Flanders fields

[KarlXII]

June 7th, 1917

There was rumor in the ranks that a major attack by the Allies was about to begin. Many of the officers kept these kinds of things secret, and they have announced numerous times that the rumor is just that. A rumor. However, it is still widely believed by the enlistees. Haus himself did not know what to believe anymore, his friends and comrades, or his superiors, the same superiors who said the war would be over in Christmas.

His unit had been put on alert, watch was switched every hour to keep the men fresh. Haus had just got off guard duty, and he had recieved word from his friend and platoon commander, Lt. Baummer that his platoon would be relieved soon.

Baummer was 30, a Bavarian, and tough as nails. The same dreams of adventure and heroics that swept Haus up swept Baummer up too, but he waited to join the officer club. He was a tall man, 6'2, and was a true leader of men. He was cool in the face of fire, always put his men's lives in front of his own, and was a great shot with his favorite weapon, a pistol.

Their was doubt that this was another rumor. However, it was true as the platoon started to leave, more fresh new men arrived at the front. Haus was relieved that he would be getting time off in the rear. He may even get to go to the town of Passchendaele, or Ypres. But then, he heard the sound. It was a terrible explosion, but the explosion came beneath the ground. It ripped up earth and flesh, and the world had seemed to come to an end.

Haus himself was almost to the rear when it happened, he survived the blast, but was covered in dirt and blood. He shouted "S**t, what the hell happened!?" it seemed the Devil himself came out to punish them. He found men, ripped apart by the explosion, and saw Baummer crawling, seemingly unhurt, but obviously shocked.

And then the guns started. Cannon fire shook the trench line, making already deep holes deeper. Then came the whistles. The sound of men yelling, as they charged up the ridge. The few combat ready Germans manned machine guns, and took up positions, firing. However, it was not enough. Haus picked up Baummer, who was futiley trying to stand. They managed to make their escape, almost unhurt, to a hastily made second line of defense. A Saxon officer helped them into a bunker. He asked, amazed, "What happened?" the only answer they could give was pointing at the trench, watching as British soldiers took it, and fired at retreating Germans below.

Haus's minutes of safety in the bunker did not last long, as he was immediately ordered back, manning a gun on the front of the new line. Baummer managed to get a hold of himself, and quickly shouted orders to the platoon. "Second platoon! Shout out your name so I know you're here!" Haus shouted out his, he was followed by another, two more, and then another again. "Is this all I have!?" Baummer shouted, amazed. Out of the whole platoon, in hours, only 6 men escaped unharmed.

[KarlXII]

Whistles sounded again, as Tommies, fresh from their easy victory, charged the new German line. "Right then! Second platoon, fire at will!" Baummer shouted, firing his pistol at the advancing Brits. Rifle fire erupted from the trench, a few machine guns started, and artillery fire hit the Tommies hard, their attack quickly folded.

Believing this to be an omen, Baummer shouted "Their on the run, lets get them boys!" as he hopped out of the trench towards the Ridge. Haus quickly followed, as did other men, soon the formal order of a charge sounded, and a large number of men ran across the dreaded No Mans Land, not one stopping for cover, as bullets rained down upon them.

Haus's chest hurt, he never ran so hard in his life. However, the charge hit the metaphorical brick wall, as it seemed the first line of men toppled over dead. One man fell onto Haus, as they both fell into a crater. The soldier was about 18, only a young lad. The kid looked up blankly, as if waiting for the hand of God to pick him up. Haus himself was hit by a round in the leg, and it was not until the adrenaline settled down and the Germans fell back that he realized it. He could not get up, and his comrades could not hear his shouts or pleas over the fire. All he could do now was wait........

He wondered if the Hand of God would show up.