Thus we reached Iława (Deutsch Eylau). That's where we went looking for water despite beatings, shots and screaming. I managed to get into the pump on the platform somehow, and I had a small drink. How this water tasted after 3 days of drying and fasting! Despite beatings, kicks, names and shootings, the Germans were incapable to drive us distant from the pump! Our mediocre friends were left in the cars, died of wounds and exhaustion... They couldn't stand the inhuman conditions - we didn't go outside for 3 full days and we took care of ourselves!
Finally, however, we were gathered together someway among curses, screams, beatings and inventions. We got a loaf of military bread for 4 men, all lined up in marching columns, and we hit the road. We were driven about six kilometers to the village of Raudnitz (Rudzienice Suskie). There were barracks and fanaticated Prussians with stones and hatred waiting for us. Polish prisoners of war from the first days of September were already there. After we washed up, we went to sleep. The Wachmans had to defend us by shooting us in the air.
Soon this morning we were exiled to work at the Bauers. Wachman led me to the property of Herman Schubring, who served at the front in Wehrmacht. There were only his old parents and Lina's wife - ugly, redheaded, freckled, white eyes and eyebrows.
Until 2 February 1940, I worked as a prisoner of war. Then we were told to reattach the letter "P" to the uniform, the camp was liquidated, and each of us lived at his Bauer. We were told that after working for Germany 1 year we would be able to choose another kind of work.
During this time, Schubringova persuaded any celebrated 2 Nazis who 1 day jumped from behind bushes, assaulted me from behind and beat me. erstwhile I got back, I told the German I'd run distant any chance I could. This chance happened on February 2, 1941, erstwhile my Germans took a carriage to Iława to their relatives that day, and I immediately walked after them.
During this time the Pole could not travel another than with peculiar permission. My friend Szczepanski from Kępowa Street utilized this approval before. He simply gave me his pass, and I only corrected the dates - and it succeeded: the police officer on the railroad let me through, even though it was clearly visible that it was forged.
The confederate train to Grudziądz was put up early. I went to the bathroom, ripped off the uniform and sat in the carriage NUR FUR DEUTSCHE. At the time I spoke perfect German. Fortunately, I did it at the right time, due to the fact that at 1 point on the platform I saw old Schubring and Paulie (one of those who assaulted me) in a yellow uniform - clearly looking for someone! It was not in their German heads that the Pole hid in the carriage only for Germans! Of course, I didn't breathe until the train started rushing towards the house.
I was in Grudziądz in the evening, and after 15 minutes I just knocked on my mom's door. And there's the consternation:
- Son, what happens if they start looking for you?!
- I'm sorry. Don't let Mom worry. I'll work here!
