At that moment there was a double explosion as the booby traps at the end of the wood went off. I heard shouts and then a German voice urged his men forward. I had seven bullets left in my magazine. I had to make them count. I fired at the young officer who was leading his men on. He fell with a surprised look on his face. They were too far away for a grenade and so, as his men gathered around his body I fired the last six bullets in their direction. Three fell and the other two dived to the ground. They began to fire blindly in our direction. I waved Harry away and then, after holstering my Colt I pulled the pin from a grenade and placed a convenient rock on the grenade.
I turned and ran. Harry was waiting for me at the camp where Hewitt also stood. "Go right sir."
As I moved in the direction indicated I heard my grenade go off. One of them had tripped over the rock. Then I heard another booby trap explode. I joined the two of them in our former camp. "Throw a grenade as high as you can and then run to the beach."
I saw the Germans as we lobbed the grenades. They fired again but by that time we had left and were running down the slope towards the gully. There were more screams as the grenades exploded in the air showering the Germans with shrapnel. I hoped we were making them cautious. I saw that the sun was setting now. There were low clouds which made it darker. In ten minutes it would be dusk. I yelled. "Ten minutes on the timer!" I heard a ripple of explosions as the last of the camp booby traps were triggered.
We reached the road and I saw Germans coming down the road. I pulled my Thompson round, cocked it and emptied the magazine in their direction. As I reloaded Hewitt and Harry emptied theirs. It takes a brave man to face three Tommy guns and they dived for cover. We had bought another few minutes.
I saw Sergeant Poulson kneeling by the side of the gully. He stood as we approached. "Ten minutes, sir!" He fired his Thompson up the track as we burst on to the beach.
I looked out at the darkening sea. There was no sign of the 'Lucky Lady'. "Right lads get ready for a swim. Sergeant Poulson has set the timer for ten minutes. We leave in three." I shouldered my Thomson and took out my Luger. "Backs to the sea."
"Sir, what about the radio?" Scouse still gripped his precious machine.
"Drop it by the charges and then run!"
My men were working as pairs, one firing and the other running. I doubted that we would hit anything but so long as it slowed them down that was all that I wanted. I had to rely on the Royal Navy. I hoped they would not let us down. I felt the water at the back of my knees as Fletcher joined us. He grinned. "I hope they don't take the radio out of my pay, sir."
"We will have a whip round if they do." I glanced behind me. The sea was empty. "How much longer Sergeant?"
"Two minutes!"
"Everybody, into the sea and swim."
"What about the Bergens sir?"
"They have air in them. They will help you float." That was the theory but I was not certain about the practice.
Once the water came up to my waist it became harder to move and I heard more firing from behind us. George Lowe shouted, "Sir, they are setting up a heavy machine gun!"
"Poulson! How long?"
"Any second sir!"
"Everybody underwater and hold your breath!" I dropped my head beneath the waves. It was remarkably quiet and cool. I began to count in my head. I reached ten when there was a concussion above us and I felt a wave of hot air. I broke the surface and looked behind us. I could see bodies and wounded men staggering around. We had stopped them but we had got no closer to home. I wondered if we would have to swim home.
The heads of my men broke surface and they looked around. Sergeant Poulson said, "What now, sir."
"We swim!"
"To England?"
"If that's what it takes Scouse, yes, but it is in the direction of the 'Lucky Lady'. Keep your ears open."
We swam backwards just using our legs. It was easier that way. We were laden down and water washed over us but we did not sink, not completely anyway. We could see the shore receding. The tide must have been on its way out and was taking us out to sea. It was getting on to dark now and I doubted that the Germans would be able to spot us.
Suddenly my ears caught the throb of diesel engines. It drew closer. Was it a real German or was it S-88? A rope snaked out and a friendly voice said, "Grab hold sir! Sorry we are late."
Chapter 20
It took some time because we were all sodden and soaked but as soon as we were all on board the ship edged back out to sea. The Midshipman who had pulled me on board said, "There is another German E-boat out there, sir. The captain didn't want them to see us so we headed further south. That is why we were late."
"You got here, Middy, that is the important thing."
He noticed my hand, "Sir, you hand is a mess."
Hewitt said, "Leave him with me, sir. I have a kit in my bag."
"Take him down below Private, it is going to get a little busy up here."
Once we were below decks I took off my Bergen and my battle dress. One of the ratings gave us blankets. I found I was shaking. It was not fear but it was the cold. Hewitt said, "Sir, we should get all your wet things off."
"Hewitt, if you think I am going to go around stark naked with just a blanket around my shoulders you can think again."
He began to clean up my hand. It looked far worse than it was. There was a lot of blood and the dog's teeth had punctured the skin in a number of places but with the blood wiped away and antiseptic applied he was satisfied enough to bandage me. He put my arm in a sling. I did not need it but it made him happy. I took the mug of tea and went on deck to speak with the lieutenant.
He nodded towards my arm, "What happened?"
"A dog!"
He laughed, "At least they don't carry guns." He nodded towards the radar shack. "Jerry is still out there. We have the signal books that were on board when you captured her. I just hope they haven't changed them. I don't want to go racing west; it would look suspicious. We have been picking up signals about British commandos. Every vessel is searching for you. If it is any consolation they think there are at least fifty of you. They are searching all over Dieppe for you." He pointed to the sky. "We heard night fighters overheard. You have really annoyed them."
"Yes but the trouble is this will just tighten up their defences. They had mined one of the gullies. I can see the same happening to the others."
"If you are going to make an omelette you have to crack eggs." He suddenly seemed to understand what I meant, "You think you should have aborted after the first one."
I nodded, "Yes."
"Well the damage was done by then anyway. Once they found those dead Germans they would either think it was the resistance or commandos. At least the locals won't suffer for this."
Wacker suddenly came out of the radio cabin, "Sir, just had a message from a German trawler he wants to come and check us out. He is suspicious. I have used all the codes but he doesn't recognise which flotilla we are from."
"Keep bluffing him, Hanson." Turning to me he said, "I have an idea, get your men on deck. Keep the blankets draped around their shoulders but have them ready to take cover if this goes pear shaped. Let's try to make a mug out of this German captain."
"Right." I think I knew what he intended. I went to the cabin. "Right lads; the captain wants Jerry to think we have been captured. Come on deck with your blankets and look hang dog but have a grenade and your Colts to hand."
I took the silencer from my Colt and refitted a magazine. As we reached the deck Lieutenant Jorgenson said, "Sit on the fo'c'sle. Try to look as though you are prisoners. When they get close I will tell them that I have captured you and intend to take you to Boulogne. Hopefully they will let ushead that way and we can nip back to Newhaven."
It was a gamble but it felt like it might work. "Right lads, sit back to back and spread out. They think there are fifty of us."
Because we had radar Lieutenant Jorgenson was able to track their approach, even in the dark. There
was no sign of Royal Navy white. The crew all had navy blue tops and would pass for Germans. The German flag fluttered above us. Lieutenant Jorgenson had stuck a thin cigar in his mouth and he looked every inch a German. His blond hair was the final argument.
He said, quietly, "They are half a mile away. We now talk in German." Apart from Bill Leslie and a couple of others, most of the crew had a smattering of German. There were three who spoke it fluently.
I heard the trawler's engine as it approached. Alan had his idling. The trawler captain was suspicious. He had his 37mm gun manned and it and the machine guns covered us. Alan took his megaphone and stood next to the bridge. "Good evening Captain. You see I have captured some of the Tommies." He pointed to the east of us. "I found them in the water over there. I was searching for more. I only have a few. I do not know where the others are."
The German captain said, "I do not know your boat. Which flotilla are you?"
Alan shrugged, "I am afraid I cannot tell you for we are on a mission for the Abwehr. It was pure luck that we heard the request for help to capture these gangsters." I smiled to myself. It was the phrase Hitler used about us. I think it was because we carried Tommy guns. "We are heading for Boulogne. I will hand them over to the Gestapo there."
It was a convincing story and Alan's piratical look made it more believable. I saw the gun crews relax. The trawler captain, however, edged his ship a little closer to us. It was broadside on. "I do not want to delay you. I am senior captain here. I will transfer the prisoners and you can be on your way. You will not need to deviate from your course."
"It is not a problem. We are a fast boat."
"I will decide what is a problem and what is not. I command in these waters and I will take the prisoners back to Dieppe!" I noticed the Alan's gun crews had surreptitiously closed up on their guns. Alan shrugged and said, "Very well. I will just tell the leader of these commandos what we are doing." He turned to me and nodded. Even as I stood and threw off my blanket he shouted, "Fire!"
I pulled the pin on my grenade and threw it at the crew of the 37mm and then I drew my Colt and fired at the trawler captain who stood exposed. I fired four bullets and he was thrown backwards. The grenade exploded behind the gun shield. It scythed through the crew and we were protected from the shrapnel by the metal guard around their gun. The E-Boats machine guns and my men's Colts cut through the crew. One of Alan's crew threw a timed charge towards the stern of the trawler where her depth charges were kept.
Alan shouted, "Hold on! Full speed coxswain." It was lucky he said what he did for we were thrown to one side. By that savage manoeuvre. I barely managed to grab a rope with my good hand before we leapt away. As we turned there was an enormous explosion as the charges went off. The stern began to slip into the sea and then the depth charges at the stern all went off and the whole trawler was thrown into the air as it was destroyed by its own depth charges. We were showered with debris. As Bill brought the E-Boat back onto a straight course. I saw that the trawler and its crew had disappeared as though it had never been.
"And now lads, we have pushed our luck enough. Time to go home!"
We turned and headed due west. We would make Falmouth by dawn. Even as we headed west the message was being transmitted to the Hurricanes and they would be on station when dawn broke. I lay back on the deck. Alan was right, we had ridden our luck but I had learned that he too, like me, was a risk taker. It had paid off. The Germans would have no idea what happened to their trawler and they would continue to search for us.
It was mid morning when we reached Falmouth. We had not been able to maintain full speed as one of the engines had suffered a malfunction but it did not bother us. We were all alive and we had achieved what we had set out to achieve. I knew we had not been perfect but we did not live in a perfect world and accidents would happen.
Major Foster was waiting for us as we edged into Carrick Roads and our little base. He had with him a pair of intelligence officers. I had my maps already to hand for I knew what they wanted. "Sergeant Poulson, take charge of the section and my bag. I have a feeling that I am needed."
"But sir, your hand! You need to go to hospital."
"I think Hewitt did a good job. I will be fine. Take tomorrow off too, Sergeant. I think we have earned a rest."
I was right. No sooner had the E-Boat been tied up than Major Foster said, "Well done, Tom. I am afraid these chaps need to debrief you as soon as possible."
He saw my sling and looked concerned. "Don't worry sir. Just a dog bite."
We were driven to headquarters in Falmouth where I was grilled and questioned until three o'clock in the afternoon. As I suspected they were less than happy with the fact that we had been discovered. I knew what it meant. However the maps and the intelligence mollified them and they left with a grudging nod of thanks.
"You know, Tom, some of these chaps need to do what you do and then they would appreciate you more."
"We don't need their appreciation sir. We are just doing our job."
"And you do it damn well. There is no one better at going behind enemy lines."
I laughed, "And I guess that means that it will not be long before we are asked to make another little trip across the Channel."
"Perhaps."
"Then in that case I am pleased that 'Lucky Lady' needs repairs. It buys just a little time!"
"And speaking of luck, let's have your hand seen to before your luck runs out."
After the hospital he dropped me off at Mrs Bailey's. The others had all eaten. As I went through to the kitchen I saw Reg Dean with his arms around Mrs Bailey. They both saw me. Reg nodded and Mrs Bailey's hand went to her mouth. "Eeh whatever has happened to you Lieutenant?"
"I was bitten, Mrs Bailey, by a dog."
Reg said, "A German Shepherd?" I nodded. He grinned and said, "A wound inflicted by an enemy. You could be due another medal, sir!"
When we both began laughing Mrs Bailey shook her head, "Soldiers! Who can understand them?"
The End
Glossary
Abwehr- German Intelligence
Butchers- Look (Cockney slang Butcher's Hook- Look)
Butties- sandwiches (slang)
Chah- tea (slang)
Comforter- the lining for the helmet; a sort of woollen hat
Corned dog- Corned Beef (slang)
Fruit salad- medal ribbons (slang)
Gash- spare (slang)
Gauloise- French cigarette
Gib- Gibraltar (slang)
Glasshouse- Military prison
Goon- Guard in a POW camp (slang)- comes from a 1930s Popeye cartoon
Jankers- field punishment
Jimmy the One- First Lieutenant on a warship
MGB- Motor Gun Boat
MTB- Motor Torpedo Boat
ML- Motor Launch
Killick- leading hand (Navy) (slang)
Oik- worthless person (slang)
Oppo/oppos- pals/comrades (slang)
Pom-pom- Quick Firing 2lb (40mm) Maxim cannon
Pongo (es)- soldier (slang)
Potato mashers- German Hand Grenades (slang)
QM- Quarter Master (stores)
Recce- Reconnoitre (slang)
SBA- Sick Bay Attendant
Schnellboote -German for E-boat (literally fast boat)
Scragging - roughing someone up (slang)
Scrumpy- farm cider
SP- Starting price (slang)- what’s going on
Sprogs- children or young soldiers (slang)
Squaddy- ordinary soldier (slang)
Stag- sentry duty (slang)
Stand your corner- get a round of drinks in (slang)
Subbie- Sub-lieutenant (slang)
Tatties- potatoes (slang)
Tommy (Atkins)- Ordinary British soldier
Two penn'orth- two pennies worth (slang for opinion)
WVS- Women's Voluntary Service
Maps
Maps courtesy of Wikipedia- The layout of St. Nazaire docks showing Norma
ndie Dock
Historical note
The first person I would like to thank for this particular book and series is my Dad. He was in the Royal Navy but served in Combined Operations. He was at Dieppe, D-Day and Walcheren. His boat: LCA 523 was the one which took in the French Commandos on D-Day. He was proud that his ships had taken in Bill Millens and Lord Lovat. I wish that, before he died I had learned more in detail about life in Combined Operations but like many heroes he was reluctant to speak of the war. He is the character in the book called Bill Leslie. I went back in 1994, with my Dad to Sword beach and he took me through that day on June 6th 1944. We even found the grave of his cousin George Hogan who died on D-Day. As far as I know we were the only members of the family ever to do so. Sadly that was Dad's only visit but we planted forget-me-nots on the grave of George.
I would also like to thank Roger who is my railway expert. The train Tom and the Major catch from Paddington to Oswestry ran until 1961. The details of the livery, the compartments and the engine are all, hopefully accurate. I would certainly not argue with Roger!
I used a number of books in the research. The list is at the end of this historical section. However the best book, by far, was the actual Commando handbook which was reprinted in 2012. All of the details about hand to hand, explosives, esprit de corps etc were taken directly from it. The advice about salt, oatmeal and water is taken from the book. It even says that taking too much salt is not a bad thing! I shall use the book as a Bible for the rest of the series. The Commandos were expected to find their own accommodation. Some even saved the money for lodgings and slept rough. That did not mean that standards of discipline and presentation were neglected; they were not.
Behind Enemy Lines Page 25