Stationed in South Wales near the Bristol Channel. Early during the Second World War. A Nazi invasion was a real threat. Our camp situated near a road coming from the village and finishing close to the Bristol Channel passing our main gate , En Route . Our camp would comprise of about three to four Hundred Trained Soldiers. Awaiting postings to various units. We were kept on our toes by various activities Route Marches. Cross Country Running. Rifle Practise, Marching, Football, to mention just a few.
When we had our free time, out would come a deck of cards, pontoon and brag being the favourite games. Those who don’t play would be reading or writing letters home. Taking part in a game of cards. Comprising of four players. Jock Menzies from Glasgow. Tom Young from York. Evan Jones from Swansea. Myself being the fourth player suddenly Evan accuses Jock of stealing a Two Shilling piece, which had been on the table in front of him, I never took your money, you did, I didn’t, so the argument went on and on, after we finished the game. Evan still accusing Jock and Jock strongly denying it. Evan was really fired up now they started to fight. Evan finishing up the loser.
He then gets his rifle, threatens to shoot jock, our Corporal took the rifle from him. I’m glad. The Corporal had the Decency not too report this matter. Evan would have been in deep trouble. I’m pleased to say he calmed down, although he still believed Jock stole his two shilling piece.
Many years later back in Civvy Street. I met up with Tom Young from York. One of the card players. He said do you remember Jock and Evan and the two shilling piece. I certainly do I said, he then said it was I who took the two shilling piece. I hope he felt sorry cause so much trouble.
Jock was a likeable rogue, who had a drink problem, he used to go A.W.L.For a few days and always came back to camp. He was never charged; our Sergeant Major knew about Jock and took a lenient view.
I was on guard duty on this cold dark winter’s night. Sitting in the Sentry Box at the main gate. I felt lonely and a bit stiff with the cold. I thought another hour or so my stint would be over. Two hours on Four hours off, through out the night, I lit a fag, walking up and down stamping my feet, trying to generate a little heat into my body; I wondered what we would have for supper in the guard room.
When my two hours was over we had Cocoa to drink which I didn’t like for too strong and not sweet enough. However it will be hot. Helping me to thaw out a little. The second course I’m hoping will be one of my favourites. Corned beef fried in crispy batter. Nice and hot. I thought another half hour I would be revived. It was very cold now and pitches black. The moon breaking through cloud, casting a faint eerie glow.
I am due two weeks leave shortly. Back home for a well earned rest. Looking forward to seeing my family. And some of my pals maybe meet up with big Ada. Which would be nice,
Suddenly I heard a faint sound like a distant thunder, coming from the direction of the Bristol Channel. I looked along the road and could see nothing. The noise louder now, my heart started pounding like a steam engine leaving a station. Only much louder, I knew now it was not thunder but the sound of Running feet. Racing along the road towards me and getting very close. This was it. The invasion had started. I was certain a troop of German Soldiers were rushing towards me from the Bristol Channel. Safety catch off my rifle. At least I would die a Hero.The deafening sound of running feet so near. I’m trying to master my fear, but shaking like a leaf peering into the darkness, I see something taking shape, dark against dark, and they came thundering past our gate at a break neck speed. Making for the village, looking back on my Army Career, I had so many scary moments. This one being the scariest of them all.
I often wonder what happened to that herd of cattle, which gave me such a fight. Thank god they were not German Soldiers.
