Toehold in Europe (Combined Operations Book 5)

by Griff Hosker

It was dark by the time the three of us had written the letters and finished all the paperwork. The E-Boat had been taken away. We did not know that would be the last time we would see her. The engineers later told us that they had decided that her working life was over and she could not be saved. The 'Lady' had given her life for us. I knew that had she not held together for as long as she had then we would all be in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

  "I suppose I will be reassigned again, sir."

  I tapped his stripes, "At least this time you go with rank. Do you want to stay in Combined Operations?"

  "I thinks so, sir. You feel like you are doing a bit."

  I looked pointedly at Hugo. The Lieutenant nodded, "I will see the Colonel. I am sure he will endorse any such transfer."

  "I'll go and see the lads. See who else wants to stay." He stood, "I'll do it now, sirs. Strike while the iron is hot."

  After he had gone Hugo lit a cigarette, "You know you chaps have a unique relationship. You appear to be a service unto yourselves."

  "I think that is what Churchill thought when he first came up with the idea. I know that Lord Lovat and Lord Mountbatten think so. I have spoken with them." I knew that like Dad in the RFC, I could not envisage fighting in another force. "Which begs the question, what happens to us? The 'Dragonfly'?"

  Hugo frowned, "Perhaps, but she is in Greek waters now. You may get some time off."

  I laughed, "You have a dry sense of humour Hugo. I am betting that the Colonel has plans for us already." I put the future from my mind. "We need to get to the hospital and see how my chaps are."

  "I will go and ring." He came back ten minutes later with a grin on his face. "They are on their way back sir. Apparently they discharged themselves. They appear to have borrowed an ambulance. The chap on the other end asked if we could send it back to them."

  "Of course."

  I felt like a parent waiting for naughty children who were late out as I stood at the gate watching for the ambulance. I had Emerson and Hay with the jeep which we had still retained. Emerson would return the ambulance. The ambulance screeched to a noisy halt before me. The three of them tumbled out. Gordy had a bandage across one eye. Scouse had his left arm in a sling and I could not see Shepherd's wounds. They saluted.

  Gordy said, "Detachment reporting for duty, sir."

  I could smell the Grappa on their breath. I turned, "Fred, take the ambulance back. Hay go with him."

  "Sir."

  I waited until the ambulance and the jeep had left before I said, "And you three, what am I going to do with you? You will be lucky if they don't press charges."

  Scouse grinned, "Oh they won't do that sir. We were bloody awful patients. They were glad to get rid of us."

  "Anyway, sir we wanted to get back to the 'Lady'."

  "I am afraid that the 'Lady' has sailed her last voyage. She is being broken up." All their good humour disappeared. They had all become sailors and were deeply attached to their vessel.

  Gordy shook his head, "I hadn't been with her as long as you lads but she was a lucky ship. I shall miss her."

  Scouse said, "They took the two officers back to Valetta, sir. They were badly wounded. I mean, really badly." He shook his head, "What'll happen to the crew sir? I mean will we sail with them again?"

  "I am not certain. They are all good sailors and want to stay in Combined Ops but you know how these things work."

  "It's just a shame sir. We worked well together. Me and Wacker understood each other."

  It took more than a couple of days to tie up all our loose ends and then all hell broke loose. We had a breakthrough on the fourteenth of August. The Germans and Italians started to pull back from Sicily towards the mainland. At the same time we were finally free of Colonel Fleming. Hugo told me that as a result of the intelligence we had gathered he was being flown back to London to be part of the planning team for a new operation. My relief was short lived. Rather than being returned to England and Number Four Commando we discovered that we were to be attached to Number Two Commando for the invasion of Italy. Major General Laycock had been impressed by our success. He had specifically asked for us. It also meant the departure of Lieutenant Ferguson.

  "Sorry about this, sir but I have been assigned to the staff of Colonel Fleming." He shook his head, "He said I might be promoted. I would rather work with you and your chaps. You made a difference and it has been an honour to serve with you."

  "And you too, Hugo. I know the lads will miss you. You are a damned good officer and you deserve better than Colonel Fleming."

  "Who knows, our paths may well cross again."

  "I hope so."

  It was a mark of the respect that my men had for him that they all insisted on shaking his hand. I could see that the quietly spoken Lieutenant was touched. This was the first unit he had been part of and now he was leaving. After he had gone and with the crew of the 'Lady' transferred we rattled around the base. Hugo had been gone less than half a day when a lorry arrived driven by a Commando from Number Two Brigade.

  He saluted smartly, "Captain Harsker I am here to transport you and your section to San Agata. Major General Laycock requests your presence."

  I had been expecting it. "Right Sergeant Poulson, get your gear in the back of the lorry."

  I climbed in the cab. "How far is it Sergeant?"

  "Eighty or so miles but it will take all afternoon to reach it sir. You might as well get your head down."

  Polly banged on the cab, "All aboard, sir."

  The sergeant put it into gear and we began to drive. "No, Sergeant, I shall stay awake. I have been all around this island. I shall be interested to go through it and see what the land is like."

  We drove in silence for a while and then he said, "A lot of the lads are keen to see you and your lot sir. They have heard a lot about you." He smiled, "Some say you should have a V.C. like your old man."

  "My dad will tell you that getting fruit salad is all a matter of luck. I have seen braver men than me who deserved medals. A V.C. doesn't matter if you are dead."

  "It does to your family."

  I smiled, "Have you ever noticed that most of the men who get V.C.s and the like have no families. That should tell you something."

  He nodded, "Anyway most of us are happy to have you with us. I have heard that we and the Rangers have the hardest task. We have Amalfi to take."

  I must have shown my surprise, "Amalfi? I have been there. I recommended that we do not attack it. It is high cliffs and narrow gorges."

  "Ah well, sir, some bright spark called Colonel Fleming came up with a plan to take it. Apparently he recommended that you and your section lead the attack. It is why you are attached to us for this operation."

  I closed my eyes. Colonel Fleming still continued to haunt us. Even though he had departed we still had the slippery touch of his tentacles to contend with. The journey was over recently conquered ground. We passed damaged vehicles and crudely marked graves. We were retaking Europe. I still remembered the horror of the retreat across Belgium when we had lost the war for Europe. I would lose no sleep over the dead Germans but I said a silent thanks to the dead Americans, British and Canadians who had fallen to help us secure Sicily. It was now obvious that the battle for Sicily was over. By the second week of August it would be completely in our hands. Already there were rumours of an Italian surrender. I hoped so. The war would end that much quicker. The fall of Mussolini at the end of July was the first of the bricks to tumble. The rest would surely follow.

  "Here we are sir." I must have dozed off. I found myself at a vast field of tents. "It is a bit rough and ready sir but it is only temporary. The General said there will be a briefing tomorrow at 0800. A jeep will pick you up."

  "Thanks Sergeant. I am sorry I was such a miserable passenger."

  "After what you have been through sir, it is to be understood."

  I went to the rear, "Right, chaps. Here is our new home."

  The bags were thrown down. I banged on the side when the
last of my men had left the vehicle. It sped off. It was new to us. I could not remember the last time I had been in such a large camp. Gordy said, "Hang on here, sir and I will go and suss it out! Bill come with me."

  Sergeant Poulson joined me. "Back to the real army then sir?"

  "Perhaps. Colonel Fleming recommended us."

  Polly gave a knowing look, "Then it might be more of the same."

  Half an hour later Bill Hay appeared, "I have found our tents, sir. Sergeant Barker has gone to make sure there is some grub left for us."

  Our tents were at the end of a row and close to a drainage ditch. We had endured worse. I had a tent to myself. The rest of the men were three to a tent. It was adequate. We dumped our gear and followed Bill to the mess tent. We were the only ones left. That proved to be an advantage as they had been expecting more of us and had prepared plenty of food. Those omnivores amongst the men ate well. They worked on the premise that you never knew what was around the corner so when you could eat, as Gordy often said, 'fill yer boots!'

  I was up early. The nap in the cab had taken the edge of my need for sleep. I was one of the first in the mess tent and the only officer. I was waiting, ready for the jeep when it arrived.

  Headquarters was the town hall. I saw that it had been recently used by the Germans. Their discarded signs lay everywhere. The fighting here had been so recent that they had not even moved some of the damaged vehicles. The inevitable red caps stood on guard outside. The private who had brought me had seemed a little in awe of me. Having spoken to the sergeant I realised that our exploits had become the subject of gossip. I hoped the officers I met would be less impressed.

  I was one of the first to arrive and I was shown to what looked to have been a ballroom. A major, assisted by a young lieutenant, was busy sorting papers and maps into piles. Without looking up the Major said, "There is coffee by the door. Just help yourself."

  "Thank you sir." I poured myself a cup and sipped it. It was hot and it was real coffee. I suspected the Americans had provided the coffee. When I was pouring it a second major entered. This time he was a Commando. I recognised his flash. I gestured to the coffee.

  "Thanks." He sat next to me. He smiled as he drank. "I had forgotten what real coffee tasted like." He held out his hand, "Siddons, Second Commando."

  "Harsker, Four Commando."

  "By Jove I am in the presence of a celebrity. You are the chap who has been causing such a stir behind the lines. My chaps were singing your praises after the landings. Jack Durrant was most impressed and he knows his business. Well done, sir. I am glad you are on this one. I can tell you."

  "You and your chaps will know more about attacking beaches. We have an easy job. We just sneak in, have a footle around and then toddle off home."

  He shook his head, "No false modesty, old boy. We both know that what you do is damned dangerous. You are the chaps that Old Adolf wants to string up by the bollocks!"

  The room was filling up with Commandos and Royal Marine Commandos too. General Laycock arrived and the Lieutenant closed the door and placed his chair in front of it. We were not going to be disturbed. The Major stood next to him with a pointer. He took a sheet off the easel and revealed a map of the bay of Salerno. The General nodded to him and began, "Gentlemen , today we begin the preparation for Operation Avalanche; the invasion of mainland Italy!"

  There was a hubbub of conversation. The Major snapped, "Come, gentlemen, we are not schoolboys!"

  I saw a smile on the face of Lucky Laycock, "This is Major Taylor. He is seconded to us from the Guards and works directly under Colonel Fleming whom I know some of you know."

  That was all I needed to know. Already I did not like the Major.

  "You represent the Commandos who will be working in close cooperation with the American Rangers led by Colonel Darby. Now we have been given the task of attacking what are deemed to be impossible targets: Amalfi and Vietri Sul Mare."

  "We know this because Colonel Fleming sent in Captain Harsker of Number Four Commando to inspect the landing sites and Captain Harsker informed the Colonel that infantry could not take either place. He was quite right." He held out a hand towards me, "You were quite right, Captain Harsker. We have examined the aerial photographs and the ones you took. Excellent photography by the way. We believe that Commandos and Rangers can, indeed, take them both."

  I was suddenly aware of heads swivelled in my direction.

  "Our target is the Molina Pass just a mile north of Vietri Sul Mare. We are to hold it and, if possible, put pressure on Salerno. We will be going in first before the main attack further south. Thanks to the papers and the officers Captain Harsker captured in Paestum we know a great deal about the defences of this area. You may not be aware but the provisional Italian Government has just signed an armistice. Now I believe this means that Italy will sue for peace and there will be a hiatus while the Germans take over the positions occupied at present by the Italians. Gentlemen we attack on the morning of the ninth of September!"

  "The ninth! That is a week away!"

  The captain four seats away could not contain himself. It made Major Siddons laugh out loud, "Damned fool. We are Commandos. We go in at a moment's notice. I bet your chaps are always ready."

  I nodded. "Sometimes less than that. I worked for Colonel Fleming,"

  "You poor sod. I met him once. Awful man. Stank like an ashtray!"

  Major Taylor snapped, "Focus, gentlemen!"

  "Let us look at the attack in detail. Lieutenant."

  The Lieutenant gave out folders with maps, times and other vital information.

  "We leave here on the eighth. It is one hundred and eighty miles to our destination. It will take us ten to eleven hours to reach our destination. The Air Force will ensure that we arrive unmolested. We will land at dawn. We have 'H.M.S. Ledbury' for close support. Some of you know her from the Sicily invasion. We will be travelling in Landing Craft. The exception will be Captain Harsker and his team. They will be travelling on ML 220. His team will land one hour ahead of the main force under cover of darkness. Their task will be to seize and hold the beach close to the main road north. It means that when we land we should have minimal opposition. It is imperative that Captain Harsker's team captures the beach. If he does so then we can easily capture the pass."

  Major Siddons said from the side of his mouth, "No pressure then."

  The rest of the briefing concerned the weaponry and the logistics of support. I remembered both St. Nazaire and Dieppe. I prayed that this one did not result in the number of deaths which those two raids had. We broke for lunch to allow us the chance to ask questions. I was talking with Major Siddons when Major Taylor approached. I had not noticed that he was much smaller than the rest of us. He had a neatly trimmed and waxed moustache. I detected the smell of eau de cologne. This was not an officer who had experienced the rigours of war.

  "Captain Harsker, Colonel Fleming has spoken highly of you." He frowned, "However I am less than impressed by your appearance. I want you to have a haircut and shave before our next meeting. And I would have expected a clean uniform at the very least! There are standards."

  "Why, sir?"

  "Why do we have standards? What a stupid question!"

  "No, sir, why do I need to shave and have a haircut."

  "You need to set an example."

  "Who to?"

  "Why, your men of course."

  "You mean my men will follow me to hell and back if I have a haircut, a shave and clean uniform?"

  "Of course!"

  "Then I can see you have never led men into action, Major!"

  He reddened, "That sounds like insubordination to me."

  I had had enough of this and I took the bull by the horns. "Then you have led men into action, Major. Where?"

  "I..."

  He got no further for Major General Laycock had heard the last interchange. "Captain Harsker, Major Taylor does not need to explain to you his record. Suffice it to say he is very experienced in
the planning of operations such as this!"

  "Sorry sir."

  I saw the Major begin to preen himself at what he took to be a compliment.

  "However Major, the Captain is quite right. His appearance will not detract in the slightest from his section. I have seen them in action and they are as big a bunch of pirates as their leader. Captain Harsker's men will never stand guard outside Buckingham Palace but it is the likes of men like that which ensure that you can."

  The Major was suitably deflated

  We worked for an hour after lunch and then we were sent back to our units. We had each given a list to the flag lieutenant of anything which we might need for the operation. I just asked for explosives and ammunition. My men were my biggest asset.

  During the afternoon I sought out Major General Laycock. "Sir can I ask you something?"

  "Of course Captain Harsker. I owe you that much at least."

  "When this is over could my men and I go back to join Number Four Commando? No disrespect sir but if we are going to have to do this sort of thing then I would rather do it with my own brigade."

  He smiled, "I fully understand and the answer is yes. We are using your expertise here but we are going to have to develop our own version of you. Besides, between you and me I think Colonel Fleming has plans for you. And those plans involve France, not Italy. Your skills there will be quite useful I would imagine. Just get through this in one piece and you can go home, Captain Harsker." I nodded, "One thing though. Try to put on a decent uniform eh? Until we leave. You have enough fruit salad on your battle dress to make even Major Taylor think twice about making snide comments . Just a word to the wise."

  Later, as we left sharing a jeep, Major Siddons said, "You have made an enemy of that one. Mind you I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. The man is a martinet. They should have had a Commando." He glanced down and saw the Luger and the Colt. "Unorthodox weapons, Harsker."

  "Yes sir. Sometimes by using the Luger we can confuse the enemy for a few seconds. Often that is all that we need. It can be the difference between winning and losing."

  Chapter 18