Chapter Two
The following night Bert came round and we discussed what they had found out that day George said. “We didn't find much out nobody seems to be taking it seriously yet. Apart from a few groups of people outside the Town Hall breaking into bursts of Rule Britannia and God Save the King at the drop of a hat it was pretty quite.” Bert joined in. “Yes I couldn’t work out what was happening I don't know but I expected more nothing much has changed still the same old Blackthorn.” Bert looked really down in the mouth. I knew how he felt all day at work Id been praying for the end of shift then I could come home and get the news off these two. The excitement I felt the day dreams Id been having there was I a soldier wearing my uniform and I could think of no one who would wear it with more pride than me. Different scenarios filled my head I was charging the enemy and killing hundreds of them I could see my friends getting killed and wounded but never me. A General was pinning medals on my chest while people looked on in awe of me all these and many more daydreams filled my head yet here I was now hearing nothing had happened. I said to them. “There must be something going on just look what happened in London the crowds gathering outside Buckingham Palace shouting for the King the same crowds cheering when they knew it was war yet up here nothing is happening I bet down there the people are flocking to join up.” George told me. “Calm down Billy Boy we all feel the same but something will start happening up here you’ll see meanwhile me and Bert will keep our ears and eyes open and let you know what's happening down in the town.” We said our goodnights to Bert and went to bed praying for something to happen on the morning. Over the next few weeks nothing at all seemed to happen in Blackthorn but on the streets and in the homes and workplaces across the country people were talking about the stories in the newspapers. These stories told of young Belgium and French soldiers fighting and dying on the roads and in the towns and villages of Belgium. Then there was the killing of babies and the violation of any female who resisted the Hun, also the wholesale looting of anything that was not nailed down. They also carried news that the first contingents of the British Expeditionary Force had landed in France and that more were on there way every day and that they would soon be on the way to show the Germans what was what.
But in Blackthorn at most you saw the odd Territorial soldier or maybe two wearing khaki uniforms that didn't seem to fit too well you'd see them in the pubs with their relatives and friends having a drink before they caught their trains to go and join there units. And you'd see people who used to laugh at them and call them for being in the terriers these same people were now wishing them well and telling them to kill as many ‘Huns’ as possible and offering to buy them drinks. But these men didn't need anymore drink because they had already had enough and they had to catch their trains. And as all soldiers already know in peace time nobody needs or wants a soldier but come a war and people can’t get enough of them. I got home from work and George and Bert were there. They were looking extremely pleased with themselves. George said excitedly. “Guess what we saw today?” I looked at him with pure boredom on my face saying. “I haven't a clue and if it’s not about us joining up I don't want to know.” Bert butted in telling me. “We only saw one of the first lots of soldiers to leave Blackthorn that's all.” Well this was really news I nearly deafened them in my enthusiasm to get them to tell me all about it as George took up the tale. “We heard all this noise outside the shop at about ten o clock and all of a sudden there were crowds out on the pavement. Well everybody left the shop and went outside everyone even old Earnshaw the manager and we were asking what's going on?” And this little chap said. “Just wait a minute and you will see.” He continued. “Just as me and Bert were going to go back in we heard the faint sound of music getting closer and it was a band drawing nearer and nearer and we could hear people cheering.” Bert butted in again. “Then we could see the army band and they had just started playing the British Grenadiers and behind them the soldiers were marching in columns down to the station. The crowd were cheering to the rafter’s children and some people were waving flags. As they passed people were pressing cigarettes and flowers to them and a bloke stood with a load of others outside the crown got carried away with patriotic zeal and gave one of the soldiers his pint, to which the soldier quickly sank it and gave back the empty glass to him which the bloke looked at in bemusement.”
George took up the tale again. “They looked damned uncomfortable in their new kit and they seemed to be laden down with their new equipment. They had on their ammunition pouches and these along with the stiff straps seemed to bunch up their khaki uniforms. I expected to see them wearing their red coats and smart hats with the brass and silver gleaming and all we got was this dull sombre khaki and hats that looked like a bus conductors with peaks on the front and these were stiff and new and were just perched on top of their heads.” George looked dismayed as he remembered this scene. Bert was saying. “It doesn't bother me what we look like as long as we get a chance to go and do our bit after all the way everybody is talking it looks like it will be all over by Christmas and if we don't get a move on were sure to miss out I think being in Berlin for Christmas might be very nice.” We again said our goodnights to Bert and went off to bed. Friday I was in work thinking that things were moving too slowly well too slowly for someone of my age that is. The regular army were not faring to well and the soldiers lying dead in the ditches and in the towns and villages were now British. The names of Môn’s and Le Cateaú were in the papers but despite these same papers saying the Germans were suffering terrible losses it seemed so were we some of the most noble families in Britain had lost their only sons and some others more than one. For this was the regular army fighting and some of the finest of our regiments had been cut to pieces, and now the term minor set-back and straightening out the line seemed a little false. I decided that what we needed was me and I would talk to George when I got home. I would tell him if this town was going to shirk its responsibilities then we would have to go and enlist in another town or even better a city.
That Friday night I walked up the path and opened the front door I was ready to tell George what I had decided to do. But just as I got through the front door before I could do anything I was jumped upon by two lunatics. Laughing and shouting and hugging me and slapping my back. I shouted at them. “Just a minute slow down and tell me what's happened.” Before I knew it we had ended up in the front parlour in such a rush my head was spinning as they composed themselves George said to me. “You know Kitchener has asked for a volunteer army?” I nodded my head I knew what he would say next and a clammy feeling came over me I was shaking with joy and had tears in my eyes as I thanked god for giving me what I had prayed for. I heard George say with concern in his voice. “Here sit down its fine he’s right now and no mistake just look at the grin on his chops.” And having said this Bert’s face split into a huge grin as well. After sitting down I felt alright again and so I said. “Listen I’m fine so come on tell me all about it because I never want this feeling to end.” George continued. “Well it’s like I said Kitchener wants a volunteer army and the Mayor Major Jack Harmon has just had his offer to raise a complete Battalion from the town accepted by the War Office.” George took out his cigarette case and offered them round. I felt like I was in seventh heaven all kinds of things were spinning through my mind it was better than holding hands with Helen Shaw or a penny lick on a hot day. George told me. “We bumped into Ted Hughes from the Argos on our way home they had just got the news and he was lugging a crate of ale back to the newspaper office to help celebrate. Here Bert nip out and get the latest edition of the Argos and lets see what's in it.” Bert nodded and left the parlour. It was then that I noticed that the rest of the lodgers were in the room and I could feel my face flushing with embarrassment at what they must have thought about our displays of joy and celebration. But as I looked some smiled and some looked pensive and Mrs Moffat had tears in her eyes but not just for us I think but more for Charlie and Jack her sons who were now fighting in Belgium.
Bert returned with the paper and we all gave a cheer when we saw the headline which said ‘Enlist in the Blackthorn Battalion’ and under this a by-line Maj. Jack says ‘Get Your Gun and Kill the Hun’ so we gave this another rousing cheer as well. George said to us. “Stand back wont you and give a fellow some room.” He was in danger of a serious injury to his back with everybody leaning on him to glimpse the paper so he said again. “For the love of god stand back and I will read the article to you.” Every body moved back at least an inch he took a minute and read it through to himself then he began reading it to us. “Right this is the bit we want they will be enlisting the battalion at the Town Hall on Monday and it will be made up of selected volunteers only. I told them “We must get down there early otherwise we may get left out beat to it by some other lucky so and so.” George looked at me with all the disdain of a one eyed Tom cat as he said. “If I may continue without being interrupted it says that there will be fifteen hundred forms of declaration for signing up to the new battalion at the Town Hall so young Billy Boy is right we had better get there early. The three of us looked from one to the other and we must have all been thinking the same thing that there was no way we were going to be numbers fifteen hundred one two and three and that we would be part of the battalion no matter what. The rest of the lodgers wished us good luck the women kissing our cheeks which George enjoyed immensely and the men shaking hands. Mr Domby looked at me with sadness in his eyes and said. “Remember what I said young Billy Boy be careful what you wish for.” He then shook my hand as I replied. “I will Mr Domby don't you worry and thank you.” He smiled at me and left behind the other lodgers as he went out I looked at Bert and George and we smiled at one another. George handed his fags around as he said. “The Three Musketeers that's us lets just all have a final smoke and then it will be time for bed because I don't know about you but I’m done in.” We nodded agreement and then finished our smokes and Bert bade us goodnight and went home and me and George toddled off to bed and I don't know about him but for me my dream was of glory and a hero’s home coming.
It was hell over the weekend waiting for Monday to arrive it was like Christmas when you were a child it never seemed to get any closer. I think I got on everybody’s nerves moping around with my long face but George knew what I was going through and was the same way himself even if he didn't show it as much as me. But at last just like Christmas Monday morning arrived. I was up and out of bed with the larks I had a wash and shave and was whistling a tune as I did so, I gave George a shake on the way past but he was already awake. He said. “Good morning Billy Boy how did you sleep?” I replied. “I was so excited that I couldn’t get to sleep properly I just tossed and turned all night.” He swung his legs out of bed saying. “I know I was listening to you all night as it happens.” He yawned and stretched as I told him. “I am very sorry if I disturbed you.” He smiled and said. “Don't be I probably would have been awake anyway because I’m just as excited as you.” He stood up stretching again and then he let out a large yawn. I had dressed carefully in my Sunday best and now I grabbed my best flat cap and shoved it in my jacket pocket saying. “Right Ill nip down stairs and start on our breakfast it could be a long day and we will need something inside us so don't be too long about coming down.” George was examining his tongue in the mirror he rolled it back in his mouth and proceeded to make sounds like a hippo smacking its chops together at the thought of a nice fruit salad and on this parting salute I went downstairs. I was making my way towards the kitchen when I met Rosie Mrs Moffats niece who with Beth helped Mrs Moffat run the place. She said. “Hey up Billy Boy thought I heard you crashing around.” Rosie was fourteen but thought she was a lot older and I glared at her as I replied. “I was not crashing around as you put it and anyway what are you doing down here at this time?” She had this cheeky grin on her face as she told me. “I’ve come to give my hero his last breakfast and to see him off to the fighting.” She sighed and then struck a dramatic pose with the back of her hand to her forehead no doubt she had seen some girl in a moving picture do the same. I was not amused and was just going to give her the rough edge of my tongue when I heard Mrs Moffat coming along the passage shouting. “Come on Rosie my girl let’s get this breakfast out for our two adventurers.” She came into the kitchen wiping her hands on her apron as she said. “Morning Billy Boy I imagine you’re ready for a good breakfast aint you?” I looked at her and smiled then replied. “Ma you shouldn't have bothered at this time of the morning me and George could have got our own bite to eat.” Her hands went onto her hips and she told me. “Billy Lamb my name would be mud round here if people heard I hadn't made breakfast for the two of you what let you leave my boarding house not knowing Id sent you off with a good start to the day and you going to enlist down the Town Hall this morning, what would people think of me as a landlady?” I said to her. “It doesn’t matter what they think it’s what everybody here knows you’re the best landlady anybody could wish for and that's a fact.” I kissed her on top of the head as Rosie started giggling. Ma chastised her saying. “Come on my girl let’s get this breakfast started and quick about it there’s no time to dawdle.” Then she gave her quick clip to the backside on the way past. Then she turned on me and said. “As for you Billy Lamb go and tell that young Mr George Drew that his breakfast is nearly ready and we won’t be waiting for him if he doesn’t get a move on.” I could see a flush to her cheeks and tears in her eyes. So I said. “Straight away Ma I'll make sure he comes down don’t you worry.”
After a monumental breakfast of eggs, bacon, tea and bread and butter in amounts enough to feed an army after this we set off to meet Bert at the tram stop on Wellington Street. As we neared we could see quite a few blokes waiting for the tram to come and everybody seemed a little nervous. Bert made his way over and we shook hands as he said. “Well this is a turn up it looks like a lot more people had the idea of getting up early.” And he glanced round the people waiting as we followed suit we were just looking round when we heard. “Hey up lads!” Coming towards us was Charlie Slater. Charlie lived on Nelson Street the next street over from ours and was an apprentice at Briggs Engineering he was a small stocky chap with ginger hair a snub nose and blue eyes all in all a decent bloke. And on any other day we would have been pleased to see him but this was not an ordinary day and everybody was bridling like a pack of strays fighting over a pork chop. Charlie came up to us saying. “Off to join up then is that it I can’t say as I blame you after what I have been reading in the papers I thought to myself Charlie Slater’s the one you want for this shooting war I can tell you.” He threw the dog end of his cigarette on the floor and ground it under his foot. George looked at him with absolute boredom painted on his face as he said. “We thought we might go down and see what's happening just scan out the lay of the land so to speak.” Charlie wasn’t to be fooled though and with a malicious grin replied. “Aye happen so but there’s a few more doing the same by the look of it.” But before any of us could retaliate to what had just been said we heard the rattle and clank of the tram coming. We went and sat on top and Charlie joined us there was little said on the journey into town as the sound from these steel beasts makes it dammed nearly impossible to hear what people are talking about. However the tram did get more crowded until as we reached the town it was jammed full. We got off in town at the terminus and made our way to the Town Hall noticing that there was a steady stream of men heading the same way not wanting to be beaten by these we quickened our pace.
We were coming up to the corner of the ‘White Lion Hotel’ when Bert asked. “What's that noise I can’t quite make it out?” I replied. “No I know what you mean it’s hard to place it.” I cocked my head towards the sound we were still trying to identify it when we turned the corner and nearly ran into the back of some chaps standing there. George turned to these men in front of us and said. “Come on you lot let us past we have some serious business to attend to today.” He was answered by. “Push off or I'll give you what for this is the end of the queue and if you want to join it you’re behind us.” Gorge stated. “Queue what queue!” The man in front looked at George as though he had escaped from a lunatic asylum saying. “If you want to enlist in the new battalion this is the queue you daft bugger or else are you blind.” We stepped into the road and just gaped at the sight in front of us all the way to the Town Hall the queue stretched there must have been hundreds in it. My heart sank lower than my boots there were people in it from all walks of life. They were there in their Sunday best or in their office clothes others in their work gear dusty and worn, there were men in blazers and flannels, miners who must have just finished shift and who you couldn’t miss because of the blue scars from the coal dust on their faces. And the noise was astounding that is what we could hear from around the corner the noise of hundreds of people talking to each other or in groups or from group to group. Handing round cigarettes some confident some scared some just standing quietly with their thoughts and above all this a sense of anticipation. While the members of the local constabulary walked up and down the queue keeping order but having some light hearted banter with the crowd as well.
We stepped back onto the pavement and the man in front turned his head and looked at us again. I thought there might be trouble as the men on either side of him had turned their heads as well. George said. “Sorry about before we had no idea this many people were here we thought we had been clever coming here early but we should have known that everybody would think the same way.” He turned fully round the other two were looking forward again taking no particular interest any more. He said. “That's alright he said my name is Frank Lord and these are the twins my brothers Jimmy and Mickey. The two turned round and although not exactly identical they were still hard to tell apart George introduced us and we all shook hands. Frank was tall and broad as were Jimmy and Mickey you could see the resemblance in the three of them. Frank was older being twenty one while the twins were nineteen they all had the same dark curly hair and green eyes and all three of them said they worked in Grundy’s stone quarry on the outskirts of town. Frank motioned towards the queue with his hand saying. “Well it’s certainly a good turn out so far if this keeps up I can’t see it taking long to fill the quota.” I replied. “I hope there will be room for us I don't fancy going back to the foundry and by god we've a right to fight surely it’s not asking too much.” Frank looked at me and smiled as he said. “Bloody hell what have we here lads he’s a right blood thirsty piece of work and no mistake.” I looked back at him sheepishly as he continued. That’s all right lad don’t fret about me I reckon we all feel the same as you after all that's why we’re here isn’t it?” I smiled at him glad that other people felt like me and were as patriotic as the rest of us. It was turning into another glorious day the sun was beginning to get warm now and a lot of people with coats on were removing them draping them over their arms and rolling their shirt sleeves up and our group were no exception. Also the first of the day’s traffic was appearing there were coal wagons on their deliveries, milk carts going by buses with solid rubber tyres trundling past, a few motor cars belonging to the classier people. An iron monger’s cart went past its clattering pots and pans and other metal accoutrements playing a timpani of sound. A knife grinder rode along on his bike with the stone for sharpening at the front shouting to the crowd he'd sharpen any knives they had so they could kill the Huns quicker. And for a while he was doing a roaring trade before a copper moved him on an action which the crowd up there roundly booed and to which the knife grinder smiled and peddled on his way to a quieter spot.
Meanwhile outside the White Lion Hotel where our part of the crowd was situated a dray wagon full of beer barrels pulled up for a delivery to the hotel. It was drawn by a pair of magnificent Clydesdale horses they were black with white blazes down their foreheads and the horsy smell coming off these huge animals smelt comforting. A cheer went up from the crowd around us and some wag shouted. “Just drop one of those off here and we will make short work of it”, at this suggestion a cheer went up again among much laughter from the crowd. The draymen jumped down off the wagon then turned to the crowd and said. “Come on please gentlemen let the dog see the rabbit let’s get at the drop no doubt most of you will be wanting a pint of ale later and if we can’t do our job and deliver then there won’t be any ale.” However all this was to no avail as nobody wanted to move and maybe lose their place for the queue at the back of us now stretched as far back as ‘Martins Bank’. Two coppers came and moved people out of the way and the beer was finally delivered. The draymen climbed back up on their wagon and the driver shouted. “Good luck to you lads.” This got a responsive cheer from the crowd the driver then slapped the reins and the dray pulled away off to the next drop on its rounds the iron rims of its wheels sounding loud on the cobbles as it went. We had been waiting hours and although some people were still skylarking about there were more and more people getting a touch testy in the growing heat of the day as they waited. The queue now stretched from the town hall all the way down Market Street past shops and pubs to the ‘Open Market’ and the ‘Market Hall’ at the end. People had been joining the queue all morning and not just singly there were now four Brass Bands keeping the crowds entertained with there playing. These had come with ‘Trade Union’ contingents their banners carried high before them I read some of them there was, ‘The Mill Workers Union’, ‘The Engineers and Sheet Metal Workers Union’, ‘The Allied Trades Union’ and the ‘Mineworkers Union’. And every time a contingent turned up with its band leading the way a rousing cheer would go up from the crowd in recognition of these men.
I was just looking around me thinking what a site this was and that I wouldn't have missed it for the world when a ripple of noise came from the front and someone said. “There opening the doors in five minutes.” It came down the line and was passed on to those behind us and all the way on to the end of the queue. The sense of anticipation now was at breaking point and everybody was as keen as a ferret after a rabbit to get into the hall. I was praying for the five minutes to pass quickly and not keep us there on tenter hooks. Suddenly we heard a huge cheer from up front rippling down towards and then past us to be carried on by those behind. The doors had opened and the time had come! The queue started moving forward and a little chap further in front shouted. “Right lads they don't want anybody with false eyes, arms, or legs so you people need not apply so if your here lets be having you out and leave room for the likes of us fit blokes.” Some joker shouted back. “You'd better piss off home then because you've got ‘Boss Eyes’ and you sken like a barrel of whelks.” The little man was quite put out by this statement and said. “Come here and say that I'll show you boss eyed I'll give you such a clout that your eyes will still be rolling in their sockets tomorrow!” This interchange had everybody laughing and cheering around them. A policeman had been listening and came along saying. “Now now less of that save your ire for the Huns if you please.” This received another cheer from the crowd the fellow who had been called boss eyed was making his way towards the bloke who had shouted at him and he didn't look happy. The policeman moved into the crowd and put his hand on the little fellows shoulder as he told him. “I meant what I said move another inch that way and I will remove you to the back of the queue.” He let the man go and he shuffled back to his place chastened by the threat to remove him which might lead to him missing enlistment in the battalion. We had finally got here and it was our turn we had gone up the steps of the Town Hall that was flanked by policemen. We had walked across the magnificent entrance hall with its high cupola and we now entered through the huge doors of the main chamber inside long tables covered with blankets had been set up facing the doors; we were ushered towards the tables.
The table I stepped up to had a territorial captain and a clerk behind it to my surprise it was Mr Dawson from the foundry the Captain said. “Sit down and smoke if you wish.” I was sweating worse than being in the foundry and I felt like I was going to be sick. The last person Id expected to see was Mr Dawson he knew my real age and with one word could put a stop to my dreams of enlistment. The captain lit a cigarette saying. “Well young fellow you certainly look fit and you've got a fine frame just the type we are looking for to enlist today he smiled at me and said.
“Name?”
“Lamb.”
“Christian Name?”
“William.”
“Age?”
I looked over at Mr Dawson who was writing all this down but he didn't look up and in fact had shown no sign that he recognized who I was.
“Eighteen.”
“Religion?”
“Church of England.”
“Trade or Profession?”
“Labourer.”
He gave me the piece of paper saying. “Right then lad sign this form here and follow the rest out through the side door.” He shook my hand and I stood up still in a state of shock that I had made it through. I looked over at Mr Dawson again and this time he smiled at me. I had tears in my eyes and I was sure I would never be able to show the gratitude I owed him at this minute for allowing my dreams to come true. He must have sensed something of this because he said. “Through the side door and be quick about there’s lots more have to be seen today.” I turned and made my way through the side door where George and all the others Bert, Charlie and the Lord Brothers waited to congratulate me.
George said to me. “Well done Billy Boy.” Frank Lord looked at me with a grin on his face. “Bloody hell I thought you were going to faint when I looked over at you white as a sheet you were and your face looked a rite picture.” Frank had been at the table next to mine as I replied to him. “I nearly did faint old Dawson knows all about me I have known him since I started at the foundry.” Frank smiled saying. “I take it you are not of the proper age to enlist legally.” I told him. “No I’m only fifteen and old Dawson knew it but he didn't say anything to the officer.” George said. 'Well good old Mr Dawson we will thank him properly later and bye him a pint or two”, he was just about to add something else when we heard a uniformed Sergeant shouting. “Come on you lot stop flapping your gums and get in line and don’t take all day about it.” We lined up in the room as he told us. “Right you lot through the door on your left and across the yard, and into Queens Hall for your medicals let’s have no messing around from you get a move on now!”
We walked across the yard and Charlie said. “God I hope I haven't got flat feet or something.” We looked at him but before we got chance to answer a corporal ushered us through a side door and into the Queens Hall. As we entered there were Hessian covered booths set out all the way down one side of the hall. These were manned by civilian doctors and we formed in a line to move down each booth in turn. I followed Bert into the first booth after he had been seen and the doctor tapped then slapped my chest and back then he said. “Breath in, now out, and again.” I did as I was told as he listened to my chest as he finished he told me. “Move to the next booth.” In the next one along the doctor said. “Drop your trousers.” I looked at him shocked by what he had said until with some impatience he said it again. “What are you waiting for come on drop your trousers I haven't got all day?”Seeing as I had no option and not without a little trepidation I did as I was told. His hands went down my underpants which shocked me to the core then much to my amazement he cupped my balls and said. “Cough”, which I did then he said. “Cough again”, I did as he said as he finished saying. “OK pull your trousers up and go to the next booth.” I did so thinking this was a strange way to run an army as in the next booth the doctor said. “Bend down and touch your toes.” I did as asked and he told me. “Well done youngun there’s a few been through and I dare say more to come who can’t do that without bending at the knee right on you go.” I went to the next one in line the doctor examined my legs and feet asking. “Do your feet ever give you trouble at all?” I replied. “No never.” So he said. “Good then onward and upward” and he pointed me along the line. This went on till they had checked everything remaining heart, eyes, teeth, weight, ears and made sure as well as they could that our insides were working properly. When we were finished the ones who had passed the medical were directed to another room at the back of the hall. The ones who had failed were shown through the front doors. And I am glad to say that everybody from our little group got through. We were shown into a large room at the back of the hall and another sergeant handed bibles out to us saying. “Right those without a bible join someone with one come on three or four to a bible we haven’t got all day let’s get you sworn in.” The Lord Brothers shared a bible and the four of us shared one too as the Sergeant said. “Wait there a minute.” He disappeared into a small room on one side and reappeared a few minutes later with a major who looked at us and said. “Alright place your right hands on the bible good now repeat after me.”
'I swear .....'
'I swear .....'
'To serve His Majesty the King ....'
'To serve His Majesty the King ....'
‘His Heirs