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Three Scotch privates and a corporal had been cut off during a fierce engagement in a Belgian town one day just preceding Dunkirk. Taking refuge in the loft of an empty house they waited for what seemed to be certain death. Outside they heard the Germans setting fire to buildings, looting, killing. Suddenly the corporal said, "Lads, it's time for church parade. Let's have a wee bit of service here; it may be our last. The soldiers looked a bit astonished, but placing their rifles in a corner, they stood at attention. The corporal took a small Testament from his breast pocket and turned the pages. As he read loud shouts came from below. Doors banged, and glass was shattered. He ended, and his grave face took on a wry smile. "I'm not a good hand at this job, but we must finish it off. Let us pray." The corporal stood with the Testament in his hand. The others kneeled and bowed their heads. A little haltingly and very simply he committed their way to God and asked for strength to meet their coming fate like men.
Suddenly, a heavy hand crashed open the door. An exultant exclamation in German was heard, and then a gasp of surprise. Not a man moved and the corporal went calmly on. After a pause he began, with great reverence, to repeat the Lord's Prayer. Hearing a click of his heels, they knew the enemy was standing at attention. A moment of suspense, the door closed, and footsteps died away. At dusk the four men ventured out, worked around the enemy's flank, and reached the British outposts in safety that night. --The Record
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