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Testerchild · 2 November 2010, 03:38 PM

Hi All,

Haven't posted in a while, but something prompts me:

Reading all the ARD v. Voss Murder Mystery stuff, and related anti-British propaganda, reminded me of a a page in history. Page 56/57 to be precise of The Red Air Fighter by MvR: while serving as a cavalry officer in the early days of the war he tells how he and his men quartered themselves in a Belgian monastery (at least, I think it's Belgian rather than French - near Virton?):

"The monks were extremely amiable. They gave us as much to eat and drink as we cared to have....we settled down as if we were on manoeuvres, and as if we were in the house of a delightful host and friend. At the same time it should be observed that three days later we hanged several of our hosts to the lanterns because they could not overcome their desire to take a hand in the war."

I assume 'taking a hand in the war' meant that they were suspected of spying or some-such. However, given the utter completeness and factuality of all German historical records about absolutely everything I am sure one of our German friends will be able to point to the legal proceedings concerned, the names of the witnesses, evidence etc., that was obviously obtained by MvR and his fellows, and who was appointed to defend the monks before they had them executed

.

Or, perish the thought, were they killed on suspicion alone? Any thoughts?

Cheers

Bob

2 November 2010, 03:38 PM	#1
Testerchild Scout Pilot Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Sussex by the Sea Posts: 349	MvR - The Dark Side Hi All, Haven't posted in a while, but something prompts me: Reading all the ARD v. Voss Murder Mystery stuff, and related anti-British propaganda, reminded me of a a page in history. Page 56/57 to be precise of The Red Air Fighter by MvR: while serving as a cavalry officer in the early days of the war he tells how he and his men quartered themselves in a Belgian monastery (at least, I think it's Belgian rather than French - near Virton?): "The monks were extremely amiable. They gave us as much to eat and drink as we cared to have....we settled down as if we were on manoeuvres, and as if we were in the house of a delightful host and friend. At the same time it should be observed that three days later we hanged several of our hosts to the lanterns because they could not overcome their desire to take a hand in the war." I assume 'taking a hand in the war' meant that they were suspected of spying or some-such. However, given the utter completeness and factuality of all German historical records about absolutely everything I am sure one of our German friends will be able to point to the legal proceedings concerned, the names of the witnesses, evidence etc., that was obviously obtained by MvR and his fellows, and who was appointed to defend the monks before they had them executed. Or, perish the thought, were they killed on suspicion alone? Any thoughts? Cheers Bob __________________ Testerchild Remembering: Driver T2/10816 G Tester, born Kirkcaldy, Fifeshire: A.S.C. & Aerial Gunner 20 Squadron RFC - my maternal grandfather: Killed in aerial combat 28.09.1917: Pont du Hem Military Cemetery, France. Able Seaman J McCullagh, born Co. Wicklow, Ireland: my Great Uncle: Killed in action, SS Mavisbrook, 17th May 1918. Captain R A Sellwood, born London: 44th Bn C.E.F. - My paternal Grandfather - Survived The Union Flag runs in my veins.