High Wood

‘A German was coming towards him. He froze … The German strode on taking slow, measured, almost proud steps. He seemed so sure, so … unafraid. He could see the stripes which denoted him an officer. It explained the callous look he gave each body as he stepped over them and continued on … Another face peered out at the scene. It was small, fragile, too white against the background of the wood. It looked very afraid! And he was out of ammo!! Moments ticked by … and all the time the German officer kept coming on … on … on. Then, taking out a revolver, the German took aim and began to fire …’ Bois de Foureaux, commonly known as High Wood stood proud at the top of a gentle slope. Surrounded by relatively flat landscape, it offered a perfect view … No wonder the Germans wanted it so badly! The British held half the wood. If only they could get a firm grip on the rest then maybe they could take the advantage … This is the story of Will and Arthur … two ordinary young people living in extraordinary times.