By Unknown
Note from Metal: This story by “Anonymous” is from the Houdini Connections website that was run by the great Jim Stewart, who passed away but whose home page remains online. I do not claim ownership of this story, nor do I know who originally wrote it.
Surprise Surprise!
“Happy Birthday boss!” said the rapidly receding voice of Colour Sergeant Norris, followed by a round of badly suppressed laughter from the rest of the team. And then I was alone. I lay still and tried to assess my position. Staked out, gagged, and blindfolded, in the middle of a wood in the training area I began to wonder how I was going to escape and then I laughed at the irony of my predicament. Being the boss of a unit dedicated to training soldiers in resistance to interrogation and torture here I was totally out of control, tied up, and vulnerable.
We had just finished an exercise to train marines from 42 Commando RM in basic practical resistance to interrogation. I had been at my most inventive this weekend and even though this was only my third exercise in control we had successfully broken a few wills and a few more egos. My assistant was CSgt Dave “Cuff” Norris and he and I established a good rapport. He knew what made marines tick and his own training as a marine ensured we made the exercise realistic and punishing for the trainees – themselves hardened experienced marines. Anyway the exercise drew to a close; everyone was debriefed and packed off home. I was in a bit of a hurry because as soon as we got back to camp my two weeks summer leave began and I didn’t want to waste a second.
