Boy's Own War. G. S. Willmott

returning for more drills until 4.15 pm. The unlucky few might be detailed off for fatigues or work parties thereafter but otherwise recruits were off-duty although often required to spend time cleaning kit and shining boots.

      ‘Dad, when do you think we’ll be trained on the correct way to fire our rifles and other such things that might keep us alive when we get to the front?’

      ‘Don’t worry son, I reckon we’ve done enough marching. The time for some real training is very near.’

      ‘I bloody hope so this isn’t what I signed up for. And another thing, when do you reckon we’ll get our uniforms? I’m sick of wearing the same bloody clothes everyday.’

      ‘You’ve just got to be a little patient Henry it will happen.’

      Sure enough training soon switched to correct ways to move in the field, including night operations.

      Weapon handling skills covered the use of bayonet and hand grenades. Hours were spent practising marksmanship and the correct method to dig a trench; this training would prove very useful when they were at the front.

      From 2.30pm on the weekends the recruits played various recreational games including soccer and rugby.

      The two Jordan boys were sitting in the mess hut having just finished their dinner.

      ‘So, mate what do you think of army life so far?’

      ‘Well, now that we’re shooting rifles and such, not too bad.’

      ‘Do you miss Jane?’

      ‘What a stupid fucking question Sam Of course I miss her, I love her.’

      ‘Sorry mate, you’re right it was a stupid question. Do you reckon you’ll marry her when you get back?’

      ‘Yeah, I’ve got to get back first. Have you read the latest casualty figures? Bloody frightening.’

      ‘What about you? Last I heard you were taking out a beautiful redhead.’

      ‘I don’t know, I’ve got a feeling she won’t be around by the time we get back.’

      ‘Why not mate?’

      ‘Her name is Anna. You’re right she is beautiful and beautiful girls get taken if you leave them alone. She did say she’d wait for me so, you never know your luck.’

      October 16^th 1914

      At last the day came when William, Henry and Sam Jordan joined the rest of the recruits for the Passing Out Ceremony and graduation from basic training. The Jordan’s all became soldiers in the London Regiment 5^th London Brigade.

      Because William had been a sergeant in the Police Force the Commander of the barracks promoted him to sergeant.

      William endeavoured to find out which regiment his son Norm had been posted to but so far his enquiries had been unsuccessful.

      Five days leave was granted before they shipped to France. William and his two sons arrived at the family home resplendent in their khaki uniforms.

      Their days were spent with family, friends, and sweethearts.

      Sam, William, and Henry Jordan

      Henry and Sam made the most of their time with their respective girlfriends.

      Henry organised a romantic dinner at a little café in East London They both chose fish and chips with a side salad. Beer was their drink of choice.

      ‘Jane, when I return from the war would you consider marrying me?’

      ‘Henry I would be honoured to be your wife.’

      ‘Right, wonderful, excellent that’s settled then.’

      ‘There’s only one thing darling.’

      ‘Oh, and what’s that?’

      ‘You’ve got to come home alive.’

      ‘I’ll certainly do my best sweetheart.’

      Holding hands they left dinner, heads swimming with thoughts of their future lives together.

      Sam took Anna to the cinema where the main feature was The Italian directed by Reginald Barker

      Anna didn’t think much of the film but Sam quite enjoyed it.

      They had a coffee on the way home.

      ‘Anna do you think we have a future together?’

      ‘Well Sam it’s hard to say, what with you going off to war and all.’

      ‘Assuming I come back in one piece, would you marry me then?’

      ‘Sam darling, just come back and then we can talk about it.’

      Sam walked her home and kissed her farewell. He was not at all confident that he would ever see her again; Anna could well be married by the time he returned if he ever did return.

      William and Victoria lay in bed holding hands both aware they would not make love again for a very long time.

      ‘William, promise me you will come home safely. And make sure Henry and Sam are with you.’

      ‘Darling, I will come home unscathed and will take care of our boys. Chances are, by the time we get over there, the war will be over.’

      ‘I certainly hope so. Should I make you wait until your return to make love again?’

      ‘I have no control over how long this war will go on for my darling.’

      ‘That’s true, come here.’

      The next morning the two brothers said goodbye to their mother, sisters and little brother. William hugged his wife reiterating his promise to return as they departed to join their Battalion at barracks.

      October 18^th 1914

      The 5^th London Regiment marched to the dock at Southampton and boarded several troop ships bound for Marseilles.

      Conditions were hot and cramped and with many of the men suffering from seasickness it was often a fight to reach the hand railing.

      After what seemed an eternity the ships pulled into Marseilles the majority of the soldiers could not wait to feel the earth under their feet.

      Their journey continued by train up to Belgium and a city called Ypres. Most of the troops had never heard of Ypres, let alone pronounce it correctly.

      Again conditions were cramped on the train but at least they didn’t have rough seas to contend with.

      So far the Jordan men had been able to stick together and it was reassuring for Henry and Sam to have their father by their side.

      Two days before the 5^th London Regiment arrived fighting began. This became known as the First Battle of Ypres.

       Ypres October 29 ^th 1914

      The Cloth Hall and Cathedral

      Troops were assembled at the railway siding ready to march into Ypres. There seemed no visible fighting although they could hear artillery in the distance.

       1 ^st London Brigade Marching into Ypres

      The Prodigal Son Never Returns

      Chapter 8

      Norm Jordan arrived in Marseilles on October