Christmas was on a Monday that Year
Desperate times during the Ardennes Offensive.28 total reviews
Comment from Meta~Mark
This was an excellent WW11 story which I love to read, you paint a different picture on this war ands with style and ease to read!, excellently portrayed.! Feel free to check out my latest poem called Oedipus Reincarnated- about Hitler Youth.
reply by the author on 19-Aug-2012
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This was an excellent WW11 story which I love to read, you paint a different picture on this war ands with style and ease to read!, excellently portrayed.! Feel free to check out my latest poem called Oedipus Reincarnated- about Hitler Youth.
Comment Written 18-Aug-2012
reply by the author on 19-Aug-2012
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Master M2, as a vehicle to understand, Mark?
A pleasant surprise, indeed. Thanks for stopping by. Your generous affirmation is appreciated.
The latter years of the Weimar Republic exemplify the triumph of perceived survival over ideals. It was a condition not unlike the U.S. great depression, the numerous succeeding, and the present recession and economic malaise, where the growing sentiment was, and is, that the administration in office at the time is at fault. This, even as these officials are only victims of circumstances. Simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Consider Roosevelt versus Hoover; Reagan versus Carter and the continuing drama of Romney versus Obama.
Probably the most chilling harbinger of the coming terror in Europe, is the beer garden scene in the movie "Cabaret".
Indoctrination at the earliest level of childhood was certain to be the element that would maintain the philosophy of the regime into the future. As with the Hitler Youth, witness the Young Pioneer movement in Soviet Russia.
In Germany's case, it also involved eugenics and the breeding a superior race. A most egregious case was Norway, whose women were classified as Nordic and suitable for bearing Aryan children. This ultimately led to the revolting "Children of War" legislation in immediate postwar Norway. This authorized the removal of children fathered by the German occupiers from their mothers to become wards of the state. Many of these young woman fled to Sweden before they were separated from their children.
Few remember the Werewolf insurgency and assassinations of post WWII Germany. Or the concern of the Allied High Command in Germany administering the dormitories that supported the mothers and children of the Aryan program. Their concern was that these young, always quite attractive young women would seek to subvert the occupation troops.
Children at the time of the conflict in Europe were quite at a loss to understand the enmity shown the general populace by the French and British. It seemed remarkable to them that the Americans seemed to regard the war at the end and during the occupation as a job. One acquaintance from Munich especially remembered the Americans as men who routinely gave the children chocolate bars.
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Wow, thanks for sharing this information I believe you have given me some ideas for my next poem in my series
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You're quite welcome. For a quite vivid chronicle of WWII from an Australian's point of view, both southeast Asia (particularly The Australians in Papua New Guinea) and with Patton on the western front, read "Green Armor" and "Conqueror's Road". The author is Osmar Egmont Dorkin White. His fiction and non-fiction books are on listed on Amazon
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awesome my friend, Thanks again I love this stuff!!
Comment from Antonin70
While the overall theme of the story was in no way original it nevertheless conveyed how much it meant to the author. Apart from that It just did not ring true. The only reason I can give for this is that I served as a civilian with the US forces in Vietnam in 1968,1969 and 1970 and these type of incidents just did not happen. I cannot believe that this story was not highly exaggerated and, given the audience to which it is supposed to be told, way over the top. I certainly would not advise anyone to waste their time reading it.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 16-Aug-2012
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While the overall theme of the story was in no way original it nevertheless conveyed how much it meant to the author. Apart from that It just did not ring true. The only reason I can give for this is that I served as a civilian with the US forces in Vietnam in 1968,1969 and 1970 and these type of incidents just did not happen. I cannot believe that this story was not highly exaggerated and, given the audience to which it is supposed to be told, way over the top. I certainly would not advise anyone to waste their time reading it.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 15-Aug-2012
reply by the author on 16-Aug-2012
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Antonin - Whee! A solid, almost total rejection.
A mantra drummed into students in creative writing classes is that there is no original story. Only the treatment should be unique to a particular author's intent.
An example: Ever read Herbert's "Dune" series? It is based on the Russian imperial campaigns in the Caucasus during the eighteenth through early twentieth centuries. The Freman sayings, 'Wisdom comes the desert, polish from the cities,' is almost the same as the Turkoman's 'Wisdom comes from mountains, polish from the cities'. My favorite history of the conflict is Leslie Blanche's "Sabers of Paradise" which quoted that bit of the insurgent Muslims' sayings.
Are we discussing the same posting? It would be helpful if you could identify your particular points where you disagree so vehemently.
There were several instances of these impromptu interrogations in the early days of the Alsace/Ardennes offensive. There were other cases of laissez faire where POWs were released to return to their lines. There were also documented instances where medics on both sides succored enemy wounded. These are recorded and factual.
Am I to presume that you have therefore rejected the premise, though it is based on verifiable fact? So, I am curious how your civilian experience in tropical, Asian, Vietnam thirty years later applies to critiquing military operations under extreme tactical and adverse winter conditions in northern Europe?
Regardless, thanks for stopping by, though I do regret that you had a less than pleasant, self-imposed though it may be, experience. Surely there are other postings more to your liking.
Live long and write well,
Fantasist
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I am sorry if you thought I did not enjoy your work, far from it. What disappointed me was the expectations that I had from the title and how the storyline dwelt so little on Christmas. As a Catholic and a war correspondent I had three lovely Chritmasses in Saigon, so maybe the fault lay more in my anticipation than your interpretation of the theme. God Bless. Anton
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Well, subjective bias is a factor bearing on any review.
A member of our discussion group at Cal State Northridge was a WWII medic caught up in the battle near Bastogne. He thought this story was close enough to what actually happened to be accepted as a fictionalized account. As he said, "I'm a Jew, so I don't know much about the religious aspects of Christmas or Christian prayer, but the combat casualties did happen that way and we responded in a similar way." He did say that he removed the Geneva Cross brassards and erased them from his helmet. "They looked too much like crosshairs on a target."
My Christmas stories are often based on men and women in peril; to illustrate that all is not peace and light, everywhere, even on that holy day.
Pax vobiscum,
Fantasist
Comment from dablake
Dear AllezW2;
I enjoyed your story. It closely resembles a story I am in the process of writing right now. It's about my grandfather, Charles Bridge, and how he bravely served in World War I. Have you ever heard of him? I am currently doing research on the subject so I can put in more historical details. It you could somehow find my story and read it it would mean alot to me. It is an honor to contact a verteran from World War II. I have never served but I try to be patriotic. Thank you.
Dana Blake
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2012
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Dear AllezW2;
I enjoyed your story. It closely resembles a story I am in the process of writing right now. It's about my grandfather, Charles Bridge, and how he bravely served in World War I. Have you ever heard of him? I am currently doing research on the subject so I can put in more historical details. It you could somehow find my story and read it it would mean alot to me. It is an honor to contact a verteran from World War II. I have never served but I try to be patriotic. Thank you.
Dana Blake
Comment Written 06-Aug-2012
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2012
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Dana,
Thank you for the kind words and sterling affirmation.
First, I am not a WWII vet. Rather, a USN Cold War vet, 06-54 to 10-57.
This story is based on my studies of the battle and researching the roles of medics through the wars of all the various combatants.
Two others involving medics are "Ghilin" which occurs in the immediate aftermath of the WWI 1918 American offensives at Belleau Wood and Chateau Thierry: "At All Cost" in the last gasp spring-summer 1918 German offensive; "A Small Light" is from Vietnam.
I am not familiar with a Charles Bridge in WWI and could not find any ready references to the name. Would you be more explicit about his dates and assignments in the military?
As to reading your story, certainly, though I strongly recommend that you post it on FanStory. This provides access to greater exposure and more varied expertise among the readers who might review your contribution.
Live long and write well,
Fantasist/Wayne L. White
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Dear Wayne L. White,
Thank you for your reply. I am currently doing research on my grandfather's involvement in WWI. It turns out my grandfather fought at Chateau-Thierry, when Germany was still winning the war. He was taken to Rastatt as a prisoner. My research comes from a book called "Yanks" by John Eisenhower. Would you know anything about it? That short story "Ghilin" sounds good and I'll try to find it. I'd send you my short story but it's still not quite right. It's called "Over the Top." It need more detail on what the trenches were like. It's between 700-800 words. It currenlty has two references to religion but it needs only one. I'm still trying to fix it. Any help you could give me is appreciated.
Dana Blake
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His is a good reference. However, you might also check the PBS series on WWI based on the book of the same name by Hugh Strachan. I have among other references, "The First World War" a sixteen volume set published under the auspices of the National Historical Society. It is my best reference.
You need to set a time line, too.
As the United States entered the war in April 1917, and these troops only came into the battle late in the summer of 1918, just as the Germans began their do-or-die offensive, hoping to crush the British and French before the United States could bring their full force to bear.
As has been said, careful attention to details is what makes an history-based story of interest to a reader who is familiar with the time and the topic.
Realistically, there is no room for for a deviation from actual history, no place for artistic license with the facts within which the story lies.
My characters are as closely allied to verisimilitude, save for their persons, as I can write these tales.
Of course there is room for fictional characters, else historical fiction would not exist. Simply, they have to be in an appropriate place at the appropriate time within this framework.
If it is a work of non-fiction, then there is the need for accurate documentation as it is nearly impossible to garner first-hand or primary sources now. The last known survivor of WWI died last year as I recall, so you have to access references such as the Library of Congress, The National Archives, and foreign entities such as the UK's Imperial War Museum.
Researching these topics can be fascinating in and of themselves.
For some fiction and non-fiction, an easy read for a feel of men at war, The collection of stories edited by Ernest Hemmingway, appropriately titled, "Men At War" is several stories of battles from ancient Greece to WWII. "365 Days" by Glazer, is also good for a feel of the situation in Vietnam in the mid-60s.
Ahead, four bells,
Fantasist
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Dear Allezw2;
Thanks for the input. Can you read my re-write entitled "Off to War?" It's similar. ---- d
Comment from victor0133
I am touched by your story. My father was a veteran. I like reading about stories WW11. Thank you for posting it. Keep up the good work.
reply by the author on 03-May-2012
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I am touched by your story. My father was a veteran. I like reading about stories WW11. Thank you for posting it. Keep up the good work.
Comment Written 02-May-2012
reply by the author on 03-May-2012
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victor0133, Thanks for stopping by. You generous affirmation is greatly appreciated. I regret your remuneration is so scanty at this late date. I write mostly about armed conflict and the men and women who are in harm's way. I wrote one on WWI, "At All Cost". It takes place during the summer 1918 German offensive trying to break through before the Americans could bring their increasing presence to bear. There are some from WWII and Vietnam as well. I'll catch up with your latest, the WWI letter later. Live long and write well, Fantasist
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Your welcome.
Comment from al1801
Well worth the sixer. Graphically told including the altercation with the 'kid' - what he should have done - and this was told to me by my WW2 vet army colleagues. Hit 'em with 'V' words such as Victor Vane the Vicious Vet, or 'W' words, such as Wetwater Wally. OMG, you've got me thinking like the sentries. Well done, sailor.
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2012
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Well worth the sixer. Graphically told including the altercation with the 'kid' - what he should have done - and this was told to me by my WW2 vet army colleagues. Hit 'em with 'V' words such as Victor Vane the Vicious Vet, or 'W' words, such as Wetwater Wally. OMG, you've got me thinking like the sentries. Well done, sailor.
Comment Written 03-Mar-2012
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2012
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In your former iteration, I regaled you with the tales of the "White Pearl Egg Ranch". So welcome, again. Your appearance here is a real surprise, though greatly appreciated. Yes, there were speech differences that made it difficult for a German ESL to accommodate. It could be rather humorous in retrospect. General Bradley was accosted and held because his interrogators believed that Chicago was the capital city of the State of Illinois. It is actually, Springfield, as Bradley correctly identified. Fortunately, they were able to establish Bradley's true identity. The Van Johnson movie, "Battlefield" illustrated a similar circumstance where the senior officer is stumped when required to define 'lager', believing it was a baseball term. A trifle overplayed but illustrative of the behind the lines hysteria in the first days of the Ardennes Offensive. Thanks for stopping by. Your gracious affirmation is definitely unexpected, though greatly appreciated. Fantasist
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Forgot to mention the Montgomery Clift "The Big Lift" regarding the Berlin Airlift. A former POW returns to Germany with the Army of Occupation. He happens upon a former prison guard who beat him forcing him to learn German. Now the shoe is on the other foot. He is forcing the German to learn colloquial English and clubs him every time he mispronounces a word. His teaching phrase was, "Which way went thw winged whipporwill?."
Comment from Devados
Allezw2, GREAT story and you did a Great job presenting it. You paint a picture story that is difficult to interrupt even to hit the head. I was very caught up in what you were sharing and the excellent way you presented it. I will look for more of your work. This one will be hard to beat. Thank you. Devados
P.S. 1944 was an extremely cold winter!
reply by the author on 11-Feb-2012
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Allezw2, GREAT story and you did a Great job presenting it. You paint a picture story that is difficult to interrupt even to hit the head. I was very caught up in what you were sharing and the excellent way you presented it. I will look for more of your work. This one will be hard to beat. Thank you. Devados
P.S. 1944 was an extremely cold winter!
Comment Written 10-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 11-Feb-2012
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Master Devados,
Firstly: be welcome to this URL. There are some great story tellers here.
Secondly: I appreciate the gracious comments and unexpected affirmation. I thank you for your encouragement.
Live long and write well,
Fantasist
Comment from Tristian
This is an extraordinary story which I read New Years day - wishing I had read it at Christmas. The story is a condemnation of war, and accolades for the men fighting it, friend or enemy. It tosses the coin on its side. It does not choose one side or the other.
The dialogue is spot on, the questions to verify citizenship wonderful, and the most heart rending part is when the soldier is dying and both medics, American and German recite the Act of Perfect Contrition over the dead soldier. The gift of the rosary and the acceptance are truly from the heart.
I hope to read more of your works.
reply by the author on 04-Jan-2012
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This is an extraordinary story which I read New Years day - wishing I had read it at Christmas. The story is a condemnation of war, and accolades for the men fighting it, friend or enemy. It tosses the coin on its side. It does not choose one side or the other.
The dialogue is spot on, the questions to verify citizenship wonderful, and the most heart rending part is when the soldier is dying and both medics, American and German recite the Act of Perfect Contrition over the dead soldier. The gift of the rosary and the acceptance are truly from the heart.
I hope to read more of your works.
Comment Written 01-Jan-2012
reply by the author on 04-Jan-2012
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Lady Tristian,
It was a pleasant surprise to see your kind words. I thank you for them.
It is based on true events that occurred during the Alsace-Ardennes Ofensive. Medics of both sides often succored the wounded regardless of their nationality. As to identity: although it was always deadly serious, in retrospect, there were humorous incidents. General Bradley was accosted by a group who would not believe that the capital city of the State of Illinois was Springfield, not Chicago!
Most of my Christmas stories do involve men in combat. Sometimes we forget that there are others far from their homes and whose lives are at risk. "They Also Served" posits the thoughts of a WASP crew aloft late in WWII.
Thanks for stopping by.
Live long and write well,
Fantasist
Comment from Fluffyhead
Very unique choice of wordage,such as snafu and umbrage.Found how the medic is treating the men fascinating and disgusting at the same time. Finds it refreshing you have chosen to temper your writing with a bit of humor and human kindness ,even in the face of war. Keep writing.
reply by the author on 10-May-2011
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Very unique choice of wordage,such as snafu and umbrage.Found how the medic is treating the men fascinating and disgusting at the same time. Finds it refreshing you have chosen to temper your writing with a bit of humor and human kindness ,even in the face of war. Keep writing.
Comment Written 09-May-2011
reply by the author on 10-May-2011
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Lady Flufflyhead,
Just washed your hair, or is there an electrical storm about?
Regardless, welcome to the URL. I am always glad to find authors I have not met before. I especially appreciate them taking the time to read and comment on one of my bits of whimsy.
Live long and write well,
Fantasist
Comment from sunny39
This is an awesome story. I was captivated from the moment I began to read it. There was nothing, absolutely nothing, to change.
It is so ironic - I recently submitted a flash fiction story in the contest Hell Found Me. This is a different contest than yours, as max. words was 100. My title was "Fires of Hell on a Frozen Mountain" and it took place in the Ardennes Mts, New Years Day, 1945. - same battle.
I just came across your story today and so enjoyed reading it. I also thought your note at the end added perfection to your story.
Sunny
reply by the author on 29-Nov-2009
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This is an awesome story. I was captivated from the moment I began to read it. There was nothing, absolutely nothing, to change.
It is so ironic - I recently submitted a flash fiction story in the contest Hell Found Me. This is a different contest than yours, as max. words was 100. My title was "Fires of Hell on a Frozen Mountain" and it took place in the Ardennes Mts, New Years Day, 1945. - same battle.
I just came across your story today and so enjoyed reading it. I also thought your note at the end added perfection to your story.
Sunny
Comment Written 28-Nov-2009
reply by the author on 29-Nov-2009
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Lady sunny39,
Welcome to the URL. It is always a thrill when a new writer stops by and provides another view point on one of whimsies. This was such a surprise. I thank you for the kind words and greatly appreciated affirmation. I regret your remuneration was so acanty.
Live long and write well,
Fantasist
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Hi Fan - when I reviewed your writing, I said the one I wrote had a max of 100 words. One of my senior moment - it was 1,000 words. LOL -
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I'm certain you'd have done equally well in either case.
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I love history, and love to write historical fiction, but I can't write anything in that category that compares to yours!
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You're too kind, and unnecessarily self-effacing. Most of my stories have been about men in various wars, in all eras, past, present, and future as in SciFi
Comment from winnie
Hello my dear,
The Great War is my favourate topic. I have even written a film script about it.
This story is very well written and composed.
A pleasure to read,
God Bless,
winnie xx
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2008
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Hello my dear,
The Great War is my favourate topic. I have even written a film script about it.
This story is very well written and composed.
A pleasure to read,
God Bless,
winnie xx
Comment Written 06-Jan-2008
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2008
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Lady winnie,
Thank you for the encouraging words and expression of regard.
I like to imagine what life was like in past times. Too often, the individuals are lost in the sweep of these grand events.
I have several postings that appreciate some aspects of both world wars. They are all fiction based on fact.
I am curious, and if you would be so kind, would you identify a part of this piece that most caught your attention. As an amateur, I am curious what affects the reader most in these bits of fantasy.
Thank you for your kind attention,
Fantasist