1917
Translation and English correction: AlexN
Blake.
Blake!
Sorry, Sergeant.
Pick up a man and get his gear.
Yes, Sergeant.
No, Sergeant.
Did they give us any food?
No.
Just mail.
That will be done.
Did you get anything?
No.
I think you're hungry.
I thought we would eat decently here.
It's the only reason ...
What do you have there?
Dried bread.
Where did you find it?
I have my relationships too.
Here you go.
It tastes like shit.
Be happy.
Next week by this time you will be eating chicken.
Not me.
They canceled my submission.
Did they say why?
I have no idea.
It's easier to not to return at all.
Something happened.
Have you heard anything like that?
No.
They must be Germans, right?
On 10 words ​​we follow.
I don't bet.
Why? You don't know I'm right?
No, because you don't have 10 words.
You're here on time, sir.
Is there a vest, Sergeant?
About what?
The big press?
It should have been good weeks now.
They told us that before Christmas we'll be home.
I'm sorry I interrupted your program, Blake.
But the Prussians don't like us here.
You would have to eat some turkey.
Your dissatisfaction will be announced to the command.
What's the urgency, Sergeant?
I'm thinking something out.
Do you have any idea about what?
No, but it will ruin our weekend.
Listen ...
Erinmore and in between.
Recognizing scare.
You never know.
Maybe he sends you as a messenger.
If you give it a bar.
I think it's important if the general is here.
Corporal Blake and Schofield, sir.
Which of you is Blake?
Me, sir.
You have a brother lieutenant in 2nd division.
- Yes, sir. Joseph Blake. E ... - On your way.
From what I know.
And with your help I want to stay that way.
The sergeant told me you're good in calculations.
Good enough, sir.
Aadar ...
We are here.
2nd division is advancing here.
How long will it take you to get there?
Well, no, sir.
- Sir, the land is occupied by the Germans. - The Germans are gone.
Be confident.
It seems like a strategic retreat.
Looks like they retreated to a line 9 km back.
Colonel MacKenzie is 2nd in command.
He sent notice yesterday morning that he is going after the retreating Germans.
He's convinced they ran.
If he can break their lines now this maybe will turn to our favor.
If he breaks them.
Colonel MacKenzie didn't see the borders of enemy's new lines.
Feel free to go there, gentlemen.
3 km of deep defenses. I've never seen anything like this before.
The 2nd division must attack them tomorrow morning.
They have no idea what to expect.
And we can't win.
You have orders to get to the 2nd division
at about 1 km S-E from the city of Acoust.
Give this to Colonel MacKenzie.
It's a direct order to cancel the attack tomorrow morning.
If it fails, it will be a massacre.
We will lose 2 battalions.
1600 people including your brother.
Do you believe you can get there on a reasonable time?
Yes, sir.
- Do you have any questions? - No, sir.
And you can take over, Lieutenant.
Provisions, gentlemen.
Take, grenades.
And some machine guns.
Leave immediately. Get there through the west trench.
Continue on the front line plan taking to Yorks.
Give this to Major Stevenson. It's in the "no man's country" trenches.
You will cross "no one else's".
By night or day?
Don't worry. You will not find any resistance.
Sir, are we just the 2 of us?
The one who goes alone goes faster.
- Don't you think so, lieutenant? - Yes, sir.
Good luck.
Blake ...
- Let's talk a little. - Why?
Blake!
- I need to reflect. - We don't have what, my big brother has.
- You have to wait until it's dark. - Erinmore told me to leave immediately.
Erinmore has never seen himself the "Nowhere".
We will not succeed.
- If I waited ... - You heard what he said.
He said the Germans have gone.
That's why he gave us grenades?
Sorry.
- I'm just waiting for you. - Yeah, he's not your brother.
I think they learned that the Germans had withdrawn.
You don't know, Blake, you weren't there.
I'm sorry.
What are you doing in the trentces, you idiot?
I have orders from the general, sir.
Okay, let's say the Germans have gone.
- 15 km how long is gonna take us, 6 hours? - At least 8.
So we have time to wait for sunset.
- We have no idea what we're going to face. - Blake, if you're not ready
- You will not reach your brother. - We'll get there.
I'll reach the front line.
Now I have to move on to Yorks.
Where the hell do you think you're going?
- Let me go! - It's crazy!
I'm sorry. Let me go.
We have orders from the general.
Let's not get through.
Okay, but be careful where you go.
It's fucking silence.
Was that before?
I don't remember.
Don't you remember?
Not really.
You already have it.
At least you have the "medals".
I do not have it anymore.
What the ...?
Did you lose your medal?
I believe I lost it.
Sit down.
With care.
You shot our dead sergeant.
Why do you think I dig this hole?
Do you know where Yorks are?
I stand on the top of them. They were shot two nights ago.
- Yorks? - Yes, Corporal.
- Where's Major Stevenson? - He was killed several nights ago.
- Lieutenant Leslie is on command. - Where can we find him?
In the next cover.
Here.
Sir?
Lieutenant Leslie?
- What is it? - We got a message from General Erinmore.
Are you the boss?
- No, sir. - Then where the hell am I?
- We don't know, sir. - We received an order to go over there.
- That's the German front. - We know it, sir.
Please take the letter.
What day is today?
Friday.
Friday? March I buried him.
It's just words.
One hot night and the hunters go home.
Do you think so?
I lost an officer and 3 soldiers two nights ago.
They were shot when they were crossing barb-wire. I pulled them back to here.
They didn't bother them.
The photos show that the enemy has retreated.
- They are photos ... - The result! we die in the trenches.
Now they give us ground? And the top result.
The top result is to wait for the medal.
Something to cheer for a widow.
Good.
What's the closest path between them?
All the hype are true and true, but there is a kind of rapture.
Roswood, let them look.
Straight ahead and left over the swamp there's a gap behind them.
Useful, if you get stuck with the bayonet. When you get to the second barb-wire
and the little one today
right after that.
German lines are 150 meters after.
Be careful with the craters. They are deeper than my hair.
If you fall into them you have no way out.
Come on over here.
- Scholar Kilgour. You occupy space for nothing. - Is there any today?
- Is there any solution to the problem? - No.
The southern trench was blown up. It's full of dead bodies.
You better go through here.
You've better just go to sleep. We will not come after you until it is dark.
If by miracle you succeed
- launch a signaling firework. - We don't have any, sir.
- Bring one, Kilgour, help yourself. - Yes, sir.
In this firm action
or you may ask the Lord to forgive your sins.
I don't like to lose these.
So when they start shooting at you are will you be capable to return fire back?
Certainly.
- Are you sure? - Yes.
The age before beauty.
Are you good?
You look to hide somewhere.
South tranny.
Stay away.
They left.
Keep going. We're all right.
It's a barb-wire hole.
Let's go.
That's the front line.
So I'll go there!
They even left.
Is your head okay?
He went through everything.
Bandage yourself.
You will work immediately.
His hand ...
They haven't left long.
No one.
Maybe there's a way around here.
Jesus.
It's almost private.
It's huge.
They built all this.
Here's our way out.
Schof! What do you say about this?
Damn it!
And the rats began to emerge.
What do you think is in the bags?
You can't be so hungry.
Look damn miserable.
You can eat this stuff.
What is it?
Preserved for dogs.
What's in the other crates?
What is it?
Explosive firing gun.
Don't move.
Where is it?
It goes from here to the exit.
Jesus.
No!
Scho!
Sheep?
Sheep!
Scho!
Scho? Awakens you!
Go! Go!
Get up! Come on.
Come on!
Let's try it all the way!
Hold on to me!
Keep going!
I can't see.
Stay tuned! It is today.
Must overcome.
You have to jump! Jump up!
- I can't! I can't see. - Trust me. Jump up!
No more.
Around here!
Even when I started.
You fuck me!
With care! Maybe they left other traps too.
Jesus!
Dust.
I have so much dust in my eyes.
Here you go. Get mine.
I would have wished to be shot as a rat.
Another idiot had to be chosen.
- What the ...? - Why the hell did you choose me?
- I don't know why I chose you. - No.
You don't know. You will never know.
That's your problem.
Okay, then come back.
Nothing stops you. Then you can go back home if you want.
Say nothing more.
I don't know why I chose you.
I thought I was going behind the line.
I thought it would be easy.
Good?
I didn't know it would be this way.
So you wanna go back?
Shoot my dick with the signaling firework.
Yes, I will lieutenant.
Do you know where we are?
This is going straight to S-E.
If we follow this direction
we shall get there.
Let's go.
It's almost private.
They destroyed their own weapons.
And their own trenches.
Meaning?
I think they didn't want to leave them away.
They wanted to bury us.
You fucking corporal.
Yes.
Did you hear that story about Wilcott?
How did he lose his ear?
I don't feel to do anything right now.
Pay attention to the trees
from the crest.
Did they told you it was a shock?
What was it then?
Well...
You know his girlfriend is hairdresser.
And he complained about lack of hygiene.
And do you remember Harris' jokes?
Please.
And babe she send hair oil.
It smells nice.
It's like golden syrup.
Wilcott likes the smell.
He doesn't want to give it to the others.
Yes ...
And it goes all over the head
He is in the sleeping bag.
And in the middle of the night
wake up
And a rat was lying on his shoulder.
And licked the oil on his head.
Wilcott was panicking
And got out of bed.
And then the rat went straight to his ear.
What the fuss did.
Screaming, help.
It was a tough situation
he poured so much oil He wasn't able to wash it away anymore.
It was like a magnet.
The rats were no longer tired of licking him.
Damn the hell.
Heading home?
I wonder what they saw.
The crest line.
If you die cheap enough.
Meaning?
"Corporal Blake showed courage by saving a comrade from death. "
Bla bla bla.
You think?
Yes.
That would have been cool.
However, you have lost your's.
I didn't miss it.
What happened to it?
What's wrong?
Why not?
I exchanged it with that from a French captain.
Have you exchanged it?
- On what? - On a bottle of wine.
- Why in hell you did something like that? - I was thirsty.
This is a waste.
You should have taken this home and give it to your family.
People died for this.
If I take the "medal" I'll take it home. Why didn't you take it home?
It's just a fucking tin.
Don't make it more special. It makes no difference.
Yes.
And it's not just a joke.
It has a ribbon.
I would have loved to take it home.
I hated it.
When I knew I couldn't stay.
When I knew I had to leave and that I might not see ...
Jesus.
They cut everyone off.
Cherries.
Flowers.
They turned out to be ...
Hard to say when they are the only fruits.
What's the difference?
People think it's just one way.
But there are several ways.
Green, sweet, sour ...
How in hell do you know that?
Mom has a livestock at home.
With a few children.
This time of the year is looking like a park.
Flowers everywhere.
And in addition we must collect the fruits.
Me and Jo.
It was taken us a whole day.
So these were artillerymen.
I don't know.
He gave them ...
And there are more trees than before.
All abandoned.
Supreme situation.
We must be sure that it is so.
I'll go through the front and you go through the back.
- Anything? - Nothing.
- Did you find food? - No.
I don't like this place.
The map says
after we cross the bridge
we reach �coust.
Good.
- And they are our allies? - That's right.
And the air-fight.
- Who is winning? - I think we do.
We are two to one.
They knocked him down.
- He must have suffered. - Well, bring some.
Stay!
No, no!
God, no!
Lord.
God, no!
We must stop the bleeding.
Stop it!
- You'll get up. - Yes Yes...
I can't.
- I need to get you to the doctor. - I can't.
- It's not far. - Look here.
I can't, we have to go together.
Or I'll get up.
ceases! No!
Please! Put me down!
You have to try to move.
- Let me just stay that way. - No, we have to find 2nd division.
Your brother, we have to leave now.
I can't leave you and, you and me will arrive together.
You can't stay here.
We need to move, okay?
We have to move. Come on.
Come on. Aa.
Come on.
We need to find your brother.
You will recognize him.
He looks similar to me ...
And he's a little older.
What day is today?
- Who was shot? - The barn caught fire.
I was shot. What was?
You have been stabbed.
Am I dying?
Yes ... I think so.
- To stay... - Inside.
Will you write to my mother for me?
Yes.
Tell her I wasn't scared.
We'll think of something.
And I love her.
I always loved you.
I've always done it.
Say something.
Tell me that you know.
I know the way.
I take it to S-E, for the sake of it.
I go through the city and then east just for the Croissy.
It'll be dark by then.
That won't bother me.
You find 2nd division.
I'll give them the message
And then you'll find my brother.
Just like you.
Just a little me older.
Are you okay?
All are in order.
Come and help me.
Jesus, what happened to him?
Was he on the plane? I saw the smoke.
Yes.
Bring his things.
Yes, sir.
A friend?
What are you doing here?
I have a message for the 2nd division.
Order to stop the attack tomorrow morning.
Where are the cantons?
Long lost.
Come with me.
Come with me, corporal, it's an order.
We go over the coast and we'll take you on a road trip.
Yes, sir.
It will not be difficult now.
I'll let it work.
You didn't come to miss the fight.
Left with him.
Damn Ticlo.
Sir.
You're not one of mine.
No, sir. I have an urgent message for the 2nd division.
- Can we get it by? - No, sir.
God, move to the tree!
I have to go on the road, sir.
- He's got orders. - Yeah, okay, okay.
Let's go now.
How did you get here, sir?
By "nobody's country".
Immediately outside of Bapaume.
And getting through it.
I ran into some "chopsticks" coming here.
Are you moving to a new life?
I'm trying.
They have been advancing and awaiting calls.
I'm sorry about your friend.
I'll tell you something you probably already know.
It's not helping you talk.
No, sir.
Climb.
Make room for it.
Come on.
On the road again...
Welcome to hell you know.
- Do you have a light? - Yes, here we are.
- Brother... - Yes.
- Tell me a story. - Yes.
When we got off the train
Bofoy comes to us and tells us.
"Corporals, whatever they do, a soldier never neglects the latrine. "
Then Scott got off the train and wiped Bofoy's tunic.
Something on his back.
- I imitate Captain Bofoy. - Shut up, you don't understand.
"It may ruins you for the entire shipment. "
It was terrible.
You have no idea. Only if you speak our language.
- He imitates him better than you, Cooke. - Then let's hear you, Jondalar.
"I have never seen such a latrine In 200 years of military service as a soldier. "
That's cool.
He should be allowed to do this.
Do you have to get somewhere?
- It's not possible. - We have to stay here.
- Are you a marine. - Yes.
I thought you are a marine.
Back then.
Stop the engine! Everybody down!
Down with everyone!
- Come on! - On a regular basis.
One two Three.
- Let's go through the wood with the wheels. - No, we don't have time.
We all need to rush.
Come on!
Rush!
Thank you. I have to leave now.
Please.
Come on now.
Come on.
One, two, three.
Come on now. One, two, three.
Get back in the truck.
Are you okay?
Well, you offered, you see how I'm going!
Where have you been?
I have to get to the 2nd division, immediately after the city �coust.
Why?
Attack is restricted.
I have been ordered to stop them.
Why is that?
Entering a trap.
But?
1600.
Why did they send just one?
They didn't send just one.
We were two.
And you are just left alone?
Yes.
You won't be able to get there.
Yes, I will.
Thanks.
Almost forget about it.
I'll look forward.
Three years lost here.
I was supposed to leave the bastards keep it.
Are you hesitating?
Fun with extra bullets.
Ticloii.
Detepi. I know if I don't push the cow
they will eat it.
Still bastards.
Yes, it is not even our country.
How long will we being following?
Why? Do you think we'll catch up?
- Yes. Why? - It'll be a miracle, that's why.
- I'm probably after the first corner. - There are not.
Why don't you give up?
- I want to go home. - Moms are waiting for us.
The Germans are pushed out.
- They withdraw? - They are at a distance.
At least 20.
They are not.
Fuck'! What's the matter now? I hope not a tree again.
- It's over the bridge. - Sin.
Looks like I'm going down here.
Good luck.
Never think of yourself.
I think you'll need it.
Bafte, my friend.
I hope you get there.
Thanks.
The next bridge is 6 km away. We have to bypass.
I can't go, sir.
I have no time.
Of course.
Good luck.
Thank you, sir.
Corporal ...
If you get to Colonel MacKenzie
talk to him in particular.
- I have a direct order, sir. - I know.
But some people will struggle.
Thank you, sir.
offer ...
Nuts
There's nothing here for you.
Okay.
I'm not a national.
Friend.
I'm a friend.
This place
It's the city
Cousteau?
- And Acoust? - Yes.
Where are the others?
Others?
It's just me.
Only me.
I have to go somewhere.
I have to find a forest at S-E.
Trees.
The trees.
rm?
Croissy?
Yes.
Rul ...
Rul.
River.
Trees ... Croissy.
Take a seat.
Take a seat, sir.
Thanks.
My little one.
- The future. - Yes.
The future.
What is her name?
I don't know.
Who is her mother?
I don't know.
I have food.
Look.
I have these.
You can take them all.
For you and the baby.
She can't eat anything like that.
He needs milk.
Milk?
Thanks.
Hello.
Do you have children?
Children? You?
It is in order.
You'll like them.
Continue.
Keep talking.
They went to see how and when.
And like when they went to see
despite what their friends said
on a stormy winter morning
Like when they went to see
Far and few, far and few
Are the hills, high hills
Their heads are green and their hands blue.
And they went to see how and when.
And in the morning light.
The soldiers will see you.
It will light up soon.
You should wait.
RMI.
Stay.
- Please. - I have to leave.
- Please. - I'm sorry.
Are you all right, dude?
Where are you from?
He's not one of ours.
I'm not.
Let's pick him up and take him with us.
I need to find division.
What is he saying?
Division.
I need to find division.
We are division.
- Are you division? - Yes, Corporal.
Why didn't you attack?
We are the second wave.
They didn't send us all once ...... We are company D.
I spent the night in the woods.
We are the last ones.
Are you okay?
MacKenzie.
- Where's Colonel MacKenzie? - He's on the line.
- Where? - Around here. There we go.
Slowly, where are you going?
Make room.
Listen you can't pass.
Stay in the air and wait for the orders.
- Where's your superior officer? - He's covered.
Listen to me well.
- Company followed by B ... - Sir ...
- I have a message from General Erinmore. - Who the hell are you?
General Erinmore canceled the attack.
We are ready to run.
Not. Please don't send your people.
- Get out of the way! - I have direct order.
- Where's Colonel MacKenzie? - Christ, go and see the captain.
I want to do it fast. How do I do that?
Yes, sir.
At the first whistle.
- Where's the captain? - Is there.
Sir!
I have a message, Captain. The attack was canceled.
You have to stop.
Where's Colonel MacKenzie?
- I have an order to stop this attack! - What the?
Where's Colonel MacKenzie?
- How far? - 300 meters. It's on the cover.
You have to wait until the first wave passes.
No, I can't wait.
It's impossible to get him there, are you crazy?
What the hell are you doing, Corporal?
No no no!
- Colonel MacKenzie? - It's inside.
Let me pass. I need to talk to Colonel MacKenzie.
I have to stop this attack.
- We can get to the Germans line. - No no!
Listen to me! I have a letter. I need to talk to MacKenzie.
- You have no way to get in there. - Sergeant, call the next wave.
Not!
Colonel MacKenzie!
This attack must stop. You were ordered to stop.
- Who the hell are you? - Corporal Schofield, sir.
I received an order from General Erinmore to stop the attack.
- You're late, Corporal. - Sir, it's order from the army chief.
- You have to read the letter. - Shall I wave 2 minutes?
No, we are 500 meters from the victory.
- Sir, please read the letter. - I've heard this board before.
I'm not waiting for tea to come.
I'm not calling people back to send them again tomorrow.
- Not when I ran. - The Germans complained.
They've been crying for months.
They want us to attack.
Read the letter.
- Major? - Yes, sir.
Stop the attack.
- Yes, sir. - Announce the order.
- Keep the line. - Yes, sir.
Stop the attack!
I heard that today would be a beautiful day.
Hope is a dangerous thing.
That's the moment now. Next week will be another message.
Attack the laughing stock.
There's only one way Where this war ends.
To the last man standing.
I'll get someone to bail you out.
Now you disappear from my sight, Corporal!
Good, good.
Thank you, sir.
Do you know where Lieutenant Blake is?
Blake?
We were 2.
I was sent here with his brother.
Lieutenant Blake is gonna with his people.
He was in the first wave.
How can I give him this, sir?
He can be behind the front line, the ruins.
If you can't find him there ...
- Sergeant, do you know where Lt. Blake is? - No.
- Sir, is Lt Blake here? - No.
Go on, corporal.
If it is working, go with the carrier.
Lieutenant Blake!
Blake!
Has anyone seen Lt. Blake?
Come on, let's carry him. He lost a lot of blood.
- Lieutenant Blake? - Yes.
Do you need medical care?
No, sir.
I'm from the 8th division.
And what the hell are you doing here?
- I was sent to deliver a message. - 8th?
Do you know my brother?
I was sent here with him.
And where is he?
It was something very quick.
It seems to me.
What is your name?
Schofield, sir.
- Here you go? - Schofield, sir.
William Schofield.
Will.
You need food. Come to town.
If I may ...
I'd like to write to your mom.
Let me tell you, Tom wasn't alone.
Of course.
Was...
He was a good man.
He always told funny stories.
He saved my life.
I'm glad you were with him.
Thanks, Will.
Translation and corrections AlexN
For Corporal Alfred H. Mendes
who told us the stories