‘We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing; but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead. Japan, with all her treachery and greed, remains unsubdued. The injury she has inflicted on Great Britain, the United States, and other countries, and her detestable cruelties, call for justice and retribution. We must now devote all our strength and resources to the completion of our task, both at home and abroad.’

There were shouts of agreement to Churchill’s rallying cry, and even the most senior officers could be heard joining in.

Churchill paused and then his voice rose with great passion. ‘Advance, Britannia! Long live the cause of freedom. God save the King!’

They stood as one and saluted as the National Anthem was played. There was barely a dry eye amongst them as thoughts of home and loved ones came to the fore. Jim wasn’t ashamed of the tears that blinded him, for he was almost weak with relief that Peggy and his beloved family were finally out of danger.

As the anthem came to an end the joy of the moment could no longer be contained. Cheers went up, hats were thrown into the air, beers were swigged and men began dancing on and around the tables.

Jumbo had finished his quarter bottle of whisky and was halfway down his second. He stood and inflated the bag on his pipes, which emitted a terrible wailing, and then began to play a stirring rendition of ‘Scotland the Brave’.

The powerful music stopped everyone in their tracks and they listened in awe, for this old Scottish tune was well known and seemed to fit the occasion perfectly. As the pace of the melody quickened and swelled, one of the young sappers began to accompany it by using wooden spoon handles as drumsticks to beat out a tattoo on tin plates. He was soon joined by others, and further into the tune men began to beat their hands on the tables as if playing the big bass drums, whilst others whistled to stand in for the fifes, and stamped their feet in time. As the volume rose and swelled it sent tingles up Jim’s spine, for it was as if an entire marching band was beating to the rhythm of the pipes, and he finally understood the power they held to rouse men into battle.

Jim promised himself that he’d never moan about Jumbo’s bagpipes again.

2

Cliffehaven