Missed train results in unforgettable experience

In the year 451, there was a battle in Châlons, France, between the Romans and the Huns (in what is now Germany). The result was 50,000 dead. It seems like these ancient battles resulted in a lot more death than modern warfare. Anyway, I have my own personal story that occurred in Châlons, France.

When I first went into the Army and was assigned to go to France, we flew from the U.S. to Paris. Then I was to take a train to my assignment in Verdun, France. I was told that I had to change trains in Châlons and that French trains ran right on time and I only had 5 minutes to change.

Well, all went well and I arrived in Châlons and my train that I was to get on was parked on the other side of my train. I got off the train but couldn’t figure out how to get to my train. No one spoke English, so my train left and I was stranded in Châlons at 8 p.m.

Again, no one spoke English. I went outside and saw we were sort of out of town, then went back in figuring I was going to have to walk to town. I got my baggage, went outside and, lo and behold, here came a U.S. military police car. They were stopping to go to the bathroom.

Turns out they were taking a prisoner to the stockade in Verdun, so I hitched a ride with them — what good luck. We deposited the prisoner in Verdun and they took me to the officers club to get a room for the night.

I went in the room and someone was sleeping in my bed! It was like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Then they took me to town to a hotel for the night.

Now I had to go number two, but the bathroom just had a bidet. I had never heard of such a thing. Later, I found the toilet in a little closet. That is the way they do it in France.

So all ended well. 

Roger Gregory served as a captain in the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam. He is a Priest River businessman.