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Weaving a Web to Freedom, Book 2

Undoing the Past

By Marty Miller

Background information for this story is from the HH Episode "The Meister Spy"

Chapter 3

Colonel Knefler was at Dulag Luft when General Burkhalter arrived. The Colonel was in the Kommandant's office, preparing to read the interrogation record of one, Colonel Robert E. Hogan U.S. Army Air Corp, Squadron Commander of the 504th Heavy Bombardment Squadron. Colonel Hogan had been the target of the Luftwaffe, due to his successful bombing raids against the Third Reich. It was Luftwaffe General Biedenbender, who finally brought the Colonel down over Hamburg Germany and at the same time shot his own career up. The General was, at the time, a Colonel and made "grounding" the American, Colonel Hogan, his own personal assignment. He studied his flying techniques and bombing strategies until he could predict how he would maneuver during a bombing raid and how he would attempt to elude attack. It was on his fourth attempt at bringing the U.S. Ace down, that he finally succeeded. There were some that said, it was pure luck on Biedenbender's side that gave him the victory, but for the American Colonel the result was, a crashed plane, a trip to Dulag Luft, and, finally, internment at Stalag 13.

Knefler looked up as Burkhalter entered the room. "General Burkhalter" Knefler stood and offered his "Heil Hitler" in greeting. "Heil Hitler" Burkhalter responded. "Colonel Knefler, suppose you tell me what this is about?" The General stood stone still; his eye's searching Knefler's face, looking for an answer.

Knefler brought Burkhalter up to date on the Hans Strasser scenario. "Of course, General, this is just an investigation at this point. No charges have been filed. I have reviewed Kommandant Klink's records and found them to be most impressive. He had quite a distinguished flying career before taking over Command at Stalag 13 and his management of the prison camp is no less impressive."

The General could not deny this, though he contributed a lot of it to blind luck. Still it was impressive on paper, and he had a no escape record at Luft Stalag 13, which also looked good on paper, but the shenanigans that went along with it would make your hair curl. Yes, the man was either a genius or an idiot surviving on luck. The General preferred to think of him in the latter role.

"I was just beginning to go over Colonel Hogan's records. His successful bombing attacks had him on the list of the Luftwaffe's most wanted." ~ and most respected. ~ "Tell me General, were you aware of Colonel Hogan's accomplishments against the Third Reich, prior to his becoming a permanent guest at Stalag 13?"

Burkhalter drew in a breath and looked down his nose at Knefler. "Hogan's exploits were well known among the Luftwaffe, Colonel. You don't loose the Industries that Hogan destroyed with his bombing raids, without taking notice of the man responsible for their loss. We, the Luftwaffe, were told to capture him alive, if at all possible, but we were to end his 'career' at all costs."

Knefler pursed his lips and nodded in the affirmative. "Alive? Did Berlin have an agenda in mind for the Colonel?"

"Berlin always has an agenda. In Colonel Hogan's case they wanted to know, not only what military information they could gain, but what made him the flying 'Ace' he had become. We are always seeking ways to improve the performance of the Luftwaffe." General Burkhalter smiled coldly.

Knefler's eyes betrayed his eagerness to learn more. "Why don't you and Kommandant Killinger go about your business and we can discuss Colonel Hogan later, after I have finished here." Colonel Knefler was already making his way back around the desk to the records he had abandoned when the General had first arrived.

Having been dismissed, Burkhalter and Killinger turned to leave the Colonel to his reading. Burkhalter was still considering the question Knefler asked concerning his knowledge of Hogan's exploits. Hogan had been a thorn in the side of the Third Reich and of the Luftwaffe in particular. A lot of pressure had been put on the Luftwaffe to stop the American Colonel as the Fuhrer had ordered and definitely "at all costs".

So much pressure, in fact, that when Hogan's wings were finally "clipped", Colonel Biedenbender was decorated by the Fuhrer himself, and the champagne flowed for a week among the Luftwaffe High Command. Yes, Colonel Knefler, I was informed of Colonel Hogan's accomplishments, loudly, everyday he was in the air!

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv vvv

Knefler picked up the document he was eager to read, leaned back in his chair and put his feet up on the desk, making himself comfortable as one would when sitting back to enjoy a good novel. He opened the file, he held in his hand, and began slowly devouring the information.

(The chief function of Auswertestelle West, Interrogation station,(also known as Dulag Luft) is to obtain information of an operational character relating to Allied Air Forces through the interrogation of captured crews of Allied planes. Information acquired is supplemented by the documents, sometimes recovered, from crashed aircraft. The only information a prisoner is required to give is his true name and rank or regimental number. If he refuses such information, he need not be accorded any privileges. There is nothing in international law, which prohibits the interrogation of prisoners, provided no pressure of any sort is employed to extract it. However, no amount of calculated mental depression, privation and psychological blackmail is considered excessive.)

Knefler knew the international laws governing interrogation. He also knew that "pressure", though not documented, was a means of "extracting" information if necessary.

[Name: Robert E. Hogan

Rank: Colonel, United States Air Corp

Serial #: 0876707

Interrogator: Major Boehringer political Interrogator.

On arrival the prisoner was strip-searched; five wounds were revealed and documented. Upon examination the wounds were deemed minor, and it was decided that transfer to the hospital at Hohemark was not necessary. He was put into a solitary confinement cell and denied cigarettes, toilet articles and Red Cross food. Visitation by the reception officer, Eberhardt, followed, who endeavored to persuade the prisoner to answer all the questions on the Arrival Report Form. This form, and Eberhardt's assessment of the character of the prisoner, was passed on to Major Junge. Major Junge assigned Major Boehringer to interrogate the prisoner.

The interrogations were held in Major Boehringer's office, twice a day for 45 days.]

Glancing at the arrival report form, Knefler smirked. ~ Name, rank and serial number, no other information documented. Eberhardt failed to garnish any useful information here. I see that collaboration is a lesson to be learned, Colonel. ~

[Arrival Report form

Name: Robert E. Hogan / 0876707 Rank: Colonel; Trade: Command Pilot United States Army Air Corp RAF, RCAF, RAAF, RNZAF, SAAF, USAAF, FAA; Date of Birth: Where Born: Profession: Religion: Married: How many children: Home Address: Next of Kin: What was your payment during the war: When shot down: By: Squadron: Group: Command: Station: Station No: Letters and Aircraft Number: Type of Aircraft: How is your health:

Members of Crew

Name: Surname: Number: Wounded: Killed: POW: Date: signature:

Prisoner Assessment:

I introduced myself to Colonel Hogan, who responded with respect. We talked briefly about his treatment thus far at Dulag Luft, to which he responded with a few lighthearted bordering on sarcastic comments. After spending an hour with the prisoner, it was apparent that he would only give his name, rank, and serial number in answer to the questions on the Arrival Report form. I warned the American Colonel, that failure to comply would not be treated favorably, and that we were prepared to make him more comfortable, after he completed the form. His only answer was name, rank, and serial number.

It is my observation that he does not give his trust without reason. He remained focused on not giving out information, no matter how trivial. His demeanor was friendly and easygoing though guarded. When asked a question, he would either challenge with a question or maneuver the conversation in another direction. I had the distinct feeling that I was under observation by him, as much as he was being observed by me.

I believe any information from this prisoner will not be easily attained.]

Knefler paused after the last sentence. So information from you would not be easily attained, at least not here in the beginning of your interrogations. Thinking about what he had read, he determined, Obviously, subterfuge is one of your strategies; it buys you time, while you observe your "opponent".

Knefler picked up his note pad and jotted down the information he had learned for future reference while his mind continued to dissect the information in the report. Usually the period of confinement lasted four or five days, and I've known a few surly POW's to be held in the cooler for the full 30 days allowed by the Geneva Convention as a punitive measure. Your 45 days may be a record. Colonel Hogan it would appear you ruffled some feathers while you were a guest here! ~

Knefler grudgingly had to admit to a certain amount of respect for his subject. He continued with his reading.

[After 5 days the prisoner was visibly dirty and tired but still self-assured. Again failing to get anything more than name rank and serial number, the prisoner was promised an indefinite period of solitary confinement. His only response was "Swell".

Ten days later, day 15, the prisoner began to show signs of exhaustion. After gaining no more information, the prisoner was told he would be placed on starvation rations. His response, a light laugh and "You won't have to change much to put that threat into effect."

On the twenty-fifth day, his gait was noticeably slower and his release was discussed. It was decided to detain him a few days longer. The Gestapo was invited to interrogate the prisoner on the twenty-seventh day. In his weakened state an attempt was made to confuse him. He was threatened with death as a spy, unless he could prove he was an airman by revealing technical information on air combat tactics. He again quoted the Geneva Convention. It was at this time the interrogator delivered a backhand blow across the face of the prisoner to which the prisoner responded, "Temper, temper, Major."

On the twenty–eighth day he was placed in an overheated cell.]

Knefler paused again and smiled, ~ you have stamina, Colonel Hogan. ~ He stood from the chair he had been reclining in and walked over to the office door, opened it and told the secretary to bring him some coffee. He turned and paced, reviewing the information he had read thus far ~ Not one to give out information. If I hope to gain anything from him, I will have to use a somewhat different approach. ~

Knefler turned as the door opened and the secretary entered with a mug of hot coffee. "Danke," he said, taking the coffee and returning to the desk. He took a mouthful of the brew and let it slide slowly down his throat, while adding to his notes. ~ Able to keep his wits in an ever-changing environment and can be alone with his fears without allowing them to take control. ~ He paged through the documents in front of him, looking for the Gestapo's interrogation records of the prisoner. Not finding them among the stack of papers in front of him, he jotted a reminder to himself to ask for the missing documents and then continued with his reading.

[On day thirty, Major Junge and Major Boehringer met to discuss the prisoner. The American was showing signs of a weakened physical condition. It was felt he was close to breaking his silence and it was decided to keep him a few days longer. The interrogations continued for the next ten days with no information gained.

From day forty to fory-five the prisoner was deprived of sleep. He appeared somewhat disoriented and had trouble concentrating. Still, he did not provide any information other than name rank and serial number, which he had trouble reciting. It was decided he had no information to give and he was passed on to the hospital at Hohemark.

~Hmm, only men seriously needing medical treatment were sent to Hohemark hospital. Those suffering from shock or minor wounds received no medical attention. It would appear there have been some omissions from this text. No doubt to keep the Red Cross happy that the terms of the Geneva Convention had been observed. After 45 days of grilling, there is still no information from this American. I wonder if Master Interrogator Corporal Hans Scharff would have had better luck. ~

The remainder of the report was compiled in the form of statements from each day of Hogan's interrogations, which Knefler briefly skimmed over. ~ No information gained here as far as military information. However, it does produce an interesting profile. Quite flippant for a POW undergoing the third degree interrogation he was receiving. So, intimidation does not yield results with you, Colonel. Out of the seven basic third degree techniques I count six being used on you: simple diet of bread and water, hard bunk, dark cell, deprivation of sleep, exhaustive drilling. The last one, flogging, seems to have been omitted, but then there needs to be criminal charges for that...ordinarily! There must be more records. The length of Colonel Hogan's stay here at Dulag, indicates that some sort of information was being obtained, if not of a military nature then of a scientific nature. Experiments were constantly being conducted to improve the abilities of the German soldier and make them more capable fighting machines. Yes, there is more information available than is presented here. Obviously it is classified information that has been placed in a secure location, a location that was away from the prying eyes of the "Red Cross Representative" to whom the above records were sent.

Knefler stood, marched to the door, opened it and commanded the secretary to "get the Kommandant immediately".