End of July 1943 - While the Wehrmacht is involved in fierce rearguard action in the south of the Eastern Front, the 4th Army under General Heinrici manages to hold its position in the central section of the front with only minor losses. In vain, the Red Army has been running against the buried compatriots in the so-called runway battles since the summer. Meanwhile, Otto, who is still struggling with the death of Erich, is waiting with his comrades for the onset of winter.