大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People鈥檚 War site by Clive Bishop of the CSV Action Desk, 大象传媒 Radio Newcastle on behalf of Ken Curran and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site鈥檚 terms and conditions.

The year was 1945, during jungle training. Japan was still to be defeated. I went to see the medical officer as I had an ingrown toenail. There were limited facilities but the doctor agreed to operate. This was duly done with the advice to take great care 鈥� 鈥渒eep it covered and keep it clean鈥�.
I was excused boots for a week. A week passed and it was time to go on parade. My boots were under the Charpoy (bed). I put my foot in the left boot this was O.K. I then put my foot in the right boot and there was soft movement of tiny creatures. A thousand ants had been busy making a nest in my right boot.

Each tent had a bucket of sand and one of water at the entrance. My boot plus the nest were hurriedly despatched, but Army Regulations had been breached! I had missed being on parade and was duly put on a charge.
Fortunately the Company Commander had a sense of humour and suggested I look before I put my foot in it.

漏 Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.