That night, their first night on German soil, was spent in a dank cellar with masses of rubble—stability uncertain—above them.

“The Germans started this mess and look what they’ve done. It’s their turn now,” Sandy said. There wasn’t an ounce of sympathy in his body.

“Well, I hope the civilians were evacuated, the women and kids and old people. I’m guessing we’re liberating some of them from Hitler too,” Stan said.

Sandy shot him an angry glance. “You can’t tell me the majority of them weren’t cheering Hitler on when it all began.”

They waited for the call to form up and head to their latest start line, the main road between Calcar and Goch. But the call did not come so they did not head into battle the next day. Instead they waited. And while they waited, the rookies fought to contain their panic, grateful for the sense of surety the veterans provided. The veterans contemplated their own mortality, wondering how the hell they’d made it even this far.

The Major had briefed them all on the plan. “We’ve been ordered to capture the Goch–Calcar Road and the start line is here.” He pointed on the map. “The road runs northeast and almost through the Louisendorf crossroads. Our objective is to seize the high ground southeast of the road. This is it, Operation Blockbuster. We’re to go approximately three thousand yards beyond Louisendorf to take the ridge.

“It’s a two-battalion front. The attack will be made over open country. Kangaroos will move both battalions. We’ll be on the left and the Essex on the right. The Royals are in reserve behind us and we’ll get support from the Fort Garrys. Plus, the Toronto Scots are supporting us with machine guns and mortars. We’ll follow the two lead companies. We’re mopping up. We’re facing an upward slope, and we don’t know what’s on the other side.”

Ewen looked at Reggie, who dropped his head. No, we don’t know what’s on the other side, do we, my friend?

“Remember,” concluded the Major, “Ground once taken is never given.”

Two days later, Ewen and Reggie were leaning against a damp wall, sitting on their groundsheets as the dawn made the overcast sky slightly less gloomy, though hardly bright. “That sky looks like rain, I think,” said Reggie. “But I don’t know this sky, so maybe I’m wrong.”

“Going to make the roads even worse,” said Ewen, looking at the mud. “If that’s possible. Kangaroos will struggle.”

“We’ll be on foot anyway. Trust your feet, Ewen. Remember?” Reggie smiled, then stopped, looking up to the sky once again. “I never thought I would come this far. Germany, it’s a long way from home.” He shook his head. “I wonder if I’m the first from my reserve to be this far from our land.

“This will be my last fight. I won’t make it. I’ll be heading over that hill and not returning.”

Ewen was alarmed. They never spoke about the future. “No, Reggie! Don’t talk like that.”

“It’s how it is. I know,” said Reggie.

Ewen had heard of visions and knew some in his own family had them, but it wasn’t talked about. He was keenly aware that death was the war’s dance, and no one knew when their waltz would be over. “You and me, we’ve made it this far, and we’re not going to end up under a white cross out here.”

“You’re going to make it. Ewen. You’ll be around when it’s all over.” Reggie put his hand on Ewen’s shoulder. “Remember, visit my mother when you get back to Canada.”

Ewen stared into his friend’s eyes. He nodded, hoping this was a promise he would not have to keep. He didn’t ask about Rose.