Toz Dadswell

The next few days were a nightmare. The Sergeant was relentless in his efforts to bring the men up to his standard of fitness and efficiency. Three days later Sergeant King announced that the second battle for Bullecourt had commenced. “Sorry chaps, but you seem to have missed out on the excitement. You’re in reserve, but the brass doesn’t anticipate you’ll be needed. However, we know that sometimes the Generals get it wrong, so keep on your toes. I’ll let you know how things are going but I expect you’ll know more about it than me seeing you’re manning the switchboard.”

 

The men nodded. Each night they had handled the messages flowing backwards and forwards between the commands. At lunch, they discussed the developments. The news wasn’t good. Each day the casualty lists grew and from the progress reports, it was apparent that Bullecourt was a hard nut to crack. It didn’t come as a surprise when the Division was placed on standby.

“Well sir, it looks as if you’re going to see some action.”

Lieutenant Crowther shrugged his shoulders. “That’s why I’m here Corporal Wilson, and I’m pleased to be going in with a team like No.3 Section. I’ve learnt a lot in the past days, more than I could learn in the signals school in a long time.”
 

“Oh yes, the school.” Al paused as if selecting the right words to use. “Sir, there’s something I want to mention but feel I might be out of line.”

“Let’s have it Corporal. You don’t strike me as someone who wastes words on trivial matters.”
 

“Thankyou Sir. It’s about the relationship between you and the men, you and me...” He paused.
 

“Go on, I’m listening.”
 

“Well Sir. This training we have been doing has been one in, all in. A sort of get to know the job and each other. For most of us, it’s been honing our skills, except of course, George. He’s yet to face the music.”

​

“And me. That applies to me.”

“Yes sir, it does. But when we get into action, you won’t be a worker, you’ll be a leader. That’s what those pips on your shoulder are for. You’ll be telling us what to do and we’ll be doing it. Not like here where you have been just one of the team. If you mess up, then we buy the consequences.”
 

Lieutenant Crowther frowned. “And you’re worried that I’ll mess up?”
 

Al continued. “Not really, because I now know you can listen. Some officers come out of that school you mentioned with wax in their ears. They can’t, or won’t listen. My men are good at their job and they can help you. Mind you, in the final analysis, it’s you who makes the decision, and it’s you who cops the blame if things go wrong. We won’t let you down, but if we work as a team, upwards and downwards, the odds become more in our favour.”
 

“Thank you Wilson. I’ll let you into a little secret. When I joined the unit, Captain Solway told me he was putting me in the hands of Sergeant King for additional training. I guess my face indicated that I wasn’t all that happy. The Captain then gave me some advice. Look, listen and learn from those who have been there. He had a few complimentary things to say about you and Sergeant King. I now know what he meant, and how little I know. So, your words have not fallen on waxed ears. Let the men know that I hope, no, expect them to keep me fully informed, and where they think they have some useful advice, then come forward with it. Fair enough?”
 

“Couldn’t be fairer Sir. Have a nice war.”
 

The Lieutenant laughed. “You sound like the ‘maître de’ seating me at a table. Thanks corporal, and good luck to us all.”
 

Al Wilson frowned, “Oh yes, luck, that unknown but all important element. Yes sir, let’s hope it’s all good.”