Volunteer

After a few days, a number of men gathered at T4 who had been selected, asked, and summoned by the military authorities. Everything was still to remain secret, as the Germans reportedly did not want any publicity. We gathered in a hall, where we were told the general outline of what it was all about.

We were to gather, from various concentration camps in Germany, Austria, and Czechoslovakia, all Danish, Norwegian, and possibly other Nordic citizens at a concentration camp near Hamburg, where the International Red Cross could have oversight, for possible later transport to Scandinavia. The risks we were exposing ourselves to were strongly emphasized. We were to sign an agreement to participate for approximately one month. Those who hesitated were given until the following day to consider, in order to consult with relatives and, if necessary, with their employers.

Some backed out, while a few did not need any time to consider and signed immediately, myself included. Apart from the purely humanitarian effort, for me it was mostly the sense of adventure and curiosity that drove me. Now one would have the chance to see with one’s own eyes some of what one had long heard and read about. It was definitely not the financial benefits that were appealing. Most held ordinary positions, and their pay would be 2.25 kronor per day.