‘I’m just a little tired of him constantly having a dig. One day I’m going to get him and make him pay. But at the moment it’s not worth it.’ Luke got into his bed, before giving another glance at the uniform that was now hanging up, adorned with the newly awarded rifle badge on the left arm. He was proud of himself, so Brunskill could say what he wanted.

‘Lights out, no talking. Especially you, Fox, I can hear you and that rat-like Palmer.’ Brunskill hit the side of his leg with the newly acquired silver-topped swagger stick that all the cadets had been given, for parade purposes. But in Brunskill’s case it was an extra bullying tool, one he did not hesitate to use.

Luke and Bill went quiet, waiting until the gas lights had been turned off and the bully had left them in darkness.

‘It’s feels strange with half the dorm missing and in the sanatorium,’ Bill whispered.

‘Yes, have you had German measles, like me? Mother said I’d had them when I was just over five, but I can’t remember,’ Luke whispered back.

‘Yes, I’ve had them, and you can’t catch them again.’ Bill looked at the empty beds in the darkness, devoid of their inhabitants, who had either been sent back home or were being looked after by matron elsewhere, in isolation from the rest of the pupils.

‘I can see our visit to camp being postponed; they won’t be sending a load of spotty, ill lads anywhere. God forbid if half the War Office developed German measles because of Giggleswick School,’ Luke whispered back. ‘Still, it’s drill parade in the morning and instruction lecture after tea. We’ll probably find out more tomorrow.’

‘Now that will annoy Brunskill, as he’ll be hoping for his red star and his proficiency certificate to say he’s assured of a commission, if we do go to camp. His brother got both at Bordon Camp last year, and he needs to keep up with him. God help us, if we don’t go.’ Bill sighed.