The price of a mile (Second story in the world war series)

Chapter 16 - Operation Husky

During the few days Karl had for leave he and his family spent the majority of the time together out on walks, at a park or along the river. Then they found a breeder for Labradors and they choose a young chocolate labrador pup.

When it was time for Karl to leave 4 days later his family went to the train station with him to say their goodbyes and see him off. At Geletondorf station they said their goodbyes and with tears of sadness slowly brimming up she finally lets go. Understanding the call of duty that beckons to all soldiers, who must heed that call and go to fight for his or her country.

This time luckily for Karl he was able to sit where he wanted to which was in the middle class and not with the higher class snobs of the upper classes in the first train car. Soon after a four hour train ride down to the border near the German Alps they finally arrive at the next train station.

There Karl gets onto a military train that is heading down to Sicily with supplies and a fresh set of recruits. Walking around Karl quickly finds the Company Captain who's currently in charge of seeing the 80 men onto the train.

The Captain being polite about it, had asked Karl to go speak with the Major when Karl had asked where the train was going. The commanding officer with the status of Major is down a bit towards the rear cars overseeing supplies being loaded onto the cars. With a nod Karl takes a silent sigh before he steps forward approaching the slightly overwhelmed man.

"Tag, Major. I'm wondering if I could catch a ride with you and your boys here down to Sicily." Karl says stopping and standing at eased waiting for the Major to turn and face him.

Doing so the Major turns quickly his eyes in a fierce and deadly slant of annoyance that tells Karl exactly what he has thought. The poor bugger is overwhelmed with all the commotion here, can't keep up.

However seeing the gold and status of Colonel on Karls broad shoulders he immediately regrets the death glare he had given. So he salutes standing stiff and stark as a board heels together and still as a statue after lowering his hand, done with the salute.

"O-of course herr, you're more then welcomed to catch a ride with us down to Sicily, there's room in the front cars with the officers, if you'd like." The Major says nodding and Karl says his thanks to the man.

Karl nods and steps on back, once 15 minutes have passed and with everything in order. The last of the officers board the train and everyone finds a seat. Settling down in his own chair, Karl leans on back relaxing a bit, then the trains high shrill of a whistle makes all the officers within the car jump. It wasn't just Karl this time either that nearly jumped out of his socks ready to hit the deck for cover. They all jumped as if they knew the terrible sound of a bomb dropping.

'War Veterans like me, hell...' Karl says quietly to himself and the train lurches forward into the steady chugging motion and ambience. For the next 6 hours was spent on the train ride down to Sicily. Finally after a restless journey with small talk, the train finally reaches the destination down near Rome.

"Disembark!! Company formation!" The orders come harsh and quickly from squad officers relaying the Captains order. As Karl stands by quietly watching with the Major and quiet watch everyone form into rank. Then they're formed into a orderly marching line of 4 abreast and 20 men deep, as all 80 men stand to attention.

A Kübelwagon is pulled up for the Major, Captain, and Karl by one of the Lieutenants who gets out then joins the outside rank. The senior Lieutenant who's going to lead the marching line by the front, where he's quietly reading the map and directions. It's a 8 mile march through rolling hills and country roads to avoid traffic as no transport trucks are available for now. So there the soldiers march.