Part 1 - Operation Pilchard (Setting the Scene)

It appears that the Kriegsmarine have transported Prince Phillip and Sir Douglas D’Emfore (see ‘On the Day, Went the Eagle’s Landing Well?’) to a secret location, ready to hand over to Field Marshal Wilhelm Josef Franz Ritter von Leeb. The second landing of Operation Sealion is underway with Leeb’s Army Group C landing at Lyme Regis, as we speak. Auxiliary Units (Captain Peter Fleming) report that the two captives have been taken into the depths of Great-Snoring Forest and lodged under guard at the Pilchard Inn. Before the war the Pilchard Inn was an exclusive hideaway for the rich and famous. Vivien Leigh once stayed there with an unnamed male companion (rumoured to be a member of the local aristocracy) and the Inn’s most prized possession is a signed photograph of her, posing in the garden. The Inn is still running with a skeleton staff and is the hideout for some very wealthy people who are trying to avoid the war.

Winnie has summoned Hector McSnapcase to a secret briefing in the War Rooms under Downing Street. Having taken a wee dram of the old Glen Goolie, McSnapcase (his sinews stiffened) sets out for Downing Street.

“It’s got to be done Hector, I want Prince Phillip rescued and that other johnny, what’s ‘is name, the MP fellow!” barked Winston.

Hector had been offered brandy and cigars and a chance to commit his newly formed Snapforce commandos into action. Calls were coming into the War Rooms from local informants and the germ of an idea was forming in Hector’s brain.

“Well, get those ruffians of yours down to Great-Snoring and sort it, man. Don’t sit there day-dreaming!”

All is quiet in Great Snoring, no signs of life on a sleepy Sunday afternoon in September 1940. Bees are humming, birds are twittering and the majestic Pilchard Inn reposes in the late autumn sunshine. Kingfishers dart over the Much-Piddling to Market Snodsbury Canal and a solitary bulldog lies snoring by the main gate.

An innocent-looking chimney sweep is whistling ‘God Save the King’ and walking down the road towards the Pilchard Inn.

The Inn’s 5-Star Michelin chef, Michel le Roux is preparing something rather tasty for tonight’s guests.

The Commissionaire, Fred Hitch is manning the door of the Inn as usual. But what’s this, a German officer also guarding the door with his rather nasty looking canine friend. This must mean something is up, Jerries have taken over the Inn.

Another sentry and another dog!

…and round the back passage, yet another sentry and dog. This one doesn’t quite seem to be on the ball though! Finger completely absent from pulse (the sentry that is, not the dog)!

Bugger me, canvas canoes are coming up the Much-Piddling to Market Snodsbury Canal. It can only mean trouble!

A very well camouflaged sniper has been observing the German guards movements and assessing numbers for several hours now.

To be continued...