why the will was fake?

Question

Holmes was asked by a man to help him with his fathers will. The old man (General Edward) had left a fortune worth $100mn to his driver and a meager $50000 to his son. Holmes read the last paragraph of will " To my driver james who chaffured me across Europe in the first World War, and saved my life on 5 occasions I pledge $100 mn and my Scottish mansion. To my banker son who always loved me I bequeath the jewellery & my prized golden sword both worth $50000" - signed on 18 April 1923
 
Holmes immediately remarked its fake!!!!
 
How???

Answer 1

Because no one would have known in 1923 that there would be a second World War.  WWII would begin in 1939, though the Nazi party would be gaining strength in 1923 as a result of inflation in Germany after being presented a bill for damages after starting what we now call WWI.  The General would have referred to it as "The Great War" by most Europeans; "The European War" by some American's who served during that time.  It would not be referred to as the first World War until after the second one had been initiated.

Answer 2

World War II didn't begin until 1939.  As of April 18, 1923, there would have been no reason to refer to it as "the first World War."  Therefore, I would conclude that this was written at a much later date.

 

 

J.T.