He went down to the Thames Estuary River bank. Here he blackened his blonde
hair by mixing haircream with coal dust. He put a cap on his head that he
had been given by the Missionaries daughter in China, and proceeded to pretend
to be a American sailor, adopting their behaviour by copying local seamen.
Over the next few days he was nearly discovered whilst purchasing food
from a local Sailors Working Men's club, and ended up joining their Union
to avoid suspicion. Later whilst accidently attending an Army Recruitment
rally in a Square in Gravesend, he was nearly recruited by a Sergeant. He
had noticed Pluschow's large frame and big muscles which were very unusual
to see amongst the half starved local working folk. "Now here's real
Army material!" said the Sergeant, praising himself for his recruitment
skills in picking the best material. Pluschow explained that he was an American
from a 3 masted ship: the Mississippi, docked in London at the time, and
he couldn't join up without his Captain's permission. After this close encounter,
Pluschow avoided crowds. In the day he planned his escape, and at night
he tried them out.
On arrival in London, Pluschow made it to St. Paul's Cathedral, and sat on
the steps reading a newspaper, waiting for Trefftz. The hours went by, but
Trefftz didn't show up. Discouraged, Pluschow concluded that Trefftz had got
lost or been captured. He walked for hours in the dark. Cold, tired and hungry
he eventually found a dry spot in a garden of a rich gentleman's home, and
lay down under a bush to sleep. As he dozed off he listened to Brahms and
Beethoven being played on the piano, and he dreamt of home.
Suddenly he was awakened by a loud knocking on a rear door. Pluschow opened
his eyes and was startled by the appearance of a Policeman. He stayed absolutely
still, hardly breathing. A pretty Lady's maid answered the door, and started
to speak to the Policeman. While the Policeman was distracted, Pluschow jumped
up, vaulted over a low garden fence, and walked off.
Pluschow went to the Railway station buffet, bought a newspaper and a bite
to eat. He had limited funds and had to keep an eye on how much he spent,
but because he was a gentleman, he tipped the waitress, who turned to her
other 'regulars' and commented: 'Now he's a real English gent!' As Pluschow
turned the newspaper over he noticed a column dedicated to himself and Trefftz.
Trefftz had been captured, and now they were looking for him. His description
convinced Pluschow to shed his raincoat and change his appearance at the earliest
opportunity. He was now paranoid that the whole British population was after
him.
Pluschow took his coat to the Waiting room where the clerk asked him his
name. Surprised by the question he replied: "Meinen name?" The Clerk
didn't notice and simply handed him a ticket for his coat, and said: "Thank
you Mr Miner." As Pluschow left he noticed Two Policemen watching him.
He walked away calmly.
Pluschow now needed a credible disguise. Since he planned to escape by ship,
it seemed logical to become an American sailor.
Pluschow
in disguise from a photo taken by the German's after his return home.
