“The Berkshires? I’ve heard that lot are trouble,” newly joined Lieutenant Gunter said. “They rioted even before leaving Portsmouth, and they didn’t want to come out East. I heard they deserted en masse, and the local general had to send out pickets to drag them out of the pubs.”
Major Bryant, the adjutant, shook his head. “Is that so? I hope they don’t come near the Malverns, then. I wouldn’t trust them at my back.”
Remembering the bravery of the Berkshire’s self-sacrificing stand at Maiwand, Jack grunted. “That doesn’t sound like the Brave Boys.”
“It’s not,” Lieutenant Sarsens said. “The story has been twisted. When the Berks were ordered to muster for embarkation, their ship didn’t turn up. The Berks asked for breakfast, but whichever i***t was in charge told them they’d eat on board
