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"Patrol in North Germany"
from 20 September 2002 through 28 September 2002
We met the men who actually MADE this history!
Continued from previous webpage
Wednesday 25 September - We are on the bus at 0800, heading for the old city of Hannover, where we are met at the Rathaus by TILMAN HESS. Rathaus is the German word for city hall - where else would one find politicians but in the rat house? Okay, bad joke - but that was the consensus of opinions. As TILMAN was telling us about the history of Hannover, we were joined by his father HANS-GEORG HESS, Skipper of U-995 and the youngest combat submarine commander of World War II and possibly ever; and HANNES ESKEN, Luftwaffe Major.
Oberleutnant z.S. d.R. HESS GERD DIETRICH
We walked out from the Rathaus along the 'Red Thread'. This is a red line painted along the sidewalks and streets in Hannover, giving an easy-to-follow sightseeing route. With TILMAN doing the narration, it really brought this ancient city to life. We enjoyed lunch at the vast 'Markthalle', or the market hall which was a huge indoor mall.
After lunch, our bus took us to the Luftwaffe Museum where we are met by our friend GÜNTHER LEONHARD, founder and director of this great museum. The Museum was ours for the afternoon, closed to the public and we began with a champagne meeting, courtesy of the Luftwaffe Museum and Sharkhunters. We were joined by our friend GERD DIETRICH, a cannoneer who fought with von Manstein's forces in the Crimea. GERD and his wife brought other veterans with them, and all were happy to sign autographs and GERD brought some books for the members of our group.
FW 190 In The At the head Two Enigma Machines, one is a
Luftwaffe Museum of the grave three wheel, the other has four
"I rate this tour FOUR STARS!" that is what Eric Matthews wrote about his time on our Patrol. He has been with us before, and enjoyed seeing old friends again. What about you? Plan to be with us on another 'Patrol in Germany' in 2003, our 20th Anniversary year.
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