Crusader (A Novel of WWII Tank Warfare) by Jack Murray (important of reading books .TXT) 📗

supported Kastnerwho was the gunner. Overath wanted Manfred to take over the wireless and moveKohler to loading. He felt Manfred had less accented German and was clearer.But that was for the future. Manfred was still the new boy, untested in combat.Who knew how he would react when the shells started landing? For now he had theeasiest, albeit most physically demanding, job.

Around mid-morning the tanks stopped. The tanks were positioned atthe crest of a hill. They were spread out as far as Manfred could see. In frontlay the guns. They all stepped out of the tank for what could only be looselydescribed as fresh air. Manfred knew what was coming now and was alreadyheading towards their provisions.

‘Make some coffee,’ ordered Kastner, ‘We may not have a chancesoon.’

Manfred frowned and tried to see what Kastner could see.Nothingness. The haze on the horizon was beginning to build. By middayvisibility would be poor. He looked searchingly and saw nothing. His ears triedto pick out any tell-tale sounds. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Manfred feltsomething build inside him.

Frustration.

He sensed Kastner smiling and turned towards him. The corporalpointed to his nose and looked slyly at him. This irritated Manfred but onlyfor a moment. He took a mouthful of coffee and returned his gaze to thehorizon, hoping the stimulating effects would help him pick out something.Anything.

‘I can smell them. They’re out there. Trust me, son,’ said Kastnerby way of explanation.

This was confirmed when Overath’s platoon leader came over.Lieutenant Basler, the SS commander, motioned for Overath to join him in arapid conference with the other tank commanders. They stood out of earshot fora few minutes giving Manfred time to distribute coffee to the others .

‘The British are attacking Bir el Gubi. So far the Italians seemto be holding out.’

‘Makes a change,’ said Kastner, sourly.

Overath smiled at his gunner and then continued, ‘Yes, it lookslike the Italians are beginning to learn at last.

‘They’re making for Tobruk,’ said Fischer with all the Aryan confidencehe could muster. He disliked the way Overath and Kastner monopolisedconversation on battlefield situations. Manfred looked at Fischer wryly. Goodfor you, he thought. He knew what Fischer was trying to do. In a few months,with a few battles under his belt, he would make his presence felt, too. He wasinterested in how the two senior tank crew would react.

‘Rommel doesn’t think so,’ said Overath dismissively. ‘maybe youshould get on the radio and tell him he’s wrong.’

This made Kastner cackle and Fischer reddened.

‘This is another attempt to relieve Tobruk,’ insisted Fischer.Interesting, thought Manfred. You don’t lack confidence, do you?

Much to Manfred’s surprise Overath’s features softened a littleand then he grinned. This took Fischer aback also if Manfred read him right.

‘Apparently General von Ravenstein agrees with you, Fischer.’

‘So what are we going to do?’ pressed Fischer.

Overath stopped and pointed into the empty vastness.

‘Orders are to wait here until further orders. Finish your coffeethen back into the tank. I want to be ready. For what it’s worth, Fischer, Ithink you’re right. I think something is starting. If it is, we won’t get muchrest for quite some time.’

Fischer looked pleased with himself. To be fair, this was thenormal state of affairs with the Bavarian. Manfred, meanwhile, was caughtbetween liking the fact that it was possible to make a point that was listenedto and the fact that it was Fischer who had made it. On balance he felt it wastime to be less resentful of him and respect his abilities instead.

It might save his life one day.

 17

SidiRezegh Airfield, Libya, November 20th, 1941

It was still dark when the shooting started. Staccato-like infantryfire came from the northern ridge. Danny was unaffected inside the tank.However, the gun fire had already acted as the regiment’s early morning wake upcall. Danny woke with a start. The others began to stir. He climbed up into theturret and looked through the cupola at the night sky.

There was a hint of light somewhere. Not even dawn. He desperatelywanted to lie back and re-join the dream he’d been having. The memory of thedream was fading with every passing second. It was always this way. The onlyremnant was the image of a young girl with green eyes.

All around him were the sounds of the British army waking. It wasnot a pleasant sound. Thanks to the various incidents of gunfire during thenight, all were short of sleep.

Breakfast had to be made and Danny was the man to make it. Hedidn’t need Reed to look his way again. He was on his feet in seconds. He starteda small fire in order to brew tea thinking of an old aphorism: an army marches onits stomach. Danny smiled at this. The Eighth Army marched on tea.

The tank crew huddled around the fire clutching their cups. Littlewas said. It was too early, too cold and the sound of gunfire was too soberingto allow for any idle chit chat. Instead they watched the bully beef beingcooked with something approaching reverence. They all hated it. However, a longday faced them. A long day probably under enemy fire. Right now, nothing elsewas more prominent on their minds. Holmes stood up and the other men looked athim.

‘I’m going to take a spade for a walk,’ said Holmes and put hiscup down.

Danny and the other men grinned. Good idea thought Danny. I shoulddo likewise. The stew was ready, and Danny played mother to the rest of the menbefore putting on a second brew. Reed had warned them there may not be manyopportunities during the rest of the day. It was still dark when they finishedbreakfast.

The tea had worked its magic and Danny was more awake now. Hisclothes felt uncomfortable, though. Sand and sweat made for uncomfortablebedfellows. He’d not had a chance to rid himself of the sand the previousevening. Meanwhile, the guns in the distance dampened his enthusiasm for havinga good wash.

Danny looked at Craig as if to say – what do we do now? Craiglooked back at him and shrugged. All along the leaguer, Danny could see firesbeing extinguished. There was a low murmur of chat. Everything felt on edge.Even Craig