Post by Diarist on Dec 30, 2016 7:55:38 GMT 1
There was still food and booze available when we arrived at the MoD. Winston's chief secretary had saved some cake for Sally, enough for Sara too. Winston, Itzak and I rescued a bottled of Champagne and went to his office but I showed Itzak my office first. Duff Cooper joined us while I was on the telephone talking to Juan Rodriguez in Spanish. They were celebrating there too so it would be no problem if I went there in couple of hours.
At lunch people came to our table every few minutes to wish us a Merry Christmas. Winston had to give a small speech then indicated that Duff and I should follow. I stood up. "There's a misunderstanding here. Winston does all the talking and gets all the praise whereas we junior ministers do all the work and receive all the blame if something goes wrong. Merry Christmas to all and may next year be as rewarding as this year. Your turn, Duff."
"I concur," was all he said. Short and sweet.
At the Spanish Embassy they insisted that we join them for a Christmas drink. There was the largest Tapas that I'd ever seen with at least a hundred different dishes. I didn't know where to start. I settled with some albondigas - meatballs in tomato sauce (with garlic). The Spanish like to party. They had their children present too running around between the tables. I had a brief chat with the Ambassador. He confirmed that relations between Spain and Britain are very 'cordial'.
"I should hope so. Mussolini had the intention of making Spain part of the New Roman Empire. We spared you that fate."
"And we are very grateful," he replied. We stayed there for about an hour and finally made it home to Saffron Walden and scarcely another hour later Sally and I were partying at the hotel. It was a private party because on Christmas Eve they are normally closed in the evenings. It was full by 5 o'clock. Despite it being a bit chilly a dozen of us were in the garden. Gertrude and Lucy had prepared something called Glühwein. Hot red wine with all kinds of spices in it. A mug of that with a shot of rum and you didn't notice the cold any more. Lucy told me that Irvine and George will be going to Palestine next month that means I also want George to travel to France next week.
I also spent a lot of time with Daniel van Voorhis. I gave him a small package for General Malin Craig and we promised to keep in touch. After getting another mug of Glühwein with rum I joined Winston, Rab and John Gort.
"Belated congratulations on your victory and promotion, Rab."
"Thank you. How was your overseas trip?"
"I'm still recovering from it. Winston, I hear that George and Irvine are transferring to the 5th."
"Yes. It was approved."
"Good, then I'd like George to go with me to Paris next week."
"You have my blessing for that too, Bob. When are you going to tell me about your super tank?"
"What super tank?" John asked.
"George and I are designing one but it is still in the concept phase. Ask me about it next Christmas."
Sally arrived and brought Bronisław with her. She said something in Hebraic and Bron answered.
"You are Jewish or just speak Hebraic?" I asked.
"Jewish and I speak not only Hebraic but also Yiddish."
"Remind me to look at your personnel file. Do you speak Russian too?"
"Of course!"
"I'm envious! So what do you want, Bron?"
"I'd heard about Irvine's transfer. Could I go too?"
"You're a cavalry officer if I remember correctly."
"You do."
"Well, Bron. George Patton is the brigade commander. If he wants you the General here will then have to release you. It's not up to me." Then to John Gort, "the Polish Army already has our designs..."
"Which project are you assigned to at the moment?" John asked him.
"No specific assignment at the moment, Sir. We are refining TO&E's and waiting for the prototypes to arrive."
"Winston, we need a British Foreign Legion. In other words, Bron. You'll have to wear British uniform."
"I'll arrange that, Bob." John Gort said. "I believe that I have good connections at the MoD. You can reassign if you wish, Captain. I am reluctant though to lose someone with your talents. So don't let me down."
"I won't, Sir. Happy Hanukkah."
"Happy Hanukkah."
"You need to change your deodorant, John. People are leaving TRADOC in droves. Just like at the MoD."
"What's that I hear?"
"COL Wilkins and SSG Hargreaves aren't the only ones who begged for a transfer to the Annex. Apparently it was easy to recruit people from the MoD."
"It has never occurred to you that I encouraged them?"
"It did in fact. It was the only plausible reason."
"I'm going to try what you are drinking, Bob. Join me." After leaving the table, "a Foreign Legion would be a Force Readiness project. Do you want the extra work?"
"I'd delegate it, Winston. I'm good at that. I'd also want them to be an elite force, not cannon fodder. A parachute unit, commandos, marines. Roger Keyes and I have already talked about something similar."
"The document you gave me in Tobruk?"
"That's the one."
"Did anything happen?"
"I believe we are training foreigners in Alexandria but mainly for operations in that theatre."
"We need to do the same here in England."
"I'll put a project together next month. I like this Glühwein. Don't forget the rum."
I drank five of those before Sally and I left. I slept well too.