A New Day

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘And we never will take her for granted after this experience, will we?’

  All three nodded in agreement, happy to have survived the ordeal. But there was sadness for all those who didn’t, including their greatly respected captain. The ship went down so quickly that many just didn’t have time to get off. Seeing her disappear below the waves was not a sight they would ever forget, nor the horror of knowing some of their friends were still on board. They had loved the North Star, and now she was no more.

  For the next two days they relaxed, tucked into good food, and used this short time to try to come to terms with what had happened. Though deep down they all knew this was something that would stay with them for the rest of their lives.

  As the warship made its stately way into Portsmouth, the survivors of the North Star watched in silence. They were a ragged-looking lot, but every one of them had a smile on their faces as they disembarked. There were helping hands every step of the way, and they accepted gratefully, as they were still weak, and some unable to walk at all.

  ‘This way, mate,’ a young navy doctor said, steadying Jack as he swayed slightly. ‘We’ve got to check you over before you can go home.’

  Jack held on to him as they made their way towards a building. ‘Bit unsteady on my feet. The dry land seems to be moving,’ he joked, noticing that some of the others were having the same problem. Must be because they had spent so much time in a small boat without proper food, he thought.

  Only three were considered in need of hospital treatment, and the rest were told that after a night’s rest in the accommodation block, they could go home.

  No one protested because when the examinations were over they were all feeling exhausted, and fell on to the bunks with sighs of relief.

  The sailors brought in piles of clothes. ‘When you’re feeling up to it, men, you can see if anything here fits you. Leave your old clothes on the spare bunk and we’ll dump them for you.’

  Jack dragged himself off the bunk. He needed a pair of trousers. His were torn up to the thigh, and he certainly couldn’t get on a train wearing them. Then something dawned on him. ‘Hey, Bill, how are we going to pay the train fare? Everything we owned went down with the ship.’

  ‘Don’t worry about that,’ a sailor told them. ‘You’ll be issued with travel warrants.’

  ‘Is there any chance of a drink?’ Bill asked. ‘I could murder a pint.’

  The young sailor laughed. ‘Dinner will be in an hour and I’ll have a word with the officer in charge.’

  ‘This is a navy base so there must be plenty of pubs around here.’

  ‘There are, but we have strict instructions not to allow you off the base until tomorrow. But don’t worry; we’ve got our own supply of beer.’

  ‘Ah, well, that’s good news. We’ll leave it to you then.’

  The sailor nodded and then left them to sort out something more respectable to wear. Jack found himself a pair of trousers and a shirt that just about fitted, and he settled on those.

  ‘Blimey! We look as if we’re in the Royal Navy now,’ Harry remarked, as he shrugged into a navy blue jacket. ‘Except there aren’t any badges on the clothes. That should confuse anyone who sees us.’

  ‘I don’t think anyone will take us for Royal Navy,’ Jack laughed, looking at his ill-fitting clothes. ‘If we were in the navy we’d be put on a charge for untidy dressing.’

  ‘Wonder how long it will take them to find us another ship?’ Frank mused, stretching out on the bunk.

  ‘Don’t know, but I hope it’s quick. I’ve never spent much time ashore, and I don’t want to now – U-boats or not. How do you feel about going back to sea, lad?’ Bill asked.

  ‘I feel the same as you; the quicker the better. They do say you should get straight back on a horse after it’s thrown you, don’t they?’ Jack pulled a face. ‘I don’t want too much time to think about what happened.’

  ‘Grub’s up!’ came the call. ‘Follow me.’

  The mess was large, and many of the tables were already occupied, but they arranged three in a line so they could all sit together.

  ‘I’m starving,’ Jack said, sitting back and gazing around the room. ‘The smell of the food is making my mouth water.’

  ‘Oh, he’s getting back to normal,’ Harry chided. ‘This lad is a bottomless pit where food is concerned.

  ‘We went days without food and I’ve got a lot of making up to do.’ He grinned at his friends. ‘And whatever they’re cooking here smells heavenly.’

  A sailor came up to their tables. ‘We’ve got sausages and mash, or fish and chips. Tell me what you want and it will be brought to you.’

  Everyone opted for the sausages, and then a cheer went up when a sailor approached carrying a large tray holding pints of beer. One was put in front of Jack and he was thirsty enough to tackle it even if he wasn’t used to strong drink.

  ‘Thanks, mate,’ Harry said as he held up his glass to the sailor.

  ‘Enjoy,’ he told them, ‘you men have certainly earned it. There’s more where that came from.’

  Bill stood, glancing at the men around the long table. ‘We should make a toast with our first pint. Men, the North Star was a fine ship with a first-class crew. Lift your glasses to the best captain I’ve ever served with, and all our other friends who did not make it. God bless them.’

  The chairs scraped back as every man stood, glasses raised. ‘To the North Star and all those who went down with her.’

  Out of respect, Jack saw that every man in the mess also stood, and didn’t sit again until the survivors did. This was the first time any one had mentioned the losses, though each had been grieving silently. ‘That was well done, Bill,’ Jack said quietly. ‘It’s been too painful to talk about.’

  He nodded. ‘And some of us will not for a very long time – if ever – but we needed to acknowledge their sacrifice.’

  Their meals began to arrive and the general talk around the table resumed. The men seemed a little more relaxed now, and Jack could see the wisdom of what Bill had done. Something had to be said, and no one else had been able to take that step. Now it was done, Jack felt better, and so did everyone else.

  Frank nudged Jack. ‘Here comes Captain Freeman.’

  He looked up and saw the tall man approaching.

  ‘May I join you?’

  ‘Of course, sir.’ Bill grabbed a chair from another table, and everyone shuffled round so that the captain could sit beside Jack and Bill.

  ‘Thank you.’ Captain Freeman sat down and called an orderly over, who almost ran to his side. ‘I’ll have the sausages and a pint of beer as well.’

  ‘Do you want it served in the officers’ mess, Captain Freeman?’

  ‘No, here will do fine.’

  ‘Yes, sir.’

  As the sailor hurried away, the captain turned to Jack. ‘How are you feeling now?’

  ‘Stronger, sir, but still a bit unsteady on my injured leg, though it’s healing well. One of the doctors gave me a stick and told me to use it on my way home tomorrow.’

  ‘That’s good advice. I wish I could come with you, but that isn’t possible, I’m afraid. Remember me to your charming sister, won’t you?’

  ‘I’ll do that, sir.’

  Bill rapped the table for silence. ‘Men, if you have any beer left in your glasses please raise them in thanks to Captain Freeman and his crew for finding us in that wide expanse of ocean. Without him I doubt that any of us would be here now.’

  ‘To Captain Freeman and his crew!’ The toast was heartfelt.

  ‘I’m only too pleased we found you in time,’ he said, lifting his own glass of beer. ‘But I am the one who should be toasting your courage in bringing needed supplies to this country, and your determination to stay alive. Gentlemen, to you.’

  Captain Freemen stayed with them long enough to finish his meal, and have a few words with every one of the survivors. He was just draining his pint when a Petty Officer hurried over.

  �
�Sorry to disturb you, sir, but I’ve been ordered to find you. You are needed.’

  The captain nodded and rose to his feet immediately. ‘It’s been a pleasure spending time with you.’

  ‘And you, sir. And thanks again for all you’ve done for us,’ Bill said. ‘But I hope we don’t meet you again under similar circumstances.’

  ‘Amen to that. The U-boats seem to have the upper hand at the moment, but that won’t always be so. We’ll find a way to stop them.’ With a nod to everyone he strode towards the door of the mess and disappeared from sight.

  ‘I must say I’ve always wondered what kind of a husband Rose Freeman had, and now I know. That is one strong, impressive man, but he has a quiet air about him. They must suit each other admirably.’

  ‘He seems a good man, Bill, and we were damned lucky he found us.’ Frank drained the last of his beer and stood up. ‘We’d all better get some rest if we’re going to be up to travelling tomorrow.’

  ‘Where’s your stick, lad?’ Bill frowned when he saw Jack was ready to leave the next day.

  ‘I don’t need it,’ he protested. ‘The leg is healed now.’

  ‘But not very strong.’ Bill glared at Jack. ‘Do you want to fall down and break it? If you do a daft thing like that we’ll have to sail without you next time, because I don’t think we’ll have to wait long for another ship.’

  ‘Ah, I can’t have that.’ Frank was holding out the stick and Jack took it, rested on it and grinned. ‘All right, am I out of trouble now?’

  ‘For now. Come on, Frank, let’s get this lad home so his sister can take care of him. He looks like a scarecrow in those ill-fitting clothes.’

  Jack roared with laughter. ‘Have you taken a look at yourselves?’

  The survivors all gathered outside intending to make the journey together. They were all still feeling exhausted after their ordeal and agreed it would be best if they stayed together so they could help each other where and when needed.

  ‘Which way is the station?’ Harry asked as a truck roared up to them.

  ‘Hop in. I’ve got orders to take you to the station.’ Two sailors jumped down and helped the men into the back of the truck.

  One of them frowned as he looked them up and down. ‘Are you sure you blokes should be travelling yet?’

  ‘We’ll be all right, and we need to get home. You understand?’ Bill asked.

  The sailor nodded. ‘Yes, of course you do.’

  When they reached the station the two Royal Navy sailors came on to the platform with them, striding around until they found seats for those of the group still unable to stand for long.

  ‘Thanks,’ Frank said. ‘We’ll be all right now.’

  ‘Our orders are to stay with you until you’re safely on the train to London. Captain Freeman tried to get you transport all the way to your homes, but it just wasn’t possible today. He said we were not to leave you until you were on your way.’

  ‘That was good of him,’ Jack said, leaning on the stick, and glad his friends had made him use it.

  ‘Fine man, and respected by his crew. Ah, this is the London train.’

  As soon as it came to a halt one of the sailors jumped on, moving up and down the corridor until he found two nearly empty carriages together. Then he beckoned to them. ‘It’s crowded, but there are nearly enough seats here for you.’

  When they had seated as many as they could, the sailor jumped out, stood on the platform as the train began to move and saluted smartly.

  ‘I must say the Royal Navy has treated us very well,’ Frank said, sighing as he sat back. ‘It will be good to get home. I began to have my doubts that I was ever going to see my parents and girlfriend again.’

  Jack propped himself against the door of the carriage and smiled. ‘How long have you been going out with her?’

  ‘Nearly three years.’

  ‘I told him he should marry the girl,’ Bill remarked.

  ‘I was going to, but war was looming, and I didn’t like the thought that I might make her a widow so young.’

  ‘That’s a chance thousands of couples are taking,’ Harry told him. ‘Marry her, Frank. We survived this time and you know what they say – lightning doesn’t strike twice. The next time those buggers shoot at us they are going to miss.’

  ‘Wish I had your confidence,’ Bill snorted. ‘But he’s right, Frank; marry the girl now.’

  ‘Perhaps you’re right.’ Frank looked up. ‘You all right, Jack? Do you want to sit here for a while?’

  ‘I’m fine,’ he lied. Frank was looking very drained and Jack didn’t want to make him stand.

  ‘You can have my seat, young man.’ A woman who had been sitting quietly by the window stood up.

  ‘Oh, no, madam,’ Jack protested. ‘I wouldn’t dream of taking your seat.’

  ‘You need it more than I do.’ She smiled. ‘Come on, son, you look as if you can hardly stand.’

  ‘Take it, lad.’ Bill took his arm and guided him to the seat. ‘Thank you, madam.’

  ‘My pleasure.’ She stood by the door next to Bill and said quietly, ‘He’s just a boy.’

  Bill glanced at Jack already dozing in the corner, and shook his head. ‘He looks that way, but he’s a man now, if you know what I mean.’

  ‘Yes, I think I do.’

  They stopped at a station and Jack woke up suddenly, thinking he was still in the lifeboat for a moment. He straightened up and glanced around the carriage. Some were staring into space, others still asleep, and Bill was now sitting on the floor.

  Two young soldiers, obviously new recruits, peered into the carriage hoping to find seats, and stared at the ragged assortment of men in disbelief.

  ‘Hey, will you look at this!’ one said in a loud voice. ‘Did you ever see such a scruffy bunch of layabouts? Been on the booze all night from the look of you. Too tired to let a lady sit down?’

  ‘Some people,’ the other one remarked in disgust, ‘don’t know there’s war on.’

  Bill slowly stood up. ‘We are very aware of that, probably more than you, and I would suggest you move along the train.’

  ‘You going to make us?’ they taunted.

  Seeing that the two were spoiling for a fight, Jack stood up, so did Frank and a couple of the others. Jack gripped the stick and hobbled over to Bill.

  ‘Oh, did you fall down the pub steps and hurt your leg?’ The two young soldiers were obviously not going to give up.

  ‘Do you know I really can’t remember where I did it.’ Jack gave Bill a broad smile. ‘Can you remember, Bill?’

  ‘Well, I’m not sure.’ He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ‘I think it must have been when the second torpedo hit the ship and you had to jump overboard.’

  ‘You’re probably right.’ Jack nodded to the men and shrugged. ‘Does that answer your question?’

  The lady who had been watching silently now turned on the young soldiers. ‘You two louts ought to watch your tongues. These men are merchant navy, risking their lives every day to bring in desperately needed supplies to this country. It’s clear to any fool that they are wearing clothes given to them because everything they had went down with their ship. They are still recovering from their ordeal, and you should be ashamed of yourselves.’

  ‘Er . . .’ They backed away. ‘Sorry, didn’t mean any harm. Just having a bit of fun after being stuck in camp for ages.’

  ‘Then I suggest you go and have your fun elsewhere.’ The lady waved them away. ‘You are a disgrace to your uniform.’

  The survivors from the North Star were all grinning as the men scuttled away, and Bill was openly laughing. ‘I thank you, madam, but even though we’re not at our best we could still have defended ourselves.’

  ‘I don’t doubt that,’ she smiled, ‘but I did enjoy putting those idiots in their place. And I think I can remove this now.’ She unbuttoned the plain navy-blue coat she was wearing, slipped it off and removed a hat from the bag she had with her, placing it at the correct angle on her h
ead.

  There was silence when the men saw the Royal Navy nurse standing there, and seeing their stunned expressions, said briskly, ‘The medical officer was not happy about some of you travelling today, but he understood how much you all wanted to get to your homes, so we are here to see that you do just that. There is another nurse in the next carriage.’

  ‘But why the masquerade?’ Bill wanted to know.

  ‘The MO thought you might not like being openly escorted by nurses until you were safely on the train. He said you appeared to be a tough bunch and would probably object to have attention drawn to you by having nurses with you. Transport will be waiting for us in London to take each of you to your homes.’

  ‘But I’m going on to Suffolk,’ Jack told her.

  ‘We are aware of that,’ she smiled again. ‘Jack Foster, isn’t it?’

  He nodded.

  ‘Captain Freeman was insistent that you were all taken safely to your destinations, no matter where. Now, why don’t you all rest, and sleep if you want to. I’ll wake you when we reach London.’

  ‘How can we refuse with such a gorgeous guardian angel looking over us?’ Bill muttered, sliding down to sit on the floor once again. He was instantly asleep.

  Twenty

  There had been no further news about Jack, and Hanna couldn’t settle to anything, so she was wandering around the farm being of little use to anyone. She knew he was safe, but had no idea where he was, or if he’d been injured. Until she actually saw him for herself she wouldn’t be able to concentrate on anything.

  ‘Give us a hand to get this food to the pigs!’ Pat called.

  ‘Coming.’ Hanna hurried across the yard. With the boys at school now she was doing more work with the animals, as well as tending the vegetable gardens, and she really enjoyed it.

  ‘Try to stop fretting, Hanna,’ Pat told her. ‘You know he’s been found, and all you can do now is wait.’

  ‘I know,’ she sighed, helping to fill the troughs, ‘but I don’t know if he’s injured, and the waiting is hard. I wouldn’t even know he had been rescued if it hadn’t been for Mrs Freeman. I would have expected a letter or telegram by now to say he was all right.’