1998 Frederick the Great
Battlefield Tour

May 23: Last Night in Berlin

by Fritz Mueller


We return to Germany, crossing the Polish border at Kustrin. The remains of the old Frederician fortress still stand near the Oder River. There is no time to stop and look so we continue to head west. Along the way, Professor Duffy points out some of the bluffs over-looking the Oder that were heavily defended by the Germans during the Russians' advance on Berlin in 1945. The Russians opened a heavy barrage of rockets and artillery prior to the launch of their attack.

Unfortunately for them, the Germans had the presence of mind to pull their troops back a few miles prior to the onset of the bombardment. As the shelling subsided, the Germans re-occuppied their positions and inflicted heavy casualties on the Russians. Eventually though, sheer mass won out for the Russians, but at great cost. We arrive at the Maritim proArte Hetel around 7:00 P.M. and have just enough time to shower and change before the "last supper" together as a group. The dinner and wine are excellent. Even better is the camaraderie that has developed between the members of the group who have shared many experiences over the past several days.

At the end of dinner our editor, Jim Purky, most eloquently delivered our mutual thanks to Christopher Duffy for his superb commentaries and lessons on the battles and the battlefields we have visited, and his patience and friendship in dealing with such a mutinous, unruly lot. As a token of our appreciation, Jim presented Chris with a hand-made greeting card (created by our esteemed colleague and resident artist, Neil Cogswell) complete with a rendering of Afte Fritz referencing the "twitchers" that secretly infiltrated our group during the tour (strictly an inside joke).

In addition, Jim expressed our thanks and deep appreciation to Steve Howe of Tour de Force Travel. Steve had been conscripted as a last minute replacement for Marc Heine, who fell ill shortly before the trip. Steve did an excellent job of coordinating our travel and lodging arrangements, and taking care of any special needs the group or individuals may have required. Steve thanked us for being an easy to manage group. I believe he enjoyed his time with us (once he got used to us).

Dr. Duffy then shared his impressions and analysis of the tour. He commented on how well the group dynamics worked, the serious approach we took to our subjects of study and observation, and the variety of experiences and impressions each of us gained by participating. He seemed quite pleased that we all got along well and avoided the tendency of some groups to split into factions or cliques. Then came the best part. Dr. Duffy announced the possibility of another tour three years hence in 2001. This proposed tour would be based in West Germany and cover the battlefields of the western campaigns of Prince Ferdinand against the French. This suggestion was met with much enthusiasm by the membership present. Mentally, I was already making plans.

After some final toasts the wine ran out and we began saying our "Good-byes" to one another. Many exchanges of Internet addresses, phone numbers and the like in the hopes of exchanging photos and just visiting from time to time.

For me, this tour is one of the high points of my life that will never be forgotten. In addition to the experiences of the tour, the battlefields, the history and the attendant discussions, I met some very fine and interesting people. This is an experience that should not be missed; an opportunity that should not be passed up. We few, we very few, who are caught up in the history of the 18th Century owe it to ourselves to take part in adventures such as this one. Words cannot convey the feelings and emotions that are evoked by standing in places where history was made and the destiny of nations determined.

To Dr. Duffy goes my thanks for being there and for being himself, despite his misguided allegiance to the "good guys". My belated thanks also goes to Frederick II, his troops and even the "white coats" who created events that made the tour possible, And to my comrades of the Silesian Victory Tour goes my friendship and appreciation for your participation and your contributions to memories I shall think on with pleasure for many years to come.

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© Copyright 1998 by James E. Purky

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