Short Story 2
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Powder Monkey
September 2008
September 2008
| Brandenburgers Chapter 2 Invasion of Russia by Larry Brasington |
From somewhere one of the Brandenburgers had hung out an Imperial Naval flag from a
second story window. Probably, Dietrich's idea of a joke. A pair of motorcycles were
first to appear. The riders waved and gun it over the bridge. They were followed by a
Puma armored car and a Panzer II tank. Then about 100 feet back a platoon of Mark III
tanks. Their commanders standing in the turrets. As the tanks clattered over the bridge a
command car came into view. A major sat in the front and seeing Steiner instructed his
driver to pull over. A platoon of half tracks raced by them. Steiner came to attention and
saluted the major who returned his salute.
“Report sergeant.”
“Village and bridge secured, two dead, Sir.” He was tempted for a moment to share
what the priest had told him, but decided it was not a good idea.
“Good, very good. Orders are coming up the column for you. See you in Riga. Driver
rejoin the column.” At the next gap the command car pulled out and headed east. Overhead
a pair of Bf-110's, fighter bombers, roared by.
Steiner walked back to the inn where his squad had gathered. Dietrich offered him some
sausage and black bread. He ate. “Well, it is hurry up and wait as usual. Siegfried what the
hell were you thinking when you drove that truck over the bridge. You could have gotten
killed.”
He looked at Steiner. Holding a small leather bag around his neck said “nah, sergeant. I
had my luck bag with me.”
“Charms, magic whatever. I would hate for you to get yourself killed. I could never train
a new medic.” They all laughed.
“Wilhelm and Gunther take the first watch. In two hours wake me, I am going to take
some shut eye. I suggest the rest of you take advantage of this time. No telling when they
will want us up front again. Remember Holland.” Steiner rose and looked around. He had
slept more hours out in the open than he cared to think about in these last few years. He
saw a shady spot. It was back along the lane where Fritz and Daniel had waited for the
attack on the inn. He used the Russian map case for a pillow. Soon even the rushing by of
vehicles and the chatter of the men did not disturb him. He was soon fast asleep.
“Where is your officer?” Demanded a voice.
I must be dreaming. Steiner adjusted the map case and tried to go back to sleep. He was
in that state where he was between alertness and sleep.
“Are you an idiot man? I asked you a simple question. Where is the officer in charge ”
Damn, its not a dream. He pushed himself into a sitting position. The sun was a lot
lower than two hours. It was late afternoon and the shadows long. Fritz had let him sleep
again. As his eyes began to focus he saw a kumbelwagon and a half-track parked by the
inn. A tall officer with blond hair and a black trench coat was towering over Fritz who to
his credit was not giving an inch. Behind the officer was a squad of black clad giants. The
soldiers were in a line so straight Steiner could have used it as a plum line. SS what the
hell are they doing here?
He rose picked up his submachine gun. Purposefully, he pulled his clip out and
replaced it with fresh one. Then loudly he snapped back the selector chambering a round
into his gun. Hearing the sound the tall officer turned and looked at Steiner.
For his part Steiner began walking straight for the man. He scanned his men. Outwardly,
they looked like soldiers taking a rest. To his trained eye the sergeant could see they were
all in positions to add their firepower if needed. He advanced on the officer until he was
standing before him while Fritz eased aback and casually held his rifle across his waist.
“Are you in charge here?”
Glancing at his rank Steiner could see the man was a captain and from his collar
insignia he was a member of the Death's Head Regiment. Nasty pieces of work, that
insignia looks like its made from bone. Wonder if it is human bone?”Yes sir, I am sergeant
Karl Steiner, 1st company section Heidi of the Brandenburger Regiment, sir.”
“Good Steiner. I have orders for you to accompany me. There is a problem which will
require special attention. When can you leave?”
Trying to buy time Steiner answered “Sir, may I see a copy of those order? I was given
instruction by Major Marks to await orders here.”
Keeping his eyes fixed on Steiner the captain held his hand out behind him. His orderly
quickly handed him a sealed envelope which he in turn offered to the him. “Please read,
herr Steiner.”
Taking out his knife Steiner broke the seal and pulled out a single page. It was written
on paper with the seal of the Reichfurher.
To anyone reading this letter,
You are to render all assistance possible to the officer carrying this letter. I charge
you to provide transportation, guards, funds, or whatever is necessary or in your power to
provide.
Signed
Reich Marshall
Heinrich Himmler
Steiner starred at the signature for a minute. Ordinarily, he would have protested the
Brandenburgers were members of German Intelligence, Abwehr, therefore not subject to
orders from the military or the SS organization. But the signature said it all. It would be
difficult to side step this one.
“You have my attention captain, sir. What can I do for you?”
“You and your men will accompany us forward.”
Looking at the wreck Russian truck and the back at the captain he said. “Transport?”
This time Steiner had failed to call the captain sir, but he did not notice. The captain gazed
to his left and right taking in the destroyed cabin on the truck. He spun around. Just then
on the road a large truck was coming by carrying infantry. In a whirlwind the captain half
ran, half walked to the road. He brushed aside the walking infantry and stood in the center
of the Riga road with his hand up like a policemen. The driver seeing this mad man sled
to a stop.
“Out driver, I am commandeering your vehicle. Pull over there by the inn.”
“And who are you, sir?” Asked the driver.
“Captain Ludwig Von Hessel, SS special corps. Now move I am in a hurry soldier.”
Without argument the driver pulled over to park beside Steiner. As he got out he turned
to the captain.
“Sir, may I have a receipt for my truck?”
Von Hessel snapped his fingers and his orderly brought him a writing pad and pen. In
moments the driver had a receipt for his truck. He looked at the note, came to attention and
walked away with the column. He was joined by the men who had been riding in the back.
“Anything else herr Steiner?”
“No, sir. Brandenburgers mount up. Gunther you stay here with our dead. We will be
back for you shortly. If anyone ask you can tell them where we are. Fritz take the wheel,
the rest of you maggots in the back. Dietrich, I'm afraid you are going to have to leave the
maxim.” He paused and lite up another cigarette then walked slowly around to the
passenger's side and got in.
Fritz had climbed in and turned over the big Opel engine. He strapped his rifle into the
holding clamps on the dash, being careful not to bump his scope. Snipers were very
particular about their scopes. Ahead the captain had climbed into his kublewagon while
his men into their half-track. They were ready. The captain waved his hand forward and
urged his driver forward. The walking infantry parted of the three vehicles.
After about ten minutes of silence Fritz looked at Steiner. “What the hell is going on
here?”
“You know as much as I do. Why the SS would want us is a mystery, Let me show you
this letter our good captain gave me and forgot to retrieve. I'll watch the road” Steiner said.
As Fritz read the letter Steiner looked all around. Cannons abandoned, Russian dead
everywhere and a burning vehicle or two. Some German as well. Repair crews were
already trying to reclaim those which could be fixed. One such vehicle was a Puma
armored car with a large hole in its side. Probably a 75mm.
Fritz took the wheel back. “Some signature on that letter you have Karl. We are in a pile
of it aren't we?”
“That would be my guess. Looks like the Russians made a stand here.”
“Any idea what you think is going on?”
“Nope, Fritz it doesn't make sense. There are plenty of troops around here who could
clear a crossroads. Hell there is a whole division of Panzer Grenadiers. No, something
else must be going on here. If I read his insignia right our friend up there is not only a
captain but a mage. Old Herr Himmler doesn't let them off the leash very far usually unless
it is important.”
“Remember Holland?” Fritz said.
“Yes, why?”
“Remember those ghost we saw near the canal. We thought nothing of it until the next
morning we found that hold SS unit dead in the street. At the time you and I thought may it
was the Dutch underground. But that night I thought they were ghost. Then a bunch of SS
officer that look like our friend up show up. Asking everyone questions, Major Marks had
to practically shoot one to get us out of there. I hope we are not mixed up with some more
of these guys.”
“Same here.”
They drove on in silence for awhile. Time passed and the sun began setting in the west.
Day one of Operation Barbarossa had been a smashing success. The Russian army was
reeling form the blows it had received. Ahead was yet another village. This one was
chaotic. From the looks of the wounded along the side of the road the fighting had been
fierce and recent. They stopped. Up front a gun mover was dragging a huge gun into
position. It looked like a 155mm. So even the big guns are redeploying we are moving fast.
Steiner got our of the truck and lite up his last cigarette. Resting against the wall of a house
a Panzer Grenadier rose and lite one too.
“You heading east sergeant with fancy pants?”
“Afraid so, why?”
The man looked at Steiners unit patch. He visibly straighten. “You a Brandenburger?
My hats off to you. You guys are ok. I was in France when you captured that damn canal
bridge. After that it was a cake walk for us, then into France. SS I have no use for them.
Butchers not soldiers. Anyway, after we took this town the follow on unit pressed up the
road. Something is going on up there. I saw a platoon of Mark III's head up that way and
not come back. Scuttlebutt says the Russians have some monster tank up there. Even tried
to destroy it with 110's. So far nothing has worked. I guess your next. Hope you can take
care of it.” By then Fritz waved Steiner back into the truck, the captain was on the move
again. As he closed the door Steiner waved at the grenadier who waved back.
Traffic cleared. The SS mage's car began move. Steiner looked at the man. “Thanks for
the root and the tip. Got to go.” Back in the truck he shared with the corporal what the
soldier had told him.
“Could be. From all this congestion I'd say whatever it is isn't too far up the road.”
Out of the village on either side of the road were vehicles stopped with their loads of
infantry beside them. They were on either side of the road spread out facing east. Up ahead
Steiner and Fritz could see black smoke billowing out of German tanks and half-tracks.
The captain and his party once they passed the front line drove ahead for a while, always
getting nearer to the burning vehicles. They pulled off the road into a light woods and
dismounted. Steiner followed suit. As he walked forward the Brandenburgers unloaded
and fanned out into a semicircle. Behind him Fritz whispered “show time” as he killed the
trucks engine, grabbed his rifle and got out. Steiner had already gotten out and walked
toward the captain.
“Sergeant, let me tell you our situation, Up ahead is a Russian tank called a KV1. It has
blocked the road all afternoon. Our spearhead has thrown tanks, artillery, and planes at it,
to no avail. Survivors, have reported knocking out the tank numerous times only to have it
continue to fight. They are reporting as saying the tank gives off a strange green light. I
have one major reporting he thinks the tank is haunted. That is why I am here and you are
here. Herr Himmler has a special interest in matters of the supernatural. I am here to deal
with any ghost. You Steiner and your men are here to kill this tank once and for all. In the
back of our half-track are satchel charges, grenades and ammo for your men. As soon as
you are ready we will move out. Understood Sergeant?”
“Yes, sir.” Looking at his men gathering around Steiner added “you heard the man draw
you supplies from their vehicle. Captain, how do you suggest we proceed?”
“You are the professionals, I was hoping you could suggest a plan?”
Meaning you want us
to die first so you'll get he glory. God I hate these toy soldiers.
“Certainly sir. Might I suggest two skirmish lines. My men and I will advance through
the woods here on the right. You and your squad about 20 paces behind us for support.
When we make contact I will kill the tank and you can deal with...the ghosts, sir.”
Captain Von Hess was so excited he failed to hear Steiner's sarcastic sir. “Very good,
very good sergeant, proceed.”
Steiner turned and walked toward his men. Dietrich looked like a Mexican from the
American western movies. He had two satchel charges one on either side, two bandaliers
of ammo. Not to mention grenades stuff everywhere. The others were no better, they were
loaded down. They looked more like pirates than solders. Almost brings a tear to my eye
how these lads take to their work. “Okay, gather round your pirates. Apparently, at the
other end of this wood is a tank, a big tank. We will advance in a skirmish line slowly,
Fritz you have the pleasure of leading out in front again. I know you really love it. Behind
us about 50 feet are going to be our friends. Be wary. This thing has been causing trouble
all afternoon. We are here to fix it.” Then lowering his voice Steiner said “Hans keep an
eye on our friends, watch our back. This whole thing is fishy, I do not like the smell at all.”
“Okay, any questions? Move out.”
Fritz started out, followed shortly by Wilhelm. It was getting dark. The long shadows of
twilight made the trees seem menacing as they advanced. After a while Fritz on point
stopped and kneeled down. He gestured to Wilhelm who in turn signaled Steiner. Two
men on the ground up ahead to the right, Russians.
Steiner scanned the woods, nothing. He took out his field glasses and tried. There they
were two Russians. He made a cutthroat sign to Daniel and Alan. They drew their knives
and slipped off to the right. He could see the men work their way around behind them.
Then he lost them. Just as it appeared the impatient SS captain come up forward Alan
stepped out and waved ok. Fritz started again. Picking his way forward, working forward
using the trees. With each step it got darker because of it Steiner almost walked into
Wilhelm as he crouched beside a tree. He caught the sergeant then waved him ahead
toward Fritz.
Fritz was on his stomach peering through his scope. Steiner crawled up beside him and
looked using his glasses. There in a break between the trees was a huge tank bathed in a
green light. The light shimmered. “You think the Russkies are using phorescent paint?”
Fritz whispered.
“Not that I know of they won't want a tank that glows in the dark. Man, that is a big tank.
Makes a Mark IV look like a dwarf.” Steiner said. He swept area around the tank. On
either side he could see were the Germans had tried to get by. There was even the tail
section of a plane its iron cross clearly showing. Steiner waved the others forward and
waited. As they gathered he watched the glowing tank. In the light of the weird aura he
noticed two things: its turret swiveled constantly as if the gun was searching and the body
of the tank did not move. Was it damaged?
When everyone was up he motioned for them to close around. Using his knife he drew
in the dirt a crude map of the crossroads. Slowly, he described the tank, its position.
“Alan, you and Daniel get into position to the south of the tank. Dietrich, you and Hans,
follow me. Gunther and Wilhelm take the north. I want you to shoot the tank with your anti-
rifles and machine guns. Frankly, I do not think your efforts will hurt the tank, I just want
you to give us covering fire. Lay it on. The rest of us will rush it from the middle and see if
we can get those satchel charges under it. Wait for my signal, I will fire a burst. Then let
everything go.
He watched them leave. Before the low countries there had been twenty of them. Now,
there were only eight. The had lost two today, so far he reminded himself. Glancing behind
he saw the SS waiting. Their captain in the center of the line with his luger drawn. The
man looks tense, probably never been in combat. Better make sure Von Hess knows the
plan. Steiner waved Hans over. “Hans go back to Captain Von Hess. Tell him we are
preparing to engage, when he hears the shooting, to come forward.” Hans smiled and
headed back to the captain.
God what I won't do for a cigarette right now. Steiner looked at his hand, it was shaking
slightly. Fatigue or nerves?
When Hans returned the center group moved out. With each step the green light got
brighter. The turret had stopped lowering the gun to where the group hid. It waited then
moved to where Steiner lay as if it had singled him out. Just when Steiner was about to
attack the gun moved on. Time had seemed to stop. Slowly he loaded his flair pistol.
Around him Fritz, Dietrich, and Hans tensed each holding a satchel charge or grenade
ready to pull the fuse. Steiner waited until the gun was facing away from them then fired
the flare. As its red glare began falling earthward Alan fired his anti-tank rifle. The big
13mm round ricocheted off the turret with a clang and was followed quickly by the
machine gun peppering the armor. Wilhelm from the other side added his submachine gun
to the noise. It was time. Dietrich and Hans rushed forward hurling their charges. One
landed on the front deck and the other on the side. Everyone went prone.
The twin blasts hammered the tank. Chunks of hot armor flew into the air around them,
but the tank was still there. Even before the dirt had settled the turret pivoted and fired
over the Brandenburgers head into the woods. Odd we are attacking not the SS. From the
screams someone had been hit. Steiner took his satchel off and looked at Dietrich. “Who
wants to live forever ” Got up and rushed the tank. He dove under it, pulled the fuse and
half crawled half rolled out. As he raced for the cover of the trees the 76mm gun fired
overhead again. The shock wave pushed Steiner down. Fritz and Dietrich leaped up and
dragged their sergeant to cover. What the hell are they shooting at?
This time when the heavy charge went off the tank lifted off the ground. When it fell
back to earth it was clear the tank was damaged. Great holes were torn in its chassis. How
was it continuing to fight?Was that a blue figure standing in the hatch? As the blue light
grew brighter, Steiner felt the hair begin to stand-up on his neck. Unnoticed by him Captain
Von Hess and his orderly had come forward to stand not ten feet from the tank. He was
chanting something. When from his finger tips erupted a burst of light which bathed the
tank in an orange light. The green light and the orange seemed to be swirling as if in a
melee. As they did the blue grew brighter into what appeared to be figure dressed in a
Prussian blue uniform of the Napoleonic wars. Just as Steiner was about to say, how much
crazier can this get the gun fired. Its heavy shell cutting the captain in half and exploding
behind them felling a tree.
A heartbeat went by, the orange and green lights faded then disappeared leaving only the
blue figure which appeared to walk out of the tank toward Steiner and his men. On an
impulse Steiner rose calling out in German “herr Obsert we are Brandenburgers.”The
apparition stopped to study him.
“Jagers?” it asked.
Steiner was thankful he was still wearing his old field green from the Campaign for
France. “yes, Herr Obsert. Jagers.”
“Is you unit here to relieve me and my men?”
Not knowing what else to answer Steiner said “Yes, sir.”
“Good, it has been a longtime. I must catch up with the column. Your orders are to keep
the crossroad open for the Corps from Riga. Our king has changed sides and we are
chasing the Frogs back. This time I hope we end the Corscan Orge's career. The ghost
saluted.” Steiner snapped to and returned the salute. From out of the woods across the way
other blue ghosts appeared. A small troop mounted up and began riding west.
They all looked at each other. “This damn war is getting crazier everyday.” Fritz said.
“Yes it is. Look at that tank. It has been killed ten times over. What the hell is going on?”
Behind them the SS troop had walked out, witnessing the exchange between Steiner and
the ghost. As a group they were repulsed by the remains of their captain. Two where
overcome and vomited.
Steiner looked at them, “any of you have a field radio?”
Captain Von Hess' orderly answered “yes, back in the kublewagon sergeant.”
“Good you can show me. The rest of you stop looking at the captain. He died a brave
man. You need to set up for an ambush. My squad is going back to the vehicles. You
corporal can show me the radio. I need to report. After which I think I'm going to need a
good pull on your water Fritz.”
Steiner was parched. When he reached the small park of vehicles he looked for water.
He found a jerry can half full. Tipping it over he filled his cup. Drained it, then again. His
men filed in and followed suit. Beside them the SS trooper seemed to hover. Obviously,
the death of his Captain had shaken him and he wanted to get as far away from these
uncouth soldiers as possible. Some of which were not Aryans. He climb into their half-
track and fired it up. Waving a quick goodbye he pulled out heading for the crossroads.
“Hey, sarge, the officer's kublewagon has a radio” Dietrich said picking up the gear and
carrying toward the opel. “Its all yours.”
Steiner was too tired to glare. He set up the radio, turned it on, and started setting the
dials to the regimental frequency. “Come in Thor, this is Heidi, over.”. He repeated the
call several times before being rewarded with a crackling response.
“Heidi, go ahead this is Thor.”
“Thor obstacle at crossroads has been...taken care of. You are free to let the hounds
loose.”
“Very funny Heidi. This is Thor 2”, Major Marks, “pull back about a kilometer. You
will see a stable next to the road. Await me there, acknowledge.”
“Understood Thor 2, out.”
“Heidi, look for the hounds.”
“Ah, lads you heard the man and since we have this nice kubelwagon I think we shall
ride in style, Fritz my good man. Hans bring the truck. Okay you apes lets get out of this
place before we meet anymore ghost.” As he said this Steiner's hand felt something in his
tunic pocket. He pulled it out and started at it as Fritz backed up and headed west. It was
the brass plate from the French shako. I wonder how this damn thing got here? Probably,
all the movement dug it out. May be.
The rising moon provided illumination on the road. It had been a long day. As they
bumped down the tree lined dirt road, Steiner thought he could see slotted headlights in
the far tree line. Didn't waste much time. Must be motorcycles to move that fast.
Soon a squad of four big BMW's raced by. They were followed by three armored cars
with their gunners riding in the turrets. They waved. More meat for the grinder. After a gap
of about two minutes a radio truck escorted by three half-tracks full of infantry came by.
Ahead Steiner could see campfires and groups of men around them. The men were hanging
around the kitchens, laughing and joking. The invasion was going well. As they turned
Fritz stopped abruptly. Across the road of all things was a barricade with two field police.
A Mark III tank with its 50MM cannon trained at them added authority to the field police.
“Papers?” Said the closer of the two. Steiner made a show of placing his MP40 on the
dash of the kubel wagon the slowly reached into his pocket. When he handed them to the
police he studied them.
“You are Sergeant Steiner?”
“Yes.”
“I have orders to let you proceed. The stables are right after our camp, you cannot miss
it. Major Marks will meet you there. You may proceed.” He saluted and Fritz followed by
Hans drove through. It was hardly five minutes before a large grassy field appeared with a
long fence. Looked like hay to Steiner. A large house and stable could be seen just off the
road. The house look as if it had been burned during the Revolution and never repaired
while the stable looked as if it had been recently used, cossacks. Fritz pulled up to the
stable and stopped, behind him Hans parked the truck.
As the men began falling out Steiner said “well, looks like home sweet home, if you like
horse manure. Gosh, I can smell it out here. Before we get all comfy I want to set a two
man guard every two hours. Who knows there might be some of those damn Cossacks still
around. You can make a small fire. I guess with the 3rd in front of us, hell they know we
are here. While you get things sorted I am going to take a look in the barn, despite the
smell. Fritz you coming?”
Together they entered the stable. It was large, probably a rich noble before the
revolution. There were stalls for 24 horses, and each one looked recently used. Grain
sacks were still on the floor and odd parts of tackle. They walked the length and back.
Contented no one lurked in the shadows they came back out of the barn to sit by the
campfire. Already a pot was steaming over a small blaze. A combination of soldiers stew
bubbling over the campfire. Hans offered Steiner some black bread. He tore a hunk and bit
into the bread. It was stale but tasted divine. He was hungry. This time he asked Fritz for
his special canteen and washed the bread down with some gin. Using his cup he dipped
out some of the stew. Blew on it and took a sip, sasuage.Well, its warm. He drained the
cup letting the hot mixture warm his insides.
Alan and Daniel had pulled first guard duty and were walking slowly around the
perimeter. Steiner walked inside the barn, found some hay and carried it outside. Near a
tree he made a simple bed. Using his pack for a pillow he lay down. He was asleep in
moments.
second story window. Probably, Dietrich's idea of a joke. A pair of motorcycles were
first to appear. The riders waved and gun it over the bridge. They were followed by a
Puma armored car and a Panzer II tank. Then about 100 feet back a platoon of Mark III
tanks. Their commanders standing in the turrets. As the tanks clattered over the bridge a
command car came into view. A major sat in the front and seeing Steiner instructed his
driver to pull over. A platoon of half tracks raced by them. Steiner came to attention and
saluted the major who returned his salute.
“Report sergeant.”
“Village and bridge secured, two dead, Sir.” He was tempted for a moment to share
what the priest had told him, but decided it was not a good idea.
“Good, very good. Orders are coming up the column for you. See you in Riga. Driver
rejoin the column.” At the next gap the command car pulled out and headed east. Overhead
a pair of Bf-110's, fighter bombers, roared by.
Steiner walked back to the inn where his squad had gathered. Dietrich offered him some
sausage and black bread. He ate. “Well, it is hurry up and wait as usual. Siegfried what the
hell were you thinking when you drove that truck over the bridge. You could have gotten
killed.”
He looked at Steiner. Holding a small leather bag around his neck said “nah, sergeant. I
had my luck bag with me.”
“Charms, magic whatever. I would hate for you to get yourself killed. I could never train
a new medic.” They all laughed.
“Wilhelm and Gunther take the first watch. In two hours wake me, I am going to take
some shut eye. I suggest the rest of you take advantage of this time. No telling when they
will want us up front again. Remember Holland.” Steiner rose and looked around. He had
slept more hours out in the open than he cared to think about in these last few years. He
saw a shady spot. It was back along the lane where Fritz and Daniel had waited for the
attack on the inn. He used the Russian map case for a pillow. Soon even the rushing by of
vehicles and the chatter of the men did not disturb him. He was soon fast asleep.
“Where is your officer?” Demanded a voice.
I must be dreaming. Steiner adjusted the map case and tried to go back to sleep. He was
in that state where he was between alertness and sleep.
“Are you an idiot man? I asked you a simple question. Where is the officer in charge ”
Damn, its not a dream. He pushed himself into a sitting position. The sun was a lot
lower than two hours. It was late afternoon and the shadows long. Fritz had let him sleep
again. As his eyes began to focus he saw a kumbelwagon and a half-track parked by the
inn. A tall officer with blond hair and a black trench coat was towering over Fritz who to
his credit was not giving an inch. Behind the officer was a squad of black clad giants. The
soldiers were in a line so straight Steiner could have used it as a plum line. SS what the
hell are they doing here?
He rose picked up his submachine gun. Purposefully, he pulled his clip out and
replaced it with fresh one. Then loudly he snapped back the selector chambering a round
into his gun. Hearing the sound the tall officer turned and looked at Steiner.
For his part Steiner began walking straight for the man. He scanned his men. Outwardly,
they looked like soldiers taking a rest. To his trained eye the sergeant could see they were
all in positions to add their firepower if needed. He advanced on the officer until he was
standing before him while Fritz eased aback and casually held his rifle across his waist.
“Are you in charge here?”
Glancing at his rank Steiner could see the man was a captain and from his collar
insignia he was a member of the Death's Head Regiment. Nasty pieces of work, that
insignia looks like its made from bone. Wonder if it is human bone?”Yes sir, I am sergeant
Karl Steiner, 1st company section Heidi of the Brandenburger Regiment, sir.”
“Good Steiner. I have orders for you to accompany me. There is a problem which will
require special attention. When can you leave?”
Trying to buy time Steiner answered “Sir, may I see a copy of those order? I was given
instruction by Major Marks to await orders here.”
Keeping his eyes fixed on Steiner the captain held his hand out behind him. His orderly
quickly handed him a sealed envelope which he in turn offered to the him. “Please read,
herr Steiner.”
Taking out his knife Steiner broke the seal and pulled out a single page. It was written
on paper with the seal of the Reichfurher.
To anyone reading this letter,
You are to render all assistance possible to the officer carrying this letter. I charge
you to provide transportation, guards, funds, or whatever is necessary or in your power to
provide.
Signed
Reich Marshall
Heinrich Himmler
Steiner starred at the signature for a minute. Ordinarily, he would have protested the
Brandenburgers were members of German Intelligence, Abwehr, therefore not subject to
orders from the military or the SS organization. But the signature said it all. It would be
difficult to side step this one.
“You have my attention captain, sir. What can I do for you?”
“You and your men will accompany us forward.”
Looking at the wreck Russian truck and the back at the captain he said. “Transport?”
This time Steiner had failed to call the captain sir, but he did not notice. The captain gazed
to his left and right taking in the destroyed cabin on the truck. He spun around. Just then
on the road a large truck was coming by carrying infantry. In a whirlwind the captain half
ran, half walked to the road. He brushed aside the walking infantry and stood in the center
of the Riga road with his hand up like a policemen. The driver seeing this mad man sled
to a stop.
“Out driver, I am commandeering your vehicle. Pull over there by the inn.”
“And who are you, sir?” Asked the driver.
“Captain Ludwig Von Hessel, SS special corps. Now move I am in a hurry soldier.”
Without argument the driver pulled over to park beside Steiner. As he got out he turned
to the captain.
“Sir, may I have a receipt for my truck?”
Von Hessel snapped his fingers and his orderly brought him a writing pad and pen. In
moments the driver had a receipt for his truck. He looked at the note, came to attention and
walked away with the column. He was joined by the men who had been riding in the back.
“Anything else herr Steiner?”
“No, sir. Brandenburgers mount up. Gunther you stay here with our dead. We will be
back for you shortly. If anyone ask you can tell them where we are. Fritz take the wheel,
the rest of you maggots in the back. Dietrich, I'm afraid you are going to have to leave the
maxim.” He paused and lite up another cigarette then walked slowly around to the
passenger's side and got in.
Fritz had climbed in and turned over the big Opel engine. He strapped his rifle into the
holding clamps on the dash, being careful not to bump his scope. Snipers were very
particular about their scopes. Ahead the captain had climbed into his kublewagon while
his men into their half-track. They were ready. The captain waved his hand forward and
urged his driver forward. The walking infantry parted of the three vehicles.
After about ten minutes of silence Fritz looked at Steiner. “What the hell is going on
here?”
“You know as much as I do. Why the SS would want us is a mystery, Let me show you
this letter our good captain gave me and forgot to retrieve. I'll watch the road” Steiner said.
As Fritz read the letter Steiner looked all around. Cannons abandoned, Russian dead
everywhere and a burning vehicle or two. Some German as well. Repair crews were
already trying to reclaim those which could be fixed. One such vehicle was a Puma
armored car with a large hole in its side. Probably a 75mm.
Fritz took the wheel back. “Some signature on that letter you have Karl. We are in a pile
of it aren't we?”
“That would be my guess. Looks like the Russians made a stand here.”
“Any idea what you think is going on?”
“Nope, Fritz it doesn't make sense. There are plenty of troops around here who could
clear a crossroads. Hell there is a whole division of Panzer Grenadiers. No, something
else must be going on here. If I read his insignia right our friend up there is not only a
captain but a mage. Old Herr Himmler doesn't let them off the leash very far usually unless
it is important.”
“Remember Holland?” Fritz said.
“Yes, why?”
“Remember those ghost we saw near the canal. We thought nothing of it until the next
morning we found that hold SS unit dead in the street. At the time you and I thought may it
was the Dutch underground. But that night I thought they were ghost. Then a bunch of SS
officer that look like our friend up show up. Asking everyone questions, Major Marks had
to practically shoot one to get us out of there. I hope we are not mixed up with some more
of these guys.”
“Same here.”
They drove on in silence for awhile. Time passed and the sun began setting in the west.
Day one of Operation Barbarossa had been a smashing success. The Russian army was
reeling form the blows it had received. Ahead was yet another village. This one was
chaotic. From the looks of the wounded along the side of the road the fighting had been
fierce and recent. They stopped. Up front a gun mover was dragging a huge gun into
position. It looked like a 155mm. So even the big guns are redeploying we are moving fast.
Steiner got our of the truck and lite up his last cigarette. Resting against the wall of a house
a Panzer Grenadier rose and lite one too.
“You heading east sergeant with fancy pants?”
“Afraid so, why?”
The man looked at Steiners unit patch. He visibly straighten. “You a Brandenburger?
My hats off to you. You guys are ok. I was in France when you captured that damn canal
bridge. After that it was a cake walk for us, then into France. SS I have no use for them.
Butchers not soldiers. Anyway, after we took this town the follow on unit pressed up the
road. Something is going on up there. I saw a platoon of Mark III's head up that way and
not come back. Scuttlebutt says the Russians have some monster tank up there. Even tried
to destroy it with 110's. So far nothing has worked. I guess your next. Hope you can take
care of it.” By then Fritz waved Steiner back into the truck, the captain was on the move
again. As he closed the door Steiner waved at the grenadier who waved back.
Traffic cleared. The SS mage's car began move. Steiner looked at the man. “Thanks for
the root and the tip. Got to go.” Back in the truck he shared with the corporal what the
soldier had told him.
“Could be. From all this congestion I'd say whatever it is isn't too far up the road.”
Out of the village on either side of the road were vehicles stopped with their loads of
infantry beside them. They were on either side of the road spread out facing east. Up ahead
Steiner and Fritz could see black smoke billowing out of German tanks and half-tracks.
The captain and his party once they passed the front line drove ahead for a while, always
getting nearer to the burning vehicles. They pulled off the road into a light woods and
dismounted. Steiner followed suit. As he walked forward the Brandenburgers unloaded
and fanned out into a semicircle. Behind him Fritz whispered “show time” as he killed the
trucks engine, grabbed his rifle and got out. Steiner had already gotten out and walked
toward the captain.
“Sergeant, let me tell you our situation, Up ahead is a Russian tank called a KV1. It has
blocked the road all afternoon. Our spearhead has thrown tanks, artillery, and planes at it,
to no avail. Survivors, have reported knocking out the tank numerous times only to have it
continue to fight. They are reporting as saying the tank gives off a strange green light. I
have one major reporting he thinks the tank is haunted. That is why I am here and you are
here. Herr Himmler has a special interest in matters of the supernatural. I am here to deal
with any ghost. You Steiner and your men are here to kill this tank once and for all. In the
back of our half-track are satchel charges, grenades and ammo for your men. As soon as
you are ready we will move out. Understood Sergeant?”
“Yes, sir.” Looking at his men gathering around Steiner added “you heard the man draw
you supplies from their vehicle. Captain, how do you suggest we proceed?”
“You are the professionals, I was hoping you could suggest a plan?”
Meaning you want us
to die first so you'll get he glory. God I hate these toy soldiers.
“Certainly sir. Might I suggest two skirmish lines. My men and I will advance through
the woods here on the right. You and your squad about 20 paces behind us for support.
When we make contact I will kill the tank and you can deal with...the ghosts, sir.”
Captain Von Hess was so excited he failed to hear Steiner's sarcastic sir. “Very good,
very good sergeant, proceed.”
Steiner turned and walked toward his men. Dietrich looked like a Mexican from the
American western movies. He had two satchel charges one on either side, two bandaliers
of ammo. Not to mention grenades stuff everywhere. The others were no better, they were
loaded down. They looked more like pirates than solders. Almost brings a tear to my eye
how these lads take to their work. “Okay, gather round your pirates. Apparently, at the
other end of this wood is a tank, a big tank. We will advance in a skirmish line slowly,
Fritz you have the pleasure of leading out in front again. I know you really love it. Behind
us about 50 feet are going to be our friends. Be wary. This thing has been causing trouble
all afternoon. We are here to fix it.” Then lowering his voice Steiner said “Hans keep an
eye on our friends, watch our back. This whole thing is fishy, I do not like the smell at all.”
“Okay, any questions? Move out.”
Fritz started out, followed shortly by Wilhelm. It was getting dark. The long shadows of
twilight made the trees seem menacing as they advanced. After a while Fritz on point
stopped and kneeled down. He gestured to Wilhelm who in turn signaled Steiner. Two
men on the ground up ahead to the right, Russians.
Steiner scanned the woods, nothing. He took out his field glasses and tried. There they
were two Russians. He made a cutthroat sign to Daniel and Alan. They drew their knives
and slipped off to the right. He could see the men work their way around behind them.
Then he lost them. Just as it appeared the impatient SS captain come up forward Alan
stepped out and waved ok. Fritz started again. Picking his way forward, working forward
using the trees. With each step it got darker because of it Steiner almost walked into
Wilhelm as he crouched beside a tree. He caught the sergeant then waved him ahead
toward Fritz.
Fritz was on his stomach peering through his scope. Steiner crawled up beside him and
looked using his glasses. There in a break between the trees was a huge tank bathed in a
green light. The light shimmered. “You think the Russkies are using phorescent paint?”
Fritz whispered.
“Not that I know of they won't want a tank that glows in the dark. Man, that is a big tank.
Makes a Mark IV look like a dwarf.” Steiner said. He swept area around the tank. On
either side he could see were the Germans had tried to get by. There was even the tail
section of a plane its iron cross clearly showing. Steiner waved the others forward and
waited. As they gathered he watched the glowing tank. In the light of the weird aura he
noticed two things: its turret swiveled constantly as if the gun was searching and the body
of the tank did not move. Was it damaged?
When everyone was up he motioned for them to close around. Using his knife he drew
in the dirt a crude map of the crossroads. Slowly, he described the tank, its position.
“Alan, you and Daniel get into position to the south of the tank. Dietrich, you and Hans,
follow me. Gunther and Wilhelm take the north. I want you to shoot the tank with your anti-
rifles and machine guns. Frankly, I do not think your efforts will hurt the tank, I just want
you to give us covering fire. Lay it on. The rest of us will rush it from the middle and see if
we can get those satchel charges under it. Wait for my signal, I will fire a burst. Then let
everything go.
He watched them leave. Before the low countries there had been twenty of them. Now,
there were only eight. The had lost two today, so far he reminded himself. Glancing behind
he saw the SS waiting. Their captain in the center of the line with his luger drawn. The
man looks tense, probably never been in combat. Better make sure Von Hess knows the
plan. Steiner waved Hans over. “Hans go back to Captain Von Hess. Tell him we are
preparing to engage, when he hears the shooting, to come forward.” Hans smiled and
headed back to the captain.
God what I won't do for a cigarette right now. Steiner looked at his hand, it was shaking
slightly. Fatigue or nerves?
When Hans returned the center group moved out. With each step the green light got
brighter. The turret had stopped lowering the gun to where the group hid. It waited then
moved to where Steiner lay as if it had singled him out. Just when Steiner was about to
attack the gun moved on. Time had seemed to stop. Slowly he loaded his flair pistol.
Around him Fritz, Dietrich, and Hans tensed each holding a satchel charge or grenade
ready to pull the fuse. Steiner waited until the gun was facing away from them then fired
the flare. As its red glare began falling earthward Alan fired his anti-tank rifle. The big
13mm round ricocheted off the turret with a clang and was followed quickly by the
machine gun peppering the armor. Wilhelm from the other side added his submachine gun
to the noise. It was time. Dietrich and Hans rushed forward hurling their charges. One
landed on the front deck and the other on the side. Everyone went prone.
The twin blasts hammered the tank. Chunks of hot armor flew into the air around them,
but the tank was still there. Even before the dirt had settled the turret pivoted and fired
over the Brandenburgers head into the woods. Odd we are attacking not the SS. From the
screams someone had been hit. Steiner took his satchel off and looked at Dietrich. “Who
wants to live forever ” Got up and rushed the tank. He dove under it, pulled the fuse and
half crawled half rolled out. As he raced for the cover of the trees the 76mm gun fired
overhead again. The shock wave pushed Steiner down. Fritz and Dietrich leaped up and
dragged their sergeant to cover. What the hell are they shooting at?
This time when the heavy charge went off the tank lifted off the ground. When it fell
back to earth it was clear the tank was damaged. Great holes were torn in its chassis. How
was it continuing to fight?Was that a blue figure standing in the hatch? As the blue light
grew brighter, Steiner felt the hair begin to stand-up on his neck. Unnoticed by him Captain
Von Hess and his orderly had come forward to stand not ten feet from the tank. He was
chanting something. When from his finger tips erupted a burst of light which bathed the
tank in an orange light. The green light and the orange seemed to be swirling as if in a
melee. As they did the blue grew brighter into what appeared to be figure dressed in a
Prussian blue uniform of the Napoleonic wars. Just as Steiner was about to say, how much
crazier can this get the gun fired. Its heavy shell cutting the captain in half and exploding
behind them felling a tree.
A heartbeat went by, the orange and green lights faded then disappeared leaving only the
blue figure which appeared to walk out of the tank toward Steiner and his men. On an
impulse Steiner rose calling out in German “herr Obsert we are Brandenburgers.”The
apparition stopped to study him.
“Jagers?” it asked.
Steiner was thankful he was still wearing his old field green from the Campaign for
France. “yes, Herr Obsert. Jagers.”
“Is you unit here to relieve me and my men?”
Not knowing what else to answer Steiner said “Yes, sir.”
“Good, it has been a longtime. I must catch up with the column. Your orders are to keep
the crossroad open for the Corps from Riga. Our king has changed sides and we are
chasing the Frogs back. This time I hope we end the Corscan Orge's career. The ghost
saluted.” Steiner snapped to and returned the salute. From out of the woods across the way
other blue ghosts appeared. A small troop mounted up and began riding west.
They all looked at each other. “This damn war is getting crazier everyday.” Fritz said.
“Yes it is. Look at that tank. It has been killed ten times over. What the hell is going on?”
Behind them the SS troop had walked out, witnessing the exchange between Steiner and
the ghost. As a group they were repulsed by the remains of their captain. Two where
overcome and vomited.
Steiner looked at them, “any of you have a field radio?”
Captain Von Hess' orderly answered “yes, back in the kublewagon sergeant.”
“Good you can show me. The rest of you stop looking at the captain. He died a brave
man. You need to set up for an ambush. My squad is going back to the vehicles. You
corporal can show me the radio. I need to report. After which I think I'm going to need a
good pull on your water Fritz.”
Steiner was parched. When he reached the small park of vehicles he looked for water.
He found a jerry can half full. Tipping it over he filled his cup. Drained it, then again. His
men filed in and followed suit. Beside them the SS trooper seemed to hover. Obviously,
the death of his Captain had shaken him and he wanted to get as far away from these
uncouth soldiers as possible. Some of which were not Aryans. He climb into their half-
track and fired it up. Waving a quick goodbye he pulled out heading for the crossroads.
“Hey, sarge, the officer's kublewagon has a radio” Dietrich said picking up the gear and
carrying toward the opel. “Its all yours.”
Steiner was too tired to glare. He set up the radio, turned it on, and started setting the
dials to the regimental frequency. “Come in Thor, this is Heidi, over.”. He repeated the
call several times before being rewarded with a crackling response.
“Heidi, go ahead this is Thor.”
“Thor obstacle at crossroads has been...taken care of. You are free to let the hounds
loose.”
“Very funny Heidi. This is Thor 2”, Major Marks, “pull back about a kilometer. You
will see a stable next to the road. Await me there, acknowledge.”
“Understood Thor 2, out.”
“Heidi, look for the hounds.”
“Ah, lads you heard the man and since we have this nice kubelwagon I think we shall
ride in style, Fritz my good man. Hans bring the truck. Okay you apes lets get out of this
place before we meet anymore ghost.” As he said this Steiner's hand felt something in his
tunic pocket. He pulled it out and started at it as Fritz backed up and headed west. It was
the brass plate from the French shako. I wonder how this damn thing got here? Probably,
all the movement dug it out. May be.
The rising moon provided illumination on the road. It had been a long day. As they
bumped down the tree lined dirt road, Steiner thought he could see slotted headlights in
the far tree line. Didn't waste much time. Must be motorcycles to move that fast.
Soon a squad of four big BMW's raced by. They were followed by three armored cars
with their gunners riding in the turrets. They waved. More meat for the grinder. After a gap
of about two minutes a radio truck escorted by three half-tracks full of infantry came by.
Ahead Steiner could see campfires and groups of men around them. The men were hanging
around the kitchens, laughing and joking. The invasion was going well. As they turned
Fritz stopped abruptly. Across the road of all things was a barricade with two field police.
A Mark III tank with its 50MM cannon trained at them added authority to the field police.
“Papers?” Said the closer of the two. Steiner made a show of placing his MP40 on the
dash of the kubel wagon the slowly reached into his pocket. When he handed them to the
police he studied them.
“You are Sergeant Steiner?”
“Yes.”
“I have orders to let you proceed. The stables are right after our camp, you cannot miss
it. Major Marks will meet you there. You may proceed.” He saluted and Fritz followed by
Hans drove through. It was hardly five minutes before a large grassy field appeared with a
long fence. Looked like hay to Steiner. A large house and stable could be seen just off the
road. The house look as if it had been burned during the Revolution and never repaired
while the stable looked as if it had been recently used, cossacks. Fritz pulled up to the
stable and stopped, behind him Hans parked the truck.
As the men began falling out Steiner said “well, looks like home sweet home, if you like
horse manure. Gosh, I can smell it out here. Before we get all comfy I want to set a two
man guard every two hours. Who knows there might be some of those damn Cossacks still
around. You can make a small fire. I guess with the 3rd in front of us, hell they know we
are here. While you get things sorted I am going to take a look in the barn, despite the
smell. Fritz you coming?”
Together they entered the stable. It was large, probably a rich noble before the
revolution. There were stalls for 24 horses, and each one looked recently used. Grain
sacks were still on the floor and odd parts of tackle. They walked the length and back.
Contented no one lurked in the shadows they came back out of the barn to sit by the
campfire. Already a pot was steaming over a small blaze. A combination of soldiers stew
bubbling over the campfire. Hans offered Steiner some black bread. He tore a hunk and bit
into the bread. It was stale but tasted divine. He was hungry. This time he asked Fritz for
his special canteen and washed the bread down with some gin. Using his cup he dipped
out some of the stew. Blew on it and took a sip, sasuage.Well, its warm. He drained the
cup letting the hot mixture warm his insides.
Alan and Daniel had pulled first guard duty and were walking slowly around the
perimeter. Steiner walked inside the barn, found some hay and carried it outside. Near a
tree he made a simple bed. Using his pack for a pillow he lay down. He was asleep in
moments.