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John’s friend, Benny Webster, had lost a leg during one of the first shelling raids; after which he became chauffeur to Dover’s Lord Mayor. (possibly Jim Cairns) A big parade was put on, with marching bands and troops ceremonially parading through the town. It was a big occasion with crowds of cheering spectators. John was rushing some fish to one of the big restaurants, Igglesden and Graves, who had run short of supplies. Driving against the flow of traffic forming the parade, he found it hard going, and was stopped just as he reached St. Mry’s Church - right by the Mayoral car — open topped with the Mayor and General Smuts sitting there in all their pomp and glory. When John caught site of Benny, he called out a greeting to him — which so distracted the chauffeur, that the mayoral car shunted the vehicle in front, which happened to be the NAAFI wagon.. The Mayoral Car ‘s front bumper got caught up with the read bumper of the Naaffi Wagon — and the parade continued with the Naaffi wagon towing the Mayor and distinguished guest. Of course John was blamed for this disaster —and his former friend Benny took a while to forgive him.

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