Sunday 20th December 1942

Outside the Q stores, a very small dog was scratching an exciting little hole in the sand, with the thrilled absorption that dogs display at such times. Eager sniffs – frantic digging – then another hopeful sniff.

“That's right, soft Emma!” bawled Jack Weatherall, emerging from the BQM's office - “Go on! Dig all the pegs out! 'Ave the tent down!”

The stores was a marquee, the size of a house.