The young French Lieutenant did not have far to travel, for as he approached the Russian lines bearing his white flag, the location of the Hanoverian Commander was obvious. Conspicuous in his bright red coat, the Hanoverian Guardsman was easily spotted in the middle of a large group of Russian Kuirassiers, reorganizing their ranks and readying them for another fateful charge. Upon seeing the French officer’s approach, the Colonel reined in his horse and patiently waited.
In flawless German, the French Tirailleur addressed his erstwhile foe, “Guten tag, Herr Colonel. I have been sent by my commanding general to seek terms.”
Impressed by this officer’s ability and foresight to address him in his native tongue, the Hanoverian replied, “Guten tag, Herr Leutnant. The only terms I am permitted to grant under the circumstances would be an immediate and unconditional surrender.”
“I understand, sir”, replied the French Tirailleur. “I am authorized to offer you exactly that.”
“Well in that case”, said the Hanoverian, “we have an agreement. Your sword, sir.”
Resigned to his duty, the young French Tirailleur unfastened his sword belt and handed it to the mounted Colonel.
“There is one further thing that you need to understand”, said the Hanoverian as he accepted the proffered weapon.
“Ja, mein Herr”, asked the French Lieutenant.
Leaning forward in his saddle, the Hanoverian Commander directly meets the young Lieutenant’s gaze and said, “We Hanoverians never take prisoners.”
The Russian Kuirassiers gathered around the hapless Frenchmen grin in anticipation as they drew their swords preparing for an easy kill of their most hated foe. A large lump rises in the Tirailleur’s throat as he suddenly realizes that his short time on this Earth is about to come to a most abrupt end.
The Hanoverian officer completes his statement. “You are free to go. Meet me in the Rhine Tavern later and we shall have a drink together. I will return your sword at that time. I merely need to borrow it long enough to log the serial number into the Anglo-Allied Army Records System.” Glancing about at the stunned and crestfallen look on the faces of the Russian Kuirassiers, the Colonel says, “Escort the good Lieutenant safely back to his lines. He is a most brave and honorable opponent so by my orders you will treat him with the utmost respect.”
“Da, comrade Colonel”, replied the Russian cavalryman, “we follow you as always.”
Turning back to the Tirraileur, he said, “And to be certain of this, I will have ‘Der Wurger’ accompany you. He has a most excellent singing voice, and if you are indeed lucky, may even grace you with a song to lift you spirits along the journey. After all, it has been a long and rather trying day.”
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