General Dietl Questions?

[David G]

Hi,
I'm going to visit a friend next Tuesday.Sorry about the short notice of this, but been away.
He knew General Dietl personally, and in his work ,was responsible only to Dietl. Bearing in mind he is approaching 90 years, if there is any questions, I'll maybe ask a few, although my German is not great, I might be able to get an answer or two.
I should add he was of course Gebirgsjager, and a fairly senior officer, worked in Russia and Finland.

Regards

David

[Simon O.]

So many questions...


Just wish him good health and greetings from 'das arktis'.



Simon

[David G]

Well seen my friend, not a Knightscross winner(although was recommended for it at the wars end).Was a DKiG winner, I've seen it now,the only momento he kept and its unfortunately denazified-a crying shame.
He is a very private person, but I have spoken to him about the campaign in Finland.
I asked him about General Dietl , a personal anecdote for you.
He told me that one day,some new recruits were being lined up to be introduced to the General.
One, who was wearing thick glasses was asked what he had done before entering the army.He said he was formerly a student.
Dietl said "forget having been a student, with spectacles like that, you are already half way to death" (my translation)

Simon, if you want, I can send you a pic of my friend with Dietl, it's not quite close up, but you can see its definitely Dietl.

[Simon O.]

Interesting anecdote David. A comment you'd expect more from a SNCO than a commanding general.