German throws potato at ex-RIC Man

Herman Winkler, a German with a greengrocery shop on the Fulham Palace Road in London, was summoned before West London Police Court where he was charged with throwing a potato at John Finnigan, a pensioner of the Royal Irish Constabulary.

The two men had been friends for years, but had fallen out following the outbreak of war. Mr. Winkler denied throwing the potato and denied saying that the Germans would soon be in control of London. Indeed, he said he had been in London for 35 years and had a son serving in the British navy.

The Judge, Mr. Fordham, said: ‘It seems a terrible thing two old friends should fall out over the war. There are a lot of Germans in the country who are loyal to the country.’ He suggested that the two men shake hands, but Mr. Finnegan refused, saying that he was a loyal subject of His Majesty and he could not forgive the things that Mr. Winkler had said.

The case was dismissed.