Sowerbutt's Signs

"One of the biggest laughs we had in the dark days after the war was the Battle of the Signs." The retired writer for the East London Pioneer, who still has the notebook from his early 1960s interview with Sowerbutt, said: "They took down all the street signs in 1940 so that Jerry would get lost if he invaded. In Poplar, they started putting them back up in '46. Some streets had disappeared in the Blitz, so that got them puzzled. Other signs were put on the wrong streets and had to be re-done. Come nightfall, the street boys got out and changed the signs over. Went on for months. People loved it."

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Soowerbutt's Petrol

"Jimmy did some big deals after the war." The retired writer for the East London Pioneer, who still has the notebook from his early 1960s interview with Sowerbutt, said: "Petrol was scarce with the currency restrictions and ordinary civilians didn't get their allocations back until '48. He had big cash reserves from the war and invested thousands of pounds in petrol, bought from the GIs. He stored it in tanks on the disused airfields and sold it gradually for a fortune."

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM 

Sowerbutt's Rations

"Rationing continued for years after the war, but Jimmy worked out a good ruse." The retired writer for the East London Pioneer, who still has the notebook from his early 1960s interview with Sowerbutt, said: "He had a deal going with the undertakers across the East End. As soon as they got a client, they tipped him off for a consideration. He'd pop round to the grieving family and buy the deceased's ration book.".

 https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Secret

"Last time we met Sorbay, I mentioned the Official Secrets Act of 1911. That still applies, particularly as the gentleman you are escorting is a Jerry who is kindly helping us out with a few matters," Brendan Bracken said. “You may not repeat what I have just said to a soul, not even to your lady. I cannot save you from a long term of imprisonment if word gets out. And no chance of cooking the beak, as you and your friends say."

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Ride

“Talk pleasantries with the Jerry you are escorting, reassure him about his journey, but discuss nothing else," Brendan Bracken said. "One more judgement call for you. Kill him instantly if he tries any nonsense, I’ll take care of the body." The red trolleybus slowed next to the bus stop at Poplar Rec. Sowerbutt smiled. “Time to get off, Mr Bracken. I have some urgent arrangements to make.”

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Strike

 "Sorbay made good money in the '47 Docks Strike." The retired writer for the East London Pioneer, who still has the notebook from his early 1960s interview with Jimmy Sowerbutt, said: "Food was starting to go off in the unloaded ships, so Jimmy took a load of his lads in and fought a pitched battle with the union boys and the Reds. Guess who won? He was trucking out food, which sold at a top price, for several days before the Army moved in and broke the strike."

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Fortune

Sowerbutt chuckled. “What about the headlines? ‘The Great Plane Robbery’, ‘Thousands Vanish In Mystery Snatch'. Thousands? We’ve tucked away more than a quarter of a million. More than enough for all of us and we’ll make sure the local families are sorted out when the bombing stops."

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM 

Sowerbutt's Mate

One-Line had stood a good head above most of his infantry company in the British Expeditionary Force which was why, his mates claimed, the short company sergeant-major always picked on him. With the two men engaging in a final and fatal argument during the chaotic retreat to Dunkirk, One-Line decided to join the growing band of army deserters after landing at Ramsgate from a luxury motor yacht which had rescued 10 exhausted soldiers from the French beaches. No-one had witnessed the shooting, but as One-Line told Sowerbutt: “The bastard Red Caps would rather hang ours than kill theirs.” To cover his tracks, Sowerbutt organised a fresh identity for his friend, complete with a medical exemption,  helped by the talented but expensive Scribe in Peckham

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Jewels

The long-retired writer for the East London Pioneer, who still has the notebook from his interview in the early 1960s with Jimmy Sowerbutt, said: "There was a rash of raids on jewellery shops in London after the war. Few had any sensible security until after the event. They were mostly very clinical - the staff were not harmed and specific items were taken. At the same time, a lot of jewellery could be bought at a reasonable price on the black market. You would deduce the insurance companies coughed up after the raids and the shops bought their jewellery back recut and reset.

"I heard a whisper once that Jimmy had one of the best cutters stashed away  outside the Smoke. He never said a word about any involvement in the jewellery trade."

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Melee

Another Irish lad fell before One-Line’s onslaught, then he was caught up in the melee where Sowerbutt’s men were coshing and exchanging punches with their opponents. One of Spaghetti’s cousins was facing down a burly Irishman with his Frosolone flick-knife, opening and closing the razor-sharp blade; the Irishman mesmerised. The cousin jabbed at the big man, slashing his jacket. With a shout, the Irishman swung his fist, dropping to his knees and staring at his bloody arm in disbelief where a second lightning-fast lunge had left its mark. The cousin wiped his blade on the stunned man’s jacket, pushed him over and turned back to the fight.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Memories

Sowerbutt, concealed behind a nearby holly bush, watched as One-Line charged the IRA line, bellowing like an angry bull. He had seen his friend run wild before; outside a pub in Whitechapel where some Reds drank. Three men had tumbled to the pavement like nine-pins, the other three fled. Inside the pub was pandemonium as drinkers dropped their pints on the floor, jumped the bar and raced through the kitchen, trying to escape the wild man.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Knowledge

Churchill paused as he passed Bracken’s chair, his eyes twinkling. “Mr Sorbay, dear boy, deserves a medal. He was in the thick of it when we met. What messages does he have for us about his people? How long they can take the bombing? He must know how they feel, he runs half of London. I must question the fellow immediately.”

Bracken looked up with a start, he could not risk Sowerbutt meeting the Prime Minister again. “Leave it to me, sir. You must not invite him to No 10. The House would not stand for the Prime Minister colluding with a brothel-keeper. Nothing like that has happened since the days of Gladstone, a Liberal, thank God.”

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM 

Sowerbutt's Supplies

Churchill growled into the telephone: "Our brothel-keeper and his men will take care of the IRA. Any difficulties and we can release the story of a gang turf war or an IRA shoot-out. Yes, I approve.

“The brothel-keeper is well-equipped? Where does he get his supplies from? Should we lend him to the Beaver to get supplies flowing for our Hurries and Spitfires? Probably selling the Beaver materials already. I don’t wish to know any more, dear boy.
“We may well say Mr Sorbay is the man who saved London.”

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Departure

Polly put a plate of field mushrooms on toast and a mug of tea in front of Dorothy who was sitting at the  dining table in the Cheapside flat. “One of the few pleasures off ration these days. Sorbay had some tinned Canadian bacon recently, but that went quick smart. If I ever see the dear man again, I’ll tell him to start leaving some stuff for you and the girls. You need feeding up, the rate you all work.”

“If you see him? He hasn’t gone and left you?” Dorothy said.
“Just being sarcastic. Such an exasperating man. He came home in the wee small hours, waking me up. Then about 4 o’clock, some idiot was banging on the door and Sorbay got up. The next thing, he’s grabbing his clothes and he’s disappeared. No explanation. But leave me, Dot? He wouldn’t dare, he knows I’d skin him alive.” 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Hopes

A civilian came down the steps of Luton Hoo to welcome the visitor as he alighted from the car. Not a word was said as the black-uniformed man walked stiffly into the grand house, carrying his briefcase which was marked with a small golden swastika.

"Talkative bastard, wasn't he guv?" Nero said as they drove away.
"Regular barrel of laughs," Sowerbutt smiled. "Let's hope he brings peace."

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Visitor

By the time the car reached the hangar, a tall dark-skinned man with thick black hair and sunken eyes was standing by the stationary aircraft. He was wearing a leather flight jacket and pale blue Luftwaffe overalls. “Keep me covered, just in case,” Sowerbutt whispered as he stepped out of the car. “Welcome to England, sir. I have been ordered to take you to Luton Hoo for discussions with our government.”

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's VIP

The aircraft slowly turned, lost height and made its final approach, its swastika markings clearly visible to the onlookers in the moonlight. The Hurricanes circled in the distance, their pilots watching every move. “OK lads, as soon as it lands we’ll head out and pick up the VIP,” Sowerbutt shouted.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Hats

Sowerbutt grinned: “My Polly has gone into millinery, George. She has taken over a hat factory in Luton with some very talented designers.”

He took an elegant toque out of its box and laid a well-cut turban as well on the cluttered desk.

His face a picture, the chief buyer at Marshall & Snelgrove took hold of the toque, bedecked with velvet flowers, and held it up. He gasped: “Oh my, Mr Sorbay, beautiful, just beautiful. I love it, I could sell this tenfold in seconds. It’s a sensation.” 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Jackpot

Sowerbutt roared with laughter as he and Tipper walked along Savoy Row. “I didn’t realise you found the briefcase, my friend,” he said.

“Wasn’t much in it, guv. Some official-looking papers in Spanish, a couple of scented handwritten letters and £200 in fivers which are in my pocket. And the bag.”

Sowerbutt peered into the small bag. “So that’s his game - smuggling in industrial diamonds. Probably flown in from Brazil on the Ala Littoria flights. These will be worth a few bob, Tipper. I know a couple of factories that could put them to good use. We’ve hit the jackpot.”

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Punishment

A crowd was gathering in Commercial Street to watch the entertainment as the two Russians were stripped and chained to a lamppost outside Toynbee Hall. “Swear words, I’d say, guv,” Cocker said above the shouting as Spaghetti started painting the two struggling men with violet gentian.

“Didn’t know you were a budding Rembrandt, Spaghetti. Where did you learn to paint?” shouted a voice.
Spaghetti looked at the crowd and grinned. “These are the Russkie heroes who did those poor Finns over last year and now they are cosying up to Jerry. Food and steel for the bastards who are bombing us out of our homes every night.”

An angry roar swept through the crowd. As Spaghetti stepped away from the Russians, the first over-ripe tomato from a nearby fruit stall hit, then another and another. A couple of well-aimed stones from the street boys followed, accompanied by handfuls of mud from a burst water pipe. 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Trap

“Two big beefy boys roughed up Jack Shakes and no-one touches my friends. They were after his tenant who has scarpered. It’s a question of checking where the roaring boys have visited, where they'll go next and springing a trap,” Sowerbutt said.

“Farewell them, guv. You are not worried about how they go?”

“No goodbyes, Spaghetti. Give them a beating they won’t forget, strip them and chain them to railings, and throw away the keys. Take a bucket of violet gentian with you and give them a good daubing. That’ll get them twitching. I’m sending a message to their boss, whom we can’t touch, that nobody pokes their nose into the Family’s patch.” 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Expedition

Spaghetti whispered: “Never seen such security - barbed wire, trip wires, electrified wire, broken glass, traps, strips of nails, armed guards. I even spotted a couple of sound detectors, don’t see many of those about. Wonder which of the 20 bedrooms His Gloriousness the Ambassador Maisky kips in?”

Sowerbutt watched as Tipper, ghost-like, slipped through the shadows on the lawns of the Italianate mansion in South Kensington which housed the Soviet Embassy. He froze, waiting for a couple of armed guards to pass, then picked his way towards the marble entrance steps.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Climb

The three men had brought sacking to cover the broken glass as they climbed over the high brick wall surrounding the Soviet Embassy in South Kensington. All three were experienced burglars.

Safely in the grounds, Sowerbutt kept watch on the front of the ornate building, Spaghetti stared at the shadows among the trees and bushes in case the armed patrol returned unexpectedly. All three men carried shooters. Sowerbutt told his two lieutenants: “We don’t want a shoot-out at the OK Corral, but just in case we have to wave goodbye to one of the guards in a hurry.”

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Jewels

The long-retired writer for the East London Pioneer, who still has the notebook from his interview in the early 1960s with Jimmy Sowerbutt, said: "There was a rash of raids on jewellery shops in London after the war. Few had any sensible security until after the event. They were mostly very clinical - the staff were not harmed and specific items were taken. At the same time, a lot of jewellery could be bought at a reasonable price on the black market. You would deduce the insurance companies coughed up after the raids and the shops bought their jewellery back recut and reset.

"I heard a whisper once that Jimmy had one of the best cutters stashed away  outside the Smoke. He never said a word about any involvement in the jewellery trade."

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Mate

One-Line had stood a good head above most of his infantry company in the British Expeditionary Force which was why, his mates claimed, the short company sergeant-major always picked on him. With the two men engaging in a final and fatal argument during the chaotic retreat to Dunkirk, One-Line decided to join the growing band of army deserters after landing at Ramsgate from a luxury motor yacht which had rescued 10 exhausted soldiers from the French beaches. No-one had witnessed the shooting, but as One-Line told Sowerbutt: “The bastard Red Caps would rather hang ours than kill theirs.” To cover his tracks, Sowerbutt organised a fresh identity for his friend, complete with a medical exemption,  helped by the talented but expensive Scribe in Peckham

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Jewels

The long-retired writer for the East London Pioneer, who still has the notebook from his interview in the early 1960s with Jimmy Sowerbutt, said: "There was a rash of raids on jewellery shops in London after the war. Few had any sensible security until after the event. They were mostly very clinical - the staff were not harmed and specific items were taken. At the same time, a lot of jewellery could be bought at a reasonable price on the black market. You would deduce the insurance companies coughed up after the raids and the shops bought their jewellery back recut and reset.

"I heard a whisper once that Jimmy had one of the best cutters stashed away  outside the Smoke. He never said a word about any involvement in the jewellery trade."

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Climb

The three men had brought sacking to cover the broken glass as they climbed over the high brick wall surrounding the Soviet Embassy in South Kensington. All three were experienced burglars.

Safely in the grounds, Sowerbutt kept watch on the front of the ornate building, Spaghetti stared at the shadows among the trees and bushes in case the armed patrol returned unexpectedly. All three men carried shooters. Sowerbutt told his two lieutenants: “We don’t want a shoot-out at the OK Corral, but just in case we have to wave goodbye to one of the guards in a hurry.”

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Expedition

Spaghetti whispered: “Never seen such security - barbed wire, trip wires, electrified wire, broken glass, traps, strips of nails, armed guards. I even spotted a couple of sound detectors, don’t see many of those about. Wonder which of the 20 bedrooms His Gloriousness the Ambassador Maisky kips in?”

Sowerbutt watched as Tipper, ghost-like, slipped through the shadows on the lawns of the Italianate mansion in South Kensington which housed the Soviet Embassy. He froze, waiting for a couple of armed guards to pass, then picked his way towards the marble entrance steps.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM

Sowerbutt's Fortune

Sowerbutt chuckled. “What about the headlines? ‘The Great Plane Robbery’, ‘Thousands Vanish In Mystery Snatch'. Thousands? We’ve tucked away more than a quarter of a million. More than enough for all of us and we’ll make sure the local families are sorted out when the bombing stops."

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM 

Sowerbutt's Strike

 "Sorbay made good money in the '47 Docks Strike." The retired writer for the East London Pioneer, who still has the notebook from his early 1960s interview with Jimmy Sowerbutt, said: "Food was starting to go off in the unloaded ships, so Jimmy took a load of his lads in and fought a pitched battle with the union boys and the Reds. Guess who won? He was trucking out food, which sold at a top price, for several days before the Army moved in and broke the strike."

https://www.amazon.com.au/Colour-Red-Deal-Sowerbutt-Novels-ebook/dp/B00RL9FGKM