Post by Diarist on Oct 13, 2020 12:02:09 GMT 1
There must have been a traffic incident somewhere because we had to take a diversion. Despite the inconvenience we walked into Schmidt's just before 13:00. John Gort was already sitting at a table. "We're not late, you are early," I commented as we took a seat.
"I wanted to ensure we have a good table," he replied "so how was your trip?"
"Entertaining and informative. What's your opinion, Erich?"
"I see that we have a lot in common and I agree with General Beck that we should pursue joint projects. There will definitely be a synergy effect. I particularly like your battle tank strategy."
"Battle tank? We have a battle tank now, Bob?"
"Directly translated from the German word "Kampfpanzer." (I'm omitting the many translations I had to do.)
"Please continue, Erich."
"I also agree that by improving the ammunition of a tank or anti-tank gun it not only makes the gun more effective but also increases its life-span."
"It's also cheaper," I added. "No nation has unlimited funds at the moment."
"Non-Democratic nations ignore that restriction. They'd rather starve their people than reduce military spending," Winston chipped in.
"Talking about food we need to order or we won't receive anything until tomorrow. The service here is notorious, Erich, but it is worth the wait." I signalled to Erich that he wear his monocle and called in a rich Swabian dialect asking if they are still selling food today.
"You again," was the reply but he did take our order 10 minutes later. "I see the Prussians are here too."
"We took care of Hitler. Schmidt's is next."
"Ha!"
"Where did you learn Schwäbisch, Bob?"
"I spent some time in Stuttgart during my student days and we have a Schwab working in TRADOC. He's serving overseas at the moment, Reinhard."
John asked whether their families will be coming to England too. Erich's wife won't because they have 3 children who will be continuing their education in Germany. Reinhard has recently married and they have no children so his wife Herta would love to come here.
"Is your former home in Church Street available, Bob?" John asked.
"Not at the moment but I can put you on the top of the list if you wish, Reinhard. At the moment I rent it out to married couples who arrive at TRADOC."
"I'd welcome that. Where is it?"
"A couple of minutes walk from the Saffron Hotel."
The wine finally arrived but I've ordered a bottle of German beer. The conversation continued about families and I kept quiet most of the time. When the schnitzels finally arrived I realized how hungry I had been. As always the food was great. We left just before 3 pm and I believe there are now two new regulars.
"I wanted to ensure we have a good table," he replied "so how was your trip?"
"Entertaining and informative. What's your opinion, Erich?"
"I see that we have a lot in common and I agree with General Beck that we should pursue joint projects. There will definitely be a synergy effect. I particularly like your battle tank strategy."
"Battle tank? We have a battle tank now, Bob?"
"Directly translated from the German word "Kampfpanzer." (I'm omitting the many translations I had to do.)
"Please continue, Erich."
"I also agree that by improving the ammunition of a tank or anti-tank gun it not only makes the gun more effective but also increases its life-span."
"It's also cheaper," I added. "No nation has unlimited funds at the moment."
"Non-Democratic nations ignore that restriction. They'd rather starve their people than reduce military spending," Winston chipped in.
"Talking about food we need to order or we won't receive anything until tomorrow. The service here is notorious, Erich, but it is worth the wait." I signalled to Erich that he wear his monocle and called in a rich Swabian dialect asking if they are still selling food today.
"You again," was the reply but he did take our order 10 minutes later. "I see the Prussians are here too."
"We took care of Hitler. Schmidt's is next."
"Ha!"
"Where did you learn Schwäbisch, Bob?"
"I spent some time in Stuttgart during my student days and we have a Schwab working in TRADOC. He's serving overseas at the moment, Reinhard."
John asked whether their families will be coming to England too. Erich's wife won't because they have 3 children who will be continuing their education in Germany. Reinhard has recently married and they have no children so his wife Herta would love to come here.
"Is your former home in Church Street available, Bob?" John asked.
"Not at the moment but I can put you on the top of the list if you wish, Reinhard. At the moment I rent it out to married couples who arrive at TRADOC."
"I'd welcome that. Where is it?"
"A couple of minutes walk from the Saffron Hotel."
The wine finally arrived but I've ordered a bottle of German beer. The conversation continued about families and I kept quiet most of the time. When the schnitzels finally arrived I realized how hungry I had been. As always the food was great. We left just before 3 pm and I believe there are now two new regulars.