Meier’s intention was to return to Kanne and bring his squad to Eben Emael, but at the Canal he came under fire from Belgian strongpoints D, E and C which deterred him from proceeding. He returned to Block II where he met Oberjäger Harlos, leader of Squad 6, Assault Group Granit. Further contact with his own squad was not possible and so he sought cover and waited for darkness.

When night fell he went once more to the west bank of the Canal and through field glasses could see German infantry occuying the eastern bank. To his surprise they fired at him: they did not recognize the paratrooper garb. He tried to inform them that he was German and could show them a safe path to the fort, but the wrecked bridge and Belgian MG fire were sufficient to dissuade them not to cross over. In annoyance he braved a hail of Belgian bullets to reach the east bank and outline the situation to the two infantry lieutenants. Despite the complications, however, the relief for the paratroopers had finally arrived¹².