Battle Ensign by Thomas E. Lightburn

Author:Thomas E. Lightburn [Lightburn, Thomas E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Vanguard Press
Published: 2021-06-23T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

At 0900 the next morning, a convoy of trucks arrived alongside Helix and the other two warships. On each vessel, lower deck was cleared. All ratings not on duty, formed a chain from the quarterdeck’s gangway onto the wharf. The warmth of the early morning sun began to take effect and soon each man, although stripped to the waist, began to sweat profusely as they passed the heavy boxes to one another. At the top of the gangway the boxes were handed to another group who began stacking them up.

‘If I drop one of these fuckin’ boxes on my foot,’ grunted Knocker White as he accepted a box from Dolly Gray, ‘do you think I’d end up in Bighi and get my ticket home?’

‘Probably,’ Gray replied, sweating profusely while grasping hold of the handles. ‘But remember, you don’t get your tot in hospital, and they stick needles in your arse.’

‘Bollocks to that,’ Knocker said, turning and passing the box to Bud Abbot, ‘I don’t mind the needles, but going without my tot wouldn’t be worth it, even if I did get my ticket.’

Standing on Helix’s quarterdeck, Manley looked at the weather-beaten face of Chief Bosun’s Mate Charlie Jackson, and said, ‘Some of the boxes can be stored in the after deck and main passageways.’

‘Aye, aye, sir,’ Jackson replied. Then, giving Manley a thoughtful look, added, ‘If you don’t mind me saying, sir, wouldn’t it be better to secure the heavier boxes either side of the port and starboard waist, it would help trim the ship in case to we have to dodge a few bombs.’

‘I agree, Buffer,’ Manley answered feeling slightly embarrassed having not considered how the weight of the cargo could dangerously affect the ship’s trim.

By 1130, loading was finished. “Up spirits, cooks to the galley,” was piped. After ensuring the boxes were safely stowed, Manley went to the captain’s cabin and reported this to Penrose.

‘Thank you, Number One,’ said Penrose who was sitting at his desk writing up the ship’s log. ‘We leave at 2200, by which time the minesweepers will have cleared a path through the minefield outside the harbour.’

‘Very good, sir,’ Manley replied, adding cautiously, ‘canteen leave for those off watch?’

‘No,’ Penrose answered, shaking his head, ‘I’ve already ordered Derek to flash up the boilers, and special sea duty men will be required for leaving harbour. Besides,’ he added with a sly grin, ‘I want clear heads in case we have to go to action stations.’

On his way back to his cabin, a pipe over the tannoy telling the crew that mail would close at 1600, reminded Manley to write to Laura.

In the sick bay, Bamford was checking the contents of two large cardboard box of medical stores that had arrived from Bighi.

‘Everything you asked for seems to be here, sir,’ said Bamford, picking up a small bottle of anti-gas green serum.

‘No medicinal brandy, I suppose?’ the doctor asked, giving Bamford a sarcastic grin.

‘I’m afraid not, sir,’ replied Bamford, ‘but they have sent two dozen boxes of condoms.

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