Laura, looked dazzlingly beautiful in a high-necked, long-sleeved silver wedding gown. Her auburn hair was done in a chignon and behind her veil, Laura’s face was wreathed in smiles. Her left hand, complete with her shiny gold wedding ring, clasped hold of Manley’s right hand, while her left hand held a small bouquet of red roses. The tip of a white handkerchief poked discretely out of the breast pocket of Manley’s immaculately tailored uniform, above which, his recently awarded Distinguished Service Cross was proudly displayed. At first, Manley was bareheaded but was handed his cap by Lieutenant Powel, who was his best man.
Finally, the traditional wedding photographs were taken by a tall man wearing a dark suit and horn-rimmed glasses. Then, to the sound of loud cheers and clapping coming from the crowd, Laura took tight hold of Manley’s arm. After carefully negotiating the four steps leading to the wide, gravelled path, the happy couple, covered in confetti, walked under an arch of shining swords provided by Lieutenant (E) Logan, Surgeon Lieutenant Latta, and Sub Lieutenants, Baker and Milton. As they arrived at the rusting wrought iron gate, Laura stopped and threw her bouquet over her head into the crowd, causing even more cheering as it was caught by Susan.
Parked on the road opposite the gate, a chauffeur, an elderly man wearing green livery, stood holding open the door of the sliver limousine that would take them to Trevithick House, where the wedding breakfast was to be held.
‘Congratulations to you both,’ said the chauffeur, in a thick Cornish accent. ‘And may you have a long and happy life.’
Manley thanked him then helped Laura, who, picking up her gown, gave a quick glimpse of the metal prosthesis on her left leg as she climbed into the back seat. Manley removed his cap, bent down and followed her inside. As the car pulled away, Manley gently lifted Laura’s veil, and looking into her moist, violet eyes, said, ‘Alone at last, how are you feeling, Mrs Manley?’
‘Wonderful, Mr Manley,’ she replied, then grasping his hands, she smiled and added, ‘darling, if our first child is a boy, can we name him after FP?’
‘Of course,’ Manley answered, ‘I’m sure he would have liked that.’
‘Now kiss me, my love,’ Laura answered, as a tear ran down the side of her face, ‘because now I really do know love laughs at locksmiths.’
* * *
[1] CAM freighters are fitted with catapults, enabling them to launch aircraft
[2] H/F, known as ‘Huff Duff’ refers to high frequency direction finder, an electronic system detecting short wave messages between U-boats and the surface up to ten miles away.
[3] HMS Manxman and her sister ship, Welshman were two Abdiel Class minelayers. Their speed of over 39knots made them too fast for enemy warships, but ideal for ferrying important personnel, mail and vital stores from England to ports in the Mediterranean.
[4] During 1942, 15,000 tonnes of bombs were dropped 0n Malta, making it the most bombed place on earth.
[5] Ultra was the British Intelligence Service used to break high-level enemy radio teleprinter communications at Bletchley Park.
[6] Jagos was the nickname for HMS Drake, R.N Barracks, Devonport. The name was derived from Jago Alphonso (1876-1928) who was responsible for having General Messing installed in the barracks.
[7] On August 6 1942, Truro experienced its first air raid. 65 people were killed including women and children. Part of B wing of the hospital was damaged and 9 members of staff were killed.
[8] Footnote. 6,086 troops landed at Dieppe. 4,963 were Canadians. Only 2210 returned to England. 913 were killed and the rest captured. The Royal Navy lost 33 craft and one destroyer. 6, U S Rangers were killed and the RAF lost 106 aircraft. The only success of the raids was Lord Lovatt’s Number 4 Commando, who, as his LCA pulled away, sent a message to Mountbatten: ‘Hess battery destroyed, all enemy guns crews finished with bayonet – is this OK with you?’ No answer was received.
Battle Ensign Page 33
