When Captain Gordon Hunter Jackson steps around the desk, we both snap to attention.
‘At ease, men,’ he says and salutes back.
Jackson has a soft Scottish brogue, his words commanding and yet somehow gentle. He stands only a little taller than Danny but possesses a similar powerful physique. Looking at him, I’m reminded of the story of how this man walked through a hail of machine guns to rescue one of his men, carrying the injured soldier back in his arms. But it isn’t only physically that he impresses. There is a directness in those eyes that seem to weigh up a man, a searching look that might uncover any secret. And yet the voice, the way his mouth stays open a little even when he isn’t speaking, I can’t explain it exactly, but I feel any secret would be safe with Captain Gordon Hunter Jackson.
‘Private McCormick, isn’t it?’ Jackson nods at Danny. ‘Yes, Captain Beddowes has already mentioned you.’
‘I have indeed,’ Beddowes says. ‘And I thought onlyyourpresence was requested here, Wraxall?’
‘McCormick is my soldier-servant,’ I say evenly. ‘It’s his duty to accompany me if I so wish.’
‘Now then, gentlemen,’ Jackson interrupts, his gaze snapping between us. ‘To business. Firstly, I would like to express my sorrow at the news of Private Murray’s passing. I’ve reviewed reports from his last training camp and he appears to have been a very capable young man. As a company, we are the poorer for his loss... You wish to say something, Lieutenant Wraxall?’
I wasn’t aware of reacting to his words but Jackson’s keen gaze must have caught something in my expression. ‘Sir. I would like it put on record that, in my opinion, one of the causes for Private Murray’s death was the neglect shown to him by his last training instructor. His feet were—’
‘Are you a doctor?’ Beddowes slides around the desk and comes to stand behind Jackson.
‘An officer in the field doesn’t need to be a medical man in order to assess the state of a soldier’s feet,’ Jackson says quietly. ‘It is part of his duties, and as such, I trust the lieutenant’s judgement. Rest assured, I will make enquiries of Private Murray’s last training camp. Anything else?’
I look at the Snake who, pretending disinterest, has slithered back to the desk. I’m about to open my mouth when Danny says: ‘I’d like to add something, if I may, sir?’
I take a deep breath.Keep a cool head, Danny.
‘Captain Beddowes here and the colonel were made aware that Private Murray was in a bad way,’ Danny begins. ‘But they still insisted he march until he dropped.’
‘At which point you took it upon yourselves to disobey a direct order and place the boy in a cart,’ Beddowes says smoothly.
I see the twitch in Danny’s jaw. Don’t rise to it.‘As the captain says, we made a decision based on what we thought was best for our comrade,’ Danny confirms.
‘Imade the decision, Captain Jackson,’ I put in. ‘The responsibility is entirely mine.’
Jackson holds up his hand. ‘Forgive me, Lieutenant, but I’d like to hear the story from Private McCormick.’
Danny nods, his jaw set. ‘When a halt was called, something then happened which meant we had to leave Ollie by himself.’
‘Ah yes,’ Jackson says. ‘And this was because some members of your platoon were found in possession of an illegal camera, and you were given a three-hour field punishment.’
‘Not quite three,’ Beddowes interrupts, triumphantly flourishing a scrap of paper over his head. ‘I have a note here telegraphed by Second Lieutenant Rivers stating that “Second Lieutenant Wraxall freed Private McCormick from the post twenty minutes ahead of time.” Wraxall then ordered his men to shoot the guard if he dared return McCormick to his punishment.’
‘Does this man Rivers have witnesses to these events?’ Jackson asks, his penetrating gaze never leaving mine.
‘Well, n-no,’ Beddowes blusters. ‘But he seemed an honest fellow—’
‘What do you say, Lieutenant Wraxall?’
I shrug. ‘My grandfather’s pocket watch has always kept very reliable time, sir. I’d certainly trust it against the word of a petty-minded sadist from another regiment.’
Jackson allows himself the smallest of smiles. ‘Manchesters must stick together, eh? Well said.’ He then turns back to the Snake. ‘I have heard Lieutenant Wraxall and it seems your Lieutenant Rivers was mistaken. No, no, please don’t start on about the camera again. If I arrested every man under my command with a Box Brownie in his kitbag we’d soon lose a quarter of the company.’
‘But that was the colonel’s direct order!’ Beddowes objects.
‘And I shall take it up with thecolonel,’ Jackson replies in a reasonable tone before addressing Danny again. ‘Right then, Private, let’s have the rest of your complaint. I understand your grief for your friend, but there are other important matters that need to be discussed here today.’
That dark fury back in his eyes as he looks directly at Beddowes, Danny states: ‘In our absence, Private Murray was ordered down from the cart and forced to march. He was in agony, sir, and delirious. Before Lieutenant-Colonel Gallagher left me hanging from that fence post, he asked Captain Beddowes to arrange for Ollie to receive medical care once they reached Authuille.’ Danny makes to step forward and I grab him firmly by the wrist, keeping him in place. At the same moment, I catch a sharp look from Captain Jackson. ‘You said you’d get him a doctor,’ Danny seethes at Beddowes. ‘You said he’d be looked after. You lied and so he died in agony.’
‘Take that back, Private.’
Danny blinks at Jackson. ‘Pardon?’
