Chapter 7:
The Final Push and the Island's Legacy
As 1943 drew to a close, the tide of the war was turning decisively in favor of the Allies. The U-boat threat was diminishing, and the airfield on Ascension was busier than ever, with planes ferrying troops and supplies to North Africa and beyond.
One morning, as we stood at attention during the daily briefing, Colonel Baldwin announced the final phase of our mission. "Gentlemen, with the Allies advancing on all fronts, our role here is coming to an end. We will be transitioning out of Ascension Island, and the airbase will be handed over to the British."
The news was met with a mix of emotions. Some were relieved that their time on the island was coming to an end, while others felt a sense of loss and nostalgia.
Martinez, ever the pragmatist, spoke up. "It's time to move on, men. We've done our job here."
As the days passed, the island began to empty out. The anti-aircraft guns were dismantled, and the machine guns were stored away. The airfield, once a bustling hub of activity, was now quiet, with only occasional flights coming and going.
One evening, as we watched the sun set over the Atlantic, Roberts turned to me with a reflective look. "You know, Collins, I never thought I'd say this, but I'm going to miss this place."
I nodded in agreement. "It's been our home for so long. But it's time to move on."
The wideawake terns, those constant companions of ours, seemed to sense the change in the air. They flew overhead, their cries softer, almost melancholic.
As we packed our gear and prepared to leave, we couldn't help but think about the legacy of Ascension Island. It had been an important naval and air station, providing a crucial link in the Allied supply chain and serving as a base for antisubmarine warfare operations.
The guns of HMS Hood, which had been fired on one occasion to repel the attack of U-boat U-124, stood as a silent testament to the island's role in the war. They were the only surviving part of the ship, a reminder of the sacrifices made during the conflict.
As we departed Ascension Island, we knew that our time here had been significant. We had played a vital role in the war effort, and the memories and bonds we formed would last a lifetime.
"Roberts, Martinez," I said, my voice filled with emotion. "We did it. We kept the Atlantic safe."
Martinez smiled, a rare sight. "We sure did, Collins. And we did it together."
The night air was filled with the sound of the ocean and the distant call of the wideawake terns, a final reminder of our time on Ascension Island.The island, once a small, volcanic speck in the Atlantic, had become a symbol of resilience and determination. It had been our home, our refuge, and our battleground. The world was a little different but war was not so different it seemed like it would never end in the Pacific realm of war Soon the order was to disembark on a journey to the narrow and beautiful island of Tuvalu That would be my last isolating location that was the place where my war days would end.