Chapter 13
I posted the letter to Mrs Gillespie in Liverpool at the post box close to John's hotel. That was a weight off my shoulders; a promise to a dying man was something which had to be honoured. Wandering the streets of London was depressing. The whole place was prepared for war. I arrived at the Air Ministry early. I saw the sentries, the sandbags outside and the tape over the windows. They were preparing for the worst. John had been correct. The Zeppelin raids in the Great War had given us an inkling of what was to come. Jenkins saw me approach and leapt out to open the door for me. Dad was a little late and it was almost three thirty before he emerged. He looked a little flustered but smiled when he saw me. "Bloody red tape! My club, Jenkins, and then I have finished with you until the morrow."
"Thank you, Group Captain."
I could tell he was distracted for he did not speak all the way to his club. Once he left the car he looked over Green Park towards Buckingham Palace. "You know the King and Queen have refused to leave the capital? They want to share in the hardships of the people. That is another reason we shall win. That and Mr Churchill."
"What about the soldiers, sailors and airmen?"
"Thank you for putting me in my place. You are quite right." The door opened and an ancient retainer greeted us. "Ah Group Captain will you be staying for dinner later? We are going to be busy. I will need to reserve you a table."
"Yes Smyth. A table but we shall go and have cocktails first. This is my son."
"Pleased to meet you, Private Harsker."
I had expected some snobbery, especially from the servants; this was the reserve of officers and normally high ranking ones. I did not know if this was because of my father's name or just customary. One cocktail turned into four or five. I found myself becoming a little light headed. I had not had much to eat. Dad seemed exactly the same. When we went in to an early dinner at seven dad said, "You will enjoy the food here. Especially having eaten so frugally for the past weeks."
I grinned, "And you will need to restock the cottage. We ate everything."
He burst out laughing, "Well I think that deserves a medal; depriving the enemy of comfort! I hope you polished off the brandy too?"
"We did indeed."
He was right about the dinner. Surprisingly there were some serving captains and majors at the club although most of them appeared to be staff officers based in London. "We'll have a quick brandy and then get off back to the flat. I am afraid I have an early meeting in the morning."
We had just sat down in the lounge when I heard a voice from behind us, "Private Harsker! Is that you?"
I turned and stood to attention as I saw Captain Foster. "Yes sir!"
He looked at my father and snapped to attention. "I was your son's company commander in the Low Countries. I left before the retreat. Damned glad you made it."
"Please join us, Captain Foster. A drink for the Captain please."
He sat down and I noticed that he had a on new uniform. I was about to comment on it when he said, "Did you get the medal then?"
Dad looked at me, "What medal?"
"It was nothing."
"Nothing my…" The Captain then told the whole story of my attacking and destroying the tank.
I saw the pride in my father's eyes as he heard the story. He nodded, "I think we will moderate that story when we tell it to your mother. I am not sure she would understand although I most certainly do."
"And you, young Harsker, what happened during the retreat after I left?"
I told him and finished with the attack by the 109. He waved over for another round of drinks. "The stuff of adventure stories." When the drinks came and he had signed for them he said, "Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
"You know I think I was meant to come here tonight." Both of us were intrigued at the comment. He smiled and tapped his shoulder, "I have joined the Commandos. Actually that isn't quite true. The reason I left the battalion was that I was asked for by Colonel Dudley Clarke. I had served under him and he knew of my particular skills. I am on my way to Shropshire to begin training my men."
I nodded and Dad said, "I was talking to Admiral Keyes about you chaps last week. Churchill's brainchild eh?"
"That's right, sir, and we train and fight in a totally different way to the rest of the army." He then went on to describe the training and their methodology. "And we get to choose the men who fight with us."
I began to get excited. Dad said, "I think I can see where this is going, Captain."
He smiled, "I think your son has all the qualities we need in the Commandos or Special Service Brigade as we are officially known. I don't think that will stick, not with SS in it! He was the best scout we had. He has shown his skills at sailing. He is a whizz at booby traps and he can handle himself. Finally his two languages are impressive qualifications. What do you say? Do you fancy joining a brand new unit?" He gestured towards my father, "Your father did something similar with the Flying Corps and it didn't turn out too badly for him, did it?"
I hesitated and dad burst out laughing so loudly that heads turned. He shook his head, "Sorry Captain it is just that my son here has been reprimanded by a number of his family for making impetuous decisions and once he has one he should take he is debating with himself."
"You think I should do it?"
"Look me in the eyes and tell me you don't want to do it!"
He was right. It sounded perfect for me and I turned, "Yes Captain. Where do we go from here?"
"You said you were based at Shoreditch at the moment?"
"Yes sir."
"I am here for the next week interviewing prospective candidates. What say I pop down next week and get the paperwork sorted out and a couple of travel warrants? We can get a train from Paddington and be in Oswestry by the evening eh?"
"That sounds grand, sir!"
He stood and shook my dad's hand. "It has been an honour and a pleasure to meet you. I can see that you and your son are made from the same mould."
When we got to the flat we sat down and talked. For the first time in my life, and not the last, dad spoke to me soldier to soldier, man to man. He gave me advice in the same way that John had. He told me things he had experienced in the Great War, including the times he had had to kill close up and personal. I learned more about my dad that night than in the previous nineteen years. He smiled as he handed me the blankets. "I'll tell mum about this. I have a little more experience explaining things to women than you do." He paused at the door. "I am inordinately proud of you son. I always was but now that you are a man I can see that your mum and I didn't do a bad job."
He left the next morning before I was even awake. There was nothing to keep me in London and so I caught the first train back that I could. I surprised the Lieutenant who was on duty. "You are back three hours early!"
I grinned, "I am keen, sir."
"Some more of your lot arrived yesterday so you have your own officer now."
I hurried to the barracks. It had been almost empty when I had left and now it was full. Willy was regaling them with our story when I arrived. I was touched by the welcome. I began to feel guilty. I would soon be leaving them.
"Who is the officer who has returned?"
"Lieutenant Wilson."
"Any idea where he is?"
Willy shook his head. "He went back to Dover to meet the next batch of lads who were arriving. He said he would be back this afternoon." He took me to one side, "He is a pal of Ashcroft's and he said he knew that we would get through. Lieutenant Ashcroft wants to promote us both to Corporal. Apparently after we left he asked the Colonel to promote us and Lieutenant Wilson was the first one back. He was made up to see me."
I said nothing then. I didn’t want to upset Willy by telling him I was transferring. He went back to his stories and I heard laughter as he made some of the things which had been serious, funny. He had that natural humour which was irrepressible.
I spent the next week pussyfooting around telling Willy of my de
cision. It was when I saw Lieutenant Ashcroft heading through the gates with some more of our chaps that I decided to speak with him. "Willy, can I have a word?"
"Aye mate, is there a problem?"
Once outside I said, "It's not a problem but I am transferring. I met Captain Foster last week and he has asked me to join the Commandos."
"But if you stay here you'll be a Corporal!"
"I know but I want to join the Commandos. Sorry."
He held out his hand, "Don't worry mate, you'll be a success no matter where you serve. I'll miss you. You might talk posh but you are a good lad. "
"And the same to you. I think you will soon be Company Sergeant."
"I don't know about that."
He looked over my shoulder. "Looks like Lieutenant Ashcroft is back."
The Lieutenant grinned when he saw us. He put his hands on his hips, "Like a pair of bad pennies eh? Where are the others?"
"Only Corporal Higgins made it and he was wounded. We only made it by the skin of our teeth, Lieutenant."
He nodded, "Captain now, I got promoted."
"Can I have a word then Captain?"
"Sounds serious but of course, Harsker."
Willy went with the rest to show them the barracks. "It's like this sir, I met Captain Foster last week and he wants me to join the Commandos."
"The Commandos?"
"I think they are raiders who will go behind enemy lines and cause trouble."
He laughed, "It sounds like it was made for you. I'll be sorry to lose you, The Colonel and I want to promote the two of you to Corporal."
"I know sir."
"And you still want to join the Commandos."
"Sir."
"Then I won't stand in your way. Besides if captain Foster is involved it will be well planned. I'll try to get the paperwork done as quickly as I can."
"The Captain said he would be down here by the end of the week. That's tomorrow, sir so don't put yourself out on my account."
"Make sure you have all the equipment you need. I expect you lost a lot in France like the rest of us did."
"Yes sir."
As well as the new uniforms I managed to acquire a new kitbag I went to the Quarter Master's store to see what else I could get. I needed a mess kit. When I had it all I went into the barracks and packed my bag. Captain Foster arrived first thing the next day as he had promised. He and Captain Ashcroft spent half an hour talking and I took the opportunity to say goodbye to the lads and get my gear.
By the time I was ready the two captains appeared. "Well Harsker I guess I am losing you. I have to say that I am disappointed and if it were anyone else but the Captain here I would refuse the request but I know you will be a first rate Commando. We still haven't heard about the medal but you were mentioned in despatches so it is on your record now."
"Thank you sir and it was an honour to serve with the 1st Loyal Lancashires. Er sir, what happened to Sergeant Greely?"
His face darkened, "Like you he became separated from the battalion. I hoped he might be with you lads but Holden told me you hadn't seen him since the crossroads."
"No sir, but he is a tough character; if a couple of green recruits like us could survive then Sergeant Greely will have as well."
"I hope so. This country will need soldiers like Sergeant Greely."
"Well we had better run, Harsker. We have a long journey ahead of us."
He shook Captain Ashcroft's hand, "Take care Brian."
"And you Stephen."
I waved, "See you Willy." I threw him the five packs of cigarettes I had bought in London. "These should last a wee while eh?"
"Tom, you are a gentleman!"
It took us some time to get to London and the captain had some last minute details to sort out before we could get the train. The train for Oswestry left Paddington at ten past six. I noticed that the green liveried engine was the Powderham Castle. I wondered where that castle was. The chocolate and cream carriages looked totally different from the LNER ones I was used to. Luckily there was a restaurant car on this most modern of trains and the Captain and I shared a pleasant meal. Travelling with the Captain meant we were in First Class. It was a little bit of luxury for me. I was lost in my thoughts as we hurtled through the Midlands towards Gobowen where we would change trains. The train was relatively empty and the Captain and I had a carriage to ourselves. He lit his pipe. "You had the chance to be a corporal you know, Harsker."
"I know but I am not bothered about a rank."
"You should be. You are a natural leader. But you get more pay as a Commando anyway." I nodded, that was not important. "There are some things you need to know about being a Commando. We are different to other units. For one thing you don't get to stay in barracks. It is up to you to arrange your own accommodation. You are responsible for getting to the base on time. There is no Sergeant Major to wake you up."
"That's fine sir. I can cope with that."
"We also have different equipment. You will find that out soon enough but I mention it because I know that you can handle a Lee Enfield and a Webley. We use the Thomson sub machine gun and the Colt Automatic pistol. I hope you can adjust to them."
I smiled and reached into my kitbag. I took out the Luger and the dagger. "I am adaptable sir."
"Well done, Private! I take it these came from dead Germans."
"Yes sir, after I killed them." I held up the dagger. "The Waffen SS who had this had just bayoneted a prisoner. He deserved to die."
"Then that will stand you in good stead. We may well have to kill at close quarters. You are lucky, you will be in at the start of things. The training should take no more than six weeks. After all the men in the new unit have been handpicked."
"You have the others, sir?"
"I do. They were all volunteers. I whittled them down. We are B Troop. There are three officers and with you, there will be sixty enlisted men. As you can see we are different from other units. This is brand new. When I saw you yesterday it was after a meeting with our commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Dudley Clark. Churchill only gave his final go ahead a couple of days ago."
"Then how were you able to choose your men sir?"
"Lieutenant Colonel Dudley Clark is a forceful man with interesting ideas. Mr Churchill had already asked him to look at raiding across the Channel even before Dunkirk. He likes to hit the ground running."
I took this in and became even more excited. There would be no precedent for whatever we did. No one would be able to talk about how they did it. We would be the first and that was exhilarating.
"And what do I do about digs then sir?"
"We are both in the same boat I am afraid. I think we will struggle to get anything tonight. I just hope that the pub has rooms."
I had already thought about that; I would sleep in the station waiting room and look for somewhere better the next morning. "When do I have to report for duty, sir?"
He smiled, "I'll tell you what Harsker, let's give you twenty four hours from when you signed the papers of enlistment. Tomorrow, noon. How's that?"
"That will be fine sir. The other blokes will all be there will they?"
He shook his head. "No, Harsker. They are travelling from all over the country. I was surprised more weren't on this train. We won't be at full strength for a couple of days. We then have a couple of weeks of training and learning new skills like rock climbing, rope work and demolition. We will all have to get used to the new weapons too."
"So the camp is close to rocks and stuff."
"I am afraid not. Park Hall is a Royal Artillery and Plotting Officers training camp. We just share their facilities. Colonel Clark is up in Scotland getting us a more permanent training base but that will be for the ones who come after us. We are the first of the Commandos. The rules for us haven't been written yet."
I closed my eyes as darkness fell and the countryside became hidden. I knew ropes from sailing and I enjoyed scrambling over rocks. Thinking of demolition made me think about Nev
. I now knew more than I had when the war had started and that was down to the veteran of the Spanish Civil War.
We reached Gobowen just after ten thirty and we only had to wait five minutes for the ten minute ride to Oswestry. As I watched the Castle Class engine pull the chocolate and cream carriages away I wondered what kind of train we would be on next. It was a tiny train with just two carriages. The train which looked like a toy train after the main line train had a variety of passengers but many of them wore uniforms. We shared a compartment with four civilians, there was no corridor on this train, and conversation about the Commandos was not to be contemplated. I closed my eyes and thought of my future on the short train ride. The only ones who got off at our stop were dressed in khaki. The Captain shook my hand. "Well good luck Harsker. Your training starts here. You will have to find your own way to Park Hall."
"Right sir. Thanks for giving me this chance."
He slung his kit bag over his shoulder turned and headed out of the station and down the road. The other soldiers had already departed. I turned to go back into the waiting room. The Station Master was already locking it up. "Sorry son. There are no more trains until the milk train in the morning. The next passenger train is not due in until six."
"I was hoping to sleep in the waiting room."
"You'll be at Park Hall." I nodded, "It's just a couple of miles down the road. A young fit lad like you can be there in half an hour."
I decided upon honesty. "The thing is, sir, that we are a new unit and we don't sleep in barracks. We have to make our own arrangements." I remembered the benches on the platform. "Is it all right if I sleep on the platform?"
He laughed, "You'd sleep there?" I nodded. "You are mad." He was about to turn away and then he said, "Listen son, I only have the one room in the station but I have a shed at the back where I keep the plant pots and the like for the station in the winter. I won't need it until October. You can use that if you have a mind. There's a toilet and washroom in the station during the day."
Commando Page 13