Enjoy the music video everyone, this helped drive my idea for how to end the story as well, plus I'd recommend listening to the song too because it's fitting for this final chapter.
It's up to you of course, happy reading!
(If the video doesn't work, let me know please!)
**
May 7th, 1945
Tangermunde and the final bridge over the Elbe River.
"For any man too wounded to fight, you'll be evacuated over the bridge with the civilians. The remnants of the 9th army will be holding the Russians off for as long as possible, that way we can get as many war refugees over the bridge as humanly possible." Kristin says yelling out to the gathered crowd of men from the Volkssturm and his Panzergrenadiers.
"Any questions?"
"Good, once we get as many civilians and any other war refugees over to the West, then you are allowed to surrender to the Russians. Or you may try and escape..." Kristin says, the years have been good to him and he's finally made it to Stabsfeldwebel.
A lot of these men, including himself have families amongst the masses of refugees crossing this bridge, so he's suspecting them to fight to the death as he plans to do in order to protect his family at this river crossing.
Looking out at everyone, it's just 92 men against thousands of Russians, but then there's only 40 more from the decimated 9th army who are already beginning engagements with the Russians 4 blocks away.
That only adds up to a total of 132 men, which Kristin finds very nerve racking at the mere thought of such a task he's laid out for everyone.
Kristin is the highest ranking official left surviving in his Company, so there's an immense burden that has been placed on his shoulders.
"Herr, a lot of our families are amongst the refugees crossing the Elbe here, if it calls for it... We'll hold this crossing to the death!" A shout arises from the assembled ranks that are standing to attention in Company formation.
Which are then followed by a large amount of shouts in agreement.
Kristin's taken aback by the show of bravery, and now knowing they're planning on fighting to the death with him in order to protect the defenses refugees. He now has a sense of comfort that has gained ground in his conscience.
"If you can no longer carry on fighting, go into hiding and try crossing the bridge or the Elbe itself during the night. But if you fully intend on dying to protect the fleeing civilians, you're to meet me here at the mouth of the bridge here to fight it out..." He says issuing his orders.
"Stand by me menschen! Today will be our final battle of the war, we must hold this bridge and keep it open for anyone wanting to flee to the west!" He shouts out.
"Jawohl herr! To the death, we'll fight!!" The shouts rise up from the hearts of everyone here in company formation, then when Kristin gives them permission to break rank, they fall out and begin spreading out to take up defense.
Hundreds and hundreds of war refugees, both soldiers and civilians alike are crossing this bridge, wanting to flee the Russian onslaught and surrender to the West.
Earlier that day, the remnants of the 9th with the combined forces of the 12th army launched a counterattack on the Russian forces guarding the Elbe River. Which in turn, caused mass confusion in the Russian lines and that is where the Germans made their breakthrough.
Now, on this bridge, which separates the Allies to the West, from the Russian's to the East. Kristin and the decimated 9th and 12th army plan to hold this bridge so that innocent civilians and wounded soldiers can cross the bridge.
YOU ARE READING
Katyusha
Historical FictionKatyusha was your average young woman in Russia, that was until June 22 when the Blitzkrieg of Russia began. Her town became war-torn and wanting to fight; she picked up arms with her grandfather's rifle. Driven by revenge and hatred towards the Weh...
