"Well," Harry announced, "today he became the newest member of the squadron. The three of us saw it all."
Stuart and Erin nodded their heads again. Mrs. Winslow dropped her hands on the table and stared at Harry. Thinking back a few years, she remembered when the Germans were poised to invade England. London and other cities along the coast were at the greatest risk of being attacked. Fearing for the lives of their children, many parents sent them to homes in the countryside to be out of harm's way.
Danny Fitch was one of them. At the time, he was a bright-eyed, freckled, sturdy twelve year old, with brilliant red hair. Stuart's and Erin's mother volunteered to take in the displaced child. Everyone got along so well, it was hard when the summer ended, and Danny returned to his home in the city.
Mrs. Winslow ran a quick calculation in her head. If it was true that Danny Fitch was the new recruit reporting to Hampton, the boy would only be fifteen years old.
"Mom," Harry shouted excitedly, "Danny just saved Captain Dawson's life. That's what I want to do. If Danny can join, why can't I?"
Mrs. Winslow kept staring, taking in all that everyone said. Then she quietly replied, "Harry, why don't you, Stuart and Erin run along and play. I have some thinking to do."
Minding her wishes, Harry and his friends ran outside and raced back to their favorite place by the airfield. Harry clung to the hope he may have persuaded his mother. Perhaps, Daniel Fitch had provided a way he could join the RAF, too.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
GETTING TO THE BOTTOM
Mrs. Winslow sat quietly in her kitchen, collected her thoughts and reached for the telephone. Dialing up Mrs. Bentley, she hoped to get to the bottom of the mysterious circumstances surrounding Daniel Fitch.
"Helen," Mrs. Winslow began, trying to find a comfortable way to start the conversation, "I wanted to let you know, I've got tickets for the carnival tomorrow. Harry and I will swing by and pick up Stuart and Erin in the morning."
"That would be wonderful, dear," Mrs. Bentley replied.
Mrs. Winslow added, "By the way, the children just told me they saw Danny Fitch, the Londoner who stayed with you a couple years back."
"Danny Fitch?" Stuart's mother repeated, immediately recognizing the name of the boy who stayed at her house a few summers ago. "Where did they see the lad? Was he with his parents?"
"Well, no." Mrs. Winslow stumbled. "It's farfetched, but according to our children, he's a new pilot at Hampton Station."
"Danny? An RAF pilot at Hampton?" Helen gasped in disbelief. "That just can't be, dear. He couldn't be more than fifteen years old. How could he be an RAF pilot?"
Holding onto the telephone, Mrs. Winslow shook her head, unable to answer. The notion of it truly seemed absurd. How could the children be so assured he was the same boy?
"Perhaps the children were mistaken," Mrs. Winslow relented. "You know how they all look alike wrapped up in those uniforms."
"They sure do," Stuart's mother agreed. "Although, Danny would stick out. Even a uniform can't hide the lop of red hair on his head. Come to think of it, you could tell Danny from a mile away."
The observation by Stuart's mother touched off a flood of memories. Mrs. Winslow recalled young Danny's telltale red hair. It wasn't just noticeable, it was unforgettable. Harry, Stuart and Erin played together with the red-haired boy practically everyday while he was in Hampton. Undoubtedly, of all people, they would know Danny Fitch if they saw him.
"Helen," Mrs. Winslow finished, "I think I need to make another call."
Mrs. Winslow hung up the telephone and immediately dialed for Colonel Harrison at the airfield. Explaining the situation surrounding Daniel Fitch, she asked the Colonel to check his records. Harrison respected her concern and invited her to meet with him at his office.
Out at their favorite place on the hillside, Harry, Stuart and Erin watched the airfield and imagined what it would be like to serve in the RAF. Erin suggested Danny Fitch should be their commander. After all, it seemed he had paved the way for children to join. Their daydream quickly vanished when they noticed Mrs. Winslow walk through Hampton's front gate and enter the Operations Building. Anxiously, they scrambled to get a better look.
The children crowded together in the grass and nervously wondered why Harry's mother was visiting. Then they saw Captain Dawson crossing the field. The Squadron Leader briefly stopped for a friendly chat with some of the other pilots. Their cheery voices echoed loud enough for Harry and his friends to hear. Dawson continued on his way, and headed up the steps into the Operations Building.
"Ted, I'm glad you're here," Colonel Harrison announced when Captain Dawson stepped into the base commander's office. "Mrs. Winslow has brought to my attention a most alarming situation."
"Good day, Ma'am," Dawson politely greeted Harry's mother. "What's the problem?"
Mrs. Winslow put her hands on her hips and revealed, "Your new pilot, Daniel Fitch, is only fifteen years old. He's too young to be a fighter pilot."
"Lieutenant Fitch is only fifteen?" Captain Dawson doubtfully repeated. "Forgive me, Mrs. Winslow, but there must be some mistake. I know the lad looks young, but..."
"There's no mistake, Captain," she insisted. "Harry and his friends recognized the child."
"Mrs. Winslow," Dawson explained, "Lieutenant Fitch helped save my life today. I wouldn't call him a child."
"Perhaps not a child," Colonel Harrison broke in. "But, I'm afraid she's right, Ted. The lad won't even be sixteen for another three months."
Harrison stepped in front of his desk and recounted the whole story, "After Mrs.Winslow called me, I rang up Fitch's father. Apparently Danny's been bouncing around for some time. His parents first evacuated him to the in-country fearing invasion a couple years ago. Then, the Fitch's lost their home in the Blitz. So they enrolled him in a boarding school while trying to resettle. In all the confusion, young Daniel somehow found a way to enlist in RAF flight training. His parents have been busy trying to put their lives back together, thinking he was safe at school. They had no way of knowing."
The three adults stood quietly for a moment, realizing the Fitch family had endured more than their share of hardship. The extreme circumstances surrounding young Danny were amazing.
Then, Mrs. Winslow pointed out, "The fact remains, he's too young. The RAF has no right to keep this boy."
"Mrs. Winslow," Colonel Harrison corrected, "the RAF has done nothing wrong here. Our policy is to honor the word of the recruit. Fitch stated he was eighteen on his enlistment papers, old enough to commit to service."
Both Mrs. Winslow and Captain Dawson looked at Colonel Harrison curiously.
"Nevertheless," Harrison finished, "upon investigation, the fact does remain that he is too young and his parents desperately need his help at home. He will be discharged immediately."
Mrs. Winslow clasped her hands in relief. Rightfully so, young Danny Fitch was going to be sent home for his own safety and to help his family resettle. After some polite farewells, Mrs. Winslow left, leaving the two RAF officers alone.
"Looks like I'll have to request yet another replacement pilot until Tate's return," Harrison sighed.
Captain Dawson nodded his head and added, "Hopefully, the next one will be old enough to shave."
Returning to the pile of paperwork on his desk, Colonel Harrison barely cracked a smile at Dawson's wry remark.
"Colonel," Dawson interrupted, "do you want me to discharge the lad straight away?"
Harrison thought for a moment and then asked, "What is Fitch doing right now?"
"Celebrating with the rest of the pilots," Dawson replied.
Colonel Harrison carefully considered the situation before answering. "I don't see any benefit in rushing this. Wait and tell him tomorrow. Let the lad spend the night with the other pilots. We owe him that."
Outside on the other side of the hedgerow, Harry, Stuart and Erin stayed glued to the unfolding scene. When Mrs. Winslow stepped out of the Operations Building, Erin nervousl
y grabbed Harry's arm. And when they saw Captain Dawson head for his quarters in a somber mood, she tightened her grip. The children realized Mrs. Winslow must have informed Colonel Harrison about Lieutenant Fitch. Harry's heart sank. He thought telling his mother about the new kid would help. Now, Harry wished he had said nothing.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
PATIENCE IS THE KEY
Early the next morning, bright sun soaked the English countryside and a light summer breeze rustled through the fields. For the local villagers, it was perfect weather to start the weekend.
On the other hand, a gloomy mood hung over Hampton Airfield. The news of Daniel Fitch's age and his discharge from the RAF spread across the base like wildfire. The entire squadron of pilots solemnly gathered together out on the hardstand. They surrounded their new young friend and waited for the car that would take him home.
The squadron desperately wanted pilots that could be depended on to save lives, but not at the expense of those they were trying to protect. Even though Fitch had proven himself capable, it wasn't enough. Danny was too young by any standard. While he may have felt ready to serve, it would have been wrong to let him. The story of Danny Fitch, the boy pilot, was destined to go beyond Hampton Airfield folklore and become legend.
A cab pulled up, and Captain Dawson reached to open the passenger door for his expelled lieutenant. Captain Simms and the rest stiffened to attention. Danny softly smiled at everyone and slipped into the back seat. Dawson closed the door while talking to the heavyhearted boy through the open window.
"Danny," Dawson started, "I'd like to thank you for saving my life yesterday. Remember, you'll always be a member of our squadron. Hopefully we'll end this war soon. But, if the time comes when the RAF could use you, you'll be welcome here."
Fitch looked around at the rest of the pilots. To the man, they all firmly nodded their agreement.
"Here, this is yours," Dawson said, handing Fitch an envelope. "Good bye and good luck, lad."
The cab slowly drove off to take Daniel Fitch home. Alone in the back seat, Danny tore at the envelope from Dawson. Inside was an RAF service patch. It was the same one worn by members of the 14th Squadron.
As the car wound down the rutted highway, Danny thought about all that happened in the last few days. Being discharged from the RAF felt bittersweet. He already missed the thrill of flying with the squadron. But the farther he got from Hampton, the more he looked forward to seeing his parents again. Danny realized it was time for him to be with his family. Finally at peace with himself, he relaxed and settled in for the ride home.
The cab entered a straight stretch of road near the outskirts of Hampton County. Danny noticed the driver fussing with his rear view mirror and shifting in his seat. Concerned by the man's fidgeting, he leaned forward to ask the cabby if something was wrong.
"Look!" the cab driver shouted, frantically pointing out the window.
A formation of low flying Spitfires roared above them. Startled, the driver pulled over and stopped the car. Danny immediately jumped out to enjoy the breathtaking display.
The sleek RAF fighters gracefully circled to make another pass. When the planes turned, their markings flashed in plain view. Danny recognized they were from Hampton. Magnificently, his former squadron raced up the open road a second time and thundered overhead. Hurling past the car, the powerful Spitfires suddenly pitched up and climbed into the sky.
"They're missing one," the excited cabby observed, noticing an open slot in the formation.
"That's where I used to fly," Fitch mumbled, thumbing the squadron patch in his hand.
The awestruck driver eyed Danny and said, "Well, apparently your pilot mates think you're quite the hero."
Watching the squadron slip out of sight, Fitch quietly replied, "No, they're the heroes. I'm not old enough."
"Laddy," the cab driver explained in a fatherly fashion, "you don't need to be a fighter pilot to be a hero. You just have to be willing to help. There's no age restriction on that."
Danny Fitch clutched the patch in his hand. His face flushed with pride and a grin stretched from ear to ear. Climbing back into the seat of the car, Danny asked the gracious cabby, "Could you hurry me home? My family needs me."
"Straight away," the driver responded, steering the cab onto the road. "Let's not keep them waiting."
Back at Hampton Airfield, the 14th Squadron roared over the countryside, returning from their special mission for Danny Fitch. The formation of eleven Spitfires circled the field and gracefully landed on the grassy runway.
A sad Harry Winslow sat alone in his favorite place and watched. Nestled behind the thick hedgerow fence, he was practically hidden from view. The twelve year old boy preferred it that way. His mother had told him everything. She explained how Colonel Harrison and Captain Dawson admired Daniel Fitch, but agreed he was too young to be a combat pilot and needed to be sent home. Harry was angry with himself for revealing Danny's real age. The squadron needed good pilots and Fitch had proven himself worthy. Harry felt he betrayed his special friends and jeopardized their safety.
Time slowly passed for Harry as he aimlessly poked a stick at the ground. Lost in thought, he was startled when Captain Dawson suddenly sat down beside him.
"How are you today, Harry?" Dawson asked, settling into the grass next to his young friend. A wave of guilt washed over Harry. He remained silent.
The painful hush spoke volumes. With a heavy sigh, the kindhearted Captain confided, "Mine's been a bit black, too. I spent the morning arranging young Mr. Fitch's discharge from the RAF."
Harry's heart ached. Watching the airfield day after day, he knew the danger facing his pilot friends. All Harry wanted to do was help, but this time things went wrong. His impatient attempt to join the RAF caused Danny's secret to be revealed. Now, short of pilots, especially a brilliant one like Fitch, the risk to the squadron was even greater. Feelings of rejection, frustration and shame gnawed at Harry's very soul.
"Harry," Dawson mentioned, "I hope you're not upset with your mother about Danny Fitch."
"My Mom?" Harry asked. "No, it's all my fault. I heard Lieutenant Gainey talking about how badly the RAF needs pilots. I thought if Mom knew Danny had joined, she'd let me. But, it backfired. Now you're shorthanded and I'm the one to blame."
Trying to work around any gossip Harry may have overheard on the hardstand, Dawson explained, "No one's to blame, Harry. The fact is, Danny's too young. I appreciate everything you've been trying to do, but you really helped most by telling us about him before something terrible happened. We need as many pilots as we can get, but they have to be ready or everyone will suffer."
"But, what if the Germans attacked right now?" Harry jumped in. "What would you do without Danny Fitch?"
"What we always do," Dawson answered, "scramble our planes with the men we've got and do the best we can."
Harry worried aloud, "Danny saved you yesterday. What will you do without someone to protect you?"
"It's the risk we take," Dawson explained. "There's no guarantee. Not for me, Simms, Gainey or anyone for that matter. Our job is to protect children like you and Danny until you're ready. In return, all we ask is you do your best to prepare for the challenges you'll face when your time comes."
"I'm ready, right now!" Harry howled, trying to make Dawson understand. "I want to be a pilot so I can help. Why won't anyone let me?"
"Certain things can only come with age," Captain Dawson quickly answered. "Someday, you'll be a pilot, or whatever you want. But, not until the time is right. There's no use being in a hurry to grow up, it happens at its own pace. Besides, think of what you'll miss while rushing. Find the balance between enjoying today and preparing for tomorrow. Trust me, patience is the key."
Harry stared at Dawson with doubting eyes. In response, the Squadron Leader reassured him, "Colonel Harrison will get us another replacement soon. He'll fill in until Tate gets back."
"You're going to get a new replacement?"
Harry asked, hopeful at the thought. "Will he arrive soon? I could help 'til he gets here." "Harry," Dawson returned, "you've been helping us ever since our squadron first arrived. Hardly a day has passed where you haven't done something for someone. Keep on caring for others by doing the things you can. Right now, that's much more important than being a pilot."
Harry smiled to himself. The advice from his most special friend made him feel better.
Captain Dawson checked his watch, "I have to get back to the squadron. This afternoon we can look at that radio, like we talked about."
Standing up to leave, Dawson spotted Harry's mother making her way up the path from the Winslow house. As planned, she was ready to take Harry and his friends to the carnival.
"Hello, Captain," Mrs. Winslow greeted. "What have you and Harry been up to this morning?"
Dawson winked at Harry and quipped, "Just some idle chatter between friends, Ma'am."
"Well, I'm sorry to interrupt," she replied, "but, Harry, we need to go if we want to make it to the carnival today."
Mrs. Winslow eyed her son. She anticipated an argument about leaving the airfield to go see the carnival. Ready for a fight, she was pleasantly surprised when, instead, Harry jumped up and exclaimed, "That's right, we're going to the carnival with Stuart and Erin today. I don't want to miss that. I've got to get ready."
Harry dashed down the path heading for home, but stopped short. Turning back he shouted, "I'm sorry, Captain, I'm a little busy today. Can we look at the radio another time?"
"Certainly, Harry," Dawson called. "Whenever you're ready. There's no hurry, lad."
Mrs. Winslow glowed at the RAF Squadron Leader. She felt delighted to see Harry happy and acting like a boy his age. Grateful to have her twelve year old back, she took Dawson's hand and praised him, "I don't know what you said to Harry, but thank you. Thank you very much for everything."
With a gracious smile, Captain Dawson waved good bye and started for the airfield. He thought about Harry. His young friend was growing up fast, caught in a world at war. But, Harry was devoted to helping others. Practically everything he did was to the benefit of someone, one way or another. Dawson knowingly smiled to himself. He realized that while Hampton may have been short of pilots, Harry Winslow proved there was no shortage of heroes.
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