The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-11
BIRMINGHAM BOY VISITS EX-KA|SER'S
 CASTLE ON RHINE
Sergt. Mandy, With Army of Occupation, Praises Y. M. c A. and Tells of Trip
 Up the Rhine

In a letter received a few days ago, Sergt Harold Mandy, formerly of The Age Herald staff. now with the army
 of occupation in Germany writes inter
 estingly of his experiences on the banks
 of the Rhine.
 He is attached to the headquarters
 of the quartermaster corps of the third division and is stationed at Andernach,
 a town few miles north of Coble;.z.
 and billeted with a German family with in two blocks of the river.
 In his letter he speaks of the food shortage in Germany. tells of visit to one of the ex-kaiser's castles and other points on the historic Rhine, an1 has a good word for the work of the Y M c. A. with the army of occupa ton. His letter in part follows:
 Everything IS about as usual, and it is the same old routine day after day, work at tie headquarters during the day and loaf around at night until J o clock when the M |. chaSes every one off the streets. There is absolute ly nothing doing in this old burg (An- dernach) but steps have been taken to organize brass band and to open a picture snow WHICH Will Htip SOIne The Y. M. C. A. came to our relief few days ago, however, and gave us :. trip on the river to Coblenz and other points on the Rhine and we surely nad a good time for Y treated us royalty. The entire trip cost me sixteen pfenniS l, about four cents as the affair includ- ing meals was on the and they left nothing undone for our pleasure. On the trip we visited Stolzenfel castle, formerly one of the ex-kaiser' g many domiciles, and believe me the old boy had a most wonderful place. Fine inlaid hardwood floors are in every room and the furnishings are elaborate n the extreme. The reception room is simply bewildering with it's stands or ancient war implements, armor of tne fourteenth century, and other trophies. all. however, of martial nature. Tn some of the rooms the furniture is hand carved. massive and beautiful, many of the pieces dating back many centuries, and on the walls are famous paintings, and almost priceless tapestry. 1t is really d remarkable place and |. all the sixty castle said to be oNned py the ex-kaser are as well furnished and as fine as this one. it is not to be wondered at that he put up hard fight against losing them.
 we also visited the statue of William the First, said to be the largest of it's kind in the world and it certainly is an imposing piece or work It is erected near the forks oi the Rhine and Moselle rivers We vis- tied many other points of interest of which I will write later. The Y has established a number of motor boats that make trips up and down the Rhine and I shall avail myself of a trip at the first opportunity.
 Until few days ago we were able to buy eatables, such as cakes and cookies from the Germans. but orders were issued that on account of the food shortage such sales must stop. Re. l sarding food, 1 secured an egg the other day. the first 1 had seen since arriving in this place, I was undecided whether to eat or save it as souvenir, but 1 realizing that age, however, much II
 may improve wine. is not conducive to
 the welfare of eggfruit, so 1 had it for breakfast and enjoyed it.'