Soldier X

The next day, the boys, joined by Hals, repair damage to the trenches from the bombing—backbreaking, filthy work that only Dobelmann helps them with. X explains the environment and layout of the trenches, explaining that “the Russians, I heard it said, were encamped somewhere to the northeast, and their numbers were growing daily” (46). After nine hours of work, X returns to his bunker to clean up and sleep.

While he is undressing, however, a major’s adjutant enters the bunker and calls for him. The adjutant, an important-looking, clean man, explains that prisoners were taken and they need his language expertise. X dresses in a sweater and follows him to find a huge pen filled with 30 Russian soldiers. He goes to a makeshift desk, where he is instructed to translate a series of questions and responses.

Many of the soldiers refuse, but when they do, they receive a gun to their head, and most answer. None of them know when the Russian offensive will begin except “soon.” One prisoner asks for medical attention, and the Germans laugh at him; another calls X a traitor, assuming he is a Russian soldier because he is not in the German uniform.