by Carl Leckey
No Lad, all that paper is.” He nods towards the sheet of paper.
“It’s a list of celebrity people. We have had famous Doctors. Some lovely Nurses. Not forgetting ambulance drivers that have been through these here gates. The Sergeant collected them so as he could boast when he gets home to blighty that he personally knew these people. He’s one lying Bugger. You my lad have been mixing with the elite and you should be proud of that fact. Never let anyone slag you because you wasn’t in a front line fighting mob sunshine.”
He makes a step forward towards me; I retreat slightly, what is to happen next, something unpleasant no doubt. Although until now he has been quite friendly, I can’t help recalling my previous encounters with the MP’s. For the first time in my army career a Military Policeman reaches out and shakes my hand. The man sincerely wishes me well for the future, and hopes I succeed in making contact with Sandy again. He explains the reason for the Gendarme’s presence. “I’m due for demob myself; the French are taking over dock security shortly. They are welcome to it I can tell you I hate stopping the lads trying to get home. Who can blame them after what they have been through?
That shit Sergeant of mine, he was here when you came in, remember him?
He loves bossing people about. He’s regular army you see? The bugger only got his promotion because of the war. I think he would have liked the damn thing to go on forever to help his way up the ladder. As far as I’m concerned there is nothing to do here anymore, let’s get the lads home I say.” I feel sympathetic to his plight as I bid him goodbye, even MP’s have their problems it seems. When I return to my seat on the crate I glance at the list he has given me. I presume they are all celebrities because they are included but I have not heard of many of them I recognise. Somerset Maugham. John Mansfield. Ernest Hemingway. Sir Hugh Walpole. I recall Sandy told me some stories about him, especially because he was awarded the Georgian medal for bravery. Although I had no knowledge of the rest of the people on the list I make up my mind I would find about them in future. I carefully fold the sheet of paper and insert it in the front of the book I am currently reading intending to show it to Oscar and Denise when I return to Oscars place. It gives a warm and proud feeling to know that being an ambulance driver was held in such high esteem by of all people a Doctor and an MP. I have a new found spring in my step as I realise I have such illustrious company in my army career. I hang about watching until the next ferry docks. I then make my way to the café we frequented a great deal in the past. I am enjoying a cup of coffee when the repair depot fitter Alec, and a couple of his mates enter. At first he either doesn’t recognise me or hasn’t noticed me sitting in the corner.
I don’t intrude as his mates and him enjoy a meal and bandy jokes about. It is only when they stand up to leave that he spots me and comes over “Hiya, lad! I wondered what happened to you when you left the depot. Come for that old charabanc of yours have you?” He jokes.
“Why is she still there?” I reply.
He waves his mates out of the café telling them he won’t be long and takes a seat opposite me.
“Are you really interested?” He asks lowering his voice for some reason. “Course I am, I love that old girl.” I respond in an equally joking manner as if it’s a human being we are discussing instead of an old charabanc. Old Pompey Lill has been a large part of my life since I discovered her abandoned in a field with mysterious bullet holes in the coachwork and the dead driver’s remains. “Well Lad, I can tell you this, she is yours for the taking. I fitted the new motor and she is as good as new. Listen to this lad, here is a strange one. The army wouldn’t let me order a new motor because she wasn’t army issue. I wrote direct to the manufacturer. I just took a chance you understand? I never expected anything to be honest. Right out of the blue, ages later. Would you believe it?
The engine turned up compliments of the maker, no charge. So there you are Scouse me old lad, you can have a bus as good as new for the taking.
What do you think of that eh?” Excitedly I reply
“I’m gob smacked Alec. Fancy that and free as well! Miracles do happen eh? My mates always reckoned I have a guardian Angel looking out for me.” Alec looks at his watch scans the café apparently to make sure he isn’t overheard then continues explaining in a confidential manner. “We had a load of bods from army acquisitions over from the UK last week. They did an inventory of the vehicles for disposal, and she was not included because she isn’t army issue. You really want the bugger?” He enquires more urgently. I nod enthusiastically. Although at that moment I hadn’t even figured out what I was going to do with it. I still have to return to England for my demob. Alec urges me. “Then come and get it before some other villain grabs it, I reckon you are entitled if anyone. Didn’t you tell me you found it in the first place in a field somewhere?” I confirm this as a fact. “You will have to be quick and get your finger out. The whole caboodle is up for disposal by auction next week. There are plenty of wagons, as well as lots of spares. Eh! You know what? Some of them are brand new. They only came into my depot for checking and servicing before being issued, they came straight off the boats from America. Isn’t it the way?
We couldn’t get enough vehicles at the beginning of the war, when it was coming to an end we had too many and not enough drivers for them.
The bloody horrible flu put paid to lots of em. I lost some good mates myself, Poor buggers. Fancy going through this last lot unscathed and dying of bloody flu. Life is a bitch I can tell you.”
He stops talking and lights the fag I offer him. Alec is silent for a moment as if contemplating the injustice of it all. I have seen this many times since joining up. Men unexpectedly going into a dream like state during a conversation. I suppose the enormity of what has happened in the last four years is too much for the ordinary man to grasp. He has another deep drag on the cigarette. When he had blown out a cloud of smoke he continues as if the pause hadn’t taken place. “The auction includes the mobile work shops, tools the lot. The site has to be cleared as soon as possible and returned to the original owner. The only thing they aren’t selling is me and my mates. I bet if they could figure out how, we would be on the chopping block as well.” “What’s going to happen to you and your mates Alec?” I ask. He replies “Most of the lads are for demob, they are hostilities only bods. I have no choice about staying on even though I’m a regular. My time is up and I’m getting out. I reckon I have had enough of army life any way. Twenty two years I’ve been in the mob and this is the best posting I’ve ever had. There won’t be any as good as this in peacetime it will be back to parades and bullshit.
Make no mistake about that. Don’t know what I’ll do yet. I might hang around here for a while if they will demob me here.
Did I tell you I have bought a part share in this café?”
“No, is that a good idea? I mean you might be going home soon.” He replies thoughtfully. “I like the French and their way of life and can speak the lingo pretty good. This place is a good little earner, we have plans to expand and make a real restaurant out of it eventually. I’m knocking off a tasty widow woman in the town. She’s got her own house in town and a nice little shop making wedding dresses. It’s a nice little business. She’s been struggling a bit at the moment because of the war shortages and I’ve been helping her out. Things should buck up when she can get her hands on some more material. I have done a deal with one of the Captains that dock’s here. The ship goes to China on a regular run. He reckons there is no shortage of silk out there. Anyway he is due in shortly with a bundle for me and my old girl. Things should look up for her then eh?
Now that the war is over, I reckon people will begin having fancy weddings again. Yes I have to admit on the whole I find it pretty comfortable here in France.” He adds hurriedly as if to apologise for his behaviour.
“My Misses passed away at the start of the flu thing.” I make an instant decision. I hope I don’t live to regret, regarding Pompey Lill when he informs me she is up
for grabs. The rest of the information he imparts interests me very much. I never assumed things would move as fast as they have since the armistice. “When can I come and look around the depot?” “Today would be your best bet. There are a load of wheeler and dealers coming later on in the week. These will be bastards that have sat the war out in Blighty making a fortune no doubt. Now the greedy sods are coming to pick the bones so to speak.” When he looks at his watch again he exclaims “Bloomin Heck! Look at the time I’ve got an officer coming around today it’s the first time I’ve seen one for ages. He most probably wants to shut us down. Look it’s been nice seeing you again glad you made it through the war but I’ll have to go lad.” “I’ll be there this afternoon.” I inform him as he makes his way to the doorway. After paying my tab I head back to the book shop and return some of the books the old man lent me. When I thank him he enquires in heavily accented English. “Did you find anything interesting young fellow?” I explain how I was interrupted by the appearance of an old army mate boarding the ferry. He nods sympathetically and remarks. “I have been here for many years. I watched the young eager soldiers arriving at the beginning of the war. I have watched those same old men passing my door, bodies and minds shattered by the great lunacy. What are your intentions now that it is over?” “I have just been given a great opportunity, if it works out.” I am about to explain about the charabanc and my ideas when he reaches out and takes my right hand. He turns my hand over until the palm faces upward.
Straining his rheumy eyes he traces with a claw like finger the lines on my hand. I am at a loss to know his reason for doing this. “You have a strong life line. I see a great future for you and you shall enjoy much wealth. You will be torn between two countries France and England.” He hesitates then discloses. “You will have times of great heartache and tragedy. But these will pass. I see a good man influencing your life. A man of religion” Pause. “But don’t be afraid of the future, you have a good and kind heart and you are blessed with loyal friends. I see very strong family bonds developing.” As suddenly as he took my hand he releases it. I am mystified by his behaviour. To cover my surprise I show him the list of authors the MP gave me. He promises. “When you visit me again I will have copies of their books ready for you.”
I thank him and race to Oscar’s house excitedly with the good news about Pompey Lill and the depot. For the time being I will keep the old man’s prophecies to myself but I hope he is correct. Not that I want anymore heartaches and tragedies thank you. It is strange what he said about family bonds? He must be referring to Denise and her family as I am an orphan and have no blood relatives I am aware of.
CHAPTER 3
The Transport depot
My mind races as I begin planning the future if I do acquire the charabanc. As I reach the front step my mind is made up I have a plan but it all depends on me being permitted to remain in France after demob.
When I enter the living room Oscar and Denise are seated at the table having a coffee break. Denise has even baked some excellent scones. Is there no end to this wonderful girl’s talent? Oscar detects my excitement and invites me to sit down and share my news. First of all I reveal that the charabanc Pompey Lill is mine for the taking. Oscar appears slightly uneasy when I explain it’s all off the record so to speak. “Be careful Adam, you are still in the army after all. Don’t forget you are still under military discipline.” This is not the response I want, even though I know he is only concerned about me. My angry reply appears to startle him. “Bloomin heck Oscar, please stop being so German and so official. You are nearly a Frenchman now, live life today like they do. The whole area is in chaos, the British and Americans just want to get home and get rid of all the problems. The French want them out so they can get on with their lives.
I took enough chances in the war and came through, you know all about that? Don’t you see? I’ve got to take another chance now. It’s our future, fate has handed me a great opportunity. I am certainly not going back to the life and job I had before joining up. I have plans, and whether you like it or not I’m going to get Pompey Lill this afternoon.” I reach over and take Denise’s hand. “I know the vehicle will give me a living and I will be able to marry Denise. We can’t keep living off you forever.” Oscar shrugs and smiles. “You are right Adam my boy, who am I to stand in your way. I shall assist you in any way I can. As for living off me, Denise well earns her keep so let us have no more talk like that. Now that’s out of the way, have you any more news to tell us. Denise squeezes my hand. “You know the truck depot where I dropped you er, when you er, made a run for it.” He smiles again at the mention of that escapade. “The friend of mine he is the Sergeant in charge of the depot he told me the whole lot is up for auction next week, trucks, workshops, equipment, in fact the whole caboodle. The site has to be cleared as soon as possible. The French evidently want it returned to them in a hurry for some reason.” Oscar becomes thoughtful before informing me. “I know who owns that site; he was one of the best customers when this house was run as.” He stops in mid sentence, blushes when he realises he has said too much in Denise’s presence.
She looks puzzled but sits quietly not interfering in our conversation.
I doubt if Denise would even know what a brothel is. I struggle to control a grin as I enjoy Oscar’s embarrassment.
Oscar continues a little bit hurriedly I think in an effort to cover his near disclosure of the previous use of the house. “Er. The actual cash my Aunt er, has left me will be a short while coming through. Fortunately I have good relations with a bank manager, I’m sure I will be able to raise a loan if we need capital to get a venture off the ground. Have you any idea what will be the value of the vehicles and equipment?” “I have no idea. I will ask the depot Sergeant when I pick Pompey up this afternoon if he can give us a clue. You know Oscar, I would like to reward that chap some way for being so kind to me and tipping me off about the bus and the auction. What do you think?” Oscar, the ever so cautious replies, “It may be construed as a bribe you know, tell you what, I have an idea. Don’t mention anything this afternoon. Just pick the vehicle up and keep your ears open. You may park it at the back of our house in the old coaching area. It should fit in alright it is a large area and it will be out of sight and quite safe there just in case. I have a plan and will let you know if it works out tonight.” I recall the episode that occurred this morning. “Oh by the way Oscar, something peculiar happened down by the docks. Do you remember the chap I told you about Sandy?” Oscar looks slightly puzzled until I remind him of further facts about Sandy. “He taught me to read and write, a great fellow.” I add some more. “Surely you remember Oscar after all he was a member of the peace movement you belonged to and he also refused to fight. He certainly wasn’t a coward he volunteered to be a stretcher bearer in the thick of the war.” At last Oscar remembers Sandy “Yes Adam of course I remember you telling me, what about him?”
“Well up to now I thought he was dead, we had no word of him you see after he went back into the line. Would you believe this? I was down the harbour and saw him about to go onto the ferry for England. It was quite a shock I can tell you. He was in a great long line of wounded men.”
I paused, choked up for a moment before carrying on.
I have to admit it brought tears to my eyes. “You should have seen how he has changed. The Doctor who was with them told me he had been in a Prisoner of war camp. Poor Sandy is suffering from shell shock and he has also lost an arm. You know Oscar he didn’t even recognise me? I was so upset. The only thing I could do was shove a note in his pocket and hope he contacts me if he recovers.”
Oscar sees I’m emotional. He comes over and squeezes my shoulder comfortingly. “I remember you telling me what he did for you.
I never had the privilege to meet him, much to my regret.
This was a terrible war the casualties still mount even though it’s over. If it is Gods will your friend will recover. There is not a lot you can do Adam, just pray fo
r his recovery”.
On this occasion I hope God will intervene for Sandy’s sake.
Still upset I make my way out back to check the parking area. It is ideal, the house was evidently owned by very rich people in the past. Although it is slightly run down now and the whole area has gone downhill also. There is parking space for not only Pompey Lill but I reckon I can fit a few more vehicles into the walled yard if I need to. A coach house and stables are located at the end of an overgrown garden. I make my way down there, fighting my way through years of neglect, nettles and dead undergrowth blocking my way at every step. The Madam and her Ladies evidently had no use for the garden and Oscar has neglected it also. When I check the building the doors are firmly locked and the windows shuttered. I can’t help wondering what the area was like in the past when the garden and fruit trees were tended properly. The upper storey, above where the coaches parked undercover looks like it is living accommodation. I suppose the coachman and his family lived up there. I muse to myself. I must get the keys from Oscar and explore the building when I have the opportunity. It could have possibilities for Denise and I after we marry. The entrance to the garden consists of a pair of huge wooden gates set into the wall with a small pedestrian gate alongside. They are all bolted and barred from the inside. I have trouble withdrawing the bolts but eventually with the aid of a stone used as a hammer I am able to slide them back. Although there is no way I am able to move the gates. After a lot of struggling, I admit defeat, and give up in disgust. I drag a heavy wooden wheelbarrow over to the wall stand it on end and tentatively climb onto it. This enables me to peer over the wall to get my bearings. The next task is to make my way around the back of the house to discover the way in. I leave the house by the front door and circumnavigate the block until I find the weed covered, cobbled lane I recognise. The lane leads from a back street to the gates of the yard. Perfect! I should have no trouble bringing the charabanc in this way. Impatiently I consume the lunch Denise insists I have before leaving. Oscar gives me the keys for the small pedestrian back gate before I head excitedly for the vehicle depot. When I arrive at the site I notice there are many more vehicles parked up than when I last visited here. My friend Alec has moved Pompey from amongst the huddle of trucks. She is now parked close to the gate. She really looks good, her paint work is immaculate. I notice however her original owner’s motif has been painted over. That suits me well enough. I shall have to design my own when I get my business up and running. I make my way over to the hut Alec uses as an office, where he greets me enthusiastically. “Right lad, get her going and move her away as soon as possible. She’s topped up with petrol and oil. I’ve personally tuned her, she runs like a sewing machine. The lads have had her running within the last half hour she is nice and warm, so off you go.”
