Just Ordinary Men

Chapter 21

Disclaimer: This is an original work of fiction. All original characters are my own invention and any similarity to actual persons living or dead is coincidental. Where actual historical figures are mentioned any dialogue or actions attributed to them is to be similarly viewed, unless the incident concerned is a matter of historical record. 

Garsteck replaced the receiver of the telephone slowly and sat back in his chair puffing out his cheeks, exhaling slowly.  He ran a hand through his thinning dark hair and looked up as Mannheim appeared in the doorway, a questioning look on his face.  Shaking his head he relaxed slightly 'No.. the parachute Holbein saw wasn't from any other aircraft of ours.  That's not to say we didn't take losses, but it seems Johann was the lucky one, everyone else was seen to blow up or crash without getting out..'

Mixed emotions flooded through Mannheim; relief that Alfelt was probably alive; sorry for the loss of more comrades.  On balance relief overrode other reactions and he smiled 'Sehr gut Herr Major!'  He paused in sudden shock 'Has anyone told Marta?'

Wincing, Garsteck shook his head 'No I was just about to call her.. I didn't want to say anything until I had confirmation either way..  we still don't really, but it's better than knowing for definite he is dead!'

'I'll.. uhh.. leave you to it then Herr Major..'  Mannheim clearly didn't want to have any part in what was bound to be a very difficult conversation.  Garsteck simply nodded as Mannheim turned and left his office, closing the door behind him.

Garsteck sighed and picked up the receiver he'd only just replaced, hearing the operator's voice 'Get me Major Alfelt's home number.. I'll wait..'  He paused listening to the reply and sighed 'Germany.. area code 361, number 217.. and I'm still waiting..'  Hearing the hard edge creeping into the normally relaxed Garsteck's voice the operator winced and checked her international directory.  A few minutes passed before he heard the familiar ringing and drew a sharp breath as the call was answered at the other end.

'Familie Alfelt..'  Marta sounded happy, and Garsteck chewed his lip knowing how what he was about to say would destroy that happiness.

'Marta.. it's Anton..'  He heard a sharp intake of breath and a small sob.

'It's.. it's Johann isn't it?  Please Anton.. tell me the truth..'

Marshalling his thoughts Garsteck knew it was best to give her the good news, or as much as he knew of it, first to allay her concerns.  'He's not dead Marta, but he has been shot down.. over England.'

The relief in her voice was palpable as he heard it catching 'Not dead?  He is a prisoner of war then?  You are sure of this Anton?'

Marta having worked out the bad news, Garsteck decided it was best to give her the full facts.  'One of the other pilots saw his 109 go down, but he also saw a parachute.  Before calling you I checked with the other units involved and all of their men are accounted for.'  He saw no point in detailing that the other units who had lost men knew for certain they were dead; despite that he felt he should inject a cautionary note.  'We won't for certain for a couple of weeks when the next Red Cross lists come in.. but I think there is reason to be hopeful.'

His caution, they both knew was wise basing his opinion contingent upon confirmation via the Red Cross from the British that Alfelt was in their hands.

Since its inception in 1864 the International Red Cross, amidst its myriad other duties, had taken on the overseeing of care of Prisoners of War, ensuring within their remit, that the Geneva Convention was being adhered to.  Within this they visited prisoner of war camps regularly making note of conditions, delivering parcels and letters to and from prisoners which, once through the captor country's censors, allowed some measure of morale to be maintained during captivity.  They also compiled lists of new prisoner arrivals and communicated them back to the prisoners' countries of origin.  This was the confirmation Garsteck referred to.