1 Stalag Luft III location and security details. Gill, pgs. 53, 54; Brickhill, pg. 27; Carroll, pgs. 59–60, 61.
1 Different colored soils and the need for a long tunnel. Gill, pg. 54; Carroll, pg. 60.
1 Size and construction of barracks and their distance from the fence. Carroll, pgs. 60, 61.
2 Barracks built on stilts and concrete pilings. Carroll, pg. 61.
2 Germans sink subterranean microphones. Air 40/2486/031.
2 Canine units and weather conditions. Carroll, pgs. 60, 62.
2 “main camps.” Carroll, pg. 59.
2 Roger Bushell arrives at Stalag Luft III. Brickhill, pg. 19.
2 Bushell shot down and captured. Brickhill, pgs. 3–4; Gill, pg. 14; Vance, pg. 12.
3 Bushell’s biographic details from birth to being shot down. Gill, pgs. 11–14.
3 Bushell’s escape from the train, being betrayed in Prague. Brickhill, pgs. 8–9; Gill, pgs. 10, 44.
4 Bushell assumes command of X-Organization, takes advantage of seasoned escapers. Brickhill, pg. 20; Gill, pg. 75.
4 Locations of the tunnels. Gill, pgs. 106–107.
4–5 Concealing the tunnels. Gill, pgs. 111–112, 114; Brickhill, pgs. 34–36.
5 “a standard pastime at Stalag Luft III.” Air 40/2487/009.
5 The role of the “duty pilots.” Gill, pgs. 108, 137–138.
5 The process of digging a tunnel. Brickhill, pg. 79.
5–6 Conditions in the tunnel. Brickhill, pgs. 79, 80.
6 “Digging was the worst…” Brickhill, pg. 80.
6 Fanshawe and his “trouser bags.” Brickhill, pg. 41; Gill, pg. 125.
6 Walenn and the work of “Dean and Dawson.” Carroll, pgs. 110–112; Gill, pgs. 59–60, 146–147.
7 “Made in Stalag Luft III.” Gill, pg. 150.
7 The work of Plunkett’s cartographic team. Gill, pg. 93.
7 “a bed-stead and mattress, knife, spoon…” Air 40/2286/034.
7 Inventory list of items used to build the tunnels. Air 40/2286/034.
7 Lighting the tunnels. Gill, pg. 120; Pumping fresh air into the tunnels. Brickhill, pgs. 50–51.
8 “While bombed-out German civilians had to do their utmost…” Air 40/2286/034-035.
8 “heavy earth vibrations.” Air 40/2286/031.
8 Laborers working the coal stores are responsible for microphone noise. Air 40/2286/031.
8–9 Discovery and destruction of Tom. Gill, pgs. 140–141, 144; Carroll, pgs. 138–139.
9 Building Harry. Andrews, pg. 46; Gill, pgs. 122–123, 155, 158, 166.
9 The date set for the escape. Burgess, pg. 123.
9–10 Lottery to go through the tunnel, and final preparations. Andrews, pgs. 53–54; Gill, pg. 163; Burgess, pg. 124.
10 Rate of men through the tunnel. Carroll, pg. 211; Escape’s slow process and various mishaps. Andrews, pg. 54; Gill, pgs. 179–180, 184, 185.
10 Outside temperature sinks to thirty below zero. Carroll, pg. 211.
10 Prisoners 101 to 200 are ordered back to their bunks. Burgess, pg. 135.
10 Only fifty men have so far managed to get away. Carroll, pg. 212.
11 The first men out of the tunnel. Burgess, pgs. 129–130.
11 Guard discovers tunnel exit. Gill, pg. 187.
11 Chaos following the tunnel’s discovery, prisoners are rounded up outside. Gill, pgs. 188–190; Brickhill, pgs. 199–200.
11 Prisoners spend nearly three hours standing outside; seventy-six men escaped. Brickhill, pg. 200.
13 Hitler calls a meeting with Göring, Himmler, and Keitel. Air 40/2487/011.
13 Göring and Keitel clash over prisoner responsibility. IMT, pg. 2; Westhoff statement. Air 40/2487/131.
14 Breslau Kripo initiate national hue and cry. Law Reports of Trials of War Criminals: Selected and Prepared by the United Nations War Crimes Commission (referenced from here on as UNWCC), pg. 35; Men being siphoned off to search for escapees. Westhoff statement. Air 40/2487/131.
14 “It is incredible…” Carroll, pg. 243.
15 “irrespective of whether it is an escape…” Stufe Römisch III order. Air 40/2487/045.
15 “The persons recaptured are to be reported…” Stufe Römisch III order. Air 40/2487/045.
15 Responses to Red Cross, case-by-case handling for American and British prisoners. Stufe Römisch III order. Air 40/2487/045.
15 Details of Aktion Kugel. The Operation Kugel Order. Air 40/2487/049; Mathausen affidavit. Air 40/2487/050.
15 “more than half the escapees.” UNWCC, pg. 33.
15 Himmler proposes that fifty escapees be shot. UNWCC, pg. 39; Andrews, pg. 57.
16 “The frequent mass escapes of officer prisoners…” UNWCC, pg. 33.
16 Kripo charged with handing prisoners over to the Gestapo. UNWCC, pgs. 33–35.
16 Wielen summoned to Nebe’s office in Berlin. Wielen statements. Air 40/2488/014 and Air 40/2487/150.
16 Nebe’s office and red leather furniture. Wielen statement. Air 40/2488/016-017.
17 “You look tired…” based on paraphrased conversation in Wielen statement. Air 40/2487/150.
17 “was very angry.” Wielen statement. Air 40/2487/150.
17 Wielen declines to accept responsibility. Wielen statement. Air 40/2487/150.
17 “looked extremely tired…” Wielen statement. Air 40/2487/150.
17 Breslau Kripo ordered to hand prisoners to Breslau Gestapo. Wielen statement. Air 40/2488/014-015.
17 Wielen arranges meeting with Scharpwinkel. Wielen statement. Air 40/2487/151.
17 “I shall do this personally.” Wielen statement. Air 40/2487/151.
17 Thirty-five escapees imprisoned at Gorlitz. Air 40/2487/022.
17–18 Details of recaptured escapees arrive in Nebe’s Berlin office. Merten statement. Air 40/2487/076.
18 “You have heard about the Führer Order…” Merten statement. Air 40/2487/076.
18 Nebe starts sorting through the index cards. Merten statement. Air 40/2487/076.
18 “He is so young…” Merten statement. Air 40/2487/076.
18 “He is for it.” Merten statement. Air 40/2487/076.
18 Nebe swaps one card for another and hands stack to Merten. Merten statement. Air 40/2487/076.
18 “Now quickly, the list!” Merten statement. Air 40/2487/076.
18 Merten misstates the location of prisoners. Merten statement. Air 40/2487/077.
CHAPTER 1: “THOSE ARE MY ORDERS”
19 “I have to acquaint you with a top secret matter.” UNWCC, pg. 43.
19 “It is an order from the Führer…” UNWCC, pg. 43.
19–20 Post’s biographical details. Air 40/2287/036; Air 40/2279/007-008.
20 Details and planning of operation under Post’s command. Oskar Schmidt statement. Air 40/2279/026.
20 “Anyone not complying…” Oskar Schmidt statement. Air 40/2279/026.
21 Catanach and Christensen catch 3:15 to Berlin. Gill, pg. 186.
21 Route the men traveled following the escape. Andrews, pg. 72; Information pertaining to their arrest. Linke statement. Air 40/2279/008-009.
21 Four airmen interrogated and placed in police prison; Berlin notified of capture. Linke statement. Air 40/2279/008.
22 Type of cars driven. Struve statement. Air 40/2279/022.
22 Gestapo agents have lunch in Flensburg, drive to prison. Oskar Schmidt statement. Air 40/2279/026.
22 Handcuffed prisoners escorted out to waiting cars and driven away in convoy. Kaehler statement. Air 40/2279/014.
22 Post points out Kiel landmarks. Andrews, pg. 230.
22–23 Exchange between Post and Catanach is taken from Post’s testimony at trial. Quoted in Andrews, pg. 230.
23 Post anxious to make theater performance, drops tickets off at mistress’s apartment. Kaehler statement. Air 40/2279/014.
23 Route driven to killing field; change in Post’s demeanor. Kaehler statement. Air 40/2279/014.
23 Post marches Catanach into field, shoots airman. Kaehler statement. Air 40/2279/014.
24 Oskar Schmidt tells airmen to get out and relieve themselves. Oskar Schmidt statement. Air 40/2279/027.
24 Prisoners react upon finding Catanach’s body in the grass. Oskar Schmidt statement. Air 40/2279/027.
24 “Shoot them!” Kaehler statement. Air 40/2279/015.
24 Airman survives initial shooting. Jacobs statement. Air 40/2279/020; Oskar Schmidt statement. Air 40/2279/027.
24 “He is still alive…” Oskar Schmidt statement. Air 40/2279/027.
24 Post and Kaehler leave the scene of the crime. Oskar Schmidt statement. Air 40/2279/027.
24 “He was not mine…” Jacobs statement. Air 40/2279/021.
24 “And so did mine.” Jacobs statement. Air 40/2279/021.
25 Post arrives at undertaker’s. Kaehler statement. Air 40/2279/015.
25 Leather coat and long boots. Tischendorf statement. Air 40/2279/039.
25 “I need you to collect some prisoners…” Based on paraphrased conversation in Tischendorf statement. Air 40/2279/039.
25 “What prisoners are they?” Tischendorf statement. Air 40/2279/039.
25 “French. Shot whilst trying to escape.” Tischendorf statement. Air 40/2279/039.
25 Tischendorf asks Kaehler about the prisoners. Tischendorf statement. Air 40/2279/039.
25 “They’re British airmen.” Based on paraphrased conversation in Tischendorf statement. Air 40/2279/039.
25 “Are they the same seventy-six airmen…” Based on paraphrased conversation in Tischendorf statement. Air 40/2279/039.
25 “I shall have a car ready to leave…” Based on paraphrased conversation in Tischendorf statement. Air 40/2279/039.
25 Details of the drive back to the meadow. Boll statement. Air 40/2279/037; Salau statement. Air 40/2279/038.
26 Boll sees three men standing in field. Boll statement. Air 40/2279/037.
26 Bodies stacked two to a coffin. Salau statement. Air 40/2279/038.
26 Two corpses had bullet wounds to the head. Boll statement. Air 40/2279/037.
26 “If the Russians get here…” Salau statement. Air 40/2279/038.
26 Gestapo arrives at the crematorium with bodies to destroy. Schafer statement. Air 40/2279/041.
26 “Here are four corpses to be cremated.” Schafer statement. Air 40/2279/041.
26 “Do you have the necessary documents?” Based on paraphrased conversation in Schafer statement. Air 40/2279/041.
26 “Berlin has ordered it.” Schafer statement. Air 40/2279/041.
26 “You will not make any entries.” Based on paraphrased conversation in Schafer statement. Air 40/2279/041.
26 Bodies to be registered only with Roman numerals I-IV. Schafer statement. Air 40/2279/041.
27 “The corpses are those of prisoners…” Based on paraphrased conversation in Schafer statement. Air 40/2279/041.
27 Schafer notes the victims’ clothing. Schafer statement. Air 40/2279/041.
27 Jacobs takes possession of the urns. Jacobs statement. Air 40/2279/020-021.
27 “Everything in order?” Based on paraphrased conversation in Tischendorf statement. Air 40/2279/039.
27 “Yes.” Tischendorf statement. Air 40/2279/039.
27 “What kind of bodies were they?” Based on paraphrased conversation in Tischendorf statement. Air 40/2279/039.
27 “They were all shot from the back.” Based on paraphrased conversation in Tischendorf statement. Air 40/2279/039.
27 Nothing more is said about the incident. Tischendorf statement. Air 40/2279/039.
27 “harass, confuse, and confound the enemy.” Carroll, pg. 2.
27 Massey biographical details. Carroll, pg. 73; Gill, pg. 96; Brickhill, pg. 23.
28 Fate and whereabouts of those still on the run a mystery. Carroll, pg. 255; Brickhill, pg. 223.
28 Pieber tells Massey the kommandant has “terrible” news. Brickhill, pg. 224; Gill, pg. 221.
28 The camp’s rumor mill; Massey escorted to Braune’s office. Brickhill, pg. 224.
29 The exchange between Massey and Braune is quoted in Brickhill (pgs. 224–226), Gill (pgs. 221–223), and Carroll (pgs. 225–256). The dialogue differs only slightly in each account. I have quoted the conversation reported by Brickhill, as he was an inmate in Stalag Luft III at the time of the escape.
30 “Please do not think the Luftwaffe…” Brickhill, pg. 227.
30 Massey calls a camp meeting. Brickhill, pg. 227; Gill, pg. 223; Numbers tallied. Andrews, pg. 59.
30 Massey’s repatriation. Gill, pgs. 224–225.
30 List of dead is posted; Swiss Protecting Power visits the camp. Air 40/2488/036.
31 Breakdown of victims’ nationalities. Air 40/2488/003.
31 “a full and immediate report.” Parliamentary Debates, House of Commons. May 19, 1945, vol. 400. Columns 437–439.
31 Number of victims climbs to fifty, ashes arrive at camp. Air 40/2488/036.
31 “No orders have at any time been given…” Parliamentary Debates, House of Commons. June 23, 1945, vol. 401. Columns 477–482.
31 “His Majesty’s Government must, therefore…” Parliamentary Debates, House of Commons. June 23, 1945, vol. 401. Columns 477–482.
32 McKenna rents room from widowed officer, reviews files. Andrews, pg. 45.
32 McKenna’s biographical details. “Sherlock Holmes.” Blackpool Gazette, February 28, 2007.
33 McKenna joins RAF’s Special Investigating Branch after completing thirty operations. Blackpool Gazette, February 28, 2007.
33 McKenna tasked with reviewing case files. Andrews, pg. 45.
33 Details of escape found in government report on the incident. Air 40/2488/029-042.
33 Bergsland, Muller, and Van der Stok’s escape routes. Gill, pgs. 206, 216–218.
34 Task of identifying thousands of German POWs still incomplete. Air 40/2488/041-042.
34 Naming of Wielen, Scharpwinkel, and Nebe. Air 40/2488/038-039.
34 Majority of prisoners captured in Breslau area and imprisoned in Görlitz. Air 40/2488/032; Number of murdered men (27). Air 40/2487/024.
34 The various challenges posed by the investigation: seventeen months since the crime, Gestapo destroying papers, agents on the run with false identities, Germany carved up among the Allies. Air 40/2488/041-042.
35 “In view of these difficulties…” Air 40/2488/042.
35 McKenna voices doubt about case. Burgess, pg. 226.
35 “There appears to be little more evidence…” Air 40/2488/041.
35 McKenna assigned the case. Burgess, pg. 226; Andrews, pg. 76.
36 McKenna and Williams leave for Germany on September 3, 1945. Andrews, pg. 79.
36 McKenna afraid of the water. Andrews, pg. 36.
36 Absalon strips Lindeiner-Wildau of his command. Based on information in Air 40/2487/014-015 and Air 40/2487/110, which includes references to Lindeiner-Wildau’s pro-British sentiments.
36 “Nineteen of the escaped officers…” Air 40/2487/020.
37 “200 grams of black bread and one liter of watery soup.” Wolter statement. Air 40/2488/008.
37 Inmates tried before a special court. Wolter statement. Air 40/2488/008.
37 “Presumably, it was Absalon…” Air 40/2487/020.
37 “a good sort of commandant…” Air 40/2487/014.
38 Lindeiner-Wildau’s humane treatment of prisoners. Translation of German report. Air 40/2488/093.
38 Names added to the Central Register of War Criminals and Security Suspects. Andrews, pg. 79.
38 “The first task…” Air 40/2488/046.
39 “If it is found possible…” Air 40/2488/046.
40 23,000,000 people. MacDonogh, pg. 250; “a staggering 93 percent.” MacDonogh, pg. 255.
40 McKenna contacts relevant authorities during the first few days of the investigation. Andrews, pgs. 88, 89; Investigation progress report: September 25, 1945. Air 40/2488/057.
41 Prisoners at GÖrlitz informed they would not see loved ones again; ten inmates taken away on March 31 and cremated at Liegnitz. Air 40/2488/033.
41 Humphreys and Stewart shot down. Blackpool Gazette, February 28, 2007; Vance, pg. 186.
42 “camps and concentration areas.” Investigation progress report: September 25, 1945. Air 40/2488/057.
42 McKenna’s assessment ten days into investigation. Andrews, pg. 93.
43 Absalon’s parents in Düsseldorf. Investigation progress report: September 25, 1945. Air 40/2272/108.
43 Parents’ address in Düsseldorf. Investigation progress report: September 25, 1945. Air 40/2272/108.
43 “We have not heard from him…” Based on paraphrased conversation detailed in investigation progress report: September 25, 1945. Air 40/2272/108.
44 “Yes. She lives in Düsseldorf.” Based on paraphrased conversation detailed in investigation progress report: September 25, 1945. Air 40/2272/108.
44 Frau Absalon’s address. Investigation progress report: September 25, 1945. Air 40/2272/108.
44 Frau Absalon left to care for two young children and mother. Air 40/2488/026; Andrews, pg. 95.
44 Wife received letter from Absalon in February. Investigation progress report: September 25, 1945. Air 40/2272/108.
44 “Relations between my husband and myself…” Based on paraphrased conversation detailed in investigation progress report: September 25, 1945. Air 40/2272/108.
44 “If I do hear from him again…” Based on paraphrased conversation detailed in investigation progress report: September 25, 1945. Air 40/2272/108.
45 “well groomed and smartly dressed.” Air 40/2488/026.
45 Details of the Battle of Breslau. Bessel, pgs. 39–40.
45 Details of Belsen. Ryan, pg. 328; Andrews, pgs. 90–91; BBC News.
45 Displaced persons from Breslau. Andrews, pgs. 97–98; Bessel, pg. 272.
45 McKenna acquires a list of Breslau refugees in Rinteln. Burgess, pg. 232.
47 McKenna spends an unproductive day in the rain. Burgess, pg. 232; Andrews, pg. 98.
47 McKenna’s nightmare. Documentary Great Escape: The Reckoning.
48 McKenna hits the streets for second day of questioning. Burgess, pg. 232; Address in Rinteln. Lonsky statement. Air 40/2488/075.
48 McKenna invited into woman’s house to wait. Burgess, pg. 233.
49 Lonsky speaks English. Andrews, pg. 99.
49 Lonsky’s military and police background. Lonsky statement. Air 40/2488/075.
49 “In this way, I got to know Dr. Gunther Absalon…” Lonsky statement. Air 40/2488/075.
49 “Whilst I was in the Military Police…” Lonsky statement. Air 40/2488/075.
49 “We were to take them…” Lonsky statement. Air 40/2488/075.
50 “There was a Dr. Scharpwinkel…” Lonsky statement. Air 40/2488/075.
50 “I remained in the Military Police…” Lonsky statement. Air 40/2488/075.
50 Lonsky wounded at Breslau. Lonsky statement. Air 40/2488/076.
50 “I had a good knowledge…” Lonsky statement. Air 40/2488/076.
50 “Approval was given…” Lonsky statement. Air 40/2488/076.
51 “Since the capitulation…” Lonsky statement. Air 40/2488/076.
51 “I met him in Rinteln recently…” Lonsky statement. Air 40/2488/076.
51 “I saw Dr. Absalon on occasions…” Lonsky statement. Air 40/2488/076.
51 Mercier survives Breslau, is questioned by the Russians. Kah statement. Air 40/2489/008.
52 Mercier eventually makes his way to Hamburg and tries to establish himself in the wine business. Kah statement. Air 40/2489/008-009.
52 Informant calls the police to say Mercier is staying at guest lodge. Burgess, pg. 236.
53 Mercier taken into custody, tries to escape, refuses to answer questions. Burgess, pg. 237.
53 Kah number twelve on RAF’s Wanted List. Investigation progress report: October 30, 1945. Air 40/2488/095.
54 Kah offers up Seetzen. Investigation progress report: October 30, 1945. Air 40/2488/095; description of Seetzen. Air 40/2488/059.
54 Raid to take Seetzen into custody. Andrews, pg. 104.
54 Seetzen swallows cyanide capsule. Andrews, pg. 104; Kah interrogation. Air 40/2488/107.
56 The story of Russian soldiers taking away Scharpwinkel was relayed to McKenna by Hubertus Zembrodt. Zembrodt statement: Air 40/2488/073-074.
56 Zembrodt’s wartime experiences. Zembrodt statement. Air 40/2488/073-074.
56 “The Russians also arrested…” Zembrodt statement. Air 40/2488/073.
56 “The arrest at the hospital…” Zembrodt statement. Air 40/2488/074.
57 Dr. Rudolf Diels. Investigation progress report: October 10, 1945. Air 40/2488/086.
57 “Nebe was regarded as a most interesting prisoner…” Additional information to supplement particulars contained in “Consolidated Wanted List.” Air 40/2488/088.
58 “Believed dead but not yet confirmed.” Investigation progress report: November 17, 1945. Air 40/2488/138.
58 “Believed killed or taken by the Russians.” Investigation progress report: November 17, 1945. Air 40/2488/138.
58 Kah held for interrogation by British Army. Investigation progress report: October 10, 1945. Air 40/2488/086.
58 The account of McKenna’s journey to Berlin and his encounter with the Russians is taken from a firsthand account printed in Andrews, pgs. 109–110.
61 “I think you are prepared to help us with information.” Kah interrogation. Air 40/2488/105.
61 “Yes, Germany has lost the war…” Kah interrogation. Air 40/2488/105.
61 “If you do not tell us the truth…” Kah interrogation. Air 40/2488/107.
61 “I want to help you voluntarily…” Kah interrogation. Air 40/2488/107.
61 Kah’s knowledge of Scharpwinkel. Kah interrogation. Air 40/2488/103-105, 107.
62 “Do you know what happened to him?” Kah interrogation. Air 40/2488/107.
62 “No. The capitulation was so much in a hurry…” Kah interrogation. Air 40/2488/107.
62 Courtney arrives in Germany with Fritz the German shepherd. Andrews, pg. 112.
63 Lyrics quoted in “German Reactions to Nazi Atrocities.” Janowitz, pg. 141.
63 Information at Dachau leads to the arrests of Walde, Grosch, and Hoffman. Investigation progress report: December 5, 1945. Air 40/2488/156.
63 Statements of Hoffman, Walde, and Hoffman. Investigation progress report: Dec. 1945–Jan. 1946. Air 40/2489/133-136. (Individual statements are archived as follows: Hoffman—Air 40/2489/049-052; Walde—Air 40/2489/130-132; Grosch—Air 40/2489/137-138.)
64 Information on Fritz Panzinger. Investigation progress report: December 20, 1945. Air 40/2489/106.
64 “The Americans are interested…” Investigation progress report: December 20, 1945. Air 40/2489/106.
64 “head of the Reich security office…” Gill, pg. 9.
65 Killing of Reinhard Heydrich. MacDonald, pgs. 170–175, 192–196.
65 “seventeen rows of corpses in bloody clothes…” The Massacre at Lidice
65 German soldiers destroy graveyard, ship women and children off to concentration camp. The Massacre at Lidice (Holocaust Education and Research Team).
65 Dr. F. V. van der Bijil allowed to question suspect. Letter to British Ambassador in Prague: December 2, 1945: Air 40/2489/144.
66 “Detailed information has just come into my possession…” Letter to British Ambassador in Prague: December 2, 1945: Air 40/2489/144.
66 “The driver of one was Kiowsky…” Letter to British Ambassador in Prague: December 2, 1945: Air 40/2489/144.
67 “a harmless person.” Letter to British Ambassador in Prague: December 2, 1945: Air 40/2489/144.
67 “Arriving at a spot somewhere between…” Letter to British Ambassador in Prague: December 2, 1945: Air 40/2489/144.
67 “It is asserted that these murders…” Letter to British Ambassador in Prague: December 2, 1945: Air 40/2489/145.
67 “I, therefore, request [Your] Excellency…” Letter to British Ambassador in Prague: December 2, 1945: Air 40/2489/145.
67 “I would add that I am deeply interested…” Letter to British Ambassador in Prague: December 2, 1945: Air 40/2489/145.
68 “overgrown Spaniard.” Brickhill, pg. 26.
68 Description of Kirby-Green. Gill, pg. 48
68 Kirby-Green biographical details. Carroll, pgs. 57–58; Gill, pg. 48; Daily Telegraph. September 26, 2004.
69 “We were on our way home…” Daily Telegraph. September 26, 2004.
69 “don’t do well…” Daily Telegraph. September 26, 2004.
70 Kidder biographical details. Vance, pg. 172.
70 “My beloved adored darling…” Daily Telegraph, September 26, 2004.
71 Kirby-Green in the tunnel. Brickhill, pgs. 184-185; Gill, pgs. 184-185.
71 Kirby-Green and Kidder at the station. Carroll, pg. 209; Gill, pgs. 184–185; Andrews, pg. 68.
71 Kirby-Green and Kidder board 1 A.M. train; captured in Hodinin. Gill, pgs. 186, 210.
72 Bowes background. Andrews, pg. 33.
72 “We can now accept…” Special Investigation Branch memo: January 21, 1946. Air 40/2489/142.
73 Lyon’s biographical details. Burgess, pg. 239.
73 Details of investigation in Czechoslovakia. Investigation progress report: March 12, 1946. Air 40/2491/041.
74 Questioning Schauschütz. Investigation progress report: March 12, 1946. Air 40/2491/041.
74 Schauschütz dispatched to Zlín as temporary head of police. Schauschütz statement. Air 40/2487/160-161.
74 “As he handed me…” Schauschütz statement. Air 40/2487/161.
75 Schauschütz ordered to write report. Schauschütz statement. Air 40/2487/161.
75 Report is approved. Schauschütz statement. Air 40/2487/161.
75 “I had nothing further to do…” Schauschütz statement. Air 40/2487/165.
75 The naming of other suspects. Schauschütz statement. Air 40/2487/166; Nöelle last seen in Prague. Air 40/2493/057.
75 Rumors regarding Nöelle’s fate. Air 40/2493/057.
75 “Nöelle would have had to transmit…” Schauschütz statement. Air 40/2487/166.
75 “I can only say that…” Schauschütz statement. Air 40/2487/166.
76 Names Kiowsky. Schauschütz statement. Air 40/2487/166.
76 “I have been told that driver Fritz…” Schauschütz statement. Air 40/2487/166.
76 Relevance of Schauschütz statement. Investigation progress report: March 12, 1946. Air 40/2491/041.
76 Schwarzer’s possible whereabouts. Investigation progress report: March 12, 1946. Air 40/2491/041.
76 Vaca and the prison at Pankratz. Burgess, pg. 241.
77 Bowes identifies suspects in bar mural. Brickhill, pg. 253; Burgess, pg. 242.
77 “This is Knuppelberg…” Brickhill, pg. 253.
77 Kiowsky questioned in judge’s office. Burgess, 243.
78 “You are obliged to say nothing…” Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/157.
78 Kiowsky’s biographical details. Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/157.
78 “I entered his office…” Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/157.
78 Kiowsky identifies picture of Knuppelberg. Burgess, pg. 243.
78 Kiowsky retrieves prisoners. Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/157.
78 “Both officers were handcuffed…” Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/157.
78 “As I was curious…” Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/157.
79 “Tell him in English…” Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/157.
79 “I received the order…” Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/157.
79 Zacharias gives the thumbs-down. Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/158.
79 “I knew for the first time…” Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/158.
79 Cars pull over outside of Zlín. Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/158.
79 “I knew that he was carrying a gun…” Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/158.
80 Schwarzer asks for a smoke. Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/158.
80 “I gave him a cigarette…” Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/158.
80 “the dark uniform…” Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/158.
80 “everything has passed off smoothly…” Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/158.
80 “Ziegler then gave us the strictest instructions…” Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/159.
81 Kozlowsky constructs cover story. Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/159.
81 “He showed us a plan…” Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/159.
81 “If asked, that the two fliers…” Kiowsky statement. Air 40/2487/159.
81 “harmless persons and ex–customs officials.” Investigation progress report: March 12, 1946. Air 40/2491/042.
81 Frau Zacharias can confirm the information. Investigation progress report: March 12, 1946. Air 40/2491/042.
81 Frau Zacharias confirms information. Andrews, pg. 135; Investigation progress report: March 12, 1946. Air 40/2491/042.
82 Onetime clerk who speaks English. Johann Heger statement. Air 40/2491/065.
82 “I spoke to both the officers in English…” Heger statement. Air 40/2491/065.
83 Bowes and Lyon visit crime scene. Investigation progress report: March 12, 1946. Air 40/2491/043.
83 “It’s open country…” Investigation progress report: March 12, 1946. Air 40/2491/043.
83 “The body of the first man…” Statement of Emil Schreier. Air 40/2491/068.
83 “Before I left…” Statement of Emil Schreier. Air 40/2491/068.
84 Krupa’s account of what transpired at crematorium. Krupa statement. Air 40/2491/069.
84 “The Gestapo men…” Krupa statement. Air 40/2491/069.
84 Urn numbers are listed in Krupa’s statement. Air 40/2491/069.
84 “I don’t know where the urns…” Krupa statement. Air 40/2491/069.
84 Ziegler and Kozlowsky spotted at hotel two weeks prior. Investigation progress report: March 12, 1946. Air 40/2491/043.
84 Travel arrangements to meet up with McKenna. Investigation progress report: March 12, 1945. Air 40/2491/044; Andrews, pg. 136.
85 Raid on hotel at 0100 hours. Investigation progress report: March 12, 1945. Air 40/2491/044.
86 “No Gestapo from Brno…” Investigation progress report: March 12, 1945. Air 40/2491/044.
86 “They bled me white…” Investigation progress report: March 12, 1945. Air 40/2491/044.
86 “With regard to the question…” Investigation progress report: March 12, 1945. Air 40/2491/044.
86 McKenna arrives in Bremen and stakes out refrigeration plant. Investigation progress report: April 4, 1946. Air 40/2481/285.
86 McKenna sees Zacharias approaching. Investigation progress report: April 4, 1946. Air 40/2481/285.
87 Zacharias stripped and sent to Karlsburg. Investigation progress report: April 4, 1946. Air 40/2481/285.
87 McKenna seeks permission to take over custody of Zacharias. Investigation progress report: April 4, 1946. Air 40/2481/285.
87 Zacharias escapes. Investigation progress report: April 4, 1946. Air 40/2481/285.
87 Zacharias runs into a bombed-out building. Andrews, pg. 141.
87 McKenna returns to Rinteln to wait. Investigation progress report: April 4, 1946. Air 40/2481/285.
87 “Erich has been ill…” Burgess, pg. 247.
87 Return address of house. Investigation progress report: April 4, 1946. Air 40/2481/285.
87 March 31 raid on house. Investigation progress report: April 4, 1946. Air 40/2481/285.
87 McKenna finally takes custody of Zacharias. Investigation progress report: April 4, 1946. Air 40/2481/286.
88 “I bought it in Zlín.” Quoted exchange is based on information in investigation progress report: April 4, 1946. Air 40/2481/286.
88 “Why did you escape…” Zacharias interrogation. Air 40/2491/287.
88 “I was afraid.” Zacharias interrogation. Air 40/2491/287.
88 “Of what?” Zacharias interrogation. Air 40/2491/287.
88 “I know why you arrested me…” Zacharias interrogation. Air 40/2491/287.
88 Years serving with the Gestapo. Zacharias interrogation. Air 40/2491/287.
88 “I last saw him in Zlín.” Zacharias interrogation. Air 40/2491/287.
88 “I carried out the first task…” Zacharias statement. Air 40/2491/292.
88 Kirby-Green protests being shackled. Zacharias statement. Air 40/2491/292.
88 “I reported this to Ziegler…” Zacharias statement. Air 40/2491/292.
88 Officers placed in car for supposed transfer. Zacharias statement. Air 40/2491/293.
89 “I had the Canadian officer in my car…” Zacharias statement. Air 40/2491/293.
89 Vehicles pull over. Zacharias statement. Air 40/2491/293.
89 “I made the prisoner get out of the car…” Zacharias statement. Air 40/2491/293.
89 Zacharias and Knuppelberg fire their guns simultaneously. Zacharias statement. Air 40/2491/293.
89 “I fired a second shot…” Zacharias statement. Air 40/2491/293.
89 Zacharias confirms Kidder is dead. Zacharias statement. Air 40/2491/293.
89 “I ran to Knuppelberg and saw his prisoner…” Zacharias statement. Air 40/2491/293.
89 Zacharias reports back to Ziegler. Zacharias statement. Air 40/2491/294.
89 “He replied, ‘Good, that’s all right…’ ” Zacharias statement. Air 40/2491/294.
90 Nazi propaganda lies regarding the destruction of London. Andrews, pg. 143.
90 Details about the London Cage, including street address and number of interrogators. “The Secrets of the London Cage,” Guardian, Saturday, November 12, 2005.
91 “for their height, rather than their brains.” Guardian, Saturday, November 12, 2005.
91 “groceries and provisions trade.” Scotland, pg. 16.
91 Scotland biographical details. Scotland, pgs. 15-29.
91 Guard standing with a foot on the prisoner’s back. Guardian, Saturday, November 12, 2005.
91 “Abandon all hope ye who enter here.” Guardian, Saturday, November 12, 2005.
91 Threats of violence and prisoners deprived of sleep. Guardian, Saturday, November 12, 2005.
91 Prolonged standing at attention. Guardian, Saturday, November 12, 2005.
92 Scotland turns away representative from the Red Cross. Guardian, Saturday, November 12, 2005.
92 Scotland writes a letter explaining his actions. Guardian, Saturday, November 12, 2005.
92 “must proceed in Germany…” Guardian, Saturday, November 12, 2005.
92 Allegations of torture made by SS Captain Fritz Knoechlein. Guardian, Saturday, November 12, 2005.
93 “a lame allegation.” Scotland, pg. 86.
93 “[He] gave us an example of what might have been…” Scotland, pg. 86.
93 “a wild young brute.” Scotland, pg. 147.
93 “abnormally large, powerful hands [and] remarkably thick neck.” Scotland, pg. 148.
93 Escape impossible with Scots Guards watching the premises. Andrews, pg. 143.
93 Girl’s rape and murder. Scotland, pg. 148.
94 “He showed neither remorse for the act…” Scotland, pg. 148.
94 Zacharias made to strip and kneel for hours. Andrews, pg. 145; Scotland pgs. 148–149.
94 “Take him away…” Scotland, pg. 149.
94 Details of Zacharias’s escape taken from an Evening Standard article filed in Air 40/2492/032; Andrews, pg. 144.
94 “a Nazi police officer.” “German Prisoner Recaptured,” Sunday Times, May 14, 1946.
94 “His escape is one of the boldest…” Evening Standard. Air 40/2492/032.
94 “a dark blue reefer jacket…” Evening Standard. Air 40/2492/032.
95 “Italian prisoners of war…” Evening Standard. Air 40/2492/033.
95 Zacharias found in bush. Andrews, pg. 145.
96 Erich Graes found in Neümunster Civilian Internment Camp. Air 40/2722/088.
96 Graes charged with search in Danzig area. Graes statement. Air 40/2490/068.
96 Order to police and military personnel quoted by Graes. Air 40/2490/071.
97 “in the best room in the police station.” Graes statement. Air 40/2490/068.
97 “The next morning I went to the office…” Graes statement. Air 40/2490/068.
97 “Top secret.” Graes statement. Air 40/2490/068.
97 Graes finds out about the killings. Graes statement. Air 40/2490/068.
97 “forty-three or forty-seven.” Graes statement. Air 40/2490/069.
98 “Is this true?” based on conversation detailed in Graes statement. Air 40/2490/068.
98 “We do not do that sort of thing.” Graes statement. Air 40/2490/068.
98 “It’s a rather distant suburb.” Graes statement. Air 40/2490/072.
98 “I am at any time ready…” Graes statement. Air 40/2490/069.
98 “He’s big and elegant looking…” Graes statement. Air 40/2490/070.
99 “the manners and appearance of a thug.” Report on Karl Neitzel interrogation: January 28, 1946. Air 40/2490/42.
99 Identification of Dr. Leopold Spann. Report on Karl Neitzel interrogation: January 28, 1946. Air 40/2490/42.
99 Files in French Zone suffer from poor organization. Investigation progress report: March 16, 1946. Air 40/2491/092-093.
99 French viewing themselves as conquerors. MacDonogh, pgs. 269–270.
99 French atrocities in Stuttgart and Freudenstadt. MacDonogh, pgs. 78, 79.
99 “looting, destruction and rape.” Hastings, pg. 477.
99 “It was not that a sex-starved Russian soldier…” Hastings, pg. 478.
99 Trying to establish contact with the Russians; believing the Soviet Zone “held the key.” Investigation progress report: March 16, 1946. Air 40/2491/091.
100 “The enquiry appears to be opening…” Investigation progress report: March 16, 1946. Air 40/2491/091.
100 Escapees shot in Liberec and cremated in Brüx. Air 40/2487/024-025.
100 Affidavit sheds some light on murders. Affidavit by I.P. Tonder: August 24, 1945. Air 40/2491/025.
101 Bull, Kierath, Mondschein, and Williams captured in the mountains. Affidavit by I. P. Tonder: August 24, 1945. Air 40/2491/025.
101 Tonder and Stower’s escape and their walk through the woods. Affidavit by I. P. Tonder: August 24, 1945. Air 40/2491/025.
101 Deciding to travel by train and their eventual capture. Affidavit by I. P. Tonder: August 24, 1945. Air 40/2491/025.
102 “During this time…” Affidavit by I. P. Tonder: August 24, 1945. Air 40/2491/026.
102 The Gestapo take four men away. Affidavit by I. P. Tonder: August 24, 1945. Air 40/2491/026.
102 “You are a Czech.” Affidavit by I. P. Tonder: August 24, 1945. Air 40/2491/026.
102 Tonder eventually ends up in Colditz. Affidavit by I. P. Tonder: August 24, 1945. Air 40/2491/027.
103 Search of records and the discovery of the cremation order. Investigation progress report: April 3, 1946. Air 40/2491/124.
103 “This is conclusive proof…” Investigation progress report: April 3, 1946. Air 40/2491/124.
103 Bowes and Lyon visit crematorium, talk with Anton Sawerthal. Investigation progress report: April 3, 1946. Air 40/2491/124.
103 “As the bodies were being unloaded…” Sawerthal statement. Air 40/2491/126.
104 The names of the deceased and the corresponding cremation numbers. Sawerthal statement. Air 40/2491/126.
104 “Shot while attempting to escape.” Investigation progress report: April 3, 1946. Air 40/2491/124.
104 “The two chief Gestapo officials…” Sawerthal statement. Air 40/2491/126.
104 Reviewing the list of Liberec Gestapo. Investigation progress report: April 3, 1946. Air 40/2491/124.
104 “It is possible…” Investigation progress report: April 3, 1946. Air 40/2491/124.
105 Bowes and Lyon attempt to pursue Breslau enquiry. Investigation progress report: May 7, 1946. Air 40/2492/155.
105 Bowes and Lyon meet with the attorney for the district. Investigation progress report: May 7, 1946. Air 40/2492/155.
106 Bowes and Lyon denied meeting with Siedwidski or permission to visit other towns. Investigation progress report: May 7, 1946. Air 40/2492/155.
106 Polish police beat and plunder local German populace, “extort[ing] food and money.” Bessel, pg. 224.
106 “in a queue of expellees…” Bessel, pg. 224.
106 Evacuation of inmates from Stalag Luft III, inmates moved to neighboring farms and eventual liberation. Gill, pg. 238.
106 Bowes and Lyon visit the former site of Stalag Luft III. Andrews, pg. 172.
107 Bowes and Lyon visit memorial to the fifty. Andrews, pg. 172.
108 Biographical information on Johannes Gouws and details of his capture. Vance, pgs. 128–129.
108 Biographical information on Rupert Stevens and details of his capture. Vance, pgs. 56–68.
109 Gouws’s and Stevens’s travel plans, last seen alive at Breslau station, ashes arrive at Stalag Luft III. Andrews, pg. 67.
110 1936 Winter Olympics; “Jews Not Wanted.” Spiegel Online International, January 22, 2010.
110 Nuremberg Laws and the concentration camps. Spiegel Online International, January 22, 2010.
110 Goring’s escape and Hitler’s mountain retreat. Spiegel Online International, January 22, 2010.
110 Exchange beginning with “Are you a party member?” Gassner interrogation. Air 40/2491/111.
110 Gassner’s police service and eventual arrest. Gassner interrogation. Air 40/2491/111.
111 “Do you remember…” Gassner interrogation. Air 40/2491/111.
111 “excellent German” and “good impression.” Gassner statement. Air 40/2491/197; Neely’s name. Andrews, pg. 152, Air 40/2487/029.
111 “The flying officer asked me…” Gassner statement. Air 40/2491/197.
111 Gouws and Stevens arrested on separate trains, Neely returned to Stalag Luft III. Gassner statement. Air 40/2491/198.
111 “The two other officers…” Gassner statement. Air 40/2491/198.
112 Gassner ordered to deliver parcels. Gassner statement. Air 40/2491/198.
112 “At first, Haselsberger…” Gassner statement. Air 40/2491/198.
112 Evidence relating to crime is destroyed. Gassner statement. Air 40/2491/199.
112 “About a fortnight before the arrival…” Gassner statement. Air 40/2491/199.
112 “What happened to the two RAF officers?” Greiner interrogation. Air 40/2491/101.
112 “They were handed over to the Gestapo…” Greiner interrogation. Air 40/2491/101.
112 “Did you see the urns?” Greiner interrogation. Air 40/2491/101.
112 “No.” Greiner interrogation. Air 40/2491/101.
112 “Do you know what happened…” Greiner interrogation. Air 40/2491/101.
112 “I don’t know…” Greiner interrogation. Air 40/2491/101.
113 “As head of the Munich Kripo…” Greiner interrogation. Air 40/2491/101.
113 “No, the matter finished for me…” Greiner interrogation. Air 40/2491/101.
113 Achter recalls Schneider showing up with a Russian tommy gun. Achter statement. Air 40/2487/185.
113 “I had not seen a model like that before.” Achter statement. Air 40/2487/185.
113 Oswald Schäfer summons a meeting. Achter statement. Air 40/2487/185-186.
113 “Weil resumed his seat opposite me…” Achter statement. Air 40/2487/186.
113 Achter puts pieces together after his arrest. Achter statement. Air 40/2487/186.
114 “Until then, I did not know this fact.” Achter statement. Air 40/2487/186.
114 “I heard Weil worked for the Americans…” Achter statement. Air 40/2487/186.
114 “There are various opinions about Schäfer’s whereabouts…” Achter statement. Air 40/2487/186.
114 Schermer’s suicide. Andrews, pg. 154.
114 Details regarding Peter Mohr. Mohr statement. Air 40/2487/089.
115 Gestapo forced to pay cremation expenses. Mohr statement. Air 40/2487/089.
115 Williams find cremation receipts. Andrews, pg. 157.
115 “It was two feet wide…” Andrews, pg. 157.
115 Emil Weil’s service with the police and Gestapo. Weil statement. Air 40/2487/205.
116 “Orders are orders.” Weil statement. Air 40/2487/205.
116 Car ride with prisoners and arrival at scene of execution. Weil statement. Air 40/2487/205-206.
116 “On the right of the prisoners was Geith…” Weil statement. Air 40/2487/206.
116 “Schermer said he had to drive…” Weil statement. Air 40/2487/206.
116 Schermer and Schneider return in a van. Weil statement. Air 40/2487/206.
117 “They’re dead.” Weil statement. Air 40/2487/206.
117 Schermer confers with civilian and officer. Weil statement. Air 40/2487/206.
117 “Shortly afterwards, the civilian and the police officer…” Weil statement. Air 40/2487/206.
117 Weil removes names from registry; records are destroyed. Weil statement. Air 40/2487/206-207.
118 Schneider’s wife leads investigators to Hammelburg. Andrews, pgs. 154, 157.
118 Conditions at Stalag XIII-B grim. RC Nov. 1, 1945.
118 The struggle to keep warm, no washrooms or hot water. RC Nov. 1, 1945.
118 “one-tenth of a loaf of bread…” RC Nov. 1, 1945.
119 Men bedridden by malnutrition. RC Nov. 1, 1945.
119 Air raid policies, tensions between prisoners and guards, inmate shootings. RC Nov. 1, 1945.
119 Task Force Baum sets out on rescue operation on March 26. Domes and Heinlein.
119 Ordeal of making it to the camp; Waters shot and carried back to camp. Domes and Heinlein.
120 Negotiations between camp officials and task force go forward; task force moves out at 20:00 hours. Domes and Heinlein.
120 Baum orders his men to fall back to nearby hill. Domes and Heinlein.
121 Baum ordered “every man for himself.” Domes and Heinlein.
121 Germans move into position during the night and attack in the morning; Baum is captured. Domes and Heinlein.
121 U.S. 14th Armored Division liberates the camp. Domes and Heinlein.
121 Johann Schneider’s background. Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/201.
122 Schneider summoned to headquarters and ordered to prepare a car. Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/201.
122 “We drive to police HQ.” Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/201.
122 Prisoners retrieved from police headquarters. Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/201.
122 “Be ready to leave…” Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/201.
122 Schermer returns to garage at 4:30 A.M. Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/201.
122 “On Schäfer’s orders…” Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/201.
122 Car ride to the killing field. Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/201.
122 “Stop. Pull up to the right.” Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/201.
122 “Relieve yourselves.” Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/201.
122 Prisoners and Gestapo agents exit the vehicle. Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/201-202.
122 “Shoot! Shoot!” Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/202.
122 “I looked at him again briefly…” Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/202.
122 Schneider fires machine gun. Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/202.
122 “Take off the chains at once.” Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/202.
122 Bodies covered with tarpaulin; shell casings are collected. Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/202.
124 “If there is a commission of enquiry…” Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/202.
124 Weil and Geith remain with the bodies. Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/202.
124 “Schermer told me later…” Schneider statement. Air 40/2487/202.
124 Geith’s biographical details. Geith statement. Air 40/2487/191.
124 Discussing the order of execution and deciding not to use service pistols. Geith statement. Air 40/2487/192-193.
125 “Schneider proposed after long hesitation…” Geith statement. Air 40/2487/193.
125 Gestapo agents and captured airmen struggle past language barrier. Geith statement. Air 40/2487/194.
125 “Nothing went quickly enough for him.” Geith statement. Air 40/2487/194.
125 The prisoners are loaded into cars for final journey. Geith statement. Air 40/2487/194-195, 196.
125 Cars are stopped and the prisoners are told to relieve themselves. Geith statement. Air 40/2487/195.
125 “In my opinion…” Geith statement. Air 40/2487/195.
126 One airman lay twitching on the ground. Geith statement. Air 40/2487/196.
126 “I’ll see to that.” Geith statement. Air 40/2487/196.
126 The bodies are unshackled and covered with branches. Geith statement. Air 40/2487/196.
126 “After all this had happened…” Geith statement. Air 40/2487/196.
126 The coroner arrives on scene. Geith statement. Air 40/2487/197.
126 “Yes, there is certainly no more to be done here.” Geith statement. Air 40/2487/197.
126 “inwardly excited.” Geith statement. Air 40/2487/196.
126 “smallest detail” Geith statement. Air 40/2487/198.
126 Geith reads newspaper account of Eden’s speech. Geith statement. Air 40/2487/199.
127 “I was compelled to agree…” Geith statement. Air 40/2487/199.
127 “This is one hell of a business.” Geith statement. Air 40/2487/199.
127 Geith told all records pertaining to the murders will be destroyed. Geith statement. Air 40/2487/199.
127 “I did not take part in the happenings of my own free will…” Geith statement. Air 40/2487/199.
127 “I can give an assurance…” Geith statement. Air 40/2487/199-200.
127 Courtney tracks down Schäfer’s onetime secretary. Air 40/2272/065.
CHAPTER 8: A DEATH IN THE MOUNTAINS
129 Death of Cochran’s two friends, hatred of Germans, Whitley bomber downed. Gill pg. 148; Vance, pg. 148.
129 Cochran’s escape from Dulag Luft. Vance, pg. 148.
130 Cochran’s biographical details. Gill, pgs. 147–148, 164; Vance, pg. 148.
130 Escape plan and travel. Gill, pg. 186; Andrews pg. 71.
130 SAS launch sabotage operations behind enemy lines. Scholey, pg. 45.
131 Men and boys rounded up in Moussey. Scholey, pg. 46.
131 Raid on town. Daily Telegraph, February 7, 2007.
131 Bodies unearthed and identified as SAS operatives. Charlesworth, pgs. 24–25.
131 French officials release former Nazis from captivity. Charlesworth, pg. 32.
132 Twenty-two thousand inmates die at camp; Eighty-six men and women gassed to provide anatomical specimens. Natzweiler.
132 Law student, sports editor, joins Gestapo in 1934. Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/232.
132 Barkworth forwards Herberg’s name to RAF. Investigation progress report: June 7, 1945. Air 40/2492/197.
132 McKenna breaks out of hospital. Andrews, pgs. 174, 175.
132 Herberg learns of escape while on leave. Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/232.
133 “By order of the Reichsführer SS…” Reproduced in Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/233.
133 “After I had noted…” Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/233.
133 “I’m still on leave.” Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/233.
133 “You’ll get another day for this.” Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/233.
134 Details of the killing are ironed out. Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/233.
134 Gestapo retrieves Cochran from the prison. Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/233-234.
134 “You are to be taken to a camp…” Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/234.
134 Cochran becomes defiant when questioned about escape. Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/234.
134 “I can’t talk about that…” Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/234.
135 Car reaches the gate of the Natzweiler camp. Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/234.
135 “We’ve lost our way.” Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/234.
135 Herberg stays behind as other walk Cochran into the woods; hears two shots. Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/234.
135 Cochran execution and the transporting of the body to the camp. Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/234.
135 “We have been unlucky…” Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/234.
135 Ganninger smiles. Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/234.
136 “I am already in the picture.” Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/234.
136 “Do you now want a death certificate?” Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/234.
136 “to produce this death certificate in the highest quarters.” Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/235.
136 Herberg is denied a death certificate. Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/234-235.
136 “In Karlsruhe, where I reported by telephone…” Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/235.
136 Herberg summoned from movie theater and dispatched to Berlin. Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/235.
137 “an unguarded moment.” Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/235.
137 Müller dictates report. Herberg statement. Air 40/2487/235.
137 June 4 meeting with Barkworth. Investigation progress report: June 15, 1946. Air 40/2286/007.
138 Wochner’s sentence and Ganninger’s suicide. Investigation progress report: July 4, 1946. Air 40/2272/074; Investigation progress report: June 15, 1946. Air 40/2286/007.
138 McKenna works his way from camp to camp in the American sector. Andrews, pg. 182.
139 “round, unhealthy face…” Air 40/2492/219.
139 Preiss biographical details. Preiss statement. Air 40/2487/236.
139 “The order has been given…” Preiss statement. Air 40/2487/237.
139 Preiss shoots Cochran. Preiss statement. Air 40/2487/238.
139 “The pistol did not quite touch his head…” Preiss statement. Air 40/2487/238.
140 Preiss takes ashes to Kripo in Breslau. Preiss statement. Air 40/2487/239-240.
140 “I declare that I only acted…” Preiss statement. Air 40/2487/240.
140 “This was my first and last execution.” Preiss statement. Air 40/2487/237.
140 Boschert hospitalized with broken spine; McKenna arrives in Karlsruhe for interrogation. Investigation progress report: July 3, 1946. Air 40/2286/006.
140 Boschert stays with car. Boschert statement. Air 40/2487/225.
140 “After about half a minute to a minute…” Boschert statement. Air 40/2487/225.
141 “I never saw the body again.” Boschert statement. Air 40/2487/225.
141 Boschert moved to Paderborn for eventual transfer to London. Investigation progress report: July 3, 1946. Air 40/2286/006.
141 Gmeiner in French custody. Investigation progress report: August 6, 1946. Air 40/2493/036.
141 “By order of the Führer…” Order reproduced in Gmeiner statement. Air 40/2487/226.
141 “Having received the order…” Gmeiner statement. Air 40/2487/230.
142 “I became a civil servant…” Gmeiner statement. Air 40/2487/231.
142 “If in my forty-second year…” Gmeiner statement. Air 40/2487/231.
142 “This case can now be regarded as completed.” Investigation progress report: August 6, 1946. Air 40/2493/036.
143 German hatred toward Allied airmen. Nichol and Rennell, pg. 325.
143 A firsthand account of airgunner Tom Tate’s ordeal can be found in Nichol and Rennell, pgs. 338–345.
144 “First of all…” Sgt. L. H. Harcus. IWM.
144 Inmates stripped upon arrival at Dulag Luft; measurements of cell. Durand, pgs. 60, 64.
144 Red Cross form and interrogation techniques. Rolf, pgs. 41–43; Durand, pg. 63.
145 “There are too many people…” RAF Master Engineer Robert James Goode. IWM.
145 “Go ahead and shoot.” RAF Master Engineer Robert James Goode. IWM.
145 Interrogator sends airman back to his cell. RAF Master Engineer Robert James Goode. IWM.
145 “made from various mixtures of hay…” Durand, pg. 61.
145 Men denied toiletries and cigarettes; daily rations at Dulag Luft. Durand, pgs. 60, 61.
145 Germans increase heat in cells to stifling levels. Durand, pg. 64; Cell walls heavily insulated and windows sealed. Rolf, pg. 41.
145 “We used to go in these rooms…” Flight Lt. H. Burton. IWM.
146 Early escape attempt from Dulag Luft. Gill, pgs. 32–33; Brickhill, pg. 6.
146 Bushell’s escape plan. Gill, pgs. 41–42; Brickhill, pgs. 7–8.
146 Bushell runs, is captured, and shipped to Barth. Brichill, pg. 8; Carroll, pg. 33.
146 Bushell loses forty pounds while imprisoned at Barth. Brickhill, pg. 8; Gill, pg. 43.
146 Bushell’s escape from the train. Gill, pgs. 41–43; Brickhill, pgs. 8–9.
146 Host family in Prague murdered, Zafouk shipped to Colditz, Bushell held by the Gestapo before arriving at Stalag Luft III. Gill, pg. 10; Brickhill, pg. 9.
148 Scheidhauer’s escape by boat. Vance, pg. 203.
148 Scheidhauer’s biographical details. Carroll, pgs. 190–191.
148 Bushell and Scheidhauer numbers five and six in tunnel. Gill, pg. 178; Purchase tickets and are approached in Saarbrücken. Carroll, pgs. 223, 240.
149 “Good luck.” Carroll, pg. 240.
149 “Thank you.” Carroll, pg. 240.
149 Bushell and Scheidhauer are captured and interrogated. Dingermann statement. Air 40/2491/190-191; Brickhill, pg. 258.
149 Dingermann takes call from Spann, makes necessary arrangements; meets with concerned officer. Dingermann statement. Air 40/2491/190.
149 “I heard in confidence…” Based on paraphrased conversation in Dingermann statement. Air 40/2491/190.
150 “I seriously do not believe…” Dingermann statement. Air 40/2491/190.
150 “What struck me…” Dingermann statement. Air 40/2491/189.
150 “When informed a few days later…” Dingermann statement. Air 40/2491/190.
150 “About three or four weeks ago…” Dingermann statement. Air 40/2491/191.
151 Lampel names Bender as arresting agent. Lampel statement. Air 40/2490/118.
151 “I presume he is still living there.” Lampel statement. Air 40/2490/118.
152 Schmoll’s statement and Breithaupt’s arrest. Andrews, pgs. 203, 204.
152 “to be returned to a camp in the Reich.” Breithaupt statement. Air 40/2487/211.
152 Captured airmen retrieved from Lerchesflur prison. Breithaupt statement. Air 40/2487/211.
152 “This is not compatible with the honor of an officer.” Breithaupt statement. Air 40/2487/212.
154 Route taken on journey to killing field. Breithaupt statement. Air 40/2487/212.
154 “Don’t drive so fast…” Breithaupt statement. Air 40/2487/212.
154 Schulz and Spann get out of car. Breithaupt statement. Air 40/2487/212.
154 “I have received an order by teleprint…” Breithaupt statement. Air 40/2487/212.
154 Bushell and Scheidhauer are ordered out of the car. Breithaupt statement. Air 40/2487/212.
154 “Shots will be fired immediately…” Breithaupt statement. Air 40/2487/212.
155 “sounded almost like one.” Breithaupt statement. Air 40/2487/212.
155 Schulz is ordered to stand watch over the bodies. Breithaupt statement. Air 40/2487/213.
155 “You are not allowed…” Based on paraphrased conversation in Breithaupt statement. Air 40/2487/213.
155 Bodies are loaded into a box and driven to Neue Bremm. Breithaupt statement. Air 40/2487/212.
155 “What’s going to happen…” Based on paraphrased conversation in Breithaupt statement. Air 40/2487/213.
155 “They are to be cremated.” Based on paraphrased conversation in Breithaupt statement. Air 40/2487/213.
155 Information on Neue Bremm, including reference to “expanded police prison.” Landsman.
155 “He pointed out an empty space…” Breithaupt statement. Air 40/2487/213.
155 Description of Schulz and his last known address. Breithaupt statement. Air 40/2487/213.
156 Tracking down the Schulz family to Frankenholz. Andrews, pgs. 206–207.
156 McKenna searches the house. Andrews, pg. 207; Daily Mail, October 24, 2009.
156 “My dearest, brave darling…” Daily Mail, October 24, 2009.
156 Frau Schulz denies the letter comes from her husband; McKenna takes letter as evidence. Andrews, pgs. 207–208.
157 “South African born…” Andrews, pg. 208.
157 McKenna shows camp commandant letter; guards bring Ernst Schmidt in for interrogation. Andrews, pg. 208.
157 McKenna shows prisoner letter, Schulz confesses to his true identity. Andrews, pg. 209.
157 “Ich bin Emil Schulz.” Andrews, pg. 209.
157 Schulz lets prisoner out of vehicle; Spann fires several shots. Schulz statement. Air 40/2487/221.
158 “I also fired one of these shots…” Schulz statement. Air 40/2487/221.
158 Schulz shoots Bushell in the temple. Schulz statement. Air 40/2487/221.
158 “Death took place immediately.” Schulz statement. Air 40/2487/221.
158 McKenna offers cigarettes to commandant and hurries from French Zone. Andrews, pg. 210.
158 McKenna asks Schulz if he wants to relieve himself. Andrews, pg. 211.
158 “I had never killed a man before…” Andrews, pgs. 10-11.
159 “Dear Angela, dear Ingeborg…” Letter reproduced in Andrews, pg. 213.
160 “strict rules governing fraternization.” Andrews, pg. 213.
160 Schulz joins civil police in 1928, posted to Gestapo ten years later. Schulz statement. Air 40/2487/220.
160 “That’s not good…” Daily Mail, Oct. 24, 2009.
161 Kozlowsky rumored to have been torched to death. Andrews, pg. 148.
161 Knuppelberg freed by the Russians. Andrews, pg. 277; Air 40/2272/023.
162 Monitoring Hans Ziegler’s mail. Investigation progress report: March 21, 1947. Air 40/2478/013.
162 “In the death records of the Kriminal Polizei office…” Document quoted in Andrews, pg. 215.
163 “Deep powerful voice…” Investigation progress report: June 24, 1946. Air 40/2286/009.
163 “It is interesting to point out…” Investigation progress report: July 4, 1946. Air 40/2286/005.
163 Graes, in his statement, provided several months earlier. Graes statement. Air 40/2490/070.
164 “One morning in the late summer…” Achterberg statement. Air 40/2487/171.
164 “I remember at about that time…” Achterberg statement. Air 40/2487/171.
164 “Of course, Bruchardt was subordinated to Venediger directly…” Achterberg statement. Air 40/2487/171.
164 “Until then, all I knew…” Achterberg statement. Air 40/2487/171.
165 “Never at any time…” Achterberg statement. Air 40/2487/171.
165 “Possibly, Berlin got them.” Achterberg statement. Air 40/2487/172.
165 “He has not yet been captured.” Achterberg statement. Air 40/2487/172-173.
165 Achterberg discovers his wife is having an affair. Achterberg statement. Air 40/2487/173.
165 Bruchardt’s bullwhip and his reputation for violence; McKenna told to find Frau Blum. Andrews, pgs. 192, 195.
165 McKenna searches for—and finds—Frau Blum. Andrews, pg. 196.
167 “Please tell Frau Blum…” Andrews, pg. 197.
167 Blum reveals Bruchardt’s location; leads to a flat above the local police station. Andrews, pg. 197.
168 Arrest and beating of Bruchardt. Andrews, pg. 198.
168 “smoothly.” Bruchardt statement. Air 40/2493/115.
168 “formerly employed in the border fights…” Bruchardt statement. Air 40/2493/115.
168 “respectively white Russians…” Bruchardt statement. Air 40/2493/115.
168 RAF officers shot while trying to escape. Bruchardt statement. Air 40/2493/115.
168 “It appeared to me…” Bruchardt statement. Air 40/2493/115.
169 Guard drunk at the time of the shooting. Bruchardt statement. Air 40/2493/115.
169 “When he led me into the woods…” Bruchardt statement. Air 40/2493/115.
169 Bruchardt debriefs Venediger. Bruchardt statement. Air 40/2493/115-116.
169 “What purpose would it have served…” Bruchardt statement. Air 40/2493/116.
169 Bodies destroyed and shipped to Berlin; destined for England. Bruchardt statement. Air 40/2493/116.
170 “Since the Nuremberg trials…” Bruchardt statement. Air 40/2493/116.
CHAPTER 11: FINDING SCHARPWINKEL
171 What the RAF knew about the Breslau murders. War Crimes Report: August 7, 1945. Air 40/2488/032.
171 Threats to captured airmen are quoted in War Crimes Report: August 7, 1945. Air 40/2488/032.
171 “Ten civilians of the Gestapo type”; Six prisoners taken away, their ashes arrive at Stalag Luft III shortly thereafter. War Crimes Report. Air 40/2486/032-033.
172 “battered looking, pugilistic type of face.” Ogilvie statement. Air 40/2490/203.
172 Ten prisoners taken from the jail, their ashes returned to Stalag Luft III. War Crimes Report: August 7, 1945. Air 40/2486/032-033.
172 Threats made and Kalanowski’s depression. War Crimes Report: August 7, 1945. Air 40/2486/032.
173 “You know darling, I still haven’t got over the idea…” Letter reproduced in Gill, pg. 255.
173 Luftwaffe transports four flight lieutenants back to Stalag Luft III. War Crimes Report: August 7, 1945. Air 40/2486/032.
173 “I remained at Görlitz…” Cameron statement. Air 40/2492/008.
173 Threats of decapitation, airmen told they would never see their wives again, bodies burned in Breslau. War Crimes Report: August 7, 1945. Air 40/2486/032.
173 “the work of the Gestapo…” Schumacher statement. Air 40/2487/147.
173 “ailing, elderly, and female members of the office.” Schumacher statement. Air 40/2487/147.
173 Forty officers for a population of a hundred thousand. Schumacher statement. Air 40/2487/147.
173 Scharpwinkel creates his own unit. Schumacher statement. Air 40/2487/147.
175 Weather and enemy fire kill the majority of men at the front. Schumacher statement. Air 40/2487/147-148.
175 “I cannot imagine Scharpwinkel…” Schumacher statement. Air 40/2487/148.
175 “partisan activity, treason…” Schumacher statement. Air 40/2487/148.
175 Killing ten to thirty people a week; murder made easy after experiences on Eastern Front. Schumacher statement. Air 40/2487/148.
175 “Frequently, mothers brought…” Schumacher statement. Air 40/2487/148.
175 “gas lorries.” Schumacher statement. Air 40/2487/148.
175 “Death occurred instantaneously…” Schumacher statement. Air 40/2487/148.
176 “I want you to tell me…” Hansel interrogation. Air 40/2493/027.
176 “Yes, they escaped from Sagan.” Hansel interrogation. Air 40/2493/027.
176 “And how many officers were recaptured?” Hansel interrogation. Air 40/2493/027.
176 “I do not know. I did not hear.” Hansel interrogation. Air 40/2493/027.
176 “You do know…” Hansel interrogation. Air 40/2493/027.
176 “Six or seven…” Hansel interrogation. Air 40/2493/027.
176 “What time of day did they arrive?” Hansel interrogation. Air 40/2493/027.
176 “I saw them about 19:30 hours…” Hansel interrogation. Air 40/2493/027.
176 “What happened then?” Hansel interrogation. Air 40/2493/027.
176 “All the prisoners were taken into my office…” Hansel interrogation. Air 40/2493/027.
176 “Who carried out the interrogations…” Hansel interrogation. Air 40/2493/028.
176 “Dr. Scharpwinkel…” Hansel interrogation. Air 40/2493/028.
176 Questions put to the airmen and their refusal to answer. Hansel statement. Air 40/2493/016-017.
177 “Who are the persons…” Hansel statement. Air 40/2493/016.
177 “Take care they don’t get away…” Hansel statement. Air 40/2493/017.
177 “geheime reichssache.” Hansel statement. Air 40/2493/017.
177 Details of journey taken by six prisoners to the site of execution. Hansel statement. Air 40/2493/017.
177 “Scharpwinkel announced that a short break…” Hansel statement. Air 40/2493/017.
178 Hansel eats snack in car, hears gunshots, sees the bodies lying in the woods. Hansel statement. Air 40/2493/017.
178 “Did you believe that?” Hansel interrogation. Air 40/2493/031.
178 “No. They would have been crazy…” Hansel interrogation. Air 40/2493/031.
178 Hansel makes arrangements with undertaker. Hansel statement. Air 40/2493/017.
178 Bodies taken away to be destroyed and shipped to Breslau. Hansel statement. Air 40/2493/018.
178 “Who paid the cost of the cremations?” Hansel interrogation. Air 40/2493/032.
178 “The Breslau office.” Hansel interrogation. Air 40/2493/032.
179 Scharpwinkel coordinates cover stories. Hansel statement. Air 40/2493/018.
179 “I wish only that Scharpwinkel…” Hansel statement. Air 40/2493/018.
179 Flying Officer Harrison joins the team. Andrews, pgs. 187–189.
179 “People would recognize…” Andrews, pg. 188.
179 Harrison shot at while driving. Andrews, pg. 188.
180 “One was shot at…” Andrews, pg. 188.
180 “tended to look on life…” Andrews, pg. 188.
180 Rumor the Russians hanged Scharpwinkel. Investigation progress report: March 31, 1946. Air 40/2286/019.
180 Rumor the Russians arrested Scharpwinkel but did not kill him. Investigation progress report: June 13, 1946. Air 40/2286/016.
180 “three Germans accused of war crimes…” FO 371/57595/025.
180 “large number of Germans suspected of war crimes…” FO 371/57595/025.
180 Arranging food, fuel, and quarters poses significant logistical challenge. Investigation progress report: January 24, 1986. Air 40/2286/047.
181 Nebe background information. Davies, pgs. 154–155; Andrews, pgs. 113–114.
181 Nebe commands Einsatzgruppen B. Davies, pg. 154.
182 Daniel interviews Babette Helmut’s brothers, tracks down Frau Müller, learns of Anny Schmid. Andrew, pgs. 162–163; Investigation progress report: September 24, 1946. Air 40/2272/065.
182 Information provided by Reinhardt Müller. Andrews, pg. 165.
183 Daniel questions Müller’s father, reads embarrassing letter. Andrews, pgs. 163–164.
183 “My relations have told me…” from letter reproduced in Andrews, pg. 163.
184 “We were together…” Andrews, pg. 165.
184 Daniel orders surveillance, doubts Schmid would confess to ruse. Andrews, pg. 165.
184 “an expert.” Foreign Office memo: June 17, 1946. FO 371/57595/040.
184 “Should Captain C. wear mufti or uniform?” Foreign Office telegram: July 2, 1946. FO 371/57595/044. (Official records do not record the response.)
184 Interview witnessed by four Russian soldiers, Cornish warned intimidation of Scharpwinkel will not be tolerated. Andrews, pg. 217.
185 Scharpwinkel implicates Wielen, says Breslau Kripo chief wanted to oversee executions. FO 371/57595/056.
185 “come across with some admission…” Scotland, pg. 137.
185 “It’s a damn swindle…” Scotland, pg. 137.
185 “Look at the signature…” Scotland, pg. 137.
185 “I don’t believe you…” Scotland, pg. 137.
185 “If you were not the old man that you are…” Scotland, pg. 137.
185 “I believe that in my district…” Scharpwinkel statement. Air 40/2487/143.
185 “in order to carry out his mission.” Scharpwinkel statement. Air 40/2487/143.
185 “The first six were shot…” Scharpwinkel statement. Air 40/2487/143.
186 “My driver was Schröder.” Andrews, pg. 239.
186 Names of the first six men shot. Air 40/2487/022.
186 “As regards my activities…” Scharpwinkel statement. Air 40/2487/144.
187 “account for the murder…” Foreign Office letter: November 22, 1946. FO 371/57595/091.
187 “held positions of importance on the camp staff.” Judge Advocate General letter: October 17, 1946. FO 371/57595/069.
187 “intended to set a standard for other concentration camps…” JVL.
187 Thirty thousand Russians die in camp. New York Times, December 17, 2001.
187 Thirty-three thousand inmates vacated on forced march. JVL.
187 Camps becomes a prison run by NKVD. New York Times, December 17, 2001.
187 “the former Counselor of the German Embassy in Moscow…” Foreign Office memo: December 2, 1946. FO 371/57595/094.
187 Scharpwinkel hospitalized with pneumonia and pleurisy. FO 371/57595/069.
188 Scharpwinkel orders driver to stage a breakdown. Andrews, pg. 240; Twitching lip. Air 40/2493/049.
188 Sound of screaming and machine gun fire, a scene of pandemonium. Andrews, pg. 241.
188 “The officials were running around excitedly…” Wieczorek statement reproduced in Andrews, pg. 241.
188 Death of gunmen. Investigation progress report: June 29, 1946. Air 40/2493/047.
189 Names of the ten executed airmen. Air 40/2487/022.
189 “The lorry stood forty meters behind me…” Schröder statement reproduced in Andrews, pg. 241.
190 “not only investigated the escape…” Andrews, pg. 240.
191 Hayter’s name on list of deceased. Andrews, pg. 246.
191 Hayter’s passion for and interest in flying. Vance, pg. 81.
191 Hayter’s biographical information and the details of his capture. Vance, pgs. 81–82.
192 Herberg interviewed a second time at the London Cage, names Hilker. Investigation progress report: November 14, 1946. Air 40/2272/60-61.
193 “should be treated with reserve.” Investigation progress report: November 14, 1946. Air 40/2272/61.
193 Details of Anthony Hayter’s arrest. Arrest report: March 31, 1944. Air 40/2278/016.
194 “It would be very useful…” Arrest report: March 31, 1944. Air 40/2278/016.
195 “executioner for the Strasbourg Gestapo.” Investigation progress report: December 16, 1946. Air 40/2272/053.
195 Gehrum would have been triggerman. Air 40/2278/019.
195 Gehrum questions Harrison’s involvement in Dresden. Andrews, pgs. 188–189.
195 Committing murder versus the following of a legitimate order. Andrews, pg. 189.
195 Interrogating members of Strasbourg Gestapo. Investigation progress report: December 16, 1946. Air 40/2272/053.
195 Schimmel denies knowledge of murder. Investigation progress report: March 21, 1947. Air 40/2278/011.
196 Fear of being charged in the murder of paratroopers. Investigation progress report: March 21, 1947. Air 40/2278/011.
196 “Shortly after the end of the war…” Investigation progress report: March 21, 1947. Air 40/2278/011.
196 “special mission.” Investigation progress report: March 21, 1947. Air 40/2278/011.
196 “a man caught on the frontier during the Fahndung.” Investigation progress report: March 21, 1947. Air 40/2278/011.
196 “been shot by Hilker whilst trying to escape.” Investigation progress report: March 21, 1947. Air 40/2278/012.
196 Hilker’s activities following Hayter affair; false papers. Investigation progress report: March 21, 1947. Air 40/2278/012.
196 “In the beginning of 1945…” Investigation progress report: March 21, 1947. Air 40/2278/012.
197 Description of Hilker. Investigation progress report: March 21, 1947. Air 40/2278/012.
197 Cremation records examined at Strasbourg. Investigation progress report: December 14, 1946. Air 40/2272/053.
197 “All the entries are in name form…” Investigation progress report: December 12, 1946. Air 40/2278/019.
197 Information provided by Rudolf Peters. Peters statement. Air 40/2278/03.
197 “That’s an English Air Force officer.” Peters statement. Air 40/2278/03.
197 “In my presence…” Peters statement. Air 40/2278/03.
197 Hayter is questioned in Peters’s room. Peters statement. Air 40/2278/03.
198 Hayter is placed in a cell. Peters statement. Air 40/2278/03.
198 Peters sees Hayter bundled into a waiting car. Peters statement. Air 40/2278/03.
198 Peters told to mind his own business. Peters statement. Air 40/2278/03.
198 “Stop asking questions…” Peters statement. Air 40/2278/03.
198 No paperwork filed regarding Hayter’s capture. Peters statement. Air 40/2278/003.
198 Schimmel accused of being soft. Andrews, pg. 250.
199 Shooting of Hayter is based on Schimmel’s statement quoted in Andrews, pgs. 249–250.
199 Hayters’s shooting and cremation. Andrews, pgs. 249, 250.
199 Hilker’s wife and inquiries in Karlsruhe. Investigation progress report: December 14, 1946. Air 40/2272/053; Air 40/2278/020.
199 The fates of Dissner and Hilker. Andrews, pgs. 250, 260.
CHAPTER 13: THE ORDER OF THE BLOOD
201 Catanach’s love of adventure and his joining the air force. Vance, pg. 92.
202 “Take care of it…” Vance, pg. 92.
202 Catanach and crew fly against Cologne. Vance, pg. 93.
203 “Boys, I think we’d better be getting home now.” Vance, pg. 93.
203 Catanach awarded DFC, becomes squadron leader, assigned to protect arctic convoys. Vance, pg. 93.
203 Catanach and crew shot down and taken prisoner. Vance, pg. 93.
203 Details of Christensen’s wartime experiences leading up to capture. Vance, pgs. 74–75.
204 Christensen’s Danish lineage, responsible for intelligence on Denmark. Gill, pgs. 91, 147.
204 Espelid responsible for intelligence on Norway. Gill, pg. 147.
204 Espelid’s wartime service and capture; meets Fuglesang in Stalag Luft III. Vance, pgs. 175, 176.
205 Fuglesang shot down over Flushing and captured. Vance, pg. 176.
205 Lyon commences investigation with “battle order” of Kiel Gestapo. Investigation progress report: September 24, 1946. Air 40/2493/113.
205 Schafer produces cremation records. Schafer statement. Air 40/2493/156.
206 Town clerk is told Gestapo does not require permission to conduct its business. Fahl statement. Air 40/2493/154.
206 “The corpses were cremated…” Schafer statement. Air 40/2493/156.
206 “No, I didn’t know their names…” Schafer statement. Air 40/2493/156.
206 Russian laborer suspects bodies are British or Australian officers. Schafer statement. Air 40/2493/156.
206 Tischendorf recalls the night of the murders. Tischendorf statement. Air 40/2493/138.
207 “I cannot remember the date and times very clearly…” Tischendorf statement. Air 40/2493/138.
207 Four airmen recaptured as they make their way through town, confess to being British officers. Linke statement. Air 40/2493/141.
207 “Concerning the escape proper…” Linke statement. Air 40/2493/141.
208 List of police record numbers for the recaptured men. Linke statement. Air 40/2493/141.
208 “In the built-up area of the town…” Linke statement. Air 40/2493/141.
208 Berlin notified of capture; Post shows up to take men away. Linke statement. Air 40/2493/141.
208 Typists confirm Post’s presence during interrogations. Christiansen statement. Air 40/2493/140; Rodenberg statement. Air 40/2493/153.
208 Clausen provides Oskar Schmidt’s name. Clausen statement. Air 40/2493/146.
209 “Officially, I had nothing to do with the case…” Mueller statement. Air 40/2493/152.
209 Kaehler, Jacobs, Franz and Oskar Schmidt are arrested. Andrews, pg. 222.
209 “This looks bad.” Andrews, pg. 222.
209 “sworn under penalty of death and degradation…” Investigation progress report: November 18, 1946. Air 40/2493/174.
209 Summary of Kiel murders. Investigation progress report: November 18, 1946. Air 40/2493/174-175.
210 Franz Schmidt hangs himself. Andrews, pg. 224; Investigation progress report: November 18, 1946. Air 40/2493/176.
210 “Schlechter mann, schlechter mann…” Andrews, pg. 224.
210 Oskar Schmidt details shootings and is summoned to chief’s office. Schmidt statement. Air 40/2493/170.
211 “He told me that he would merely believe…” Schmidt statement. Air 40/2493/170.
211 Jacobs details Post’s brutality, turns back on scene. Jacobs statement. Air 40/2493/164.
211 “I wish to emphasize…” Jacobs statement. Air 40/2493/164.
211 Kaehler says both Schmidts and Jacobs took part in shooting. Kaehler statement. Air 40/2493/159.
211 “All of the prisoners fell forward…” Kaehler statement. Air 40/2493/159.
212 “I can just as well recall…” Kaehler statement. Air 40/2493/160.
212 “I wish to finish this statement…” Kaehler statement. Air 40/2493/160.
212 Oskar Schmidt concedes he may have fired one shot. Schmidt statement. Air 40/2493/151.
212 “If Kaehler says that I shot…” Schmidt statement. Air 40/2493/151.
212 Arrest of Struve and Denkmann. Struve statement. Air 40/2493/166; Investigation progress report: November 18, 1946. Air 40/2493/173; Andrews, pg. 222.
212 Types of the cars used in the killing. Struve statement. Air 40/2493/166.
212 Struve drops off prisoners, hears shots fired. Struve statement. Air 40/2493/167.
212 “one loud detonation.” Struve statement. Air 40/2493/167.
212 “They are lying there.” Struve statement. Air 40/2493/167.
212 Struve peers over the bush and sees the bodies. Struve statement. Air 40/2493/167.
213 “On the return journey…” Struve statement. Air 40/2493/167.
213 “Sturmbannführer Schmidt and Kriminalkommissar Post…” Investigation progress report: November 18, 1946. Air 40/2493/175, 176-177.
213 “I believe this was the most-bitter winter…” Andrews, pg. 232.
213 “appalling.” Andrews, pg. 232.
213 Winter conditions kill twelve thousand Germans. MacDonogh, pg. 497.
213 “Whenever I recall the winter of 1946 to 1947…” Carl Zuckmayer quoted in MacDonogh, pg. 496.
213 “I shall never forget that drive…” Andrews, pg. 233.
213 “After the rigors of the winter…” Andrews, pg. 233.
213 Post and Schmidt’s postwar travels. Baumann statement. Air 40/2493/148.
215 Details regarding Schmidt’s clothing and family. Baumann statement. Air 40/2493/148.
215 Details regarding Post’s family and mistress. Baumann statement. Air 40/2493/148.
216 Raid on Heidt household; McKenna gets hands on photograph. Andrews, pg. 225; Investigation progress report: January 26, 1947. Air 40/2279/010.
216 Searching houses in Kiel, information provided by Heidt’s cousin, Post’s P.O. Box. Investigation progress report: January 26, 1947. Air 40/2279/010.
217 “From all police offices…” quoted in Bessel, pg. 55.
217 German military not immune to Nazi brutality; Berlin residents shot or hanged from trees. Bessel, pg. 63; Ryan, pg. 480.
217 List of war crimes against Allied soldiers and airmen. Cab 66/56/4.
219 “very old and an imbecile.” Investigation progress report: August 7, 1947. Air 40/2272/010.
219 Visiting Schmidt’s mother; two decades to find Schmidt. Investigation progress report: August 7, 1947. Air 40/2272/010; Andrews, pg. 231.
219 “spasmodic…of information given to various officials…” Investigation progress report: May 23, 1947. Air 40/2272/028.
219 Number and status of wanted men tracked down by the RAF. Loose minute: May 23, 1947. Air 40/2272/026-027.
219 Daniel hunts for Ziegler, interrogates the man’s mother, sister, and nephew. Andrews, pgs., 165–166; Investigation progress report: September 24, 1946. Air 40/2272/064.
220 McKenna notified of Pohlmann’s arrest. Investigation progress report: May 21, 1947. Air 40/2272/033.
220 “a haulage contractor.” Andrews, pg. 225.
220 “in connection with the murders of 300 people…” Investigation progress report: May 21, 1947. Air 40/2272/033.
220 McKenna travels to Minden to interview the prisoner. Investigation progress report: May 21, 1947. Air 40/2272/033.
220 McKenna studies prisoner through spy hole in cell door and examines picture of Post and Heidt. Andrews, pg. 226.
221 “That’s me. I am Post.” Andrews, pg. 226.
221 Catanach asks, “Why?” Andrews, pg. 231.
221 “How could you do such a thing as this?” Andrews, pg. 12.
221 “Inhuman! I was dealing with sub-humans…” Andrews, pg. 12.
222 McKenna and Bowes consider the Kiel case closed. Investigation progress report: June 30, 1947. Air 40/2492/020.
222 “It has now been established…” Investigation progress report: June 30, 1947. Air 40/2492/020.
222 “This can be considered…” Investigation progress report: June 30, 1947. Air 40/2492/021.
223 McKenna distributes photo sheets. Air 40/2272/007-010; information provided by Schäfer’s wife. Air 40/2272/010.
223 Mug shots of wanted men are published in Rogue’s Gallery. Air 40/2272/007.
223 Ziegler is captured and commits suicide. Andrews, pg. 258.
223 Eighteen defendants go on trial in Hamburg. UNWCC, pg. 31.
224 Charges quoted in UNWCC, pg. 31.
224 Individual charges leveled against defendants. UNWCC, pgs. 31–32.
225 Specific charges against Wielen; all defendants plead not guilty. UNWCC, pg. 32.
225 “Owing to the Grossfahndung (the nation-wide search)…” UNWCC, pg. 35.
225 “I could not have been a National Socialist…” Carroll, pg. 297.
225 “the plea of superior orders.” UNWCC, pg. 46.
225 “International law must not place the subject…” UNWCC, pg. 50.
225 “My attitude is quite clear…” Andrews, pg. 256.
226 “statute or decree…” UNWCC, pg. 50.
226 “a British hospital ship which was sunk by a submarine.” UNWCC, pg. 48.
226 “Patzig’s order does not free the accused of guilt.” UNWCC, pg. 48.
226 “infringement of civil or military law.” UNWCC, pg. 48.
226 “liable to punishment.” UNWCC, pg. 48.
226 “The term ‘war crime’ is a technical expression…” UNWCC, pg. 51.
226 “on the uncorroborated evidence…” UNWCC, pg. 51.
226 “that the evidence given was true.” UNWCC, pg. 51.
227 Zacharias claims he was penetrated by an electric probe. Andrews, pg. 145.
227 “information on Gestapo hot-iron methods…” Andrews, pg. 145.
227 Zacharias made to strip and kneel for hours. Andrews, pg. 145.
227 “I can only die once…” Andrews, pg. 145.
227 Testimony: “I did not want…I could not get a confession of torture.” Reproduced in Andrews, pg. 145.
227 Testimony: “Surely as a British soldier…singular punishments were given in the London Cage?” Reproduced in Scotland, pgs. 155–156.
228 “Yes.” Scotland, pg. 156.
228 “If that were true…” Scotland, pg. 156.
228 “would become common property.” Scotland, pgs. 156–157.
228 “manufactured tales.” Scotland, pg. 158.
228 “the brutal fate of those fifty RAF officers.” Scotland, pg. 158.
228 “I did not make this statement upon oath…” Andrews, pg. 147.
229 “It was to be expected that the world…” Scotland, pgs. 158, 159.
229 “It is only when you lose the war…” Andrews, pg. 255.
229 Details of the defendants on the stand come from Scotland, pg. 154.
230 Exchange between Judge Advocate and Schimmel: “Why did you not carry…passing on the order to another official.” Andrews, pgs. 254, 255.
230 Court considerations when determining verdicts. UNWCC, pg. 52.
230 Verdicts rendered by the court. UNWCC, pgs. 52, 57-58.
230 Russians inform the British that Scharpwinkel is dead. Andrews, pg. 258.
231 Second trial, verdicts, and sentences. Davies, pgs. 143–144; New York Times, November 7, 1948.
231 Death of Absalon, OBE honors for McKenna and Bowes. Andrews, pg. 258.
232 British Foreign Secretary announces an end to war crimes prosecutions. Andrews, pg. 258.
232 Schäfer never charged in Munich murders. Andrews, pg. 259.
232 Venediger and Schmidt eventually come out of hiding and each receives two years for their involvement in the Sagan murders. Andrews, pg. 260.
233 “by British authorities as an act of clemency.” New York Times, October 25, 1952.
233 “duty to avoid capture” and “duty to escape.” Davies, pg. 173.
233 “didn’t see escaping as a sport…” Davies, pg. 173.
233 The seventy-two men identified by the RAF and their fates. Andrews, pg. 261.