The Girls in Blue

by Fenella J Miller

  ‘There won’t be much flying today as it’s snowing heavily,’ Jane said and wished it wasn’t so. She really needed to be busy and keep her mind off things.

  ‘I expect they’ll have dummy runs – those reporting the plots need practice as much as we do,’ Elizabeth said.

  ‘When do you think the real war will start? Things are happening at sea but nothing in the air so far. It must be dreadful having a family member in the Royal or Merchant Navy as the U-boats are sinking our ships. Just imagine being on board, never knowing when one of them is going to send a torpedo and sink the vessel.’

  ‘I don’t want to imagine it; I don’t even want to think about it, thank you very much. What’s the point in agonising about things we can’t change? I’m just going to concentrate on my present, my dangers and my job.’

  The ancient bus rattled to a stop and they piled out into the freezing, snow-filled darkness. As expected, there was nothing going on in the sky. However, a little light relief was provided when one of the officers on a specialised course at Fareham, where she was plugged into, came online and began chatting her up. At first she was tongue-tied but then relaxed as a little harmless flirting over the wireless couldn’t possibly do her any harm.

  She hastily disconnected when an officer on the balcony turned his beady eye in her direction. There was nothing doing and soon those in charge decided it would be safe for the majority of the girls to take a break.

  The officer that announced this followed up with the reminder that they couldn’t expect to have breaks when the phoney war ended.

  ‘I’m going to the loo before I head for the canteen. Elizabeth, could you please get me a tea and any sort of sandwich or cake that’s available?’ Jane handed over her mug and a handful of coins.

  ‘I’ll bag us the table as well and then you can hold the fort whilst I go. It was absolute agony last shift because I was so desperate – I’m not going to do that again.’

  When Jane returned her friend was waving frantically amongst the sea of blue uniforms. Although everyone was dressed the same, they were all shapes and sizes, ages and complexions and there’d been no need for the wild gesticulating as she’d immediately spotted Elizabeth without all the fuss.

  ‘I managed to get us both an actual cheese and pickle sandwich and an iced finger, which we can share.’

  ‘Thank you, do you want to go now or are you going to eat first?’

  ‘I want to explain why I rushed off – or did Roy tell you?’

  ‘Roy left too but Oscar said something about you getting a bit drunk and doing something you regretted.’

  ‘Well, that’s a polite way of putting it I suppose. I threw myself at him, tried to seduce him, but all I did was make myself look cheap. He’s a gentleman and didn’t take advantage of what was offered. I know I disgusted him, which is a shame as I thought we might have got to like each other.’

  ‘But where did you go afterwards?’

  ‘I went home. My family live in St Albans.’

  ‘Golly, did you tell them what you’d done?’

  ‘Are you doolally? I might get on well with them but that’s just not the sort of thing you tell your parents. I just said I’d had a row with my boyfriend and needed to lick my wounds in the comfort of home.’ She delved into her inside pocket and pulled out her purse. ‘How much do I owe you?’

  The cash was handed over and Jane was pleased Elizabeth had been open about what had happened. ‘I’m not seeing Oscar any more either. He was getting too involved and I just don’t want that sort of commitment at the moment.’

  ‘I’d have thought that was exactly what you want – something to take your mind off what’s going to happen.’

  ‘If ever I do get serious it won’t be with someone who is likely to die.’

  ‘In which case you’ll have to wait until this lot is over or settle for a middle-aged widower with a brace of screaming children.’

  Jane smiled, but couldn’t push the image of Oscar from her head.

  19

  The temperature throughout January remained below freezing, which meant flying was dangerous. Oscar stayed on the base and avoided talking about his disastrous weekend, with Roy or anyone else. Even if he wanted to, going to London was impossible at the moment. He was obliged to kip down wherever he could find a space as getting to the village and his comfortable billet was impossible.

  Towards the end of the month the weather deteriorated further and he was staring morosely out of one of the windows in the Officers’ Mess when Roy joined him, a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

  ‘Crikey – what the hell’s happening out there today? Is that rain or hail?’

  Oscar shrugged. ‘Not the foggiest. Freezing rain is a new one to me – I wouldn’t want to be out in that. Absolutely lethal.’

  ‘If this continues there are going to be telephone and power lines down. Don’t envy the poor bastards having to work outside in this lot.’ Roy finished his beer. ‘Shall I get you one?’

  ‘It’s not even afternoon – I’d lay off the booze if I were you. I’m speaking as your flight leader, not your friend.’

  Roy laughed. ‘You’re no fun – but you’re right. I’ll get us both a coffee if there’s any going. Fancy a game of arrows?’

  ‘Why not? There’s nothing I like better than being humiliated at the dartboard.’

  *

  The unprecedented weather conditions continued for several days. Every surface was like a skating rink and the narrow lanes impassable. Getting up a hill in any vehicle was impossible. Eventually the temperature rose a little but was then followed by more snow, keeping everyone inside. Tempers were fraying and twice Oscar had to intervene when disagreements between members of his flight became physical.

  By the time the thaw arrived at the end of the month they were going stir-crazy. Within two days the snow had gone and things were back to normal. They were able to fly the occasional sortie and practise dogfights but no actual action anywhere apart from at sea. Nothing much going on at Debden, that was for sure.

  Roy now had his own battered bicycle and could finally pedal back to Debden. Their landlady was unimpressed by their prolonged absence.

  ‘I cannot abide waste. I was obliged to throw away good food because of your dereliction, Flight Lieutenant.’

  ‘As you were paid for our board and lodging I can’t see you have anything to complain about, ma’am.’ Hardly conciliatory but he wasn’t in the mood for her unpleasantness. The cottage was warm and welcoming – pity about the owner.

  ‘We want a hot lunch served in an hour when we’ve had time to bath and change.’ He didn’t wait for her to argue but strolled off smiling to himself. About time the old bag toed the line.

  After lunch he suggested they go for a walk. ‘It’s Saturday – maybe we can find out if there’s something going on at the pub tonight. The shop should be open and I need a few things.’

  The temperature had risen but it was still hovering around freezing point so his flight boots were called into action again as was his sheepskin flying jacket. After a long, enjoyable, but cold walk, Roy pointed hopefully at the Plough, one of the local hostelries. The White Hart had been the pub they’d frequented most but that was a bit further away.

  ‘Did you know someone fell in the pond outside the village hall last year after drinking too much at the White Hart opposite? Too bloody cold to take a dip tonight,’ Roy told him with a smile.

  ‘The Plough’s open – might be time to grab a quick drink before afternoon closing. Better than going back to the frosty reception at the cottage.’

  ‘Fair enough – we’ve only been in there a couple of times so far. Time we got to know the blokes who drink in this one.’

  Oscar was forced to duck through the door and narrowly avoided cracking his head on the beams of the low ceilings in both the saloon and public bars. The place was smoky, not just with cigarettes but from the massive log fire. The chimney needed sweeping.

>   He found an empty table by the window in the hope that the air might be more breathable there. The place was full, only men, and most of them propping up the bar. None of them seemed bothered by the fug. There were also several from the base but he didn’t recognise any of them.

  From the window he could see the village and from the steady trickle of villagers going by he thought there might be something going on in the hall further down the road. Maybe a jumble sale?

  Roy returned with two brimming pints and put them down without spilling a drop. ‘Good news, there’s some sort of shindig at the village hall tonight. Just what the doctor ordered.’

  ‘You’re right – nothing like a bit of a party to cheer a fellow up. What sort of event is it, have you any idea?’

  ‘It’s something called a social, not a dance, which is a shame. According to Bertie, the barman, it’s for all the family, children as well. No alcohol – just tea and biscuits.’

  ‘Good grief – I’m not sure I’m up for an evening of family fun. Think I’ll give it a miss.’

  ‘Don’t be a killjoy, Oscar, old chum. There’s going to be dancing for the adults, party games for the children and Whist for the old folk. Although there’s no drink allowed at the do, according to Bertie, people come over here or to the White Hart to have a beverage when the need takes them.’

  One of the locals overheard their conversation. ‘It ain’t a social, not really, it’s a beetle drive, silly games and then a few dances.’

  ‘What the dickens is a beetle drive?’ He was intrigued but wasn’t convinced it would be worth the effort of going out in the dark. The old man explained and his interest waned. He sipped his beer and spoke quietly to his friend. ‘I’m too old for children’s games, Roy. I quite liked the idea of the social but I’m not going to attend this event. Don’t let it stop you, if you want to go.’

  ‘Not sure that I do. Let’s compromise. We’ll have a few beers in the White Hart and then go across for the dancing. It starts at five and finishes around eight o’clock so plenty of time to enjoy ourselves afterwards. There are bound to be girls to talk to and I’m starved of female company after being snowed in on the base for so long.’

  ‘I’m told the accommodation for the WAAFs will be completed by the summer and then there’ll be women on the base and we can hold our own dances like we did at Catterick.’

  But there was only one girl he wanted to spend time with and she was lost to him.

  *

  Jane was eager to complete her last shift as she had a forty-eight-hour pass and was meeting up with Nancy and Charlotte at the Sanctuary Hotel in Westminster. They had been exchanging regular letters but seeing them in person would be so much better. It had taken weeks for them to have coinciding leave. Both girls were being posted elsewhere and had three days’ leave first.

  Although she still shared a duty roster with Elizabeth, they were no longer close – more the other girl’s decision than hers. After the initial shock of learning about what had happened between her friend and Roy she had been prepared to put the matter aside but Elizabeth, possibly embarrassed by the fact that someone else knew about her bad behaviour, had withdrawn. This was a shame as Jane had hoped Elizabeth might have become a good friend like Nancy and Charlotte.

  They had very little free time even though their shifts were usually tedious. With the bad weather, the skies were empty of aircraft of any description.

  This time she would be sharing a room with her friends. She’d been surprised, but delighted, that Nancy hadn’t preferred to go home and see her family. Jane rather envied the lively, close-knit community in Poplar from which her friend came.

  There’d been no further communication with Mr or Mrs Jackson as they no longer had her whereabouts and she’d never given them her service number. That part of her life was over and she would never go back there under any circumstances.

  The last letter she’d received from her mother, several weeks ago, had said that that man had people looking for her and it would be better if she stopped writing altogether. Jane believed that she would be safe from discovery if she remained on her base, but refused to let him ruin the rest of her life.

  There was no evidence of the snow anywhere in London. In fact, the temperature had risen and had a spring-like feel to it. There seemed to be fewer civilians and more in uniform this time and she preferred it like that as she was now invisible. Exactly the way she wanted it to be. One girl in a WAAF uniform looked very much like another, especially with her cap pulled down and the collar of her greatcoat turned up. She straightened her shoulders, raised her head and strode forward, confident that no one would recognise her.

  As she approached the hotel her pulse quickened. What would she do if Oscar happened to be staying there as he had last time she’d been in town? The odds of this occurring were minimal and, even if he was there, he was a gentleman and wouldn’t approach her as she’d made it very clear their brief relationship was over.

  A well-remembered voice yelled her name. She spun, beaming, as Nancy hurtled towards her, almost unrecognisable. The uniform suited her and her friend had somehow grown into it.

  ‘Jane, you look ever so smart and so much older. I ain’t half pleased to see you.’

  ‘And I, you.’ They hugged and immediately the world looked brighter. ‘How long has it been since we were together? It must be months now.’

  ‘October – bin far too long. I’ve got so much to tell you.’ Nancy linked her arm through hers and they hurried towards the hotel, ignoring the glares and frowns of disapproval from pedestrians who had to step around them.

  The concierge recognised her, which was gratifying. ‘Miss Hadley, there was a telephone call for you earlier. I took a message.’ He handed over a slip of paper.

  ‘Oh no, Charlotte can’t make it. Her leave has been cancelled for some reason.’

  ‘Never mind, I’m still here. I ain’t one for writing letters so better that we meet. I reckon she can write you anything important.’

  The concierge had listened to this exchange. ‘Miss Hadley, I thought you and Miss Evans might like the room that you and Miss Fenimore stayed in before you joined up.’

  ‘Thank you, that will be perfect.’

  They signed the register, collected their key and dashed up to dump their overnight bags. They were downstairs minutes later and ready to explore the sounds and sights of London.

  ‘Let’s go to that caf where we was the first time we met. We can have a cuppa and I can tell you everything what’s happened to me.’

  After a few false turns they found the café and the same lady in her wraparound apron was serving. They draped their coats over the back of the chairs along with their gas masks and Nancy waited until the toasted teacake and mugs of tea were delivered before starting her story.

  ‘I was an equipment assistant, just like what I wanted to be, but then was offered promotion if I went into catering. I’m moving to Hornchurch with Nora and another girl when I get back. I liked being in the stores, ever so interesting, and I’ve learnt the names of all sorts since I started. I’m ACW2 like what you are, Jane – I was promoted last week and ain’t sewed on me extra stripe yet.’

  ‘That’s really good. I’m afraid I can’t tell you what I do as it’s top-secret. But, it’s very enjoyable and I think I was given the right trade.’

  ‘Charlotte’s doing something ever so hush-hush too. But then, you two are cleverer than me so only to be expected.’

  ‘We have a better education, but that doesn’t mean we’re more intelligent. We get paid the same – two shillings and sixpence a day – so our jobs are equally important to the war effort.’

  ‘It ain’t that I wanted to tell you. I’ve met ever such a nice man, Tommy Smith, and we’re engaged.’

  ‘Congratulations, I’m so happy for you. It must be recent as you don’t have a ring.’

  ‘You’re wrong, it’s around me neck on a gold chain.’ She delved beneath her collar and tie and pulled
out the chain. ‘It belonged to his nan; it’s ever so old.’

  ‘I think it’s quite beautiful. If ever I get engaged I hope I’m given one just as lovely.’

  ‘It’s a real diamond, not glass, and me dad wanted to have it off me and take it down the pawnshop. Mum gave him a wallop with the frying pan and he didn’t say nothing else about it.’

  ‘Good heavens! Good for your mother.’ Jane now understood why Nancy hadn’t wanted to go home.

  ‘Tell me all about Tommy. I want to hear everything.’

  ‘He ain’t much older than me, twenty last birthday, and as he ain’t got good hearing in his left ear he couldn’t be aircrew, which is what he wanted. He’s a mechanic – one what looks after them bleedin’ great bomber things.’ Nancy smiled, her eyes moist. ‘He were a car mechanic before, all trained and everything, so they was prepared to overlook his ear.’

  ‘How did you meet him?’

  ‘They had a New Year’s Eve dance in the NAAFI and I met him then.’

  ‘Is he handsome? Taller than you? Dark or fair?’

  With a shy smile Nancy produced a slightly dog-eared photograph from an inside pocket. The picture was of a dark-haired young man with a devil-may-care sort of smile. ‘He’s gorgeous. If he’s half as kind as he’s handsome then you’re very lucky.’

  ‘He treats me like a princess. No hanky-panky, he’s happy to wait until we’re married. We’ve set the date for September. I’m not one for rushing into things.’

  ‘I hope Charlotte and I can get leave. Will it be in Poplar?’

  ‘I’m not sure. Things ain’t the same there with half the little ’uns evacuated. Folk are saying them Germans will be bombing the docks and it ain’t going to be safe in the East End, not for no one.’

  ‘There weren’t any children when I went to see your mum. Have some come back?’

  ‘I ain’t sure how many but I know some of the little devils wasn’t happy in the country. It were nice of you to go and I got your letters.’ They sipped their mugs of tea for a few moments then Nancy continued. ‘I’m sorry things ain’t worked out as well with you and that Oscar. He sounds a lovely bloke. Will you be able to come to me wedding, do you think?’