David It was when we disembarked, Sergeant.

Sergeant Thunder When?

David March 1915, Sergeant.

Sergeant Thunder You’ve done well (to stay alive). What’s he got?

David Tear gas, Sergeant.

Sergeant Thunder It’ll wear off … I said it’ll wear off … Corporal? Are you all right, Corporal?

David He’s just a bit tired, Sergeant.

Sergeant Thunder What’s his name?

David Corporal Narracott, Sergeant.

Sergeant Thunder Narracott … Eff me, I remember you. You were the one badgering me about effing horses … Corporal? That was you, wasn’t it?

Martin It’s no use. (He checks revolver.)

Taff Hear that, Sarge? It’s no use.

Sergeant Thunder That’s a shame, that’s a damn shame, sir. The men are talking about him as if he’s some sort of miracle.

Martin He’s half dead and I’ve got no one to look after him.

David They’re going to help a horse, Albert, like you helped that German one.

Albert Off him? Good. Poor lad.

David That’s right, Albert. Poor lad.

Martin aims at Joey.

Albert I had a horse once.

David Yes, Albert; I know you did.

Albert Joey, he was called.

David I know.

Albert Joey. Joey.

Joey reacts a little to Albert’s voice.

David Shush, Albert.

Martin pulls trigger. The gun fails to fire.

Martin For God’s sake! Gun jammed. Sergeant.

Sergeant Thunder lends his rifle.

Albert Joey. Joey.

Joey reacts more to Albert’s voice.

Martin What’s going on over there?

David Shut it, Albert.

Martin He’s upsetting this horse. Get him away from here, that’s an order!

Sergeant Thunder Get him away, Private. This is bad enough without –

Albert What does he mean, I’m upsetting this horse? What horse?

David Shush, Albert, we’ve been ordered away –

Albert (tearing off bandages) The one he’s about to off? Is he answering? Is the bon horse answering to Joey?

Joey responds more. Thunder spots this and perhaps closes on Martin and Joey.

Martin aims.

Joey! Joey boy!

Joey wants to go to Albert.

Sergeant Thunder Sir, don’t pull the trigger –

Martin What?

Albert Don’t off him! Don’t off the bon horse! Joey! Joey!

Joey definitely reacts, taking steps towards Albert.

Sergeant Thunder Do you see that?

Martin What on earth?

Albert Joey? Joey boy, is it you?

Joey walks. He and Albert meet up with each other.

Sergeant Thunder It’s his effing horse sir. His effing horse from effing home.

Albert’s Devon accent comes back up a few notches.

Albert Hello, Joey. Hello, boy. Where you bin, then? Where you bin? What a dance, what a dance you’ve led me. Good boy. Good boy. Does that hurt? Sorry, Joey, sorry. You’ve bin in the bliddin’ wars, haven’t you? We’ll mend that, we will, we will. We’ll mend that. Oh Joey. You’re alive, you’re alive, you’re alive … Good boy. Good boy. Well done. What a bon boy. Trez bon, Joey. Trez bon. Am I all right? Am I all right? Too effing right I am, too effing right. Oh Joey …

A bell chimes eleven times, signalling the end of the war. The other men react in various ways. Some kneel, some have their head in their hands, some embrace, some just want to be alone. Not one of them jumps up and down shouting ‘Yes!’ or anything like that.