Continue?

At the beginning of April, the end of our contracted period was approaching. We had signed on for one month, but there was still much to be done down there. Some transports had taken longer than expected, and Folke Bernadotte had managed to negotiate with Himmler for additional assignments, including further transports from Neuengamme to Denmark, as well as transports of nationalities other than Scandinavians. The detachment leadership therefore wanted us to extend our contract period.

Several others and I did not hesitate and said yes immediately. Our curiosity and sense of adventure had not yet been satisfied, and on top of that came the feeling that we were doing something important for our fellow human beings. I also had nothing “back home” that could hold me back. But many, perhaps more than half, felt that enough was enough.

The harsh working conditions, the danger to life, and the unpleasant experiences undoubtedly discouraged many. But jobs at home, personal businesses, and the situation of relatives were naturally also often decisive. The management promised to double our pay (4 kronor and 50 öre per day instead of 2:25), to arrange so that we would be exempt from further call-ups to peacetime service, and to ensure that needy relatives received assistance.