Abwehr Outstation Hamburg, Friday, 7 April 1944, Morning
Schellenburg's arrival with the information provided by Jahnke had changed the situation dramatically, and Oberstleutnant von Podewils had mobilised nearly every agent in the city to participate in the raids that would put paid to the English spy network. Teams had been deployed on round-the-clock surveillance to assure that the suspects did not escape the dragnet that had been set for them. They waited now for a telephone call; it was not long in coming.
"Von Podewils," said the chief investigator when he answered the telephone at his desk. "Ja; you are certain?" he spoke in to the receiver. "Good thinking; I will await their call." Then he hung up, and turned to Schellenburg. "Hauptmann Jahnke has suffered another unfortunate accident," he said in a somber tone.
Schellenburg paused. "Yes. I presume a fatal one."
"According to Metzger he did not look back; he took it bravely. A Goliath delivery van with advertising for tea," von Podewils took no joy in filling in the details. The other pair of agents is trailing the van. Metzger is dealing with the local police authorities to keep matters quiet for the time being."
"And so it begins," Schellenburg replied.
"Yes - we have much to do today." Von Podewils concluded, and stood to buckle on his sidearm.
**********
Johannes Eppler parked his delivery van next to the loading dock of the firm's warehouse in the Harburg section of the city. It was then that he noticed a smear of red on the right front bumper and paused but a few moments to remove it with a rag. That task complete he went inside the building to report.
Vincent Kraft was in his office, going over accounts. Maintaining a business cover for his activities actually took up a considerable part of his time, but that was a small price to pay for the safety of his network. When Eppler entered, he looked up.
"The deed is done," Eppler announced.
"You are certain this time?" Kraft replied. The last attempt to silence Jahnke had ended in inconclusively.
"Yes," Eppler assured him. "I made certain to him square on. Hobbling as he was it was not difficult."
"Good," Kraft noted. "Eliminating him should stop the Abwehr's investigation cold."
Eppler nodded. "Is there any word from THALES?"
**********
The warehouse proclaimed itself as belonging to the established tea merchants Meßmer. Stepping from several cars more than ten agents of the Abwehr fanned out, some moving to the back of the building while others, led by Von Podewils and Schellenburg, went to the front. They did not bother to announce themselves as they entered, barging right past the receptionist.
"Kraft! Where is he?" Von Podewils demanded.
"In his office," the receptionist answered in a frightened tone. "I will announce you Herr..."
"The will not be necessary." Von Podewils said, yanking the telephone cord, rendering it useless. "You two, go with Schellenburg..."
**********
Kraft was still discussing matters with Eppler when he heard the commotion in the foyer. He could not quite understand what was being said but recognised that it did not bode well for him. "Delay them however you can," said to Eppler, who turned to obey. For his part, Kraft began to gather up a few items from his desk.
Eppler opened the door and found Schellenburg confronting him, his sidearm drawn. "Planning to go somewhere?" Schellenburg asked, as his eyes narrowed. He recognised the infamous Boegardt from the several photographs, but the man at the desk was unfamiliar to him. According to Jahnke's confession though, it would be the ringleader of the network, one Victor Kraft. "You are under arrest for suspicion of espionage. Raise your hands now."
**********
Richard Eilers was busy dealing with some defective bolts for the engine mounts of Fw190 fighter bombers when he received a message asking him to report to the office of the quality control manager. "I suppose that they have found something else wrong," he thought, and left the defective materials storage area, locking it behind him. It took but a few minutes to report to his superior's office, where he found two strangers.
"Richard Eilers," said one of them, "You are under arrest for the crime of espionage. You will come with us immediately."
Dithmarscher Landeszeitung, Saturday, 8 April 1944
The Office of the Ministry of Defence has announced that the Kriegsmarine survey ship Meteor has arrived in Suva, capital of the French colony of Fidji, as part of her trans-Pacific voyage. After taking on fresh provisions and water the Meteor is expected to next call at Noumea in New Caledonia.
Berliner Abendpost, Sunday, 9 April 1944