Later on, as I was on my way upstairs, I distinctly heard the sound once more.

I went out, started my car, and drove down the lane.

It seemed to be coming in this direction so I followed along, pulled up short of the house, climbed on the top of the bank and saw that extraordinary illumination from the marshland on the other side.

I saw a man in a small boat fall back as though he were shot.

A moment or two later I returned to my car and was accosted by two soldiers, to whom I gave my name and address.