about every Jewish shopkeeper in Germany had his front window smashed or damaged by the Nazi goons. There was broken glass lying everywhere, therefore ‘Night of the Crystal.’ On those two nights there was around a hundred Jews murdered or seriously injured. The figures vary greatly, but one thing is sure, there was great devastation throughout the land. Approximately 200 synagogues were burned to the ground. Even our own synagogue in Niedergeyer was destroyed by fire. You could also say that these two evenings were the official ‘Coming Out Party’ for the Nazis.” Finished a somewhat drained Dieter.
After taking another long swig from his brandy, Dieter looked at Cameron with a somewhat inquisitive glance.
“Are you really interested in hearing the rest of the story, as it really happened?” Asked Dieter.
“Of course I am. Maybe this will help me in my current investigation. The more I know about the past, the more it will help me in the future. I need to have a better understanding of what the German Jews went through, and also what the rest of the population suffered.” Replied Cameron, as he sat back on his leather chair and stared at Dieter.
“I will try tell it like was, exactly as I remember it. My memory plays tricks on me sometime, but I will try to be as truthful as I can.” Dieter finished with a sigh and a frown.
“OK, Dieter, I am sure you will do the story justice.” Stated Erik.
Forgotten Memories
A well maintained soccer field is hidden from view in the middle of the large forest. The only way to get to the playing field is through a large path in the middle of the woods. This athletic event could only be reached by climbing a steep hill at the base of the village.
The small town of Niedergeyer is located in an area called, the “Eifel.” This location has often been used as a gateway by invading armies throughout history. This part of Germany is covered in rolling hills and some heavily wooded areas. The Romans, Gauls, Charlemagne, Nordic tribes, Swedes, Napoleon Bonaparte and many others have tried to invade its territory. In recent memory it was the site of two of the most famous battles in WWII, Battle of the Bulge and the battle of Huertgenwald, AKA by the GI’s as “Green Hell.” This whole region has a long a bloody history, and has been in constant turmoil for centuries.
The village of Niedergeyer can trace its roots to ancient Roman times. At one time around the second century AD, the seventh (VII) Roman legion had a fort and a ceramic factory in this small village. It also had the distinction of having Roman grapes planted in its numerous hills, and produced some of the best wine in the region. In addition to its famous wine and glorious past, it also had one of the best soccer teams in Northwest Germany. They had won the class B division championship four out of the last five years. This year would be of particular interest to the players because if they won the championship again they would be allowed to keep the beautiful permanent trophy in their village.
The entire village, and playing field was festooned with giant Nazi flags and streamers. Every pole, tree, and balcony was decorated with red white and black flags. The weather was extremely cold, overcast and windy; typical for this part of Germany in November. A well-disciplined Hitler Jugend band (Hitler’s equivalent to the Boy Scouts) was playing a series of German martial music.
This very loud and stimulating music had the effect of energizing the entire stand. The small wooden stadium was packed to capacity, and many additional spectators were standing on the sidelines waving small Nazi, or home team flags. The mood was festive, despite the miserable weather. However this was very rypical for this part of Germany.
Erik Goldmann is Niedergeyer’s star player. He was one of those wonderful soccer players who never seem to run out of steam. Although not very tall, he made up for it by his speed and agility. Additionally, he had the capability to jump up like a kangaroo, and could score many goals with headers. He was a perfect soccer player. He had speed, agility and an endless amount of stamina.
The home team ran out on the field and the local villagers erupted in thunderous applause. The volunteer fire department band, quite good by homegrown standards, started to play up a popular tune and everyone went wild with joy. When the opposing team from Kreiss Dueren finally ran unto the field they are met with good-natured boos and catcalls. A few minutes later the referee blows his whistle and the game begins.
Niedegeyer is the underdog, but no one counted on Erik Goldmann. In the second half, the score is already 3-0 in favor of the home team. The Dueren players and coaches are in shock. No one had counted on Erik Goldmann, he had pierced their defenses like General Guderian marching through Poland.
The right forward kicked Erik the ball and it landed over his right shoulder, and about one yard in front of him. He faked to the right; cuts suddenly to the left and manages to burst through the left defender as if he was invisible. The startled goalie did not have a chance. Erik kicked the ball on long high arc and it found its way into the net. It was one of those spectacular goals that goalkeepers have nightmares about and center forwards dream about. The partisan crowd erupted into a frenzied roar. The score now stood at four to zero for Niedergeyer and Erik had scored all four goals! Once the score reached 4-0, the coach brought some of the second string players, and even Dieter Johannes was able to play for the last twenty minutes. The game ended with the same score.
The winning trophy was brought to the center of the field, and all the players, coaches and fans go wild with joy. Both bands began playing joyous and cheerful music, even the losing team comes over to congratulate the Niedergeyer players.
Strangely enough, only one of his teammates, Dieter Johannes his best friend, came over and gave him a hug. Dieter and Erik had been best friends since they were in kindergarten.
Although Dieter was a member of the Hitler Youth, he had no time for politics and really admired Erik. Politics were of no interest to either boy. They just enjoyed playing soccer and talking about girls.
Dieter was convinced that under different circumstances Erik could have been a professional soccer player. Erik was a natural talent and was far superior to the rest of the players on either team. However being Jewish made his chances non-existent. Circumstances and world destiny would keep him from that goal.
Once the initial jubilation subsided, the rest of his teammates ignored him and ran off the field, without acknowledging his presence.
Many of the players, may have wanted to congratulate Erik, but they were afraid of what might happen to them. Being friendly with a Jew today, was not healthy. The only reason Erik was still on the team was because of his spectacular athletic ability. Nazi dogma preached that Jews were inferior to Germans, however Erik proved just the opposite. Dieter suspected that Erik would not be allowed to play again because of the current political environment. How true would Dieter’s prophecy be? Today’s victory would be the last time these young German boys would ever play soccer together again, or for that matter see one another for a long time. Sad as it was, providence would tear them apart.
Their fathers on the other hand, had both been friends and also served together in WWI. They had both served in Northern France, near the Champagne capitol of the world, Reims. Actually, three young men from their village had served together in the same unit, and on the same front. Erik’s father, although much older than the other two boys, had risen to the rank of Sergeant Major. As a matter of fact, Erik’s father was a highly decorated soldier and had been twice decorated for valor with the Iron Cross First Class. Erik’s father had valiantly fought for Germany and always considered himself a German first. Although he was
