Together Under the Stars

by Beryl Matthews

  This service was really so her family could say goodbye to their son, even though there wasn’t a body to bury. They had insisted that it be upbeat, and for that she was grate­ful.

  Once the service had finished, a few came back to the house, and it was good to see her parents a little more relaxed. They would always mourn the loss of their son, of course, but at least they could now move on with their lives, as she had to herself.

  Nancy walked into the garden for a moment, ignoring the slight drizzle, wanting to get away from the chatter in the house. Tomorrow she would return to the airfield, and couldn’t help but wonder how many of the familiar faces would no longer be there. Her heart seized slightly as Steve’s face flashed through her mind.

  The next day she spent as much time as possible with her mother and father, leaving it as late as she could to catch the train. Her homecoming had been sombre and she wanted to leave seeing a smile on their faces, so she told them about the Canadians Jean had saddled her with. It made her mother smile and shake her head and even made her father laugh when she told them about the lift they were given to the station, how insistent they were in making it clear they were Canadians and not Americans.

  ‘When you come on leave again bring some of them home with you,’ her mother suggested. ‘Those poor boys are a long way from home and family.’

  ‘That’s a good idea,’ her father said before she could protest. ‘We’ve got plenty of room for three or four, and it would be good to have the house full of young men again. Do bring them, Nancy.’

  ‘It would mean them being on leave the same time as me, but I’ll see what I can do.’ The thought of having them here filled her with apprehension, but her parents were obviously enthusiastic about the idea. Would it help them? On reflec­tion she thought it might.

  ‘Try, darling.’ Her mother squeezed her hand. ‘This place is so empty without you and Dan, and we could give them a touch of home for a few days.’

  ‘I’ll do my best, but you don’t know what you will be letting yourself in for,’ she teased. ‘Oh, my, look at the time. I really must be going!’

  ‘We’ll come with you to the station.’ Her father smiled at her. ‘We want to hold on to you for as long as possible.’

  There was a train just arriving when they got there, so there wasn’t time for lingering goodbyes.

  The journey was slow and tedious, and it was dark by the time she walked through the gates. Suddenly, the familiar roar of engines ripped through the air as the Lancasters began to soar into the sky. Nancy hurried to check in and then went to the control tower where she could see Jean standing outside.

  They watched in silence until the last plane was in the air, and then Jean asked, ‘How did it go at home?’

  ‘Quite well. Have you finished for the day? I’m going for a cup of tea.’

  ‘Yes, I’m not on duty again until eight tomorrow. Let’s go to the mess and you can tell me all about it.’

  They settled at a table and Nancy looked around. ‘Are the Canadians at the pub?’

  Jean shook her head. ‘No, they’ve just taken off.’

  ‘What? They are flying missions already? How many raids have they been on?’

  ‘This is their second. More crews were needed urgently so they are on missions much sooner than anyone expected. A batch of British airmen arrived, and they are all flying.’

  Nancy was dismayed, and her expression showed it. She hadn’t expected them to be thrust into active service this quickly. It must mean losses had been high while she had been away, but she didn’t ask.

  Jean studied her friend’s face. ‘Are you sure you want to stay here?’

  ‘Definitely.’ Nancy straightened up. ‘That news took me by surprise, that’s all.’

  ‘Hmm, well don’t stand on the airfield counting them back or the commander will transfer you.’

  ‘I promise.’

  ‘Good. Now tell me how your parents are doing, and then go to bed. You look worn out.’

  ‘It was a tiring and emotional couple of weeks, but do you know, I feel more at peace now.’

  Jean listened intently to Nancy’s recount of her leave and her eyes opened wide when she heard about the request to bring the Canadians home with her next time. Jean grinned. ‘That should be interesting. Can I come too?’

  ‘I’d be glad to have you there.’ Nancy shook her head and grimaced. ‘I would really need some support with that lot running around the house.’

  ‘I can just imagine. Are you going to tell them?’

  ‘Not likely! Anyway, there isn’t much chance of that happening now they are flying.’

  ‘True. Shame, though, because they could be just the tonic your parents need. Don’t dismiss the idea, as they will probably get a few days off now and again, and a change of scene would be good for them.’

  ‘I’ll keep it in mind.’ Nancy yawned and stood up. ‘I must turn in now. I’m on duty early in the morning.’

  ‘Can we meet for breakfast around eight? And don’t you dare go out to the airfield at dawn.’ Jean gave her a stern look. ‘I mean it.’

  ‘I know.’ Nancy raised her hands. ‘I’m not going to do anything to risk being transferred, so no watching planes return, I promise.’

  ‘Night.’

  Right on time the next morning, Nancy and Jean had breakfast together. She knew the planes had returned from their mission but didn’t ask about casualties; she’d rather not know, and Jean did not offer any information.

  When they’d finished eating there was still a short time left of their break, so they stood by the control tower and watched the men on the airfield.

  ‘The ground crews are busy caring for their babies, I see,’ she remarked, noting the activity around the planes.

  ‘Babies!’ Jean laughed. ‘I’d hardly call those monsters babies.’

  ‘They are to the ground crews.’

  A lone figure walking by trees on one side of the airfield caught her attention.

  Jean noticed and said, ‘That’s Steve. He likes to walk after a raid. Everyone copes in their own way, as you know: some sleep at once, others read or listen to the wireless. Steve likes to walk, and I suspect be on his own for a while.’

  Nancy had a small pair of binoculars her father had given her for her nineteenth birthday and she always carried them with her. She put them up to her eyes and studied the figure in the distance. ‘I expect he likes the feel of fresh air after being in the plane for hours.’

  ‘Probably. I spoke to him after his walk yesterday.’

  ‘Oh, how was he?’

  ‘Relaxed, and a little cheeky.’

  ‘Really? In what way?’

  Jean then told her about his offer to kiss her cheek after accepting her gift of the star. ‘He didn’t have a lucky mascot, and to be honest I don’t believe he thinks such a thing is necessary, but he accepted it with good grace.’

  ‘Why did you give him that? You’re not falling for him, are you?’

  ‘No, he’s a man I like and respect, but I’m more attracted to Ricky.’ Jean gave a quiet laugh. ‘I met them at the pub when they came back from London, and he had me crying with laughter about the things they’d got up to. I think he likes me, too.’

  ‘Oh, Jean, we said we wouldn’t get too close to any of the crews. It could all end in heartbreak.’

  ‘I know, but I can’t help liking them.’ She shrugged. ‘Still, there won’t be many more chances to get to know them while they are flying missions. They will fly, eat and sleep all the time the weather holds.’

  Nancy glanced at her watch. ‘I’ll have to hope Mum and Dad forget that idea of them coming home with me. Now, I must go.’

  When she walked back into the stores, two airmen who had just arrived on duty sighed with relief. She grinned at them. ‘Have you had a busy time?’

  ‘You could say that,’ Denny told her. ‘What with a batch of new recruits who needed kitting out, and ground crew shouting at us for parts that didn’t co
me the day before they were even ordered,’ he exaggerated. ‘We’ve been rushed off our feet and asked for help while you were on leave, but we never got it.’

  ‘How was everything at home?’ Colin asked, sympathy showing in his eyes.

  ‘It was a tough time, but my parents were pleased to have me there. We held a memorial service for Dan and that helped all of us. So, where do you want me to start?’

  ‘Paperwork,’ they answered in unison, pointing to a desk in the corner piled high.

  ‘Right. What deliveries are you expecting today?’

  ‘We’ve been promised a new Lancaster and, hopefully, two new engines.’ Colin grinned. ‘If they don’t arrive, we’ll let you deal with the irate ground crews.’

  ‘Cowards,’ she teased. When they laughed and went back to their work, she realised how much calmer she felt. The ache at the loss of her darling brother was still there, and always would be, but she felt more able to cope with it. Her thoughts went to those on active duty – the Canadians in particular. There wasn’t anything she could do for those who didn’t return, but the living needed friends who cared for them. So, regardless of the pain she was liable to experience, she would try to help these boys who were far from their homes.

  The rest of the day was so busy there wasn’t time to think about anything but the work at hand. The Air Transport Auxiliary delivered two new planes instead of the one expected, which everyone was delighted about. The engines arrived as well, along with two lorry loads of other necessary spares. Keeping the planes flying was the top priority, as many of them came back damaged in one way or another.

  Nancy was working her way through a mound of delivery notes when someone tapped her on the shoulder.

  ‘The next shift has arrived,’ Colin told her. ‘Let’s go eat.’

  ‘My goodness! Where has the day gone?’

  Denny joined them and they headed for the mess.

  When they’d finished their meal and the men had left, she wandered outside and gazed up at the sky. It was November now and the daylight hours shorter. The evening was clear, but not too cold, so she sat on a seat outside the building and relaxed. Across the airfield the planes were being loaded and the ground crew were making sure they were in good order. She took the binoculars out of her pocket and held them up to her eyes, focussing on the men jumping out of the transport and walking towards their planes. The tall figure of Steve was easy to pick out, and she watched until the last one had taken off, then closed her eyes in a silent prayer for the safety of the entire flight.

  It was too early to go back to her quarters, and she doubted she would sleep much tonight anyway, so she went in search of Jean. She needed some company and a beer or two.

  Chapter Eight

  The Lancasters were soon over the sea and the bright moon was dancing on the water. It was a lovely sight, but also a reminder that they would soon cross the coast and be in danger.

  Ricky came through. ‘Don’t ever dump us in that, Steve. I can’t swim.’

  There were chuckles and Andy remarked, ‘Don’t worry, you would soon learn.’

  ‘I’ll try to see we are on dry land, but I can’t make any promises,’ Steve replied, pleased to hear the teasing banter. This was a rare moment to relax a little because soon they would need to be alert for trouble. He had fallen in love with this plane the moment he had seen her, and adored it all the more as he flew. Even the prospect of danger couldn’t dampen the pleasure of being at the controls and soaring upwards.

  This was a big raid planned and they were heading for the industrial heartland of Germany. It would be well protected, and they knew what was waiting for them.

  With their destination close, the sky lit up with search­lights, and flak began bursting around them. There was a loud crash and the plane shuddered. Andy’s calm voice came through, ‘Steady … steady …’

  Steve knew everyone was concerned about possible damage as they flew through the barrage. They were being buffeted from constant attack from the ground. Something had hit them but he still had control, so it didn’t appear to have damaged anything vital.

  ‘Bombs away!’

  It was only after he had turned for home and away from the searchlights and guns, he asked, ‘Is everyone all right?’

  They all came through except Ricky. ‘Navigator!’ Luke demanded. ‘Respond.’

  ‘He’s all right,’ the wireless operator told them. ‘He’s just indicated to me that his headset isn’t working. It’s a bit draughty where he’s sitting, though.’

  ‘How bad is the damage?’ Steve wanted to know.

  ‘Nothing the boys on the ground can’t fix.’

  ‘Good.’ Knowing his crew were unhurt and the plane didn’t appear to be in trouble, Steve concentrated on getting them home safely.

  After landing, they all went to look at the damage. There was a small hole the size of a tennis ball close to Ricky’s position.

  The next few minutes were hilarious as Ricky told everyone just what he thought about those who had been shooting at them. Even the ground crew were grinning, and so were the many who had gathered to see what was going on. Steve and Luke had to take him by the arms and lead him to debriefing, still complaining.

  At breakfast there were no new empty seats, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

  It had just started to drizzle when Steve went for his walk, but that didn’t bother him. He looked up at the leaden sky and smiled. They had eventually managed to quieten Ricky down and Steve laughed out loud. Ricky was a lively character and anything he did was with great energy and dedication, but he also had guts to fool around after such a close shave.

  Later that morning, Nancy was taking some needed goods to one of the hangars when she saw the small hole in the Lancaster being towed inside. Wing Commander Jackman was watching so she went up to him. ‘Whose plane is that, sir?’

  ‘Allard’s.’

  Her heart skipped a beat. ‘Was anyone hurt?’

  ‘No, but the shrapnel must have parted the navigator’s hair when it came through.’ He began to laugh softly.

  Nancy was surprised to see him so amused and frowned. ‘Is that funny, sir?’

  ‘No, but the reaction of the navigator was. While inspecting the damage he began to tell everyone, in very colourful terms, just what he thought about the enemy.’

  ‘Oh, what did he say?’

  Jackman burst into laughter. ‘It isn’t fit for the ears of a young lady. When he’d run out of expletives, he began begging the ground crews forgiveness for bringing their baby back with a hole in it. It was the funniest thing I’ve seen in a long time.’

  ‘From what I’ve seen and heard about him, he’s the comedian of the group.’

  ‘I can believe that, but he’s also wise. From reports it was rough up there and knowing they had taken a hit, albeit a small one, would have made the journey back tense. His little performance had them all laughing.’

  ‘Er … what about the pilot, sir, was he all right?’

  ‘He just watched the scene with an amused smile on his face and looking as if they had just returned from a pleasure jaunt.’

  She nodded, relieved, and after glancing at her watch she saluted the wing commander and hurried to deliver the parts she was holding.

  It was the middle of the afternoon when Jean arrived at the stores. ‘Nancy!’ she called. ‘I need a typewriter ribbon and paper and envelopes.’

  ‘Coming right up.’ Nancy collected the items and took them with the form for Jean to sign. ‘Are they going out again tonight?’

  When Jean didn’t reply, she said, ‘Come on, you work for the officers so you must know.’

  ‘The weather is holding, so yes.’

  ‘What about those who returned with damage?’

  Jean gave her a stern look. ‘You’ve been asking questions, haven’t you? I thought you weren’t going to take an interest in anyone on missions.’

  ‘I’m only keeping myself up on what is happening on the b
ase.’

  ‘Liar.’ Jean grinned. ‘Did you hear what happened when Ricky got out and examined the hole on their plane?’

  Nancy nodded and couldn’t help smiling. ‘Wing Commander Jackman told me. And you haven’t answered my question.’

  ‘The damage wasn’t bad and has already been repaired, so they will be going again tonight. Want to go to the pictures later?’

  ‘Might as well. What’s on?’

  ‘No idea. Does it matter?’

  ‘Not at all. I’ll meet you at seven.’

  ‘Good, see you then.’

  The rest of her shift flew by, and after getting something to eat she met her friend at the gate, only it wasn’t just Jean. She had gathered four airmen to join them as well.

  They just had time after the film to go to the pub for a drink. It was crowded with military personnel as usual and very lively.

  The evening had given her little time to dwell on those flying somewhere over Germany, but once in bed the thoughts rushed in. She sighed. All the good intentions not to worry about any of them had evaporated, and to be truthful, being so close to the action it was impossible to keep detached. Even if she moved to another posting away from all this, it wouldn’t be any better. No amount of distance would ever be able to erase the pilots from her mind.

  Over the next couple of weeks, Nancy resisted the urge to get up when she heard the planes returning, but she did always check to see if Steve was out for his usual walk. He did it no matter the weather, and always did it alone. She didn’t know what his home in Canada was like, but she had the feeling he was used to having open space around him and he missed that.

  ‘One day I’m going to ask him why he does that.’

  ‘He’ll only smile and say he likes walking, but he told me he is a farmer, so I expect he’s used to being out in any weather,’ Jean said.

  Nancy nodded and looked up at the heavy sky. ‘Winter is closing in now and that means, hopefully, there will be times when they can’t fly.’