My occasional diversions from the explosive world on this blog have had some recent attention, and this has encouraged me to distill some more stories of eccentric and brave British Army officers. Here’s two , with the common theme of Umbrellas. The links are well worth reading, trust me.
Major Allison Digby Tatham Warner was a company commander in the Parachute Regiment in Arnhem in 1944. During the heavy fighting that followed, Digby could often be seen calmly strolling about the defences, seemingly oblivious to the constant threat of mortar barrages and sniper fire. Choosing to wear his red beret in place of a helmet and swinging his trademark umbrella as he went, Tatham-Warter, no matter how desperate the situation became, never failed in his ability to remain unconcerned and to encourage those around him. Even old hands like major Freddie Gough became disheartened when Mark IV Tanks crossed the Bridge and the battle seemed lost, but his gloom lifted instantly when he caught sight of Digby leading a bayonet charge against German infantry who had dared to enter British territory; carrying a pistol in one hand, madly swinging his umbrella about his head with the other, and now sporting a bowler hat on his head – which he had obtained from God knows where – doing his best to look like Charlie Chaplin. On another occasion he used the rolled up umbrella to in-effect disable a German armoured car, simply by thrusting it through an observation slit in the vehicle and incapacitating the driver. Tatham-Warter later revealed that he carried the umbrella because he could never remember the password, and it would be quite obvious to anyone that the bloody fool carrying the umbrella could only be an Englishman.
AD Wintle, was an officer in the first and second world war. There are too many excellent stories, so follow the link and enjoy. I love, most of all, that after his encouragement while their prisoner, an entire garrison of Vichy French soldiers defected to the Resistance, after he had escaped from their custody (and had told them he would do so). To encourage you to follow the link, here’s some quotes:
It may have escaped your attention, but there is no fighting to be done in England.” (on being told he was being removed from active duty against his will following an injury)
No true gentleman would ever unfurl one.” (his umbrella)
This umbrella was stolen from Col. A.D. Wintle” (note left in his permanently furled umbrella)
Time spent dismounted can never be regained.”
No true gentleman would ever leave home without one.” (his monocle)
Guy Fawkes was the last man to enter Parliament with good intentions. You need another like me to carry on his good work.”
I get down on my knees every night and thank God for making me an Englishman. It is the greatest honour He could bestow. After all, he might have made me a chimpanzee, or a flea, a Frenchman or a German!”
What I like about Isherwood’s paintings is that there is no doubt about which way they hang.” (on art)
Attend a German school sir? I would rather cut my hands off and blind myself in one eye. Only an English school is good enough for me.” (young Wintle, on being told by his father that he was to attend a German school)
Stop dying at once and when you get up, get your bloody hair cut.” (to Trooper Cedric Mays, Royal Dragoons, who recovered and lived to the age of 95)
Great War peace signed at last.” (diary, 19 June 1919)
I declare private war on Germany.” (diary, 20 June 1919)
Now, as I understand it, the US Army doesn’t permit its officers to carry umbrellas. How very unfortunate. 🙂