Alison H wrote:
Good to see both you and this back, Pat.
Ditto - will now have to re-read bits to refresh my memory!
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| Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) updated 13-06-10 http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=7973 |
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| Author: | Frogize [ Sun Jun 06, 2010 4:54 am ] |
| Post subject: | Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) updated 13-06-10 |
(At this point in the story I introduce three characters - Nazi soldiers named Waldschmidt, Kaltenbach, and Richter. They were originally created by 'Mia' in her short story "The Wooden Cross: The last days of Herr Marani". I thought about what might have happened to them after the end of Mia's story and she very kindly gave me permission to make use of them here. I hope she likes what I've done with them - even though they weren't very likeable characters!) The troop-transport train consisted of a number of cattle trucks for the men, with carriages behind them reserved for officers. Forty men were crowded into each of the cattle-trucks, and Karl Waldschmidt had been put in charge of this one. There had been no honour or privilege attached to his selection. It was simply that, as the new recruits climbed up into the truck - nearly half of them tough ex-prisoners like himself - the officer had tapped him on the shoulder and informed him he'd be held responsible for the men inside. It was not meant as any kind of promotion, just a threat of more punishment if there should be any disturbance while they were travelling or anyone missing when they arrived at their destination. As the transport train slowly rumbled through the night, moving them further south with every passing minute, he sat at the open door - the door he had insisted remain open in order to clear some of the stink from inside - and smoked his last cigarette. They'd been on the train for nearly a week now, and the smell of forty unwashed soldiers was overpowering. Not that it really mattered - the smell was something you got used to anyway. After a while you didn't even notice it. No - what had mattered was that they had obeyed him. He looked at them now, sleeping in various uncomfortable positions on the scattering of straw that covered the floor of the cattle-truck, the more experienced ones with their heads resting on their packs. Less chance of anyone stealing something that way, he thought, smiling to himself. They were a motley collection, and Waldschmidt wondered how many of them would survive to see their homes again. Precious few, he thought. He wondered where Kaltenbach and Richter were. They'd been separated at the station when they first boarded the train and he hadn't seen them since, though he thought he'd heard the sound of Richter's voice raised in furious anger at some hapless young recruit in the next truck only that afternoon. He grinned, tossing the butt of his cigarette into the gathering darkness beyond the door, and kicked a couple of the men in order to clear a space for himself. To the sound of their muttered curses, he stretched himself out and prepared to sleep. |
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| Author: | Alison H [ Sun Jun 06, 2010 6:08 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) |
Good to see both you and this back, Pat. |
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| Author: | Lesley [ Sun Jun 06, 2010 7:03 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) |
Alison H wrote: Good to see both you and this back, Pat. Ditto - will now have to re-read bits to refresh my memory!
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| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Sun Jun 06, 2010 8:05 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) |
I'm really glad to see both, too |
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| Author: | cal562301 [ Sun Jun 06, 2010 8:15 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) |
This looks interesting. Will have to look for the original in the archives. |
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| Author: | Mia [ Sun Jun 06, 2010 10:07 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) |
Welcome back! Ooh how exciting, I've been waiting for this  I think you should write some more immediately!  ETA: The story with the soldiers is here |
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| Author: | jmc [ Sun Jun 06, 2010 10:51 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) |
Great to see this again Pat. Looking forward to more. |
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| Author: | Frogize [ Sun Jun 06, 2010 11:30 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) |
They'd crossed the border into Italy some time during the previous night and by the next morning they finally arrived in Milan. As they all poured out of the various trucks, Waldschmidt rounded up his charges, making sure they each had their full complement of equipment. If anything was missing he'd be the one held responsible, and he knew exactly the kind of punishment he could expect from that cursed Obergefreiter Weisner. Hadn't he administered the same sort of penalty to those under him, back in the days when he too wore the stripes on his sleeve that Weisner now wore? As he ordered the men into position his mind wandered back to the fateful night when that damned Austrian story-teller had sealed the fate of them all. There'd been one hell of a struggle to get the railway finished on time, and it was only at the last possible moment that they'd been able to advise headquarters that all was in readiness for the first train. Even the prisoners had seemed to be infected with the satisfaction of completing the job, and the story-teller had begun earlier than usual that night. Richter and Kaltenbach, who had arrived late because they'd been on sentry duty on the perimeter fence, had complained about missing the first part of his story and had wanted to drag the old man outside so they could question him about it. Every time he thought of the way he'd laughed at them, telling them they were an embarassment to the Fuhrer and the Third Reich, and given them a couple of bottles of schnapps to pass around amongst the men as they listened, he felt his anger returning. If only he'd let them have their way none of what followed need ever have happened. They'd have discovered the prisoners were missing almost at once and been commended for their attentiveness. Instead, the damned Austrian had continued for hours before they'd even begun to suspect what was happening, and by then it was far too late, though they'd made the old man pay alright. Their hob-nailed German army boots might almost have been designed for such work, and they certainly hadn't been sparing. Even his own mother wouldn't have recognised the battered piece of humanity that they'd left behind, though that had added to their troubles later. Their commanding officer had been angling for a promotion and had insisted that the train-line be completed on schedule, no matter what the cost. The loss of some of the so-called 'politicals' and 'asocials' had not concerned Waldschmidt in the slightest until he became aware that meeting the deadline was becoming difficult, even with the threats and beatings that were a daily part of prison life. However, all the soldiers who had acted as guards on the construction party had been arrested that night and the Gestapo had been furious to discover that the old man was dead. They had been anxious to question him about the activities of the other prisoners and, discovering that they would have no opportunity to display their ability to extract information from a prisoner, had instead turned their anger on the soldiers who had killed him. Later, the guard commander and his staff had paid with their lives, but at least their penalty had been over quickly. The rest of them hadn't gotten off so easily. When the first train set off, along the track they'd spent so long preparing, everyone had hoped that it's successful completion might go some way to redeeming them in their leaders eyes, so the derailment was even more devastating than it might have been in any other circumstances. After that catastrophe, none of them had escaped punishment. The entire staff had been condemned to serve terms of varying length in a military prison. The time spent there had been nothing short of hell on earth. The SS guards in charge of the prison had refined the art of causing maximum suffering to their charges to such a degree that Waldschmidt and his companions had seemed rank amateurs by comparison. On completion of their sentence they had been informed that they would be permitted to continue to serve the Fuhrer - much time and effort had been expended on their training so it was not about to be wasted - and they were sent to a penal regiment which was now in the process of moving south through Italy towards Rome with a company of new recruits. Once there, they'd be sent even further south, as far as North Africa in most cases. |
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| Author: | Mia [ Sun Jun 06, 2010 11:59 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) |
Thank you Pat. This is fascinating for me to read and so incredibly well-written |
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| Author: | Frogize [ Mon Jun 07, 2010 4:01 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) |
Waldschmidt paced in front of his men, checking their equipment. He wasn't at all anxious for the inspection to begin, knowing that Weisner would be sure to find something to report. He invariably did. As the despised corporal approached Waldschmidt ordered his men to attention. He could see that Obergefreiter Weisner was accompanied by a leutnant, and wondered if there had been a change of plan. Clicking his heels together, and saluting smartly, he gave the regulation "Heil Hitler!" and waited silently for Weisner's acknowledgement before commencing his report. However, the young leutnant spoke directly to Waldschmidt, even as Weisner was drawing breath preparatory to beginning his usual verbal attack. "You're with the penal regiment, aren't you?" he asked, though it was more a statement than a question, since the tape Waldschmidt wore on his left cuff clearly identified him as such. "Yes, sir!" Waldschmidt answered, his voice sharp and clear despite his somewhat dishevelled appearance. It took all his control not to grin at Weisner's discomfiture at having his authority so casually usurped. "Can you drive?" the young leutnant asked next, and Waldschmidt could have danced with glee. There wasn't a vehicle built that he couldn't control, as long as it had adequate oil, fuel, and water.....and he was fully capable of acquiring those essentials if need be. "Yes, Herr Leutnant!" he answered, once again enjoying Weisner's look of impotent anger. "Good!" the leutnant replied, turning on his heel. "Find a couple of others and report to me at the station-master's office in five minutes!" "Yes, sir! At once, Herr Leutnant! Heil Hitler!" and Waldschmidt saluted once more, before grinning blatantly at Weisner's expression and hurrying off in search of Richter and Kaltenbach. Richter was easily found, but Kaltenbach seemed to have disappeared altogether. Just as the two men were about to give up and select some other member of the penal regiment Kaltenbach hove into view away to their right. He seemed to be making some kind of deal with one of the young recruits and Waldschmidt smiled knowingly, even as Richter hurried over to him. He was soon speaking urgently in Kaltenbach's ear, shouting above the noise of hundreds of men disembarking. Karl Waldschmit saw a huge grin pass between the two men and knew that their trio would once again be united. Whatever the leutnant had in mind for them had to be better than having to take orders from that stupid up-start Weisner! Only just within the five minutes stipulated the three drew up outside the station-master's office, standing at attention before the leutnant. |
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| Author: | Alison H [ Mon Jun 07, 2010 4:59 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) updated 07-06-10 |
It's interesting to see how they viewed it. |
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| Author: | Lesley [ Mon Jun 07, 2010 5:32 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) updated 07-06-10 |
Pleased that they suffered a little for Herr Marani's death - though it wasn't enough. Thanks Pat |
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| Author: | jmc [ Mon Jun 07, 2010 8:17 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) updated 07-06-10 |
Thanks Pat. Good to see more of this so quickly. Alison H wrote: It's interesting to see how they viewed it. Agreed |
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| Author: | Frogize [ Mon Jun 07, 2010 6:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) updated 07-06-10 |
Leutnant Werner Bachaus looked appraisingly at the three men standing before him. They were not a very promising looking bunch at the moment, he decided, but after a thorough clean-up they'd certainly suit his purpose. Trust the High Command to recall everyone who might have had enough experience to be useful to him, but everyone knew that something big was in the wind and he was glad that his wedding meant he'd be out of it for the time being. He knew he'd be back in the thick of things before too long. "I'm going to need you men for at least a week or so," Werner began. "However, I can see that before you are of any use to me you'll need to make good use of the accommodation here. You will all go to headquarters immediately and then report back to me at my office within three hours. By that time I expect you to have transformed yourselves into something more like German soldiers. Do I make myself clear?" "Yes, sir!" Waldschmidt answered for all three. "Good!" the leutnant continued, looking at Waldschmidt. "Since you seem to have taken charge already I'll make you responsible for everyone. I need several more men to make up my party, but they'll need to be men you can trust, men you can rely on absolutely. Do you think you can find half a dozen amongst this lot?" he asked, gazing around at the men from the train as they struggled to come to some semblance of order. "Leave it to me, sir," Waldschmidt grinned. "I'll find just the men you need. May we have permission to collect our packs first, Herr Leutnant?" "Certainly!" Werner answered. "I'll see you all at headquarters in three hours. Don't keep me waiting, if you know what's good for you! Dismissed!" and the young leutnant turned on his heel and headed towards the exit gate. "Thank God for that!" Waldschmidt grinned at his companions as they watched the leutnant leave. "A week or two in Italy will do us the world of good - and telling Weisner where to go will give me an enormous amount of pleasure!" he continued, giving each of his companions a hearty slap on the shoulder. "Let's go!" |
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| Author: | Alison H [ Mon Jun 07, 2010 6:32 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) updated 08-06-10 |
They seem so cheerful and casual: it's frightening. |
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| Author: | Lesley [ Mon Jun 07, 2010 6:44 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) updated 08-06-10 |
I really hope something exceptionally nasty happens to them.  Thanks Pat. |
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| Author: | Frogize [ Tue Jun 08, 2010 3:29 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) updated 08-06-10 |
"Which men will you choose to come with us, Karl?" Kaltenbach asked, looking at Waldschmidt. "Do you have someone in mind? Because I can think of at least one man I'd like to have along with us." "The leutnant wants half a dozen men, so if we each return here in twenty minutes with a couple of likely candidates I think that should be fine," Waldschmidt answered. "I know I can trust you two to select appropriately!" and the three men grinned at each other before scattering to collect their packs and choose their companions. As expected, Obergefreiter Weisner was furious that Waldschmidt had escaped his clutches, and Karl took great delight in adding to his annoyance by informing him that the leutnant had requested six more men. The obergefreiter's expression when the ex-prisoner added that he was to do the selecting, not Weisner, was a memory Waldschmidt would treasure for the rest of his days and he almost laughed out loud as he began his search. Even Weisner knew better than to keep a superior officer waiting. Worming his way through the crowded platform, Waldschmidt hurried in search of Wilhelm Fischer and Helmut Maier. They were two of the three men who had shared his cell at the military prison and Waldschmidt knew they were just the kind of men he needed. Quick thinking, handy with their fists or weapons when required, always ready to do whatever was necessary, and happy to take whatever reward was on offer - legitimate or otherwise! He grinned as he spotted them nearby, 'assisting' one of the young new recruits to lighten his pack. "Up to your old tricks, I see!" he laughed as he approached, ducking aside neatly as Fischer turned on him with raised fists. "Karl!" the man greeted him, smiling broadly and punching lightly at his shoulder. "What did the leutnant want? Are you in trouble again?" "Not me!" Karl grinned back. "How do you two feel about a little R&R in Italy? The leutnant asked me to find some men for his party....." "And, naturally, you thought of us!" Maier chimed in, laughing as he grabbed hold of Karl's hand and shook it fiercely. "God, it almost feels like old times, now! And I'm willing to bet that Weisner wasn't too happy to hear your news!" "That's certainly one way of putting it!" Karl laughed back. "Now leave that baby alone and come with me!" Returning several items to the recruit's pack, Fischer and Maier followed Karl as he set off for the agreed meeting place. "Want some of Mutti's home-made fruitcake?" Fischer asked, removing the cake from under his arm before breaking off a huge chunk and munching on it as they walked. "Hand it over, Willi," Maier demanded, and Fischer cheerfully tossed the remainder of the cake to Maier. He handed a large piece to Waldschmidt before breaking the rest in half and tossing the last piece back to Fischer, as he took a mouthful which rendered him speechless for the next couple of minutes. "I thought you were an orphan, Willi," Waldschmidt said, chewing as he walked. "I am," Fischer replied. "But our young friend wasn't. His mother used all her rations to make the cake before he left and instructed him to share it with some of his comrades in arms - and that's us, right?" "Right!" Karl laughed, as Maier nodded agreement. "But now we have a whole new assignment, so let's stop wasting time and get moving. Where on earth are Kaltenbach and Richter?" "Are they in on this, too?" Fischer exclaimed, turning to face Waldschmidt and standing still in front of him. "I told you it was like old times!" Maier added, swallowing the last of his share of the cake. "What are we doing this time, Karl?" "No idea yet," Karl admitted, still searching the crowd for the return of Kaltenbach and Richter. "I don't much care, as long as it's well away from Weisner. Can you see them yet?" "I can see Erich over there!" Fischer called back, pointing in the general direction of the exit gate. "He seems to have a kid and an old man with him. Are you sure he knows what he's doing?" "No need to worry about Kaltenbach," Waldschmidt assured him. "If he has a kid and an old man in tow you can bet he has a good reason for it." "And there's Richter!" Fischer added, turning back to the others. "I take it we're not hanging around here with the rest?" "No, we're to go straight to headquarters," Karl said, waving to attract the attention of Richter and Kaltenbach. "We have to meet the leutnant in his office in about two and a half hours so we'd better get moving. Come on!" and he led the way to where Kaltenbach and Richter were waiting with their charges near the exit gate. |
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| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Tue Jun 08, 2010 10:41 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) upd'd twice 08-06 |
Thanks, just caught up with the last few updates. This is really intriguing. Am wondering what they're needed in italy for |
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| Author: | Frogize [ Sun Jun 13, 2010 11:02 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) upd'd twice 08-06 |
"Francesco! Hurry up!" Domenico called, running back up the stairs to the night-nursery where he slept with his two younger brothers. "Everyone's waiting for you, and you know what Uncle Marco's like!" Francesco sat forlornly on the end of his bed. He didn't want to go to church today. He didn't want to go anywhere except home, and he knew that wasn't going to happen until after Isabella's wedding, which was still almost a week away. Truth to tell, he was horribly homesick and, after their interview with Uncle Marco last night, the thought of spending even one more day here was almost more than he could bear. The little boy shuddered slightly as he remembered the look on Centurione Desti's face the previous evening as he'd informed the three brothers that they were not to associate with any of the Guazza family after church today. As members of the Desti family they would be expected to remain at his side until it was time to return to the car, speaking only to greet the people who engaged in conversation with the centurione. All the boys had been unhappy at the edict, and Domenico knew it would be hardest on Francesco. The few minutes spent with Mamma and Luca were something he treasured, and to be forbidden them would arouse all his worst behaviour. He knew his little brother could be incredibly stubborn when he chose and he intended to keep close by him, at least until they returned to the Desti home. "Come on, Francesco," Domenico urged, sitting beside the boy and wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "It's only a few more days now, and then we can all go home." "But I want to go home now!" Francesco replied wistfully, looking up at his brother with tears in his eyes. "I want Mamma and Luca and.....and.....and everybody!" "I know," Domenico sighed. "We all do, Francesco, but we just have to wait. Why don't you take your donkey to church with you? Uncle Marco doesn't have to know, and it'll make you feel a bit better, won't it?" Brightening just a little, and wiping his eyes with his shirt sleeve, Francesco scrambled across the bed, reached under his pillow and found the little wooden donkey. Slipping it into his pocket he slowly trailed downstairs behind his brother. Aunt Caterina was waiting for them outside and smiled as they approached. "Come along, Francesco," she said cheerfully, while giving Domenico a grateful look. "I want you to sit beside me today, so I can tell you about when I was a little girl with Uncle Franco," and, with a defiant look at her husband's rigid back, she took her seat beside the boys. |
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| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Sun Jun 13, 2010 11:44 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) updated 13-06-10 |
Thanks Pat, Poor Francesco. |
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| Author: | PaulineS [ Sun Jun 13, 2010 1:06 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) updated 13-06-10 |
Thanks those poor boys are having it tough. Hope it gets better soon. |
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| Author: | Elbee [ Sun Jun 13, 2010 4:12 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) updated 13-06-10 |
Thanks, Pat, I'm pleased to see more of this again! |
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| Author: | jmc [ Mon Jun 14, 2010 6:13 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) updated 13-06-10 |
The poor boys. It must be so hard for them. Thanks |
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| Author: | Lesley [ Mon Jun 14, 2010 6:34 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) updated 13-06-10 |
Poor little lad - pleased his aunt is there to help - as well as his brother. Thanks Pat |
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| Author: | shesings [ Mon Jun 14, 2010 2:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (cont) updated 13-06-10 |
Poor little boy! |
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