6The Somme, Monday, 10 July 1916
‘Hayward. Anyone seen Hayward?’ Sergeant Crawford bellowed as he entered the barn they were using as a billet while they were resting. They were recovering from nine horrendous days in the front line. ‘The company commander wants to see him urgently.’
Andrew Stanley and another man raced into the yard to where the ablutions block had been set up. A short time later Adam appeared at the double, breathing heavily, his blond curls still dishevelled and damp.
‘Get your equipment together and come with me,’ the sergeant said. ‘You’re getting your wish. A pilot has just landed in the field behind company HQ. His observer has been wounded and it was the quickest way to get him to a casualty clearing station. He asked for a volunteer to take over and, as you’re
