Beyond the Shadow of War

by Diane Moody

  “It was our pleasure, Cosmos.”

  “And I shall continue to pray for Mrs. McClain and her trip across the sea. Who knows, maybe someday I shall return and take up Joey’s offer to work for him at the family theater. I’ve always wanted to pursue a movie career. Perhaps this would be a good place to start.”

  Danny laughed. “Well, there you go. Have a safe trip, Cosmos.”

  Cosmos straightened and threw a final salute. “Sir, yes, sir! I shall indeed. God speed, Mr. Danny.”

  36

  26 January 1946

  Camp Tidworth on Salisbury Plain

  England

  Dear Danny,

  I’m writing to you from Camp Tidworth, not far from Southampton. It’s what they call an “embarkation station,” where we are to await passage for America. Kate, little Joss, Gigi and I left London yesterday morning after a tearful departure at Waterloo Station. I’m not sure we could have left Sybil had it not been for Phillip standing there beside her. He’s been so kind to her the past couple of weeks and promised to take good care of her. I must admit I hope that in time, Sybil might look upon him as more than just a friend. She deserves some happiness after all that’s happened.

  After all these months of waiting, suddenly things were quite chaotic. We received a flurry of letters from the embassy with all manner of forms and instructions, all of them requiring immediate attention. Where to go, how much luggage we’re allowed with notation that it will be weighed and inspected, how to tag our luggage (“cabin baggage” which will stay with us; “hold” for baggage that would be stowed in the ship’s cargo hold). What to do about money, what kind of jewelry and toiletries and other kinds of personal effects are permitted, certification about inoculations, and on and on. And always, the ongoing confusion about all the documentation required since the War Bride Act was just enacted. Such a mess. Even though all of these requirements came through the U.S. Army Transport Corps, Phillip was able to help us make sense of it all, taking every opportunity to joke about their endless streams of paperwork.

  Afterward, on three separate occasions, we were notified that our departure dates were delayed. We all began to think we would never see the shores of America. Then all at once we received our “movement” notices with warnings of how vitally important it was to follow the instructions IMPLICITLY‌—‌or else! We were told to complete a questionnaire and return it within 48 hours. Frustrating in that we’ve answered all the same questions a thousand times before. We were also advised to be ready to travel on short notice.

  When the day finally came, after we said our goodbyes to Sylvia and Phillip, we joined the others inside at a lovely reception with music and refreshments hosted for us by the British Women’s Voluntary Service.

  We left London on a train filled with hundreds of other war brides, many with babies and young children. Quite a party atmosphere, with everyone excited to finally be on our way. A few couldn’t stop crying, some as young as sixteen or seventeen, having never left home before. Of course, we heard all kinds of rumors. Someone said Camp Tidworth was a “luxury retreat” much like the fancy country clubs in America. They said we’d be treated like royalty.

  Once we arrived here by bus, we realized those were huge exaggerations. Perhaps it’s because we’re among the first war brides to be processed here. But it is a ghastly place with no heat to speak of, and run by American soldiers who have an obvious disdain for us. Someone said it’s because they’re all angry about having to take care of us when they’d rather be home in America by now. The rest of the workers are stewards and groundskeepers, all of them German and Italian prisoners of war who’ve not yet been deported. I’m keeping my distance from them.

  Those with children were separated from the rest of us, which meant Kate and Joss are in other barracks. Gigi and I are managing. There are sixteen of us in our barracks, a far cry from a “luxury retreat.” Most of us have never dressed and undressed in front of so many others, and we find it very unsettling.

  Dinner was so strange, Danny. None of us had any idea what they served us. I heard one of the wives say it looked like corned beef and hash, but it was disgusting. I poked around at it, but mostly nibbled on a bread roll. Some of the girls ate like they hadn’t eaten in years, which might actually be the case. Many of them threw up on the grounds outside the mess hall when they left. Too much, too soon.

  After dinner, we enjoyed a movie in the camp’s theater, but for the life of me I can’t remember what it was about. I could hardly stay awake. I’m told we’ll have entertainment every night we’re here.

  Our orientation began this morning and will continue until we leave to board our ship. The fingerprinting left dark stains of ink on the pads of my fingers. No one seems to know how to get the ink off. We exchanged our sterling for American dollars. More confusion about tagging our luggage. I cannot understand why that seems to be such a constant problem. Thankfully, the Red Cross is helping with some of the processing. We’re told they’ll be available for counseling and guidance, as well as teaching classes to help us assimilate into the American culture.

  I hesitate to tell you what happened next. We’d all heard rumors about the physicals, but nothing could have prepared us for it. I’ve never been so humiliated in all my life. They put a group of us in a room, and told us to take off all our clothes then put on the army robes they provided. They lined us up in the hall outside the theater, then called a few of us at a time to stand on the stage before two doctors in white lab coats who were seated at a desk. One by one, we had to open our robes so they could shine a flashlight under our arms and between our legs! Danny, I was so angry, I had to clench my fists and lock my jaw to avoid punching those doctors who were obviously getting their jollies. I doubt they were even doctors. We were told they were checking for lice, but I assure you it was nothing more than a legitimized peep show. How could they do that to us? And how could those in charge condone this kind of behavior? Yet, had I refused, it would’ve meant certain expulsion from the camp and no passage to America.

  Many of the girls cried throughout the ordeal, but I just glared at those horrible men. Once we were excused, we dressed again and returned to our barracks. You’ve never heard so many angry women crying and carrying on. I told Gigi I was going to place a telephone call to Phillip at the embassy and report this atrocity. It’s a disgrace. No one should be treated like that.

  I should not have told you, but I’m still too angry and too tired to pretend otherwise. Please don’t think I’m ungrateful for this journey, Danny. I’m so anxious to see you, and I know I can survive almost anything as long as it takes me to you.

  It’s late, and I must get some sleep. But would you do me a favor? Would you ask your mother to pray that I can keep my mouth shut and not get kicked out before our ship sails?

  Love always,

  Anya

  The next morning, Anya dropped off her letter to Danny in the camp’s post office on her way to the mess hall. She pulled up the collar of her coat against the chill of the blustery wind. Though she’d slept both nights in a surprisingly comfortable bed, she was fairly certain she had shivered all night beneath the thin wool blanket. With only a small stove in the center of the room, she wondered if they would all get sick before leaving the camp.

  “Anya!”

  She turned at the sound of Kate’s voice and joined her at the end of the queue outside the mess hall. Joss was sound asleep on her mother’s shoulder, bundled up with only her little face showing.

  “I was hoping to find you this morning,” Anya said. “Just because we aren’t staying in the same barracks doesn’t mean we can’t eat our meals together. How are the mummy accomodations?”

  “Dreadful. I’m absolutely exhausted and so is poor little Joss. She hardly slept at all, for all the other crying babies who couldn’t sleep because they were so cold.” Kate shook her head. “I just hope and pray the ship has better accommodations. And heat.”

  “Does Joss have her own c
rib?”

  “They ran out of cribs, so she’s sleeping in a footlocker. I would put her in bed with me, but the bed is so narrow, I worried she might take a tumble onto the floor.” Kate shook her head. “There was a young girl in the bed next to mine. She just turned sixteen a week ago, and her baby boy is four months old. I heard her whimpering most of the night. I can’t imagine how frightening it must be for one so young.”

  “I’ll put your food on my tray. Just tell me what you’d like.”

  They made their selections, thankful the breakfast items looked more familiar than last night’s dinner. Anya avoided making eye contact with the German prisoners of war working the food line. Others talked of their brusque behavior and leering looks. With a guard close by to keep watch over the Germans, Anya chose to spare herself from any unwanted confrontation.

  They found some open seats at a table and settled in to eat.

  “Maybe I can take care of Joss for a while after we eat so you can get some sleep.”

  “That’s not likely to happen. Have you seen the list of classes we’re required to attend today?”

  Anya took a sip of coffee. “Yes, all of them quite riveting, don’t you think?”

  Kate yawned as she held Joss against her chest then munched on a piece of toast.

  “That was a joke, by the way.”

  “Sorry. I’m too tired to care one way or the other at the moment.” She offered a weary smile then gazed down at her sleeping daughter. “It isn’t at all what we’d been told, is it? But I keep reminding myself we’ll only be here another day or two, then off we’ll sail for America and finally reunited with our husbands.”

  “I wish we could sneak you into our barracks. Other than a few who snore like a freight train, it’s been relatively quiet.”

  “That’s kind of you, but we’ll be fine.”

  “There you are.” Gigi slid her tray onto the table and took a seat beside Kate. “Why did you go off and leave me, Anya? I thought you were going to wait.”

  “I told you, Gigi. I had to drop my letter by the postbox, remember? You hadn’t even showered yet, so there was no point in waiting.”

  “Oh, and wasn’t it lovely, having such a long hot shower?” She raised her hands to the heavens. “Thank you for all that hot water, American Red Cross! I feel positively revived!”

  A spattering of applause and cheers passed through the mess hall. “I can’t even remember the last time I took a shower. All these years having to wash in a bathtub with water limited to five inches and not a drop more? Heaven. Pure heaven. I could have stayed in that shower for an hour. Oh, and isn’t this lovely?” She held a piece of bacon over her plate and closed her eyes. “Oh, little piggy, how I’ve missed you. You’re a smidge too crisp for my liking, but I shall eat you anyway. Mmm.”

  Anya stood. “I’m finished. Kate, let me hold Joss so you can eat.”

  “Thank you, love.” She handed the baby over and took her seat again.

  Gigi pointed her fork at Kate. “You know they have a nursery available. You could drop Joss off and pick her up at the end of the day. Or even leave her there overnight so you can get some rest. You’d save yourself a world of trouble.”

  Kate glanced in her direction with a tired stare. “No, I would never do that.”

  “Why not? That’s what it’s there for. I heard they have plenty of childminders. Might be nice to have a little time to yourself.”

  “I stopped by there for a peek on the way to dinner last night. You’ve never seen so many babies in all your life, and most of them screaming. I wouldn’t leave Joss with those strangers and all that chaos.”

  Gigi took a sip of coffee. “I say you should live a little while you can, Kate. Did you hear there’s going to be a follies show? We should put together an act. Maybe a song and dance number?” She looked back and forth between them, her face bright with optimism. “Time to have a little fun! What do you say?”

  Kate leveled her eyes at Anya. “Do I look like I want to sing and dance in front of all these people?”

  Anya chuckled, gently rocking Joss back and forth. “Judging by your expression, I would have to say no.”

  Kate’s eyes fluttered then closed. “And you would be correct.”

  Gigi lit a cigarette and took a drag. “Fine, then. Anya, what about you?” Gigi tipped her head back and blew a long stream of smoke. “Do you dance?”

  Anya scoffed. “No, Gigi, I don’t dance, and before you ask, I’m told I sing like a frog.”

  “Oh, stop. You’re just saying that.”

  “No, it’s true. When I was young and sang in the children’s choir at our church, the lady in charge told me to mouth the words but not actually sing.”

  Gigi clowned a grimace. “That’s so sad! Poor little Anya. I bet the other children teased you terribly.”

  “They did, but I didn’t care.”

  “Yes, I would imagine you didn’t.” Gigi set her cigarette on the edge of her plate and took another bite of bacon. “Well then, I shall be on my own. I’ll think of something.”

  The rest of the day brought a flurry of classes, long queues for checking and rechecking to make sure all the necessary forms were completed. More interviews. More inoculations. Anya wondered if any of it was necessary, or if perhaps those in charge merely shuffled them all around like a merry-go-round that wouldn’t stop until they departed.

  Anya fought an ongoing undercurrent of angst while at Camp Tidworth, but said nothing about it. While most of the war brides appeared excited and anxious to make the journey across the Atlantic, she wondered how many of them like her might be worrying about the drastic changes their lives were taking. As eager as she was to begin her life with Danny, she tried to tamp down the constant prickly sensation in her stomach that riddled her with worries and fears. It would all be over soon. Surely?

  “I’m so glad I kept Joss with me,” Kate said when they gathered again for the evening meal. “Have you heard all the rumors about the strange sickness spreading through the nursery?”

  “No. What kind of sickness?”

  “Massive problems with diarrhea. They said the stench is unbearable. We were told to bring a twenty-one-day supply of nappies before we came, but the babies in the nursery are going through them much too fast. Plus, there’s nowhere to wash or dry the nappies. It’s ridiculous.”

  “Do they have any idea what’s causing the diarrhea?” Anya asked.

  “Someone said the women in the Formula Room are mixing the formula incorrectly, doubling the strength instead of the normal amount. But I can’t help thinking some of the children were already sick when they arrived.”

  “But I thought all the children were given physicals.” Anya leaned back in her chair with Joss sound asleep on her shoulder.

  Kate shook her head. “What a joke. When we arrived, the doctor barely glanced at Joss. For all they knew, she could have had the plague.”

  “All right, all right,” Gigi groaned, stubbing her cigarette in the ashtray. “Enough of this gloom and doom! We won’t be here forever, ladies, so why can’t we ignore all the negative chatter and just keep cheerful thoughts?” She picked up her tray and turned to go.

  “Where are you going?” Kate asked.

  “I don’t know. I need some fresh air. I’ll see you all later.”

  37

  30 January 1946

  Two days later, Anya, Kate, and Gigi and hundreds of other brides received the notice they’d all been waiting for. They were to report to Pier 54 in Southampton at ten the next morning where they would board the SS Wisteria, an American cruise ship.

  As soon as the notices were distributed, Anya and her friends joined the long queue waiting to wire telegrams to their husbands with the name of their ship, and the date and time scheduled for its arrival in New York. The Army Transport Company would further update the families after departure should the arrival date and time change. Afterward, the girls hurried back to their barracks to pack their belongings.

/>   They were awakened at quarter past four the next morning and instructed to have their bags ready before their five-thirty breakfast. By half past six, they waited in another queue to have their luggage weighed once again, and all their forms checked one final time. At eight, they boarded one of the many buses for Southampton, some sixty miles away.

  Once they arrived, they gathered their carry-on bags and followed the mass of women and children all heading toward the port’s main entrance. A ripple of barely-contained excitement surrounded them with smiles all around. Even the bitter cold temperature couldn’t dampen their spirits. Only a few of the youngest brides sobbed as they said their goodbyes to family members who’d come to see them off. Emotions ran deep in both directions.

  “ANYA!”

  She turned, scanning the crowd. “Did you hear someone call out my name?”

  “Yes! Over there, Anya,” Gigi said pointing across the crowd. “That couple running there. Do you see them? She’s wearing a red beret.”

  “Where? Oh … oh my goodness! I can’t believe it!” She dashed away from the queue, pushing her way through the crowd.

  “We’ll hold your place in line, but hurry, Anya!” Gigi cried.

  “Sophie! Charlie? I can’t believe you’re here!” She flew into their open arms, colliding in hugs and kisses, their laughter puffing bursts of clouds in the chilly sea air.

  Sophie hugged her again, squeezing her tight. “Oh Anya, I’m so glad we caught you before it was too late! We would have been here earlier but the traffic came to a stall the closer we got to the pier. We finally parked the automobile and made a run for it.”

  Frosty tears of joy blurred her vision. “But how did you know I’d be here? We only found out yesterday that we’d be sailing today.”

  “Never underestimate the American spirit,” Charlie teased. “We had already told Danny we wanted to come see you off and made him promise not to tell you. He wired us as soon as he got your telegram yesterday. We made a few quick calls, jumped the automobile, and here we are.”