The incident had brought people out of the cafe and the proprietor telephoned the police. The man on the ground was dead, his head at a dreadful angle and the face a mess. The ringing of a bell drawing nearer warned of the arrival of the police and the three RAF men leaned against the front of their truck and waited. The whole incident had taken less than three minutes. It was clear that the truck was to be hijacked with its contents while the men were in the cafe. Unfortunately for the hijackers, they didn’t know about Andy. One look at the situation and the police radioed for an ambulance. They then approached the three RAF men and asked them to explain what had happened. Other onlookers volunteered to give their statements also, all horrified at what had happened. Sadly, no-one had noted the registration number of the car as it sped away although they could describe it. Andy volunteered to telephone the RAF unit to advise what had happened and that they would be late in arriving. His unit would advise the MU to which the truck and crew were attached. They were held up for an hour before being allowed to proceed with their journey. Journalists had also arrived and tried to get an interview with the airmen but were refused. However, they took a picture of the airmen and got the story from the other cafe clients. During this time, a team of RAF policemen arrived to liaise with the local police. After they had talked with Andy and the two drivers they concentrated on the would-be hijacker and his identity.
While all this was happening, Jamie had driven back to Parfleet St Peter, ostensibly to buy seafood. The local fishing boats had returned and their catches were being unloaded. Walmar was on the Penny Jane preparing to go out. His wife, Penny, was taking a hamper of food and flasks of hot drink onto the boat. Then Jamie saw Bill Enderby (as he knew him) and another man leave Walmar’s shed and head for the fishing boat. He pulled the small 35 mm camera out of his pocket and took a photo of them before he was spotted. After they climbed on board and their faces could be seen clearly, Jamie took another two photographs of the fishing boat and the people on board. He then took other pictures of the harbour and its buildings as though he was acting like a tourist. Yvonne came to the shop door and called out to him and he turned and took her photograph. She pulled a face, knowing she was not at her best for a photograph but then laughed in good humour. Jamie went across to the shop and went in to collect his order. On the deck of the Penny Jane, Berin, alias Enderby, had seen Jamie taking photos and suddenly felt wary. He might have to try and get the camera and film later but he could not do it now since they were about to cast off.
In the fishmongers, Yvonne got Jamie’s order ready and told him that she would send an account. There were other customers in the shop so they had no time to talk. Jamie picked up the wooden box with the order in it and headed for the van. When he put it in the back he noticed an envelope with his name on it was in the box with the order. Jamie put the envelope in his pocket and climbed into the van and drove off.
It was nearly 17.00 hours when the RAF truck with the launcher arrived at RAF West Sanby. The three men in the cab were relieved when they drove in through the gates. Driving round to the hangar, a crane was waiting to unload the launcher. Andy thanked the drivers for the lift and went over to the office to report to Flight Lieutenant Gaskin. The drivers were told that they would be staying overnight and when the unloading was finished, they would be shown the MT section and then taken to the domestic quarters. The JSTU would organise whatever they needed. The two men looked relieved. It had been a day to remember. Corporal Andy Hill completed his verbal report to Flight Lieutenant Gaskin and was told to go and relax. He was to do a written report in the morning even though it was Saturday. “Don’t worry, Corporal, everyone is working tomorrow morning,” said Gaskin. “Naturally, you’ll be asked about the incident by other members of the unit. Try and say as little as possible because there could well be an inquiry. You did well and it was fortuitous that you were on the truck but not everyone may see it that way. Okay, you had better go off duty and relax.”
Andy came to attention, saluted and said, “Thank you, sir,” and turned and left the office. He headed for the domestic block and his room. Andy knew
