by John Holt
Jurgen turned to face Professor Linz. “Your reputation is well known to me, sir,” he said. “I would be interested to hear your views regarding this matter.”
Linz rose from the desk, and started to pace the room. “In theory, there should be no major differences between launching a missile from an aircraft, or from a ship. The missile is required to travel from point a, the launch vehicle, to point b, the target, at a pre-determined depth, and speed.” He stopped, and faced Jurgen. “The only difference is the form the launch mechanism takes. Again, in theory, it should be relatively straightforward to take the launch mechanism from a submarine, and adapt it for use on an aircraft.”
“Yes that makes sense, in theory,” said Jurgen. “I can’t wait to get my staff working on this problem. Naturally, if you already have any ideas that may be useful, they would be much appreciated.”
“Funny you should say that,” said Linz, with a broad smile on his face. “I do have one or two ideas.” With that he opened his briefcase, and took out two files. He placed them on the table. “That thick file contains everything we know about the British missile, and everything we know about the aircraft that they used, their Swordfish. The second, and you will note much thinner, file contains notes, diagrams, calculations, that I have prepared, that may help to solve our little problem.”
“That looks as though it will be extremely useful to us, Professor,” said Jurgen, as he picked up the smaller file. He started to leaf through the papers. “It’s a pity that you can’t stay yourself.”
For a second time a broad smile spread upon the Professor’s face. “Well, it just so happens that High Command would like me to stay to assist you, for a while anyway. I promise that I will not be in the way, and I won’t be a bother to you, or indeed any of your staff. I don’t require any special treatment. All I need is somewhere to work, and somewhere to eat and sleep.”
Jurgen was stunned, but pleased.
“Well Jurgen, that about wraps it up, we must be on our way back to Salzburg, and then on to Munich in the morning,” said Weitz. “The weapons should be with you by the middle of February. I cannot stress the urgency of this matter too much.” Weitz and Freiling walked toward the door, Jurgen reached it first, and held it open.
Weitz suddenly stopped. “By the way, did I mention that we must have a launch device by the end of April?” He stopped long enough for the remark to strike home. “Goodbye Linz.” He then turned to face Jurgen. “We are relying on you Jurgen, we know that you won’t let us down.” With that passing comment they proceeded along the corridor. Jurgen, stunned by the last remark, regained his composure, and caught up with them, and escorted them to their car, ready for their return trip.
* * *
When Jurgen returned to his office, Professor Linz was seated, drinking his cold coffee. In the seat adjacent to him was Major Hartman. “Oh Major,” Jurgen said. “The inspection meeting has gone extremely well. Berlin is very pleased with our work here, and is especially pleased with the research we have carried out regarding the missiles. They also had a special mention regarding you and site security.” Jurgen lied. Hartman was not expecting that, and was thrown off guard. Before he could recover, Jurgen continued “Professor Linz will be with us for a few months to assist in our research programme. I don’t think there is anything else, Major. Please carry on.” He then turned to the Professor. “Now let me see about your accommodation and where you are to work.”
* * *
Jurgen, Linz, and Lehmann, were seated in the small conference area of the complex. After the formal introductions, Lehmann had been apprised of the situation, and fully informed of all the relevant facts. The matter was now open for discussion.
“Firstly,” Jurgen said, “I feel we must address the issue of secrecy. Naturally we must be careful what information is given out, and only the three of us should be involved in the research programme, certainly the preliminary works at least. No other technicians are to be involved. Agreed?”
The others nodded their agreement.
“However, what do we do regarding Hartman?” asked Lehmann.
“What indeed,” replied Jurgen. Certainly, he had to be told something. He could not be left to his own resources to discover what was happening. That would be disastrous.
“He must be told everything,” Linz suggested. “After all he is an SS officer. Furthermore he is responsible for the security of the complex.”
Although that was technically correct, Jurgen was still mindful of the top secrecy aspect of the project. Furthermore, he did not entirely trust Hartman. He would be quick in reporting the slightest thing to High Command, which could cause him problems. The task would be difficult enough without Hartman on his back the whole time.
He explained his feelings to Linz, noting a supportive gesture coming from Lehmann. “I suggest that we tell Hartman something, but just enough to satisfy his curiosity, no more.”
After some further discussion they agreed that Hartman was to be told the brief outline of the research works that were to be undertaken. He was also to be told that at the instigation of High Command, Professor Linz was to play an active rule, because of his particular expertise. This was not to be mentioned to anyone else.
The second item on the agenda concerned the time that had been allocated for the project. It was agreed that time was extremely short, and that none could be spared waiting for the arrival of the actual weapons. It was decided that works would begin immediately, using existing conventional torpedoes, as necessary. It was also considered imperative that the normal research and testing works had to continue, in order to stop any difficult questions being raised. Dr Lehmann would need to give that aspect some thought, and devise some kind of a schedule.
Chapter Eight
The Allies Close In
The weeks, and months that followed, passed, generally uneventful. The staff at the test facility had settled into a well-rehearsed routine, and the work proceeded in an orderly manner. Jurgen had concentrated his attention on the air launched torpedo project. He knew that he had a deadline to meet, and how important the project was. Lehmann and Linz had worked extremely hard together, and they had made a good team. They had made good progress, and had produced a number of alternative designs for the launch mechanism. Jurgen had secured agreement to a short extension to the deadline, and with just a few days to spare, Professor Linz had returned to Berlin, armed with two completed designs, which had been fully tested successfully, and were now ready for full production. Other tests, and experiments had been carried out on a regular basis, and Lehmann and his team had accumulated a substantial quantity of information. With each successful test, the centre became more and more confident, more and more assured. Hartman had become more settled and gradually his thoughts regarding any possible sabotage began to fade, until eventually they disappeared completely.
In the late summer of 1944, a new weapon had been delivered to the testing facility, amid tight security. It was classified most high secret. The weapon was a variation of the successful V2 rocket that had been used to devastating effect against London. The difference however, was that this new weapon had been designed to be launched from an underwater platform, most probably fitted to the deck of a U Boat. Jurgen had given orders for a special launch pad to be constructed, and anchored into position at a depth of about ten metres under the surface of the lake. A test rig was provided, and testing of the missile began in earnest in the middle of September.
Toward the end of November 1944 the first of several secret convoys arrived at the complex. It comprised of two trucks, each carrying a cargo of six timber crates. Two of the crates were cubic in shape, one metre in size; the remainder were oblong shaped eighty centimetres long, and twenty centimetres wide. All twelve boxes were stamped with the German eagle, and the swastika.
The convoy was the first of many to come over the following few months. Although Jurgen had been told to expect the delivery, he had not been told what the items wer
e. The convoy drivers did not know what the crates contained, or at least if they did they were not prepared to say. The accompanying orders were always vague, and simple. The only instruction given was that the crates were to be taken into store, un-opened, and without question. Further orders would be issued in due course. Nothing else was said regarding the crates. Where they came from was unknown, what they contained was not divulged. Why they had been sent was not mentioned. Over the next few weeks several more similar convoys arrived. Each comprised a number of sealed crates. The instructions were always the same. The crates were merely to be taken into store, nothing more.
Jurgen assumed that they were highly secret weapons, or documents. Exactly what weapons, or documents though, he had no idea. All he did know was that for the time being no action was to be taken. He did not know why, but that was the orders. “Orders are orders,” he said. “I expect headquarters will instruct me in due course. In the meantime I’ve enough to get on with right now, without worrying about this lot.”
Nonetheless, the mystery of what the crates contained remained. The questions led to guesswork. Wild theories were put forward on a regular basis. The guesses gave way to speculation. Rumours started to spread. One rumour indicated that a number of Party members were planning to mount a last stand against the advancing allies. It was said that the crates contained weapons and equipment that they would require. Another rumour suggested that the crates contained large quantities of banknotes, money required to pay for the escape of high ranking officials to South America. Some suggested that the crates contained secret documents relating to Swiss bank accounts. The documents allegedly gave details of the account numbers, the amounts deposited, and the banks involved. Other rumours suggested that there were secret documents giving the location of vast hordes of stolen art treasures.
With the arrival of each new convoy, the rumours increased, despite the continuing lack of proof. Jurgen rejected the rumours completely, dismissing the ideas out of hand. They were just too preposterous. Without further question Jurgen issued his instructions. The rumours could prove to be a security risk. Consequently, they were to cease with immediate effect. There was to be no more speculation, no more guesswork. The crates, the contents unknown, were to be taken into store into a specially prepared room, situated below ground level, where they would remain until further notice.
By the end of the year the room contained almost fifty crates. And still there had been no information regarding what the boxes contained, or what was to happen to them.
* * *
In March 1945, urgent, disturbing reports started to come into the centre. The war was not going well. There had been heavy losses of ships, and aircraft. Thousands of troops had been captured, or had surrendered. France, Italy, Holland, Belgium, had all been liberated. The Allies were now advancing on the Reich from three directions. Russian forces were approaching from the east, and from the west came the British Army. American troops had come up from Sicily, through Italy, and were now proceeding across Austria. They were not too far from the test centre, only a few short miles. As the Allies came closer the order was eventually given for the staff to evacuate the Test Centre, and proceed to Berlin. Instructions came stopping all further experiments, and to close down the facility. All weapons, ammunition, and documents relating to the tests were to be destroyed. These orders were to be carried out with immediate effect.
Jurgen had long known that this day would eventually come. He had known that the war was lost back in June when the Allies had landed in Normandy. He had been expecting this news for some weeks now, but nonetheless the call from Berlin was still something of a shock. As he replaced the receiver onto the cradle he reflected over the events of the past few months. There had been a lot of success with their test launches, especially the underwater launch. It was almost completed, and only required a few more days, a week at the most. But it had all been for nothing. He had just been advised that the American Fifth Army was only one hundred miles away, and should reach them within the next week or so. The site was to be abandoned immediately. He shook his head sadly. It had been so full of promise, so exciting. And now, it was finished, over.
He reached across his desk, and switched on the intercom. He took a deep breath, and cleared his throat. “Maria, please arrange for all members of staff to go to the projection room, immediately,” he said. “That also includes yourself, and Major Hartman. I think you will find him somewhere down at the chalets.” He switched off the machine, stood up, and walked out of the office.
* * *
A short time later Jurgen arrived at the projection room. Maria and Theo Lehmann were already there. “Franz, I’m sorry but I can’t stay too long. I really can’t spare too much time,” said Lehmann. “I have a critical test already arranged.”
“Scrap it,” Jurgen said quite simply. “There’ll be no more tests.” Lehmann looked shocked, and was about to speak, when Major Hartman walked into the room, and overheard what was being said.
“No more tests?” Hartman remarked. “Surely that can’t be right?”
“Yes, I’m afraid it is,” said Jurgen. “I’ll explain everything when we are all assembled.” He walked past Hartman, and moved to the top of the room. Hartman went over to Lehmann to see if he knew anything more. Lehmann, his eyes closely watching Jurgen, said nothing.
The door suddenly opened, and in walked Behr and following a few metres behind was Steiner. “Come in gentlemen,” Jurgen said to them. “Right we are all here, I think. We can get started.” He looked closely at the people gathered in front of him. Over the past eighteen months or so he had got to know them so well. He hadn’t always got on with them, but he had to admit they had all done their duty for the Fatherland.
“Gentlemen,” he stopped and looked over at his secretary. He coughed, and nervously cleared his throat. “Lady and gentlemen please sit down. I have some very serious news, and some important announcements to make.” He looked at the people seated in front of him. “And please, no comments, or questions, until I have finished. Then I will try to answer any questions that you may have.”
Once they were all seated he explained that he had just received a call from Berlin. “I’m sorry to say that Germany has lost the war,” he said without emotion. “The British and the Russians are advancing on Berlin. The Americans are expected here, within the next week or two.”
Nobody said anything, but sat in shocked silence.
“The test site is to be abandoned immediately,” Jurgen continued. “All papers, documents, files, are to be destroyed. All test weapons, missiles, torpedoes, rockets, are also to be destroyed.” He stopped and looked at his colleagues. They still said nothing. They knew that this had been bound to happen. Like him they had been expecting it for some weeks. It came as no real surprise. “I have been ordered to destroy everything, either by burning or with explosives, or disposing of it into the lake.” He stopped and looked at the others. “There isn’t much time I’m afraid.”
“Franz,” Lehmann said quietly. “What is to happen about us?”
“Yes Theo, I was coming to that,” said Jurgen. “Firstly I have to say that there are no recriminations. No one has anything to be ashamed of. You have all done your duty, and done it well. High Command is very pleased with the work that we have carried out. So there is nothing to fear in that regard.” Jurgen looked toward Maria once again. “Maria, you are to go home, straight away, today. I will arrange transport,” he said. He slowly raised his hand to his cheek. “Thank you for your assistance over these past months,” he continued. “You have been a wonderful secretary, and I will miss you very much.”
Maria started to cry. “It has been a wonderful privilege to serve you,” she said.
Jurgen smiled at her. “Go, now, Maria,” he said gently. “Get your belongings together. Go back home to your family.” He watched her as she left the room. He then turned back to his colleagues. “Wolfgang, Walter. Get your personal things together and go back t
o your homes now, as quickly as you can.” he said.
The two men stood up slowly. They looked at Jurgen for a few moments, unsure of what to do.
“Thank you both for the work you have done,” Jurgen continued. “It has been excellent, and you are both very fine technicians. One day you will make very fine engineers. I wish you well in the future, whatever that may mean for you.” He stopped for a moment, reflecting on that last comment. He didn’t know what it meant. He looked back at the two men. “Go now, quickly,” he said. “Get as far away as you can, before the Americans arrive.”
The two men looked at each other, utterly bewildered. Germany had lost the war, that couldn’t be true. There had to be a mistake. They looked at Jurgen, who simply waved dismissing them from the room. They hesitantly walked to the door, and then stopped. Behr looked back toward Jurgen. “Goodbye sir,” he said quite simply. He then looked across at Hartman, as though seeking further re-assurance. He raised his right arm, and mouthed the words “Heil Hitler,” and then the two men left the room.
Jurgen cleared his throat once again, and took a deep breath. “Now Theo,” he said. “You and I are to report directly to Berlin without delay. We must get our things together, our personal things only, and leave today. A car will be sent for us, at three-thirty this afternoon.”
He looked at Lehmann. How different things were now, how things had changed. What did the future hold for him? He would know soon enough. “There’s nothing more to say, except to thank you all once again. I hope that things go well for you in this uncertain future.”
Jurgen then turned to face Hartman. “Finally, but not least, we come to you, Major,” he said. “I did not want to mention anything earlier, not in front of the others, but it seems that the Americans are a lot closer than we thought.”