Chapter Two: Louis LeBeau

May 18, 1940

Louis LeBeau snapped to attention, and gave off a crisp salute. His commanding officer, Lieutenant Rivière, returned it.

"Well done, Corporal," said Rivière. "You deserved this."

"Merci beaucoup, mon Lieutenant," said Louis.

They kissed on both cheeks, out of custom.

"Now," said Rivière. "I suggest you get moving. You do not want to give up any of your leave that you have."

"Of course not, mon Lieutenant," said Louis. "If that is all?"

"Oui," said Rivière. "It is. Enjoy the time with your family."

"I will," said Louis. "Au revoir, mon Lieutenant."

Louis quickly left Rivière's office. In the lobby, waiting for him, was son miuex ami (1), Jean Août. Jean got up, standing a full head taller than Louis. He approached Louis, looking expectantly at his collar.

"Well," asked Jean with anticipation.

Louis showed him the pins on his collar signifying that he was a corporal. They glinted in the sun coming through the window. There was an exclamation of surprise from Jean.

"Congratulations, Louis," he said, clapping him on the back. "I told you it was a promotion."

"Oui," replied Louis. "You did."

"Oh, you bâtard," said Jean. "You are too modest. I know you did not believe me." He threw an arm around Louis's shoulders and led him to the door. "Come, we should go celebrate with some wine. I am sure the men at the mess will not bother giving us some for your promotion."

"I wish I could, Jean," said Louis. "But remember, I can go on leave today."

They stepped outside.

"That is right," exclaimed Jean. "Non, I remember, and do no fret. Come, I will help you pack. You need to get home as quickly as possible, so that you can spend every minute with everyone back at home."

They hurried to their barracks. Louis and Jean shared a bunk. Louis laid out his little duffle bag that had been issued to him by the army, and started stuffing in his uniform and the civilian outfit he had with him. Jean tossed him certain items from his footlocker. Jean knew everything that he would want to bring. Their friendship dated back to as far as they could remember. Their parents were good friends, having also grown up in their little town outside Paris. They had just missed being on leave together. Most of the men had gone on leave last week, but Louis had been away. He had been an aide to a Capitaine when he went to Le Harve for military business. Now, Louis was on his way home for his three day leave. Actually, it did not begin officially until tomorrow, but Lieutenant Rivière was letting him off early since there was absolutely no reason for him to be there at the base.

When Louis was finished packing, he and Jean left the barracks. Outside, there was a private in a jeep, waiting nearby."

"I am supposed to bring you to the station," said the private.

Louis nodded, and turned to Jean. "Au revoir. Do not get into any mischief while I am away."

"What am I going to do in three days anyway," asked Jean playfully. "You stay out of trouble. And tell everyone I said 'Bonjour et Adieu'."

"I will, mon ami," promised Louis.

He got into the jeep, and the private drove off. It was about a twenty minute drive to the nearest town and train station. But it was scenic. Louis was enjoying his day. It was about two months since he had joined the armed forces. With his basic training completed, he had already been about, and when he returned he was given a promotion. Now, he was on his way home for the first time since he had left. He could not wait to be home with his family once again.

The private dropped him off at the station. He bought a ticket for the next train to Paris, and then sat down at a bench to wait for it. As he waited, he thought about the trouble that his country was in. Once again, there was a madman in the neighboring country, Germany, who thought he needed to rule the world. And once again, there were few who could dispute him by force.

Louis's father had served in the Great War, and had hardly mentioned anything of it, until the recent past years when the politics of Germany were becoming tense and dangerous. Then, when Austria and Czechoslovakia were annexed, and then Poland attacked, Louis began to fear more for his beloved France. Feeling the need to do something, he enlisted in March. It had been tough, because he had so much at home to live for, but he decided it was also worth enough to die for. It was the right thing to do. Of course, it had been easier with Jean with him the whole way.

Finally, the train arrived. Louis quickly got on, and handed the conductor his ticket. Then, he sought out an empty compartment. The train was almost, full; this was one of the last stops before Paris. He eventually found one, and slipped in. Right before the train lurched forward, another soldier stuck his head into the compartment.

"Mind if I sit in here," he asked Louis.

"Oh, non," said Louis. "You may."

"Merci," said the soldier. He stepped all the way in, revealing that he was a seaman. He was also carrying a little duffel bag. He sat opposite of Louis. For a moment, they sat in silence, as they train left the town.

"Where are you headed," asked the seaman.

"Paris," replied Louis. "Or right outside of Paris actually. I am on leave."

The seaman nodded. "I just got off leave. I am headed back to the coast: Le Harve to be exact. He sighed. "I think we're moving out soon after, to go to Norway."

"I just got back from Le Harve yesterday," said. "I went with mon Capitaine for official business. Not that they tell us what that business is."

The seaman chuckled. "Have you seen action yet?"

"Non," answered Louis. "But only the day after I return, we are to move out. We are going to the north."

The seaman winced. "Right where the fight is."

"Oui," said Louis. "Right where the fight it."

()()()()()()

The train ride lasted about an hour, and then they reach the bustling, beautiful city of Paris. The seaman and Louis got off together, and they parted with a friendly handshake in the station. They wished one another luck, and then parted ways. They were not the only soldiers in the station. Many were boarding, or getting off. There was some saying their good-byes to their families, their sweethearts, their parents. Others were rushing into the open arms of those they had not seen in some time. Louis felt the pang of homesickness, and was glad he would be returning, if only for a short time. After that, he knew that he would not see them for a long time, if ever again.

War…he was a Frenchman…he should be more concerned with love. But that was why he was fighting, was it not? He was fighting out of his love for his country, the freedoms it gave him, and then all of those who he loved. He was fighting so that his mother, father, and sisters may enjoy freedom, and so that all the little babes of the war would not grow up in tyranny. That was why he was fighting.

He would have remained in Paris for awhile, to stroll the city and enjoy it, but he was eager to get home. But first he went to make a quick visit to one of his favorite restaurants. It was not far from the train station, and he would be able to get a cab more easily from there as well. Walking through the streets like a regular Parisian, Louis came to a small, classy restaurant within minutes. It was called Ma Petite Cheri. Louis walked right in, disregarding the attendrez placé, s'il vous plaît (2) sign and made a beeline for the kitchen door. He did not even look at the customers, all fancily dressed. They were giving him odd looks as to why a random soldier with his duffle bag was slipping through the white-clothed tables. But he reached the kitchen doors and pushed through them, just in time to hear his Oncle Jacque, the head chef and owner, yelling at his assistant chefs to get the food out faster. Louis smiled. He knew there were no real troubles with this kitchen; his uncle was just always worried about his perfect dishes and his customers. There was no better man to run the restaurant.

Louis had grown up around the restaurant. When he was very young, he showed his like for helping his mother in the kitchen. He enjoyed the creation of his favorite dishes and then experimenting with his own ideas, or maybe his own touches to something. He had always enjoyed the excitement in his uncle's kitchen as well. Many times, he had worked here in the summers, watching the chefs at work and unable to wait until he could join them professionally. Already, his uncle had allowed him to make the simpler dishes for his customers. At home, he made all sorts of things for his family, of course, under the watchful eyes of his mother and grandmother.

As soon as Louis stepped in, he breathed in the heavenly aroma of the food being cooked. To him, this was his heaven. A waiter, who was bringing out a tray of food, spotted Louis first.

"Louis," he exclaimed. "Monsieur Jacque, your nephew is here!"

Jacque turned around, his anxious expression turning into one of pleasant surprise.

"Louis! My dear boy, look at you! A man serving our country! There is no greater honor!"

Louis smiled at the praiseful exclamations. He embraced his uncle. Jacque placed firm hands on Louis' shoulders and looked him up and down.

"Oui, and honor indeed," he finished.

"Almost as much honor as cooking for your country," said Louis.

Jacque laughed heartily. "Oui, you have a point. So, on your way home?"

"Oui," said Louis. "I am on a three day leave."

"That is good," said Jacque. He looked at his watch. "And you have come just in time for lunch! Please, you must stay."

"Oh, I wish I could Oncle," said Louis with honest disappointment. "But I cannot stay long. I was passing by, and since I had not seen you for so long, I came to say hello."

"And good-bye so quickly," said Jacque. "But no matter. I know you must be eager to see your family. It has been two months, non?"

"Oui," answered Louis. "But it feels longer."

"I am afraid to ask," said Jacque. "But are you moving out soon?"

Louis nodded solemnly. "Only the day after I get back. We are going to the north."

Jacque sighed. "You are a brave man, Louis. We shall be praying for you every minute. But no wonder you are eager to get back home. However, before you go, I must send you off well. Stay here. I will be back in just a moment."

He hastily walked off, and Louis watched him leave the kitchen. He came back only moments later with a bottle of wine. He held it out to Louis. The younger man took it, looking it over.

"But Oncle," exclaimed Louis. "This is one of your oldest wines. I cannot take this!"

"Non, I insist," said Jacque. "Bring it home and share it with your family. This is your father's favorite brand."

"Oui, I know," said Louis, with a playful smile. "That is why I am reluctant to take it home. If I do, he will be busy the whole three days I am there!"

Jacque laughed boisterously again. "Well then, let us have a taste right now."

"Oncle," pleaded Louis. "I must be going."

"Non, non," said Jacque. "Wait just a moment more. I told you I would send you off well, and I shall."

"This wine is enough," assured Louis.

But Jacque was ignoring him. He walked over to where the dishes were being dried and pulled out two wine glasses. He then took the wine bottle from Louis and handed it to one of the waiters.

"Open this Paschal," he said. Then, he took Louis by the arm and led him out of the kitchen. When they were out into the main room, he waved one hand in the air. "Please, my dear customers, may I have your attention!" Louis blushed deeply as everyone looked to him and Jacque. When they were silent, Jacque continued to address them. "This is my wonderful nephew, Louis LeBeau! He and I share a deep passion for cooking, and he is a fine chef. But he and I, like yourselves as well, have a passion for our beloved France!" Many heads nodded in agreement. "Obviously, you can see that he is in our armed forces. He made this choice to defend our country." Paschal, the waiter, came out with the wine. He poured some into Jacque and Louis' glasses. Jacque raised his glass into the air. "This is to my nephew, as he leaves to fight in the north, and also to every young man who has dedicated himself to serving and defending us." He looked at Louis lovingly. "May this be a swift battle, and may many of our sons return."

He raised his glass a bit higher, and everyone in the restaurant raised theirs as well, toasting Louis and all the soldiers of France.

"Merci," said Louis, looking at Jacque. "Dieu nous bénit tout." (3)

()()()()()()

"Here is fine," said Louis to the cab driver. The driver stopped where a dusty country road came off the main highway. Louis paid the driver and got out.

It was not a long walk to the little town of Estève. The little town was about ten miles outside Paris, and peacefully situated in fertile fields where generations of farmers had carefully tilled heir crop. Potatoes, wheat, barley, and corn were their most abundant crops, and they were sold right into Paris. Jacque bought directly from his brother, ensuring his family that there was no middle man to create unfair prices. Louis looked over the fields, where the crops were about halfway to their harvesting point. He had left when they were planting them, and actually missed the hard work. Of course, basic training had been hard enough, but the simple farming life was now calling back to him as he walked down the country lane.

Soon, the little town was in view, and Louis quickened his pace. The town was rather quiet, because it was Sunday afternoon. There were children playing in the streets. Older men were sitting out on their porches, talking. The women were inside, cooking their Sunday dinner. Others roamed the town, doing a little bit of business, or just taking a walk. Louis walked right in, and a few of the townspeople waved at him, welcoming him home. Everyone knew everyone, and everyone knew everyone's news and gossip. So, it was a town wide surprise that Louis was coming home for leave a day early.

Of course, the news traveled faster than Louis could walk. When he finally came to the little farmhouse which had housed twelve people at one time, his mother was already walking out of the kitchen straight for him, followed by five of his sisters, all younger. He was practically pushed inside by all of them. There, he found his grandmother and grandfather sitting in the den; his grandmother knitting and his grandfather reading the newspaper. They looked up when he came in and greeted him warmly, but definitely less enthusiastically than his sisters and mother. Then, the youngest of his sisters, Daphne, also his little pet, darted outside and sprinted to the barn. Louis looked out the window to see his father tending to a newborn calf. When Daphne reached him, she took him by the arm, and pulled him to the house. Louis stepped outside, sure that his sister did not explain to their father as to why he was urgently being called to the house. When his father saw Louis, he walked a little faster and embraced his son.

"Look at you," he said. "You look stronger already. Come, come. Mama, is dinner ready?"

"Papa," said Mama disapprovingly. "It has only just been lunch. You know this."

"Oui," said Papa. "But my son looks like he needs to eat. Come in, Louis. Have you not had your lunch?"

They stepped all the way into the kitchen, shutting the back door behind them.

"Non," said Louis. "I wanted to come home first."

"Tres bon," exclaimed Grande-mère. "A good son knows that the best food is at home."

"Well, I did stop at Oncle Jacque's," said Louis. "But only to visit. That reminds me, he sent me home with this." He pulled out the wine bottle from his duffel bag. "I shared a few sips with him, but he insisted that I bring the whole bottle home to share with all of you."

"Tres bon to that," said Grand-père. He pushed himself out of the chair and made his way into the kitchen.

"Papa," said Grande-mère. "You cannot drink too much of that."

"I was more concerned about my Papa," said Louis.

They laughed. Mama took the bottle and set it on the table. "Malorie, take your brother's bag upstairs into his room. Jacqueline, go get some glasses for all of us." Two of Louis's sisters quickly went to work.

"Even me," asked Daphne.

"Even you," said Mama. "But not too much." She went to the kitchen stove. "Louis, Papa have a seat. Daphne, how about you run down the road and tell Geneviève and Marguerite that Louis is home."

Daphne left the kitchen as Louis and Papa seated himself at the kitchen table. Grande-mère and Grand-père joined them. Mama continued to stir her pot and then went to chopping up some more ingredients.

Louis smiled; the sensation of being home, if only for a little while, was very comforting. His family was large, and it suited them all well. They were all very fond of one another. There were family quarrels, of course, but there were no bad rifts between anyone. Louis was the third eldest. He had two older sisters, Geneviève and Marguerite. Both were married and living out of the house. Geneviève lived in the town, because her husband was a carpenter. She had two young babes. Marguerite lived a half mile down the road from the LeBeau household, with her husband who was also a farmer. She had only one little girl. After Louis, there was Agathe, who was currently engaged. She was supposed to be married in two weeks, but there were thoughts of pushing it up, because he fiancé had also joined the military and would be on leave in a week. After that, no one knew where he would be going. The four youngest in the LeBeau household were Liliane, Jacqueline, Malorie, and Daphne.

With so many people, the farm was well-worked and there was always time to have some freedom in the afternoons and on the weekend. At least now for the younger ones. When Louis had been a boy, he had been working out there every day for long hours.

When Daphne came back, she found that the family had already poured the wine without her, but Mama's promise was not forgotten and she was allowed some wine. Daphne had also come back with her two older sisters, and their children. Mama then sent Malorie and Daphne out to tell Marguerite's and Geneviève's husbands that dinner would be at the LeBeau's that night. No one would dispute.

After the wine was put away, Louis helped with dinner, against Mama's wishes. He had changed into his civilian clothes, feeling even more comfortable. While dinner was prepared, the seating arrangements were done by the younger girls. They arranged some tables out in the yard in the shade of the trees. There would be too many people to eat inside. Dinner is an important affair in France, and nothing was to go amiss. When the two husbands arrived, they had brought their own parents, which only delighted Mama even more. The more mouths she was able to feed, the happier she was. Louis was glad as well, because having the whole family there before he was sent away was more than he could have asked for.

Well, finally dinner was ready. The food was set out onto the table, and everyone seated themselves. The grace was said by Grand-père, and then they dug in. Having lived off military food for two months, the delicious homemade meal was almost enough to make Louis desert; especially when they got to the dessert. There was nothing really fancy about the food, just your classic French dishes for a large, family meal. You could taste the freshness of everything, having come from the farm or the fields, or out of the market in town. Nothing was wasted, as everything poured more taste into the meal. It was Heaven on Earth.

Of course, during the meal, there was much visiting between everyone. They all wanted to talk to Louis. The few men got together afterwards and discussed the politics and where they thought they were all going to end up. More and more, news of the battles in the north were reaching them. Many people were still hopeful that the Nazis would be held back. No one could dream of being occupied again. But as more civilian refugees fled the battles, some were seeing it as a reality that that would be their fate again. This was nothing to march into battle on, so Louis often tried to keep out of conversations that gave off a too negative air. Seeing this, no one tried to talk about the nasty things going on in the world. They focused on just visiting with one another, and enjoying everyone's company. Louis was satisfied with just doing that.

That night, Louis had no trouble falling asleep, as the familiarity of home took over. It was very peaceful.

()()()()()()

May 20, 1940

Louis woke with a start. With heavy eye lids, he grabbed his watch off the bedside table. It was 0435 in the morning. Even on the farm, this was too early to wake up. But the pounding coming from downstairs was relentless. What was that racket? He got up out of bed, and walked out his door. Directly out of his door was the banister. From there he could see the front door. He looked down, and saw Papa opening the door.

"What is it," asked Papa.

"I must speak with Corporal Louis LeBeau," said a voice from outside.

Louis saw his father's face fall. He stepped aside, opening the door wider. "Come in."

A soldier stepped inside. He was a Sergeant, and had a messenger bag slung over his shoulders. Louis instantly realized what was happening. He came down the stairs.

"I am Corporal Louis LeBeau. What is going on?"

"All forces available have been called to the north," said the Sergeant. "I know it is your leave, but this is an emergency."

Louis nodded. He saw his mother and grandparents looking at him from the den. Looking up, he saw his five younger sisters peering down at him curiously.

"I will not be long," said Louis. He hurried upstairs.

As he went into his room, his sisters followed him.

"Where are you going," asked Jacqueline.

"To the north," replied Louis as he pulled hid duffel bag onto his bed. Agathe and Liliane started handing him everything he needed.

"But isn't that where all the fighting is," asked Malorie.

"Oui," answered Louis.

"Why must you go," asked Daphne.

"Because I must fight for our country," replied Louis. "Our freedom is being threatened. Your freedom is being threatened. And I want my sisters to grow up in freedom."

They were silent until Louis was fully packed, and then he ushered them out of the room so that he could change into his uniform. This time, he would not be wearing his dress uniform. When he was through, he glanced around the room once, to make sure he had not forgotten anything. He left quickly, and hurried down the stairs.

"I am ready," said Louis to the sergeant.

His sisters were all lined up. He kissed and hugged every single one of them, Grande-mère, and Mama. Mama hugged him fiercely, and there were tears I her eyes. Louis shook hands with Grand-père and Papa.

"Give my good-byes to Marguerite and Geneviève," he said. He winked at Daphne as he walked through the door. There was jeep parked outside. The Sergeant climbed in at the driver's seat. Louis threw his duffel bag in the back and got in on the passenger side. He waved to his family as they drove off, hoping with all his heart that he would see them again.

()()()()()()

Louis found that he was not entirely sad about having to leave a day early. He was thankful that he had gotten to see them at all. On the second day there, he had run chores for Mama, and visited with people in town. He had gone to visit Jean's family, and had given them all his best wishes. It had been a rather lazy day. Dinner was not as large of an ordeal as his first night. Jacque had come by for lunch, in order to spend more time with Louis. He made him promise that he would stop by with some time to spare on his way back to the base. Of course, now, that would not be happening.

They drove into Paris, where Louis was brought to his unit at the train station. The trains were only carrying soldiers off. Even though it was quite early in the morning, there were many people of the city who had come to send off their boys in uniform.

After some roaming around, Louis finally found his unit. They were already boarding. There was an MP checking each man through. He checked Louis's dog-tags, and then he was sent on. He went down the narrow corridors, which were also filled with soldiers. Finally, he found part of his platoon in one, and he sat down next to Jean.

In the two months of training, the men had become close, but they were mostly from the same area. Most had met one another at one time or another, even if they had just been acquaintances. Now, however, they were prepared to go and fight alongside one another, completely trusting the other man with their lives. In the compartment, were Louis's closest companions in the unit. There was Corporal Etienne LeRoi, who lived in the next town down the road from Jean and Louis. On a large estate a couple of miles away from Louis's farm, there was Corporal Bern Moreau. Private Anstel Benoit was the son of a businessman in Paris. Louis had met him once while serving at his uncle's restaurant. The last man in the compartment was Private Remy Cavalier. Remy was the youngest of them all, and LeBeau enjoyed having him around, because he reminded him of having his younger sisters around. At least the fact that they were younger and looked up to their elders. Being a boy, Remy was more independent acting, but Louis saw how he really was. Remy was strong, and Louis was proud to have him around.

When the trains finally started pulling out of Paris, Louis sighed. There was something stirring in him as he found himself watching the Eiffel Tower get smaller and smaller. He was nervous, excited, scared, and glad all at the same time. He could feel that it was a long road he was about to go on, and his emotions were clashing with one another.

"I wonder how long it will take us to get there," wondered Jean aloud.

There were six of them in the compartment.

"We're only going to Amiens," said Etienne. "I heard that that's the end of the line."

Then, un Capitaine stood in the doorway of their compartment. They began to get up, but he shook his head, so they remained seated.

"This is what is happening," he said. "We will not be on this train the whole way. We are getting off at Amiens. Then, we will march the rest of the way; or until we find the Nazis. There has been a strong attack from the Germans, and they are beating our men and the British back. Right now, they are trapped on the coast, heading towards Dunquerque to be exact. There will probably be an evacuation from there, but our job and everyone we are with will be to keep the Germans preoccupied long enough for a counter-attack to be made. That is all I can tell you for now."

He left without another word. Louis fidgeted with his rifle.

"I guess this is it," he said.

"Oui," said Jean. "But for them? Or for us?"