Wartime experiences of Charles Hague — Part 3

This story was submitted to the People’s War site by Roger Marsh of the ‘Action Desk — Sheffield’ Team on behalf of Charles Hague, and has been added to the site with the author’s permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

Wartime experiences of Charles Hague — Part 3
By
Charles Hague:

Glad to be back to ordinary duties again and keeping my fingers crossed.

News came through that the Japanese had been defeated - I think what was late August. Celebrations were the order of the day. Unfortunately there was NO beer ration available, but that was soon put right. Waiting now for news about repatriation. The first received was the disbanding of the Chindits. Major Bussy wanted me to go with him to Army headquarters in Delhi on the break up, but I refused. I told him I wanted to go back to the 14th Infantry Brigade Workshops under Major Threlfall and my old friends. I thanked Major Bussey for the offer but he understood my feelings. On leaving Gwalior made straight for 14th Workshops.

On arrival there Major Threlfall told me that the Workshops would be known as the 514 Infantry Brigade Workshops, due to the fact that we were now coming under the Indian Army, and they were paying our wages. The next few weeks was all travel until we reached Ranchi (a semi-hill station with a lovely climate). The most interesting place we passed through was Benares by the River Ganges. I was informed that all the states in India had Bathing and Burning Ghats on the banks of the river here. Actually saw the ritual ceremony at a Burning Ghat.

Finally arrived at our camp in Ranchi. Nothing unusual - Tents and what we called Bashers (wicker basket type with thatched roofs). The climate was excellent, warm but always a nice cool breeze. Had a beer ration for the troops now and again which occasionally brought trouble which was soon quelled.

Finally received my papers for demob. First instruction was to return to Deolali where further instructions would be given. That was the last place on earth I wanted to see again!! The fact that I was on my way home eased the shock. Major Threlfall gave me a character reference in my army book and the Sergeants' Mess presented me with a Tankard with inscriptions on it. Got a good send off from the boys. Arrived Deolali two days later and got further instructions. Catch a train from Bombay to a place called Cochin at the southern-most tip of India and to catch a boat from Ceylon - "LLANGIBY CASTLE" was the name of the boat.

It took us somewhere around three or four days to arrive at Cochin. Lived on American K Rations all the way.

These rations (in a cardboard box) contained a small tin of Spam, tea and coffee, 2 biscuits, some cigarettes and matches. The only time we would have the tea or coffee was when the train stopped and the engine driver would mash the tea or coffee with steam from the engine. Was I glad when I boarded the boat. Glad to say goodbye to India. One thing I noticed about Cochin was the beauty of the place, palm trees and lovely beaches. Reminded me of the South Pacific Islands I'd seen on photographs.

Went through the Suez canal again on the way home, no escort this time. Left Suez 20-21 December on a calm sea, like a duck pond. The next day was terrible, never been in seas so rough. These conditions lasted about three days. Mess deck more of less empty most of the time. I did better than expected, never missed a meal.

Christmas day arrived when we were nearing Gibraltar. The rough seas had quietened to much better conditions. Was sitting down on the mess deck having my Xmas dinner. Watched the Rock from porthole.

Arrived Southampton on the 26th December. Stopped at Northampton and Oxford to be checked over and told about our release and where to contact the Army if needed when arriving home.

Finally got home, which was now Apperley Bridge, West Yorkshire on my youngest daughter's birthday 31st December 1945.

Pr-BR

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