‘It’s not something I’ve ever asked them – but I can assure you that I don’t do it. Now, hurry up as I want to take you to a couple of exhibitions before we have tea.’
*
The afternoon was far more enjoyable than she’d expected. His interest in art surprised her, but then she scarcely knew him really. Tea at the Ritz, which included champagne, was delicious. She hadn't taken much persuading to drink a couple of glasses despite her usual avoidance of alcohol. When they jumped out of the taxi at his house she was more than a bit tiddly.
‘I’m so full I don’t think I’ll be able to eat dinner tonight. I’ve enjoyed myself, thank you so much.’
He put a steadying arm around her waist. ‘You shouldn’t have had that second glass, Ellie, it’s gone to your head. We don’t have to be at the restaurant until nine o’clock. I suggest that you have a sleep for a couple of hours. I’ll wake you in plenty of time to get ready.’
It was a good thing he guided her to her room as she’d never have found her way without his assistance. ‘I only brought one evening gown – I hope I won’t be overdressed.’
‘I’m wearing a dinner jacket, so it won’t matter what anyone else comes in. It’s true, sometimes the ladies go home and change after dinner but only if they live nearby.’
‘Don’t you have to wear your uniform?’
‘I should, but I doubt anyone from my station is going to see me. I’ll have to wear it every day soon enough.
*
Greg pushed her gently onto the bed. As soon as she was prone her eyes closed and she fell asleep. He removed her shoes and loosened the belt of her dress. He was tempted to sit and watch her sleep but he thought that might be a bit much.
He left the door ajar and retreated to his own domain. He had a suite of rooms but still had to share the single bathroom. The servants had their own facilities on the ground floor but there were more of them than there were family. The way things were going families like his would have to do without live-in staff. Already the two parlour maids had left, as had the footman. He’d joined up, was now in the army, but he’d no idea why the girls had gone. Perhaps they too had become part of the growing armed forces.
He thought he might as well stretch out on the bed – he had nothing else to do. He rarely stayed in this house as it had been the sole domain of his unpleasant pater. Now he had bought himself a flat in Kensington he no longer used this place and no doubt he was now living there with his current mistress. The less he saw of any of his family the better – he had little in common with them. He had been brought up with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth, had enjoyed the trappings of wealth, but if he was honest, found most of his so-called friends shallow and boring. As he drifted off to sleep he was smiling – Ellie and her family were far more interesting and likeable than his own.
*
He was roused from a light doze by the sound of the telephone ringing. Why didn’t someone pick it up? By the time he reached the hall where it stood it had stopped. As he turned away it started again. His chest constricted and he was reluctant to lift the receiver.
‘Dunlop speaking.’
‘Thank God! It’s Jack. Ellie must come home at once. Fred has had a stroke.’
‘How awful – is he in hospital?’
‘I’m ringing from Old Church Hospital in Romford. I couldn’t find contact details for Neil or George.’
‘I can get hold of Neil and he will know how to find his brother. We should be with you in an hour and a half.’
He pounded up the stairs and crashed into the bedroom. It was empty. For a moment he couldn’t think why she wasn’t there and then realised she’d properly gone to use the facilities. He could hardly bang on the lavatory door so would have to wait until she got back.
Her packing was done when she wandered in. ‘Your dad’s had a stroke and is in hospital. I’ve got to ring Neil. Come down when you’re ready.’
She looked confused as if she hadn’t taken in this information. Then she straightened and the bewildered look vanished. ‘I’ll be down in a minute. I’m fine – it was just a shock. Dad’s always been so healthy.’
It took only a minute or two to be connected to Neil’s Wing CO. Greg explained the circumstances and was told that his friend would get compassionate leave and would be at the hospital as soon as it could be arranged.
Ellie was on her way down as he tore up again. ‘I’m just going to grab my kit bag. I’ll need to return to base from the hospital. Good thing I didn’t get out of my uniform.’
They’d been travelling for a quarter of an hour before he remembered he hadn’t let his friends know that they wouldn’t be joining them tonight. Bad form, but it couldn’t be helped.
‘I should never have come. I almost cancelled because we’re so busy. Grandpa died from a stroke and he was in his eighties and Dad isn’t even sixty yet.’
‘My uncle had a stroke in his forties and is still going strong thirty years later. He made a complete recovery within a few weeks.’ He squeezed her knee and she put her hand in his. ‘I’m sure Fred will be up and about in no time.’
She didn’t answer and when he looked there were tears trickling down her cheeks. He hated to see a woman cry but it was far worse watching Ellie. She left her hand where it was until they arrived at the hospital.
He put his arm around her waist to escort her inside. The overwhelming smell of disinfectant and boiled cabbage was unpleasant but everywhere looked pristine and the nurses were immaculate in their uniforms.
The receptionist directed them to the emergency department. She pulled away from him and ran forward when she saw Jack hurrying towards them.
She threw herself into his arms and for a moment Greg thought there was something between them. Then he arrived at their side and could overhear what was being said.
‘It’s not as bad as they thought, Ellie. He’s come round and is able to speak clearly and doesn’t seem to have any weakness in his limbs. I’m sorry I ruined your weekend.’
‘I’m so glad that you were there for him. Greg is going to stay with us – and to tell you the truth I wasn’t really looking forward to meeting his friends. I’d much rather spend time with him here.’
Greg offered his hand and Jack shook it vigorously. ‘Good to see you, mate, but wish it was in better circumstances.’
‘Can I go in and see him?’
‘He’s in there. He’s going to be transferred to a ward in the morning.’
She dashed off leaving Greg with Jack. ‘What’s going to happen with the farm whilst Fred’s incapacitated?’
Jack shrugged. ‘I’m sure something will be arranged. I’m hoping his tenant farmers will look after things until he’s better. I’ll go now you’re both here. I’ll get Mrs B to leave out something on a tray for when you get back. I need to get things organised for tomorrow. The pigs will need feeding and the cows milking and I can’t do that on my own.’
‘I don’t have to be back on base until late afternoon so if you’ve got some old togs I can borrow I’m happy to give you a hand. I’ve mucked out enough horses to know the right end of a shovel.’
Jack slapped him on the shoulder. ‘Right – that means we can do the pigs so all I’ve got to do is find someone who knows how to milk a cow.’
‘I can do that,’ Ellie called from the door. ‘I’ve helped dad hundreds of times. He’s told me to go home so I know he’s feeling better. If he has his way he’ll get himself discharged tomorrow.’ She turned and said goodbye to her dad and then came over to join them.
‘I still think it would be a good idea, Jack, to speak to his tenants. We can manage Sunday but we will have to be back at work the next day so we’ll have to have something in place by then.’
Stepping out into the bright sunshine after the gloom of the hospital made him realise there was still time to take Ellie out to dinner.
‘We’ll see you back at the house later. No need for Mrs B to do anything for us, we can get something to eat before
we come back.’
With a casual wave Jack strode off without a backward glance. ‘I don’t want anything fancy, but I am hungry. What about fish and chips?’
‘Perfect – although not quite what I had in mind when I planned this weekend. Is there somewhere nearby we can get a drink to go with our supper?’
‘We can eat them in the garden at the pub – the landlord is quite happy for customers to bring their own food as long as they buy a drink or two.’
Eighteen
By Monday everything was under control at Glebe Farm. Dad was making such excellent progress he was going to be allowed home in a few days and the consultant was hopeful he would be back to work the following week.
Greg had mucked in, literally, and seemed less bothered by being up to his elbows in pig manure than Jack, who’d proved surprisingly squeamish. Anyway, Ellie was happy the livestock had been taken care of satisfactorily by the three of them.
She’d been sorry to see Greg go and when he’d kissed her goodbye she’d responded enthusiastically. He was going to visit when he had another twenty-four-hour pass. He was now officially her boyfriend and she was happy with that – as long as he didn’t pursue the idea of marriage she would continue to go out with him. She rather liked the idea of having a handsome RAF officer as her beau.
*
Everything changed on September 1st as Hitler invaded Poland. She and Jack returned home, after hearing the news, in a sombre mood.
‘I knew there was going to be a war with Germany, but always hoped it wouldn’t happen. It’s inevitable now, isn’t it?’ Ellie said.
‘The sooner it starts the sooner we’ll have that bastard beaten and things can go back to normal. Remember Flight Lieutenant Jackson said it doesn’t change anything for us at the moment. We’ll find out what’s happening on the nine o’clock news tonight.’
Her dad was back at work but only doing a half-day. He seemed to be enjoying having the extra leisure time.
He was sitting on a deckchair reading the paper when they got in as if he hadn’t got a care in the world, as if the world wasn’t going to change irrevocably in the next few days. How could he be so calm when Neil, George and Greg would soon be in deadly danger?
‘I suppose you two heard about Poland. Greg rang and said to tell you all leave is cancelled indefinitely so he won’t be here for a while. Not heard anything from your brothers.’
‘I don’t think either Greg or George will see much action initially; it’s going to be fighter pilots who are needed first,’ Jack, beer in hand, said and prepared to sit in a deckchair that had been left folded up against the wall.
‘No, not that one...’ Too late. There was the sound of tearing canvas followed by a stream of extremely rude words as Jack ended up on his backside with the remains of the chair surrounding him.
‘I tried to warn you.’ She could barely speak through her giggles and her dad was also laughing too much to do more than splutter. When she recovered her breath, she continued. ‘It was folded up because it is torn.’
‘Ha bloody ha! It’s not the first time I’ve had a sore arse, but if I’d dropped my beer I’d be really cross.’ He extricated himself from the ruined deckchair and stood up. ‘I’ll sit on the grass if there aren’t any more chairs. Do you intend to join me or continue to stand there sniggering?’
‘I’ll get the rug and find myself a cold drink and then I’ll happily join you both.’
When she told Mrs B the housekeeper didn’t laugh. ‘He’s been having a lot of pain in his arm, Ellie, I hope this didn’t make it worse.’
‘I’ve forgotten about his accident. He’s not mentioned it to me but I’ll ask him about it. It might have been all that heavy work he did the other week in the yard.’
‘It’s a salad tonight, why don’t you eat it outside?’
‘We will, but only if you agree to join us. You’re part of the family now and I’m really not comfortable with you eating on your own in the kitchen whilst we sit in splendour in the dining room.’
‘Fred said the same the other day so I’ll be happy to join you. If you give me a hand, we could put up one of the trestles so we don’t have to eat from our laps.’
As neither of the men could help, the shifting and carrying was left to Mrs B and Ellie. If you worked in a man’s world it was only fair that you didn’t expect them to run around after you when you were at home.
Whilst she put the finishing touches to the impromptu dining table she was watching her dad and Jack deep in conversation. She couldn’t remember either of her brothers talking to him like that. If Mrs B could be considered an honorary Simpson, then so should Jack. He fitted in so well – was like another brother to her. She could talk to him about anything and not feel a bit embarrassed. If it wasn’t for his fiery red hair she might actually believe she was related to him in some way.
They gathered in the sitting room to listen to the nine o’clock news. When the bulletin had finished she got up to turn the wireless off.
‘War hasn’t even been declared and we’ve got to use the blackouts from tonight. It’s a good thing I’ve got everything ready. I’ll go round and draw the curtains now,’ Mrs B said and she dashed off to comply with the regulations.
‘I can’t believe thousands of little children are going to be sent into the country without their parents. I think it’s really unkind.’
‘Ellie, don’t be daft,’ Dad said. ‘It’s better they’re homesick than killed by German bombs.’
She shuddered. ‘I know you’re right but imagine how many families are going to be miserable tomorrow. I suppose the RAF will be the first involved in any action. I’m not going to think about the young men we’ve got to know over the past few weeks. Worrying about Neil, George and Greg is quite enough for me.’
‘None of the guys we train will be ready for action for a year or more – they just get the basics from us, then have to learn all the technical stuff and do the training for whatever aircraft they’re going to be flying in future.’
‘Your brothers joined up two years ago and have only just qualified,’ Dad reminded her. ‘I reckon it takes a long time to turn out the sort of blokes the RAF wants to fly their planes.’
‘So people joining up now mightn’t be active until the war’s over. I just hope we’ve got enough trained men to do what’s necessary over the next months.’ Ellie didn’t want to talk about it anymore. Her brothers and Greg could well be in action in the next few days and that was too dreadful to contemplate.
*
Greg had completed half a dozen circuits and bumps with his crew to make sure they were comfortable together. He’d also flown in formation with the other bombers in his squadron doing what was essentially a dry run for when they were ordered into battle.
He had been in the Officer’s Mess when the Prime Minister made the solemn announcement that Britain was at war with Germany. This had been expected, but what wasn’t was the order to attack German warships off Wilhelmshaven two days later somewhere he’d never heard of. Thank God all he had to do was fly the kite, Bobby Telford, his navigator would get him there.
The CO warned them that on no account should civilian establishments, either houses or dockyards, be bombed. The entire squadron set off at a run to the crew room and scrambled into their kit to wait for the lorry to drive them to the aircraft.
After a decent take-off he took the Blenheim to cruising height. ‘Exactly where are we going, Bobby?’
‘Across the North Sea, skipper, almost to Denmark. The warships are supposed to be in the Elbe estuary somewhere.’
‘The weather’s bloody terrible, I’ll be surprised if any of us find the target, let alone hit it,’ Greg replied gloomily.
At some point during the flight a squadron of Wellingtons joined them, but he only had their word for it as he could see sod all. Surely with over thirty bombers on the raid some of them would be successful?
This was the first time any of them had flown a genuine sortie
and after the initial chatter the kite fell silent. Well – not exactly silent as noise from the engines filled the interior. The rain hammered against the fuselage and the occasional gusts of wind made the aircraft shudder.
The radio crackled into life reminding them to stay in formation. The navigation equipment was untested under genuine battle conditions and he hadn’t the foggiest where they were. He just hoped Bobby was as good as he thought he was.
He glanced out of the cockpit window and was reassured to see Blenheims on either side of him. If he was lost, then so were they.
The flight commander’s tinny voice told them they were approaching the target. They had orders to drop their bombs at will and preferably on a German warship and not in the drink.
Bobby and Jimmy, the rear gunner, remained calm, working efficiently together. Through the murk he spotted the warships. ‘I think the battleship is the Admiral Scheer,’ Jimmy, yelled over the intercom.
Greg held the kite steady. ‘Let it go when you’re ready, Bobby.’ He waited for the lurch which would indicate the bomb had gone and instinctively corrected the kite.
Unfortunately, the Germans spotted them at the same time. Tracer fire from the fleet’s anti-aircraft guns rent the sky. The flak was concentrated and he heard shrapnel clattering along the fuselage.
He peered through the perspex blister on the starboard side of the cockpit but saw no explosions beneath him. Suddenly the Blenheim lurched sickeningly to one side and he lost control. The bloody aircraft fell into a screaming dive and he thought they’d had it.
Somehow, he managed to pull the stick back and get them level again. ‘Everyone okay?’
They responded that they were unhurt. ‘There’s a bloody great hole in the starboard wing, skipper,’ Jimmy said cheerfully.
‘Bobby, I need the course for home. We’ve done our bit so let’s get the hell out of here.’
Squadrons stayed in formation on the way to the target so the fighters could protect them more easily. However, you made your own way back once you’d dropped your bombs. He hoped some of the others had had better success than him. It looked like bloody chaos out there.
Heartwarming and emotional story of one girl's courage in WW2 Page 16
