Harsh Realities & Personal Awakening in WWII
In A Family at War Season 2, Episode 3 – A Lesson in War, the Ashtons confront the moral complexity and emotional toll of life during wartime. As new experiences force several characters to re-evaluate their roles and beliefs, the episode explores how war reshapes identity, values, and relationships. Powerful, intimate, and thought-provoking, this installment underscores the deeply human lessons learned far from the battlefield.
In A Family at War Season 2, Episode 3 – A Lesson in War, the Ashtons confront the moral complexity and emotional toll of life during wartime. As new experiences force several characters to re-evaluate their roles and beliefs, the episode explores how war reshapes identity, values, and relationships. Powerful, intimate, and thought-provoking, this installment underscores the deeply human lessons learned far from the battlefield.
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:00¶¶
00:30Salute your officer, one pace forward, draw your pay, one pace back, salute your officer
00:42again, about turn, and away you go, left, right, left, right, halt, about turn, then
00:51at ace, next man forward, now come on Hills, bags of swank, halt, up, two, three, down,
00:59two, three, one pace forward, come on Hills, you can do better than that, one pace back,
01:04up, two, three, down, two, three about turn, and away you go, oh god.
01:10Keep going, go inside!
01:12Keep going behind that!
01:13At the board!
01:26Move yourself!
01:35Move your bloody self!
01:40One face back, salute your officer again, about turn, and away you go, lift, right, lift, right, halt, about turn, stand at ease, next man Corporal Ashton, now come on Corporal, show them how to do it, nice and smart now.
02:10Street robbers again, about turn, and away you go, well done Corporal.
02:17This is how to win the war.
02:20Must have paper, Adrian.
02:21Yeah, shall make the Germans die, I'll laugh.
02:23You, stand up! Try not like us all, you! Come here!
02:31What's your name?
02:32Stranovski.
02:33Come again?
02:34Stranovski.
02:35Where'd you get a name like that?
02:37From my father, whom I loved and respected.
02:40Oh, we have a humorist in our midst, haven't we?
02:44I mean, where'd you come from?
02:46Poland.
02:47Poland?
02:48I thought you lot had an army of your own?
02:50Yes, we have.
02:54Back from detention, aren't you?
02:55Yes, sir.
02:56You'd better not make trouble here.
02:58You're in the most regimental transit camp in the Middle East.
03:01You're talking to C.S.M. Bassett.
03:04I'm honoured, sir.
03:05You will be honoured if I have any old book from you.
03:07Corporal Ashton!
03:08Sir!
03:11You're a scholar.
03:13Put his name and number on your roll.
03:18And you?
03:20I don't like idle men.
03:23Get a broom.
03:24Sweep the tent.
03:26God!
03:28At the shop!
03:30Let's parade anti-gastral in 15 minutes.
03:32God!
03:33He's...
03:34Me!
03:39Yes, in Poland also, we had too many like that.
03:43Anti-gastral, he's the only one with anti-gastral idea.
03:47Stranovski.
03:48Don't burst a blood vessel.
03:51Staszek will do.
03:52Staszek!
03:53Stanielov.
03:54But somehow I don't see myself as a Stan, do you?
03:58So in Polish, Staszek.
03:59Right.
04:00Staszek?
04:01Come on.
04:02I'll show you the billet.
04:05Keep your arm!
04:06It's coming up!
04:07It's a bad timer.
04:08Come on, move along.
04:15What were you in the nick for?
04:17Absent without leave.
04:19But they let me off lightly.
04:21I had deserted.
04:23In the direction of the front line.
04:26Good luck to you, mate.
04:28I deserted to join the Polish army.
04:30Why didn't you join it in the first place?
04:32Because I was in England when the war broke out.
04:35And like many other Poles, I joined your army.
04:38It was easier to get into it than to get out.
04:41As many of British soldiers discovered it.
04:43Very funny.
04:46Come on.
04:50There are many Polish troops in Egypt.
04:53I could be with them in a few hours.
04:55But every time I ask about my transfer, it is going through the proper channels.
05:01Channels.
05:03A piece of paper has to go three times round the world.
05:05Look, Chum, everybody's in the same boat.
05:08This whole place is full of lost souls.
05:10Us included.
05:11Cigarette.
05:14Why are you here?
05:16Our platoon was rushed up the line one night and about a dozen of us got left behind.
05:21Somewhere in the sick bay.
05:22Hours away interpreting.
05:24Interpreting?
05:25With the French.
05:26We've been here three weeks now, waiting to join our battalion.
05:30And if I know the British army, we could be still here when the war ends.
05:34And such a country is Europe's last hope.
05:39Ah, now come on.
05:40You said yourself you had too many nitwits in your army.
05:43Yeah.
05:45Where is your battalion?
05:46Oh, God knows.
05:48Somewhere in the desert.
05:50Having it bloody, no doubt.
05:52Yes.
05:54The Germans have arrived.
05:56We Poles have a date to keep with them.
05:59A month ago we wiped the high tires out.
06:02Now this Rommel's pushed us back 500 bloody miles.
06:06I would adore to meet a German.
06:10Hey, Philip.
06:12Let us go and kill some.
06:13And kill some.
06:14Just you and me?
06:15No, no, no, no, no.
06:16With our Polish Carpathian Brigade.
06:18You haven't heard of them?
06:20Oh, they are darlings.
06:22I have a hundred friends in that brigade.
06:25And where do I come in?
06:26Oh, you come with me.
06:27You and I, we don't need papers, orders, channels.
06:31Over the fence, both of us.
06:33We'll join them.
06:34I will make you an honorary Pol.
06:36You will fight with heroes.
06:37Staszek.
06:38If you get caught again, they'll put you away for ages.
06:41You'll never get your transfer.
06:43Oh, Philip.
06:46Think of splendid fellows.
06:49Beautiful Polish army girls.
06:52And the nectar of freedom.
06:54Wodka.
06:56The glass house in this command is said to be quite hellish.
07:01You are afraid?
07:03Too true I am, mate.
07:05Also I want to get back to my battalion.
07:07Alas, I thought I had found a friend.
07:10You don't need a friend.
07:11You need a keeper.
07:15You are politely calling me insane?
07:18Just keep out of trouble.
07:19Well, perhaps you had better.
07:20Mind your own business.
07:21It is my business.
07:22I'm your billet NCO.
07:23I don't intend to lose my stripe for you.
07:24Then what will you do about it?
07:25Keep an eye on you.
07:26It will be a full-time job.
07:27Could I have a word with you?
07:28Yeah, go ahead.
07:29It's private.
07:30Oh!
07:31Please, please.
07:32Oh, yes.
07:33I'll have a word for you.
07:34It's private.
07:35Oh, please, please.
07:37Oh, I'll have a word.
07:38Oh, no.
07:39It's private.
07:40Oh, yes.
07:41Oh, yes.
07:42Yes, please.
07:43Oh, yes, please.
07:45Oh, yes.
07:46Oh, yes, sir.
07:47Could I have a word with you?
07:53Yeah, go ahead.
07:55It's private.
07:57Oh, please, please.
08:02You see, this is my missus, Salon.
08:06And the little girl's ten months, Claudette.
08:09Hey, you've got a pair of good lookers there.
08:11Yes, I'll say.
08:12Well, what's the problem?
08:14Well, they're not getting any maintenance allotment.
08:17Have you reported it to the orderly room?
08:19Well, no, you see, that's why I wanted to talk to you in private.
08:24We're not married.
08:26So what?
08:27Well, you see, she left this other chap, and he won't give her a divorce.
08:31Okay, it's no crime.
08:32How have you managed so far?
08:34Well, when I was in Blighty, I used to send her a postal order every week,
08:37but, I mean, I can't send her these piastres, can I?
08:40Hilsie, the army doesn't give a damn whether you're married or not.
08:43If you nominate her, she and the baby get the allotment.
08:48I didn't know that.
08:48Well, you've left it a bit late to ask.
08:50Well, I didn't like, you know, I mean, telling people we're not wed.
08:54Here, I'll write you an application.
08:55It's all right, it's confidential.
08:56Thanks a million, Paul.
08:58She'll get the allotment now.
08:59Yeah, but it's not just that, you see.
09:00The, um, my family won't touch her with the barge pole.
09:04And hers are flaming mad at her.
09:05I mean, who has she got?
09:06Yeah, I know, it's rough.
09:08It's rot this lousy, stinking war, not this bloody camp.
09:11We won't be here forever, you know.
09:12Oh, I could stand it in the battalion.
09:14I know it's daft, I know, but I wish I was in action.
09:17You know, I mean, stuck up in this lousy, fly-blown dump.
09:20I mean, why can't they give us a leave to Cairo or something?
09:23He's still weak with that chippy Tommy.
09:24Don't let him get you down.
09:25Yeah, well, he's getting me down, all right.
09:26Hey, little one.
09:27Dr. Staszek's medicine, drink.
09:30What is it?
09:31Drink!
09:32Watch it, Ilzey.
09:33It won't do your stomach much good.
09:35What the best medicine in the world, Philip.
09:37Polish vodka.
09:39Come on, join the party.
09:40Come on.
09:42Cheers.
09:43Now, Zrovia.
09:44Are you all coppets serving drinks to other ranks?
09:46Ah, yes.
09:48All spirits for the officers and the soldiers.
09:52And beer for the privates.
09:54Now, tell me your British democracy is wonderful.
09:56Nice, Zrovia.
09:58Cheers.
09:58No, no, no, no, no, no.
09:59Polish drink, Polish toast.
10:02Nice, Zrovia.
10:03Now, come on.
10:04Nice.
10:04Nice.
10:06Zrovia.
10:06Zrovia.
10:07Yeah.
10:08Yeah, yeah.
10:09Nice, Zrovia.
10:10Nice, Zrovia.
10:11Oh, now, once more, like Poles, deep, big from the heart.
10:14Nice, Zrovia.
10:16Nice, Zrovia.
10:21Right, I'll find another bottle.
10:23Yeah.
10:26Nice, Zrovia.
10:32Nice, Zrovia.
10:41Cheers.
10:42Watch it, lads.
10:44Basset's coming this way.
10:45Basset.
10:50Hey, come on.
10:50I'm... I'm drunk.
10:52Lay me back!
10:53Sit by me!
10:55What are you like yelling in the orderly room?
10:59What do you think it is?
11:01The King's birthday?
11:14Hello.
11:16I see you said the blind man.
11:19Drinking in billets?
11:23Who's been drinking?
11:27I'll find out who's been drinking if I've got to lick the spit off your tongues.
11:32Brown Hills! One pitch forward!
11:35Sergeant Major, come.
11:38Drink a little vodka with naughty star-shake.
11:41Stand no attention!
11:42Oh, don't be so formal.
11:44Drink, darling.
11:47Fall in! Two men!
11:49Wakely, Robbins.
11:51Take him to the guard room.
11:53Oh, Sergeant Major, don't deserve me.
11:55Come with me and we will drink my vodka.
11:58Take him to the guard room!
11:59Have the double!
12:04Hey, I forgot my vodka!
12:05No, I must go back.
12:06Hey, my vodka!
12:07Hey!
12:08My vodka!
12:13Lift!
12:14Right!
12:15Left!
12:16Right!
12:17Left!
12:18Right!
12:19Left!
12:20Quick!
12:21Get that fire bucket!
12:22Quick before he comes back!
12:23And the...
12:24You are going to sober up, my lad, and fast!
12:29Put him in!
12:30And...
12:31Ha, ha, ha!
12:34Ah, my friend the corporal.
12:48Well, you don't have to keep an eye on me, do you?
12:50I came to say thanks for the lads.
12:52Was it all right?
12:53Yeah, we were staying cold silver by the time we got back.
12:56Well, Mr Bassett will make you suffer for that.
12:59Forgive me if I continue, but I must appear before the commandant like a gentleman.
13:03Ah, stashing.
13:05A couple of quick.
13:09And some thanks.
13:10Jank, jank. I appreciate it.
13:12Do the same for me sometime.
13:13Well, there's no time like the present.
13:15If I may offer you a little token in return.
13:18Vodka, peaches.
13:21Ah, these cigars.
13:23I recommend them. They are very good.
13:26How do you manage it?
13:27The RPs are supposed to go through your bed with a tooth comb.
13:29Wherever we Pauls go, we soon get things organized.
13:32Hey, you're a good chap to know.
13:34My friend, you hit the nail on the head.
13:36Hey, when they let me out, I will invite you to an evening in Cairo.
13:40Now, come on. Now, that's impossible.
13:42Leave it to me. I will provide passes, transport, everything.
13:46Stasi can do it.
13:47Happy yesterday, when a soldier gets his name.
13:55Rolling, rolling, rolling, rolling home.
13:59Blind runners!
14:00Rolling home, blind runners!
14:02High, high, high, high, high.
14:04High, high, high.
14:05Tears, dear.
14:05High, high, high.
14:06High, high, high.
14:06High, high.
14:07High, high.
14:08High, high.
14:09High, high.
14:10High, high.
14:11High, high.
14:12High, high.
14:13You know, my name is a sort of information exchange.
14:16Poor old man.
14:17And a big brother bombing in Deutschland every night.
14:20And a kid's sister.
14:21Hey!
14:22Frannik!
14:23Frannik!
14:24Frannik!
14:25Frannik!
14:26Frannik!
14:27Frannik!
14:28Frannik!
14:29Frannik!
14:30I want you to hear me.
14:31Come on.
14:32Sorry.
14:33Watch out, you bling.
14:34I, I...
14:35Gentlemen, my corporal, Philip Ashton.
14:37Frannik, Jascha.
14:39What are you boys doing here?
14:40We have a 48-hour sleep.
14:42Mr. Brigade, c'est la matur?
14:44Shh!
14:45Security.
14:46Hey, vodka!
14:47Well, we drink to, uh...
14:49We drink to absent friends.
14:51May we soon be together.
14:53Na zdrowie.
14:54Na zdrowie.
14:58We will show them.
15:02I'm drunk.
15:04I don't know.
15:06No, everyone knows.
15:08No, no.
15:09No, no, no.
15:10No, no.
15:11No, no, no.
15:12No, no.
15:13No, no, no.
15:14No, no.
15:15No, no.
15:16No, no.
15:17No, no.
15:18No, no, no.
15:19No, no.
15:20No, no...
15:21No!
15:32No!
15:33Fight dancing, now!
15:35Look at what we do.
15:47Hey!
15:50Hey!
15:51Hey!
15:52Hey!
15:54Hey!
15:55Hey!
15:58Hey!
16:03Come on, man.
16:05Come on, man.
16:07Come on, man.
16:09Come on, man.
16:11Come on, man.
16:13Come on, man.
16:15Come on, man.
16:17Hey!
16:19Come on, man.
16:21Come on, man.
16:23I'll tell you what I'm doing.
16:25I'm standing there.
16:27I'm going to strike down this league.
16:29I like to.
16:31Hey!
16:33Do we need this unmentionable liquid?
16:35No, no, no.
16:37It's from the Kiwi boys at the bar.
16:39Oh. In that case...
16:41Hey, boys!
16:43In that case, I give you
16:45the Stella cocktail.
16:47Is that a cocktail?
16:49Oh, darlings.
16:51Let us live a little
16:53before we die.
16:55Darling!
16:57Why don't you all get a bed together?
17:01Hey!
17:03Drink, friend.
17:05What is it?
17:07It's a drink for men.
17:09Men?
17:11If there ever be more like the Australian
17:13debuts, it'll all be in the Suez Canal.
17:15Yes, yes, yes.
17:17Sit down, friend.
17:19Hey, is it true you fellas wear perfume?
17:23Come, drink.
17:25Why don't you call me, darling?
17:27Look, sit down, shall we?
17:29Look.
17:31I have invited your drinks.
17:33Oh!
17:35Thanks, next.
17:37Perhaps you will drink better.
17:41My trough.
17:43That's my trough.
17:51Stache!
17:52No, no, no, no!
17:53No, no, no, no, no, no!
17:54There it is, there it is!
17:55There it is!
17:56Well, there it is!
17:57Well, there it is!
17:59Look, we've got to get him out of here
18:00before the ripcats come!
18:01I can see!
18:02We're in on the false power!
18:03No!
18:04No!
18:05No!
18:06No!
18:07No!
18:08No!
18:09No!
18:10No!
18:11No!
18:12No!
18:13No!
18:14No!
18:19Come on!
18:20Come on!
18:21Go home.
18:22Go home!
18:23Come on.
18:24All right.
18:37Right.
18:38Favorite lips?
18:40Philip, you are a good friend.
18:45You have a true Polish heart.
18:46I said you needed a keeper.
18:49No, a friend is a friend.
18:52You know something?
18:53I think I'll stick around with you boys.
18:56For a little while, anyway.
19:10Look, I want to see your left feet come in.
19:22I'll lift.
19:25Right.
19:30Body.
19:32Body.
19:35On command line, Lord.
19:40You will take up the correct position for the lying load.
19:44Front rank.
19:45Two pieces forward.
19:47March.
19:49Front rank.
19:51Lying.
19:53Load.
19:55Legs well apart.
19:58Keep the heels pressed into the ground.
20:01Foot well into the shoulder.
20:04Well in heels.
20:05Don't be afraid of it, lad.
20:07Keep your foresight vertical.
20:09Firm grip on the stock of the rifle.
20:12Now on the command, Lord.
20:13Place the forefinger and the thumb on the knob of the bolt.
20:16Draw back the bolt.
20:18Ram the bolt home.
20:19Just placing an imaginary round in the breach.
20:22Keeping your eyes on the target all the time.
20:25You.
20:27Private whatever your name is.
20:28Sergeant Major, we know how to use these things.
20:43We are all trained men.
20:45You really should not waste our time.
20:47Come back.
20:48Sure.
20:48Fall in two men and take me to the guardhouse.
20:51Now, Corporal.
21:02What's your purpose in requesting this interview?
21:04As Private Sronofsky's NCO, sir,
21:06I thought it my duty to put you in possession of all the facts.
21:09Yes, well I'm quite sure that CSM Bassett can do that.
21:11He's in my village, sir.
21:12I know his background.
21:13Yes, well I have his background.
21:15Detention.
21:16Field punishment.
21:17An undisciplined man.
21:18He's Polish, sir.
21:20He's in the British Army.
21:20He's at his wit's end, sir.
21:22He only wants to join his own people to fight.
21:24The Army decides that.
21:27You know, you wartime soldiers must learn discipline.
21:29I will have obedience.
21:30Smart turnout.
21:31Good drill.
21:33They're too little thought of in this war.
21:34Yes, sir.
21:35I know my job, Corporal.
21:37Keep the men occupied.
21:39That's my job.
21:40Keep them out of trouble.
21:42CSM Bassett's been with me a long time.
21:44He knows.
21:44But if they're uselessly occupied, sir.
21:46Not for you to decide, Corporal.
21:48Nothing's useless.
21:50Drills teach men to obey without question.
21:52We are told that we need thinking men in this war.
21:54What?
21:55In the ranks?
21:56Wouldn't do at all.
21:57And what's more, I shall not discuss discipline with you.
22:02Captain Carberry.
22:03Sir.
22:06Sir?
22:07With respect.
22:08It might save a lot of trouble all round to get rid of him, to expedite his transfer.
22:15Repeated applications have been made on his behalf, sir.
22:19You can't shift rear echelons, Corporal.
22:21Easier to shift Jerry.
22:22You see?
22:24Nothing we can do.
22:25The man must face the music.
22:28I'm referred for medical inspection.
22:31The psychiatrist, no doubt.
22:34Well, we shall see how long it takes me to drive him crazy.
22:38It's a dodge to get you off.
22:40You've got Captain Carberry to thank for that.
22:43Now, get your kit straight.
22:44Here.
22:48And for Pete's sake, keep out of trouble.
22:52I hear they say, the juries have got to Brooke.
22:53Rumors, cock.
22:54All the juries have got is a bloody nose.
22:56The Aussies are holding to Brooke.
22:58You know something, boys?
23:00I would almost like to see Rommel in, Cairo.
23:03Just to see some of your Paka staff officers get a pinnet up their backside.
23:07They wouldn't, mate.
23:08They'd be halfway to China by then, and we'd be the lot to cop it.
23:11Sandy a bit!
23:14Take that man's name, Godfrey.
23:44Stand by a bit!
24:12Stand by your bed!
24:17Very nice.
24:19Now fall in, two men, Corporal, and take him where he belongs.
24:23His kit was in perfect order.
24:26I gave you an order.
24:29You picked on him.
24:37Are you disobeying an order?
24:39Leave him alone.
24:40I can look after him, I shall...
24:41Stand to attention!
24:43And keep your eyes to the front, the rest of you!
24:44Don't give him the pleasure of putting you all on a peg.
24:48He was born with a 252 in his hand.
24:49Right, Corporal, consider yourself under arrest.
24:56You'll be charged under Section 40.
24:58And that one, for attempting to strike a warrant officer.
25:01Who says so?
25:02He made a movement, nobody can say what it was.
25:04Perhaps he was going to have a fit.
25:05That's right, Corporal.
25:05Shut up!
25:06Tell him!
25:07Well?
25:09You!
25:09To the guard room!
25:10Have a double!
25:11I want the gun commander and four men!
25:13Yield it!
25:13Stand fast!
25:14Now you listen to me first.
25:16We're sick of you, Basset.
25:18Sick of polishing brass while our battalion may be being murdered.
25:21Battles are being lost and bloody good men because of superannuated blimps like you.
25:25You!
25:26Don't burst a blood vessel and don't call out the guard because in front of witnesses I shall now obey your order.
25:32Private Tchonofsky, one pace forward, march.
25:35Left.
25:35Turn.
25:37By the left.
25:38Quick, march.
25:39Left, right.
25:40Left, right.
25:41Left, right.
25:42Left, right.
25:43Left, right.
25:43Left, right.
25:44Left, right.
25:45Left, right.
25:46Left, right.
25:47Left, right.
25:47Left, right.
25:47Left, right.
25:47Left, right.
25:53Could do with some of your vodka.
25:56Patience.
25:57I'll see to it.
25:59Hey, you know you get chiffied so much in these camps.
26:02Almost peaceful in here.
26:04Now you talk like a true philosopher.
26:08You know I'm a doctor of philosophy.
26:10What university?
26:12Krakow.
26:13The second eldest in Europe.
26:15We Poles have an ancient culture.
26:17What made you go in for the hotel business?
26:19Well, PhDs are ten a penny in Europe.
26:22Besides, I wanted to travel and, in time, to make some money.
26:28My parents stinted themselves to send me to university.
26:32Yeah.
26:33I suppose I should have given a bit more thought to mine.
26:36They're not too well off.
26:37Double up and get a move on, lad.
26:40Your friend?
26:43You know we had our Bassets in Poland, too.
26:46Even generals.
26:48Thanks to them, our soldiers had to attack the German tanks on horseback.
26:53Yes, I know.
26:54You see, courage is not enough.
26:56Except in children's books.
26:58It didn't do us much good when the Bolsheviks marched in, either.
27:00It made me sick when the Russians carved up Poland with Hitler.
27:05And yet you fought for the Bolsheviks in Spain.
27:09I fought for the Spanish Republic, so that Spain could be a democracy like England.
27:15The Communists stabbed us in the back.
27:17Democrats.
27:19Democrats, I've seen you in England.
27:21You detest the Reds, and yet you always flirt with them.
27:25Hitler is the main enemy.
27:26Oh, Philip, don't lecture me about Nazis.
27:30It is my country they occupy.
27:34My home was in a little village near Krasnik in eastern Poland.
27:40My father was a poor country doctor.
27:42He's dead?
27:43Yes, he's dead.
27:44The Nazis.
27:45No, no, no, no, no.
27:45I said eastern Poland.
27:48Half the Bolshevik jackals grew.
27:50They killed him.
27:52A poor man, not an aristocrat, you understand?
27:54Not a wicked capitalist, but a modest, devoted country doctor.
28:02They hanged him in our garden.
28:05Oh, God.
28:06Why?
28:07Oh, they killed doctors, teachers, simple peasants.
28:12They deported thousands like cattle into Russia.
28:14My mother was one of them.
28:17My sister told me this.
28:18She escaped.
28:20The Germans are inhuman, but the others are barbarians.
28:24Bestial.
28:26Okay, we'll kill Germans, but the next war will be for survival against communism.
28:31No, there mustn't be any more wars.
28:33Oh, your English illusions.
28:37After Hitler, there will still be the last enemy.
28:40You've had terrible experiences, and I know you're bitter, but surely...
28:43But!
28:44I am sick of your English buts.
28:47You live on your pleasant little island.
28:49We are on the frontier.
28:50We know.
28:51Communism has gone wrong.
28:53But you surely can't believe it's as bad as the Nazis.
28:55English complacency.
28:56Weakness.
28:57People like you betray civilization.
29:00Steady on.
29:00We're only having a discussion.
29:02That's all it is to you.
29:05The teaspoons tinkle in the teacups.
29:10Have some of these nice biscuits, Mr. Shanovsky.
29:12Be reasonable, Mr. Shanovsky.
29:15We are only having a nice talk.
29:17Nice talk.
29:18Ask my father.
29:20My mother.
29:20My sister.
29:21My country.
29:22I'm sorry, Stashek.
29:24Let's stop.
29:25You know what the communists say.
29:26Who is not with us is against us.
29:28They are right.
29:29Stashek!
29:30You're soft English.
29:33We're not soft to Hitler.
29:36Tiny little Finland.
29:38The Russians invaded just like the Nazis.
29:41Why didn't you defend them?
29:42Thank God we didn't.
29:43We've got enough on our plate with the Germans.
29:44Spoken like a coward.
29:47Everybody else has pulled out but us.
29:49Doesn't suit you to call us cowards.
29:52We are.
29:53Hey, now, come on.
29:55What's happening?
29:56We're friends, aren't we?
29:57Like your country was friends with mine.
29:59You guaranteed our frontier and you let us down.
30:02Oh, we're fighting for your country now.
30:03For yourselves!
30:05You were so nice to Hitler until it was too late.
30:08You are so nice to communists, to Jews.
30:11Ah, you're no better than a fascist yourself.
30:13Fascist!
30:15Because I love my country, this war is not for your liberal ideals.
30:20It is for self-preservation.
30:22Kill your enemies, all of them.
30:23The law of the jungle.
30:25Yes.
30:26The jungle.
30:27Always.
30:38Don't worry.
30:40I'll kill Germans.
30:42And I won't forget you called me a fascist.
30:48Gildy, you too!
30:50Ready for CO's orders!
30:51Fifteen minutes!
30:53Lance called for Lashton and then said he would obey my order
30:57and the prisoner proceeded to the guardroom.
30:59Sir!
31:01Thank you, Sir Major.
31:03Well, what have you got to say for yourself?
31:04The Sergeant Major was picking on Private Schranowski.
31:06Is his account of the incident correct?
31:08No, sir.
31:11Well, speak up then.
31:11That's what you're here for.
31:12He was picking on Private Schranowski.
31:14I told CS Ambassador so.
31:16He was provoking a man who is in a disturbed condition.
31:18We are not discussing that case.
31:20I am making a complaint on Schranowski's behalf as his NCO, sir.
31:23No, Corporal.
31:24You're up on a charge yourself.
31:25Don't come the barrack room lawyer.
31:28Well, have you nothing to say on your own behalf?
31:31Not if I'm forbidden to make a lawful complaint.
31:33Your duty was to obey orders.
31:35You could imagine complaint later in the proper manner.
31:37I listened to you last time you came.
31:39Yes, sir.
31:39You know, you're lucky not to be charged with incitement to mutiny.
31:42No, sir.
31:42I ordered the men to stand to attention and remain silent.
31:45Did I do so?
31:46In a highly insolent manner.
31:48Sir!
31:49Did you countermand the CSM's order to a soldier to fetch the guard?
31:53Only because there was no need for them, sir.
31:54Then you are guilty of insubordination.
31:57Do you deny using insulting language?
31:58I do, sir.
31:59I only protested against spit and polish when we should be training for desert warfare.
32:03That'll do.
32:04You're not yet in command of the army.
32:06However, you did prevent this man from attacking the Tsar Major.
32:11He made a convulsive movement.
32:12Perhaps no attack was...
32:13The biggest point in your favour.
32:17Superannuated blips.
32:19That was meant for me, too, I suppose.
32:23Well.
32:24Corporal, in the last war, 90 of us survived out of 1,000 men in an attack.
32:30After we'd slept, we polished our brasses, blanked our webbing and paraded for drill.
32:33You wouldn't understand that.
32:37Well, I shall take into account your previous good conduct.
32:40I shall also assume, in spite of your silence, that you intervene to protect a superior.
32:45However, you cannot be trusted to maintain discipline.
32:48You are reduced to the ranks.
32:49Escort!
32:50One page forward!
32:51Right!
32:52Right!
32:53Turn!
32:54Quick!
32:54Oh!
32:55Lift!
32:55Right!
32:55Lift!
32:56Right!
32:56Lift!
32:56Right!
32:57Lift!
32:57Right!
32:57Lift!
32:58Right!
32:58Lift!
32:58Right!
32:59Lift!
32:59Right!
33:02All right, all right.
33:03You know, you're better off just being a squadder, you know.
33:09Maybe you've got a point there.
33:10I know I have.
33:11No responsibilities.
33:12Nothing that can take away from you.
33:14Never take rank and never volunteer.
33:17That's my motto.
33:19Hockey!
33:20Hockey!
33:21Hockey!
33:22Jump!
33:24Stone's at ease.
33:25Easy.
33:28Now, pay attention, will you?
33:30You're all to parade outside in 15 minutes.
33:32Field service marching order.
33:35You're going up the line.
33:36Where to, sir?
33:37Your own battalion.
33:40Oh!
33:41Private Ashton.
33:42Sir!
33:42See the rest of the men are informed and on parade, will you?
33:46You're no longer an NCO, but you're still senior soldier.
33:51Bloody, isn't it?
33:52Yes, sir.
33:54Carry on, men.
33:55Good luck.
33:56You can take it from me.
33:57You'll be a damn sight happier up there than you are here.
34:00Hockey!
34:00Hockey!
34:01Hockey!
34:01Hockey!
34:02Shot!
34:05On the horizon!
34:12Okay, Nilsie?
34:13It's not that, mate.
34:14It's getting out of this place.
34:17Heavy bags!
34:19Oh, it's a station.
34:20Hello, boys.
34:22Well, no more detention, no psychiatrist.
34:25They only want to get rid of me.
34:27I have been posted to your battalion.
34:30And I have no vodka.
34:31Oh, no vodka.
34:35Come on.
34:36Get yourself.
34:37Good old station.
34:39Come on.
34:39Hey, we are just passing Mersa Matru, where my Polish comrades are.
34:55So near, yet so far.
34:57You can always jump out and walk, mate.
34:59No.
35:01You boys will be in action before them.
35:05Hey, Phil.
35:06Did they say at the last stop where the battalion was?
35:09Yeah, Hellfire Pass.
35:12Hellfire?
35:14Sounds promising.
35:19Sorry you lads couldn't work yourselves a few nice jobs back at the base.
35:23It'll soon be back to the lads.
35:25Well, you've come at a good time to settle in.
35:28No big do's yet.
35:31No big do's at all.
35:33We're in reserve.
35:35That doesn't mean this is a rest cure.
35:37There's no front line, so if you see tanks, they could be ours or the enemy's.
35:43Sometimes they don't know where they are themselves.
35:46Assume all vehicles to be hostile until proved otherwise.
35:50Watch out for stuckers.
35:52Like nights, there are working parties and patrols.
35:56All right.
35:59All right, sir.
36:01He was taken to their section.
36:03No, sir.
36:04Private Ashton.
36:06Yes, sir.
36:06You stay behind.
36:08That's very light.
36:09Night, sir.
36:10Night.
36:11Night, sir.
36:12Night.
36:13Night.
36:17Now, what the hell have you been up to?
36:19No.
36:20Busted.
36:21Insubordination.
36:21Not funny.
36:24No, sir.
36:24The second time in your army career you've lost a strike.
36:27Yes, sir.
36:29I thought you were a responsible chap.
36:32I don't like losing good NCOs.
36:34I'm sorry, sir.
36:37Who did you cheek?
36:39It was a sergeant major.
36:41I was hoping it was old Colonel Bogey.
36:48Ashton, I never knew you had it in you.
36:50Oh, you'd be surprised, sir.
36:52Well, a good soldier needs a bit of impudence.
36:55I thought that was the one quality you'd act.
36:58However, don't think I'm going to make you up on the spot.
37:02I've got my quota of Lance Jacks.
37:04It's all right, sir.
37:06Well, you're in Corporal Short Section.
37:08Off you go and get your head down.
37:10Good night, sir.
37:12Good night.
37:17Oh, sorry, John.
37:20Oh.
37:22You don't mind sharing with a fascist?
37:24No, of course not, you idiot.
37:26I'll shift up a bit.
37:29It's bloody cold.
37:31Those warm-scented Sahara nights.
37:34Just a place for some of your vodka.
37:37Yeah, I don't bother about vodka.
37:40Good night.
37:44Good night.
37:44Good night.
37:45Good night.
37:48what is this patrol search me quite an occasion you're first
38:18in this one well when I was young I used to go beeching I was never caught so I
38:25suppose I have some experience
38:31folks
38:45It's fogger.
38:46Thanks.
39:15He doesn't know where he is.
39:17Quick, find out how many others are in the truck.
39:45He's by himself.
39:57Look at him.
39:59Doesn't matter how lucky he is.
40:02You don't know what it's about, do you?
40:20Private Hills is sick, Lieutenant.
40:22His dysentery has returned.
40:23He's swinging the lead again, is he?
40:25Well, he was in the sun all day.
40:27You know what he does.
40:28He should have informed Corporal Short.
40:30The Corporal was asleep, besides I'm going.
40:33You took a lot on yourself.
40:34I shall go on this patrol.
40:37I'm in command here, Srinoski.
40:40Starshake is easier.
40:42Now look.
40:44I know a little about your lot.
40:46And I haven't any time for your antics.
40:49So, who would you rather have with you?
40:52Hills or me?
40:54You've got a nerve.
40:56Well?
40:58Hills, for that matter, is a skiving bastard.
41:02You'll take him on other patrols, Lieutenant.
41:05You're a great charmer, Starshake.
41:08All right, go on. You get him first.
41:10Okay, go.
41:11Ah, Ashton. Corporal.
41:13Have you both slept and eaten?
41:15Yes, thank you, sir.
41:16Good.
41:17Come round.
41:19Smoke if you want to.
41:21Good.
41:23Information.
41:24A new division, the 15th Panzer, has joined the German order of battle.
41:30Army suspects they're coming up here by the coast road.
41:33Intention.
41:34To secure a prisoner for interrogation.
41:37Method.
41:38The patrol will be lifted to the Wadi Eli Hammet by truck and proceed by there to an old Arab building known as the forward position.
41:48We shall lie in wait by the road and await a suitable victim.
41:52Any questions?
41:53Withdrawal, sir.
41:55We start back at 3 a.m.
41:57Maximum darkness to rejoin the truck at the rendezvous point.
42:00Is the position safe, sir?
42:02Well, it's in the middle of an old British minefield.
42:05There are some markers laid to guide us, but take care going through for the mines are old and dangerous.
42:11And the ground is bad.
42:13Now let's get down to details.
42:25Once you are placed, stop at the front of the crew.
42:28Anytime, please click on the radar.
42:29In order to go into the building, please type in the room.
42:31Please type in the air, don't forget.
42:32Now let's go into the air.
42:33Where are we?
42:34And now let's get into the air.
42:35There's a floor in the air.
42:36We're in the air.
42:37I'm on the floor.
42:38It's in the air.
42:40Okay.
42:41We're in the air.
42:43Okay.
42:44Warm, but here.
42:45What do you think?
42:46I don't know.
43:16I don't know.
43:46I don't know.
44:16I don't know.
44:46I don't know.
44:47I don't know.
44:48I don't know.
44:49I don't know.
44:50I don't know.
44:51I don't know.
44:52I don't know.
44:53I don't know.
44:54I don't know.
44:55I don't know.
44:56I don't know.
44:57I don't know.
44:58I don't know.
44:59I don't know.
45:00I don't know.
45:01I don't know.
45:02I don't know.
45:03I don't know.
45:04I don't know.
45:05I don't know.
45:06I don't know.
45:07I don't know.
45:08I don't know.
45:09I don't know.
45:10I don't know.
45:11I don't know.
45:12I don't know.
45:13I don't know.
45:14I don't know.
45:15I don't know.
45:16I don't know.
45:17I don't know.
45:18I don't know.
45:19I don't know.
45:20I don't know.
45:21can you do anything he's riddled rock splinters I should think this short
45:41shield dressing is mine quiet he's dead now hold down tight yes I know I'm seeing your soldier and
46:11he's gone and now I'm not sure we go back
46:34no we get weaving
46:40tanks
46:54it's the map fours the new tanks
46:58I can't see any markings
47:04I can't see any markings
47:10still we've got some information
47:14prisoner would be better
47:16I have to be getting back soon
47:18unless we stay until tomorrow night
47:20we'd miss the truck
47:22we could find our own way back
47:24what with a prisoner on our hands
47:25it would be amusing
47:27maybe we don't need to
47:32what the hell do you think you're doing
47:39on your mark
47:40I'm going to lose
47:51on camera
47:51god
47:52I'm glad you're going to see
47:54hands up
47:54yes yes yes
47:56I'd like to sit
47:58what do you want to do it
48:00and make a regiment
48:02It's all right.
48:17He's a cop, not me.
48:20Quick.
48:43You feel better?
48:44Yeah.
48:45You can understand.
48:47Huh?
48:48Yeah.
48:49Girl.
48:50Girl.
48:51Ah!
48:52Ah!
48:53Now, next time it will hurt more.
48:54Huh?
48:55Your regiment.
48:56Huh?
48:57Now, I'm asking the questions.
48:58Your regiment is a regiment.
48:59Stop it.
49:00Keep out of this.
49:01Ah!
49:02Ah!
49:03You are looking at a pole.
49:04You know what to expect.
49:05Leave him alone.
49:06He's a prisoner.
49:07Ask him how to treat a prisoner in Poland.
49:08We're not going to behave like that.
49:09We're taking him back for interrogation.
49:11I'll interrogate now.
49:12He might get killed on the way back or he might have to kill him.
49:15He might run away.
49:16You never kill prisoners.
49:17We are not playing cricket.
49:18We get the information first.
49:19We take him back.
49:21You're pulling rank on me?
49:24I'm telling you.
49:25You'll have to kill me first before you touch him again.
49:28All right, senior soldier.
49:29Let me keep him alive.
49:30For the time being.
49:32Save your breath.
49:33He's got good cause to hate you.
49:34His country was conquered.
49:35It's natural.
49:36Where'd you get the BBC action from?
49:37From my English business colleagues.
49:38I was in a shipping office in Bremen.
49:39How?
49:40You know, I used to love meeting Englishmen.
49:41We had so many things in common.
49:42Football.
49:43Nice glass of beer.
49:44A nice glass of beer.
49:45Yeah.
49:46You're like me.
49:47I'm happy to have you.
49:49You're here.
49:50I'm happy to have you.
49:52Save your breath.
49:53He's got good cause to hate you.
49:55His country was conquered.
49:56It's natural.
49:57Where'd you get the BBC action from?
49:58From my English business colleagues.
49:59I was in a shipping office in Bremen.
50:01How?
50:02you know I used to love meeting Englishmen we had so many things in
50:06common football a nice glass of beer yeah we didn't want this war it's a
50:18tragedy well you started it I was never a Nazi you joined up and it's my country
50:25tell him about that he lost his family and his country everybody loses in a
50:30war but you know there are moments like just now I mean you and I understand
50:36each other and your colleague does it and we're Western Europeans the same sort
50:42of decent chaps crazy what the hell are we fighting about do you know the time I'm
50:57I'm sorry to break up your little tête-à-tête but we must leave at once to
51:00out read with the truck yes I've got the map over here
51:05now the minefield ends at that valley there sure I will take the prisoner you will follow second far
51:17behind
51:19it would not be easy
51:21I know
51:23oh
51:25oh
51:27oh
51:29oh
51:31oh
51:37actually
51:38yeah
51:47well
51:48now you know
51:51what it's about
51:54Huh?
52:24I don't know.
52:54ORGAN PLAYS
53:24ORGAN PLAYS