Post by Diarist on Oct 28, 2015 17:17:19 GMT 1
Our German guests flew back to Berlin on Tuesday morning and I used the visit in London to get a right-hand drive Citroen - it cost me an extra £150 but it is brand new. I've been making last minute arrangements before flying to Toulon today. I've had my vaccinations and have written a testament. I also signed the papers for the new house and following the advice of our bank manager I invested the £5,000 in the automobile industry, one of the few expanding branches of the UK economy. I'm travelling light because most of my gear was sent with Mike Franklin's platoon last Sunday.
The last few days have been emotional for Sally. What makes things worse is that I don't know when I'll be back. Prince Edward drove me to Portsmouth this morning, with us were Sally and Wallis Simpson. There was a Supermarine Southampton flying boat waiting for me with only the pilot and co-pilot on board. Before boarding I put on major's tunic. We landed at Nantes to refuel then flew to the Marseilles Flying boat 'airport'. Guy Simonds was there to meet me and we arrived at our HQ hotel in time for dinner.
One of the first things I did was call our HQ at Malta. I told them that if an Austrian officer comes looking for me, make sure he finds me. I'll be arriving in a Southampton on Sunday evening, weather permitting. That got Guy curious so I told him about Rommel. Patton was also impressed when I told him about Rommel's role at Caporetto. To celebrate my promotion to major I had to buy a couple of rounds but it is good to be at home away from home.
The last few days have been emotional for Sally. What makes things worse is that I don't know when I'll be back. Prince Edward drove me to Portsmouth this morning, with us were Sally and Wallis Simpson. There was a Supermarine Southampton flying boat waiting for me with only the pilot and co-pilot on board. Before boarding I put on major's tunic. We landed at Nantes to refuel then flew to the Marseilles Flying boat 'airport'. Guy Simonds was there to meet me and we arrived at our HQ hotel in time for dinner.
One of the first things I did was call our HQ at Malta. I told them that if an Austrian officer comes looking for me, make sure he finds me. I'll be arriving in a Southampton on Sunday evening, weather permitting. That got Guy curious so I told him about Rommel. Patton was also impressed when I told him about Rommel's role at Caporetto. To celebrate my promotion to major I had to buy a couple of rounds but it is good to be at home away from home.