Andrew was at his desk tidying up before he left work for the day when Wakefield's private secretary, Simpkins led Dickie Barrett through the office. Andrew looked up and waited for the habitual jibe that Dickie normally flung at him, instead Barrett walked by without saying a word.

He entered the colonel's office as the booming voice of Wakefield ordered Simpkins to get the hell out. Obviously offended, Simpkins offered nothing as he scurried back to his desk in the outer ...