Post by Diarist on May 18, 2016 10:15:16 GMT 1
The encounter with my father in Gravesend was uneventful as if he didn't really care. A hour later we were gone and Mum had everything she wanted. Sally and George Patton had borrowed a Hillman from TRADOC and we met them in London. Mum, Bronisław and the luggage were transferred to the Hillman while George joined me to visit the Army and Navy Club. We had a small snack together before they left.
At the Club we had no difficulty getting in and General Cyril Deverell introduced himself. Deverell is currently aide-de-camp to King George V. "Lord Gort put in a very good word for you. I believe you are also a good friend of Prince Edward," he enquired.
"General Gort is a fine officer and I am very fortunate to have him as my CO. May I introduce Colonel George Patton, United States Army? We and Prince Edward are colleagues and good friends at TRADOC. One could say that we are a happy family, Sir."
"His Majesty is very proud of his son being at TRADOC. I believe he was with you in Eritrea."
"Indeed he was, Sir. He was with 216th RAF Squadron flying in reinforcements to the airfield my parachute unit had captured at first light. Next month he'll be attending the parachute training school to get his jump wings."
"I wish I were a bit younger, it all sounds very adventurous."
"General Gort is parachute-trained. I hear you are an advocate of returning to Europe with a strong BEF if necessary."
"It's essential," he replied, "the French can't stand alone against the Germans."
We were now at a table near the bar. Lord Gort had just arrived and joined us. "Sally told me that you two intended coming here," was his greeting.
"We want to compare it to our Club."
"Which Club is that?"
"The TRADOC Club, very exclusive. TRADOC personnel only, wives and single pretty ladies are allowed in," I replied to GEN Deverell. General Gort explained that it's the Saffron Hotel which is our unofficial Officers Club and many of our foreign personnel live there until they find something on the local economy.
"Give me your car keys, Bob. I'm driving us home."
"We didn't intend driving home. We planned either staying or at a nearby hotel," I replied.
"Keys!"
There now followed a series of anecdotes about the Italian-Abyssinian conflict. It was also the first time I heard that GEN Marshall had been in England looking for his US detachment. We left just after 11 o'clock and I was home at midnight. It has a busy but entertaining weekend. Back to work tomorrow to get some rest....