Opening Moves

“Part of Germany lies in their control, we could not see more of it invaded Herr General.”

Eisenhower went to speak but Uhlmann suddenly whispered to his comrade, so the General bided his time.

Braun coughed and sought permission to continue.

“Sturmbann… sorry… Herr Uhlmann says that, in truth, it would have been more difficult to sit and do nothing.”

‘An honest point made by an honest man’, thought Ike.

“I understand Gentlemen, and again I must thank you for your efforts. Now, how may we best reward you?”

Braun translated and Eisenhower saw the confusion on their faces.

“All our ex-SS prisoners are being transferred to France under the care of the French Army.” Whilst Eisenhower had made the decision that he would not admit any knowledge of the French plan for the time being, he had impulsively decided to trust these men. What he had to say would not be news to Rossiter.

“I know that they intend to form Foreign Legion units from ex-SS personnel to fight the Soviets. I tell you this in good faith and request that you never speak of this to anyone as I do not ‘officially’ know this.”

Braun spoke his words and the three chorused “Zu Befehl Herr General” indicating their observance of his wish.

No translation was necessary to the American.

“Thank you. I can offer you your freedom and a release from military service, as all German personnel have been placed under my command. Your Council have been consulted and fully endorse this offer. I understand General Clarke has provided you with safe conduct papers in any case.”

It was time to deal with a delicate subject.

“The SS are not to form part of the regular German forces because of their reputation for war crimes and association with the camps and other excesses. The French have found a way round that for the common good, and also for their own means I’m sure,” he added lightly.

Returning to a more deliberate style he continued, “I must tell you that you have been investigated and we have not found any reason to detain any of you for War crimes, but understand that if evidence is found then you will be brought to trial for any matter in which you are implicated. It cannot be otherwise gentlemen.”

Eisenhower felt uncomfortable saying it, Braun likewise translating it and Uhlmann and Shandruk in equal measure listening to it.

Quickly the General moved on.

“I do not doubt that the honour you showed by your actions is indicative of the way you conducted yourselves during the hostilities.”

Braun stumbled on ‘indicative’ but Rossiter rescued him with a prompt.

“The alternate is to return you to French custody, with General Clarke’s and my own endorsement of course, and then I suspect your only choices will be to remain in a camp or fight under the flag of France for the European cause.”

Eisenhower sought a decision and indicated the three towards a 17th Century sofa as Rossiter, on cue, poured coffee for all.

A knock on the door was quickly accompanied by Hood’s head reappearing, eyes enquiring silently of his General and receiving the reply he sought in equally noiseless fashion.

Within a minute he reappeared with six boxes, three odd sized and three small rectangular ones, placing three stacks containing one of each sort on Ike’s desk.

The General flicked his lighter and drew in the pungent smoke, realising his guests were eyeing his packet.

Rossiter stepped forward and the three were soon drawing on their own cigarettes.

Eisenhower sucked his down in record time, conscious of the importance of what he was about to do as well as reminding himself he was on a time limit, a time limit already exceeded according to the mantlepiece clock.

He stood, initiating a similar response from the three ex-prisoners.

Braun spoke, not as interpreter but as spokesperson for the group.

“Shandruk cannot go home, for his home is the Ukraine and it is not yet liberated. Herr Uhlmann and I cannot go home because our country still needs us. We do not really understand why it is the Foreign Legion and not the German flag we would fight under but fight we will Herr General.”

Eisenhower nodded and smiled broadly.

“I never doubted it gentlemen. Colonel Rossiter.”

Sam Rossiter, for all his serious nature, had been waiting for this bit.

“Achtung! Stillgestanden!”

Automatically the three men froze in rigid poses, mirrors of each other, stood at parade attention.

“Colonel Rossiter, if you will translate my words please.”

“Major Uhlmann, Lieutenant Shandruk, Master Sergeant Braun, on behalf of the free States of Europe and the United States of America, thank you.” To emphasise the moment he looked at each man in turn. “Sincerely, I thank you.”

A moment of pause and then forward again.

“As a token of our appreciation, we restore to you the awards of your former enlistment.”

Hood passed over the boxes one at a time, in descending rank order and Eisenhower presented it to the appropriate man. Each one of the irregular boxes was marked with solely their surname.