by John Holt
Once inside the projection room, Jurgen quickly sat down. Hartmen took a seat a couple of rows behind. Lehmann went over to the projector. The lights were dimmed, and Lehmann started the test film. “As you know we have cameras set up at various locations along the lake,” he explained. “They are switched on, by remote control, when the missile reaches that camera position. In the case of this test only five cameras were triggered.”
The film started to roll. “Here we see the torpedo leaving the tube,” Lehmann continued. “Notice at the rear, there appears to be a piece of wire trailing from the fin. A few seconds later, the second camera picks up the torpedo. The wire can now be seen much clearer. It appears to be wrapping itself around one of the fins.”
“Can we stop the film, right there?” asked Jurgen. Lehmann stopped the film, and Jurgen walked closer to the screen. The wire could be seen quite clearly.
“I wonder what it is?” Jurgen asked. “It’s certainly not part of the missile.” He then turned and walked back to his seat. “Carry on,” he instructed Lehmann.
The projector started to roll once more, and Lehmann continued. “The third camera clearly shows a ball of wire attached to the fin, and you can see there is a slight movement to the left. The movement appears to get worse on camera four. Finally, camera five shows a distinct violent movement to the left, and the missile disappears from view.”
“Do we know where the wire came from?” Jurgen asked.
“We are not sure,” Lehmann replied. “But there appears to be some wire strands left at the exit to the torpedo tubes. Accidentally left behind after the building works I expect.”
“Accidentally,” exclaimed Hartman. “Nonsense, it was clearly an act of deliberate sabotage.”
“Now, now, we don’t know that,” said Jurgen.
Hartman knew. It was sabotage, simple as that. What would Jurgen know about such things anyway, with his slide rules and his superior attitude? “It was a deliberate act I tell you,” he said.
“I suggest we send down some frogmen, to examine the area, and to clear the rest of that debris,” said Jurgen.
“I have already given the instructions,” said Lehmann. “They will carry out an inspection first thing tomorrow.”
Hartman glared at Lehmann. “As the officer in charge of security no such orders should be given without my authority,” he said. “I shall be at the diving station when the frogmen return to the surface. Let me know when that will be.” Hartman saluted and then stormed out of the room.
“Flexing his muscles again,” said Jurgen.
“I should have known,” said Lehmann as he stood up and started toward the door. “Anyway, don’t worry, Franz. I’ll be there as well. I’ll let you know what happens. It should be about midday tomorrow.”
* * *
The following day two frogmen were waiting at the edge of the lake. With them were Dr Lehmann, and Major Hartman. Hartman had given them their instructions. They were to fully record what they discovered. Cine film was to be taken, together with photographs, and any diagrams considered necessary. Once the situation had been recorded, then arrangements would be made for clearing the area.
Fully understanding what was required of them, the frogmen entered the dark waters of the lake. They switched on their torches, and proceeded to the area of the outer torpedo hatches. The hatches were about seven metres below the surface, and it did not take them long to get there. Beyond the torpedo hatch there was a short section of concrete ramp, which also partly formed a retaining wall to the underwater section of the building. There was some builder’s debris lying on the concrete ramp, including some strands of re-inforcement wire. The area was photographed from all angles, and cine film was taken. The frogmen then returned to the surface to make their report. Later that day they were instructed to return to the site, and to clear the debris from the hatch area.
The following day Lehmann reported to Jurgen that the frogmen had now cleared the area, and that it was ready for the follow up test. “It seems that a length of loose wire had fallen during the course of the building work, and it was that that had caused the problem.”
It was just as Jurgen had suspected.
“Hartman is still convinced that it was sabotage, of course,” Lehmann continued. “He has requested a full photographic record, which should be ready by the day after tomorrow. Anyway, the area is now completely clear and it should not be a problem for the next test.”
Thank goodness for that, Jurgen thought. “I hope Hartman doesn’t make a big issue out of this. Sabotage indeed. If it was, it was a pretty poor effort.” It’s a pity somebody couldn’t sabotage Hartman. Jurgen knew that he shouldn’t think that way but there were times when he just could not help himself. Must concentrate on the forthcoming test, it must go without a hitch. It must be a success. “Talking about the test, you had better check that all of the arrangements are in hand.”
“Right,” said Lehmann. He reached for the telephone, and dialled the appropriate extension number. “Behr,” he said, when the call was answered. “Just checking about the test for next week, are the arrangements underway?”
Lehmann was advised that everything was in hand. The weapon had already been transported to the launch room, following the preliminary physical examination. It would be primed, and charged in two day’s time. The following day it would be armed, and then loaded into the launch tube at Test Rig number 1, to be launched later that day.
* * *
“These are the photographs showing the debris at the torpedo hatches,” said Hartman, as he burst into Jurgen’s office, the following day. Jurgen had just arrived, and had barely time to take off his overcoat. Hartman threw the photographs onto the desk. “Clearly an act of sabotage, as I said it was. What do you say now?”
Jurgen tried not to show his anger. He took up the photographs, turned away from Hartman, and examined them. Certainly, he had to admit that it was hard to imagine that the debris had fallen into that position accidentally. However, the area was seven metres below the surface of the lake, and it would have been difficult to place the material at that exact spot. Furthermore, if it was sabotage it was a pretty poor effort with no real certainty that any damage would actually occur.
No he was not convinced. Clearly, Hartman was, however, and looking for Jurgen’s support, so that he could proceed with his enquiry. Jurgen knew that if he did not support Hartman, it was likely that he could be implicated as a participant in the sabotage theory. On the other hand if he did support him, he would be party to the formal enquiry, and subsequent repercussions. He needed to be very careful. “Now, Major,” he started to say slowly, deliberately. “I’m not altogether convinced about this.”
“It was sabotage,” Hartman interrupted. “I have no doubts.”
Jurgen knew that it wasn’t sabotage, but he also knew that Hartman was adamant. What could he do? “Well Major if you feel that you have sufficient evidence, then you must proceed with your enquiries.” He looked back at the photographs, and wished that Hartman could just disappear. “I leave it entirely in your capable hands,” he continued. “Don’t let me keep you Major. I’m sure that you are a very busy man, and have a lot to attend to.”
Hartman clicked his heels. “Heil Hitler,” he said loudly. He then turned and left the room.
* * *
The morning of the second test arrived. Jurgen awoke, and looked out of his window, and looked skyward. It was dull, and grey. Huge rain clouds were massing, and heading toward the complex. The wind was building and blowing quite strongly. We are going to have a storm, Jurgen thought. The test was beginning to look doubtful. Another set back to the programme. Berlin would not be pleased, and Hartman would have a field day, the weather was probably all part of the plot to sabotage the project.
If it rained it rained. There was nothing Jurgen could do about it was there? Preparations for the test could still go ahead, at least, although the weapon would not be armed at this stage. Jurgen dressed quickly,
and made his way along the lake to the complex. As he approached the building there was a violent crack of thunder, and the rain began, the wind rising and whipping through the trees.
He quickly entered the building, and shook the rain from his clothes. He went along the corridor, acknowledging a number of subordinates along the way, and reached his office. A few moments later there was a knock on the door. It was one of the younger technicians. Was it Hertz, or maybe it was Steiner. He wasn’t good at these young officers. They all looked alike.
“Heil Hitler. Lieutenant Behr, Commander,” the young man said, raising his right hand high into the air, and clicking his heels. “Dr Lehmann sent me to ask your instructions regarding today’s test, in view of the weather.”
Behr that was it, I really must remember these names. “Heil,” Jurgen said almost in a whisper, and raising his hand in a halfhearted salute. Some of these younger officers were so enthusiastic regarding National Socialism, they could be very dangerous. “You may tell Dr Lehmann that he may proceed with the initial preparations. The missile can be located within the launching facility. It may be primed and charged, but not armed at this stage. The monitoring, and recording devices can be put on standby. We will then wait and hope for a break in the weather. I will speak to Dr Lehmann myself, later in the day. That will be all.”
Behr gave another Nazi salute, and left. Jurgen watched as he left the room. Then it suddenly dawned on him. “There goes Hartman’s spy. That’s where he gets his information so quickly.” I must warn Theo not to say too much in front of that officer.
Jurgen sat down and turned his attention to the letters, and telegraphs, that had arrived that day. There were a number of technical documents relating to weapons waiting to be tested, together with schedules of when they would arrive at the complex. There were classified documents giving details of the war situation, although he knew that most of it was propaganda. There were letters from home, from his wife, Lisa. He would save them until later. Lastly, there was a communiqué from Berlin. There was to be an official visit on 20th January. In just over five weeks time, everyone would need to be informed, especially Hartman. Jurgen switched on the intercom.
“To all personnel, to all personnel,” he announced. “This is the Commandant. Be advised that an official visit, from Berlin, is to be made on 20th January. Please ensure that everything is in order.” He switched the machine off.
He decided to check on the weather situation. He left the office, and walked along the corridor to the exit area. It was still raining quite heavy, but the thunder had stopped, and the wind seemed to be easing. He turned back inside and walked back along the corridor, passing his office. He continued until he came to Lehmann’s office. He knocked on the door, and entered. Lehmann looked up.
“Are you alone?” Jurgen asked.
Startled, and a little surprised at the question, Lehmann replied that he was.
“Good,” said Jurgen. He stepped back into the corridor, and carefully looked in both directions. Satisfied that nobody was coming, he continued. “I’m worried about that young man, Behr. I am convinced that he is a spy for Hartman, and that we should be very careful what we say in front of him.”
“Behr,” repeated Lehmann. “What makes you say that?”
Jurgen looked at Lehmann for a few moments, and was about to answer when the door opened and in came Behr.
“My apologies, Commandant,” he said. “I did not know that you were here. Should I leave?”
“No that’s all right,” said Jurgen sharply, wondering if anything of what he had just said, had been overheard. “Come in. I shall be leaving shortly.” He then turned back toward Lehmann. “So, do you agree with my assessment of the situation?”
“Well it’s certainly a strong possibility,” Lehmann said. Behr continued to stand quietly to attention, slightly puzzled. Lehmann looked straight at him. “What about the preparations for the test? How are they progressing?”
“Everything is ready, Doctor, apart from arming the weapon, which will only take a few moments.”
Jurgen looked at his watch. “I suggest we check again at one o’clock,” he said. “Hopefully the weather would have improved by then.”
* * *
A few minutes later Jurgen arrived back at his office. No sooner had he sat down, when the telephone rang. It was Hartman. “I understand that a decision will be made regarding the test, at one o’clock. Is that correct?”
“Yes it is,” said Jurgen. He was now 100% correct regarding Behr. “Oh Major, I will let you know if the test is to proceed today, goodbye.” He hung up, hoping that he hadn’t been too dismissive.
He now had time to read the letters from home. He took them out. There were four letters. The latest one was dated the 26 November, almost four weeks ago. He turned to the earliest letter, dated 18 October - that was almost eight weeks ago. He started to read, “My beloved Franz …………”
* * *
By one o’clock the wind had dropped considerably, and the rain had changed to a light drizzle. Jurgen gave the order for the torpedo to be armed, and that the test would proceed at two p.m. At one-thirty the depth and distance settings were installed. Monitors and recording equipment were made ready. Lehmann was already seated in position at the control panel. Next to him was Behr. To the other side a number of technicians were huddled over various dials and gauges. Standing at the back of the room was Hartman. At one-fifty, Jurgen entered the room.
“Final check, gentleman” he said. “The weather is still holding up.” He stopped and looked around the room. “Is everything ready here?” A confirmatory reply came from each of the technicians, finishing with Lehmann. With that the instruction was given to proceed with the test.
“Outer hatch open. Firing in ten seconds,” said Lehmann, as he commenced the procedure. “Five, four, three, two, one.” He firmly pushed the firing button. Torpedo XJ479/D smoothly drew away from the torpedo tube, dipping to a slight angle, as it left the ramp way, and then straightening. It continued along its designated path, gradually increasing speed. In a little over forty seconds it reached its target located some 1000 metres away, and the explosive detonated.
It seemed to be a resounding success, and both Lehmann and Jurgen gave a spontaneous cheer. Behr looked across to Hartman, who came across to the control table. “Berlin will be glad to know that this test went well, without incident, because of the vigilance of the SS.”
“Right,” said Jurgen, hesitantly. Then he turned to Lehmann, “I’ll need a full report, including photographs at your earliest convenience. I’ll be in my office.”
Over the course of the next few weeks a number of other tests were carried out using different power sources, a variety of fuels, and at various depths. They experimented with different explosives, detonating charges of up to 4,000 kilograms, and at different depths. The tests were generally uneventful, and quite routine. Lehmann was beginning to build up a large amount of useful data, and the development works were proceeding well. Hartman was surprisingly quiet, and generally kept to himself. With every successful test, his sabotage theory became less and less plausible.
The arrival of the official delegation was imminent. Preparations for the visit were underway, and a number of events had been planned to demonstrate the capabilities of the test facility. Jurgen knew that he had to make a good impression, but in the meantime, with each successful test he grew more and more confident.
* * *
The buzzer on the office intercom sounded. It was Maria, Jurgen’s secretary. “Colonel Freiling, General Weitz, and Professor Linz, have arrived from Berlin, sir. Shall I show them in?”
Jurgen hadn’t expected such a high power delegation, and was a little surprised. Colonel Freiling was a senior officer in Naval Intelligence. He wondered if Hartman had, in fact, said anything about his sabotage theory. “Yes, show them in, and bring in some coffee please,” Jurgen replied. “Would you also let Dr. Lehmann, and Major Hartman, know that our visitors h
ave arrived. I’ll call them if I need them.” He stood up, and went to the door, ready to greet the party. The door opened, and Maria ushered in their guests.
“Do sit down gentlemen,” Jurgen said. “And let me welcome you to Toplitzsee.” He turned to face Weitz. “It’s nice to see you, General.”
“Hello, Jurgen, good to see you again,” Weitz replied. “I would like to introduce my colleagues. Colonel Freiling, head of Naval Intelligence in the Atlantic, and Professor Linz, who is a specialist in the field of airborne missiles.” Jurgen was intrigued; this did not appear to be a normal inspection team.
“Jurgen, what I am about to tell you, is of the utmost…”
There was a tap at the door, and Maria entered with the coffee. “Major Hartman is outside,” she said. “He wondered if you needed him yet.”
Jurgen looked across at Leitz, who slowly shook his head. “Thank you Maria,” he said. “Tell Major Hartman that I thank him for his interest, and I will call for him when required.” Maria left, closing the door after her.
Leitz continued, “As I was about to say, this matter is top secret. I cannot stress that too highly.” He looked at his colleagues. “Some months ago, the Royal Air Force carried out an attack on one of our battleships,” he continued. “A successful attack I’m sorry to say. During that attack they fired a new type of torpedo. The torpedoes were actually launched from their aircraft. One of those torpedoes was recovered, almost intact, and is now on its way, from Norway, to this facility. We have managed to duplicate the weapon, and six prototypes are also being brought to you. Now that we have the weapon, it is vitally important, that we find a method of actually launching it from an aircraft.”
Jurgen listened intently, questions forming in his mind. Before he could ask anything, however, Colonel Freiling took up the story. “Over the past few months, despite what the official communiqués will tell you, we have suffered heavy U Boat losses in the Atlantic,” he said. “As a result it is becoming more and more difficult to launch torpedo attacks by submarine. Attacks from the air, however is a definite possibility, but we need your expertise, Jurgen.”