Free Devils with Wings by Harvey Black Page A

waiting.
    “He’s probably got some extra duties lined up for you,” responded Erich.
    I wonder thought Paul. Were they going to get orders for another mission? But, if that were the case then all of the officers of the Company would be called for, including Erich. Oberleutnant Volkman was asking for Paul specifically.
    He quickly pulled on his side laced FJ jump boots with their cleated soles, only worn by paratroopers. Erich helped Paul get ready as best he could; passing him items that he would need to wear or take with him, in particular his pistol holster and Walther P38. Although Paul carried a P38, many preferred the Sig Sauer.
    “Right,” said Paul, I’ll have to do.” It was a dilemma, spend more time getting ready and face the wrath of the Raven for being late, or hurry to his appointment and risk being rebuked for his turnout.
    As they were still operational, Paul would have to wear his combat uniform, which included his M1938 paratroop helmet. The cut down appearance of the standard coalscuttle helmet was safer for paratroopers when landing.
    Erich handed Paul his MP40 machine pistol and said, “You’d better jump off now Paul, the Raven looked really agitated when I saw him.”
    “I’ll be off then,” said Paul. “If I don’t come back, send out a search party for my body?” He was smiling as he said it, but it was an uneasy smile. Meeting Oberleutnant Volkman was not always pleasurable, in fact was it ever pleasurable, Paul asked himself. Maybe he was being unfair and it was just a simple administrative matter.
    He left the cottage through the only door and turned right down the track that went through the middle of the village to the Head Quarters.
    “Good luck Paul,” Erich shouted after him, but Paul didn’t hear him, his mind was too occupied running through likely reasons for this sudden demand to see the Company Commander.
    I hope nothing has happened to the platoon’s wounded, or maybe something has happened to my parents, thought Paul. He was racking his brains mercilessly for a potential reason. At least then he could have some answers ready to potential questions in the hope of satisfying the Oberleutnant.
    As he marched quickly down the track, the villagers cleared out of his way, and when he looked in their direction, they averted their eyes.
    After ten minutes on the track that led him through the centre of the village, a small community of no more than thirty cottages, similar to the one Paul was billeted in, he arrived at the HQ.
    The HQ was a two-storey affair. Still a wooden building but it was more like a palace compared to the other village dwellings around it. He was not surprised by the Raven’s choice. Volkman never seemed to be uncomfortable, no matter where they were. Even on exercise or out in the field, he seemed to ensure that he had his creature comforts. This though did not detract from him being a good soldier and well respected by his officers and men.
    As he approached the door a Fallschirmjager came to attention and saluted the young officer. He was obviously on sentry duty and Paul recognised him as an Obergefrieter in Helmut’s troop.
    Paul returned the salute and the sentry informed him, “The Oberleutnant is waiting for you sir and said you were to go straight in.”
    “Thank you Keller,” said Paul suddenly remembering the paratrooper’s name. The soldier was impressed that Paul knew his name, but it did not surprise him, Leutnant Brand had a good reputation amongst the Paratroopers as being a fine officer.
    The soldier obviously suspected that all was not well and that Leutnant Brand was probably in for a hard time from their Company Commander, but the thought was without malice, Paul was a popular officer within the Company. They also knew that he was not to be trifled with or taken advantage of.
    Paul entered the building, which was just a bigger version of the cottage he was sleeping in, but more palatial due to its size.
    He had walked straight