The Cadet Corporal by Christopher Cummings

and said nothing.
    Two Land Rovers came driving back along the track which led in from the Canning Road along the top of Sandy Ridge. Several groups of CUOs and sergeants walked in out of the bush and reported to the OC at the fire then joined the company. After a few minutes CSM Cleland arrived and bellowed for silence. After the cadets had stopped talking the CSM called for reports, a platoon at a time. When he got to 4 Platoon Sgt White answered, “Two sections still missing CSM.”
    There was a ripple of snickering and comments. Graham experienced a spurt of satisfaction which turned to positive glee when he heard that one was Bannister’s section. The other was 12 Section, Cpl David Doyle.
    â€œBloody ‘Dimbo’ Doyle!” muttered a dozen voices.
    â€œWho else!”
    â€œWhat else could you expect?” asked Stephen. Graham could only silently agree. Dimbo’s navigation, or lack of it, was now legendary. It had been an error on his part in the exercise near Bowen in August that had put him five kilometres outside the exercise area because he had marched along a Back Bearing. That this had fortuitously placed him in a position to help rescue Barbara, Gwen and two other girls was another thing.
    While CSM Cleland was checking if both groups from HQ were back a section came walking in from near the officer’s fire.
    â€œWhich section is that?” CSM Cleland called.
    â€œEleven Section Sir,” replied Cpl Bannister.
    â€œLost and late!” called someone.
    â€œSilence in the ranks!” CSM Cleland roared. His torch swept over 2 Platoon where the comment had come from. “Platoon sergeants, control your troops.”
    When 11 Section was seated CSM Cleland sent a runner over to the OC. Capt Conkey and the officers walked over and stood in the circle of light from a lantern. When CSM Cleland reported that the only people missing were Cpl Doyle’s section Graham noted that the expression on Capt Conkey’s face did not change. “Thank you CSM. We will look for them in a moment. These people can be dismissed first.”
    Capt Conkey then took a sheet of paper from Lt Standish, who then shone a torch on it while the captain read. “Well, we had fourteen sections go out on the navex and it appears that only five have managed to get right around in time. They are One Section, Four section, Five Section, Six Section and Nine Section.”
    There was a buzz of conversation, quelled by the CSM as Capt Conkey went on. “That means that all of Two Platoons sections made it, and they took all their cadets with them. Well done Two Platoon.”
    â€˜Yes!’ Graham thought, even as he was aware of some jeering and unkind muttering from other platoons. Now he was pleased.
    Capt Conkey then turned to CSM Cleland and said, “It is nearly twenty two hundred. They can stay up for another twenty minutes or so but I want them all in bed by twenty two thirty. The sergeants are to stay with the platoons but I want all CUOs to help the officers find Cpl Doyle’s section. Carry on CSM.”
    As the OC walked away CSM Cleland told the sergeants to move their platoons back to their areas and get them ready for bed.
    â€œWill the canteen be open?” called Cadet Rundle from 1 Platoon.
    â€œYou address me as ‘Sir’, Cadet Rundle,” CSM Cleland replied. “And no. The officers have to find Cpl Doyle. Now get moving sergeants.”
    â€œBugger Doyle!” was the muttered consensus as the cadets stood and dusted themselves before moving off in platoon lots. Graham shook his head and silently thanked his lucky stars. ‘Boy, am I glad we didn’t get lost!’ he thought. That sort of public humiliation did not appeal at all. To rub this in his radio came to life as the OC called Dimbo’s call sign.
    Sgt Grenfell marched 2 Platoon straight back to their area, then fell them out. As he did Graham called out, “Four Section,