The Boys of Bridlington

Chapter 1

Preparations

The soft sea breeze swept across the forest aboard Bridlington High's carrier. The distant calls of birds gave warning they were close to land. The otherwise quiet was disturbed by a chorus of explosions, and the rumbling of the machines. Thankfully the lads had kept their promise, and had held off on discharging the guns until 9:45 exactly. Despite this, there were always those who cursed the morning practice.

The Bridlington Tankery Club had very little concern, of course. Today was perhaps the most important moment yet for them, and they needed to be prepared. They might had relaxed a bit more if it were just their first match. But a match against Antwerp High was nothing to shrug off. It was also a first due to the machines they used. They brought to the table a batch of Japanese tanks, so Bridlington would be fighting out of their usual range of opposition.

The setting of their battle would be a first for both teams. The match was scheduled to take place a few miles northeast of Alexandria, in Egypt. Those behind organizing this friendly couldn't resist having a British v "German" (Even though Antwerp High was Belgian) match in North Africa. Though Egypt brought deserts to mind at first, the Major assured the team that the field was primarily farmland. On top of that, the longer voyage had given the team ample time to train. And they'd both arrive early, to scope out the field and get a feel for it.

But just being their first true match was not what made this important to Bridlington. Tensions were high due entirely to something else. For the first time in a long time, some of the tanks taking the field would be crewed by men. Boys, to be more realistic. Though Major Lawrence fancied himself proper military material, going so far as to give himself his oh-so-official rank, he had only this year been allowed into official tankery matches with his team. Even if his theory and tactics and drills were all top of the line, they were yet to be proven effective. If all went well, Bridlington would very likely be accepted into the international.

Once more a thunderous roar of cannon. One of the targets, an old PzKpfw IV which had been lent to the school for training, erupted in an explosion. The rest, most old T-34s, sat silent, though one had lost its track.

"Oi, which one of you was that? That fired at the Panzer?" Captain Walker shouted into the radio.

"Aye Captain, it's Badger 4!" The hatch to one of the Churchills popped open, and the commander of the crew popped up waved to the hilltop. Walker turned to Lawrence, who stood attentively. Lawrence gave a nod to the Captain, and a salute to the commander.

"Excellent shot girls. Looks like you hit the ammo rack." Walker exclaimed into the radio. "Now, who here thinks they can top that?"

A brief period of silence followed the Captain's question. Lawrence took the mic from Walker, and spoke up.

"Come now people. That's hardly the attitude to take before our first match. I want each of you to, at the least, set those targets ablaze. Show the Captain and me how well our instruction has payed off."

A round of: "Yes Major!" rang out over the radio, and in half a minute another volley was let out. The only sound that dared overpower that of the club was the blare of the ship's horn.

3:12 PM, Alexandria Docks

The Tankery Club stood gathered in a field. Below them, the ship had docked and people were already unloading. It was a hot day, but they were all still in uniform. They had made a point of staying in the proper outfit until dismissed by Lawrence.

Lawrence, Walker, and the Lieutenant, Hensley, were stood before them. Each had a degree of tactical genius to them, and each was a bit of a history buff. Though Lawrence was the one who originally insisted on the whole behavior of his team, Walker and Hensley were now every bit involved as their Major.

"Well, ladies and gentlemen. In a day's time, we show the world that this wondrous sport, this powerful art, belongs just as much to the lads as to the girls." Mild applause, and a few whistles of approval. "Antwerp has some heavy hitters. From what I hear, they plan to use a few O-I heavies in this match. They seem to expect us to play like St. Gloriana." A few laughs at this. "I'm sure we'll give those girls quite a surprise tomorrow. But no matter how well we think we'll do…" Lawrence paused. "We know we'll do." A good many shouts of agreement for that one. "We can't brush them off. So far, they're undefeated in their local league. Who's for giving them a taste of what the British armour can do?!"

Massive applause erupted from the club. Even some of the passersby gave a jubilant shout. The three officers stood beaming. They let the club let out some more celebration before quieting them down.

A loud horn sounded from the bay nearby. The Antwerp ship was coming into the dock as well. The Bridlington club rushed quickly to the guardrail nearest to them, and gave a salute to them. Lawrence pulled some binoculars from his pack, and gazed across the way. He saw the Antwerp club by their own rail, waving and wishing them well. When he noticed one of their members gazing back through their own binoculars, Lawrence tipped his hat to her slightly. He saw the girl laugh, before giving a small curtsy.

After the spectacle and exchange of their rival ship docking, the club was dismissed. The team mates immediately made for their homes, for quick showers and more appropriate attire. Lawrence was quickly greeted by the girl in command of Badger 4, the team with perhaps the best gunner in the club. He often told them this, just as often kindly neglecting to mention their driver needed some work.

"Ah, Lily. Off home quickly?" He beamed a friendly smile her way.

"Mhm." She nodded, returning his smile. "The crew was wondering if you'd like to…" She glanced back quickly, before finishing. "If you would like to join us Lawrence."

He cast a quick glace backward to spot her fellow crew tightly bunched together, giggling and hiding their faces with their hands. He chuckled a bit to himself before answering.

"Well, why not. We should unwind this evening after all."

He agreed to meet them at a plaza, a short walk into the city. Though Alexandria was a new place for them, they had been kindly gifted with some maps for their visit.

5:26 PM, El-Tahrir Square

Lawrence wandered aimlessly around the small park, looking very foreign and very lost indeed, as he began to wonder if he had somehow misheard Lily's instructions. He was beyond thankful when he heard her call out for him. He was slightly concerned at first, however, that she too was lost, as her crew was nowhere to be found. Despite this, he hurried over to where she was sat.

She smiled meekly, her eyes looking elsewhere. "So, um… I think my friends may have been up to something." She gestures around at all the empty bench around her, clearly indicating they should have been there by now. "I…Haha…" She laughed weakly, reluctantly making eye-contact.

Lawrence, despite his inexperience in such things, could take the hint. "Ah, I see. Well… Do you even want to bother waiting to see if they turn up?" He grinned a little.

She sighed, and rose from the bench. "I don't think they're even planning on leaving the ship." With that, the two of them walked off in search of someplace to eat.

...

Despite the rather amateur set-up by Lily's friends, it was somewhat successful. Though only just passable as a date, the two managed to enjoy themselves, and tour the city a small amount. Just past nine, the two made their way back onto the ship. Before Lawrence had a proper chance to wish her a good evening, she was whisked away by her friends, their laughter echoing in the cool night air.

Despite himself, Lawrence allowed himself to slip back into his regular thoughts. "The calm before the storm." He thought. He chuckled, but he also knew he was somewhat right. Tomorrow would be an important date. Either this little push of his for a recognized friendly match would make co-ed teams more realistic a consideration, or he would embarrass himself and his team.

"So yeah, no pressure Lawrence." He whispered under his breath. He was immediately thankful for the relaxing evening he had gotten, as it was an excellent counter to his fears.