The barracks had windows, but no glass in them. In order to keep the bugs and the weather out, previous prisoners had used paper, rags, and pieces of wood to seal the openings.
When Johann entered his new home, a shudder ran down his spine. He’d seen many depressing sights throughout the war, but this was in a category all of its own.
The barracks was set up with narrow two-tiered bunks on either side with a small aisle between them. He estimated that three hundred men were crammed into the building. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving the interior in almost complete darkness.
Suddenly, he wished he’d died in combat.
Karsten assigned the newcomers bunks. He bared his rotten teeth with an apologetic smile and said, “Sorry, but you’ll have to share, at least for tonight.”
Helmut e
