Boy's Own War. G. S. Willmott
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eldest boy was Henry 19 then came Sam 18, Norman 17, Emily 16, and Joan 15, twins Elizabeth and Margaret 14 and finally Harry 13.
Britain had declared war against the German and Austrian aggressors and everybody in the East End were speculating on what would happen next. Was it going to be a quick and nasty war or would it last until Christmas?
Young Harry worked with his older brothers on the docks, hard physical labour but with little education it was about the best they could do.
Their father William Jordan was a police officer. He hoped his sons would follow his vocation one day but at the moment there was very little recruitment going on. Victoria, their mother was an intelligent woman who encouraged all her children to read and learn about the world, a firm believer this would improve their lot in life despite any lack of formal education.
Saturday August 15th 1914
The Jordan family were sitting around the dining room table; traditionally the family ate their roast dinner on a Saturday night. After the dishes were cleared, washed, and dried by the children they were free to go off to the local dance or pool hall, depending on their preference.
This particular Saturday night the patriarch of the family made an announcement.
‘As you are all aware there’s a war going on and the Government has asked all able-bodied men to volunteer. After discussing the situation with your Mother I have decided that it is my duty to enlist. It is my intention to attend the army recruitment centre on Monday morning.’
‘Good on you Father I think it's very noble of you.’ Said Emily.
‘Thank you Emily.’
‘I was thinking seriously of enlisting too, now that you are going I’ve made my mind up’ said Henry.
‘Me too’ said Sam.
‘Well Norman and Harry you’ll be the men of the household. We expect you to take care of your Mother and sisters while we are away. Mind you, I don’t think it will be that long.’
Unbeknownst to his parents Norman had already enlisted, lying about his age. He was due to report to Wellington Barracks on Monday morning. He decided to keep quiet now and write his parents a letter to be read after he’d left the house.
Victoria was supportive of William going off to war but far less enthusiastic about seeing two of her sons follow him. She resolved herself to the fact and would pray daily they all returned without injury.
Harry went out into the small back yard behind the tool shed and lit up a cigarette he had pinched from his father’s pack. It didn’t seem fair that his older brothers were heading off to the ultimate adventure while he and Norman stayed at home with the girls.
Monday August 17th 1914
Victoria was in the kitchen making sure all her children were making their breakfast. The girls worked together in the sugar refinery and were due to start at 7.30am. Norm hadn’t yet shown his face so Emily was sent to the boy’s room to get him moving. Emily returned downstairs clutching Norm’s short note that explained he had joined the army and would write soon.
This was too much for Victoria. After the other children set off for work she sat down and sobbed, consumed by fear about her husband and three boys fighting in a horrible war. What if one of them was killed, or God forbid, all of them?
William was angry that Norm hadn’t consulted him about enlisting. However he understood Norm’s motivation to fight for King and country.
He gathered Henry and Sam and they made their way to the recruitment office. As they approached the building they saw a line of men waiting outside the door.
‘Looks like we’re in for a long wait lads. This war is more popular than I thought’.
After queuing for two hours the Jordan men entered the recruitment office, it was a hive of activity with blokes being examined by doctors and others being measured for uniforms. A tall burly sergeant approached William and asked his age. Without hesitation William lied, saying he was forty-two when actually he was forty-nine.
All three were processed and accepted; delighted they headed to the ‘Black Swan’ for celebratory ale.
‘Well Pa, we’re up to our necks now. I hope we made the right decision,’ said Henry sipping his pint.
It’s too late to start doubting now son, maybe you should have decided to stay home with your sisters.’
Don’t get me wrong Pa, I thought long and hard before I decided to enlist. It’s just a little daunting that’s all.’
‘I know how Henry feels Pa. It’s not that we regret signing up, it’s just the thought of killing another human being, Krauts or otherwise.’
‘Yeah and trying to avoid German bullets and shells’ said Henry.
‘I understand boys, war is no picnic and I’m sure we’ll all see and experience terrible things. Now we’ve enlisted we have to be positive and if you have any misgivings, don’t let them be known to anyone, keep them to yourself. Having been a police officer all these years has taught me never to divulge your true feelings to anybody. Others will see this as a weakness.’
The next two weeks were spent getting their affairs in order. As a police sergeant William was released by the force with the assurance he could have his old position back when the war was over.
Although the two boys worked consistently at the docks, they were casual labour so there were no guarantees about future jobs. Henry and Sam weren’t too worried as they hoped for better career options when they returned.
August 21st 1914
The Jordan family gathered around the long table for their last meal as a family for some time.
‘Well everybody, as you know Henry, Sam and I are leaving tomorrow morning to begin our training. I don’t know when we’ll all be at the same table again but I’m hopeful of Christmas dinner together. Young Norm has headed off before us. He’ll probably greet us when we get to France.
Harry, as the man of the house you must look after your sisters and Mother.’
‘I think it will more like us looking after Harry and trying to keep him out of mischief’ said Emily.
All the other girls giggled, agreeing with Emily.
‘Don’t you listen to them Harry I have total faith in you.’
‘Thanks Pa.’
‘Your Mother has cooked a magnificent bird so let’s all enjoy the meal. I’ve got a strong feeling it will be our last tasty dinner for quite a while, the army isn’t known for it’s food
‘Don’t be getting yourself shot over there Father, we simply couldn’t bear it’ said Elizabeth.
‘That’s right Father keep your head down. We need you back here when this horrid war is over’ agreed Margaret.
‘Don’t worry girls I’ve survived as a policeman all these years. A few Germans aren’t going to give me any trouble. We’ll be fine, won’t we lads?’
Henry nodded, ‘Of course we will Pa, we know how to take care of ourselves.’
The next day after a tearful farewell, the trio of Jordan men departed for Chelsea Barracks to undergo eight weeks of basic training.
The normal day’s regime began with Reveille at 5.30 a.m. This didn’t worry William and the boys, they were used to getting up at this hour. The first task of the day was to tidy up and clean the hut, once finished they could enjoy a cup of tea.
Next the focus was improving fitness among the new recruits with marching on the parade ground for an hour and a half. After breakfast