“A fog rolled in,” Roy said. “The Huns can’t see us.”

“But they can hear us,” Murphy whispered, in a way that bordered on making a confession in church.

“Right, Sergeant,” Roy whispered in return.

They had been stranded here for eighteen hours. Before first light his regiment had been readied along the trenches, and orders given. Upon hearing the whistle men went over the top of the wall and began the perilous journey towards their enemy.

After waiting for thirty seconds the soldier took a longer look. First towards the German lines and then back towards their own.

“Psst,” Murphy uttered while making a downward hand signal to remind the Lance Corporal that he was risking his head.

Roy dropped to his knees and worked his way back. He had a wide grin on his face, which could only mean that God almighty granted them a bit of luck. Keep calm, you’re not out of their mess yet.

“A fog rolled in,” Roy said. “The Huns can’t see us.”

“A quarter passed midnight,” Murphy whispered. “Corporal, take a peek over the lip of the crater.”

The man of nineteen years grabbed his helmet and weapon before moving closer to the edge of the crater. He first popped his head over the crest for a few seconds to confirm if a sniper was on alert. Delay too long and he would end up taking a bullet to the head.

While the shallow dish-shaped helmet with a narrow brim might have deflected the shot, it was better to be safe than sorry. It was said that they were working on an improved variant. I’ll believe it when I see it.

After the last light surrendered to the night, the air cooled and humidity began to cling to their uniforms and weapons. It was a matter of time before they started shivering after the humidity soaked through their jackets and kilts.

Sergeant Murphy poked into his breast pocket and pulled out a silver pocket watch. It was a gift from his father, the watchmaker, before he boarded the train. The first leg of the long journey to the battle worn shores of Europe.

He rubbed the glass clean, but there was a persistent fog within now. Still the familiar ticking was present, and there was just enough light from the crescent moon above to make out the time.