The Way of the War pt 6

The Way of the War pt 6

Thursday morning I arrived at my office at 0800. I opened the door to chaos. Erica was talking to a tall gentleman wearing a suit with a Nazi Party lapel pin. He looked some what familiar. Johan was arguing with a Hauptman, (Captain) in the Luftwaffe. Donald was jumping around like a Bantam Rooster trying to get in Johan’ s argument. I shook my head and entered my private office.

I noticed that my intercom light on the phone was lit. I picked up the phone, “Yes” It was Erica asking me to see the Civilian she was talking too. I told her to send him in. I was wondering what a businessman and a member of the Party wanted with me.

My door opened and closed and before me stood a very personable gentleman holding out his hand. I shook his hand and he introduced himself as Oskar Schindler owner of a Metal works factory in Poland.

Authors note: Although Oskar Schindler was a member of the Nazi Party he was also a member of the Abwehr ( office of military intelligence ) One of the few who survived the later SS sweep of the Abwehr,

I had heard of him, he asked if I had a drink on hand. I told him that not only is it 8 am but we do not drink in this office. “Now what can I do for you ?”
Schlinder replied, “I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Admiral Canaris. He spoke highly of you.” I nodded in acknowledgment. The Admiral sends his regards and a personal message… The house is crumbling… get out now.”

“The writing is on the wall Herr Steiner… I wished I could go too. But if I did who would take care of my people.” He saluted me as he went out the door and he was gone.

I sat there thinking about this strange meeting. I called the girls and sent the essence of the message to DC. When my door banged open and the Captain was framed in the door. Johan was behind him saying sorry sir he insisted.

I walked around the desk Grabbed this pipsqueak of a Capt. By the jacket front and lifted him off the ground. “What in the hell do you think you are doing Captain bursting in to a LT Colonel’s office … are you trying to make private.” and I dropped him.

He jumped to his feet and saluted and tried to hand me some papers at the same time. I returned his salute and took his papers “Now What the Hell do you want?” all he seemed to be able to do was to point to the papers. As I looked at the papers which were his orders my curiosity was aroused. They were obviously a forgery and a bad one at that. They said Hauptman Ernst Von Bauer was to proceed to Calais.

“Hmmm this says you are to proceed to Calais my any means available … so why are you coming to me?”
“ The airfield says you are flying to the coast on Sunday. I want to go with you.”
“ I am, but… I am flying in a 4 seater… The pilot and 3 passengers. There is no room for another.”
“ Leave one of them.”
“Why should I leave one of them for a little weasel like you?”
“ It Is important.”
“ To Whom?” I looked at him and thought he was going to cry. I decided to throw him a bone.
“ Check with me at the field Sunday Morning … If we don’t have to carry any Cargo you can ride on the jump seat… Dismissed.”

After he had left Johan asked why I was taking the Capt.