The Flochet's 1953
Chatelerault, France
The Flochet's
As I got to know the Flochets it was Guy and Allen that I knew the best. Allen the oldest and Guy around 8 years old. The few times I got to town the bus would stop right next to there house..There I would meet the whole family. I ate dinner with them a couple of times. They were very simple meals, vegetables from there garden and a pigeon. While it was still cold they gave me wine that was heated up.
Allen was studying to be a fixer of watches. Guy as we went along was picking up all the information he could and eventually got a good job with the American military (years later).One day of the year May 1st was the big day for the Communist in town. So we could go to town if we went to the local American club. The bus driver knew where I wanted to get off and I went to the Flochets. When the bus returned I was ready to get back on. One day I was restricted to post..So I did not have a pass. What did you do? I went to the back of the bus and hid behind the last seat. The Guard would go down the seats but never check behind the last one. A lot of soldiers did this One day the Communist citizens had a parade..It was very peaceful.
A favorite memory. One day Guy went to a summer camp. I had a bicycle (and old one) but it worked. I got the directions and headed out to see him. The road going there went along a forest..At one point I saw the sign "La Rond du Chen"..The small road I went down had trees on both sides,Then just like that I was in the camp. In the middle of the forest a large circle in the Forest on the edge a couple of small houses,,,It was beautiful..As I drove around the circle I found a road and there was Guy with other teenagers..On the edge of the road the remains of an old church..They were playing a game with small hoops. They would throw it and the boy would put out his hand to let it go on his arm,,I only stayed a short time and I had to get back to camp. I got back on the road and I took another route. As I went down a small hill I found they had just put fresh tar on the road and I got some on my khaki uniform.
More Later....Phillip Meyer
