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The Mediterranean, the shores of North Africa.

Peaceful now...

sixteen years ago, a battlefield of giants...

The Eighth Army...

Rommel's Afrika Korps.

Along its barren coast, the little towns...

Mersa Matr Sidi Barrani, Salom...

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, it's bloody down there, they're dropping heavy stuff the whole time.

We got all the wounded off right there, have a drink?

- My parents say lay off that stuff. - Why?

The hell was that?

Ammo dump, must be touching off our own stuff.

Be Naafi and Paymasters first any minute now.

What's the news? Men keep on asking damn fool questions, what can I tell them?

Oh, nobody seems to know what's happening. Just tell them everything will be all right.

It's another siege.

Then they'll be alright, the lucky ones are get send to the safe land of Egypt.

If there's a siege, you'll be one of them.

Hey, you'll be out on the town with Ariadne while I'm...

- sitting here on my arse being bomb to hell. - I doubt it.

Experience in the Army is always a subsiding factor.

I went through the last one. I'm ideal to go through the next.

Well, I'll damn well see you don't.

I wonder what Ariadne is doing tonight.

Tucked up warm and snug in bed in Alexandria I suppose.

- Message from Corps HQ sir. - Thank you Corporal.

Evening sir.

Evening Anson, I suppose those women got off all right?

I never wanted nurses here anyway, our Army does insisted,

said that these woman's touch made the poor devils...

feel they were on the first stage of the road home.

Sit down Anson, I'll brush you in the picture.

The Gezzara line is breached.

But that won't do much good, that pinned around the side of the minefield.

Our army is taken a bite of a bashing so they're putting out to the east.

To reform and then comeback and give them another crack.

In the interlude there's a chance, just a chance...

their Armour may get through the perimeter here.

Another siege sir?

Ah, we won't argue the niceties of military terms Anson.

The point is we're not leaving any unnecessary stuff inside.

Your unit, less 25 ambulances, will be ready to move eastern...

0100 hours tomorrow back to Salum.

The 25 ambulances, with adequate personal under the command of subaltern...

would stay under orders of the colonel at the hospital here.

Well, there's a thing. Never a moment's peace, never a moment's peace.

Take a man going to the latrine, perfectly natural thing to do and this happens.

No wonder they get constipated.

I feel like a drink, how about you?

Thank you.

These men who are staying behind, how you going to detail them?

The unmarried men sir...

put all their names in a hat,

pull out as many as I need. Of course, I'll, I'll stay myself.

Nonsense, your job to the bulk of the unit, not leading little detachments.

How about that big chap, what's his name? Crosbie, isn't it?

I'd rather leave one of the subaltern sir.

Crosbie went through the last siege.

All the better, he know what it's all about...

and he doesn't look to have a nerve in his body.

- Yes sir, I know that, but I do... - That's settled then.

Yes sir and I'll leave with the bulk of the unit at 0100 hours.

No, I want you to wait, pick me up here 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 Anson is just come back sir.

- Close that ruddy blackout. - Sorry sir.

If you got that inspection properly corporal...

It wouldn't be necessary for a warrant officer...

to get on here and show you to do your job.

You finish off now.

Fresh oil in the sump remember.

And if you ever fail to report a falling oil pressure again you're be for it, my lad.

Switch out the light.

Paul?

Look I, I tried to fix it, but the Brig just wouldn't wear it.

You fixed it all right.

Sgt Major, sit down, have a drink.

Thank you sir.

These 25 ambulances that we're leaving behind, you making sure they're the best, eh?

Yes sir, there was a call for one of them to go to the docks.

So I sent one that was being left behind.

I'm, I'm sorry...

I'm pretty well pooped out.

You had just about enough sir.

Of that?

Of everything sir.

Look sir, everyone knows exactly what they got to do.

Why don't you get some sleep sir?

- Crosbie. - I'll talk to Capt Crosbie sir.

Well, whatever you do, don't forget to put that in the Humber.

Can go with your precious set of tools in the back.

- Sir? - Yes, you're coming out too.

- I'd rather stay behind sir. - You are coming out.

You lie down sir, just for an hour.

I'll call you when the main column is ready to move.

Come on sir, come on.

Mr Pugh, you forgot that box of mine, fetch it.

Right sir.

I come to say goodbye Sgt Major,

I see you got everything laid down for this party.

- We'll be seeing you again very soon sir. - I doubt it.

Well, so long Paul.

Remember me to Ariadne when you get to Alex.

Let's go Sgt Major.

You right bastard.

- What the devil you doing here Corporal? - Guarding the ladies sir.

Ladies?

Two got left behind last night when the nurses was evacuated.

- Good morning ma'am. - Good morning.

- We're a bit of a problem, aren't we? - Why?

I've never been in a real bombing before.

I lost my nerve and ran away, they sailed without us.

- Well, our kit is on board. - That's the least of our worries.

Come on folks, hurry up, that stuff should be loaded by now.

- Good morning Mr Pugh. - Good morning sir.

Captain Anson, sister Murdoch, sister Norton.

Capt Anson will take you to Egypt and then arrange transport to Alex.

Your trouble.

We'll try not to be more trouble than necessary.

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.

We're at Corps HQ at least we would be in up and gone, won't be a moment.

Look Anson, now corps come in a hurry, I can't trundle along with you.

Yes sir, but I...

Ponsonby can drive me, you can drive, can't you Ponsonby?

- Yes sir. - Come on, get in man...

I don't like to be too far behind the corps commander, it's uncomfortable.

What about our kits sir, do we off-load it?

Good god man, I'm only borrowing the car, you'll get it back tonight.

Don't just sit there Ponsonby, get going. Come on, man, Ge going.

Old Dangletoes is standing up, waving his ruddy cap at them.

I bet he's giving them hell in that foul German of his.

- My tool kit. - My whiskey.

- It's all right Denise. - Diana, I can't stand it.

Lie down on the floor and pack the blankets around you.

All right.

Let's go Tom.

Sorry old boy, got to turn back, I'm blowing that bridge.

Don't be a bloody fool, I got to get through.

There's two nursing sisters in there...,

I got direct orders from Corps to get them back to the Delta.

I don't care if you got the archangel Gabriel inside, that bridge is blowing so get back.

- Get going Tom. - I shouldn't if I were you.

May you got 15 seconds, now let's go.

Back off sideways, to blast on the windscreen.

Lie down you sisters, there's going to be a big bam.

Take it easy.

You'd better get weaving, you had it. Good luck.

Thanks. Ok Tom, I'll drive.

Right sir.

That was the bridge over the tank trap being blown up.

What we do now?

There only two things we can do.

Take you back to the hospital.

It's only fair to warm you is going to be a siege...

other is trying crossing the minefield.

I think we better take you back to hospital.

- What will you do then? - Have a bet at minefield.

Let me out, let me go, let me out.

We'll come with you.

Dames and mines, lovely party.

- See if she needs some help, will you? - Right sir.

Let me out, let me out, let me go.

Let me out, let me out.

Sorry, I got brandy in my bag.

- Want some? - After you, miss.

- What about Capt Anson? - No miss.

Why not?

I'd be better if you don't.

You see...

I've been up and down the desert with him five times in all.

He's never spared himself or us for that matter.

There's plenty men alive in hospitals today...

who owe their lives to the way he's driven his outfit.

Then some weeks ago he was captured.

Oh, he escaped all right, but he'd a hell of a time getting back.

Two nights walking, lying up in the day, no water.

He should've had a break, I reckon he's just about driven himself to a standstill.

And now he's trying to lace himself up drink?

- It's about it. - Maybe he just likes the taste.

Don't worry, I won't give him any. I won't even let him know I got it.

How things in the back Tom?

Sister Murdoch is given her an injection and she's out cold now sir.

Right. We need about eight cans to be on the safe side, let's start getting, shall we?

Right sir.

Hey.

Hey Captain...

Can you tell me where I can grab a lift and get the hell out of here?

- Where do you want to go to? - The Delta.

I want to get back to my own unit.

I've been be met to second give signals, I can't do the men any good now.

Oh Man, I'm telling you I don't intend to get put in the bag here when the balloon goes up.

But you can't get out by road anyway, They've blown the bridge over the tank trap.

Oh, where do you going?

I got have the bash of crossing the minefield.

I'd like to come with you man.

Sorry man, can't be done, got a pair of nurses in the back got to get to Alex.

Besides you'd, you'd be extra weight,

a lot of extra weight and we're short on rations and water.

I can pay my way, I got a thousand cigarettes...

and three bottles of gin.

Export or Naafi?

Ah, only the best man, from South Africa.

Well...

I daresay we deal with another hand to push.

- Ok, I'll take you, my name is Anson. - Van der Poel.

- Can I see your identity card? - Sure.

Thanks.

My Sergeant Major Mr Pugh, Captain Van Der Pole.

- Van der Pool. - Good morning sir.

Captain is coming with us to push.

Yes sir, another four Jerry cans and I think that would be the last sir.

Good, start loading as soon as you're ready.

Right sir.

- Ain't hot, ain't it? - Yes, like a drink?

Why not? Got a couple of mugs in the cab.

What's happening?

It's a South African officer's coming with us and he's feeding the captain on gin.

- What's this? A party? - No, just one for the road.

I thought the first road is through a minefield.

Is that the usual kind of training?

You know, the lady is right.

Let's get cracking, shall we? If you mind getting inside?

What's the matter with her? >

She got into a rid of a panic, we had to give her a dope.

- That's the last sir. - Right.

Here you are man, catch.

And again.

And again.

And again.

Hey man.

What's our chance of getting through the minefield?

Even money.

I used to know the tracks, that was two years ago, they may re-mined it.

- Well, once we get through... - If we get through.

Alright, if we get through. What happens if we run into any Germans?

But, they can be run the whole of the perimeter, there must be gaps.

- Let's hope we just strike one. - We do, may have to talk our way out.

- Either of you speak German? - No.

I do, I worked with them in Ziegbest, Africa. How about the girls?

Haven't the slightest idea, let's get through the ruddy minefield first, shall we?

There can't be much danger if we stick to the tracks.

But the tracks are pretty faint.

I think I'll better walk the whole way, like there in sections.

And you follow with the ambulance Sgt Major.

Keep at least ten yards behind. And watch the turns.

- And watch the turns, eh? - Right sir.

- But that take hours man. - Right, it'll take hours.

Look, if I take the other track it go half the time, ain't it?

Yes, I can't ask you to do that. You're heavier than I'm, for one thing.

Well sir, a Springbok can go where any bloody Englishman can.

Right...

watch for any traces of the ground is fallen in or the marks of the tires are interrupted.

If you're not sure give me a shout and I'll hop over.

If you do feel something just stay put, these mines are live.

- Sure, sure, Captain. - You take that one.

We're going in now.

Come on man, we want to get through before dark.

We want to get through, don't we?

We're still in the minefield, you get back miss.

I can't see anything through those small windows in the back.

That's the trouble, you can't, less something happens.

Well, which is it?

This way, of course. The tracks goes straight on.

I don't agree.

I think that's the real over there.

- Well, I'm going to try this way. - You stay where you are.

I don't give a damn if you blow yourself up, I'm trying my way first.

There's something under my foot.

Lift your foot up gently.

Sorry, no beans in it, souvenir.

You've funny sense of humor, Captain.

That should take him down a peg, serve him right too.

Are all South Africans like that?

He's Afrikaans, dutch. I've met many myself.

Capt Anson was with them for a time. He said they're a decent enough lot.

We're nearly through, you'd better get back.

Bombers.

Heading this way. Don't worry, we're not their target.

They're for the minefield.

Man, I don't believe there's a ruddy mine for miles.

Don't you?

Captain? I think I owe you a drink.

Thanks.

All right Tom, don't stand there with your tongue hanging out.

They blasted a way, a way through for their Armour, let's get cracking, eh?

God.

For God's sake sir, you'll break the springs.

Shut up.

If you don't stop they'll open fire.

- Stop, bring her out. - Get off.

Oh, stop, stop, she's been hit.

- Stop, you fool, stop. - Get out of it.

What the hell are you doing?

It's better hide our guns, they're funny about arms troops on ambulances.

Now let me handle this., neither of you speak a word...

except to me.

Sei vorsichtig.

I'm sorry Tom, I made a bog of it.

Pop inside and see what's happened. Give that bottle of gin.

If we going inside I'll drink the whole ruddy lot before they ever get here.

Come on, give it to me.

How is she?

She'll be dead within an hour.

Sure?

- Is there anything we can do? - Nothing anyone can do, I know.

Who kicked me?

What's going on outside?

Got us in the bag, Capt Van Der Poel is talking to them now.

- Oh, what they do, send us back? - They won't do that.

Not now we know they're here.

There's just a chance though, they may let us go on.

Rather than take us in with escorts and all that.

Look, if you're so sure she's...

Might be better not to tell Jerry.

They're more likely to let us go on with someone wounded than...

Tom, they're coming back.

He wants to search the ambulance.

The captain says he bitterly regrets this accident.

If we'd stopped as we ought to done, he'd never opened fire.

He wants to know how she is.

Abdominal wound, not serious but we ought to get her to hospital.

He's to search.

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.

Capt Van Der Poel, will you ask if they have any spare large wound dressings?

- I've used all ours. - Sure.

- Cigarette? - Thanks.

- How is she? - She'll be all right.

Not, not...

Here you are, they're sorry they can't spare any more.

Thanks.

Man, I think we pulled it off.

She was talking quite a bit first, then she tied to get up to say something.

She's dead Tom.

She's sleeping.

The Captain says he ought to put us all in the bag...

but as the nurse is wounded he's going to let us go through.

- Sprechen Sie Englisch? - Nein.

I'm afraid the girl is gone.

He knows that he'll tell them, that'll be our luck.

Why they got Capt Anson?

Make sure we follow them, like get us clear their troops.

Then they'll give us the captain back, turn us loose.

- Cigarette? - No thanks.

- Tom? - Yes please, light me one, will you?

Thank you.

Capt Van Der Poel, can I ask you something?

About Capt Anson.

He's had rather a bad time recently, been drinking heavily.

Probably screaming for one by now but we rely on him for navigation.

Please don't give him any.

- What do I do if he asks for it. - He won't.

Just help him, keep it out of sight.

Ok, if I want one I'll just go off by myself.

- He wants to know how she is. - Still asleep.

- What did he say? - Good luck.

- Sure it's all right? - Yes.

If I know anything about driver, go on he'll have enough tea tucked away to start a cafe.

Half full.

Can I do anything man?

Thank you sir, if get the fire going and I'll start opening the rations.

That's for the water, sir.

Here you are sir.

- The spade, for the sand. - Sand?

Sorry sir, I thought all South African troops brewed up the same as we do.

Don't worry sir, I'll do it. Would you get water and petrol?

Time to wake the captain.

Well, take it, it's hot.

Captain Anson, Captain Anson.

What's happened? Why we stopped?

Nothing is happened. We've done twenty-one miles.

Thanks.

An awful wind's started, blowing sand all over the place.

Yeah, it usually does when you start to brew up.

We didn't want to tell you till you had some rest.

- I can't write this one off. - You couldn't help it.

No?

- I'm a drunk, you know that, don't' you? - You were trying to get us away.

Don't make excuses, I don't want them.

I'll tell you this...

the next drink I have is going to be a lager...

Ice cold.

There's a little bar in Alex...

With a marble-topped counter, high stools...

they serve the best beer in all the Middle East.

When we get through with this, I'll buy you one.

Buy you all one.

Come have some food.

It'll be dark pretty soon Tom, I...

Think we better get on with it.

Build a cairn up there as a marker, we'll bury her in the morning.

I'll wake Van Der Poel and get him to lay on the grub.

Right sir.

If it's not too much trouble, could you get your can out there and start to brew up.

- Hello. - Oh, how's it going?

Ah, man, you wait. I tell you,

- I'm a good cook. - We'll let you know later.

Did I...

tell you I was attached to your division for a bit?

Were you? When?

See, about last September.

I wasn't with them there. I only came up six months ago.

I expect some of the blokes on supplies still the same.

And of course, old Dan Pinnear.

Jan Pinnaar, he's a character.

I wonder you can understand him there...

he's so Afrikaans he can hardly speak a word of English.

Ah, we managed.

Then there was the...

that colonel in supplies, colonel...

- Kramer? - Kramer?

No, surely he was ordinance. It was Colonel Maggs with supplies.

Yes, of course, that's right, is Maggs.

Smells good.

Thanks to Katy's driver old Mr Grimes...

biggest scrounging so and so in the whole unit.

He got everything but the kitchen stove store ways.

Spuds, onions, steak and kidney pud, the lot all gone in with the bully.

Man, that was good.

Now, we'll have to have a watch.

See...

- Ah, three of us. - Four.

All right.

You two can take first shift till 12:30 and then you and I'll take over to first light.

That'll give us four hours each.

We should be up about six, hit Ale Shackl near Piccadilly by sundown.

Well, it's a cakewalk to Sidi Barrani.

Wouldn't be as well to wait for daybreak, see who's in the city.

You mean Jerry? Hell man, Barrani is halfway to Alex.

Well, it's your party.

Where's he going?

You, tell her Tom.

In the desert you never ask anyone where they're going with a spade.

That's common to both sides.

What's he taking that ruddy great pack for?

I think there's something phoney about him.

You went there when we prove that at midday.

- I ask him to make a fire, he hadn't a clue. - Well...

Probably always had somebody to do it for him.

But he must've seen it done, you'd think he'd...

Look, we better get some rest. Douse the fire, will you?

- Night Tom. - Good night.

Don't think me stupid, I can't bear to see her covered up on a night like this.

Didn't know her very well, really.

She was rather a silly little thing, awful flat...

Not even a very good nurse.

But I feel worse about this than anything that's ever happened.

You feel bad about it? How the hell do you think I feel?

It's done man, no use accusing yourself.

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 Pool.

What is it?

Blasted pump, I thought it was leaking.

So I put a tin underneath, look it's half full already.

Is the washer, it's crumbling, we haven't got a replacement.

If I try tightening it up, may break up all together.

- What happens then? - No washer, no pump, no engine, nothing.

Hit rock, think we'll have to start all over somewhere else.

- Solid rock sir? - Oh no, it's a layer, pretty thick one.

Here, give me that thing.

I'll carry on now, the rest will be easy.

You haven't got an indelible pencil or anything like that, have you?

- No. - I got a pen sir.

What about my lipstick? Meant to be waterproof.

It'll 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.

Yeah, 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.

He wants only one of us.

We won't get away with it this time.

We have to give up our guns.

I told you they're funny about armed troops on ambulances.

I got some bad news.

- Tobruk is fallen. - I don't believe it.

I don't think he believe us either and it's up to him whether we go in the bag or not.

He can't call his HQ for instructions, They got wireless silence impose.

He said we can go, that the Afrika Korps don't bring women into the battle area.

And we shouldn't either.

He said we must go much further south.

They're almost through to Maddalena already and will cut off Mersa Matruh in two days.

I don't believe a ruddy word of it.

He said we must start straight away.

All right, let's get going. What the hell are we waiting for?

Well, you got us out of another jam.

I don't know how I did it, he was a bastard.

With Tobruk gone, is suppose they more to do than round us up.

I don't believe Tobruk is gone.

Anyway, it seem to me as if you were telling him what to do.

That's the only way to handle this bloody Nazis.

Kick them in the guts first before they have a chance to kick you.

Tom, just in case the young Jerry was right I think we ought to cut...

through the east bypass for sure and make for the Garawla track.

That'll take all of three days sir, what about the pump?

- What's the water situation? - About 14 gallons in all sir.

- But the pump will use nine or ten of that. - That don't leave much for us, eh?

What about Bir Beyli sir? That's only 15 miles south of here.

We should find enough water for the pump there.

I hadn't thought of that, let's look at the map.

There she is, Bir Beyli.

Well, we dug it up before. I suppose we can do it again.

How far down is the water?

Five, ten, maybe fifteen feet.

We have to dig to find out.

Tom, we'll got to Ger down in one corner, see if it gets damp.

Here, take a mouthful.

Just rinse it round and spit it out, don't swallow, it'll make you thirstier than ever.

Scarcely damp and as salty as hell.

We ought to talk this thing over.

Now look...

we can go on trying to dig this ruddy thing out, heaven knows how long it'll take.

And we may not find water in the end.

Mean we'll have be using up what we've got.

Now, we got three alternatives.

Look, we are here.

At first of all, we can cut straight up to Mersa Matruh.

They found Jerry champ right, the Germans are going to be there first.

Our second, we can take the longer but safer camel route...

round here on the top of the Depression and then cut up the Garawla track, that's...

all of 270 miles, best of three days.

- And maybe damned short of water. - What's the third alternative?

Well, the third alternative is to...

come straight down to the Qara oasis.

There's a dump there, the long range desert group uses, I know about it.

We can fill up with water and petrol and then, and then cut through the Depression.

The Depression sir?

Well, you needn't look at me as if I've made an improper suggestion, we've done it before.

I know sir, but that was training.

With light stuff, there was aircraft to look after us.

But alone and in this crate, we never make it.

Remember that jeep, she went down like a submarine?

Of course I remember.

What is the Depression?

It's a salt marsh below sea level.

It's about 200 miles long, like an oven and Katy's boil all the way.

Liquid underneath of there, soft dried crust on top, rather like a moldy rice pudding.

There is a track, sorts...

As Tom says, if you, if you do go through, well...

- You pretty well bought it. - Katy weighs over two tons, remember?

So what?

Well, there are the alternatives.

- What's it to be? - I'm on for the Garawla Track sir.

- I'll keep that pump going somehow. - I agree with him.

The Depression isn't even an alternative.

Ok, Garawla Track it is.

Bones.

Ran out of water I suppose.

- Stop sir, a spring is gone. - Pull up man.

Be sure and make them absolutely firm sir.

They'll have to take the whole weight of the ambulance when I pull the jack out.

Why all this messing about the stones?

- Can't we just hold on the jack? - No sir, we should've two jacks.

We've only got one...

will have to do it this way in order to ease the new spring into position.

Right, stand clear sir, I'm 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.

That's the most wonderful bloody effort you'll ever see.

Yes, he must've taken all of a ton on his back.

- Get me the water bottle. - Right.

If he hadn't held her up she'd got down in her back axle and smash it.

Then we'd just kept on walking till our water ran out.

Here.

We have to get him into the shade.

I'll get a stretcher.

No, don't need a stretcher, give me a pull up, I'll be all right.

Now take it easy, easy.

Look out, aircraft.

It's all right, it's one of ours.

Jerry's advanced almost beyond Sidi Barrani.

Our troops falling back toward Alamein.

Do not, repeat, not attempt coast west of Darba.

Darba? I can't believe it. That's only about 100 miles from Alex.

That means Jerry's ahead of us already.

What do we do?

Well, unless you want to spend the rest...

Of war in a prison camp, what I suggested this morning.

South to the Qara oasis and through the Depression, any objections?

Good, carried unanimously.

And tomorrow or the day after when we...

bogged down to the axles, water is gone...

and we're alone in 1,000 square miles of mud...

you can all spit in my eye.

All right Tom, let's get going, don't we? Don't want to be here all day.

Would you like to go in the back?

No thanks, no. I, I feel better now, like a drink though.

- A real drink. - I'll get it.

No, I'll do it.

Thanks very much.

You like some? No?

Bang on time.

Very regular habits.

This afternoon, when I got Van Der Poel his pack...

it was heavy too heavy for just a few bottles of gin.

Then when I tried to open it for him, he wouldn't let me.

Now listen, both of you from time to time complained about Van Der Poel.

Alright, here's the chance to get it off your chest.

- Well, Tom? - Well, I think he's phoney sir.

He hasn't a clue how to make the fire sir.

Yet all South African troops brew up the same as we do.

And, why...

why does he always go to the latrine at exactly the same time?

Perhaps he's been well brought up.

Diana?

I agree with Tom. I never liked the man, but it's more than that.

There is something phoney.

- Where are you going? - Just for a walk sir.

Well?

Think I saw something, it was only for a second, the light was bad...

- But it looked like a transmitter mast. - Are you sure of that?

No, I'm not sure but, well, he certainly didn't use the spade.

Maybe he changed his mind.

Ok, supposing you two are right and he is a spy.

What you suggest we do? Knock him over the head and leave him with his gin?

No, but if he has a transmitter, surely we should...

Stop him from sending information back to the Germans.

- Well, what information he got to send? - Then, why he risk using it every night?

Well, he had to keep in touch with his HQ.

He may need to get through to them, damn quickly,

But that's assuming he is a spy and he has a transmitter in his pack.

Now just remember, he saved us once already and we may need him again.

Let's leave like that for the moment.

- Could do with a shave, couldn't you Tom? - Yes sir.

We'll push on a bit further before it's get dark, you take a turn in the back.

Ok.

We'll find out at Qara, meanwhile, forget it.

Ok Tom, I'll see about the tin.

We're stopping here for the night.

- There'll be British troops at Qara oasis? - We won't get there till tomorrow afternoon.

By that time we're just as likely to find Jerry there.

Yes, at the rate they're going, anything could happen.

There you are, Qara oasis.

Now we can get that water and petrol Tom.

Doesn't seem to be anybody about sir.

I'll scout around a bit Tom.

- You watch the ambulance. - Right sir.

Moya, moya.

Khamsa. Khamsa moya.

Ola e geehna.

English, Ok, English.

We come from Tobruk to, to Alexandria.

We want water, petrol.

Hell, listen, we want water, petrol. We got money, now how much you want?

This clot don't 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?

Oh, just stooging around old boy. May I see your papers please?

- You belong to the garrison here? - No, they pulled out this morning.

Germans are coming down here in stream.

I'm just here to help them on their way by sugaring the petrol down.

Well, for Pete's sake let's have some before you do it, will you?

How you think you're going to get away?

The Germans will be here in 3 hrs and they are miles ahead of you along the coast.

- Across the Depression. - In a heavy crate like yours?

- Yes, I suppose this is your only chance. - You want a lift?

I'd be charmed, but unfortunately I've an previously engagement.

Better see about that petrol.

Pity it's so late.

You won't get far into the Depression tonight...

and I shouldn't try driving on the dark, if I were you.

Here we are ladies and gents, from the old camel road.

Sure we'll ruddy cross since Alexander the Great has taken to Alex.

You'll have to stop sir, look she's boiling.

Quick.

Give me a hand sir.

Go on, give him some more.

What the hell? He's a brave man.

Not again man.

- This is the sixth time. - It's not the radiator, the light is going.

- Surely you can do another couple of miles? - Sorry, I won't risk it, not in the dark.

- Sorry I folded up on you. - There you are sir.

- Thanks Tom. - You feel better now?

Well, apart from a splitting headache and a mouth like the bottom of a parrot cage...

I'm fine, thanks.

Wish we'd gone a bit further, it's the lowest part of the whole issue.

- I don't know, looks pretty firm to me. - Well, it isn't.

We're sitting on top of a ruddy jelly.

Be lucky if she doesn't bog down in the night.

I'll put on the sand masts sir, just in case.

Now listen, nobody to move a foot off the tracks, understand?

Ok.

- Douse the fire Tom. - What you going to do?

Well, if he's a spy, he'll had something to signal about tonight, our chaps at the oasis.

So, we're going to try and catch our South African friend with his pants down.

He can't be far along the track. We'll keep you inside 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.

Now hard over left.

Now forward.

Stop, hard down right.

Now, hard over left.

Stop, hard down right.

Now forward.

I'm trapped.

Tom quick, he's in trouble, get the sand mats.

Other mat, quick.

Get the tow rope.

Give me something else, a shirt, anything.

Hold on, hold on.

Throw it to me man.

Throw it to me hurry, I've been suck under.

Grab hold, grab hold.

Pull, pull.

Hang on man.

Pull.

Hurry.

- Get the ambulance. - I'll go, I can't stop.

For God's sake...

Diana?

- Get in. - But I can't...

It's all set, when I give you the signal, just let the clutch out gently.

You go round the other side.

That's enough.

Get water, gin. Some in his other pack.

Give him a drink.

He's unconscious but he'll be all right.

You saw what was in his pack? He is a Nazi?

Diana, get in the ambulance. We'll bring him round, you clean him up.

Use petrol, we can't spare water.

- How is he? - Very exhausted, I gave him a sedative.

Tom, this didn't do the track any good.

Better get out of here as quick as we can.

We'll soon have to had an another halt sir, or she'll boil again.

Tom, can't we get on? She must be cool by now.

We'll have to leave her a bit longer sir.

I...

I want to say something about last night.

I want to apologise.

I should've done like you told me, stuck to the track.

Oh, skip it. Afraid you lost your shirt though.

And your pack.

- Why did do it? - Do what?

Turn on the headlamps.

We heard a noise, thought you might've gone in.

We weren't far wrong, were we?

No, no you weren't.

Thanks.

Anyway, you'll be able to dine out on the story for weeks, won't he Tom?

Certainly will sir.

I'll go and top her up now sir.

How much further till we get out of this?

- Oh, reckon about another 80 miles. - Shall we get out tonight?

- No, no, we're through the worst peace. - Yeah.

Well, let's get started, shall we?

What you going to do about him?

Nothing yet, he thinks he's safe with us.

We'll let him go on thinking that, for the moment.

- Man, this heat. - Yeah.

Doesn't seem to bother old Tom much, does it?

Well...

This time tomorrow...

our little party will be broken up.

What's the first thing you'll do when you get to Alex?

I told you, that beer.

It's so ruddy cold there's a sort of dew on the outside of the glass.

And then?

Then I'll pull the chain six times just to hear the sound of running water.

Someone waiting for you?

Well, it's...

- It's 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.

- What's her name? - Ariadne.

- And you're both in love with her? - That seemed to be the idea.

Where is he now?

Paul? In the bag, I'm afraid.

One of us had to stay behind at Tobruk.

I'd no choice, he thought I was ratting on him.

Now you think you might've an unfair advantage?

What do you think?

Think you don't understand women.

I don't.

She'll know what she wants.

If Paul, nothing you do will make the slightest difference.

You, think you should know by now.

Like a judge's summing up. Sound, logical...

cold as hell and probably right.

- You always know what you want? - Always.

Be on top in a few minutes, track up is just over there.

What's the matter?

It's this slope, wind is blown deep sand all over it.

We'll have trouble getting her up.

If we don't go up, we'll be stuck down here like ants in a jam pot.

- Isn't there any other way? - Afraid not.

Oh, come on, let's try belt her up, you drive Tom.

- Right sir. - Wait for my signal, come on, you two.

Ok, she's going pretty well by here.

We can move her and give a good shove if needed.

Man, she hasn't a chance. Not on this sand, she'll bog down.

She wouldn't 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? It's madness, we'll never get her up.

We'll take her up on the mats, 6ft at a time.

- You start digging. - You got the spade.

We only got one, use your hands.

You know what's going to happen?

We're going to stick halfway and then we won't get her up or down.

Get out, out of it.

Don't just stand there like a Hyde Park Flossie...

wandering how she's going to get through the window, get to the back and push.

And you stop grinning about your love life and come and help.

Get cracking Tom, come on, come on.

Shove, damn you, shove, don't lean against the bloody thing.

Never mind your ruddy make-up, get up, push.

It's no good sir.

What you mean no good? You're a bloody fine one to talk, riding all the way.

You told me to drive sir, it's the engine, it's boiling over, it's heating.

And a seized engine won't get us to Alex.

So you all want to walk, do you?

All right, there's the compass.

Take all the food and water you want...

keep on 30 degrees for two days And I hope it keeps fine for you.

Who the hell are you talking to? I've taken about enough from you.

You haven't taken half you're going to yet.

- Why you... - Hold it.

Take it easy, gentlemen.

I'm going to get Katy to Alex, you understand? I'm going to.

It's 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.

It's a long shot but it could work.

In the reverse, that means you got to turn her round.

- Fall over on the slope. - No if all we use our weight, I'll show you.

Now, down on the left, take her down on the left there,

She'll go this time, go on, round with her.

That's it, away you go, hard round. All she'll go, go on, round you go.

Full lock, full lock man.

I've no idea what they're doing.

They tried to explain to me but I'm hopeless at that sort of thing.

You take the plugs out there's no resistance.

If you put her in low gear and wind the starting handle...

wheels turn very slowly.

Because the movement is gradual, sand isn't disturbed...

that's the theory.

Come and help.

All right, I'll come and watch a miracle.

Now, let's see.

- Brake off? - Ok.

- Any movement? - No.

Nothing at all?

It's working.

Tom, it's working, it's working.

Right, 500 turns each till we get to the top.

Alright, here we go.

Only another ruddy thirty feet sir.

Hold her there, I'll get my shirt.

Come on, we're there.

- She's away. - Stop it, stop it.

Oh, dear God.

My fault, I should had somebody on the brake.

That's your job on the next trip.

Well, let's take a little exercise, shall we?

Come on now, it's quite simple.

Whenever we say brake...

just pull on the brake as hard as you can and the ratchet will hold her, alright?

Good.

All right, brake off.

We there, we made it.

See that clear bit?

That's the reflection of the sea.

Right, Van Der Poel, your honor bring her up the last lap.

Get cracking, that bar opens at six.

♪ My old man said follow the van ♪ ♪ Don't dilly-dally on the way, bom, bom ♪

♪ Off went the van with my home town in it ♪ ♪ I followed on with me old cock linnet ♪

♪ But I dillied and dallied, dallied and dillied ♪

♪ Lost the way and don't know where to roam ♪

♪ Cos you can't trust the Specials like the old-time coppers ♪

♪ When you can't find your my way home. ♪

You want to see him stuck up against a wall and then shot?

No, I don't.

Well, he is a spy.

- Your officer here Sergeant? - Yes, in the tent sir.

- Identity card Diana, passbook Tom. - Right sir.

Nip in the back and keep him company, will you?

Tom, shouldn't we put the tin under the radiator?

That tin, not never again. You don't know how I feel about that tin.

- Captain Johnson, sister Murdoch. - Sound like a pretty good show Sister.

Well, I expect you'd like a wash and brush-up.

No thanks, we got to push on.

- A drink then? - No, we got a date for that.

Ok then, I hope this shirt fits your South African chump, it's the biggest I could find.

Thanks, I'll 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.

- Suppose you know what you doing? - This time, yes.

What about us?

Well, we both go back to our units...

- like I told you. - I'd like to be coming with you.

Too much of a handful.

- You be coming back to Alex? - No, wouldn't work out.

I'd like to think it could but...

it wouldn't.

Only make you unhappy.

See? Started already.

You said you don't understand women.

You certainly don't understand me.

If you did, you'd realise I don't give up so easily.

Better take the shirt in to the captain.

- What's that? - The other spring is gone.

Shall I pull up sir?

What the hell, she done 600 miles and for every time stop we only for to go bash on.

You good old cow.

- Set them up Joe. - Set what up?

Four ice cold lagers.

Captain Anson, where have you been?

Doing some merging, come on Joe, let's have that beer, eh?

Yes sir, right away sir.

Kept your promise.

Well, let's hope the beer is what I said it was, eh?

Worth waiting for.

Come on, drink up. You deserved it, four more Joe.

Here's to you men.

Good luck.

Sit down, over here. Stall. Quick.

Move on, sit down, sit down.

Come on man, drink up. You're one behind.

Cigarette?

- Captain Anson. - You're early.

Maybe but it's strictly forbidden to fraternize with the enemy.

Fresh off the boat.

Think so that I may have the answer.

You obey orders lieutenant, wait outside til the time I fixed with your CO.

I phoned for them at the checkpoint, we only got a few minutes.

Now, what's your real name?

Look, I told security you're 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 don't know your real name.

Now, don't try to bluff it out now man, we've 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 wasn't on.

And that bloody gray bag of yours.

We knew it was a transmitter long before it went down in the bog.

Now come on, what's your real name?

My God man, can't you see it's your last chance?

Why you think I got rid of everything that identified you as a South African?

Stick to my story.

You know the alternative?

You want to be stuck up against a wall and shot?

Otto Lutz.

Hauptmann engineer, 21st Panzer group.

Well, here's to you Otto.

We all know and damn well we wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for you.

It's 6:30, Captain Anson.

Ok, but won't you fraternize with us and have one for the road?

No, thank you.

You'll release me from my parole Herr Kapitan?

Certainly.

Now look...

I told your CO that Hauptmann looks at The Hague in an exemplary manner.

So there's no need for a ball and chain.

First, will you shake hands with me please?

Otto.

You...

haven't finished your beer.

It is been quite an experience.

All against the desert, the greater enemy.

I've learned a lot about the English.

So different from all I've been taught.

Auf Weidersehen.

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