The With A Little Help Raid

desertpat51

Two Allied Jeeps, carrying the Rat Patrol, pull in on the far side of an olive orchard. Beyond is a Moorish castle overlooking the Mediterranean, its waters sparkling in the light of a rising full moon. The castle, recently renovated, has become the site of the German High Command. A view from the front of the castle shows that a large gathering is underway. German staff cars pull up to the front entrance. German officers, in their dress uniforms, along with their elegantly dressed lady companions exit the cars and head for the grand entrance, chatting and greeting friends.

Back beyond the orchard, Sergeants Sam Troy and Jack Moffitt are both wearing the uniforms of German officers: Troy a Leutnant and Moffitt an Oberleutnant. Troy nods to Hitch who keeps watch over the Jeeps while Tully, dressed all in black with a pack on his back, follows his sergeants into the neat rows of olive trees.

The three men emerge from the trees and make their way through a small but well-manicured garden. While Tully makes for the cover of a hedge surrounding the castle walls, Troy and Moffitt, in their German uniforms, stroll casually along the side of the building. Moffitt glances through the tall windows of the large room set up for the party and scans the growing crowd. He halts and stops Troy, then nods past the glass into the room. They both see Hauptmann Hans Dietrich socializing with a lovely lady. She's in her mid-twenties, a brunette with a flowing blue gown, both with drinks in hand and enjoying hors d'oeuvres from a platter offered by a waiter.

Troy motions for Moffitt to follow him back along the building then casually whistles at the shrubbery. Tully whistles back and listens up. Troy shakes his head, "What's Dietrich doing here?" Tully asks, "Dietrich's here? You'll never make it through that room without him seeing you."

Moffitt thinks a moment, then with that impish grin, "I've got an idea. Troy, meet me back in the garden. The captain will be out momentarily." Troy agrees and says to Tully, "Stay here." Tully nods and hunkers down.

While Troy heads for the garden and Tully hides again, Moffitt makes his way to the main entrance and heads up the steps, where a guard is checking invitations. He catches the eye of another guard and, in German, conveys an urgent request while he partially reveals an envelope in his uniform's interior pocket. The guard nods and quickly moves into the crowded room.

Moffitt slips through the waiting crowd and goes back down the steps. He heads back along the outside of the building glancing through the windows again to see Dietrich nod at the guard then excuse himself from the lady with a slight bow and a kiss to her hand. Moffitt turns quickly and heads for the garden.

Moffitt meets up with Troy and they position themselves partway across the garden near some trees and a bench. They turn their backs to the building and appear to be talking as Dietrich approaches. The two Rats turn and grab Dietrich as he realizes who they are. Troy shoves his boot knife next to Dietrich's side, "I'd hate to put a hole through that nice uniform, Captain. Now walk casual, like we're all friends." They lead Dietrich toward the olive orchard.

Hitch hears someone coming, brings his gun up and takes cover behind the Jeep. He's surprised to see Troy and Moffitt back so soon, without Tully and with Captain Hans Dietrich already gagged, "What's going on?" Troy pushes Dietrich front-first up against the Jeep while Moffitt gets some rope and ties his hands behind his back. Dietrich struggles and tries to yell but the gag does its job. Troy pushes the Captain onto the passenger seat and Moffitt ties his ankles. Troy turns to Hitch, "Make sure he stays put." Hitch points his Thompson at Dietrich and nods, "You got it, Sarge."

Troy and Moffitt head back through the trees then make their way along the building again. Troy whistles to Tully who whistles back. Troy then nods to Moffitt and they continue on to the entrance.

The two men get in line and each pulls out an envelope, Moffitt pulling out the envelope he used to con the guard. When they reach the head of the line they each unfold their counterfeit invitations. They glance at each other while the guard inspects the papers. Satisfied, the guard hands the papers back and lets them pass. Troy and Moffitt put the papers back in their interior uniform jacket pockets, give an invisible sigh of relief and enter the crowded room.

Back by the Jeeps, Hitch holds his gun on Dietrich, "You're looking very… ah… dashing in your uniform, Captain… Looks like I'm a bit underdressed for the occasion." Dietrich glares at him and gives a futile tug against the ropes.

Meanwhile, Tully is making his way around the back of the building. He skirts a back patio while scanning the second floor balconies overhead for possible guards. He rounds the next corner and counts the balconies overhead finding the third one from the end. He positions himself under it, hunkers down and starts taking note of the guard rotations.

Troy and Moffitt are casually making their way through the party goers and toward a grand staircase on the far side of the room. They have no idea they are being watched. The lovely brunette, Dietrich's lady friend, watches intently as though she is remembering something. Then she smiles slyly as the two disappear upstairs.

The lady thinks a moment then opens her small over-the-shoulder beaded purse and pulls out a pen and paper. She scribbles a note quickly then folds it and walks to a General who is surrounded by German officers and ladies, and seems to be the center of attention. His craggy face brightens as she makes her way through the crowd, "Anna! Where is your escort for tonight, that nice captain of yours?" She smiles and slips the note into the right breast pocket of his tunic, "I am afraid he was called away, Uncle. I am off to find him." She smiles and gives her Uncle a peck on the cheek and then, pretending to be very stern, "Now, if I am not back in twenty minutes, you must open that note and send out the troops for us. Promise?" He smiles at her antics and gives a quick salute, "I will send out the guard, as ordered, my lady." She smiles, gives him another peck on the cheek then disappears into the crowd.

Upstairs, Troy and Moffitt have found the room they are looking for, with a safe. Unaware of the events downstairs, Troy moves to the glass door, opens it and steps outside onto the balcony. He looks down to see Tully who has seen the door open. They exchange a wave and luckily the German guard just went by. Tully pulls out a knotted rope with a grappling hook from his pack and deftly slings the grapple up onto the balcony railing. He quickly climbs up, reals in the rope and leaves the equipment on the balcony. Tully and Troy then disappear back into the room.

Out by the Jeeps, Hitch appears bored and takes a drink from his canteen. He looks over at Dietrich who has been watching him. Hitch lifts the canteen, "You thirsty? I know it's not champagne, but…" Dietrich stares at him, but Hitch isn't willing to take the chance, "Of course, if I take that gag off, you'd probably start yelling, so… sorry." Dietrich struggles again and almost tries to yell through the cloth.

Meanwhile, Anna has made her way to the garden where the guard said Hans was supposed to have met the men with the message. But Hans is nowhere to be seen. She's about to turn back to the party when a breeze carries the sound of a voice, and something she can't quite make out, to her from beyond the olive trees. Her eyes have adjusted to the moonlight and she can just make out the glint of a reflection off of metal. It's some type of vehicle. She thinks a moment then a sly smile crosses her lips.

Back in the upstairs room, Tully expertly opens the safe. Moffitt and Troy search through the papers and Moffitt finds what they are looking for: plans for an upcoming German offensive. Troy watches at the door as Moffitt holds the pages down while Tully takes pictures with his Minox subminiature camera. After Tully is finished, Moffitt puts the papers back in the folder and reinserts it into the safe. The door is secured once more and Tully puts the camera back into his pack.

Meanwhile, outside Anna has made her way along the outside of a wall which hides her from Hitch's gaze. She continues around to an area beyond the orchard and beyond where the two Allied Jeeps are parked. She finally is able to see that Hans is tied and gagged and under guard… but only by one man who is sitting on the hood of the second Jeep with his boots resting on the passenger seat. His back is to her and he's holding his Thompson on Hans.

Anna has one advantage; music is now emanating from the castle as the dancing has begun. She opens her beaded bag again, this time removing a small gun, a German Walther PPK pistol. She silently makes her way closer until she is only three meters from Hitch's back. Dietrich has noted Anna's approach but has tried to keep the private's attention by struggling and trying to yell through the gag. Hitch sighs and emphasizes his gun.

Anna stands with her feet shoulder-width apart, the pistol held in both hands, pointed directly at Hitch's back. She then lowers her almost alto voice a little further, "Do not turn around. Drop your gun. Hands up."

Hitch is uncharacteristically startled, starts to turn but Dietrich shakes his head. Anna repeats, "I said do not turn. I am an excellent shot. Drop your gun... NOW!"

Hitch can't see any way around it but flips the safety lever into the 'safe' position. He then sets the gun down on the hood of the Jeep directly in back of himself and puts his hands up. Anna transfers her pistol to her left hand then moves to the Jeep and picks up the Thompson with her right. Out of the corner of his eye, Hitch notes that the hand picking up his gun is decidedly feminine. What he doesn't count on, happens next. He hears the safety lever flipped, presumably back to the 'fire' position. He looks again at Dietrich who is almost smiling through the gag.

Anna circles the Jeeps pointing both the PPK and the Thompson as she walks and Hitch finally sees his captor. Quite a juxtaposition – a beautiful brunette in a flowing blue gown, pointing his own weapon at him. Now in her normal voice, with a distinctive German accent, "As I said, I am an excellent shot and I have studied all kinds of weapons, including those of the enemy."

Anna stands next to Hans, sets the Thompson down on the Jeep's hood in front of him but keeps the PPK pointed at Hitch. She removes Hans' gag, unties his hands, and studies Hitch "Let me see. Blond hair, glasses, a Kepi hat… You must be Private Mark Hitchcock… Hitch, if I'm not mistaken?" Hitch is stunned that she knows who he is, then concerned as Dietrich finishes untying his ankles, stands and picks up the Thompson…

Inside, up on the second floor of the castle, Tully slings the pack over his back and moves to the balcony door. He cautiously steps out onto the balcony and checks for any German guards. Satisfied, he attaches the grapple and lowers the rope over the edge. He climbs over the balcony railing and slips down the rope to the ground. Troy, who has moved out onto the balcony, unhooks the grapple. He lets it fall to Tully who wraps the rope around the grapple and stows it in his pack before waving to Troy and moving back along the building and into the dark.

Troy closes the balcony door then he and Moffitt move to the main door. Moffitt opens it a smidge, checks the hall, and finds no one there. They quickly move into the hallway and quietly close the door.

Troy and Moffitt slip their peaked visor caps under their left arms, take a deep breath then start the long walk down the stairs. They just need to get through the crowd, out the door and back to their Jeeps. As they take each stair, they are both scanning the crowd below. Almost simultaneously, they both spot Dietrich and the brunette standing between the bottom of the stairs and the exit. They stop on the stairs and the lady smiles, brings her right hand up and gives a 'come here' motion with her index finger.

Troy and Moffitt don't have any guns due to the restrictions of the party. And they are certainly outnumbered. They exchange a glance. Troy sighs, nods slightly to Moffitt and they continue down the stairs. Dietrich is standing slightly behind Anna with his hands clasped behind his back as the two approach. Anna smiles, "I do hope you won't make a scene." She leads the three men to a more private alcove, "So gentlemen, what do you think of our little party?" Moffitt speaks softly, "Quite nice, actually." His British accent is unmistakable. Troy chimes in, "Yeah. Quite the, ah… gala."

Anna introduces herself, "I am Anna. And you must be… Jack." Moffitt is surprised that she knows his name but is also trying to keep up at least the appearance of a German officer. He follows the captain's lead from earlier in the evening, does a slight bow and kisses the back of Anna's hand, "It is a pleasure to meet you… Anna." Anna smiles then abruptly reaches into her purse and pulls out the PPK, handing it to Dietrich who quickly slips it into his uniform jacket pocket, "Be a dear and keep an eye on Sam, won't you?" She then takes ahold of Moffitt's hand, "Now we must dance. Come." Moffitt hesitates then hands his cap to Troy as Anna leads him out onto the dance floor and they begin a waltz.

Troy turns his back to the crowd and talks in low tones to Dietrich, "What's going on? Who is that woman? What's happened to Hitch?" Dietrich smiles and also talks softly so that only Troy can hear him, "The lady is the General's niece. She is very resourceful. Your private was fine when we left him tied up at the Jeeps." Troy absorbs this news for a moment, then looks around but sees no armed guards coming to take them into custody, "Why haven't we being arrested?" Dietrich turns serious, looks at the German uniform Troy is wearing, "Considering your attire, if it were up to me, you'd already be in a cell awaiting execution. Unfortunately, it is not up to me, as I have no authority here. It is, in fact, up to the lady. Although what she seems to be more interested in at present appears to be… dancing." Troy glances at the dance floor and shakes his head, "Dancing?" Troy glances at Dietrich then takes a deep breath. Dietrich smiles slightly, but says nothing.

As Troy and Dietrich are talking Anna is conversing with Moffitt, but quietly. She draws close and whispers in his ear "So, where are you from in England?" Moffitt leans in toward Anna, "Most recently, Cambridge." Anna smiles, "I understand you have a doctorate in, is it archeology or anthropology or something like that?" He nods, "Something like that." She asks, "And, as I understand it, you are an expert on North Africa?" He nods again, "I see you've done your homework. But I know nothing about you." Anna has been enjoying Moffitt's dancing but now decides the conversation is getting a little too personal, "You are an excellent dancer… doctor. Unfortunately, I must cut this short. I have one more gentleman on my dance card."

As Moffitt escorts Anna back to the alcove, Dietrich turns to Troy and in a snide tone says, "Good luck." Troy is somewhat taken aback, "If you're wishing me good luck then I know I'm in trouble." Dietrich smiles as Anna addresses Troy, "Your turn." She holds out her hand. He hesitates, hands Moffitt the two caps, and then reluctantly takes her hand.

They move out onto the dance floor. Troy has been watching the other men then takes her right hand in his left and wraps his other around her waist, but she corrects him, "Right hand a bit higher on my back, please." He quickly moves his hand up, "Sorry. This isn't exactly my forte." Anna smiles, "Nonsense. Everyone can waltz. Just relax." She now leans in and speaks softly, "You're not trying to… how do you say… wrestle a cow to the ground." Troy looks at her questioningly. She smiles leans in again, "Well, I understand you come from… one of those western states? And don't they have a lot of cows there?" Troy now whispers, "Where are you getting your information, lady?" She smiles and leans in again, "Oh, I've been learning a lot about Hans' enemies lately. I just never expected to meet them up close."

Troy tenses at the mention of enemies but she gleefully twirls out then back and whispers, "Relax Sam. You wouldn't want to ruin the dance." He relaxes a bit then smiles, "Where are my manners?" He now expertly leads her around the dance floor as Dietrich and Moffitt look on, amazed at the sudden transformation.

Moffitt leans in to Dietrich, "She's rather flamboyant… but a bit of a risk taker, I would say." Dietrich leans in to Moffitt, "You would be well not to underestimate the lady." Moffitt slightly smiles, "From what I've seen so far… good advice." Dietrich watches Troy and Anna, "You are both very good dancers. You may survive this night after all." Moffitt glances at him then is relieved as Anna and Troy finally approach the alcove.

Anna is speaking so others can hear, "That was most exhilarating. Thank you for a wonderful dance." Troy nods as he moves back to the alcove, with Anna hanging closely on his arm.

Outside, Tully moves quickly back through the olive orchard only to find Hitch tied up, sitting all alone in the Jeep and not happy. Tully automatically hunkers down and scans the area, but Hitch shakes his head, "They're gone." Tully sets the pack into the back of the Jeep, "What happened to you?" He starts to untie his friend. Hitch sighs, "Don't ask."

Inside the alcove Anna is still in charge, "I believe it is time for the four of us to take a little walk to the garden." Dietrich slightly moves his hand in his pocket, reminding Troy and Moffitt that he still has the PPK. Anna motions for them to head for the exit, "Gentlemen?" Anna quickly retrieves her shawl then moves close to Hans and he hands her the PPK. She follows Troy and Moffitt out, who now know she is armed again. They walk by the guards and down the front steps. Moments later, when Dietrich joins them outside, he is no longer wearing his dress belt but his Sam Brown belt with Luger. They then head around the right side of the building, back the same way Troy and Moffitt entered.

There are other party-goers now out, mingling around the front and side of the castle, enjoying the full moon and cool night air. Anna is happy for her shawl but wraps her hand around Hans' arm as they follow Troy and Moffitt. Anna draws close, "So, how are you going to handle this?" Hans speaks quietly, "Actually, when you were dancing with Moffitt, I told Troy that you are in charge." She's startled then smiles, "How delightful." She quietly asks, "What would you suggest?" He smiles, "Start with a search." She smiles and nods.

The foursome approaches the garden and Anna motions with her PPK to Troy and Moffitt, "Please move to the bench, gentlemen." She motions to Dietrich, "Hans, would you please search them." He smiles, "With pleasure." He pats them down, front and back, checks the inner and outer pockets but comes up empty handed, "Nothing." She smiles to the men and motions again with her gun, "Take off your boots." Troy and Moffitt are getting a bit miffed but sit on the bench and pull off their boots. Dietrich checks them, but nothing. He drops them on the ground and while the men are putting their boots back on, the Captain turns to Troy, "Where is your fourth man?" Troy asks innocently, "Fourth man?" Dietrich is not going to ask again, moves his right hand across to his Luger holster. Troy decides he better answer, "Tully couldn't make it." Moffitt chimes in, "It's a shame, too. He missed a wonderful party." With boots on, Troy and Moffitt stand.

Hans clasps his hands behind his back. Anna smiles again, "So, you did not find what you came for. I'm terribly sorry, gentlemen. I'm also sorry I was not able to meet Tully. Perhaps next time." She hesitates, then, "Well, you did not kill or kidnap anyone. There have been no explosions…" Her tone turns serious, "… It has come time for you to leave."

Dietrich quickly digs into his pocket and produces two Jeep rotors, "I believe you'll need these." Troy sighs, takes the rotors. Once captured, being released is something they weren't expecting. But they are not going to look the proverbial gift horse in the mouth. Anna smiles, still holding them at gunpoint, "Good night, gentlemen." Troy nods slightly to the pair, "Ma'am… Captain." Troy and Moffitt then turn and walk into the orchard hoping not to get shot in the back.

Hans now turns to Anna, "Well done." She gives him an impish grin, "I think we sounded convincing. Let's go see if the rest of our little plan worked."

Troy and Moffitt return to the Jeeps and Tully asks, "What took you so long? I got here almost thirty minutes ago." Troy sighs, "We ended up doing a little… dancing." Tully is confused, "Dancing?" Hitch asks, "Hey Sarge. By any chance, did that dancing include a beautiful brunette in a blue gown?" Troy and Moffitt both look at him, so he continues, "I hate to admit it, but she got the drop on me and Dietrich got away." Troy continues, "Yeah. We noticed. And he took these, I'll bet." Troy pulls the rotors out of his pocket and hands them to Hitch who frowns, "Where did you get these?" Troy shakes his head, "Dietrich. Get them installed ASAP!" Both privates get to work on the Jeeps, and are now thoroughly confused, but Troy doesn't want to elaborate, "It's a long story." Then he asks Tully, "You still have the camera?" Tully nods as he slams the hood. Hitch is also done. Troy looks at his men, "That was too close. Let's get out of here, before the lady changes her mind." The Jeeps start up perfectly and disappear into the darkness.

Hans and Anna, along with another officer, a leutnant, enter the room with the safe and Anna directs the officer to open it. She and Hans inspects the papers without touching them, then note a thin string on the floor of the safe. Anna picks it up and shows it to the officer, "We put this on top of the papers before closing the safe this evening. Someone has been here. I think perhaps our guests."

She takes the top file to the desk and opens it, spreading the contents out so all can see what has been so carefully guarded. Hans smiles slightly, "So they did not take the plans for the upcoming attack. They must have photographed them." She continues the thought, "But since you did not find any camera during your search…" He finishes it, "Someone else must have been here… undoubtedly Private Pettigrew." He looks to the balcony door, "Perhaps coming in and leaving by the balcony." They go to the door and open it. Hans points out the dirt on the landing then the scraping on the wrought iron railing. Anna smiles, "Well, you predicted that they might make an attempt to steal the plans, and they did. Too bad the real plans were hidden in my room." Dietrich now turns to the officer, "Please retrieve the plans and put them back in the safe. I want two guards in this room until the offensive is complete." The officer salutes, "Jawohl, Herr Hauptmann." Dietrich returns the salute and the leutnant leaves.

A while later and back down stairs, Hans and Anna are dancing to another waltz. Anna leans in, "That was most exhilarating." Hans stops her thought, "You took a terrible risk dancing with those two." Anna reassures him, "Nonsense. You were there. What could they have done?" Hans shakes his head, "Anna, you don't know them like I do." Anna protests, "Maybe. But I was able to handle myself. You must realize, Hans, a woman can do just as much as a man. Don't you be like Uncle. He is over-protective. He smothers me." Hans leans in, whispers, "Anna, you must listen to me. The General must never know the extent to which you participated. If he were to find out you helped at all, I will be demoted to sergeant and assigned to a tank unit." She smiles at him, "He wouldn't dare!"

The orchestra begins another waltz. Hans leans in, "So what did you think of them?" Anna leans in again, "They were not what I expected." Hans asks, "In what way?" Anna thinks, "Well…They were courteous… but perhaps uncertain… as if they were not sure of what I would do next." Hans adds, "They did not know what you would do. They do not know you." Anna looks at him, "But they do know you. Perhaps… They can predict your actions." He smiles, "Perhaps I should be less predictable." Anna smiles, "Perhaps…" Anna asks, "Did you find me unpredictable?" Dietrich thinks, "No… Not entirely. But you did, as they say, keep me on my toes." He smiles and twirls her out then back into his arms.

Anna looks at him, "There was something else." Hans asks, "What?" Anna considers, "I think… They are good men." She smiles, a little cocky, "I could tell by the way they danced." Then she turns serious, "Hans, they are good men, just like you. All good men caught up in a war not of their making." He turns contemplative, "But it is a war of our making." Anna asks, "Did you start the war… did I? You and I are as much pawns in this war as they are." Hans turns introspective. She then asks, "You know them. What is your opinion of them?" He thinks a moment, "They are… resourceful and very determined."

Anna takes a breath, "Do you think you could ever be friends with them?" Hans is surprised by the question, "Friends?" He thinks a moment then shakes his head, "I don't know. I respect them as soldiers. I know that if we conclude a truce, I can trust that they will keep it. But, friends? We have been enemies and fought for so long. It would take a very long time, and…" He shakes his head… "I honestly don't know."

They dance a few more steps. Anna, watches all the party goers, and smiles, "I just had an interesting thought. What if one day… and you would not even have to be friends… the five of you sat down around a table somewhere and shared a drink?" She sees a waiter go by with a tray of bubbly, "Champagne, perhaps!" Hans shakes his head and almost chuckles, "Now that is a most interesting thought."

A few more turns around the floor as the dance winds down and Anna catches her uncle's eye. He has been watching the couple and now smiles and nods his approval. Anna leans in to Hans again, "Uncle is very pleased that you thwarted the Rat Patrol this time." He smiles back, "With a little help."

Back at the Allied base, the Rats are in Captain Boggs office. Boggs drops a stack of pages onto the table, developed from the film they took at the German party, "What you've got here is a combination of three old attack plans meshed together. It's worthless." Moffitt protests, "But I read through it. It sounded authentic." Boggs nods, "Don't feel bad, Sergeant. It took the guys at division to figure out it was a fake." Troy beats his fist on the table, "So we went to all that trouble for nothing." Moffitt comments, "Now, at least, we know why they let us go." Hitch nods in agreement, "Yeah. To waste time on worthless plans." Tully shakes his head, "Looks like they pulled one over on us this time."

Oh well. Not a bad score so far: Rats many; Dietrich one.

Author's Notes:

-Most olive production in Libya was started during the Italian occupation (1911-1943). Many of the trees are now over 100 years old. They have a very large eating olive and olive oil industry. A challenge was to find varieties that can grow with low, mainly winter, rainfall, 250-300 mm (10-14 inches) per year, as well as the hot summers.

-The Minox subminiature 'spy' camera was developed by Walter Zapp in Germany in 1937 and uses 110 format film. The slide shutter type camera is small and has been popularized in many spy movies. Several models are still available, new and used.

-The German Walther PPK pistol (Polizei Pistole Kriminal), introduced in 1931, is a semi-automatic gun, which is compact, dependable and not only carried by plain-clothes police but is also a favorite of 007/James Bond! It is still available, new and used.

-Dietrich's worry of being demoted and assigned to a tank unit is a NOD to the movie, Death Race (1973) in which Eric Braeden (originally Hans Gudegast as Dietrich) plays a German sergeant in a tank unit in WW2 North Africa. Starring Lloyd Bridges, Roy Thinnes, Eric Braeden and Doug McClure, the story follows two downed Allied pilots (Thinnes and McClure), with one P-40 that can no longer fly but can taxi and barely jump rocks and ravines, that are pitted against a German tank and its crew. DVD available online.

-Anna's thought about Dietrich sharing champagne with the Rats is a foreshadowing of a scene in my The Endgame Raid story, published 31 July 2021.

-And for all of you out there, I just had to write a 'Dietrich wins one' story.

Enjoy!