Behind the sand dunes we could see bayonets rising and falling in unison. Then the men came in sight, tall men led by a captain who was shorter than they were. They marched straight across the sand into the sea. So orderly and confident was their marching that we thought the Red Sea would open up for them. It didn't. As they entered the water their rate of march slowed and the men behind took smaller steps their rifles all still going up and down together. The chaps behind who hadn't got in the water yet marked time. It was a magnificent sight, a marvellous show. We thought we'd get those chaps on board straight away. Not so. A Dutch skoot, which took less water than we, swung right around, went to where they were, picked up the whole lot and off she went. One of the sailors called out to the men, 'Who are you?'

'THE IRISH GUARDS'