Off email from Gerald Swick
Major,
I've been writing a regional history column for the local newspaper since March. Occasionally, I find something while doing research that may be of interest to my far-flung buddies in the HMGS. Here are two odd little bits that surfaced recently.
Item 1. On Dec. 10, 1914 (Remember that date as you read, guys & gals), the Clarksburg (WV) Exponent-American ran the following prediction on its editorial page.
It is quite probable that the present great war in Europe will but close to witness the advent of another.
While at this time the Allies are apparently well satisfied with the state of affairs, and willing to go on indefinitely aiding and abetting each other in the titanic effort to overthrow the Kaiser, still there is an undercurrent of facts which have not bee fully aired.
If the German Empire meets with disaster and if forced to surrender territory as a war indemnity, then without a doubt trouble will arise. Russia, ever desirous of forcing the great Slavish wedge straight across Europe to the sea on the south, will demand some of the Ottoman holdings, including Constantinople. France will, without a doubt insist on annexing all of that portion of Germany lying between the present boundary and the Rhine. England will strenuously object to any such arrangement.
Japan, a firm and faithful ally of Great Britain, will support any policy which may be adopted and this will no doubt incur the enmity of Russia, the feeling between these two nations being already somewhat strained. France is and will remain true to Russia.
Thus it can readily be seen how the present Allied powers will most likely become involved in an even greater struggle than the current one, a war which England and Japan will be forced to combat the rest of Europe.
Item 2. For Mustangs & Messerschmidts and other WWII air combat games, here is a strange scenario I came across while researching a column on the Tuskegee Airmen. (A commander of the 99th Fighter Squadron was George S. "Spanky" Roberts from my neighboring county.)
Intially, the Tuskegee Airmen were given hand-me-down planes. One fine day in the Mediterranean Theater, a group of them, flying P-40s, encountered a large group of FW 190s. Historically, they shot down 6 FWs and damaged 4 others. How about this for a funky air scenario--P-40s vs. FW190s?
From the Department of West Virginia
What's Gerald Doing Now :-) from Bob Duncan (not me. Hey, my sense of humor is not that warped! ed.)
A few years ago, our friend, Gerald Swick left Nashville, sick at heart over the temptations of the big city. Heading home to West Virginia, he found a cabin located in the most remote portion of the state where he could meditate and reflect on his life without intrusions from any other person.
Gerald had been up there for six months, going to the village only rarely for essential supplies. His spirits had been restored by the sojourn and he was beginning again to feel like a bit of human companionship.
Oddly enough, on that particular day, there came a thunderous knock on his door. When Gerald pulled it open he saw a huge, hairy man dressed in the costume of a logger. The big fellow did not wait for introductions. "My name is Lars - live over to the next valley - gonna have a party tonight - wanna come?"
This was just the ticket for Gerald and he instantly said, "Well, yes - yes, indeed, I would love to come to your party!" Lars looked down on Gerald and warned, "There is liable to be some drankin!". Gerald replied that he was amenable to a drop or two of liquor. Lars spoke again, "Thars liable to be some fightin', too!" Gerald quickly agreed that he could tolerate such an activity. Lars spoke again, "Thars gonna be some wild sex, too!"
It had been quite a time since Gerald had seen anybody at all and he indicated that this would be quite a treat. "Say," Gerald asked, "What time is the party going to start?" Lars replied, "About dark." Gerald asked directions and Lars said, "Just follow that trail over yonder - 'bout two miles." Gerald asked, "How many folks do you expect to attend your party?" Lars looked at Gerald and said, "Just you and me."
Back to Dispatch Oct 98 Table of Contents
Back to Dispatch List of Issues
Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List
© Copyright 1998 by HMGS Mid-South
This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com