Hazel Birt of Winnipeg sends us a story which could no doubt, be set in many other countries:

During the long struggle between the Finns and the Russians early in the Second World War, an infantryman named Heino was finally allowed a three-day pass to go home and see his wife. He was a day late returning.

“I can put you on charge,” bellowed his commanding officer. “Why are you late?”

“Well,” said the Finnish soldier, “it’s all because my wife Olka was having a bath when I got home.”

“What’s that got to do with you being late?”

“As I say,” explained Heino, “there she was in the bath and it took four days for my greatcoat to dry.”