February/March 1945: While the Russians moved closer towards German home ground and towards Berlin forces were drawn to Klessin, a small village located not far from a strategic crossing over the river Oder. At the same time refugees from former German territories already in Russian control pass the area. Captain von Stock and his battle group come upon a trek of refugees and aide them find shelter and rest before they continue their journey to the West. The narration alternates between the military and political events of the time and the deeply personal relationship between Captain von Stock and a small girl who lost her mother fleeing from the approaching Red Army.