1916

 Chapter 1

 The Somme

The train whistled and chugged out of the station. The two regiments got into the carriage and they were all in high spirits, drinking and laughing as the train pulled out of the station. David tried to get a cigarette off his friends but no one would give in.

‘Nah mate. This is my lot. Dunno when we’ll be getting supplies again on this trip.’

David leaned across at good looking fair haired lad on the other side of the carriage who was puffing away on a woodbine.
‘Spare a fag mate?’ Frank asked.

‘Yeah sure.’

He handed one across. ‘What’s your name?’

‘David.’

‘First time?’
‘Yeah. You?’

‘No. I’ve been to Dunkirk but I got a telegram. Had to go back.’ The train was picking up speed now and they talked away smoking drinking and the lad telling Frank all he knew about the action.

‘Don’t talk to him. He talks like one of them.’ David’s neighbour prodded him in the back.

‘Shurrup and go back to sleep,’ David retorted.

‘can sit here if you like,’ said the lad pointing to the empty seat next to him.

David moved over.

They spent the rest of the evening in each other’s company, laughing and telling jokes and drinking. The lad making smoke rings and telling David all he knew about the action. When they reached their destination the two regiments parted ways.

‘Here.’ The lad handed David a crumpled piece of paper. ‘You will write won’t you?’

Before he could answer the whistle blew and his companion had boarded the train.

‘Come on David. Get a move on!’ called the other soldiers.

He turned his back on the platform and joined his regiment. They were heading for The Somme. That was where the fighting was taking place. They arrived in the pouring rain. The trench was a swamp. Vermin and insects lived in every crevice. It was a God forsaken place.