大象传媒

This story has been written onto the 大象传媒 People's War site by CSV Storygatherer Robin. D. Bailey on behalf of author Victor 'Donald' Delves. They fully understand the terms and conditions of the site.

WARNING: NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED !!

At dawn one morning we were preparing to cross another river, when we noticed something white in the garden of a house that had been badly damaged, most likely, by shell-fire.

As we got closer, we were shocked to see it was a very pretty little Italian girl in a white nightdress, she must have been about 9 years old and looked as though she was asleep.

We were used to seeing dead soldiers around us, both German and British, as this was a daily occurrence. But, this was very different!

This little girl did not understand what the war was about and was an innocent child.

We now got closer and could see her foot had been blown off. She could have been deserted when her famiy panicked and ran, trying to save their own lives, but we will never know what took place.

What we did know was that it very much upset us to see the trail of blood leading from the house to this dear little girl. We stood there spellbound, thinking what harm had this little girl done in her short life to have this happen to her.

To this very day, this little girl keeps coming back to me, and yet over 60 years have gone by. I just can't get it out of my mind, I think this is because I now have 5 daughters and a son of my own.

I know God has taken her into his care, "God Bless Her!"

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