Jack the Ripper – A Love Story ( Excerpt 124 ) – Malcolm Marsh

Jack the Ripper – A Love Story ( Excerpt 124 )

‘For what its worth, you have my vote, but I will have to put it before our esteemed Colonel for his agreement before I can make it official, If, He agrees and I see no reason why he shouldn’t, I will see that you get a sergeant to keep the troops in order,’ Replied the Adjutant.

‘There is just one more thing?’ said Jimmy,’ Will it be a problem, if the Doctor joins our Officers in the mess, it appears that no arrangements have been made for him.’

‘Once again, I will have to refer it to the Colonel, its a damned nuisance, The man has to have a finger in everything, but I don’t envy him the responsibility. Join us in the mess for dinner and hopefully by then I’ll have some answers for you.’ he stated dismissing us.

‘Is it always like this? no one but the Colonel can make a decision, what if he makes a wrong or poor decision, based on the intelligence he has to hand,’ I asked.

‘Then!’ stated Jimmy, ‘I’m afraid the shit hits the fan literally, at that point our training should take over or we turn into a disorganised rabble,’ Stated Jimmy. ‘Could this really happen?’ I asked astounded by his reply.

‘Apparently during The Indian Mutiny, there were several quite criminal decisions made by Senior Officers, but good old Tommy Atkins and the other gentlemen in khaki saved the day, as they always do, with their indomitable fighting spirit.’

‘Let’s change the subject, I said,’ What do I wear for mess, Khaki’s or Mess Dress?’ ‘Khaki, unless the orders of the day state otherwise, I’ll keep you up to date on that one’ promised Jimmy, who was turning out to be a very useful man to know.