ALSATIAN HERO

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 September 1943, Page 4

ALSATIAN HERO

SCARLET PIMPERNEL TYPE. THOUSANDS OF PRISONERS SAVED. Paul Koepfler, Alsatian hero of the Scarlet Pimpernel type, is dead. His name was known throughout Alsace and the greater part of France. Thousands of prisoners had been saved by him and shepherded across the frontiei back to their homes. It was his boast that he could go right into the heart of Germany and bring back any particular prisoner. Koepfler was only 22 years of age. He was here, he was there, he was everywhere. Pie would work undei the very noses of the Germans, often making them unconscious accomplices of his exploits. He would appear in German uniform, knowing all the passwords, obliging, courteous, guaranteeing a whole batch of refugees as workers for Germany, only for the hoodwinked invaders to learn hours after that Koepfler had been at it again. He was caught last year. He knew the end that awaited him, and in his cell he attempted suicide by cutting his throat with a piece of broken glass. The Germans hurried him to the. infirmary, as the information they might be able to drag from him would be valuable During a moment when surveillance had relaxed, he rose from his bed. slipped on clothes, and made oft as fast as he could, travelling many miles through the night in spite of his wound. Friends hid him and nursed him. But Koepfler knew there was still work to do. As soon as he could, he was out again, once more passing prisoners and refugees over the line. His attempt at suicide had in a way provided him with a disguise, for damage to his vocal chords made him speak only in whispers and changed his voice. , , . A large reward was placed on hihead by the Germans. Someone tempted by the high figure, or bribed through fear of harm to loved ones, it is not known which, betrayed him. Koepfler faced a firing squad, after what torture it is not known, and fell shouting proudly, “Vive la Fiance!