 Mounting casualties (at least 100,000 since 1960, according to the novel) have sapped the German military despite Hitler's statement, which is quoted in the novel, about a perpetual war to keep the German people on their toes.Dead German soldiers are returned to Germany in the middle of the night.The action of the novel takes place from 14 to 20 April 1964, as Germany prepares for Hitler's 75th birthday celebrations on the latter date.