Breaking the Stalemate

During WW1, an American soldier's clever tactic of using names 'Hans' and 'John' to confuse the Germans in trench warfare led to a strategic advantage. In the Andamans, a bearded man on a remote island surprises passing ships with his enthusiastic...

In WW1, there was trench warfare, and things were reaching a stalemate. One day, an American came up with a plan. This private shared his plan to his trench mates, and they decided to try it out. The next day, an American soldier called out, 'Hans!?' A German popped up and shouted back, 'Ja?!' Boom, the German was shot dead.

The next day the Americans shouted again, 'Hans?!' 'Ja?!' Shot dead. This process continued over the next few days, until the Germans started catching on. In an emergency meeting, they thought of using the same tactics as the Americans. So, a German asked, 'What is a popular American name?' 'John!' replied another.

The next day, a German shouted, 'John!?' An American called back, 'Is that you, Hans?!' 'Ja!' And that's how the Americans won WW1.


Castaway Ahoy!

A cruise ship passes by a remote island in the Andamans, and all the passengers see a bearded man running around and waving his arms wildly.

'Captain,' one passenger asks, 'Who is that man over there?'
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'I have no idea,' the captain replies, 'but he goes nuts every year when we pass him.'

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)
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