But the decision was taken from them, for as Danny revved the engine to head back once more towards the beach, it spluttered twice and died.

‘We’re out of fuel’ he said flatly, as their boat bobbed silently up and down on the waves.

‘We’ll – get the oars out, then,’ Kate said and dragged herself to where they were stowed at the side of the boat.

They were just drifting away from the side of the larger boat, struggling to get the oars in position and aware that Gordon was still watching them anxiously from the deck, when they heard the sound of an enemy plane screaming towards them, a dive-bomber aiming for the laden ship.

‘Row, Kate, for God’s sake – row!’

Frantically, they pulled on the oars, trying to put distance between themselves and the target. Kate panted and strained at the oars, sobbing with fear and frustration. After all their efforts, all the men they had saved – especially Gordon and the airman – were going to be bombed. Killed or, at best, thrown back into the water.

The Stuka screamed towards them in a steep dive, its black crosses on the top of each wing clearly visible.

One bomb left the aircraft, hurtling down towards them. Then from under the wings, four smaller bombs were released. One landed on the far side of the ship, sending up a plume of water. Another fell between the hospital ship and the little boat trying desperately to escape. It hit the water and exploded, causing such an eruption that the larger ship rocked, sending men slithering about the deck. Only Gordon hung on to the deck rail, fearful for the fate of the little boat.

The vibration thudded through Kate and the surge of water bore their fishing boat aloft, held it suspended for a timeless moment and then plunged it downwards, capsizing it and throwing both Danny and Kate into the sea.

The last thing she remembered hearing was Danny’s desperate cry of ‘Kate! Kate!’

Someone was holding her head above the water. Someone was shouting at her but she could not hear properly for the rushing sound in her ears. Then some kind of strap was being put around her under her armpits and she felt herself being hoisted clear of the water, her legs dangling limply. Then willing hands were reaching out for her, pulling her on to the comparative safety of the deck of the ship. Blankets were wrapped around her and she was being carried.

‘Danny?’ she croaked. ‘Where’s Danny?’

‘What’s she say?’ A voice spoke above her.

‘Never mind,’ said another. ‘Get her below – to the doc.’

She was carried below and found herself being placed, with surprising gentleness, on a narrow bed. But no sooner did they set her down than Kate began to struggle. ‘No, no. Danny – I must find Danny. He’s in the sea. He can’t swim.’