The Forgotten Soldier

Soviet forces retake Kharkov, and while the Gross Deutschland division is able to repulse them in spots, the overall situation is very bleak for Germany. Their captain tries to inspire them with stories of German superiority, telling them they are trying to “revive the ancient virtues buried under the layers of filth bequeathed to us by our forebears” (217). They continue to conduct a fighting retreat, often losing equipment that cannot be replaced. The German high command had been hoping to stem the Soviet tide, but in defending untenable positions sacrifices soldiers and equipment. While they inflict horrendous casualties on the enemy, the Soviets continue to outnumber them. Sajer and his fellow soldiers cling to their position on the west side of the Dnieper River, but with winter about to set in, they are prepared for the worst. Yet they receive reinforcements and an encouraging amount of fresh supplies, including tanks, and so they have “the impression, for a couple of weeks, that we once again controlled the steppe” (227). Sajer’s unit moves across the front, finding and probing weak points in the Soviet position, winning many tactical victories while the overall strategic situation remains unclear.