Stories
Kady vs. The Brits
While we were in England, assigned to the Paras, the 1988 Summer Olympics were on. Both the USA and Russia were attending after the boycotts in 1980 and 1984.
I was assigned to Depot Para, joining 1 Para when they returned from Northern Ireland. The staff of 538 Platoon and their wives took us out to a pub for Dinner and Drinks.
The conversation was lively and good-nurtured. My mates took plenty of jabs at the USA, mostly in fun, and Kim and I took them in stride like the Ambassadors we were supposed to be. We were holding our own but in a decidedly light-hearted way.
Kady and I liked all of the staff except one. Lt. Boyns, like us, was a Colonial, a Rhodesian by birth and proud. Corporal Alan Pitcher and his wife Amanda had become close friends. Corporal Edwards was a quiet professional, and Sergeant Bunkle was an excellent NCO. Corporal Fuller, called Beast, was an oaf of a man and an avid American hater.
As the night wore on and the drinks flowed, Fuller became uglier and louder with his barbs. When the Olympics came up, he stood and said, loud enough for the entire Pub to hear, We are seeing fewer American Flags this time, now that your country is competing against the Russians.
All eyes in the Pub turned to me, but Kady took up this gauntlet. She responded calmly and just loud enough, We are seeing a lot more American flags than British.
The place went quiet. Some guys at the bar stood up. Beast was in a rage.
Lt. Boyins looked at Beast and said, I guess that will teach you not to mess with Kady. Sit Down.
Corporal Edwards, Alan, and amanda complimented her on her quick wit. Spot On! Good One, Kady. Nothing hurts worse than the Truth.
The situation, diffused by the good folks at our table, allowed the rest of the evening to go well. Beast sat in his chair, pouting the rest of the dinner. He was the first to leave.
When we arrived home, I hugged Kady and complimented her on her come-back, but I also pled with her, Please, never do that again. I can't fight a whole bar!