I remember walking into my favourite watering hole in 1975 with my regular drinking mates after being told that we were on the way to Northern Ireland.
The immediate reaction of the locals was to offer to hide us.
We politely had to point out that as professional soldiers it was what we were paid for and kind as their genuine offer was, we were unable to accept.
We all returned after a safe tour to a glorious welcome and didn't need to buy a drink all night. I have little recollection of how the evening ended.
I raise a glass today to Hannes and Irene the proprietors of the Lohne Eck and their many German customers.