Internal Communique:
September 6, 1944
From: Captain Hastings DSO,DSC
Chalon-sur-Saone, Western France
To: Colonel Lazlo Ixlplix S.O.E.
Berchtesgaden, Germany
Ixlplix,
I am pleased old boy to hear of your safe glider landing . . . a spot of contradictory wording . . . safe, and landing – when it comes to gliders. If you were unaware, we lost 6 gliders on 5 June, near Carentan, Cotentin Peninsula; in an effort to aid elements of the American 101st, and 82nd airborne infantry. Though we still have no confirmation, we at The Abbey believe Group Captain Stagg was lost in glider No. 4. I am sorry for your loss Ixlplix. Stagg was a good man, trained him myself in ‘37.
Currently, I find myself affixed with the French 2nd Corps, now in Chalon-sur-Saone. The Abbey embedded myself; Capt’s Fotcher, and Melvin, into the French column – as they were struggling to get it done and bring the fight to the Germans. We three were sent in to crack the whip, and a few heads too old boy! The 2nd Corps commander, one Leftenent Odour-Mal – who insists on being addressed as “My General” – got a substantial thrashing from the business end of my wading staff whilst attempting some trout fishing on the Saone River. We were in a position south-east of the village, and everyone was hungry – but drinking red wine. The good “General” was rather knackered and making no sense. He refused my pleas to fish – so as to feed the boys. I swore at him, and told him he was no Leftenent, let alone General. He then, in a fit of typically poor decision making, tried to take a swing at me as I began entering the river. Well Lazlo, if I must paint the picture it would be quite red you see – I quickly reeled around and made hard, sharp contact with the side of his French cranium. The poor man wailed like a babe. Bled a damn lot too. The shore of the river looked as if I had just field dressed a deer. Needless to say he had never tangled with the likes of one of us . . . soldiers trained at The Abbey. I told him he could maintain figurehead control of the troopers, only on the condition that I called all of the shots until I departed from 2 Corps. The wine had not taken that part of his good reason – or my cane had knocked some sense into it – he agreed.
We attacked the village on 4 September, sealing the deal on 6 September, and routing the Gerrys.
I am leaving the area later this day, with no current orders. Which I will say, is a bit worrisome, what?
I fear the Abbey has forgotten me to the wine drunk French.
I will make the best of it though, and am heading to a small tract of land near Saint-Ettiene to meet with a young Russian girl, Svetlana Zvaktol, for a few days of Palinka, game dinners, and “night games”. I met Svetlana during the campaign with the Red Army south of Leningrad in ‘42. Blonde, 25 yrs old, very playful!
Ixlplix, I have heard rumblings from the Abbey, another large airborne assault is in the planning phases. This is of the highest secrecy. Rumor has it that a large assault force will be dropped near to Arnhem, Holland. Though as I have said . . . no immediate orders. My gut feelings are that we will be directly involved with this operation. My sources close to Monty say it may be called “Market Garden”, and the goal is to end this war by the Christmas holiday. I believe the hope is that the Allies can break into Germany from the north-west, crossing the various rivers in and around Arnhem, and invading the Huns homeland from north of the Rhine. It is my thinking we should be prepared to move in an instant, should the orders arrive. Crpl. Stallings has sent word to me via runners that gliders are being camouflaged and loaded at airfields across Britain, and Sgt. Briggs embedded with Patton’s Third Army, that extra fuel, rations, and ammunition have been requested to be shipped from Cherbourg immediately. If, in fact this comes to pass, I suggest we rendezvous near Antwerp – which as you likely have heard – was liberated two days ago by the Welch Guard and other British Regular Army. I pray they still have beer in Antwerp!
Yes, the seasons are closing in on us Ixlplix, and I am loath to spend another bitter winter, here, on the continent. I look forward to long days and evenings holed up in the basement retreat at the Abbey – sat beside the puffing coal stove – eating, drinking, reading, and chatting with you and all the boys.
Godspeed.
Sincerely,
Capt. Hastings DSO,DSC
William J Mullen 