Redcoats Recalled

‘Righto chaps, look sharp. The bloody Germans are at it again so we need to meet at Gallagher’s to reaffirm the Corps. We’ll assemble at noon on Thursday. Spread the word.’

This was the e-mail that Derek got from the major. There'd been a lot of talk about the Germans trying to take over again, but he believed that there wasn't much that he could do about it and that it was all up to the politicians. Nevertheless, orders were orders and he’d found himself walking up the hill on a cold chilly morning to meet the other soldiers. As he got closer, he saw a familiar figure leaning outside the front, in a flat brown cap and brown leather jacket.

‘Morning Dave, how are you?’

‘Eh up, it's old Derek, haven't seen you in ages. Glad to see you’re still here.’

‘And the same to you, you're looking well. How’s the missus?’

‘Oh she’s fine, she's looking after the grandkids today. I’ll be joining her later as this won't take long; there's not many left of us now.’

‘Isn't Dawson coming?’

‘No, poor chap’s in a home; his arthritis got the better of him. And Stanley passed on last year, and I'm not sure how many others Sarge managed to get hold of. All we’ll be doing is having a quick reunion lunchtime pint and a plate of sandwiches if we’re lucky.’

‘So we’re not likely to be marching out then?’

‘No, I think we’ll have to merge with a troop over the river if we're going to do that, which isn't likely. I wouldn't be surprised if we disbanded today.’

‘DISBAND THE REDCOATS? THAT’S MUTINY!’ said a loud voice behind them.

‘Sarge, how are y-‘

‘Wilson, be quiet till we get inside. And that's one less tot for you. Why hasn't this establishment opened yet? And with that, Sergeant Holmes began banging on the pub's sturdy door.