[...] [Music] [The United States Army presents] [PMF 5019, MCMXLVII] [Music] [Tank rumbling] [Aircraft engine] [Explosion] [Tank rumbling] [Airplane engine] [Explosion] [Artillery explosion] [Artillery rounds, ground explosions] [Dramatic music] [Explosions] [WW2 German Halftrack rumbles] [Large-caliber artillery rounds firing] [Artillery rounds, ground explosions] [Explosions continue] [Truck engines] [Explosions stop] [Music] [Truck engines] [Music continues, sound of truck engines] [Rousing music] [Music fades then builds again] [Large-caliber artillery rounds firing] [Tank approaching] [Artillery rounds firing] [Airplane engine roar] [Aircraft dive-bombing] [Explosion] [Military Field Medical Service, German Army] [This film is an English version of a captured German army film entitled] [Kriegs-Sanitaetsdienst] [A film record of the employment of the German Army Medical Service] [from the front line of a division] [through the Army to repatriation to the zone of the interior.] [...] [Produced by Motion-Picture Service of the German Army] [Directed by Instruction Group C (Research Group) of the German Army Medical School] [...] [As part of the forces of the 12th Army and after the advance through Luxemburg and Belgium,] [the 23rd Inf.- Div. has, on May 15, 1940,] [victoriously forced the crossing of the Maas at Charleville] [During the following days the division is engaged in defensive action at the Aisne,] [to the west of Rethel, providing flank protection in the great battle of Vlandern] [The division is put into readiness for a new attack and the following order is issued:] [Narrator:] Divisional FieldOrder concerning preparation for attack Map 1 to 80,000. One, the enemy is in position ready for defense behind the Aisne. In this sector, the 23rd infantry regiment is in first line. The 23rd division launches a surprise attack on A day at H hour through the line, Gomont excluded, Conde les Herpy included, across the river Aisne and penetrates by assault as fast as possible across the Retourne sector to the high terrain to the west of Ménil-Lépinois. The immediate objective,the hills around Saint-Leu. On the way to the Aisne, a farm is passed in the vicinity of Condé-lès-Herpy. There is an aid station serviced by the ambulances of the medical company. Immediately to the south of the locality is the river Aisne. On its opposite bank, unfavorable terrain. The enemy occupies prepared defensive positions. Parallel to the river, a canal must also be forced. [Aerial view] Conduct of battle, general. The attack is carried out duringand after a 10-minute surprise fire for destructionacross the Aisne. [...] The objective ofthe preparatory fire is to crush the enemyinfantry nests, before they go into action, and to renderimpossible the delivery of a sustained enemy barrage. [Animation depicting explosions on map] [Light instrumental music] [Faint explosion rumble] Foreground right,Infantry Regiment 68. Foreground left,Infantry Regiment 9. [...] [Music] [Animation on map depicting troop movement] [...] [Divisionsarzt] The division surgeonreceives the divisional order and summons the commandersof his medical units for the purposeof issuing orders. [...] [Rousing music] [Motorcycle troops dispersed with orders] [Engines revving] [Rousing music continues] [...] First Motor Ambulance Platoon, First Medical Company Surgical Hospital Second Medical Company, Second Motor Ambulance Platoon. [Soldiers gathered at one table] [Medical conference planning] [...] [Commanding officer:] Gentlemen I have justcommunicated to you the operational orderof the division. The specialinstructions concerning the care of thesecond wounded, which have been adopted in myproposal, provide as follows. [...] Clearing station Remaucourt. Ambulance loading posts forboth aid stations, north east of Gomont forinfantry regiment 68. And in Condé-lès-Herpyfor infantry regiment 9. Both attacking regimentsmust at all times be accompanied and cared forby medical corps soldiers. During the first attack, duringthe crossing of the river, and on the oppositebank of river and canal. [...] [Commanding officer:] For this purpose,both medical companies are being kept in readinessfor further employment at the beginning of the attack.Whereas the surgical hospital will be in charge of theclearing station at Remaucourt. [...] From there, evacuation towardthe army surgical hospital will be carried out bymeans of the motor ambulances of the First MotorAmbulance Platoon. The ambulances of the SecondMotor Ambulance Platoon are distributed at theambulance loading posts. The Second MedicalCompany will be kept in readiness behindthe Infantry Regiment 68. The first behind InfantryRegiment 9. Platoons of medical corps soldiersof both medical companies will accompany theinfantry regiments in the attack,crossing, and advance. [Map] The remainder of themedical companies will follow as soon asthe crossing can be made. [...] [Commanding officer:] Gentlemen, I adviseyou to mark your maps, since precise knowledgeof the situation is imperative for efficientuse of medical troops. [...] [June, Nine, Sunday] [Clock dial] [Background noise] [Artillery explosions] [Narrator:] At the crack of dawn,the attack breaks loose. The infantry transportsthe pneumatic boats over a sunken road to the Aisne. [Explosions and gunshots] [Troops paddling boats] [Machine gun firing in distance] [Indistinct chatter] [Water paddling, splash sounds] [Faint explosion rumble] [Explosions continue] [Water paddling splashes] [Narrator:] The medical troops ofthe medical company advance with the infantry. [...] Heavy fog obstructs the view. [...] The first prisoners. [...] The first wounded in an aidnest, emergency treatment by officers and men ofthe medical company. [Soft music] [...] [Distant gunshots] The wounded are immediatelyremoved from the zone of fire. The slightly wounded walk back. The evacuation acrossthe Aisne to the aid station located at a distance of about500 yards from the river. [Distant gunshots] The sun rises. Soon, the fog will be dispelled. [Explosions and gunshots] [Gunshots] [Explosions and gunshots] [...] A medical aid man,a death casualty. [Gunshots] [...] Numerous wounded must beevacuated to the rear. Prisoners too must help. [Faint explosion rumble] [Prisoners helping transport the wounded] [...] Where litters arenot available, they are improvised with thehelp of doors and ladders. [...] Enemy wounded are caredfor the same way as ours. [...] In this embittered struggle,the Potsdam division fights an activeParisian division. [Faint explosion rumble] [...] [Explosion] [Artillery rounds ground explosions] [Machine gun firing] [...] [Distant explosions] [...] [Machine gun firing in distance] [...] Other enemy pocketsof resistance are attacked by artillery fire. [Artillery rounds firing] [Truck engines] [Artillery rounds ground explosions] [Artillery rounds firing] [...] The attack goes on.Together with the infantry, the soldier ofthe medical corps. [Gunshots] [...] [Machine gun firing in distance] [Gunshots continue] [...] Even under theheaviest enemy fire, a wounded buddy hasto be evacuated. Even at the risk of one's own life. [Explosions and gunshots in distance] [Wounded being transported in litters] [...] [Wounded being transported continues] [Indiscriminate chatter] [Rustling sounds of troop movement] [Indiscriminate chatter] [Rustling sounds of troop movement] [Intense music] All wounded are firstbrought to the aid station. Signposts indicate the way. [Truppenverbandplatz] [Regimental and company aid stations] [Light instrumental music] [Medical corps soldier helps wounded] Proper and carefulentries are being made on the medical tag.Individual identification data as well as thetreatment administered. The latter informationserving as the basis for later medical care. The battalion surgeon renewsthe dressing. [Music] Administers anti-tetanus injection, andprovides for transportation. [Light instrumental music] [Medical corps tends to injured soldiers] [Faint artillery explosions in background] Another aid station. [Light instrumental music] [Medical corps tends to injured soldiers] [Faint artillery explosions in background] [Music and explosions continue] [...] [Vehicles approaching] Ambulances from theambulance loading post are loaded at the aid station and carry out the evacuation to the clearing station. [...] [Music] [Soft dramatic music] [Distant explosions] [Narrator:] The simultaneous arrivalof numerous casualties during the first attack callsfor the temporary employment of the first medical company atan advanced clearing station. [Hauptverbandplatz] [Divisional aid station] [Horse-drawn cart] The ambulances coming fromthe front line stop here. [Instrumental music and explosions] [...] This means a gain of precioustime for the wounded, since this advancedclearing station is located right behind the Aisne.The initial treatment of wounds is of decisive importancefor future recovery. It has to be administeredas early and as expertly as possible. [...] Transportation ofthe wounded by all means. Even bymotorcycles with sidecars. [Instrumental music and explosions] [...] The slightly wounded walk. Here, you see a companyleader with his orderly. [Music continues] [Distant explosions] [Medical corps tends to injured soldiers] [Music continues] [Distant explosions] [Music continues] [Artillery explosion] [Soft tense music] [Medical corps tends to injured soldiers] [Narrator:] This employment ofthe medical company allows the firstsurgical operations to be performed only a shorttime after the casualty has occurred. These operations comprisecheck of all dressings, control of hemorrhages,splinting of fractures, as well as absolutely necessary.And vital surgical procedures. In addition to this,appropriate general treatment is administered to counteractphysical exhaustion of the wounded. Toreduce suffering and pain and so forth. Rations are also distributed. [Instrumental music and distant explosions] [Medical corps tends to injured soldiers] [Medical corps tends to injured soldiers] [Instrumental music and distant explosions] [Medical corps tends to injured soldiers] [...] [Narrator:] The surgeon of the medicalcompany has at his disposal all imaginableaides and equipment. Operations are also performedin the open air and under tents. Soldiers of all grades ofthe medical service who have passed through a period ofcareful training in peacetime. Give valuable help as assistantsto the medical officers. [Light instrumental music] The hemorrhage of a head woundis stopped by cauterization. [Instrumental music and distant explosions] Giving practical advice tothe army surgeon on the spot. [Wounded being transported in litters] [Instrumental music and distant explosions] The corps surgeon. [...] A division commanderhas just decorated some wounded with the Iron Cross. [Instrumental music and distant explosions] Anesthesia makes helppossible without pain. [Medical doctors tending to open wounds] [Narrator:] A splint of plaster ofParis, made on the spot, is of great practical value. It fits the woundedlimb perfectly, by taking its exact shape. [Instrumental music and distant explosions] [Medical doctors tending to open wounds] [Music continues, soldiers walking about] [Narrator:] Heavy loss of bloodis counteracted by blood transfusion. [Doctors tend to injured soldiers] [Medical doctors tending to open wounds] [Instrumental music and distant explosions] [Doctors tend to injured soldiers] [Narrator:] Only an amputationcan save the life of this gravely wounded man. [Medical doctor tending to an open wound] Everything is gearedto giving early help, of checking the earlydangers of a wound, and of facilitating transferto the army hospitals and to the hospitals ofthe zone of the interior. In other words, of preparingthe way for a full recovery. [Wounded troops] The division has victoriouslyforced the river and canal. The great battle is on. The medical companyfollows the infantry to the oppositebank for new tasks. In the meantime,the clearing station of Remaucourt, which has beenin action since the beginning of the attack, takes care of thefew casualties still coming in. The wounded who have beencared for in the advanced zone are awaiting transfer tothe army base hospital, under the care and protectionof a small detachment of the medical company. [Soldiers relaxing at outdoor table] [Horse eating] [Light instrumental music] [Outdoor panorama] [Narrator:] Where embittered fightingraged during the day. The evening appearsto be peaceful. [Light instrumental music] [Outdoor panorama] [Light instrumental music] [...] Where a soldier sacrificed hislife for victory, he is laid to restby his comrades. [Makeshift grave sites with swastika created over the graves with bullets] [More graves] Infantrymen. Soldier of themedical service, and medical aid man. The first objective ofthe day has been reached. [Troops in formation] The Iron Cross isawarded for bravery in the face of the enemy. [Rousing music] [Awarding of Iron Cross] [...] [June, 10, Monday] [Dramatic music] [Narrator:] After a successfulbridging, armored troops prepare for action. [Music] Forward toward thebridge. Medical personnel of the units and membersof the medical company advance with the troopers. [...] To the south of theAisne, is the assembly for the new attack on Saint-Leu. [Military march] [Rousing music] [Military march] [Aircraft flyover] [Military march] [Engines revving] [Explosions and gunshots] [Tense music] [Soft dramatic music] [Tense music] [...] [Narrator:] Thanks to a specialsurgical truck, even on the advance,the medical company is always ready for action. In emergency cases,operations are performed just off the road. [Soft dramatic music] A tent is pulled out,just as you would pull out the inner part of a matchbox. [Soft dramatic music] The dressing table is set up. The surgicalinstruments are carried in sterilized containers. [Gentle music] [Dramatic music] [Gentle music] [Narrator:] Attack and advance continuean irresistible course. [Soft rousing music] Saint-Leu, which has just beentaken, is heavily damaged. [Gentle music] [Corpses lay in bombed-out church] [Gentle music] [Rousing music] [Music fades] [Narrator:] Together with the infantry, themedical company is arriving. [Rousing music] Members of the medical companymounted on bicycles advance with the infantry. [Rousing music continues] [Truck engines] [Horse-drawn carts] [...] [Narrator:] In the meantime, the medicalcompany, following its orders, sets up its clearing stationat a concealed position just outside town. Schools, churches, andhomes still fit for use are reserved forlater use to house the surgical hospital.The mounted messenger of the division surgeon. [Motorcycle engines] [Music] The clearing stationoperates, as the day before, in the open air. [Hauptverbandplatz] [Divisional aid stations] [Instrumental music and explosions] [Medical corps tends to injured soldiers] [Explosions in background] [Instrumental music and explosions] [Gentle music] [Medical personnel performing emergency aid] [Wounded being transported in litters] [Medical personnel performing emergency aid] [Medical doctors tending to open wounds] [Narrator:] French casualtiesare very numerous. French medical personnelhelp to care for them. [Doctors tend to injured soldiers] On the 11th of June, thesurgical hospital of Saint-Leu relieves the clearingstation and takes over the further care of the wounded.Since transfer to the rear is as yet impossible acrossthe bridges of the Aisne. [...] The surgical hospital isestablished in buildings prepared for this purpose. [Feldlazarett] [Casualty clearing hospital] [Aufnahme] [Admission] [Somber music] [Wounded transported to hospital] [Somber music] [Medical personnel tend to injured soldiers] [Somber music] [Narrator:] In this case of anabdominal bullet wound, early operation saves a life. [Medical doctor tending to an open wound] [Somber music continues] [Narrator:] [Inaudible] theadvance continues. [...] Without interruption,operations are being performed. [Medical doctors tending to an open wound] [Doctors tend to injured soldiers] With this burn, thechange of the dressing is done with extreme care. [Doctors tend to injured soldiers] The French casualties aresheltered in the church. [Doctors tend to injured soldiers] [Wounded lying on floor of the church] The chief surgeon ofthe surgical hospital is in charge of shelteringand care of the wounded. [Gentle music] Even though under thesedifficult conditions the external setup ofthe surgical hospital leaves much to bedesired, it still offers the best andmost valuable aid. [...] [Doctors tend to injured soldiers] The leg must be amputated,because the large vessels and nerves are severed. [Medical doctor tending to an open wound] A lifesaving operation.[Foot amputation performed above ankle] [Doctors tend to injured soldiers] [Narrator:] Thanks to theoperations and bandaging done in the surgicalhospital of the division, it is now possible to transferthe wounded by ambulance over greater distances. [Wounded assisted to ambulances] [...] Trips from 60 to 90 milesbring the casualties to the army base hospital. [Kriegslazarett] [Hospital] [Tense music] [Gentle music] [Wounded being transported in litters] [Red cross flag waving] [Gentle music] [Army base hospital] Officers and men ofthe medical corps, as well as nurses, takecare of our wounded with great devotion. They are assisted by the mostmodern medical and hygienic equipment and installations. [Medical personnel tend to injured soldiers] A building withoutstairways allows the wounded to be wheeled through allfloors without changing beds. [Soft rousing music] Each sick room has a terrace. [Roof-top terrace view of city] Slightly wounded patientsand convalescence take recreation on a sunnyroof garden high above town. [Gentle music] [Patients enjoying a sunnyroof garden] [Patients enjoying a walk outdoors] [Narrator:] The base hospital comprises a great number [Bahn station, Rontgen] of special departments.Essential for proper examination and treatment ofall types of cases. [Kriegslazarett X-ray facilities] [Gentle music] [Chirurgische und Kiefer Abteilung] [Surgical and Jaw Department] [Gentle music] The best doctors of Germanyare to be found here for the care of our wounded. [Gentle music] [Medical personnel tend to injured soldiers] [Laryngologie; Zahnstation][Laryngology; Dental station] [Medical personnel tend to injured soldiers] [Pharmacie] [Pharmacy] [Narrator:] In addition to thebase hospitals, the army surgeonhas at his disposal all necessary installationsfor medical examinations and scientific research. A staff of medical advisors fromall special fields of medicine has been established. [Armee-Sanitats-Abteilung] [Army medical branch] [German Army's surgeon] [Army Surgeon and a congress of medical surgeons and directors] During a general discussionunder the direction of the army's surgeon, themost recent experiences are exchanged and thedirectives for the treatment of the sick and woundedare established. [Medical advisors] In peacetime, themedical advisors had been directors ofmedical school hospitals or other large hospitals. [Medical advisors] Their professional experienceas doctors and research workers is put to good advantage. Newest discoveries concerningthe prevention of epidemics and the treatment of thesick are sent forward from here for the benefit ofmedical officers at the front. [Medical advisors] During a conference with themedical officers of his staff, the army surgeon givesorders for the utilization of the medicalinstallations of the army. [Medical advisors] For the transfer ofthe wounded back home. Hospital trains are requestedfrom the chief representative of the army medicaldepartment at the high command of the armed forces. The arrival of anempty hospital train is reported to the headquartersof the transportation corps. [Transportation corps staff] On the map, a littleflag, which has followed the itinerary ofthe train, is moved to indicate its destination. [Map] The wounded bid afriendly goodbye as they are moved tothe general hospitals in the zone of the interior. [Light instrumental music] [Soft rousing music] By means of motorambulances, the section for the transportationof the wounded carries out the transferfrom the base hospital to the hospital train. [Light instrumental music] [Convoy of vehicles moves through the city] [Light instrumental music] [Convoy of vehicles moves through the city] [Light instrumental music] [Rousing music] [Convoy reaches destination] Upon arrival at thestation, our wounded appear to be in good mood. Small wonder, since theyare heading for home. [Lively music] [Intense musical buildup] [Narrator:] The treatment is continuedon the hospital train. The medical officer incommand knows in detail the case history ofeach wounded man. [...] [Tense music] [Uplifting music] [...] [Narrator:] In the case of complicatedwounds, such as brain injuries, evacuation by airis used to speed up the transfer of patientsto general hospitals. [Wounded being transported in litters] [Light instrumental music] [Wounded loaded into aircraft] [Aircraft propeller engine starts] [Light instrumental music] [Aircraft propeller engine] [Aircraft prepares for take-off] [Aircraft in flight] [View out of pilot's window] [Aircraft in flight] [Narrator:] The homeland greetsthe returning soldiers. [Panorama of outdoor settings] Officers and men ofthe medical corps are charged with thecare of life and health of our soldiers. In battle, theyfollow their calling and their passionate will towardthe goal of their peacetime education. To help, to saveand to bring to safety. Themselves exposed to violentdeath, they brave all danger and, God-willing, save theirwounded and helpless comrades. With quick decision,choosing the proper moment with determination. Thesoldiers of the medical corps risk their own livesin order to save the threatened life of a buddy. [Pan of outdoor settings up to Nazi flag] Once the hazardous jobof collecting the wounded has been successfully accomplished,[Ehrwald Military Convalescent Center] the doors to the quietrooms of the hospitals open. Now, the helper on thebattlefield becomes a healer. Here, the art of careful andcautious treatment prevails. All the progress andachievements of modern medicine are put into servicefor healing the wounds and helping the Germansoldier to full recovery. To make him readyto fight again, or to take his placein civilian life. The soldier returns from battleto fatherland and family. For the men wearingthe blue service color, this hope and assuranceis the highest reward. [Soft rousing music] [Ehrwald Military Convalescent Center] [People sailing] [Ehrwald Military Convalescent Center] [Children visiting the Center] [Whimsical music] [Children visiting the Center] [Women visiting the Center] [Children visiting the Center] [Dramatic music] [Hitler greeting the wounded in the Center] [Dramatic music] [Hitler greeting the wounded in the Center] [Hitler salutes wounded soldier] [...] [The End] [PMF 5091, MCMXLVII] [United States of America War Office, seal] [...]