There was a moment when the string snagged on a branch and the bomb revolved like a spinning top, but John’s grip never wavered until finally it was lowered gently to the circle of sandbags. From a distance the two soldiers watched with grudging respect as the quiet man in the three-piece suit completed the operation with consummate skill.

‘Back ten,’ murmured Bob, and he and John retreated to a safe distance with careful, measured steps. All was silent apart from the crunching of leaves beneath their feet, while a shaft of sunlight flickered through the treetops. Then came a controlled explosion, with everyone at a safe distance, and by mid-afternoon all was calm and back to normal.

Bob Hastings told Tom Feather that it would be wise to cordon off the area while a thorough search was completed. Then he shook hands with John. There were few words, merely a shared respect and harsh memories of a conflict that had taken its toll. Both men had ended the war clearing British beaches of emplacement mines that had been put there in case of invasion.

Harry Dewhirst was left to guard the cordoned area while Tom and John walked back to school. ‘Eventful times, John,’ said Tom. ‘Now back to the day job,’ he added with a grin.

‘What time do you get off duty?’ asked John.

‘Five o’clock,’ said Tom.

‘That’s an hour before opening time at The Oak. We could celebrate with a drink.’

‘You’re on,’ said Tom. ‘See you then.’

At the end of school Lily telephoned Mrs Merryweather in Kirkby Steepleton to ask her to let her mother know she would be late home. Millicent offered to drive to Ragley to give Lily a lift rather than have her cycle in the dark. Lily said she would let her know. She also telephoned Vera, but couldn’t persuade her to set foot in a public house. However, she did ask Lily to congratulate John Pruett on his action and commended the brave bomb disposal team.

Meanwhile, news had travelled around the village and Big Dave and Little Malcolm had become local heroes. A reporter from the Easington Herald & Pioneer appeared on their doorstep for an interview and photograph. In Ragley it was destined to be the main topic of conversation for weeks to come and Malcolm’s drawing was exhibited in the village hall.

At six o’clock Lily walked with John across the village green, where the welcoming lights of The Royal Oak shone brightly. Tom, now out of uniform in baggy flannels and a thick sweater, was waiting outside. The three of them found a quiet table by the bay window and John bought two pints of Chestnut and a gin and tonic.

Lily sipped her drink and felt the tension ease. ‘So what’s a butterfly bomb?’ she asked.