A Flight of Golden Wings

by Beryl Matthews

  The next morning all available pilots of No. 1 ferry pool at White Waltham were called together.

  ‘We’ve got a big job on our hands today,’ Captain Anders told them. ‘The GSU at Redhill has got to be moved to Bognor. The flying bombs are too close for comfort. If one lands there it would cause havoc.’

  ‘What, everything?’ Lucy gasped. ‘That place is packed with planes. How long have we got?’

  ‘One day.’ Andy looked around at the stunned expressions. ‘Simon and Jack will be needed for the ferrying, so I’ll fly the taxi. And Jane will help with the ferrying. We’re going to need every pilot we can muster.’

  Ruth smiled at Captain Anders, or Andy, as his friends called him. He was going grey at the temples now, but he was a very impressive man. She had been lucky enough to have him as her instructor for the four-engines, and she admired him enormously.

  ‘Right.’ Jane, who was standing next to Andy, glanced at the clock. ‘Let’s get this show on the road by nine o’clock. It’s going to be one hell of a day.’

  Never a truer word had been spoken. It was ten that night before they stopped. The day had become a blur of trips to Bognor, then in the taxi back to Redhill, then to Bognor again.

  When Ruth and Lucy finally arrived home, they were too exhausted to speak. They just flopped in chairs with a groan of relief.

  After some minutes, Lucy muttered, ‘I don’t think I had any lunch.’

  Ruth gave an inelegant snort. ‘I’m sure I didn’t.’ She tried to stir herself but couldn’t seem to make herself move. ‘We ought to get something to eat, my stomach’s complaining.’

  ‘Yeah, so’s mine.’

  Neither of them moved until there was a knock on the door.

  ‘I’ll go.’ Lucy dragged herself up, staggered slightly, and then lurched for the door.

  Ruth opened one eye as Simon and Jack walked in. Then her nose twitched. ‘Food?’

  ‘Hi.’ Jack leant over and kissed her, then whispered the magic words – fish and chips.

  She was suddenly awake. ‘Where did you get those at this time of night?’

  ‘We have friends who took pity on a group of exhausted pilots.’ Jack pulled Ruth to her feet. ‘Come on, let’s eat before they get cold.’

  They didn’t bother with plates or knives and forks. They just unwrapped the paper and dived in after sprinkling salt and vinegar over the feast. The pieces of battered fish were small, but there were plenty of chips. Not a word was spoken, and when Jack pinched a few of Ruth’s chips, she was in too mellow a mood to object. She just grinned happily at him. ‘Come on, where did you get this?’

  ‘We pleaded with one of the RAF cooks.’

  ‘Well, thank him next time you see him, and tell him he’s a wonderful cook.’

  ‘Sure will.’

  Soon there wasn’t a scrap left, and Simon groaned in satisfaction. ‘That was the best fish and chips I’ve ever tasted.’

  Not one of them could disagree with that. They just hadn’t had time to stop for food.

  Ruth then made a large pot of tea, and they sat around the table, talking about the day. ‘I didn’t believe we could shift that amount of aircraft in one day, but we managed it.’

  ‘Yes, it was a good team effort.’ Simon drained his cup and held it out for a refill. ‘Does anyone know exactly how many planes we moved today?’

  ‘No idea, I haven’t bothered to check yet.’ Jack sat back. ‘I felt sorry for Andy in the taxi. How many landings and take-offs did he do today?’

  ‘I dread to think.’ Ruth made some more tea. ‘But we had the right man for the job.’

  Their meal finished, they retired to the other room and more comfortable chairs. There they talked and laughed about the day, and one thing was clear: it had been the most frantic day of ferrying, but a satisfying one.

  The news was worrying. England was being attacked again by unmanned flying bombs, and Bet’s children were right in the thick of the danger. Her insides fluttered uncomfortably. When the Blitz had stopped she had been relieved, but now it had all started again. Just when she had begun to think that Jack and Lucy were safe, they had a new danger to face.

  ‘Bet?’ Kathy was looking in the back door and waving a letter, a huge smile on her face. ‘I’ve heard from Al.’

  ‘That’s great.’ Bet pushed away her own worries. Ever since the invasion had begun, Kathy had been worried out of her mind, knowing that her son would be part of the action. ‘Come in and tell me what he says.’

  ‘He’s in France, but he can’t tell me where, of course. He says they’re moving forward, and the French people are really happy to see them. I was scared to death that he wouldn’t survive the landings, but he’s OK.’

  ‘That’s wonderful news, Kathy.’

  ‘Yeah, but that bloody man Hitler won’t give up, will he? He’s bombing London again. Poor devils. Have you heard from your two?’

  ‘Not for a couple of weeks. Even Ruth hasn’t written, but I expect they’re all being kept busy.’

  Kathy sighed. ‘They must be. I won’t be able to rest until the fighting’s over and our children come home for good. I don’t suppose Al can wait to get back to his horses. They’re keeping his job open at the stud for him, which will give him something to look forward to. What do you think Jack and Lucy will do when they come home? They’ll probably have had enough of flying by then.’

  ‘I doubt that. My two will always fly. It’s like lifeblood to them. Lucy might get married and settle down, but I think Jack will always be involved with planes. You know how I worried about him when he was growing up. His teachers said he had a fine mind, but all he cared about were engines.’

  Kathy nodded in agreement. ‘He was only twelve when he took our car engine to pieces because Chas was having troubles starting it. “I’ll fix it,” he told us with such confidence. Chas couldn’t bear to watch as he spread the parts out in the yard. He was sure Jack wouldn’t get it back together again, but he did, and it worked like a dream.’

  Bet chuckled as she remembered the incident. Chas had been sure he would have to buy a new car. ‘I had to watch him like a hawk. If he could get his hands on anything mechanical it ended up in pieces, always needing to find out how it worked. And he was so damned restless. I was sure I’d lose him to a big city somewhere when he was old enough, but flying gave him something he craved. And Lucy wanted to do everything her brother did. There’s four years between them, but they’re more like twins. I wasn’t surprised when Lucy wanted to follow Jack to England. It near broke my heart to see them both leave.’ Bet gave a helpless shrug. ‘But what can you do? They’ve got to follow their own paths in life, haven’t they?’

  ‘They sure have. Chas wanted Al to become a doctor or something, but he only ever wanted to be around horses. He could ride almost before he could walk.’

  They fell silent for a moment as they remembered the happy times when their children were young. Now this terrible war had taken them away, but with the invasion under way, there was hope that things would soon return to normal.

  Bet broke the silence. ‘I think we ought to go somewhere for the weekend. Find a lovely spot, relax and spoil ourselves.’

  ‘Great idea!’ Kathy was on her feet. ‘It’ll only take me ten minutes to throw some things in a bag.’

  Within half an hour they were driving along the highway, smiling like a couple of kids sneaking off for a forbidden treat.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Simon was dealing with some paperwork when Lucy walked in. As soon as he saw her strained expression he was instantly on his feet. ‘What’s the matter?’

  ‘I can’t find Dave.’ Her lips trembled.

  ‘Sit down, Lucy.’ Simon urged her into a chair and crouched in front of her. ‘Tell me about it.’

  She gripped his hands tightly. ‘I was supposed to meet him last night at a pub in Maidenhead. It’s where we always go when he can get away for a few hours. I waited all evening and he didn’t come. Jane let
me phone Biggin Hill today, but they were very cagey and wouldn’t tell me anything.’

  ‘You know they won’t give out details about personnel over the phone,’ Simon pointed out gently. He was sure she had got herself worked up for nothing. These pilots could be called upon at a moment’s notice, not giving them a chance to contact anyone.

  She looked at him in anguish. ‘Then why did they tell me to contact his parents?’

  That shook Simon. ‘Are you sure they didn’t mean he was on leave?’

  ‘He’d have told me if he was going home.’ She became agitated. ‘Something’s wrong. Can you find out for me? Please, Simon!’

  ‘I know the station commander at Biggin Hill. I’ll see if I can reach him, but I’m sure you’re worrying unnecessarily.’

  ‘I hope so,’ she whispered. ‘I’ll wait here.’

  He stood up. ‘I expect Dave got caught for an unexpected trip across the Channel and wasn’t able to let you know.’

  ‘That’s what I thought at first, but it doesn’t feel right. When I asked about Dave there was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone before the man spoke again. He was very evasive. Something’s happened and I don’t think his folks would be too pleased if I contacted them. I wouldn’t want to upset them if I’m imagining this.’ Lucy took a deep breath. ‘But I don’t think I am. I’m worried and need to know if he’s all right.’

  The stricken look in her eyes tore Simon apart, and he hurried to the ops room for the telephone. The invasion had been under way for a few weeks now and the troops were making their way into France. There was an air of hope around that it would all be over by the end of the year. Lucy had been so buoyant and happy just lately, but if anything had happened to Dave, she was going to be devastated.

  Simon had met the station commander on several occasions and hoped he would talk to him. When the phone was answered he asked for Commander Young, gave his own name, and waited.

  ‘Hello, Simon. What can I do for you?’

  ‘I’ve got a favour to ask, Ian.’

  ‘Fire away.’

  ‘Can you tell me if Dave Sullivan is all right?’

  Ian hesitated. ‘What’s your interest?’

  ‘I’m a friend of Lucy Nelson. She’s his girlfriend, and is worried.’ When he was greeted with silence, Simon continued, ‘They’ve been dating for some time, Ian, and are serious about each other. If something has happened she ought to be told.’ He now had a very nasty feeling about this. Lucy was right: they were being evasive.

  ‘She phoned earlier, but we couldn’t tell her anything until the next of kin had been informed.’

  A cold chill crept through Simon. ‘He’s dead?’

  ‘Yes, he was killed yesterday when his plane crashed in France. I’m sorry, Simon, I thought his parents would have contacted her.’

  ‘They haven’t, but I’ll break the news to her.’ He’d had to face many distressing times in this war, but this was going to be one of the hardest.

  When he returned to where he’d left her, Lucy searched his face, pleading with her eyes for good news. But she knew at once that there wasn’t going to be any.

  Simon sat beside her and placed an arm around her shoulders. ‘Dave’s plane crashed yesterday in France. I’m so sorry, Lucy, he was killed.’

  She let out a stifled moan and began to shake. Simon drew her into his arms, not knowing how to comfort her as she sobbed in grief.

  They had been like that for some minutes when Ruth walked in. ‘Oh, God, what’s happened?’ she asked, rushing over to them.

  ‘Dave’s been killed.’ Simon spoke softly.

  ‘Hell!’ Ruth swore with feeling. ‘I’m so sorry. Lucy, let me take you home.’

  Still holding tightly on to Simon, she nodded. ‘Simon comes too.’

  ‘If that’s what you want.’ He helped her to her feet. Her expression was grim, but he was relieved to see that she was more in control. And he was also grateful to have Ruth take over.

  Ruth supported her on the other side and they walked with her to Simon’s car. ‘Do you know where Jack is?’ she asked him.

  ‘He’s taken a Spit over to France. I’m not sure if he’ll be back tonight.’

  Once at the house, Ruth made Lucy eat a piece of toast and drink two cups of tea, then, seeing how exhausted she was, helped her to bed.

  ‘How is she?’ Simon wanted to know when Ruth came downstairs again.

  ‘Asleep already.’ She sat down opposite him. ‘Tell me what happened.’

  He then told her the little he knew, not being able to hide his annoyance. ‘Dave’s family should have sent her a message. They know she’s in the ATA, and a call to any ferry pool would have been forwarded to her. But perhaps they’re too distraught to have given his girlfriend a thought. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt.’

  ‘I expect that’s it.’ Ruth gave Simon a sympathetic look. ‘So the unpleasant task was left to you.’

  He grimaced. ‘God, Ruth, I hated doing that. It hurts to see her so upset.’

  ‘She’ll be all right when she gets over the initial shock,’ she assured him. ‘She’s resilient and, like her brother, made of strong stuff.’

  He stood up, feeling drained. ‘Take care of her, Ruth. I must get some sleep if I’m going to function properly tomorrow.’

  ‘I will, and don’t you worry.’ She watched him leave, then went back indoors. It was doubtful if she was going to get much rest tonight, but she had to try because she was flying again in the morning.

  Ruth was surprised to find Lucy in the kitchen the next morning, and in uniform. ‘No one will mind if you don’t come in today, Lucy.’

  ‘No, but I would mind.’ She spoke firmly. ‘We have a job to do, Ruth, and I’ve seen you all carry on when tragedy strikes. Not one of you has ever let your personal feelings get in the way of what has to be done, and I’m not going to either.’ She gave a sad smile. ‘It hurts like mad, but he’s gone, and no amount of wishing is going to change that. I’ll come to terms with the loss in time, just like everyone else has to. In the meantime, I want to fly and be with my friends. When I’m in the air all I have on my mind is flying. It will help me through this.’

  Ruth didn’t try to persuade her otherwise because that was exactly how she would feel and act. ‘I learnt to fly after my brother was killed in a racing car accident. Being in the air was like balm to my soul.’

  ‘Exactly.’ Lucy spread margarine on the toast. ‘We’re very lucky to be able to fly, aren’t we?’

  ‘Very.’

  ‘I’ve written a letter to Dave’s folks. It was the least I could do.’

  ‘That’s thoughtful of you, and I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.’

  ‘I hope so, because I want to go to the funeral and say my goodbyes properly.’

  After finishing their breakfast they made their way to the airfield, ready for another day. The only thing allowed to interrupt their routine was the weather.

  Jack returned that evening to the sad news, and although Lucy cried on his shoulder as she told him, it was Simon she turned to continually for support and encouragement.

  Two days later, Lucy received a note from Dave’s father, thanking her for her letter and giving details of the funeral to be held in ten days’ time. It was to be a military funeral in his hometown of Windsor.

  Jack, Simon and Ruth had all known Dave, so they went with Lucy, not wanting her to face this ordeal alone. They made sure they were all smartly dressed in their ATA uniforms. Lucy stayed close to Jack and Simon during the service, and Ruth watched her anxiously, but she stood with her head up, straight and controlled. When the coffin was lowered into the ground, silent tears ran down her cheeks.

  Dave’s mother was so distraught she couldn’t stand on her own and had to be helped to the car.

  When Lucy made a move to go and speak to her, Jack shook his head. ‘I wouldn’t, Lucy. The poor woman isn’t in any state to meet people. I’d say she’s been sedated and probably w
ouldn’t recognise anyone at the moment.’

  His sister nodded, and the four of them stayed where they were as the mourners drifted away.

  A man walked towards them as if every step was an effort. ‘Thank you all for coming. Your letter was much appreciated, Lucy. My wife would have thanked you herself but, as you can see, she’s too grief stricken to do anything at the moment.’

  ‘I understand, Mr Sullivan. Dave was a lovely man and a brave one. His loss is a terrible tragedy.’ Lucy’s voice was husky with distress as she introduced Dave’s father.

  He shook hands with each of them, thanking them for coming, and inviting them back to the house.

  ‘That’s kind of you, sir,’ Jack spoke first, ‘but I’m afraid we have to get back.’

  ‘Yes, of course. Dave was always singing the praises of the ATA. He said that without you the RAF would have had a job to keep flying. We never wanted him to fly, you know, but it was what he wanted to do.’ He gave a strained smile. ‘I suspect that you are all like that as well.’

  ‘Yes, sir, our mom didn’t want us to fly either, but no one could have stopped us.’

  Mr Sullivan nodded, and then studied Lucy sadly. ‘You made our son very happy, and I’m sorry we didn’t welcome you as we should have done.’

  Without saying a word, Lucy gripped one of his hands in both of hers, and then stepped back. It was an action of silent forgiveness, and understood as such by Dave’s father.

  They watched while he walked back to the waiting car and drove away.

  Jack placed an arm round his sister’s shoulder and gave her a squeeze. ‘Let’s get back. We’ve got planes to fly.’

  Later that day, as Jack made pickups in the taxi, his thoughts went back to the funeral. He had been proud of Lucy. She had acted with dignity, and he was glad Mr Sullivan had come over to talk with them. It had given his sister a chance to put her first unfortunate meeting with Dave’s folks behind her. Lucy had a generous nature and forgave easily. He’d felt so sorry for the Sullivans. It must be unbelievably hard to lose a child, as he had noticed with Ruth’s folks. He doubted that they would ever fully get over the loss of their son. It could be a cruel world at times.