Day Will Come

by Matthews, Beryl

  When he reached the parade ground he stopped. There were still five men with him, and the others weren’t far behind. Not one of them had dropped out, and that was an improvement.

  ‘Well done, men,’ he said, easing the pack off his back and dropping it on the ground.

  ‘Good run today, sir,’ the sergeant stated, watching as each man arrived, and calculating their condition.

  Dan studied one of the soldiers who had stayed with him all the way. He was a new recruit, and had only been with them for a week.

  ‘You managed that well, Johnson.’

  ‘Thank you, sir. I reckoned if you could do it, then so could I. I watched you all the way and never let you get more than six paces in front of me.’ He grinned. ‘I was told you were impossible to beat, so I wanted to get through the gate before you. Couldn’t quite manage it, though, but I’ll have you next time, sir.’

  Cheeky sod, Dan thought, highly amused. ‘I can see I’ll have to watch you, Private.’

  Johnson grinned again, and then hurried to take his place in the ranks of men now lined up in order.

  ‘He’s a bit sure of himself, sir,’ the sergeant muttered. ‘I’ll discipline him for talking to you like that.’

  ‘No, let it go. We’ll sort him out over the next few weeks.’

  The sergeant’s mouth twitched at the corners. He had been one of the men with Major Chester on that harrowing trek to reach Dunkirk, and had come to know and respect him. It was good to have him back.

  ‘I’ll look forward to that, sir.’

  They gave each other an amused look, and then Dan said, ‘You can dismiss the men now.’

  ‘Yes, sir!’

  When the men had left the parade ground, Dan lifted his pack and swung it on to his back.

  ‘Hello, Dan.’

  He spun round and smiled with pleasure at the major general standing there. ‘Stan! What a surprise. Are you going to be stationed here?’

  ‘No. I’m still at Aldershot. I came to see you.’

  ‘That sounds ominous. What does the Intelligence Service want with me?’

  Stan Haydon laughed. ‘You know we’d like you to join us, but you’re a fighting man, and it’s useless trying to pry you away from your regiment. I need to discuss something with you – in private.’

  ‘Right. Come to my quarters. I need to clean up, and then you can tell me what this is about.’

  Showered and in a clean uniform, Dan made a pot of coffee, Stan’s favourite beverage, and sat down. ‘How can I help you, Stan?’

  ‘I’ve been sent files of possible recruits for the Intelligence Service. Normally, I wouldn’t have even bothered to consider this one. You know I’m always doubtful about having women in my section, but there was a letter from you attached to her file. Her name is Grace Lincoln. The report from Northamptonshire and your letter told me what her qualifications are, but I’d like you to tell me what she is like as a person. Her husband was killed in France, and that worries me. Is she mentally stable and able to cope with disturbing situations without becoming emotional?’

  ‘I can say without hesitation or doubt that she can.’ Dan then gave Stan a detailed account of the few weeks Grace had worked for him. By the time he had finished, Stan was smiling.

  ‘She sounds as if she might be worth considering.’

  ‘I’m sure you would find her very useful.’ Dan didn’t elaborate further. He had been careful not to say anything to influence Stan’s decision in any way.

  ‘I’ll ask to interview her first, then, but if I have any doubts about her I won’t take her. There are others to choose from.’

  ‘Of course. The final decision is yours. Will you let me know how things turn out?’

  ‘Yes, as soon as I’ve seen her.’ Stan looked at his watch. ‘Let’s have dinner, and then I’ll buy you a drink. I want to hear how you managed to get so fit again. I was told you were finished as a soldier.’

  ‘You don’t want to believe everything you hear.’

  That was an interesting visit, Dan thought, as he watched Stan drive away. Several attempts in the past had been made to move him to Intelligence, but that wasn’t for him. He had a strong feeling that the major general hadn’t come just to talk about Grace. He’d used that as an excuse. Stan had watched him carefully all the time he had been here, and if he had shown the slightest sign of not having recovered completely from his injury, he would have been transferred – like it or not. He continued to watch the car disappear through the gates, and blessed those weeks he’d pushed himself to the limit to regain full mobility again. That sergeant had certainly known what he was doing, and Grace had brought some fun and quiet support. He really did wish her the very best for the future. The Intelligence Service might be just the thing for her. He hoped it worked out, but that would be up to Stan.

  ‘Sir.’

  Dan turned. ‘Yes, Sergeant.’

  ‘I thought you would like to know that Johnson is bragging he’ll beat you next time, and they’ve started a book on it.’

  ‘Really? We are definitely going to have to do something about that man.’ Dan kept a perfectly straight face, and asked, ‘How much have you bet?’

  ‘A pound on you to win, sir.’

  Dan removed his wallet and handed over two pound notes. ‘Put that on for me to win – in your name, of course.’

  ‘Be a pleasure, sir.’

  Both men looked at each other and burst into laughter.

  ‘Johnson’s new and doesn’t know you. He doesn’t realise you let some of us stay with you today. And he’s cocky enough to want to get one over on an officer.’

  ‘I’ve watched him and he believes he’s better than everyone else. We’ve got to make him see that he is part of a team, or he could be trouble when we’re in action. That could endanger other lives. I won’t have someone who is a risk under my command. If we can’t calm him down, then he will have to go elsewhere.’

  ‘I’ve also come to the same conclusion, and that’s why I didn’t put a stop to it. I knew you would find a way to deal with him.’

  Dan nodded. ‘We’ll let him swagger for a couple of days, and then we’ll run his race. This might be the best way to deal with him. Don’t let anyone know I’m aware of this though.’

  ‘Not a word, sir. I’m relieved to see you made a complete recovery after France.’

  ‘I was lucky. The bullet didn’t damage anything vital. Infection and loss of blood caused the problems.’

  ‘And walking on it for miles. It didn’t have a chance to heal.’

  ‘There wasn’t any choice, was there? I certainly wasn’t going to risk getting captured again.’

  ‘Not likely, sir! When you said “run”, I was off as fast as I could. I still can’t believe we came out of that alive.’

  ‘But we did, and one day we will go back.’ Dan’s expression showed his determination. ‘And it will be a different story next time. In the meantime, we’ve got to get this lot fighting fit. Arrange a training run for three days’ time – early morning. Without packs. We’ll see what kind of speed everyone has.’

  ‘Yes, sir!’

  There was a suppressed air of excitement as the men lined up. Betting had been brisk, Dan had been told, involving a lot of the camp. Those loyal to Dan had laid money on him, but others had believed Johnson’s boasts. Dan wasn’t happy about letting this go ahead, but felt it was the best way to deal with the situation. Putting Johnson on a charge or transferring him would only make him worse. This had to be settled today, once and for all.

  ‘We are going to take a nice ten mile run today without packs, so you can enjoy the scenery.’ There was a ripple of amusement through the ranks. ‘It’s quite warm, so remember to drink plenty of water along the way. Same route as last time. Off you go.’

  Dan started behind everyone else with the sergeant beside him.

  ‘What are your tactics, sir?’

  ‘I’ll take it easy for the first few miles, and then gradually move forwa
rd.’

  ‘Right. I’ll keep the pace steady until they start to spread out. Watch Johnson, he might make a sprint for it early, hoping to leave you behind.’

  The sergeant then went to the front to urge the men on, and Dan jogged along. He loved to run, and from a youngster he had competed regularly. Not only did he have stamina, but could muster a good turn of speed in a sprint. He might need that ability today. Johnson was good, but he was too sure of himself, and that was a mistake. Dan also suspected that he had a low opinion of officers, and if he could outrun one it would make him feel a big man. With that kind of attitude he would be a liability to the regiment.

  After five miles Dan was in the middle of the group which was now widely spread. There were a few who really struggled to finish a run, but all Dan asked was that they do their best, and showed a determination to finish.

  Johnson was in the front, running easily, and Dan knew he mustn’t let him get too far in front of him or he wouldn’t stand a chance. He began to close in on him to keep within sprinting distance.

  The gates were in sight before Dan made his move, remembering all the races he had competed in. Johnson gasped in surprise as he passed him. It was close, but with a final spurt, Dan managed to reach the parade ground ten yards ahead. Much to Dan’s delight, the sergeant also passed Johnson at the last minute. They were just recovering their breath when a dozen more men arrived. They immediately went up to Johnson, who just shook his head, speechless.

  ‘I think that settles it, sir,’ the sergeant said under his breath.

  ‘I hope so.’ Dan took a swig from his water bottle. ‘I wouldn’t like to try that again. I’m not as young as I used to be!’

  ‘You’d never know it, sir. That was damned hard though.’ He began to count the men on the parade ground. ‘Still four to come, sir.’

  ‘We’ll wait. I want to say a few words before the men are dismissed.’

  Ten minutes later the stragglers arrived. One young boy was really struggling, and the other experienced men were encouraging him on. He could hardly stand when he stopped by the sergeant.

  ‘Sorry I’m last, sir,’ he gasped. ‘I ain’t no runner.’

  Dan strode over. ‘Don’t apologise. You have shown courage and determination to keep going even though you were suffering. Those are the qualities I look for in my men. You will make a good soldier. Well done!’

  The young recruit straightened up, a look of surprise on his face. ‘Thank you, sir.’

  Dan turned to the men who were all listening intently, even Johnson. ‘You will all have different talents and skills, and every one is needed to make up an effective fighting unit. I don’t give a damn who comes first or last. What I want to see is you all working together for the good of all. Like the three men who stayed behind to help someone who was in trouble. It’s qualities like that that make a regiment strong – and I mean us to be one of the best.’

  When he saw the nods of approval from some of the men, he turned to the sergeant. ‘You can dismiss the men now.’

  Later that afternoon, Dan was doing what he most disliked, paperwork, and wished he had Grace there. She would have dealt with it in no time at all, but he didn’t have that luxury now.

  There was a sharp rap on the door and the sergeant marched in. He held out a wad of pound notes. ‘Your winnings, sir.’

  He waved it away. ‘Arrange for the men who took part in the run today to have a beer with their evening meal. If it comes to any more, have it put on my bar bill.’

  ‘I’ll do that, sir. What shall I tell the men?’

  ‘Just say it’s from you, out of your winnings.’

  The sergeant grinned. ‘They will never believe that!’

  ‘Really? Do you make their lives that much of a misery?’

  ‘I try, sir.’

  Dan laughed, remembering a sergeant or two he had encountered when he had been starting out. ‘All right, then, tell them it’s from my winnings, and if any of them try to pull a stunt like that again, I will have the whole squad on latrine duty for a month.’

  ‘That should do nicely, sir.’

  Dan pushed the paperwork aside and sat back. ‘How is Johnson taking defeat?’

  ‘The men are ribbing him a lot, but he seems to be taking it well and joining in the laughter. He did say he thought all officers just stood around giving orders. A couple of men who were with us in France put him right on that point. I think he’ll be all right now, but I’ll keep an eye on him.’

  ‘The next few weeks will tell us if he is going to fit in. Thank you, Sergeant.’

  He saluted and marched out, leaving Dan to his paperwork.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The parade had gone off without any mistakes, and they were all feeling rather proud of themselves. Grace had loved the feeling of everyone marching in perfect time. There had been a rhythm to it and she had found this particularly enjoyable, making all the hard work over the last four weeks worth every blister. Their time at this camp was now over, and seven days of leave lay ahead. First, though, they were each being seen and given their new postings.

  When Grace’s name was called, she marched smartly into the interview room.

  ‘Sit down,’ the female officer ordered. ‘You’ve done well while you’ve been here. How do you feel about army life?’

  ‘I like it, ma’am.’

  She nodded and handed Grace some papers. ‘At the end of your leave you are to report to Major General Haydon at Aldershot barracks. He already has your details, but give him the sealed envelope as well.’

  ‘What will be my assignment?’

  ‘That will be explained when you get there, but this is only an interview. If the major general doesn’t think you are suitable for his outfit, you are to immediately return here. You will then be given a new posting.’

  This wasn’t at all what Grace had expected, and it was most unsatisfactory. The other girls had been given definite postings.

  The officer looked up and actually smiled. ‘Don’t look so perplexed. We wouldn’t be sending you if we didn’t consider you very suitable for Major General Haydon. He is a stickler for punctuality so make sure you arrive on time. All the information telling you where to go when you get there and the time of your appointment is in the folder. Good luck. You may go and enjoy your leave.’

  ‘Thank you, ma’am.’ Grace stood up and marched out of the room, to find Peggy waiting for her.

  ‘What did you get?’

  ‘Nothing yet. I’ve got an interview at Aldershot after my leave.’

  ‘Doing what?’

  ‘I don’t know. All I was told was that the major general will explain when I get there.’

  ‘Ah.’ Peggy nodded. ‘They’re gonna give you something special ’cos you’re clever.’

  Grace pulled a face. ‘The major I worked for gave me a reference. I don’t know what was in it, but I have the feeling it might be causing them trouble in deciding what to do with me. I wish they’d given me some idea, though, because now it will be on my mind while I’m on leave. How did you get on?’

  Peggy beamed. ‘Transport! Isn’t that terrific?’

  ‘I’m so pleased you got what you wanted.’

  ‘So am I! And as this is our last night together we’ve arranged a big party to celebrate surviving the basic training.’

  ‘Good. Let’s forget everything and just enjoy ourselves tonight, shall we?’

  ‘Absolutely!’

  The next morning there were tearful goodbyes as they all prepared to go their different ways. As the train chugged along, Grace reflected on the last four weeks. It had been hard, but there had also been a lot of laughter. Even the aching muscles and blistered feet hadn’t dampened her enjoyment. She had liked being with so many girls. It had made her realise that she had led a quiet life until then. Helen had been her friend from childhood, but apart from that she had worked for men, and never mixed socially with the other girls at work. The last weeks were now over, and there was
something new ahead of her. Though what that could be was a mystery. She was hoping for something more than being a secretary, but that was probably all they would give her. Still, as Helen had said, it was something she was good at, so she mustn’t be too disappointed.

  She sighed, and told herself to stop worrying about it. Take each day as it comes – and today she was going home! It would be lovely to see her parents again. This was the first time she had ever been away for any length of time, and she had missed them. She wished Helen could be there as well, but that was too much to ask.

  Grace had listened intently to the news reports about the bombing, but was still shocked when she saw the extent of the damage. It was a relief to see that their area was relatively unharmed, and when she turned in to her road it was lovely to see their house still standing.

  The moment she put her key in the front door it was pulled open by her smiling parents. Her mother was in slacks, which was something she had never seen before. It took her by surprise, but she didn’t remark on it.

  ‘We saw you arrive!’ her father said as he hugged her.

  ‘Oh, it’s so good to see you.’ Her mother held her at arm’s length to study her. ‘You’re looking well. The army obviously suits you. You must be hungry after your journey.’

  ‘I am,’ Grace agreed. ‘All I’ve had is a sandwich and a cup of tea on the way home.’

  ‘Come on, then. We’ve delayed dinner in the hope you would soon arrive. We can talk while we eat, and get some food inside us before the raids start.’

  ‘How bad are they?’ she asked, glancing at the tin hat in the hall with ARP stamped on it.

  ‘They’re coming over at night now.’ Her father looked at his watch. ‘They’ll be here around nine o’clock.’

  ‘I hope you are both going to the shelters.’ Grace sat at the table, the smell of her mother’s cooking making her realise just how hungry she was.