Ours, among other transports, has narrowly dodged two torpedoes.

It is quite within the limits of possibility that we may be struck at any moment.

The commanding officer therefore requests me to ask that company officers, especially second lieutenants, finish their meal as quickly as possible and station themselves near their men.

This is not to be done hurriedly, or with any sign of excitement, but merely in order that, if we should be struck, discipline may be preserved effectively." There was no excitement.

Second lieutenants finished the morsels on which they were engaged, some of them washing down the food with a final gulp of coffee.