Summary

Chapter 9 – Upon returning to the front, Paul learns the Second Company has become part of a “flying division” meaning they are put into combat wherever the fighting is hottest. Paul learns in his absence, his unit has suffered very heavy losses. Nevertheless, he meets up with Tjaden, Muller, Katczinsky, and Kropp. They speak ambivalently about the war. If both the Germans and French are defending their respective fatherlands, they cannot say who is in the right. The soldiers also get to see the Kaiser, the leader of Germany, who appears briefly to hand out medals.

As the Second Company heads to the next front, they come across a tree from which dozens of dead are hung, having been blown up there by an explosion. On the front lines, Paul volunteers to go out to help scout the enemy position and strengths. As Paul sneaks forward...