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Copyright status unknown. Responsibility for determining the copyright status and any use rests exclusively with the user.
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Source Organization
Kitchener Public Library
Collection
Soldier Information Cards - World War Two
Transcription
Detenbeck, W.A. "Bill"
[clipping] 3 Oct 1944
Twin City Officer Honored By Visit From His Mejesty
Lieut. W. A. (Bill) Detenbeck, with the 1st Canadian Army Signals in Belgium, has had the honor of entertaining His Majesty the king in his office. He writes his parents Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Detenbeck, 79 Euclid Ave. Waterloo, about the memorable event.
"This letter was an absolute necessity in view of the remarkable happening of yesterday. For despite the fact that it was Friday the 13th, it was quite a fortune day...
"Yesterday I was on duty as signalmaters, and who do you think walked into my signal office? The King. Yes, King George VI. It wasn't quite as casual as all that. We had been forewarned that an important personage was visiting us, but were under the impression it was 'Monty.' What an event.
"The King looked around and said, 'I suppose you can talk to Berlin from here.' Field Marshal Montgomery said, 'Let's call up Hitler.' Both laughed.
"He looked like a king, too, said Lieut. Detenbeck. "Handsome, well-tailored battle dress, field marshal's insignia and a forage cap - really smart. He was in our area for quite some time, and we had lots of opportunity to see him."
The officer wrote his parents he had moved from a hotel to a flat on the sixth and top floor of a modern apartment building, with an elevator. The officesr have their dining room and lounge on the third floor.
"There is quite a night lift here too," he added, night clubs, dance bands, etc., but it doesn't pay to be out too late at night. There are still lots of Jerries or their sympathizers lurking about."
[image] Graduate of Officers, Training Central, Brookside, Nov 9 1942, W.A. Detenbeck
[photograph]