We were on a boat between Dover and Oostende, Belgium. It was 1973. A pretty girl approached. He was on the left. I was on the right. As she passed us, our eyes finally met. Our mutual appreciation for beauty was our instant bond. Even though I was in my early 20s and he was over 60, our crudest of instincts brought us together.
“She’s a real cracker,” he said. I had to agree and went over to introduce myself.
His name was James Lucas and he was head of the photo archives at the Imperial War Museum in London.
He was on his way for a reunion of World War II veterans in Germany. After the war, it seems that all differences were put aside. Soldiers in all armies could meet and swap their stories.
We went for dinner on the boat and over the meal he mentioned that he had written several books about the war. His stories were entertaining. He told them with an amazing attention to detail. I was interested because I had read many books about the war. I had also watched many documentaries and films.
Then I asked a question. There has been so much written about World War II. Is there a story that hasn’t been told? This was his reply.
While many Jews were sent to the death camps, many escaped Germany into England. They spoke fluent German, of course.
At that time Rommel was having his way in northern Africa, inflicting many casualties on the Allies. He was such a clever tactician. Nobody seemed able to defeat him.
Somebody got the idea of creating a phony German battalion with these Jews. Months were spent preparing them for the battle. They would pose as the German army and then, at the proper moment, turn on Rommel and his troops.
There was one problem. Somebody leaked the plan to the Nazis.
When these British-trained troops arrived in the Sahara, Rommel knew all about them. Like lambs, they were led to the slaughter. I don’t recall Jim mentioning any survivors.
When I returned to London, I dropped in on Jim at the Imperial War Museum. He gave me a tour of what had once been the mental institution called Bedlam. Of particular interest was what had been the chapel. He mentioned that this is the only time men and women were allowed to be together. For many, attending church was an event to look forward to, but not necessarily for religious reasons.
Through the years I have wondered about Jim. I recently found out he died in 2002. He gave me an insight of war that few have been able to tell me. I wish I had had the opportunity of pulling one more story out of him.
“She’s a real cracker,” he said. I had to agree and went over to introduce myself.
His name was James Lucas and he was head of the photo archives at the Imperial War Museum in London.
He was on his way for a reunion of World War II veterans in Germany. After the war, it seems that all differences were put aside. Soldiers in all armies could meet and swap their stories.
We went for dinner on the boat and over the meal he mentioned that he had written several books about the war. His stories were entertaining. He told them with an amazing attention to detail. I was interested because I had read many books about the war. I had also watched many documentaries and films.
Then I asked a question. There has been so much written about World War II. Is there a story that hasn’t been told? This was his reply.
While many Jews were sent to the death camps, many escaped Germany into England. They spoke fluent German, of course.
At that time Rommel was having his way in northern Africa, inflicting many casualties on the Allies. He was such a clever tactician. Nobody seemed able to defeat him.
Somebody got the idea of creating a phony German battalion with these Jews. Months were spent preparing them for the battle. They would pose as the German army and then, at the proper moment, turn on Rommel and his troops.
There was one problem. Somebody leaked the plan to the Nazis.
When these British-trained troops arrived in the Sahara, Rommel knew all about them. Like lambs, they were led to the slaughter. I don’t recall Jim mentioning any survivors.
When I returned to London, I dropped in on Jim at the Imperial War Museum. He gave me a tour of what had once been the mental institution called Bedlam. Of particular interest was what had been the chapel. He mentioned that this is the only time men and women were allowed to be together. For many, attending church was an event to look forward to, but not necessarily for religious reasons.
Through the years I have wondered about Jim. I recently found out he died in 2002. He gave me an insight of war that few have been able to tell me. I wish I had had the opportunity of pulling one more story out of him.
2 comments:
I have just read a few of your entries on your blog. You have some wondeful stories and inspiring entries . I would love to receive your updates but for some reason when I hit the subscribe to ...a blank screen comes up..how can I do so...
many thanks
I don't know what to say. I tried it and it seemed to work.
Post a Comment