Post by Diarist on May 17, 2016 18:58:19 GMT 1
Our garden party looked great. Lady Gort had recommended a catering service who also clean up afterwards. I like that. It was now 15:00 and the invitations were for 16:00 so I had time to talk to Robert Mitchell. Most of my previous conversations had been about aircraft so I gave him a copy of our wish-sheet for tank development. George Patton had arrived early so he joined in the discussion. We quickly realized that we are talking to the wrong person, Robert runs the Naval Division. We need to talk to the Land Division people so we asked him to arrange a meeting for us. It also appears that they have a vacancy for someone to run the Land Division. I asked if we can build aircraft-carriers and battleships. We can so I showed him the info about the US design. I particularly like the elevators at the side of deck instead of being in the middle. He'd seen the document and his people like the idea too.
I soon had to leave because our guests were beginning to arrive. They are mostly colleagues from TRADOC plus local businessmen who have helped find homes and cars for our many foreigners. We've been blessed with good weather so we only have one small tent where the food and drinks are - the catering service is excellent. I noticed that my Mum and Charlotte were spending a lot of time together so I drifted in their direction and asked Mum what she thinks of our new home. She didn't know that army officers are so well paid. So I told her about Monte Carlo and how the casino's roulette table paid for the home and car. Prince Edward arrived with Sally asking what's all this nonsense concerning Westminster Hall. He's suggesting Windsor Castle because there is plenty of space. He insisted, he's the best man and it's his wedding present for us. Sally and I capitulated, we could hardly turn down the offer. I have a name and telephone number of the head butler at the castle to call during the week.
I'd been looking for Major Liddel-Hart and when I saw him I excused myself, grabbed John and Robert Mitchell and found a quiet place in the house. After introductions I explained that Basil Liddle-Hart is a retired major and Britain's best tank-theorist. He doesn't have the restrictions that I have and needs no approval from the MoD to work in private industry. Turning to Basil I told him that they are looking for someone to run their Land Division and that's where he comes in. The Tank Development paper he helped put together needs to be realized and I am suggesting that he considers running their Land Division.
I'd worked up an appetite so I got some food and a bottle of champagne and joined Winston Churchill who was with Lord Gort and the M.P. for Saffron Walden. The town is a Conservative stronghold - it's a waste of time for Labour to run here. Our HQ is very welcome in Saffron-Walden because many of our personnel get involved with local school sports. We also bring a dash of international flair to the community. One of the teachers at the local high school speaks fluent French, Spanish and Italian so he supervises the French and Canadian children, an additional Italian pupil shouldn't be a problem. Luigi's son will be going there on Monday to look around.
I mentioned the Windsor Castle offer from Prince Edward. The date for the reception will probably be the 9th of November. I explained that my wedding is a bit unorthodox. We've already had the wedding night and honeymoon. Next weekend we are getting married at Gretna Green and the reception will be six weeks later. Lord Gort gave me an envelope and said that it's his wedding present for me, not Sally. I opened it and was a full membership for the Army and Navy Club in Pall Mall. Your first year fees have been paid and it's Men Only. I know they have private rooms available so I asked if the all-male rule applies there too. He'll find out.
I asked Churchill what his offer is. Windsor Castle and the Army and Navy are tough to beat. He replied that I already have it: promotion to major, the DSO and head of the TRADOC Section at the MoD. I was a bit confused because I'd probably be the most junior officer there. Lord Gort explained that as part of Winston Churchill's staff I work for him directly with nobody else in between. I'll be receiving what they call a 'comply first, complain later' document. All department heads and will receive a letter with my photo informing them that I have such a document. I said that I hope I'll never have to use it. I changed the subject by asking if we wish some more Champagne. Half the guests had already left and the sun was getting low. I gave Sally a cuddle, showed the Champagne and whispered that I'm on a supply run. Got to keep my bosses happy.
Lady Gort had joined the table so I had to go back for another glass. I thanked her for helping Sally and the excellent catering service. I asked if it's alright if Sally is my personal secretary in London. I was told that I can choose my own staff but he can supply me with a list of candidates for each section if I desire. That would be helpful because I know very few people there. Sally can also be my courier between London and Saffron Walden. If there is anything classified or higher an armed guard will accompany here. I also need a safe at home. I had planned to use one of the rooms as an office anyway. The evening was coming to a close and there were only a few guests left. TRADOC die-hards who were alone here in England, including a few Polish officers who had arrived while I was in Africa.
The good news is that the men, including myself, have permission to go to the hotel. The ladies will join us later. Signing out for tonight.