The Lucky Seven by Norman Holden Books

Author:Norman Holden Books
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: HIS027120 HISTORY / Military / Veterans
ISBN: 9781736220337
Publisher: Norman Holden Books
Published: 2023-05-04T14:13:14+00:00

May 1, 1944—Day Eight

Gingelom, Belgium

0800 Hours

Even in a cramped setting, the three airmen had the best night of sleep in several days. It was amazing what a warm, dry bed did for their soul and demeanor. Waking to the smell of freshly cooked eggs and potatoes, the airmen made their way back to the kitchen where they were greeted by Shorty and his wife, who was visibly younger and very pretty. She smiled softly and shook each of their hands. Standing in a small circle, she noticed the animal aroma still wafting from her three guests. Without speaking, she gestured to the men to follow her. She set up a wash bowl and razor, then took their overcoats and hung them outside in the fresh air. Following the unspoken cues, each man took turns. One by one, they cleaned up and shaved with the straight, dull razor. Managing to escape serious injury, the three men returned to the kitchen, once presentable.

During their meal together, Shorty explained to the young men that the German occupiers had forced him to work for them. As he pointed in an upwardly motion, he stated that he was a finance officer for the Germans. “Hah!” He laughed indignantly at the idea of helping the Germans. Shorty went on to tell the airmen how proud he was of his son, and the efforts being made by members of the Underground. Seeing distress within her facial expressions, the airmen recognized that Shorty’s wife was uneasy with the discussion of her son’s exploits.

Goebel saw this as an opportunity to change the subject by asking questions about their current whereabouts. Shorty explained that their family home was located on the edge of Gingelom. The airmen quickly realized that they had been moving in circles all this time and hadn’t progressed greatly beyond their original starting point. In a week’s time, they had traveled roughly thirty-five kilometers north from their respective landing points. This conclusion triggered a quick debate among the airmen, each voicing similar concerns that their caretakers, while extremely hospitable, may not have a fully baked plan. Sensing that the airmen now needed a distraction, Shorty got up from the table and went to another room for a moment and came back with a deck of playing cards. Placing them in the middle of the table, he attempted to assure the young men that everything was going to be okay. With Shorty’s words of hope, the young men happily accepted the deck of cards, and his wife kindly looked at the airmen and quickly started a game of rummy.

Just after 1400 hours, a black two-door sedan stopped in front of the Londoz home. Without haste, two young men quickly jumped out and went to the front door. Expecting the visitors, Shorty got up and went to greet the two men. After exchanging brief pleasantries, he brought them to the kitchen where the three airmen were still playing cards. Shorty entered the kitchen with the visitors following closely behind. Goebel, who was facing the door, saw the strangers and quickly stood.

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