Chasing Colours

12. Operation "Barbarossa"

Further aggravating the war, on June 22, 1941, Hitler led the largest German military operation under the code-name 'Barbarossa' which was directed towards the invasion of the Soviet Union. The German-Soviet non-aggression pact signed on August 1939 had always been regarded as a temporary tactical maneuver.

In July 1940, France surrendered.

After the conquest of France and other smaller states, the Fuhrer had further strategized to attack the Soviet nation within the following year.

The intention was to lead a war of annihilation of the communists as well as the Jews of the Soviet nation. The German forces invaded the Soviet Union on June 22nd, 1941 with 134 divisions at full fighting strength and 74 divisions for deployment behind the front. Much of the Soviet air force was destroyed on the ground and the Red army was initially overwhelmed. With operation Barbarossa at work, the Soviets had few options but to surrender.

With the successful ongoing of the invasion, Hitler initiated "The Final Solution" policy which involved physical annihilation of the European Jews and others categorised as undesirables. Not much later, various extermination camps were set up throughout the country as well as the German-occupied Europe which involved mass genocide of the Jews particularly by gassing them in various gas chambers while commoners remained peacefully uninformed and unaware of the 'rehabilitation' camps.

(Edith)

It felt like a mourning ceremony that early in the morning. The sweet aroma of delicious food, vibrant decor, and a rustling of different feet added further irony to the situation.

I was leaning over the door frame of the kitchen door with my arms crossed and was watching my mother unsuccessfully trying to prevent her silent sobs. She continued cooking frantically, wiping her pearl shaped tears every now and then. It must have been hard for her, I thought..

The notice had been quick to arrive. The Germans had devised a plan to conquest the great communist country of the Soviet Union. They required as many troops and the SS forces for the operation.

I glanced from the corner of my eye at my twin brothers, hurriedly trying to put their uniform in place, their sandy blond hair neatly combed. Beads of sweat were starting to form at their foreheads. I caught the glimpse of nervousness that surrounded them. The swastika band around their upper arm shone proudly. Their smart get up completely in contrast with the cryptic mood surrounding the whole house.

My father got up from his seat with tears brimming at the corners of his eyes. He grasped each of my brothers' shoulders tightly, running an eye from head to toe and then, wrapping his arms around them as if it were the last time he were doing it. Pride and affection of a father seeing his boys become men glistened in his steel eyes.

I wondered how the whole house would feel without my brothers. The thought of war and blood bath haunting each of our days was quite frightening. Even when there was so much hustle around, I felt a heavy hurtful silence surrounding us all.

I took my time setting up the satin dining table, straightening the loin cloth, spreading across it and placing the plates neatly over it. It seemed like an eternity ago since we had eaten together as a family. I didn't quite understand whether I should be happy or sad about it. All I could feel was anger gushing through my vain. Just as everything was seemingly fine, the tables had turned against us. One by one everything was being taken away from me. My life was a game and I was a pawn.

I felt a cold tear threatening to come down my cheek. I bit lips to prevent the sob.

"Edith, call everyone onto the table, would you? The food is ready to be served." My mother called out from the kitchen with a wavering voice.