Afternoon of June the 6th, 1944

Roll call had been uneventful. Hogan and the boys rushed in ten minute prior, breathless and full of good news. No German trains would be passing over that trestle. They hurried up to their bunks to feign sleep, as Langenscheidt came in to roust them. The only peculiarity was the lack of any officers present. Schultz seemed to be running the show and he was doing so in a solemn, almost forlorn, way. The Heroes themselves were too tired and restless to jeer in the usual way.

After Schultz called for dismissal, they filed back into the barracks. Baker went down to the radio in the tunnel to start his next shift. Kinch - on the Colonel's orders - retrieved a small radio from the locker at the foot of Carter and Newkirk's bunk. Garlotti stood watch at the door, though the Germans seemed uninterested in the prisoners or their activities.

The radio played on as the hours passed. Carter - worn out from the recounting his harrowing experience, Hogan's incredible bravery and of course the fireworks to anyone who would listen - was stretched out for a nap. Kinch and Newkirk were playing their twelfth round of gin with Lebeau brewing coffee and ensuring that their mugs were consistently filled to brim. Hogan paced. And paced. And then paced some more.

This is the BBC Home Service.
Here is a special bulletin, read by John Snagge*.

Hogan checked his watch. It was one in the afternoon, so noontime in London. "Turn it up," he said. Kinch twisted the dial, as the entire barracks leaned forward. Olsen tapped Carter's leg and he sat up.

'D' day has come.
Early this morning the Allies began the assault on the north-western face of Hitler's European Fortress. The first official news came just after half-past nine when Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Force - usually called SHAEF from its initials - issued Communique No. One. This said:

"What does that mean?" Carter whispered his question to Kinch as he moved to take the seat next to him at the table. "The invasion?"

Newkirk shushed him harshly. Kinch nodded wordlessly still listening to the report.

"Under the command of General Eisenhower, Allied Naval Forces supported by strong Air Forces, began landing Allied Armies this morning on the Northern coast of France."

LeBeau couldn't believe it. He had to grip the post of the bunk to steady himself. His chest was tight and tears stung at the corners of his eyes. After four long, dreadful years Providence was starting to turn things to their favour.

It was announced a little later that General Montgomery is in Command of the Army Group carrying out the assault. This Army Group includes British, Canadian and United States Forces. The Allied Commander-in-Chief General Eisenhower, has issued an Order of the Day addressed to each individual of the Allied Expeditionary Force. In it he said:

"Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well-trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely. But this is the year 1944. The tide has turned. The free men of the world are marching together to victory."

Newkirk lit a fresh cigarette with the butt of the old one. He wondered if he knew any of the lads making this great assault. Surely he must. He thought of *Charlie and his mates from his old unit. He hardly dared to hope that they were safe.

"I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory. Good luck, and let us all beseech the Blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking."

Kinch nodded along, setting his cards onto the table. Carter looked across the room where LeBeau had slowly sunk to his knees, his head bowed slightly and he was mouthing words. He almost asked if his French comrade was alright, but a little voice told him to hold his tongue. The Colonel was holding his mug in both hands, his expression had hardly changed.

This Order was distributed to assault elements after their embarkation. It was read by the appropriate commanders to all other troops in the Allied Expeditionary Force. His Majesty the King will broadcast to his people at home and overseas at nine o'clock tonight.

No details have yet come in from the Allied side of the progress of the operations. Our correspondent at SHAEF says that the landings are being made in Normandy. The Germans, who have been…

"Schultz is coming," Garlotti said, shutting the door and scooting into the center of the room.

In one swift, fluid motion the radio was unplugged and hidden away. "Remember, you know nothing of what you've heard." Hogan's warning need not have been spoken. LeBeau had crossed himself and was already on his feet, attempting to regain control of his emotions. Newkirk had gathered the cards and dealt Carter, Kinch and Olsen into a hand of poker. By the time the door opened and Schultz came in, the masks had slid down over their faces. Hogan forced a grin on his face. "Hiya, Schultz," he crowed, holding his cup to his lips and slurping the warm coffee. They'd only have to play ignorant for a little while longer. The world was crashing in on Herr Hitler, and through God's grace the scales of justice would soon be righted. Just a little bit longer.

The End

*John Snagge (1904-1996) was a broadcaster who covered the war news bulletins for the BBC. The italicized report is a transcript from the actual bulletin he read on air June 6th, 1944.

*Charlie is my own OC from the story Family Secrets. I liked him so much that I broke my own rule about not having OCs in stories other than the ones for which they were created.

AN: This was *not* the story originally planned for this challenge; however, it became apparent to me that the multi-chapter story would not be done in time, even with the generous extension Abracadebra granted in the forum boards. So, I put together this short story in the time I had left. No worries, the multi-chapter will still be posted, but at a later date. Cheers.