The Setup
Sergeant Bryce of the Military Police is investigating the theft of medical supplies from the dispensary at a British Army field hospital near Bayeux, Normandy, in August 1944. The theft occurred between midnight and 4am on the night of 15th August. Three people had access to the dispensary building: Corporal Nancy Webb, a nurse; Private Dennis Oakley, an orderly; and Lieutenant James Hartigan, a junior medical officer. Each has provided a written account of their movements that night.
Statement of Corporal Nancy Webb, Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service:
I was on night duty in Ward C from 2200 hours until 0600 hours. We had fourteen patients, three of them critical. I did not leave the ward at any time during the night. Sister Aldridge was on duty in the adjacent Ward B and we spoke through the connecting door at regular intervals. At approximately 0130 hours I administered morphine to a patient with severe abdominal wounds. All doses are logged in the ward register.
Statement of Private Dennis Oakley, RAMC Orderly:
I was off duty from 2000 hours. I spent the evening in the mess tent with three other lads — Privates Cooke, Marsden, and Flagg — listening to the football results on the BBC Forces Programme. England had played Scotland that afternoon and we were keen to hear the score. After the broadcast we played cards until about 2300 hours, at which point I went to my billet. I was woken by the commotion at 0430 when the theft was discovered. I did not go near the dispensary.
Statement of Lieutenant James Hartigan, RAMC Medical Officer:
I was in my quarters from 2100 hours, writing letters home. At approximately 2230 I stepped outside for some air and smoked a cigarette. The night was warm and I could hear the guns in the distance toward Falaise. I returned to my quarters and went to sleep at around 2300 hours. I keep my quarters locked and heard nothing. I did not visit the dispensary that night, as my duty shift does not begin until 0800 hours.
The Question
One of the three suspects has fabricated their alibi. Who stole the medical supplies, and what detail exposes the lie?