Hans’s eyes betrayed his despair. When he moved to switch off the radio, she touched his arm. “Let’s hear the rest of it.”
Hitler’s voice was growing stronger. “I am convinced that with the departure of this small clique of traitors and conspirators, we will finally create the atmosphere here at home, too, which the soldiers at the front need. For it is intolerable that at the front hundreds of thousands of brave men are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, while here at home a small clique of ambitious, despicable creatures constantly tries to undermine this attitude. This time we will settle accounts as we National Socialists always do. I am convinced that at this time every decent officer, every honest soldier will understand that.
“Few people can begin to imagine the fate which would have overtaken Germany had the assassination attempt succeeded. I myself thank Providence and my Creator not for preserving me – my life consists only of worry and work for my People – I thank him only for allowing me to continue to bear this burden of worry, and to carry on my work to the best of my ability.
“It is the duty of every German without exception to ruthlessly oppose these elements, and either to arrest them immediately or, if they resist arrest, to shoot them on the spot. These orders have been issued to all military units. They will be carried out to the letter with the discipline typical of the Germany army.
“Once again I take this opportunity, my old comrades in arms, to greet you, joyful that I have once again been spared a fate which, while it held no terror for me personally, would have had terrible consequences for the German People. I interpret this as a sign from Providence that I must continue my work, and therefore I shall continue it.”
Gretchen thanked Hans for the beer and stumbled home. The Kaiser Wilhelm blocks loomed grey and uninviting against a darkening sky.
Part II
15
July 21, 1944
The following morning, Hitler repeated his speech, almost word for word. Inge and Dora listened on Dora’s radio. When it was finished, Dora turned the volume down, and they sat together in stunned silence.
“I can’t go on like this,” whispered Inge. “It’s a living hell. The cramps in my legs are getting worse.”
“Have you been doing your calisthenics? You need to keep that up.”
“That makes no difference!”
Dora put an arm around her shoulders. “We need to be patient, Inge, the war will end soon.”
“But when? I’m slowly going mad in the attic.” A tear ran down her cheek. “I have no friends and I miss the sun.”
Keeping her voice down, Dora lightened her tone. “The Americans and the English are fighting their way through France, moving closer every day. And the Red Army is advancing from the east. It won’t be long now until either one of those vast armies reaches Berlin and finally defeats the Nazis.”
“And then what?”
“Then we will be free. You will be able to leave the attic and get on with your life.”
“What life?” She snorted. “My parents have been taken. I don’t know where my sisters are. My whole family has gone.”
“You will make a new life for yourself. We’ll all have to do that. I will help you.”
“I’d like to find my friends Maria and Anna…”
“In Dresden?”
“They are Christians, they should be safe.”
“We’ll see after the war,” said Dora.
“Promise me.”
“I promise.”
Tiny wings, barely audible, fluttered in the attic above their heads. Inge shuddered. “And I hate the bats.”
“The bats won’t harm you, you know that. Now cheer up.” Dora opened her bag. “I have something for you.” She pulled a tin from her bag. It had no label.
“What is it?” said Inge, turning it over in her hands.
“Let’s find out.” Dora fetched a tin opener and opened the tin.
Peaches in syrup!
Within hours, news came in about the summary executions of Oberst Claus von Stauffenberg and Generaloberst Ludwig Beck. Over the next few days they heard of the arrest and trial of many other conspirators. Henning von Tresckow and some of the others committed suicide rather than face the People’s Court. The old man in the flat cap in block 3 was jubilant. “Hanging is too good for those traitors. How could they try to assassinate our Führer when the whole country is at its most vulnerable and surrounded by enemies? Who else but the Führer can save our Fatherland?”
Gretchen knew that this man’s views were shared by many Germans, even those who had no love for the Nazis or their Party.
The trials and executions continued well into August, as the Gestapo net spread wider and wider, ensnaring conspirators, both military and civilian. Details of previous failed attempts to assassinate the Führer were published in the national newspapers under headlines of outrage.
Outwardly everyone condemned the conspirators but hidden in their hearts both Gretchen and Hans cherished secret feelings of admiration for what these brave men had tried to do.
The flow of refugees grew daily. Ragged lines of women, children, and old men trudged through the streets, carrying all their worldly goods. Some carried bags on their backs, others had suitcases, and some had handcarts. All headed west. Gretchen’s dearest wish was to join them, but she knew that Oskar would never survive the journey.
16
Berlin life returned to ‘normal’. Gretchen continued to work in the bakery for no money. She thought about leaving, but working there guaranteed her daily allowance of bread without having to pay for it, and without having to queue for it. Besides, Herr Korn needed her, and she wanted to feel useful.
Ludwig and his troop strode around the streets like cockerels, saluting ‘Heil Hitler’ to everyone they came across, challenging them not to return the salute.
Allied night-time air raids continued at low intensity. Berliners got used to their diabolical rhythm and the increasing number of demolished buildings and fires in their streets.
Gretchen spent more and more time with Hans on his allotment.
