大象传媒

SEVEN YEARS OF WAR - a continuation of story no. 4218716.

Basic Training Completed.

On completing the parade, I felt both pride and uncertainty about what was ahead.

The colonel in charge told us we had 48 hours leave. One thought entered my mind - Joan! But before we could leave, he told us that on our return to barracks he was going to give us a farewell party.

It was then I was told by our corporal that I had been chosen to be promoted to Lance Corporal.

On returning to camp, we were told to go to the NAAFI hall (canteen - Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes) where the party was to be held. Actually, it was a fine dinner, drinks included, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. At the end of the evening, after eating and drinking all we could, the colonel gave his farewell speech. Among other things, he told us we were going to be sent to Finland and issued with white clothing, but Finland fell. Then we could have been going to Norway but alas, Norway also fell to the Germans. With tears visible in his eyes he continued, saying that we were like his first-born. He then wished us the best of luck, wherever we were sent.

Being keen on driving, at my interview I requested to go into the M.T. (motor transport). With that, I was told I would have to lose my stripe and rank as lance corporal as i would have to start from scratch again in the M.T. I agreed though I was disappointed. All the M.T. consisted of was 4 Austin 8 little cars, and although we could all drive, we had to start learning all over again. Of course there were quite a few moans about this, but we did all eventually pass our arny driving test, with congratulations all round.

We were then told we were being shipped to France, which had not yet fallen to the Germans.

My friend, Dennis, and I, along with several other lads from our barracks were sent to join the 6th Queen's Royal Regiment. But before we did anything else, we had to learn to drive in convoy - more difficult than it seems, having to stay so many army yards away from the vehicle in front. It was a great experience. We were then sent by train to Folkestone where we were herded into a ferry ship. I had never been on one before - it seemed luxurious with red carpet everywhere. Dennis and I bought cigarettes and beer, then we were off. To me it was like going on a great holiday and adventure.

I was soon to realise how wrong I was.

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