"Bashert" by Conrad Singer            Chapter 2 Conscription

two

CONSCRIPTION  

   

I was stood on the quayside of the Danube, poorly clothed as usual and awaiting the arrival of the “Galateanu”. The paddle steamer was to take me to Tulcea. There, I would join the infantry of the 33rd Regiment. Because I came from a good school background, I was selected for officer training. “ Mr. Singer”, you have cut your hair!” a pleasant voice sounded in my ears. I found a Miss Zuckerman standing by me, a girl I had adored from a distance but whom I had never dared to approach. She explained that she was waiting for her husband to be, from Calati. My dreams tumbled like a pack of cards. Throughout my life, there was to be a recurring pattern of being unlucky in love. 

On arrival at Tulcea, I reported to the Regimental Headquarters, at the camp, on the outskirts of town. There, I was issued with

Age 16, before Army Service

my uniform and equipment. Daylight could be seen, thought the texture of my first garment. The tunic and breeches were full of lice eggs and the boots carried patches over patches. When I protested, I was accused of behaving like a greedy little Jew.    
My conscription was to give me a good taste of army discipline. Tea with a chunk of bread was served as breakfast at 0630 hours. At 0700 hours, we began our physical training exercises, which were a major part of the daily routine. It was good for building a healthy body and, in later life, served me well. My Christian comrades saw me as being a tough young Jew and respected me, despite their anti-Semitic feelings. The N.C.O.s took to me because of my obvious commitment to soldiering.   

    Through a stroke of good luck, I was transferred back to my hometown. However, I came to regret this because it was to involve me in far greater hardship than I had suffered in my 
Age 20, 1933, Romanian Army
previous regiment.  The new routine obliged me to wake up at 5 o’ clock, each morning, and walk the four miles to the regimental quarters in time for parade.  I had to make a return journey home for lunch and again, in the evening, for my bed. On top of this I received a terrible blow on learning that my father had taken ill with cancer.

   One lieutenant took a dislike to me. His favourite punishment required the victim to fashion timber props. I responded with enthusiasm, which eventually affected the Senior Officer. Later, my Jewish colleagues and me were posted for guard duties, at the local prison. During that time, I discovered my father in a coma. I should have reported for night duty, at the prison, but chose instead to stay with him, as he died the same night. When I turned up, the following morning, the sergeant wanted to arrest me but I struggled free, scaled the prison wall and reported to the same colonel who had managed the original transfer. When he understood what had happened I was treated with clemency.

   Afterwards, I was involved in an argument where I swore at and threatened my sergeant. Because the authorities knew that I was normally well disciplined, I was given an easy punishment. I was sent to take part in the autumn maneuvers of my regiment. As always, I was wearing poor clothing but this time the life was easier for me. As soon as maneuvers were over, I was handed my papers, which released me from the army.

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