Twins Torment of War

By Mark Goodhand

This is a novel about twin boys who are separated after the divorce of their parents, a German mother, and an English father.

One son joins the German army at the outbreak of World War 2 and the other joins the British army.

Their paths finally meet at the end of the war. In a desperate search to find his brother before the Americans and Russians find him, Albert is sent to Germany to bring his brother, Alfred, home to England to stand trial for war crimes and to prevent Alfred from receiving the death sentence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Jan 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9781398469709

Mark Goodhand

I am a Social Care Worker, a Military Veteran of 22 years, I am a single parent with parental responsibilities to 2 teenagers. I live on the beautiful Island of Shetland which is 120 miles north of the Scottish mainland. I enjoy sport of any kind especially football and rugby. I enjoy long solo walks into the hills of Shetland which gives me the peace and tranquillity of a fast-paced world that I live in.

Book preview

Twins Torment of War

Mark Goodhand

Austin Macauley Publishers

Twins Torment of War

About the Author

Dedication

Copyright Information ©

About the Author

I am a Social Care Worker, a Military Veteran of 22 years, I am a single parent with parental responsibilities to 2 teenagers.

I live on the beautiful Island of Shetland which is 120 miles north of the Scottish mainland.

I enjoy sport of any kind especially football and rugby.

I enjoy long solo walks into the hills of Shetland which gives me the peace and tranquillity of a fast-paced world that I live in.

Dedication

For Marcus and Zoe

Copyright Information ©

Mark Goodhand 2023

The right of Mark Goodhand to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781398418998 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781398469693 (Hardback)

ISBN 9781398469709 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2023

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

1 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5AA

Heidi Smiths screams could be heard from across the corridor; she was heavily into labour and not enjoying the pregnancy. It was May 1920 in a warm Berlin maternity unit, and the nurses were reassuring Heidi that all was well and the birth of her child was near. Heidi held her husband Mike’s hand tightly wishing for the pain to go away; his encouragement did little for the pain that she was in.

Heidi never imagined that she was about to become a mother at 20 years old. She was an up and coming artist with skills beyond her young youthful years and her work was highly prized and the future was bright, she was studying at Berlin University and was deep into her third year when she found out that she was expecting!

Heidi loved university life; she was from a middle-class Bavarian family and spent her early years enjoying all the comforts that life gave to families with money in Southern Germany. The outbreak of the Great War never stopped Heidi from having a privileged lifestyle. Her father was a factory owner who made steel pots and pans and enjoyed the richness from war. She was the only child and her father adored her and gave her all that she ever asked. Even from a young age Heidi knew what she wanted and how she would achieve her goals, she was aware of how lucky she was but she worked hard and succeeded at most things that she did.

At 17, Heidi was accepted into Berlin University to study art, she was young but her determination to gain a 2:1 degree was never in doubt. Heidi was a natural blond, 5 foot 4 inches with a slim figure that women would die for and beautiful blue eyes. For Heidi was a looker and had many admirers, she looked like a model actress and had numerous offers of dates but resisted all takers as she wanted an arts degree before any romance.

Come on girl, one more push and it will be all over. Heidi was tired and was longing for it to all be over but the labour was going slowly. Mike was looking worried as he loved and adored his young bride and the pain of watching his wife suffer was too much for him. Matron was encouraging Heidi with each breath, Heidi, come on girl, let’s have this baby out of you girl.

Heidi was a teenager during the Great War but the war had little effect on her as the south of Germany escaped most of the atrocities so life was near as normal, her father owned the steel factory so he was not enlisted to fight and he would spend most of his time either at work or socialising with important ministers who required his equipment in an effort to win this battle with Europe. Heidi would go to the factory and sit and draw whilst being close to her father. Heidi’s father, Hans Muller, was a quiet but effective businessman who did not believe in what Germany was doing but he knew that his country needed his pots so he worked long hours to help his country in their times of need. Hans also had business affairs with England but the war had temporarily put a halt to this, his English counterpart was Eddie Smith, a big player in the world of steel pans, they used to meet up regularly on business meetings in Munich and London. Eddie was a typical Londoner, he worked hard but enjoyed the social side of matters, Eddie too was married and had a son called Mike.

The doctor was a little concerned that this child was still showing no signs of entering the world, a little help is needed, Heidi, he said, Heidi looked up and saw the ventouse, she gave out a great yell and pushed as hard as she could, sure enough, the cry of a baby lit up the room, it’s a little beautiful boy, said nurse Vera. Mike was holding his wife’s hand, we have a son, Heidi, relieve was overcome with tears of happiness. It was then that nurse Vera told Heidi that all was not finished as it looks as though there is another on the way, you have twins my dear, said Nurse Vera, Heidi slumped back onto the bed exhausted but happy, Mike regained his composure and said come on, Heidi, it will be easier and quicker than the first. Sure enough, baby number two entered the world some ten minutes later, it’s another boy, said the nurse. You have two healthy sons, congratulations.

Eddie and Hans had a great working relationship, business was good but the prospect of war between their countries was looming and family holidays together would soon be suspended. Their children enjoyed each other’s company, they had known each other since they were five years old but 1914 was not great for either family. Heidi was now 14 and Mike was 15, they had become close like brother and sister, they promised to write during the war but it would be difficult. Mike had a dilemma as he wanted to serve his country but he loved Germany and their friendship with the Muller family, Heidi was a sister and his best friend but England must come first.

The Smith family had flown over to Berlin to be with Mike for the birth of their grandchild, and sat in the reception with the Muller family, all were anxious but excited. Hans was speaking to Mike about business to pass the time and their wives Hilda and Mary were both quietly knitting and planning for their future as grannies. No one ever mentioned the war as this was a failure and setback to both countries, the birth of their grandchild gave hope for all.

Mike came into the reception with a smile as large as the English channel, it’s a boy, he shouted in excitement and it’s another boy he said, the silence and shock fell upon all the grandparents, you mean twins, said Hans, yes my dear father-in-law, replied Mike, a boy for each set of grandparents and a boy for Deutschland and England, we are united with two sons.

Heidi loved university life; it was fast and exciting, work hard and play harder was her motto, Heidi excelled in her first year and her artwork was soon on show. Her work was varied, mostly landscape but her colours and attention to detail were outstanding; her talent was there for all to see. She was very determined and wanted her work to be seen by all, she would spend time after studies sitting outside in the university courtyard painting in the knowledge that her superiors were watching from the rooms above. Her paintings were modern and colourful, and her work was fast but precise. Heidi knew what she wanted to draw and rarely changed her rule of thought; it was a natural talent with skills ahead of her young age.

Lying in the hospital bed, surrounded by her family with two new additions, filled Heidi with pride, she loved her family but already knew that her artwork would be her goal. Her boys were blond and bubbly and with Mike by her side, she had everything she required just now. Heidi would get full support from both sets of parents to pursue her dream of becoming Germany’s top artist.

Mike wanted the children to have English names but Heidi wanted German names, Eddie and Hans suggested a compromise of each parent deciding on a name each. Alfred and Albert were chosen, and all agreed that the names were strong and perfect for the family.

Mike loved Heidi from an early age but little happened until 1919 when Mike visited Berlin for a weekend break with Heidi at the university. Mike was now 20 years old and working for his father Eddie as a company director. Mike loved Germany and business was getting back on its feet after the long war. He had a meeting on Friday afternoon and arranged to meet up with Heidi for dinner. He had not seen Heidi since 1914 but they had remained in touch writing to one another every few months, it was difficult as his letters were censored due to Mike’s army position.

Year one of university life was wonderful; Heidi had passed her first year exams with ease, she was top of her year and achieved the highest university score in its history, Eddie and Hilda were delighted and visited Berlin for a celebration meal. 1917 was a difficult year as Hans realised that the war was nearly lost, Germany was in trouble with little time left before it faced financial ruin and years of uncertainty. Hans was a prudent businessman and had moved his finances over to Eddie Smith, his true English friend who he trusted, his own family was safe but what of others, it was tough times ahead he feared, Heidi was his only child and needed his protection, and her studies were a priority to allow Heidi any kind of future. Hilda said little but trusted her husband, she knew that he hated war and must do whatever he could to protect her daughter and his wife.

At the age of 18, Mike joined the Army as a second Lieutenant serving in France at Somme, a ruthless deployment and his chances of survival were slim, a high percentage of officers on the frontline were either killed or injured, Mike knew that if he was to survive then he had to play smart and lead well. He had nothing against the German Army but they had started this conflict and it was his duty as an Englishman to achieve victory at all costs including his life. Trench warfare was harsh, dangerous and cold with a high death rate. Mike was 18 and this age held no fear, kill or be killed was his motto. 1917 and war was at a stalemate on the frontline in Somme, Mike was summoned by his superiors for a high-level meeting, he knew that a final push for overall victory was on the agenda and the chances of survival were not great, the British command demanded an attack but the Americans were hesitant. Mike was of slim build, 5 foot 10 inches tall, a handsome man and athletic, he saw the positive things in life and the situation fighting on the front gave him motivation to his men. We will go over as one and achieve our orders, he said. It was a cold wet morning when the whistles blew, he quickly prayed and rallied his men, he never doubted his ability but this was the most desperate time of his young life, his final thought was that of Heidi, God protect me, he said.

Heidi lay in bed looking at her boys sleeping together in their cot, it was a moment to ponder for Heidi as Mike had gone back to the hotel for some rest, Heidi was alone with her sons, she was tired but happy, how could she not be, a loving husband, two perfect boys and parents who showed full support to her. Heidi knew that her life would change; she was near completing her third year of university but still had her final year to go. She had sat her third year’s exam early last week and was certain of a great result. I am only 19 and have done so much in a quick period, what more can a young woman wish for, she thought.

When Hans and Hilda found out that Heidi was pregnant, they were somewhat shocked because Heidi had not mentioned that she was dating anyone yet alone Mike Smith. They were proud that Heidi was enjoying life at university and that she was making a name for herself with her art, her career was looking good but to be pregnant so young and not to even mention a boyfriend was quite a surprise to the Mullers. They wanted to find out more about this relationship, was it serious or just a fling and a mistake. Heidi confided in her mother that she and Mike had been writing to each other during the war as friends and when Mike came to Berlin for the weekend, their feelings were so strong that they could not control themselves, they had a weekend of fun and soon after, Heidi realised that she was pregnant. Heidi said that when she told Mike, he immediately came back over to Berlin, said that he loved her and wanted her to become his wife, she said that she had accepted his proposal, Mike was sitting in a cafe a couple of streets away but was waiting for Hans and Hilda’s reaction before officially asking her father’s permission of marriage. Heidi said that Mike is her only love and she knew years ago that they would end up together, he was the one but they did not want things to move as quickly as this because they were young and ambitious and children were not planned just yet, she needed her parents help and support and hoped that they would.

Mike was in his father’s factory when Eddie received a phone call from Heidi, it was lovely to hear from her and he was a little surprised as he did not know that Mike and Heidi were in contact. Mike took the call and was stunned by what Heidi was saying, no way are you pregnant said Mike, it was a weekend of fun and laughter and I never thought about you getting pregnant. Mike said that he would fly over immediately to Berlin and put matters right, he said that he loved her and all would be good.

Eddie had left the office when Mike spoke to Heidi so he did not know the full facts but was intrigued to find out more about Mike and Heidi communicating with one another. Mike put the phone down and went to the drinks cabinet and poured himself a large whisky, he saw his dad looking over, this was not the time to tell him this news, he would do it tonight with his father and mother at home.

The whistles blew, Mike screamed at his men to advance at a quick pace, and the noise of machine gunfire could be heard. Mike felt the sweat on his forehead, time to show bravery and brains, keep calm lads, he said as his troops advanced; fire at will and God will be with us. It felt like hours but it was minutes when Mike saw the eyes of the Germans, fix bayonets and approached at will Mike shouted to his men. The noise was deafening, his men were falling in numbers, some screaming in pain, and bullets were flying above and around Mike’s head, he knew that death could come at any time but still he advanced to within feet of the German trenches, he saw the fear in his troops and also the fear in German soldiers’ eyes. They had reached the enemies trenches and were shooting at will, the Germans were quickly retreating out of their dugouts but Mike did not care, he shot at them and watched them fall, even those fleeing were shot in the back, this was war and there was no time for fair play. The fighting continued but the British were now in control and had taken the Germans territory, this battle was bloody and many lives had been lost on both sides, chaos was all around but Mike was still alive and giving out orders to his men. He heard the screams of men who had been badly shot desperately needing medical assistance; Mike wanted this battle to end.

Catching an evening plane to Berlin was a priority for Mike, all he could think about was Heidi. He had to see her to believe that she was pregnant and well. How the hell has this happened, it was a weekend of fun with his best friend and now his lover. Mike never in an instant thought about a child being in the equation. He knew that he wanted Heidi in his life as she made him happy and excited in a world that has witnessed such blood and hatred. To have someone in his life was what he had wished for, someone to comfort and hold him and to help him forget about the war.

Heidi felt the world had landed onto her young shoulders, this is not real, why me, it was just a weekend together, are you lying, she said to the doctor. No, Miss Muller, you are eight weeks pregnant. Your husband will be pleased, she said. Heidi broke down in tears, I am not married doctor, I am a university student who spent a weekend with my closest friend, it was not meant to be like this, I am not ready, I am too young, what will my parents say. The doctor reassured her that it will be less of a burden once she has informed the father of her child and will hopefully have the support of her parents. Heidi was not so sure, her parents had pushed her to go to university and make a good career for herself, times were hard for Germans right now and Heidi had to show strength and character for her generation to make amends for the millions of her countrymen who had not survived the four years of bloodshed.

Mike was in a trance, he had not heard a word that the flight attendant was saying to him, sir, sir, would you like a drink? She asked. Sorry, yes, said Mike, can I have a large whisky with ice. Mike was thinking about what to say when he met up with Heidi. I must do the right thing; I will ask for her hand in marriage, maybe she will not accept this, God what a mess. Mike loved Heidi but he was yet to say this to her, he knew her well as a friend but now things had changed dramatically, a child was due, they were still very young, he had many sleepless nights in the days after the war, all he saw were soldiers dying, he was still recovering from the pain of death, and now he was to be a father, what a mess. He took out a pencil from his pocket and started to write out a list of things that he must do to make everything good.

Ask Heidi to marry me!

Tell Heidi that he loves her and always has!

Ask Hans if he can marry his daughter!

Find them somewhere to live in Berlin!

Find a new job in Berlin!

Inform his parents Eddie and Mary about the news!

Buy Heidi’s mother, Hilda a bunch of flowers!

Keep calm!

Mike downed his whisky in one full swing; he needed another but knew that he had to stay sober today as Heidi had to see him in a calm and collective manner. He knew that he was drinking too much but the drink erased the pain that he saw from the conflict of war. Having a child would change his life but he didn’t know if he was ready for this.

Eddie never questioned Mike about the war but he knew that his son had suffered, it showed whenever a pot was dropped onto the factory floor; he watched Mike tense up and shudder from his chair which was opposite his own desk in their office from the above. Eddie wished that he could talk to Mike about the war but he realised that Mike was not ready, Eddie was just glad that his son had come home in one piece unlike many others, who had perished on the battlefields of France.

Mary was home baking in the kitchen when she saw Mike sprinting upstairs, what’s the hurry, she called out, is something wrong, she asked, no said Mike, I need to pack a bag as I have a flight to catch in an hour, I need to go to Berlin, he said. Mary took off her apron and followed Mike upstairs, let me help, she said, are you going away on business? Maybe your father could go instead, you looked tired son. I am fine, said Mike, it’s not business, I need to see Heidi.

Heidi needed to speak to her parents before Mike landed in Berlin, what must they think of me, I have been provided with everything and yet I find myself pregnant, no one would get themselves into this position who had an ounce of brains and yet here I am, studying for an art degree with full financial backing from loving parents. Heidi felt that she had let her parents down and must now face the consequences, Mike was flying over this evening but did he still want her in his life and did he want a German child, they are both very young living in a turbulent world still recovering from war, neither of them had enough money to support a child, both sets of parents have no idea of their relationship yet alone about becoming grandparents. Heidi felt ashamed and she just wanted it all to go away, maybe it was a dream and not reality.

Heidi came home after visiting the doctors full of anxiety, she needed to do this now, Mike had told her to wait until he reached Berlin and then they can tell Hans and Hilda together and take the backlash that was coming. She found her parents sitting in the kitchen drinking a glass of red wine. Hello, Heidi, said her dad Hans, come and have a glass of wine as we are celebrating with a new business contract. Heidi slowly sat down next to her mother ready to hear the news but not really listening as she had problems of her own to give to her parents.

Eddie and I have just signed a major partnership to supply the Soviets with our new stainless steel frying pan, it is all thanks to Mike as he has designed a fantastic non-stick product that will be popular all over the world, the Russians have offered us a contract for 100,000 pans, a deal beyond our wildest dreams, Heidi, it will mean that Eddie and I will work together as a joint Germany-England venture with many new jobs created as we will have a warehouse in Berlin and in London. That Mike is one smart guy, Hilda quickly pointed out that it was him and Eddie who had negotiated the deal with the Russians. Yes, I know dear but it is Mike’s skills that have given us this fantastic contract. Heidi was pleased and said so but she was also relieved that it was Mike that had done the design that enabled his father to be pleased. Also Heidi, Eddie is flying to America next week to close another deal this time with the Americans for the same pan; we will be a success there too.

Mike landed late in the evening in Berlin, it was