alternate history thing

8/12/2019 alternate history thing

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The sound of friendly tanks rolling through the streets was somewhatcomforting, knowing that we have fire support at our backs and confidence. My

feet ached from the constant trudging over uneven rubble and ground, stuck in

these leather boots. I scanned the windows of the buildings ahead, still nervous

entering a presumably hostile town. My squad was pushing ahead in the front into

Hungary, and we had just crossed into a border town. There was about twenty-

seven men in our group at the moment, four of which driving a tank, which was

providing support for our advance.

I guarantee you theres going to be resistance here, with the amount of

them still here. My friend Franz muttered, sweeping his hand across the windows.

I nodded and stepped over a concrete chunk lying stray on the road.

I wouldnt be surprised, honestly I dont think any of us will if we get

ambushed. Command wont acknowledge the amount of soldiers still left here.

Lifting my Karabiner 98k, standard issue rifle of our forces, I looked at Franz.

We always have these though, and I guess I trust it enough to get me through a

firefight. He lifted his too and pretended to left off a hip-fire shot. I snorted

and looked on ahead. We had reached an intersection, and all four corners had

shady looking buildings looming over. Our Tiger I tank halted at the beginning of

the intersection, and the commander opened the top hatch and called over our

officer.


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This looks like a perfect place for an ambush, The tank commander said,

nodding towards the dark windows of the various buildings.

Well take care of it, stay here and scan with your guns. Dont fire unless I

give the order. He said, patting the Tigers thick armor. Stay alert. He turned to

the troops and started sending small groups of three to clear out any buildings.

You three, The officer said, talking to Franz, Georg, and I. Search every corner

of that building, be prepared for resistance. The South-Eastern building was a

small, three-floor residential building that hopefully was empty. We jogged over to

the doorway and peered in the windows, the darkness obscuring most of our view.

Franz, you still have that flashlight they issued you? I said, moving over to

the door handle. Franz hastily pulled a square box flashlight out of his pack and

flicked it on, the yellow glow shining dimly.

Boy, its quiet in here, Georg said nervously and searched the back corner

of the ground floor, rifle raised. The low purr of the tanks engine steadily played

outside, but it didnt quite penetrate the walls of the building, giving in an eerie

silence. Franz shined his light up the stairway and motioned for us to follow him. I

took point and slowly moved up the steps, creaking violently under my boots.

CRACK


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The wood gave way and a foot-sized hole appeared. I cursed and proceeded on,

scanning with my sights. The dim glow of the flashlight did well to light the

corridors. Another abnormally loud creak echoed through the building, but not

from our feet.

Shhh, I said, eyes wide, and held out my hand to halt Franz and Georg.

Someones on this floor. I edged out into the small hallway, staring down the

doorless entryway. Franz aimed his flashlight into the room and it lit up a ratty

couch, but it was otherwise empty. Suddenly, another creak resounded and I heard

a whispered kurva and then hell broke loose.

Get back, get back! I shouted and flung myself against the wall as a volley

of bullets flew through the doorway. Definitely people in there, I panted,

preparing to return fire.

Go back to your hole of a country! I heard from the room and another

burst of shots rained from inside. Franz dodged onto the other side of the hallway

and took cover, and Georg stayed behind me. I popped out quickly and aimed my

rifle into the blackness, firing blindly. More shots came in return and we held our

ground.

Georg, hand me a grenade. I whispered, and George pulled one off his belt.

Pulling the pin on the bottom of the handle, I leaned out and threw the grenade

into the room, hearing it bounce off the wall with a metallic clink. I heard frantic


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footsteps and then the grenade exploded, which was insanely loud. My ears rung

for a couple seconds, but I shook my head and advanced into the room. Franz

followed close behind with the flashlights yellow glow. The site of the explosion

was clearly right next to the enemy, as a corpse was clearly visible. I gagged and

turned away, quickly searching the other end of the room, which was empty. One

window was concealed with a thick, green linen which was stuck to the ceiling.

Laying next to the window was a rocket launcher of the enemys possession,

probably placed perfectly for disabling our Tiger.

Gunfire erupted from outside- fast machine-gun fire and methodic rifle

shots.

Franz, can you see where its coming from?! I yelled frantically, looking

behind at the hallway and motioning for Georg to get inside. Franz pulled open the

curtain and pulled open the window, light pouring inside.

Its coming from the Southwest inn, he said, poking his head out. I rushed

over and pulled open another curtain, peering outside. Our tank was rapidly

reversing, and soldiers were scattering into various buildings. Some were crouching

among cars and returning fire.

FWOOSH


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A rocket projectile shot from the Southeastern pub, and exploded onto the

crumbling pavement, feet away from the tank. Instantly, the Tiger pulled its gun

upwards and blasted the wall where the rocket came from, rubble flying in all

directions and two bodies with it.

Team, start putting fire on the Southwest inn! I shouted. Two soldiers

were already lying motionless in the roads and a few more were wounded. Raising

my Kar98k, the gunner emplaced in the window rotated his aim to a group of five

soldiers hugging thin cover. I aimed carefully and fired, my shot flying straight to

where I needed it to go, hitting the gunner and giving the soldiers time to move.

Franz was suppressing enemy riflemen in the upper windows.

We have to get down there, Georg said over the gunfire. Another tank

round was fired and more chunks of building flew. Theyll probably pull out and get

us left behind. I nodded and turned back towards the doorway, hastily moving

down the stairs. We pushed open the door and rushed out onto the street,

crouching behind a car next to two other soldiers who were firing at a second MG

position to the North.

Wheres our officer? I said to one of the soldiers. He paused shooting and

pointed over across the intersection to a pub building. A bullet hit the car next to

the soldiers hand and he pulled back quickly and shook his head.


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I doubt you can get over there without getting shot, but if you need

covering fire, well try our best. He said, sliding another clip into his rifle. I patted

his back and readied on the side of the car. The two soldiers nodded and readied

their rifles over the roof of the car.

Go, go, go! I yelled and began to dash across the crossroad. Gunfire

seemed to center on us and bullets deflected off the pavement underneath our

feet. The two soldiers frantically tried to suppress hostiles while we ran across.

FWOOSH

Opening my eyes once again was difficult and the gunfire was slowing down. I

was next to Franz and another soldier, both of which were looking out over a

overturned table. Franz looked down at me and shook my shoulder.

Rocket hit next to us while we were running, he said. You hit your head

pretty hard so we dragged you out of there. I nodded but grimaced as the

realization of pain flooded my mind, and my head hurt like hell.

Wheres Georg? I muttered, resting my head against the table underside.

Is he okay? Franz pointed somewhere in the corner of the pub.

Hes over there talking to the soldiers that covered. One of them got hit in

the arm firing for us. I sighed and sat up a little straighter, pulling my helmet on

and securing the buckle. My rifle was beside me, no less damaged than when it was


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issued. I turned over onto my knees and looked out over the table, out onto the

roads ahead. Tips of rifles poked up from other overturned chairs or tables in the

other buildings, and our tank was stationary in between the two.

Do we know how many we lost? I asked, turning back to Franz. When we

were in the building I only saw two men down. Franz lowered his weapon to his side

and looked to me again.

Those two are dead, we only lost one other, one of the younger recruits who

was scouting a building floor alone. I sighed and stood up.

I assume were supposed to stay put until everyones patched up? Franz

nodded and stood up. Georg was walking towards us, rifle slung on his shoulder.

Hey, youre okay. He said, stopping in front of us. I smiled and adjusted my

suspenders.

I guess so. I said. My head still hurts like it mustve when I got hit. Georg

scoffed and smiled.

Well, were pulling out in a minute or two, so make sure you have

everything. The tanks engine suddenly started up in a low growl and everyone

began to stir. Most of the soldiers in the pub we were stationed got up and left

into the streets. We did the same, moving out behind the Tiger. Its engine had

returned to its normal, steady and comforting rumble.


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Where are we headed next? I asked, hoping either Franz or Georg knew.

Are we still just pushing through here and then regroup to break through

Budapest? Franz pulled a wrinkled map out of his backpack and unfolded it. He

pointed to small black dot in western Hungary.

Were in Kapuvar at the moment. If Im correct out next stop is Gyor, but

we have to group up with another platoon on the south road. He said, sliding his

finger across to a small intersection, a small distance away from major city of

Gyor. Then well move to take that city. Command predict there to be a large

enemy force there, trying to push us back from Tatabanya and Budapest. Franz

folded up his map and put it back into his pouch. Our officer was conversing with

the Tiger commander up in front, and he hopped onto the side of the tank. It

began and to move, and we followed suit.

Its about a ten hours march to Gyor, right? Georg asked, trudging along

the street. Franz nodded. Thats a lot of walking Georg grumbled and started

walking in odd ways.

We passed through miles of open road and fields, littered with abandoned

houses and small villages. Our last obstacle before linking up with the other platoon

was a small forest which was believed to have a pocket of enemy forces tucked in

the trees. Our tank would be somewhat useless moving through the dense forest,


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so they were relying on us, the infantrymen, to provide support for the helpless

tank. Before entering the woodland we ate a small rationed meal, which hit the spot

after the days long hours of marching. We slowly advanced into the tree line,

careful and keeping an eye out for hostile soldiers.

I heard were linking up with a unit of Spanish volunteers, Georg said as we

walked along the path with the other soldiers. Apparently command wanted them

to prove their worth in helping us take Budapest. Raising my eyebrows, I thought.

Fighting with Spanish volunteers was something Id certainly never done. Rumors

were common, though, and it was said they were just as good of fighters as the

rest of the army. I didnt doubt it, they had held their ground against France.

Thatll be interesting. Franz was fiddling with his belt. We need some new

blood, since we lost all those Norwegian troops at the battle of Stockholm. I

nodded and stepped over a fallen log, crusted with green moss. The sounds of the

forest were muffled by the rumble of our tanks engine. Whatever happened to

the Hungarian battalion that was going to meet up with us on our way to Vienna?

That battalion was a section of the remaining Hungarian military, after being drove

out of their country by the united Balkan militaries, who were attempting to push

into Austria, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. Thousands of Hungarians

fled to the above countries, who were all united in the Central European Republic,


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led by Germany. I remembered the battalion being repositioned to somewhere I

couldnt pinpoint.

I believe they got re-routed to another front, I said. Probably through

Poland and into Romania to halt the assault. Georg nodded and looked back up to

the trail ahead. A soldier walked up from behind and walked alongside us.

Hey, just a heads up, I heard the officer rambling about commands recon

platoons spotting enemy movement pretty close to here, He said, pointing out into

the forest ahead. Be careful and keep a straight head if anything happens. He

retreated back to his team and resumed his pace again.

You two think well get ambushed? I asked, looking to Franz and Georg.

They both shrugged, and what did I expect? Our intelligence was off pretty often

so I guess its just paranoia relying on reports. The forest was thinning out

somewhat, with the trees becoming a little farther apart. Leaves littered the

ground below, along with small rocks and logs. Foxholes started appearing; many a

firefight had been had here, which I presumed. Fallen trees littered the space and

dirty, rusted ammo casings were seen occasionally.

I hate walking through places like this, Franz muttered. Creeps me out. I

snorted and elbowed him, and he jumped a little. He glared at me and looked

forward again.


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Erich, Franz said nervously. He jostled my arm pointed out into the forest,

near a far tree. It took me a second to see, but it was clearly scope glint. Shit,

thats a scope! he yelled, and everyone hesitated. I ducked down and scrambled

behind a tree, Franz and Georg rolling into a foxhole. I turned around and motioned

for the group of soldiers behind me to get down, and they gave me funny looks, but

concealed themselves. A gunshot, clearly sniper fire, echoed out and I heard the

bullet thunk into the tree I was hiding behind. Our Tiger stopped, and the turret

gunner rapidly ducked inside and closed the hatch.

Everyone down! I heard from the other side of the tank, and another

sniper shot rang out, this time followed by a yell of agony. I looked over to Franz

and Georg, crouching in the dirt, and mouthed what should we do. Franz shrugged

and Georg did too, so I turned back around. More sniper shots came and they

either hit the tank with a metallic tink or embed themselves in trees. Our officer

was hiding behind the Tiger, poking his head out to observe.

BLAM

A mortar round hit in an empty foxhole near my teams, our ears ringing from the

explosion. I shook my head and looked to our officer, who was looking out over for

injuries.

Screw it, return fire! He shouted, pointing downrange. Soldiers yelled

battle cries and started flinging bullets down the trees, others tossing grenades to


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obscure and disorient enemies. I aimed down my rifles sights, aiming blindly to the

spot of the scope glint. Firing, more shots returned from the enemies positions

and this time, it included heavy machine gun fire and rifle bullets.

BOOM

Another mortar slammed into the ground near out position and disoriented almost

everyone. Our tank, with the trees blocking its turret rotation now cleared by

grenades and mortars, started to calibrate its aim on the enemy position and

centered the gun. Letting off a round, it kicked up clouds of dirt and dust around

the enemy position and the gunfire temporarily stopped.

Nows our chance! I shouted, moving out of my tree cover. Push up, push

up! Franz and Georg raced to new, forward cover and I dived into a hole made by a

previous mortar round. Our men pushed forward as well, crouching behind trees

and diving in other cover. A Volksgrenadier slid into my foxhole, carrying an StG

44, a weapon of which I had yet to earn. The grenadiers name was Hermann, and

he was a higher-ranked individual that often gave his opinions on the officers

battle tactics and plans.

Weve got to keep pushing up, while our tank is still firing, or else well be

stuck here forever, He yelled over the loud gunfire, firing back with his automatic

Sturmgewehr. I fired off my rifle and stood up, racing to a new tree and putting

my back against it. By now we were able to see the enemy, dug into a small trench


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lined with camouflage netting which obscured our view from far away. Hermann

moved to a tree next to mine, and looked over to me.

Good work, lets wait for your team to move up. He motioned for Franz and

Georg to move up and we both started firing to cover them, suppressing the enemy.

Franz crouched behind a foremost tree, and Georg was next to him in a small

mortar pit. Were going to be the first into that trench. Hermann pointed to a

collapsing section of the trench, where only two riflemen stood guard. Equip your

bayonets, when I throw my grenade, you do the same, and dash for the trench! We

all nodded nervously. He ripped a grenade off his belt, pulled the pin, and lobbed it

into the trench ahead. I threw one in too, and so did the other two. The grenades

exploded in one-second intervals, and we sprinted for the trench.

As my foot hit the muddy floor of the trench, I slipped and fell onto my

back, at mercy to Balkan soldiers. The first rifleman aimed at me, but Georg

plunged his bayonet into his back and the soldier fell dead. He helped me onto my

feet, and we split up. Franz and I went left, firing and ducking behind crates.

Cover me for a second, I said, loading new rounds into my Kar. An enemy

rounded the corner and swung the butt of his gun into my face, but I raised my

rifle fast enough to block. He was strong, but gave way after a couple seconds and

fell onto his back, stabbed with my bayonet. My second kill, and I didnt like how it


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felt. Franz fired a shot and hit a retreating gunner, who tumbled face-first into

the mud. We methodically moved through the trenches, pushing back the enemy

forces, while ours advanced.

Weve got this trench controlled, I shouted across to Franz. He grinned

and threw another grenade.

Yeah, we should check up on Georg- Franz stopped and looked at the wave

of Balkan soldiers pouring out of the reserve trench tunnels, freshly armed with

shipments from Serbia, bayonets glimmering. Shit, Erich, get back! I turned and

started running, bullets whizzing past. Franz was ahead of me. As we ran, his

grenade went off, directly in the middle of the wave of soldiers, sending bodies

flying out of the trench. I looked back, but still, more men flooded the trench.

We have to get to the others! I yelled to Franz, who was leaping over

bodies and slipping in mud. There they are! Hermann saw us running towards

them, and quickly started running as well. Dropping a quick grenade to slow down

the enemy advancement, we turned a corner and climbed out of the ditch.

Were gonna get separated from the platoon! Georg shouted, running along

beside us. Where are we going?! I was panting and exhausted but we had to keep

going.


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You want to live, dont you?! Hermann said, trudging along. Theres an old

barn close to here, and if we go back, well die! I grimaced and kept running, not

certain of the future I was entrusting with this grenadier.

After an hour of running across open fields with little cover, the barn came

into sight. It was ravaged by the Hungarian war and the roof was falling apart,

giving it an ominous and open look. We entered the barn and closed the heavy, yet

rotting wood doors shut behind.

This place is a dump, Franz muttered, still panting and catching his breath.

Are you sure well be safe here? I unbuckled and removed my stahlhelm, wiping

sweat off my forehead.

I fought in the Hungarian resistance here, we were hit by mortar shells

twice, thats why its so run down. Hermann leaned against a wooden support pillar.

I had already collapsed into an old, pile of hay. My boots were ridden with mud, and

everyone elses was too. The thought of the young Balkan soldier that attacked still

hung in my mind, like a bad dream or thought of guilt. I thought of the times back

home, in Munich, before the unification of the Balkan countries had caused this

world war.

How long do you think well be stuck here? I asked, rubbing my eyes. We

only have about a couple days of rations left. Hermann started pacing around, StG


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swinging from his shoulder casually. He was wearing an M44 smock, in the classic

grenadier brown and green dot camouflage.

I would predict not more than a day, if nothing happens. He said, stopping

and looking at me. Now heres how this is going to work. He called us up to the

loft of the barn, and we quickly climbed some old ladders and looked out over the

wide fields.

Franz and Georg, you will sleep up there, keep watch up there, and live up

there for now, Hermann designated sleeping spots for both of them, on opposite

ends of the barn, in shadowy corners. He then looked to me. Well sleep down here.

If anything happens, or if we get attacked, I trust you men enough to hold your

own if something happens to me. Just find the platoon and link up. We all nodded

and went to sit in our spots, munching on bland food rations as well as nervously

waiting for any enemy contact. I cleaned out my boots, and carefully cleaned my

mud-caked rifle. We talked, but everyone had to keep volume to a minimum,

Hermanns orders. Quoting Georg, he felt like he was at summer camp. Our stern

superior, Hermann, was like our counselor. We went to sleep that night with

haunting worries of a Balkan nighttime ambush, so our rifles were kept close by and

loaded.


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Shit guys, here they come! Franz said, looking to us. Hermann cursed to

himself and moved over to the window.

Team, start firing! He flung bullets from his rifle down onto the enemies,

hitting two and then sheltering behind an old crate. I rushed over to the

downstairs window and aimed out, taking a shot and catching a soldier through the

chest. Georg had already scrambled to his feet and was firing out the window next

to me. A distinct Balkan yell was heard and metallic objects crashed into the

windows or flew through holes in the collapsing barn house.

God damn it, gas, gas! Hermann motioned for us to equip our gas masks and

bayonets. I panicked, frantically ripping my mask out of the can at my hip and

pulling it over my face. Accustoming to the breathing was hard as I had never used

it in actual combat before; gas was a very rare sight fight out here. The front barn

doors started rattling under the wooden door block, which wouldnt hold for much

longer. There was still eight enemy soldiers waiting to gun us down. I looking back

to see what to do, Hermann, Franz, and Georg were already jumping out the smaller

hole in the west of the barn, opposite of the besieged door. I scrambled up the

ladder and slid out the opening, landing on my feet on the dirt below. Clutching my

battle-ready rifle, I looked to my friends. Hermann was peeking around the corner

to see if any soldiers were coming around, Franz was equipping his bayonet, and

Georg was throwing his helmet on.


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Were gonna go around and kill these guys, Hermann exclaimed, looking

back at us. Take them by surprise. They wont have a chance. I raised an eyebrow

and Franz looked at me suspiciously.

Are you sure? Theres eight of them and four of us, and theyre angry,

heavily armed- Franz was stopped halfway through his sentence.

Dont doubt the essence of surprise, Hermann motioned for us to get

moving. Lets go, be ready. We rounded the corner, weapons out and ready. I

could hear the enemy soldiers yelling and cursing us from outside the breaking

doors, being bashed in by the strongest men. Reaching the next corner, right next

to the Balkans, Hermann tossed a live grenade right into their feet. I heard

confused yells of terror as the soldiers leaped to the sides and covered their

heads, the men on the door having no time but to duck and cover their heads.

BOOM

We stepped out into the open, and started firing on every soldier we saw. Some

had already recovered and were firing back or running for cover, but most were

too slow and got picked off by either Hermann hip-firing or the rest of our rifle

shots. I aimed down my sights and pinpointed a fleeing soldier, firing and hitting

him the stomach. He tumbled and crashed into the ground, limp.

Thatll show them, Hermann shouted, grinning. He loaded a new magazine

into his StG and marched around, checking for possible survivors. Well done,


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kameraden. He looked to us and nodded. We stared back at him, still confused and

thinking on what we had just done. It didnt feel good slaughtering eight people my

age, even if they had fired back and we were retaking someones country.

After three hours of brisk marching, we spotted our platoon, moving at a

steady pace down a country road. We picked up speed and eventually connected

with them in a mass of questions.

Where in the world were you men? The officer asked, leaning against the

still Tiger, still operational, still functioning. We counted you among the dead, but

we couldnt find the bodies. Hermann nodded and began to explain our plight, and

how we had escaped the wave of Balkan reinforcements and sheltered in an

abandoned barn house. The officer congratulated us and thanked us for our

courage of pushing through and breaking the first defense; temporarily promoting

Franz, Georg and I. We were given Gewehr 43 semi-automatic rifles, a symbol of

our promotion. Hermann was appointed as our squad leader, to his surprise. We

were only a mile out of the south road, where we would be linking up with the

Spanish platoon. Gyor was still twenty miles out; it would still be a couple days until

we reached the city. The Spaniards were expected to bring supplies from Munich

and Vienna, to resupply us, so we could be fit and ready for the assault. An hour

after returning, our commander ordered the convoy to begin moving again. We


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were given an hour to ride on the tank, to rest our legs, but then we had to walk

with the rest of the platoon. Overall, at the trench battle in the forest, we had

lost ten men, bringing us down to twenty-six total soldiers, not counting us and the

tank crew.

We stopped on a railroad track on a small intersection twenty miles outside

of Gyor. This was our re-group spot with the Spanish volunteer platoon, fresh out

of training yet led by hardened German and Hun veterans of the Slovak front. We

were told to wait and get a ration of food in, and keep an eye out for enemy

activity.

Well, this is it. Hermann was standing in front of us. Ready to meet your

new Spaniard kameraden? We all laughed and ate our biscuits. Hermann had

proven to be a nice enough man outside of hard combat; he was serious about his

duty but cared about his friends, as well. Franz liked him, and as far as I could tell

Georg did too. He told us stories of the final resistance in the battle for Budapest,

and how him and five other soldiers held a church for six days, under constant

attack, by laying fire from the clock tower. Today was particularly warm for

October, being about 45 degrees and making it so that I didnt need my smock; I

folded it up and laid it beside me. My boots were dry once again, and I changed


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weve had. I was a designated marksman, while Franz had AT capabilities with his

Panzerfaust and Georg gave us squad support with his MG-34. Hermann was our

specialist and had stuff wed never even heard about on his belt. We waited and sa

in the area, awaiting the order to move out and more importantly the new Spaniard.

Later that night he arrived, and it the soldier I had pointed at earlier. He had

short, cropped hair in the standard military cut, a newly issued feldgrau tunic,

ankle boots and gaiters. Javiers weapon was a freshly manufactured Kar98k rifle,

which he had been presumably training with the past months.

Hello, He said, approaching our group. We sized him up, and he looked

pretty average. Our age, too, which we guessed. Are you under Hermanns squad

leadership? We nodded and Hermann stood up.

This is Javier, everyone. He said, and the soldier grinned awkwardly. He

will be providing low-level medical expertise and designated marksmanship. Sit

down son, were heading out tomorrow. They both sat down, and Javier unslung his

supplies and rolled his blanket out on the dirt, sitting back down.

Welcome to the squad, I said. Im the other rifleman. Javier smiled and

offered his hand, which I shook and smiled back. Franz and Georg waved to him.

The night got more comfortable as time went on, and we were talking like old

friends as we were about to fall asleep. I laid back on my blanket, leaning my head

back against Javiers rolled-up smock which he let me borrow as a pillow. Drifting


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into a partial sleep, the thoughts of the deceased Balkan soldiers didnt cloud my

mind that night.

The next morning, I was awaken by Franz, who was rolling up his blanket and

shaking me awake.

Were pulling out bud, cmon, pack up. I sat up groggily and began to roll up

my own bundle. After that was done, Franz and I grabbed our weapons and

helmets, marching off to find the rest of our squad.

These volunteers are the perfect reinforcements we needed, I said to

Franz, walking along the grass. Fresh supplies, high morale, and a half-track for

extra support. Franz nodded and we looked up. Our numbers increased drastically

with the new reinforcements, jumping from twenty-six to fifty-nine. We reached

where Hermann, Javier and Georg were walking alongside our trusty Tiger, whos

engine was still running as steadily as ever.

Were on the road again, Georg chuckled, pretending to do a royal march.

Franz rolled his eyes and we trudged on, conversing with each other on matters and

educating Javier on real battlefield tactics. Hed never seen a battle before,

besides for the simulated ones in training, which still didnt add up. He was nervous

out of his mind, which I honestly didnt blame him.


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Listen, just follow our lead and youll be fine. I said, patting him on the

shoulder. Most importantly just listen to Hermann, he knows what hes doing.

Javier nodded and walked along the rough roads leading to Gyor.

Heres whats going to happen when we reach Gyor, Hermann said, moving

closer to us four. Remember that Hungarian platoon you three were rambling

about? They got rerouted to attack Gyor from the North. We raised our

eyebrows and shrugged. Theyre our only other force, if we fail, its all on their

shoulders. This is a team effort, so we will not fail. Correct? We all shouted yes

and he continued. Good. Well be storming the northwest corner of the city, along

with another squad of four Spanish volunteers. I will have command over all of you,

but I trust you all enough that I will preside mostly over the Spaniard newbies, to

make sure they dont flee or make a fatal mistake. I fist pumped and we all

grinned, hungry for independence and our first large-scale battle. Georg, youve

proven to have a clear head even in the most difficult situations, so Im putting you

in charge if anything happens. That is all. We all nodded. This was a big deal,

retaking Gyor, and it would lead to a hopefully successful storm on Budapest,

reestablishing an arm of power in Hungary. This would also be a test of my new

Gewehr semi-auto rifle, which had been awarded upon promotion. We marched

along for hours, our legs accustomed to the endless steps and texture of the

ground against our boots. The temperature had proven to be one of great rarity;


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the temperature rapidly dropped back down the twenties range. We all had our

smocks done up and our wool toque scarves around our ears. Fresh rations helped

us push on with added morale and confidence, the newly broken-in German soldiers

morale renewed with the arrival of the Spaniard troops. We were marching along a

grass pathway, outside a small village of five or so buildings, when a gunshot went

off and hit a Spanish volunteer in the shoulder next to us.

What the hell!? I shouted, rushing to pick the soldier up. Our tank and men

stopped advancing and hit the ground, taking cover from sniper fire. Franz, Georg

and Hermann rushed to provide covering fire for me while I towed the soldier to

safety behind our tank where he could be treated by a medic. His wound was

seeping excessive amounts of blood and already staining his tunic, and he was

breathing irregularly. It was a horrible sight to see, but I managed to instill some

calm into him and started to move him back. More shots were fired but ultimately

deflected by the shield of bodies provided by my squad. Javier was standing,

stationary, unsure of what to do.

Javier! I yelled, struggling to lug the soldier around. Help me move him!

Hurry up! He panicked and rushed over to help me, gagging at the sight of the

wound. We carried him behind the tank, screaming for a medic, who arrived shortly

later and began to prepare the wound, while I kept pressure on it. The blood was


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pushing up through my fingers, and I twisted my neck and vomited out onto the

road. Javier was watching from a distance, clutching his rifle uncomfortably.

Go let the officer know whats going on, I said across to him, pointing off

to the administrative half-track. Go on! He ran off to the vehicle, out of my

sight. The Spanish soldier was gasping for air and struggling to hold on, but I tried

to keep him calm by telling him the doctor was fixing him right up. The medic had

already removed the bullet in a flurry of blood and screams from the victim, and

bandaged it up with snowy white gauze. I sat with the soldier and kept an eye on

him for the next thirty minutes, while a long-distance firefight was happening all

around, in the safety of the tanks shadow. I saw Javier in push through the crowd

and come stand by me. He was panting and I could see he had sprinted to the

officers car, a good soldier. He had wasted no time. My soldier had already

steadied out and the medic came to check up on him, and said the blood would

hopefully clot soon and he could be moved to a safer place. The gunshots slowed

down as we overwhelmed the tiny resistance force with accurate rifle fire and the

half-tracks MG-42 suppression.

How are you doing? Javier asked me, still looking about anxiously. I

chuckled and looked up at him.

Dont worry about me. I said. Nice job delivering that message, Javier

smiled a little and shifted about on his feet.


28/73

Another soldier had already told him, but thank you. He murmured, looking

out front to the once-hostile village.

Imagine if someone hadnt, we wouldnt had gotten that fire support and

more men wouldve been injured. I exclaimed, standing up from my spot as another

soldier volunteered to take my place, one who new the man personally. You did just

fine. Javier nodded and we moved up to the front, where Georg, Franz, and

Hermann were still positioned.

Hey, what happened? Franz saw me and motioned for me to join the

movement forward. I unslung my new Gewehr and held it in my hands, in case of any

more enemy ambushes.

I moved the kid back behind the tank with Javier, I said, walking along

with them. He got treated by the medic very quick and luckily he was able to

remove the round and bandage him effectively, so he should be alright. Franz

nodded and held out his Gewehr.

Fired this thing for the first time, He said, grinning. I almost reached to

pull the bolt back but then I remembered; it already did it for me. Franz was

clearly satisfied by the quality of his rifle. I aimed down my sights off into the

distance, not having shot mine yet. The iron sights were clear, giving me a

triangular opening with a single metal prong to pinpoint my target.


29/73

All I know is that Im a fan of these sights, I chuckled, lowering my

weapon. By now we had entered the village, small groups of soldiers breaking off to

quickly scan the buildings. This time we had been spared the trouble and kept the

frontal march. The buildings were clear and the bodies had been accounted for, so

we moved out of the village. We were marching along a wide, open plain; I could

already see the chapel tower of Gyors church in the sky; the buildings obscured by

a trees which had surrounded the city.

It was another two hours, but we finally reached the city. Well, not the

actual city. The outskirts where we were just outside of the enemies range.

Groups split off to attack different points, while our Tiger, half-track, and twenty

soldiers were to storm the front gate. Our group, the five in our squad, followed by

the five Spanish recruits, ran off to the left. We approached an alleyway which

was our point of entry. It had one guard on patrol, but many more marched inside.

Crouching in the outskirts, in the trees and bushes, we prepared. The time had

come.

Erich, its your turn, Hermann whispered, and pointed to the guard. Take

him out. I breathed in heavily; raising my rifle. I was shaking, but my aim was

steady enough. He was close enough that I couldnt miss, could I? I wrapped my

finger around the trigger, securing my aim. Breathing out, I squeezed and fired.


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The rifle kicked back into my shoulder, surprisingly controllable, and I re-

calibrated and looked down the sights again. The target was out for the count, a

body limp on the ground.

Move up, move up! Hermann shouted, vaulting over the bushes and charging

forward into the city. Spaniards, on me! Georg, lead your squad to the second

church, and secure it! We let out an affirmative and charged forward, firing at

Balkan patrols, edging our way through the streets. Slipping into another alleyway,

we stopped to formulate our plan.

The church is further in here, Georg said, flicking his head in its general

direction. I assume there will be soldiers all around it, so be alert and on guard.

Watch for friendly fire; we arent the only allies in here. We rose and jogged

down the pathway, reaching a corner, peering around it.

The church is just ahead, but its very open and Balkan MG positions are

emplaced in it. Franz said, looking back to us. Georg? He thought for a moment,

and told us to take the closest, formidable building possible. We picked a two-story

house with the perfect set of windows for firing out of. Rushing across the road,

patrols had already seen us and were either firing or dispatching troops to pursue.

We busted through the door and bolted up the stairs, onto the second floor. It

was empty, a positive so far.


31/73


32/73

A gunshot followed by a angry scream embedded itself into the wall next to my

head. I ducked, rushing out the door as my squad mates took care of the last

soldier.

God damn that was a close one, I muttered, panting. I wiped the sweat off

my forehead and followed Georg, who was calm and collected in a hectic scene such

as this one. The church was a short run away, yet soldiers were rushing around,

firing at us and rushing injured inside.

Wait- theres injured inside? Javier exclaimed, dodging a bullet. What will

we do with them? We cant kill-

BLAM

A mortar went off not far from our position, and another hit close to the church.

Georg crouched down and stuttered.

Is that ours?! He shouted, covering his head as more mortars went off

close by. Run for the church!! We dashed off; jumping over giant potholes,

running as fast as we could. Balkan soldiers were bewildered and confused as well;

many running for shelter in buildings. We reached the entrance of the church,

which was held shut by soldiers pushing back. Mortar fire was getting somewhat

closer and more accurate; now we were all panicking. Georg ripped a grenade off his

belt, smashing the doors window in and dropping it inside, while we leapt backwards

onto the street. The door exploded from the inside and we scrambled inside, guns


33/73

blazing. Injured enemies lined the floor, helpless and suffering. We hit the

enemies who fired at us, while many dropped their weapons and surrendered. We

now controlled this church.

Franz, Javier, Georg whispered to us. Watch over them. Dont be afraid to

take action if they pull anything funny. They nodded and walked over to the

injured that littered the floor. Erich, well man this MG emplacement. Our orders

were to wait until Hermann and the Spaniards met up with us here, so watch your

fire. We jogged up the stairs and saw the machine gun, placed on a tripod in the

upstairs of the bell tower. I sat down and adjusted the position, using the crank to

alter the tilt of the gun. Staring out the window of the tower, I couldnt see much

besides smoke above the rooftops and the occasional soldier running for cover.

When do you think theyll make it back here? I asked, strafing the gun

across the road, preparing for hostiles. Georg shrugged, unsure of what would

happen.

I dont know. Hopefully those recruits arent too much of a handful for him,

He said. I squinted and looked out into the road, out at small firefights happening

in and out of buildings. A tiny glint of red caught my eye, followed by Hermanns

iconic M44 camouflage.


34/73

There they are, I said, following them with my gun to make sure they

werent attacked. Moving across the road to our position. Georg craned his neck

to look out the window, seeing the group moving cautiously across.

Erich, Balkans edging out of the alleyway in front of them, He exclaimed,

pointing down the road to three shady looking hostiles creeping out of an alleyway.

Take them out. I nodded and centered my aim, putting the crosshair directly on

the torso of the outermost enemy. I pulled the firing lever, and a sound like ripping

sheets blasted from the gun. The weapon kicked back some in the tripod, but kept

steady as a waterfall of lead engulfed the soldiers below. They collapsed and hit

the ground with a thud.

Nice shooting, stay here, Ill go bring them inside. Georg ran down the

stairs and out the door,jogging out behind a cluster of crates. Hermann was running

along with his group and waved to me. I chuckled and resumed scanning the area.

Everyone connected with Georg and they were making their way back to the Church

doors. Suddenly, in the distance, a large group of Balkan soldiers turned the corner

and started raining fire towards me and my platoon. I cursed out loud and aimed

the gun, sighting on the foremost enemy once again. I squeezed the trigger and the

sheet-ripping continued once again, slamming into the first three soldiers. Bullets

hit the walls around me, but I kept firing until I ran out of ammo. Six enemies were

left, and I abandoned the machine gun post and ran down to the front door.


35/73

Throwing it open, Hermann and Georg rushed inside, carrying a wounded soldier,

followed by the rest of the Spanish, some clutching wounds. I called for Franz and

Javier, who rushed over.

Theres enemies sprinting over here, I said, loading rounds into my Gewehr.

We have to hold them off. Franz and Javier nodded, and we busted out the door,

instantly met by enemy fire. These soldiers werent just average recruits of the

Balkan militaries; they were experienced and hardened veterans, which we could

tell by the way they fired and moved from cover to cover. Leaning against a wall,

sheltered from enemy fire, I waited for a quick break in shots. Franz was lobbing a

grenade over his wooden crate cover, while Javier was crouching behind a blown-

out car, shaking. The fire was interrupted by Franzs grenade and I popped out,

firing four times and hitting an enemy twice, who collapsed. Javier aimed and fired,

hitting a soldier, but he kept firing back.

Grenade! I shouted, seeing a round object land behind Javier. Move,

move! Javier panicked and leapt over the car shell, the explosion following shortly

after. He was completely exposed to enemy fire, so I popped out and ran across

the road, firing at any exposed Balkans. Javier ducked into a building, safe. The

enemies were only tens of feet in front of me and Franz, so we fixed bayonets in

case of a charge.


36/73

Hey! I heard a shout from the alleyway to our right. German! I snapped

my neck to the location of the voice, seeing a stahlhelm-clad group of two soldiers.

I looked for identification, seeing the faded flag of Hungary sewn onto their

sleeves.

Hungarians? I exclaimed, raising an eyebrow. The soldiers rushed forward

and ducked into cover next to me. When were you in Gyor? They both fired a

shot from their rifles and crouched back down.

Command figured you would need more help than just a bunch of Spaniard

recruits, One of them said, pulling back his rifle bolt. Re-routed us to the top of

the city. I nodded and fired a couple times, hitting an enemy. There were three

left.

Im Jzsef, and this is Ervin, He said, pointing at his friend. Franz andI

nodded and fired again.

Erich, I shouted over another grenade. And Franz. The two soldiers were

clad in the same things we were wearing; feldgrau tunics with camouflage smocks,

stahlhelms, and tall leather boots. Shit, I need to get Javier, I remembered,

rushing over to the edge of my cover. There were still three combat-capable

enemies hiding somewhere, ready to gun me down within a moments notice.

You two, I need to get to my recruit, Edging closer to the edge of my

cover, the two Hungarians and Franz followed close behind. When I run, start


37/73

firing at anything that moves. If I reach the building, come one at a time, and do

the same thing you did for me. Everyone nodded and reloaded, ready to provide

covering fire.

You ready? Franz asked me, tightening his helmet strap. I nodded and took

a deep breath in, and started running.

I busted in the buildings door and moved inside, rifle at the ready. I could

hear the sounds of fighting and gunshots from outside, but someone was fighting

inside the building. I rushed forward through what looked to be the kitchen,

turning the corner to see Javier pummeling an enemy soldier.

Javier! I yelled, rushing forward and pulling him off the enemy. I smashed

my foot down on the soldiers chest, pinning him down and holding my rifle to his

head. Javi stepped back and gathered his wits, stooping down to pick up his rifle.

He was covered in bruises and cuts. The soldier beneath my rifle cowered and

trembled, turning his head away from my glare.

Get up, I commanded, voice shaking a little. Get up. I lifted my foot and

pulled the Balkan onto his feet, rifle still poised to strike. Javier, lead the way.

He reluctantly moved towards the door, peering out and seeing our men crouching

where they were before. He opened the door and dashed out, moving behind a car.


38/73

Its clear, Franz shouted across the road. I prodded the Balkan out the

door and moved across to the church, opening the door and moving my prisoner to

where the rest of the wounded soldiers were. Jzsef and Ervin followed me

through the door, then finally Franz and Javier.

Weve got a seven wounded and these prisoners to take care of, Hermann

approached us, StG at his side. Im proud of you men. We nodded, too tired to

accept praise gratefully. According to command, the rest of the assault is going

smoothly. Move your men over to the town hall, where the final push is. Jzsef and

Ervin stood at our side and looked to us.

I guess its us five then, I said, moving back towards the doorway. Jzsef,

Ervin, youre with us now. They nodded and we pushed the door open, jogging

across to the alleyway they appeared from.

If were assaulting town hall, were going to need more firepower, Ervin

said. Do we have vehicles? Franz nodded and pointed off in the direction our

platoon entered from.

We have a tank, if it isnt destroyed. He said, and I remembered our Tiger.

We moved through alleys and buildings towards the center of town, which was

perched on a small hill. Gunfire got steadily louder and more common the closer we

got, showing that there was still a fight going on. The distinct sound of a tank

firing let our hopes skyrocket, moving faster and quicker to the center of the


39/73

fight. We found a squad of Spanish soldiers crouching on the edge of a sidewalk,

treating a wounded German from our platoon. I wished them luck and we moved

closer, using what they told us to avoid Balkan soldiers.

Here we are, Jzsef muttered, staring out over the road from the window

of our small building. I could see machine gun nests in the windows of the building,

ready to rip our infantry apart.

BOOM

Suddenly, a tank shell pummeled the top floor of the building, the ground shaking

and a machine gun nest completely gone. Rifle fire came from the right, followed by

return machine gun fire from the town hall.

Come on, theyre advancing! I shouted, running out to a wrecked car. My

men spread out into different cover, and Javier ducked behind the wreckage with

me. I looked down the road as our tank slowly advanced, surrounded by our

infantry. More machine-gun fire came from the building, ripping into our forces and

hitting the front men.

We have to do something about that MG nest Erich, Javier said next to

me, peering over our cover. Cant Franz get a rocket on it or something? A

lightbulb went off in my head and I looked around for Franz, who was crouching

behind another car with Jzsef.


40/73

Franz! I yelled over the sounds of war. Franz! Shoot your Panzerfaust at

the machine-gunner nest! He looked at me funny and shrugged, pulling his launcher

off his shoulder and loading an explosive into the front of it. He stood up and

aimed.

Franz collapsed and his Panzerfaust hit the ground, rolling into the road. A

scream of agony emitted from his position, and Jzsef rushed to his aid.

Shit!! I shouted, hesitating. Javier, cover me! He frantically stood up and

started firing as I sprinted across the road, sliding into Franzs cover and grabbing

the Panzerfaust.

Hes bleeding really bad, Jzsef exclaimed, scrambling to bandage his

wound. Help me out friend! I dropped my weapon and clamped my hands down on

his wound, keeping the pressure. Franz squirmed and sucked in air unevenly.

Medic!!! I screamed, wondering if there even was one nearby. Medic!!

Jzsef pulled me down and pulled a hand over my mouth, muffling my shouts.

Kurva, you idiot! He muttered, glaring down at me. Youll get us shot, and

the medic shot too! I stopped screaming and shook my head. Thinking right now

was insanely difficult and I struggled to keep my thoughts in check. Keep pressure

on the wound. Jzsef resumed wrapping his shoulder and I pushed down with force


41/73

on his gunshot wound, inflicted by an enemy rifleman positioned in the front

windows of the town hall.

I need to get rid of that nest, I said, picking up the Panzerfaust again.

Javier and Ervin eyed me, waiting for the covering fire order. I nodded to them

and they started raining down fire, standing up. I aimed the launcher at the nest,

seeing the shadow of the rifleman in the window. Hesitating, I managed to fire the

rocket as the rifleman was shot through the head by Javier. The projectile

accelerated midair and slammed into the window, exploding brilliantly as enemy

bodies were propelled outwards by the explosion force. Cheering erupted from the

soldiers, but was halted by the resuming gunfire.

Finally, I sighed in exhaustion, falling onto my butt next to Jzsef and

Franz, who had calmed down but was still breathing in gasps. Our tank advanced

while the enemies regained strength and our infantry was able to move into the

front area, standing behind trees or sandbag barriers set up by the enemy, now

unoccupied.

Hey, Jzsef said to me, pointing off down the road to the left. Here

comes the rest of my platoon. A group of thirty or so hardened Hungarian soldiers

were running down the road, some jumping into the fray and others moving to

strategic positions, spotting or providing covering fire. I felt relieved; the fog


42/73

surrounding my thoughts lifted a little, letting me sort out my thoughts. Franz had

stabilized, and hopefully the fighting was getting close to being over.

I can take care of him, they need you in the assault, A Spanish medic said,

rushing up to take our place. Go, go. We nodded and grabbed our rifles, vaulting

over the brick overhang and moving into the front area. Dead soldiers littered the

ground around my feet; some German, some Spanish, but predominantly Balkan. The

fog returned but I pushed it back, using my will to keep my thoughts clear.

Over here, its one of my squad mates, Jzsef said, and we moved over to

the left side of the large building. An average looking, dark haired Hungarian

soldier was peering around the side of the building, watching the retreating enemy

soldiers. He turned and looked to us, grabbing Jzsefs hand and patting him on the

back.

Theyre falling back into the fields and taking the roads in groups of trucks;

most of them are heading to Budapest. The soldier said, relaxing and looking at

me. Who are you? I also relaxed my weapon and gave a toothy smile, offering my

hand.

Im Erich, He shook my hand. Met up with your friend here in the North

of the city. The soldier nodded and smiled back.


43/73

My name is Hunter, been with Ervin and Jzsef since boot camp. I nodded

again and we stared over the retreating troops. A young soldier, Javier,

approached us and pointed up at the top of the building.

Theyve raised the flag! He exclaimed, grinning. We won! Sure enough,

looking up at the top of the building, the flag of the Central European Republic, was

flying proud in the wind. Cheering resounded off every building and the clean-up

began; it was a large scale battle and it wasnt fought without loss.

Hermann came to us the next day, when we awoke in a small residential

building that had been somewhat untouched by the battle. The heralds had counted

thousands of dead enemy soldiers, while our losses had been in the mid-hundreds

range. The enemy force, surprisingly, wasnt expecting an attack. Couriers and

messengers hadnt made it or gotten a chance to report; a swift strike. Over four

hundred prisoners had been taken, one hundred of which we had captured inside

the church. Franz and I were promoted once again, and our platoon had been

converted to a Panzergrenadier platoon. We were now mechanized infantry,

supported by three Tiger 1 tanks, three Wespe mobile artillery vehicles, and a

command half-track. Our platoon was united with the Hungarian platoon, which had

suffered little losses but compensated for the German platoons heavy casualties.

The Spanish platoon was large enough to be a unit on its own; four Tigers and an


44/73

artillery set were brought in from Vienna to support them. Due to the separation

of the two groups, Javier would no longer be in our squad, to our distress. They

would still be advancing with us as far as Budapest; but he wouldnt take place in

our operations and squad. Franz was shipped home, the operation had caused the

loss of use in his wounded arm. Our squad was now reduced to Hermann, Georg, and

I. Ervin, Jzsef and Hunter were happily transferred to our squad, remaking our

six-person fire-team. A lot of changes were being made, and as the preparations

were applied we were given new smocks and helmet covers, compliments of being a

Panzergrenadier. I was issued a Walther P38 sidearm, which I had long awaited.

Hermann was still appointed squad leader as I said; and with his expertise, our new

battle experience, I was feeling pretty confident. But then again, Franz and Javier

had just departed from us. At least Franz was okay, just without use of his arm,

but without Javier in our squad we couldnt keep track of him. I would just have to

deal with the current situation and get used to my new Hungarian squad mates.

We were stationed in Gyor for two weeks, in case of an enemy counter

attack, which was farfetched but possible. Our squad stayed in a small residential

building which accommodated our needs nicely. I slept on the floor in the living

room, while Georg slept on the couch. The rest slept in different rooms around the

house. We spent most of the time talking and exploring the city, socializing with


45/73

other soldiers in our unit, and practicing with our rifles. The Spanish unit had

departed on the third day, and we all gave Javier a solemn goodbye as he moved out

with the rest of the surviving Spaniards. The city was dreary and somewhat bland,

highlighted by the battle rubble and ever present stains of war. I felt relaxed and

happy with my squad, but sad and emotionless when I was alone, because the fog of

my thoughts returned. At the end of the first week, our fresh, new Tiger tanks

arrived followed by the Wespe artillery. Command told us we were to move out and

follow the road to Tatabanya, which was now under Central European control,

thanks to the Spanish unit and a group of Polish platoons.

I hope Javier is okay, I muttered, sitting down on the couch back at the

house. Maybe he can fight with us in Budapest. Hermann was leaning against the

north wall and shrugged.

Hopefully hes alright. You have to trust your new squad, Erich, or youll

have trouble fulfilling the brotherhood thats a staple in our military. Hermann

said sternly, giving me a look of hope. I sighed and looked down at my boots.

I do trust them- I guess Im just having trouble letting go of Franz and

Javi. Hermann nodded and turned the corner, walking into the kitchen. It was just

the two of us in the house currently, as the others were out socializing with the

platoon.


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Were assigned to the second Tiger, Hermann said in the kitchen. Our

original Tiger. Surprisingly it survived the battle with only a couple busted armor

plates, which we repaired. I raised an eyebrow and shrugged. Glad to be with our

old friends, a grin came upon my face. Come on Erich, lets go find the tank crew.

I nodded and followed him out the door. We walked down the road towards where

the vehicles were stationed, in an open field just outside of the city. Tents were

set up as living quarters for the crews, where we approached.

Anyone alive in there? Hermann said, standing outside the tent and lightly

kicking the door. A shuffling sound came from inside and the tent opened. A young,

blue-eyed face popped out and squinted up at us.

Oh, Hermann, The crewman exclaimed, rubbing his eyes and crawling out of

the tent. Hey you two, whats up? Two other men crawled out, all my age. Their

names were Adam, Linus, and Patrik, the latter of which was Hungarian. Linus had

short, black hair and was somewhat short, with a constant stern look on his face.

Adam was the youngest, the one who had greeted us. He was naturally blond and

energetic. Patrik had dark eyes and black hair, and was a kind soldier and did his

job as loader well.

We came to see you guys, Hermann exclaimed, looking to their tank. Were

stationed on your tank, so I thought we would introduce ourselves. I smiled and

shook their hands, happy to meet new kameraden. They were all wearing the black


47/73

trousers of tank crew uniforms, and above they wore their white service shirts

without the tunic. I wondered how they werent freezing in just that thin t-shirt,

as I shivered in my wool tunic and smock. Winter was approaching fast and would

hit hard with brutal temperatures.

Ah, I see, Linus said, who was the tank commander. This cant be all of

you, can it? Hermann looked behind himself quick and I waved at him, giving a

smile. He mustve forgot everyones absence. He looked back to Linus and chuckled

to himself.

Oh no, this is just me and my trusty Erich, the rest of the squad is out

shooting. I snorted and Hermann elbowed me. Linus made a rare smile and we all

turned to the tank, basking in its mechanical beauty.

What should we name the tank? Patrik asked from behind Linus, staring up

at the turret. Hermann and I raised our eyebrows; what a question out of the blue.

Patrik looked at us and shrugged.

Well, I mean, Pters crew named their tank, he said sheepishly. They

called it Prinz. I thought about it for a moment, and realized that naming a tank

would be pretty fun. Linus said why not and we all started brainstorming.

How about War Machine, Hermann said, hopeful for feedback. Everyone

furrowed their brow, including me.


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That sounds too generic, I personally like Prinzessin, Adam exclaimed,

pointing a finger in the air. Sounds royal, just like our Tiger. Patrik started

laughing and Linus chuckled, and Adam made a humph sound and turned back to

them. Well then, got any other ideas? Adam shoved Patrik and the Hungarian

started laughing.

Okay, okay. How about Caesar? Patrik said, raising his eyebrows. It was

quiet for a couple of seconds, but personally I quite liked the name. My own

suggestion was still there, but Caesar had a chance of winning this one.

Nah, sounds too French, Linus said, going back into thought. I looked at

Hermann and we burst out laughing, Patrik and Adam joining too. Linus looked up at

us with disgust.

Its not French, dummkopf, Adam scoffed, still giggling. Linus sighed and

looked at us. I was still laughing because of how spontaneous his decision was.

Fine then, Erich, what do you say? I brought my suggestion out of the back

of my head, spouting it out with confidence.

Frostig, I shouted, shooting my hand up with a fist pump. They stared at

me for a bit, and I lowered my arm. Id thought theyd love my idea.

Frosty? Linus asked, crossing his arms and thinking. I actually like it.

Patrik nodded, and Adam shrugged. I looked at Hermann and he was satisfied by

the name too.


49/73

I guess its Frostig then, Patrik said, standing up. Frostig is German for

frosty. I thought it would suit our situation nicely; a coming winter, with it

freezing temperatures and harsh wind.

Two days later we left Gyor. It was a clear day, the clouds were scarce but

the temperature was getting lower and lower. We marched along the dirt road,

beside our tank. I looked up at the turret, where the word Frostig was written in

white paint on the armor. I smiled and looked back down at my boots. Georg was

walking besides me, head down in his toque to keep his face warm. Jzsef, Hunter

and Ervin were in front of our tank, and Hermann walked ahead of us. The trek

took about a day and a half, and we were frozen through-and-through. In the

distance, the Central European flag flew from the top flagpole, accompanied by the

Spanish flag. We marched a bit faster when we acquired sight of the city. Three

Spanish soldiers guarded the entrance, the flags of Spain sewn into their sleeves.

We rolled into the middle of the city and waited to be greeted by the Spanish unit

head, who was scheduled to meet us here. I sat on the side of Frostig, chatting

with Patrik, who was sitting with me outside of his vehicle.

Boy, that bonzo sure is late, I said, looking out over the town. This place is

like a ghost town, even with the Spanish occupation. Patrik nodded and shifted in


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his seat. We only saw twelve or thirteen soldiers passing through the town, which

led me to presume the battle wasnt an easy one.

This place is making me...uneasy, Patrik said, shifting on the armor and

fiddling with various things. Wheres Hermann? I said I didnt know but looked

around, seeing him talking with a Hungarian NCO nearby.

Be right back, Ill go grab him. I slid off the tank and meandered over to

Hermann, my movements somewhat tense for reasons I didnt know. Hermann

finished talking to him and turned to face me, his face stern.

I know, I know, he said to me, walking back to the tank. Something isnt

right here. The three of us nodded, and looked around. Hermann leaned closer to

me and whispered;

Somethings definitely not right here, warn our squad, Ill let the others

know. I nodded and he walked off. Patrik knew what he said and hopped down to

join me, and we walked around telling the group to be ready and on their guard.

Hermann was walking across the road back to us when it happened.

The sound of machine-gun fire ripped into our ears and immediately, we took

cover. I pushed Patrik into the tank, whos engine started rapidly. Rounding the

tank, I connected with Jzsef, Ervin, Hunter and Georg, who were crouching

behind the vehicles armor. They looked at me wide eyed, and I stared around at


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the scene of the place. Soldiers were scrambling for cover and hopping into

vehicles, some were even firing back at who knows what.

TINGTINGTINGTING

Bullets deflected off the turret of our tank and we raced into action, aiming our

rifles to wherever we saw enemy fire. We still hadnt identified the threat, which

was ominous.

Where the hell is Hermann?! Ervin shouted over the gunfire, leaning back

against the tank. I looked at him and mouthed I dont know and we resumed firing,

seeing allies torn if they moved from cover. Frostigs gunner hatch opened briefly

and Linus head popped out, using the hatch cover as a shield.

Were getting out of here, at least out of this city, Linus shouted, flinching

at every gunshot. I nodded, and Ervin pushed up next to me.

We cant leave without our squad leader! He exclaimed, worried about

Hermanns condition. Linus shook his head and responded.

If we dont get out of here well get pelted with AT rockets, so just follow

us and stay behind the armor, well find Hermann later! Bullets ricocheted off the

tank next to Linus head and he cringed, slamming the hatch shut and disappearing

into the tank. Ervin swore and we crouched behind the armor once again, and the

tank started driving backwards towards the other side of town. The other two

tanks followed our example and started high-tailing it out of the plaza, soldiers


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running beside it and others standing on the armor. The command half-track was

still back there, surrounded by soldiers. As we pulled out, rockets slammed into the

road only feet behind us and began to target the half track. One hit the ground in

front and it jolted forward, speeding away, leaving lots of soldiers behind. Gunfire

followed us from the windows of various buildings, and we stayed protected behind

the tanks sheltering shadow. I saw the abandoned soldiers scrambling for

protection and my heart broke in hundreds of pieces.

Linus!! I shouted, pounding on the gunner hatch. We have to turn around,

were leaving almost thirty soldiers back there!! The tank stopped abruptly and we

sped backwards, our squad struggling to keep up. We backed into the plaza, gunfire

surrounding everything. The soldiers eyes lit up and many sprinted for the cover of

our Frostig, some making it and others gunned down mid-sprint. I was firing up at

the windows above, trying to suppress an enemy machine gunner, when I saw

Hermann shot in the leg dashing to the cover of our tank.

Hermann! Ervin and I shouted in unison, rushing out of our positions and

grabbing him. Georg followed close behind and stood in front of us, risking his life

to protect us. Gunfire slammed into everything around us and we carried him to

safety behind the tank, quickly hauling him onto the armor, hopefully sheltered by

the turrets shadow. The tank pulled out rapidly, backing back onto the road and

met by a wall of enemy soldiers, looking like Spanish volunteers, but we knew they


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medic from the command half-track ran down the road to our tank, climbing onto

the armor and staring down at my foot.

Youre lucky, He muttered, No amputation will be needed. I looked at him

wide eyed, falling backwards, and fainting.

I was laying on uneven ground, the camouflage pattern of a Zeltbahn tent

strung above my head. Staring up at the ceiling, the events of my last awakening

returned to me. I had fainted; and while I was unconscious, the medics must have

seized the opportunity to treat my foot. The rough ground beneath my head

allowed me to presume we were camped somewhere, hopefully out of the way of

enemy troops. The shadows of trees snaked along the top of my tent, and I smiled

a little. It reminded me of the times I went camping outside in the forests in town

with friends, staring up at the tops of tents as the sun went down. The voices of

soldiers sounded in through the cloth, and I sat up, looking down at my body. My

foot was thickly wrapped in snow-white bandages, and my foot was somewhat numb.

I was wearing my tunic, trousers, and a jackboot on my uninjured foot. My

stahlhelm was set beside my feet, and my rifle was laying on the ground on the far

side of the small tent. I moved onto my knees, trying not to squish my foot which,

surprisingly, didnt ache with pain. Opening the tent flap, sunlight poured in and I

poked my head outside, adjusting to the light and seeing our soldiers frolicking in a


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woodland. Ervin was sitting on the ground next to my tent, dozing off, helmet

pulled down on his face. Next to him was Hunter, staring at faded photos clutched

in his hands. He looked up and jumped a little, smiling to himself. I opened my

mouth to say hello, but he shushed me and stood up.

Can you walk? He whispered, moving over to help me up. I put my strong

foot down and stood up, supporting my weight on the one good boot. Dragging my

injured foot behind me, Hunter chuckled and walked beside me, leaving Ervin to nap

in quiet.

How long was I out? I mumbled, yawning slightly. My foot doesnt hurt at

all Hunter nodded and walked alongside me, looking down at my giant bandaged

foot.

About a week my friend, He said, patting me on the back. Weve been

camped here for four days, treating wounded soldiers like yourself. I raised my

eyebrows and looked back down towards my foot. Were glad youre still here,

doctors thought you were out of it but we insisted you were in there somewhere.

Hunter poked me in the chest and chuckled.

Thanks for sticking with me, I said, walking along through the encampment.

Soldiers were waving to me and three men walked up, one of them limping with his

foot and arm in casts. The other two were supporting him and they stopped in

front of us. The wounded boy looked up at me, his right eye covered with a


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walked up also, standing next to me. Told you he was fine! Georg said, smiling and

stepping back. Adam snorted and looked at me.

We never doubted you, He said. Even though you nearly got us killed,

dummkopf. Linus glared at him and jabbed his stomach, and Adam chuckled in pain.

Im kidding. You did a great thing there. I smiled back at them and looked around,

searching for our squad leader.

Wheres Hermann? I asked, after looking about. Is he alright? I was

nervous that he wasnt here. Georg waved his hand dismissively and scoffed.

Hes been in bed for the whole time weve been here, He exclaimed,

pointing over to a medical tent. The guy is just fine. Grazed in the shoulder and

knocked out cold, real damage was he fractured his elbow when he fell. I laughed

to myself and looked over to the tent. Go on, go say hi. I abided and meandered

over to the tent, stepping inside the flap and looking around. Most of the beds

were unoccupied, but three had soldiers lying in them. One had a heavily bandaged

soldier, the other had a medic reading, and the last had Hermann. He was staring

up the at tent roof, arm in a small cast. I walked over to the bed and sat down on

the one next to him, waving as I sat. He turned his head rapidly to look at me and

smiled.


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Hey! He said loudly, interrupting the awkward silence that enveloped the

place. Did you just wake up? He sat up in his bed and twitched when he bumped

his elbow against his leg.

Yeah, heard you fainted from grazing, you pansy, I grinned, leaning back on

the stretcher. Hermann gave me a stern look, but shortly after his features

softened.

You dont talk to your squad leader that way, He said, glaring at me. Just

kidding. Yeah, I guess it was in the heat of the moment. Thanks for pulling me out

of there. I nodded and stood up.

It was no big deal. (at this Hermann scoffed) Come on, get out of bed. I

grabbed his good arm and pulled him up, and we walked out of the medical tent.

The unit stayed in the woodland for two more days, of which were spent

screwing around with my leg, and talking with our squad. I kept asking Hermann

what had happened back in Tatabanya, but command wouldnt tell him until the day

we left. The Polish platoon never made it to Tatabanya; and had been intercepted

by an elite Balkan force. They had loaded the city full of soldiers, and when the

Spaniards pulled in, expecting help from the north, they overwhelmed and most

were either taken hostage, or killed. Those who made it out are roaming the

countryside, lost and starving. I worried for Javier, but I couldnt let it bother me,


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as I needed to push on with my platoon. We were stationed in a large wooded area

outside of the hostile city, hidden from enemy contact, but jammed between

Tatabanya and the infested city of Budapest. We had lost some men in the ambush,

and one of our Wespes was still wrecked back in the city. Command heard about

the ambush immediately and dispatched a battalion of Austrian soldiers to plow

through the city, and provide artillery cover for the assault on Budapest. The

capital is a big city; and it would be a larger battle than we had seen before. Many

men were involved as of now, including: the Austrian artillery battalion, two

Hungarian infantry battalions, a set of three German panzergrenadier platoons

organized into the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade supported by a total of thirty

-four heavy tanks, a Polish armored recon battalion, and two Slovakian/Czech

infantry brigades. We were fighting against thousands of Balkan soldiers, who were

all expecting an attack and strategically positioned throughout the city. It was

easy to tell everyone was nervous, and I didnt even try to suppress my nerves

because it was clear it would do no good.

We marched down the road, and I stared down at my boots, now cast-less

and functioning properly. The sound of a tanks engine rumbled next to me, along

with the idle chatter of soldiers. I turned to Georg for conversation.


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Ready to lay down some fire? I said to him, eyeing his newly issued MG42

machine gun. Georg laughed and pretended to spray bullets, Rambo-style.

I guess so. Ervin and I can put down some effective suppression, He

exclaimed, walking along. Ervin was our other squad support man, who was in charge

of providing extra ammunition and covering fire. Hunter had AT counterstrikes

with his new Panzerschreck, a reusable heavy AT launcher which was massively

heavy in addition to his already weighted gear. Jzsef and I were just designated

marksmen, equipped with rifles and standard infantry gear. Hermann was our squad

leader, carrying an StG 44 rifle and various grenades. The convoy moved along,

followed in back by an Austrian artillery battalion, and in front by the rest of our

Panzergrenadier brigade.

The Battle for Budapest was to go like this; the Austrian artillery unit would

set up a distance outside of the city, and begin bombarding them with heavy

artillery while the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade would hit the western gate

hard with heavy tank support and the artillery bombardment. While they pushed

towards the river cutting through town, the 1st Hungarian Gyalogsg Regiment of

two infantry brigades, would attack the northwest of the city and trap the soldiers

in-between the Panzergrenadiers and themselves. The Polish armored recon would

come before any of this happened, scouting their defenses and attempting to


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weaken or sabotage enemy armor. After the western part of the city was secured

and under control, the 5th Czechoslovakian Infantry Brigade would independently

strike the top of the Eastern half of the city, while everyone else stormed the

bridges and attack at once, crushing the opposition and retaking the city. The plan

completely relied on the Panzergrenadiers and Hungarian infantry units, because if

one failed the other would become overwhelmed the plan would fail. The amount of

artillery supporting us was immense; over a hundred guns, including thirty Hummel

self-propelled guns, and a section of heavy Howitzers. We were the fifth tank to

enter the city, behind four other Tigers and stuffed with men.

It was time. The Austrian artillery parked and unloaded far behind us, and

the city came into view.

BOOM

Artillery began to pound the city, huge explosions rising above the walls, sending

smoke into the air.

BOOM

A shell slammed into the front entrance, incinerating a large group of soldiers and

disabling an enemy tank.

BOOM


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Artillery fire began to return and resounded off behind us, and we watched as

more shells crashed into the city.

We must wait until the bombardment is over, Hermann exclaimed, leaning

against the tank. Friendly fire is wars greatest casualty. We were crowded

around Frostig, waiting for the order to charge into the city. They would be dazed

and weakened by the shelling, giving us the momentum to crush the defense. I

looked around at our squad, at Georg, Jzsef, Hunter, Ervin and Hermann, then to

our tank where I imagined Adam, Patrik and Linus sweating inside of the small

vehicle. The shelling continued for the next three hours, and during the time a

snow began to fall from the sky, lightly coating the ground and our tanks armor.

Anxiously we waited, until finally the order was given. The bombardment slowed

down and stopped abruptly, smoke and fire pouring out of the city.

Its time to move out, Hermann shouted, waving his hand and pointing

forward, directing the soldiers behind us. Cheering erupted and whoops of

adrenaline-induced bravery resounded along the convoy, and we laughed. Our tank

rolled out and we jogged alongside, quick reaching the gate. Veterans fired from

their emplacements along the entrance, shooting from windows and clinking bullets

off of tanks. I saw a soldier in the front of the convoy shredded by enemy fire,

and we realized that the battle had started. The frontline tanks, including Frostig,

fired at the hostile buildings, sending chunks of wall and enemies flying. The enemy


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Alright, where are we headed? Hunter said, breathing heavily. I stared

down the alley, hearing rustling from the shadowed sides. Georg pointed down the

way and we started moving forward slowly, weapons raised.

Vatra se sada! I heard shouted from down the alleyway, and gunfire

erupted on us. Georg sped into cover and Hunter pulled me behind a wall, as bullets

went thunk into the buildings.

Granata! A green sphere rolled into view, rolling around the corner at our

feet. I scrambled into the closest building, followed shortly by Georg and Hunter,

and the grenade exploded quickly after.

Shit, we need to get clear these side passages, I muttered, panting. We

moved over to the window, looking down at four Balkan soldiers breaching the door.

I panicked and motioned for Hunter to get on the stairs, and he rushed over and

started firing down the stairwell. I stuck my rifle out the window and shot a

soldier in the shoulder, who collapsed in a heap and was fallen on top of by another

soldier, taken out by Hunter. Shortly after another soldier dodged out the door,

jumping for cover, but unfortunately he was in plain sight for me. I fired and he

fell, motionless.

Its clear, right? Hunter asked, still aiming his rifle down the corridor.

Georg moved over to the stairwell, reloading his rifle.


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the road, but were methodically cut down by the ridiculous rate of fire. I

remembered something they issued us for situations like this, which was somewhat

of a poor idea but it could save our lives.

Hold on, I still have one of those flags things, I said, reaching into my

rucksack. Georg chuckled and Hunter was intently watching our backs. A long,

wooden pole slid out of my pack and I unfolded the Central European flag, a small

variant but it would do the trick. Leaning out into the street, my body hidden, I

poked the flag out wide, the cloth unfurling in the slight breeze. There was silence

for a second and then came a shout.

Elvtrsak!? The yell came from the MG position in the pub, b

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