Heard about this one through the blogvine: "Scores" of British war heros, undoubtedly some of whom helped liberate France from German occupation, were on a religious pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, known for its healings. A good number of the Catholic veterans had gathered in a hotel bar late into the night, to celebrate their last evening together when suddenly 30 French policemen stormed the place, throwing 3 canisters of gas into the bar!

On according to this Sun article, one veteran testified:

"All hell broke loose. People ran out coughing and choking. Some braved the fumes to help those in wheelchairs get out. They were in a terrible state afterwards. It all happened without a single word of warning."

Another complained:

"Nobody told us to go to bed or keep the noise down. One minute everyone was having a convivial time and the next we were under attack. The whole episode was a disgrace. We were on a religious pilgrimage, yet we were treated like football hooligans."

And:

David Kelly, chaplain of the Royal Military College at Shrivenham, Oxfordshire, added: "There was no reason for this sudden onslaught. Everyone was celebrating the end of a very special trip when the police burst in and mayhem broke out."

So was there a reason for this behavior by the French authorities? Their explanation:

Police chiefs in Lourdes -- visited by hundreds of thousands each year for its healing waters -- said the 2am incident happened because the pilgrims were breaking a local by-law that bans late-night boozing.

Lourdes police commissioner Didier Ribeyrolle admitted the use of tear gas was "inappropriate." But he said: "The hotel showed a lax attitude to our by-laws. Some patrons may have been shocked by the methods used, but the rules must be respected."

Good heavens! The hotel showed a lax attitude! Surely could have attacked the hotel management instead. Gosh, they seem apologetic and repentant. Poor old guys in wheelchairs, sitting in a pub...

And the French wonder why they are perceived as aloof, arrogant, or unwelcoming to visitors.

Brought to us thanks to Misha