Daisy's War

by Roberta Grieve

  Lily smiled. ‘I know – you wanted to be out there eyeing up the soldiers and sailors.’

  Daisy tossed her head. ‘Certainly not,’ she retorted.

  ‘I’ll believe you, thousands wouldn’t.’ Lily laughed. ‘Anyway, what’s wrong with that? You’ve got to have a bit of fun in life.’

  ‘Don’t you have a boyfriend already then?’

  ‘Chance’d be a fine thing. If I was allowed out to the pictures or anywhere, I had to take my little brother and sisters, give Mum a bit of a rest. Who’d want to go out with me with them hanging on?’ Lily shrugged. ‘What about you?’

  Daisy felt herself blushing. Her relationship with Bob was too new to talk about. She’d known him since they were children and they’d always been friends. But things had changed when he joined the Army. He’d become more serious, more grown-up, she supposed. When he’d gone off to Aldershot for his training, he had begged her to write to him. ‘I want you to be my girl,’ he’d said, ‘to be here when I get home waiting for me. You will, won’t you?’ He’d kissed her then, her first real kiss and it had stirred up all sorts of feelings she had only previously imagined.

  Lily gave her a little push. ‘Go on then, who is he?’

  ‘No one special.’ Daisy tried to sound nonchalant. It would have been true a few months ago. Bob lived in the same street and they’d played out with all the other kids after school. He was just one of the gang. But then, she had to admit, he had always been a bit different to the other lads, protecting her from bullying, sharing his sweets with her and helping her with her school work.

  Lily shrugged and picked up another plate. ‘Better get on or we’ll have Mrs G on our backs.’

  ***

  Daisy’s hands were red, and her fingers wrinkled from the hot water but despite the discomfort she found she was enjoying the work. Lily was a cheerful companion and kept her entertained with gossip about the other NAAFI girls, as well as the Catering Corps personnel. She was going to like working here, she thought.

  As they worked, Lily told her that she’d lived in the town all her life. ‘In Hope Street, with mum and dad and two sisters plus a baby brother,’ she said.

  ‘I live up the other end of town. My sister’s in the WAAFs and my little brother’s evacuated to Wales so there’s just me now.’

  ‘Wish my lot had been evacuated,’ Lily said with a little laugh. ‘It gets a bit crowded in our house.’

  ‘Why weren’t they?’

  ‘Mum didn’t want them to go. And she was right – there’s been no bombs.’

  ‘I don’t think Mum wanted Jimmy to go, but Dad insisted,’ Daisy said.

  The morning passed quickly as they were so busy and there was no time for more chat. As fast as one lot of crockery was dried and put away, the kitchen doors would swing open and another trolley full would arrive pushed by a girl in a white overall. She only stopped long enough to introduce herself.

  ‘I’m June. See you at dinner time.’ Then she was gone.

  Daisy gazed longingly at the swing doors wishing she could go and help clear the tables. If Bob wasn’t on duty, he was sure to come in even if only for a packet of cigarettes. She turned to Lily. ‘Will we always be working out here?’

  ‘The new ones have to do a stint in the kitchen. Mrs G likes to see how hard we work, how we shape up. If you’re lucky she’ll take a shine to you and let you serve.’

  ‘What about you? You’ve been here longer and you’re still a kitchen skivvy.’

  Lily twisted her hands in her overall. ‘She won’t let me near the customers. I’m too clumsy. I spilt gravy on a sergeant and he bawled me out something awful.’

  ‘It wasn’t your fault. Anyway, you’re not clumsy. You’ve been doing OK as far as I can see.’

  ‘I know, but when I get out there with all the noise and chatter, I get nervous and keep dropping things. Besides, I prefer it in the kitchen. I know what I have to do and I just get on with it.’

  Daisy glanced towards the end of the room. The other workers ignored her and she was a little disappointed that they had not bothered to introduce themselves. She had hoped they would be friendly and she would enjoy the same camaraderie that she had with her co-workers at the shirt factory. Perhaps she shouldn’t have left there after all. But then she thought of Bob and how near he was. The barracks was just a few yards down the road beyond the parade ground. She could hear the shouts of the sergeant major as he drilled the men and could picture Bob out there, smart in his uniform, arms swinging, chest thrust out proudly. He wouldn’t be there long though. Soon the regiment would be leaving for France. She must make the most of his presence while she could.

  ‘Hey, come on, stop your day dreaming,’ Lily said. ‘It’s dinner time.’ She led Daisy through into the canteen. It was almost empty, just a couple of soldiers seated at the other end of the room and some sailors queuing up at the counter.

  On the wall behind the counter a board listed the menu for the day.

  ‘Steak and kidney today, my favourite,’ Lily said, picking up a tray.

  When they had been served, she led Daisy to a table at the other end of the room, where a girl was already tucking into her pie. ‘Mind if we join you?’ She turned to Daisy. ‘This is June.’

  ‘We met – briefly.’ Daisy smiled. ‘Pleased to meet you.’

  ‘Lily tells me you live in the town,’ June said.

  ‘Born and bred like Lily. What about you?’

  ‘I’m a Londoner. Didn’t have much say in where they sent me. I’m lodging in Marine Parade. Big house, proper bathroom and all.’

  ‘Sounds nice,’ Lily said. ‘Room to yourself as well, you lucky thing. I have to share with my two sisters.’

  ‘My sister’s in the WAAFs so I’ve got a room to myself until she comes home,’ Daisy offered.

  ‘Well, how do you like working here then?’ June asked.

  ‘OK, I suppose. Too soon to tell really.’

  ‘Just watch out for Mr Browning. He’s a real tartar. Doesn’t stand any nonsense.’

  ‘Who’s he then?’

  ‘Manager. Luckily, we don’t see too much of him. He keeps to his office, leaves all the work to Mrs Green, lazy b….’

  Lily chimed in. ‘He gives me the creeps, always coming up behind you and checking what you’re doing.’ She turned to June and asked if she had enjoyed the film last night. Soon the two girls were chatting and laughing and Daisy felt a bit left out.

  She concentrated on her food, enjoying the tasty steak and kidney. Much better than what Mum makes, she thought. Still, her mother didn’t have much time to cook since she’d joined the WVS, her contribution to the war effort, not to mention coping with the rationing which everyone said would get worse as time went on.

  Lily and June kept up a stream of chatter, but Daisy hardly heard a word. Her attention was on the entrance and every time the door opened, she looked up from her plate, hoping that Bob had come in. She was disappointed that there was no sign of him by the time they had finished their meal and she reluctantly stood up and followed Lily back to the kitchen.

  ‘More washing up, I suppose,’ she said.

  ‘Spuds, more like,’ Lily said with a groan.

  She was right. Sergeant Shiner called them over and indicated a sack full of potatoes. ‘Get on with that lot,’ he said. ‘I need them done ready for the evening shift.’

  ‘At least we can sit down to do ‘em,’ Lily whispered. ‘My feet are killing me.’

  Daisy’s feet were aching too. She wasn’t used to standing so long after sitting at a sewing machine in the shirt factory. Her relief was short-lived as her back started to ache bending over the tub of potatoes which steadily filled up only to be whisked away by the chef’s assistant and replaced by another.

  ‘Why did I leave the factory?’ she murmured. ‘Have I made a mistake coming to work here?’

  ‘Why did you then?’ Lily asked.

  ‘I told you – got fed up. Well, I really wanted to join the
WAAF’s like my sister. But I’m too young. I’ll sign on after my next birthday.’

  Lily looked disappointed. ‘I’d be sorry if you left. It’s nice having someone to work with.’

  ‘Well, it won’t be for a while. And I might not get in.’

  ‘Of course you will. Where’s your sister stationed then?’

  ‘Somewhere in Norfolk but she wrote that she’s getting some leave. I’m looking forward to seeing her – want to find out about the WAAFs, what it’s like and that.’

  Lily dropped the last potato into the tub and rubbed her hands on her overall. ‘I don’t blame you for wanting something better. And that WAAF uniform is so glamorous.’

  Daisy smiled. It wasn’t so much the glamour that was the attraction. It was the hope of being able to match her sister’s achievements for once. Sylvia was clever as well as beautiful and, although Daisy wasn’t exactly jealous, she did sometimes wish that she wasn’t so much in her shadow.

  Private Harold Tompkins, the chef’s assistant, came over and removed the last tub of potatoes, giving Daisy another wink. ‘That’s it for today,’ he said.

  ‘Thanks, Private.’

  ‘You can call me Harold,’ he said.

  ‘What now, Lily?’ Daisy asked, ignoring him.

  ‘Nearly home time,’ her friend said.

  Mrs Green appeared from the little cubbyhole off the kitchen which she used as an office. ‘I’ve been keeping an eye on you, Daisy Bishop,’ she said sternly.

  Daisy bit her lip. Had she been talking too much? Had the supervisor noticed Private Tompkins winking at her? But they had still got on with their work. She was about to say so, but Mrs Green allowed herself the vestige of a smile. ‘Well done. Keep up the good work and I’ll think about swapping you with June to clear tables.’

  Not exactly a promotion, Daisy thought, but she smiled and said thank you. At least she’d be out of this kitchen and seeing a bit of life – and a chance to see more of Bob.

  ***

  Daisy shivered as she left the warm NAAFI kitchen and went out into the cold. A bitter wind blew off the sea and she pulled her collar up, shoving her hands into her pockets as she hurried out to the garrison’s main gate. She paused and looked down the road towards the parade ground. Bob was taking her out tonight and she’d hoped he could get away early. There was no sign of him and she shrugged. She’d be seeing him soon.

  Almost spring, but it still felt like winter, she thought, deciding not to take her usual route home along the sea front. She liked walking along the prom instead of the High Street, but she didn’t fancy braving that icy gale. She spared a thought for those at sea - many of the lads she’d been at school with had joined the Royal or Merchant Navy. Thank goodness Bob had ignored the lure of the sea.

  She pushed open the back gate and went in through the scullery calling out, ‘It’s me, Mum. I’m home.’

  ‘In here, Daisy, love.’ Dora Bishop called from the front room.

  What were they doing in there? They must have visitors, Daisy thought, hanging her coat up behind the door and going up the passage to the room they only used on special occasions.

  Dora and Sylvia were sitting on the sofa and her father was standing with his back to the fire where a good blaze was roaring up the chimney. ‘Hello, lass. Had a good day?’ he asked.

  ‘Yes, love. How was it?’ Dora asked.

  Before she could reply Sylvia stood up, smoothing down the skirt of her air force blue uniform. ‘Hello, Sis. I was hoping you’d get home before we went out. I want you to meet Roland.’

  Only then did Daisy become aware that there was someone else in the room as the tall man in RAF uniform turned from the window.

  He stepped towards her, holding out his hand. ‘Pilot Officer Hargreaves. Pleased to meet you.’ He held on to her hand a fraction longer than necessary and smiled. ‘So you’re the little sister I’ve heard so much about.’

  Sylvia moved towards them, hooking her arm into his and smiling up at him. ‘So now you’ve met the family, it’s time to go. We don’t want to miss the start of the film, do we?’

  ‘No rush, darling,’ he said. ‘Since your father was kind enough to offer me a drink, I should at least finish it before rushing off.’ He picked up a glass from the window sill and took a sip. ‘Good beer, Mr Bishop.’ He turned to Daisy. ‘Sylvia tells me you’re working in the NAAFI. Must pop in some time.’

  His smile embarrassed her and she knew Sylvia was looking daggers at her. ‘Sorry, it’s other ranks only,’ she said, finding her voice. She turned to her sister. ‘Only two years to go and I’ll be wearing a uniform like that,’ she said.

  ‘I don’t think so,’ Sylvia smirked.

  ‘I don’t see why not.’

  ‘Haven’t you heard? You won’t be allowed to leave. Wartime regulations. You’ve signed on for the duration.’

  ‘No, that can’t be right. Dad, what do you think?’

  ‘She might be right. You should have stayed at the shirt factory. I told you, didn’t I?’

  Daisy was lost for words. She scarcely noticed when Sylvia and Roland left to go to the cinema. Her mother saw she was upset and tried to comfort her. ‘At least you’ll be at home love,’ she said. ‘What with young Jimmy evacuated to Wales and Sylvia stationed in Norfolk, I’d be lost if you went away too.’

  ‘I know, Mum. It’s just...’ She couldn’t explain. It seemed so petty to be envious of Sylvia. She should be thankful she had a loving home and a boyfriend who thought the world of her. Thinking of him, she gasped. ‘Oh dear. Bob’ll be here soon. I must get ready.’

  ‘You haven’t had any tea,’ Dora protested.

  ‘Don’t worry. I had a good dinner in the canteen. We’ll get some chips.’ She rushed upstairs and sat at the dressing table. It was littered with pots of make-up and creams. In the mirror she caught sight of Sylvia’s suitcase open on the other bed, lacy lingerie spilling out of it and stockings draped over the chair.

  No time to get changed, just to tidy her hair and put on some lipstick. ‘Wonder how long she’s staying,’ she muttered as she rummaged among her sister’s things to find her own lipstick. Since Sylvia had joined the WAAF she’d enjoyed having a bedroom to herself.

  Why couldn’t her sister use Jimmy’s room, she asked herself.

  Later, as she sat in the cinema, snuggled up with Bob’s arm round her, she tried to forget Sylvia’s sniping and enjoy being with the man she loved. But occasionally her thoughts strayed to Roland Hargreaves and the way he had held on to her hand and gazed into her eyes.

  Sylvia might think she had him hooked round her little finger, but Daisy couldn’t help thinking that he wasn’t the sort of man to be tied down to one woman. She squeezed Bob’s hand. How lucky she was to have a nice steady boyfriend who loved her.

  Chapter Three

  Daisy scarcely noticed the cold wind stinging her cheeks as she walked home in a daze, her hand in Bob’s. She had no recollection of the film they had seen, her mind full of their kisses in the back row of the Rio Cinema. When they stopped at her back gate, he pulled her towards him and kissed her again, holding her close.

  When he finally released her, he muttered, ‘I don’t want to go,’ his lips close to her ear.

  ‘Me neither. I could stay here all night, never mind the cold,’ Daisy said with a smile.

  ‘No. France – I mean – I don’t want to go to France.’

  ‘No need to worry about that just yet. You’ve only just finished your training,’ Daisy said, but a lump settled in her throat as she realised what he meant. ‘No, when?’ she gasped.

  ‘First thing tomorrow. Crack of dawn. Down to Dover and then over the water.’

  Daisy choked back her tears. ‘Why didn’t you tell me before?’

  ‘Didn’t want to spoil our last night together.’ He pulled her close to him and stroked her hair. ‘Oh, Daisy love, I’ll miss you so. You will write to me, won’t you?’

  She nodded, unable to speak.

  �
�And I’ll write to you - every day if I can.’

  Daisy was about to reply when she heard the back door open. ‘That you, Daisy? Time to come in, love,’ her father called.

  Bob pushed the gate open. ‘Better go in, sweetheart.’ He kept hold of her hand. ‘Don’t forget me, will you, what with all those blokes in and out of the NAAFI giving you the eye.’

  ‘Don’t talk daft, Bob Gardner.’ Daisy attempted a laugh, but her voice choked on a sob. ‘I’ll miss you.’

  ‘One last kiss then.’

  Daisy hurried up the path, her lips still burning from that last passionate embrace. She turned at the back door to see Bob still there. He raised his hand in a wave and then he was gone.

  As she entered the kitchen her mother glanced at the clock. ‘Have a nice time, love?’

  Daisy nodded, hoping Mum wouldn’t notice her tear-stained face. ‘I’m off to bed, early start in the morning.’

  ‘Goodnight then. Sylvia’s not in yet. I’ll tell her to be careful not to wake you.’

  ‘I thought she’d be back by now,’ her father said. ‘I’m not going up till she’s back.’

  ‘Stan, she’s a grown woman. She can take care of herself,’ Mum protested.

  ‘She said they were going to the pictures. I thought she’d come back with Daisy when the film finished. I don’t like my girls being out late at night, especially in the blackout with all these soldiers and sailors about.’

  Daisy turned at the bottom of the stairs and smiled as her mother shrugged as if to say, you know your father.

  ‘You worry too much. Sylvia’s with that nice airman. What harm can she come to?’

  Stan banged his pipe out on the side of the fireplace and snorted. ‘Him! Bit too smooth for my liking.’

  ***

  Daisy had just drifted off to sleep when she was awoken by the door opening. She sat up rubbing her eyes. ‘That you, Sylvia?’ She blinked as her sister switched on the light. Good job she’d remembered to fix the blackout curtain before getting into bed.