Together Under the Stars

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘Spending the day with a friend, and he’ll be cross he missed you. He watched as the Lancaster was taken away, bombarding the airmen with questions. One of them gave him a piece from the cockpit and he carries it with him all the time, launching into the story at every opportunity. That field is now referred to as the Lancaster field by everyone in the district. We can joke about it because no one was killed.’ He looked up at Steve. ‘From the mess that plane was in, I guess it was a close call.’

  Steve just gave a dismissive shrug. ‘I was sorry to have caused such devastation to your field, and wanted to come and check that the clear-up had been thorough.’

  ‘You didn’t need to worry about that. They stripped away all evidence of the crash, and even borrowed my tractor to plough it ready for planting again.’

  ‘Yes, I saw that. They did a good job.’

  The kitchen was warm and full of the smell of cooking and he put Beth down to greet the farmer’s wife. As soon as her feet touched the floor she ran to her mother, gabbling away in excitement.

  ‘Slow down,’ her mother admonished. ‘We can’t under­stand a word you’re saying.’ She smiled and raised her eyebrows at Steve. ‘While she’s awake she never stops. The only peace we get is when she’s asleep. Anyway, it’s lovely to see you again. Please sit down; I’m about to dish up. Where are the rest of your friends?’

  ‘They were still asleep when I left, recovering from a cele­bration last night.’

  ‘May we ask what you were celebrating?’

  ‘The flight engineer’s twenty-first birthday and the successful completion of thirty missions. It was quite a party.’

  ‘I’ll bet it was. Does that mean you have finished flying?’ Mr Collins asked.

  ‘Oh, no. I came here to fly and that’s what I intend to do.’ Steve smiled. ‘When we arrived, the commander told us never to volunteer for anything, which was a joke because we had all volunteered as bomber crew. If I have to, I will ignore that advice. We all will.’

  Mrs Collins grimaced. ‘Let’s hope this darned war will soon end.’

  Beth, who had been listening intently, came and leant against Steve’s knees. ‘Uncle Walt said we will soon be going to beat the bloody hell out of that man.’

  ‘How many times have I told you not to repeat what Uncle Walt says,’ her mother scolded. ‘He swears too much, and you mustn’t imitate him.’

  She smirked at Steve. ‘Don’t know what it means, anyway.’

  ‘Don’t tell fibs.’ Her mother tapped her on the backside. ‘Go and get the salt and pepper for the table.’

  She scuttled off and disappeared into a large cupboard while Steve tried to control the urge to laugh out loud.

  ‘That child,’ her mother sighed. ‘She remembers every­thing. Her memory is extraordinary.’

  ‘In that case she should go far, Mrs Collins.’

  ‘We do hope so,’ both parents said with feeling.

  They were all laughing when the child reappeared.

  ‘What you laughing at?’ she wanted to know.

  ‘Nothing to do with you.’

  She glared at her father. ‘Everything to do with me. How do I learn if you don’t tell me things?’

  ‘You already know far too much for your age.’ Her father picked her up and sat her at the table next to Steve. ‘Let’s eat. I’m hungry and I’m sure Steve is.’

  There was reasonable silence as Beth concentrated on eating her sausages and mash without making too much mess. After they had finished lunch, she helped her mother put everything away and they sat in front of the fire talking.

  With her chores finished, she sidled up to Steve and held up her arms, indicating that she wanted to be picked up. He swept her up and she was instantly asleep with her thumb stuck in her mouth.

  ‘Time for her afternoon nap.’ Mr Collins pulled his daugh-ter’s thumb out of her mouth, hoisted her up and headed for the stairs.

  He was soon back. ‘She’s sparked out and will sleep for a couple of hours. You seem interested in the farm, Steve, so would you like to have a look round?’

  ‘Yes, please. I’d like to see a working English farm.’

  After putting on their coats they began the tour. It was quite a large farm with cattle and arable land. The farmer explained the everyday working of the farm, and the challenge they had faced in trying to feed an island nation during wartime. Steve was fascinated and noted that every piece of land was producing something; not one inch of space was wasted. He inspected all the livestock, paying special attention to the herd of cows. ‘They are fine animals and in excellent condition,’ he remarked.

  The farmer studied him with interest. ‘You appear to know what you are talking about.’

  ‘We have a ranch back home and I’ve worked it with my father since I could walk.’

  ‘Ah, that’s why you were so concerned about tearing up my field.’

  He nodded. ‘I was relieved to see it had been cleared and made ready for planting again.’

  ‘They did a good job. Now, I’ve got one more thing I think you might be interested in.’

  They went to another part of the farm and Collins stood by the wooden gate, put his fingers in his mouth and gave a piercing whistle.

  Steve watched in delight as two enormous horses thundered towards them. The farmer dug in his pocket and produced two apples. He handed one to Steve and a huge head took it gently out of his hand, munching with pleasure.

  ‘Do you work them?’ he asked.

  ‘Yes, I hitch them up to a plough now and again just to let them know they are doing something useful. They like to work.’

  ‘They’re beautiful. Would you mind if I had a closer look?’

  ‘Not at all. Go ahead.’

  There was a grin on his face as he vaulted over the gate into the field. They allowed him to run his hands over them and inspect the enormous hoofs without the slightest complaint. Giving them a final pat, he climbed back, his eyes shining with pleasure.

  When they returned to the house, Beth was up and rushed over to him. ‘Did you have a good sleep, Beth?’

  ‘I wanted to stay awake, but I couldn’t. Mummy said you’ve been looking at the farm. Did you like it?’

  ‘Very much, especially the large shire horses.’

  She giggled. ‘I sat on their back and they didn’t mind. Daddy had to hold me else I’d fall off.’

  ‘Can you stay for tea?’ Mrs Collins asked.

  He glanced at his watch. ‘I’d love to, but it’s time I was on my way. Thank you so much; I’ve enjoyed my visit.’ He shook hands with them and swept Beth up to kiss her on the cheek.

  ‘You’ll be welcome to visit any time you feel like it. It’s been lovely to see you again.’

  ‘Thank you. I will certainly try to come again.’

  It was dinner time when he arrived back, so he went straight to the mess.

  ‘Where the blazes have you been?’ Luke wanted to know the moment he sat down. ‘We’ve been looking for you every­where.’

  ‘I had permission to leave the base, so I went back to see if the farm had been put to rights.’

  ‘Why didn’t you tell us you were going, we would have come with you?’

  Steve raised his eyebrows in amusement. ‘You were all fast asleep and didn’t look as if you were going to surface for hours, Ricky.’

  His friend smirked. ‘Right. How was the farm?’

  ‘Good. They did a fine clean-up job. What have you all been doing?’

  ‘As little as possible,’ Andy told him.

  ‘Make the most of it,’ Luke warned, ‘because they’re not going to allow us to be idle for long.’

  ‘Yeah, I’ve heard a rumour a batch of new recruits is arriving soon, and we could be their instructors.’

  ‘That’s possible, I suppose. I don’t mind as long as we still get some flying time.’

  ‘Be a bit scary to have a novice at the controls, Steve.’

  ‘We’ll just have to wait and see what
happens.’ Luke handed round a packet of cigarettes. ‘Wonder if we can get leave? It’d be nice to go and see Uncle Harry again, and Sybil.’

  Chapter Seventeen

  The rumours were correct, and as an experienced crew they were given the task of “knocking the new arrivals into shape”, as the commander put it. It was the end of March before they were given any leave, and that was only forty-eight hours. They made a quick visit to see Harry, and as before, had a great time at the Jolly Sailor. Luke was disap­pointed not to see Sybil, though.

  The day after arriving back they were called to a meeting, and Steve looked round the crowded room. ‘Everyone’s here, so I wonder what’s going on?’

  The commander came in and they waited expectantly.

  ‘As you already know, plans are being drawn up for an invasion this summer. In preparation for that, all raids have been suspended for the time being.’

  A murmur of surprise ran round the room, and the commander called order. ‘Don’t worry, you will have a part to play, but I can’t give you any details yet. I will keep you updated when I receive further news.’ His eyes fixed on Steve. ‘You are dismissed, except Allard. You are to come with me.’

  Steve followed him to the office and was intrigued when the door was shut behind them. This door was never closed.

  ‘Sit down.’ He unlocked a drawer and pulled out a folder. ‘I’ve had an urgent request for a pilot with certain abilities, and on reading your notes you appear to meet those require­ments. Pack your kit. You’re leaving immediately.’

  ‘Where am I going, sir?’

  ‘Tangmere. It’s an airfield near the south coast.’

  That sent a bolt of excitement through him – one of the Battle of Britain airfields – there would be Spitfires there. ‘Why am I being sent there, and is this a permanent posting?’

  ‘You will be told why they want you when you get there.’ He closed the folder and glanced up. ‘I resisted sending you, Allard, but you’re the only pilot with the skills they require. I’ve told them that you are to return here as soon as they have finished with you.’

  ‘So the posting is temporary?’

  ‘It most certainly is. We’re going to need pilots of your experience later in the year.’ He sat back. ‘You are not to tell anyone where you’re going, and that includes close friends.’

  ‘Understood, sir.’

  ‘There’s a car ready and waiting to take you to your desti­nation.’ He stood up and came round the desk.

  Steve was immediately on his feet and was surprised when the officer shook his hand.

  ‘Good luck, and make sure you come back as soon as you can.’

  ‘I will, sir.’ He hurried to his quarters to find the entire crew waiting for him.

  ‘What did he want you for?’ Luke asked the moment he walked in, and watched with concern when his friend didn’t answer and began to pack his kit. ‘Where are you going?’

  ‘I can’t tell you.’ That brought on a barrage of questions, making him stop packing and hold up his hands for quiet. ‘I am being posted somewhere else, it is only temporary, and I don’t know how long I will be away, but I will definitely be back.’

  ‘Do you know what you’ll be doing?’ Ricky had a deep frown on his face.

  ‘No, and I’ll only be told when I get there, evidently.’

  ‘Oh hell.’ Andy shook his head. ‘I don’t like the sound of that. Steve, you be bloody careful. Anything this secret usually turns out to be dangerous.’

  Steve swung his bag over his shoulder and smiled reassur­ingly. ‘Don’t look so worried. I expect I’ll be back in no time at all. Behave yourselves.’

  They all followed him out and the frowns deepened when they saw him get in a car and drive away.

  On the long drive to Tangmere Steve puzzled over the myste­rious posting. He had not been given any information except they needed a pilot with his skills, so it would certainly involve flying. But flying what? Not bombers, that was for sure, so it must be something smaller. He sat up sharply at that thought. Was his experience with small planes what they wanted? They had Spitfires at Tangmere – perhaps he’d get a chance to fly one of those.

  It was dark by the time they arrived at the airfield and he was ushered straight to the commander’s office. There were two men waiting for him – one RAF and one army. After being announced, he saluted and waited while the officers scrutinised him for a moment.

  Appearing satisfied with what he saw, the commander stepped forward and shook his hand. ‘Thank you for coming so quickly, Allard. My name is Grieves and this is Colonel Harrison. Leave your kit here and come with us.’

  They walked in silence towards a hangar. What an earth was an army colonel doing here?

  The hangar contained a Spitfire, Hurricane and one other plane. Grieves stopped in front of this plane and without looking at Steve asked, ‘Can you fly that?’

  ‘Yes, sir. I had the chance to fly a Lysander in Canada during my training.’

  ‘We noted from your record that you hold a private pilot’s licence and flew regularly before joining up.’ The colonel had piercing grey eyes and they were now turned on Steve, assessing him carefully. ‘So you are used to flying small planes by dead reckoning?’

  ‘Yes, sir, I navigate at home by calculating airspeed, distance and direction.’

  ‘You also have knowledge of Morse code, so how profi­cient are you at that?’

  ‘I haven’t used it for some time, sir, but I would still be able to manage it, if necessary.’ What the hell was this all about? he wondered.

  The two officers nodded to each other, and the commander smiled for the first time. ‘Excellent. You will dine with us tonight.’

  ‘Thank you, sir. Can I ask why you’ve sent for me?’

  ‘All in good time.’ The commander glanced at his watch. ‘Let us eat, and then someone will show you to your quarters. You will need sleep because there’s a busy day ahead of you tomorrow. Come on, you must be hungry.’

  This was turning out to be very strange indeed, and Steve was bursting with questions, but from their attitude he knew he wasn’t going to get any information just yet, so he had to curb his curiosity. He gave the Lysander another careful look over, noting the extra fuel tanks underneath and a ladder in place by the rear seats. That was a fixture, by the look of it. This one had clearly been modified for a special task.

  Once in the mess, the two officers were more relaxed and chatted away, but without giving a hint of what they were about to ask him to do.

  ‘I hear you landed your Lancaster in a farmer’s field,’ the colonel said with a smile on his face.

  ‘Oh, I didn’t land it, sir. The poor thing was badly damaged and when a field came into view she dropped into it.’

  This jokey explanation amused them, and he didn’t miss the slight nod they gave each other. He felt as if he’d passed some test.

  After an excellent meal he was ordered to present himself to them at seven the next morning. They were to breakfast together, and then everything would be explained.

  He was given a room on his own, and although his mind was buzzing he slept soundly, as he always did. Tomorrow would take care of itself.

  After breakfast they went straight to the office, and Steve waited while an airman was told they were not to be disturbed for anything.

  The door was firmly closed, and the commander leant forward slightly. ‘Right, let us get down to business. We had to send out an urgent request for a pilot with certain quali­fications and experience. You were the only one who came anywhere near to meeting our requirements. You have expe­rience flying small aircraft, are used to navigating by dead reckoning, and have a working knowledge of Morse code. You also have the necessary night flying hours.’

  He gave the officers a studied look, wondering where this was going.

  The colonel continued. ‘What we are going to ask you to do is dangerous, and we would usually send our most experienced pilot in to carry out this miss
ion, but at the moment he is too sick to fly. This is urgent, so we had to find someone quickly. Before I go into detail, I must ask you one question, and you must give me an honest answer. Is that understood?’

  ‘Yes, sir.’

  ‘Could you fly the Lysander into France at night, land in a field and then get out again in around five minutes? The only lights on the ground will be from torches.’

  Some question! Steve drew in a silent breath before answering, then said with absolute confidence, ‘Yes, sir.’

  The commander showed him a folded map. ‘Your only means of navigation will be a map like this, which you will have in one hand while you fly with the other.’

  ‘How will I read the map in the dark?’

  ‘You will be able to check the route with the aid of a small light, called a “wander light.”’

  ‘I gather the mission is either to drop off agents or to pick some up.’

  ‘Pick up two.’ The colonel lit up a cigarette and drew in deeply. ‘They have information that is badly needed, and their situation is becoming perilous. We must get them out safely.’

  ‘When?’

  ‘Tomorrow night.’

  Steve couldn’t hide his surprise. ‘That is short notice, sir.’

  ‘We know, but an operation like this can only be carried out during a full moon. I will give you all the training possible in the time we have.’ The army officer gave a slight smile. ‘We know we’re asking a lot of you, but we think you can do this. How do you feel?’

  Excitement raced through him, but Steve kept his voice and demeanour calm. ‘I’d like to give it a go, sir.’

  Relief showed on the officers’ faces, and the commander said, ‘Right, first things first. Take the Lysander up, do a circuit of the field, come in and touch down, turn the plane round and then take off again. That should give you a feel of how she handles.’

  Both men were on their feet and heading for the door, eager to see how skilful this young pilot really was.

  The plane was ready and waiting for them, so Steve walked round it, taking in every detail. It was larger than the small planes he flew at home – he’d only ever had a go at this make once, and that was some time ago.