Part 5 - The End and Epilogue Summary and Analysis

Part Four is divided into four chapters and is labeled as "Autumn, 1944-Spring, 1945." During Chapter 16 - From Poland to East Prussia all German military forces have been driven from Russia. Sajer, Lensen, Hals, and others are under the command of Wollers and are transported to Lodz where they are resupplied. Sajer notes that many replacements were men from sixty to sixty-five years of age or children from thirteen to sixteen years of age; he wonders how these troops will be useful in combat. The Veteran then rejoins the group near a town called Medau where the division is regrouping. He recounts his story of recuperation and notes that German cities have been bombed into rubble. His ear is missing. The Veteran expounds on the German theory of total war. The unit...