St Ignatius College - Ignatian Yearbook (San Francisco, CA)

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AN AVIATOR TRUE 35 the humming rails, around a bend puffed an engine-an old one to be sure, as the need of locomotives had brought all the wood-burners into active service, but all bedecked in Flags and banners, at least a pleasing shadow of an impending sorrow. As the train jerked to a hasty stop, dozens of khaki-clad men clambered forth from the cars as best their injured arms and legs would permit them, some only tem- porarily crippled, home on a furlough, others minus a leg or an arm or otherwise incapacitated by a permanent injury or loss which would keep them out of further active service. As the last of the wounded were leaving the train a call for assistance came from the last coach, and as a stretcher was rushed to the car's steps, the remains of a human being were placed upon it. It was the body of a young man about twenty-three years of age, although pain had marked furrows in his countenance which nearly counterbalanced the youthful mass of brown hair and smooth-shaven face. Both legs had been cut off above the knee, and by the haggard expression one could see that the young soldier's whole constitution had been weakened by his wounds. As the onlookers stood beside the stretcher a stifled cry was heard and a sobbing woman, with agonized face, threw herself upon the stretcher, repeating hysterically, O my poor boy! O my jack! For the first time the wounded man moved, he wiped a tear from his eye, kissed his mother and murmured, Don't cry, mother, I fought bravely and the good Lord has graciously spared my poor body for further service to my countryf' Two months later the railroad station was similarly crowded. More anxious mothers were awaiting the arrival of their wounded sons, and wives their wounded husbands. Again the arrival was awaited with hopeful anxiety. But the hope was only short-lived and as the train left its precious burden at the station, the worst was realized in many an aching mother's heart. Buoyed up by the hope of .again

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U An Aniatnr Efruv UTSIDE the railroad station there were ' Q crowded groups of men and women, con- ' ii versing among themselves with a resigned ruff sorrow. Some of the women were sobbing, while from others arose an occasional hys- terical laugh, a characteristic of the strain under which they were laboring. This was one of the sad, yet long-looked-for days which were becoming more frequent in every city, town and village of Canada. It was one that broke mothers' hearts and aroused the inner feelings of men. For soon the train bearing the wounded would arrive. This sad carrier of the unfortunates had made frequent stops at Brookfield, and the patriotic community, along with every Canadian town, was receiving the remnants of its offering for a lasting peace and democracy. Along the sides of the tracks were lines of younger folks, waiting expectantly and perhaps more joyously, the arrival of their friends and pro- tectors. Among the groups were not a few who bore traces of previous service. Here and there were middle-aged men, cripples, and there was hardly a young man who was not either temporarily or permanently marked by insatiable Mars. However through all the sadness one could almost feel the presence of the courageous determination to uphold their country which has characterized the lighting of the Canadians throughout the war. They are a courageous race and they have shown ity they have suffered and they are still willing to suffer for their principles. This was the aspect of the gathering at the railroad station, awaiting the return, sad, though it was, of their beloved ones. The distant blast of a locomotive was heard echoing through the canyon. The whistle grew more distinct, and, as the eager mothers and cheering men crowded closer to YK Kj P .n g? ,

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36 THE I GNA T1 AN having their beloved ones in their midst, they looked forward to the arrival of the train with somewhat hopeful joy, but when the human wrecks had been unloaded and the truth was known, sorrow reigned supreme. Quickly the wounded were transported to their homes or to hospitals and as the main body of the crowd cleared away, small groups of soldiers gathered to chat and discuss the war. In one of these groups, we find our young friend, Jack Mclntyreg now somewhat stronger and healthier, able to get around with the aid of crutches, but still far from well. I tell you, there are a good many men crippled as badly as I who have commissions in the aviation corps. Say boys, with two wooden legs I would be as good as new. Me for the Hying life. I'm still good for a few more Germans. Gne of .lack's companions looked at him incredulously and replied. f'Say Jack, how do you figure the aviators' test with two cork legs? VVhy, jack, although I don't want to discourage you, you haven't a chance. That's all true, the would-be aviator answered, but experience under fire and mechanical knowledge count for a great deal. I know of a fellow in the Third Highlanders getting a commission in the fliers who had an artificial leg. Now I have my commission already, and if he can use one wooden leg to advantage I guess the same applies to two. Anyway I would give two more legs if I had them to get into the aviation game. I'll admit it's fascinating, replied another of the group, and everyone knows that you could handle a plane as well as anyone but you can't get by technicalities in the war zone. If it is necessary to stand on one foot for ten minutes as one of the tests, it is a cinch that every aviator will stand on one foot for ten minutes before he gets a machine, even if he's the Prince of Wales. I'll admit it is tough to be cooped up while the other boys are fighting, but I'm afraid it is hors de combat for Lieut. McIntyre for a long spell.