Coming Home

The ship first appeared as a small speck on the horizon. We had grown impatient at the delay and cheered when we caught sight of it. For most of us this was a important event, because the small object that had come into view was a troopship. Husbands, fathers, brothers and friends were coming home after an absence of four years. We were informed over the microphone that the ship would be in the harbour in about three-quarters of an hour’s time. We did not need telling and cheered more loudly that ever.
The harbour had already witnessed such a colourful spectacle. It was decked out with flags and because the day was warm, we were all wearing gay summer frocks and looking out best for the occasion.
Now the crowd of about five hundred could hardly be held back. People were jumping up and down, waving; and little boys climbed on to stationary vehicles to get a better view.Inflatable 
Tunnel As the tugs piloted the great ship into the harbour, everybody peered eagerly at the troops lined along the railing. Soldiers on board waved to us wildly, shouting out the names of people they recognized or wanted to see. The two young men in the crowd who were holding a big banner with ‘Welcome Home!’ painted on it almost fell over in their excitement to lift it higher. An old man put his hat on the end of his walking-stick and twirled it round and round until it slipped off and fell into the sea. Women were crying; others laughing; and some did not quite know whether to laugh or cry.