In March 1945 the Second World War was nearing its end and the general feeling was that "Its good to be alive"

We had a couple more objectives before flying out to India; mopping up operations to clear two villages on the plain south of Mandalay.

The first village we entered was clear so after digging in for the night we followed through into the paddy field beyond at dawn. 

Crossing the stubble in extended order, a group of retreating Japs broke cover from behind a hayrick, changing direction like a flock of sheep before a sheepdog.  Throwing away rifles and packs, etc and following their leader as he changed direction.

It was hard to believe that these were the same men who, twelve months before had charged in screaming, night after night, in attach and counter-attach.

Their sole purpose now was to get away, as far and as fast as possible, mine seemed to be the only weapon ....END OF 162 WORD SAMPLE OF 428 WORDS.

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