The Girls in Blue

by Fenella J Miller

  ‘There are a couple of seats over there at that table. Why don’t you grab them whilst I get the drinks?’

  *

  Jane flopped into a chair, her pulse still racing from all that jumping about. She couldn’t remember ever having had such a wonderful time or being so happy. She straightened and all desire to smile vanished. She’d never been happy – not once in her entire life – even before the mistreatment began.

  She’d deliberately chosen a chair that left her with her back to him but now she swivelled. He was waiting patiently to be served behind several other like-minded officers. Somehow, he sensed that she was looking in his direction and smiled. She couldn’t stop herself reciprocating.

  He really was a handsome man, but more importantly he was kind, funny and for some miraculous reason appeared to be interested in her. Would it be such a bad thing to get close to him? What would he expect her to do? She knew nothing about what went on between a man and a woman in the privacy of their bedroom and didn’t want to know.

  She’d seen courting couples walking along holding hands, seen a young man with his arm around his girlfriend, had even seen the shadowy shapes of two figures kissing in the doorway of a shop – but there was more to it than that.

  She fiddled with her buttons, flustered by her thoughts, and decided however much she liked Oscar she wouldn’t allow him to get any closer. She would be safer keeping her distance. Most men couldn’t be trusted – she’d learnt that very early on in her life.

  When he returned with the promised drinks, she’d recovered her composure but her short-lived happiness had gone, to be replaced by her usual feeling of unease when in company.

  ‘Sorry I took so long, but I got us each a pint – then I won’t have to queue up a second time.’

  She nodded her thanks and buried her face in the glass. She drank several large mouthfuls with enjoyment. ‘This is quite delicious. Thank you so much for getting it for me. I could really do with a sandwich – I was too nervous to eat my tea and haven’t had anything since lunchtime.’

  ‘There’s no food available at this shindig but I’m certain I’ve got something edible in my room.’

  She couldn’t prevent her look of horror. Instead of being surprised he laughed out loud.

  ‘Good God, I’m not suggesting you come with me. Wait here, you’ll be perfectly safe as there are already at least a dozen girls in here. I can promise you no one will bother you whilst I’m gone.’ He pointed to his beer. ‘Guard that with your life. Thieving blighters in here will take it if they get half a chance.’

  He didn’t wait for her response but dashed off, threading his way through the crowd, and then he disappeared from sight. No one had ever done anything just for her. All she’d said was that she was hungry and he’d rushed off to find her something to eat. The music had stopped so the band must be taking a break too.

  Two inebriated young officers were eyeing the beer. She drew it close to her shandy and glared at them. They laughed and wandered off. The babble of conversation washed over her head. She didn’t feel isolated, but part of the group. Her uniform was the same as theirs. Her lips curved. She was now part of a family, a group of strangers, but they were all linked by the blue-grey that they wore.

  ‘Wake up, sleepyhead, I’ve brought you sustenance,’ Oscar said as he dropped into the seat adjacent to hers.

  She didn’t open her eyes. ‘I’m not asleep. I’ll have you know I’m thinking deep and meaningful thoughts. Not something you do very often, I assume.’

  His rich, baritone chuckle made her look at him. ‘Excellent. I have two cheese sandwiches, two apples and two – I’m not sure exactly what they are – but I think they were once sausage rolls.’

  Her eyes widened. ‘Where did you find all that? I don’t believe for one minute that you had this in your billet. Who have you stolen it from?’

  His eyes were dancing and he leaned over and put his finger on his lips in an exaggerated fashion. ‘Loose lips lose lives – or something daft like that. I nipped round to the NAAFI and called in a favour from one of the girls in the kitchen.’

  The impromptu meal was perfect and so was the shandy. ‘Thank you so much for that. Much better than being poked in the eye with a burnt stick.’

  ‘I’ve not heard that one before. Can I persuade you to dance with me again or have you had enough for tonight? I’m quite happy to sit here and talk to you if that’s what you prefer.’

  ‘Actually, I need the ladies’ room before I do anything else. I suppose I’ve got to go outside to find the ablutions.’

  ‘I’ll take you to the one the girls in the office use. I doubt anyone else will know about it.’

  He gave her directions and said he would wait for her in the passageway. The adjutant’s offices where the admin WAAF worked had been in darkness and she’d been given strict instructions to turn the lights off when she left.

  As she was plunged into darkness, she heard footsteps approaching. Her hair stood on end and she was paralysed with fear.

  9

  Oscar had been hanging about for some time waiting for Jane to appear from the offices when his CO called him over.

  ‘Just heard I’ve been told to form another flight. This will bring the squadron up to full strength. The new chaps arrive tomorrow. You’re being promoted to Flight Lieutenant and will take it over. Roy will be your second in command. These chaps are recently qualified and need knocking into fighting shape.’

  ‘That’s good news, Skip. I didn’t expect to be promoted quite so soon. I won’t let you down – I’m ready for this.’

  ‘Good show. I knew I could count on you. Piece of cake for someone with your experience. Unfortunately, they won’t all have their own kites initially but will have to share what we have. Let’s hope the balloon doesn’t go up before we’re ready.’

  ‘The Luftwaffe have far more trained pilots than us and actual battle experience. If Hitler started bombing Britain now, we’d not be ready.’

  ‘None of that negative talk, Stanton. We’ll be ready and will defeat the Huns when it comes to a fight.’

  ‘Yes, sir, I’m sure you’re correct. Excuse me, but I should be meeting a young lady outside the office. Can’t think why she’s been gone so long.’

  As he approached the corridor where the offices were located he saw someone ahead of him. He recognised the figure. It was Humphrey – a blighter he didn’t like. Had a rotten reputation with the ladies. Had he seen Jane go down there unescorted?

  He increased his pace and was running as he hurtled around the corner. This end of the passage was in darkness. Where the hell was Humphrey? Jane screamed.

  He was at her side in seconds and grabbed her attacker by the shoulder, swung him around and punched him in the face. The blow sent him crashing to the floor.

  ‘Are you okay, Jane? Did he hurt you?’

  She ran past him without answering, her head lowered. He could hear her crying. He was about to go after her when he was struck a glancing blow on his jaw. The blighter had got up. A right hook finished the job. He’d been boxing champion for his school.

  The racket had attracted unwanted attention and there were people coming to investigate. Officers fighting was a court martial offence. Too late to avoid the inevitable. Humphrey was out cold.

  The CO and adjutant rushed around the corner. ‘Good God, Stanton, have you killed the bastard?’

  ‘No, sir, just knocked him out. I’ll face the music later. I need to find Miss Hadley.’

  ‘Someone’s taking care of her. Poor girl. Disgraceful behaviour from one of my men. Not the first time either. I’ll have his stripes for this and get him posted elsewhere.’

  ‘Am I not to go on a charge?’

  The CO shook his head. ‘Absolutely not. Just glad you got there in time. Would have done the same myself. Go and find your young lady, and offer my sincere apologies for her unfortunate experience.’

  Oscar hurried off to search for Jane but couldn’t find
her. After an hour he abandoned the attempt and decided he’d had enough jollity for one night. He would get leave of absence and drive to Pannal Ash tomorrow and speak to her. She wouldn’t be posted out until late afternoon at the earliest. His orderly was waiting to speak to him.

  ‘I’ve put your stripes on your jackets, sir. If you’ll give me that one, I’ll do it too.’ He pointed to an envelope on the chest of drawers. ‘This came for you a while ago.’

  He shrugged out of his jacket and handed it over before picking up the note. When Brown had gone, he perched on the bed and opened it.

  Dear Flying Officer Stanton,

  A taxi has been called for me. Thank you for coming to my rescue again. I am unhurt thanks to your timely arrival.

  I have changed my mind and do not wish to stay in touch.

  Yours sincerely,

  Miss Jane Hadley

  No point in going to see her now. She’d made it very clear their brief acquaintance was over. Things had been going so well until Humphrey had attacked her. He’d really liked this quiet, intelligent girl with glorious hair and a wonderful smile. No doubt he’d get over it. There was a war on and he had a new flight to knock into shape.

  *

  Jane sat in the taxi clutching her greatcoat around her as if it could protect her from harm. All men were beasts and she wasn’t going to put herself in danger of being hurt ever again. Oscar had stopped the horrid officer from doing her any serious damage but the stranger had pressed his mouth on hers, his teeth had cut her lips, and then he had touched her bottom.

  She shuddered. Being touched and kissed was almost as bad as being beaten. It was a good thing she had her interview tomorrow. She prayed she’d get allocated to special duties – this would mean she would be sent away immediately for training. She’d no idea exactly what these special duties were – just that only the girls with a good education were selected. With any luck they would be billeted away from any RAF base and be segregated from the airmen.

  She felt hot all over just thinking about having to explain what had happened to the senior officers who had seen her sobbing and trying to stem the blood from her mouth. They had been very kind, understood at once she didn’t want to go into details, and arranged for her coat to be fetched, and a taxi to take her home.

  Pannal Ash was eerily deserted when she hurried inside. Either everyone was at the dance or they had already retired. As she headed for her billet she noticed there was a new notice on the board. She paused to read it. It was the order in which they would be interviewed tomorrow and her name was a third of the way down. Someone called Amy Williams would be going last and Mary Adams would be first. The interviews started at eight o’clock so hers was scheduled for ten.

  Arriving in an empty room was strange but tonight she was glad to be free of questions and chatter. By the time she scrambled into bed, her teeth were clicking. Her breath had condensed in front of her and she thought it was probably the same temperature inside as out.

  Despite the cold and her agitation, she drifted off to sleep and only roused briefly when the others trooped in a couple of hours later. She was up first and pulled on her greatcoat over her nightwear, rammed her feet into her shoes and then gathered up the rest of her uniform. If she arrived at the ablutions block first then hot water would still be available. Getting dressed in here was preferable to the freezing dormitory but was only possible if you got up really early.

  As she was fastening the last button on her jacket dozens of girls began to flood in. The early birds like her exchanged smug smiles. She sailed past, lovely and warm, whilst the later arrivals were still shivering in their flannelette pyjamas.

  ‘Blimey, you must have been up quick, Jane,’ one of them said.

  ‘I was. Worth it though.’

  Nobody seemed clear about whether they would be leaving immediately they knew what their trade would be or if they would depart the following day.

  Daphne and Jenny were waiting to go into breakfast and she joined the line behind them. ‘Do either of you know if we’ve got to get ready to go immediately after our interview?’

  ‘I asked an NCO and she said the interviews might well go on all day. But as we’re the first lot through here she doesn’t know much more than we do,’ Daphne said as she held her plate out for food.

  ‘You’ve both got your interviews towards the end of the proceedings – mine’s likely to be in a couple of hours.’

  ‘I wonder if we get what we put down on our applications,’ Jenny said.

  ‘I wanted to be a wireless or radio operator although I don’t know exactly what either job entails. To be honest, I’ll just be glad to get away from here. I can’t see that this past two weeks has done anything for any of us.’

  ‘I don’t think they knew what to do with us so just got us doing cleaning and so on. I enjoyed working in the kitchen and peeling the potatoes.’ Jenny had a healthy appetite and now had two slices of bacon, two fried eggs, fried bread and was collecting toast as well. ‘I put down catering so hope that’s what I get. What about you, Daph?’

  ‘As long as I don’t get made an orderly – I’ve done more than enough domestic work these past two weeks. I wouldn’t mind working in the office – I was a telephonist…’

  ‘Then that’s what they’ll get you to do,’ Jane said. ‘An RAF officer told me that they’re desperately short of girls to work in the office.’

  ‘I’ll keep everything crossed that they want me. Talking about RAF officers, what happened to you last night? One minute you were dancing madly with one and then you both vanished.’ Jenny giggled and waggled her eyebrows.

  ‘I didn’t feel well and he got a taxi for me. I came home early, which is why I was up before you. Didn’t you bother with the ablutions block today?’ Jane had hastily changed the subject as the last thing she wanted to do was talk about what had happened last night.

  The smell and look of the fried food was making her nauseous. She grabbed some toast, held out her mug to be filled, and then headed for an empty table hoping the other two didn’t follow her and continue to ask awkward questions.

  Daphne put her breakfast down on the table. ‘No wonder you’re like a scraped matchstick, Jane – you don’t eat enough to keep a fly alive.’

  ‘I’m still not fully recovered from last night – it’s probably something I ate at lunchtime yesterday. Toast and tea are exactly what I want.’

  Why didn’t she eat more? Had living with that man ruined her appetite? He’d dictated what she ate. She’d never dared to leave a morsel, and the slightest transgression even if it didn’t lead to a beating meant she was deprived of a meal.

  The tannoy crackled and she turned to listen. It announced that fresh bedlinen was to be collected and the dormitory cleaned and left ready for the next intake. Once they had been interviewed, they were to muster with their kit in the entrance hall.

  ‘Blimey, that means we’ll be off today. I don’t see how they know who’s going where until all the interviews are completed,’ Daphne said.

  ‘I expect those are just a formality,’ Jane said. ‘They’ve probably already made up their minds where we’re going. I’d better hurry up and finish this or I won’t be ready by ten o’clock.’

  As she was stacking her bed she regretted not saying goodbye to Daphne and Jenny. She’d only known them for two weeks but they might very well be hurt by her rudeness. There was nothing she could do about it as she only had another quarter of an hour to complete her packing and take her kit downstairs.

  Two of the beds were already stacked, the lockers cleared and the linoleum polished to a high shine around them. She collected her belongings and stood back to check that her temporary bed space was equally pristine. Satisfied it would pass any inspection she plonked her helmet on her head, her gas mask around her neck, her greatcoat over her shoulders and then dragged her heavy bag behind her.

  From the bumping and swearing coming from the stairs above her other girls were similarly occupie
d. She carefully propped the kitbag against the wall and then draped coat, gas mask and helmet over the top. Her lips curved as she looked. There were several of these shapes and they all looked like rather small, but smart, scarecrows.

  She headed for the room where the interviews were taking place. She knocked and a brusque voice told her to enter.

  ‘Aircraft Woman Second Class 374.’ Having had to shorten her number in order to be handed her meagre pay each week she was now confident she’d got it right. She saluted and then marched smartly to stand to attention in front of the three interviewers. One was an RAF officer, a squadron leader from his stripes, the other two WAAF officers. None of them looked particularly pleased to see her.

  There was no chair. Either this interview was going to be very short or they wished to see how long she could remain at attention.

  ‘ACW 374, you have been designated Special Duties. Dismissed.’

  Stunned by the brevity but delighted by the result she saluted again, turned about-face and marched out.

  When she reached the entrance hall an NCO was waiting for her. ‘Good, they said you’d be out quickly. Transport will be leaving at one o’clock. Put your kit by the door with the other three. Underneath the yellow marker.’

  ‘Yes, ma’am.’ She would have liked to ask how many people were in her group, where they were going and what exactly special duties were but the NCO strode away and she’d missed the opportunity.

  It seemed strange that all the girls in her group had their names in the first half of the alphabet. Surely there must be several others with the same educational qualifications as her with names ending in T or a W?

  The sooner she learnt to follow orders without questioning them the better. They might have volunteered but until she resigned, she was theirs to command.

  *

  Oscar had been sharing a room with Roy but his new promotion meant he was now entitled to a single room. He would prefer to remain where he was. He valued the time he spent with his friend as it gave him less time to dwell on what might have been if Jane had agreed to carry on seeing him.