Raids on the new Officers’ Mess Store began soon after its completion, Alf insisting on taking part despite Rob assuring him it wasn’t necessary. Having a larger space for supplies meant everything was neatly displayed, so the two mates changed tactics to ensure no one noticed missing items. Small, more frequent raids were the order of the day, or rather night, large tins left on the shelves.
Contrary to expectations, Alf had remained at the depot, Group Captain Clarkson, impressed by his excellent workmanship and determined to hang on to a tradesman for as long as possible.
Opening the steel-clad door that divided the workshop from the store, proved a simple task once smears of grease had silenced its creaking hinges. Whitmore and the cook held the only keys, so Alf had fashioned a spec
