Jake Tanner
25 September 1917
The previous day, Jake’s platoon had boarded a train heading for an unknown US port. The first men of his battalion to be leaving for “somewhere over there.” Many were puffed up with pride and loud with raucous enthusiasm.
“Where we headed, Sarge?” Beau accosted him as he entered the carriage.
“I can’t tell you. Secrecy about troop movements must be maintained because of the threat of the Bosch submarines,” Sarge growled.
Scowling, Beau opened his mouth to argue with Sarge. He snapped it closed when Will laid a hand on his arm and shook his head in warning.
Sarge’s orders must be accepted without comment. It was not the place of the troops to question their superior officers or their orders.
Late in the afternoon, the train drew into the station in New York.
Continue reading here: https://chewersmasticadores.wordpress.com/2025/11/21/the-soldier-and-the-radium-girl-part-1-the-bloom-of-youth-chapter-1-enlist-in-haste-repent-at-leisure-cont-6-by-roberta-eaton-cheadle/
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Terrific installment, Robbie. I was hanging on every word. (Sorry they missed touring NYC, but of course that’s the least of problems in wartime. 😦 )
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Yes, that is right. War is a tough time. Thanks, Dave
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Another wonderful instalment Robbie.
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Thank you, Maggie
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My pleasure Robbie .
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🩵
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Heading over to read.
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Thank you, Merril
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Great chapter, Robbie!
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Thank you, Barbara
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Clicking over to read!
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Thanks, Liz
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You’re welcome, Robbie.
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💗
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It’s wonderful that your great story of men heading off to war is posted there, Roberta. Jake prayed he would return before too long, but they won’t come back till it’s over, over there.
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Agreed. I think the youngsters were sold a story that the end of the war would come quickly once the USA became involved. In fact, the English were sold the same story.
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It’s so atmospheric, Robbie. Hugs.
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Thanks, Teagan. I appreciate your reading this post.
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Interesting story!
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I so enjoyed this next chapter. The emotion of the soldiers as they passed the Statue of Liberty was powerful.
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