Frank and some of the boys were exchanging old war stories. James offered one about how his grandfather (Captain Smith)led a battalion against a German division during World War I. Through brilliant maneuvers he defeated them and captured valuable territory. Within a few months after the battle he was presented with a sword bearing the inscription:
"To Captain Smith for Bravery, Daring and Leadership, World War One, from the Men of Battalion 8."
Frank looked at James and said, "You really don't expect anyone to believe that yarn, do you?" What is wrong with the story?
I think I figured this one out...
ReplyDeleteIf the gift of the sword came only a few months after the battle, it wouldn't have said "WWI" on it, because at that point they wouldn't have known there was going to be a WWII.
This is a classic "Encyclopedia Brown" (remember? the children's books about the boy detective?) problem. Only in that one it was "The First Battle of Bull Run".
ReplyDeleteAbe, thanks for reminding me about Encyclopedia Brown; I had almost forgotten about it :D
ReplyDeleteIt would have said "The Great War".
ReplyDeleteThat is what my grandfather's awards said that he received for serving.
Also, a battalion is not led by a captain but usually by a Lieutenant-Colonel.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea about the whole battalion thing. Nice.
ReplyDeleteEncyclopedia Brown. Wow! I haven't though of those books in such a long time. Those were great. Like Pilgrim said, thanks for reminding me of those.
Just wanted whoever does this website to know that I love it! I'm a teacher and I write one of your puzzles up on the board everyday. The kids get quite a thrill out of seeing who can be the first one to figure it out.
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting me know. It sounds corny, but knowing that people enjoy these puzzles keeps me doing this every day. It's been over 2 years now with over 600 riddles and counting.
ReplyDelete