We, however, were still slowing. A hand raced to the bridge, "Sir, Chief says that an oil line to Number Two engine has been cut. He is repairing it but we are down to one engine for a bit."
"That means the E-Boats can begin to catch us. Do your best Tom. Keep the Luftwaffe away for a while."
"We will."
The second 190 roared overhead having failed to fire a single shot. The third flew into the firepower of the whole E-Boat and nine Thompsons. Perhaps the sudden deceleration caught him off guard or maybe we had a better gun platform but our bullets began to hit him even as his shells went over the bridge. It was the Oerlikon which made the kill. A shell hit the 190's engine as it passed overhead and the aircraft disintegrated just above us. The E-Boat was showered in falling debris.
Now that there was just one aeroplane Alan had more options. We watched the wounded bird limped home as the last FW 190 prepared to attack us.
I am going to turn to starboard when he attacks, be ready!"
A chorus of voices shouted, "Aye sir!"
His bullets struck the stern and then, suddenly, Alan yanked the wheel over and the German's bullets sliced through the water. This time the German was hit by many bullets as the full armament of the E-boat came into play. When he banked and headed east we saw smoke pouring from his engine. He would be lucky to reach land. We had no time for self congratulation. Two waterspouts appeared on either side of us. Alan threw the 'Lady' to port. "I hope the engineer can work miracles."
Fred Emerson said, "Sir, can I go and give a hand?"
"Of course. The more the merrier." As he raced below decks I said, "Get the grenade launcher. It might come in handy!"
We had carried a grenade launcher since St. Nazaire. We had yet had a chance to use it but this was one. The two E-Boats were now six hundred yards away and closing.
Our Hotchkiss was firing in reply but he had two targets. The Germans had one. It was Alan's skill and judgement which stopped them from making a decisive hit. Some of their bullets hit the 'Lady' and the crew were injured by splinters but there was nothing fatal. They were five hundred yards away and closing. It would be a matter of time.
Alan shouted, "Tom!"
I ran to the bridge. "Yes Alan?"
"Are they still a hundred yards apart?"
I glanced aft, "About that."
He shouted. Right lads, I am going to do a complete turn and come up on the southernmost boat. The other won't be able to fire. I want the bridge and the forrard gun decimating."
Sergeant Poulson had returned with the rifle, "This is only good for a hundred yards, sir."
"That might be all we need. Crowe, you act as loader."
Alan shouted, "Turning to port, now!"
The two Germans had closed to within three hundred yards but the savage manoeuvre caught them by surprise. Their shells hit empty water. Alan kept the full lock on as we hurtled towards their mid ships. The bigger guns did little damage but we had two guns in the tubes and every other weapon firing at the bridge and the forward gun. There were simply too many bullets for us not to hit. Then I heard the hiss as the grenade launcher fired. We were abeam of our enemy when the grenade exploded above the bridge. The concussion and debris struck the side of our boat but it made the German veer sharply to starboard towards its consort.
"Sergeant send another over!"
The second grenade exploded at the stern of the E-boat. The crew who had been about to fire were thrown from the gun. Alan gunned the motor and we headed west. The smoke from the E-boat gave us a little cover and it took some minutes for the undamaged E-Boat to continue the pursuit. We had regained our lead. There was five hundred yards of clear water.
A rating stuck his head out of the engine room hatch. "Number Two engine repaired, sir. You can have full power again,"
Within minutes the E-boat which was pursuing us began to drop back. It did not take long for him to give up his chase and go back to his damaged consort. We had survived. It had been close but that was the difference between success and failure.
Chapter 17
We reached our supply base after dark. The journey under the glare of the sun had been nerve wracking. It was only later that we realised the Germans had had to withdraw units from the western Mediterranean to support Rommel in the east. They were thinly stretched. We dug up a barrel and refilled our tanks.
The engineer could not praise Fred Emerson highly enough. "I tell you what sir, if he ever fancies transferring there is a berth for him in my engine room any day."
Fred was quite embarrassed by the attention. "If it is all the same to you, sir, I will stay with Lieutenant Harsker."
Hewitt and the SBA were kept busy with minor wounds and injuries. One of the Engineer's men had been scalded by steam from a broken steam pipe and one of the gunners had lost two fingers. It was on his left hand and not life threatening but both of our medics were keen to get him to a hospital and have it looked at by a doctor.
While we refuelled Wacker tried to contact Hugo again. "I am getting something sir but nothing I can make out."
Alan nodded and threw away the stub of his cheroot, "We will head back anyway. I'd like to get the oil line repaired properly and get the wounded seen to. Besides we did what we set out to do."
"You are right."
We left for home at eleven o'clock. We had a long night ahead of us. At twelve Wacker shouted triumphantly, "Sir, I have Gib. Lieutenant Ferguson just responded."
"Good. Tell him we are on our way home."
Bill Leslie had the boat and Alan and I joined Wacker, "What was the strength like?"
"Pretty good sir. I think that our supply base is just too far away but if he could get higher, then that might make a difference. He might be getting interference from high buildings and the like around him."
I remembered our rendezvous point. "If he could use Trinity Lighthouse that might make all the difference."
Alan nodded, "Worth a try anyway."
We reached Gibraltar just after dawn. This time there were no berths to be had. Alan took it upon himself to sail up the eastern side of the island and tie up close to the Rock. "We need somewhere for the chief to work. This will do. I will get her camouflaged. You had better report to the Professor and tell him what we discovered."
"Scouse, you come with me. Sergeant Poulson see if you can rig up some shelters ashore."
"Sir."
As we made our way through the town we noticed a buzz about the place. The word 'Alamein' was in the air. I knew better than to ask one of the locals. I would only receive rumours. Lieutenant Ferguson would be able to fill us in. As we climbed the stairs I realised that the office still had the curtains closed. The door was locked. I nodded to Scouse who took out his lock picks and had the door open in seconds. Lieutenant Ferguson was slumped over his table. I feared the worst until I saw his body rising and falling as he breathed. He had fallen asleep.
I pointed to the kettle. Scouse filled it and lit the gas. I opened the curtains so that I could see the map. Hugo slept on. He had lost that edge which Commandos on active service have. He had been on the beach too long. I would have been awake the moment Scouse's lock pick had entered the lock. Scouse was silent as he put tea in the pot and then poured the boiling water on top. I saw him wrinkle his nose as he picked up the sour milk. Lieutenant Ferguson was not as fastidious as my men.
Scouse pointed to the milk and the street, I nodded. Fletcher left.
I found some pins and I went to the map and stuck them in at the places we had found. I was sitting and looking at the map when Scouse returned with a fresh jug of milk. He poured the three teas. I tapped Hugo on the shoulder. He sat up with a jerk and a worried expression on his face. "How on earth...."
I smiled, "You were a Commando, you should know we can pick any lock."
"I was not certain if you would radio again at three. I must have fallen asleep."
"Well you have a cuppa and I will fill you in." I told him what we had done and poin
ted to the places on the map.
Hugo became quite excited. He leapt to his feet and stuck a pin in close to the Egyptian border, "General Montgomery is fighting a battle here at El-Alamein. It started three days ago and he appears to be winning. Germans are falling back. It is still not over but we have destroyed much of Rommel's armour." He jabbed a finger at the coast road, close to Tabarka. "If you could cut the coast road here it would mean the Germans would have to go further south to repel the Americans when they land." He leaned forward and said, "An American General landed in North Africa while you were away and made contact with some Vichy generals. It looks like not all of the landings will be opposed. Jerry will have to divert some of his forces west or he will lose the whole of North Africa."
"That is great news. The people at home will be delighted. This is the first victory in a long time. After Dieppe..."
"I know."
"Wacker and Scouse here had an idea, Hugo. If you were to move to Trinity lighthouse then you might have a better signal." I smiled, "And it might be more secure than here."
He laughed, "You are right. I should have thought of that. It is logical. I will arrange it. Do you need more fuel?"
"Just enough to fill our tanks. We still have six barrels of the stuff. Besides Alan reckons we can live off the land so to speak and get our supplies from Jerry."
"A little cheeky but I like it. Where are you berthed?"
"Hard by the Rock."
"Good. I will get a message to Major Fleming and bring your orders. How long will it take you to repair?"
"I am not certain but I would think we could leave by tonight. We can resupply if you can get the diesel."
"I have it already and I can easily get it by road to you."
We left and made our way back to the 'Lady'. The news we brought back would give heart to the crew. This was the first chink in the German armour. Montgomery had done what had seemed impossible just a month or so earlier; he had beaten Rommel!
The word had already got out. Those who worked close to the Rock also had the news although it was somewhat more sensationalized than the reality. Many said that Montgomery had advanced to the gates of Tripoli and that Rommel himself had been killed. We knew that to be a lie. It would take many days to even reach Tripoli, let alone mop up the soldiers who would defend every inch of the desert. It showed just how much people were desperate for good news when they blew such rumours out of proportion to the reality.
The repairs were going well and, when the diesel arrived, we began to fill her up straight away. We were able to replenish all of the ammunition we had used except for the German. The four machine guns had performed better than the Lewis guns but we would have to husband our ammunition from now on. It was not until four o'clock in the afternoon that Lieutenant Ferguson arrived.
Alan gave him a cheery wave as he collected his papers from the commandeered car. "Afternoon Prof!"
Hugo was not put out by the soubriquet and waved cheerily back. "I have instructions from our lord and master!"
I shook my head. His sense of security left much to be desired! Once aboard he took over the mess and spread his maps all over it. That, in itself, was unnecessary, we had maps of our own but I saw that these maps were covered in his scribbles.
"I have permission to move into Trinity Lighthouse. The chaps there weren't that happy about it but Major Fleming has a great deal of pull, apparently. I have some REME fellows moving it over now. You were right, Tom, much more secure!" He looked at Alan. "And the repairs?"
"We can sail tomorrow if you like."
"Good. Major Fleming wants you to sail to Tunis and reconnoitre the defences there."
He shook his head, "It would be easier to get aeroplanes from Malta to do that or even a fast boat like ours. We would be on the limit of our fuel."
"Malta is still besieged. They are fighting for their lives. The LRDG can get as far as Tripoli but we need to know if they are bringing reinforcements in from Italy through Tunis."
I nodded, "And if they are then you could use the RAF to bomb Tunis harbour."
"Exactly. I am afraid that the RAF is at full stretch. The 'Lucky Lady' is the ace in the hole. Major Fleming wants you to disguise her as an E-Boat and fly the German flag."
Alan shrugged, "It was why we were created in the first place but it will take some pulling off. We have already bloodied their noses."
An idea flashed into my head. I had a vision of the E-boat we had attacked. "We use the E-Boat's number. The one we damaged. I would bet it is still being repaired. Even if it only buys us minutes that can sometimes be enough. We just change one digit; the last one."
"What was it?"
"S-265."
"Right, I'll get the lads to painting it. We will be the S-266. Prof, any chance of getting us some coal scuttle helmets? Even two or three would be handy. It would make the gunners look more realistic." He flourished his captured German hat like a conjuror. "I have mein own disguise!" He affected a German accent. Hugo laughed.
"Any other orders, Hugo?"
"When you have scouted that out Major Fleming wants you to sabotage the road from Tabarka and, if you can damage the port facilities. I know it is not a big port but as the Germans fall back such ports will become invaluable for landing reinforcements."
"And we might be able to steal some fuel and ammo." He rubbed his hands. "I, for one, have had enough of running away. It will be good to hit back."
We left the next day, just after noon. News was coming from Egypt that despite their best efforts the Afrika Korps was losing in the war of attrition. Montgomery had shorter supply lines and his losses could be made good. Rommel's were having to come from the west and the RAF was wreaking havoc with their convoys. They were having to move them at night time. It acted as a spur to us. We headed east flagless. That would change once we had refuelled. We reached our beach at eleven. We had conserved fuel and cruised economically. Our diesel drums were intact and we emptied another one. Alan then had the diesel from one barrel transferred to the empty one and we took half a barrel to allow us to refuel at sea. It was a clever idea. We could just abandon the empty barrel; it would not lead anyone to our supply base.
We left before dawn and flew under the German flag. Hugo had found four German helmets and the men on the Oerlikon wore them. Alan wore his German officer's cap rakishly slanted to the side and, with a cheroot in his mouth, he looked every inch the Teuton. Hugo had brought a box of fifty aboard when he had brought the charts. We kept well out to sea as we passed Tabarka. Even so someone must have seen us for a Fieseler flew overhead and then descended, albeit gingerly, to give us the once over. Alan waved cheerily. The spotter seemed satisfied and flew south, back to land.
"Well that is the first hurdle out of the way. Of course once they realise we are a Trojan Horse then they will come at us mob handed."
"Probably."
For my men the return to the coast west of Tunis brought back memories. Peter Groves still lay there. Had they buried him or just left his body for the carrion? I dismissed such morbid and redundant thoughts from my mind. We had a job to do. This part was down to Alan but once we had done it then we had our own task to complete. I took my men below decks. It stopped them remembering our last visit too.
"We have two jobs to do. First we land and mine the road; we use time charges and then we have to move into the port itself and support Lieutenant Jorgenson when he attacks. We hope that our sudden appearance behind them may well give us the edge we need. Scouse, we will be taking the radio. We need to coordinate the attacks."
He groaned, "Oh great. That's just what I need; a ton weight!"
Sergeant Poulson laughed, "You know what they say, Scouse if you can't take a joke..."
"I know, you shouldn't have volunteered."
"Our aim is twofold. First we want to get diesel and ammo but our more important job is to disable the port."
"How do we do that, sir?"
Before I could answer Bill Hay point
ed to the harbour mouth. "Simple, sir, we sink something there. It looks to be about a hundred yards across. When we sailed there the first time they had two E-Boats. They are about thirty yards long. We sink an E-boat in the middle and they only have thirty yards each side. Too narrow sir."
"Good idea, Now we just need to capture the E-boat."
He smiled, "And that sir, is where you and I come in."
"We do?"
"Quite literally, sir, we come underwater. They might have sentries land side but not on the water side. We come in one way and the rest of the lads come in the other. We sail it over, open the sea cocks and Bob's your uncle."
"That might well work."
"Any other questions?"
"How big will the garrison be, sir?"
"I think, Sergeant Poulson, that General Montgomery's battle means that it will be a lot less than it was. However many there are we will have to deal with them."
"Right sir." We then pored over the maps identifying potential obstacles.
Alan shouted down, when we had largely finished, "Tunis ahead. Best keep your heads down unless I give you a shout."
I put on the German field cap which was in my Bergen and wandered up on deck. Alan said, "So you are into play acting too."
I shrugged, "I would rather see what is going on and besides my German might come in handy."
He pointed to the south, "Tunis is just beyond that headland. We'll be there in an hour. I intended to stooge around for half an hour or so and then leave when it is sunset. It will make us harder to see."
"We have planned the raid." I told him the outline.
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