Cast No Shadow, Peter Sharp [books to get back into reading txt] 📗

I’ll find him.” Kelly started up the path to the centre of the village, Corporal Adams and Marine Smith following at a slight distance, their Stens cocked and ready to use. As they approached the quay, they were approached by a group of four German prisoners accompanied by four marines. As the marines drew closer, the lead marine levelled his rifle at Kelly and ordered him to halt. Kelly did so.

The marine moved closer, then smiled. “Hello Sir. Sorry about that. Can’t be too careful!”

“Its fine,” Kelly nodded, moving on. They reached the quay, and Kelly identified Tom Foley and Gareth Owen standing together talking. The firing had finally ceased, and the village seemed to be calm. Kelly spotted another group of German prisoners under guard near the quayside. He approached them and identified the only officer among them, a young and very frightened Unter Lieutenant.

Speaking in German, Kelly asked, “Where is Herr Hauptman Meyer?”

The young German shook his head, his hands were trembling slightly. He was clearly trying to hold it together whilst in the midst of what remained of his men. His voice had only the hint of strain as he answered, “I do not know. I have no idea. He is gone.”

Kelly felt sorry for the young man and placed an arm on his shoulder and nodded. It produced a hesitant smile from the young officer in return. Kelly turned and made his way towards Tom and Gareth. They waved as they saw him, and Kelly returned the wave.

When he reached them they shook hands.

“Well done Dan. Really went well. Your boys did most of the work for us,” said Foley.

“Don’t know about that,” said Kelly. “I was never more pleased to see Gareth just now.” Pointing to his two comrades, he said, “This is all that’s left of Charlie and Delta. What of the other two teams?”

Tom Foley shifted uncomfortably. “Not good news I’m afraid, Dan. Alpha lost one at the exchange, but I’m afraid no one survived from Bravo at the factory.”

Kelly lowered his head and cursed. They were all aware of how risky the mission was, but that didn’t make it any easier.

“Your boys are going back tonight to the merchantman,” said Foley, “but I assume you still intend to take us to the plant?”

“Of course,” Kelly nodded.

Foley called to a marine standing nearby. The marine immediately joined them.

“You have Lieutenant Kelly’s bergen?” asked Foley.

“Yes sir, right here,” the marine responded, unhitching a bergen from his shoulders and placing it in front of Kelly. “I think you’ll find everything’s in there, Sir.”

“Thanks,” said Kelly, as the marine moved back to his section.

“How did it go Tom? Overall, I mean,” asked Kelly.

“Walk in the park,” he answered. “I meant it when I said your boys did the bulk of the work. The Germans that broke from the crèche were either killed or captured by Gareth. The Germans that were in the factory broke out and overran your boys, but they held them long enough for us to catch them from behind. Sadly, too late for Bravo team.”

“And the telephone exchange?” asked Kelly.

“Totally destroyed. No calls could have been made to the plant from anywhere in Grense. We still have the element of surprise. Your boys at the telephone exchange cut off the few stragglers that were making for the hills, and that’s when they lost one of their team. We are confident that no one was able to evade us. As expected, we had casualties at the exchange, one Norwegian and one German guard, both killed.”

“Thanks Tom,” said Kelly. “What about your casualties?”

“Two dead, three walking wounded. Like I said, walk in the park,” answered Foley. “If you agree, I’ll use your team to ferry the wounded and the prisoners back to the transport.”

“Please do,” said Kelly, “and don’t forget Corporal Allen.” Kelly went on to enlighten the others about the corporal’s position in a house near the slip. Gareth Owen broke in and explained that he would be remaining behind with one troop as rear party. He would ensure that Allen would get back to the transport for medical help.

Feeling comforted, Kelly made his way to the temporary HQ building, and changed into his combat clothing, including the white camouflaged outer garments. He left the building and found Tom Foley, Ashley Dunn and Pete Jackson forming up their troops ready for the move to the plant. Gareth Owen was busily organising what remained of the force into all round defence. Kelly spotted Smith and Adams carrying a stretcher to the quay and gave them a wave. He ran over to the two men and, to his relief, found Corporal Allen on the stretcher, awake and smiling.

“Hello, Sir,” Allan tried to smile. “I feel a bit of a fraud really, but it gives these two a bit of exercise.” Kelly grabbed his hand and shook it, causing the man to wince in pain.

“Sorry!” Kelly released his hand and held his own hands up. “That was stupid of me. They looked after you alright?”

“They certainly did! That woman fussed over me like a mother hen. What did you say to her?” Allen grunted. “She found some doctor, what was his name, some explorer fella?”

“Amundsen?” Kelly asked in surprise.

“That’s him, Sir. Funniest thing. He asked me if Dragan Kelly was with the assault team. When I told him I couldn’t answer that question, he grinned and said to tell you that the dressing was like a dog’s dinner! You know him then, Sir?”

“Yes, I know him,” said Kelly quietly. “He’s a good Doctor, but I’m not sure what else he is. Any news on Alpha team?”

Allen signalled with his hand, “Behind you, Sir.”

Kelly turned to see Hughes and McCracken, the two remaining members of his team, escorting a group of four German prisoners towards the quay. He met them and exchanged greetings, complimenting them on a good job and commiserating over the loss of their comrades. The two were in good spirits and wished him luck