Never before had I felt such a tangible wall of hate.
German troops, on SS Arundel, bound for Gothenburg, for prisoners of war exchange.
Me, a British nursing sister.
All attending a Christian service for the World Day of Prayer, 1944.
“Why so much hate when praying for peace?”
Tension mounted. Floating mines avoided. Ferocious storm.
Stepping on deck, I look up in horror. Swastika-painted planes swoop down.
To welcome their heroes, not attack.
Quayside, thousands of German Swedes shriek “Sieg Heil” from shore to ship. Back from ship to shore.
My blood freezes.
Then our men stagger on board.
What happened was... 