On
6 December 2011 J.A.S.
Philson in a Christmas greeting to Kristian
Zouaoui and
his family
wrote
this comment:
I feel embarrassed whenever my "Speech" is
mentioned. One must remember, I had, only a short time earlier, been
discovered in the brake box of a goods wagon.
About 6 railway workers surrounded me with anxious expressions on their
faces. I think they were afraid that I was dangerous!
Later a couple of burly plain clothes policemen accompanied me to the
Daugaard inn, where I was greeted by Palle Hoybye. I and (I believe) Peter
Hansen, Sergeant
of police sat, while Palle Hoybye stood and acted as inquisitor (He spoke
excellent English)
Peter Hansen began very nervously to search me for weapons but fumbled with
the zip fastener of my flying jacket. With youthful impatience I quickly
unzipped it and
out fell a bunch of rhubarb! Immediately, food was ordered and very soon a
tall, young, blond policeman entered bearing a tray, carrying meat and
potatoes, coffee,
bread and butter. This young man sat on my left, interjecting at intervals,
"All you have to do is eat!"
Palle continued with his questions and very
soon I realised that he wanted to know if any Danes had helped me to evade
capture.
Impatiently, I put down my knife
and fork, declaring, "Do you think that I
would betray a friend who had helped me? No one helped me! But if they had
done, I would
never tell you!"
Peter Hansen
rose from
his chair and came toward me. I was not sure of his
intentions. Was he about to strike me? No, he reached out his hands and
embraced me
like a son.
At that Palle said, "As long as that's what you tell the Germans, then we
have no further questions."
Half-a-dozen young policemen took me upstairs, where I could wash my face
and hands and comb my hair.
Suddenly, we heard gruff voices and much stamping of feet, below. Quietly,
we all listened for further developments. After a short time, when all
seemed quiet again
we ventured downstairs.
Palle informed me that the Germans had come to collect me and that he had
informed them that he had not finished interrogating me for his report.
They would return
for me, later.
Palle then turned to me and said,"We have only one more question to ask of
you, Will you join us in a little meal as our guest of honour?" I replied that I had only
just eaten; to which he responded, "Germany, where you are going, is
starving! So you must not miss an opportunity to eat."
We entered the hall, behind the inn. All the police who had been searching
for me stood up.
Peter Hansen sat at the top of the table, Palle and I sat on either side and
the Danish National Anthem was sung.
It was a very moving moment. A delightful meal was served. One man rose to
speak and said that he had been a POW in the first world War and had
survived!
Several speeches were delivered; all encouraging me to 'keep my
chin up.'
Newly captured, after three days as a fugitive, frankly, I was surprised by
the cordial reception of the police and their apologetic attitude. I had
expected harsh
treatment and here they were sorry they could not help me to
escape!
I had had no time to prepare and so what I said sounded like a little
schoolboy's attempt to excuse himself for being naughty! (See photo of his
manuscript.)
I hope this helps you to understand my confused state of mind. |
