Darkest Hour sjt-2

by James Holland

  'And you think a French girl you claim you've never seen before would make such an allegation if it wasn't true?' said Blackstone. 'Give over, Sergeant.'

  Tanner glared at him. 'I don't know what her motives are, sir,' he said to Barclay, 'but I tell you she's lying.' He turned to Blackstone again. 'Someone with a grudge against me must have put her up to it.' And then he saw the girl glance at Blackstone - a brief flicker, but unmistakable. It was all the proof he needed. I'll bloody kill him.

  'Well, I'm sorry, Tanner, but I don't believe you,' said Barclay. 'You're a good soldier, I'll admit that, but you're trouble. You have been from the moment you joined this company and I can't help having a dim view of your character.'

  'Based on what, sir?'

  'Don't answer back, Tanner.'

  'This is ridiculous,' snarled Tanner. 'I know who's behind it, sir.' He nodded at Blackstone. 'And I'll prove it too - one way or another.' He turned to Mademoiselle Lafoy. 'How much did he pay you, eh?' The girl flinched, frightened by his anger.

  'That will do, Tanner!' shouted Barclay. His face had reddened, and then, as though recognizing the need to compose himself, he placed his hands carefully on the table in front of him and said, in a slow, measured voice, 'You'll have a chance to defend yourself, but for now you're relieved of your duties. You'll wait here until the MPs arrive.'

  Tanner stared at Barclay, barely able to take in what the OC had said.

  'And you're demoted to the ranks,' said Blackstone, unable to hide the triumph in his voice. He walked to Tanner, took out a clasp knife and grasped Tanner's arm.

  Tanner grabbed the CSM's wrist. 'You'll pay for this,' he whispered to Blackstone, 'and that's not a warning. It's a statement of fact.'

  'Let go of my hand, Private,' said Blackstone, and then, out of view of Barclay, he winked. Stitch by stitch, Tanner's sergeant stripes were unpicked, first on one arm, then the other, until all that was left were the loose khaki threads still hanging from his serge battle-blouse.

  Corporal Sykes was worried about Tanner, but he was also worried for himself and the rest of the lads. They were about to go into battle, and Sykes, for one, knew there was no one else he would rather have at his side than their sergeant. The other lads needed him too - they all did. Yet Tanner was in a bad way - clouted the previous evening and in a black mood like he'd never seen before. And that was before Slater had turned up. Something was wrong, he was sure of it. Tanner had been gone an hour, and they were due to form up shortly.

  Sykes paced up and down the square, the scent of the lime trees heavy on the morning air, smoked a cigarette, then decided to find Mr Peploe. They'd barely seen the lieutenant since the previous afternoon - he'd been found digs in the village where he'd been resting and giving himself a chance to recover from his wound. Well, to hell with it, thought Sykes. He'd have to disturb him now.

  The house was a short way up the road to Vimy Ridge - a brick affair with curious limestone blocks along the foundations and at the corners. Sykes knocked on the door, which was answered by Private Smailes.

  'Smiler,' said Sykes, 'is Mr Peploe about?'

  'Good morning, Corporal,' he heard the lieutenant say from inside. He appeared, already wearing his webbing, kitbag and holster.

  'How are you feeling, sir?' Sykes asked.

  'Better, thank you. Head's still a bit sore, but I have deep reserves of courage and I think I can now resume full duties as platoon commander.' He grinned.

  'Glad to hear it, sir.'

  'Shall we get going, then?' said Peploe.

  'Er, sir,' said Sykes, 'it's Sergeant Tanner, sir.'

  'What about him?' said Peploe, anxiety clouding his face. 'What's happened?'

  Sykes explained. 'I thought maybe you could check with the OC what's going on,' he added.

  'Absolutely, Corporal,' said Peploe, clapping his damaged tin hat back on his head. 'Come with me. We'll see him right away.'

  It was a grim-faced Captain Barclay who informed them that Tanner was under arrest on a charge of rape.

  'What absolute rubbish!' said Peploe. 'What proof have you got? I've never heard such poppycock in all my life.'

  'Lieutenant!' said Captain Barclay. 'I will not have you speak to me like that. Why on earth would the girl make it up? She's clearly distressed, she has identified Tanner quite specifically and, apart from anything else, we can't have our troops raping and pillaging our allies. I'm merely observing the proper procedures.'

  Peploe snorted derisively. 'Let me see him, sir. He's my platoon sergeant. I demand to be allowed to speak to him.'

  'I'm not sure that's advisable, sir,' began Blackstone, but Barclay cut him off.

  'Yes, all right, Peploe. Blackstone, take Lieutenant Peploe to see Tanner.'

  Tanner was sitting on a stool in the scullery at the back of the house. He stood up as Peploe and Sykes entered. 'It's not true, sir. I don't know that girl at all. I've been put on the peg for nothing.'

  'I believe you, Tanner, don't worry,' said Peploe. Then, seeing his sleeves, he asked, 'What's happened to your stripes?'

  'I've been demoted, sir.'

  'But that's monstrous!'

  'Sir, Blackstone's behind this. He set me up last night - as much as admitted it - and I'm sure he's paid that girl to make the charge. But it's rubbish, a lie - he wants me out of the way.'

  'But why, Tanner? What has he got against you?'

  'I won't dance to his tune, sir. He likes being in control. He thinks he runs this company, not the OC, and I reckon that, for the most part, he's right. The OC's putty in his hands. The CSM thinks I undermine his authority and his influence on the others. And he's a coward, sir. He always was and he always will be. He'll want to hold back today, sir, keep a low profile, and avoid too much fighting. I reckon he's worried I'll show him up.'

  Peploe was thoughtful for a while. 'Let me talk to the girl, and I'll speak with Captain Barclay again. I mean, for God's sake, when were you supposed to have done this?'

  'When I went to look for Captain Barclay last night. Apparently I jumped on her and the three Frenchmen who jumped on me had seen me do it.'

  'And who are they?'

  Tanner shrugged. 'They were wearing civvies but I never saw their faces.'

  'And 'ave you asked whether the OC did want to see you, Sarge?' asked Sykes.

  'No - I hadn't thought of that,' Tanner admitted. 'Christ,' he added, running his hands through his dark hair.

  It seemed that Captain Barclay had asked to see Tanner the previous evening, but in the house, not the bar. Tanner had never shown up, he told Peploe, another reason why he was inclined to believe the accusation. Blackstone had passed the message to Slater, Slater had passed it to Private Hepworth. Slater told Peploe that he had been quite specific to Hepworth that the OC wanted to see Tanner at Company Headquarters.

  'Has Hepworth verified this?' asked Peploe.

  'We haven't spoken to him yet,' said Barclay.

  'There's no real need to, sir,' added Blackstone. 'Slater knows what he told him. Why would Hepworth tell Tanner any different?'

  Peploe eyed Blackstone for a moment, then said, 'And where's the girl? This Mademoiselle Lafoy? I'd like to speak to her.'

  Suddenly Barclay seemed flustered. 'Actually,' he said, 'I don't know. She was a refugee. But she made the charge and I acted on it. We took a statement from her and she left.'

  'How can you charge Tanner without the key witness?' asked Peploe, his exasperation evident.

  Barclay looked at his watch. 'Look, Peploe, we've got to form up shortly. This will have to wait until later.'

  'Sir,' said Peploe, 'you cannot detain Tanner on the basis of a statement from an unknown and, frankly, emotionally suspect witness who has since disappeared.'

  'Tanner has been placed under arrest, sir,' said Blackstone, 'and the MPs will be here at any moment. The captain is merely following correct military legal procedure in such cases.'

  'And I suppose you had nothing to do with any of this, CSM?' />
  'Me, sir?' said Blackstone. 'No, sir. What makes you think that? Has Tanner been trying to pass the blame on to me?' He shook his head. 'He's unbelievable, that man. And to think I saved his life last night. I wouldn't have bothered if I'd known what he'd done. He's a disgrace to the regiment.'

  'Well, I don't believe a word of it,' said Peploe. 'He's my best soldier and I want him in my platoon when we go into battle today.'

  'I'm sorry, Lieutenant,' said Barclay, 'but he's being handed over to the police and that's all there is to it. Whatever his merits as a soldier, we cannot have rapists among our number.'

  'That's bollocks, sir, and you know it. Throughout its history, the British Army has been littered with thieves, murderers and ne'er-do-wells.' He glared pointedly at

  Blackstone. 'And, as I've said, I don't believe this baloney for one minute. Let me have him back today, and if we all come through unscathed, I'll prove his innocence afterwards.'

  'He's a rapist, sir,' said Blackstone. 'You have a moral obligation to hand him over to the authorities and deal with this in the proper manner.'

  'I want Tanner with me today,' said Peploe. 'And, what's more, if you insist on continuing with this farce, sir,' he said directly to his commanding officer, 'I will be left with no choice but to resign my commission immediately.'

  Barclay was appalled. 'You can't do that!'

  'I can, sir, and I will. I don't want to be part of a regiment that treats its men so monstrously, or to serve under a man who is prepared to believe the word of a young girl about whom we know nothing over a soldier who has repeatedly proven himself courageous, dependable and utterly loyal, a man who has already been decorated for valour in the face of the enemy and whose experience will be an invaluable asset today. I was a farmer before the war, sir. I had no need to join up, but I did so because I believe we have a moral duty to fight and defeat Nazism. I certainly did not join to find myself fighting my biggest battles with those on my own side. Now, I don't wish to add another false allegation, but let me say this: I believe there are certain elements within this company who are far bigger trouble-makers than Tanner will ever be. This nonsense has the ring of a personal vendetta about it, one that needs to be stamped on hard.' He looked straight at Blackstone.

  Barclay followed his gaze. 'What the devil are you saying, man?'

  'Quite enough. As I say, I prefer hard facts before I make any accusation.'

  Barclay bit his lip and knotted his hands. 'Rape's a serious allegation, though. I've got to be seen to do the right thing.'

  'In that case, sir, I resign.' He began to unbutton his webbing.

  'Sir, you can't just ignore a charge like this,' insisted Blackstone.

  Barclay groaned and stood up. 'All right, Peploe!' he exclaimed. 'I'll release him. For now.'

  'And I want him to have his stripes back, sir. In Britain, a man is innocent until proven guilty. So far, Tanner's guilt has not been established.'

  'This is blackmail, sir,' said Blackstone.

  'Be quiet, CSM!' shouted Barclay. He went over to a dresser that stood along one side of the kitchen, picked up Tanner's stripes and handed them to Peploe. 'I was doing what I thought was right,' he said, utterly dejected. 'Let's hope Tanner proves worthy of the faith you have in him, Lieutenant.'

  'I have absolutely no doubt that he will,' said Peploe.

  'It's a quarter to ten, Peploe. Get Tanner and make sure your platoon are ready in a quarter of an hour.' He sighed heavily. 'But don't think this matter is closed. We've a battle to fight, but afterwards . . .' He trailed off.

  Peploe and Sykes saluted, then fetched Tanner.

  'Thank you, sir,' said Tanner, as he took his stripes back.

  'Here,' said Peploe, delving into his pack for his housewife. 'You'd better get them sewn back on quick. Reckon you can have it done in five minutes?'

  'I'll do it, Sarge,' said Sykes.

  'Good. I'll go and sort out the men. Meet us by the trucks as soon as you can.'

  'Thank you, sir,' said Tanner again. He then stood still while Sykes's nimble fingers quickly stitched one set of stripes, then the other into the thick serge.

  'There,' said Sykes, eventually. 'Those should hold for the moment, at any rate.'

  D Company set off a few minutes after ten, driving out of the square and up the hill, past the giant Canadian war memorial, erected only a few years before in honour of those killed during the last war against Germany. It gleamed proudly in the morning sunshine. Behind, pockets of mist still hung in the valley. Ahead, young pines sprouted up through the still pockmarked landscape of Vimy Ridge.

  'Thank God for mobile warfare,' said Peploe as he gazed out from the cab of the Opel.

  Tanner said nothing. The humiliation of the past twelve hours still occupied his mind. None of the lads had said anything to him but there had been glances and knowing looks. Blackstone had made sure they'd heard about the rape charge. Peploe had come to his rescue, but Tanner was conscious that Blackstone had still partly achieved his goal. The men in the platoon would view him differently - warily, even. The trust he had won had been undermined, just as Blackstone had wanted.

  They were halted in Neuville by 151st Brigade men and directed to an open area opposite the same massive French cemetery they had passed the day before. A battery of gunners was already there, vehicles and guns lined up ready to move. A brigade staff officer ordered them out of the trucks, while Captain Barclay and his two lieutenants were instructed to take the Krupp, wheel round and head back up the ridge to Petit Vimy where they were to liaise with Lieutenant-Colonel Beart, officer commanding, 8th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry.

  Tanner watched them head off. Then, as the rest of the men were getting out of the back of the Opels, he heard the tell-tale thrum of aircraft and looked behind to see a dozen Stukas peeling off and diving down on the ridge. No bombs fell, but machine-guns chattered, the sound clear and sharp. Tanner saw Ellis and Denning flinch. He hoped Mr Peploe was all right.

  'Christ, will you look at that?' muttered Sykes.

  'They're bloody slow, though, aren't they?' said Tanner.

  'Not the Stukas, Sarge - all those bloody graves.' He pointed to the French cemetery. Row after row of white crosses stretched from the road to the ridge beyond. 'There must be thousands and thousands of 'em.'

  Tanner wandered over to the small British cemetery that lay beside the French one and lit a cigarette. From the village, now that the Stukas had gone, he could hear tanks, their tracks squeaking. Soon six French light tanks were turning off the main village road towards them.

  As the last one passed, Tanner stepped across the road behind it and walked to the other side of the trucks. From the far side of the Opel he could hear a group of men from the platoon talking.

  'Well, I still reckon old Blackie's a good sort,' said McAllister. 'He said that bird swore the sarge had had his way with her.'

  'What I don't see is why she'd lie about it,' said Bell.

  'You reckon he did it, then?' said Ellis.

  'I dunno,' said Hepworth. 'Maybe it was someone else. Maybe she got it wrong. It was dark, weren't it?'

  Tanner clenched his fists, banged his right hand hard against the side of the truck, then walked round to confront them. A hush fell over the men as he stood before them. For a moment he glared at them, his pale blue eyes staring at each man in turn.

  'Sarge, I'm sorry, I didn't mean—' began Hepworth.

  'Shut up, Hepworth,' Tanner snarled. 'Listen to me, all of you. I know what you've heard, so I'm going to say this to you once. It's true that I was attacked last night and it's true that some French woman has accused me of raping her.' He eyed them all in turn. 'I did no such thing. You've had your gossip but I don't want to hear another word about it. Today we're going into battle and, believe me, when the shells start falling and the machine-guns are firing, this bollocks will seem very unimportant. What will matter is making sure we beat those bastards and that you come through it in one piece.' He stared hard
at McAllister. 'Don't believe everything the CSM says, Mac. Remember this: I've known him a lot longer than you have.'

  McAllister's eyes darted about nervously. His cheeks flushed. 'Sarge—' he said.

  'Forget it, Mac,' said Tanner. 'Just don't let me down today, all right?'

  Lieutenant Peploe could hardly bring himself to speak to Captain Barclay as they drove towards Petit Vimy. He knew the captain was not a bad man, but he also recognized some fundamental failings in the fellow. He was impressionable, not a natural leader of men, probably not terribly bright either. Or, at least, not someone who could think quickly on their feet. No wonder Blackstone had such a hold over him. That confidence, that breezy charm and quick mind - those were useful tools for someone like the CSM.