The Banker (Part 9) – Embarkation
Findlay’s leave for final farewells with family, girlfriend and friends was all too brief. There was a nagging thought that it might be the last time he would ever see all of them. Though he tried to banish it and enjoy his last few days before embarkation, an unsettling awareness of his own mortality lingered. Findlay nevertheless showed up in Ladysmith as instructed. Punctual to a fault, he entered the base with time to spare. His unit was required to report to Ladysmith. They would all then be transported, mainly by troop train, to the point of embarkation on massive troop ships in Durban. No short cuts. No fellows opting to join their mates in Durban. These were military units. They acted in unison. No exceptions. Over the ensuing days, scores of soldiers boarded packed troop trains for the overnight journey to Durban, where Natal Command Headquarters was situated . Aboard the trains, the mood was generally sombre. Here and there, banter broke the silence, and occasional flashe...
