I’m a bit late reblogging this episode as I’ve been traveling and in the bush since 2 January. I can repost from Robbie’s Inspiration through Jetpack but this blog does not play the reposting game.

Thanks for sharing episode 12, Nolcha.

“The Soldier and the Radium Girl Part 1: The Bloom of Youth, Chapter 1: Enlist in haste, repent at leisure (cont. 12)” by Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Jake Tanner

9 November 1917

Jake’s platoon was assigned a day of hard labor.

“From now on, men, it’s going to be one day of military training and drilling and one day of hard labor,” Sarge announced that morning. “We’ve all got to do our bit to help get the training center built.”

The troops spent the day digging foundations for the numerous buildings that would comprise the training center. There would be barracks, administrative buildings, hospitals, and Y.M.C.A. facilities. Other infrastructure would also be needed, including roads and telephone wires.

“The training center must be built and up and running before the next lot of recruits start to arrive,” Sarge said during the evening meal.

“I’ll be glad to get back to military training tomorrow,” Beau complained. “It’s easy compared to building.”

“It sure is,” whined Mike, “just look at my hands.” The palms he held out were studded with blisters. “I’ve got handling those five-ton iron and steel beams to thank for these.”

“Mine are the same,” Jake said, “What about you, Joe?”

Joe’s calloused palms were unmarred by blisters.

Continue reading here: https://chewersmasticadores.wordpress.com/2026/01/02/the-soldier-and-the-radium-girl-part-1-the-bloom-of-youth-chapter-1-enlist-in-haste-repent-at-leisure-cont-11-by-roberta-eaton-cheadle/