|
|
Article: Broken bodies, broken bread: enemies on the battlefield can become friends in the church.
- Article from:
- Presbyterian Record
- Article date:
- December 1, 1996
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1996 Presbyterian Record. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
THE GERMAN general, Baron Geyr von Schwepenburg, had been commandant at Caen on D-Day. When he published a book about his career (he had served as military attache at German embassies in most European countries), I ordered a copy and requested his autograph. He sent it with the following words:
Jan 15th 50.
To Rev. R. Douglas MacDonald an enemy at Caen by fate, a brother Christian, a helper and friend in captivity.
Baron Geyr von Schweppenburg Ex C.i.C. Panser Army Group Normandy.
Let me explain how our friendship came about.
At Christmas 1945, I was in Aurich, Germany, serving with a Canadian regiment during the trial of ...