Blake
Sir? Lieutenant Leslie, sir?
What is it?
Blake
We have a message from General Erinmore.
Are you our relief?
Blake
No, sir.
Then when the **** hell are they due?
Blake
We don't know, sir, but we've got orders to cross here.
That is the German front line.
Blake
We know, sir. If you'll just take the letter. [hands Leslie the note from Erinmore]
Settle a bet. What day is it?
Blake
Friday.
Friday. Well, well, well. None of us was right. [indicates soldier] This idiot thought it was Tuesday.
Sorry, sir.
Are they out of their **** minds? One slow night, the brass think the Hun have just gone home?
Schofield
Do you think they're wrong, sir?
We lost an officer and three men two nights ago. They were shot to bits patching up wire. We dragged two of them back here. Needn't have bothered--
Blake
Sir, the General is sure the enemy have withdrawn. There are aerials of the new line that–-
Shut up! We've fought and died over every inch of this **** place! Now they suddenly give us miles? It's a trap! [pause] But chin up, there's a medal in it for sure. Nothing like a scrap of ribbon to cheer up a widow.
