LIFE IN THE BRITISH ARMY
BETWEEN 1946-1949
By BILL HAWKSFORD
CHAPTER 22
THE FINALE
After
two and a half years of involuntary servitude in the British army Billy
was finally on the last leg of his journey home. He had spent a couple of
weeks in a transit camp in Port Suez living on chocolate bars, because the
food was atrocious and couldn’t wait to enjoy a decent meal and see his
family after being away for a year.
At
only 6,000 tons the troopship was quite small and was packed to capacity
with young soldiers who had completed their National Service. There was an
infectious excitement amongst the troops as the little ship made its way
through the Suez canal to Port Said and into the Mediterranean heading for
Blighty.
The
sweet pungent aroma of Port Said was not apparent until their arrival, so
the prevailing wind must have been in their favor. After docking at Port
Said, the ship was surrounded by the usual bumboats bobbing about in the
water, with the vendors hoping to sell their goods to the occupants of the
ship. Purchasing items from the bumboats was accomplished by a system of
ropes over the side of the ship, which added to the allure. Billy
considered exchanging his watch one more time, but decided to stop while
he was ahead. It was the last chance to participate in this exciting
ancient barter system, but he successfully fought off the temptation.
On
the second day of the voyage there was a gigantic storm the likes of which
had not been seen in the Mediterranean for many years. As the raging sea
increased the small ship bobbed about in the water like a cork in a
bathtub. Practically everyone aboard was sick on the first day, but Billy
held out, eating plenty of good food, which was not only a novelty, but
also recommended for combating seasickness. Finally when he was washing
his mess tins at the hot water tanks, the sight in front of him was too
much and he capitulated. Losing all control he almost fell down on the
water soaked deck and could easily have disappeared through one of the
openings in the side of the ship to swim with the fishes, had it not been
for the intervention of a giant lad standing behind him. His savior
grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and held him up on his feet, while
he did what he had to do.
Naturally
Billy was very grateful and became friendly with this young man who was at
least 6 feet 4 inches tall, with shoulders as wide as the proverbial barn
door. It turned out that they had something in common; because the big
fella had just been released from a detention barracks in Egypt. As the
storm continued, everyone wanted to get into the center of the ship on the
top deck, because the movement there was less unsettling. Competition for
these positions was very contentious, but as they say, ‘the 500 pound
gorilla can sit anywhere he wants’ and the big fella always took him
with him. They would while away their time playing cards and chewing the
fat in the best seats of the house, which was the center of the port side
top deck overlooking the ocean.
The
physical attributes of his new found friend was of particular value
getting into the picture palace on the ship, because there were always
more than three times as many soldiers waiting to get in, than the small
room could accommodate.
Every
day a large group would gather outside the cinema at least an hour before
it was due to commence and at five minutes to opening time the big fella
and his friend would leave the comfort of their cozy quarters and make
their way to the movies. As the door opened and everyone fought to get in,
the big fella would push his way through the crowd, dragging his friend
behind him by the scruff of the neck, like parting the Red Sea. It was an
exceptionally effective unconventional entrance and no one ever voiced an
objection, because the outcome of a rumble with the big fella was a
foregone conclusion.
The
damaged pier at Malta was a reminder of the storm as they approached
Valletta harbor, where the small ship dropped anchor for a few hours to
take on supplies. The high scenic cliffs of the harbor were the background
for one of the most thrilling sights Billy had ever witnessed. From the
top deck of the small troop ship, he stood in awe of the large magnificent
British Aircraft carrier slowly making its way into the calm protected
water. The gigantic warship was so close that everything was visible
through the openings of the lower decks, where aircraft with their folded
wings sat in waiting. Royal Marines stood to attention on the upper deck
in their splendid blue and red tunics with white webbing and helmets,
presenting arms as the brass band played Land of Hope and Glory. It was
truly a magnificent sight, which cannot adequately be described in words
and produced an emotional response from all the onlookers. Billy was
almost inspired to reenlist – Almost! Next stop Liverpool and the train
to London!
The
excitement was at fever pitch as the soldiers disembarked at Liverpool and
waited in a single line to go through the customs. Billy quickly observed
that he was the only one carrying two kitbags and felt uncomfortable,
because one of them was filled with the Nuffield cigarettes, compliments
of his friend the storekeeper. Billy’s anxiety increased as he
approached the front of the line and noticed MPs standing with the customs
inspectors. Low and behold his guardian angel appeared again in the form
of the big fella, who was standing behind him without any luggage and was
astute enough to size up the situation. Without saying a word the big
fella grabbed one of the kitbags, placed it on his shoulder and in keeping
with his normal aplomb, walked right to the front of the line passing the
customs as though he had a special right of way.
The
big fella then returned the kitbag and ran excitedly with all the other
soldiers to the waiting train – Billy never saw him again and often
wondered how his modus operandi fared in civilian life. He was a friend in
need and a friend indeed - Ships passing in the night!
As
the troop train chugged it’s way south, everyone in the carriage wanted
to sit by a window and enjoy the view of the deep green rolling
countryside, which they so obviously loved and didn’t realize until then
how meaningful it was - A reunion, with ties so strong that dialogue was
unnecessary. The contrast with the barren desert they left behind was a
sharp reminder of their wonderful heritage and enveloped them in pride.
At
London the men were taken to a place where they disposed of all their
unnecessary equipment – It was like a side show at the fair, with the
enthusiastic soldiers pitching water bottles in one large container,
webbing here, mess tins there and overcoats in a big heap. They were only
left with what they were standing in, which was their uniform, beret and
of course their well maintained footwear.
Everyone
was provided with a civilian suit including a shirt and tie, which were
packed neatly in a little cardboard box with a carrying handle. The latest
style in trilby hats was also dispensed to the would-be debonair. This
outfit looking like it came right out of the front window from Burtons
Clothing store was suitable attire for the billiard hall upstairs.
Last
but not least they received the money they were due, a train ticket and
ushered out the door without even a medal for surviving all that army
grub! To Billy’s delight the whole demobilization process was over in
less than half an hour and to all intents and purposes he was free.
The
only remaining task, which was really a pleasure, was the satisfaction of
burning his uniform at the bottom of the garden the following morning,
while his bemused father, the ex-RSM looked on in silence. Billy has since
regretted not saving the hat badge and his arm insignia and replacements
would not be the same.
In
the twilight we are left with our thoughts and the realisation that the
only things we regret are the things we didn’t do.
Copyright:
Bill Hawksford.
bhawksf@optonline.net
Ah, make
the most of what we yet may spend,
Before we too into the Dust descend;
Dust into Dust, and under Dust to lie
Sans Wine, sans Song, sans Singer and sans End
Omar
Khayyam
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