Ypres, Belgium - November 15,
1914
The Battle of Ypres rages as two German soldiers keep watch over
the British trenches.
German Soldier 1: My God, who would have thought soldiers
would be reduced to this? Sitting in trenches, firing these
machined guns at each other. There is little honor to be had
here.
German Soldier 2: Yes, yes. But one must never
forget we serve a higher purpose than ourselves: the great German
fatherland. If I die for Germany, I die with honor.
German Soldier
1: Indeed, but if I must die for Germany, let it be
by the blade, not some unseen bullet or bomb.
German Soldier
2: We are fighting a different war than in times
past, my friend. A modern war. World War I will be
looked on as a turning point for military technology and
deployment.
German Soldier
1: I cou...Now wait a minute, what did you call this
war?
German Soldier
2: ...What did I say?
German Soldier
1: I believe you called this "World War
I."
German Soldier 2: Did I? I meant to say 'The
Great War,' of course.
German Soldier 1: Ah, yes. I thought you a
fortune-telling gypsy for a second!
German Soldier 2: If you were not my closest friend,
I would have your ear for such a comment!
German Soldier
1: Merely a joke, friend. World War I?
Ha! As if anyone knows the future! Besides, this is the war
to end all wars. The Great War!
German Soldier
2: The Greatest of Wars, so far!
German Soldier
1: Agr...Again, 'so far'? Have you some plan,
my friend?
German Soldier
2: A plan? Ha! What use is planning in
uncertain times? If I live through World War I, I will most likely
return to my passion: pai...
German Soldier 1: There! You did it
again! You called it...
A Lieutenant approaches the
soldiers' position.
Lieutenant: Private
Hitler, grab your weapon and report to command.
German Soldier
2: Well, it appears as if I'm needed.
German Soldier
1: Godspeed, friend. Do Germany
proud!
German Soldier
2: My friend, I would never do anything to shame the
Fatherland! To arms!