End of the Line

Chapter 29. Enlistment.

Chapter Twenty-nine

Enlistment 

War was declared on September 10th. Stuck in dead end jobs, Jack and Bill needed no encouragement from their father to enlist. On the following day, they quit their jobs, joined hundreds of others at a local armoury, and signed up. Most of the volunteers were of British stock, first generation Canadians like themselves. There was little support for the War amongst the general Quebec population, so few of the conscripts were French. 

Time seemed to be of the essence. They, after a cursory medical, immediately left for two weeks of basic training, at the end of which they were assigned their posting. Both Bill and Jack, on their mother's insistence, had applied for the medical corp. Her argument was persuasive. "The Germans were civilised Europeans. There was no way they would shoot at soldiers bearing the red cross." Bill felt his chances were good because of his training at the hospital. Jack was not too sure. 

All candidates for the medical corp had to endure a strange but probably necessary orientation. They saw horrific films of the carnage inflicted by modern weaponry, went on a visit to a local abattoir, and watched operations at various hospitals. They were then asked if they still wished to join the corp. At this juncture, many changed their minds, but not Bill and Jack. They both enlisted in the 9th Field Ambulance, soon to depart for England.  

When leave was granted, the two brothers had not enjoyed female company for over two months. With only two weeks before departure, they determined to waste no time. Jack immediately headed to St. Henri, Bill to Pierce Street. 

On arrival at the apartment, Bill found things more chaotic than normal. An unexpected visitor had arrived, a uniformed visitor. It was June's brother Tommy. He, a single fellow, had been working in Buffalo, but on declaration of war, had immediately returned to Canada and enlisted. He was due to embark from Halifax on the 7th December. This was the same date as Bill and Jack. Remarkably, he had also joined the 9th Field Ambulance. 

Bill, frustrated, returned to his own apartment. As a consequence of the welcome home party, he had spent little time alone with June. Just a goodnight kiss and a promise to meet after work the next day. It didn't help to find Jack reclining on his bed grinning like a Cheshire cat. 

"What have you got to feel so smug about?" asked Bill. 

"It worked Bill. It worked." 

"What worked?" 

"The old deprived warrior routine. She bought it hook line and sinker." 

"The deprived warrior routine?" 

"You know. I'm a poor soldier going overseas, possibly never to return and never having really experienced the love of a good woman. Heloise bought it." 

"What do you mean?" 

"It was her suggestion. We hailed a cab and she directed it to a small hotel on Upper Lachine Road, where we rented a room, no questions asked. She went all the way Bill. I mean all the way." 

"Why didn't you stay the night?" 

"Oh she had to get home." 

"Are you going to see her again before we leave?" 

"I'm not so sure." 

"Why not?" 

"The priest will probably put the kibosh on it. She asked to be dropped off at her church on the way home. She confesses everything." 

The following day was cold and dreary with a hint of snow in the air. Bill shivered as he waited for June on the steps of the Ritz. His new uniform was obviously designed for warmer climes. June emerged, cocooned in a fake fur, and wearing calf length fur lined boots. 

"Where are we going love? Somewhere warm I hope," she said. 

"I thought we might go down to Ben's. Have a little deli and chat. There's a lot to discuss." 

"And what about afterwards. A movie perhaps?" 

"Perhaps." 

They sat opposite each other in a small corner booth. Their knees touching and holding hands across the table as they waited for their food. Bill lifted June's left hand and gently kissed her on the fingers. 

"June you know that we sail in less than two weeks." 

"I know you told me yesterday." 

"It could be for a long, long time, and I'm really worried that I might never come back." 

"Don't be such a pessimist. Of course you'll be back and it may be sooner than you think." 

"Will you still be here?" 

"Of course. Where would you expect me to go?" 

"That isn't what I meant. Would you still be here for me?" 

"Is that what you want?" 

Bill nodded. June leaned across the table took his head in her hands and unashamedly gave him a passionate kiss. 

"I'd wait for you forever," she said. 

Bill encouraged, forged ahead. "I was wondering if maybe..." He paused. "Well let me be blunt. I've reserved a room for us at a small hotel on Mountain. Would you spend the night there with me? Give us both something to remember in the months ahead." 

There was a hush. The colour disappeared from June's cheeks, her eyes filmed over. She shook her head and rose as if to go. Bill grabbed her by the wrists and willed her to remain seated. 

"I knew you would refuse. It's probably one of the reasons I love you so. If we were married would you go with me?" 

"Of course?" 

"Engaged?" 

June recognising his intention. Shook her head. 

"Well you leave me no choice young woman." 

Bill reached into his pocket and held up between his thumb and forefinger the small diamond solitaire that he had bought with his entire first pay. 

"This is not just so you can get in to my pants is it Bill Benson?" 

"What a romantic thing to say Miss Robinson. I love you I want to marry you." 

"But when?" 

"As soon as possible. Will you?" 

"Of course."

There were many such hastily arranged marriages. Since there was insufficient time to read the bans, Bill and June were married in a civil ceremony. June wore her best blue dress, a matching turban hat and carried a large bouquet of roses. Bill was in uniform. Jack stood as best man. There was no lavish reception. The wedding party merely returned to a buffet in the apartment on Pierce Street. Outside, waiting to shower them with confetti, were Bill's old friends. 

The honeymoon was short but passionate, three nights in a hotel on Mountain followed by a tearful farewell as Bill, Jack and Tommy boarded the train for Halifax.  

"Hopefully that's the last we'll see of him," said Granny Robinson to no one in particular.