Hammelburg Area, Farm of Erich Jonach
December 20, 1943, 2230 hours

"Colonel Hogan wants us to check out the progress being made on converting the bombed out factory into a fuel depot and distribution station," Erich Jonach said to the men assembled in his barn.

"I assume that we should also let him know about the security they've put up on the site too, correct?" Oskar Schnitzer asked.

Jonach nodded. "That's right, Oskar," he replied. "We know that the Gestapo has taken charge of both the construction and the security, but right now, we aren't sure how large a security force is there."

"We'll need to be careful," Johann Mueller said. "We shouldn't get too close to the facility until we can determine if they have put land mines around the perimeter."

"And they may have brought dogs in to help them patrol the surrounding woods," Oskar Meyer added.

"That's why we need to figure out our plan tonight," Jonach said. "We need to get the information tomorrow night. Colonel Hogan is meeting me in two days to see what we've learned."

"That's not much time to find out everything," Schnitzer commented.

"I know," Jonach replied. "I don't think he wants to know everything at this time though. The progress is the more important bit of information."

"Does he plan to hit the facility soon?" Meyer asked.

Jonach shook his head. "Nein, Oskar," he replied. "I think he wants to wait until they finish it and it is operational. At that time it will be loaded with fuel and he wants to get both with the same explosion."

"That makes sense," Mueller responded. "The fuel will make the site more explosive as well."

"So, does anyone have any ideas how we could get this information?" Jonach asked. Everyone in the room was silent for a moment, each man thinking of ways to approach the facility.

"We should not have too many people involved," Schnitzer said at last.

Jonach nodded. "That is true," he replied. "You have a thought?"

"I think so," Schnitzer replied. "In addition to a small number of people, they should be able to explain being in the woods in that area."

Everyone's attention turned to Oskar Schnitzer as he began to explain his idea.

"Part of my job as the dog trainer for the Luft Stalag guard dogs is to train them to search out downed Allied flyers," he said.

"And you do that training?" Mueller asked.

Schnitzer smiled. "I said that was part of my job," he replied. "But I really train the dogs to be friendly to the Allied flyers. But Major Hochstetter knows that I used to use the factory grounds for my training before they began converting it. And he also knows that I still use the woods in that area for training. He should not have a problem with me being in the area, as long as I inform him ahead of time that I will be doing it."

"Would you be doing this training at night?" Jonach asked.

Schnitzer nodded. "I must train in all kinds of conditions so that the dogs will be used to it," he replied. "So it will not be unusual at all. I would just need one more person with me, to act as the Allied flyer that my dogs are tracking."

"I'll do it, Oskar," Meyer replied. "The dogs like me because I smell like meat." He laughed. "They shouldn't have any trouble tracking me."

Everyone laughed, and Jonach said, "Good, that sounds like a good plan. Oskar, I mean Oskars, set it up for tomorrow night."

Schnitzer nodded. "I will contact Hochstetter in the morning and let him know my intentions. Oskar and I will get together to go over what we need to do."

With that, the meeting broke up. Everyone left the barn and began their careful journey to their homes.