by Carly Smesh
"I'll bring in the coffee," she said, rising and moving into the kitchen.
"I understand that 'Crusader' is going well," he called after her.
"Dad thinks a little too well," she replied.
He waited till she had poured out the coffee and sat down again before asking. "Why did he say that?"
"For every mile they retreat brings them a mile closer for resupply. For every mile we advance, takes us a mile further from resupply. Hitler is sending in reinforcements on a vast scale through Benghazi and the Italians are reinforcing their army. That's what the intercepts seem to be saying."
Shaun shrugged his shoulders, "Well, people above my pay scale make the decisions."
She nodded and smiled, "Can you pour out the brandy? We can have it on the couch."
She'd kicked off her shoes and sat with her legs tucked in beneath her. He joined her and handed her a brandy balloon.
"Shaun, I wanted to see you tonight before you went back in the line. We have to talk about us. Neither of us know what the future will bring, or if our feelings will change."
He put his arm around her gently, pulling her over to him. With his other hand he gently raised her head to look at him. "Sharon, I don't worry about the future, that's Gods business, I only think about the here and now. I love you, I didn't ask for it, it happened and I have to try and live with it. I know what your fears are, but I can wait until you can master them. I'm not here for a quick lay and then back to the front. I'm here for the long haul."
Her eyes filled with suppressed tears, "I do love you, Shaun, I didn't want to but it's happened."
He kissed her, her arms wound around his neck, pulling his head harder to hers. When he broke the kiss he saw her eyes were closed. He kissed her long neck, moving down to the hollow of her shoulder, feeling a shiver pass through her. His hand dropped to her breast, she was not wearing a bra under the blouse. He could feel the hardness of her nipple as his finger gently traced around it. A moan escaped her lips.
With a supreme effort, he removed his hand and used it to lift her face, "I want to make love to you, but I'm not going to until you're sure."
She looked into his eyes, "Darling you could have, but thank you for not doing so. You are very patient with me and I swear I'll make it up to you."
He climbed to his feet, "I'm going now. I have no idea when I'll get more leave, but will you write to me?"
"Of course," she said as she followed him to the door, then kissed him soundly, pressing her body close to his. "Be careful darling... please," she whispered through her tears.
Outside he lit a cigarette, drawing the smoke deep into his lungs. It had been a close thing. He knew he had wanted to make love to her, but some instinct had warned him now was not the time.
Chapter 16
It was a slow trip back to the base. Traffic going to the front slowed their progress, whilst ambulances and tank recovery vehicles with damaged tanks filled the other lane returning to Alexander.
Eventually they pulled up at the base, Ted Frazer was there to welcome them with a crown on his shoulder lapel.
He smiled as they spilled out of the Ford, "Welcome home chaps, I trust you all had a good leave." He indicated for them to follow him into the command tent. Once they were all in he began. "I believe you have all seen Captain Silverman and have expressed a desire to sign up for his unit. It remains to be seen if the rest of the patrol will feel the same. I intend to put it to those men tomorrow after breakfast, their answer will determine on our next move. Needless to say I have been roped in as well," he said with a grin.
"I believe congratulations are in order," Bobby said, followed by a few here, here's from the others.
Ted smiled self-consciously, "Thanks chaps."
***
That night Shaun dreamt of Sharon, she seemed to fill his thoughts as of late.
Ted had his meeting with the rest of the patrol after breakfast, Shaun was not surprised at the result. All volunteered to a man.
Ted left for Cairo the following day, with instructions that Shaun was in charge until he returned.
It was late evening on the next day that he returned, his brief case bulging.
They found out the results of his meeting the following morning. His desk had been cleared and a large scale map lay on it.
"My meeting with Captain Silverman was very interesting. We are now to be called Patrol Z, we officially will still be LRDG but come under the orders of Captain Silverman.
We are going to move the base back East to Subaya Oasis, its further south and off the Bedouin camel routes." He paused to show the location on the map.
"Only the patrol members plus my command staff will be moving, 32 in all. Our supplies and rations will be issued through Captain Silverman. Over the next few months we are going to be re-equipped, with what, I have no idea as yet. It's paramount that no mention of this unit should be divulged outside of our base. As far as the outside world is concerned we are carrying out normal LRDG missions. We begin moving tomorrow, you'll let your men know to start packing. That will be all for the time being gentlemen."
Shaun rounded up his section and informed them of the move, all their personnel effects were to be loaded on Sue. The tents and sleeping cots would be going in the three tonner. Titch asked about the spares he had for Sue. "Try to get as much as you can on to Sue, anything left over will have to go in the three tonner." He left Jack in charge of organizing it.
He walked over to the operations tent to check the map. Subaya Oasis was well off the beaten track he realised. South of Alexandra, and about a hundred miles from Cairo. There was a track they could use to reach it, which would keep them off the coast road.
"Checking the route?" A voice asked.
He turned round, it was Ted. Shaun nodded, "I presume we will be using this track?" he pointing to it.
"That's right, we have to keep a very low profile until we are set up there."
"But why so far back east?" Shaun puzzled, "Operation Crusader seems to be going very well, they'll soon be able to relieve Tobruk at their current rate of advance."
"Silverman is of the opinion that we are extending our supply line too far and too fast, and without sufficient stock pile to back up the advance. From intelligence that his department has acquired, Hitler is reinforcing Rommel with troops and equipment as well as Italian troops and equipment. The Luftwaffe has been beefed up with squadrons from Crete. He seems to think that Rommel will wait until we are too extended, and then attack. If he is right, our only defence line is at El Alamein were the Qattara Depression guards our Southern flank, and that's only ninety miles from Alex."
Shaun walked away disturbed with Ted's assessment.
Chapter 17
They moved out at eight in the morning following the faint camel track, at times having to stop to free either the three tonner or one of the 30 cwt. It was slow going under the burning sun. But at last in the late afternoon they arrived at the Oasis set in a depression. About a dozen date palms ringed a pool roughly nine feet in diameter.
It was almost sunset before the tents were erected and camouflage nets placed over them. Cookie and Bobby's cook started to make a meal, whilst Jack got the Benghazi burner going for a much needed brew.
Shaun was busy setting up the contents of his tent, when Ted called in.
"I've just heard from Silverman's office, we can expect a supply wagon tomorrow, let's hope it's something good." He said with a smile.
"I just hope it's something better than bullied beef," Shaun replied.
As they ate their meal, Sammy remarked that the sand flies had not caught up with them yet. "Give them time laddie, they'll get here soon enough," Jack growled
Shaun had a good night's sleep, exhausted from the journey and getting the base organised.
The next morning they put the finishing touch to the base. Jack organised a rope winch so that a man could climb to the top of the largest palm tree to keep watch. Titch made up a pump that was pl
aced in the pool to supply water to the cook house and to a makeshift shower. He glowed with pleasure from the gratitude of the men.
Just before noon the lookout warned that a truck was heading their way. The men gathered up their weapons to be on the safe side.
It turned out to be a Royal Naval three tonner driven by a sailor. He hoped down and presented himself to Ted with a smart salute, and handed over an envelope. Whilst the men unloaded the truck Ted disappeared into his tent with the letter.
Later he gathered the Officers together, "I've been informed by Captain Silverman that he wants us all to report to him on Saturday at 10am, Bookings have been made for us at the Nile Palace Hotel, we can book in on Friday, and we leave on Sunday morning." Wide smiles appeared on their faces at the news. "Also," Ted continued, "Sargent Blake is promoted to Staff Sargent effective immediately, I'll let you inform him Shaun."
Shaun informed Sargent Blake, "It's not before time," he said smiling.
Shaun had not received any mail, either from home or Sharon, but then nobody else had either. He put it down to their change of command and knew it would catch up with them eventually.
He packed his valise knowing it would be an early start to reach Cairo. He wondered if he would see Sharon, hoping that he would.
The five of them managed to squeeze into the Ford, Ted drove. When they reached the Coast Road they were surprised at the amount of traffic returning to Alexandra and Cairo, mainly ambulances and tank recovery trucks carrying damaged tanks.
"It looks like it's not all plain sailing for the lads at the front," Ted murmured as they passed another recovery vehicle.
"I hate to say it," Bobby replied, "but Gerry has some equipment that's better than ours. Their 88mm flack guns have turned out to be deadly antitank guns."
"I heard that they're mounting those on their tanks now, God help the 7th Armour if they do," Tim replied.
They lapsed into silence as they continued their journey.
At the Hotel they climbed out stiffly from the cramped car, stretching their limbs. Porters hurried out to collect their luggage. After booking in they were shown to their rooms.
Shaun undressed and made his way into the bathroom turning on the shower, he stood under it letting the hot water soak away aches of his body. After dressing he called for an outside line connecting through to Sharon office.
He listened to her voice announce herself, "Hello Sharon, it's Shaun. I'm in Cairo at the Nile Palace." He heard her gasp at the other end of the phone line. "Shaun, oh god it's wonderful to hear from you, how long are you staying?"
"We return on Sunday morning, we have a meeting with your dad tomorrow. I was hoping to see you if we can make it between our schedules."
"I'll go home at the end of my duty and change, and meet you at the hotel. What room are you in?"
He told her. She said she would come up when she got there, and then broke the connection.
He glanced at his watch, 5:45, she should get off at 6:30. By the time she had returned home to the flat and changed she should be here at 8 he reasoned. He rang down to reception and ordered a bottle of Champagne and two glasses to be delivered at 7:50.
The waiter delivered the Champagne in an ice bucket along with the glasses. He placed them on the coffee table as Shaun tipped him.
Shaun was pacing up and down the room in a mixture of anticipation and doubt. 'Would she come? Had they extended her duty?' These and other thoughts flashed through his mind.
Then at 8:10 the doorbell rang. He flung the door open, and there she was standing in the doorway. They just looked at each other for a few seconds, and then she was in his arms.
He managed to shut the door and led her to the coffee table. She was in the white summer dress her eyes sparkling as she sat down on the couch.
"I've missed you" she purred, "The streets were filled with traffic, that's why I was late."
"You're here now that's all that matters," he replied as he uncorked the Champagne, then poured it out handing her a glass.
She looked at him as he sat down opposite her, "Shaun you do realise that this is only the fifth time we have seen each other, how can something like this happen so fast?"
He chuckled, "I can only speak for me, but I was attracted to you from the moment I saw you."
She smiled, "Ditto."
He changed the subject, "Have you eaten?"
She shook her head.
"No problem, we can eat here in the hotel," he smiled.
They had chicken salads and he had ordered her favourite dry white wine. They sat drinking their coffee while glancing at each other in a shy manner, "I feel like a school girl on her first date," Sharon at last whispered to him.
"Sharon, what's going to happen with us?" he asked.
Her face grew serious, "We hardly know each other, Shaun. I know I have strong feelings for you, I guess it's love, but it's all been so sudden. I've not had these feelings since Peter... and it scares me."
He reached over and took her hand, looking into her eyes, "Darling I know how this could scare you, what we feel for one another. But I won't rush you into anything. Let's just give it time. My feelings toward you will not change."
"Oh Shaun, you are so patient with me. I know I'm a selfish cow to keep you hanging on. When I'm with you I just want to be in your arms. But then I remember Peter and the heartache of his death."
He smiled, "At least you want me that has to be a plus, let's just see how it develops."
He held her in the shadows of the Hotel entrance as they waited for a taxi. Her body was pressed against him as they kissed for the last time as the taxi drew up
Chapter 18
The five Officers came to attention in front of Captain Silverman's desk.
"Please be at ease gentlemen and grab your selves a chair." He waited until they were all seated before continuing. "I called you all here to hear my views regarding Z Patrol. It is my opinion, and I stress only my opinion unfortunately, that we have not heard the last of General Rommel. I've made a study of the man, I've read everything he has ever written. He is without doubt the most able of Hitler's Generals. Which leads me to believe that at some point in the near future, he will attack. But this time he won't stop at the frontier of Egypt but press on to Suez itself.
He glanced at each man, "I believe he is allowing the Allied forces to extend themselves until our supply lines are dangerously extended. Now this is all I admit superstition, but if I am right then Z patrol will be needed."
He allowed his comments to sink in before continuing. "Our American friends have produced a small, rugged, four wheel drive truck. It's called the Willy's Jeep, and I'm assured it can travel at 65 miles an hour and cross heavy terrain." He reached on to his desk and produced several photographs which he distributed to the men in front of him. Whilst they studied the photographs he continued.
"Whist I know these would not have the range or carrying capacity of your Chevrolet 30cwt trucks, they could be useful due to their small size and nimbleness. They could be supplied by the Chive's in regard to fuel, and used for attack purposes. They could mount a .50 calibre machine gun in the rear and Vickers K in the passenger seat." He smiled, "Of course we have to get them first and find out how good they are. But they are sending six out for us to evaluate along with six Browning .50 calibre machine guns, spares and ammunition."
"Now what I propose is that in the interim period that we start reconnaissance of the area in which we are likely to be engaged in. I assume that if Rommel does attack, we should be able to hold him at El Alamain due to the Qattara Depression guarding our flank. The area in front of that will be our battle ground, also we should adopt Captain Ramage's tactic of moving west after an attack and hole up. I've given this some thought, it's not likely that there are going to be handy caves to hole up in. Most of the terrain is somewhat flat and featureless. Which brings me to the Teraquas." He saw the puzzled look on their faces and chuckled.
"The Teraquas are a nomadic t
ribe closely related to the Turag's of Algiers. They have a reputation of violence and most other Bedouin tribes steer well clear of them, even we and the Germans treat them with caution. Their camps are easily recognisable by the large black tents they use. A tent that could easily hide a 30cwt truck and jeep." He saw the light of understanding coming to their faces.
Ted spoke up, "Yes, the tents are a good idea but surly they would have animals, camels and the like, a plane would notice their absence."
Silverman smiled, "Quite right Major, There is a unit that fabricates tanks, aircraft and trucks that are made from a rubber material and blown up by air. Currently they are experimenting with camels, horses and goats."
"My mouth is dry from all this talking, shall we all have a drink and discuss what has been said so far?"
He moved to the cabinet and began to pour out drinks.
"What targets would the Z patrol be interested in?" Shaun asked.
"Fuel supplies, trucks, and their radio monitoring units initially," Silverman murmured. "Fuel, because they need it for their mechanised units, trucks because they transport supplies and their radio monitoring equipment because I'm afraid our radio procedure is deplorable. We have intercepted messages of Officers transmitting in clear English. But the targets may change as circumstances dictate."
"So most of the action will take place on the coast road?" Bobby murmured.
Silverman nodded, "Hence the need for reconnaissance. At the moment you can search out likely ambush sites without fear of discovery. That will be up to you, I imagine you will want to keep your base some distance from the proposed ambush points."
"If they use their normal procedure of sending their fuel tankers at dusk, to avoid the RAF that will work in our favour. We can attack and return to base under the cover of darkness." Shaun said.
They spent a further hour discussing various points. At the end of which Silverman produced a booklet and handed it to Ted. "All radio traffic between us will be carried out in code. The booklet explains how. You will need to instruct your radio operators in the procedure when you return to the Oasis."
The meeting broke up and the men filed out.