Dispatched for Battle After Delay
In the small town of undisclosed location, Gerry and Colm, two young men fresh out of school, made an unexpected decision that would change their lives forever. Enlisting for the war, they were filled with a sense of patriotism and a desire to serve their country. Little did they know, they were about to embark on a journey that would test their courage, resilience, and the very essence of what it meant to be a soldier.
The commanding officer, recognising their youth and inexperience, prepared them for what lay ahead. He told them to expect persecution, execution, gunfire, bombs, and the stench of death. He emphasised the importance of understanding what a soldier is and having a sense of discipline and moral code. The young men were also informed that they would be taken to a ship the next morning and transported to the battlefields.
As they marched into a town, Gerry and Colm found themselves in control of a camp where the enemy had surrendered. The enemy, surrounded with no means of escape, were soon to surrender, ending the war. The two young soldiers returned home to a welcome parade and were greeted by their commanding officer, who expressed his pride in having soldiers like Gerry and Colm in the army.
Throughout their journey, Gerry and Colm defined a soldier as someone who is brave, strong, refuses to bow down, shows no fear, stands strong, carries the flag, and is proud to serve their country. They also expressed a desire to learn how to kill, fly planes, and be sharpshooters. They were told to stay alive and return home with memories of the battles they fought, and to keep their dignity and remember they are soldiers, even in the face of adversity.
However, the fun of enlisting was soon overshadowed by the reality of war. The two young soldiers, among more experienced soldiers, appeared somewhat out of place. They were told there would be times when others would surrender and fall down on their knees, and times when others would be knocked down or shot down. Despite the harsh realities, Gerry and Colm's story serves as a reminder of the human side of war, the motivations of young men who enlist, and the transformative effect war can have on individuals.
"During their time in the army, Gerry and Colm often discussed the different aspects of life they encountered, including news about war-and-conflicts and politics, which were regularly featured in general-news reports. Amidst the chaos, they found solace in other forms of entertainment, such as sports coverage, which provided a momentary escape from the harsh realities of their situation."
"Upon returning home as decorated soldiers, news of their bravery and resilience spread rapidly. The local paper ran a series of articles about their experiences, focusing on their determination in the face of adversity, their desire to serve their country, and the transformative effect the war had on them as individuals, echoing the spirit of sportsmanship they had learned during their military service."
