World War, 1914-1918 -- Campaigns -- Western Front; World War, 1914-1918 -- Personal narratives, Canadian
Finally we would stumble to the assembly post to receive a wigging
from the O.C. (officer commanding) of the company down. On our way
back Morgan would tell me that in all his life he had never known one
so blankety-blank a clumsy as I was, and I would consign him to
everlasting perdition, and the quarrel would wax hotter and hotter,
to the great amusement of the other boys, until we arrived at the
inevitable stage when the challenge to fight is given. Then the
sergeant would step in, and we would be obliged to satisfy ourselves
by mentally vowing to settle it once for all when we got back to
camp. However, the excitement and fatigue would soon cool our
tempers, and the usual sequel was for the two of us to be found
foraging in some mutual enemy's camp, or we would settle down,
cuddled in one another's arms, for a long refreshing sleep.
At the remount camp, situated about two miles from our own camp, were
a number of unbroken horses; these were used as remounts for
artillery, cavalry, transports, etc. Every day two or more companies
from the battalion were told off as "Remount fatigue" and had to
clean and groom the animals, and one day shortly after this, when it
was part of my duty to assist in taking a load of provisions for the
men who were looking after the horses, we came upon a wondrous
object, lying resplendent in all its native beauty, by the side of
the road. Hardly believing our eyes, we bore down upon the stranger.
It was real, and we rejoiced. Thirty-six gallons of good beer had
wandered away from a jolting wagon. After several vain efforts, in
which we nearly ruptured ourselves with straining, we finally
succeeded in hoisting it on our transport. It was necessary to
resort to "camouflage" to hide our treasure, but it was done. The
day passed slowly, as we curried and brushed that kicking, squealing
mass. We were tortured with fear lest any of the others should
discover our find. As expert thieves we respected others of the
craft, and in this case we feared them.
Night came, and to our relief, our cask had not been unearthed. That
night figures might have been discerned in the gloom, stealthily
making their way to a certain big marquee. Inside this marquee was
stacked bales of hay and other feed for the transport animals.
By the dim light of two stable lanterns we paid our respects to the
delightful stranger until we had exhausted its hospitality, and at
"Lights out" we tacked homewards, after an affectionate farewell to
one another.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account