The Mediterranean - the shores of North Africa.
Peaceful now - sixteen years ago the battlefield of giants,...
.. The Eighth Army,...
.. Rommels Afrika Korps.
Along its barren coast...
.. The little towns...
.. Mersa Matruh,...
.. Sidi Barrani,...
.. Salum,...
.. Tobruk,...
.. Paid for their brief fame...
.. In piles of rubble and smoking ruins,...
.. As the grim struggle surged to and fro...
.. Through them...
.. And the desert around them.
Two million men,...
.. Two million stories.
This is one.
It happens to be true.
Hello, Paul.
Everything OK?
Only just. Its bloody down there, dropping heavy stuff all the time.
We got the wounded off, though. Have a drink?
Lay off that stuff.
What the hell was that?
Ammo dump - must be touching off our own stuff.
Any minute now, itll be "Naafi and Paymasters first"
Any news? The men keep asking damn fool questions - whatll I say?
Nobody knows whats happening.
Just tell them everythingll be all right.
In another siege itll be all right for the lucky ones who get sent out.
If theres a siege, youll be among them.
Youll be on the town with Ariadne while Im on my arse, being bombed.
I doubt it - experience in the Army is always a factor.
I went through the last one. Im ideal to go through the next.
Ill damn well see you dont.
I wonder what Ariadnes doing now?
Tucked up warm and snug in bed in Alexandria, I suppose.
Message from Corps HQ, sir.
Thank you, Corporal.
Evening, sir.
Evening, Anson. Women get off all right?
I never wanted nurses but the Army insisted - thought a womans touch...
.. Made the poor devils feel theyre on the road home.
Sit down - heres the picture.
The lines breached, but theyre the wrong side of the minefield.
Weve taken a bashing so were re-forming to the east, to try again.
Meanwhile, theres a chance their armour may breach our perimeter.
Another siege, sir?
The niceties of military terms
The point is, were not leaving any unnecessary stuff.
Your unit, less 25 ambulances, will leave at 0100 hours, back to Salum.
The 25 ambulances, commanded by a subaltern,...
.. Will be under orders of the colonel at the hospital here.
Theres a thing - never a moments peace, never a moments peace
Take a man going to the latrine...
- perfectly natural thing to do - then this happens.
No wonder they get constipated!
Id like a drink - how about you?
Thank you, sir.
These men who are staying behind - how are you going to detail them?
Unmarried men, sir - put names in a hat and pull out what I need.
Of course, Ill stay myself.
Nonsense. Your jobs with the bulk of the unit, not little detachments.
How about the big chap, whats his name, Crosbie?
Id rather leave a subaltern, sir.
Crosbie went through the last siege.
Then hell know what its all about, and he hasnt a nerve in his body.
Yes, sir, but I...
Thats settled, then.
Yes, sir. Ill leave with the bulk of the unit at 0100 hours.
No, pick me up at first light and drop me at Corps HQ.
My car was blown up this morning outside my own blasted front door.
Look, sir, I wonder if...
.. Would you mind telling Crosbie yourself?
All right.
Thank you, sir.
Capt Ansons just come back, sir.
Close that ruddy blackout! >
Sorry, sir.
If youd inspected properly,...
.. It wouldnt need a warrant officer under here to show you how to do it.
Now finish off.
Fresh oil in the sump.
If you dont report falling oil pressure again youre for it, mlad.
Switch out the light.
Paul?
Look... I... I tried to fix it, but the Brig just wouldnt wear it.
You fixed it all right
Sgt Major - sit down, have a drink.
Thank you, sir.
Youre sure these ambulances were leaving behind are the best, eh?
Yes, sir. There was a call for one to go to the docks.
So I sent one that was being left behind.
Im sorry,...
.. Im pretty well pooped out.
Youve had just about enough, sir.
Of that?
Of everything, sir. Look - everyone knows what theyve got to do.
Why dont you get some sleep, sir?
Crosbie.
Ill talk to Capt Crosbie, sir.
Well, dont forget to put that in the Humber.
It can go with your precious tools in the back.
Sir?
Yes, youre coming out, too.
Id rather stay behind, sir.
You... are coming... out.
You lie down, sir, just for an hour.
Ill call you when the main columns ready to move off.
Come on, sir, come on.
Mr Pugh, you forgot that box of mine - fetch it!
Right, sir.
Goodbye, Sgt Major - I see youve everything laid on for this party.
Well see you again soon, sir.
I doubt it.
Well, so long, Paul.
Remember me to Ariadne when you get to Alex.
Lets go, Sgt Major.
You right bastard!
What are you doing here, Corporal?
Guarding the ladies, sir.
Ladies?
Two got left behind last night when the nurses was evacuated.
Morning, maam.
Morning. Were a bit of a problem!
Why?
Id never been in any bombing, lost my nerve and ran, they sailed without us.
Our kits on board.
Thats the least of our worries.
Hurry up. That stuff should be loaded by now. Morning, Mr Pugh.
Morning, sir.
Sister Murdoch, Sister Norton. Capt Ansonll get you to Egypt and fix transport to Alex.
Your trouble!
Well try not to be any trouble.
Right. Sgt Major, you drive the ambulance and follow us to Corps HQ.
Right, sir.
Get over, man, get over. Keep on the side. Over, man.
Get over, into the side. Over.
Corps HQ - or would be if it hadnt gone. Wont be a moment.
Anson, Im in a hurry - cant trundle along with you.
Yes, sir, but...
You can drive, cant you, Ponsonby?
Yes, sir.
Come on, Im uncomfortable being too far behind Corps.
Our kit, sir - can we off-load it?
God, man, Im only borrowing the car - youll get it back tonight.
Dont just sit there, Ponsonby, get going. Come on, man, GET GOING!
Old Dangletoes is standing up. Waving his ruddy cap at em!
I bet hes giving them hell in that foul German of his.
My tool kit!
My whisky.
Its all right, Denise.
I cant stand it!
Lie down on the floor and pack the blankets round you.
All right.
Lets go, Tom.
Sorry, old boy, Im blowing that bridge.
Dont be a bloody fool. I must get through, theres two nurses here.
Orders from Corps to get em back.
You can have the Angel Gabriel inside - its blowing, so get back.
Get going, Tom.
I shouldnt if I were you. Youve got 15 seconds - LETS GO!
Back off sideways or youll catch the blast on the windscreen.
Lie down - therell be a bang. >
Take it easy.
Youd better get weaving - youve had it. Good luck.
Thanks. Okay, Tom, Ill drive.
Right, sir.
That was the bridge over the tank trap being blown up.
What do we do now?
Only two things we can do.
Get back to the hospital. Theres going to be a siege, or try crossing the minefield.
Well take you back to the hospital.
What will you do then?
Have a crack at the minefield.
LET ME OUT OF HERE, LET ME OUT!
Well come with you.
Dames and mines - lovely party.
See if she needs help.
Right, sir.
Let me out, let me out...
Let me out, let me out!
Sorry. Ive got brandy in my bag.
Want some?
After you, miss.
What about Capt Anson?
No, miss.
Why not?
Better not. Well, Ive been up and down the desert with him five times.
Hes never spared himself, or us, for that matter.
Theres plenty alive in hospitals today who owe their lives to him.
Then he was captured.
Oh, he escaped all right, but hed a hell of a time getting back.
Two nights walking, lying up in the day, no water.
He should have had a break - hes driven himself to a standstill.
And hes trying to lace himself up with drink?
Thats about it.
Maybe he just likes the taste.
Dont worry, I wont give him any. I wont even let him know Ive got it.
How are things in the back?
Sister Murdochs given her an injection and shes out cold.
We need eight cans to be safe. Lets start.
Right, sir. >
Hey!
Hey, Captain!
Can I grab a lift and get the hell out of here?
Where do you want to go?
The delta - back to my own unit.
Ive been lent to Signals, but I cant do them any good now.
Man, I dont intend to get put in the bag when the balloon goes up.
You cant go by road - theyve blown the tank bridge.
Where are you going?
To have a bash at crossing the minefield.
Id like to come with you, man.
Sorry, cant be done. Got a pair of nurses in the back to get to Alex.
Besides, youd be extra weight, a lot of extra weight, and were short on rations and water.
I can pay my way. Ive got a thousand cigarettes...
.. And three bottles of gin.
Export or Naafi?
The best, man, from South Africa.
Well,... ah, I daresay we could, er, do with another hand to push.
Okay, Ill take you. Im Anson.
Van der Poel.
Can I see your identity card?
Sure.
Thanks.
My Sergeant Major, Mr Pugh - Captain van der Pole.
"Van der Pooel".
Good morning, sir.
The captains coming to push.
Yes, sir, another four jerry cans and thats the lot, sir.
Start loading when youre ready.
Right, sir.
Hot, isnt it?
Yes. Like a drink?
Why not? Got a couple of mugs in the cab.
Whats happening?
A South African officers coming with us, and hes feeding the captain gin.
Whats this, a party?
No, just one for the road.
The first road is through a minefield - is that the usual training?
You know, the ladys right.
Lets get cracking, shall we?
Would you mind getting inside?
Whats the matter with her? >
She got into a panic and we had to give her some dope.
Thats the lot, sir.
Right.
Here you are, man, catch!
And again!
Hey! Hup!
Hup!
And hup!
Hey, man!
Whats our chance of getting through the minefield?
Evens. I knew the tracks two years ago - they may have re-mined it.
Well, once we get through...
If we get through!
If we get through - what if we run into any Germans?
They cant cover the whole perimeter - there must be gaps.
We may have to talk our way out. Anyone speak German?
No.
I do, I worked with them in SW Africa. How about the girls?
No idea. Lets get through the ruddy minefield first, shall we?
There cant be much danger if we stick to the tracks.
The tracks are faint.
Ill walk the whole way in sections.
You follow with the ambulance, Sgt Major, ten yards behind, and watch the turns.
Right, sir.
Itll take hours, man.
Right, itll take hours.
If I take the other track it will halve the time.
Yes... I cant ask you to do that.
Youre heavier than I am, for one.
A Springbok can go where any bloody Englishman can.
Right. Watch where the tyre marks are interrupted.
If youre not sure, shout. If you do feel something, stay put the mines are live.
Sure, sure, Captain.
You take that one.
Were going in, now.
Come on, man, we want to get through before dark.
We want to get through, dont we?
Were still in the minefield - get back, miss.
I cant see anything through those windows in the back.
Thats the trouble, you cant, unless something happens!
Which is it?
This way, of course. Straight on.
I dont agree.
I think thats the real one there.
Well, Im going to try this way.
Stay there! I dont give a damn if you blow yourself up. Im trying my way first.
Theres something under my foot.
Lift your foot up, gently.
Sorry, no beans in it - souvenir.
Youve a funny sense of humour, Captain.
That should take him down a peg. Serve him right, too.
Are all South Africans like that?
Hes Afrikaans - Dutch - havent met many myself.
Capt Anson was with them for a time. He says theyre a decent enough lot.
Were nearly through. Youd better get back.
Bombers!
Heading this way. >
Dont worry, were not the target.
Theyre after the minefield.
Man, I dont believe theres a ruddy mine for miles.
Dont you?
Captain? I think I owe you a drink.
Thanks.
All right, Tom, dont stand there with your tongue hanging out.
They blasted a way through for their armour - lets... get cracking, eh?
God!
For Gods sake, sir, youll break the springs!
Shut up!
If you dont stop theyll open fire.
Stop, here!
Get off!
Stop, stop, shes been hit!
Stop, you fool, stop.
Get out of it!
What the hell are you doing?
Hide our guns - theyre funny about arms on ambulances.
Let me handle this. Neither of you speak a word...
.. Except to me.
Sei vorsichtig!
Sorry, Tom, I made a bog of it.
Pop inside and see whats happened.
Give me the gin. If were going inside Ill drink the ruddy lot before they get here. Give it to me.
How is she?
Shell be dead within an hour.
Are you sure?
Is there anything we can do?
Nothing anyone can do. I know.
Who... kicked... me?
Whats going on outside?
Theyve got us in the bag. Capt van der Poels talking to them.
What will they do, send us back?
No, not now we know theyre here.
Theres just a chance, though, they may let us go on,...
.. Rather than take us in with escorts and all that.
Look, if youre so sure shes er...
.. Might be better not to tell Jerry.
Theyre more likely to let us go on with someone wounded than...
Tom, theyre coming back.
"Durchsuchen Sie"
He wants to search the ambulance.
The captain says he bitterly regrets this accident.
If wed stopped as we ought to he would never have opened fire.
Wie geht es ihr?
He wants to know how she is.
Abdominal wound. Its not serious.
But we ought to get her to hospital.
Kleine Magenwunde, die aber im Krankenhaus behandelt werden muss.
Sagen Sie der Krankenschwester, dass ich den Wagen durchsuchen werde.
Hes going to search.
Ich werde gleich Ihre Geschichte prüfen.
Natürlich. Tun Sie das.
What is it?
I have to get some more dressings - will you stay with her?
Is there anything I should do?
No. No, just be near.
Captain van der Poel, will you ask if they have any spare large dressings?
Ive used all ours.
Sure.
Cigarette?
Thanks.
How is she?
Shell be all right.
Not... d... duh... dut...
Here you are. Theyre sorry they cant spare any more.
Thanks.
Man, I think weve pulled it off.
She talked quite a bit, tried to get up to say something.
Shes dead, Tom.
Also, sag es ihnen.
Shes sleeping.
Captain says, that he could put us all in the bag...
.. But as the nurse is wounded hes going to let us go through.
Sprechen Sie Englisch?
Nein.
Im afraid the girls gone.
If he knows that hell tell them and thatll be our lot
Why have they got Capt Anson?
Make sure we follow them till were clear of their troops.
Then they give us the captain back and turn us loose.
Cigarette?
No thanks.
Tom? Please. Light me one, will you?
Thank you.
Capt van der Poel, can I ask you something?
Mmmm?
About Capt Anson. Hes had rather a bad time recently.
Been drinking heavily.
Probably screaming for one, now, but we rely on him for navigation.
Please dont give him any.
Phah! What do I do if he asks?
He wont. Just help him. Keep it out of sight.
0... kay... if I want one Ill just go off by myself.
Bleib hier mit Kapitaen Anson.
Jawohl, Herr Hauptmann."
Kommen Sie mit mir, bitte.
He wants to know how she is.
Still asleep.
Sie schlaeft noch.
Geh so weg.
Hals- und Beinbruch!
What did he say?
Good luck.
Sure its all right?
Yes.
If I know Driver Grimes, hell have enough tea tucked away to start a cafe.
Aha - half full.
Can I do anything, man?
Thank you, sir, if you start the fire, Ill open the rations.
Thats for the water, sir.
Here you are, sir.
The spade for the sand.
Sand?
Sorry, I thought all South African troops brewed up the same as us.
Dont worry, sir, Ill do it.
Would you get water and petrol?
Time to wake the captain.
Well, take it, its hot.
Captain Anson, Captain Anson.
Whats happened? Why have we stopped?
Nothings happened. Weve done the twenty-one miles.
Thanks.
An awful winds started, blowing sand all over the place.
It usually does when you brew up.
We didnt want to tell you till youd had some rest.
I cant write this one off.
You couldnt help it.
No?
Im a drunk, you know that, dont you?
You were trying to get us away.
Dont make excuses - I dont want them.
Ill tell you this...
- the next drink I have is going to be a lager,...
.. Ice cold.
Theres a little bar in Alex,...
.. With a marble-topped counter and high stools,...
.. And they serve the best beer in all the Middle East.
When we get through with this lot, Ill buy you one.
Ill buy you all one.
Come and have some food.
Itll be dark pretty soon, Tom. Wed better get on with it.
Well build a cairn up there as a marker and bury her in the morning.
Ill wake van der Poel and get him to lay on the grub.
Right, sir.
If its not too much trouble, could you get your can off there and brew up
Hello.
Hows it going?
Ach, man, you wait. I tell you, Im a good cook.
Well let you know later.
Did I, er, tell you I was attached to your division for a bit?
Were you? When?
Er, lets see, about last September.
I wasnt with them there. I only came up six months ago.
I expect some of the blokes on supplies are the same,...
.. And, of course, old Dan Pinnear.
Jan Pinnaar - hes a character.
Hes so Afrikaans, Im surprised you could understand his English.
We managed.
Then there was... er, the colonel...
.. In supplies... Colonel... er...
.. Kramer?
Kramer?
No, surely he was ordnance.
It was Colonel Maggs with supplies.
Yes, of course, Maggs.
Smells good.
Thanks to Mr Grimes, the biggest scrounging so-and-so in the unit.
Everything but the kitchen stove...
- spuds, onions, steak and kidney pud... all gone in with the bully.
Man, that was good.
Now, well have to have a watch.
Lets see, there are three of us.
Four.
All right.
You two take first shift till 12:30 and you and Ill take over till the first light
Thatll give us four hours each.
We should be up at six and hit the track near Piccadilly by sundown.
Its a cakewalk to Sidi Barrani.
Why not wait for daybreak, see whos in Sidi?
You mean Jerry? Hell, man, Barranis halfway to Alex.
Well, its your party.
Wheres he going?
You, er... tell her, Tom.
In the desert, you never ask anyone where theyre going with a spade.
Thats common to both sides.
Whats he taking that ruddy great pack for?
Theres something phoney about him.
When we stopped at midday, he hadnt a clue how to start a fire.
Hes probably always had somebody to do it for him.
He must have seen it done - youd think hed...
Lets get some rest - douse the fire, will you?
Night, Tom.
Gnight.
Dont think me stupid - I cant bear to see her covered up on a night like this.
I didnt know her very well, really.
She was rather a silly little thing, awful flirt,...
.. Not even a very good nurse.
I feel worse about this than anything thats ever happened.
You feel bad about it? How the hell do you think I feel?
Its done, man, no use accusing yourself.
Start playing around with war, these things happen.
What do you keep in that pack?
Gin.
Want some?
Time to wake up, Tom.
Capt van der Pole?
Van der Pooel!
What is it?
Blasted pump! Thought it was leaking, so I put a tin underneath.
Look its half full already.
The washers crumbling - if I try tightening it up it may break up all together.
What happens then?
No washer, no pump, no engine, nothing.
Rock. Well have to start again somewhere else.
Solid rock, sir? >
No, its a layer. Pretty thick one.
Here, give me that thing.
Ill carry on, now - the restll be easy.
You havent got an indelible pencil or anything like that, have you?
No.
Ive got a pen, sir.
What about my lipstick? Its meant to be waterproof.
Itll do fine.
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want."
"He maketh me lie down in green pastures."
"He leadeth me beside the still waters."
"Yea,...
.. Though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death...
.. I shall... I will fear no evil."
"Thou preparest a table for me...
.. In the presence of my enemies."
Vortreten!
Nur einer vortreten!
He wants only one of us.
Vorwärts, schnell!
Schnell, komm schnell.
Halt. Nehme die Waffen ab.
We wont get away with it this time.
Lass mal sehen!
Ihr beide, mitkommen.
Nehmt ihnen die Waffen weg!
We must give up our guns.
I told you, theyre funny about armed troops on ambulances.
Komm!
Ive got some bad news - Tobruks fallen.
I dont believe it.
He doesnt believe us, and its up to him what happens next.
He cant call his HQ for orders - theyve got wireless silence.
Schreiben Sie das auf.
Gehen! Wir bringen keine Frauen auf das Schlachtfeld.
Sie sollten das auch nicht.
He says to go, that they dont bring women into battle...
.. And we shouldnt either.
He says to go further south.
Theyre through to Maddalena, and will cut off Mersa Matruh in days.
I dont believe a ruddy word.
He says we must start straight away.
All right, lets get going. What the hell are we waiting for?
Well, you got us out of another jam.
I dont know how - he was a bastard.
With Tobruk gone, theyve more to do than round us up.
I dont believe Tobruks gone.
Anyway, it looked as if you were telling him what to do.
Its the only way with bloody Nazis.
Kick em in the guts before they kick you.
Tom, in case that young Jerry was right,...
.. We should go for the Garawla track
Thatll take three days, sir - what about the pump?
Whats the water situation?
About 14 gallons, sir.
The pumpll use nine or ten.
That doesnt leave much for us.
Bir Beylis 15 miles south, sir. We can find water for the pump there.
I hadnt thought of that - lets see the map.
There she is - Bir Beyli.
Well, weve dug it out before. I suppose we can do it again.
How far downs the water?
Five, ten, fifteen feet.
We have to dig to find out.
Tom, well go down in one corner and see if it gets damp.
Here, take a mouthful.
Rinse it round and spit it out.
Dont swallow, itll make you thirstier than ever.
Scarcely damp and as salty as hell.
We ought to talk this thing over.
Look, we can go on trying to dig this ruddy thing out...
- heaven knows how long itll take, and we may not find water in the end.
Well be using up what weve got. We have three alternatives - look we are here.
First of all, we can cut straight up to Mersa Matruh.
If Jerrys right, theyre going to be there first
Or we can take the longer but safer camel route round the Depression,...
.. And then cut up the Garawla track.
Its 270 miles, almost three days, and we may be damned short of water.
Whats the third alternative?
Well, the third alternative is straight down to the Qara oasis.
Theres a dump the desert group uses
We fill up with water and petrol and cut through the Depression.
The Depression, sir?
I havent made an improper suggestion! Weve done it before. I know, sir, but that was training.
With light stuff - and aircraft to look after us.
But alone, and in this crate, we never make it.
Remember that jeep, went down like a submarine?
Of course I remember.
What is the Depression?
A salt marsh below sea level.
About 200 miles long, hot, and Katyd boil all the way.
Liquid, with a dried crust on top rather like a mouldy rice pudding.
There is a track of sorts...
.. But as Tom says, if you do go through, well,...
.. Youve pretty well bought it.
Katy does weigh two tons, remember.
So what?
Well, there are the alternatives.
Whats it to be?
The Garawla Track, sir. Ill keep the pump going.
I agree with him. The Depression isnt an alternative.
Okay, the Garawla Track it is.
Bones.
Ran out of water, I suppose.
STOP, SIR, A SPRINGS GONE!
Pull up, man.
Be sure and make them absolutely firm, sir.
Theyll have to take all the weight when I pull the jack out.
Why mess about with stones?
Cant we just hold it on the jack?
No, sir, we should have two jacks.
Weve only got one - do it this way to ease the new spring in position.
Right, stand clear, sir, Im going to let her down.
Look out!
Hold her for a moment! Just one second, sir! Go on, hold her, sir!
Hold her, sir.
Hold her!
Thats the most wonderful bloody effort youll ever see.
He must have taken all of a ton on his back.
Get me the water bottle.
Right.
If he hadnt held her shed have smashed her back axle.
Wed have just kept on walking till our water ran out.
Here.
Lets get him into the shade.
Ill get a stretcher.
No, dont need a stretcher. Give me a pull up. Ill be all right.
Now take it easy,... easy.
Look out - Aircraft!
Its all right, its one of ours.
"Jerrys advanced beyond Sidi Barrani."
"Our troops falling back to Alamein."
"Do not, repeat, not attempt coast west of Darba."
Darba? I cant believe it. Its only 100 miles from Alex.
That means Jerrys ahead.
What now?
Unless you want to spend the war in a prison camp, as I said earlier...
- south to the Qara oasis and the Depression. Any objections?
Good, carried unanimously.
And tomorrow, when were bogged down to the axles,...
.. The waters gone, and were alone in 1,000 sq miles of mud,...
.. You can all spit in my eye.
All right, Tom, lets get going - we dont want to be here all day.
Would you like to go in the back?
No, no thanks. I... I feel better now, but Id like a drink, though.
Huh! A real drink.
Ill get it.
NO! ILL DO IT!
Thanks very much.
You like some? No?
Hah!
Bang on time.
Very regular habits.
This afternoon, when I got van der Poel his pack...
.. It was heavy, too heavy for a few bottles of gin.
When I tried to open it for him, he wouldnt let me.
Now listen, youve both from time to time complained about van der Poel.
Heres a chance to get it off your chest... well, Tom?
Hes phoney, sir, hasnt a clue how to make the fire,...
.. Yet S African troops brew up as we do.
And, why... why does he always go to the latrine at the same time?
Perhaps hes well brought up.
Diana?
I agree with Tom. I never liked the man, but its more than that.
There is something phoney.
Where are you going?
Just for a walk, sir.
Well?
I saw something, for a second - the light was bad -...
.. But it was like a wireless mast.
Are you sure of that?
No, Im not sure, but, well, he certainly didnt use the spade.
Maybe he changed his mind.
Maybe youre right and he is a spy.
What do we do? Knock him over the head and leave him with his gin?
If he has a wireless, we must stop him transmitting to the Germans.
What information has he got?
Why risk using it every night?
To keep in touch with his HQ.
He may need to get through quickly, assuming he is a spy and he has a transmitter.
Remember, he saved us once, and we may need him again.
Lets leave it for the moment.
Could do with a shave, couldnt you, Tom?
Yes, sir.
Well push on a bit further before its dark - you take a turn in the back.
Okay.
Well find out at Qara - meanwhile, forget it.
Okay, Tom, Ill see about the tin.
Were stopping here for the night.
Are the British at Qara oasis?
We wont get there till tomorrow afternoon.
By that time were just as likely to find Jerry there.
Yeah, at the rate theyre going, anything could happen.
There you are - Qara oasis.
Now we can get water and petrol.
Doesnt seem to be anybody about, sir.
Ill scout around a bit, Tom. You watch the ambulance.
Right, sir.
Moya, moya.
Khamsa. Khamsa moya.
OOLA E GEHEENA!
English, okay,... English.
A teesh em taheena. Ra ha feen?
We come from Tobruk - go, er... go Alexandria. We want water, petrol.
Ha de mush tareek.
Listen, we want water, petrol. See, money. How much you want?
Ma tesh tun nesh!
This clot doesnt understand English. Sorry old boy, but I had to make sure and
this clot had some difficulties to understand your Arabic!
Good God! Who are you?
Just stooging around, old boy. May I see your papers, please?
You belong to the garrison here? No, they pulled out this morning.
The Germans are coming down here - Im just here to help them on their way by sugaring the petrol down!
Well, for Petes sake lets have some before you do it, will you?
How do you think you will get away?
The Germans will be here in 3 hrs and they are miles ahead of you along the coast.
Across the Depression.
- In heavy crate like yours? - Uh-huh.
Yes, I suppose this is your only chance! Do you want a lift?
I have been charmed, but unfortunately Ive an previously engagement.
Lets see about that petrol.
Pity its so late. You wont get far tonight I shouldnt drive in the dark, if I were you.
Here we are ladies and gents, the old camel road...
.. Which everyone since Alexander the Great has taken to Alex.
Youll have to stop, sir, shes boiling.
Quick!
Give me a hand, sir.
Go on, give him some more.
What the hell? Hes a brave man.
Not again, man - this is the sixth time.
Its not the radiator. The lights going.
Surely you can do another couple of miles?
I wont risk it in the dark.
Sorry I folded up on you.
There you are, sir.
Thanks, Tom.
Feel better now?
Apart from a splitting headache and a mouth like a parrot cage, Im fine, thanks.
Wish wed gone a bit further - its the lowest part of the whole issue.
I dunno - looks pretty firm to me.
Well, it isnt - were on top of a ruddy jelly.
Well be lucky she doesnt bog down in the night.
Shes on sand mats, sir, in case.
Listen, nobody move a foot off the tracks - understand?
Okay.
Douse the fire Tom.
What are you going to do?
If hes a spy, hell signal tonight about our chaps at the oasis.
Well try and catch our South African friend with his pants down.
He cant be far along the track. Uncover the lamps.
You get in the cab, Tom, and when I give the signal, switch on.
Now!
Over to the left, Tom. Turn out the lights.
Switch on.
Over to the right.
Go back, Tom.
Hard down right.
Hard over left.
Now forward.
Stop - hard down right.
Hard over left.
Stop.
Hard down right.
Now forward.
Im trapped!
Tom, quick, hes in trouble, get the sand mats.
Another mat, quick.
Get the tow rope.
Give me something else - a shirt, anything.
Hold on, hold on.
Throw it, man.
Throw it, hurry, Im being sucked under.
Grab hold, grab hold.
Pull. Pull.
Hang on, man.
Pull!
Aaargh!
Hurry!
Get the ambulance.
Im gone. I cant stop.
For Gods sake...
Diana?
Get in!
I cant drive.
When I signal, let the clutch out gently.
You go round the other side.
Thats enough.
Get water, gin. Theres some in his other pack.
Give him a drink.
Hes unconscious, but hell be all right.
You saw what was in his pack? He is a Nazi.
Diana, get in the ambulance. Well bring him round, you clean him up.
Use petrol, we cant spare water.
How is he?
Exhausted. I gave him a sedative.
This didnt do the track much good.
Lets get out of here quickly as we can.
Well soon need another halt, sir, or shell boil again.
Tom, cant we get on? She must be cool by now.
Well have to leave her a bit longer, sir.
I... I want to say something about last night.
I want to apologise.
I shouldve done like you told me, stuck to the track.
Skip it. Afraid you lost your shirt, though.
And your pack.
Why did you do it?
Do what?
Turn on the headlamps.
Heard a noise, thought you might have gone in.
Werent far wrong, were we?
No,...
.. No, you werent.
Thanks.
Youll be able to dine out on this story for weeks, wont he, Tom?
Certainly will, sir.
Ill go and top her up now, sir.
How much further till we get out of this?
Oh, about another 80 miles.
Shall we get out tonight?
No, were through the worst, though.
Well, lets get started, shall we?
What are you going to do about him?
Nothing, yet. He thinks hes safe with us.
Well let him go on thinking that, for the moment.
Man, this heat.
Yeah.
Doesnt seem to bother old Tom much, does it?
Well,...
.. This time tomorrow...
...our little party will have broken up.
Whats the first thing youll do when you get to Alex?
I told you - that beer.
Its so ruddy cold theres a sort of dew on the outside of the glass.
And then?
Then Ill pull the chain six times just for the sound of running water.
Someone waiting for you?
Well, its...
.. Its all rather complicated.
Tell me.
Paul Crosbie, a character in my unit,...
.. We took our leaves together,...
.. And in Alex last time...
.. We got caught up with somebody.
Whats her name?
Ariadne.
And youre both in love with her?
That seemed to be the idea.
Where is he now?
Paul? In the bag, Im afraid.
One of us had to stay behind in Tobruk.
Id no choice - he thought I was ratting on him.
Now you think you might have an unfair advantage?
What do you think?
I think you dont understand women.
I dont.
Shell know what she wants.
If its Paul, nothing you do will make the slightest difference.
And if its you, I think you should know by now.
Like a judges summing up - sound, logical, cold as hell...
.. And probably right.
Do you always know what you want?
Always.
Well be on top in a few minutes.
The track up is just over there.
Whats the matter?
That is this slope - the winds blown deep sand all over it.
Well have trouble getting her up.
If we dont do it, well be stuck like ants in a jam pot.
Isnt there any other way?
Fraid not.
Lets try to belt her up it, Tom.
Right, sir.
Ill signal. Come on, you two.
Okay,... she should be going well by here. We can give her a shove if needed.
Man, she hasnt a chance on this sand. Shell bog down.
Not if we do what I say. TOM? TOM?
There, what did I tell you? Like a ruddy dose of salts.
Hold her!
What did you expect, man, on this slope!
Its madness - well never get her up.
Well take her up on the mats, 6ft at a time. You start digging.
Youve got the spade.
Weve only got one. Use your hands.
You know whats going to happen?
Were going to stick halfway and wont get her up or down.
Get out I Out of it I
Dont stand there like a Hyde Park floosie - round the back and push!
You stop grinning about your love life - come and help.
Get cracking, Tom!
Come on!
Shove, damn you - dont lean against the bloody thing.
Never mind your ruddy make-up. Get up - push!
Its no good, sir.
No good? Youre a fine one to talk, riding all the way.
You told me to drive, sir. The engines boiling over, its heating.
A seized engine wont get us to Alex
So you all want to walk, do you?
All right, theres the compass.
Take food and water,...
.. Keep on 30 degrees for two days - and I hope it keeps fine for you.
Who the hell are you talking to? Ive taken enough.
You havent taken half youre going to, yet.
Hold it - take it easy, gentlemen.
Im going to get Katy to Alex, do you understand? Im going to.
Its a personal thing.
Let him alone.
There is a way we might get her up.
Wind her up on the starting handle with the plugs out,...
.. In reverse, lowest gear.
Its a long shot but it could work.
In the reverse means youve got to turn her round - shell fall over.
Not if we use our weight - Ill show you.
Down on the left. Take her down on the left - shell go this time.
Go on, round with her.
Thats it, away you go. Hard round, all shell go, go on, round you go.
Full lock, full lock, man.
Ive no idea what theyre doing.
They tried to explain to me but Im hopeless at that sort of thing.
If you take the plugs out theres no resistance.
If you put her in low gear and wind the starting handle,...
.. The wheels turn very slowly.
Because the movements gradual, the sand isnt disturbed...
thats the theory.
Come and help.
All right, Ill come and watch a miracle.
Now, lets see.
Brake off?
Okay.
Any movement?
No.
Nothing at all?
Its working!
Tom! Its working!
Its working!
Right - 500 turns each till we get to the top. Right - here we go!
Only another thirty feet, sir.
Hold her there. Ill get my shirt.
Come on - were there!
Shes away!
Stop it! Stop it!
Oh, dear God.
My fault - I should have had somebody on the brake.
Thats your job next trip.
Well, lets take a little exercise, shall we?
Come on, now. Its quite simple.
When we say "brake" just pull hard on the brake and the ratchetll hold her. Right? Good.
All right - Brake off!
Were there. We made it.
See that clear bit?
Thats the reflection of the sea.
Right, van der Poel - its your honour to bring her up the last lap. Get cracking. Bar opens at six.
# My old man said follow the van
# Dont dilly-dally on the way
# Off went the van with my home in it
# I followed on with me old cock linnet
# But I dillied and dallied, dallied and dillied
# Lost the way and dont know where to roam
# Cos you cant trust the Specials like the old-time coppers
# When you cant find your way home. #
Do you want to see him stuck up against a wall and shot?
No, I dont.
Well, he is a spy.
Is your officer here, Sergeant? In the tent, sir.
Identity card, Diana. Paybook, Tom. Right, sir.
Nip in the back and keep him company, will you?
Tom, shouldnt we put the tin under the radiator?
That tin! Never again. You dont know how I feel about that tin!
Captain Johnson - Sister Murdoch. Pretty good show, Sister.
Well, I expect youd like a wash and brush-up. Thanks, weve got to push on.
- A drink? - No, weve a date for that.
Okay. Hope the shirt fits your chum - biggest I could find.
Thanks - Ill see you get it back. Thanks.
Present from the military police to Captain van der Poel.
Better take the pips off before you give it to him.
I suppose you know what youre doing?
This time, yes.
What about us?
Well both go back to our units, like I told you.
Id like to be coming with you.
Too much of a handful.
Youll be coming back to Alex?
No, wouldnt work out.
Id like to think it could,...
...but... it wouldnt.
Only make you unhappy.
See?
Started already!
You said you dont understand women.
You certainly dont understand me.
If you did, youd realise I dont give up so easily.
Better take the er... shirt in to the captain.
Whats that?
The other springs gone.
Shall I pull up, sir?
What the hell! Shes done 600 miles - weve only four to go - bash on.
You good old cow!
Set em up, Joe.
Set what up?
Four ice-cold lagers.
Captain Anson. Where have you been?
Doing some merging. Come on, Joe, lets have that beer, hmm?
Yes, sir. Right away, sir.
You kept your promise.
Well, lets hope the beers what I said it was, eh?
Worth waiting for.
Come on. Drink up. You deserved it. Four more, Joe.
Heres to you, men!
Good luck!
Sit down, over here. Stall. Quick.
Move on. Sit down. Sit down.
Come on man, drink up. Youre one behind.
Cigarette?
- Captain Anson. - Youre early.
Maybe. Its strictly forbidden to fraternize with the enemy.
Fresh off the boat. Thinks - is the answer.
You obey orders, lieutenant. Wait outside until the time I fixed with your CO.
Ive phoned for them at the checkpoint. Weve only got a few minutes.
Now, whats your real name?
Look. I told security youre a German officer.
You got locked outside Tobruk. We picked you up and you gave us your parole.
But the whole thing breaks down if we dont know your real name.
Dont try to bluff it out now, man. Weve known for a long time.
We knew the first time you tried to get us through your own people.
Once was a miracle, but twice ?just wasnt on.
And that bloody grey bag of yours.
We knew it was a transmitter long before it went down in the bog.
Now, come on. Whats your real name?
My God, man, cant you see its your last chance?
Why do you think I got rid of everything that identified you as a South African? Stick to my story!
You know the alternative?
Do you want to be stuck up against a wall and shot?
Otto Lutz.
Hauptmann engineer. 21st Panzer group.
Well, heres to you, Otto.
We all know damn well we wouldnt be here if it hadnt been for you.
Its 6:30, Captain Anson.
OK. But wont you fraternize with us and have one for the road?
No, thank you.
Youll release me from my parole, Herr Capitan?
Certainly.
Now, look.
I told your CO that Hauptmann looks at The Hague in an exemplary manner.
So theres no need for a ball and chain.
First, will you shake hands with me, please?
Otto.
You, um, havent finished your beer.
It has been quite an experience.
All against the desert. The greater enemy.
Ive learned a lot about the English.
So different from all Ive been taught.
Auf Weidersehen.