Dear readers,
Thank you so much for the many reviews. I'm astonished that so many loyal readers are still engaged with the story.
I've finished the whole editing of the story and will publish the last chapters within a shorter range of time now. So be prepared for a lot of new action and many emotional moments, which will start now with the new chapter.
Like I informed you the whole events around the conquering of Hammelburg are historic, yet I changed the names of the first and second burgomaster of the town to almost similar names. The same goes for the names of the other town representants except for a certain gentleman who will enter the story later, because he was the real hero of Hammelburg. Yet the names of the hills, streets, roads and so on are historical.
Enough of the little prologue.
Have fun with the new chapter,
Love
Yours Starflight
Chapter 103 – How to conquer Hammelburg
Silence hung over the front part of the compound, while Hogan and his men, Klink, Schultz, and Schmidt could only stare uncomprehendingly at Hilda.
"You're…WHO?" Robert finally found his voice again, yet it sounded far too high.
"I'm Nimrod," she repeated, giving him another cheerful, but almost gloating grin.
"You…you're a spy?" Klink asked, flabbergasted. "You – my own secretary?"
"I sat literally at the source," the young woman replied wryly. "There is no better place to get intel than in the anteroom of a high-ranking officer – an officer who, above all, is involved in many mysterious missions. And I mean from both sides. General Burkhalter chose your camp over and over again for special operations and tests, and one of our top spies and saboteurs was here, too. So…" She shrugged.
"Your secretary is the super-spy Nimrod – and you didn't realize it," Burkhalter groaned. "Klink, you're still an idiot."
"As far as I know, you didn't reveal her yourself, my dear General Burkhalter, but suspected me instead," Wilhelm jibed.
"Well, you're not Nimrod, but a spy nonetheless," Albert grumbled.
"Our sweet mademoiselle – a spy." LeBeau whispered in awe.
"Blast it, our Hilda is more tough than I ever gave her credit for," Newkirk murmured.
Hogan rubbed his neck, still thunderstruck. "Why…why didn't you ever say a thing? You know I would have made certain that you'd be safe and…"
"Robbie, I was safe the whole time. No one ever suspected me, not even Hochstetter. Yes, you knew that I was on the Amis' side. I aided you often enough – hell, you asked for my help a few times."
"Yeah, I know, but I never thought you would be… a trained spy from our side."
She smiled. "Thank you, I'm taking that as a compliment. By the way, my mission was not only to gather more intel or to make certain you got information you would have missed otherwise. I was also sent because of your presence here. Someone had to keep an eye on you."
"What?" Hogan almost squeaked.
Hilda gave him a sweet smile. "We all know how daring and reckless you are, especially when you have to protect your friends and allies. You don't care for your own health, only that of your friends is important for you. General Butler was more than worried for you, and I'm proud and honored that he trusted me with the task after Helga quitted."
"One moment." Klink interrupted her, stunned. "Helga was a spy, too?"
"She was the first Nimrod, so to say. After she fell in love and married, she wanted out – something the High Command regretted but granted. I was already well trained and lived in the area. It was only logical to send me as her replacement." She glanced back at the still shocked Hogan. "I was ordered to assist you with everything you needed, yet I couldn't let you know who I am. You would have tried to talk me out of the job or send me away to keep me safe – but in truth, it was you who needed all the help you could get."
Hogan could only stare at her, while Carter began to chuckle.
"There you have it again; the silent waters are always the deepest ones."
"I don't believe it." Klink whispered.
Hilda gave him an apologizing smile. "I realized during my first few weeks that you're deep down a nice man – that you're anything but a Nazi, but played a role. What's more, I began to understand that you really saw a friend in Colonel Hogan and shielded him in your own way. Yet I never thought that you would stand up for him the way you did in January. Afterwards I was sure that you would protect him against any harm and danger, and I concentrated more on my other task – to collect intel." She sighed. "And then came Little Manfred." She gave an almost shy glance over her shoulder. "And Horst."
Schmidt glanced expressionless at her. "You're a spy," he deadpanned, and Hilda nodded slowly.
"Is that bad?" She asked quietly.
For a long moment, he only looked at her, then he snorted. "Came in handy that I'm a higher-ranking SS-officer, or…"
"Do you doubt my feelings for you?" She gasped.
Butler frowned and bent forwards to Hogan. "The two are…a couple?" He asked.
"Hm-hm," Rob nodded.
Schmidt sighed. "I don't doubt your feelings, but…why did you never say anything? Have you so little trust in me? Did you think I would have arrested you? I would rather cut out my own heart than risk your health and life." He looked hurt, and Hilda turned towards him.
"I know, Horst," she said softly. "And that's the reason why I kept you in the dark. If the Gestapo would have revealed my secret, you would be suspected, too. So, the less you knew about me, the less they could…"
"As if the Gestapo would be interested in the truth. If they would have caught you, they would have accused me of being your partner in crime no matter what. After all, it's no secret that we two have grown close. They would have deported or executed me – rightfully or not. But if I would have known of your 'job', I'd be able to protect you."
"You already protected me – and Manfred and my parents. Just like Oberst Klink did – just like Robert did. You all were always worried for my welfare as my friends, but in return, it was my duty to keep you all as safe as possible by not knowing what my real job was." She closed the distance to Schmidt and murmured, "I would rather die than watch you get killed by those cold-blooded bastards in black leather coats. And after Manfred came into my life – into our lives – I had even more reason to keep you all safe. Just like you did within the last few weeks. You knew about Robert, you knew about Oberst Klink, yet you shielded them and even aided them. I simply did the same, including for you as well as I could. Can you accept this?"
Horst sighed again and lowered his head. "I love you, Hilda," he said quietly in German. "I love you with all my heart. The mere thought of you being in danger drives me mad – and then I learn that you're a master spy who is wanted by the whole Nazi regime."
"You are what?" Frau Schneider croaked, eyes wide.
Hilda gave her a quick glance over Schmidt's shoulder. "Yes, Mama, I'm a spy – and I was hired by General Butler. Don't freak out; the war is over for us here," she said gently, before she returned her attention back to Horst; ignoring her father's somehow knowing glance.
Schmidt lifted one hand and stroke the knuckles of his curled fingers over Hilda's cheek. "The mere thought that they could have caught you…"
"But they didn't – because we all kept each other safe for one or the other reason. You and Oberst Klink were determined to protect our country against the true enemies: Hitler, Himmler, Goering, Goebbels, and all the others who let our people bleed to death. I did it for the same reason you and the Kommandant fought in secret against them – I did it for a better world. First for the right and our people, then for you and Manfred. Can you respect this?"
With a groan, Schmidt pulled her into his arms, grateful that this brave, sweet woman was never caught. "I not only respect your decision you obviously made two years ago, but I admire your courage to do such a risky job. But I would be really glad if you would skip putting yourself into danger – and from leaving me out, when you're taking such high risks."
She chuckled ruefully and snuggled against him. "Well, I think the whole reason for taking a risk is nearing an end – or has finally come to an end. At least here in Hammelburg." She gave him a peck on the cheek and turned around. Robert and Will still looked thunderstruck, the Heroes were grinning, and Butler looked far too pleased with himself. Rolling her eyes, Hilda sighed and switched back to English. "Oh, for God's sake, come down, gentlemen. We all have our secrets. Some of them are out in the open, but others are better never revealed."
The general lifted both brows. "What do you mean?"
Hilda giggled. "Easy, sir. Every woman has her sweet secret, hasn't she?" Of course, she not only meant her relationship with Horst – after all, that had been given away only a minute ago. She rather referred to the forbidden love between her direct superior and Papa Bear, but she would never tell anyone about it.
"Right," Alex sighed, and pinched his nose. Women. Taking a deep breath, he glanced at Schmidt. "As it seems, not only Colonel Hogan and his men, Lt. Col. Connor and his inferiors, but also a lot of other POWs and our master spy here wouldn't approve to see you in handcuffs. And after I learned what you did for all of them against your regime, I'll skip the little detail that you never switched sides – not even unofficially. Deep down you did it, and that's enough for me at once."
"Thank you, General Butler," Horst said, tightening his hold around a smiling Hilda.
"Hm, I'm not suicidal," Alex murmured, giving Hogan and the others an amused glance. Then he turned serious again, as he returned to the topic more important at the moment: seizing Hammelburg, getting order in the slowly erupting chaos around him – the former POWs and the GIs seemed to have transformed into giddy boys – and deciding how to handle this unique situation with the German guards.
"Gentlemen, I think we should continue our conversation in Colonel Klink's office. It's quieter there." He looked at General Burkhalter and Oberleutnant Schmidt. "Please accompany us."
Klink cleared his throat. "General, what about my men?" He nodded towards the guards, who stood still there lined up like during a roll call.
"If I have your word that they don't try anything stupid, they can move freely, but they cannot leave the camp. They will be POWs, and after checking their convictions, they can go home when the war is over. I see no possibility to let them go sooner."
Klink nodded. "Sounds fair. I will give them the orders and follow you afterwards." He saluted. "Gentlemen!"
"Colonel." Butler returned the greeting, smiling a little bit. He saw how Hogan watched his German counterpart walking away – riding crop beneath one arm, the other hand on his back.
"It's not easy for him," Robert said quietly. "It was his idea to surrender Stalag 13 to me, and I have to admit that he caught me by surprise this morning. Yet it was a difficult step for him. Despite his loathing and disgust of Hitler and what has become of Germany, he is an officer through and through. Betrayal always has a bad taste and for a man with such a sense for duty, everything must have pained him within the last several days – and years."
Butler made an affirming gesture. "He is brave in many ways. You won an extraordinary man as your friend, Rob."
The soon-to-be general smiled. 'You have no clue what kind of friends we are,' he thought with a wave of longing. He hoped that he would have some days alone with Will before he returned first to London, then the States.
He felt Alex clapping his shoulder. "Come on, son. We've got a lot to speak about."
Hogan nodded and followed him together with the others, while in the background, the first of the German guards began to spread through the camp hesitantly, suddenly feeling out of place.
*** HH *** HH ***
In Berlin, Hitler had finally realized the day prior that the last chance to turn the tables by sending V2-rockets was over, as he learned that most launch pads were destroyed by now. Above all, American and English air fighters were able to intercept the last rockets and brought them to detonation before they could reach their targets – with the result that the explosions in the air damaged even more German ground. Furious, he gave orders to cancel all former planned attacks against Belgium and Great Britain, yet he was still far away from opening his eyes and surrendering.
Now, one day later, the Red Army encircled the sad remains of the wrecked Königsberg, their advance costing almost half of the citizens their lives, while Hamm in the German country Westfalen was conquered by the 9th US division. More camps were liberated now because Hamm was more or less in the center of Germany.
In the area of Hammelburg, other explosions interrupted the discussion of the men in Klink's office, and recognizing the direction from where the noises came, Hogan already feared the worst. He would be right.
Only half a few minutes later, Butler learned from the scouts that the Wehrmacht members, who had retreated to Hammelburg, had blown up several bridges leading over the Tulba and Saale River. The only bridge that still existed was the old one at the doorstep of Hammelburg, because more and more German soldiers and members of the para-military units fled to the small town. Rightfully, Hogan and the others assumed that the Old Saale Bridge would be destroyed as soon as the last fleeing men had reached the town.
"When we attack immediately, they will not have any chance to blow up the last bridge, and we don't have to face a day-long position battle," one of Butler's advisers said.
"Most men are injured and barely able to walk. Do you want to start a massacre?" Hogan asked sharply. "Last time I checked, that's rather the Nazis' style, but not ours."
"If they hunker down in the town, we'll have to attack all of Hammelburg. Do you prefer that plan?" The man asked back, an edge in his voice.
"No, I think we should let the citizens handle this problem," Schmidt replied slowly. He, Klink, Burkhalter, and Schultz had been invited to join the council – after all, they knew the town best of the men present besides Hogan and his friends.
"What do you mean?" Alex asked, curious.
Horst took a deep breath. "The news of what happened to Gemünden after the town didn't surrender will spread with every retreating soldier. Even I heard in the morning of stories of how the town was lain to ashes after they didn't give up." He gave Butler a stern glare, while Klink groaned.
"Really, was that necessary? Gemünden has…had a historical town center with houses from the Middle Ages. They were built when Columbus wasn't even born, and you burnt them down?"
Butler sighed. "Believe me, Colonel, I didn't like it. It would have been better for all – the citizens and us – if this unfortunate battle hadn't happened at all. But regretfully, the SS saw it otherwise." He gave Klink a sympathizing glance. "I mourn with you."
Wilhelm only nodded sadly. "Thank you," he murmured, knowing that he couldn't change the past.
"Back to Hammelburg," Schmidt said quietly, but firmly. "I know the people of the town. They love it fiercely. Hammelburg is the oldest wine town in the area and is more than a thousand years old. If they realize that the retreating soldiers are a danger for Hammelburg, they're going to send them packing." He looked at Butler. "If the fleeing German soldiers would leave the city within a certain range of time, are you willing to spare the town?"
Alexander gave a sharp nod. "Of course. I know that not only the citizens, but also a few of us love this town." He threw a side glance to Hogan, who only shrugged.
"It's really a pretty, sweet little town – like from a fairytale book. And I know a lot of people there."
"The fiercer you Germans love a town, the fiercer you're fighting for it," deadpanned the adviser with a further glare at Schmidt.
"I think this goes for ALL people around the world – and that the Americans have no problem with fighting for their cities and rebuilding them has been seen after the Civil War, has it not?" Horst replied strongly, then he took a deep breath. "The people in Hammelburg are mostly not Nazis. They don't share the opinion that Germany should burn to the ground than surrender. Give them an ultimatum, and you'll see that you can conquer the city without much of a battle."
"What about the first burgomaster Klammann and the town council?" Klink threw in for consideration. "I know him. He IS a true Nazi, as is his substitute."
"Yes, unfortunately, but those two and a few others are the only ones," Schmidt replied.
"Deterrence," Schultz murmured, and found himself in the center of everybody's attention.
"I beg your pardon?" Butler asked.
"Schultz, this is no time for…" Klink sighed, but was interrupted by Hogan.
"Let him speak, Will. Our Schultzie did have a good idea or two in the past; why not now?" Robert gave his secret lover a gentle smile, and the Saxonian gestured to his former Sergeant of the Guards to continue.
Hans cleared his throat. "Well, what I wanted to say is…If you demonstrate them your entire strength, they will give in, because they'll realize that they don't stand any chance." His eyes were trained on Butler. "In Gemünden, the SS was in charge, and the citizens had no other choice than obey. A few of them may even had supported them, because they thought the black and grey men will defend the town successfully. But, if I understood Oberleutnant Schmidt correctly, the bunch of men who are now in Hammelburg are anything but battle troops. Many of them are not even able to fight anymore. Therefore, they are no real threat for your men, nor are they in any condition to defend the town. The citizens will see this and will send them away to save Hammelburg." He spread his hands. "End of battle before it even starts."
For a long moment, everyone only looked at him, then Burkhalter sighed. "If anything would have been as easy as you said it, the war would have been over for years now."
"The question would be who'd won the war." Norton grumbled.
"Preferably you," Klink admitted. "I can't imagine a world in which the Nazis' beliefs rule people."
"What you suggest isn't bad, Sergeant Schultz," Butler thought aloud. "If this plan works, life and provisions can be spared on both sides."
"Do you really want to take that risk?" His advisor asked, alarmed.
"We are at war, yes, but there are still some rules left," Alex said slowly. "At least from our side. To attack a town that is willing to surrender and shoot at injured men who are mostly unable to defend themselves is out of my league." He looked down at the town's map. "Yet we have to be prepared. Gentlemen, please give me some more information."
There was a knock on the door and as Butler called a "Come in," two GIs stepped into the building accompanying three men, whose faces were painted black and uniforms and helmets were 'decorated' with leaves: Scouts. They reported that part of the town that faced the river was almost overcrowded with retreating German soldiers, whom camped on the streets. They also spied a few dozen SS-men, who seemed to be in charge and getting some order into the chaos. There were also civilian women who seemed to be trying to help the casualties; others were heading to the north, obviously trying to leave the town. Yet everything was calm so far.
Butler only nodded and exchanged a glance with Hogan. To skip a direct attack had been the right decision. The number of civilian victims – mainly female ones – would have been too large.
The officers used the next half hour to make plans, then everyone was startled because of a mighty explosion that boomed from afar through the air.
"What the heck?" Butler whispered, and Klink groaned quietly.
"I think I know what was destroyed: The Old Saale Bridge."
Ten minutes later, the Oberst's assumption was confirmed by another radio transmission from further US scouts. German demolition squads had blown up a part of the Old Saale Bridge – a bridge that had stood there since 1121. Now more than half of it lay in large parts of the water. Fury rose in the citizens. The bridge had been special for them, but the SS – led now by Hartmann – knew no difference. For them, only one thing was important: To stop the US troops.
Butler and his staff got ready to leave the camp for the last part of their mission: conquering Hammelburg. Scouts reported that almost half of the casualties were already leaving the town, shoed away by the afraid citizens. Others still camped on the streets, and a few dozen Wehrmacht, SS, and Volkssturm members, whose injuries weren't too severe, were on watch near the town's border along the Saale River.
Butler decided to go along with Schultz's plan – and Hogan's: Demonstrating power. Concerning the destroyed bridge, they had enough equipment with them to build an interim bridge that was strong enough to carry even tanks as soon as the town had surrendered.
To encircle the town, the US division split into three large groups. One went to the Liebenthaler Höhe, a hill in the west of the town near the destroyed Old Saale Bridge. The second one went to the Buchberg, a hill between Hammelburg and the village Untererberg in the north of the town. The third one took position in the south on the Lagerberg, a hill that rose in the north of Stalag 13 and separated it geographically from the valley of Hammelburg.
As loud noises neared the town from all sides, alarm was given, but there was nothing the citizens could do other than watch the US troops taking positions – tanks, trucks, hundreds of hundreds of GIs. Heavy artillery was mounted, spotlights showed exactly how strong the division of the US Army was. Finally, something close to panic began to rise within the town. More than half of the retreated men had already left the town; the rest – mostly soldiers that weren't too wounded – had stayed. But Schmidt had been right concerning the townspeople's reactions. Nurses and women, who had aided the soldiers during the day, were urging them to leave too. They all knew that a battle would be inevitable if the German soldiers stayed.
Hogan, Klink, Burkhalter, and even Schmidt had accompanied Butler to the Liebenthaler Höhe, who watched the retreat of more members of the German army through his spyglass in the dusk. Warily, he pursed his lips. "I don't like this," he murmured. "Most of them have bandages, yes, but they move rather smoothly." He lowered the spyglass. "I think the real casualties have already left and those guys over there are in a far better condition than assumed."
Schmidt, who held himself in the background, said quietly, "As I left midday, most of the newcomers were injured. But I think during the last several hours many men of the more intact troops arrived in Hammelburg."
Butler nodded grimly. "Yes – and they can give us trouble." He looked over his shoulder at the Oberleutnant. "I saw the layout of the town on the map Colonel Klink showed us. Is it correct that square from here," he pointed to the left side of the destroyed bridge. "Is the SS- and Gestapo Headquarters?"
Horst nodded. "Yes. Most of the casualties camped along the street Langer Graben. It's between our HQ and the outer street directly beside the river, the Weihertorplatz. Two lines of houses separate them."
"Hm, but I see many, many men behind the low retaining wall along the street." He pointed at the wall made of rough stones that was waist-high and had been built to protect the town against floods when the Saale was swollen.
"Rearguards, no doubt," Klink murmured beneath his breath. "This crazy bastard Hartmann really thinks he can repeat what already happened in Gmünd."
"REEEAAADDDYYY ARTILLERY!" Butler shouted and rubbed his chin. "Dammit, I wanted to prevent this mess!"
Hogan had gotten his own spyglass and was watching the activities on the other side of the river. "More soldiers are leaving, but others are getting ready to defend the outer line of the town." He cursed and shook his head. "This is insane."
Butler had spoken with two of his advisors and took a deep breath. "We'll give them a demonstration what they would face should they decide to play heroes." He gave Hogan and the others a short nod and jogged down the hill, shouting orders.
With dread, the three Germans and Hogan watched how trucks and metal parts, which usually were used for interim bridges, were positioned as cover for riflemen, while tanks were brought into position. For a few minutes, everything remained silent, then it happened. One of the 'defenders' at the retaining wall seemed to lose his nerves, and the first shot was given – exactly as the church clock struck seven o'clock. And then hell broke loose.
Hogan and Schmidt reacted without wasting a thought. While Horst threw himself against Burkhalter to get the heavy man down on the ground, Robert pulled Klink with him behind the next tank; pressing the older man down into the mud while he covered him with his body. Will protested, but the American officer ignored him.
Shots rang through the air accompanied by curses and screams, then the first loud booms of the firing artillery tore through the air. The rest of the German soldiers along the river bank opened fire from their rifles and even rocket-propelled grenades were used, but it was clear who had the upper hand here. Yet the first shelling was only a slugfest; the next heavy firing did damage to the town. Then quietness returned.
Carefully, Hogan rose to his knees, 'dismounting' the older man, and looked around the tank. He saw more of the German soldiers fleeing the town towards the north, while GIs tried to intercept their escape way from the other side.
"Nun schauen Sie mal, wie ich aussehe, (Now look at me!)" said an indignant Burkhalter.
"Besser schmutzig, als tot, (Better dirty than dead)" came the wryly reply from Schmidt.
Hogan glanced to the left and saw the ex-general sitting on the ground; Horst beside him. Because of the warmer weather within the last two weeks, the rest of the snow had melted away, and the ground was softer and mostly muddy; especially after the tanks and trucks had passed over it. Burkhalter's appearance had fallen prey to it now. His grey uniform was more brown green on the front than anything else. The mud had also found its way on his face, making him comparable with a wooden gnome, if not for his large size. Schmidt didn't look any better, but he didn't seem to care.
Despite the whole situation, Hogan couldn't help himself; he had to chuckle. A little devil on his shoulder gave him some glee to see the so often arrogant German staff officer like this.
"Well, this is field work, General Burkhalter – literally," he called.
He received a sour glance accompanied by the words, "Very funny, Hogan."
"A little reminder how it is to do the dirty work – also literally," Klink murmured beside Robert. He tried to polish his monocle that had fallen into the dirt, but without any success. His own uniform didn't look any better, but his only worry was his lover. "Are you all right?" He asked, his glance checking every inch of the younger man he could see.
"I'm okay," Robert nodded, offered Will a handkerchief ,and quickly pressed the older man's hand before he got on his feet. With schooled eyes, he took in the mess at the river banks. The US soldiers were taking new positions, radiomen were exchanging status messages with the two other groups, while on the other side of the Saale, the Germans were fleeing. Shouts, which couldn't be understood, echoed through the air, but it was clear what they were: Orders. Orders to fight.
"They're crazy," Burkhalter said, and wheezed as Schmidt helped him to rise. "Hogan, I have to speak with your general friend. Maybe I can put a stop on this madness!" He called out.
Robert frowned and closed the short distance to the Austrian. "What do you mean?"
"I don't think that it has become public by now that I've fallen from grace. Therefore, I'm still a general for them. I can order them to stop fighting."
Hogan fixed his gaze on Burkhalter's face and realized that the man was serious. The former general didn't want to shed any more blood than had been already done. "Wait here," he said, and jogged into the direction he heard Butler's voice. He reached his superior and mentor quickly and told him about Burkhalter's offer.
"Do you think it will work?" Alex asked skeptically.
"Let's give it a try. It can't hurt," the colonel shrugged, and Butler sighed.
"Okay."
Three minutes later, Burkhalter had reached a point at the foot of the hill, where hundreds of GIs were in position. On the other side, members of the different German units were retreating or aiming at the Americans. The situation was about to explode again.
Hogan and Norton had accompanied Burkhalter, who received hard and often skeptical gazes, while he was led through the lines of the US soldiers. A sergeant came running behind them and handed a white blanket to the Austrian. "General Butler thinks that none of those bastards over there will shoot at you when you raise a white flag," he said.
"Good idea," Hogan nodded, giving the man a short smile, who saluted back.
"Never thought it would come to this," Albert whispered, took a deep breath, and rose the material into the air before he passed the last line of GIs. Raising the material with one hand and building a kind of funnel with his other, he took a deep breath and shouted, "Hier spricht General Burkhalter. Feuer einstellen und legen Sie die Waffen weg! Ich wiederhole: Feuer einstellen und Waffen weglegen! Dann wird die Stadt verschont! (This is General Burkhalter speaking. Cease fire, and put away your weapons. I repeat: Cease fire, and lower your weapons. Then the town will be spared.)"
For a long moment, nothing happened, then a voice shouted back. "General Burkhalter, Sie wurden Ihres Postens enthoben und ich habe einen Haftbefehl für Sie. Geben Sie also keine Befehle. Diese Stadt wird verteidigt und… (General Burkhalter, you were removed from your position, and I have an order to arrest you. So stop giving orders. This town will be defended and…)". The man, who had risen to his full height to be seen and wore a grey SS-uniform with a black collar, was somehow familiar to Hogan, but he couldn't put a finger on it. Then he watched how the man ducked suddenly, when a few women simply attacked him; screeching at him to shut up and to leave the town. A few men, who wore Wehrmachts grey and the makeshift-uniforms of the Volkssturm, pulled the women away. One Wehrmacht officer even slapped them.
"Sweet Lord," murmured Hogan, while Norton didn't hesitate to shout over the river in German.
"Hören Sie auf, die Damen zu schlagen, Sie feige Memme. Hören Sie lieber auf die Ladies und ziehen Sie ab, bevor es Hammelburg genauso ergeht wie Gemünden! (Stop slapping the ladies, you cowardly wuss. You should rather listen to them and leave before Hammelburg will face the same as Gemünden!)
Hogan saw the muzzle flash even before the noise of the shot rang out. Acting on reflex, he threw himself against Burkhalter, while his left hand shot forwards and pulled Norton with him. In a heap of legs and arms, the three men tumbled to the ground, while two dozen GIs jumped in front of them and opened fire.
"Try not to hit the ladies!" Hogan shouted, while he scrambled back. Norton and an even dirtier Burkhalter did the same, 'til strong hands helped the three men back on their feet and pushed them behind the lines to relative safety.
Albert cursed like a coachman; frustration was plain to see on his mud-covered face. "They're crazy," he said finally. "Brain washed, left without a sane mind. Stupid, idiotic, foolish, f…"
"I got your point," Hogan said wryly, a little bit amused.
Burkhalter's little eyes went to the colonel, then he offered Robert his right hand. "You saved my life, Hogan. Thank you."
The younger man shrugged and accepted the handshake. "You're welcome."
"This shot backfired!" Butler stopped beside them, Klink, Schmidt, and two staff-officers were with him. "Is one of the gentlemen hurt?" He asked.
"You're okay?" Will murmured, and glanced worryingly at Robert, who nodded.
"Only dirty, but that's nothing new."
The loud boom of artillery fire interrupted them, and Hogan closed his eyes.
"Warning shots," Alex said quietly. "I hope they'd realize that this will be a forlorn battle they would fight."
They did – finally, after almost two hours of exchanging fire. Most of the German soldiers fled; many were shot. The losses were mainly on the German side, but also some of the GIs died or were injured and brought to the infirmary of Stalag 13. As the artillery and the counterattacks finally stopped, the outcome was dreadful. More than 30 shots rained down on the small town, hitting buildings, the market plaza, the townhall, the Von-Hess-Street (at which the Kellereischloss was located), and even the hospital. Four civilians died, among them a nurse; here and there fires raged in the town.
"Give them an ultimatum," Schmidt suggested quietly to Hogan. "Give them an official ultimatum. I'm sure that the council will give in."
"And who will bring them the message?" Norton asked, watching the town. They obviously had run out of power, mainly in the city, but the flames enlightened the area enough to show the shapes of the houses and streets.
"I," the Oberleutnant replied firmly. "I'm still the leading officer of the SS and Gestapo of Hammelburg. The council members, the burgomaster and the dignitaries know me. When I come as an official envoy, they will listen."
Robert glanced at the younger man. "You're well known in the town, true, but our special friend Hartmann is certainly still there. He'll regard you as a traitor."
"I was taken captive as Stalag 13 was liberated this afternoon," Horst shrugged. "As the town's highest police officer, I spoke with your superior, and he agreed to send me as a messenger. End of the almost true story."
"What if he doesn't listen and arrests you? He holds a grudge against you because you helped Connor and the others. He's waiting for a reason to give you payback and…"
"I know, Hogan, but I have no other choice," Horst interrupted him soft, but firmly. "This is my town over there. I'm responsible for its safety and for the people's welfare. Do you think one of your sheriffs in the States would put his head into the sand and wait for the danger to pass by, or would he try to protect the citizens of the town he was chosen to defend?"
Hogan groaned and grimaced. "Dammit. Who taught you to always find good arguments?"
"I learned from the best," Schmidt grinned. "From you."
Robert glared at him, then he sighed deeply. "I'll speak with Butler and tell him of your offer." He bit at his lip. "Horst, if something happens to you, Hilda will go crazy."
Schmidt gulped, but nodded. "I know. If something happens to me, please take care of her." He looked directly into Hogan's dark eyes. "Please."
The colonel made an affirming gesture. "You have my word," he answered gently, then he clapped Schmidt on the shoulder and went off to search for Butler.
"Hogan is right," Klink said quietly. "You're going to risk your neck."
"I hope that Hartmann knows an old saying: Don't kill the messenger," the Oberleutnant murmured.
"I'm sure he knows it, but will he also act on it?" With worry, Klink looked at the young man, who helplessly lifted his hands.
"I have no other choice, Herr Oberst. It's simply like that." They waited for a few minutes, lost in their own thoughts. Then Schmidt's attention was driven to a returning Hogan, Butler at his side. Taking a deep breath, Horst headed towards the two Americans, fully aware of the fact that Butler's agreement could lead to his demise in the end.
*** HH *** HH ***
"Major Hartmann, the men say there is a boat crossing the river carrying a white flag. Two GIs are paddling it, and one of us is the passenger." The young SS-man stopped in front of Hartmann and saluted out of breath. The major and two other officers stood at the stairs of the HQ, conferring on what to do.
"One of us, you say?"
"Yes, sir," the young man answered. "I'm not sure, but I think it's Oberleutnant Schmidt."
The major's eyes became small. "Now we know where the bastard got lost today. The Amis captured him and Kröger." He lowered his head. "He carries a white flag, you said?"
"Yes, sir." Voices got louder at the river bank, but no shot rang out.
Hartmann turned towards two guards. "Get the Oberleutnant and bring him to me. I think I know why the Amis sent him, but I want to hear it with my own ears." The men saluted and jogged away.
"You think he's here to give us the Amis' ultimatum?" One of his officers mused, and Hartmann nodded.
"Yes – and I'm absolutely sure that he even wants us to surrender, because he is on their side."
They didn't have to wait very long. Only ten minutes later, Schmidt came up the street, the two guards beside him. He looked tousled, his uniform was dirty, and he was pale, but otherwise unharmed.
"Just have a look; the forlorn son returns," Hartmann sneered, as Schmidt was in earshot's range.
"Major Hartmann," Horst greeted neutrally, looking in the light of some torches. "I'm here as a negotiator of the US forces on the other side of the river and around the town."
"I thought so much, seeing that you were rowed over by two GIs and carrying a white flag," the older man replied flatly. "Let me guess: They demand our surrender, or they will destroy the town."
"US General Butler is giving the town council until midnight to come to a decision."
"How generous." Hartmann scoffed.
"If Hammelburg hasn't surrendered by then, a second Gemünden will happen." Schmidt took a deep breath, as he saw the grim expression on the major's face. "Hartmann, let's think reasonably. We have no chance to win this battle. The Americans have dozens of tanks, thousands of privates, and have encircled the town. We wouldn't have any chance to battle them successfully. And they…"
"And they got what they wanted: Stalag 13," Hartmann interrupted him. "Tell me, did you show them the way to the camp?" He began to walk around Schmidt, who could only gape with an open mouth at him. "Or told them about the weak points of the town?"
"Are you crazy?" Schmidt gasped.
"What happened to Kröger?" Hartmann demanded, stopping an uncomfortably close distance in front of Schmidt.
"He's a captive – just like I was 'til a quarter hour ago. But he is well."
"Of course. Amis are saints who treat their captives with velvet gloves," the SS-major mocked.
"At least they treat them better than most of us are handling our taken POWs," Schmidt shot back. "Not one of the German guards or camp officers were killed or even injured." He pointed towards the river. "And what happened there within the last several hours could have been prevented if not a fool on our side hadn't shot first."
"He shot on my order," Hartmann snarled.
"Then you were the fool, not him. How many men died because of you starting a fight you have no chance of winning," Horst hissed.
"It is our duty…"
"…to protect our people, not endanger them by beginning a battle they surely will fall prey to!"
"Better dead than defeated and conquered!" Hartmann boomed. "This is the Führer's order and…"
"It's easy to give such big speeches while sitting in a safe bunker," Schmidt snapped. "We're at the front here, facing an opponent who outnumbers us ten times and more. Look around you. The men have already left, and only civilians remain. Do you think those women and children will lift a rifle and fire at the Americans? No, they want peace."
"Peace is for the weak and…"
"And a lost war is only something for the bigmouths." Schmidt knew that it was wrong to allow Hartmann to provoke him – that this was certainly even the major's intention, but the young man had finally had enough of the insanity Hitler had spread over the country and planted into those guys' mind.
"And surrender is for the cowards," Hartmann bit out. "Besides, how does it come that General Burkhalter, who is wanted by the Führer, is a captive of the Amis? Was he in the camp as it was liberated? Did you know about it? Did you even hide him there?" Hartmann's gaze became furtive.
"No, I didn't," Schmidt answered truthfully.
"Really? I heard he saved you a few weeks ago. Your men told me about it. And we all know how 'noble' you are. Did you want to repay the favor by helping him?"
"You imply me to be a traitor?" Schmidt asked sharply, and straightened his shape, yet he felt a cold shiver running down his back. Hogan had been right. Hartmann was out for revenge and found the reason to give him trouble.
"No, Herr Oberleutnant, I don't imply it. I accuse you of being a traitor, conniving with a wanted man and joining forces with the enemy."
"You…"
Hartmann stepped back and said forcefully, "Guards, arrest Oberleutnant Schmidt for high treason."
Schmidt wasn't really surprised that a few of his own men obeyed, yet it hurt him more inwardly than on the outside as strong hands grasped his upper arms and forced them on his back. "Hartmann, you're crazy if you believe this nonsense. We're running out of time and…"
"Take him to the cellars of the HQ and lock him up," the major continued, as if he hadn't heard Schmidt.
"What about the ultimatum?" Schmidt shouted, as Hartmann simply began to walk away.
"What ultimatum?" The major asked with a certain gleam in his eyes, as he glanced back over his shoulder. "I don't know of any ultimatum."
Schmidt took a sharp breath as he realized what the major was up to. "Hartmann, for God's sake, you're about to get all of the citizens killed if you don't tell the town council of…"
The major made a sharp gesture with his hand. "Shut up! I'll take over from here on. And if the damn Amis think they can get this town without a fight, they're mistaken!" He glared at the guards. "Take him away!" With those words, he turned around and walked down the pavement.
Schmidt tried to get free, but without success. His men were well trained. "Brinkert, Mayer, for God's sake, you heard the message. Don't let this idiot go through with his plan. The people here are counting on us and…"
"Sorry, Herr Oberleutnant, but we have our orders," Brinkert interrupted him, and pulled him roughly towards the stairs leading to the HQ-entrance.
No one saw the lonely figure in the shadows beside the building, who crept away the moment they arrested Schmidt and his guards vanished into the house.
TBC…
Well, just like I said: Hartmann will bring new trouble, to put it mildly. And given the fact, how the SS and Gestapo reacted towards prisoners even minutes before the rescue burst through the door, our friend Schmidt is in very hot water…
I don't want to reveal much about the next chapter, because it would give too much away. Be sure to get some surprises, just like you got concerning Hilda.
I hope, you liked the new chapter and would be glad to get new feedback.
Have a nice weekend,
'til soon next week,
Yours Starflight
