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After our morning hand to hand session we were gathered in the lecture hall so that we could have our final lecture on demolitions. I enjoyed these more than almost anything. Precise amounts of explosives for different structures were explained to us. I made sure I kept copious notes. I knew that some of the others struggled with the figures but that was the beauty of the Commandos. So long as a couple of us knew what to do then we would achieve our objective.

  At the end of the session Captain Foster stood. "Tomorrow is our last full day here. Our instructors will be leaving us in the afternoon to travel to Number Three Commando where they will repeat the training. I am sure we would all like to thank the three of them; we have learned much from them." The muted applause spoke volumes. "Tomorrow I want you all to bring your kitbags and equipment from your digs and place them at the back of the lecture hall."

  I used my normal technique that night. I went down the lane and then went to the right rather than the left. No one was following me. That became obvious after a fifteen minute wait. Had they given up? I was still suspicious and I took a really roundabout route back to the station. I was almost at the station when I smelled a cigarette. Joe smoked a pipe. I suddenly began to worry about Joe. These two were ruthless characters. They had shown me that when they had attacked Daddy and they had persistently tried to get me. This would be their last chance. Tomorrow they would be leaving and as the police were no closer to identifying them they had no reason to hold back. For Joe's sake I had to act.

  I reasoned that they were in the hedges behind the shed. They would be waiting for me to have my hands full with the padlock and then they would jump me. I went half a mile down the road and climbed the embankment down to the railway line. It was a risk but I knew that there was no train due until the ten forty six from Gobowen. Joe had at least an hour and he would be in his office having a brew and catching up on his paperwork. I saw the two of them. Their attention was on the front of the station. I took in that they had iron bars with them. That explained the injuries Daddy had suffered. I had no weapon save my speed and Nev's sage advice.

  I approached them silently. I would have been better with my rubber soled shoes but I just made sure that I looked at where I was placing my feet before putting my weight on them. I needed them close before I alerted them. Nev had told me that surprise was a useful weapon. I intended to find that out. I was just five feet from them and I spoke, "Are you lads waiting for me?"

  They both actually jumped as they turned and that tiny delay gave me my chance. I lifted my right leg and as Lowe tried to turn I rammed the heel of my boot at his knee. There was a crack and I saw the knee bend the wrong way. They called it pronation, my mum had told me about it. Lowe collapsed in a heap but I was already dropping to my knees for I expected Horn to swing his iron bar at my head and he did. My move made him miss and he over swung. I hurled my shoulder into his midriff and his momentum carried him over my shoulder. He landed on the floor. I was on my feet and I stamped hard on the right hand which held the iron bar. There was a crack and he squealed with the pain. I used the thumb hold which, ironically, he had taught us and brought his left arm up behind his back.

  Lowe was sobbing with the pain. I took out the German dagger I had taken. I placed it inside Horn's right ear. "Now I have a knife here. I could easily ram it into your ear and what passes for your brain. The express is due soon. I could drop your body on the line and then do the same with Lowe there. Nothing would remain of your bodies. Your deaths would be a mystery. Nod if you understand." He nodded, "Good. Now unlike you I am an intelligent man and although I would not grieve over your loss I would prefer you to die in the service of the King. So I will let you both live. When I let you up you will take your friend here and go back to camp. If I were you I would tell a story of being jumped by the same men who jumped Daddy Grant. You would look very foolish if you admitted that a raw recruit took the two of you for I will have not a mark on me tomorrow."

  I stood. "Get up slowly and I still my knife."

  His right hand was a mess. I must have broken every bone in it. Lowe was moaning. "The bastard broke my knee."

  "I think you will find I merely cracked the patella. The pain you are feeling is the pain from the knee bending the wrong way. Help him up, Horn." I took the two iron bars. "You won't be needing these will you?" Lowe had to lean heavily on Horn. Even if they had wanted to there was no way that they could do harm to me now. I followed them out of the station. The road was still empty. I watched until they disappeared from view and then I went into the station. Joe was just pouring himself a cup of tea. "Cuppa Tom?"

  "You must have read my mind, Joe!"

  I thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast the next morning as I thought it might be my last. I had enjoyed the company of the three men who were both kind and funny. They reminded me of my Grandad.

  When we reached the lecture hall Captain Foster had a strange expression on his face. He looked pointedly at me. Even Sean noticed, "The Captain is giving you a funny look. Have you been a bad boy?"

  "Not that I know of." I hated lying to Sean but the less he knew the better. I could still be on charges for the fight. It could be construed as attacking a superior officer. If it came to that I would have to take my medicine.

  "I am afraid that today only Sergeant Geraghty will be taking the last class. It seems that the two corporals were attacked by the same men who attacked Private Grant. Their injuries are not as serious but they will both be incapacitated for some time. We will have a shorter hand to hand session and I want you all back here." He pointed to the pile of kit bags at the back. "I will explain the reason for that when you return."

  My squad was only interested in one thing. Even Sergeant Johnson was not immune from speculation. "It was you wasn't it? You were the one who gave them a good hiding."

  I adopted my most innocent of looks. "Don't be stupid, Sergeant; how could I take on two hulking brutes like that." I pointed to my face. "Is there a mark on me? Do you think I could have inflicted injuries on those two and have nothing in return?"

  "I suppose not. Still I wonder who did it to them?" The fact that no one had seen the injuries meant that everyone had their own ideas.

  Sean said, quietly, "I don’t care what you say we both know it was you and I am not surprised you havna a mark on you. You are a tough sneaky bastard and I am bloody glad you are on our side."

  The PTI Sergeant was in an even fouler mood than he had been when I had shown him up the first time. He set us off and, after a short exercise said, "Come here young man and I will show you how to throw someone much bigger than yourself, like me."

  I went, I had no choice did I? I wondered if he would hurt me and pretend it was an accident. He told me and the others what he was going to do. He took out a Commando knife. I am going to sneak up on the Private. I will try to stab him in the ribs. Now Private what is your counter to that?"

  "I will grab your hand holding the knife and I will pull you forward; at the same time I will thrust my buttocks backwards so that you fall over me."

  "Good lad. Now we will not do this slow motion. We will do it in real time. This is our last exercise and we should make it as real as possible."

  I smiled, "That suits me Sergeant."

  "Good now turn your back."

  I had an idea what he would try. He would hold his knife in his left hand rather than his right. I still don't know what told me that but I was ready. He was quick and, as the knife came up I grabbed his left arm and pulled but instead of using my buttocks, as he was expecting I stuck out my left leg. He tumbled over; as he had already said, he was a big man. As the wind was knocked from him I used the thumb grip and took the knife from him. I held it at his throat and allowed it to penetrate just enough to bloody the end. "You were right Sergeant, realism is the best form of training."

  He hissed so that only I could hear, "You watch your back, Sonny Jim, because one day I am going to gut you like a fish."

  I stood and held my hand out to help him up
. As he came face to face with me I said, "Take your best shot but remember what happened to Muff and Chuff!"

  Sergeant Dean raced up, "Well done, Private. You have done a grand job, Jack. You can be proud." I was not certain of the sincerity in Sergeant Dean's voice but his body was between us.

  Sergeant Geraghty threw off my hand and stormed off without even acknowledging the officers. As he went Sergeant Dean said, "Son, you like living dangerously don't you?"

  I smiled, "No one touches my mates and gets away with it."

  He nodded, "Good."

  My back was in danger of becoming black and blue as I took the plaudits of my comrades. I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it, I did. For the first time in my life I was accepted because I was Tom Harsker, not because I was the son of a British hero. It felt good.

  Chapter 16

  Captain Foster had a wicked grin on his face as he stood before us. "You have all done well and we are now ready to begin our next phase of training. I am afraid it will not now be in Anglesey. Instead it will be in Poole and we will be training with the Royal Navy. They, too, are part of the Special Service Brigade. That training will begin six days from now. However we will not make it easy for you. You will have to make your own way there." I saw confident nods from many of the men. "But you will not be in uniform, nor will you have money. I want you all to strip down to your underwear. You may choose your own footwear but all else will go in your kitbags. They will await you in Poole."

  We all looked at each other until Sergeant Dean began to strip and roared, "You heard the officer! Down to your skivvies unless you are shy!"

  I actually smiled. I began to formulate my plan even as I undressed. I took off my boots and put on the rubber soled shoes. Sean grumbled, "How the hell do we get to Poole from here? Where the hell is Poole?"

  "It's on the south coast of Dorset about two hundred miles away."

  "Bloody stupid if you ask me."

  "It makes sense. If we can't operate in our own country without money then how will we do it in occupied France?"

  "I suppose."

  Captain Foster shouted, for everyone was speaking, "There are some civilian clothes for you here. First come first served."

  Everyone dived in and a battle royal ensued as everyone tried to get clothes which fitted. I was not bothered. When the frenzy had died down I took a pair of trousers, a shirt, a jumper and a jacket. The trousers were too short and the jacket too big but the shirt and jumper fitted. Lieutenant Reed laughed as he came towards us. We must have looked like circus clowns. "Lieutenant Reed has a simple map for you. It's the sort of map we might have if we were in Occupied France. For those of you who have not worked this out, this is a test for you. If you are picked up by the Military Police we will come and speak up for you but it means you will have failed and you may be returned to your own unit. Regard every uniform as an enemy." He paused. "Do you all have a map?" We chorused, "Sir, yes sir!"

  "Then I will wait for you all by the Motor Torpedo Boat number twenty three which will be waiting in Poole harbour. That is your objective. View it as an assignment in a hostile area and you will do well. Good luck gentlemen."

  Everyone ran out of the mess hall. I walked. I had a plan. As I passed the Captain he said, "As cool as ever Harsker."

  "We have six days and I estimate it will need about thirty miles a day. It should be possible but I have a feeling, sir, that you haven't told us everything and there will be a few surprises."

  "And you would be right. Oh by the way Private Grant is too injured to be part of this exercise. He will be waiting for you all in Poole. I thought you should know."

  "Thank you, sir." That made me feel much better.

  When I reached the station I went to the shed and took out the bike. I had most of my plan worked out but not all. Joe had just checked the tickets from the Chester train. "Well Joe, I am leaving soon."

  "I'll miss you and so will the lads. You have been a good chap to talk with."

  "I have a favour to ask." I explained our task.

  "That sounds difficult."

  "It is. I am going to use my bike but I have a feeling that they will be looking for us close to here. Is there any chance you could get me a lift in the Guard's van of a train. Just to Wolverhampton or one of the stations further south."

  He grinned, "It would be my pleasure." He looked at his watch. There is a Wolverhampton train due in about half an hour. Just enough time for you to have a bite to eat."

  "No thanks, Joe, I have just eaten but I will make some sandwiches. I guess I will be hungrier tomorrow. I'll just go and check the bike and then make the sandwiches." I had a few things I had left at the shed. There was a pocket knife, my compass and a lighter. I put them in the small bag on the bike which had the tool kit inside. I took off the trousers and the jacket. I was wearing my PE shorts over my underwear. I intended to pretend to be a long distance cyclist.

  After I had made my sandwiches I put them in an old shopping bag I had found. By putting my arms through the handles it would be like a rucksack. Joe had a usable water skin which had been left in the lost property. I filled it with water and put that in the shopping bag. I was ready. When the train arrived Joe went to the Guard and had a word with him. I was waved over. "Right son, get your bike in yon Guard's van."

  I shook old Joe's hand, "You are a pal!"

  "And you have made me feel twenty years younger. Take care of yourself."

  I seated myself on a wicker hamper amidst parcels and boxes. The train chugged out of the station and I was on my way.

  It was mid afternoon when I reached Wolverhampton. A busy town, it was the perfect place for me to disappear. I guessed that the Captain would have tried to catch people closer to Oswestry. Joe's friend got me through the ticket barrier; he said I was his nephew. Once outside the station I sat on the bike and pedalled. There were many other cyclists; admittedly few of them were wearing shorts but I did not attract any undue attention. I headed south. Hardly any of the roads had signs and I would have to rely on my compass and my own sense of direction. Even though I was already hungry I knew that I had to husband my meagre resources until I could replenish them.

  I stopped after an hour. That was for two reasons: I was hot and needed to strip down to my vest and shorts, secondly I was not used to the narrow saddle on the bike. I walked for half an hour and drank a little water. I had the salt we had been given and I added a little to the water to help with my dehydration. I knew that the train had saved me many miles. I rode through Kidderminster and Worcester. Night was falling and I did not want to risk being run down by a car or a lorry at night. I had no lights. I pulled over shortly after I had passed through a village called Bredon. I walked along a small lane and found a small lake or reservoir. I could not tell which. There were some trees where the ground rose a little to the south east and I hid my bike there and then went down to the water. I stripped off and bathed. The cool waters helped my aching rear.

  I towelled myself dry with the shirt and dressed. I was able to drink the contents of the water skin. I could refill it from the lake. I ate two of my precious sandwiches. I had six left. I could have four the next day and that would leave me two. After that… I had looked at the map while there was still light and, with the train and my cycling, I thought I had covered at least eighty miles. That was fifty more than I had estimated I might travel. It would leave me with about a hundred miles to ride. So long as the bike held up I would be able to make it in another two days. If I pushed it then I might be able to make it in one. However, as I had discovered during the retreat, one did not count chickens.

  I had a good internal clock and I was awake by five. After filling my water skin and eating one of the sandwiches I set off. My rear was tender and it was agony to sit on the saddle. I found myself standing to ride, especially on the uphill sections. I made good time. I did see vehicles and meet people but the people just waved and the cars carried on their way. I did not see any uniforms. I knew that
the Home Guard, the recently formed LDV would patrol at night but not during the day.

  I was becoming confident and that is always a mistake. I was contemplating pushing on to Winchester which would leave me with a last day hopefully of just forty or so miles when I picked up a puncture. I was not far from Andover and the village of Penton Mewsey. I needed water to affect a repair. I saw the land, towards the village dip away. I took a chance that there would be a stream of some description there. I wheeled the bike across the rutted fields and found the stream. Luckily the puncture was on the front wheel and I soon had the inner tube out.

  It did not take long to find the hole and, after I had repaired it I let the glue set. I knew from experience that if I pumped the tyre up too quickly I might undo my good work. I lay back on the grass and looked at the sky.

  "Now then son, what are you doing on my land?"

  I jumped up. My over confidence had dulled my senses. I jumped to my feet. There was a farmer with a shotgun, broken, in the crook of his arm. "Sorry sir, I had a puncture and I was repairing it." I pointed to the inner tube."

  "Ah. Is it done then?"

  "It is. I will pump it up now and then be on my way."

  "No hurry son but we are all a bit suspicious now what with Herr Hitler threatening to send paratroopers over." I replaced the inner tube and they tyre and began to pump. "How is it you aren't in the forces? You look like a fit young man."

  I smiled. This was where I would have to pretend I was behind enemy lines and lie. "I am on my way to Dorset sir. I want to join up there."

  I saw his face break into a smile. "And you are cycling all that way. Well done lad. Where have you come from?"

  "I left Wolverhampton two days ago."

  "You have done well. Where did you sleep last night?"

  "Under some trees."

  "And what did you eat?"

  I had just fitted the wheel and tightened the bolts. I took out the last two sandwiches. "I had these."

  He shook his head, "Come with me to the farmhouse. It would be a poor show if I let you spend another night in the open besides," he pointed to the sky, "it's going to rain cats and dogs tonight."