Cast No Shadow by Peter Alderson Sharp

Author:Peter Alderson Sharp [Sharp, Peter Alderson]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bark at the Moon Books
Published: 2021-04-28T22:00:00+00:00

Assault

“Sergeant Arnold!” exclaimed Kelly, genuinely pleased to see the young sergeant emerging from the ruins of the still smouldering crèche.

“Hello Sir! Nice job!” Arnold said, flicking his thumb at the crèche behind him and smiling broadly, the white teeth shining out from the blackened face. “This is clear now, apart from the dead, about five in total.” He grimaced. “Pretty messy.”

“Where will Captain Owen be?” asked Kelly.

“Once this lot settles down,” Arnold indicated the sporadic small arms fire coming from several areas in the village, “he intends to make a temporary HQ in the village hall, up by the quay.”

“Right! 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.

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