Jake Tanner
21 November 1917
Once again, Jake’s platoon spent the day digging. Boredom, the physical effort, and the weather colluded, and the men were edgy and bad-tempered.
“The Tommies broke through the Hinderberg line at Cambrai yesterday,” said Big Mouth.
“I heard the Tommies used tanks for the assault. I’d love to see a tank,” said Joe, his eyes alight with enthusiasm.
“Yeah, I also read they used tanks.” Big Mouth stopped work and leaned on his spade. “The USA 11th, 12th, and 14th Engineer Regiments supported the British troops by doing railway construction work behind the trenches. Lucky bastards.”
Continue reading here: https://chewersmasticadores.wordpress.com/2026/01/09/the-soldier-and-the-radium-girl-part-1-the-bloom-of-youth-chapter-1-enlist-in-haste-repent-at-leisure-cont-13-by-roberta-eaton-cheadle/
roberta-writes.com 
I enjoyed reading that fascinating excerpt, Roberta.
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I’m glad to know that, Tim
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Beautifully done, Robbie. Hugs.
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Thank you, Teagan 🧡
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Your short story is brilliantly written. The tanks, and I wonder if he would be that excited if he were near the guns.
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I agree, Diana. A tank used against you in combat is different to a tanks as a piece of machinery on display.
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❤️
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Such an enjoyable read.
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Thank you, Violet
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That was excellent! Thanks Robbie!
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Excellent, Robbie. These soldiers need warm clothes and boots. Trench digging is getting thin.
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Yes, a horrible and back breaking job
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