The Uncertain Years

by Beryl Matthews

  The heat, smells and noise as the ships began to unload assaulted his senses, and Will was fascinated. He had never seen anything like it. The war was certainly giving him a chance to visit countries he would never otherwise be able to see. His first thought was to catch Becky’s colonel, but it had taken him so long to disembark that Hammond and his men had already left when Will finally set foot on land. Disappointed, he climbed in a lorry with some of the soldiers, to be taken to his appointed destination. As soon as they reached the camp, Will sought out the officer in charge, and introduced himself.

  Major Dalston had a ready smile, immediately making Will welcome. ‘Glad to have you here. How was the journey?’

  ‘The voyage was uneventful, sir. Colonel Hammond was on the other ship and I’d like to catch him if I can. Do you know where he will be stationed?’

  ‘No idea at the moment. Join us for dinner tonight and perhaps we’ll have more news for you.’

  ‘Thank you. There’s another man I would like to find. I’m a friend of his, but I’m not sure if he’s here. His name is Jim Prentiss.’

  ‘My goodness, you’re pitching into your work already, aren’t you?’ There was a pause before the officer said briskly, ‘I can’t help you with that, I’m afraid. Dinner will be at eight.’ He called a sergeant over. ‘Show Mr Adams where to stow his gear. We have orders to cooperate with the press, so give him a tour of the camp. See you later,’ he said to Will, and then marched away.

  Not prepared to give up easily on finding out if Jim was here, he tried the sergeant. ‘I expect you know everyone, Sergeant. I’m looking for a friend of mine, Jim Prentiss. Do you by any chance know if he’s here?’

  ‘Prentiss, you say?’

  Will nodded, and waited while the sergeant thought this over.

  ‘Hmm. I do know a Prentiss.’ He gave Will a studied sideways glance. ‘This one’s with that crazy lot of Special Forces.’

  ‘That’s him.’

  ‘Ah, well, he’ll be in those tents on the edge of the desert. They keep to themselves. A friend of yours, you say?’

  ‘We grew up together. Can you show me where he is?’

  ‘Ah, well, I’d better come with you.’ The sergeant smirked. ‘A word of warning: don’t go near their tents in the dark; it could be dangerous. They’re a tough bunch and don’t like people creeping up on them. But if you want hair-raising stories, they’re your men.’

  ‘Knowing Jim, I’m not surprised at that,’ Will joked. ‘Let’s go there now. It’s still light.’

  The sergeant chuckled. ‘I’ve heard you war correspondents like to get in amongst the action. Come with me, and whistle a happy tune so they know we’re friendly.’

  ‘I do believe you’re exaggerating, Sergeant.’ Will was highly amused.

  The sergeant said nothing, and began whistling ‘The White Cliffs of Dover’.

  Men were sprawled out in any bit of shade they could find. ‘They’re all asleep,’ Will said, taking in every detail of the scene.

  ‘Nah, they’re just conserving their energy.’

  ‘What do you want, Ed?’ one asked without opening his eyes. ‘We haven’t got a card game going.’

  Will snorted back a laugh. So much for the sergeant being afraid of this group.

  ‘I’ve brought you a visitor. Says he’s a friend of Jim’s.’

  That caught their attention and they began to sit up and study Will through narrowed eyes, reading the badges on his uniform.

  ‘War Correspondent.’ One stood up and came forward. ‘You must be Will Adams. Jim’s told us about you.’

  ‘That’s right. Is he around?’

  ‘His group are out at the moment.’

  ‘What!’ the sergeant exclaimed in mock horror. ‘It’s broad daylight.’

  ‘Don’t take any notice of him. He tells everyone we’re vampires and hide when the sun shines.’ The soldier shook hands. ‘Pleased to meet you, Will. My name’s Dan. We’re expecting them back at any minute. Why don’t you wait?’

  ‘Thanks.’ Will was introduced to the rest of the men, although no surnames were given.

  ‘I’ll leave you to it then, mate.’ The sergeant turned to go and looked back over his shoulder. ‘Don’t forget you’re dining with the officers tonight.’

  ‘I’ll be there – and thank you, Sergeant.’ Will watched him walk away, whistling another Vera Lynn song.

  A mug of tea was handed to Will and he sat down with the men, wondering if he could get a story about this strange group of men, but that hope was instantly dashed.

  ‘You’ll have to forget you’re a reporter when you’re with us. We don’t exist.’

  ‘That’s a shame.’

  One of the men surged to his feet, looking out across the desert, shading his eyes against the glare of the sun. ‘Here they come, Dan.’

  They were all on their feet now and Will joined them, but he couldn’t see a thing. ‘There’s nothing there.’

  ‘Look slightly to your right,’ Dan pointed. ‘See that cloud of dust?’

  ‘Ah, I see them now. Your eyesight must be exceptional.’

  ‘You just have to know what you’re looking for.’

  The tiny specks grew larger, and in no time at all two jeeps skidded to a halt by the tents. In them were eight dirty, weary men, and it was impossible to pick out Jim. The others surged around the vehicles, and Will thought it wise to keep out of the way as they talked quietly.

  After a while one man jumped out of the first jeep and walked towards Will, a huge smile on his face. There was no longer any mistaking who he was.

  ‘Will, what the hell are you doing out here?’ Jim slapped him on the back, clearly delighted to see him.

  ‘I’ve come to report on the North Africa campaign.’ Will couldn’t believe his eyes. The grin on his friend’s face was almost boyish – almost like old times.

  The rest of the group joined them, and by the time the introductions were made, Will’s head was reeling. He had an excellent memory but the names had been rattled off, and the men seemed to blend together, until he couldn’t distinguish one from the other. He was never going to remember their names, and he suspected that was intentional on their part.

  ‘We have to report in, Will. Are you going to be around here for a while?’

  ‘I’m not sure, but I’m having dinner with those in charge this evening, so I’ll probably find out what story they want me to cover.’

  ‘Well, I hope to catch you later, and you can tell me all the news from home.’

  Will never did get the chance to see Jim again, because on 23rd October, Montgomery’s plan to capture El Alamein began with a huge barrage on the German positions. The flashes and deafening noise of around one thousand guns was awesome to behold, and the colonel’s Artillery Regiment was bound to be a part of it. Troops began to move forward and Will was right behind them. He stayed with the advancing force, recording as much of the action as he could with the camera. Any time they stopped he wrote frantically, but even for him it was hard to put the intensity, courage and determination of the men into words.

  He never complained about the danger or harsh conditions, he just kept moving to keep up with the action. The armoured division had offered him a lift, but he’d refused. It was the soldiers slogging their way forward on foot that he wanted to record. That had earned him respect, and they’d begun to call him Press. He was proud of that.

  On 4th November they broke through, and the prize of El Alamein was theirs. Rommel and his troops were in full retreat, and it was only when they’d stopped that Will realised just how tired he was. Sitting on the ground and leaning on what was left of a ruined wall, he closed his eyes, yearning for a cold beer.

  ‘You do like to get yourself into dangerous situations, don’t you?’

  Will’s eyes shot open, a slow smile crossing his face as he took the bottle being held out to him. ‘That’s rich coming from you. How are you, Colonel?’

  ‘Tired, like everyone else.�
� He held out his hand to pull Will to his feet. ‘I’ll find you somewhere more comfortable to rest.’

  ‘You haven’t by any chance got a nice communications centre set up yet, have you? My portable has packed up.’ Will gathered up his equipment, and began walking beside Colonel Hammond.

  David studied the boy beside him and was impressed. ‘Have you carried that lot all the way?’

  ‘I needed it.’

  ‘I know the armoured division offered you a lift, so why didn’t you take it?’

  ‘I wanted to be with the foot soldiers,’ he said simply.

  ‘Hmm, I can see where your sister gets her determination from. I saw her briefly before I left.’

  ‘Did you? How was she?’

  ‘Too sensible for my good,’ David said wryly.

  Will gave him a puzzled glance. ‘Don’t you mean too sensible for her own good?’

  ‘I know what I mean. Here you are, this is the communications centre you asked for. When you’ve finished what you have to do come to that house across the road and I’ll find you somewhere to sleep.’

  ‘Thanks, Colonel.’ Will watched the tall man walk away, still trying to work out what he’d meant. It sounded as if he was having trouble with Becky, and that didn’t surprise him too much. Once she made up her mind about something it was hard work making her change it. He’d love to know what was going on between them though.

  An hour later Will stepped out of the communications post and saw Jim striding towards him.

  ‘Ah, I thought I’d find you here. If you’ve finished all your business I think it’s time for a couple of drinks.’

  ‘Good idea. I’m as dry as a bone. I’ve been offered a place to sleep over there, so let me dump my gear and you can lead me to the beer.’

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Churchill had ordered the church bells to be rung in London to celebrate the victory at El Alamein. Fortunately Becky had been in town that day, and to hear the chimes that had remained silent since the start of the war brought a smile to her face. Rommel had been defeated in North Africa and was in full retreat.

  She sang happily to herself as she packed her bag for seven days’ leave. Although the triumph at El Alamein had been two weeks ago, they would still celebrate because her brother had just arrived home. She knew from the news reports that he had been there, and she could not wait to hear all about it from him, first-hand. He would be able to tell them things that he couldn’t put in the official reports.

  ‘You off then?’ Alice looked in the door. ‘Have you got a lift?’

  ‘No, I’m going by train. I’m sorry you can’t come as well. Will would love to have seen you.’

  ‘You tell him well done from me, and we’ll try to meet up sometime soon.’

  ‘I will.’ Becky glanced at her watch, grabbed her bag and headed for the door. ‘I’ll have to hurry or I’ll miss the train. See you when I get back.’

  ‘Bye then, have a good time!’

  The station had been packed with service men and women, and when they all crammed into the train, it had been a job to shut the doors. Becky had had to stand all the way, but that wasn’t unusual. The trains could be few and far between, so when one came along you had to get on it no matter how crowded, in case there was a long wait for another one.

  As she walked up her road she saw two soldiers studying a map. They kept looking at her house and talking animatedly.

  ‘Can I help you?’ she asked when she reached them. ‘Are you lost?’

  They spun round to face her. ‘Ah, no, we think we’re in the right place.’ One of them held out a piece of paper for her to see. ‘Is this the right address?’

  She recognised Bob’s writing and smiled at the two Americans. ‘Are you Greg and Hal by any chance?’

  ‘We sure are.’ They stared at her for a moment, then Hal exclaimed, ‘Gee, you must be Becky, Will’s sister. You look just like him.’

  ‘I’m pleased to meet you.’

  Greg beamed in delight. ‘Bob told us we could call on your folks, but we ain’t sure about going in. Is it all right?’

  ‘Of course it is, and you’re in luck because my brother’s at home right now.’

  ‘Oh, wow, we sure picked the right day.’ Hal relieved her of her kitbag, and they started to walk up the path just as the front door swung open.

  ‘Hey, Will!’ The two Americans rushed to greet him, talking excitedly.

  ‘Come in! Mum’s got the kettle on already.’

  Becky followed, and as soon as she could get near her brother she hugged him. He looked thinner, but tanned and clearly healthy. ‘Alice is sorry she couldn’t come as well, but she said to tell you well done, and that goes for me as well. I’m so proud to have a famous brother.’

  He kissed her cheek, laughing. ‘You do exaggerate at times, Becky. I’m only one of many war correspondents.’

  ‘I know, but you’re the one I notice.’

  With his arm around her shoulder they walked into the kitchen where the Americans were already sitting at the table with her parents and Bob’s. They were looking a bit doubtful about the steaming cups of tea in front of them.

  ‘Haven’t you got used to our national drink yet?’ Will asked.

  ‘It’s taking time.’ Greg reached for the sugar, but Becky stopped him. ‘Try drinking it without sugar and see if you like it better.’

  ‘Can you do that?’ When Becky nodded Greg took a doubtful sip, then another. ‘Hey, that’s better. You try it, Hal.’

  Becky and her family watched with amusement as the Americans tried to decide if tea tasted better with or without sugar. Finally, it was decided that Greg preferred it without, but Hal needed the sweetness to make it palatable. It was obvious they still didn’t like it much, but were too polite to refuse. After giving their heartfelt thanks to everyone for allowing them to visit, they turned their attention to Will.

  ‘How’s Bob, Will? I’ve had a couple of letters from him, and would sure like to see him again.’ Greg took another sip of tea and managed not to grimace.

  ‘He’s fine, as far as I know. When I went out to North Africa we had an escort, and I wondered if it was Bob’s ship, but I didn’t know the name of the one he’s on now, and they were gone as soon as we arrived.’

  ‘We’ve been following the desert action,’ Hal told him, concern written all over his face. ‘And you were in the thick of it. Man, you do like to frighten everyone, don’t you?’

  ‘I was all right, Hal.’ Will smiled. ‘And it was the only way to get the story I wanted.’

  ‘Well, we hope you’re going to be with us when we go into Germany, because you’ve got a charmed life, pal.’

  ‘I’ll have to go where they send me, but I’ll keep an eye open for you both. How are you settling down in this country?’

  ‘We’re OK. The people in the village were wary of us at first, but they’re friendly when you get to know them.’ Greg pulled a face. ‘Some of the guys can get a bit loud at times, but they don’t mean no harm. Me and Hal get on fine though, and some of the local kids are teaching us how to play your football.’

  Hal laughed. ‘When I picked up the ball and ran with it they said I was playing rugby. We’ve thrown a couple of parties for them, and you ought to see their little faces when they see so much food. It’s good to give them a treat.’

  ‘That’s kind of you.’ Becky’s mother refilled their cups. ‘I’m sorry we haven’t got coffee for you, but have a biscuit with that, it might help – and you must stay for lunch. I’m sure you’d like to have a long chat with Will.’

  ‘Oh, thanks, ma’am, but we can’t eat your food. You don’t have enough for yourselves.’ Greg reached for a bag he’d put on the floor and tipped it out on the table. ‘We brought you this.’

  Hal began riffling through his many pockets and brought out several packets, putting them on the now large heap in the middle of the table.

  ‘My goodness!’ Bob’s mother exclaimed. ‘We can’t take all
that. It’s far too much.’

  ‘Sure you can, ma’am.’ Greg looked around at everyone. ‘Some of us were real scared about coming over here. We’d heard such tales about the war. We expected to find a country in ruins with the people demoralised, and it was only when we met Will and Bob on the Queen Mary we realised we were wrong. Sure, London and other cities have taken a terrible pounding, but everyone still knows how to smile. And we don’t know how you manage on the small rations you’re given, but you do. When we write home we tell them exactly what it’s like here, and how nothing is wasted because it costs lives to get the shipments through. We also tell them about the funny things that happen to us, and what a beautiful country this is.’

  ‘That’s right.’ Hal nodded in agreement. ‘I told my folks that when this war’s over they’ve got to come and see England for themselves, and meet some of the fine people we’ve come to know. Bob and Will were real good to us. They took the time to talk and explain how things really were. But do you know what impressed us the most?’

  They all shook their heads, fascinated by the American accent.

  ‘Bob and his pals had been torpedoed, left adrift in an open boat for a long time, but they couldn’t wait to get their hands on the bastards – pardon the language,’ he apologised. ‘They were on a boat again, and they weren’t afraid! That sure as hell made us think.’

  ‘Yeah,’ Greg said. ‘We really appreciated them taking the trouble to put us at ease. And to you for welcoming us into your home, so you take the food, OK? We don’t expect you to feed two hungry Americans without a contribution from us.’

  ‘Well, thank you.’ Becky’s father smiled. ‘And we’re delighted to meet you at last. You’re welcome to come here any time you feel like it.’

  ‘Thanks, sir. We’d like to visit when we can.’ Greg watched the women begin to gather up the food and gave a satisfied nod, then he turned his attention to Will. ‘So what was it like in the desert?’

  ‘Hot.’ Will grinned at his sister. ‘I met Jim out there.’