Read Online The Horizon (1993) by Douglas Reeman - Free Book Online Page A

marine officers grinned at one another, then said sharply, ‘We shall be taking part in the bombardment of Turkish batteries and forts, and anything else which might prove a real danger to our advance. The day after tomorrow the troopships will disembark their soldiers, who will be put aboard the escorting naval vessels without delay.
Reliant
will take on board another company or so of Royal Marines, contingents releasedfrom ships of the squadron.’ His eyes settled on Lieutenant-Colonel Jack Waring’s sun-reddened face. ‘As senior R.M. officer you will naturally be in command.’
    Waring brushed his moustache with one finger and gave a fierce grin. ‘Proud, sir. Very!’
    Soutter saw Purves watching him. ‘Sir?’
    ‘Anything you’d like to add? I know the
ship
is in good hands!’ He laughed, but there was no warmth in it.
    Soutter said, ‘We shall be towing extra boats when we leave here, as will other ships in this section. Picket boats will be used to tow the unpowered craft once they have left the safety of the ships.’ He saw an unspoken question on the navigating officer’s bearded face. ‘We shall remain a thousand yards offshore, although it is quite likely that the marines will not be ordered into the attack at that early stage.’
    Captain Jonathan Blackwood was right at the back of the silent figures. He could feel the marine officers’ disappointment at Soutter’s last remark. The marines were keen enough, but like their young platoon commanders they had almost no experience. Some of the older N.C.O.’s could be relied on, but Soutter’s words were still fixed in his mind. A thousand yards offshore, at best in pitch darkness, at worst in sunlight like this under the sights of those same Turkish batteries. If Waring had any doubts he did not reveal them.
    A few questions came from the various officers, but they were mainly concerned with individual departments. Quitman the gunnery officer wanted to know if they would have any spotting aircraft. Purves replied thatthere might possibly be two; more he could not say. He sounded as if he thought Quitman’s concern was a waste of time.
    Purves said abruptly, ‘Our job is to get the troops ashore and keep Johnny Turk’s head well down until they’re safely in position. I am sure that the army staff will know exactly what they’re doing.’
    Reliant
’s captain of marines asked, ‘What about the possibility of German submarines being sent through the Mediterranean to support their ally?’
    Purves glanced meaningly at the clock. ‘It would take weeks, even if they could get here. By that time the fleet will have forced the Dardanelles and then on to Constantinople, what?’
    He paused on his way to the door. ‘Remember at all times, gentlemen, this is the flagship, my flagship, and I want – no, I
demand
that each and every officer behaves accordingly!’ They parted before him as he strode stiffly out.
    Soutter beckoned to Lieutenant-Colonel Waring.
    ‘May I make a suggestion, just in case your people should be required?’
    Waring looked at him coldly. ‘I am banking on it, sir!’
    ‘Then forget the present arrangements in the various contingents. They will all be under your command. Why not mix the younger marines amongst the more experienced ones?’
    Waring seemed to enjoy it. ‘As you say, Captain Soutter, all under my command. I think I can be relied upon to handle such matters!’
    Soutter saw Coleridge looking for him and snapped,‘Then do as you damn well please!’ He walked away, his back turned to hide his anger, with himself as much as with Beaky Waring.
    There was a burst of cheering from beneath the bridge. It was through the whole ship already. Soon every man on the island would know.
    Jonathan moved to follow the others but Waring blocked his way. He had heard some of the exchange between colonel and captain, and could guess the rest.
    ‘Ah, Blackwood. I shall want you to take over as adjutant. With all these extra men