by Griff Hosker
He snorted, “That is a tall order in itself.”
“Just think of the effect it would have both here and in France. The mighty Bonaparte would be seen as a leader who could not even keep civilians from the navy. He must be smarting over the loss of his soldiers at Whitstable.”
“You are certain that it was just a practice for the real invasion?”
“Positive sir. He used me and my regiment for such attacks in the past. He likes to win. He finds out all the problems before he makes his attacks. He is very thorough. This way only he and his generals know what he tried.” Colonel Selkirk nodded, “So sir, if I could have the ‘Black Prince’ to take twenty of us close to Dunkerque and you have a couple of bigger ships waiting for us we could do this.”
He held up his hand. “Do not get ahead of yourself. I will put this to the powers that be. You return to Canterbury and I promise you that I will bring the news once way or another.”
“Thank you sir.”
By the time we had reached the barracks the prisoners had all been shipped off, under the guard of a line regiment, to a hulk on the Medway. There was a real buzz around the barracks as men talked of the incident. Even those soldiers from A Squadron were keen to speak to the heroes of 7th Troop who had thwarted the French attack. Sharp and I were cheered as we rode through the barracks.
“I’ll see to Badger sir.”
“Thank you, Sergeant Sharp, and I had better square this with the colonel.”
Major Hyde-Smith was talking to Sergeant Major Jones in the office when I entered. They both smiled, “Well sir, you know how to fall on your feet and no mistake, isn’t that right major?”
“It certainly is. You are not content with capturing a few smugglers. You stop an invasion.”
“It wasn’t an invasion sir. They were just practising.”
“The same thing in my eyes, Robbie. When the survivors got home they would report that it was impossible to land in England as every beach is patrolled. Regardless of what happens in the future you have put doubt in their minds.”
The colonel must have heard us and he came to the door. “You two had better come in here eh? Sergeant Major could you get us something to drink?”
“Yes sir.”
We sat in the office and Colonel Fenton spread his arms. “Well Robbie, what did the colonel say?”
“He said he would speak to his superiors.”
The major looked puzzled. The colonel elaborated, “The captain here wants to rescue the civilians held in Dunkerque.”
He began to laugh, “Of course he does. Tell me Robbie, how will you do that?”
“Yes enlighten me too. I am intrigued.”
I explained my plan. I was as honest as I could be and as realistic as possible. The Sergeant Major brought in the drinks and was about to leave when the colonel said, “Stay, Sergeant Major Jones and listen to this idea. I would value your opinion. Captain, please explain again.”
When I had finished the old soldier nodded. “Well sir it seems a mad idea but then again a small group of men could sneak inside the town and find out where the prisoners were being held and then bring other soldiers to rescue them.”
I smiled, “Thank you Sergeant Major.”
“Would you be in uniform?”
“Not the ones who scouted out the town sir, no.”
“Then what happens if you were stopped. You couldn’t risk firing and you would put all your comrades in jeopardy.”
“I would talk my way out it sir.”
The major laughed. “How ridiculous! You would have to speak French fluently to get away with that.”
In French I replied, “That would not be a problem sir as I can speak fluent French.”
That was the first time that I saw the Sergeant Major stuck for words. The colonel was the first to regain his composure. “Then I suppose that the language would be the least of your problems.”
“Indeed sir. And I have also been to Dunkerque before now.” I did not mention that I had been there when I had been serving with the 17th Chasseurs.”
“You are a constant surprise. Well Captain Matthews. Which men would you want?”
“I would think just twenty volunteers from my squadron. If I can get some marines from the ship as well then that would be perfect.”
“And the colonel will be here when?”
“That I don’t know major. He said he would come here in person.”
“We will wait until he arrives before we jump the gun and ask for volunteers but we will not stand in your way, captain.”
Sergeant Major Jones began to chuckle, “If I was just ten years younger sir I would be with you in a flash.”
The colonel looked surprised. He seemed to see the old soldier in a completely new light. “You would Sergeant Major?”
“It would be the chance of a lifetime sir; to sail into an enemy land and steal prisoners from under their noses. Besides civilians shouldn’t be involved in wars, it isn’t right. I hope you pull this off Captain Matthews and that’s no lie.”
Colonel Selkirk arrived very early the next day and I was summoned, along with Colonel Fenton and Major Hyde-Smith, into the regimental office. The colonel was smiling, which was always an ominous sign.
“Well Robbie, it seems the gods of war favour you. Apparently the families of two ministers were in Dunkerque at the time war was declared. The two ministers have been hounding the Prime Minister for action to have them released. The diplomatic means have failed which means that your proposal was totally endorsed by the Cabinet. I was ordered to provide all the support that I could.”
“Thank you sir.”
“Now you still want to keep to your original plan?”
“Yes sir. I have been to Dunkerque and I have an idea where they might hold the hostages.”
Colonel Selkirk’s eyebrows came up a little, “You have divination as a skill now have you?”
I laughed, “No sir, but there is a monastery on the outskirts of the town, to the east, and the National Guard evicted the occupants ten years ago. They used it as a barracks for a while. It is in good condition and would be large enough to hold and guard the civilians. It is slightly outside of the town. I would take six men and scout it out and then bring the rest of my men to overcome the guards. The biggest problem we would have would be getting the people off the beaches and into the boats.”
“Why not use the harbour?”
“The problem, major, is the guns which guard it. We would have to disable guns first which loses us the element of surprise.”
Colonel Selkirk nodded his agreement, “The beach sounds better. A longboat can hold twenty people. That means fifteen boats. I will see that the ships which are sent to rescue you have that number of boats. I have the ‘Black Prince’ for you. Lieutenant Teer is looking forward to a reunion with you.”
“When do we leave sir?”
“The sooner the better. Some of those prisoners you took the other day have been singing like birds. It seems that some of the hostages who were taken have been paraded around Paris as a demonstration of Bonaparte’s power. We have no way of knowing if some of those were from Dunkerque. The ministers are keen to get their families back.”
“I will choose the men this morning. If the ‘Black Prince’ can pick us up from Herne Bay then we can sail this afternoon. I assume you can arrange the transports to be off Dunkerque by morning?”
“Yes.” He looked surprised. “You are confident that you can locate the prisoners and rescue them in that time?”
“No sir. But if we don’t find them the first day then I will hide up with my men and find them the second day. That is why I want a small group of men. They are easier to hide. We control the sea and it will do no harm for the transports to lie off the coast until we arrive.”
Colonel Fenton said, “You are a confident young man Robbie.”
“I trust the men I will be taking.”
“Well I will let you get on with it. The sloop will be at Hern
e Bay waiting for you.”
After he had gone the major asked, “How will you choose your men?”
“I was going to ask for volunteers but that would only upset the men I didn’t choose. I will approach the ones I wish to take. I need young soldiers who are quick thinking and fit. Sergeant Grant would be a good choice but for his age. I want ten marines as I will need men with the skills to load boats and who know harbours so that means I will be choosing nine men. I was hoping to take Percy Austen, I believe he has a smattering of French.”
The two men exchanged a look and then the colonel said, “Very well I will leave it in your hands. Anything that we can do?”
“The men will need civilian clothes.”
“I am sure that we have some somewhere. I will get the Sergeant Major to organise those.”
“What I was going to say was, have we got the uniforms from the dead Frenchmen? They would fit the bill.”
“I will get them for you. They may be bloody and dirty.”
“More realistic then sir.”
I went directly to Percy who was in the mess. I waved him over. He looked at me expectantly. “Now I am going to ask you something but you can refuse.”
His face lit up, “Whatever it is I am game Robbie, you know that.”
“Listen first and then answer. There are some English civilians held in Dunkerque I am going over there with some men to try to rescue them.” He opened his mouth to speak. I held my hand up, “We will be going in civilian clothes and there is a good chance that we might not get back.”
He shook his head, “It doesn’t matter. I am still coming.”
“Good say nothing to the others I will be selecting the men this afternoon. Brush up on your French.”
“Bien sur!”
Sharp was also keen. He went with me when I approached the others. Sergeant Seymour grinned when I told him and Bugler Jones appeared surprised, “But sir, I am not the biggest trooper. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to come but why me?”
“You have a quick mind and we may need someone who is small.”
The other five were all obvious choices and they all agreed. I gathered them together under Sergeant Major Jones’ watchful eye. “You will not need your carbines but I want every man with his pistols and either a sap or a small cudgel.”
“Swords sir?”
“No, I think not. They might get in the way. Knives would be better.” I slid my Italian stiletto out of my boot. “Weapons like this.”
Sergeant Major Jones tut tutted his mock disapproval, “Sir, that does not look like the weapon of a gentleman.”
“Sergeant Major, where we are going we will not be behaving like gentlemen. Why do you think I picked this bunch of cut throats?”
The men took that as a compliment and began nudging each other.
“The Sergeant Major will issue you with French uniforms. Do not wear them yet. We will change on the boat. We meet in one hour at the parade ground.”
Before I left I sought out, James. “Lieutenant, Percy and I will be off for a day or two. You are in charge of the squadron. Sergeant Grant will help you but keep the men drilled. Don’t let them slack off.”
He looked at me so seriously I almost burst out laughing, “Don’t worry sir. I won’t let you down and thank you for giving me this chance.” He was turning into a promising officer.
They were all there early. Each man in full uniform but with a hessian sack slung over the rear of their mount. I led them out towards Herne Bay. We were escorted by Sergeant Grant and four troopers who would return with our mounts.
The sloop was tied up when we arrived. Colonel Selkirk must have had her nearby to have made such good time. We boarded quickly. Sergeant Grant saluted and said, “Make sure you get back sir; both of you. D Squadron is the best in the regiment now and I would hate to have to train up two new officers.”
“Don’t worry; we’ll be back.” Even as I said it I wondered if this was just bravado.
Lieutenant Teer was standing at the gangplank and I saw him grin and tap his shoulders. He had been promoted; he was now Lieutenant Commander. I shook his hand as I boarded. “Congratulations! I suppose they will give you a bigger ship now?”
“They keep trying but I like the Prince. Come along, get your men aboard.”
“This is Percy Austen. He’s another captain.”
“Introductions later. Take her out, Jack.”
I looked aft and saw a young lieutenant standing with the coxswain. “I see you have help these days.”
“Yes, when I am happy enough he will become the new skipper.” He laughed, “I am a perfectionist of course! It will be some time before I relinquish the prince. Bosun, see to these soldiers. They need to change out of these uniforms. If you two chaps will come with me we’ll use my cabin.” He shrugged apologetically to Percy, “As Robbie will tell you things are a little tight on the Prince but we like her.”
Once in the cabin we began to change. Lieutenant Commander Teer chattered away as we did so. “Colonel Selkirk gave me the rough plan when he saw us yesterday but he was a little vague on the detail. As far as I can gather I am to take you and your chaps to Dunkerque, land you after dark and lend you a few of my men then lie offshore and wait for you to return with some civilians. Is that about it?”
I put my jacket on and said, “Roughly yes. There could be three hundred civilians.”
“Three hundred? They won’t fit on the Prince.”
“I know. There should be some transports and bigger ships by the morning.”
“Just one night eh? And where are these civilians?”
“We aren’t too sure but I think they will be in the old monastery on the other side of town. The reason I need your chaps is that we will be loading longboats. My fellows can hold off any pursuit but they would be all fingers and thumbs when it comes to loading boats.”
He rubbed his hands together. “Well I have the chaps already volunteered and the fellow to lead them.”
“Who is that?”
“Why me, of course. If they give me a snotty to train then, by God, I will use him.”
I felt better somehow. Lieutenant Commander Teer had already shown me that he was a capable naval officer and I knew he could speak French. The odds on our survival had just improved.
We closed slowly with the French coast so that we could land after dark. The sand dunes were extensive and meant that, although we would have a long walk to reach the road and the town, we would have plenty of cover while we did so. There was nowhere big enough for us to gather below decks and so I had the men crowd around me on the main deck. With swords weighing down the map I had drawn I explained my plan.
“I am giving all of you this information in case we are separated. There are four of us who speak French. Myself and Mr Teer can speak it well. Mr Austen has knowledge of the language and Sergeant Sharp can understand French and ask for simple things.” He smiled self effacingly as they all stared at him. I want you all to learn a few phrases while we cross. ‘Where is the bar?’, ‘Where is the port?’ will be handy. Your accents will mark you as a foreigner but they may think you are Dutch. I am taking my men all the way to the monastery. Lieutenant Commander Teer and his men will wait a quarter of a mile from us.”
Percy put up his hand and I smiled, he looked like a schoolboy asking to go to the toilet. “Why sir?”
“They are back up in case this goes wrong. If the monastery is the place where they are held then we will send for the sailors and affect a rescue. I want no noise so we use saps, cudgels, swords and knives. Hopefully we can do this without killing anyone. I do not think they will have many guards for civilians. There could be three hundred civilians. There will be women and children among them. They will not move quickly and we will need to keep them quiet. We will all carry rope. We can use it to tie up guards and to lead the civilians. We will head towards the dunes. The sailors and Lieutenant Commander Teer will escort the prisoners and we will be the rearguard. Once at the b
each the transports should be there. When they see us they will launch longboats.”
“Captain Matthews, would it not be better if the longboats were waiting in the surf?”
“It would indeed Lieutenant Commander but I have not spoken to the captains of those ships.”
“Snotty! Come here.”
The young lieutenant fairly raced to reach us. “When you see the transports coming to pick up the civilians I want you to close with them and ask them to launch their longboats and have them waiting in the surf. You will bring the Prince in close and support them.”
He paled, “Me sir?”
“Don’t worry Mr Redmayne, the bosun will do the steering; you just stand there and look determined.” The sailors all laughed and Lieutenant Redmayne blushed.
“As soon as the last civilian is on board then signal the shore and we will join you.”
“That sounds remarkably straightforward sir.”
“It does, doesn’t it Sergeant Seymour? The only problem is the French. They may decide not to play nicely and it could get a bit messy.”
“When we land we move in small groups each led by a French speaker. That way we may escape notice for longer.”
“French coast ahead!”
I looked at them all as I spoke. ”This is it. Remember, talk as little as possible and if you meet someone, try smiling. They will just think you a bunch of sailors on a leave and you are lost.”
One of the seaman laughed, “Why didn’t you say so sir? We can all play that part to perfection!”
The reaction pleased me. They weren’t nervous, just excited and that reflected how I felt. As we gathered at the bow I was pleased to see the sun setting behind us to the west. We had the maximum time to achieve our ends. Even if we arrived before the transports we could begin to ferry them out to the ‘Black Prince’. Lieutenant Commander Teer had already given a recognition signal for his new lieutenant. We all looked like either pirates or smugglers. We had cudgels and were festooned with pistols. My men’s French uniforms made them look like old soldiers and would not attract attention. The sailors had the ubiquitous clothes worn by sailors of both navies. The three officers had ignored my own orders and were wearing swords. I knew that we were used to them and would be less likely to trip up over them. The men were more familiar with cruder weapons and their fists.