The War Closes In on Hurlach: Chapter 25
On Monday, March 26, 1945, the Postens came into our barracks at 5:15 A.M. and announced excitedly, "Nicht arbeiten today."
The response was, "No work? Hurrah!'' Half of us believed him; the other half were not sure. Our first hope: the war was over. Our second hope: an airborne landing near enough to rescue us. Spirited conversation followed, with an expanding of rumors and a rehash of radio information. Six o'clock passed. Six-fifteen passed. We were still in the barracks. News and rumors filtered in during the morning. One rumor: a bunch of Kommandos had taken off.
Facts: There was an airborne landing of 45,000 troops. No information as to where. Jubilation, celebration, elation. Breakfast and Essen were brought to us. Could the worm be turning: Could these Krauts be our friends? The windows in the barracks were placed so high on the wall that even when standing on tables we could not see out. If there was any local activity, we were isolated from it.
At one o'clock we were sent out to work. Elation over. Rumors again. No invasion at all. No airdrop. Or was there? At night we brought in reports heard on the Bauer's radios: there was an air borne attack near Munich. The next day passed and the next; the week ended. No airdrop. Life returned to normal, except that the news, while not spectacular, was good. We and our Bauer knew the Allies were on the march; of that there was no doubt.
It was now Holy Week before Easter. In Hurlach there was bellringing all during the day. On Saturday I watched a ceremony of parading around the outside of the church. Inside, cakes were blessed. The religious activities in Hurlach, considering my situation, were viewed with some cynicism. The significance of Easter was touched with paradox.
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