Gilpin observer., 1918-09-26
utenant Pat O'Brien


| nature-German msSnods behind tht
front line trenches. tactics, morale OF
troops and similar matters. Then the
aviation experts would take a whacE
at me and discuss with me all / had
observed Of German flying corps
methods and equipment. Then, again
the food experts would interrogate
me as to what l had learned of food
conditions in Germany, Luxembourg
and Belgium. and as had lived pretty
close to the ground for the best part
of severty-twO days was able to give
them some fairly accurate reports as
to actual agricultural conditions,
many of the things I told them prob
ably having more Significance to them
than they had to me.
There were many things 1 had OBJ
served which have not referred to in
these pages because their value to us
might be diminished if the Germans
knew we were aware of them, but
they were all reported to the authori-
ties and it was very gratifying to me
to hear that the experts considered
One of the most amusing Incidents
of my return occurred when I called at
my bankers in London to get my per-
sonal effects.
The practice in the Royal Flying
corps when a pilot is reported mis-
sing Is to have two of his comrades
assigned to go through his belongings,
OH
that it might not be to his interest to
preserve, and send the whole busi-
ness to his banker or his home, as the
case may be. Every letter is read
through, but their contents is never
afterwards discussed or revealed in
any way. If the pilot is finally re-
ported dead, his effects are forwarded
to his next of kin. but while he is Of
ficially only missing" or is known to
be prisoner Of war, they are kept
either at the squadron headquarters
or sent to his bankers.
In my case as soon as 1t was learned
that had fallen from the sky, 1t was
assumed that had been killed and
my chum. Paul Raney, and another
officer detailed to check over my ef-
fects. The list they made and to
which they affixed their signatures
as have previously mentioned, is
now in my possession and is one of
the most treasured souvenirs of my
adventure.
My trunk was sent to Cox & Co. in
due course, and now that I was in
London thought would 20 and claim
1t.
When I arrived at the bank I ap-
piled to the proper window for my
mail and trunk.
"Who are your" 1 was asked rather
sharply.
well. I guess no one has any
greater right to Pat O'Brien's effects
than 1 have" replied, land I would
he obliged to you If you would look
them up for me-"
"That may be all right, my friend"
replied the clerk, ''but according to
our records Lieutenant O'Brien is a
prisoner of war in Germany, and we
can't very well turn over his effects
to anyone else unless either you pre-
sent proof that he is dead and that
you are his lawful representative, or
else deliver to us properly authenti-
ticated order from him to give them
to you"
He was very positive about 1t all,
but quite polite, and thought
would kid him no more.
"Well," / said, II can't very well
present proofs to you that Pat O'Brien
is dead, but will do the best can to
prove to you that he is alive, and If
you haven't quite forgotten his sig
nature guess I can write you out
an order that will answer all your re-
quirements and enable you to give me
Pat OBrien's belongings without run
ming any risks" and scribbled my
signature on a scrap of paper and
handed 1t to him.
He looked at me carefully through
the latticed window, then jumped
down from the high chair and came
outside to clasp me by the hand.
Good heavens, leftenant" he ex-
claimed, as he pumped my hand up
and down, "how did you ever get
awayT and had to sit right down
and tell him and half dozen other
people in the bank all about my ex-
periences.
I had been in England about five
days when received telegram
which. at first, occasioned me almost
!, aAe.