Bernard served with the regiment in North Africa, Italy and finally Normandy. As might be expected he led the regimental concert party with great verve, writing lyrics appropriate to Sharpshooter songs and humour. His soldiering skills were recognised when he was appointed adjutant (the commanding officer’s personal staff officer, and in charge of the regiment’s organisation, administration and discipline) on the 4CLY’s return from Italy.
He was captured at the battle of Villers-Bocage where he had gone forward with the commanding officer and so was cut off outside the town. He initially evaded capture and hid in a French hen house for the night but was captured the next day.
He was reported dead and it was six weeks before Molly learned that he had survived. Then followed eleven months in a prisoner of war camp. Bernard found comfort in sketching out two movements of a symphony on a cattle truck heading east!