The Substitute
Chapter 4
As the number of raised barracks increased, morale sunk. But, the prisoners kept to their schedule, replacing the dirt underneath the hidden tunnel entrances and shoring it up, then slowly as possible, taking the hut apart and putting it back together again.
Hogan and his staff were in constant motion, for not only did they need to carry out Werner's orders, there were the usual routine camp matters to attend to; , such as scheduling daily work parties, both inside and outside the camp. After a quick inspection, Hogan decided to check on his medics. He found Wilson and Anderson in the infirmary, tending to another small group of men and their minor injuries.
Wilson paused and looked up at the colonel. "How's it going out there, sir?"
"Judging by the standing room only crowd in here, it's not going that well."
"Well, so far we've been lucky. No major injuries. Lots of splinters, some respiratory issues." Wilson turned to the man standing next to him. The corporal, looking a bit pale, was holding down a bandage on his arm. "Keep putting pressure on that, Levine, and I'll be right back." Wilson walked over to his desk and grabbed a sheet of paper. "Here's my latest report. Edited, of course."
Hogan looked over the paper. "I'll show this to Werner." Hogan turned to leave and then stopped. "Schnitzer is due in this week to change the dogs. We'll try and make contact, but with the pen fenced off, it won't be easy. Let me know if you need anything from him."
"Will do, sir. Good luck." Wilson shook his head and returned to his patient.
Two days later, Oskar Schnitzer drove into the camp. All he knew at this point was that the camp was divided by fencing, cutting off prisoner areas from the staff section. Communication was minimized and so far, Sergeant Olsen, remained inside the Stalag. Olsen, also known as the Outside Man, was the frequent in- person contact between the Underground and men in camp. The veterinarian slowly maneuvered through the compound and parked outside the dog pen. He opened the door and stepped down, muttering to himself as he turned and walked to the back of the van. Taking a moment to fully examine the situation, he realized the prisoners were corralled. He spotted a few of them standing behind the fence staring out at him, as if they were animals in a cage. He shuddered. The dogs in the pen knew he was there, and they began to move towards the gate.
Schnitzer and the POW's frequently met in person; the prisoners most often would sneak around to the pen and hide in the back of his van. When it was too risky to use the emergency tunnel entrance, Oskar also used the van to get men out of the camp. That option was now off the table; the only remaining choice was to use the doghouse to get into the pen. This was a risky maneuver as it heightened the chance of a man being spotted inside the fencing and the tunnel being discovered.
Schnitzer brought two dogs out of the van and left them in the pen. Realizing he needed to talk in person to Colonel Hogan, he walked over to the Kommandantur and requested a meeting with the new Kommandant.
"You want what?" Werner asked the dog handler, as Schultz stood by shaking his head.
"I would like to request a fake prison break so the dogs can get some practice," Schnitzer was explaining. "Now that the camp is segregated, the dogs are not seeing the Allied scum from a closer distance, and the fake break will help the dogs remain sharp." The handler sat back in the chair, calmly waiting for an answer to his proposal.
"Real prisoners? How about guards dressed as prisoners?" Werner asked.
Schultz, terrified of the shepherds, shook his head emphatically.
The handler nodded at the sergeant. "Well, we could try that, but prisoners would be best. I would stop the dogs before they attacked, of course."
"Nonsense. Colonel Hogan would never agree to this," Werner said.
Schnitzer muttered under his breath, and then stood up. "Well, in that case, if and when their true services are required, I cannot guarantee the dogs will perform to their best of their ability. They do get bored, you know. A good chase and capture will be just the ticket. Walking slowly back and forth...that is not enough. After all, for them, this is all a game. Perhaps if you offer Colonel Hogan something in return?" Oskar suggested. "Colonel Klink used to do this all the time."
"He did?" Schultz asked.
"Yes, to be fair, the situation is not exactly similar," Schnitzer said. "Back then, the prisoners mingled with the guards, keeping their distance of course. Klink was so proficient...between him and the dogs, we didn't have any problems. Don't you recall, Sergeant Schultz?"
Schultz scrunched up his nose, trying desperately to recall this happening. He failed. But if the dog handler, a gruff and ornery man, said so, it must be true. "Um, yes...most definitely."
"Never mind. If you won't allow it, I cannot guarantee their performance," Schnitzer said.
"Very well. This seems out of the ordinary. But I will ask the colonel." Werner turned to Schultz. "Go have someone fetch Colonel Hogan."
Several minutes later, Hogan arrived in the office, curtly nodded to Schnitzer and said in a suspicious voice, "You asked to see me, sir?"
"Yes. Doctor Schnitzer here and I have a proposition for you."
"Anything coming from him; well you can jolly well forget it." Hogan stepped back, turned and faced Werner. "His dogs are killers."
Schnitzer let out an annoyed grunt.
Werner drew himself up. He couldn't match Hogan's height, but he was clearly angry. "Turn around. Now. You will not treat a German civilian in this manner. Do you understand me, Colonel Hogan?"
Hogan took a deep breath and turned to face both Schnitzer and Schultz.
"I understand. Completely." Hogan glanced at Werner and then paused. "I apologize, Doctor."
"We all have a job to do." Schnitzer looked at his nails.
That messy business now done with, Werner pointed to the desk. "Please, everyone sit down." Hogan and Schnitzer took the chairs in front of the desk, while Schultz took a seat by the door. Werner took Klink's chair. "There is an issue with the dogs that has been brought to my attention."
Hogan tilted his head slightly, noticing that Oskar switched his cap from his left hand to his right, a signal that he wanted Hogan to play along.
"And that would be?" Hogan asked.
"Since the prisoner areas were fenced off, the dogs have not had a chance to get closer to the prisoners," Werner explained.
"That's fine with us. Beforehand, when the guards walked them, we kept our distance."
"Well, the doctor would like some extra training—at no extra charge—so the dogs don't get out of practice. I will make it worth your while."
Hogan burst out laughing. "Attack and chew us to pieces. No, sir. That—and I know you know the rules—is against the Geneva Convention."
"May I?" Schnitzer asked. Werner nodded. "Our dogs are well-trained trackers, and they will take down prisoners if it comes to it, Colonel Hogan. But, they think it is a game. I cannot guarantee anything if they are out of practice. In fact, they could do more damage."
"Use your dummies or dress the guards up."
"I knew he would not cooperate." Oskar shrugged. "Perhaps I should look for another camp. Good luck finding better trained shepherds. Chances are you'll get killers who won't stop at..."
"Wait." Hogan interrupted. "Better the devil you know," he muttered. "What do you propose, and what do we get for agreeing to this?"
Werner grinned. "Schultz will take a group of volunteers past the perimeter and the dogs, Oskar and a few other guards will track the men. They will be surrounded. I have his guarantee no harm will come to any of your men. I will then allow these volunteers extra access to the rec hall, and an extra hot shower this week." He sat back triumphant in the knowledge that prisoner and captor cooperation was an art. An art and skill in which he was most proficient. He was already writing the report in his head.
"I won't be able to get any volunteers," Hogan stated firmly. "You'll have to do better than that."
Oskar laughed. "What do they expect? A lunch out?" He shook his head at such as ridiculous notion.
Hogan jumped up and pointed at the veterinarian. "Yes! A chance to leave camp for town for a meal. That might fly."
"Outrageous. Who would do that?" Werner asked.
"Klink did. Several times. We did him a favor, and he repaid us. Two volunteers, plus myself. Lunch out. That's my final offer." Hogan sat back down and crossed his arms.
Oskar harrumphed. "Guess, I can take my dogs elsewhere," he said under his breath. "But if you agree to this proposal, I do have other duties. With this construction, do you want to have our regularly scheduled ferret search? Sniffing for tunnels?"
"Ah, yes," Werner said. "I have seen in the reports that they have been most effective. I agree to your proposal Colonel Hogan. And the dogs will go underneath each hut as they are raised. Plus they will perform their usual tunnel checks."
Both Hogan and Oskar breathed a small sigh of relief. As Hogan and Oskar left the building, he gave the vet a small wink.
"Remember, still put up a fuss before going outside. I had to bribe you for this volunteer work," Hogan told LeBeau and Olsen.
"Bien sûr," LeBeau replied.
"No worries, Colonel? Who is coming out with Schultz?" Olsen asked. Schnitzer had talked Werner into using just two guards.
"Langenscheidt of course. I think he's beginning to read my mind, which is scary." Hogan grinned.
The scam was scheduled for the next day, and Olsen and LeBeau began their grousing before leaving camp.
"I'm not sure this is such a good idea," Olsen commented loudly.
LeBeau shook his head. "I'm with him. You've seen these dogs go wild when they are on the chase."
"Don't go soft on me now, men." Hogan looked at Schultz who seemed to be not acting as he got close to the dogs. Langenscheidt, holding his charge, Blümchen, a sweet smaller female, on the leash, gave the colonel a look. Somehow, Hogan knew that the shy corporal was right behind Schultz in knowing nothing. Schnitzer, appearing as grouchy as ever, walked beside them, holding two other dogs on leads.
"Why just these three?" the kommandant asked. "I thought all the dogs needed practice."
"They are pack leaders and alpha dogs," Schnitzer lied. "The other dogs will just follow when necessary." He gave the dogs a furtive hand signal and the three began barking. Another slight signal and they stopped. No one noticed Blümchen's tail give a slight wag.
"Just dandy." Olsen stepped back as one of the dogs bared its teeth.
"Let's get this over with," Hogan stated. He put on what appeared to be a brave face, and stood inches away from Schnitzer. "I will hold you personally responsible if something happens to my men," he said loudly. "Tree stump," he whispered.
"Nothing will happen," Oskar assured the colonel. "Just go, before the dogs get too overexcited."
The three prisoners followed the guards and Schnitzer outside the gates and into the woods past the perimeter. Schultz, not unexpectedly, looked at Hogan for guidance.
"We split up." Hogan began walking away from the camp.
"Ah, that's right. You three. Go...shoo." Schultz pointed towards the trees.
"Aren't we supposed to follow them?" Langenscheidt asked.
"Well, there are only two of you, and three of us." LeBeau produced a bag. "Sit there and take a break. You've been working so hard with all the stuff going on in camp. Smell..."
"But..But…the handler?"
"Don't worry, Schultz. He's in charge of this operation and the two other dogs. Let him do what he wants." LeBeau waved the bag under the sergeant's nose.
Schultz took a deep breath. "Strudel!"
"Sorry it's not warm, but it's the best I can do. Enough for both of you." LeBeau handed Schultz the bag.
"Danke," Schultz said. "You and Olsen. Go."
LeBeau and Olsen walked away and headed towards the stump. Hogan waited and sent LeBeau and Olsen off in opposite directions. He knew Schnitzer would eventually send Schultz and Langenscheidt on a wild goose chase until it was time to capture the runaways. Within seconds, he could hear the rustling of leaves, and the veterinarian appeared. The two shepherds flopped down while the two men shook hands.
"Well, this whole situation is a mess," Oskar commented as he took a seat on the stump.
"I may have met my match," Hogan replied. He shook his head. "Klink can't come back soon enough. The whole operation is on hold."
"Yes, I'm aware. But better safe than sorry," replied the friendly veterinarian. "He's not sadistic is he?"
"No. I'm trying to put up with him. I don't want any Gestapo poking around camp now that the barracks are being lifted. Thanks for mentioning the tunnel search by the way." Hogan bent down and scratched the heads of the two dogs.
"Are we finding anything this time?" Oskar asked.
"Nothing. Make a real show of checking under the raised barracks." Hogan took a breath. "What's worse is Burkhalter approved this mess. I have no idea what will happen when Klink comes back."
"He'll have a heart attack in addition to his gall bladder issues. But he has to come back, right?"
"This guy is a bureaucrat. His job is to go from camp to camp. I don't think he wants this position to be permanent. If he decides to make a play for it, then we will take action," Hogan said. "I assume you heard about Hilda."
"Yes, indeed. I paid her a visit. She is fine. Fortunately, she has some money saved up, so she's planning on taking a holiday. Then she may be forced to join the auxiliary to get her job back when Klink returns."
Hogan stood up and stretched. "First we lose Helga and now Hilda."
"Marriage is a good reason, and Helga is safe. Now, let's get these dogs off the leads and have them earn their keep."
About fifteen minutes later, back in the woods, in two separate locations, Olsen and LeBeau were being smothered by happy canines. At the sound of the approaching guards, they pushed the dogs off, told them to stay and raised their arms as Langenscheidt and Schultz closed in. Hogan had already been "captured."
"I'd say the whole exercise was a success, doctor."
Schnitzer grunted at the Kommandant as he changed the dogs. He looked around at the camp. Those prisoners not currently working on raising huts looked disgruntled and worn. Even the guards appeared out of sorts. He held his tongue, entered the van and drove off.
"So, Colonel Hogan, as promised, I will arrange to take your two men and yourself-of course- to town. I'm sure we will all have a civil meal."
"You're taking us, Kommandant?" Olsen asked.
"Yes, of course, Sergeant. Along with several guards. It is my duty to know my charges, or enemies, if you will."
"No, keep your trip. I don't want myself or a few of my men getting a privilege, while the rest of my men get the same food. Unless you are willing to take the entire rank and file out?" Hogan grinned.
Werner laughed. "I can only imagine the Hofbräuhaus staff watching as 900 POWs line up outside their doors. I cannot justify that petty cash. No. It is your prerogative to refuse, Colonel Hogan. And I understand. I will allow an extra hour of electricity for the following week. That can fit in my budget. Perhaps you and I can indulge in a game of chess sometime. I know you and Kommandant Klink played.
Hogan nodded. "Perhaps."
"Excellent. You are all dismissed."
Hogan, followed by LeBeau and Olsen walked through the gate leading to the prisoner's section of camp. As soon as they were out of earshot of any guards, the three stopped.
Hogan held his hand up. "I know."
"I was looking forward to a decent lunch, well, halfway decent considering it's Boche slop and I didn't prepare it." LeBeau rolled his eyes.
"Same here, sir. The rest of the men understand. We do this all the time," Olsen reminded Hogan.
"Yes, but, I'm trying to figure out what makes this man tick. This time, we wouldn't be able to take advantage of being in town. Plus, we were ordered to stop operations."
Kinch walked over to the three. He raised his eyebrow.
"The colonel canceled our lunch out," LeBeau stated with some annoyance.
"You have dog hair on your sweater, slobber running down your cheek and dog drool on your pants, LeBeau. I have good news. Rain all day tomorrow, sir."
To the glee of both the prisoners and the guards, construction was halted for two days as a steady rain pummeled the area. When the rain stopped, the kommandant gave the camp population a break, as even he could see that the ground was still muddy. The prisoners used their spare time filling up tunnel spurs.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Hogan and his command team, another irritated group of men decided to take the matter into their own hands.