As late summer headed into fall, changes came to Stalag 13. Hogan was itching to gather more intelligence and sent Olsen out on more fact - finding expeditions. On his third trip out of camp, the sergeant was accompanied by Newkirk, who, like Olsen before him, received an ID and set of papers. The two men gathered information on bridges, railroad tracks and whatever industrial sites they came across in between the camp and the outskirts of town. This information was then passed on to London. On the fourth trip, the Colonel joined Olsen for a few hours; just enough time to get a quick tour of the town and return before he was missed. Fliers and a few escaped prisoners from other camps were processed and additional underground contacts were made.
In the middle of September, a deluge that lasted five days turned the camp and the surrounding woods into a sea of mud. Operations were put on hold as every available prisoner worked in shifts to prevent the tunnels from collapsing. Priority was given to the radio room, and somehow extra wood was found and used to shore up the area.
Hogan was undaunted. "Make a list of what we need," he ordered, "To pass inspection."
Fortunately, there was no labor shortage. Somehow, the colonel was able to con Klink into providing planks of wood for roof repairs that the prisoners volunteered to do themselves.
On the sixth day, the weather cleared just enough for Lebeau and Newkirk to sneak under the wire to retrieve a package of supplies scheduled to be dropped by parachute. They both spotted the small plane, but as the pilot reached over to drop the box, a barrage of antiaircraft fire hit the plane's tail. The two prisoners watched as the plane spun out of control.
"'Ang on. Looks like 'e got out." Newkirk pointed at the speck falling out of the airplane. The parachute opened and both men then headed towards the landing spot.
By the time Lebeau, Newkirk and the pilot headed back to camp, the rain had started up again. The three snuck under the wire, and showed up in Barracks two, soaking wet and full of mud.
"Holy cow," Goldman exclaimed. "You're a mess," he told Newkirk as he threw him a towel.
"Bloody 'ell out there. 'Ere mate," He shoved the pilot forward, "Someone get the captain 'ere a towel."
"What happened?" Hogan had heard the commotion and entered the common room. Although it was dark, he easily spotted the extra man.
"Captain Silverman, sir. I took some flak and spun out."
"We retrieved the packages, Colonel." Lebeau pointed to the boxes. "And buried the chute."
"You hurt?" Hogan gave the captain a onceover.
"No, sir. Just filthy."
"Good. Someone get him some coffee."
A mug magically appeared. "Kinch, notify London that Silverman is safe, but come right back up." Hogan now had a problem. A sub pick up could be days away. The weather was a mess and the tunnels were still too unstable at the moment to use as a hiding place. "We're in a bit of a pickle." Hogan declared to no one in particular as he tried to figure out how to hide the extra man. "I suppose you can hide in my office during roll call, for now," Hogan decided.
"How long do think I'll be stuck here, sir?" The captain had dried himself off and was now sitting on Hogan's lower bunk.
"Depends on the weather and how soon we can get a pickup time from the sub. Meanwhile," he continued, "You'll have to try and stay out of the way during roll call, and blend in the rest of the time. Which reminds me," Hogan opened the door, "We need an enlisted man's uniform for the captain. I'm the only officer," Hogan explained.
Olsen, carrying a uniform, appeared at Hogan's side. "Colonel? I can leave for a while, if you get my drift."
"You can just sneak in and out of camp that easily?" The captain was a bit confused. He thought he was dropping supplies to a unit of commandos and was now surprised to find himself sheltered in, of all things, a POW camp. But, he had learned to go with the flow and was intrigued by the complexities of the operation.
"Basically, yes." Hogan went into a bit more detail. "You already know the tunnel system is temporarily out of commission due to the rain. But we have other ways. We can sneak in and out through the fence. Sometimes we hitch rides. It varies." Hogan was considering Olsen's offer. Unfortunately, it was now too late and too stormy to send the sergeant out. He decided to hide Silverman for one day and then take it from there.
Another day and evening of rain, short tempers, bed counts and the captain being holed up in Hogan's office, plus a longer than usual wait for pickup, convinced the colonel to go with Olsen's offer. For the second time, Olsen and a downed flyer exchanged places. The sergeant left camp and set off for Schnitzer's home, while Silverman took Olsen's spot during that morning's roll call.
************
"The tunnel system is still a bit unstable." Olsen brought Greta and Oscar up to date on the conditions in camp. "Kinch runs down to use the radio, but only for emergencies," he emphasized. "And even that's a risk. But we're working on it," he added.
"How soon do think it will be before it's safe?" Oscar knew he would be in for more smuggling of personnel if the emergency entrance was out of commission. He would need an excuse to change the dogs early, he supposed.
"Less than a week, I think. We are shoring it up in stages." Olsen explained. "But," he said confidently, "I think this time it will hold better. We have more supplies and everyone is working almost around the clock."
"If I know Colonel Hogan, he'll extend the tunnel to the Belgian border." Schnitzer sometimes thought the colonel's plans were a bit grandiose.
Both Greta and Olsen laughed. A tapping at the back door interrupted the conversation. Olsen immediately quieted down and looked at the older couple.
"Brian, go downstairs." Greta warned.
Although the sergeant had papers, the couple was not expecting any visitors. Clients would have rung the bell. Olsen immediately headed for the basement, while Oscar opened the back door.
"Heidi!" It was his niece. "What are you doing out here in this weather?" His niece looked distraught and her aunt and uncle quickly ushered her into the living room.
Heidi, a blond, pretty woman in her mid-twenties, taught elementary school in Hammelburg. She shared an apartment in town with her cousin, Helga, the civilian secretary at Stalag 13. Both girls were sympathetic to the Underground movement. Helga provided Colonel Hogan and his men with information and occasional diversions, while Heidi sometimes passed messages back and forth.
Cell members were not, for security reasons, always aware of all operations being conducted in the area, and Heidi was now forced to divulge secret information to her aunt and uncle.
Greta had taken her wet coat and hung it up to dry. She put some water on the stove to boil and returned to the living room. "So Heidi, what's wrong?" She asked sympathetically.
"I didn't want to get you involved, but I'm hoping you might be able to help. I'll come right out and say it. I had a student a few years ago," she began wringing her hands. "He and his family; they're being hidden."
"Jewish?" Oscar asked.
Heidi nodded her head. "I won't tell you who has been helping to hide them. Another colleague. But, their hiding place is no longer secure. The rain; it's been flooding the area and they had to move. But, now it's too dangerous, Uncle Oscar. If the Gestapo..."
"They will be shot or taken away and so will the people hiding them."
"Yes."
"Heidi, this is very dangerous. How did you even get involved?" Greta stood up to check on the water.
"I couldn't not get involved. They're just people like you and me… And the children. Too many people… They don't care."
"I know. I know," Oscar replied worriedly. "Let me think."
Heidi followed Greta into the kitchen and froze. "Someone here?" Heidi had noticed an extra mug, plate and half- eaten meal on the table.
After slipping into the hiding place, Olsen stayed as still and quiet as he could, while trying to gauge from the voices upstairs what was occurring. As long as there was talking, he presumed, things were okay. From the tone of the voices, it did not appear that police were in the house. Assuming the visitor was a neighbor, he made himself comfortable and stayed put.
Greta did not immediately answer her niece. She was wondering if she should call for Olsen, when Heidi repeated the question. "Someone is here? Who? Downstairs?"
Oscar then came into the kitchen and exchanged a glance with his wife. "I think it's all right, Greta. He can come up. I'll fetch him. "
"Who is it?" Heidi asked, sure that if he was hidden in the basement, he was on their side.
Olsen followed Oscar up the stairs, where he was introduced.
"Brian, this is my niece. Heidi, this is Brian Olsen."
"Nice to meet you, fraulein."
Surprised to hear flawless German, considering his name, she asked, "Are you American?"
"Brian is a POW at Stalag 13. He occasionally spends time with us." Oscar explained.
Heidi did not ask for further clarification. "I see," she said. "So, Brian. You escaped and are trying to get home?"
"Well, not exactly," he answered, unsure of what to reveal.
"Why don't we all go into the living room?" Greta broke in. "I'll bring out some hot tea."
An uncomfortable silence followed for a few moments. Heidi tried to recall if her Cousin Helga ever mentioned a prisoner named Brian Olsen. And what did he mean by not exactly?
"Now, Oscar," Greta asked as she served the tea. "What can we do help these people?"
"Who needs help?" Brian, curious, asked.
"Is it safe to talk about this?" Heidi turned to Olsen. "I'm sorry, but I don't know you."
"It's all right, no need to apologize." This was the closest Olsen had been to a younger woman in months and he was relishing the experience. He smiled and Heidi smiled back.
"It's all right. He can hear. In fact, he may be able to help." Oscar reassured his niece and then briefly explained the situation to the sergeant.
"We've heard rumors of these things happening." Olsen informed the family, "But couldn't believe it. You know, the Gestapo will be looking for the pilot of the downed plane. That makes the situation even more dangerous."
"Do you think Colonel Hogan would be willing to help?" Greta asked.
"I can't speak for him. Right now, we can't hide anyone safely. But it's worth asking," Olsen added.
"Colonel Hogan?" Heidi asked. "What could he do?"
Oscar spoke directly to his niece. "Heidi, there's something you need to know about Stalag 13," he said, and proceeded to fill her in on the camp's operation.
"Oh my god." Heidi was shocked and now scared. "I knew you two were involved, but not how much." She glanced over at Olsen, who had remained quiet. "And you, Brian, you are in tremendous danger, if you're caught…"
"I try not to think about it," he said. "It's really your uncle that I'm worried about."
"We chose sides long before you got here. So," Oscar stood up. "I think we need to speak with Colonel Hogan personally about this and see what we can do. Since the radio is not being constantly monitored, I suppose I should go to the camp."
**********
"Schnitzer, you're early." A soaked Schultz struck up a conversation with the dog handler, who had stopped by the kennel, ostensibly to change one of the dogs. Schnitzer pulled a shepherd out of the kennel and switched it with one in the truck. The dog growled at the sergeant, who nervously backed away, bumping into LeBeau who had shown up behind him.
Schultz, who had seen enough rain and mud and was sick of marching back and forth, turned around and yelled at the Frenchman. Pretending to be hurt, LeBeau threatened to cut off his culinary bribes, while Newkirk, seeing that Schnitzer was free, took a chance and quickly met up with the vet.
"Problem?" Newkirk asked. Plans had been made to notify the Underground by radio when Olsen needed to return.
"Possibly. Can Colonel Hogan get out for a meeting?" Schnitzer handed the corporal a note.
"'Ang on." Newkirk took the note back to the barracks and handed it to the colonel. It contained instructions for a pickup. Newkirk returned to the kennel. "'E'll be there."
Lebeau suddenly patted Schultz's stomach. "I forgive you. When the weather clears, I'll make strudel, if you get the ingredients." Schultz agreed and hustled the corporal back to the barracks.
That night, Hogan left the camp and met Oscar at the pickup point.
"We're going back to my house, Colonel. I don't want to get into any details now, but my niece showed up today and, well, there's a problem…" Schnitzer stopped talking for a moment to swerve around a puddle.
Hogan grabbed onto the door handle to keep his balance. "You know we're limited to what we can do right now. The tunnel system isn't secure."
"Olsen explained the situation, Colonel." Schnitzer cursed as a front tire hit another puddle, sending a wall of dirty water careening onto the front of the truck.
"Your government should do something about those potholes," Hogan remarked with a straight face.
"I'll take it up with the town council next time…" Bang, thump! The truck came to a screeching halt. Both men looked towards the heavens as a sign of exasperation, and then wordlessly exited into the rain.
"Figures." Hogan checked the front passenger tire. "Flat. Just when I get a night out," he complained.
Oscar removed the tools from the back.
"Hand me a wrench." Hogan began to change the tire; stopping every so often to wipe the rain out of his eyes.
"What will we do in the meantime, if you rescue more fliers?" Oscar rolled the spare over to the now soaked colonel.
"Improvise," Hogan said. "And we'll have to use the Underground if necessary to hide them. But, we've been lucky. The weather has postponed the raids. Prison breakouts as well, I guess." He stood up. The civilian clothes he had put on before leaving camp were now soaked and muddied. "Well, this isn't comfortable," he muttered in English.
"That's why I like you, Robert. Not afraid to get your hands dirty." Schnitzer slapped the colonel on the back and laughed.
"You're a real wit." Hogan laughed as well.
"A wit?"
"Dry sense of humor."
"Dry." Schnitzer groaned at the pun. "Come on." Schnitzer opened the door and climbed back into the truck. "You can dry up at the house."
Olsen, Greta, and Heidi were anxiously awaiting the colonel's arrival and were at the door when the two walked in.
"Flat tire," Oscar grumbled as he headed for the kitchen.
Hogan just stood there. The water was dripping off of his clothes and his shoes squeaked if he moved.
"Sorry about the mess, Mrs. Schnitzer. Oh, hi. I'm Colonel Hogan." He held out his hand, and then seeing that it was filthy, quickly withdrew it.
Greta smiled and then took charge. "Brian, take him upstairs. Show him where to clean up. Heidi, let's get some towels and clean up the floor."
Olsen stepped forward. "Evening, sir."
"Nice digs, sergeant." Hogan followed Olsen up the stairs and into the bathroom where he washed his hands and feet.
"I do feel guilty at times, sir."
"No you don't." Hogan removed his shirt and wrung it out over the sink. His undershirt, too, was soaked. Sighing, he lifted it over his head and wrung it out as well. Not having any other option, he left his pants on.
Oscar, who had changed, showed up at the door. "We'll need to get you some clothes."
"Good thing it's not your uniform, sir." Olsen was trying to look at the bright side.
"The boy's got a point. Here. Try these." Oscar handed Hogan an outfit. "We'll try and dry out the shoes by the fire before you leave."
"We need to get down to business," Hogan reminded the veterinarian as he changed.
The five now sat in the living room in front of the fireplace.
"So, Heidi. What is the emergency?"
"Colonel Hogan, my uncle explained what's been going on at Stalag 13. Until tonight, I had no idea. I only thought he had contacts with the Underground."
"It was my idea to ask for your help, Colonel." Oscar wanted to make that clear.
"It's okay. What's been going on?" Hogan looked directly at the girl. He had noticed that Olsen was being uncharacteristically quiet, and that the sergeant's attention was also focused on Schnitzer's niece.
"There's a family, one I have known for some time. They have been hiding out with the help of another teacher. I teach elementary school, Colonel. One of the children was a student of mine. They can't stay there anymore. And we don't know where else they could go."
"It's a Jewish family, sir." Olsen explained.
"I see." Hogan sat back in the chair. "How long have they been in hiding?" he asked.
"A few years. They received orders that they were to be relocated and that's when this other person took them in. Only a few people know. It's been very hard and dangerous, you see. I don't wish to go into all the details, but Colonel, because of the rain and flooding, they have to move quickly."
Hogan now had a problem. At this point, he had never hidden or transported civilians. He wasn't confident that the Underground contacts along the escape route would handle Jewish refugees, and he had no idea if command in London would allow them entry into England. He knew this had been an ongoing problem since the thirties. But, he couldn't turn his back on innocent civilians; particularly children. But, he also couldn't let his operation be suddenly overwhelmed, either. How many more would come out of the woodwork? The other serious issue was logistics. Where would he hide them? First things first.
"How many?"
"Four," Heidi answered. "The parents and two children."
"Where are they now?"
"Still at this person's home. But now they're out in the open. It's too dangerous."
Hogan made a decision; if he had to, he would have them crowd into the radio area of the tunnel. At the moment, that was the safest place. He would have to somehow sneak them into camp and then into his barracks. Or enter through the tree stump and risk a quick walk through the tunnel. That seemed the best option. Sneaking them into camp would be dangerous, especially since Oscar had just been there.
"Ironic," Hogan said.
"What, sir?"
"Sometimes it's easier getting out of the camp, than getting back in."
"True," Olsen agreed.
"We'll take them," Hogan told Heidi.
"Oh, thank you, Colonel!"
"As soon as we can get a sub pick up, we'll send them out with Silverman."
"What will London say, sir?" Olsen was apprehensive about the command center's reaction when the family walked off the sub.
"The sub will assume they've been cleared. Once they dock, they'll have no choice but to take them ashore."
"What will happen then, Colonel? I hate to say this, but your government and Britain's, as well, have not been too helpful in the past regarding accepting Jewish refugees."
"You're right, Oscar." Hogan got up off the chair and went over to the fireplace to check on his shoes, which were still wet. "Look, once they're in the sub, I'll contact London and give them a heads up. See if they can arrange for a welfare organization to assist these people once they land. That's the best I can offer."
"That's more than we hoped for, Colonel. Thank you." Heidi was truly grateful.
"That's the easy part, Colonel Hogan. How do we get them away from the house, and safely into the camp?" Oscar reminded him.
"Right. Olsen?"
"Yes, sir?"
"We're going to have to bring them in tomorrow night. Through the emergency entrance."
"The Gestapo and police are out looking for that pilot, sir."
"Neighbors also spy on one another, Colonel. Some people would not hesitate to turn them in, and then their protectors in, as well," Heidi said.
"We need to get them out of there tonight, then."
"The barn, sir?"
"No, Olsen. Too easy to check." Hogan snapped his fingers. "Olsen, do you think that cave is still usable?"
"It may be a bit wet, but I don't think it's totally flooded."
"Cave?" Heidi asked.
"A few kilometers from here, there's a small cave and some rock crevices. I hid there once," Olsen said. "It's not easy to find."
Hogan looked at his watch. "Olsen, you have to go with Heidi and lead these people to the cave. I can't go with. I'll never make it back in time. Heidi, you'll need to bring some food and water just for tomorrow. Olsen, you'll stay with them and, as soon as it's dark, I'll send someone out to the cave to meet you. Then the two of you will bring the family back to the emergency tunnel entrance."
"Got it, sir."
"This is very dangerous."
"I know, sir."
"I can pack some food for you." Greta vanished into the kitchen.
"Schnitzer, I'll deal with the wet shoes." Hogan headed for the fireplace.
"All right. I'll drive you back."
"Olsen," Hogan walked over to the sergeant, who was already retrieving his gun. "Be careful."