The Battle for Antwerp by Griff Hosker

Author:Griff Hosker
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: world war 2, dday, raid, commando, arnhem, bridge too far
Publisher: Griff Hosker

Part Three

Attack at Flushing

Chapter 11

It was a relatively short journey to Ostend but the roads were clogged with Canadian troops heading for the north. Even as we had left the canal we had seen more barges arriving. We went back via Ghent and it seemed to me as though it was totally back to normal. There were people going about their business and they had even repaired some of the buildings. I suppose the people of Belgium were resilient. They had only been born in 1815 and had had a turbulent time since then.

As we drove south I wondered who was in command of our battalion now. We had been away for a long time. Officers had been promoted. I was not even certain if Lord Lovat had returned after being wounded at the battle of Belleville. It would be hard for us to become part of a regular unit once more. We had enjoyed too much freedom and I knew that my men would resent the presence of others.

Ostend was heaving. Soldiers and tanks vied with the people returning to a recently liberated town. It took us forever to make our way through the port. The harassed Military Police were not in the best of moods. Had my men not had an officer in the cab then I do not think they would have helped us at all. Frayed nerves do not make for smooth journeys. Eventually we saw the crude wooden sign which told us that we were home. I did not recognise the sentry. As Gordy said later, ‘His uniform was too clean for him to be an old hand, sir!’

He snapped a smart salute. “Sir, Lieutenant Colonel Dawson said would you report to his office when you arrive.”

“And where would that be, Private?”

“Sorry sir, it is a large tent. Go down the main track and it is the first right.”

“And where are the tents for my men?”

He looked at me blankly, “The Colonel said for you to report to him, sir.”

Shaking my head I said, “Freddie, drive on.”

Gordy said in a derisory tone, “Wet behind the ears!”

When we pulled up outside the tent the sentry shouted something. Sergeant Major Dean strode out. He grinned at me, “Good to see you sir! Mrs. Dean sends her regards.”

“Good to see you too, Reg. Any idea where my lads are billeted?”

He nodded, “I’ll take you in and then show the lads their new home.” He gave a slight frown. “The new colonel is hot on smartness, sir.”

“My decent uniform is still in Rouen.”

“No sir, the from the camp the kit was sent here. Anyway, sir, too late now.” He lifted the flap and said, “Captain Harsker sir. Just arrived from his mission.”

“Send him in then, Sergeant Major Dean and have someone bring us a cup of tea eh?”

“Yes sir.” He gestured with his arm and held the flap open for me.

It was a simple tent although they had put in a plywood floor. There was a small desk to the side with a chair and then a larger one with three chairs before it.

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