Log 5

In the next four chapters in the Tiger in the Mud, Otto describes his memories during 1941 to 1943, after his unpromising beginning. Although Otto preferred to write his story practically, and there were seldom exaggerated descriptions, I still can’t help but keep imagining a dramatic turning point. The turning point that explains how Otto got rid of his unfortunate trough and got his infamous ride: the “Tiger”. So I kept reading with patience. After Otto’s failure in the advanced officer course, his bad luck was just about to begin. Since Otto belonged to a replacement battalion, which means they were never the most important part in the army. He never got the resupply after his 38(t) tank was destroyed. And they also lacked the equipment and new crew. Most of the time, Otto was working as an infantryman or combat engineer, cleaning the mines or roadblock, which was much more dangerous. During this period, Otto did get some promotion, but usually it was because his superior was K.I.A(Killed In Action). He also lost some of his friends, comrades, he particularly pointed out that his reliable commander died because of an accident during the training. To this point, I can find no more positive emotion in Otto’s story. The experience in the war just forced him to realize the cruel reality. Thankfully, this kind of life lasted until1943, Otto finally had some change in his story: he got the chance to join the company who was responsible for testing on the new tanks.

I already started guessing the exact reason when I was reading this part. Was it because of a heroic, remarkable performance? Did he manage to get involved in a famous battle on the East Front? Where and when did his legend start? Well, I did find my unexpected answer, but it didn’t excite me at all. During Otto’s trough, he was often sent to different places having different duties. While he was moving from one position to another, he managed to get to know a lot of people, including the rear logistics personnel and technician. So Otto was recommended to the company and was sent to Paris, waiting to receive his “Tiger” tanks with other crew. This fact surprised me. I can’t believe one of the best tank commanders would start his career with such a plain and normal beginning. It was not dramatic at all, I would even say this was too realistic to be accepted. Otto did make it to get rid of his trough, not by his performance, but with his good connections and luck. I had to admit, my disappointment was immeasurable in the beginning.

But I told myself, it’s always been a story about a normal guy struggling in the war. It was never a movie(maybe it will have an adaptation one day) and it shouldn’t have any heroism. And of course, Otto was never a hero, either. I know it in my bones, without his reputation, he was also a common guy with his own family, dream and life. He was not even the best tanker in his era, according to his early performance. I think he was just the right person in the right place and timing, who also exactly had enough abilities to make some change. Indeed, we can never deny his achievements after 1943. But I would really like to build up a correct and objective cognition of these historical figures.