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CHAPTER 3 Part 2: England Expects More....

TWO

“Now then, before we go on. I didn't want to discuss this in front of the new men, but what happened at the RNVR recruiting? We were expecting those three, plus a couple to help with the analysis and other odd jobs. Admiral Moore sent a request, and called by telephone personally.”

Walke and Robinson looked at each other in shared disappointment. Walke spoke first: “sir, we were too late. They had already assigned most to be trained for new anti-submarine escorts, or to replace other junior officers so they could go hunt U-boats.”

Robinson continued the explanation: “Our security is too good. No one knows who we are or what we are doing. They told us pretty sharply: 'These men are already assigned to vessels fighting U-boats. We have put Admiral Moore's request at the top of the list for the next class, and once again he can have all the men who can be spared from operational vessels.' So with some jaw-boning...”

“He means his solicitor-style silver tongue,” Walke interjected.

“...we were lucky to get two: young Talbot, whom someone thought lacked a bit for authority – have you heard his squeaky voice? – and Jenkins only because he hurt his arm in physical training. Then Leonard here got chatting with Bothy, who seemed quite out of place, and I persuaded them to let us have him on account of his age.”

“He's over 40, plays in a symphony orchestra, and has maybe lived a bit, so I thought he might be able to help in some way or another.” Walke looked down, waiting for the response he knew was coming.

“Symphony orchestra? A musician?” Lieutenant Commander Imrie inquired with raised eyebrows.

“Music has patterns and rhythms, and they ebb and flow, at least as I understand music. It's not the ebb and flow of the tides, but it seemed he might have a head on his shoulders.” Walke was somewhere between chagrined and defiant. “And we got a third man.”

Smithy nodded. “Needs must and all that, and it worked. Thank you both. Who knows? If music does ebb and flow like the tides, maybe he will bring us something other than entertainment.”

“Aah... coffee's here,” Imrie interjected again as a steward wheeled a trolley into the room.

“Not a moment too soon, thank you steward, and please tell CPO Davies we are ready for him.” As he took the first cup, Smithy continued: “I asked Davies to catch us up on how the building has been going.”