by Ib Melchior
Hall contemplated him. “Streeter?” he asked.
“I was thinking of Buter.”
Hall pursed his lips. “It’ll have to go through channels.”
“As long as it gets all the way to Buter.”
“What you propose is without precedent,” Hall said. “You realize that?”
“I do.”
“You won’t get to first base.”
“I can try.”
For a moment Hall sat in silence. It was a totally unique situation. It could be an important case. A helluva case. Perhaps it did warrant unique procedures. He sighed.
“I suggest you write up a report,” he said. “One hell of a good one. Buter will want to know details before he goes out on a limb with this one. Write it through channels. To me. I’ll walk it through. In person.” He looked at Woody. “And, Woody, if you are going ahead with this crazy scheme, write the damned report yesterday. You don’t have much time to screw around.”
I. CASE CHRONOLOGY
On 28 April 1945 the capture of SS Sturmbannführer Franz Gotthelf was effected in Albersdorf, O-979623. During interrogation subject disclosed he was a dentist having worked with Brigadeführer Hugo Blaschke, personal dentist to Adolf Hitler. Among high-ranking Nazi patients of subject was Eva Braun, described by subject as Hitler’s mistress. Subject had worked on a dental bridge for said Eva Braun. Subject stated this bridge was never fitted, but remained in dental laboratory in Berlin when city fell to Russian forces.
On 1 May 1945 SS Obersturmbannführer Leopold Krauss was interrogated in Weiden, O-869427. Subject stated he had been a Foreign Affairs Analyst in the Ministry of Propaganda attached to the Führer Bunker in Berlin. He stated he had fled Berlin 30 April 1945. He further stated that Adolf Hitler had married Eva Braun, 29 April 1945, that both Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun Hitler had committed suicide, 30 April 1945 and their bodies burned in the garden of the Reich Chancellery. SS Obersturmbannführer Leopold Krauss was evacuated to AIC, 1 May 1945.
On 2 May 1945 the Reich Chancellery and the Führer Bunker fell to Russian forces. The remains of Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun Hitler were found.
On 6 May 1945, according to AIC records, SS Sturmbannführer Franz Gotthelf was turned over to Russian military authorities by AIC at request of Major Vasily Stepanovich Krasnov, Liaison Officer, XII Corps, to assist in identification of remains of Adolf Hitler.
On 8 May 1945 the Forensic-Medical Commission of the Soviet Army issued and disseminated internally an autopsy report covering the bodies found burned in the Reich Chancellery garden, 2 May 1945, by members of the Soviet Army Counter Intelligence SMERSH. A copy of this report was obtained by AC of S, G-2, XII Corps. The report contained 13 (thirteen) autopsy documents; 5 (five) adults; 6 (six) children and 2 (two) dogs. Document No. 12 covers the identification and autopsy report of Adolf Hitler. Document No. 13 covers the identification and autopsy report of Eva Braun.
According to Russian autopsy report positive identification of the bodies of Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun was made by use of dental records and interrogation of dental workers familiar with these records. The decisive item of identification in the case of Eva Braun was a dental bridge “of yellow metal” (gold) with artificial teeth attached. In part the autopsy report states: “Almost the entire top of the cranium and upper part of the frontal cranium are missing; they are burned. Only fragments of the burned and broken occipital and temporal bones are preserved as is the lower part of the left facial bones.” The bridge used to identify the body is reported to have connected the second right bicuspid and the third right molar. It is described as follows: “On the metal plate of the bridge the first and second artificial white molars are attached in front; their appearance is almost indistinguishable from natural teeth.” The report also states that: “On the right side no teeth were found, probably because of the burning.”
This investigator, in an attempt to conduct a follow-up interrogation of dental assistant SS Sturmbannführer Franz Gotthelf (see: I-1) regarding his work on the crucial Eva Braun dental bridge, and unable to locate this subject at AIC, contacted Major Vasily Stepanovich Krasnov, Russian Liaison Officer, XII Corps. Major Krasnov, who had originally requested subject Gotthelf be turned over to Russian authorities, denied any knowledge of the matter and that he had made the initial request. It was the official Russian position that no such individual as SS Sturmbannführer Franz Gotthelf existed.
On 3 June 1945 this investigator, on TDY with CIC, VII Corps, interrogated subjects Konrad Bock and his wife, Helga, in Halle P-822839. The Bocks stated that they had been active in travel expediting of high-ranking Nazi fugitives seeking to exfiltrate Germany via an escape route called the B-B Axis because it runs between the towns of Bremen in Germany and Bari in Italy. They further stated that two young people were provided with forged documents and travel orders on 1 May 1945, an SS officer named Lüttjohann and a young women who gave no name—the only woman processed by the Bocks. Subject Helga Bock stated that she believed this woman to be Eva Braun.
On 4 June 1945 this investigator interrogated Herbert Kotsch, a colonel in the German army, retired, and his wife Gertrud at Rübeland, P-843620. This couple had also worked for the B-B Axis escape route. They stated that Lüttjohann and the woman had been in hiding in Rübeland for about three weeks and had embarked on their exfiltration on 2 June 1945, proceeding to a route stop at Bebelgasse 49 in Eisenach, O-933924.
During a search of the place of concealment used by Lüttjohann and the woman by this investigator, a woman’s handkerchief, with the initials EB, was found.
II. ANALYSIS
Upon analysis of the above intelligence the following facts emerge:
The body of Eva Braun was positively identified by means of a crucial dental bridge.
According to SS Sturmbannführer Franz Gotthelf this same bridge was never fitted on subject and remained in a Berlin dental laboratory at the time of the alleged death and cremation of Eva Braun.
Had this bridge been on the body during the reported cremation, which was so severe it burned away most of the facial and cranial bones, the gold would have melted and the artificial teeth would have exploded or disintegrated. (Source: Bernard T. Haskins, Major (DC) 0562347, Unit Dental O. (AUS), Medical Detachment Headquarters Company, XII Corps.)
Subject Helga Bock saw Eva Braun alive on 1 May 1945, the day after the alleged suicide. Subject is considered reliable.
A handkerchief found in the place of hiding used by the woman believed to be Eva Braun bore the initials EB, indicating it did belong to said Eva Braun.
The Russians, for unknown reasons, are misleading the Allies in regard to the death of Eva Braun and—by inference—that of Adolf Hitler.
III. CONCLUSIONS
Based on the above the conclusions reached by this investigator are:
The crucial dental bridge was not on the body of the woman identified as Eva Braun when said body was burned.
The bridge was added to the remains at a later date, reasons unknown.
The cremated body therefore could not have been identified as that of Eva Braun, but that of someone else, since Eva Braun was seen alive after the cremation took place.
For reasons unknown the Nazis wanted the world to believe that Eva Braun was dead; and the Russians for their own purposes are perpetuating the deception.
Eva Braun, accompanied by an SS officer, is at this moment attempting to exfiltrate Germany via the B-B Axis escape route.
IV. RECOMMENDATIONS
The questions arise why the elaborate deception was carried out by the Nazis, and why the Russians are perpetuating it? It is believed imperative that these questions, which pertain to the vital facts regarding the reported deaths of both Eva Braun and Adolf Hitler, be investigated and concluded.
Since under the circumstances it is not possible to conduct a normal search and seize operation, it is recommended that this investigator be placed on special detached duty from CIC Det. 212 to operate undercover, and via
the B-B Axis pursue the subjects until said subjects can be identified and apprehended.
Because time is of prime importance in this case it is requested that orders to this effect be cut, effective immediately.
Brigadier General Irwin Buter, Chief of Staff, XII Corps, put down the report. He looked at the three men seated before him. “That’s quite a yarn,” he said. “Disturbing—if the conclusions drawn are correct. Interesting—even if they aren’t.” He turned to his Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2, Colonel Richard H. Streeter. “Dick,” he said, “how about it?”
“I recommend we find a way to carry out Sergeant Ward’s recommendations,” Streeter said. “I think it’s important to find out why the Nazis and the Russians are playing games. That’s why I brought it to you at once. It’s a helluva unorthodox operation the sergeant proposes, but I think we can find a way to authorize it. And I think we should. No directives cover anything like it . . .”
“I’m not surprised,” the general interjected.
“. . . so we can write our own.”
Buter nodded. He turned to Major Hall. “Major,” he said, “what is your recommendation? The operation would be in your ball park.”
“I am for it, Sir,” Hall said. He frowned lightly. “There are—eh—some precedents for CIC agents to operate—eh—undercover. Agents have been placed in PW enclosures, for instance.”
Woody glanced at Hall in surprise. Good for old Mort, he thought. He’s really boosting this thing.
Buter nodded. He hid a little smile. Not much of a precedent, he thought with amusement. But it shows that the boy’s superiors are behind him. He turned to Woody.
“What makes you think you can carry it off, Sergeant?” he asked.
“Sir,” Woody said, “I speak German fluently. I have a thorough knowledge of the German armed forces and the SS.”
Buter tapped the report lying on the desk. “You state in your report that the escape route taken by Eva Braun ends in Bari, Italy. Why is it necessary for you to travel the entire route? Why not place a team in Bari and pick up this Eva Braun when she gets there?”
“Several reasons, Sir,” Woody said. “First, we have no idea what she looks like, nor what name she travels under. Secondly, there is always the possibility that she may leave the regular escape route at any point along the way. We would have to know. Also, the Nazi B-B Axis operatives are certain to have Bari under close observation; it is an important port of embarkation for top fugitives. Anything out of the ordinary, any unusual activities or presences would be detected and the exfiltration operation changed. We might lose her entirely. Only by traveling the route itself can anyone catch up with the subject and be certain to apprehend her before she leaves Europe.”
“What makes you think you can catch up with her? She and her companion already have several days’ head start.”
“I think I can travel faster, being alone,” Woody said. “than the SS officer can with Eva Braun along.”
“Why travel the whole route? Why not enter the stream of it at a later point?”
“That is not possible, Sir. I know only one route stop. In Eisenach. That stop in turn will know the next stop in line along the route—and so on. I will have to go from stop to stop.”
Buter nodded. “I see. And how will you accomplish being accepted as a B-B Axis fugitive?”
“Sir, I will assume the identity of an SS Captain, an officer who was in charge of the guards at the Flossenburg Concentration Camp. A wanted war criminal. He is in our custody. We have his papers.”
Buter leaned back in his chair. He studied Woody for a moment. “Why are you volunteering for this mission?” he asked. “I have seen your record. It is one you can be proud of. Why are you committing yourself to an operation which not only will take considerable time, but is also exceedingly risky and dangerous? You could be home in a week or two.”
“Sir, I still need seven points.”
Buter nodded. “As of today,” he said. “Monday the point requirements for enlisted men will be lowered. You’ll have more than enough to be sent home.”
Woody stared at the General. “Be sent—home,” he repeated. The thoughts tumbled in his mind. He didn’t need the damned five points! He could chuck the whole stinking case. Right now. And be home free. In a couple of weeks. He suddenly realized he didn’t care. To hell with the points. To hell with going home—before he’d cleared up the Eva case. No way was he going to let go now. Sheepishly he realized that secretly he’d felt that way all along, but the decision had been buried by the obligatory griping. “Sir,” he said solemnly, “I consider the case of extreme importance. A lot of questions have been raised by developments that need to be answered. If Eva Braun Hitler is still alive—is Adolf Hitler alive, too? Why did the Nazis go to such lengths to hide the fact that she is, in fact, alive? And why have the Russians gone along with it? Those are just some of the points that need clarification.” He paused. He looked earnestly at Buter.
“Right now, Sir, I know more details of the case than anyone else. I conducted the investigation and all the interrogations. There is no time to train another agent or an OSS operative, no time to get them ready to take over the mission. Right now, Sir, I am the man best qualified for the job.”
Buter carefully took the measure of the young agent sitting across from him. He nodded.
“I agree,” he said. “Go to it!”
Woody was getting impatient. Now that the “go” decision had been made he was itching to be on his way. But what little remained of Tuesday and most of the night had been taken up with damned preparations. Hall, with the full concurrence of both Streeter and Buter, insisted that all possible safeguards be employed in the operation. They were right, of course, but damned precious time was being pissed down the latrine.
There’d been the ID papers to obtain; the permits to forge; the clothing; the visit to Doc Elliott; and now—well into the morning of Wednesday—there was the matter of equipment and weapons.
“I’m not going to carry any weapons,” Woody stated emphatically. “Not even a penknife. I may feel naked, but that’s it. It would be totally out of character for a bonafide refugee, and a dead giveaway if I were searched. No special tricks.”
“I agree,” Hall mollified him. They were walking across the north sports field toward the HQ CO Supply Building. “I still want you to talk to Forbes. He’s quite a character. I think you’ll find it worthwhile.”
“What the hell is a Limey Sergeant Major doing at Corps anyway?” Woody grumbled.
“It’s a long story,” Hall said.
“I’ll just bet,” Woody snorted.
“Forbes was a member of the SOE. The Special Operations Executive. The British espionage and sabotage organization—the counterpart to our cloak-and-dagger boys. He was part of a so-called Jedburg team—a team of agents made up in England of men of two or three nationalities for operations on the Continent. He was dropped into Czechoslovakia. When his position was overrun by the Russians, he chose to make his way to American-held territory and showed up at Corps. He’s going to be sent back home as soon as we can get around to it,” he said. “Meanwhile he’s having the time of his life showing our boys some of the tricks he developed for SOE.”
“Sounds like a real Rover Boy,” Woody muttered.
“Actually, he was a music hall performer,” Hall told him. “A magician and escape artist. Played the provinces mostly, I’m told.”
“And I bet his idol was Houdini,” Woody snorted.
“No bet,” Hall said, with a grin.
Sergeant Major Henry Asquith Forbes, formerly “Forbes the Fabulous,” a bear of a man with a personality like a gust from a blast furnace, looked Woody up and down. From the pained expression on his craggy face it was evident he’d didn’t like what he saw.
“You’re the bloke what’s going undercover,” he stated rather than asked.
Woody gave Hall an irate glance. Why the hell not advertise his mission in the Stars and Stripes,
for chrissake!, he thought angrily. Forbes seemed to read his mind. “I don’t know what your bloody job is, mate, and I don’t bloody well want to know,” he barked. “My job is to fit square pegs into round holes.” He squinted dubiously at Woody. “I’ll do my best for you.”
“Sergeant Major Forbes has developed some very useful—and ingenious—special equipment,” Hall said, trying to calm the blossoming animosity.
Woody still bristled. “Listen, Sergeant Major,” he snapped. “I’m not about to run around loaded down with outlandish Buck Rogers contraptions stashed all over me. I don’t care what brilliant gimmicks you’ve come up with. By now the Krauts, and everyone else, know all about them. I sure don’t want some zealous SOB to do a job on me and come up with razor blades in my cap visor or a saw in my lapel, or whatever you special equipment experts can dream up. Not on this job. Nothing doing!”
Forbes looked at him with pitying disdain. “Making quite a to-do about it, aren’t we, what?” he snorted. “And what would you do if you found yourself on a sticky wicket, old chap?”
“I’d manage—old chap,” Woody countered bitingly.
Hall stood silent. He rather enjoyed the cockfight aspect of the confrontation. He’d let them work it out for themselves, he thought. He was confident they would. They were both tops in their fields, and top men sooner or later find that out about each other and get to appreciate one another. He also realized that Woody was keyed up. Needed to work off steam. It was good for him.
