Friedrich takes the dead private’s uniform and puts it on, removing the insignia, adding his Red Cross arm bands.

But I’ll be reported dead. Back at home they will think I am dead – can I tell them I’m not? … No, they’re just going to have to think that I’m dead for a few weeks until this war is over …

Will this work, will it? This camouflage, this coward hiding right under the nose of the war. This deserting without actually leaving? …

Enter Sergeant Klebb.

Sergeant Klebb Soldat! [Private.]

Friedrich ?

Sergeant Klebb Soldat!

Friedrich Ja, Herr Unteroffizier! [Yes, Sergeant!]

Sergeant Klebb Wo ist der Doktor? [Where is the doctor?]

Friedrich Tot, Herr Unteroffizier. [Dead, Sergeant.]

Sergeant Klebb Sind alle tot? [They all dead?]

Friedrich Ja, Herr Unteroffizier! [Yes, Sergeant!]

Sergeant Klebb Gab es einen Kavallerie-Hauptmann Muller? [Was there a cavalry captain Muller?]

Friedrich Der starb da drüben. [He died over there.]

Sergeant Klebb Begrabt sie da drüben. [Bury them.]

Exit Sergeant Klebb.

Friedrich (busy with horses and cart) Was there a cavalry captain Muller? There was. Ambulance cart, ambulance horses, ambulance orderly until the end of the fighting – let’s pray for an even swifter victory than the Kaiser promised, then home, home to little Gisa.

TWENTY

Narracott’s farm. Early August 1915.

Ted works.

Enter Rose, with a letter.

Rose Ted. It’s a letter from our boy.

Ted What does it say?

Friedrich continues dragging bodies past Ted into the gloom.

Rose ‘Dear Mother. Please don’t be angry with me for running away. I am all right. The sun is shining today. I’ve found a good chum called David. And they’ve made me a Lance Corporal. Horse in French is shove-oh. Ju shursh Joey means I look for Joey.’

Ted They could have sequestered that horse for less money – forty pounds – and I would have been helpless to stop them and then I wouldn’t be getting the blame for Albert goin’ off because I sold the horse that kicked me.

Rose I wish it was you over there, not him. He’s just a boy.

Ted turns away. Rose continues reading.

Emily emerges to help feed Joey and Topthorn

‘You’re a bon mother …’ Bon. ‘And I am eating enough. Not like your own food, of course.’

Song: ‘Snowfalls’ (p. 95).

Friedrich and Emilie continue.

David and Albert can be seen cleaning their guns.

Snow falls on stage

David We’ll be going over (the top) today, do you think, Albert?

Albert Keep cleaning your rifle and it will never happen.

David Yes, Lance Corporal.

Albert Albert to you, Private.

Rose ‘We’re in farmland. What used to be farmland. I think it was always flatter than home is, but it’s been knocked about a bit. Don’t worry, everything will be back the way it was, soon –’

Albert David?

Rose Ted? Ted?

Albert Come on. It’s a no-show day, today.

Song: ‘Snowfalls’ (p. 95).

Exit David and Albert. Exit Rose.

TWENTY-THREE

Paulette’s farm. Xmas 1916.

Enter Karl (now with rank of Offizier-Stellvertreter), pulling two knackered horses, Heine and Coco, pulling an artillery piece.