The storeroom was close, close enough to take a good stride and be on top of it. They helped the old man and the children get across. Corporal Smith did a quick scan of the fort; it was still inundated with wolves. They were getting excited about the fire and howling and biting at each other.
The fire had turned out to be the perfect distraction. The smoke was drifting away from them, but also creating a shield from the main body of wolves attacking the barracks. With this in mind the group rapidly planned a quick burst to the stables.
It was important that they picked the moment, except they had the growing heat behind them. Led by Corporal Smith, they made their way down from the storeroom. He got everyone to focus on the door at the side of the barn. This was their goal. Not everyone understood English in the group, but they were updated by their fellow Austrians who did.
Seconds later, they were all running to the door. Corporal Smith hung back a little as he had the rifle and wanted to guard against animals or anything else that might be out there.
The old man who had rescued him was doing well until two wolves came from the back of the storeroom and made a beeline for him. Corporal Smith went down onto one knee and took aim. He was not the best shot in the regiment, but he was steady. With a thunderous bang, the first charging wolf buckled and collapsed on the ground. The second launched itself at the old man, who fell backwards. Just as it tried to sink its teeth into him the corporal stepped forward and smashed it with the butt of his rifle, knocking it over. Then, before it could regain its senses, a bayonet was rammed into its chest. Its tongue slipped out of the side of its mouth and its eyes rolled.
“Bang on the door so they can hear us.” shouted Corporal Smith.
One of the Austrians who understood English better than the rest went straight to the door and started shouting and hammering on it. He called for help in English and Austrian.
A soldier standing by the door quickly opened it and was surprised to see this group of people wanting to come in. Within moments, wolves were starting to flow in from everywhere – the shouting had attracted their attention. A large wolf appeared on the scene and made its way towards Corporal Smith. He was in no mood to fight this beast and backed into the stable. They closed the door and started to barricade it. The large wolf started the onslaught on the entrance and rallied the others to keep attacking everywhere around the stables.
Major Richmond appeared with several more soldiers to help reinforce the entrance. He shook Corporal Smith’s hand. He almost wanted to pat his shoulder, but felt it would have been inappropriate for a major to do that.
“Do you have any more news on the barracks, Corporal?”
“No, sir. We could only see the animals swarming all around it. It’s under intense pressure from the wolves, sir.”
The major scratched his head. “Are there any more pockets of people trapped around the fort?”
“I am not too sure about that, sir. The civilian building is now on fire, but there are storerooms, the blacksmith’s, the barn…”
Both of them agreed it was possible that some were lying low. The next thing was to plan what to do should the barracks or stables start to fall. The numbers of wolves outside were still immense and they even conceived that more could arrive by nightfall.
The number of casualties had not been discussed, nor the reason behind this continued assault, for now it was all about survival. Corporal Smith thought about bringing up the subject of the thing behind the door. The trouble was he was not too sure about what was lurking there himself. He was sure it was not a wolf, but that was as far as his assessment went.
Major Richmond started to work up a plan for the survivors in the stables and getting to the barracks. He tried to think of a distraction they could use. The problem was – what?
An hour passed slowly, the sound of digging and chewing constant and threatening.
The barracks were starting to buckle under the sheer numbers of paws and bodies smashing into the wooden doors. A small opening had emerged near the back of the barracks and wolves were desperately trying to squeeze in. Each time a wolf would just about make it, a soldier was there to bayonet or shoot it in the head.
They had been advised to save bullets where possible, but if they had to fire, as Major Richmond had said: “Remember to shoot the larger animals in the head for a clean kill”.
Von Bloch was going over ideas for a break out of the stables, but the situation on the outside was looking grim: the wolves were out there in their thousands. It was an unbelievable sight; nature was winning this battle and the driving force behind it seemed to be annihilation.
The barracks were split into a main entrance, a social room and a dinner hall and then sleeping quarters upstairs and officers’ quarters at the back end of the building. There was a small hospital wing, which was now full with wounded soldiers. The main entrance had to hold firm, otherwise the whole building would be lost.
Shouts went out for more ammunition and reinforcements as windows broke under pressure from the outside attackers.
Sergeant Butcher came into the main entrance with a lance in one hand and a revolver in the other.
“The officers’ quarters have fallen, sir. The wolves are in the building.”
Captain Hayward drew his sword and checked his Adams revolver. Captain Egger knew this was a critical development: they only had upstairs to fall back to.
“Evacuate the hospital and move the wounded upstairs.” Captain Hayward then took Captain Egger with him and requested the Austrians hold the corridor linking to the main entrance.
Most of the soldiers were dressed in their spring clothes, while some were in blue shirts and blue trousers.
A cry went out to signal that wolves were on the roof. This was shortly followed by the falling of the social room and dinner hall. Women and children were ushered upstairs as more and more soldiers fell back into the main entrance. Screams and cries for help rang out.
The gunshots were now more intense as the animals ran amok in the building. Von Bloch prepared himself for the last stand. He had wanted to charge the men towards the stables but sheer numbers had forced them to sit tight and eventually succumb to being trapped. Nervous tension hung heavily in the air, but most of the seasoned soldiers kept calm and awaited orders.
The sound of a horn, strong and drawn out, pierced through the broken wood and smashed glass. Its tone menacing and direct, it caused the fighting to stop immediately as the wolves broke off the attack without even flinching. It was as if someone had turned off a tap and the water had stopped flowing.
Within a blink of an eye they were gone.
Sergeant Butcher came to the officers and just stood there for a second or two, they could see the puzzled look on his face. It was obvious to them that he was trying to make sense of it all. They were all a little astonished and confused to what had just happened. He reported the building was now secure again. He had bloodstains on his helmet and his red tunic was slightly torn.
“Very good, Sergeant. Please take some men and check the fort for survivors and any signs of wolves.” Captain Hayward said nodding his head.
Captain Hayward then went to General Von Bloch who was talking to his captain. He wanted to waste no time and move everyone out of the fort and to the nearest town as soon as possible.
“We must load the wounded into the carts and wagons and leave here now.”
“General, should we see if they are waiting in the forests first? It could be a trap.”
He smiled at them.
“It could very well be a trap, but if we stay here and they attack again, we will all die. This is our only opportunity to leave.”
They all agreed and the evacuation started immediately. There was a sense of urgency with everything now. People buzzed around getting supplies and water for the journey. A detachment of men searched the fort for survivors. The dead, or what was left of the bodies, were also checked over. Records had to be made of missing soldiers or those kill
ed in action.
Major Richmond was relieved to come out to find the wolves had dispersed. He sent a scout to link up with the barracks and inform them they were still alive. The relief on the women and children’s faces at seeing the other Austrians told a story in itself. However, the atmosphere was still very tense and there was no time to hang around.
Bite wounds and open flesh were cleaned as carefully as possible. Doctor Brown was the Royal Engineers’ military surgeon. He was a modern-thinking doctor and liked to pick up new techniques in the field. The Austrian doctor was older and did this by the book, but they still managed to treat people with speed and efficiency.
Whilst all the loading was taking place, sentries were placed on the walls again and lookouts stood by the gates. Any sign of wolves and they were all going to have to make a run for it.
Chapter 3
It was about half an hour before the soldiers and civilians were ready to leave. They had around thirty mounted soldiers to escort them whilst the rest would follow behind.
Once the wagons and carts were fully loaded, Sergeant Butcher took a horse and two mounted soldiers and went off to scout the track down from the fort. This was all done with haste as the fear of another attack was looming.
The smoke from the fire in the fort drifted across the parade square and over the barn. The flames were licking out of the shattered windows, and part of the building had collapsed due to the extreme heat.
When Sergeant Butcher returned, his horse was agitated and nervy, the other two mounted soldiers stayed by the road.
“As far as we can see the path is clear, sir.”
Von Bloch was standing next to the other officers. He barked out the orders for the convoy to start moving. The nearest town was Unghvar, a hard slog down from the mountains.
Captain Hayward offered to bring up the rear of the column with several mounted men. Some of the Austrians soldiers were of Hungarian decent. They had excellent riding skills, which were useful, considering their current situation. They hoped to get to the garrison in Unghvar in two days.
Major Richmond wished he had a cavalry detachment with them. He would have fancied their chances more over the plains and forests which lay ahead. Fortunately, they had only lost twenty men in this latest engagement. Their numbers were few, but they had food and ammunition.
The officers had spoken about the protection needed for the women and children. There were not too many soldiers to spare, but some were ordered to ride with them on the wagons and carts. Civilians were now carrying rifles, too. This would help fill the casualties lost at the fort.
Von Bloch sat high on his horse and allowed the last cart to trundle past him. Listening to the creaking wheels and the clatter of hoofs of the stony path, he surveyed the horizon. The noise was a concern, as was their exposure to an open attack. His mind rolled over this for a moment or two. Captain Hayward waited for him with four soldiers, but he waved them on. He spent another minute taking in the fort and the smoke rising from it.
He had lost a battle before, but this had a strange feel to it. Nature had beaten him and they had only been saved by sound. The sound from the horns played on his mind: Was it the Russians pulling the strings or was someone else involved?
With one last look his eyes danced over the closest forests, then he dug his heels into the horse’s flanks and joined the others.
The spring air was fresh and welcoming. The trees were coming into leaf and the valleys were full of life. There were the odd animals scampering around, but the distinct lack of birds was a concern.
The British soldiers in their red tunics, blue trousers and dark blue helmets with a spike on top, stood out in this wonderful landscape. The Austrians in their dark blue tunics and light blue trousers were less imposing.
After an hour on the dusty track there were no signs of wolves. Captain Egger rode ahead with a scout; it was important to keep on guard at all times. The men and women started to relax more and chatted amongst themselves. The children were not so sure, though. None of them had lost parents in the attacks, but the sight of injured or dead soldiers was enough to take the edge off them wanting to play.
The tracks were narrow in places and the convoy had to go at a snail’s pace to ensure no wheels were lost from the carts or wagons. The wagons had their canvas covers over them to keep the passengers warm and sheltered.
The wounded were resting the best they could; it was not easy being escorted along on a stony track. The doctors had worked hard to clean their wounds and keep the dressings sterile.
General Von Bloch called a halt to the group after six solid hours of travelling. Everyone was tired and hungry but he had wanted to put as much distance from them and the fort as possible. They found a place with an open field and a small farmhouse. Two Austrian soldiers went over to speak to the farmer and request water. They came back with blank expressions on their faces.
Corporal Heinz spoke to them and then returned to Captain Egger. They discussed, in German, what they had found in the farm. General Von Bloch was updated and then immediately gave the order for them to move on.
A groan went out as everyone wanted to know why they could not stop.
Captain Hayward spoke to Major Richmond, and he, in turn, rode on to be next to the general.
“We must have water, sir, and the animals need to rest.”
“I fully understand that, but something is very wrong here at the moment. There is a small river half an hour away. We can rest there.”
Major Richmond returned to reassure the British contingent. It was late afternoon and nightfall would soon be upon them.
As dusk started to settle in the valley, a soft breeze brought a slight chill. The wagons and carts were formed into a defensive circle. Then scouts were then sent to scour the area for anything that could be dangerous.
Corporal Heinz took several men to collect water for the group and horses. This travelling caravan needed to rest and feed after a long journey.
The river was slightly swollen from the melting snow in the mountains and some spring showers. The soldiers knelt down by a small stream and cupped their hands and drank thirstily for a moment or two. The ice cold water was very refreshing; it helped ease their dry throats and gave them a moment of solace.
Corporal Heinz then instructed the men to fill the barrels and any flasks they had with them with water. Back at the camp the horses were being rounded up and led to the river for a well-earned drink.
Fire pits were dug to keep their position as secret as possible and stones were added to the sides to minimise the escaping light. The cook had insisted on taking some livestock with them, mainly chickens and some rabbits. There were two pigs in a cart as well, which were butchered that evening for the meal.
A lot of their supplies would be bread and cheese, vegetables, dried meat and anything the storeroom had spare.
Captain Egger was confident of picking up extra supplies along the way. He knew there would be small villages on the way that would help them out with food.
Major Richmond took out his pipe and loaded it with tobacco. He used his thumb to press it in and then lit a match to ignite it. He puffed away and let the smoke filter out of his mouth. This was heaven to him, a moment to relax and take it their situation. Captain Hayward joined him. He had a mug of wine and looked relaxed himself.
“Bloody nightmare, eh?”
“Not the most fun I’ve had, no.”
Both of them stood looking into the darkness.
“What was wrong with the farmhouse, Major?”
“Something is wrong with this whole area. I can feel it in my bones.”
Von Bloch wanted everyone to rest before they pressed on to Unghvar. He nodded at the major as he made his way to the head cook.
The roll call had been completed now. They had made quick notes at the fort, but it was time for a real check on who was left. Out of the combined Austrian and British forces, thirty soldiers had died; out of the fifty civilians, though, t
hankfully no one had been killed.
Von Bloch wanted it to stay that way and made sure they would have enough sentries on watch that evening. He had not spoken to his British counterpart regarding what had been seen at the farmhouse. His mind was still working through everything that had happened recently. He wanted to digest it and come up with a reasonable explanation.
Everyone tucked into the food as if they had never eaten before. It was a feast; the cook had made sure there was more than enough food to go around and it was just a case of people tucking in. Wine was available for the adults and children were happy with fresh water.
That evening, Captain Hayward lowered his weary body into his blanket. He used his kit bag as a pillow. It wasn’t perfect, but it was dry and warm. The weather was reasonable for that time of year and, importantly, there was no rain.
His mind did not take long to drift towards his family. They were staying in Paris, his wife and two children. It gave him great solace to think of them there and not experiencing this remarkable event surrounding him.
He had seen the children playing with their families in the fort and he was very glad none of them had suffered in the attacks. He spared a thought for the soldiers who had perished. He was fairly new to the detachment, but had struck up a great bond with his men. Major Richmond had been in command and was due to hand that over to him, but the unforeseen change of events had prevented that from happening.
Letters would have to be written to the fallen soldiers’ families. Often government payments for death whilst serving for queen and country were not good enough.
It did not take long for everyone to get settled and fall into a gentle sleep. There would be ten guards doing the late watch; no chances would be taken. They had drunk coffee and were allowed tobacco to help pass the time. Bayonets were fixed and a Bugler was also on watch should his alarm call be needed.
The night passed and the sun began to rise. The change of guard allowed the night watch to sleep on and get some well earned rest. Everyone’s spirits were high on waking. Leftover food was hurriedly devoured for breakfast and the camp was dismantled. Scouts were sent to survey the local vicinity.
Europe Has Fallen Page 4
