The German Nurse by M. J. Hollows

The German Nurse by M. J. Hollows

Author:M. J. Hollows [Hollows, M. J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780008456962
Google: Lzv8DwAAQBAJ
Amazon: 0008456968
Publisher: ‎Harper
Published: 2020-11-18T00:00:00+00:00


Chapter 18

16 March 1941

A few days later, Jack had only managed to see Johanna once since the evening of the party. She was still disappointed at how it had ended, a rare moment to spend time with friends. Jack had suggested they try again, but since then she had been busy with work. He had invited her to the cinema, but she had flat-out refused. Jack had decided he would see what it was like for himself, which is why he found himself approaching the Gaumont Theatre, on St Julian’s Avenue. He had a rare night shift off while Johanna was busy working, so it made sense to use the time. At first she had told him not to go, but when he had explained that he just wanted to see it with his own eyes, she had relented.

The Gaumont, a typical whitewashed building, was now decked out in all the signs of the German occupation. Red flags hung down above the main entrance with the German Hooked Cross in pride of place, and a large golden eagle was stationed over the entrance. The signage had been changed from English to German, including the name of the film currently being shown. Jud Süß. Süss the Jew.

The occupying Germans had made sure that the cinema was a spectacle, to remind the Islanders that Guernsey was part of the Führer’s Reich. Jack doubted they would continue to get access to films from the mainland. Every film that was played had to be certified by the German culture representative, to make sure that there was nothing anti-German in the films. Some of Jack’s favourites had been excluded for what seemed like officious reasons. They had even at one point banned the Islanders from booing the films, but had changed their minds when they had stopped attending the cinemas. Now they were permitted to clap and applaud.

When he got to the cinema he had to find the correct entrance, not just because of his ticket, but because the German audiences and native audiences had been split to prevent unrest. The Germans sat on one side, with exclusive access to the balcony, and the Islanders sat on the other. To enter through the wrong entrance would only cause trouble he didn’t want. He didn’t even really want to be seen there at all.

Just as he was checking the flyer to see where he should go, he bumped into a grey shape and turned immediately to say his apologies.

‘Jack?’ the shape asked, as Jack recognised Henrik’s voice and felt a wave of relief that it was at least a German he knew, and one he was partially friendly with. Since they had first met, when they were searching for British soldiers, they had met again a few times. Through their conversations they had come to know each other a little better.

‘Hallo, Henrik,’ Jack replied, feeling on show. Henrik was not alone.

‘I believe you know, Beth?’ Henrik asked, nodding towards the woman who was holding on to his arm.



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