CHAPTER 10

Soldier or student?

When I went back to school in January 1944, our teacher entered the class room with a face that warned us about some bad news. "The 'Total War' is going to affect you too, my friends." He looked sternly, but kindly, at each one of us, as we stood at attention.

"Germany needs more soldiers at the front. Everyone has to make even bigger sacrifices than so far."

We looked at each other. What could he mean? "Next week, those of you who were born in 1928 have to report to Battery 213 of the Anti Aircraft System, which is stationed in the northeast of Posen, as FLAK helpers. You will be engaged in the defence of Posen."

No one moved. We were all stunned. We stood in shock, and no one even found the presence of mind to ask a question. We knew that Günter's year of 1927 had been drafted to the FLAK, but that had been in September, and we hadn't expected it at the beginning of the year.

"Sit down, please. I know this comes as a great shock to you, but these are the orders from the Commander of the German Air Force. We don't like it either, as we will have to continue giving you lessons at the barracks."

Part of the 'Total War' idea was, to release regular men from the forces at home and send them to the front. For this reason the FLAK helpers had been created in 1943. FLAK is an acronym for Flug Abwehr Kanone, literally Flight Defence Canon, or Anti Aircraft Gun. The entire senior year of high school was drafted to become the FLAK Helpers. They remained as a unit in the school class of their year, and were housed in barracks together. Teachers came out to these units and gave their lessons there.

"Last year," the teacher continued, "those that went up to year 6 were called up. This year they can't wait until September, they need you now. Although you are only in year 5, those born in 1928 will have to go. So who is remaining in the class?"

Four hands went up. "You were born in 1929?" They nodded.

"We will have to make a composite class of all those who remain." I still couldn't believe it. Was I hearing right? I had just turned 15!

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