In any ordinary life (In any oridnary Book 1) (32 page)

“We can’t think like that Jeanie’s strong. Jeanie’s stronger than all of us put together and like you said before if anything had happened we would be the first to know Mum I promise.”

   Holding her close Ivy looked at the trees outside the window, the violence of the wind lay heavy on Ivy’s heart. Knowing she had to be the strong one was always a difficult role to play.

John said she was fine so it must be true. He would lie after all this
.

Stepping into Jeanie’s spot she felt the burden, the burden of what her sister had carried for so many years and as she wiped Irene’s tears away she realised how selfish and cruel she had been.

“Come on Mum stiff upper lip. I think its time for a cuppa…”

“Ivy Thank you.” Ivy smiled back puzzled to her mum’s response.

“What for?”

“You’ve been through a lot as well and I don’t think I have given you enough praise….so thank you.”

Ivy just hoped John knew what he was doing not just for her sake but for his as well.

Chapter 31

John looked at his reflection in the broken mirror and as he washed away what little suds he had and replaced them with razor burn he knew the decision to shave had been a bad one.

   Knowing he was addressing the troops he felt as if he needed to make an effort or at least look like it was important enough to. Reading through the telegram again he couldn’t believe that part of the nightmare he’d been facing for the last six years was coming to an end.

“Gather what troops are left in camp get some water stations set up.” John replaced his cap and trying to smooth down the now red marks under his collar; he couldn’t help but think of Jeanie.

   Standing on the embankment John took the telegram from his top pocket marking the momentous occasion.

“I have received a telegram today of great significance. The war in Europe is over.” A small cheer erupted from the few that had gathered but in no way did it signify the event with the celebration it deserved.

“Ok settle down we know we still have some way to go here so as much as it is good news we need to keep focused and continue to push forward so this war can end for all of us. Please resume duties.”

    With that John undid his tie and loosened the top buttons of his shirt, it was short, sweet and at least it marked the occasion, however thoughts of Jeanie and finding her seemed to have more of significance.

   Unaware of John’s presence Jeanie had packed up her things and waited patiently in line for a new pair of boots, dragging her heals the thought of not knowing where she was going next exhausted her.

  “Jack I remember you...your Jack.” Jeanie vaguely remembered the voice and hardly lifted her head to acknowledge that someone had spoke. “The last time I saw you…yeah the last time I saw you where kicking someone’s head in at the barracks.” Knowing the conversation wasn’t going to end Jeanie looked around to see who was talking,

“I remember you don’t tell me….Eric bed at the side leant me shoe polish...” Eric nodded and shook her hand; juggling equipment on his back Jeanie walked his way happy to see a friendly face.

“Sorry bout before been a long few months just not what I expected…” Not being able to find James in the chaos made Jeanie feel like her mission had failed.

“So where bout’s are you heading?” Eric was upbeat and Jeanie couldn’t understand his happiness or his enthusiasm.

“I’ve got a few men which I have to meet at the far station. Be given orders at that point mind you I’ve heard rumours this war’s winding down so hopefully it might end soon.” Jeanie paused wanting to scream out. Eric waited for her as his blank expression said it all.

“I know what you mean. I’m heading over there now apparently we have a new Sarge let’s hope he’s not a bastard like the others!”

   Gossip had already started about the end of the conflict in Europe, and how it must signify an end for them. If the conflicts had finished the next phase would be the liberation of the POW’s and for Jeanie that meant there was still hope that James was alive. She had seen the conditions of POW and dreaded the thought of anyone putting up with the cruelty and brutality that had been dished out over this god awful conflict. The stories needless executions, dysentery and starvation made her anxiety heighten and whilst Jeanie hung onto hope she new it was the dangerous option.  

   “Sergeant are you with us today,” Jeanie hung her head knowing the blank vacant stare would have to be eradicated.

“Apologies Sir.”

“Ummm if I’m to believe your recommendations a blank look when I’m giving you orders isn’t going to bode well with me. At ease soldier.

There are six of you altogether I will give you the names in a moment.”

“Thank you Sir.”

“There are several yank warehouse stations to the north and we need to start moving what we can. So come here…” Jeanie wandered over to the desk looking at the map placed in front of her; still self conscious of the previous look Jeanie dipped her head.

“There are a number of stranded vehicles which are going to be essential to get this stuff moved. So when you arrive you will need to report into Sergeant Kowalski understand.”

“Yes Sir.” As Jeanie was dismissed her heart sank knowing the war for her wasn’t over yet and the thought of stranded possibly burnt out vehicles to get back on the road made the fight for James more distant.  

   Gathering the group Jeanie briefed out what was needed and double checking the munitions Jeanie placed another hand gun into her inside pocket just for good measure. The journey may have sounded simple but knowing the endeavours she had just faced made it all the more reason to be prepared. 

   Setting off Jeanie looked back at the sanctity of the camp, she longed to be home and to be with her family. Her feelings by no means any different than any other soldier she had met. The experience of war had changed her and the near death experience had become the crutch she leant on to keep her alive. Like before war had made her strong enough to fight and her will great enough to survive.

   Eric started to whistle as the lads trundled down the road.

“Come on Sarge you know this one.” Jeanie smiled as he confidently broke out into song and as the moral lifted if nothing else it took their minds off death.

   As night fell John entered the camp head quarters,

“At ease men as you were. We don’t have as many men as I expected. I know we have had some casualties in these regions but I’ve just been made aware that group of men have been sent to recovery some of carriers…..how many in total again was it?” The group in front of him hurriedly looked through the remnants of paperwork scattered behind them.

“Six altogether sir and I believe the have gone to meet the yanks.”

“What do you mean the Yanks? They where supposed to be heading up towards Rangoon?” The blank look on all of the faces made it easy for John to understand.

“There was a Private Jack Rutherford in that group….” Confused as to why John asked he handed the sheet over.

“You mean Sergeant Jack Rutherford Sir they moved out earlier this morning meeting an American Staff Sergeant Kowalski.”

“Read out the names of who is with him…” Again confused as to why John would be interested he read them out.

“Fred Armstrong, Bill Kidderminster, Arthur Roberts, Joe Andrews, and Jack Rutherford…” John counted under his breath hoping not to hear a familiar name.

“That’s only five you said there where six?” Hearing the aggravation in John’s voice he desperately looked for the missing name.

“Sorry Sir bottom of the last sheet, Eric Cowley.” John screwed up the piece of paper in his hand.

“Cowley you said!” looking frantically at the sheet he repeated the name again. “Yes Sir….Eric Cowley.”

Throwing the piece of paper on the floor John clenched his fists.

“I need more details……find out where they are going exactly where they are going and let me know right away.”

“Sir these orders came in from General Peterson.”

“I know where they cam from I just need the details of exactly which ridge they are going to.”

   Walking away he couldn’t believe that she’d been in camp and he didn’t notice. He could have been with her saved her and as John paced unrequitedly in camp Jeanie started to set up perimeters for the night.

  Taking the first watch she took out her journal:

“I’m back to sleepless nights again, I don’t think I can take anymore rain everything is drenched and it makes it more difficult for me to keep up my spirits in the rain.

   The new lads seem ok, everyone’s a bit quiet but I’m sure we will get to know each other before the days out. Every time I think I may be closer to finding you they send me in another direction, this time its more carriers.

   I’ve lived in shit so long maybe it suits me. I met an old friend today, we where in basic training together. I don’t look like a sergeant I look like a scared young kid in charge of men who have been here years.

We have passed so much death on the way that it is just normality now every path you take is little with the stinking stench of death. Its make you want to vomit but instead you just step over them and carry on. If push comes to shove and its either me or them my gun is always poised. What does that now say about me?

   People have been talking about the POW camps and I just can’t stand the thought of you being persecuted. Maybe you’re not being persecuted, maybe you’ve developed the taste of death and killing has become second nature. I don’t know why but it doesn’t even seem senseless anymore. It feels like a means to an end just another job.

   Its pitch black, I like to say it was peaceful but the rain just keeps falling. I feel I’m truly on my own and for the first time in a while I’m not scared, just homesick. One day I will give you this journal, maybe our kids can read it about their mum’s adventures trying to find dad in the jungle. But I don’t think they would want to know how many people I’ve killed or what I have had to do to survive.

   Wherever you are I hope you’re thinking of me as I think of you, I miss you. Night Night may you be safe.”

Jeanie popped the pencil back into her jacket pocket and placed her hand over the top of the book. Her thoughts had become her conscience and her notebook her guide back home.

   The temporary shelter wasn’t pretty but at least it was keeping some of the rain away and as Jeanie stoked the fire and walked the perimeters; the rest of them had tried to settle as much as they could. Eric still jovial started to reminisce back to the barracks and Jeanie still confused could recollect that he talked a lot but he was never this optimistic.

“Sarge we can’t make out your accent where the fuck are you from?” Jeanie knelt beside the fire glad to be out of the rain.

“Originally Lancashire quite close to Chorley. We also did a stint in Manchester for a while and then when I was a teenager we moved further up to Cumbria so I suppose I’m a dolly mixture.” Joes still trying to figure his new leader out looked intently at Jeanie as she warned herself by the fire.

“Listen Sarge I mean don’t take this offensive but you look well different. You know what I mean…” Jeanie laughed, it was amusing to see so much attention about her looks and the fact that the same conversation had been regurgitated so many times prompted the story she had told over and over again.

“Sorry did I say something funny…”

“No nothing I haven’t heard a million times over since I joined up but I’m sure you lot will make me a man. Well you can try. Ask Eric what I did to the last one who called me a puff.”

“Jack put him in the infirmary apparently his nose has never been the same since!” Joe couldn’t help but laugh and as no story needed to be told he felt at ease.

“Told you! Anyone who looks like that my old sunshine has to have a decent personality.”

   Jeanie chuckled the reminiscence of the situation was uncanny; she had the same conversation with the American soldiers she had been stationed with. In fact the de ja vue was implicit that every moment after had been embedded into her memory.

   Jeanie watched the sun rise feeling something different hovering in the air. Te temper of the morning unnerved her and the aggression of the weather made her stomach turn. Doing the last checks, Jeanie looked at the violence of the sky, her gut feeling was never usually wrong and something really didn’t feel right. Holding back Jeanie looked cautiously around her, feeling a tap on her shoulder she jumped.

“Fuck sake Eric don’t do that” Eric still highly strung kept his hand on her shoulder. “Sorry Sarge just we’re off and I didn’t want you left too far behind.”

   The walk was arduous and Jeanie’s legs throbbed, the pains in her knees made the terrain feel worse and as she reached the top of the clearing Joe slumped over her shoulder.

“Joe this isn’t the time to dick about.” Sseeing the blood drain from his body she fell to floor with him covering her legs.

“Incoming…Incoming. FUCKING INCOMING! GET DOWN AND LOOK SHARP!!”

The brigade dropped to the undergrowth on her request, rolling Joe off her legs she picked up the map.

“Bill you need to radio in our position Arthur…Arthur that’s a sniper that was a precision shot scope around and look for anything suspicious Eric take the map we need to find which route to go.”

Jeanie tried to wipe the blood off her hands; the stains ran down her legs like small rivers and again she was covered in someone else’s blood

“Arthur 12 O’clock”

“He’s at the top of the tree.”

“Can you take the shot?” He didn’t respond and within seconds Jeanie was down to four men.

“Sarge there is a warehouse something at the bottom of the ridge if we can make it back round…FUCK!” Eric fell to his knees gripping his knee.

“Shit where are you?” Jeanie felt out of control and she needed to make a decision. “Pull back…Pull back now all of you” Fred and Bill straggled the undergrowth fighting for survival. The small task of getting vehicles back up and ready had just turned into a blood bath.

“Scrap the route over the clearing we are going to the back of this ridge. Eric said there is a road down the ridge we need to fix him up and make radio contact.” Bill and Fred took hold of Eric’s arm and started to run towards the ridge. As they reached the ridge negotiating down the road wasn’t going to be easy especially with Eric. Sliding down the rock face they hid behind a bolder at the bottom.