We set off, the two of us, in a rather grander vehicle than my jeep. It was an American Army staff car, very comfortable and impressive, and for the third time that day I drove over those roads. By that time of night there was absolutely no-one about, doors were closed and locked and black-out was extremely effective. That meant that all the windows were heavily curtained and not a chink of light was visible. The knocking on doors was naturally my job, but even my British uniform was no reassurance. Only if I could have asked my questions in Welsh could I have expected any help. I was lucky if I managed to get back to the car ahead of the dog! We had driven west and were in the foothills of the mountains when Larreur said he had had enough. So had I but I suggested we went to the top of the next hill. I stopped when we could dimly see the endless hills stretching ahead of us. "Turn the engine off" said Larreur, with that attitude of head that indicated straining to hear. I did as he said and then I heard it too. A welsh male-voice choir very faint in the far distance and they were singing 'The Marseillaise'! There could hardly be any doubt and Larreur's glum face split in a huge grin. "I think we have found them Dennis." Even then it took some time following small roads up and down very steep hills.
Finally we were able to look down on a fine sight, but Larreur's fury was rekindled. It was a tiny village; just a post office, a school, and quite a large pub. Lined up on the village green opposite the pub were the six Shermans. Black-out was completely ignored and trestle tables had been set up outside the pub. As we watched dishes were being carried out. Pint glasses were much in evidence and female company was not lacking. If the tanks were being ignored it might have been a painting by Brueghel. I drove closer and stopped just short of the vehicles and the festivities. It was clear that there was going to be a scene, but a very French army scene that I would be best out of. Larreur changed his beret for a Kepi that he must have brought for just such an occasion. He moved forward on a slight rise in the ground and roared. By that time some of the men had noticed us and were ready so that almost half of the revellers came to attention with the rest hastily putting down plates, girls and whatever else they had their hands on.
At this stage I must introduce 'Dabo' who was the officer-in-charge of this detachment. He was a Sous-Lieutenant, having been promoted from Cadet before we left Africa. He was a very jolly, self-confident extrovert chap. He was the life and soul of any party, and if there were festivities of any sort 'Dabo' would be there. He came from an aristocratic French family, his name being a shortening of something much more impressive. Despite being constantly in trouble he was very well liked. At some point he must have fallen foul of Larreur because he had been promoted against the Chef's wishes.
Following Larreur's roar and the men's response there was complete silence. Larreur pointed to Dabo who walked slowly forward. He did not hang his head, he was not that sort of man, but during the ensuing conversation between the two he seemed to get smaller. Finally he moved off and climbed into one of the tanks. Larreur was just walking up to deal with the tank crews when a very striking woman came out of the pub. She was carrying a huge steaming platter. I was too far away to see what was on it, but it very effectively removed the centre of attention from Larreur to the pretty woman and the plate of food.
Larreur was too experienced in the act of exerting discipline not to realise that any roaring and shouting on his part now would be an anti-climax. The lady was not going to miss a trick either. She carefully picked up a piece of the food on a small plate and with a fork offered it to Larreur. For a moment it was touch and go, Larreur hesitated, but she was very attractive and Larreur was a Frenchman. He gave her a magnificent salute and accepted the food. After a few minutes conversation with her he addressed the crews. They could have half an hour to eat, then we must be off. Turning back to the lady he waved to me to join them.