Post by Diarist on May 18, 2016 21:41:39 GMT 1
When I arrived COL Wilkins was waiting for me. "The negative is perfect, here is the 'comply first, complain later' letter, here is the waiver signed by Winston Churchill and finally a preliminary list of suggested personnel - there will a follow-up list later."
"You are very efficient, Colonel. I hope your name is on the list because I could use somebody with your talents."
"I'm not on the list."
"I'm authorized to select my own personnel. Would you like me to add your name to the list?"
"I would appreciate that, Major."
"May I presume that you know your way around the MoD? If so, consider yourself hired."
Before I could ask for personnel files of the Army candidates a door opened and I was told that Winston Churchill is ready to see me. I beckoned COL Wilkins to come with me.
We saluted crisply, "Good afternoon, Mr. Secretary, Field Marshall." After they had returned the greeting I added, "I've just hired COL Wilkins as my Deputy."
"You are not wasting any time, I see," Churchill said.
"I do have a couple of questions. What kind of documentation do I need when I select a unit?"
"General Gort can prepare that."
"Does it need an endorsement from higher headquarters?"
"If anyone wants to offer their resignation at the same time they are free to call the CIGS."
I couldn't resist smiling at that response. "So for RAF units I need to go to Chief of Operations at the Air Ministry?"
"Correct."
"Finally I've heard that the first battery of A9 ISVs has already been fielded. Do you know where it is?"
"It is assigned to 1st Infantry Division."
"Then 2nd Infantry can't take it because it's not a non-divisional unit."
"Again, correct."
Good, anything you need from me, sir?"
"Give Sally my greetings."
We then made our way to the Air Ministry and I have their 70th Squadron until the end of October and it will arrive at RAF Duxford NLT 04 October complete with maintenance personnel. I said they need to arrive with their new Valentia aircraft not the Victoria aircraft they have now, and the 11th of October would be acceptable. Mission accomplished. Sally was waiting for us when we returned. I arranged to meet COL Wilkins at TRADOC on Wednesday afternoon. His offer, not my request. I drove Sally home then walked to the HQ.