chapter thirty-nine

 

Guernsey April 1942

 

During the next few weeks Leo watched for any further public announcements regarding Jews, but none came. Clem had approached him at work to say the Germans had advised the Controlling Committee of Leo’s new status and expressed his shock and dismay.

‘Your father never mentioned his wife’s background, except to say she was a wealthy young French woman. And she was delightful; it was clear to all Henry married for love, not money. Even if we’d known of her heritage, none of us would have cared. It’s only in the twisted minds of the Nazis that Jews are considered second-rate people.’

‘Will I be able to continue working for the Committee? I’d be lost without something to do.’

‘Of course! The Jerries did try to have you removed, but we pointed out how invaluable your work was, for both the Germans as well as islanders and they backed down. We only wish we could help more, but our hands are tied while we live under martial law.’

Leo appreciated his friend’s support, but still felt vulnerable and began to lose his appetite due to the stress of his situation. Elsie did her best to tempt him with her cooking, made harder with the reduction of rations for islanders. The Occupation forces continued to receive more generous rations and as all their food was paid for by Guernsey, this only added to the building unrest. The puzzle of who had betrayed him continued to haunt Leo. Initially, he had even wondered if it had been Elsie or Bert. But when he had confided in Elsie about what the Germans had found out, she had been genuinely shocked.

‘Oh, my lord! I had no idea. Your father never said a word, and why should he? It was his business, no-one else’s. And you’ve no idea of who could have done such a thing?’ Leo shook his head, relieved it wasn’t her. ‘Well, Master Leo, whoever it is should be strung up. And when this war’s over, and them buggers leave, that’ll happen to anyone who was a traitor.’

As time passed Leo lost weight, and his persistent cough worsened. By the time the final blow fell, he had also lost heart.

On 17th April a soldier handed him a letter from the Feldkommandatur. In English, it commanded him to report at St Peter Port Harbour on 21st April prior to deportation to France. The words leapt out of the page, and he dropped the letter as if it had scorched his hand. Deported! He’d heard of others who had been sent to France and not heard of again. Rumours circulated of concentration camps filled with Jews from conquered countries and Leo guessed that would be his fate. He took the letter to the President of the Controlling Committee who promised to protest in the strongest possible terms, telling him not to worry, they couldn’t treat a Guernseyman in this way.

The next day he heard the Germans had refused to change their ruling and he was to be deported with three other Jews and an American lady. His last few days on Guernsey were painful, Leo convincing himself he’d never return. Would never see his beloved wife and daughter again. His friends rallied around, telling him not to give up hope, but he could only shake his head in sorrow. He continued to work, in spite of his now poor health, not able to face being stuck in the cottage all day with Elsie and Bert. She was inconsolable, and her tears made him feel wretched.

When the day arrived, Clem had arranged for a car belonging to a doctor to pick him up and take him to the harbour, where Clem and Alice and a few other friends from work were waiting to see him off. It was a subdued farewell, and his fellow deportees looked as miserable as himself. They were ushered aboard the ship by armed soldiers and quickly bundled below decks. Leo managed to take one last look and spotted a familiar face in the small crowd gathered on the dock. His eyes widened in shock. Ernest’s broad smile told him everything. Before he could shout out, he was pushed down the steps, wondering again if he would ever return to his beloved homeland.