #ee& awkwar! The s"it is rather tight an! short- I ha+e grown in the ar)y *o&&ar an! tie gi+e )e so)e tro"b&e In the en! )y sister ties the bow #or )e B"t how &ight the s"it is- it #ee&s as tho"gh I ha! nothing on b"t a shirt an! "n( !er'ants I &ook at )yse&# in the g&ass It is a strange sight A s"nb"rnt- o+ergrown $an!i!ate #or $on#ir)ation ga5es at )e in astonish)ent My )other is '&ease! to see )e wearing $i+i&ian $&othes. it )akes )e &ess strange to her B"t )y #ather wo"&! rather I ke't )y "ni#or) on so that he $o"&! take )e to +isit his a$2"aintan$es B"t I re#"se It is '&easant to sit 2"iet&y so)ewhere- in the beer gar!en #or e3a)'&e- "n!er the $hestn"ts by the skitt&e(a&&ey The &ea+es #a&& !own on the tab&e an! on the gro"n!- on&y a #ew- the #irst A g&ass o# beer stan!s in #ront o# )e- I1+e &earne! to !rink in the ar)y The g&ass is ha&# e)'ty- b"t there are a #ew goo! swigs ahea! o# )e- an! be si!es I $an a&ways or!er a se$on! an! a thir! i# I wish to There are no b"g&es an! no bo)bar!)ents- the $hi&!ren o# the ho"se '&ay in the skitt&e(a&&ey- an! the !og rests his hea! against LDK ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT )y knee The sky is b&"e- between the &ea+es o# the $hestn"ts rises the green s'ire o# St Margaret1s *h"r$h This is goo!- I &ike it B"t I $annot get on with the 'eo'&e My )other is the on&y one who asks no 2"estions Not so )y #ather /e wants )e to te&& hi) abo"t the #ront. he is $"rio"s in a way that I #in! st"'i! an! !istressing. I no &onger ha+e any rea& $onta$t with hi) There is nothing he &ikes )ore than 0"st hearing abo"t it I rea&i5e he !oes not know that a )an $annot ta&k o# s"$h things. I wo"&! !o it wi&&ing&y- b"t it is too !angero"s #or )e to '"t these things into wor!s I a) a#rai! they )ight then be$o)e giganti$ an! I be no &onger ab&e to )aster the) ,hat wo"&! be$o)e o# "s i# e+erything that ha''ens o"t there were 2"ite $&ear to "s9 So I $on#ine )yse&# to te&&ing hi) a #ew a)"sing things B"t he wants to know whether I ha+e e+er ha! a han!(to( han! #ight I say "No-" an! get "' an! go o"t B"t that !oes not )en! )atters A#ter I ha+e been start&e! a $o"'&e o# ti)es in the street by the s$rea)ing o# the tra)$ars- whi$h rese)b&es the shriek o# a she&& $o)ing straight #or one-(1 so)ebo!y ta's )e on the sho"&!er It is )y Ger)an()aster- an! he #astens on )e with the "s"a& 2"estion: ",e&&- how are things o"t there9 Terri b&e- terrib&e- eh9 Yes- it is !rea!#"&- b"t we )"st LDS $arry on An! a#ter a&&- yo" !o at &east get !e$ent #oo! o"t there- so I hear Yo" &ook we&&- 6a"&- an! #it Nat"ra&&y it1s worse here Nat"ra&&y The best #or o"r so&!iers e+ery ti)e- that goes witho"t say(rag ;;; /e !rags )e a&ong to a tab&e with a &ot o# others They we&$o)e )e- a hea!()aster shakes han!s with )e an! says: "So yo" $o)e #ro) the #ront9 ,hat is the s'irit &ike o"t there9 E3$e&&ent- eh9 E3$e&&ent9" I e3'&ain that no one wo"&! be sorry to be ba$k ho)e /e &a"ghs "'roario"s&y "I $an we&& be&ie+e it: B"t #irst yo" ha+e- to gi+e the Froggies a goo! hi!ing %o yo" s)oke9 /ere- try one ,aiter- bring a beer as we&& #or o"r yo"ng warrior " An#ort"nate&y I ha+e a$$e'te! the $igar- so I ha+e to re)ain An! they are a&& so !ri''ing with goo! wi&& that it is i)'ossib&e to ob0e$t A&& the sa)e I #ee& annoye! an! s)oke &ike a $hi)ney as har! as I $an In or!er to )ake at &east so)e show o# a''re$iation I toss o## the beer in one g"&' I))e!iate&y a se$on! is or!ere!. 'eo'&e know how )"$h they are in!ebte! to the so&!iers They arg"e abo"t what we o"ght to anne3 The hea!()aster with the stee& wat$h($hain wants to ha+e at &east the who&e o# Be&gi")- the $oa&(areas o# Fran$e- an! a s&i$e o# R"ssia /e 'ro ( !"$es reasons why we )"st ha+e the) an! is LDD ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT 2"ite in#&e3ib&e "nti& at &ast the others gi+e in to hi) Then he begins to e3'o"n! 0"st whereabo"ts in Fran$e the break(thro"gh )"st $o)e- an! t"rns to )e: "Now- sho+e ahea! a bit o"t there with yo"r e+er&asting tren$h war#are( S)ash thro"gh the 0ohnnies an! then there wi&& be 'ea$e " I re'&y that in o"r o'inion a break(thro"gh )ay not be 'ossib&e The ene)y )ay ha+e too )any reser+es Besi!esthe war )ay be rather !i##erent #ro) what 'eo'&e think /e !is)isses the i!ea &o#ti&y an! in#or)s )e I know nothing abo"t it "The !etai&s- yes-" says he- "b"t this re&ates to the who&e An! o# that yo" are not ab&e to 0"!ge Yo" see on&y yo"r &itt&e se$ tor an! so $annot ha+e any genera& s"r+ey Yo" !o yo"r !"ty- yo" risk yo"r &i+es- that !eser+es the highest hono"r7e+ery )an o# yo" o"ght to ha+e the Iron *ross7b"t #irst o# a&& the ene)y &ine )"st be broken thro"gh in F&an!ers an! then ro&&e! "' #ro) the to' " /e b&ows his nose an! wi'es his bear! "*o)'&ete&y ro&&e! "' they )"st be- #ro) the to' to the botto) An! then to 6aris " I wo"&! &ike to know 0"st how he 'i$t"res it to hi)se&#- an! 'o"r the thir! g&ass o# beer into )e I))e!iate&y he

or!ers another B"t I break away /e st"##s a #ew )ore $igars into )y 'o$ket an! sen!s )e o## with a #rien!&y LDE s&a' "A&& o# the best: I ho'e we wi&& soon hear so)ething worth whi&e #ro) yo" " I i)agine! &ea+e wo"&! be !i##erent #ro) this In!ee!- it was !i##erent a year ago It is I o# $o"rse that ha+e $hange! in the inter+a& There &ies a g"&# between that ti)e an! to(!ay At that ti)e I sti&& knew nothing abo"t the war- we ha! on&y been in 2"iet se$tors B"t now I see that I ha+e been $r"she! witho"t knowing it I #in! I !o not be&ong here any )ore- it is a #oreign wor&! So)e o# these 'eo'&e ask 2"estions- so)e ask no 2"estions- b"t one $an see that the &atter are 'ro"! o# the)se&+es #or their si&en$e. they o#ten say with a wise air that these things $annot be ta&ke! abo"t They '&")e the)se&+es on it I 're#er to be a&one- so that no one tro"b&es )e For they a&& $o)e ba$k to the sa)e thing- how ba!&y it goes an! how we&& it goes. one thinks it is this way- another that. an! yet they are a&ways absorbe! in the things that go to )ake "' their e3isten$e For)er&y I &i+e! in 0"st the sa)e way )yse&#- b"t now I #ee& no $onta$t here They ta&k too )"$h #or )e They ha+e worries- ai)s- !esires- that I $annot $o)'rehen! I o#ten sit with one o# the) in the &itt&e beer gar!en an! try to e3'&ain to hi) that this is rea&&y the on&y thing: 0"st to sit 2"iet&y- &ike this They "n!er( LD? ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT stan! o# $o"rse- they agree- they )ay e+en #ee& it so too- b"t on&y with wor!s- on&y with wor!s- yes that is it7they #ee& it- b"t a&ways with on&y ha&# o# the)se&+es- the rest o# their being is taken "' with other things- they are so !i+i!e! in the)se&+es that none #ee&s it with his who&e essen$e. I $annot e+en say )yse&# e3a$t&y what I )ean ,hen I see the) here- in their roo)s- in their o##i$es- abo"t their o$$"'ations- I #ee& an irresistib&e attra$tion in it- I wo"&! &ike to be here too an! #orget the war. b"t a&so it re'e&s )e- it is so narrow- how $an that #i&& a )an1s &i#e- he o"ght to s)ash it to bits. how $an they !o it- whi&e o"t at the #ront the s'&inters are whining o+er the she&&(ho&es an! star(she&&s go "'- the wo"n!e! are $arrie! ba$k on water'roo# sheets an! $o)ra!es $ro"$h in the tren$hes 7They are !i##erent )en here- )en I $annot 'ro'er&y "n!erstan!- who) I en+y an! !es'ise I )"st think o# 4at an! A&bert an! Mii&&er an! T0a!en- what wi&& they be !oing9 No !o"bt they are sitting in the $anteen- or 'erha's swi))ing7 soon they wi&& ha+e to go "' to the #ront(&ine again In )y roo) behin! the tab&e stan!s a brown &eather so#a I sit !own on it On- the wa&&s are 'inne! $o"nt&ess 'i$t"res that I on$e "se! to $"t o"t o# the news'a'ers In LDM between are !rawings an! 'ost$ar!s that ha+e '&ease! )e In the $orner is a s)a&& iron sto+e Against the wa&& o''osite stan! the book(she&+es with )y books I "se! to &i+e in this roo) be#ore1I was a so&!ier The books I bo"ght gra!"a&&y with the )oney I earne! by $oa$hing Many o# the) are se$on!han!- a&& the $&assi$s #or e3a)'&e- one +o&")e in b&"e $&oth boar!s $ost one()ark twenty '#ennig I bo"ght the) $o)'&ete be$a"se it was thoro"gh(going- I !i! not tr"st the e!itors o# se&e$tions to $hoose a&& the best So I '"r$hase! on&y "$o&&e$te! works " I rea! )ost o# the) with &a"!ab&e 5ea&- b"t #ew o# the) rea&&y a''ea&e! to )e I 're#erre! the other books- the )o!erns- whi$h were o# $o"rse )"$h !earer A #ew I $a)e by not 2"ite honest&y- I borrowe! an! !i! not ret"rn the) be$a"se I !i! not want to 'art with the) One she&# is #i&&e! with s$hoo& books They are not so we&& $are! #or- they are ba!&y th")be!- an! 'ages ha+e been torn o"t #or $ertain '"r'oses Then be&ow are 'erio!i$a&s- 'a'ers- an! &etters a&& 0a))e! in together with !rawings an! ro"gh sket$hes I want to think )yse&# ba$k into that ti)e It is sti&& in the roo)- I #ee& it at on$e- the wa&&s ha+e 'reser+e! it My han!s rest on the ar)s o# the so#a. now I )ake )yse&# at ho)e an! !raw "' LEH ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT )y &egs so that I sit $o)#ortab&y in the $orner- in the ar)s o# the so#a The &itt&e win!ow is o'en- thro"gh it I see the #a)i&iar 'i$t"re o# the street with the rising s'ire o# the $h"r$h at the en! There are a $o"'&e o# #&owers on the tab&e 6enho&!ers- a she&& as a 'a'er(weight- the ink(we&&7 here nothing is $hange! It wi&& be &ike this too I# I a) &"$ky- when the war is o+er an! I $o)e ba$k here #or goo! I wi&& sit here 0"st &ike this an! &ook at )y roo) an! wait ; 1"; _ I #ee& e3$ite!. b"t I !o not want to be- #or that is not right I want that 2"iet ra't"re again I want to #ee& the sa)e 'ower#"&- na)e&ess "rge that I "se! to #ee& when I t"rne! to )y books The breath o# !esire that then arose #ro) the $o&o"re! ba$ks o# the books- sha&& #i&& )e again- )e&t the hea+y- !ea! &")' o# &ea! that &ies so)ewhere in )e an!

waken again the i)'atien$e o# the #"t"re- the 2"i$k 0oy in the wor&! o# tho"ght- it sha&& bring ba$k again the &ost eagerness o# )y yo"th I sit an! wait It o$$"rs to )e that I )"st go an! see 4e)()eri$h1s )other.7I )ight +isit Mitte&stae!t too- he sho"&! be at the barra$ks I &ook o"t o# the win!ow.7beyon! the 'i$t"re o# the s"n&it street a''ears a range o# hi&&s- !istant an! &ight. it $hanges to a $&ear !ay in a"t")n- an! I sit by the LEL #ire with 4at an! A&bert an! eat 'otatoes bake! in their skins B"t I !o not want to think o# that- I swee' it away The roo) sha&& s'eak- it )"st $at$h )e "' an! ho&! )e- I want to #ee& that I be&ong here- I want to hearken an! know when I go ba$k to the #ront that the war wi&& sink !own- be !rowne! "tter&y in the great ho)e($o)ing ti!e- know that it wi&& then be 'ast #ore+er- an! not gnaw "s $ontin"a&&ythat it wi&& ha+e none b"t an o"twar! 'ower o+er "s The ba$ks o# the books stan! in rows I know the) a&& sti&&- I re)e)ber arranging the) in or!er I i)'&ore the) with )y eyes: S'eak to )e7take )e "'7take )e- Li#e o# )y Yo"th7 yo" who are $are(#ree- bea"ti#"&7re$ei+e )e again7 I wait- I wait I)ages #&oat thro"gh )y )in!- b"t they !o not gri' )e- they are )ere sha!ows an! )e)ories Nothing7nothing7 My !is2"iet"!e grows A terrib&e #ee&ing o# #oreignness s"!!en&y rises "' in )e I $annot #in! )y way ba$k- I a) sh"t o"t tho"gh I entreat earnest&y an! '"t #orth a&& )y strength Nothing stirs. &ist&ess an! wret$he!- &ike a $on!e)ne! )an- I sit there an! the 'ast with!raws itse&# An! at the sa)e ti)e I #ear to i)( LEQ ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT 'ort"ne it too )"$h- be$a"se I !o not know what )ight ha''en then I a) a so&!ier- I )"st $&ing to that ,eari&y I stan! "' an! &ook o"t o# the win!ow Then I take one o# the books- inten!ing to rea!- an! t"rn o+er the &ea+es B"t I '"t it away an! take o"t another There are 'assages in it that ha+e been )arke! I &ook- t"rn o+er the 'ages- take "' #resh books A&rea!y they are 'i&e! "' besi!e )e S'ee!i&y )ore 0oin the hea'- 'a'ers- )aga5ines&etters I stan! there !")b As be#ore a 0"!ge %e0e$te! ,or!s- ,or!s- ,or!s7they !o not rea$h )e S&ow&y I '&a$e the books ba$k in the she&+es Ne+er)ore B"iet&y- I go o"t o# the roo) Sti&& I !o not gi+e "' ho'e I !o not in!ee! go to )y roo) any )ore- b"t $o)#ort )yse&# with the tho"ght that a #ew !ays are not eno"gh to 0"!ge by A#terwar!s7&ater on7there is '&enty o# ti)e #or that So I go o+er to see Mitte&stae!t in the barra$ks- an! we sit in his roo). there is an at)os'here abo"t it that I !o not &ike b"t with whi$h I a) 2"ite #a)i&iar Mitte&stae!t has so)e news rea!y #or )e that LES e&e$tri#ies )e on the s'ot /e te&&s )e 4antorek has been $a&&e! "' as a territoria& "="st think o# it-" says he- an! takes o"t a $o"'&e o# goo! $igars- "I $o)e ba$k here #ro) the hos'ita& an! b")' right into hi) /e stret$hes o"t his 'aw to )e an! b&eats: 1/"&&o Mitte&stae!t- how are yo"917I &ook at hi) an! say: Territoria& 4antorek- b"siness is b"siness an! s$hna''s is s$hna''s- yo" o"ght to know that we&& eno"gh Stan! to attention when yo" s'eak to a s"'erior o##i$er 1 Yo" sho"&! ha+e seen his #a$e: A $ross between a !"! an! a 'i$k&e! $"$")ber /e trie! on$e again to $h") "' So I sn"bbe! hi) a bit har!er Then he bro"ght "' his biggest g"ns an! aske! $on#i!entia&&y: 1,o"&! yo" &ike )e to "se )y in#&"en$e so that yo" $an take an e)ergen$y(e3a)91 /e was trying to re)in! )e o# those things- yo" know Then I got )a!- an! I re)in!e! hi) o# so)ething instea! Territoria& 4antorek- two years ago yo" 'rea$he! "s into en&isting. an! a)ong "s there was one- =ose'h Beh)- who !i!n1t want to en&ist /e was ki&&e! three )onths be#ore he wo"&! ha+e been $a&&e! "' in the or!inary way I# it ha! not been #or yo" he wo"&! ha+e &i+e! 0"st that )"$h &onger An! now: %is)iss Yo" wi&& hear #ro) )e &ater 1 It was easy to get '"t in $harge o# his $o)'any First thing I !i! was to take hi) to the stores LEK ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT an! #it hi) o"t with s"itab&e e2"i')ent Yo" wi&& see in a )in"te " ,e go to the 'ara!e gro"n! The $o)'any has #a&&en in- Mitte&stae!t stan!s the) at ease an! ins'e$ts Then I see 4antorek an! a) s$ar$e&y ab&e to sti#&e )y &a"ghter /e is wearing a #a!e! b&"e t"ni$ On the ba$k an! in the s&ee+es there are big !ark 'at$hes The t"ni$ )"st ha+e be&onge! to a giant The b&a$k- worn bree$hes are 0"st as

)"$h too short. they rea$h bare&y ha&#way !own his $a&# The boots- to"gh o&! $&o!(ho''ers- with t"rne!("' toes an! &a$es at the si!e are )"$h too big #or hi) B"t as a $o)'ensation the $a' is too s)a&&- a terrib&y !irty- )ean &itt&e 'i&&(bo3 The who&e rig(o"t is 0"st 'iti#"& Mitte&stae!t sto's in #ront o# hi): 1Territoria& 4antorek- !o yo" $a&& those b"ttons 'o&ishe!9 Yo" see) as tho"gh yo" $an ne+er &earn Ina!e2"ate- 4antorek- 2"ite ina!e2"ate7(" It )akes )e b"bb&e with g&ee In s$hoo& 4antorek "se! to $hasten Mitte&stae!t with e3a$t&y the sa)e e3'ression 7"Ina!e2"ate- Mitte&stae!t- 2"ite ina!e2"ate " Mitte&stae!t $ontin"es to "'brai! hi): "Look at Boett$her now- there1s a )o!e& #or yo" to &earn #ro) " I $an har!&y be&ie+e )y eyes Boett$her is there too- Boett$her- o"r s$hoo& 'orter An! he is LE> a )o!e&: 4antorek shoots a g&an$e at )e as i# he wo"&! &ike to eat )e B"t I grin at hi) inno $ent&y- as tho"gh I !o not re$ogni5e hi) any )ore 11" 1: Nothing $o"&! &ook )ore &"!i$ro"s than his #orage($a' an! his "ni#or) An! this is the ob0e$t be#ore who) we "se! to stan! in ang"ish as he sat "' there enthrone! at his !esk- s'earing at "s with his 'en$i& #or o"r )istakes in those irreg"&ar Fren$h +erbs with whi$h a#terwar!s we )a!e so &itt&e hea!way in Fran$e That is bare&y two years ago7 an! now here stan!s Territoria& 4antorek- the s'e&& 2"ite broken- with bent knees- ar)s &ike 'othooks- "n'o&ishe! b"ttons an! that &"!i$ro"s rig(o"t7an i)'ossib&e so&!ier I $annot re$on$i&e this with the )ena$ing #ig"re at the s$hoo&)aster1s !esk I won!er what I- the o&! so&!ier- wo"&! !o i# this skin#"& o# woe e+er !are! to say to )e again: "Ba")er- gi+e the i)'er#e$t o#1a&&er 1" Then Mitte&stae!t )akes the) 'ra$tise skir)ishing- an! as a #a+o"r a''oints 4antorek s2"a! &ea!er Now- in skir)ishing the s2"a! &ea!er has a&ways to kee' twenty 'a$es in #ront o# his s2"a!. i# the or!er $o)es "On the )ar$h- abo"t t"rn-" the &ine o# skir)ishers si)'&y t"rns abo"t- b"t the s2"a! &ea!er- who now #in!s hi)se&# s"!( !en&y twenty 'a$es in the rear o# the &ine- has to LED ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT r"sh "' at the !o"b&e an! take his 'osition again twenty 'a$es in #ront o# the s2"a! That )akes a&together #orty 'a$es !o"b&e )ar$h B"t no sooner has he arri+e! than the or!er "On the )ar$h- abo"t t"rn-" $o)es again an! he on$e )ore has to ra$e at to' s'ee! another #orty 'a$es to the other si!e In this way the s2"a! has )ere&y )a!e the t"rn(abo"t an! a $o"'&e o# 'a$es- whi&e the s2"a!(&ea!er !ashes ba$kwar!s an! #orwar!s &ike a #art on a $"rtain( 'o&e That is one o# /i))e&stoss1 we&&(worn re$i'es 4antorek $an har!&y e3'e$t anything e&se #ro) Mitte&stae!t- #or he on$e )esse! "' the &atter1s $han$e o# 'ro)otionan! Mitte&stae!t wo"&! be a big #oo& not to )ake the best o# s"$h a goo! o''ort"nity as this be#ore he goes ba$k to the #ront again A )an )ight we&& !ie easier a#ter the ar)y has gi+en hi) 0"st one s"$h stroke o# &"$k In the )eanti)e 4antorek is !ashing "' an! !own &ike a wi&! boar A#ter a whi&e Mitte&stae!t sto's the skir)ish an! begins the +ery i)'ortant e3er$ise o# $ree'ing On han!s an! knees- $arrying his g"n in reg"&ation #ashion- 4antorek sho+es his abs"r! #ig"re o+er the san! i))e!iate&y in #ront o# "s /e is breathing har!- an! his 'anting is )"si$ Mitte&stae!t en$o"rages 4antorek the territoria& with 2"otations #ro) 4antorek the s$hoo&( LEE )aster 1Territoria& 4antorek- we ha+e the goo! #ort"ne to &i+e in a great age- we )"st bra$e o"r se&+es an! tri")'h o+er har!shi' " 4antorek sweats an! s'its o"t a !irty 'ie$e o# woo! that has &o!ge! in his teeth Y Mitte&stae!t stoo's !own an! says re'roa$h#"&&y: "An! in the tri#&es ne+er &ose sight o# the great a!+ent"reTerritoria& 4antorek:" It a)a5es )e that 4antorek !oes not e3'&o!e with a bang- es'e$ia&&y when- !"ring 'hysi$a& e3er$ises- Mitte&stae!t $o'ies hi) to 'er#e$tion- sei5ing hi) by the seat o# his tro"sers as he is '"&&ing hi)se&# "' on the hori5onta& bar so that he $an 0"st raise his $hin abo+e the bea)- an! then starts to gi+e hi) goo! a!+i$e That is e3 a$t&y what 4antorek "se! to !o to hi) at s$hoo& The e3tra #atig"es are ne3t !etai&e! o## "4antorek an! Boett$her- brea! #atig"e: Take the han!$art with yo" " A #ew )in"tes &ater the two set o## together '"shing the barrow 4antorek in a #"ry wa&ks with his hea! !own B"t the 'orter is !e&ighte! to ha+e s$ore! &ight !"ty The bakeho"se is away at the other en! o# the town- an! the two )"st go there an! ba$k thro"gh the who&e &ength o# it

"They1+e !one that a $o"'&e o# ti)es a&rea!y-" grins Mitte&stae!t "6eo'&e ha+e beg"n to wat$h #or the) $o)ing " LE? ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT "E3$e&&ent-" I say- "b"t hasn1t he re'orte! yo" yet9" "/e !i! try O"r *O &a"ghe! &ike the !e"$e when he hear! the story /e hasn1t any ti)e #or s$hoo&)asters Besi!esF) sweet with his !a"ghter " "/e1&& )ess "' the e3a)ination #or yo" " "I !on1t $are-" says Mitte&stae!t $a&)&y "Besi!es- his $o)'&aint $a)e to nothing be$a"se I $o"&! show that he ha! ha! har!&y anything b"t &ight !"ty " "*o"&!n1t yo" 'o&ish hi) "' a bit9" I ask "/e1s too st"'i!- I $o"&!n1t be bothere!-" answers Mitte&stae!t $onte)'t"o"s&y 1 ,hat is &ea+e97A 'a"se that on&y )akes e+erything a#ter it so )"$h worse A&rea!y the sense o# 'arting begins to intr"!e itse&# My )other i wat$hes )e si&ent&y. I know she $o"nts the !ays. ee+ery )orning she is sa! It is one !ay &ess She has '"t away )y 'a$k- she !oes not want to be 1(re)in!e! by it 1@ The ho"rs 'ass 2"i$k&y i# a )an broo!s I '"&& <)yse&# together- an! go with )y sister to the (<&a"ghter(ho"se to get a 'o"n! or two o# bones <That is a great #a+o"r an! 'eo'&e &ine "' ear&y in the )orning an! stan! waiting Many o# the) #aint LEM ,e ha+e no &"$k A#ter waiting by t"rns #or three ho"rs the 2"e"e !is'erses The bones ha+e not &aste! o"t It is a goo! thing that I get )y rations I bring the) to )y )other an! in that way we a&& get so)ething !e$ent to eat The !ays grow e+er )ore straine! an! )y )other1s eyes )ore sorrow#"& Fo"r !ays &e#t now I )"st go an! see 4e))eri$h1s )other I $annot write that !own This 2"aking- sobbing wo)an who shakes )e an! $ries o"t on )e: ",hy are yo" &i+ing then- when he is !ea!9"7 who !rowns )e in tears an! $a&&s o"t: ",hat are yo" there #or at a&&- $hi&!- when yo"("7who !ro's into a $hair an! wai&s: "%i! yo" see hi)9 %i! yo" see hi) then9 /ow !i! he !ie9" I te&& her he was shot thro"gh the heart an! !ie! instantaneo"s&y She &ooks at )e- she !o"bts )e: "Yo" &ie I know better I ha+e #e&t how terrib&y he !ie! I ha+e hear! his +oi$e at night- I ha+e #e&t his ang"ish7te&& the tr"th- I want to know it- I )"st know it " "No-" I say- "I was besi!e hi) /e !ie! at on$e " She '&ea!s with )e gent&y: 1Te&& )e Yo" )"st te&& )e I know yo" want to $o)#ort )e- b"t !on1t yo" see- yo" tor)ent )e #ar )ore than i# yo" to&! L?H ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT )e the tr"th9 I $annot bear the "n$ertainty Te&& )e how it was an! e+en tho"gh it wi&& be terrib&e- it wi&& be #ar better than what I ha+e to think i# yo" !on1t " I wi&& ne+er te&& her- she $an )ake )in$e)eat o"t o# )e #irst I 'ity her- b"t she strikes )e as rather st"'i! a&& the sa)e ,hy !oesn1t she sto' worrying9 4e))eri$h wi&& stay !ea! whether she knows abo"t it or not ,hen a )an has seen so )any !ea! he $annot "n!erstan! any &onger why there sho"&! be so )"$h ang"ish o+er a sin g&e in!i+i!"a& So I say rather i)'atient&y: "/e !ie! i))e!iate&y /e #e&t abso&"te&y nothing at a&& /is #a$e was 2"ite $a&) " She is si&ent Then says s&ow&y: ",i&& yo" swear it9" "Yes " "By e+erything that is sa$re! to yo"9" Goo! Go!- what is there that is sa$re! to )e9 7s"$h things $hange 'retty 2"i$k&y with "s "Yes- he !ie! at on$e " "Are yo" wi&&ing ne+er to $o)e ba$k yo"rse&#- i# it isn1t tr"e9" "May I ne+er $o)e ba$k i# he wasn1t ki&&e! instantaneo"s&y " I wo"&! swear to anything B"t she see)s to be&ie+e )e She )oans an! wee's stea!i&y I ha+e to te&& how it ha''ene!- so I in+ent a story an! I a&)ost be&ie+e it )yse&# L?L As I &ea+e she kisses )e an! gi+es )e a 'i$t"re o# hi) In his re$r"it1s "ni#or) he &eans on a ro"n! r"sti$ tab&e with &egs )a!e o# bir$h bran$hes Behin! hi) a woo! is 'ainte! on a $"rtain- an! on the tab&e stan!s a )"g o# beer It is the &ast e+ening at ho)e E+eryone is si&ent I go to be! ear&y- I sei5e the 'i&&ow- 'ress it against )yse&# an! b"ry

)y hea! in it ,ho knows i# I wi&& e+er &ie in a #eather be! again9 Late in the night )y )other $o)es into )y roo) She thinks I a) as&ee'- an! I 'reten! to be so To ta&k- to stay awake with one another- it is too har! She sits &ong into the night a&tho"gh she is in 'ain an! o#ten writhes At &ast I $an bear it no &onger- an! 'reten! I ha+e 0"st wakene! "' "Go an! s&ee'- Mother- yo" wi&& $at$h $o&! here " "I $an s&ee' eno"gh &ater-" she says I sit "' "I !on1t go straight ba$k to the #ront- Mother I ha+e to !o #o"r weeks at the training $a)' I )ay $o)e o+er #ro) there on S"n!ay- 'erha's She is si&ent Then she asks gent&y: "Are yo" +ery )"$h a#rai!9" "No Mother " "I wo"&! &ike to te&& yo" to be on yo"r g"ar! L?Q ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT against the wo)en o"t in Fran$e They are no goo! " Ah: Mother- Mother: Yo" sti&& think I a) a $hi&! 7why $an I not '"t )y hea! in yo"r &a' an! wee'9 ,hy ha+e I a&ways to be strong an! se&#($ontro&&e!9 I wo"&! &ike to wee' an! be $o)#orte! too- in!ee! I a) &itt&e )ore than a $hi&!. in the war!robe sti&& hang short- boy1s tro"sers7it is s"$h a &itt&e ti)e ago- why is it o+er9 ",here we are there aren1t any wo)en- Mother-" I say as $a&)&y as I $an "An! be +ery $are#"& at the #ront- 6a"& " Ah- Mother- Mother: ,hy !o I not take yo" in )y ar)s an! !ie with yo" ,hat 'oor wret$hes we are: "Yes Mother- I wi&& " "I wi&& 'ray #or yo" e+ery !ay- 6a"& " Ah: Mother- Mother: Let "s rise "' an! go o"t- ba$k thro"gh the years- where the b"r!en o# a&& this )isery &ies on "s no )ore- ba$k to yo" an! )e a&one- Mother: "6erha's yo" $an get a 0ob that is not so !angero"s " "Yes- Mother- 'erha's I $an get into the $ookho"se- that $an easi&y be !one " "Yo" !o it then- an! i# the others say anything(" "That won1t worry )e- Mother(" L?S She signs /er #a$e is a white g&ea) in the !arkness "Now yo" )"st go to s&ee'- Mother " She !oes not re'&y I get "' an! wra' )y $o+er ro"n! her sho"&!ers She s"''orts herse&# on )y ar)- she is in 'ain An! so I take her to her roo) I stay with her a &itt&e whi&e "An! yo" )"st get we&& again- Mother- be#ore I $o)eba$k " "Yes- yes- )y $hi&! " "Yo" o"ght not to sen! yo"r things to )e- Mother ,e ha+e '&enty to eat o"t there Yo" $an )ake )"$h better "se o# the) here " /ow !estit"te she &ies there in her be!- she that &o+es )e )ore than a&& the wor&! As I a) abo"t to &ea+e- she says hasti&y: "I ha+e two 'airs o# "n!er'ants #or yo" They are a&& woo& They wi&& kee' yo" war)- Yo" )"st not #orget to '"t the) in yo"r 'a$k " Ah: Mother: I know what these "n!er'ants ha+e $ost yo" in waiting- an! wa&king- an! begging: Ah: MotherMother: how $an it be that I )"st 'art #ro) yo"9 ,ho e&se is there that has any $&ai) on )e b"t yo"9 /ere I sit an! there yo" are &ying. we ha+e so )"$h to say- an! we sha&& ne+er sayit "Goo!(night- Mother " "Goo!(night- )y $hi&! " L?K ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT The roo) is !ark I hear )y )other1s breathing- an! the ti$king o# the $&o$k O"tsi!e the win!ow the win! b&ows an! the $hestn"t trees r"st&e On the &an!ing I st")b&e o+er )y 'a$k- whi$h &ies there a&rea!y )a!e "' be$a"se I ha+e to &ea+e ear&y in the )orning I bite into )y 'i&&ow I gras' the iron ro!s o# )y be! with )y #ists I o"ght ne+er to ha+e $o)e here O"t there I was in!i##erent an! o#ten ho'e&ess7I wi&& ne+er be ab&e to be so again I was a so&!ier- an! now I a) nothing b"t an agony #or )yse&#- #or )y )other- #or e+erything that is so $o)#ort&ess an! witho"t en! I o"ght ne+er to ha+e $o)e on &ea+e L?>

EIG/T I a&rea!y know the $a)' on the )oors It was here that /i))e&stoss ga+e T0a!en his e!"$ation B"t now I know har!&y anyone here. as e+er- a&& is a&tere! There are on&y a #ew 'eo'&e that I ha+e o$$asiona&&y )et be#ore I go thro"gh the ro"tine )e$hani$a&&y In the e+enings I genera&&y go to the So&!iers1 /o)e- where the news'a'ers are &ai! o"t- b"t I !o not rea! the). sti&& there is a 'iano there that I a) g&a! eno"gh to '&ay on Two gir&s are in atten!an$e- one o# the) is yo"ng The $a)' is s"rro"n!e! with high barbe!(wire #en$es I# we $o)e ba$k &ate #ro) the So&!iers1 /o)e we ha+e to show 'asses B"t those L?E who are on goo! ter)s with the g"ar! $an get thro"gh- o# $o"rse A)ong the 0"ni'ers an! the bir$h trees on the )oor we 'ra$tise $o)'any !ri&& ea$h !ay It is bearab&e i# one e3'e$ts nothing better ,e a!+an$e at a r"n- #&ing o"rse&+es !own- an! o"r 'anting breath )o+es the sta&ks o# the grasses an! the #&owers o# the heather to an! #ro Looke! at so $&ose&y one sees the #ine san! is $o)'ose! o# )i&&ions o# the tiniest 'ebb&es- as $&ear as i# they ha! been )a!e in a &aboratory It is strange&y in+iting to !ig one1s han!s into it B"t )ost bea"ti#"& are the woo!s with their &ine o# bir$h trees Their $o&o"r $hanges with e+ery )in"te Now the ste)s g&ea) '"rest white- an! between the) airy an! si&ken- hangs the 'aste&(green o# the &ea+es. the ne3t )o)ent a&& $hanges to an o'a&es$ent b&"e- as the shi+ering bree5es 'ass !own #ro) the heights an! to"$h the green &ight&y away. an! again in one '&a$e it !ee'ens a&)ost to b&a$k as a $&o"! 'asses o+er the s"n An! this sha!ow )o+es &ike a ghost thro"gh the !i) tr"nks an! ri!es #ar o"t o+er the )oor to the sky7then the bir$hes stan! o"t again &ike gay banners on white 'o&es- with their re! an! go&! 'at$hes o# a"t")n(tinte! &ea+es I o#ten be$o)e so &ost in the '&ay o# so#t &ight an! trans'arent sha!ow- that I a&)ost #ai& to L?? ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT hear the $o))an!s It is when one is a&one that one begins to obser+e Nat"re an! to &o+e her An! here I ha+e not )"$h $o)'anionshi'- an! !o not e+en !esire it ,e are too &itt&e a$2"ainte! with one another to !o )ore than 0oke a bit an! '&ay 'oker or na' in the e+enings A&ongsi!e o"r $a)' is the big R"ssian 'rison $a)' It is se'arate! #ro) "s by a wire #en$e- b"t in s'ite o# this the 'risoners $o)e a$ross to "s They see) ner+o"s an! #ear#"&- tho"gh )ost o# the) are big #e&&ows with bear!s7they &ook &ike )eek- s$o&!e!- St Bernar! !ogs They s&ink abo"t o"r $a)' an! 'i$k o+er the garbage tins One $an i)agine what they #in! there ,ith "s #oo! is 'retty s$ar$e an! none too goo! at that7t"rni's $"t into si3 'ie$es an! boi&e! in water- an! "nwashe! $arrot to's7 )o"&!y 'otatoes are tit(bits- an! the $hie# &"3"ry is a thin ri$e so"' in whi$h #&oat &itt&e bits o# bee#(sinew- b"t these are $"t "' so s)a&& that they take a &ot o# #in!ing E+erything gets eaten- notwithstan!ing- an! i# e+er anyone is so we&& o## as not to want a&& his share- there are a !o5en others stan!ing by rea!y to re&ie+e hi) o# it On&y the !regs that the &a!&e $annot rea$h are ti''e! o"t an! thrown into the garbage tins A&ong with that there so)eti)es L?M go a #ew t"rni' 'ee&ings- )o"&!y brea! $r"sts an! a&& kin!s o# )"$k This thin- )iserab&e- !irty garbage is the ob0e$ti+e o# the 'risoners They 'i$k it o"t o# the stinking tins gree!i&y an! go o## with it "n!er their b&o"ses It is strange to see these ene)ies o# o"rs so $&ose "' They ha+e #a$es that )ake one think7 honest 'easant #a$esbroa! #orehea!s- broa! noses- broa! )o"ths- broa! han!s- an! thi$k hair They o"ght to be '"t to threshing- rea'ing- an! a''&e 'i$king They &ook 0"st as kin!&y as o"r own 'easants in Fries&an! It is !istressing to wat$h their )o+e)ents- to see the) begging #or so)ething to eat They are a&& rather #eeb&e- #or they on&y get eno"gh no"rish)ent to kee' the) #ro) star+ing O"rse&+es we ha+e not ha! s"##i$ient to eat #or &ong eno"gh They ha+e !ysentery. #"rti+e&y )any o# the) !is'&ay the b&oo!(staine! tai&s o# their shirts Their ba$kstheir ne$ks are bent- their knees sag- their hea!s !roo' as they stret$h o"t their han!s an! beg in the #ew wor!s o# Ger)an that they know7beg with those so#t- !ee'- )"si$a& +oi$es- that are &ike war) sto+es an! $osy roo)s at ho)e So)e )en there are who gi+e the) a ki$k- so LMH ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT that they #a&& o+er.7(b"t those are not )any The )a0ority !o nothing to the)- 0"st ignore the) O$$asiona&&y- when

they are too gro+e&&ing- it )akes a )an )a! an! then he ki$ks the) I# on&y they wo"&! not &ook at one so7,hat great )isery $an be in two s"$h s)a&& s'ots- no bigger than a )an1s th")b7in their eyes: They $o)e o+er to the $a)' in the e+enings an! tra!e They e3$hange whate+er they 'ossess #or brea! O#ten they ha+e #air s"$$ess- be$a"se they ha+e +ery goo! boots an! o"rs are ba! The &eather o# their knee boots is won!er#"&&y so#t- &ike s"e!e The 'easants a)ong "s who get titbits sent #ro) ho)e $an a##or! to tra!e The 'ri$e o# a 'air o# boots is abo"t two or three &oa+es o# ar)y brea!- or a &oa# o# brea! an! a s)a&&- to"gh ha) sa"sage B"t )ost o# the R"ssians ha+e &ong sin$e 'arte! with whate+er things they ha! Now they wear on&y the )ost 'iti#"& $&othing- an! try to e3$hange &itt&e $ar+ings an! ob0e$ts that they ha+e )a!e o"t o# she&& #rag)ents an! $o''er !ri+ing ban!s O# $o"rse- they !on1t get )"$h #or s"$h things- tho"gh they )ay ha+e taken i) )ense 'ains with the)17they go #or a s&i$e or two o# brea! O"r 'easants are har! an! $"nning when they bargain They ho&! the 'ie$e o# brea! or sa"sage right "n!er the nose o# the R"ssian LML b"&ge an! then he wi&& gi+e anything #or it The 'easants wra' "' their booty with the "t)ost so&e)nity- an! then get o"t their big 'o$ket kni+es- an! s&ow&y an! !e&iberate&y $"t o## a s&i$e o# brea! #or the)se&+es #ro) their s"''&y an! with e+ery )o"th#"& take a 'ie$e o# the goo! to"gh sa"sage an! so rewar! the)se&+es with a goo! #ee! It is !istressing to wat$h the) take their a#ternoon )ea& th"s. one wo"&! &ike to $ra$k the) o+er their thi$k 'ates They rare&y gi+e anything away /ow &itt&e we "n!erstan! one another I a) o#ten on g"ar! o+er the R"ssians In the !arkness one sees their #or)s )o+e &ike si$k storks- &ike great bir!s They $o)e $&ose "' to the wire #en$e an! &ean their #a$es against it. their #ingers hook ro"n! the )esh O#ten )any stan! si!e by si!e- ti&& he grows 'a&e with gree! an! his eyes an! breathe the win! that $o)es !own #ro) the )oors an! the #orest They rare&y s'eak an! then on&y a #ew wor!s They are )ore h")an an! )ore brother&y towar!s one another- it see)s to )e- than we are B"t 'erha's that is )ere&y be$a"se they #ee& the)se&+es to be )ore "n#ort"nate than "s Anyway the war is o+er so #ar as they are $on$erne! LMQ ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT B"t to wait #or !ysentery is not )"$h o# a &i#e either The territoria&s who are in $harge o# the) say that they were )"$h )ore &i+e&y at #irst They "se! to ha+e intrig"es a)ong the)se&+es- as a&ways ha''ens- an! it wo"&! o#ten $o)e to b&ows an! kni+es B"t now they are 2"ite a'a ( theti$ an! &ist&ess. )ost o# the) !o not )ast"rbate any )ore- they are so #eeb&e- tho"gh otherwise things $o)e to s"$h a 'ass that who&e h"ts #"&& o# the) !o it They stan! at the wire #en$e. so)eti)es one goes away an! then another at on$e takes his '&a$e in the &ine Most o# the) are si&ent. o$$asiona&&y one begs a $igarette b"tt I see their !ark #or)s- their bear!s )o+e in the win! I know nothing o# the) e3$e't that they are 'risoners. an! that is e3a$t&y what tro"b&es )e Their &i#e is obs$"re an! g"i&t&ess. 7i# I $o"&! know )ore o# the)- what their na)es are- how they &i+e- what they are waiting #or- what their b"r!ens are- then )y e)otion wo"&! ha+e an ob0e$t an! )ight be$o)e sy)'athy B"t as it is I 'er$ei+e behin! the) on&y the s"##ering o# the $reat"re- the aw#"& )e&an$ho&y o# &i#e an! the 'iti&essness o# )en A wor! o# $o))an! has )a!e these si&ent #ig"res o"r ene)ies. a wor! o# $o))an! )ight LMS trans#or) the) into o"r #rien!s At so)e tab&e a !o$")ent is signe! by so)e 'ersons who) none o# "s knows- an! then #or years together that +ery $ri)e on whi$h #or)er&y the wor&!1s $on!e)nation an! se+erest 'ena&ty #a&&be$o)es o"r highest ai) B"t who $an !raw s"$h a !istin$tion when he &ooks at these 2"iet )en with their $hi&!&ike #a$es an! a'ost&es1 bear!s Any non$o))issione! o##i$er is )ore o# an ene)y to a re$r"it- any s$hoo&)aster to a '"'i&- than they are to "s An! yet we wo"&! shoot at the) again an! they at "s i# they were #ree I a) #rightene!: I !are think this way no )ore This way &ies the abyss It is not now the ti)e b"t I wi&& not &ose these tho"ghts- I wi&& kee' the)- sh"t the) away "nti& the war is e&i!e! My heart beats #ast: this is the ai)- the great- the so&e ai)- that I ha+e tho"ght o# in the tren$hes1- that I ha+e &ooke! #or as the on&y 'ossi bi&ity o# e3isten$e a#ter this annihi&ation o# a&& h")an #ee&ing. this is a task that wi&& )ake &i#e a#terwar! worthy o# these hi!eo"s years I take o"t )y $igarettes- break ea$h one in ha&# an! gi+e the) to the R"ssians They bow to )e an! then &ight the $igarettes Now re! 'oints g&ow in e+ery #a$e They $o)#ort )e. it &ooks as tho"gh there were &itt&e win!ows in !ark +i&&age $ottages saying that behin! the) are roo)s #"&& o# 'ea$e LMK

ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT The !ays go by On a #oggy )orning another o# the R"ssians is b"rie!. a&)ost e+ery !ay one o# the) !ies I a) on g"ar! !"ring the b"ria& The 'risoners saying a $hora&e- they sing in 'arts- an! it so"n!s a&)ost as i# there were no +oi$es- b"t an organ #ar away on the )oor The b"ria& is 2"i$k&y o+er In the e+ening they stan! again at the wire #en$e an! the win! $o)es !own to the) #ro) the bee$h woo!s The stars are $o&! I now know a #ew o# those who s'eak a &itt&e Ger)an There is a )"si$ian a)ongst the)- he says he "se! to be a +io&inist in Ber&in ,hen he hears that I $an '&ay the 'iano he #et$hes his +io&in an! '&ays The others sit !own an! &ean their ba$ks against the #en$e /e stan!s "' an! '&ays- so)eti)es he has that absent e3'ression whi$h +io&inists get when they $&ose their eyes- or again he sways the instr")ent to the rhyth) an! B )i&es a$ross to )e /e '&ays )ost&y #o&k songs an! the others h") with hi) They are &ike a $o"ntry o# !ark hi&&s at sing #ar !own "n!er the gro"n! The so"n! # the +io&in stan!s &ike a s&en!er gir& abo+e it is $&ear an! a&one The +oi$es $ease an! the +io&in $ontin"es a&one In the night it is so thin it Bo"n!s #ro5en. one )"st stan! $&ose "'. it wo"&! LM> be )"$h better in a roo)7o"t here it )akes a )an grow sa! Be$a"se I ha+e a&rea!y ha! a &ong &ea+e I get none on S"n!ays So the &ast S"n!ay be#ore I go ba$k to the #ront )y #ather an! e&!est sister $o)e o+er to see )e A&& !ay we sit in the So&!iers1 /o)e ,here e&se $o"&! we go9 ,e !on1t want to stay in the $a)' Abo"t )i!!ay we go #or a stro&& on the )oors The ho"rs are a tort"re. we !o not know what to ta&k abo"t- so we s'eak o# )y )other1s i&&ness It is now !e#inite&y $an$er- she is a&rea!y in the hos'ita& an! wi&& be o'erate! on short&y The !o$tors ho'e she wi&& re$o+er- b"t we ha+e ne+er hear! o# $an$er being $"re! ",here is she then9" I ask "In the L"isa /os'ita&-" says )y #ather "In whi$h $&ass9" "Thir! ,e )"st wait ti&& we know what the o'eration $osts She wante! to be in the thir! herse&# She sai! that then she wo"&! ha+e so)e $o)'any An! besi!es it is $hea'er " "So she is &ying there with a&& those 'eo'&e I# on&y she $o"&! s&ee' 'ro'er&y " My #ather no!s /is #a$e is broken an! #"&& o# #"rrows My )other has a&ways been si$k&y. an! tho"gh she has on&y gone to the hos'ita& when LMD ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT she has been $o)'e&&e! to- it has $ost a grea& !ea& o# )oney- an! )y #ather1s &i#e has been 'ra$ti$a&&y gi+en "' to it "I# on&y I knew how )"$h the o'eration $osts-" says he "/a+e yo" not aske!9" "Not !ire$t&y I $annot !o that7the s"rgeon )ight take it a)iss an! that wo"&! not !o. he )"st o'erate on Mother " Yes- I think bitter&y- that1s how it is with "s- an! with a&& 'oor 'eo'&e They !on1t !are ask the 'ri$e- b"t worry the)se&+es !rea!#"&&y be#orehan! abo"t it. b"t the others- #or who) it is not i)'ortant- they sett&e the 'ri$e #irst as a )atter o# $o"rse An! the !o$tor !oes not take it a)iss #ro) the) "The !ressings a#terwar!s are so e3'ensi+e-" Says )y #ather - "%oesn1t the In+a&i!1s F"n! 'ay anything towar! it- then9" I ask ti "Mother has been i&& too &ong " R "/a+e yo" any )oney at a&&9" I /e shakes his hea!: "No- b"t I $an !o so)e yerti)e " ,i I know /e wi&& stan! at his !esk #o&!ing an! asting an! $"tting "nti& twe&+e o1$&o$k at night- t eight o1$&o$k in the e+ening he wi&& eat so)e 1 iserab&e r"bbish they get in e3$hange #or their LME #oo! ti$kets- then he wi&& take a 'ow!er #or his hea!a$he an! work on In or!er to $heer hi) "' a bit I te&& hi) a #ew stories- so&!iers1 0okes an! the &ike- abo"t gen era&s an! sergeant( )a0ors A#terwar!s I a$$o)'any the) both to the rai&way station They gi+e )e a 'ot o# 0a) an! a bag o# 'otato($akes that )y )other has )a!e #or )e Then they go o## an! I ret"rn to the $a)' In the e+ening I s'rea! the 0a) on the $akes an! eat so)e B"t I ha+e no taste #or the) So I go o"t to gi+e the) to the R"ssians Then it o$$"rs to )e that )y )other $ooke! the) herse&# an! that she was 'robab&y in 'ain as she stoo! be#ore the hot sto+e I '"t the bag ba$k in )y 'a$k an! take on&y two $akes to the R"ssians LM? NINE

,e tra+e& #or se+era& !ays The #irst aero'&anes a''ear in the sky ,e ro&& on 'ast trans'ort &ines G"ns- g"ns The &ight rai&way 'i$ks "s "' I sear$h #or )y regi)ent No one knows e3a$t&y f where it &ies So)ewhere or other I '"t "' #or the night- so)ewhere or other I re$ei+e 'ro+isions an! a #ew +ag"e instr"$tions An! so with )y 'a$k an! )y ri#&e I set o"t again on the way By the ti)e I $o)e "' they are no &onger in the !e+astate! '&a$e I hear we ha+e be$o)e one <1b# the #&ying !i+isions that are '"she! in where+er it is hottest That !oes not so"n! $heer#"& to )e They te&& )e o# hea+y &osses that we ha+e LMM

been ha+ing I in2"ire a#ter 4at an! A&bert No one knows anything o# the) I sear$h #arther an! wan!er abo"t here an! there. it is a strange #ee&ing One night )ore an! then another I $a)' o"t &ike a Re! In!ian Then at &ast I get so)e !e#inite in#or)ation- an! by the a#ternoon I a) ab&e to re'ort to the Or!er&y Roo) The sergeant()a0or !etains )e there The $o)'any $o)es ba$k in two !ays1 ti)e There is no ob0e$t in sen!ing )e "' now ",hat was it &ike on &ea+e9" he asks- "'retty goo!- eh9" "In 'arts-" I say "Yes-" he sighs- "yes- i# a )an !i!n1t ha+e to $o)e away again The se$on! ha&# is a&ways rather )esse! "' by that " I &oa# aro"n! "nti& the $o)'any $o)es ba$k in the ear&y )orning- grey- !irty- so"re!- an! g&oo)y Then I 0")' "''"sh in a)ongst the)- )y eyes sear$hing There is T0a!en- there is M"&&er b&owing his nose- an! there are 4at an! 4ro'' ,e arrange o"r sa$ks o# straw si!e by si!e I ha+e an "neasy $ons$ien$e when I &ook at the)- an! yet witho"t any goo! reason Be#ore we t"rn in I bring o"t the rest o# the 'otato($akes an! 0a) so that they $an ha+e so)e too The o"ter $akes are )o"&!y- sti&& it is 'ossib&e QHH ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT to eat the) I kee' those #or )yse&# an! gi+e the #resh one to 4at an! 4ro'' 4at $hews an! says: "These are #ro) yo"r )other9" I no! "Goo!-" says he- "I $an te&& by the taste " I $o"&! a&)ost wee' I $an har!&y $ontro& )yse&# any &onger B"t it wi&& soon be a&& right again ba$k here with 4at an! A&bert This is where I be&ong "Yo"1+e been &"$ky-" whis'ers 4ro'' to )e be#ore we !ro' o## to s&ee'- "they say we are going to R"ssia " To R"ssia9 It1s not )"$h o# a war o+er there In the !istan$e the #ront th"n!ers The wa&&s o# the h"t ratt&e There1s a great !ea& o# 'o&ishing being !one ,e are ins'e$te! at e+ery t"rn E+erything that is torn is e3$hange! #or new I s$ore a s'ot&ess new t"ni$ o"t o# it an! 4at- o# $o"rse- an entire o"t#it A r")o"r is going ro"n! that there )ay be 'ea$e- b"t the other story is )ore &ike&y7that we are bo"n! #or R"ssia Sti&&- what !o we nee! new things #or in R"ssia9 At &ast it &eaks o"t7 the 4aiser is $o)ing to re+iew "s /en$e a&& the ins'e$tions For eight who&e !ays one wo"&! s"''ose we QHL were in a base($a)'- there is so )"$h !ri&& an! #"ss E+eryone is 'ee+ish an! to"$hy- we !o not take kin!&y to a&& this 'o&ishing- )"$h &ess to the #"&&(!ress 'ara!es S"$h things e3as'erate a so&!ier )ore than the #ront(&ine At &ast the )o)ent arri+es ,e stan! to attention an! the 4aiser a''ears ,e are $"rio"s to see what he &ooks &ike /e sta&ks a&ong the &ine- an! I a) rea&&y rather !isa''ointe!. 0"!ging #ro) his 'i$t"res I i)agine! hi) to be bigger an! )ore 'ower#"&&y b"i&t- an! abo+e a&& to ha+e a th"n!ering +oi$e /e !istrib"tes Iron *rosses- s'eaks to this )an an! that Then we )ar$h o## A#terwar!s we !is$"ss it T0a!en says with astonish)ent: "So that is the A&&(/ighest: An! e+eryone- bar nobo!y- has to stan! "' sti## in #ront o# hi):" /e )e!itates: "/in!enb"rg too- he has to stan! "' sti##tohi)-eh9" "S"re-" says 4at T0a!en hasn1t #inishe! yet /e thinks #or a whi&e an! then asks: "An! wo"&! a king ha+e to stan! "' sti## to an e)'eror9" None o# "s is 2"ite s"re abo"t it- b"t we !on1t s"''ose so They are both so e3a&te! that stan! ing stri$t&y to attention is 'robab&y not insiste! on

",hat rot yo" !o hat$h o"t-" says 4at 1The QHQ ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT )ain 'oint is that yo" ha+e to stan! sti## yo"rse&# " B"t T0a!en is 2"ite #as$inate! /is otherwise 'rosy #an$y is b&owing b"bb&es "B"t &ook-" he anno"n$es- "I si)'&y $an1t be&ie+e that an e)'eror has to go to the &atrine the sa)e as I ha+e " "Yo" $an bet yo"r boots on it " "Fo"r an! a ha&#(wit )ake se+en-" says 4at "Yo"1+e got a )aggot in yo"r brain- T0a!en- 0"st yo" r"n a&ong to the &atrine 2"i$k- an! get yo"r hea! $&ear- so that yo" !on1t ta&k &ike a two(year(o&! " T0a!en !isa''ears "B"t what I wo"&! &ike to know-" says A&bert- "is whether there wo"&! not ha+e been a war i# the 4aiser ha! sai! No " "I1) s"re there wo"&!-" I inter0e$t- "he was against it #ro) the #irst " ",e&&- i# not hi) a&one- then 'erha's i# twenty or thirty 'eo'&e in the wor&! ha! sai! No " "That1s 'robab&e-" I agree- "b"t they !a)ne! we&& sai! Yes " "It1s 2"eer- when one thinks abo"t it-" goes on 4ro''- "we are here to 'rote$t o"r #ather&an! An! the Fren$h are o+er there to 'rote$t their #ather&an! Now who1s in the right9" "6erha's both-" say I witho"t be&ie+ing it "Yes- we&& now-" '"rs"es A&bert- an! I see that he )eans to !ri+e )e into a $orner- "b"t o"r 'ro( QHS #easors an! 'arsons an! news'a'ers say that we are the on&y ones that are right- an! &et1s ho'e so.7b"t the Fren$h 'ro#essors an! 'arsons an! news'a'ers say that the right is on their si!e- now what abo"t that9" "That I !on1t know-" I say- "b"t whi$he+er way is is there1s war a&& the sa)e an! e+ery )onth )ore $o"ntries $o)ing in " T0a!en rea''ears /e is sti&& 2"ite e3$ite! an! again 0oins the $on+ersation- won!ering 0"st how a war gets starte! "Most&y by one $o"ntry ba!&y o##en!ing another-" answers A&bert with a s&ight air o# s"'eriority The T0a!en 'reten!s to be obt"se "A $o"ntry9 I !on1t #o&&ow A )o"ntain in Ger)any $annot o# #en! a )o"ntain in Fran$e Or a ri+er- or a woo!- or a #ie&! o# wheat " "Are yo" rea&&y as st"'i! as that- or are yo" 0"st '"&&ing )y &eg9" grow&s 4ro'' "I !on1t )ean that at a&& One 'eo'&e o##en!s the other(7" "Then I ha+en1t any b"siness here at a&&-" re'&ies T0a!en- "I !on1t #ee& )yse&# o##en!e! " 1,e&&- &et )e te&& yo"-" says A&bert so"r&y- "it !oesn1t a''&y to tra)'s &ike yo" " 1Then I $an be going ho)e right away-" retorts T0a!en- an! we a&& &a"gh "A$h- )an: he )eans the 'eo'&e as a who&e- the State(" e3$&ai)s Mii&&er QHK ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT "State- State"7T0a!en sna's his #ingers $onte)'t"o"s&y- "Gen!ar)es- 'o&i$e- ta3es- that1s yo"r State.7i# that1s what yo" are ta&king abo"t- no- thank yo" " 1That1s right-" says 4at- "yo"1+e sai! so)ething #or on$e- T0a!en State an! ho)e($o"ntry- there1s a big !i##eren$e " "B"t they go togetherN1 insists 4ro''- "witho"t the State there wo"&!n1t be any ho)e($o"ntry " "Tr"e- b"t 0"st yo" $onsi!er- a&)ost a&& o# "s are si)'&e #o&k An! in Fran$e- too- the )a0ority o# )en are &abo"rerswork)en- or 'oor $&erks Now 0"st why wo"&! a Fren$h b&a$ks)ith or a Fren$h shoe)aker want to atta$k "s9 No- it is )ere&y the r"&ers I ha! ne+er seen a Fren$h)an be#ore I $a)e here- an! it wi&& be 0"st the sa)e with the )a0ority o# Fren$h)en as regar!s "s They weren1t aske! abo"t it any )ore than we were " "Then what e3a$t&y is the war #or9" asks T0a!en 4at shr"gs his sho"&!ers "There )"st be so)e 'eo'&e to who) the war is "se#"& " ",e&&- I1) not one o# the)-" grins T0a!en "Not yo"- nor anybo!y e&se here " ",ho are they then9" 'ersists T0a!en "It isn1t any "se to the 4aiser either /e has e+erything he $an want a&rea!y " QH> "I1) not so s"re abo"t that-" $ontra!i$ts 4at- "he has not ha! a war "' ti&& now An! e+ery #"&&(grown e)'eror re2"ires at &east one war- otherwise he wo"&! not be$o)e #a)o"s Yo" &ook in yo"r s$hoo& booksN1 "An! genera&s too-" a!!s %etering- "they be$o)e #a)o"s thro"gh war " "E+en )ore #a)o"s than e)'erors-" a!!s 4at

"There are other 'eo'&e ba$k behin! there who 'ro#it by the war- that1s $ertain-" grow&s %etering "I think it is )ore o# a kin! o# #e+er-" says A&bert "No one in 'arti$"&ar wants it- an! then a&& at on$e there it is ,e !i!n1t want the war- the others say the sa)e thing7an! yet ha&# the wor&! is in it a&& the sa)e " "B"t there are )ore &ies to&! by the other si!e than by "s-" say I. "0"st think o# those 'a)'h&ets the 'risoners ha+e on the)- where it says that we eat Be&gian $hi&!ren The #e&&ows who write those &ies o"ght to go o"t an! hang the)se&+es They are rea& $"&'rits " M"&&er gets "' "Anyway- it is better that the war is here instea! o# in Ger)any ="st yo" &ook at the she&&(ho&es " "Tr"e-" assents T0a!en- "b"t no war at a&& wo"&! be better sti&& " /e is 2"ite 'ro"! o# hi)se&# be$a"se he has s$ore! #or on$e o+er "s +o&"nteers An! his QHD ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT o'inion is 2"ite ty'i$a&- here one )eets it ti)e an! again- an! there is nothing with whi$h one $an 'ro'er&y $o"nter it- be$a"se that is the &i)it o# their $o)'rehension o# the #a$tors in+o&+e! The nationa& #ee&ing o# the to))y reso&+es itse&# into this7here he is B"t that is the en! o# it. e+erything e&se he $riti$i5es #ro) his own 'ra$ti$a& 'oint o# +iew A&bert &ies !own on the grass an! grow&s angri&y: 1The best thing is not to ta&k abo"t the rotten b"siness " "It won1t )ake any !i##eren$e- that1s s"re-" agrees 4at To )ake )atters worse- we ha+e to ret"rn a&)ost a&& the new things an! take ba$k o"r o&! rags again The goo! ones were )ere&y #or the ins'e$tion Instea! o# going to R"ssia- we go "' the &ine again On the way we 'ass thro"gh a !e+astate! woo! with the tree tr"nks shattere! an! the gro"n! '&o"ghe! "' At se+era& '&a$es there are tre)en!o"s $raters "Great g"ns- so)ething1s hit that-" I say to 4at "Tren$h )ortars-" he re'&ies- an! then 'oints "' at one o# the trees In the bran$hes !ea! )en are hanging A QHE nake! so&!ier is s2"atting in the #ork o# a tree- he sti&& has his he&)et on- otherwise he is entire&y "n$&a! There is on&y ha&# o# hi) sitting "' there- the to' ha&#- the &egs are )issing ",hat $an that )ean9" I ask "/e1s been b&own o"t o# his $&othes-" )"tters T0a!en 1It1s #"nny-" says 4at- "we ha+e seen that se+era& ti)es now I# a )ortar gets yo" it b&ows yo" $&ean o"t o# yo"r $&othes It1s the $on$"ssion that !oes it " I sear$h aro"n! An! so it is /ere hang bits o# "ni#or)- an! so)ewhere e&se is '&astere! a b&oo!y )ess that was on$e a h")an &i)b O+er there &ies a bo!y with nothing b"t a 'ie$e o# the "n!er'ants on one &eg an! the $o&&ar o# the t"ni$ aro"n! its ne$k Otherwise it is nake! an! the $&othes are hanging "' in the tree Both ar)s are )issing as tho"gh they ha! been '"&&e! o"t I !is$o+er one o# the) twenty yar!s o## in a shr"b The !ea! )an &ies on his #a$e There- where the ar) wo"n!s are- the earth is b&a$k with b&oo! An!er#oot the &ea+es are s$rat$he! "' as tho"gh the )an ha! been ki$king "That1s no 0oke- 4at-" says I "No )ore is a she&& s'&inter in the be&&y-" he re'&ies- shr"gging his sho"&!ers "B"t !on1t get ten!er(hearte!-" says T0a!en QH? ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT A&& this $an on&y ha+e ha''ene! a &itt&e whi&e ago- the b&oo! is sti&& #resh As e+erybo!y we see there is !ea! we !o not waste any )ore ti)e- b"t re'ort the a##air at the ne3t stret$her(bearers1 'ost A#ter a&& it is not o"r b"siness to take these stret$her(bearers1 0obs away #ro) the) A 'atro& has to be sent o"t to !is$o+er 0"st how strong&y the ene)y 'osition is )anne! Sin$e )y &ea+e I #ee& a $ertain strange atta$h)ent to the other #e&&ows- an! so I +o&"nteer to go with the) ,e agree on a '&an- s&i' o"t thro"gh the wire an! then !i+i!e an! $ree' #orwar! se'arate&y A#ter a whi&e I #in! a sha&&ow she&&(ho&e an! $raw& into it Fro) here I 'eer #orwar! There is )o!erate )a$hine(g"n #ire It swee's a$ross #ro) a&& !ire$tions- not +ery hea+y- b"t a&ways s"##i$ient to )ake one kee' !own A 'ara$h"te star(she&& o'ens o"t The gro"n! &ies stark in the 'a&e &ight- an! then the !arkness sh"ts !own again b&a$ker than e+er In the tren$hes we were to&! there were b&a$k troo's in #ront o# "s That is nasty- it is har! to see the). they are +ery goo! at 'atro&&ing- too An! o!!&y eno"gh they are o#ten 2"ite st"'i!. #or instan$e- both 4at an! 4ro'' were on$e ab&e to shoot !own a b&a$k ene)y 'atro& be$a"se the #e&&ows in their

enth"sias) #or $igarettes s)oke! whi&e they were $ree'ing abo"t 4at an! A&bert ha! si)'&y to ai) at the g&owing en!s o# the $igarettes A bo)b or so)ething &an!s $&ose besi!e )e I ha+e not hear! it $o)ing an! a) terri#ie! At the sa)e )o)ent a sense&ess #ear takes ho&! o# )e /ere I a) a&one an! a&)ost he&'&ess in the !ark 7'erha's two other eyes ha+e been wat$hing )e #or a &ong whi&e #ro) another she&&(ho&e in #ront o# )e- an! a bo)b &ies rea!y to b&ow )e to 'ie$es I try to '"&& )yse&# together It is not )y #irst 'atro& an! not a 'arti$"&ar&y risky one B"t it is the #irst sin$e )y &ea+ean! besi!es- the &ie o# the &an! is sti&& rather strange to )e I te&& )yse&# that )y a&ar) is abs"r!- that there is 'robab&y nothing at a&& there in the !arkness wat$hing )eotherwise they wo"&! not be #iring so &ow It is in +ain In whir&ing $on#"sion )y tho"ghts h") in )y brain7I hear the warning +oi$e o# )y )other- I see the R"ssians with the #&owing bear!s &eaning against the wire #en$e- I ha+e a bright 'i$t"re o# a $anteen with stoo&s- o# a $ine)a in @a&en$iennes. tor)ente!- terri#ie!- in )y i)agination I see the grey- i)'&a$ab&e )"55&e o# a ri#&e whi$h )o+es noise&ess&y be#ore )e whi$he+er way I try to t"rn )y hea! The sweat breaks o"t #ro) e+ery 'ore I sti&& $ontin"e to &ie in the sha&&ow bow& I QLH ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT &ook at the ti)e. on&y a #ew )in"tes ha+e 'asse! My #orehea! is wet- the so$kets o# )y eyes are !a)'- )y han!s tre)b&e- an! I a) 'anting so#t&y It is nothing b"t an aw#"& s'as) o# #ear- a si)'&e ani)a& #ear o# 'oking o"t )y hea! an! $raw&ing on #arther A&& )y e##orts s"bsi!e &ike #roth into the one !esire to be ab&e 0"st to stay &ying there My &i)bs are g&"e! to the earth I )ake a +ain atte)'t.7they re#"se to $o)e away I 'ress )yse&# !own on the earth- I $annot go #orwar!- I )ake "' )y )in! to stay &ying there B"t i))e!iate&y the wa+e #&oo!s o+er )e anew- a )ing&e! sense o# sha)e- o# re)orse- an! yet at the sa)e ti)e o# se$"rity I raise )yse&# "' a &itt&e to take a &ook ro"n! My eyes b"rn with staring into the !ark A star(she&& goes "'.7I !"$k !own again I wage a wi&! an! sense&ess #ight- I want to get o"t o# the ho&&ow an! yet s&i!e ba$k into it again. I say "Yo" )"st- it is yo"r $o)ra!es- it is not an i!ioti$ $o))an!-" an! again: ",hat !oes it )atter to )e- I ha+e on&y one &i#e to &ose 7(" That is the res"&t o# a&& this &ea+e- I '&ea! in e3ten"ation B"t I $annot reass"re )yse&#. I be$o)e terrib&y #aint I raise )yse&# s&ow&y an! rea$h #orwar! with )y ar)s- !ragging )y bo!y a#ter )e an! then &ie on the e!ge o# the she&&( ho&e- ha&# in an! ha&# o"t QLL There I hear so"n!s an! !ro' ba$k S"s'i$io"s so"n!s $an be !ete$te! $&ear&y !es'ite the noise o# the arti&&ery(#ire I &isten. the so"n! is behin! )e They are o"r 'eo'&e )o+ing a&ong the tren$h Now I hear )"##&e! +oi$es To 0"!ge by the tone that )ight be 4at ta&king At on$e a new war)th #&ows thro"gh )e These +oi$es- these 2"iet wor!s- these #ootste's in the tren$h behin! )e re$a&& )e at a bo"n! #ro) the terrib&e &one&iness an! #ear o# !eath by whi$h I ha! been a&)ost !estroye! They are )ore to )e than &i#e- these +oi$es- they are )ore than )other&iness an! )ore than #ear. they are the strongest- )ost $o)#orting thing there is anywhere: they are the +oi$es o# )y $o)ra!es I a) no &onger a sh"!!ering s'e$k o# e3isten$e- a&one in the !arkness.7I be&ong to the) an! they to )e. we a&& share the sa)e #ear an! the sa)e &i#e- we are nearer than &o+ers- in a si)'&er- a har!er way. I $o"&! b"ry )y #a$e in the)- in these +oi$es- these wor!s that ha+e sa+e! )e an! wi&& stan! by )e *a"tio"s&y I g&i!e o"t o+er the e!ge an! snake )y way #orwar! I sh"##&e a&ong on a&& #o"rs a bit #arther- I kee' tra$k o# )y bearings- &ook aro"n! )e an! obser+e the !istrib"tion o# the g"n#ire so QLQ ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT as to ab&e to #in! )y way ba$k Then I try to get in to"$h with the others I a) sti&& a#rai!- b"t it is an inte&&igent #ear- an e3traor!inari&y heightene! $a"tion The night is win!y an! sha!ows #&it hither an! thither in the #&i$ker o# the g"n#ire It re+ea&s too &itt&e an! too )"$h O#ten I 'a"se- sto$k sti&&)otion&ess- an! a&ways #or nothing Th"s I a!+an$e a &ong ,ay an! then t"rn ba$k in a wi!e $"r+e I ha+e not estab&ishe! to"$h with the others E+ery yar! nearer o"r tren$h #i&&s )e with $on#i!en$e7an! with haste- too It wo"&! be ba! to get hit now Then a new #ear &ays ho&! o# )e I $an no &onger re)e)ber the !ire$tion B"iet- I s2"at in a she&&(ho&e an! try to

&o$ate )yse&# More than on$e it has ha''ene! that so)e #e&&ow has 0")'e! 0oy#"&&y into a tren$h- on&y then to !is ( $o+er that it was the wrong one A#ter a &itt&e ti)e I &isten again- b"t sti&& I a) not s"re The $on#"sion o# she&&(ho&es now see)s so bewi&!ering that I $an no &onger te&& in )y agitation whi$h way I sho"&! go 6erha's I a) $raw&ing 'ara&&e& to the &ines- an! that )ight go on #ore+er So I $raw& ro"n! on$e again in a wi!e $"r+e These !a)ne! ro$kets: They see) to b"rn #or an ho"r- an! a )an $annot )ake the &east )o+e( QLS )ent witho"t bringing the b"&&ets whist&ing ro"n! B"t there is nothing #or it- L )"st get o"t Fa&(tering&y I work )y way #arther- I )o+e o## o+er the gro"n! &ike a $rab an! ri' )y han!s sore&y on the 0agge! s'&inters- as shar' as ra5or b&a!es O#ten I think that the sky is be$o)ing &ighter on the hori5on- b"t it )ay be )ere&y )y i)agination Then gra!"a&&y I rea&i5e that to $raw& in the right !ire$tion is a )atter o# &i#e or !eath A she&& $rashes A&)ost i))e!iate&y two others An! then it begins in earnest A bo)bar!)ent Ma$hine(g"ns ratt&e Now there is nothing #or it b"t to stay &ying &ow A''arent&y an atta$k is $o)ing E+erywhere the ro$kets shoot "' An$easing I &ie h"!!&e! in a &arge she&&(ho&e- )y &egs in the water "' to the be&&y ,hen the atta$k starts I wi&& &et )yse&# #a&& into the water- with )y #a$e as !ee' in the )"! as I $an kee' it witho"t s"##o$ating I )"st 'reten! to be !ea! S"!!en&y I hear the barrage &i#t At on$e I s&i' !own into the water- )y he&)et on the na'e o# )y ne$k an! )y )o"th 0"st $&ear so that I $an get a breath o# air I &ie )otion&ess.7so)ewhere so)ething $&anks- it sta)'s an! st")b&es nearer7a&& )y ner+es be$o)e ta"t an! i$y It $&atters o+er )e an! away- the #irst wa+e has 'asse! I ha+e b"t QLK ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT this one shattering tho"ght: ,hat wi&& yo" !o i# so)eone 0")'s into yo"r she&&(ho&e97Swi#t&y I '"&& o"t )y &itt&e !agger- gras' it #ast an! b"ry it in )y han! on$e again "n!er the )"! I# anyone 0")'s in here I wi&& go #or hi) It ha))ers in )y #orehea!. at on$e- stab hi) $&ean thro"gh the throat- so that he $annot $a&& o"t. that1s the on&y way. he wi&& be 0"st as #rightene! as I a). when in terror we #a&& "'on one another- then I )"st be #irst Now o"r batteries are #iring A she&& &an!s near )e That )akes )e sa+age with #"ry- a&& it nee!s now is to be ki&&e! by o"r own she&&s. I $"rse an! grin! )y teeth in the )"!. it is a ra+ing #ren5y. in the en! a&& I $an !o is groan an! 'ray The $rash o# the she&&s b"rsts in )y ears I# o"r #e&&ows )ake a $o"nter(rai! I wi&& be sa+e! I 'ress )y hea! against the earth an! &isten to the )"##&e! th"n!er- &ike the e3'&osions o# 2"arrying7an! raise it again to &isten #or the so"n!s on to' The )a$hine(g"ns ratt&e I know o"r barbe! wire entang&e)ents are strong an! a&)ost "n!a)age!.7'arts o# the) are $harge! with a 'ower#"& e&e$tri$ $"rrent The ri#&e #ire in$reases They ha+e not broken thro"gh. they ha+e to re ( treat I sink !own again- h"!!&e!- straine! to the "t( QL> ter)ost The banging- the $ree'ing- the $&anging be$o)es a"!ib&e One sing&e $ry ye&&ing a)ongst it a&& They are rake! with #ire- the atta$k is re'"&se! A&rea!y it has be$o)e so)ewhat &ighter Ste's hasten o+er )e The #irst Gone Again- another The ratt&e o# )a$hine(g"ns be$o)es an "nbroken $hain ="st as I a) abo"t to t"rn ro"n! a &itt&e- so)ething hea+y st")b&es- an! with a $rash a bo!y #a&&s o+er )e into the she&&(ho&e- s&i's !own- an! &ies a$ross )e7 I !o not think at a&&- I )ake no !e$ision7I strike )a!&y at ho)e- an! #ee& on&y how the bo!y s"!!en&y $on+"&sesthen be$o)es &i)'- an! $o&&a'ses ,hen I re$o+er )yse&#- )y han! is sti$ky an! wet The )an g"rg&es It so"n!s to )e as tho"gh he be&&ows- e+ery gas'ing breath is &ike a $ry- a th"n!er7h"t it is not on&y )y heart 'o"n!ing I want to sto' his )o"th- st"## it with earth- stab hi) again- he )"st be 2"iet- he is betraying )e. now at &ast I regain $ontro& o# )yse&#- b"t ha+e s"!!en&y be$o)e so #eeb&e that I $annot any )ore &i#t )y han! against hi) So I $raw& away to the #arthest $orner an! stay there- )y eyes g&"e! on hi)- )y han! gras'ing the kni#e7rea!y- i# he stirs- to s'ring at hi) QLD ALL BAIET ON T/E

again B"t he won1t !o so any )ore- I $an hear that a&rea!y in his g"rg&ing I $an see hi) in!istin$t&y I ha+e b"t one !esire- to get away I# it is not soon it wi&& be too &ight. it wi&& be !i##i$"&t eno"gh now Then as I try to raise "' )y hea! I see it is i)'ossib&e a&rea!y The )a$hine(g"n#ire so swee's the gro"n! that I sho"&! be shot thro"gh an! thro"gh be#ore I $o"&! )ake one 0")' I test it on$e with )y he&)et- whi$h I take o## an! ho&! "' to #in! o"t the &e+e& o# the shots The ne3t )o)ent it is kno$ke! o"t o# )y han! by a b"&&et The #ire is swee'ing +ery &ow to the gro"n! I a) not #ar eno"gh #ro) the ene)y &ine to es$a'e being 'i$ke! o## by one o# the sni'ers i# I atte)'t to get away The &ight in$reases B"rning I wait #or o"r atta$k My han!s are white at the kn"$k&es- I $&en$h the) so tight&y in )y &onging #or the #ire to $ease so that )y $o)ra!es )ay $o)e Min"te a#ter )in"te tri$k&es away I !are not &ook again at the !ark #ig"re in the she&&(ho&e ,ith an e##ort I &ook 'ast it an! wait- wait The b"&&ets hiss- they )ake a stee& net- ne+er $easing- ne+er $easing Then I noti$e )y b&oo!y han! an! s"!!en&y #ee& na"seate! I take so)e earth an! r"b the skin with it. now )y han! is )"!!y an! the b&oo! $annot be seen any )ore QLE The #ire !oes not !i)inish It is e2"a&&y hea+y #ro) both si!es O"r #e&&ows ha+e 'robab&y gi+en )e "' #or &ost &ong ago It is ear&y )orning- $&ear an! grey The g"rg&ing $ontin"es- I sto' )y ears- b"t soon take )y #ingers away againbe$a"se then I $annot hear the other so"n! The #ig"re o''osite )e )o+es I shrink together an! in+o&"ntari&y &ook at it Then )y eyes re)ain g&"e! to it A )an with a s)a&& 'ointe! bear! &ies there. his hea! is #a&&en to one si!e- one ar) is ha&#bent- his hea! rests he&'&ess&y "'on it The other han! &ies on his $hest- it is b&oo!y /e is !ea!- I say to )yse&#- he )"st be !ea!- he !oesn1t #ee& anything any )ore. it is on&y the bo!y that is g"rg&ing there Then the hea! tries to raise itse&#- #or a )o)ent the groaning be$o)es &o"!er- his #orehea! sinks ba$k "'on his ar) The )an is not !ea!- he is !ying- b"t he is not !ea! I !rag )yse&# towar! hi)- hesitate- s"''ort )yse&# on )y han!s- $ree' a bit #arther- wait- again a terrib&e 0o"rney At &ast I a) besi!e hi) 1 Then he o'ens his eyes /e )"st ha+e hear! )e- #or he ga5es at )e with a &ook o# "tter terror The bo!y &ies sti&&- b"t in the eyes there is s"$h QL? ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT an e3traor!inary e3'ression o# #right that #or a )o)ent I think they ha+e 'ower eno"gh to $arry the bo!y o## with the) /"n!re!s o# )i&es away with one bo"n! The bo!y is sti&& 'er#e$t&y sti&&- witho"t a so"n!- the g"rg&e has $ease!- b"t the eyes $ry o"t- ye&&- a&& the &i#e is gathere! together in the) #or one tre)en!o"s e##ort to #&ee- gathere! together there in a !rea!#"& terror o# !eath- o# )e My &egs gi+e way an! I !ro' on )y e&bows "No- no-" I whis'er The eyes #o&&ow )e I a) 'ower&ess to )o+e so &ong as they are there Then his han! s&i's s&ow&y #ro) his breast- on&y a &itt&e bit- it sinks 0"st a #ew in$hes- b"t this )o+e)ent breaks the 'ower o# the eyes I ben! #orwar!- shake )y hea! an! whis'er: "No- no- no-" I raise one han!- I )"st show hi) that I want to he&' hi)- I stroke his #orehea! The eyes shrink ba$k as the han! $o)es- then they &ose their stare- the eye&i!s !roo' &ower- the tension is 'ast I o'en his $o&&ar an! '&a$e his hea! )ore $o)#ortab&y /is )o"th stan!s ha&# o'en- it tries to #or) wor!s The &i's are !ry My water bott&e is not there I ha+e not bro"ght it with )e B"t there is water in the )"!- !own at the botto) o# the $rater I $&i)b !own- take o"t )y han!ker$hie#s'rea! it o"t- '"sh it "n!er an! s$oo' "' the ye&( QLM &ow water that strains thro"gh into the ho&&ow o# )y han! /e g"&'s it !own I #et$h so)e )ore Then I "nb"tton his t"ni$ in or!er to ban!age hi) i# it is 'ossib&e In any $ase I )"st !o it- so that i# the #e&&ows o+er there $a't"re )e they wi&& see that I wante! to he&' hi)- an! so wi&& not shoot )e /e tries to resist- b"t his han! is too #eeb&e. The shirt is st"$k an! wi&& not $o)e away- it is b"t tone! at the ba$k So there is nothing #or it b"t to $"t it o'en I &ook #or the kni#e an! #in! it again- B"t when I begin to $"t the shirt the eyes o'en on$e )ore an! the $ry is in the) again an! the !e)ente! e3'ression- so that I )"st $&ose the)- 'ress the) sh"t an! whis'er: "I want to he&' yo"*o)ra!e- $a)era!e- $a)era!e- $a)era!e((" eager&y re'eating the wor!- to )ake hi) "n!erstan! There are three stabs My #ie&! !ressing $o+ers the)- the b&oo! r"ns o"t "n!er it- I 'ress it tighter. there. he groans: That is a&& I $an !o Now we )"st wait- wait

These ho"rs The g"rg&ing starts again7b"t how s&ow&y a )an !ies: For this I know7he $annot be sa+e!- I ha+ein!ee!- trie! to te&& )yse&# that he wi&& be- b"t at noon this 'reten$e breaks !own an! )e&ts be#ore his groans I# on&y I ha! QQH ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT not &ost )y re+o&+er $raw&ing abo"t- I wo"&! shoot hi) Stab hi) I $annot By noon I a) gro'ing on the o"ter ii5wM/-e reason /"nger !e+o"rs )e- I $o"&$h #or so)ething to eat- I $annot str"gg&e! Again an! again I #et$h water #or the !ying )an an! !rink so)e )yse&# This is the #irst ti)e I ha+e ki&&e! with )y han!s- who) I $an see $&ose at han!- whose !eath is )y !oing 4at an! 4ro'' an! Mg&&er ha+e e3'erien$e! it a&rea!y- when they ha+e hit so)eone. it ha''ens to )any- in han!(to(han! #ighting es'e$ia&&y7 B"t e+ery gas' &ays )y heart bare This !ying )an has ti)e with hi)- he has an in+isib&e !ag ger with whi$h he stabs )e: Ti)e an! )y tho"ghts I wo"&! gi+e )"$h i# he wo"&! b"t stay a&i+e It is har! to &ie here an! to ha+e to see an! hear (hi) 1 In the a#ternoon- abo"t three- he is !ea! I breathe #ree&y again B"t on&y #or a short ti)e Soon the si&en$e is )ore "nbearab&e than the groans I wish the g"rg&ing were there again- gas'ing hoarse- now whist&ing so#t&y an! again hoarse an! &o"! It is )a!- what I !o B"t I )"st !o so)ething I 'ro' the !ea! )an "' again so that he &ies $o)#ortab&y- a&tho"gh he #ee&s nothing any )ore I QQL $&ose his eyes They are brown- his hair is b&a$k an! a bit $"r&y at the si!es The )o"th is #"&& an! so#t beneath his )o"sta$he. the nose is s&ight&y ar$he!- the skin brownish. it is now not so 'a&e as it was be#ore- when he was sti&& a&i+e For a )o)ent the #a$e see)s a&)ost hea&thy.7then it $o&&a'ses s"!!en&y into the strange #a$e o# the !ea! that I ha+e so o#ten seen- strange #a$es- a&& a&ike No !o"bt his wi#e sti&& thinks o# hi). she !oes not know what ha''ene! /e &ooks as i# he wo"&! ha+e o#ten written to her.7she wi&& sti&& be getting )ai& #ro) hi)7To()orrow- in a week1s ti)e7'erha's e+en a stray &etter a )onth hen$e She wi&& rea! it- an! in it he wi&& be s'eaking to her My state is getting worse- I $an no &onger $ontro& )y tho"ghts ,hat wo"&! his wi#e &ook &ike9 Like the &itt&e br"nette on the other si!e o# the $ana&9 %oes she be&ong to )e now9 6erha's by this a$t she be$o)es )ine I wish 4antorek were sitting here besi!e )e I# )y )other $o"&! see )e( The !ea! )an )ight ha+e ha! thirty )ore years o# &i#e i# on&y I ha! i)'resse! the way ba$k to o"r tren$h )ore shar'&y on )y )e)ory I# on&y he ha! r"n two yar!s #arther to the &e#t- he )ight now be sitting in the tren$h o+er there an! writing a #resh &etter to his wi#e B"t I wi&& get no #"rther that way. #or that is QQQ ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT the #ate o# a&& o# "s: i# 4e))eri$h1s &eg ha! been si3 in$hes to the right: i# /aie ,esth"s ha! bent his ba$k three in$hes #"rther #orwar!( The si&en$e s'rea!s I ta&k an! )"st ta&k So I s'eak to hi) an! to say to hi): "*o)ra!e- I !i! not want to ki&& yo" I# yo" 0")'e! in here again- I wo"&! not !o it- i# yo" wo"&! be sensib&e too B"t yo" were on&y an i!ea to )e be#orean abstra$tion that &i+e! in )y )in! an! $a&&e! #orth its a''ro'riate res'onse It was that abstra$tion I stabbe! B"t now- #or the #irst ti)e- I see yo" are a )an &ike )e I tho"ght o# yo"r han!(grena!es- o# yo"r bayonet- o# yo"r ri#&e. now I see yo"r wi#e an! yo"r #a$e an! o"r #e&&owshi' Forgi+e )e- $o)ra!e ,e a&ways see it too &ate ,hy !o they ne+er te&& "s that yo" are 'oor !e+i&s &ike "s- that yo"r )others are 0"st as an3io"s as o"rs- an! that we ha+e the sa)e #ear o# !eath- an! the sa)e !ying an! the sa)e agony(<Forgi+e )e- $o)ra!e. how $o"&! yo" be )y ene)y9 I# we threw away these ri#&es an! this "ni#or) yo" $o"&! be )y brother 0"st &ike 4at an! A&bert Take twenty years o# )y &i#e- $o)ra!e- an! stan! "'7take )ore- #or I !o not know what I $an e+en atte)'t to !o with it now " It is 2"iet- the #ront is sti&& e3$e't #or the $ra$k&e o# ri#&e #ire The b"&&ets rain o+erG they QQS are not #ire! ha'ha5ar!- b"t shrew!&y ai)e! #ro) a&& si!es I $annot get o"t "I wi&& write to yo"r wi#e-" I say hasti&y to the !ea! )an- "I wi&& write to her- she )"st hear it #ro) )e- I wi&& te&& her e+erything I ha+e to&! yo"- she sha&& not s"##er- I wi&& he&' her- an! yo"r 'arents too- an! yo"r $hi&!(" /is t"ni$ is ha&# o'en The 'o$ket(book is easy to #in! B"t I hesitate to o'en it In it is the book with his na)e So

&ong as I !o not know his na)e 'erha's I )ay sti&& #orget hi)- ti)e wi&& ob&iterate it- this 'i$t"re B"t his na)e- it is a nai& that wi&& be ha))ere! into )e an! ne+er $o)e o"t again It has the 'ower to re$a&& this #ore+er- it wi&& a&ways $o)e ba$k an! stan! be#ore )e Irreso&"te&y I take the wa&&et in )y han! It s&i's o"t o# )y han! an! #a&&s o'en So)e 'i$t"res an! &etters !ro' o"t I gather the) "' an! want to '"t the) ba$k again- b"t the strain I a) "n!er- the "n$ertainty- the h"nger- the !angerthese ho"rs with the !ea! )an ha+e )a!e )e !es'erate- I want to hasten the re&ie#- to intensi#y an! to en! the tort"re- as one strikes an "nen(!"rab&y 'ain#"& han! against the tr"nk o# a tree- regar!&ess o# e+erything There are 'ortraits o# a wo)an an! a &itt&e gir&- s)a&& a)ate"r 'hotogra'hs taken against an i+y($&a! wa&& A&ong with the) are &etters I QQK ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT take the) o"t an! try to rea! the) Most o# it I !o not "n!erstan!- it is so har! to !e$i'her an! I s$ar$e&y know any Fren$h B"t ea$h wor! I trans&ate 'ier$es )e &ike a shot in the $hest.7 &ike a stab in the $hest My brain is ta3e! beyon! en!"ran$e B"t I rea&i5e this )"$h- that I wi&& ne+er !are to write to these 'eo'&e as I inten!e! I)'ossib&e I &ook at the 'ortraits on$e )ore. they are $&ear&y not ri$h 'eo'&e I )ight sen! the) )oney anony)o"s&y i# I earn anything &ater on I sei5e "'on that- it is at &east so)ething to ho&! on to This !ea! )an is bo"n! "' with )y &i#e- there#ore I )"st !o e+erything- 'ro)ise e+erything in or!er to sa+e )yse&#. I swear b&in!&y that I )ean to &i+e on&y #or his sake an! his #a)i&y- with wet &i's I try to '&a$ate hi)7an! !ee' !own in )e &ies the ho'e that I )ay b"y )yse&# o## in this way an! 'erha's e+en get o"t o# this. it is a &itt&e stratage): i# on&y I a) a&&owe! to es$a'e- then I wi&& see to it So I o'en the book an! rea! s&ow&y:7GPrar! %"+a&- $o)'ositor ,ith the !ea! )an1s 'en$i& I write the a!!ress on an en+e&o'e- then swi#t&y thr"st e+erything ba$k into his t"ni$ I ha+e ki&&e! the 'rinter- GPrar! %"+a& I )"st be a 'rinter- I think $on#"se!&y- be a 'rinter- 'rinter(( QQ> By a#ternoon I a) $a&)er My #ear was gro"n!&ess The na)e tro"b&es )e no )ore The )a!ness 'asses "*o)ra!e-" I say to the !ea! )an- b"t I say it $a&)&y- (to(!ay yo"G to()orrow )e B"t i# I $o)e o"t o# it- $o)ra!e- I wi&& #ight against this- that has str"$k "s both !own. #ro) yo"- taken &i#e7an! #ro) )e79 Li#e a&so I 'ro)ise yo"$o)ra!e It sha&& ne+er ha''en again " The s"n strikes &ow- I a) st"'e#ie! with e3ha"stion an! h"nger Yester!ay is &ike a #og to )e- there is no ho'e o# e+er getting o"t o# this I #a&& into a !o5e an! !o not at #irst rea&i5e that e+ening is a''roa$hing The twi&ight $o)es It see)s to )e to $o)e 2"i$k&y now One ho"r )ore I# it were s"))er- it wo"&! be three ho"rs )ore One ho"r )ore Now s"!!en&y I begin to tre)b&e. so)ething )ight ha''en in the inter+a& I think ho )ore o# the !ea! )an- he is o# no $onse2"en$e to )e now ,ith one bo"n! the &"st to &i+e #&ares "' again an! e+erything that has #i&&e! )y tho"ghts goes !own be#ore it Now- )ere&y to a+ert any i&&(&"$k- I babb&e )e$hani$a&&y: "I wi&& #"&#i& e+erything#A&#i& e+erything I ha+e 'ro)ise! yo"(" b"t a&rea!y I know that I sha&& not !o so S"!!en&y it o$$"rs to )e that )y own QQD ALL BAIET ON T/E $o)ra!es )ay #ire on )e 00!!li-%)i,1&)i they !o not know I a) $o)ing l 2)3)4i%at as soon as I $an so that they wi&& re$o0ghi5e )e I wi&& stay &ying in #ront o# the tren$h "nti& they answer )e The #irst star The #ront re)ains 2"iet I breathe !ee'&y an! ta&k to )yse&# in )y e3$ite )ent: "No #oo&ishness now6a"&7B"iet- 6a"&- 2"iet7then yo" wi&& be sa+e!- 6a"& " ,hen I "se )y *hristian na)e it works as tho"gh so)eone e&se s'oke it to )e- it has )ore 'ower The !arkness grows My e3$ite)ent s"bsi!es- I wait $a"tio"s&y "nti& the #irst ro$ket goes "' Then I $raw& o"t o# the she&&(ho&e I ha+e #orgotten the !ea! )an Be#ore )e &ies the on$o)ing night an! the 'a&e g&ea)ing #ie&! I #i3 )y eyes on a she&&(ho&e. the )o)ent the &ight !ies I s$"rry o+er into it- gro'e #arther- s'ring into the ne3t- !"$k !owns$ra)b&e onwar!. I $o)e nearer There- by the &ight o# the ro$ket I see so)ething )o+e in the wire- then it sti##ens an! I &ie sti&& Ne3t ti)e I see it again- yes- they are )en #ro) o"r tren$h B"t I a) s"s'i$io"s "nti& I re$ogni5e o"r he&)ets Then I $a&& An! i))e!iate&y an answer rings o"t- )y na)e: "6a"&76a"&(" I $a&& again in answer It is 4at an! A&bert who ha+e $o)e o"t with a stret$her to &ook #or )e "Are yo" wo"n!e!9" QQE

eNo- no7(" ,e !ro' into the tren$h I ask #or so)ething to eat an! wo&# it !own Mg&&er gi+es )e a $igarette In a #ew wor!s I te&& what ha''ene! There is nothing new abo"t it. it ha''ens 2"ite o#ten The night atta$k is the on&y "n"s"a& #eat"re o# the b"siness In R"ssia 4at on$e &ay #or two !ays behin! the ene)y &ines be#ore he $o"&! )ake his way ba$k I !o not )ention the !ea! 'rinter B"t by ne3t )orning I $an kee' it to )yse&# no &onger I )"st te&& 4at an! A&bert They both try to $a&) )e "Yo" $an1t !o anything abo"t it ,hat e&se $o"&! yo" ha+e !one9 That is what yo" are here #or " I &isten to the) an! #ee& $o)#orte!- reass"re! by their 'resen$e It was )ere !ri+e&&ing nonsense that I ta&ke! o"t there in the she&&(ho&e "Look there #or instan$e-" 'oints 4at On the #ire(ste' stan! so)e sni'ers They rest their ri#&es with te&es$o'i$ sights on the 'ara'et an! wat$h the ene)y #ront On$e an! again a shot $ra$ks o"t Then we hear the $ry: "That1s #o"n! a bi&&et:" "%i! yo" see how he &ea't in the air9" Sergeant Oe&&ri$h t"rns ro"n! 'ro"!&y an! s$ores his 'oint /e hea!s the shooting &ist #or to(!ay with three "n2"estionab&e hits ",hat !o yo" say to that9" asks 4at QQ? I no! "I# he kee's that "' he wi&& get a &itt&e $o&o"re! bir! #or his b"ttonho&e by this e+ening-" says A&bert "Or rather he wi&& soon be )a!e a$ting sergeant()a0or-" says 4at ,e &ook at one another "I wo"&! not !o it-" I say "A&& the sa)e-" says 4at- "it1s +ery goo! #or yo" to see it 0"st now " Sergeant Oe&&ri$h ret"rns to the #ire(ste' The )"55&e o# his ri#&e sear$hes to an! #ro "Yo" !on1t nee! to &ose any s&ee' o+er yo"r a##air-" no!s A&bert An! now I har!&y "n!erstan! it )yse&# any )ore "It was on&y be$a"se I ha! to &ie there with hi) so &ong-" I say "A#ter a&&- war is war " Oe&&ri$h1s ri#&e $ra$ks o"t shar'&y an! !ry QQM ,e ha+e !ro''e! in #or a goo! 0ob Eight o# "s ha+e to g"ar! a +i&&age that has been aban!one! be$a"se it is being she&&e! too hea+i&y In 'arti$"&ar we ha+e to wat$h the s"''&y !")' as that is not e)'ty yet ,e are s"''ose! to 'ro+ision o"rse&+es #ro) the sa)e store ,e are 0"st the right 'eo'&e #or that.74at- A&bert- M"&&er- T0a!en- %etering- o"r who&e gang is there /aie is !ea!- tho"gh B"t we are )ighty &"$ky a&& the sa)e- a&& the other s2"a!s ha+e ha! )ore $as"a&ties than we ha+e ,e se&e$t- as a !"g(o"t- a rein#or$e! $on$rete $e&&ar into whi$h ste's &ea! !own #ro) abo+e QSL The entran$e is 'rote$te! by a se'arate $on$rete wa&& Now we !e+e&o' an i))ense in!"stry This is an o''ort"nity not on&y to stret$h one1s &egs- b"t to stret$h one1s so"& a&so ,e )ake the best "se o# s"$h o''ort"nities The war is too !es'erate to a&&ow "s to be senti)enta& #or &ong That is on&y 'ossib&e so &ong as things are not going too ba!&y A#ter a&&- we $annot a##or! to be anything b"t )atter( o#(#a$t So )atter(o#(#a$t- in!ee!- that I o#ten sh"!!er when a tho"ght #ro) the !ays be #ore the war $o)es )o)entari&y into )y hea! B"t it !oes not stay &ong ,e ha+e to take things as &ight&y as we $an- so we )ake the )ost o# e+ery o''ort"nity- an! non sense stan!s stark an! i))e!iate besi!e horror It $annot be otherwise- that is how we hearten o"rse&+es So we 5ea&o"s&y set to work to $reate an i!y&&7an i!y&& o# eating an! s&ee'ing o# $o"rse The #&oor is #irst $o+ere! with )attresses whi$h we ha"& in #ro) the ho"ses E+en a so&!ier1s behin! &ikes to sit so#t On&y in the )i!!&e o# the #&oor is there any $&ear s'a$e Then we #"rnish o"rse&+es with b&ankets- an! ei!er!owns&"3"rio"s so#t a##airs There is '&enty o# e+erything to be ha! in the +i&&age A&bert an! I #in! a )ahogany be! whi$h $an be taken to 'ie$es with a sky o# b&"e si&k an! a &a$e $o+er&et ,e sweat QSQ ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT &ike )onkeys )o+ing it in- b"t a )an $annot &et a thing &ike that s&i'- an! it wo"&! $ertain&y be shot to 'ie$es in a !ay or two

4at an! I !o a &itt&e 'atro&&ing thro"gh the ho"ses In +ery short ti)e we ha+e $o&&e$te! a !o5en eggs an! two 'o"n!s o# #air&y #resh b"tter S"!!en&y there is a $rash in the !rawing(roo)- an! an iron sto+e h"rt&es thro"gh the wa&& 'ast "s an! on- a yar! #ro) "s o"t thro"gh the wa&& behin! Two ho&es It $o)es #ro) the ho"se o''osite where a she&& has 0"st &an!e! "The swine-" gri)a$es 4at- an! we $ontin"e o"r sear$h A&& at on$e we 'ri$k "' o"r ears- h"rry a$ross- an! s"!!en&y stan! 'etri#ie!7there r"nning "' an! !own in a &itt&e sty are two &i+e s"$king 'igs ,e r"b o"r eyes an! &ook on$e again to )ake $ertain Yes- they are sti&& there ,e sei5e ho&! o# the)7no !o"bt abo"t it- two rea& yo"ng 'igs This wi&& )ake a gran! #ee! Abo"t twenty yar!s #ro) o"r !"g(o"t there is a s)a&& ho"se that was "se! as an o##i$ers1 bi&&et- In the kit$hen is an i))ense #ire'&a$e with two ranges- 'ots- 'ans- an! kett&es7e+erything- e+en to a sta$k o# s)a&& $ho''e! woo! in an o"tho"se7a reg"&ar $ook1s 'ara!iseTwo o# o"r #e&&ows ha+e been o"t in the #ie&!s a&& the )orning h"nting #or 'otatoes- $arrots an! green 'eas ,e are 2"ite "''ish an! sni## at the tinne! st"## in the s"''&y !")'- we want #resh QSS +egetab&es In the !ining(roo) there are a&rea!y two hea!s o# $a"&i#&ower The s"$king 'igs are s&a"ghtere! 4at sees to the) ,e want to )ake 'otato($akes to go with the roast B"t we $annot #in! a grater #or the 'otatoes /owe+er- the !i##i$"&ty is soon got o+er ,ith a nai& we '"n$h a &ot o# ho&es in a 'ot &i! an! there we ha+e a grater Three #e&&ows '"t on thi$k g&o+es to 'rote$t their #ingers against the grater- two others 'ee& the 'otatoes- an! the b"siness gets going 4at takes $harge o# the s"$king 'igs- the $arrots- the 'eas- an! the $a"&i#&ower /e e+en )i3es a white sa"$e #or the $a"&i#&ower I #ry the 'an$akes- #o"r at a ti)e A#ter ten )in"tes I get the kna$k o# tossing the 'an so that the 'an$akes whi$h are !one on one si!e sai& "'- t"rn in the air an! are $a"ght again as they $o)e !own The s"$king 'igs are roaste! who&e ,e a&& stan! ro"n! the) as be#ore an a&tar In the )eanti)e we re$ei+e +isitors- a $o"'&e o# wire&ess()en- who are genero"s&y in+ite! to the #ee! They sit in the &i+ing(roo) where there is a 'iano One o# the) '&ays- the other sings "An !er ,eser " /e sings #ee&ing&y- b"t with a rather Sa3on a$$ent A&& the sa)e it )o+es "s as we stan! at the #ire'&a$e 're'aring the goo! things Then we begin to rea&i5e we are in #or tro"b&e The obser+ation ba&&oons ha+e s'otte! the s)oke QSK #ro) o"r $hi)ney- an! the she&&s start to !ro' on "s They are those !a)ne! s'raying &itt&e !aisy($"tters that )ake on&y a s)a&& ho&e an! s$atter wi!e&y $&ose to the gro"n! They kee' !ro''ing $&oser an! $&oser a&& ro"n! "s. sti&& we $annot &ea+e the gr"b in the &"r$h A $o"'&e o# s'&inters whi55 thro"gh the to' o# the kit$hen win!ow The roast is rea!y B"t #rying the 'an$akes is getting !i##i$"&t The e3'&osions $o)e so #ast that the s'&inters strike again an! again against the wa&& o# the ho"se an! swee' in thro"gh the win!ow ,hene+er I hear a she&& $o)ing I !ro' !own on one knee with the 'an an! the 'an$akes- an! !"$k behin! the wa&& o# the win!ow I))e!iate&y a#terwar!s I a) "' again an! going on with the #rying The Sa3on sto's singing7a #rag)ent has s)ashe! the 'iano At &ast e+erything is rea!y an! we organi5e the trans'ort o# it ba$k to the !"g(o"t A#ter the ne3t e3'&osion two )en !ash a$ross the #i#ty yar!s to the !"g(o"t with the 'ots o# +egetab&es ,e see the) !isa''ear The ne3t shot E+eryone !"$ks an! then two )ore trot o##- ea$h with a big $an o# #inest gra!e $o##ee- an! rea$h the !"g(o"t be#ore the ne3t e3'&osion Then 4at an! 4ro'' sei5e the )aster'ie$e7 the big !ish with the brown- roaste! s"$king QS> 'igs A s$ree$h. a knee ben!- an! away they ra$e o+er the #i#ty yar!s o# o'en $o"ntryI stay to #inish )y &ast #o"r 'an$akes. twi$e I ha+e to !ro' to the #&oor.7a#ter a&&- it )eans #o"r 'an$akes )ore- an! they are )y #a+o"rite !ish" Then I grab the '&ate with the great 'i&e o# $akes an! s2"ee5e )yse&# behin! the ho"se !oor A hiss- a $rash- an! I ga&&o' o## with the '&ate $&a)'e! against )y $hest with both han!s I a) a&)ost in- there is a rising s$ree$h- I bo"n!I r"n &ike a !eer- swee' ro"n! the wa&&- #rag)ents $&atter against the $on$rete- I t")b&e !own the $e&&ar ste's- )y e&bows are skinne!- b"t I ha+e not &ost a sing&e 'an$ake- nor e+en "'set the '&ate At two o1$&o$k we start the )ea& It &asts ti&& si3 ,e !rink $o##ee "nti& ha&#('ast si37o##i$er1s $o##ee #ro) the s"''&y !")'7an! s)oke o##i$er1s $igars an! $igarettes7a&so #ro) the s"''&y !")' 6"n$t"a&&y at ha&#('ast si3 we begin s"''er At ten o1$&o$k we throw the bones o# the s"$king 'igs o"tsi!e the !oor Then there is $ogna$ an! r")7a&so #ro) the b&esse! s"''&y !")'7an! on$e again &ong- #at ( $igars with be&&y(ban!s T0a!en says that it &a$ks on&y one thing: Gir&s #ro) an o##i$er1s brothe& Late in the e+ening we hear )ewing A &itt&e grey $at sits in the entran$e ,e enti$e it in an! gi+e it so)ething to eat An! that wakes "' o"r QSD

ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT own a''etites on$e )ore Sti&& $hewing- we &ie1 !own to s&ee' B"t the night is ba! ,e ha+e eaten too )"$h #at Fresh baby 'ig is +ery gri'ing to the bowe&s There is an e+er&asting $o)ing an! going in the !"g(o"t Two- three )en with their 'ants !own are a&ways sitting abo"t o"tsi!e an! $"rsing I ha+e been o"t nine ti)es )yse&# Abo"t #o"r o1$&o$k in the )orning we rea$h a re$or!: a&& e&e+en )eng"ar!s an! +isitors- are s2"atting o"tsi!e B"rning ho"ses stan! o"t &ike tor$hes against the night She&&s &")ber a$ross- an! $rash !own - M"nition $o&")ns tear a&ong the street On one ( si!e the s"''&y !")' has been ri''e! o'en- In s'ite o# a&& the #&ying #rag)ents the !ri+ers o# the )"nition $o&")ns 'o"r in &ike a swar) o# bees an! 'o"n$e on the brea! ,e &et the) ha+e their own way I# we sai! anything it wo"&! on&y )ean a goo! hi!ing #or "s So we go !i##erent&y abo"t it ,e e3'&ain that we are the g"ar! an! so know o"r way abo"t- we get ho&! o# the tinne! st"## an! e3$hange it #or things we are short o# ,hat !oes it )atter anyhow7in a whi&e it wi&& a&& be b&own to 'ie$es For o"rse&+es we take so)e $ho$o&ate #ro) the !e'ot an! eat it in s&abs 4at says it is goo! #or &oose bowe&s A&)ost a #ortnight 'asses th"s in eating- !rinking an! roa)ing abo"t No one !ist"rbs "s QSE The +i&&age gra!"a&&y +anishes "n!er the she&&s an! we &ea! a $har)e! &i#e So &ong as any 'art o# the s"''&y !")' sti&& stan!s we !on1t worry- we !esire nothing better than to stay here ti&& the en! o# the war T0a!en has be$o)e so #asti!io"s that he on&y ha&# s)okes his $igars ,ith his nose in the air he e3'&ains to "s that he was bro"ght "' that way An! 4at is )ost $heer#"& In the )orning his #irst $a&& is: "E)i&- bring in the $a+iare an! $o##ee " ,e '"t on e3traor!inary airs- e+ery )an treats the other as his +a&et- bo"n$es hi) an! gi+es hi) or!ers "There is so)ething it$hing "n!er )y #oot. 4ro'' )y )an- $at$h that &o"se at on$e-" says Leer- 'oking o"t his &eg at hi) &ike a ba&&et gir&- an! A&bert !rags hi) "' the stairs by the #oot "T0a!en:"7",hat9"7"Stan! at ease- T0a!en. an! what1s )ore- !on1t say 1,hat-1 say 1Yes- SirN7now: T0a!en:" T0a!en retorts in the we&&(known 'hrase #ro) Goethe1s "Ght5 +on Ber(&i$hingen-" with whi$h he is a&ways #ree A#ter eight )ore !ays we re$ei+e or!ers to go ba$k The 'a&)y !ays are o+er Two big )otor &orries take "s away They are sta$ke! high with '&anks Ne+erthe&ess- A&bert an! I ere$t on to' o"r #o"r('oster be! $o)'&ete with b&"e si&k $ano'y- )attress- an! two &a$e $o+er&ets An! behin! it at the hea! is stowe! a bag #"&& o# $hoi$est e!i b&es ,e o#ten !i' into it- an! the to"gh ha) sa"( QS? sages- the tins<o# <'#$&ia"sageS- the $onser+es- the bo3es o# $igarettes re0oi$e o"r hearts Ea$h )an has a bag to hi)se&# 4ro'' an! I ha+e res$"e! two big re! ar)$hairs as we&& They stan! insi!e the be!- an! we s'raw& ba$k in the) as in a theatre bo3 Abo+e "s swe&&s the si&ken $o+er &ike a ba&!a2"in Ea$h )an has a &ong $igar in his )o"th An! th"s #ro) a&o#t we s"r+ey the s$ene Between "s stan!s a 'arrot $age that we #o"n! #or the $at She is $o)ing with "s- an! &ies in the $age be#ore her sa"$er o# )eat- an! '"rrs S&ow&y the &orries ro&& !own the roa! ,e sing Behin! "s she&&s are sen!ing "' #o"ntains #ro) the now "tter&y aban!one! +i&&age A #ew !ays &ater we are sent to e+a$"ate a +i&&age On the way we )eet the #&eeing inhabitants tr"n!&ing their goo!s an! $hatte&s a&ong with the) in whee&barrows- in 'era)b"&ators- an! on their ba$ks Their #ig"res are bent- their #a$es #"&& o# grie#- !es'air- haste- an! resignation The $hi&!ren ho&! on to their )others1 han!s- an! o#ten an o&!er gir& &ea!s the &itt&e ones who st")b&e onwar! an! are #or e+er &ooking ba$k A #ew $arry )iserab&e(&ooking !o&&s A&& are si&ent as they 'ass "s by ,e are )ar$hing in $o&")n. the Fren$h $er( QSM tain&y wi&& not #ire on a town in whi$h there are sti&& inhabitants B"t a #ew )in"tes &ater the air s$rea)s- the earth hea+es- $ries ring o"t. a she&& has &an!e! a)ong o"r rear s2"a! ,e s$atter an! #&ing o"rse&+es !own on the gro"n!b"t at that )o)ent I #ee& the instin$ti+e a&ertness &ea+e )e whi$h hitherto has a&ways )a!e )e !o "n$ons$io"s&y the right thing "n!er #ire. the tho"ght &ea's "' with a terrib&e thrott&ing #ear: "Yo" are &ost"7an! the ne3t )o)ent a b&ow swee's &ike a whi' o+er )y &e#t &eg I hear A&bert $ry o"t. he is besi!e )e "B"i$k- "'- A&bert:" I ye&&- #or we are &ying "nshe&tere! in the o'en #ie&! /e staggers "' an! r"ns I kee' besi!e hi) ,e ha+e to get o+er a he!ge. it is higher than we are 4ro'' sei5es a bran$h- I hea+e hi) "' by the &eg- he $ries o"t- I gi+e hi) a swing an! he #&ies o+er ,ith one bo"n! I #o&&ow hi) an! #a&& into a !it$h that &ies behin! the he!ge

O"r #a$es are s)othere! with !"$k(wee! an! )"!- b"t the $o+er is goo! So we wa!e in "' to o"r ne$ks ,hene+er a she&& whist&es we !"$k o"r hea!s "n!er the water A#ter we ha+e !one this a !o5en ti)es- I a) e3ha"ste! "Let1s get away- or I1&& #a&& in an! !rown-" groans A&bert ",here has it got yo"9" I ask hi) "In the knee I think " QKH ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT "*an yo" r"n9" "I think(" 1Then o"t:" ,e )ake #or the !it$h besi!e the roa!- an! stoo'ing- r"n a&ong it The she&&ing #o&&ows "s The roa! &ea!s towar!s the )"nition !")' I# that goes "' there won1t be so )"$h as a boot&a$e &e#t o# "s So we $hange o"r '&an an! r"n !iagona&&y a$ross $o"ntry A&bert begins to !rag "Yo" go- I1&& $o)e on a#ter-" he says- an! throws hi)se&# !own I sei5e hi) by the ar) an! shake hi) "A'- A&bert- i# on$e yo" &ie !own yo"1&& ne+er get any #arther B"i$k- I1&& ho&! yo" "' " At &ast we rea$h a s)a&& !"g(o"t 4ro'' 'it$hes in an! I ban!age hi) "' The shot is 0"st a &itt&e abo+e his knee Then I take a &ook at )yse&# My tro"sers are b&oo!y an! )y ar)- too A&bert bin!s "' )y wo"n! with his #ie&! !ressing A&rea!y he is no &onger ab&e to )o+e his &eg- an! we both won!er how we )anage! to get this #ar Fear a&one )a!e it 'ossib&e. we sho"&! ha+e r"n e+en i# o"r #eet ha! been shot o##.7we wo"&! ha+e r"n on the st")'s I $an sti&& $raw& a &itt&e I $a&& o"t to a 'assing a)b"&an$e wagon whi$h 'i$ks "s "' It is #"&& o# wo"n!e! There is an ar)y )e!i$a& &an$e($or'ora& with it who sti$ks an anti(tetan"s nee!&e into o"r $hests QKL At the !ressing station we arrange )atters so that we &ie si!e by si!e They gi+e "s a thin so"' whi$h we s'oon !own gree!i&y an! s$orn#"&&y- be$a"se we are a$$"sto)e! to better ti)es b"t are h"ngry a&& the sa)e "Now #or ho)e- A&bert-" I say "Let1s ho'e so-" he re'&ies- "I on&y wish I knew what I1+e got " The 'ain in$reases The ban!ages b"rn &ike #ire ,e !rink an! !rink- one g&ass o# water a#ter another "/ow #ar abo+e the knee a) I hit9" asks 4ro'' "At &east #o"r in$hes- A&bert-" I answer A$t"a&&y it is 'erha's one T+e )a!e "' )y )in!-" he says a#ter a whi&e- "i# they take o## )y &eg- I1&& '"t an en! to it I won1t go thro"gh &i#e as a $ri''&e " So we &ie there with o"r tho"ghts an! wait In the e+ening we are ha"&e! on to the $ho''ing(b&o$k I a) #rightene! an! think 2"i$k&y what I o"ght to !o. #or e+eryone knows that the s"rgeons in the !ressing stations a)'"tate on the s&ightest 'ro+o$ation An!er the great b"siness that is )"$h si)'&er than $o)'&i$ate! 'at$hing I think o# 4e))eri$h ,hate+er ha''ens I wi&& QKQ ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT not &et the) $h&oro#or) )e- e+en i# I ha+e to $ra$k a $o"'&e o# their sk"&&s It is a&& right The s"rgeon 'okes aro"n! in the wo"n! an! a b&a$kness $o)es be#ore )y eyes "%on1t $arry on so-" he says gr"##&y- an! ha$ks away The instr")ents g&ea) in the bright &ight &ike )ar+e&o"s ani)a&s The 'ain is ins"##erab&e Two or!er&ies ho&! )y ar)s #ast- b"t I break &oose with one o# the) an! try to $rash into the s"rgeon1s s'e$ta$&es 0"st as he noti$es an! s'rings ba$k "*h&oro#or) the s$o"n!re&-" he roars )a!&y Then I be$o)e 2"iet "6ar!on )e- /err %o$tor- I wi&& kee' sti&& b"t !o not $h&oro#or) )e " ",e&& now-" he $a$k&es an! takes "' his instr")ent again /e is a #air #e&&ow- not )ore than thirty years o&!- with s$ars an! !isg"sting go&! s'e$ta$&es Now I see that he is tor)enting )e- he is )ere&y raking abo"t in the wo"n! an! &ooking "' s"rre'titio"s&y at )e o+er his g&asses My han!s s2"ee5e aro"n! the gri's- I1&& ki$k the b"$ket be#ore he wi&& get a s2"eak o"t o# )e /e has #ishe! o"t a 'ie$e o# she&& an! tosses it to )e A''arent&y he is '&ease! at )y se&#($ontro&- #or he now sets )y &eg $are#"&&y in s'&ints an! says: "To()orrow yo"1&& be o## ho)e " Then I a) '"t in '&aster ,hen I a) ba$k again QKS with 4ro'' I te&& hi) a''arent&y a hos'ita& train $o)es in to)orrow )orning ",e )"st work the ar)y )e!i$a& sergeant()a0or so that we $an kee' together- A&bert "

I )anage to s&i' the sergeant()a0or two o# )y $igars with be&&y(ban!s- an! then ti' the wor! to hi) /e s)e&&s the $igars an! says: "/a+e yo" got any )ore o# the)9" "Another goo! han!#"&-" I say- "an! )y $o)ra!e-" I 'oint to 4ro''- "he has so)e as we&& ,e )ight 'ossib&y be g&a! to han! the) to yo" o"t o# the win!ow o# the hos'ita& train in the )orning " /e "n!erstan!s- o# $o"rse- s)e&&s the) on$e again an! says: "%one " ,e $annot get a )in"te1s s&ee' a&& night One o# the) sings hy)ns in a high $ra$ke! tenor be #ore he begins to g"rg&e Another has $re't o"t o# his be! to the win!ow /e &ies in #ront o# it as tho"gh he wants to &ook o"t #or the &ast ti)e O"r stret$hers stan! on the '&at#or) ,e wait #or the train It rains an! the station has no roo# O"r b&ankets are thin ,e ha+e waite! a&rea!y two ho"rs The sergeant()a0or &ooks a#ter "s &ike a )other A&tho"gh I #ee& 'retty ba! I !o not &et o"r s$he)e o"t o# )y )in! *as"a&&y I &et hi) QKK ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT see the 'a$ket an! gi+e hi) one $igar in a!+an$e In e3$hange the sergeant()a0or $o+ers "s o+er with a water'roo# sheet "A&bert- o&! )an-" I s"!!en&y bethink )yse&#- "o"r #o"r('oster an! the $at(" "An! the $&"b $hairs-" he a!!s Yes- the $&"b $hairs with re! '&"sh In the e+ening we "se! to sit in the) &ike &or!s- an! inten!e! &ater on to &et the) o"t by the ho"r One $igarette 'er ho"r It )ight ha+e t"rne! into a reg"&ar b"siness- a rea& goo! &i+ing "An! o"r bags o# gr"b- too- A&bert " ,e grow )e&an$ho&y ,e )ight ha+e )a!e so)e "se o# the things I# on&y the train &e#t one !ay &ater 4at wo"&! be s"re to #in! "s an! bring "s the st"## ,hat !a)ne! har! &"$k: In o"r be&&ies there is gr"e&- )ean hos'ita& st"##- an! in o"r bags roast 'ork B"t we are so weak that we $annot work "' any )ore e3$ite)ent abo"t it The stret$hers are so''ing wet by the ti)e the train arri+es in the )orning The sergeant()a0or sees to it that we are '"t in the sa)e $ar There is a $row! o# re!($ross n"rses 4ro'' is stowe! in be&ow I a) &i#te! "' an! to&! to get into the be! abo+e hi) "Goo! Go!:" I e3$&ai) s"!!en&y ",hat is it9" asks the sister I $ast a g&an$e at the be! It is $o+ere! with QK> $&ean snow(white &inen- that e+en has got the )arks o# the iron sti&& on it An! )y shirt has gone si3 weeks witho"t being washe! an! is terrib&y )"!!y "*an1t yo" get in by yo"rse&#9" asks the sister gent&y ",hy yes-" I say in a sweat- "b"t take o## the be! $o+er #irst " ",hat #or9" I #ee& &ike a 'ig M"st I get in there97"It wi&& get(" I hesitate "A &itt&e bit !irty9" she s"ggests he&'#"&&y 1That !oesn1t )atter- we wi&& wash it again a#terwar!s " "No- no- not that(" I say e3$ite!&y I a) not e2"a& to s"$h o+erwhe&)ing re#ine)ent ",hen yo" ha+e been &ying o"t there in the tren$hes- s"re&y we $an wash a sheet-" she goes on I &ook at her- she is yo"ng an! $ris'- s'ot&ess an! neat- &ike e+erything here. a )an $annot rea&i5e that it isn1t #or o##i$ers on&y- an! #ee&s hi)se&# strange an! in so)e way e+en a&ar)e! A&& the sa)e the wo)an is a tor)entor- she is going to #or$e )e to say it Tt is on&y(" I try again- s"re&y she )"st know what I )ean ",hat is it then9" "Be$a"se o# the &i$e-" I baw& o"t at &ast QKD She &a"ghs ",e&&- they )"st ha+e a goo! !ay #or on$e- too " Now I !on1t $are any )ore I s$ra)b&e into be! an! '"&& "' the $o+ers A han! gro'es o+er the be!($o+er The sergeant()a0or /e goes o## with the $igars An ho"r &ater we noti$e we are )o+ing I wake "' !"ring the night 4ro'' is rest&ess too The train ri!es easi&y o+er the rai&s I $annot rea&i5e it a&& yet. a be!a train- ho)e "A&bert:" I whis'er "Yes(" "%o yo" know where the &atrine is9"

"The !oor is on the right- I think " "I1) going to ha+e a &ook " It is !ark- I gro'e #or the e!ge o# the be! an! $a"tio"s&y try to s&i!e !own B"t )y #oot #in!s no s"''ort- I begin to s&i'- the '&aster &eg is no he&'- an! with a $rash I &ie on the #&oor "%a)n:" I say "/a+e yo" b")'e! yo"rse&#9" asks 4ro'' "Yo" $o"&! hear that we&& eno"gh #or yo"rse&#-" I grow&- ")y hea!(" A !oor o'ens at the rear o# the $ar The sister $o)es with a &ight an! &ooks at )e "/e has #a&&en o"t o# be!(" QKE She #ee&s )y '"&se an! s)ooths )y #orehea! "Yo" ha+en1t any #e+er- tho"gh " "No-" I agree "/a+e yo" been !rea)ing then9" she asks "6erha's(" I e+a!e- The interrogation starts again She &ooks at )e with her $&ear eyes- an! the )ore won!er#"& an! sweet she is the &ess a) I ab&e to te&& her what I want I a) &i#te! "' into be! again- That wi&& be a&& right As soon as she goes I )"st try to $&i)b !own again I# she were an o&! wo)an- it )ight be easier to say what a )an wants- b"t she is so +ery yo"ng- at the )ost twenty(#i+e- it $an1t be !one- I $annot 'ossib&y te&& her Then A&bert $o)es to )y res$"e- he is not bash#"&- it )akes no !i##eren$e to hi) who is "'set /e $a&&s to the sister She t"rns ro"n! "Sister- he wants(" b"t no )ore !oes A&bert know how to e3'ress it )o!est&y an! !e$ent&y O"t there we<ay it in a sing&e wor!- b"t here- to s"$h a &a!y(A&& at on$e he re)e)bers his s$hoo& !ays an! #inishes hasti&y: "/e wants to &ea+e the roo)- sister " "Ah:" says the sister- "b"t he sho"&!n1t $&i)b o"t o# his be! with '&aster ban!age ,hat !o yo" want then9" she says t"rning to )e I a) in )orta& terror at this t"rn- #or I ha+en1t any i!ea what the things are $a&&e! 'ro#essiona&&y She $o)es to )y he&' QK? ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT "Litt&e or big9" Sho$king b"siness: I sweat &ike a 'ig an! say shy&y: ",e&&- on&y 2"ite a &itt&e one(<7" At any rate it 'ro!"$es the e##e$t I get a bott&e A#ter a #ew ho"rs I a) no &onger the on&y one- an! by )orning we are 2"ite a$$"s to)e! to it an! ask #or what we want witho"t any #a&se )o!esty The train tra+e&s s&ow&y So)eti)es it ha&ts an! the !ea! are "n&oa!e! It ha&ts o#ten A&bert is #e+erish. I !on1t #ee& too ba!. I ha+e so)e 'ain- b"t the worst o# it is that a''arent&y there are sti&& &i$e "n!er the '&aster ban!age They it$h terrib&y- an! I $annot s$rat$h )yse&# ,e s&ee' thro"gh the !ays The $o"ntry g&i!es 2"iet&y 'ast the win!ow The thir! night we rea$h /erbestha& I hear #ro) the sister that A&bert is to be '"t o## at the ne3t station be$a"se o# his #e+er "/ow #ar !oes the train go9" I ask 1To *o&ogne " "A&bert-" I say 1@e sti$k together. yo" see " On the sister1s ne3t ro"n! I ho&! )y breath an! 'ress it "' into )y hea! My #a$e swe&&s an! t"rns re! She sto's "Are yo" in 'ain9" "Yes-" I groan- "a&& o# a s"!!en " She gi+es )e a ther)o)eter an! goes on I wo"&! not ha+e been "n!er 4at1s t"ition i# I !i! not know what to !o now These ar)y ther)o)eters are not )a!e #or o&! so&!iers A&& one has to QKM !o is to !ri+e the 2"i$ksi&+er "' an! then it stays witho"t #a&&ing again I sti$k the ther)o)eter "n!er )y ar) at a s&ant- an! #&i' it stea!i&y with )y #ore#inger Then I gi+e it a shake I sen! it "' to LHH Qi B"t that is not eno"gh A )at$h he&! $a"tio"s&y near to it brings it "' to LHL Di As the sister $o)es ba$k- I b&ow )yse&# o"t- breathe in short gas's- gogg&e at her with +a$ant eyes- toss abo"t rest&ess&y- an! )"tter in a whis'er: "I $an1t bear it any &onger(" She notes )e !own on a s&i' o# 'a'er I know 'er#e$t&y we&& )y '&aster ban!age wi&& not be reo'ene! i# it $an be

a+oi!e! A&bert an!: are '"t o## together ,e are in the sa)e roo) in a *atho&i$ /os'ita& That is a 'ie$e o# &"$k- the *atho&i$ in#ir)aries are note! #or their goo! treat)ent an! goo! #oo! The hos'ita& has been #i&&e! "' #ro) o"r train- there are a great )any be! $ases a)ongst the)- ,e !o not get e3a)ine! to(!ay be$a"se there are too #ew s"rgeons The #&at tro&&eys with the r"b ber whee&s 'ass $ontin"a&&y a&ong the $orri!or- an! a&ways with so)eone stret$he! at #"&& &ength "'on the) A !a)nab&e 'osition- stret$he! o"t #"&& &ength &ike that.7the on&y ti)e it is goo! is when one is as&ee' Q>H ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT The night is +ery !ist"rbe! No one $an s&ee' Towar! )orning we !o5e a &itt&e I wake "' 0"st as it grows &ight The !oors stan! o'en an! I hear +oi$es #ro) the $orri!or The others wake "' too One #e&&ow who has been there a $o"'&e o# !ays a&rea!y e3'&ains it to "s: "A' here in the $orri!or e+ery )orning the sisters say 'rayers They $a&& it Morning %e+otion An! so that yo" $an get yo"r share- they &ea+e the !oor o'en " No !o"bt it is we&& )eant- b"t it gi+es "s a$hes in o"r hea!s an! bones "S"$h an abs"r!ity:" I say- "0"st when a )an !ro''e! o## to s&ee' " "A&& the &ight $ases are "' here- that1s why they !o it here-" he re'&ies A&bert groans I get #"rio"s an! $a&& o"t: "Be 2"iet o"t there:" A )in"te &ater a sister a''ears In her b&a$k an! white !ress she &ooks &ike a bea"ti#"& tea($osy "Sh"t the !oor- wi&& yo"- sister9" says so)eone ",e are saying 'rayers- that is why the !oor is o'en-" she res'on!s "B"t we want to go on s&ee'ing(" "6rayer is better than s&ee'ing-" she stan!s there an! s)i&es inno$ent&y "An! it is se+en o1$&o$k a&rea!y " A&bert groans again "Sh"t the !oor-" I snort She is 2"ite !is$on$erte! A''arent&y she $an( Q>L not "n!erstan! "B"t we are saying 'rayers #or yo" too " "Sh"t the !oor- anyway " She !isa''ears- &ea+ing the !oor o'en The intoning o# the &itany 'ro$ee!s I #ee& sa+age- an! say: "I1) going to $o"nt "' to three I# it !oesn1t sto' be#ore then TA &et so)ething #&y " "Me too-" says another I $o"nt "' to #i+e Then I take ho&! o# a bott&e- ai)- an! hea+e it thro"gh the !oor into the $orri!or It s)ashes into a tho"san! 'ie$es The 'raying sto's A swar) o# sisters a''ear an! re'roa$h "s in $on$ert "Sh"t the !oor:" we ye&& They with!raw The &itt&e one who $a)e #irst is the &ast to go "/eathen-" she $hir's b"t sh"ts the !oor a&& the sa)e ,e ha+e won At noon the hos'ita& ins'e$tor arri+es an! ab"ses "s /e threatens "s with $&ink an! a&& the rest o# it B"t a hos'ita& ins'e$tor is 0"st the sa)e as a $o))issariat ins'e$tor- or any one e&se who wears a &ong swor! an! sho"&!er stra'sb"t is rea&&y a $&erk- an! is ne+er $onsi!ere! e+en by a re$r"it as a rea& o##i$er So we &et hi) ta&k ,hat $o"&! they !o to "s anyway( Q>Q ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT ",ho threw the bott&e9" he asks Be#ore I $an think whether I sho"&! re'ort )yse&#- so)eone says: "I !i! " A )an with a brist&ing bear! sits "' E+eryone is e3$ite!. why sho"&! he re'ort hi)se&#9 "Yo"9" "Yes I was annoye! be$a"se we were wake! "' "nne$essari&y an! &ost )y senses so that I !i! not know what I was !oing " /e ta&ks &ike a book ",hat is yo"r na)e9" "Rein#or$e)ent(Reser+ist =ose# /a)a$her " The ins'e$tor !e'arts ,e are a&& $"rio"s "B"t why !i! yo" say yo" !i! it9 It wasn1t yo" at a&& " /e grins "That !oesn1t )atter I ha+e a shooting &i$ense " Then o# $o"rse- we a&& "n!erstan! ,hoe+er has a shooting &i$ense $an !o 0"st whate+er he '&eases "Yes-" he e3'&ains "I got a $ra$k in the hea! an! they 'resente! )e with a $erti#i$ate to say that I was 'erio!i$a&&y not res'onsib&e #or )y a$tions E+er sin$e then I1+e ha! a gran! ti)e No one !ares to annoy )e An! nobo!y !oes anything to )e "I re'orte! )yse&# be$a"se the shot a)"se!

Q>S )e I# they o'en the !oor again to()orrow we wi&& 'it$h another " ,e are o+er0oye! ,ith =ose# /a)a$her in o"r )i!st we $an now risk anything Then $o)e the so"n!&ess- #&at tro&&ies to take "s away The ban!ages are st"$k #ast ,e be&&ow &ike steers There are eight )en in o"r roo) 6eter- a $"r&y b&a$k(haire! #e&&ow- has the worst in0"ry.7 a se+ere &"ng wo"n! Fran5 ,j$hter- a&ongsi!e hi)- has a shot in the ar) whi$h !i!n1t &ook too ba! at #irst B"t the thir! night he $a&&s o"t to "s- te&&ing "s to ring- he thinks he has a hae)orrhage I ring &o"!&y The night sister !oes not $o)e ,e ha+e been )aking rather hea+y !e)an!s on her !"ring the nightbe$a"se we ha+e a&& been #resh&y ban!age!- an! so ha+e a goo! !ea& o# 'ain One wants his &eg '&a$e! so- another so- a thir! wants water- a #o"rth wants her to shake his 'i&&ow.7in the en! the b"3o) o&! bo!y gr")b&e! ba!( te)'ere!&y an! s&a))e! the !oors Now no !o"bt she thinks it is so)ething o# the sa)e sort an! so she is not $o)ing ,e wait Then Fran5 says: "Ring again " I !o so Sti&& she !oes not '"t in an a''earan$e Q>K ALL BAIET ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT In o"r wing there is on&y one night sister- 'erha's she has so)ething to !o in one o# the other roo)s "Fran5- are yo" 2"ite s"re yo" are b&ee!ing9" I ask "Otherwise we sha&& be getting $"rse! again " 1The ban!age is wet *an1t anybo!y )ake a &ight9" That $annot be !one either The swit$h is by the !oor an! none o# "s $an stan! "' I ho&! )y th")b against the b"tton o# the be&& ti&& it be$o)es n")b 6erha's the sister has #a&&en as&ee' They $ertain&y ha+e a great !ea& to !o an! are a&& o+erworke! !ay a#ter !ay An! a!!e! to that is the e+er&asting 'raying "Sho"&! we s)ash a bott&e9" asks =ose# /a)a$her o# the shooting &i$ense "She wo"&!n1t hear that any )ore than the be&& " At &ast the !oor o'ens The o&! &a!y a''ears- )")b&ing ,hen she 'er$ei+es Fran51s tro"b&e she begins to b"st&ean! says: ",hy !i! not so)eone say I was wante!9" ",e !i! ring An! none o# "s here $an wa&k " /e has been b&ee!ing ba!&y an! she bin!s hi) "' In the )orning we &ook at his #a$e- it has be$o)e shar' an! ye&&ow- whereas the e+ening be#ore he &ooke! a&)ost hea&thy Now a sister $o)es o#tener So)eti)es there are re!($ross +o&"ntary ai! sisters They are '&easant- b"t o#ten rather "nski&&e! They #re2"ent&y gi+e "s 'ain when re()aking o"r be!s- an! then are so #rightene! that they h"rt "s sti&& )ore The n"ns are )ore re&iab&e They know how they )"st take ho&! o# "s- b"t we wo"&! be better '&ease! i# they were so)ewhat )ore $heer#"& A #ew o# the) ha+e rea& s'irit- they are s"'erb There is no one b"t wo"&! !o anything #or Sister Libertine- this )ar+e&o"s sister- who s'rea!s goo! $heer thro"gh the who&e wing e+en when she $an on&y be seen in the !istan$e An! there are others &ike her ,e wo"&! go thro"gh #ire #or her A )an $annot rea&&y $o)'&ainhere he is treate! by the n"ns e3a$t&y &ike a $i+i&ian An! 0"st to think o# a garrison hos'ita& gi+es one the $ree's 1 Fran5 ,j$hter !oes not regain his strength One !ay he is taken away an! !oes not $o)e ba$k =ose# /a)a$her knows a&& abo"t it: ",e shan1t see hi) again They ha+e '"t hi) in the %ea! Roo) " ",hat !o yo" )ean- %ea! Roo)9" asks 4ro'' ",e&&- %ying Roo)(" ",hat is that- then9" "A &itt&e roo) at the $orner o# the b"i&!ing ,hoe+er is abo"t to ki$k the b"$ket is '"t in there There are two be!s in it It is genera&&y $a&&e! the %ying Roo) " "B"t what !o they !o that #or9" "They !on1t ha+e so )"$h work to !o a#terwar!s It is )ore $on+enient- too- be$a"se it &ies right besi!e the &i#t to the )ort"ary 6erha's they !o it #or the sake o# the others a&so- so that no one in the war! !ies in sy)'athy An! they $an &ook a#ter hi) better- too- i# he is by hi)se&# " "B"t what abo"t hi)9" =ose# shr"gs his sho"&!ers "As"a&&y he !oesn1t take )"$h noti$e any )ore " "%oes e+erybo!y know abo"t it then9" "Anyone who has been here &ong eno"gh knows- o# $o"rse " In the a#ternoon Fran5 ,a$hter1s be! has a #resh o$$"'ant A $o"'&e o# !ays &ater they take the new )an away- too =ose# )akes a signi#i$ant g&an$e ,e see )any $o)e an! go

O#ten re&ati+es sit by the be!s an! wee' or ta&k so#t&y an! awkwar!&y One o&! wo)an wi&& not go away- b"t she $annot stay there the who&e night thro"gh The ne3t )orning she $o)es +ery ear&y- b"t not ear&y eno"gh. #or when she goes "' to the be!- so)eone e&se is in it a&rea!y She has to go to the )ort"ary The a''&es that she has bro"ght with her she gi+es to "s An! then &itt&e 6eter begins to get worse /is te)'erat"re $hart &ooks ba!- an! one !ay the #&at tro&&ey stan!s besi!e his be! ",here to9" he asks "To the ban!aging war! " /e is &i#te! o"t B"t the sister )akes the )istake o# re)o+ing his t"ni$ #ro) the hook an! '"tting it on the tro&&eytoo- so that she sho"&! not ha+e to )ake two 0o"rneys 6eter "n!erstan!s i))e!iate&y an! tries to ro&& o## the tro&&ey "I1) sto''ing here:" They '"sh hi) ba$k /e $ries o"t #eeb&y with his shattere! &"ng: "I won1t go to the %ying Roo) " "B"t we are going to the ban!aging war! " "Then what !o yo" want )y t"ni$ #or9" /e $an s'eak no )ore /oarse- agitate!- he whis'ers: "Sto''ing here:" They !o not answer b"t whee& hi) o"t At the !oor he tries to raise hi)se&# "' /is b&a$k $"r&y hea! sways- his eyes are #"&& o# tears "I wi&& $o)e ba$k again: I wi&& $o)e ba$k again:" he $ries The !oor sh"ts ,e are a&& e3$ite!. b"t we say nothing At &ast =ose# says: "Many a )an has sai! that On$e a )an is in there- he ne+er $o)es thro"gh " I a) o'erate! on an! +o)it #or two !ays My bones wi&& not grow together- so the s"rgeons1 se$retary says Another #e&&ow1s ha+e grown $rooke!. his are broken again It is !a)nab&e A)ong o"r new arri+a&s there are two yo"ng so&!iers with #&at #eet The $hie# s"rgeon !is$o+ers the) on his ro"n!san! is o+er0oye! ",e1&& soon '"t that right-" he te&&s the)- "we wi&& 0"st !o a s)a&& o'eration- an! then yo" wi&& ha+e 'er#e$t&y so"n! #eet Enter the) !own- sister " As soon as he is gone- =ose#- who knows e+erything- warns the): "%on1t yo" &et hi) o'erate on yo": That is a s'e$ia& s$ienti#i$ st"nt o# the o&! boy1s /e goes abso&"te&y $ra5y whene+er he $an get ho&! o# anyone to !o it on /e o'erates on yo" #or #&at #eet- an! there1s no )istake- yo" !on1t ha+e the) any)ore. yo" ha+e $&"b #eet instea!- an! ha+e to wa&k a&& the rest o# yo"r &i#e on sti$ks " ",hat sho"&! a )an !o. then9" asks one o# the)- "Say No Yo" are here to be $"re! o# yo"r wo"n!- not yo"r #&at #eet %i! yo" ha+e any tro"b&e with the) in the #ie&!9 No- we&&- there yo" are: At 'resent yo" $an sti&& wa&k- b"t i# on$e the o&! boy gets yo" "n!er the kni#e yo"1&& be $ri''&es ,hat he wants is &itt&e !ogs to e3'eri)ent with- so the war is a g&orio"s ti)e #or hi)- as it is #or a&& the s"rgeons Yo" take a &ook !own be&ow at the sta##. there are a !o5en #e&&ows hobb&ing aro"n! that he has o'erate! on A &ot o# the) ha+e been here a&& the ti)e sin$e 1#o"rteen an! 1#i#teen Not a sing&e one o# the) $an wa&k better than he $o"&! be#ore- a&)ost a&& o# the) worse- an! )ost on&y with '&aster &egs E+ery si3 )onths he $at$hes the) again an! breaks their bones a#resh- an! e+ery ti)e is going to be the s"$$ess#"& one Yo" take )y wor!- he won1t !are to !o it i# yo" say No " "A$h- )an-" says one o# the two weari&y- "better yo"r #eet than yo"r brain(bo3 There1s no te&&ing what yo"1&& get i# yo" go ba$k o"t there again They $an !o with )e 0"st as they '&ease- so &ong as I get ba$k ho)e Better to ha+e a $&"b #oot than be !ea! " The other- a yo"ng #e&&ow &ike o"rse&+es- won1t ha+e it !one The ne3t )orning the o&! )an has the two ha"&e! "' an! &e$t"res an! 0aws at the) so &ong that in the en! they $onsent ,hat e&se $o"&! they !o9(7They are )ere 'ri+ates- an! he is a big b"g They are bro"ght ba$k $h&oro#or)e! an! '&astere! It is going ba!&y with A&bert They ha+e taken hi) an! a)'"tate! his &eg The who&e &eg has been taken o## #ro) the thigh Now he wi&& har!&y s'eak any )ore On$e he says he wi&& shoot hi)se&# the #irst ti)e he $an get ho&! o# his re+o&+er again A new $on+oy arri+es O"r roo) gets two b&in! )en One o# the) is a +ery yo"th#"& )"si$ian The sisters ne+er ha+e a kni#e with the) when they #ee! hi). he has a&rea!y snat$he! one #ro) a sister B"t in s'ite o# this $a"tion there is an in$i!ent In the e+ening- whi&e he is being #e!- the sister is $a&&e! away- an! &ea+es the '&ate with the #ork on his tab&e /e gro'es #or the #ork- sei5es it an! !ri+es it with a&& his #or$e against his heart- then he snat$hes "' a shoe an! strikes with it against the han!&e as har! as he $an ,e $a&& #or he&' an! three )en are ne$essary to take the #ork away #ro) hi) The b&"nt 'rongs ha! a&rea!y 'enetrate! !ee' /e ab"ses "s a&& night so that no one $an go to s&ee' In the )orning he has &o$k(0aw Again be!s are e)'ty %ay a#ter !ay goes by with 'ain an! #ear- groans an! !eath g"rg&es E+en the %eath Roo) is no "se any )ore- it is too s)a&&. #e&&ows !ie !"ring the night in o"r roo) They go e+en #aster than the sisters $an $o'e with the) B"t one !ay the !oor #&ies o'en- the #&at tro&&ey ro&&s in- an! there on the stret$her- 'a&e- thin- "'right an! tri")'hantwith his shaggy hea! o# $"r&s sits 6eter Sister Libertine with bea)ing &ooks '"shes hi) o+er to his #or)er be! /e

is ba$k #ro) the %ying Roo) ,e ha+e &ong s"''ose! hi) !ea! /e &ooks ro"n!: ",hat !o yo" say now9" An! =ose# has to a!)it that it is the #irst ti)e he has e+er known o# s"$h a thing Gra!"a&&y a #ew o# "s are a&&owe! to get "' An! I a) gi+en $r"t$hes to hobb&e aro"n! on B"t I !o not )ake )"$h "se o# the). I $annot bear A&bert1s ga5e as I )o+e abo"t the roo) /is eyes a&ways #o&&ow )e with s"$h a strange &ook So I so)eti)es es$a'e to the $orri!or.7there I $an )o+e abo"t )ore #ree&y On the ne3t #&oor be&ow are the ab!o)ina& an! s'ine $ases- hea! wo"n!s an! !o"b&e a)'"tations On the right si!e o# the wing are the 0aw wo"n!s- wo"n!s in the 0oints- wo"n!s in the ki!neys- wo"n!s in the testi$&es- wo"n!s in the intestines /ere a )an rea&i5es #or the #irst ti)e in how )any '&a$es a )an $an get hit Two #e&&ows !ie o# tetan"s Their skin t"rns 'a&e- their &i)bs sti##en- at &ast on&y their eyes &i+e7st"bborn&y Many o# the wo"n!e! ha+e their shattere! &i)bs hanging #ree in the air #ro) a ga&&ows. "n!erneath the wo"n! a basin is '&a$e! into whi$h !ri's the '"s E+ery two or three ho"rs the +esse& is e)'tie! Other )en &ie in stret$hing ban!ages with hea+y weights hanging #ro) the en! o# the be! I see intestine wo"n!s that are $onstant&y #"&& o# e3$reta The s"rgeon1s $&erk shows )e k(ray 'hotogra'hs o# i $o)'&ete&y s)ashe! hi'bones- knees an! sho"&!ers A )an $annot rea&i5e that abo+e s"$h shattere! bo!ies there are sti&& h")an #a$es in whi$h &i#e goes its !ai&y ro"n! An! this is on&y one hos'ita&- one sing&e station. there are h"n!re!s o# tho"san!s in Ger)any- h"n!re!s o# tho"san!s in . Fran$e- h"n!re!s o# tho"san!s in R"ssia /ow 56 sense&ess is e+erything that $an e+er be written- \ !one- or tho"ght- when s"$h things are 'ossib&e It )"st be a&& &ies an! o# no a$$o"nt when the $"&t"re o# a tho"san! years $o"&! not 're+ent this strea) o# b&oo! being 'o"re! o"t- these 1- tort"re($ha)bers in their h"n!re!s o# tho" san!s A hos'ita& a&one shows what war is I a) yo"ng- I a) twenty years o&!. yet I know I nothing o# &i#e b"t !es'air- !eath- #ear- an! #at" o"s s"'er#i$ia&ity $ast o+er an abyss o# sorrow I E see how 'eo'&es are set against one another- an! in si&en$e- "nknowing&y- #oo&ish&yobe!ient&y- in(<no$ent&y s&ay one another I see that the keenest <brains o# the wor&! in+ent wea'ons an! wor!s to . )ake it yet )ore re#ine! an! en!"ring An! a&& . )en o# )y age- here an! o+er there- thro"gho"t the who&e wor&! see these things. a&& )y genera(_ tion is e3'erien$ing these things with )e ,hat I wo"&! o"r #athers !o i# we s"!!en&y stoo! "' an! $a)e be#ore the) an! 'ro##ere! o"r a$$o"nt9 ,hat !o they e3'e$t o# "s i# a ti)e e+er $o)es when the war is o+er9 Thro"gh the years o"r b"siness has been ki&&ing.7it was o"r #irst $a&&ing in &i#e O"r know&e!ge o# &i#e is &i)ite! to !eath ,hat wi&& ha''en a#terwar!s9 An! what sha&& $o)e o"t o# "s9 The o&!est )an in o"r roo) is Lewan!owski /e is #orty- an! has a&rea!y &ain ten )onths in the hos'ita& with a se+ere ab!o)ina& wo"n! ="st in the &ast #ew weeks he has i)'ro+e! s"##i$ient&y to be ab&e to hobb&e abo"t !o"b&e! "' For so)e !ays 'ast he has been in great e3$ite)ent /is wi#e has written to hi) #ro) the &itt&e ho)e in 6o&an! where she &i+es- te&&ing hi) that she has sa+e! "' eno"gh )oney to 'ay #or the #are an! is $o)ing to see hi) She is a&rea!y on the way an! )ay arri+e any !ay Lewan!owski has &ost his a''etite- he e+en gi+es away re! $abbage an! sa"sage a#ter he has ha! a $o"'&e o# )o"th#"&s /e goes ro"n! the roo) 'er'et"a&&y with the &etter E+eryone has a&rea!y rea! it a !o5en ti)es- the 'ost()arks ha+e been e3a)ine! hea+en knows how o#ten- the a!!ress is har!&y &egib&e any &onger #or s'ots o# grease an! th")b()arks- an! in the en! what is s"re to ha''enha''ens Lewan!owski !e+e&o's a #e+er- an! has to go ba$k to be! /e has not seen his wi#e #or two years In the )eanti)e she has gi+en birth to a $hi&!- who) she is bringing with her B"t so)ething e&se o$$"'ies Lewan!owski1s tho"ghts /e ha! ho'e! to get 'er)ission to go o"t when his o&! wo)an $a)e. #or ob+io"s&y seeing is a&& +ery we&&- b"t when a )an gets his wi#e again a#ter s"$h a &ong ti)e- i# at a&& 'ossib&e- a )an wants so)ething e&se besi!es _G Lewan!owski has !is$"sse! it a&& with "s at great &ength. in the ar)y there are no se$rets abo"t s"$h things An! what1s )ore- nobo!y #in!s anything ob0e$tionab&e in it Those o# "s who are a&rea!y ab&e to go o"t ha+e to&! hi) o# a $o"'&e o# +ery goo! s'ots in the town- 'arks an! s2"ares- where he wo"&! not be !ist"rbe!. one o# "s e+en knows o# a &itt&e roo) B"t what is the "se- there Lewan!owski &ies in be! with his tro"b&es Li#e ho&!s no )ore 0oy #or hi) i# he has to #orgo this a##air : ,e $onso&e hi) an! 'ro)ise to get o+er the !i##i$"&ty so)ehow or other The ne3t a#ternoon his wi#e a''ears- a to"s&e! &itt&e wo)an with an3io"s- 2"i$k eyes &ike a bir!- in a sort o# b&a$k $rink&y )anti&&a with ribbons. hea+en knows where she inherite! the thing She )"r)"rs so)ething so#t&y an! stan!s shy&y in the !oorway It terri#ies her that there are si3 o# "s )en 'resent ",e&&- Mar0a-" says Lewan!owski- an! g"&'s !angero"s&y with his A!a)1s a''&e "yo" $an $o)e in a&& right- they won1t h"rt yo" " She goes ro"n! an! 'ro##ers ea$h o# "s her han! Then she 'ro!"$es the $hi&!- whi$h in the inter+a&s has !one so)ething in its na'kin Fro) a &arge han!bag e)broi!ere! with bea!s she takes o"t a $&ean one an! )akes the $hi&! #resh an! 'resentab&e This !is'e&s her #irst e)barrass)ent- an! the two begin to ta&k

Lewan!owski is +ery #i!gety- e+ery now an! then he s2"ints a$ross at "s )ost "nha''i&y with his ro"n! gogg&e eyes The ti)e is #a+o"rab&e- the !o$tor1s +isit is o+er- at the )ost one o# the sisters )ight $o)e in So one o# "s goes o"t to 'ros'e$t /e $o)es ba$k an! no!s "Not a so"& to be seen Now1s yo"r $han$e- =ohann- set to " The two s'eak together in an "n!ertone The wo)an t"rns a &itt&e re! an! &ooks e)barrasse! ,e grin goo!( nat"re!&y an! )ake 'ooh('oohing gest"res- what !oes it )atter: The !e+i& take a&& $on+entions- they were )a!e #or other ti)es. here &ies the $ar'enter =ohann Lewan!owski- a so&!ier shot to a $ri''&e- an! there is his wi#e. who knows when he wi&& see her again9 /e wants to ha+e her- an! he sho"&! ha+e her- goo! Two )en stan! at the !oor to #oresta&& the sisters an! kee' the) o$$"'ie! i# they $han$e to $o)e a&ong They agree to stan! g"ar! #or a 2"arter o# an ho"r or thereabo"ts Lewan!owski $an on&y &ie on his si!e- so one o# "s 'ro's a $o"'&e o# 'i&&ows against his si!e- A&bert gets the $hi&! to ho&!- we a&& t"rn ro"n! a bit- the b&a$k )anti&&a !isa''ears "n!er the be!$&othes- we )ake a great $&atter an! '&ay skat noisi&y A&& goes we&& I ho&! a $&"b so&o with #o"r 0a$ks whi$h near&y goes the ro"n! In the 'ro$ess we a&)ost #orget Lewan!owski A#ter a whi&e the $hi&! begins to s2"a&&- a&tho"gh A&bert- in !es'eration- ro$ks it to an! #ro There is a bit o# $reaking an! r"st&ing- an! as we &ook "' $as"a&&y we see that the $hi&! has the bott&e in its )o"th an! is ba$k again with its )other The b"siness is o+er ,e now #ee& o"rse&+es &ike one big #a)i&y- the wo)an is ha''y- an! Lewan!owski &ies there sweating an! bea)ing /e "n'a$ks the e)broi!ere! han!bag- an! so)e goo! sa"sages $o)e to &ight. Lewan!owski takes "' the kni#e with a #&o"rish an! saws the )eat into s&i$es ,ith a han!so)e gest"re he wa+es towar! "s 7an! the &itt&e wo)an goes #ro) one to another an! s)i&es at "s an! han!s ro"n! the sa"sage. she now &ooks 2"ite han!so)e ,e $a&& her Mother- she is '&ease! an! shakes "' o"r 'i&&ows #or "s A#ter a #ew weeks I ha+e to go ea$h )orning to the )assage !e'art)ent There )y &eg is harnesse! "' an! )a!e to )o+e The ar) has hea&e! &ong sin$e New $on+oys arri+e #ro) the &ine The ban!ages are no &onger )a!e o# $&oth- b"t o# white $re'e 'a'er Rag ban!ages ha+e be$o)e s$ar$e at the #ront A&berts st")' hea&s we&& The wo"n! is a&)ost $&ose! In a #ew weeks he sho"&! go o## to an instit"te #or arti#i$ia& &i)bs /e $ontin"es not to ta&k )"$h- an! is )"$h )ore so&e)n than #or)er&y /e o#ten breaks o## in his s'ee$h an! stares in #ront o# hi) I# he were not here with "s he wo"&! ha+e shot hi)se&# &ong ago B"t now he is o+er the worst o# it- an! he o#ten &ooks on whi&e we '&ay skat I get $on+a&es$ent &ea+e My )other !oes not want to &et )e go away She is #eeb&e It is a&& )"$h worse than it was &ast ti)e Then I a) re$a&&e! to )y regi)ent an! ret"rn on$e )ore to the &ine 6arting #ro) )y #rien! A&bert 4ro'' was +ery har! B"t a )an gets "se! to that sort o# thing in the ar)y ,e $o"nt the weeks no )ore It was winter when I $a)e "'- an! when the she&&s e3'&o!e! the #ro5en $&o!s o# earth were 0"st as !angero"s as the #rag)ents Now the trees are green again O"r &i#e a&ternates between bi&&ets an! the #ront ,e ha+e a&)ost grown a$$"sto)e! to it. war is the $a"se o# !eath &ike $an$er an! t"ber$"&osis- &ike in#&"en5a an! !ysentery The !eaths are )ere&y )ore #re2"ent- )ore +arie! an! terrib&e O"r tho"ghts are $&ay- they are )o"&!e! with the $hanges o# the !ays.7when we are resting they are goo!. "n!er #ire- they are !ea! Fie&!s o# $raters within an! witho"t E+eryone is so- not on&y o"rse&+es here7the things that e3iste! be#ore are no &onger +a&i!- an! one 'ra$ti$a&&y knows the) no )ore %istin$tions- bree!ing- e!"$ation are $hange!- are a&)ost b&otte! o"t an! har!&y re$ogni5ab&e any &onger So)eti)es they gi+e an a!+antage #or 'ro#iting by a sit"ation.7 b"t they a&so bring $onse2"en$es a&ong with the)in that they aro"se 're0"!i$es whi$h ha+e to be o+er$o)e It is as tho"gh #or)er&y we were $oins o# !i##erent 'ro+( in$es. an! now we are )e&te! !own- an! a&& bear the sa)e sta)' To re!is$o+er the o&! !istin$tions- the )eta& itse&# )"st be teste! First we are so&!iers an! a#terwar!s- in a strange an! sha)e#a$e! #ashion- in!i+i!"a& )en as we&& It is a great brotherhoo!- whi$h a!!s so)ething o# the goo!(#e&&owshi' o# the #o&k(song- o# the #ee&ing o# so&i!arity o# $on+i$ts- an! o# the !es'erate &oya&ty to one another o# )en $on!e)ne! to !eath- to a $on!ition o# &i#e arising o"t o# the )i!st o# !anger- o"t o# the tension an! #or&ornness o# !eath7seeking in a who&&y "n'atheti$ way a #&eeting en0oy)ent o# the ho"rs as they $o)e I# one wants to a''raise it- it is at on$e heroi$ an! bana&7b"t who wants to !o that9 It is this- #or e3a)'&e- that )akes T0a!en s'oon !own his ha)(an!('ea so"' in s"$h tearing haste when an ene)y atta$k is re'orte!- si)'&y be$a"se he $annot be s"re that in an ho"r1s ti)e he wi&& be a&i+e ,e ha+e !is$"sse! it at &ength- whether it is right or not to !o so 4at $on!e)ns it- be$a"se- he says- a )an has to re$kon with the 'ossibi&ity o# an ab!o)ina& wo"n!- an! that is )ore !angero"s on a #"&& sto)a$h than on an e)'ty one

S"$h things are rea& 'rob&e)s- they are serio"s )atters to "s- they $annot be otherwise /ere- on the bor!ers o# !eath- &i#e #o&&ows an a)a5ing&y si)'&e $o"rse- it is &i)ite! to what is )ost ne$essary- a&& e&se &ies b"rie! in g&oo)y s&ee'.7in that besi!es o"r 'ri)iti+eness an! o"r s"r+i+a& ,ere we )ore s"bt&y !i##erentiate! we )"st &ong sin$e ha+e gone )a!- ha+e !eserte!- or ha+e #a&&en As in a 'o&ar e3'e!ition- e+ery e3'ression o# &i#e )"st ser+e on&y the 'reser+ation o# e3isten$e- an! is abso&"te&y #o$"se! on that A&& e&se is banishe! be$a"se it wo"&! $ons")e energies "nne$essari&y That is the on&y way to sa+e o"rse&+es In the 2"iet ho"rs when the '"5 5&ing re#&e$tion o# #or)er !ays &ike a b&"rre! )irror- 'ro0e$ts beyon! )e the #ig"re o# )y 'resent e3isten$e- I o#ten sit o+er against )yse&#- as be ( #ore a stranger- an! won!er how the "nna)eab&e a$ti+e 'rin$i'&e that $a&&s itse&# to &i#e has a!a'te! itse&# e+en to this #or) A&& other e3'ressions &ie in a winter s&ee'- &i#e is si)'&y one $ontin"a& wat$h against the )ena$e o# !eath.7it has trans#or)e! "s into "nthinking ani)a&s in or!er to gi+e "s the wea'on o# instin$t7it has rein#or$e! "s with !"&&ness- so that we !o not go to 'ie$es be#ore the horror- whi$h wo"&! o+erwhe&) "s i# we ha! $&ear- $ons$io"s tho"ght7it has awakene! in "s the sense o# $o)ra!eshi'- so that we es$a'e the abyss o# so&it"!e7it has &ent "s the in!i##eren$e o# wi&! $reat"res- so that in s'ite o# a&&- we 'er$ei+e the 'ositi+e in e+ery )o)ent- an! store it "' as a reser+e against the ons&a"ght o# nothingness Th"s we &i+e a $&ose!- har! e3isten$e o# the "t)ost s"'er#i$ia&ity- an! rare&y !oes an in$i!ent strike o"t a s'ark B"t then "ne3'e$te!&y a #&a)e o# grie+o"s an! terrib&e yearning #&ares "' Those are the !angero"s )o)ents They show "s that the a!0"st)ent is on&y arti#i$ia&- that it is not si)'&e rest- b"t shar'est str"gg&e #or rest In the o"twar! #or) o# o"r &i#e we are har!&y !istin g"ishab&e #ro) B"sh)en. b"t whereas the &atter $an be so a&ways- be$a"se they are so tr"&y- an! at best )ay !e+e&o' #"rther by e3ertion o# their s'irit"a& #or$es- with "s it is the re+erse<o"r inner #or$es are not e3erte! towar! regeneration- b"t towar! !egeneration The B"sh)en are 'ri)iti+e an! nat"ra&&y so- b"t we are 'ri)iti+e in an arti#i$ia& sense- an! by +irt"e o# the "t)ost e##ort An! at night- waking o"t o# a !rea)- o+erwhe&)e! an! bewit$he! by the $row!ing a''aritions- a )an 'er$ei+es with a&ar) how s&ight is the s"''ort- how thin the bo"n!ary that !i+i!es hi) #ro) the !arkness ,e are &itt&e #&a)es 'oor&y she&tere! by #rai& wa&&s against the stor) o# !isso&"tion an! )a!ness- in whi$h we #&i$ker an! so)eti)es a&)ost go o"t Then the )"##&e! roar o# the batt&e be$o)es a ring that en$ir$&es "s- we $ree' in "'on o"rse&+es- an! with big eyes stare into the night O"r on&y $o)#ort is the stea!y breathing o# o"r $o)ra!es as&ee'- an! th"s we wait #or the )orning E+ery !ay an! e+ery ho"r- e+ery she&& an! e+ery !eath $"ts into this thin s"''ort- an! the years waste it ra'i!&y I see how it is a&rea!y gra!"a&&y breaking !own aro"n! )e There is the )a! story o# %etering /e was one o# those who ke't hi)se&# to hi)se&# /is )is#ort"ne was that he saw a $herry tree in a gar!en ,e were 0"st $o)ing ba$k #ro) the #ront &ine- an! at a t"rning o# the roa! near o"r bi&&ets- )ar+e&&o"s in the )orning twi&ightstoo! this $herry tree be#ore "s It ha! no &ea+es- b"t was one white )ass o# b&osso) In the e+ening %etering was not to be seen Then at &ast he $a)e ba$k an! ha! a $o"'&e o# bran$hes o# $herry b&osso) in his han! ,e )a!e #"n o# hi)- an! aske! whether he was going to a we!!ing /e )a!e no answer- b"t &ay !own on his be! %"ring the night I hear! hi) )aking a noise- he see)e! to be 'a$king I sense! so)e thing a)iss an! went o+er to hi) /e )a!e o"t is was nothing- an! I sai! to hi): "%on1t !o anything si&&y- %etering " "A$h0 why7it1s )ere&y that I $an1t s&ee'((" ",hat !i! yo" 'i$k the $herry bran$hes #or9" "S"re&y I $an 'i$k $herry b&osso) i# I want to:" he re'&ie! e+asi+e&y7 an! a#ter a whi&e: "I ha+e a big or$har! with $herry trees at ho)e ,hen they are in b&osso)- #ro) the hay &o#t they &ook &ike one sing&e sheet- so white It is 0"st the ti)e " "6erha's yo" wi&& get &ea+e soon Yo" )ay e+en be sent ba$k as a #anner " /e no!!e! b"t he was #ar away ,hen these 'easants are e3$ite! they ha+e a $"rio"s e3'ression- a )i3t"re o# $ow an! yearning go!- ha&# st"'i! an! ha&# ra't In or!er to t"rn hi) away #ro) his tho"ghts I aske! hi) #or a 'ie$e o# brea! /e ga+e it to )e witho"t a )"r)"r That was s"s'i$io"s- #or he is "s"a&&y tight(#iste! So I staye! awake Nothing ha''ene!. in the )orning he was as "s"a& A''arent&y he ha! noti$e! that I ha! been wat$hing hi).7b"t the se$on! )orning he was gone I noti$e! it- b"t sai! nothing- in or!er to gi+e hi) I<S01he )ight 'erha's get thro"gh @ario"s #e&&!ws ha+e a&rea!y got into /o&&an! B"t at ro&& $a&& he was )isse! A week a#ter we hear! that he ha! been $a"ght by the #ie&! gen!ar)es- those !es'i$ab&e )i&itary 'o&i$e /e ha! hea!e! towar! Ger)any- that was ho'e&ess- o# $o"rse7an!- o# $o"rse- he !i! e+erything e&se 0"st as i!ioti$a&&y Anyone )ight ha+e known that his #&ight was on&y ho)esi$kness an! a )o)entary aberration B"t what !oes a $o"rt()artia& a h"n!re! )i&es behin! the #ront(&ine know abo"t it9 ,e ha+e hear! nothing )ore o# %etering B"t so)eti)es it broke o"t in other ways- this !anger- these 'ent("' things- as #ro) an o+erheate! boi&er It wi&& be eno"gh to te&& how Berger )et his en! O"r tren$hes ha+e now #or so)e ti)e been shot to 'ie$es- an! we ha+e an e&asti$ &ine- so that there is 'ra$ti$a&&y no &onger any 'ro'er tren$h war#are ,hen atta$k an! $o"nter(atta$k ha+e wage! ba$kwar!s an! #orwar!s there

re)ains a broken &ine an! a bitter str"gg&e #ro) $rater to $rater The #ront&ine has been 'enetrate!- an! e+erywhere s)a&& gro"'s ha+e estab&ishe! the)se&+es- the #ight is $arrie! on #ro) $&"sters o# she&&(ho&es ,e are in a $rater- the Eng&ish are $o)ing !own ob&i2"e&y- they are t"rning o"r #&ank an! working in behin! "s ,e are s"rro"n!e! It is not easy to s"rren!er- #og an! s)oke hang o+er "s- no one wo"&! re$ogni5e that we wante! to gi+e o"rse&+es "'- an! 'erha's we !on1t want to- a )an !oesn1t e+en know hi)se&# at s"$h )o)ents ,e hear the e3'&osions o# the han!(grena!es $o)ing towar!s "s O"r )a$hine(g"n swee's o+er the se)i$ir$&e in #ront o# "s The $oo&ing(water e+a'orates- we hasti&y 'ass ro"n! the $ase- e+ery )an 'isses in it- an! th"s we again ha+e water- an! are ab&e to $ontin"e #iring B"t behin! "s the atta$k $rashes e+er nearer A #ew )in"tes an! we are &ost Then- at $&osest range- a se$on! )a$hine(g"n b"rsts o"t It is set "' in a $rater a&ongsi!e "s. Berger has #et$he! itan! now the $o"nteratta$k $o)es o+er #ro) behin!. we are set #ree an! )ake $onta$t with the rear A#terwar!s- as we &ie in $o)'arati+e&y goo! $o+er- one o# the #oo!($arriers re'orts that a $o"'&e o# h"n!re! yar!s !istant there &ies a wo"n!e! )essenger(!og ",here9" asks Berger The other !es$ribes the '&a$e to hi) Berger goes o## either to #et$h the beast in or to shoot it Si3 )onths ago he wo"&! not ha+e $are!- he wo"&! ha+e been reasonab&e ,e try to 're+ent hi) Then- as he goes o## gri)&y- a&& we $an say is: "Yo"1re )a!-" an! &et hi) go For these $ases o# #ront(&ine )a!ness be$o)e !angero"s i# one is not ab&e to #&ing the )an to the gro"n! an! ho&! hi) #ast An! Berger is si3 #eet an! the )ost 'ower#"& )an in the $o)'any /e is abso&"te&y )a! #or he has to 'ass thro"gh the barrage. b"t this &ightning that &owers so)ewhere abo+e "s has str"$k hi) an! )a!e hi) !e)ente! It a##e$ts others so that they begin to ra+e- to r"n away7there was one )an who e+en trie! to !ig hi)se&# into the gro"n! with han!s- #eet- an! teeth It is tr"e- s"$h things are o#ten si)"&ate!- b"t the 'reten$e itse&# is a sy)'to) Berger- who )eans to #inish o## the !og- is $arrie! away with a wo"n! in the 'e&+is- an! one o# the #e&&ows who $arry hi) gets a b"&&et in the &eg whi&e !oing it Mii&&er is !ea! So)eone shot hi) 'oint(b&ank in the sto)a$h with a @ery &ight /e &i+e! #or ha&# an ho"r- 2"ite $ons$io"s- an! in terrib&e 'ain Be#ore he !ie! he han!e! o+er his 'o$ket(book to )e- an! be2"eathe! )e his boots7the sa)e that he on$e inherite! #ro) 4e))eri$h I wear the)- #or they #it )e 2"ite we&& A#ter )e T0a!en wi&& get the)- I ha+e 'ro)ise! the) to hi) ,e ha+e been ab&e to b"ry M"e&&er- b"t he is not &ike&y to re)ain &ong "n!ist"rbe! O"r &ines are #a&&ing ba$k There are too )any #resh Eng&ish an! A)eri$an regi)ents o+er there There1s too )"$h $orne! bee# an! white wheaten brea! Too )any new g"ns Too )any aero'&anes B"t we are e)a$iate! an! star+e! O"r #oo! is ba! an! )i3e! "' with so )"$h s"bstit"te st"## that it )akes "s i&& The #a$tory owners in Ger)any ha+e grown wea&thy.7!ysentery !isso&+es o"r bowe&s The &atrine 'o&es are a&ways !ense&y $row!e!. the 'eo'&e at ho)e o"ght to be shown these grey- ye&&ow- )iserab&e- waste! #a$es here- these bent #ig"res #ro) whose bo!ies the $o&i$ wrings o"t the b&oo!- an! who with &i's tre)b&ing an! !istorte! with 'ain- grin at one another an! say: "It is not )"$h sense '"&&ing "' one1s tro"sers again77" O"r arti&&ery is #ire! o"t- it has too #ew she&&s an! the barre&s are so worn that they shoot "n$ertain&y- an! s$atter so wi!e&y as e+en to #a&& on o"rse&+es ,e ha+e too #ew horses O"r #resh troo's are ane)i$ boys in nee! o# rest- who $annot $arry a 'a$k- b"t )ere&y know how to !ie By tho"san!s They "n!erstan! nothing abo"t war#are- they si)'&y go on an! &et the)se&+es be shot !own A sing&e #&yer ro"te! two $o)'anies o# the) #or a 0oke- 0"st as they $a)e #resh #ro) the train be#ore they ha! e+er hear! o# s"$h a thing as $o+er "Ger)any o"ght to be e)'ty soon-" says 4at ,e ha+e gi+en "' ho'e that so)e !ay an en! )ay $o)e ,e ne+er think so #ar A )an $an sto' a b"&&et an! be ki&&e!. he $an get wo"n!e!- an! then the hos'ita& is his ne3t sto' There- i# they !o not a)'"tate hi)- he sooner or &ater #a&&s into the han!s o# one o# those sta## s"rgeons who- with the ,ar Ser+i$e Gross in his b"tton(ho&e- says to hi): ",hat- one &eg a bit short9 I# yo" ha+e any '&"$k yo" !on1t nee! to r"n at the #ront The )an is A& %is)iss:" 4at te&&s a story that has tra+e&&e! the who&e &ength o# the #ront #ro) the @osges to F&an!ers. 7o# the sta## s"rgeon who rea!s the na)es on the &ist- an! when a )an $o)es be#ore hi)- witho"t &ooking "'- says: "A& ,e nee! so&!iers "' there " A #e&&ow with a woo!en &eg $o)es "' be#ore hi)- the sta## s"rgeon again says A&7("An! then-" 4at raises his +oi$e- "the #e&&ow says to hi): 1I a&rea!y ha+e a woo!en &eg- b"t when I go ba$k again an! they shoot o## )y hea!- then I wi&& get a woo!en hea! )a!e an! be$o)e a sta## s"rgeon 1" This answer ti$k&es "s a&& i))ense&y There )ay be goo! !o$tors- an! there are- &ots o# the). a&& the sa)e- e+ery so&!ier so)e ti)e !"ring his h"n!re!s o# ins'e$tions #a&&s into the $&"t$hes o# one o# these $o"nt&ess hero(grabbers who 'ri!e the)se&+es on $hanging as )any *S1s an! BSs as 'ossib&e into A&1s

There are )any s"$h stories- they are )ost&y #ar )ore bitter A/ the sa)e- they ha+e nothing to !o with )"tiny or &ea!(swinging They are )ere&y honest an! $a&& a thing by its na)e. #or there is a +ery great !ea& o# #ra"!- in0"sti$ean! baseness in the ar)y It is nothing that regi)ent a#ter regi)ent ret"rns again an! again to the e+er )ore ho'e&ess str"gg&e- that atta$k #o&&ows atta$k a&ong the weakening- retreating- $r")b&ing &ine Fro) a )o$kery the tanks ha+e be$o)e a terrib&e wea'on Ar)o"re! they $o)e ro&&ing on in &ong &ines- )ore than anything e&se e)bo!y #or "s the horror o# war ,e !o not see the g"ns that bo)bar! "s. the atta$king &ines o# the ene)y in#antry are )en &ike o"rse&+es. b"t these tanks are )a$hines- their $ater'i&&ars r"n on as en!&ess as the war- they are annihi&ation- they ro&& witho"t #ee&ing into the $raters- an! $&i)b "' again witho"t sto''ing- a #&eet o# roaring- s)oke(be&$hing ar)o"r $&a!s- in+"&nerab&e stee& beasts s2"ashing the !ea! an! the wo"n!e!7we shri+e& "' in o"r thin skin be#ore the)- against their $o&ossa& weight o"r ar)s are sti$ks o# straw- an! o"r han!(grena!es )at$hes She&&s- gas $&o"!s- an! #&oti&&as o# tanks(shattering- $orro!ing- !eath %ysentery- in#&"en5a- ty'h"s7s$a&!ing- $hoking- !eath Tren$hes- hos'ita&s- the $o))on gra+e7there are no other 'ossibi&ities In one atta$k o"r *o)'any *o))an!er- Bentin$k- #a&&s /e was one o# those s"'erb #ront(&ine o##i$ers who are #ore)ost in e+ery hot '&a$e /e was with "s #or two years witho"t being wo"n!e!- so that so)ething ha! to ha''en in the en! ,e o$$"'y a $rater an! get s"rro"n!e! The stink o# 'etro&e") or oi& b&ows a$ross with the #")es o# 'ow!er Two #e&&ows with a #&a)ethrower are seen- one $arries the tin on his ba$k- the other has the hose in his han!s #ro) whi$h the #ire s'o"ts I# they get so near that they $an rea$h "s we are !one #or- we $annot retreat yet ,e o'en #ire on the) B"t they work nearer an! things begin to &ook ba! Bertin$k is &ying in the ho&e with "s ,hen he sees that we $annot hit the) be$a"se "n!er the shar' #ire we ha+e to think too )"$h abo"t kee'ing "n!er $o+er- he takes a ri#&e- $raw&s o"t o# the ho&e- an! &ying !own 'ro''e! on his e&bows- he takes ai) /e #ires7the sa)e )o)ent a b"&&et s)a$ks into hi)- they ha+e got hi) Sti&& he &ies an! ai)s again.7on$e he shi#ts an! again takes ai). at &ast the ri#&e $ra$ks Bertin$k &ets the g"n !ro' an! says: "Goo!-" an! s&i's ba$k into the ho&e The hin!er)ost o# the two #&a)e(throwers is hit- he #a&&s- the hose s&i's away #ro) the other #e& &ow- the #ire s2"irts abo"t on a&& si!es an! the )an b"rns Bertin$k has a $hest wo"n! A#ter a whi&e a #rag)ent s)ashes away his $hin- an! the sa)e #rag)ent has s"##i$ient #or$e to tear o'en Leer1s hi' Leer groans as he s"''orts hi)se&# on his ar)- he b&ee!s 2"i$k&y- no one $an he&' hi) Like an e)'tying t"be- a#ter a $o"'&e o# )in"tes he $o&&a'ses ,hat "se is it to hi) now that he was s"$h a goo! )athe)ati$ian at s$hoo& The )onths 'ass by The s"))er o# LML? is the )ost b&oo!y an! the )ost terrib&e The !ays stan! &ike ange&s in b&"e an! go&!- in$o)'rehensib&e- abo+e the ring o# annihi&ation E+ery )an here knows that we are &osing the war Not )"$h is sai! abo"t it- we are #a&&ing ba$k- we wi&& not be ab&e to atta$k again a#ter this big o##ensi+e- we ha+e no )ore )en an! no )ore a))"nition Sti&& the $a)'aign goes on7the !ying goes on( S"))er o# LML?7Ne+er has &i#e in its niggar!&iness see)e! to "s so !esirab&e as now.7the re! 'o''ies in the )ea!ows ro"n! o"r bi&&ets- the s)ooth beet&es on the b&a!es o# grass- the war) e+enings in the $oo&- !i) roo)s- the b&a$k )ysterio"s trees o# the twi&ight- the stars an! the #&owing waters- !rea)s an! &ong s&ee'(O Li#e- &i#e- &i#e: S"))er o# LML?7Ne+er was so )"$h si&ent&y s"##ere! as in the )o)ent when we !e'art on$e again #or the #ront( &ine ,i&!- tor)enting r")o"rs o# an ar)isti$e an! 'ea$e are in the air- they &ay ho&! on o"r hearts an! )ake the ret"rn to the #ront har!er than e+er S"))er o# LML?7Ne+er was &i#e in the &ine )ore bitter an! #"&& o# horror than in the ho"rs o# the bo)bar!)entwhen the b&an$he! #a$es &ie in the !irt an! the han!s $&"t$h at the one tho"ght: No: No: Not now: Not now at the &ast )o)ent: S"))er o# LML?7Breath o# ho'e that swee's o+er the s$or$he! #ie&!s- raging #e+er o# i)'atien$e- o# !isa''oint)ent- o# the )ost agoni5ing terror o# !eath- insensate 2"estion: ,hy9 ,hy !o they )ake an en!9 An! why !o these r")o"rs o# an en! #&y abo"t9 There are so )any air)en here- an! they are so s"re o# the)se&+es that they gi+e $hase to sing&e in!i+i!"a&s- 0"st as tho"gh they were hares For e+ery one Ger)an '&ane there $o)e at &east #i+e Eng&ish an! A)eri$an For one h"ngrywret$he! Ger)an so&!ier $o)e #i+e o# the ene)y- #resh an! #it For one Ger)an ar)y &oa# there are #i#ty tins o# $anne! bee# o+er there ,e are not beaten- #or as so&!iers we are better an! )ore e3'erien$e!. we are si)'&y $r"she! an! !ri+en ba$k by o+erwhe&)ing s"'erior #or$es Behin! "s &ay rainy weeks7grey sky- grey #&"i! earth- grey !ying I# we go o"t- the rain at on$e soaks thro"gh o"r o+er$oat an! $&othing.7 an! we re)ain wet a&& the ti)e we are in the &ine ,e ne+er get !ry Those who wi&& wear high boots tie san! bags ro"n! the to's so that the ( )"! !oes not 'o"r in so #ast The ri#&es are $ake!- the "ni#or)s

$ake!- e+erything is #&"i! an! !isso&+e!- the earth one !ri''ing- soake!- oi&y )ass in whi$h &ie ye&&ow 'oo&s with re! s'ira& strea)s o# b&oo! an! into whi$h the !ea!- wo"n!e!- an! s"r+i+ors s&ow&y sink !own The stor) &ashes "s- o"t o# the $on#"sion o# grey an! ye&&ow the hai& o# s'&inters whi's #orth the $hi&!(&ike $ries o# the wo"n!e!- an! in the night shattere! &i#e groans 'ain#"&&y into si&en$e O"r han!s are earth- o"r bo!ies $&ay an! o"r eyes 'oo&s o# rain ,e !o not know whether we sti&& &i+e Then the heat sinks hea+i&y into o"r she&&(ho&es &ike a 0e&&y #ish- )oist an! o''ressi+e an! on one o# these &ate s"))er !ays- whi&e bringing #oo!- 4at #a&&s ,e two are a&one I bin! "' his wo"n!. his shin see)s to be s)ashe! It has got the bone- an! 4at groans !es'erate&y: "At &ast7 0"st at the &ast(" : I $o)#ort hi) ",ho knows how &ong this )ess wi&& go on yet: Now yo" are sa+e!("1 The wo"n! begins to b&ee! #ast 4at $annot be &e#t by hi)se&# whi&e I try to #in! a stret$her Anyway- I !on1t know o# a stret$her(bearer1s 'ost in the neighborhoo! 4at is not +ery hea+y. so I take hi) "' on )y ba$k an! start o## to the !ressing station with hi) Twi$e we rest /e s"##ers a$"te&y on the way ,e !o not s'eak )"$h I ha+e o'ene! the $o&&ar o# )y t"ni$ an! breathe hea+i&y- I sweat an! )y #a$e is swo&&en with the strain o# $arrying A&& the sa)e I "rge hi) to &et "s go on#or the '&a$e is !angero"s "Sha&& we go on again 4at9" "M"st- 6a"& " "Then $o)e " I raise hi) "'- he stan!s on the "nin0"re! &eg an! s"''orts hi)se&# against a tree I take "' the wo"n!e! &eg $are#"&&y- then he gi+es a 0")' an! I take the knee o# the so"n! &eg a&so "n!er )y ar) The going is )ore !i##i$"&t O#ten a she&& whist&es a$ross I go as 2"i$k&y as I $an- #or the b&oo! #ro) 4at1s wo"n! !ri's to the gro"n! ,e $annot she&ter o"rse&+es 'ro'er&y #or the e3'&osions. be#ore we $an take $o+er the !anger is a&& o+er ,e &ie !own in a s)a&& ho&e to wait ti&& the she&&ing is o+er I gi+e 4at so)e tea #ro) )y water bott&e ,e s)oke a $igarette ",e&&- 4at-" I say g&oo)i&y- ",e are going to be se'arate! at &ast " /e is si&ent an! &ooks at )e "%o yo" re)e)ber- 4at- how we $o))an!eere! the goose9 An! how yo" bro"ght )e o"t o# the barrage when I was sti&& a yo"ng re$r"it an! was wo"n!e! #or the #irst ti)e9 I $rie! then 4at- that is a&)ost three years ago " /e no!s The ang"ish o# so&it"!e rises "' in )e ,hen 4at is taken away I wi&& not ha+e one #rien! &e#t "4at- in any $ase we )"st see one another again- i# it is 'ea$e(ti)e be#ore yo" $o)e ba$k " "%o yo" think that I wi&& be )arke! A& again with this &eg9" he asks bitter&y ",ith rest it wi&& get better The 0oint is 2"ite so"n! It )ay get a&& right again " "Gi+e )e another $igarette-" he says "6erha's we $o"&! !o so)ething together &ater on- 4at " I a) +ery )iserab&e- it is i)'ossib&e that 4at74at )y #rien!- 4at with the !roo'ing sho"&!ers an! the 'oor- thin )o"sta$he- 4at- who) I know as I know no other )an4at with who) I ha+e share! these years7it is i)'ossib&e that 'erha's I sha&& not see 4at again "In any $ase gi+e )e yo"r a!!ress at ho)e- 4at An! here is )ine- I wi&& write it !own #or yo" " I write his a!!ress in )y 'o$ket book /ow #or&orn I a) a&rea!y- tho"gh he sti&& sits here besi!e )e *o"&!n1t I shoot )yse&# 2"i$k&y in the #oot so as to be ab&e to go with hi) S"!!en&y 4at g"rg&es an! t"rns green an! ye&&ow- "Let "s go on-" he sta))ers I 0")' "'- eager to he&' hi)- I take hi) "' an! start o## at a r"n- a s&ow-- stea!y 'a$e- so as not to 0o&t his &eg too )"$h My throat is 'ar$he!. e+erything !an$es re! an! b&a$k be#ore )y eyes- I stagger on !ogge!&y an! 'iti&ess&y an! at &ast rea$h the !ressing station There I !ro' !own on )y knees- b"t ha+e sti&& eno"gh strength to #a&& on to the si!e where 4at1s so"n! &eg is A#ter a #ew )in"tes I straighten )yse&# "' again My &egs an! )y han!s tre)b&e I ha+e tro"b&e in #in!ing )y water bott&eto take a '"&& My &i's tre)b&e as I try to think B"t I s)i&e74at is sa+e! A#ter a whi&e I begin to sort o"t the $on#"sion o# +oi$es that #a&&s on )y ears "Yo" )ight ha+e s'are! yo"rse&# that-" says an or!er&y I &ook at hi) witho"t $o)'rehen!ing /e 'oints to 4at "/e is stone !ea! " I !o not "n!erstan! hi) "/e has been hit in the shin-" I say The or!er&y stan!s sti&& "That as we&& " I t"rn ro"n! My eyes are sti&& !"&&e!- the sweat breaks o"t on )e again- it r"ns o+er )y eye&i!s I wi'e it away an! 'eer at 4at /e &ies sti&& "Fainte!-" I say 2"i$k&y

The or!er&y whist&es so#t&y "I know better than that /e is !ea! I1&& &ay any )oney on that " I shake )y hea!: "Not 'ossib&e On&y ten )in"tes ago I was ta&king to hi) /e has #ainte! " 4at1s han!s are war)- I 'ass )y han! "n!er his sho"&!ers in or!er to r"b his te)'&es with so)e tea I #ee& )y #ingers be$o)e )oist As I !raw the) away #ro) behin! his hea!- they are b&oo!y "Yo" see(" The or!er&y whist&es on$e( )ore thro"gh his teeth On the way witho"t )y ha+ing noti$e! it- 4at has $a"ght a s'&inter in the hea! There is 0"st one &itt&e ho&e- it )"st ha+e been a +ery tiny- stray s'&inter B"t it has s"##i$e! 4at is !ea! S&ow&y I get "' ",o"&! yo" &ike to take his 'aybook an! his things9" the &an$e($or'ora& asks )e I no! an! he gi+es the) to )e The or!er&y is )ysti#ie! "Yo" are not re&ate!- are yo"9" No- we are not re&ate! No- we are not re&ate! %o I wa&k9 /a+e I #eet sti&&9 I raise )y eyes- I &et the) )o+e ro"n!- an! t"rn )yse&# with the)- one $ir$&e- one $ir$&e- an! I stan! in the )i!st A&& is as "s"a& On&y the Mi&itia)an Stanis&a"s 4at$5insky has !ie! Then I know nothing )ore It is a"t")n There are not )any o# the o&! han!s &e#t I a) the &ast o# the se+en #e&&ows #ro) o"r $&ass E+eryone ta&ks o# 'ea$e an! ar)isti$e A&& wait I# it again 'ro+es an i&&"sion- then they wi&& break "'. ho'e is highit $annot be taken away again witho"t an "'hea+a& I# there is not 'ea$e- then there wi&& be re+o&"tion I ha+e #o"rteen !ays rest- be$a"se I ha+e swa&&owe! a bit o# gas. in the &itt&e gar!en I sit the who&e !ay &ong in the s"n The ar)isti$e is $o)ing soon- I be&ie+e it now too Then we wi&& go ho)e /ere )y tho"ghts sto' an! wi&& not go any #arther AA that )eets )e- a&& that #&oo!s o+er )e are b"t #ee&ings7gree! o# &i#e- &o+e o# ho)e- yearning #or the b&oo!- into3i$ation o# !e&i+eran$e B"t no ai)s /a! we ret"rne! ho)e in LMLD- o"t o# the s"##ering an! the strength o# o"r e3'erien$e we )ight ha+e "n&eashe! a stor) Now i# we go ba$k we wi&& be weary- broken- b"rnt o"t- root&ess- an! witho"t ho'e ,e wi&& not be ab&e to #in! o"r way any)ore An! )en wi&& not "n!erstan! "s7#or the generation that grew "' be#ore "s- tho"gh it has 'asse! these years with "s a&rea!y ha! a ho)e an! a $a&&ing. now it wi&& ret"rn to its o&! o$$"'ations- an! the war wi&& be #orgotten7an! the generation that has grown "' a#ter "s wi&& be strange to "s an! '"sh "s asi!e ,e wi&& be s"'er#&"o"s e+en to o"rse&+es- we wi&& grow o&!er- a #ew wi&& a!a't the)se&+es- so)e others wi&& )ere&y s"b)it- an! )ost wi&& be bewi&!ere!.7 the years wi&& 'ass by an! in the en! we sha&& #a&& into r"in B"t 'erha's a&& this that I think is )ere )e&an$ho&y an! !is)ay- whi$h wi&& #&y away as the !"st- when I stan! on$e again beneath the 'o'&ars an! &isten to the r"st&ing o# their &ea+es It $annot be that it has gone- the yearning that )a!e o"r b&oo! "n2"iet- the "nknown- the 'er'&e3ing- the on$o)ing things- the tho"san! #a$es o# the #"t"re- the )e&o!ies #ro) !rea)s an! #ro) books- the whis'ers an! !i+inations o# wo)en. it $annot be that this has +anishe! in bo)bar!)ent- in !es'air- in brothe&s /ere the trees show gay an! go&!en- the berries o# the rowan stan! re! a)ong the &ea+es- $o"ntry roa!s r"n white o"t to the sky &ine- an! the $anteens h") &ike beehi+es with r")o"rs o# 'ea$e I stan! "' I a) +ery 2"iet Let the )onths an! years $o)e- they $an take nothing #ro) )e- they $an take nothing )ore I a) so a&one- an! so witho"t ho'e that I $an $on#ront the) witho"t #ear The &i#e that has borne )e thro"gh these years is sti&& in )y han!s an! )y eyes ,hether I ha+e s"b!"e! it- I know not B"t so &ong as it is there it wi&& seek its own way o"t- hee!&ess o# the wi&& that is within )e /e #e&& in O$tober LML?- on a !ay that was so 2"iet an! sti&& on the who&e #ront- that the ar)y re'ort $on#ine! itse&# to the sing&e senten$e: A&& 2"iet on the ,estern Front /e ha! #a&&en #orwar! an! &ay on the earth as tho"gh s&ee'ing T"rning hi) o+er one saw that he $o"&! not ha+e s"##ere! &ong. his #a$e ha! an e3'ression o# $a&)- as tho"gh a&)ost g&a! the en! ha! $o)e About the Author Eri$h Maria Re)ar2"e \L?M?(LMEHW was hi)se&# in $o)bat !"ring ,or&! ,ar I- an! was wo"n!e! #i+e ti)es- the &ast ti)e +ery se+ere&y %"ring the 'ostwar years he ta"ght brie#&y- be$a)e a stone $"tter in the $e)etery o# Osnabr"$k where he ha! been born in L?M?- an! ser+e! as an assistant e!itor o# S$orts"ild' Re)ar2"e $a)e to the Anite! States in LMSM an! re)aine! #or the !"ration o# ,or&! ,ar II- b"t ret"rne! to Swit5er&an! a#terwar! ALL BAITE ON T/E ,ESTERN FRONT )a!e hi) ri$h an! wor&!(#a)o"s at thirty(three- b"t these $onse2"en$es !i! not sti&& his intense !eter)ination to $on$entrate in his #i$tion "'on the worst horrors o# the age- war an! inh")anity- with whi$h near&y a&& o# his nine s"bse2"ent no+e&s ha+e been $on$erne! Faw$ett '"b&ishe! Re)ar2"e1s BOBBY %EERFIEL% in LME?