Finally, everyone in the assault force had gathered. The drizzle had turned to a sleety curtain when the "Move Out!" order came.

We wanted to move out, we'd been impatient to move out. Anything to get moving, to get warm again. When a gap developed in the ranks ahead we grabbed the chance to fill it.

Then, all too soon, we were Over The Top and on our way.

"This is unreal," muttered Kath Ann. "Look at those savages on either side of the road. God help us if our vehicles break down or we run out of...you know."

And still the drums and shouts. Pounding, pounding in the chill air, beating a mind-numbing tattoo until madness seemed the only escape and we all grew to envy Lucinda.

(More to come)