There are some stories that just melt the heart. There’s something about this old guy, his trumpet, the amazing tale – even the sternest of people would wilt at such a story. Even Hollywood in their huge network of War films haven’t come up with an idea as resounding as this. It’s impermeable to anyone from Steven Spielberg to your emotionally stunted mate.

Then again, it could be a load of tripe of course. He probably doesn’t even remember fighting in the war, and that hat he’s wearing looks pretty suspect. How would a German know the word for trumpet? Hm? Well – whatever the truth, I’m prepared to believe it. Even if the sniper didn’t hear his slightly dodgy tunes because he was too busy getting shot, I’m up for going along with what this old man says. He’ll dine out on this memory til the day he dies, telling anyone who’ll listen. I bet his grandchildren wish it had never happened.