The Visit

Brigadier General Stephen Carruthers sat at his desk mulling over the battle reports. The offensive had been a success, the position that was so important to the allies had been taken and secured but the casualties had been appalling.
The field hospital close by was filled with the wounded of the recent fighting and the losses concerned him greatly.
Although he was a career man, almost thirty years in the army behind him, always uppermost in his mind was the safety of his men. He was also a realist. He knew that in times of war there would be losses but he would try his utmost to keep them to an absolute minimum. He would never order them into battle if there was even the remotest chance of failure, therefore each battle that he commanded met with success and with minimum casualties, this however was an exception.
Carruthers shook his head with dismay, even in his estimation the losses were far too high. He decided he would go along to the field hospital and visit the men under his command, a morale boosting visit, he thought.
He stood and picking up his cap planted it firmly on his head. He stood in front of the mirror and adjusted it slightly and then made his way to the door of the office.
"Carstairs. I'm just off out for a short while. I'll be back presently, " He said to his adjutant as he passed out of the office.
Carruthers paused on the verandah. The day was glorious. He looked up at the sky which was a brilliant blue, not a cloud to be seen. He looked across the open fields and took in the incredible view of green trees, hedgerows and the mountains in the far distance. He breathed in deeply, the crisp morning air fresh on his tongue. It was a magnificent day he thought. Victory and the end of the war were now so close, so very, very close and soon there would be and end to the futile slaughter.
As he made his way to the field hospital he considered his future. Thirty years was a long time. When this was all over he would call it a day, retire. Veronica would be happy. She had stood by him all their married life. In peace time where ever he was posted she would uncomplainingly pack up their possessions, organize their two daughters and willingly follow him all over the world. His daughters were grown and safe, along with their mother, while he was so far away doing his duty for his country.
While he walked he met several junior officers along the way who saluted him with enthusiasm and he returned their tributes accordingly. A few more weeks, a month at the most he estimated and that would be it. The enemy could not resist too much longer, they were disorganized now, their supplies cut off and morale was low. Ah yes morale. He began to focus his mind on the purpose for his visit. He stopped outside the huge marquis. It was bigger than he imagined but then the casualties were monstrous.
He stepped inside and surveyed the scene. He gasped inwardly. In all his years he had never witnessed such carnage and it grieved him immensly. He removed his cap and laid it on the desk of the chief of medical staff.
Moving around slowly from bed to bed he spoke softly and with reassurance to each man who was conscious and able to speak. To those who were more talkative he spent extra time. The morale of his men were of paramount importance to Caruthers and was in no mood to hurry.
After almost two and a half hours he came to the very last bed and there lying on the camper was an Australian infantryman.
Good lord, thought Carruthers. Whatever is this man doing here? But then he thought quickly, well he is after all on our side fighting for the same cause as we, why shouldn't he be here. He looked down at the Australian soldier and the soldier gazed back at him. I must say something to him, he deserves no less than all the other men I've spoken to.
Carruthers pondered the man for a few moments, "My good man, " he said gently, his rich baritone voice carrying the dignity and education that had been present with him all his life, "You haven't come in here to die."
The Australian looked back at Carruthers and said in his broad Australian accent, "Nah yer right mate. I came in yesterdie."

THE END.