Ghetto of Hell

By Stuart Haywood

The Bechowicz family were no different from thousands of other families in Warsaw during the early part of the nineteen forties. But the fact that they were Jewish condemned them to a fate only firsthand experience could even begin to comprehend. The Nazi war machine systematically decreased the Jewish sector known as ‘The Warsaw Ghetto’, through murder, deportation and unthinkable horrors to achieve ‘The Final Solution’ Jan Bechowicz tries desperately to keep his family together and out of harm’s way. The uprising begins in April 1943 when he unwittingly becomes a key figure in the desperate struggle to stay alive and one step ahead of the SS. A British Captain joins the courageous resistance group with the blessing of Winston Churchill, to aid the fighters and send back intelligence to London. This is a story of survival against overwhelming odds portraying the outstanding bravery and unselfish actions of the Jewish resistance fighters.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Aug 26, 2014
• ISBN: 9781291996753

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Ghetto of Hell

Ghetto of Hell

Other titles by Stuart Haywood

Fiction

Zoo (The Original)  First Published 2007 - Revised 2016

Bob Davidson is a retired soldier who thought that when he left the Special Forces his life would be more tranquil. As head keeper of Twyford Zoo in the English countryside, he was responsible for the staff and the welfare of the animals. The busiest day of the year was dawning and forecast to be the hottest on record. A mysterious rock fell from the sky. Moments later the huge Bengal Tiger succumbed to a red light emitting from the object. The day began normally, but by one the animals began to revolt with an uncanny intelligence, and attack the people. Bob and a small group of SAS personnel who had decided to visit him, begin a long running battle of survival against the deadly creatures. Some members of the public also become his responsibility, adding to the responsibility. Using all his Special Forces training, would he and his small band of survivors live through the nightmare.

Zoo 2 (The Return) First Published 2013 - Revised 2016

A series of disappearances baffle police. Detective Sergeant Mellissa Carlisle and her partner D.C. James Tyler are assigned to the case. She tirelessly searches for clues, but every case leads to a dead end. She finally confides in a close friend, Bob Davidson. Bob has a sixth sense which brings back terrible memories of that day in Twyford zoo. A series of strange deaths attributed to animals confirm his fears, and soon he is embroiled in the hunt for the tiger. The situation is discussed at the very top level, and the Home Secretary, together with MI5 decide to grant Bob a free rein. He puts together a force consisting of Police, Special Forces, a contingent of three Para, and eventually a force of the US Marine Corps. Together they track the tiger to a secret government installation. Held within that installation could be the means with which to extinguish human life. This time, Bob is determined to end the beast’s reign of terror

Pillar of Rock First Published 2014 - Revised 2016

65 million years ago, a catastrophic event forced the inhabitants of the planet Mars to abandon their home world for a primitive planet close by.  The evolution of mankind - was it natural or was the human race designed?   In 1099, during the siege of Jerusalem, a Knight discovers a golden box. He returns with it to England. It is safeguarded for centuries until 2014.  Two factions seek the box; both have the desire to use it for their own ends.

Their individual goals will result in the same outcome - the annihilation of mankind. Detective Inspector Mellissa Carlisle unwittingly  joins the quest when she is assigned to a murder case.  She then finds that she herself becomes equally sought after. 'Mel' teams up with a professor of History to solve the remaining clues leading to the location of the box.

From Derbyshire to Edinburgh Castle, they are pursued by the deadly Messorem, a group of highly trained assassins. The White House and Downing Street have faith in the detective, and assist in the quest. She finally has to decide which course of action to take once she recovers the artefact,

To save humanity or to save herself.

Mabus First Published 2015 - Revised 2016

Members of the High Council are being brutally murdered. Not all Messorem assassins have been apprehended. Messorem Twelve is on a mission to find his brother and release him. D.I. Mellissa Carlisle is called upon once again to track down this 'Reaper' and prevent him from destabilising the world's status quo. But he seems to be one step ahead of their every move.

The chase involving Special Forces from several nations takes them across the globe from Thailand to Italy. Messorem Twelve also employs the services of a Russian assassin who has over one hundred kills to his name. The English Detective is now the target of both.

The Genesis Gate First Published 2016

After surviving yet another assassination attempt, Mellissa Carlisle is under close protection. Valentin Volkov is now totally obsessed with killing her. Utilising all his special forces training, he pursues Mel from Israel to the Appellation Mountains. It becomes a fight to the death in the forest after he strikes the first blow. Mel also learns a great deal more of how mankind was created - and also how mankind could be eradicated

The Apocalypse Gate  Mellissa Carlisle faces her final mission - First Published 2016

Mellissa Carlisle is soon to be Custos. But will there be a world for her to protect?

Actions in the middle, and far east result in a catastrophic event which obliterates Mecca. The world destabilizes rapidly as the destruction triggers a fleet of huge mother ships which have been dormant for millions of years. The Apocalypse Gate Protocol is now initiated and the ships begin to systematically extinguish humankind. Mellissa Carlisle, and an old friend are mankind's only hope of survival. The abort code is lost, and the supercomputer is preventing them from stopping the cleansing of the planet. It comes down to one of them making the ultimate sacrifice. Whatever the outcome, this will be Mel's final mission.

The Whooping Bird (A Short Story) First Published 2016

A gentle stroll in the countryside changed my life forever. One moment I was walking beneath an old railway bridge, the next, I was in a unfamiliar world which was still very much familiar to me. The geography was as I knew it, but this was a world covered in trees and wonderful blooms of all colours. My village was no more, the bridge was no more, just a pile of weathered stone. It looked as if nature had reclaimed what it had lost. I soon learned that I was not alone though. Are we the only two beings on the planet? I had to find out, but at the same time strive to somehow return to my own existence.

Non Fiction

Bolsover (A Ripple in Time)  First Published 2014

Many works have been published on the town of Bolsover in the heart of the Derbyshire countryside, and have produced in depth, historical facts. In the 'Ripple Series', the author moves away from the lengthy reference style publications to give a more brief, story approach to the town's history. This is the first book of the series and covers a broad spectrum of accounts over several thousand years, from early man passing through from the continent as they hunted, through to coal and the industrial revolution and the part it played in shaping the landscape.

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GHETTO OF HELL

©Stuart Haywood 2014 - 2016

First Published in 2014 by Lulu Publishing

ISBN 978-1-291-99675-3

GHETTO OF HELL

CHAPTER ONE

A well manicured, but nicotine stained finger repeatedly pressed the cigarette into the already overflowing ashtray. The small, balding man sneered as he looked at the foul smelling heap of discarded cigarette ends on his desk.

If that fat idiot Herman Goring thinks he can stop me smoking he can kiss my backside. he snarled aloud. He was referring to a decree made a few months earlier by the Luftwaffe Commander, in that he had signed an official order to the effect that all military personnel could not smoke on duty.

He looked at his chubby fingers for a second before picking up a rubber stamp and pressing it onto the ink pad, transferring the image to the typed sheet. A sheet which had been placed on the small wooden desk by the corporal a few minutes earlier.

The Eagle and swastika always seemed to make any document complete in his opinion. The seal demanded respect and placed fear in many recipients of the document. He replaced the stamp in the bespoke holder, and carefully picked a pen from the ornate porcelain pot beside the stamp holder. He then scribbled his signature bellow the seal.

Briedler! he shouted sharply in his best authoritative voice. Two seconds later a young Unteroffizier entered the office and stood to crisp attention at the front of the desk. Without a word, the paper was folded neatly and placed in an official envelope. The young corporal took it and remained standing, staring down at the overweight official sat before him.

You know where to take it. It was a statement, not a question.

Yes sir, the soldier clicked his heels and began to give the Nazi salute. Heil Hitl…. a chubby hand waved his gesture away; he spun on the spot and exited the office.

Hitler can shove his salute up the same place he hissed under his breath, then reached for another cigarette igniting it with a lighter bearing the same eagle and swastika. Blowing smoke through his nostrils, he slowly stood and walked over to the filing cabinet by the window and opened the top drawer. With the cigarette firmly between his lips, he reached inside the drawer and lifted out a bottle and a glass then returned to his seat. A measure of spirit was quickly poured into the crystal glass and was swallowed in one gulp. He stood up once more.

The German Governor General of Warsaw walked slowly over to the open sash window and looked down into the bustling street below. Warsaw was an energetic and thriving city; it had been the capital of Poland since the sixteenth century. The large Jewish population had taken advantage of their skills and integrated into society. Synagogues had been built, and Jewish owned businesses had prospered, whilst also giving the city dwellers much needed employment.

When Poland surrendered to Germany in nineteen thirty nine, many Jewish owned businesses, especially munitions and engineering companies, were simply taken over by the occupying forces. The Governor General realised the enormity of the document he had just signed, and knew inevitably that it would lead to the deaths of millions of people. Many thousands of those would be from Warsaw itself. He glanced up and down the busy streets with a sadistic grin and wondered how many of the people below would still be here this time next year.

CHAPTER TWO

The early morning spring sun had begun to warm the roads and pavements as the two young brothers slowly made their way through the crowds. They stopped and looked towards a small army of bricklayers with trowels clicking and scraping as they quickly placed brick after brick on the wall.

What’s all this about? asked the younger one. He held a hand up across his sharp features to shelter his eyes from the sun.

From what I hear Stefan. replied his brother, it is to segregate us Jews into one area. Eventually to settle in the east where there is plenty of opportunities and a better life At twenty nine, Jan Bechowicz was the oldest of three children born to Joseph and Irena. He was tall, and was considered by many to be extremely handsome. His thick brown hair and bushy eyebrows giving him a movie star quality.

Jan looked both ways along the wall as it seemed to extend forever. In some places it had reached almost three meters high and obliterating any views one would once have had along the city streets.

It's more like a prison Jan. said Stefan, his voice had hardened.

We shall have to see little brother. replied Jan softly.

Stefan turned his gaze and looked sternly at his older sibling.

Wake up Jan. he snapped, I smell something evil here, and stop calling me little brother, I am twenty three."

Jan looked at him for a moment then smiled before he turned away to continue his walk through the endless crowds as they continued on to their place of work. As the two men walked, they repeatedly had to traverse people of all ages sitting, and in some cases lying on the pavement.

A few hundred meters further along the street they stopped by a large set of double wooden doors. Above on an archway was a huge, expertly handcrafted sign saying, Bechowicz and Sons in Gold lettering on a dark green background. Inset in the right hand door was another, smaller door. Jan produced a large key and inserted it into the lock. A loud click preceded the door squeaking open.

Remind me to get some oil on those hinges little brother.

Get stuffed, big brother

Jan placed an arm around his brothers’ neck and began play fighting down the short alleyway until they reached another door. Once this second door was opened, Jan stood as he always did every morning and sniffed the air. The aroma of fresh wood in the carpentry shop, together with the machinery, varnish and wood glue always seemed to welcome him. Even though it was cold, the smell of the wood glue never failed to raise his already upbeat mood. He entered, followed closely by Stefan, then hung his satchel containing their lunches plus his coat on a hook by the ‘office’. The office was actually a one and a half meter square area which had been sectioned off for just such a purpose.

We have to finish those book shelves for Mrs. Feldman today, we promised her. Jan said looking over to where a large bookcase lay across two wooden benches. Stefan removed his coat and put a white apron on over his head and tied it at the back.

She frightens me Jan. he said.

Who? asked Jan, donning his own work attire.

Mrs Feldman.

She’s ok said Jan, he was interrupted by a noise from the doorway.

She is a vampire. shouted a voice from the other side of the carpentry shop. The two brothers looked at the newcomer in silence. The figure by the door stood for a few seconds surveying the two brothers then began to walk towards them.

Well. he continued, have you ever seen her out and about in the day? Mirek Lemkowicz walked over to the ‘office’ and placed his coat on a hanger by the side of the others.

Don’t you add fuel to Stefan's theory. Jan smiled.

It’s true though Jan added Stefan, she only goes out at night, and she has red eyes.

For your information, both of you. said Jan, looking at each one in turn, the unfortunate Mrs. Feldman has a rare affliction which means she cannot cope with bright light.

Yeah a vampire. snapped Mirek.

Oh I give up, huffed Jan lightly, come on let’s get to work. the two brothers began to prepare the benches, but Mirek stood staring at them. They sensed this and turned to him noticing noticed his usual air of joviality and mischief was absent. Mirek looked much older than his twenty four years; his brow had developed long furrows of concern and his eyes were moist.

What is it Mickey? asked Jan. Mickey was the nickname they had given him after the Walt Disney character, and the fact that his ears protruded out from the side of his head in a mouse like way. The two brothers walked slowly towards him and both squatted half on, half off of a wooden bench.

I realize times have gotten more difficult since the Nazi bastards came. Mirek said with sadness, and I am not stupid. his voice trembled more as he spoke. The two brothers looked at each other puzzled. Neither of them had ever seen Mickey serious, let alone on the verge of tears. They remained silent and let him continue.

Look around you. he waved a hand across the workshop, there is barely enough work for you two, and I know you are keeping me here just because we are good friends. he took a huge intake of breath, therefore I must hand in my resignation and leave the company

Both brothers realised immediately how hard it must be for this man to verbalise his feelings. Both knew also that there would be no prospects of employment anywhere else in Warsaw. After a few seconds, Jan moved closer and placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder.

What would it take for you to stay?

Mirek remained silent, he had no idea what to say, so Jan continued.

Look Mickey. he said finally, we have been asked to help out another carpentry firm. Their core business is coffins, and it seems that’s where the work is of late. Once we have made a few, we can advertise for our own. Jan could see that his friend was less than convinced and held his chin in his thumb and forefinger for a second. He then winked at his brother and turned to face Mirek.

OK Mickey, sit down, I have a proposition for you. The young Polish Jew turned and walked over to the office area where he pulled a heavy wooden chair towards him and seated himself on the edge. The chair protested a little as it struggled to take the slightly overweight Mirek; Jan faced him and crouched down.

Here is the deal. said Jan looking his friend directly in the eye, you remain here for less pay; let’s say three quarters of what you receive now. Then, if in one month we have not picked up more work, you can leave, what do you say to that?

Mirek looked up at the beaming smile of Stefan as the younger brother nodded eagerly. Mirek loved these two men as if they were his own kin, he would gladly work for them for nothing. Their kindness was overwhelming and he knew refusing Jan’s offer would border on a insult, so he held out a hand.

Done. he said

Done. replied Jan who took the hand firmly.

You had me worried there for a moment Mickey. said Stefan.

What do you mean? asked Mirek, a worried look spreading across his face once more.

I thought you were going to ask for a raise. There was a few seconds of silence until Stefan burst into laughter followed by the other two.

Come on, let’s get some work done Jan laughed as he picked up a sandpaper block and began to work. Soon the workshop was ringing with the sounds of sandpaper on wood, chisels chopping and a pleasant tune being whistled by Mirek.

CHAPTER THREE

Private Peter Schloss stood in a line with six of his comrades. His MP 40 submachine gun was trained on a small group of men stood outside the front of a hosiery shop. He felt uncomfortable both physically and mentally. Physically, because he was far too warm in his army issue great coat, coupled with the fact that, ever since he was conscripted nine months earlier, his iconic German army steel helmet was damned heavy and made his neck ache. Psychologically he was uneasy about the roll he was now playing since his posting to Warsaw.  The people in front of him all had the Star of David on their sleeves and were ordered to stand in line by the SS Oberleutnant who held a pistol in his right hand.

Schloss had been ordered to accompany the Oberleutnant and assist in apprehending some suspected resistance members. He scanned the expressionless faces on the rag tag group of people facing him. 'They hardly looked like the type to resist anything,' he thought to himself as the officer continued shouting at them. Out of the ten men lined up, only two of them looked younger than sixty. They were all extremely thin and frail,

We have reason to believe that you are collaborating with the resistance and are therefore enemies of the Reich. shouted the officer. His voice was so precise it almost seemed to crack like a whip in the still air of the deserted street.

There was no response from any of the ten men lined up with shoulders stooping. They slowly scanned their tormentors then looked downwards. They showed no fear, or hatred, in fact no emotion whatsoever. Schloss began to feel more and more uneasy. He had only been assigned to Warsaw three days previously, and up until now had been in the barracks. The young German had seen fighting though. He was in the assault on Poland itself, and had taken many prisoners of war. He had also shot enemy soldiers, albeit at a distance, but he had never experienced such lack of expression or emotion. The men reminded him of a group of withered manikins.

You! shouted the officer once again pointing his pistol at one of the men in the middle of the row, are you an enemy of the Reich? it was clear this sadistic bully of a man was enjoying this. The elderly man was made to take a step nearer to the German officer.

No. whispered the Jewish man.

No - what? boomed the officer even louder.

No sir.

Do you know who the traitors are?

No sir I do not.

Then you are of no use to me.

He raised his pistol, pointed it at the man and fired from less than a meter away. The bullet entered the man’s eye and exited through the back of his skull in a shower of blood, brain and bone. The man’s flat cap flew into the air as he dropped to the pavement. Schloss looked at the crumpled body with blood oozing out onto the stone slabs and his stomach began to churn. He swallowed hard and looked along the line of his fellow soldiers. They all had the same expression, some even looked away. Others looked at their own officer with hatred and disgust.

The other nine Jews made no movement or sound as the same stone faces looked at the officer.

And you. he shouted to the man who was stood beside the dead Jew, do you know who the traitor is?

The man simply shook his head slowly and chose not to speak to this animal, he knew he would receive the same fate either way. Schloss could feel a sense of resignation from all the men. Surely someone would talk, they would not allow this to go on, he hoped.

Again the pistol cracked and the man fell to the floor. The officer was almost laughing now. He began to cackle as the blood lust took over and repeated this twice more as two more lives were extinguished without hesitation from the SS officer. The six remaining Jews simply stood motionless each time. Schloss turned to his comrade and whispered.

This is not war, this is murder. We are soldiers, and these people are unarmed civilians.

Shhhh his comrade hissed, be quiet or you will end up like them.

By now the officer was tiring of his roll and turned away from the remaining six.

Well it seems you could be telling the truth. snarled the young Oberleutnant; Schloss sighed as the officer re-holstered his pistol, opened the door to the Kuebelwagen and slid into the passenger seat. The driver started the engine, but before he engaged the gears, the officer shouted to his sergeant.

Maybe after this though. he said loudly, they may be inclined to join the resistance. Kill them Unterfeldwebel Henkel; destroy them all. he gave half a Nazi salute and sped off, the small jeep like vehicle disappeared around a corner.

The sergeant turned towards Schloss and the others. The six Jews were still motionless by the shop window with a row of heavily armed German soldiers staring at them. The late April sun shone directly onto their faces revealing glinting tears rolling softly down their cheeks.

This is murder sergeant said the young private. Henkel walked over to him.

Look Schloss, we have had our orders. Schloss looked into the eyes of his sergeant and saw compassion and disgust looking back. By this time the other soldiers had begun to gather around It is not right said one of them, we are soldiers not executioners, we are not Nazis.

It was clear to the sergeant that the squad was utterly against the barbarity of the occasion. Even the few who smiled at the onset had now changed opinions and pleaded with the sergeant not to enforce the order.

The Jews still stood motionless, even though they could have run as the group of soldiers watching them now had their backs turned. The tall sergeant looked at each of his squad in turn. He was a good soldier and leader. The squad had followed him into battle several times and somehow survived intact. His judgment and foresight had never failed them. He saw ordinary men, soldiers, but men also. They were men with families and all of them had shown compassion. He had seen the younger ones sob when taking a life in battle.

Sergeant Henkel scanned the pleading faces of his men once again then looked skywards, then his expression changed as he had obviously made a decision. Henkel turned to the line of Jewish men.

Piss off, Now! he shouted in a loud, menacing voice. At first he was greeted with vacant looks, but then each Jew slowly looked at the other. If you don’t go now, I will shoot you myself. he waved his arms angrily as if shooing uncooperative cattle. The six men turned and began to run down the street. They ran cautiously at first, perhaps thinking that, at any time they would feel the force of a bullet, but soon they were out of sight.

The small squad of Wehrmacht soldiers watched them until they disappeared and the big sergeant turned to his men. His face serious and his eyes were glaring at each one.

"One word of this and