We were in the Western Desert and the knee I wounded in Greece was troubling me. The Medical Officer ordered me to a Field Hospital a few miles away. This was situated close to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. I was only there for a few days before I was told that I could return to my unit the following day.

I asked for, and was given, permission to take a dip in the sea. There were, of course, no such things as swimming trunks - there was no need because there was no one else about - so I dived into the wonderfully clear and refreshing warm water.

I did not notice another swimmer enter the sea until I heard a voice calling "Hello there". It was another man, rather older than me, also in his 'birthday suit'. As we relished the feeling of utter bliss just swimming around together, we chatted like old friends.

We did not ask each other our names. I just addressed him as "Chum', and he called me "Pal". There was no mention of war, our units or anything concerning military. No, just idle chatter between a couple of contented men enjoying the luxury of the peace and solitude whilst at the same time washing away the dirt and sand that seemed to be ingrained into our skin.

Eventually, my colleague intimated that he had to leave. I said, "Cheerio Chum. Nice to have met you." He swam the short distance to the shore and disappeared behind a sand dune.

A few minutes later a voice called out, "Goodbye Pal. All the best." I looked towards the shore to see my swimming partner waving. He was now wearing his uniform, and what a shock I got. On his lapels was red ribbon and on his epaulettes were a crown and three 'pips'. He was a brigadier! Yet I, a mere sergeant, had been calling him "Chum".

What is the saying? "Clothes maketh the man".

- Arthur Cope