TEAM - VAJRA

BOOK REVIEW
&
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
THE OFFICER FACTORY

Hans Hellmut Kirst

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BOOK REVIEW

THE OFFICER FACTORY

BY
HANS HELLMUT KIRST

“The soldier must say ‘Yes’ when he thinks ‘Yes’, but when many say
‘Yes’ and think ‘No’, or when they feel forced to say ‘Yes’, though they
think ‘No’, or when they say ‘Yes’ for the sake of their career, their
comfort or self-interest, while their conscience tells them ‘No’, the point
has been reached, where true soldiering dies out altogether”.

-- Lieutenant Karl Krafft

1. Hans Hellmut Kirst, the author, was born on 05 Dec 1914. He is a distinguished
German from Osterode, East Prussia, who has written many books, which have been
translated into English. His books are mainly political thrillers & military satires. Kirst
served in the German Army from 1933 to 1945 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant,
during World War-II. He served as a regular soldier in the Artillery and spent nine
months as a prisoner of war. Many of his books convey a collective sense of guilt
over “German Complacency”, under Nazism. The author tasted success, first with
the ‘Gunner Asch’ series of novels. ‘The Officer Factory’ compares the ‘training
school’ to a ‘factory’, wherein officers are produced under a set piece pattern and
ideology.

2. Robert Kee (born on 05 Oct 1919 in Calcutta, India), who translated this book was
a British broadcaster, journalist and writer, known for his historical works on World
War II and Ireland. Kee was educated at Stowe School, Buckingham and during
World War-II, served with the Royal Air Force, as a bomber pilot. His plane was shot
down over German occupied Holland, where he spent three years in a prisoner of
war camp.

3. The book is about ‘leadership issues’ and the ‘moral voids’ in ‘The Third Reich’. A
witty translation, which keeps one engrossed due to its subtle twists and turns, thus,
making a lively read. It is rare piece of military contemporary fiction, which without
sounding like a “GS pamphlet” on military leadership, is able to provide the reader
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with a structure, to reassess his own credentials as a military leader as well as train
him, wrt the kind of leadership qualities he needs to foster in his junior colleages.
The author brings out certain important character qualities, especially honour and
moral courage, which need to be nurtured in each one of us, as military leaders.
Lateral thinking, logical methodology and ‘Out of the box’ solutions, are all portrayed
in his lead characters, which are so very important in the life of a professional soldier.
Another point that makes an impact is the objectivity in writing dossiers (ACRs) in the
German Army.

4. The book depicts the story of an Officers’ Training School, in Germany. Hans
Kirst’s officers and officer cadets are ordinary persons in an Officer Training School,
at end of World War-II. Lieutenant Karl Krafft is sent to the ‘Officer Factory’, Number
Five Training School, where German youth are moulded into soldiers, ready to fight
for the Fatherland. The ‘Training Officers’ at the school prepare potential officers as
‘fodder’ for the war effort. The training at the school is not only military, but also
ideological. Constant jockeying for positioning has its fatal attraction. The storyline
begins with the mysterious death of one of the instructors at the school, while training
his section, during an exercise. While the preliminary inquiries term it as an accident,
the Commandant of the school, Major General Modersohn, shows an unusual
interest in the demised officer. He orders another officer, Lieutenant Krafft to do the
thankless job of finding the real cause of the death and the murderer behind the
‘accidental explosion’.

5. During the course of his investigations, a lot of hidden truths, wrt the prevalent
system come to light, to include the horrific policies of the Fuhrer (Hitler). The author,
in a convincing manner, brings out the fragile egos of the officers, their personal
problems, passion for women, flouting rules etc. In the book, the young cadets are
portrayed either as followers, leaders or supporters. While, some are for the Fuhrer,
others are totally indifferent, with some actually disliking Hitler. A tale of intrigue and
suspense follows, until the book comes to its wrenching conclusion.
Lieutenant Krafft’s path of discovery and the decisions that he takes, exposes the
silence and complicity of even the good German officers, within the horrific policies of
the Fuhrer.

6. As the book unfolds, it is evident that this is not the only plot. The drama at the
‘Training School’ shows a picture of conflict between the honourable officers and the
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barbaric Hitler regime, in war ridden Germany. The heroes in the book – Major
General EE Modersohn, Lieutenant Karl Krafft and some officers seek to assert
authority over unscrupulous fanatics, to whom Germany is but a means for Hitler to
realise his dreams of complete power. Clearly, this being the heart of the matter, the
author, very subtly brings out the responsibility of the German High Command and
the officers, who give orders and are responsible for the consequences. In the tragic
end, Major General Modersohn, prior to his execution says – ‘All for Germany’, but
says it too late. Another officer, Captain Feders, who is executed later, dies with the
question – “What has become of the 6 th Army? It is not for us to question the
Fuehrer’s orders”. Lieutenant Krafft dies with one clear remark “All for a new
Germany”, meaning a better Germany.

7. Overall Kirst’s message certainly impacts all serving and retired officers of the
defence forces. It is a book that is compulsory reading for all in the ‘coat of arms’.
The author, through this book, wants us to appreciate that a leader inculcates in his
subordinates a thought process, which is not restricted by ideologies or boundaries.
A good leader encourages his officers to develop a sound & unbiased reasoning,
which is built on values, ethics and professional competence. It is this concept of
leadership that the author has presented beautifully, which resonates deeply
throughout the book. This wonderful, thought provoking piece of military fiction is a
‘must read’, because it will find one reminiscing the training days and would also
enable critical analysis of our experiences that have shaped us into leaders. Reading
between the lines, one finds oneself identifying or connecting with the characters of
the book. The book differentiates between a ‘good officer’ and a ‘successful officer’.
While all good officers are successful officers, it is not true the other way round.

8. In about 512 odd pages, Hans Hellmut Kirst has tried to cover all major issues,
ailing the German training system, as prevalent during World War-II era. The basic
and most important ideology formatted by the book is ‘think and think different’. The
fast changing socio-economic and geo-political scenario calls for the fact that as
military leaders, change is the only constant in our ‘thought process’. Although, the
situations depicted in the book pertain to a ‘Training School’ and the associated
political influence, but the central characters of the book are ‘painted’ as archaic
thinkers. Lieutenant Krafft’s vision and thought process is not bound by the basic
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regulations and rules of the army, but encompasses a logical, analytical, practical as
also a humanitarian approach.

9. Another important aspect covered by Kirst is that military leaders are not born but
moulded. It is the political and social atmosphere of training, carefully formulating the
basic military bearing and principals, through which the officers are guided in their
lives. This indoctrination is fed into the officer cadet cadre, through the daily routine,
parades, tradition and training curriculum, which have been formulated, tested and
implemented by seniors and forebears. Along with this, one interesting aspect, which
the author has brought out is that the ‘basic inherent qualities’ to become a military
leader, clearly does not necessarily include family back ground and social status. He
suggests that although these aspects are desirable in a military leader, they are not
always essential. An Army officer is trained to be a ‘leader’, but in a way, what he
actually becomes is a ‘follower’. He is a follower of procedures and the laid down
system. In harsher words, a military leader is always encouraged to be a conformist
as also have a restricted vision and a constrained thought process. This aspect has
been stressed time and again in the book, subtly bringing out that anyone, who has
tried to break the shackles of army regulations or procedures, has invariably faced
hardship for his analytical thoughts.

10. The author in the story has covered some requisites for officers. Apart from
tactical thinking, he has displayed the human and ethical side, through Lieutenant
Krafft and Captain Feders. The author has also put across his views on the complete
German officer fraternity. An interesting and unorthodox view, which emanates, is
that a soldier is not to be trained for discipline, control and courage of conviction. The
author succinctly points out that these traits are the ‘basics’ on which a military
character is built and anyone lacking in these qualities, does not deserve to be an
officer. These traits, he brings out, are to be grown, nurtured and practiced by the
soldier himself and that, too, without supervision.

11. The chapter on ‘Unorthodox Methods’ covers the aspect of ‘Favouritism and Bias’
very nicely. If the mind is biased towards one side, it looses its ability to analyse as
also remain impartial. The main character, Lieutenant Krafft, somehow, by virtue of
his uncanny manners and anarchic views, projects an image, to the majority of
characters, as an undisciplined soldier. Despite being correct, under many situations,
Lieutenant Krafft is at the receiving end of insults and social boycott, because it is
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always assumed that he is wrong. An extremely vocal message conveyed, through

the book, is that of one’s conviction, ethical values and the courage to speak the
truth. Lieutenant Krafft displays this time and again. Lieutenant Krafft, by virtue of
his honour and truthfulness, is portrayed as being responsible for the unceremonial
departure (Court Martial) of his previous Commanding Officer and later on, he even
embraces death for the same cause.

12. Kirst differentiates between a ‘good officer’ and a ‘successful officer’. The book
depicts that certain officers, in order to be successful are willing to sacrifice their
moral values and ethics. A number of officers in the book believe that fulfilling hidden
agendas and political goals of their seniors as well as the system, is a ‘sure -shot’
way towards career progression. The book also brings out that some, by virtue of
seniority or appointment, misuse the powers entrusted to them. This aspect has
been depicted through the character of Captain Katers.

13. The author talks of yet another important aspect, wrt the whole hearted
willingness of the officer cadre to perform selflessly, in their respective fields. This
applies to all, from a Lieutenant to a Major General. While all have a desire to work
honestly, towards the collective goal of an organisation, a lot is usually talked about
‘tradition’. Traditions although important, are not an end in itself. The book
emphasises that Flags, Ceremonies, Battle Honours and heroes are not important.
The main importance is of actions performed, without self interest. In the words of
Lieutenant Krafft - “If the dead have something to teach us, it is seek not death, but
life. It is easy enough to give orders, but it is hard to set an example. Most difficult of
all is to serve selflessly”.

14. The chapters on ‘Death has its Glories’ and ‘The Call of Destiny’ exhibit the
qualities of value based leadership, through its characters. The qualities of versatility,
honour, determination, sense of justice, social etiquettes, moral courage and integrity
are illustrated lucidly in the book. The characters in the story have shown
commendable moral values and a great sense of conviction. The finest exhibit of this
is the “admission by Major General Modersohn to the Judge Advocate” that the
farewell speech by Lieutenant Krafft was delivered with his approval, as also the
refusal by Lieutenant Krafft to incriminate the Major General before the Judge
Advocate. This firm belief is depicted well, to the extent that both the officers prefer
to embrace death, rather than show poor moral values.
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15. ‘Officers are not born, they are carefully moulded’, is the central theme of the
book. In Nazi Germany, this training took place in a ‘horrific’ factory. The characters
depicted by Kirst are unforgettable and find their way through the moral fog of war.
Kirst draws a painfully humanising sketch of Germany, during the National Socialist
era, with glimpses of a tragic society, enroute to ‘final victory’. The Germans either
revel in self criticism or in delusions and see themselves as superior. Written almost
two decades after World War-II, the theme is still very much relevant in the 21 st
century. The book is “fast moving” and has been written in memory of the betrayed
generation and as a warning to the youth of today.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
THE OFFICER FACTORY
BY
HANS HELLMUT KIRST

“There is only one question that can be asked in the face of death
and this question is not why did he die, but how did he live?”

-- Lieutenant Karl Krafft

INTRODUCTION

1. Lieutenant Krafft’s above quote sums up the essence of the book. All of
us, who stand close to death, need to ponder over this question. We should do so as
thoroughly and frankly, as if we were to die tomorrow. This is not only because we
follow a profession, which makes death an every day affair, but because we are
actually in a position to order others to their death, indeed because we cannot help
demanding it of them. Soldiering is a clean, straight forward profession, and the
operative words are ‘Service before Self’ or ‘Duty - Honour - Country’. Human nature
being what it is, although, the soldier has never wholly succeeded in living up to this
ideal, the point is that this is an the ideal to which he aspires. Such an ideal is not
just wishful thinking, but an integral part of his existence.

2. While covering the plot, Kirst has divided the book into the following parts :-

(a) Part I. The author introduces the characters in this part and
subsequently their curriculum vitae.

(b) Part II. The initial story line deals with events commencing from
Lieutenant Barkow’s accident & funeral, postponement of the training
exercise, unorthodox methods adopted by Lieutenant Krafft and characterstics
shown by some of the officers.

(c) Part III. This is the central part of the book and covers issues
pertaining to regulations, organisation of leisure, recreation of the demolition
exercise and the plot to nail Cadet Hochbauer by Lieutenant Karl Krafft for the
murder of Lieutenant Barkow.
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(d) Part IV. The last part includes the events leading to ‘expulsion
proceedings’ & the suicide by Cadet Hochbauer, death sentence for Major
General Modersohn and Lieutenant Krafft. The most important is the
‘Farewell Speech’ by Lieutenant Krafft with its ramifications and the call of
destiny.

PART I - CURRICULUM VITAE OF CHARACTERS

Lieutenant Karl Krafft

3. Lieutenant Karl Krafft is the central character of the book. He was born in the
family of a Post Office Inspector, in 1916. After his graduation, Krafft joined the
German Army, in 1937, in the ranks. He was made a Corporal in 1939 and a
Sergeant during the Polish Campaign. A veteran of wars, he was made 2 nd
Lieutenant in the French Campaign and thereafter, a Lieutenant during the Russian
Campaign. A highly decorated soldier, his decorations included an Iron Cross, First
and Second Class, Close Combat Clasp in Silver and a Wound Badge in Black.

4. Krafft was posted to the Officers Training School in 1944, where initially he
was posted to the Headquarter Company and later appointed as the Section
Commander of ‘Heinrich’ Section (‘H’ Section). In this story, Lieutenant Krafft is
made responsible for finding out the real cause of the death of Lieutenant Barkow,
the previous Section Commander. Lieutenant Karl Krafft is shown as a straight
forward, morally courageous and humane officer, who is devoted to his duty. A very
practical officer, with a sharp mind, he used unorthodox ways in his training classes.

Major General E E Modersohn

5. Major General Ernst Egon Modersohn was born in 1898, in the family of an
Estate Agent, who was a very strict disciplinarian. Therefore, discipline was deeply
embedded in his character, right from childhood. His father was a non-regular in the
German Army, who rose to the rank of a Major and died fighting for Germany. Major
General Modersohn graduated in 1916 and volunteered for the German Army. He
did his basic training in an Infantry Reserve Battalion, in 1916 and after a gap of
three years, got an entry into an Infantry Battalion in 1921. He was promoted to an
officer in 1926, a Colonel in 1939 and a Major General in 1940. In this story, Major
General Modersohn is the Commandant of Number 5, Officers’ Training School, in
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Widlingen, Germany. Major General Modersohn is depicted in the story as a morally

courageous and upright man, who is selfless, impartial and practical in his
administration.

Captain Eric Feders

6. Captain Eric Feders was born in the family of a Protestant Pastor. He was very
sharp, intelligent and athletic in his childhood. He volunteered for the German Army
in 1935, was promoted to 2 nd Lieutenant in 1938 and a First Lieutenant, during the
French Campaign. Feders was promoted to the rank of Captain and posted as
Instructor at Number 5, Officers’ Training School, Widlingen. His decorations
included a Knight Cross.

7. In this story, he is the finest tactics Instructor at the Officers’ Training School,
who took classes of ‘H’ Section. As the story proceeds, this character develops an
understanding with Lieutenant Karl Krafft, Section Commander of `H’ Section. The
character of Captain Eric Feders, in the story, is that of a sharp, practical and
courageous officer, who is very humane, with a philosophical approach towards life.
He, too, used unorthodox ways and was fairly blunt in his conversations.

Captain Johannes Ratshelm

8. Captain Ratshelm was born in 1941 in the family of a Druggist. The officer
had a disturbed childhood, wherein, he lost his parents at a very early age and was
brought up by his aunt. After his graduation, he wanted to take up medicine but then
changed his mind and volunteered to join the German Army in 1934. He was
promoted to a 2nd Lieutenant in 1938 and a First Lieutenant in 1940. In the advance
against Russia, the officer was temporarily given the Command of an Infantry
Battalion and was also awarded the German Cross in Gold, for his achievements.
He was, thereafter, promoted to the rank of Captain and posted to the Officers’
Training School.

9. In this story, Captain Ratshelm is the Company Commander of Number 6

Company, which includes `H’ Section. The character of Captain Ratshelm is
projected as an officer, who is a good and dedicated instructor, always insisting on
good military training for his cadets, as also their welfare. He is portrayed as a good
sportsman and always follows his seniors and standard methods of teaching. His
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negative traits include his dependence on ‘hearsay’, from the cadets. A career
conscious officer, who at times, is ready to sacrifice his morals.

Major Archibald Frey

10. Major Archibald Frey was born in a Grocer’s family in 1904. He barely
managed to complete his Secondary education, due to the poor economic conditions
of his family. He joined the German Army in 1935. While in ranks, he was an
excellent sportsman, marksman and had good knowledge of military regulations. He
was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in 1935 and First Lieutenant in 1938. During the
French and Polish Campaigns, he was awarded the Iron Cross, First and Second
class and the Knight’s Cross.

11. In this story, Major Archibald Frey is the Commander of the Number 2 Course
at the Officers’ Training School. The character of Major Frey, in the story, has been
portrayed as an ambitious officer, who is very social. The officer has good knowledge
of military regulations and is very keen in writing special orders, envisaging various
fresh regulations and Standing Operating Procedures, in his own ‘understanding’
way. Major Frey is depicted as a career conscious officer and a sychophant. His
wife’s interference in ‘matters military’, places him in an embarrassing situation, in the
story.

Capt C Kater

12. Captain Kater joined the Army in 1917 and was made a corporal during the
first Word War. On completion of his reserve training, he was commissioned as a 2 nd
Lieutenant and promoted to a Lieutenant in 1938. In 1940, he was promoted to the
rank of Captain and subsequently posted to Number 5, Officers’ Training School.
Captain Kater is the Officer Commanding, Headquarter Company, at the School. In
the story, Captain Kater has been portrayed as a man of weak character, who
misuses the authority of his appointment, for personal gains.

Cadet Heinz Hochbauer

13. Cadet Hochbauer was born in 1923 in the family of a German Army Officer,
Captain Herbert Hochbauer. He was brought up in an atmosphere, where he was
taught to differentiate between people of varying status as also to have a ‘following’
of his own. As a result, during his schooldays, he formed a Students’ Association.
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14. Two incidents during his school life stand out. In the first incident, he and his
friends troubled their teacher, who had offended them once, that the teacher
ultimately was forced to leave school. In another incident, during his college days, he
and his friends accidentally drowned to death, one of their classmates, for not being
part of their activities and later covered up the act, by terming it as an ‘heart attack’.

15. Cadet Hochbauer was a good student and after his graduation in 1935, which
he passed with distinction, volunteered for the German Army. He was awarded the
Iron Cross, during the Polish Campaign in 1941 and shortly afterwards was selected
for the Officers’ Cadet Course. In the story, during the training, Cadet Hochbauer is
a cadet of ‘H’ Section, who opposes the unorthodox ways of his Section Commander.
His father holds an influential post at the Nationalist Socialist Political Training
School. Cadet Hochbauer’s character has been portrayed as an ambitious and
intelligent soldier, who is highly influenced by the Fuhrer. He has always dreamt of
ultimate glory for Germany, under the Fuhrer, and has been portrayed as one, who
plans all ‘moves’ meticulously and is ready to go to any length, to achieve his aim.

Cadet Willi Rednitz

16. Cadet Willi Rednitz was born to a very poor family. He was brought up by the
doctor’s family, where his mother worked. With a modest upbringing, he joined the
German Army in 1940, where he was a part of the Polish, French and Russian
Campaigns. He was promoted to Corporal in 1941, Sergeant in 1943 and an officer
Cadet subsequently. During the Russian Campaign, he once shot and injured one
of his fellow officers, who tried to rape a Russian girl.

17. In the story, Cadet Will Rednitz is a cadet of `H’ Section, who is upright and
opposed to Cadet Hochbauer’s ways of life. The author has portrayed the character
of Cadet Rednitz as an intelligent and a practical cadet, who follows his conscience.
He has a tendency to stay away from controversies, which makes him a ‘passenger’
for the initial part of the story.

Cadet E Kramer

18. Cadet Kramer, in the story, is the Section Senior of `H’ Section. He is a
sincere and social cadet, who is committed to his job and at times handles the worst
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of differences, between the cadets, very tactfully. He is very ambitious and ready to
sacrifice his morals for cheap dividends.

Cadet Weber Egon

19. Cadet Weber Egon is a straight forward cadet who has a personal disliking for
Cadet Hochbauer and his group. He is extremely short tempered, has disarming
frankness and does not get perturbed easily.

PART II – SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

Lieutenant is Buried

19. The book begins with a scene from a graveyard, where the funeral of the
Section Officer, Lieutenant Barkow is being conducted. The Commandant, Major
General Modersohn and all Instructors and Cadets of the School are in attendance.
The funeral Parade gets delayed, since the Army Chaplain sprains his ankle. This
upsets Captain Kater considerably. However, the Commandant takes the message
calmly and directs Captain Kater to take necessary steps, who in turn announces a
ten minutes break. Captain Kater tries to blame Lieutenant Krafft, by mentioning that
being a Section Officer, he is also equally responsible for conducting the ceremony.
Later in the ceremony, Captain Feders describes Lieutenant Barkow as an extremely
knowledgeable and good tactics instructor, with excellent equipment handling skills.

Tactical Training Exercise

20. The next sequence of events depicts a tactical training exercise

announced by the Aide-de-Camp, Lieutenant Bieringer. Major Frey is made in
charge of the exercise, while Lieutenant Krafft is appointed as the Duty Officer. In
this exercise, a major fire is presumed to have broken out in the location of Number 4
Company. During the progress of the exercise, Major Frey smartly passes the
responsibility to the Duty Officer, Lieutenant Krafft. Lieutenant Krafft on scrutinising
the Guard Regulation Book declares that the ‘Exercise’ has no foundation in reality,
and further conveys that the “regulations did not make any sense”. When asked for a
clarification, Lieutenant Krafft showing the courage of a lion, puts across the fact that
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the ‘guard regulations’ are not only imprecise, but also contradict each other. He
further brings out the other flaws in the regulations.

Section Officer Appointed

21. The Commandant summons Lieutenant Krafft to his office, after going
through his personal file. He then enquires about the differences that existed
between him and his former Commanding Officer. Lieutenant Krafft brings out that
he had, on occasions, certain information against his Commanding Officer, regarding
misappropriation of ration supplies, and further conveys that the Colonel, on being
found guilty, was ‘Court Martialled’. Impressed by Lieutenant Krafft’s traits, the Major
General orders Lieutenant Krafft to relinquish his duties, as officer of Headquarter
Company, to Captain Kater and take over `H’ Section. The Major General then briefs
Lieutenant Krafft about Lieutenant Barkow’s death. He also states that he was an
expert on all types of equipment, particularly explosives. The Major General
reiterates that the mishap, which occurred, was not an accident, but “a cold blooded
murder” and directs Lieutenant Krafft to investigate and identify the culprits. Soon
Lieutenant Krafft starts training Section ‘H’, in his own ‘unpredictable’ ways, which is
against the orthodox ways of training in the school.

PART III – THE PLOT

JAG Speaks Against his Will

22. Judge Advocate Wirrmann, post investigation, as also after an exhaustive

study of all documents and witnesses, declares that the ‘fast burning fuse’ used by Lt
Barkow, was of insufficient length. He blames the mishap, on the selection of an
inappropriate fuse, as also inadequate expert knowledge of Barkow, as the main
reasons for his violent death. The death is confirmed as an ‘accident’. Not
convinced with the Judge Advocate’s report, the Commandant insults him and calls
him ‘incompetent and a liar’. The insulted Judge Advocate then speaks out the truth
and submits that Lieutenant Barkow made repeated subversive remarks about the
‘war effort’, which were hostile to the Fuhrer. This, he says, was categorised as high
treason, which lead to a ‘death penalty’.
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Brief of Death Mishap

23. After spending a few days with Cadets of Section ‘H’, Lieutenant Krafft
puts up an interim investigation report to the Commandant. The report brings out
that the Cadets of ‘H’ Section had proceeded for a ‘section engineering exercise’,
wherein, the section was divided into two groups. The larger group was already
under cover and the remaining few helped Lieutenant Barkow, with the final
preparations. Unexpectedly, Cadet Amfortas sprained his ankle and Lieutenant
Barkow rushed to the cadet. Realising that it was a normal sprain, he returned back
and ignited the fuse. While, all cadets ran for cover, Lieutenant Barkow walked back
slowly, calculating in his mind, the timing for the detonation. The charge exploded
early to everyone’s surprise, leading to his death.

Visit of Lieutenant Barkow’s Mother

24. Lieutenant Barkow’s mother, Suzzane, had an affair with Major General
(then Lieutenant) Modersohn in earlier years. Since, Suzzane could not attend her
son’s funeral, due to ill health, she visits the Officers’ Training School to see how her
son lived his ‘last breath’. During her visit, Major General Modersohn, the
Commandant, realises that Lieutenant Barkow was his own son.

Scuffle Between Cadets

25. This part starts with a new day. Cadets of the ‘H’ Section get ready for
their first session, while Lieutenant Krafft intimidates Cadet Rednitz into conducting
Mrs Suzzane Barkow, expecting him to come up with some information. During the
break, Cadet Mosler cracks a few dirty jokes and criticises Cadet Hochbauer, wrt
Lieutenant Barkow’s death. Furious, Hochbauer slaps him. After this scuffle, Mrs
Suzzane Barkow visits the Section, where her son trained, and returns with a heavy
heart.

26. Further, Captain Ratshelm joins the cadets during games. After winning
the game of ‘punch ball’, he invites Cadet Hochbauer to his office to discuss the
selection of the ‘punch ball’ team. Cadet Hochbauer on his visit to Captain Ratshelm
office, conveys that Lieutenant Krafft wants to pin him for the death of Lieutenant
Barkow. Meanwhile, Cadets Rednitz, Mosler and Weber plan to meet girls in the
gym, in disguise of sentries. On their way back, they are caught by Lieutenant Krafft,
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who summons them to his office and uses this act, to threaten them to answer his
questions about Lieutenant Barkow’s death.

Invincibility Broken

27. The next day Lieutenant Krafft, who is continuing his enquiry tasks his
cadets to write an essay on “Dule Est Decorum Est” ie “It is sweet to die for the
Fatherland”. Cadet Rednitz hints about the involvement of Cadet Hochbauer in
Lieutenant Barkow’s murder. He comments about the ‘burning time’ of the fuse and
the ‘eight men group’. On the other hand, Cadet Hochbauer praises the Fatherland
and considers dying for the Fatherland as honourable. Cadet Hochbauer, being a
Hitler loyalist, is disgraced by Lieutenant Krafft for comparing Hitler with famous
authors like Rammerque and Renn and tells the class that he is not loyal to Hitler.
Cadet Hochbauer feels dejected on being insulted.

Egon - Bar Fight

28. A special order is declared by Major Frey, wrt ‘maintenance of bicycles’

wherein, he declares ‘Egon’, as a joke- name, due to its jewish origin. On a Saturday
evening, all cadets of ‘H’ Section, except Cadet Hochbauer, decide to go to the bar.
Cadet Hochbauer goes to Major Frey’s house and then watches a movie on ‘British
Cruelty’. He later joins his section mates at the local bar. Cadet Weber Egon is
made fun of, by the other section cadets, due to his name, in front of local girls. Egon
naturally picks up a fight. The entire ‘H’ Section unites and gets involved in the
brawl, with other section cadets, damaging the bar, and in the process hurting,
themselves. Major Frey amends the special order, on learning that the first name of
the Major General is also Egon,

Vengeance of Cadet Hochbauer

29. Cadet Hochbauer becomes highly envious of Lieutenant Krafft, due to his
way of teaching and dealing with cadets. He asks Cadet Amfortas to write a
complaint against Lieutenant Krafft’s unorthodox ways of teaching and dealing with
cadets, which he refuses. Cadet Hochbauer writes a letter to his father, who is the
Commandant of Nationalist Socialist Political Training School, complaining of
Lieutenant Krafft’s methodology & ideology. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Krafft and
Captain Feders conduct interviews for mid term assessments, after which Cadets of
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‘H’ Section plan a get together inviting their officers. After the officers leave the party,
Cadet Hochbauer boasts of his ability to make girl friends. Cadet Mosler challenges
Cadet Hochbauer to befriend a girl in five days, which he readily accepts.

Demolition Exercise Recreated

30. Lieutenant Krafft orders an ‘engineering exercise’ for the section. During
the exercise, he directs a class on ‘demolition charges’, exactly as had been the case
during Lieutenant Barkow’s death. In private, Lieutenant Krafft demonstrates to
Cadet Hochbauer the ways of changing the fuse. Krafft lights the fuse with a dummy
shell, to frighten Cadet Hochbauer, wherein, he admits that he had killed Lieutenant
Barkow, by changing the ‘fuse length’.

PART IV- FINAL REPORT

Proceedings Against Cadet Hochbauer

31. Apart from admitting the murder, Cadet Hochbauer befriends a local girl
and rapes her against her will. He also succeeds in his bet with Cadet Mosler.
Lieutenant Krafft learns about the bet and meets the girl. He later apprises Major
General Modersohn, who orders Lieutenant Krafft to initiate ‘expulsion proceedings’,
on different charges, wrt rape, moral turpitude and homosexuality against Cadet
Hochbauer. During the proceedings, Lieutenant Krafft proves Cadet Hochbauer as
guilty. Cadet Hochbauer admits his guilt and is expelled.

Death has its Glories

32. Cadet Hochbauer, being very ambitious and sure about covering-up
Lieutenant Barkow’s death, commits suicide by shooting himself with his rifle, in the
latrines. Lieutenant Krafft, Captain Feder, Captain Ratshelm and Major Frey rush to
the sight. Disappointed, Captain Ratshelm passes a sarcastic remark, blaming
Lieutenant Krafft for the incident. The legal officer, Captain Shultz, carries out a
preliminary investigation and terms it as a normal suicide. Meanwhile, the
Commandant and Lieutenant Krafft discuss the suicide wherein, Lieutenant Krafft
informs the Major General that ‘now no witnesses or evidences remained, wrt Cadet
Hochbauer having accepted his involvement in the murder of Lieutenant Barkow’.
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The Call of Destiny

33. Under the influence of Cadet Hochbauer’s father as also on the orders of
Commanding Officer, ‘All Training School’, Judge Advocate Wirrmann, who already
had differences with Major General Modersohn, is appointed to conduct an inquiry on
the death of Cadet Hochbauer. The Judge Advocate warns Lieutenant Krafft and
asks him to blame Major General Modersohn, during the enquiry, which he refuses.
On the other hand, Major General Modersohn is ready to bear the blame and even
advices Lieutenant Krafft to blame him for the suicide of Cadet Hochbauer.

The Night that Brought the End

34. Despite Major General Modersohn, Captain Ratshelm and Major Frey
convincing Lieutenant Krafft not to deliver his farewell speech, he decides to deliver
the same. The Judge Advocate, after his inquiry accuses the Commandant and
Lieutenant Krafft of ‘high treason’ and undermining the ‘Wehrmacht’s morale’. Both
the accused refuse to defend themselves and are given a death sentence. Prior to
their death, Major General Modersohn states his last lines as “Long live Germany”
and Lieutenant Krafft says “Long Live New Germany”.

CONCLUSION

35. The Germans considered ‘honour’ as the most important aspect in their lives.
This quality was so deeply ingrained into a German soldier, during their training days
that in order to defend one’s honour, one was ready to do anything, which could be
range from killing others to killing oneself . ‘Determination’ and ‘Sense of Justice’ are
other essential qualities that have been depicted, in the book. Lieutenant Karl
Krafft’s dossier, in various ranks, demonstrates this in ample measure. It was
because of these qualities, despite a couple of negative remarks that Major General
Modersohn chose Krafft to inquire into the circumstances of Lieutenant Barkow’s
death.

36. Lieutenant Krafft and Major General Modersohn have shown commendable
morals and a great sense of conviction, in the book. Examples from the story
illustrate that the Commandant, fully aware of the repercussions, wrt Lieutenant
Krafft’s farewell speech, admits in front of the Judge Advocate that the speech was
delivered with his approval. In another example, Captain Feders suggests to
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Lieutenant Krafft, to pull out from the danger and blame everything on the
Commandant, since the Judge Advocate was after the so called ‘big fish’, but
Lieutenant Krafft gets angry and rebukes Captain Feders on the suggestion offered.
Further, it is Major General Modersohn, who takes the blame for the entire situation,
where, Lieutenant Krafft has ended up. Lieutenant Krafft, who is an epitome of
morals and sense of conviction, naturally refuses.

37. His final words speak for themselves- “The true face of a soldier is not seen in
victory, defeat alone reveals it clearly. Any wild beast can be victorious, but to
recognize defeat and look it in the eye requires great courage. Only he, who has
preserved a glimmer of sanity can do that as also one who is ‘strong enough’. The
soldier must respect what he serves. He, who consciously serves a criminal,
becomes his accomplice. He, who is of good faith, and yet cannot distinguish
between a criminal and a true soldier, will be the victim of his own blindness and
stupidity. A true soldier lives a life of responsibility and in silence he wishes to
serve”.

38. Lieutenant Krafft had broken the pattern of manufacture at ‘The Officer Factory’
and succeeded in upsetting the soulless routine of the ‘assembly line’. Some of the
cadets would now become officers, in whose hands soldiers could remain human
beings, and that was a lot in those days…

“In the field with stone for pillow, stretch I now my weary limbs,
today a steed to match the best, tomorrow a bullet through the breast”.

-- Lieutenant Krafft’s favourite song