James chuckled at the thought as he read over his updated town map. "I guess that is true isn't it? The whole point of war is not to die for your country but to make the other guy die for his."
000 Movies At Midway - Rehoboth Beach, DE - Present Day
The theater doors opened allowing the crowd within to gradually make its way through the double doors into the theater lobby. Most were looking at their phones or chatting with friends about the spectacle up on the big screen, a few slipped off to sneak into other shows, while the rest made their way to the parking lot. The cineplex wasn't the grandest in the area, but it was the most affordable with decent screens along with a "Big Donut" attached to a "Baskin Robbins" shop just outside. It was towards this house of tasty treats and ice-cream that an older heavyset man with a goatee, two children, and a thin woman with peach colored hair headed towards. In all the excitement neither the man nor children noticed that the fourth member of the group was much quieter than usual. Taking their seats on the veranda the small group began their movie review.
"So Steven, Connie, what did you think of the movie?" asked Gregg as she seated himself at the small table. "Good call on the Froyo Connie, I don't know why we didn't try this sooner!"
"It was pretty good, really captured the human elements of the battle." replied Steven over a mouthful of chocolate frozen yogurt, swallowing the mouthful he continued. "But the music was a bit distracting after a while and the fighter pilot needed to learn to lead his targets."
Connie looked thoughtful for a moment as she parsed through the events from the movie. "War movies aren't really my thing but it was a bit, depressing, to imagine what all those poor men must have gone through. Mostly I wonder what happened to the civilians who would have been caught up in all of it."
Gregg nodded agreement as he continued enjoying the desert. "So Pearl, you were there right? How close was the movie to what really happened during the battle?"
Pearl didn't respond as she just sat quietly poking at her bowl, its contents gradually melting into a pool of colorful yogurt. She stared blankly at the bowl but her eyes were moving rapidly as if she was watching a movie that only she could see and hear.
"Pearl? Are you okay there?" prompted Gregg as he reached across the table to lightly pat her hand while he spoke softly to try and get a response. "Pearl? Can you hear me? Do you know where you are? You're safe, it's just old memories, you're safe now, please reply."
Pearl lifted her head to look around the table but remained silent as she soon returned her gaze to the bowl. Her hands still mindlessly stirring the now melted desert.
Connie and Steven exchanged worried looks as it dawned on them that something was very wrong with their mentor. "Dad, whats happening to Pearl, is she going to be okay?" asked Steven worriedly as he leaned across the table to wave his hand in-front of her eyes. His hand was stopped halfway by his father's firm grip and worried looking face.
"Don't startle her, I think she is having a flashback, a VERY severe flashback" Slowly he stood up then stepped around the table to Pearl's side. "Let me handle this, this isn't the first time she has had an episode like this but it is one of the more severe instances.
Gently, he gripped her by the shoulders then slowly eased her upwards; once she was standing he began to guide her towards their van. Pearl moved as if sleepwalking as she was escorted along the sidewalk, her movements lacking their usual grace. "Thats it Pearl, just let me guide you back home where you can rest and recover."
"Is there anything I can do to help?" asked Connie worriedly as she picked up her bag to follow them to the van for the drive home. "I've read some books about PTSD and how to handle it since Pearl started sharing her stories and the veterans parade"
Gregg smiled back at the offer "Thank you Connie but she'll be okay with a little time; the best thing you can do to help is be there when she snaps out of it so she will not alone."
"We can do that, we'll keep her comfortable and be supportive when she wakes up" affirmed Steven feeling a bit more confident now that the situation was more understood.
A few minutes later the group was seated in the van and headed back to the beach house.
000 N7 highway somewhere West of Brussels May 20th 1940
Traveling by night had become the norm of late since the recent string of defeats first in Belgium then again as they were being pursued into France. Strung out in small groups a long column of BEF troop carriers, tanks, and trucks towing artillery pieces drove with minimum lighting so as to not give away their positions. Traveling during the day had become a death sentence as any formation, (or even some small ones) were tracked, targeted, then annihilated by the roving Luftwaffe. The men occupying the vehicles were dirty, tired, and suffering from a feeling of defeat as no matter how hard they fought the German units seemed to smash through their defenses. In one little Bren Gun Carrier leading a group of vehicles a squad of commandos rode in silence for like their comrades, all of them were dirty, tired and just simply worn out.
They had been making good time along the high quality highway as they could drive the little tracked car at near its maximum speed without having to worry about the terrain. It's little motor hummed smoothly owing to the squads careful caretaking of its mechanical components, its wheels squeaking only a little bit.
Pearl was at the controls again driving without the headlights as her sharp vision allowed her to see the road clearly in the dim natural light. It was a cool night with the earthy scent of freshly harvested fields as farmers had scrambled to harvest to stockpile food or salvage crops ahead of the advancing armies. "Smells nice, such a shame we can't stop to just savor the evening."
Darren looked up from his map, a dim penlight help firmly between his lips as if it was metal cigaret provided a dim light to read the map with. "Aye, would be nice but then the Jerries would catch up with us and that would be that wouldn't it."
"True, sad but very true" replied Pearl as the she stared longingly at a small roadside pond with a nice gazebo with picnic area they were driving past. "Must be nice in the spring here"
"It's quite nice, the fields become rainbows of colors from the flower gardeners fields. The air carries the sweet scent of billions of tulips, roses, and the ever present buzz of the honey bees provides a natural music to accompany it." answered Darren as he looked up across the darkened fields, only the shadows of trees or the glow of a still occupied house could be seen.
James stirred a bit from where he'd been resting in the back of the carrier, his rifle lying across his lap at the ready. "Sounds like you've been out here before boss." mumbled James as he slowly dragged himself from a restless slumber. "Pearl, when this is over we'll have to visit."
"Yep, one of my uncles was involved in the flower business, he used to bring me along on the business trips. I don't think he would approve of my current occupation." said Darren as he returned his attention to studying the map. "Looks like we'll be reaching a checkpoint soon at the next crossing"
"Thanks but I think I see it up ahead, looks to be some commotion among the soldiers." said Pearl as she slowed the little car as they approached a group of soldiers with red-light lanterns. The road was blocked by a makeshift fort of sand-bags with firing positions, the guns pointed down the road they'd just come down. A couple of heavy Pom Pom Anti-Air guns with supply trucks were just visible in the darkness a few yards beyond the checkpoint.
"Papers out everyone we're about to be inspected." ordered Darren as a couple of BEF soldiers approached the commandos, their rifles held at the read for a possible trap.
"Ahoy there! What group and what composition!" shouted one of the soldiers as he briefly shined a flashlight over the vehicles. Satisfied it wasn't the enemy the light switched off quickly.
"Corporal Williams, of her Majesty's Commando Service!" answered Darren as he mustered the most authoritarian, in-charge, voice he could. "We are followed by units of the 3rd Infantry Division." he continued as he gestured to the few trucks behind them. "We're lead car."
The two soldiers exchanged worried looks, this time the other one spoke. "Have you got a radio with you? No? Okay then you've not heard the news. Abbeville has fallen, we're encircled. All available units are to proceed north towards the coast"
"Bloody hell, it's Poland all over again, isn't this the same plan we were trying just a few months ago?" grumbled James as he leaned over the dividing wall to see the map.
Pearl just sighed in weariness as she slumped back in her seat, a strong feeling of frustration at the turn of events souring her mood. "Yep, everything old is new again James." she bit out icily.
James frowned but said nothing opting instead to give Pearl her space to vent her frustrations. Looking over the engine compartment he observed George and Frank still sound asleep as if the commotion at the checkpoint didn't exist. "If only I could sleep like those two" he thought.
"We're a commando squad, any orders from command for special forces units? Anywhere a they might need a hand setting up defences?" inquired Darren as he resumed studying the map.
"Just Lille Sir, the French have already fortified it quite well but they could always use spotters. Just remember not to stay long as your primary goal is the evacuation point." answered the first BEF soldier. Darren nodded his understanding as the conversation continued.
A few minutes later the map route was updated with the new orders and the squad made ready to resume the drive to rejoin the rest of the BEF army. Pearl was about to put the car in gear when some lights in the distance caught her sharp eyes.
"Is that one of ours?" she asked as she pointed at the string of lights faintly visible in the distance.
Looking in the same direction the rest of the squad along with the two BEF soldiers soon saw what she was pointing at. "Looks like it, damn idiots have their lights on. Easy pickings"
As if to confirm the poor choice of vehicle lighting a high pitched wail was faintly heard from somewhere high in the sky off towards the distant convoy. A moment later there were several bright flashes accompanied by rising fireballs, a few seconds later a distant rumble was heard.
"Stuka got em, we've seen them attack several convoys out in the distance. They don't usually hunt at night but there are so many easy targets they're out and about." said the BEF soldier with the rifle in answer to everyones unvoiced questions. "Keep your lights off and good luck."
With nothing left to say or do Pearl put the car in gear then pressed the accelerator.
000 Downtown Cafe - Lille May 23rd 1940
They'd spent most of the last few days calling in artillery strikes from various spotting positions around the city perimeter but despite their best efforts the situation was deteriorating. Ammo supplies were beginning to run low while the guns themselves were being gradually picked off by the ever present Luftwaffe attack bombers. Late afternoon found the squad recovering from the the heavy activity, ironically in the same cafe they'd been relaxing in only a couple months previously. But this time instead of a table covered by deserts with tea, it was a tactical map, ammo clips, a combat knife and three cold cups of bitter coffee.
"Look, see this Panzer division here? Recon had said they were ten miles south east coming up the road, now they are at our doorstep. If this keeps up we're going to have to make a move soon." surmised Darren to the gathered commandos as he examined the latest map updates.
Pearl just sighed as she looked out the cafes dirty window. Outside instead of locals enjoying a false peace there were fighting positions staffed by tired looking soldiers. "Its hopeless isn't it? I can feel my energy levels running low from all the heavy lifting earlier to build those strong points but it still doesn't feel like enough." her voice pained with worry for the locals.
"Not much we can do about it I'm afraid, the French soldiers know what they're doing, they'll put up a strong defense; I can assure you of that." said Darren in an attempt to comfort her.
"I know, it's just frustrating is all." huffed Pearl as she tore her gaze from the window to survey the cafe turned operation planning room. "You boys doing okay over there?"
"Just fine Love, just fine, just a bit sore from all the lifting. I'd kinda figured we'd be out doing recon or spotting artillery, not lumping sandbags."groaned James as he lay on the sofa, his body obviously conveying how stiff he was feeling. "However a nice massage from a lovely lady would help these stiff joints."
Pearl glared at him but couldn't help holding back a grin. "Maybe later... if we're not under attack."
"Lucky bastard you are James, you got Pearl to help you with those sore muscles, all I got is George here who is more likely to break me than kiss away my sores!" laughed Frank from his side of the sofa. In reply George took a lazy swing at him but was otherwise too tired to care.
Turning her attention back to their leader Pearl asked the question that'd been on her mind since they settled in for break. "So Darren, what is our next move? The Germans are advancing rapidly and I don't think we'd be doing much good here in a siege condition."
Darren nodded as he downed the bitter coffee in one gulp without complaint before he picked up the map for everyone to see. "Right, so back to business, we're going to tag along with the 2nd Glosters and 4th Oxford and Bucks infantry divisions. Safer to stick together and I think we can help them. We make for the coast in the morning so get some rest and make sure your gear is ready."
000 Cassel May 25th 1940
The drive from Lille to the little farming town on the hill had gone smoothly using their knowledge of local guides to stay out of sight or avoid marauding enemy units. The squad along with their traveling companions had stopped to make a defensive line within the small town while they decided whether to stay to defend or continue their flight. In the center of town, the local police station had been converted into the unit command quarters where the various squad leaders were meeting to plan the defense. While most squabbled about gun positions or battle plans the leader of the only commando rated squad in the town was listening intently to their radio. Most of the radio traffic wasn't about them but soon a new message broadcasted from leadership took priority, he quickly wrote down the orders. Once validated he stood up from his position to get everyones attention.
"Attention! Everyone quiet down. We've got orders." barked Darren as loudly as he could. Soon several platoon and division leaders were looking at him expectantly, some looked upset.
Undeterred by the sudden attention Darren summoned his most commanding voice as he spoke. "Flash traffic on the radio, orders from General Montgomery of 3rd Division, all units not engaged in the formation of the perimeter defenses around Dunkirk are to move towards Dunkirk for evacuation. End message"
A young private attending the meeting spoke up at this news. "Well thats great then, we're free to move to Dunkirk to wait this out. We can leave!"
This was evidently the wrong thing to say as all eyes locked onto the young man, all of them angry. "You tosser! Go and look out over the town walls, look all around to take note of our position then come back!" ordered one of the more senior squad leaders. When the young private didn't move a swift kick and shout from another officer sent him running out the door.
Darren smirked at the departing form of the young soldier before returning his attention to the assembled officers. "I don't know about you lads, but the Commandos will be staying. You all realize the importance of this towns location and what it means for the evacuation efforts."
A captain wearing the arm patch of the 4th Ox and Bucks shouted loudly "Captain Marly of The 4th Ox will stay as well, we can't let you commandos have all the fun." Behind him several fists raised into the air in solidarity as his subordinates shouted support.
Another captain stepped forwards. "Captain Thomas, 2nd Glosters, I wager 100 Pounds that we'll collect more tank kills than the rest of you combined!" Once again cheers were heard as another group was committed to the holding action that may lead to their doom.
A few moments later the cheering had begun to quiet down when the private who had been sent on the observation errand returned. If anything he looked even more fearful than he had when he had left earlier. "Private Davis, 3rd Division staff group, making report, I observed wide open fields to the south, east, and west, to the north I could see the factories around Dunkirk in the distance. To the south I could see smoke clouds and what I assume to be large fires."
Captain Thomas nodded to the soldier as he walked over to stand in front of him. "Good lad, while you were gone observing we've all decided to stay and defend this town, can you explain why we chose this potential suicide mission?"
Private Davis looked like he wanted to melt into the floor under the Captain's withering gaze but to his credit he stood firm to give his answer, even as his voice quaked a bit. "This town is on a hill, it has a strategic high-ground advantage that the enemy must either bypass thus opening a long safe-path to the Dunkirk, OR delay their advance to defeat us."
"Very good Private Davis, very good." complemented Capt Thomas as he patted the young man on the soldier. "I see you've got some worry in you, tell you what, why don't you take that bag of mail over there, a motorcycle, and make for Dunkirk. Those messages need to get through!"
At this order Pvt Davis's mood seemed to brighten a bit as he saluted smartly before grabbing up the appointed bag of mail and making his way to the door. Soon loud running was heard.
"Why let him go? You know that bag was just full of now pointless paperwork and we need all the hands we can get to run the defense of the town." queried a squad lieutenant in the back of the crowd.
"Because his nerves have already broken, if pressed he'll become more a danger to us or himself than the enemy. At the least we'll have to spend precious time and resources looking after him." answered Capt Marly as he strode to the front of the room to make his own announcement. "If you know of anyone else like that, best send them on their way to Dunkirk, perhaps they can be of some use or some other units problem at least."
There were a few murmurs from the gathered crowd of officers, a few started making lists but no one else made moves to leave or object.
"No one? All well? All Happy?" shouted Darren to be heard over the low murmuring of conversation that had begun to fill the room. "Do you all know the risks? What we're signing up for? To be clear there is a very good chance that we'll all die in this endeavor but it's for a good cause. I don't know about you guys but I'd don't mind being a part of big history!."
"So thats it then,we're to hold position, fortify, with the goal of buying time for the evacuation." announced Capt Marly. A quick glance to his counterpart confirmed it.
"Okay, with that settled, here is how I think we should go about defending the town.
~{0}~
Davis was elated, he was going to be getting out of this mess alive, he didn't even need to desert his unit or hide! He was supposed to be safe back in his recruiting office in London or filing paperwork at headquarters, not on the wrong side of a warzone! Quickly he had located a simple bicycle from an abandoned house, tossed the bundle of letters into a trash barrel, then after a check of his map he was ready.
He had just mounted the bicycle when he saw her stepping out of an abandoned house to watch the sunset; a young man was accompanying her. At first he thought he was seeing things but there was no mistaking the peach hair, thin figure, and intense sky blue eyes. The last he'd seen her she was fighting with Mad Jack then off to join the Commandos; she should have been rejected but yet here she was.
"Can I help you sir?" her voice snapped him out of his trance, at once he realized he'd been staring at her as his mind had locked up. Her companion was looking a little annoyed too as he casually placed his hand on her shoulder in a universal Shes mine gesture.
"Pearl? Is that really you? It looks like Mad Jack was right about you. I'd thought nothing would come of the letter Jack sent you off with but yet here you are!." said Davis, his voice full of nervousness. The confused look on her face made him immediately regret revealing his connection to her so he made to leave but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder.
"How do you know Pearl? What is your business with her?" this from the young man as he moved to place himself between Pearl and Davis. "I'm Specialist Commando James, who are you?"
"His name is Davis, I know him from when I was trying to join the British Army, he was going to reject my application.." Answered Pearl as she stepped past to face Davis. "He is not a friend."
Davis was stunned for a moment but recovered himself to reply. "Yes, thats right, I didn't think you'd remember me as it was only a brief period. Sorry for earlier, clearly I was mistaken as here you are covered in dirt and looking like you could take on the whole enemy army."
Pearl allowed herself to relax as she stepped back to give Davis some space. "I see you've a bicycle, going to make an errand or some such?" She asked gesturing to the bike and noting the letters scattered near the dumpster Davis tried to stuff them into earlier.
Davis again struggled for words, clearly she'd noticed the letters or guessed his plan of escape; finally he decided to just ask what was on his mind. "Pearl, why are you here? This is going to be a suicide mission, this town will be destroyed. Why not take our leave and fall back to the strong point to await evacuation?"
Pearl didn't hesitate in her answer as her voice filled with confidence. "Because if we don't delay the enemy, to make a stand, then there will be no evacuation. The full might of the enemy will fall upon the evacuation beaches bringing doom to all who might otherwise have escaped. I fight because it is what is right to protect the freedom that is all humans birthright, and I'll contribute anyway I can to maintain it.."
As she finished her speech Davis could see the fire blazing within her eyes, the confident smile on her face, the determination heard in her voice. He felt his own mind shift. "Well, when you put it that way, I guess I should stay and see what I can do to help eh?"
With that Davis set the bicycle aside then turned to return to his records keeping post.
Pearl watched Davis walking away, as soon as he rounded a corner she let out a startled squeak as firm hands suddenly wrapped her waist then spin her around. "Nicely said Love, I do think you've changed the young man's mind" complemented James with a big smile as he held her close to him.
Pearl smiled back brightly at the praise as she pulled him down for a quick kiss. "Thank you, James but as nice as romance would be we've got planning to do."
At once James released her as he too began to head towards the squad's gathering area. "Indeed love, indeed, see you at the squad meeting."
000 Cassel downtown, May 26th, 1940
They were as ready as they were going to be. The anti-tank guns were dug in with sites pre-calibrated, lanes of fire checked, ammunition - what little there was - ready. Rubble, old farm junk, felled trees, everything heavy that they could move was arranged to block roads. Old cars, busses, and sandbags were set up in makeshift strong points that only a direct hit by several tank rounds or the heaviest of bombs could sunder.
It had been several days since the decision to stay and hold the small town, day was filled with back breaking work building fortifications. These included re-enforced command areas with the radios, clever hiding spots for the precious few anti-tank guns and clear lines of fire for the heavier guns. What was once a little French farm town was now a fortress with a commanding field of view over the line of enemy advance.
On the second day the bombing had started but it wasn't as heavy as what was hitting some of the other units. Usually a plane or two would approach but there were enough lookouts to call everyone to shelter before the bombs fell. The current understanding was that these were probably probing attacks to gauge the will of those who defended the town.
"Are the civilians evacuated?" asked a thin man wearing the rank tags of a lieutenant, the unit badge of the 4th Oxford proudly visible on his shoulder.. "If we're to fight it will be easier if we're not needing to worry about them."
"As may as were willing to leave" answered another somberly. "Most evacuated when we began setting up fortifications but there are a few men who've opted to stay and fight."
Pearl huffed at the grim conversation, true there were a few hold outs but there really wasn't much to be done about them. Ignoring the rest of the conversation she returned her attention to the telescope presently trained on the main roads leading towards the small town.
A minute later James walked over from the command tents to take the chair next to Pearl within the camouflaged spotting blind where the spotters were waiting. "News on the radio, the Navy is sending a mix of small craft to the beach to begin evacuation efforts. They're getting bombed by Stukas almost constantly. Already there are several hundred thousand on the beach with more approaching daily."
Pearl nodded grimly as she continued to watch the road for trouble. "Then I guess we'd best hold this town then."
"Movement on the road to the east!" called one of the other spotters, this one from a unit she didn't recognize. "Looks like troop transports supported by light tanks"
Lifting his own smaller set of binoculars James checked the indicated road to confirm the report. "Confirmed, Pearl, you see em too? Yes? Okay then. George, please notify command."
Once the vehicles got within a couple hundred yards, nearly point-blank, all of the available large anti-tank guns opened up with a thunderous blast of fire. Immediately several of the lighter tanks were blown to shrapnel as the larger shells simply smashed through the thin armor like paper. The accompanying infantry immediately took cover where it could be found as a firefight developed turning the space between the destroyed tanks and town into a killing field.
From her position in the observation shelter Pearl along with the rest of the squad alternated between their binoculars to locate targets for the guns and their own rifles to snipe enemy officers. The battle raged for most of the day as the defenders gradually grown down the attackers until they were driven from the battlefield. As the last of the enemy transports passed out of range a great cheer went up from the defending units; several broke out in song.
It wasn't to last as minutes later the Stukas returned accompanied by long range artillery.
000 Cassel village edge, May 27th, 1940
The bombing had picked up as soon as the anti-tank guns had opened up on the approaching column from earlier. The battle had been relatively quick as after a dozen or so vehicles including tanks and half-tracks full of troops had been obliterated during the ambush the enemy retreated. The defenders had had just enough time to re-position the field guns to new firing locations when the artillery had begun to fall.
Thump! KRUMP! thump ! KRUMP KRUMP KRUMP!
There was enough artillery falling that it may as well have been raining explosives.
From the edge of town, in the basement of an old farmhouse, the squad waited out the storm.
"I wonder how much ammunition they have?" mused Frank as a particularly large shell impacted near the structure with a loud BOOMF! That shook the dust from the ceiling.
"Too much for my taste" answered George as he huddled in a corner, his eyes squeezed shut with his hands over his ears to try and ward off the sound. "Well, now I know how those Jerries felt when we were directing the big guns back in Poland. This is most unpleasant."
Pearl was over at the cellar wall peering out a narrow window seemingly undisturbed by the bombardment happening up above. "Don't worry about it George, if a shell was to hit us directly it will all be over before you know whats happening. Hopefully."
George's face scrunched up in a grimace at the frank response. "What do you mean hopefully?"
Another shell landed close enough that the blast shook the building causing furniture and household items in the room above to clatter to the floor. George winced.
"She means that there are worse things than just being blown to peaces. Remember, we might just die or expire in a few hours; she gets poofed then remains trapped, buried alive, for eternity until hopefully someone digs up her gem." shouted Darren over the noise of the bombardment.
Pearl looked away from the small window long enough to scowl at Darren for the dreary prediction of her fate if she was to be poofed. "Thank you Darren, that was most moral boosting" she replied back, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she shuddered at the thought.
"Hey, fair is fair, you give a gloomy answer to a frightened man, get a snarky response!" snickered Darren.
"Ha Ha." joked James as sarcastically as he could manage, "at least we'll all die making jokes"
The squad fell into silence then as the shelling intensified again as shell after shell crashed into the earth around their small hiding area. Pearl maintained her watch at the window as she waited for the bombardment to wind down enough for them to change position. Looking across to one of the other buildings where another platoon was hiding she noted a face in the other basement window looking back at her.
She smiled and waved back to reassure them that everything was okay on their side. She was about to report the contact to her squad when the artillery fire picked up again with several more shells landing close enough to make her duck instinctively away from the little window.
When the shelling finally stopped she resumed her observation post to asses the outside conditions. The building where the other soldier had been was now a smouldering pile of rubble. Looking closely she could see what might have been a body in the rubble but from the distance she couldn't be sure; and wasn't keen to find out.
"Pearl, looks like they've run out of ammo for the moment, time to shift positions and see if we can return the favor. Anything to report outside?" queried Darren as he set about helping the squad collect their things to depart.
Pearl spared one last look across as the collapsed building, after a long moment she tore her gaze away to focus on the immediate task of relocating. "No Sir, nothing to report."
000 Cassel Village -main road, May 28th, 1940
"They're pushing forwards, there is a small column coming down the main bulevard." commented Frank as he lined up his rifle, carefully he sighted it in on his first target.
The squad was presently positioned on the second floor of what had once been a school, now the facade was partly collapsed giving an optimal hiding place with a field of fire down the now rubble filled boulevard of the town. The advance of the German infantry had been anticipated and so allowed to enter the town a few blocks as the defenders had set up ambushes, traps, and more to wreak havoc on the enemy. They would pay a heavy price to take the town.
"Good, everything ready?" asked Darren as he signaled another squad positioned further down the street. "Looks like the other two squads are ready."
"Yep, charges are in place sir" answered Pearl, as she checked a small sketch of the town's layout. All along it were little red marks corresponding to ambush points set up in the rubble of what remained of the town's buildings.
"Good, let the other squads open fire first, once the enemy is engaged with them then its our turn." ordered Darren as he settled in behind his own rifle to sight it in on his own assigned trap.
Pearl chambered a round into her Boys Anti-Tank rifle as she lined it up on the column of men advancing down the road. "Doesn't feel right using this thing on infantry, it's going to be, messy." she complained. She'd wanted to use her regular rifle but it had been decided that the physiological effect of the big guns use on infantry would be worth the effort. Being the best shot with the thing on the squad she'd been assigned the grim task of employing it.
"Signal from the other squad, the enemy has passed them, they're ready." whispered Frank as he observed the other squads, knowing the plan it was easy to see them taking position.
A minute later the plan was put into effect as several dozen rifles and machine guns began firing on the German infantry from behind. Immediately a dozen enemy soldiers cried out as they dropped to the ground where they lay motionless. Those not cut down in the first volley took cover facing back the way they'd come from quickly setting up their machine-guns to return fire.
"NOW, OPEN FIRE!" shouted Darren as his own squad began shooting at the exposed backs of the enemy troops. In the span of a few seconds he'd expended several clips of ammunition with most of the shots striking home.
The crossfire had the desired effect as the enemy soldiers were soon disoriented as to which direction the attack was coming from as each of the squads took turns firing on the now helpless enemy troops.
Through it all Pearl held her fire as she waited for an optimal target for the huge anti-material rifle. Soon one appeared as a group of enemies broke cover to change position, a machine-gun carried between them along with several ammo cans. Leading her target carefully she squeezed the trigger; the thunderous blast loud enough to momentarily halt fire by both sides. Her aim had been spot on as the huge bullet instantly blew both soldiers running with the MG in half in a gruesome double-kill. A soldier dared to run out to try to recover the MG, another shot, another loud blast, the soldier jerked to the side as his arm detached from his body in a spray of red mist, his screams of agony could be heard clearly by the combatants.
That was it; the enemy's morale was broken as soon white flags and raised hands were seen down where the enemy soldiers had been sheltering.
"Good shooting Pearl!" shouted George as he punched her shoulder triumphantly.
Mentally exhausted by the experience Pearl just sighed as she picked up the rifle to reposition for the next ambush attempt. "Indeed, human wars are just as brutal as those of the Gems"
000 Cassel Village downtown, May 29th, 1940
It was almost time to go. The ambushes of the previous day had gone surprisingly well as several German formations had entered the town, only a few had made it back out. The success of the defenders was rewarded by another round of bombardment by artillery and aircraft bombs. By now most of the town was unrecognizable rubble, fires burned out of control through multiple buildings as no one was available to fight the spreading fires. But they would not be going quietly as the squad had a few more surprises planned for the attackers.
"Okay, the Bren gun carrier is ready and we've got the exit vector secured right?" asked Darren as the squad was once again setup to execute another ambush. This time the goal was to draw the attention of the attacking infantry to allow as many of the other groups to escape as possible. "I realize I made a big speech about being ready to die for the cause but I'd just as soon make sure the other guys die for theirs first."
James chuckled at the thought as he read over his updated town map. "I guess that is true isn't it? The whole point of war is not to die for your country but to make the other guy die for his."
Pearl grimaced at the dark humor as she checked over her anti-tank rifle for the umteenth time. She still felt a strong distaste for using the oversized weapon against infantry but it was having the desired effect on enemy morale. Besides, it wasn't much good against the heavier tanks that had been appearing on the outskirts of town anyway. "For the twentieth time, yes, the escape plan is ready, we just need to make sure we lead them towards it. George should already be there defending it and making sure the escape path is clear."
"Enemy movement, main road ahead of us, looks like a couple of platoons worth of soldiers." said Darren as he looked out through a gap in the nearly collapsed building they were using.
Pearl sighed as she hefted the heavy gun into position then sighted it in on a pile of rubble by the road. "Ready here, just say the word." she replied. "At least time I won't be shooting it directly AT people but I'm not sure this will be an improvement."
Beside her James and Darren readied their own rifles as they took aim at their own ambush targets. "You'd think they'd wise up to this tactic by now eh?"
Darren didn't answer as he quietly counted down the range to the enemy. Finally they walked past the first trap. "Now, Fire!"
Pearl squeezed the trigger as the huge rifle released its signature, now feared, report as it sent the armor piercing incendiary bullet towards its target. Proving herself the best shot on the squad her aim was true as the bullet impacted the explosive packet buried beneath a pile of scrap metal.
To her sharp eyes it happened in slow motion as the pile of scrap metal seemed to expand slowly at first then transformed into a flower made of jagged knives. As she watched soldiers were being cut down often with missing limbs or multiple flowing gashes. Elsewhere down the street the other set charges were detonating adding to the storm of flying metal. Time caught up rapidly as the survivors quickly zeroed in on the source of the shot as their position came under fire from multiple weapons.
Pearl shuttered to herself at the carnage she'd inflicted as she ducked behind cover to wait for a break in the incoming fire. It wasn't a long wait as the MG-42s burned through ammo rapidly.
"Displace! Fall back to position Romeo!" shouted Darren as the squad grabbed their weapons to make a hasty exit out the rear of the building. As they left they set off smoke charges both to cover their escape and encourage the enemy to follow after them.
~{0}~ Two blocks deeper into the town - town square
The run to position Romeo had been quick as the path had been prepared in advance. As the last one in line Frank kicked over some wooden supports that had been holding back a pile of rubble. It wasn't much but even a delay of a few seconds while the enemy climbed over would help. This time it was a setup of basic landmines along with a few more shrapnel traps.
Reaching her assigned position Pearl quickly set up the huge rifle for the next ambush. Her targets were two more shrapnel bombs arranged to drive the enemy into a minefield. A wave of guilt washed over her without warning, the weight of it pressing down on her with crushing force. A low groan escaped her lips as she sagged down to lean her back against the collapsed wall that served as her firing point. A moment later a headache like a migraine hit her too.
"Pearl! Are you hit! Are you okay!" shouted James frantically as he ran over to her side. "Pearl, speak to me, whats happening? Are you having a panic attack?" he queried frantically as he carefully checked her over for injuries. Her eyes were dilated, her breath coming fast and low, her hands had begun trembling.
"Enemy contact!" shouted Frank as he hefted his Bren gun to open fire on the approaching enemy soldiers. "James, she is in shock, get on that gun and let em have it!"
The sudden crackle of machine gun fire seemed to snap her out of her shock as she blinked a few times then moved into a crouching position. "James, get to your gun we'll talk later!" With that she stood back up, took aim, then fired at the two shrapnel traps.
Once again the effects were immediate and as gruesome as the first time as soldiers scattered to move away from the piles of rubble to seek shelter in the rubble across the town square. They didn't fair much better as soon soldiers began to disappear in clouds of red mist and smoke as their boots activated the landmines hidden among the cobblestoned ground.
"CONTACT WEST!" shouted Frank as he turned his Bren-gun to fire on another newly approaching group of enemy soldiers pouring from the western side of the square.
"Fall back to the car everyone!" ordered Darren calmly as the squad began an orderly retreat alternating covering fire as they went.
A few moments later they reached the scout car at the rally point. There was quick check in with the other defenders on their status and success or failures of the day as the evacuation got under way. As planned the Germans had indeed paid the majority of the butcher's bill to take the town. Once settled the squad piled into their car for the drive to Dunkirk.
~{0}~
As the little gun-carrier sped away from the town Pearl watched as the smoking ruins of the town faded into the distance behind them. Once it was out of sight she slumped down into the bench, as she buried her face in her hands, her body shaking as if she was freezing in the arctic. Squeezing her eyes shut to try and close out the world she instead saw a movie of memories flashing before her eyes. Adelajda broken face, shredded bodies hanging out of burning vehicles, civilians being cut down, and finally the horrified faces of the German soldiers as they were cut to ribbons by the bombs she set off.
"AAAHhhhahahahahaaa" she wailed as she once again felt the weight of her actions pressing down on her from earlier. "Stars that was horrible, brutal, there was no honor in any of that!"
James, now alerted to his loves plight, crawled over from the front of the vehicle to where Pearl was huddled against the cargo wall in the back. He hissed slightly as his hands made contact with the hot metal of the engine compartment but he ignored it as he seated himself next to her. Wordlessly he wrapped his arms around her to pull her close to him as he gently rocked her back and forth as if she was a small child needing comforting. Soon he could feel her relax as the tension began to drain from her body. "Are you going to be alright Love? Will you keep?"
Pearl looked up at him, she struggled to put on a brave face but her eyes betrayed the internal pain she was feeling. "Yes, I'll keep, just need some time…. It doesn't get easier does it?"
Frank answered for them. "It gets easier, with time and experience but the cost is high."
000 Route D916 - May 29th 1940
It was near evening as the squad made their way northwards to the evacuation beaches; a low haze of clouds provided some relief from the threat of air attack. The distance itself wasn't especially long but they'd been forced to stop often to hide from marauding enemy aircraft or patrol that strayed too close. Along the way they'd picked up a few soldiers making their way on foot who were in-turn grateful for a ride to rest their feet as they made faster time to safety.
Pearl was chatting with a member of the 2nd Glosters about the finale stand before they'd been forced to abandon the town. Apparently Mr Wesley was the last of his unit standing as the others had been killed when the enemy unit they'd confronted managed to turn the battle against them.
"So we'd fired the demolition charges right as they came around the other alley. Was quite the sight as it brought down the whole building facade right on-top of them; should have crushed them bringing the attack to a stop." said Wesley as he gazed unblinkingly at the countryside they were passing through. "But the building didn't fall as planned, instead we only killed a few of them while the rest got excellent cover to shoot as us from. We managed to retreat to the evac point but got flanked by another enemy squad; I was the last to make it out."
Pearl just nodded in understanding, they day had been hard on everyone with heavy casualties across most of the defending units. It had indeed been a death trap to stay and fight.
The squeak of metal on metal announced the slowing of the car to pick up what was probably another lone soldier trying to make his way to safety in hostile territory.
Pearing of the side of the car she watched as George and Darren hopped out to examine the body of a man laying on the side of the road in a British uniform. "Is he alive?" she asked as the two men examined the body; a moment later they signaled the affirmative. "Okay, bring him up here, boys, put your coats over the engine compartment, it's warm there and we can minimize how much we have to bend him into a seat."
A few moments later the task was done allowing the bren carrier to start moving again. As they drove on wards Mr Wesley, his former squad's medic, began tending to the man's wounds. "Looks like he's been shot a few times, high caliber and close range." commented Wesley as he peeled back the blood stained uniform jacket.
Pearl frowned at the revelation as she used a damp cloth to set about cleaning the man's face, soon she stopped as she recognized who it was. "I believe this is Mr. Davis, last I saw he was going to stay and defend Cassel, whats he doing way out here?"
Darren glanced over at her from where he was helping James with navigation. "That Davis? Ah! I'm not surprised, he's too far from town to have evacuated with everyone else. My bet is he lost his nerve again and ditched early." With that he rolled his eyes to return to his tasks.
Pearl looked at the bloodied face of the young man lying before her. Sighing to herself she resumed cleaning his wounds while Wesley bound his wounds. A few minute later Davis began to stir as she cleaned, perhaps the wounds burned with pain when she touched them. "Davis, can you hear me? Its Pearl from earlier at the town. Can you tell us what happened to you?
Davis opened his eyes to look at her drunkenly, "Massacre, they rounded us up shouted something about revenge for Cassel, then gunned us down. I don't remember anything else."
As Davis slipped back into unconsciousness all she could think about was the brutal carnage of the recent battle. "Too brutal, no honor, and now others are paying the price for it."
000 Dunkirk beach - June 3rd 1940
The arrival at the evacuation area a few days ago had been relatively uneventful as far as recent events standards were going. Help the wounded off the car and over to waiting aid stations for transport, assist with setting up the car for entrenched defense, turn in all weapons and ammo to the defending rear guard.
The first day was spent finding a rallying point that would take them, followed by getting orders for where to wait for their turn at evacuation to safety.
The second day was spent sheltering near the old sea wall while Luftwaffe fighters strafed the beaches relentlessly. During the night it was easy to see the flashes of torpedos impacting transports trying to navigate the channel under cover of night.
The third day the squad had found an abandoned amusement park where some other platoons were enjoying themselves on the still functioning rides. James invited Pearl to a few loops on the ferris wheel, as they reached the peak of the wheel a voice was heard below their car. Looking over the side they were surprised to see Frank and George climbing around the wheel as if it was a giant jungle-gym. But the fun was short lived as the siren of a diving Stuka on another strafing run sent everyone scrambling for cover as bullets peppered the rides.
It was the fourth full day of waiting and their turn was finally coming up as they waited on the beach. The sun was dipping lower towards the horizon giving a promise of safety by darkness.
"Looks like our ride is here." observed James as he sat on the sand at the surfline with the rest of the squad. Pearl was leaning on his side watching the approach of a small boat to the beach.
Darren waved to signal the crafts operator that they were the next group to get picked up "Leave your stuff, take only that which you most treasure or need." he ordered as he stood up to help George and Frank to their feet. "Right then Squad, lets exit this mess like soldiers!"
James was up first, stretched, then turned to help Pearl get shakily to her feet. Once up she leaned on him for support as they made their way through the frigid water to the waiting small boat. As they got further out, the water up to their chests, they began to pass the bodies of those less fortunate whose flight to safety had ended in tragedy. The tidal wave action keeping them perpetually stuck between the open sea and the now destroyed beach with it's own wreckage.
Reaching the boat a young man with flaming red curly hair helped pull the soggy soldiers one by one into the boat. Once aboard another man, this one an elder with greying hair and kind eyes directed them to comfortable but secure seating on the yacht. It took a bit of maneuvering but Pearl was able to find a spot where she could sit next to James for the journey ahead.
Pearl snuggled into her James's side once more as she breathed deep his scent. He was dirty, hadn't showered in days, smelled of sweat, salt and other foul odors; but it was strangely comforting in a way. It meant that they were alive, that despite everything, the full squad had made it. As the boat pulled away she caught a glimpse of the burning town of Dunkirk, its buildings turned to rubble as black smoke from hundreds of fires filled the sky above.
Closing her eyes she did her best to meditate as once more a movie reel of the last few months, it's joys, new love, it's pain, blood, sacrifice, and more played across her mind.
000 Beach house - Present Day
Pearl awoke with a shout, her body shuttered as if she'd been zapped with a cattle prod. For a brief moment panic filled her as she rapidly surveyed her surroundings for any potential danger, her body tensing for a leap to safety as her gem dumped energy to the limbs. After a long moment her breathing slowed as her surroundings transitioned from dull blur to clear picture as the familiar furnishings of the beach house began to resolve themselves. Another long moment passed as she willed herself to calm down, She was safe, she was home, there was no immediate danger, no bombers strafing friends, no bodies, no blood. She was safe.
Looking around she found that she was sitting on the edge of Steven's bed. It was dark outside, a quick glance at the clock confirmed that many hours had passed since the movie, it was near midnight now. A soft rustling of sheets and brought her attention to the two children sleeping on the bed behind her, both still in their day clothes. A plethora of history books were scattered around the bed indicating the two had been studying history again while they waited for her.
She let out soft groan of pain as a throbbing headache began to pulse behind her eyes draining her of what energy she had left. Resigning herself to her fate she stood up, cleared the books, fetched a blanket for Connie to cover her against the cold, then finally tucked Steven into his own blankets. With her tasks complete walk over to the Gem Door to activate the gateway to her room for some much needed meditation. Praying that the nightmares wouldn't visit her again this night.
000 End Chapter 19
Author's Notes
Hello Dear readers
My original plan for this chapter was much more of a survival theme as the squad struggled to maintain their sanity while waiting for evacuation. But that's been done dozens of times including by the recent film in theaters. I felt it better to focus the chapter more on what was going on outside Dunkirk in the defensive lines that protected the beaches.
On that note, while this chapter focused on Pearl's British squad the bulk of the defensive work was by the French. Tens of thousands of French soldiers held off the German war machine including an extended siege at the city of Lille that further delayed the advance of the main formations.
Please leave a review to let me know what you thought of the chapter, story, to share any ideas, and of course, to let me know how I can do better.
On with the history for this chapter.
Dunkirk soldiers
The BEF army with its troops and equipment did not arrive at Dunkirk all at once. It was a chaotic assemblage of individual troops, formations, and more all trying to get to the same place. As troops were evacuating more were arriving at the rally point.
Arras break out May 21st.
You might be wondering why the BEF with their backs to the ocean and all their equipment with them didn't try to break out and escape via land. They actually did try during the Arras counter-attack but it failed to break through the German lines; only a few units returned to Dunkirk afterwards.
Cassel - website dunkirk1940 dot O R G
The 2nd Glosters and 4th Oxford and Bucks Light infantry turned the French town of Cassel into something resembling a fortress. They also had sufficient time to cleverly site and dig-in their anti-tank guns. This town, on a hill, had a commanding view of the Flanders plain and it was vital that it was held to buy time to establish defences around the Dunkirk beachhead itself. The town was surrounded and subjected to fierce and prolonged tank and infantry attack, but held out for three crucial days between the 27th and 29th May. Running low on food and ammunition, a breakout by the British troops was attempted on the night of the 29th May. However, few managed to evade the besieging German forces and the bulk of the force was captured and taken prisoner
Siege of Lille 28-31
The larger of the two siege actions involving the French army putting up a valiant fight against overwhelming odds. The squad stopped by to help build fortifications before moving onto the main event later. The siege section was supposed to take place here but placing them with other BEF units seemed to fit better with history.
The battle scenes.
The sniper scene with the shrapnel mines was inspired by a movie about a brave chinese sniper fighting against Imperial Japan on his own. I've tried to re-locate the name of the movie but I haven't had any luck.
Wormhoudt massacre
Revenge killing carried out by German's near the small town of the same name in retaliation for effectiveness of the Dunkirk defenses. Only a few survived to tell the tale and theirs is an adventure all its own as they were captured, some where shown mercy and treated while others suffered further. Interestingly enough even some of the German officers and record keepers though the act was dishonorable and protested against it.
Okay okay, I'll tell you what I thought of the 2017 movie Dunkirk. I give it a 70%. Why? Because if you know nothing of history or military tactics, methods, equipment, aircraft, ships then you will enjoy the movie. If you about all of those things then it will drive you crazy with technical mistakes all over the place.
- Fighter pilot. Lead your damn target! Don't shoot at him, shoot where he's going to be. An aircraft cannot glide forever. An aircraft without a working engine (just gliding) cannot engage and shoot-down a bomber. No unlimited ammo. Dude, open the cockpit glass before you land in the water.
- Soldiers on the beach. All that effort and if you'd simply waited in line with everyone else you would have made it onto the still fully functional small boats.
- The beach is way to clean. Dunkirk was a mess of equipment, dead bodies, people going crazy, blood, and desperate attempts at survival.
- This is not a history / documentary movie. Its a story about survival and so does not need to be so accurate.
PPS - To the reader who lives in Rehoboth, I scouted the location via Google Earth months ago looking for a real-world city that resembled Beach City. I hope I've portrayed it properly as it will be making more appearances in future chapters. Well, at least historical versions of the town. Glad you are enjoying the story!
PPS: To Reader HANSON, thank you for the ideas, thank you for reading and giving some inspiration.
To all the people who left reviews - Thank you, thank you for the good, the positive, and the encouragement to keep going.