Opening Moves

“If there is nothing else Commandant, I will leave you to your toilette. I shall inform the kitchen of your arrival. May we anticipate you for dinner by 10pm sir?” The orderly’s eyes flicked to the mantle clock as he spoke.

Checking his own watch Ramsey, noted 2135 hrs, did the maths in his head and confirmed his attendance.

“Thank you, but no dinner for me. A modest sandwich will be quite fine.”

“It shall be as you say Commandant. If you need anything, just press the button by your bed sir.”

The door closed behind him and Ramsey swiftly undressed and immersed himself in the first bath he had experienced for some months. For him, showers were a necessary evil when the real thing wasn’t available.

2158 hrs Sunday, 5th August 1945, Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, French Alsace.

Having been shown the way by an imposing but accommodating commando Corporal, Ramsey arrived at the cellar where the pupils and teachers normally gathered to exchange more stories over wine, beer and spirits. On Sundays, the teachers were never there, in order to preserve the impact of the well-practised introduction.

He handed his cane and cap to an orderly and made his way to the low table where Crisp sat deep in conversation with a British Lieutenant Colonel of Cavalry, nodding in acknowledgement to other allied officers who looked up as he moved by.

Both rose courteously as Ramsey approached, the eyes of the Cavalry Colonel flicking to the simple maroon ribbon.

No cap, no salute.

Crisp shifted his cigarette into his left hand and extended his right.

“Settled in then Ramsey?”

Hands shaken and Ramsey shifted his eye to the man behind Crisp.

“Indeed, thank you for asking Crisp.” Hand extended to the unknown British officer, “Sir.”

“THE Ramsey of the Black Watch I presume? Your excellent reputation precedes you Major. Cedric Prentiss, 23rd Hussars.”

Prentiss affected a typical scatty English gent’s accent but his array of decorations informed Ramsey that the man had seen his own fair share of action.

Prentiss turned and resumed his position in a voluminous and extremely comfortable looking armchair, seeking out his brandy glass and enjoying its contents with great satisfaction.

“Good quality stuff here Ramsey. Can’t fault the frogs for that, eh Crisp?”

“They sure can throw a party that’s a fact Colonel. I musta put on ten pounds this last week, even with my running and believe me, these hills are murder!”

Prentiss and Crisp shared a small laugh, but Ramsey was confused.

“All week? My joining instructions say I’m here until Friday and I have the battalion boxing championship to referee on Saturday.”

“Ah, steady old chap,” calmed Prentiss, lighting a Craven A cigarette and holding the pack out to both Majors, who took one on cue. “Our friend Crisp here isn’t staying through choice.”

Lighting first Ramsey’s then his own, Crisp stuck his lighter back in his pocket.

“I rather gathered from earlier that you had problems Major.”

“Yes indeedy. My Colonel decided it wasn’t errr… prudent I think he said, to send a vehicle here on Friday and again today. So I am stuck here until the next man gets here and I can hightail it back in his jeep.”

A silver platter descended in front of Ramsey’s eyes as an orderly brought his requested sandwich. However, this sandwich would have sustained a family of six for a week. Lean cuts of pork and beef, aromatic sausage, tomatoes, salad and pickled vegetables were piled high on a warm and delicious smelling fresh baguette.

To the other two, Ramsey’s face was a picture.

“Say hi to your first two pounds Ramsey,” laughed a very relaxed Crisp.

Prentiss leant forward. “Fortunately Crisp warned me before dinner so I ordered light. We also took the liberty of ordering the wine for you. A light Moselle to ease your feast down old chap.”

Despite the humour at his expense, Ramsey suddenly felt very hungry. He attacked the plate, and listened to his companions pick up where they had left off.

“For myself I am just glad to have survived this ghastly business Crisp. Too many good chaps didn’t. Still, let’s not be maudlin eh?”

“No sir. I did feel aggrieved at not going to the Pacific for the assault, but now I guess it’s meant to be and I will just go out there when the army says it’s good and ready. And then back home and pick up where I left off.”

“Same for me old boy. What did you get up to before the match kicked off?”

Crisp could never quite get used to the understated British descriptions of the bloodiest war the planet had ever seen.

“I had entered my father’s law firm but it isn’t for me. Sure the money was there but now I think I will need more in my life than just money.” Prentiss nodded in agreement and Ramsey tried hard not to choke on a piece of pickled cauliflower.

“Dad will be none too pleased and that’s a fact. Always saw me following in his footsteps all the way to the court, but not now.”

Prentiss waved at an orderly and indicated his and Crisp’s empty glasses.

“Two more brandies, there’s a good fellow. Thank you.”