Bah! Potential issue with the woodland area. Despite saying in the message it was fine, he says that he's had trouble getting in touch with the land agent so doesn't have explicit permission to use it. He hopes the land agent will return the call before the weekend, but can't guarantee it.
From my memory of the site visit, we weren't too explicit about using that part of the site much anyway.
If I had been Hess that's where I would have been - the other side to the Germans, no chance they can stumble on Hess. Come 1pm, couple of bangs and smokes, small Brit squad investigates, reports back, larger search squad goes out, combs woods, finds Hess. By then its 2pm, Hess is in custody in 'middle' ground, visible to Germans who can then make plans. Brits shuffle Hess about. Germans remake plans....
If we lose the big wood all we have is open fields and the stream and the steep hill on the German side. Very difficult to 'hide' anyone or any thing, let alone put in sneaky attacks!
Fingers crossed - we need the wood!
If I had been Hess that's where I would have been
Yes, it's exactly where I was thinking of going, but there are other options.
My take on the conversation was that he was pressing for permission, but was moving towards saying just to use it anyway.
I'll call him again today and say that it's quite important.
OK, have spoken to John.
The reason he can't get in touch with the Land Agent is because he's in Australia. He's sent him an email.
I suggested that we could keep the action in that area to a minimum and that we could class it a "no fire zone" for the sake of finding Hess. It's unlikely there'll be running battles in that area anyway.
He said if there's no shooting taking place it should be fine.
