And, after a brief introduction, as if it was nothing out of the ordinary, the radio host faded in the next song and everything just... continued.

I paused to collect my thoughts. Why had he drawn this out for so long, only to concede now? And over the radio?!

The writing had been on the wall for a while. It had been an attriting battle on both sides, yes, but the General had been on the back foot since his Berlin defences had failed.

His frontline had been methodically picked apart, key battlements had been captured on either flank, and although his cavalry still had the upper hand two-to-one, on every other front the General's forces were depleted.

To add further insult to injury, both of his most trusted spiritual advisors had fled and Her Royal Highness was preparing to charge into battle herself if there was any chance she could save things. But too much had already happened.

The General had been pacing the mess, and I had seen him disappear for a brief moment but had assumed it was only for a cigarette, so to hear his voice broadcast over the base's radio was unexpected.

"Congratulations, Colonel Vanilligan. You've won this time. Rematch tomorrow?"

He could have just leant across the chessboard and calmly told me face to face, but, despite his immense pride (that's what had made the bet so tantalising), he was a man of his word.