Who is Paula from The Forgotten Soldier and what is their importance?

Paula is a young German woman about nineteen-years-old. She lives near the Neubach, and Sajer meets her while he is in Berlin in leave. At the urging of Ernest Neubach's parents, Paula spends a few days showing Sajer around Berlin, a place he's never been, and over the course of a few days, he develops feelings for Paula. Knowing he is on a brief leave, Sajer tries to rush the relationship only to damage it. Paula, however, also comes to the same realization, and the couple begins some type of physical and sexual relationship though the extent is not specified. During one memorable day Paula and Sajer sit in the countryside and watch a terrific bombing of the Tempelhof district and airport. When Sajer departs for the front, Paula gives him a care package that includes a photograph, and the two go onto exchange letters for many months. Sadly, Paula and Sajer never see each other again.