‘All right, she’s all yours,’ the commander said after he had finished his inspection. ‘See what you can do with a quick landing and take-off.’
He nodded, and then climbed into the aircraft. He knew he could do as they asked, and he was eager to give it a go. Once in the air there was a smile on his face, and once he was comfortable with the performance of the plane, he lined up for the next manoeuvre, which he accomplished smoothly. He was enjoying himself and would have liked to stay up longer, but he had his orders, so landed and taxied to the parking spot.
‘Any problems?’ the commander asked when he joined them again.
‘None, sir, she handles well.’
‘That was a smooth take-off and landing. Now all you have to do is the same thing in the dark, on a strange field and in enemy territory.’
‘It’ll be a challenge, Colonel, but not impossible.’
‘We believe in you, son,’ said the commander. ‘You will be spending today with Colonel Harrison, and I will see you at dinner tonight.’
For the rest of that day and the next Steve learnt as much as he could about the Special Duty runs – what to do and what not to do. He brushed up on his Morse code and by the time the colonel had finished with him he felt he had every scrap of information to carry out the mission.
The army officer sat back and studied his pupil intently. ‘I have prepared you as much as I can in the time available, but I will add one more thing. It is vital you get the agents out, but if you don’t get the correct Morse code from the ground you are to abort and return at once. On no account are you to land if there is the slightest doubt. Is that understood?’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Are you happy with the way the map is prepared?’
‘Yes, sir, it is very clear.’
‘Good.’ The colonel took a deep breath. ‘We have already sent a message to let them know you are coming tonight. Bring them safely back, and you will be doing a lot for the proposed invasion. These agents have intelligence we need.’
‘I understand, sir. If they are there, I’ll get them back.’
‘Now, I suggest you get some rest. It’s going to be a long night.’
Back in his quarters Steve stretched out on the bed, his mind going over and over what he had been told. He took deep breaths to relax. There was no need to keep running over it – the information was there when needed.
Within ten minutes he was fast asleep.
Chapter Eighteen
He was up and already in his flying gear when the orderly assigned to him knocked on the door.
‘Is there anything special you would like to eat, sir?’
‘Do I have a choice?’
‘Within reason, sir. Some pilots don’t want anything more than tea and a sandwich, others need something more substantial.’
‘No good asking for a large steak, I suppose?’
The orderly smiled. ‘I’m afraid not, sir.’
‘In that case, how about a bacon sandwich and a cup of coffee? Is that possible?’
‘For you it is. I’ll get it straight away.’
While he was waiting Steve studied the map, making sure the directions were clear in his mind. It was a while since he had navigated like this and he was going to have to call upon all of his experience and knowledge to carry out this mission successfully. Getting those agents out was vital, so he was well aware that failure was not an option.
The airman was soon back with the food, and Steve picked up the cup, smelt it and took a sip. His eyes lit up with pleasure. ‘Real coffee.’
‘Yes, sir, we do have some, but it is reserved for special duty pilots.’
‘Wow, what a treat. Do you know this is the first decent cup of coffee I’ve had since I left Canada.’
After finishing the very large sandwich and draining the cup, he glanced at his watch and stood up. ‘Time to go.’
As he walked towards the Lysander his expression was tranquil.
The two officers were there to see him on his way, and when he reached them, he smiled. ‘Nice bright moon shining tonight.’
They nodded, and the colonel asked, ‘Any last-minute questions?’
‘No, sir, you have schooled me well.’
Without wasting any more time, Steve climbed into the plane, ran through the checks and strapped himself in. He made sure the folded map was showing the section he needed, took several deep breaths to calm his nerves, and then taxied for take-off.
The moment he was in the air he relaxed. It was imperative he remained calm and focussed. This was going to be one hell of a challenge, but he was determined to complete the mission successfully. Flying three hundred miles at low level over enemy territory was going to be quite an experience, though.
The officers watched until the Lysander was out of sight, then they turned and walked towards the bar.
‘There isn’t anything we can do now but wait, and I need a drink,’ the commander said. ‘I like that boy and I pray we haven’t sent him on an impossible mission. I hate sending a pilot inexperienced in this kind of work. We are asking a hell of a lot from him. What do you think his chances are of even finding the right field?’
‘I’m reasonably confident. He’s got a good head on his shoulders.’ The colonel smiled at the man walking beside him.
‘True.’ He sighed deeply. ‘I know the man in charge at Scampton, and if that boy doesn’t come back there will be hell to pay.’
‘I’ll take the blame, but you know we didn’t have a choice. I only hope those agents haven’t been caught before we can get to them. We should have got them out before this, and the delay could cost them their lives.’
‘I know, and it’s going to be a long night. Make mine a double,’ he said as they entered the officers’ bar.
Flying as low as he dared, Steve checked the map time and time again. The flight so far had been uneventful, but by his reckoning the field should be around here. Where the hell was it? He scanned the ground looking for the signal, but couldn’t see anything. Certain he was in the right area he went round again, but knew he couldn’t do this for too long or he would attract unwelcome attention. ‘Come on,’ he muttered, ‘I’m not going back without you, so get those damned lights on!’
Then he saw a flashing light directly ahead of him, and when he approached he concentrated on the dots and dashes. It was right, but he let it flash once more just to be absolutely certain. Happy that he was receiving the correct signal, he gave a sigh of relief and headed in, touched down and turned the plane ready for a quick take-off.
Two figures were running towards him before he had even come to a stop. The moment it was safe to do so, they climbed the ladder attached to the side, and as soon as they were in Steve took off again. He had been on the ground for no more than five minutes.
It wasn’t until they were well over the sea that he relaxed. That had gone well and he was elated he had the two important agents on board. All he had to do now was find Tangmere.
As he crossed the coast of England, he smiled to himself. Being over enemy territory was something he had done many times, but this was the first time he’d had to sneak in unarmed and without Ricky plotting the course for him. And to be honest, he had enjoyed the challenge.
His smile broadened when the airfield came into sight, and when he landed the two officers were waiting. He taxied to the parking spot and stopped, releasing his harness and jumping down. His passengers were already out and talking with the colonel. When he walked over, they thanked him for a smooth pickup, and shook his hand.
‘Well done.’ The commander, along with everyone else, had a look of relief on his face. ‘I expect you could do with a stiff drink.’
‘I could, and something to eat. I’m starving.’
‘We’ll see you are fed and watered. You did a good job tonight, and we are all grateful.’
He inclined his head. ‘I’m pleased it turned out well.’
‘Let’s go to the officers’ mess. There is fo
od and drink waiting there for us.’
Steve walked with the two agents, discussing the difficulties and dangers of this kind of operation. During a lull in the conversation, he heard the colonel asking, ‘How long can we keep him?’
‘That would have to be negotiated. How long do you want him for?’
‘Permanent.’
‘Not a chance,’ the commander told him. ‘He’s here on the understanding that it’s a temporary posting, but I’ll see if I can wangle more time if you need it.’
‘Thanks.’
Ah, because he had carried out the mission successfully, the colonel was scheming to keep him. Well, as much as he liked using all of his skills, he was a Lancaster pilot, and he would make that clear when the subject came up. He wouldn’t refuse to do another run if needed, though.
A full English breakfast was served to them, and the moment they had finished, the colonel whisked the agents away to do whatever it was they were here to do.
Steve stifled a yawn, suddenly tired, and the commander noticed. ‘You need sleep. I’ll buy you that drink tonight. Until then, rest and relax.’
‘Will I be returning to my squadron now?’ he asked, wanting to get the subject settled.
‘We will need you for a while yet. The colonel is very impressed with you, and would like to keep you, but it was made clear to me that your assignment here was to be short. Before I start making myself very unpopular with your base commander, I would like to know how you feel about the possibility of doing another run.’
He took his time by lighting a cigarette before answering. ‘I am quite prepared to do another run, but my place is at Scampton. After all, this kind of operation won’t be necessary once the invasion is under way, and if what we have been told is true, it isn’t that far away now. I will want to be back before the end of April when all bomber crews will have to be standing by as the order comes.’
‘I understand, and accept your willingness to help us out again, and I have no doubt that it will be needed. There will be quite a lot of coming and going over the next couple of weeks as every scrap of information is vital to ensure the success of the invasion. I promise we will release you in time for whatever you have to do.’ He stood up. ‘Now you must sleep.’
‘After a mission I like to take a walk, so will anyone mind if I wander around the airfield?’
‘Not at all. We’ll see you for dinner tonight.’
He made straight for the Spitfires.
‘Beautiful, isn’t she, sir?’
He smiled at the airman who had come up to stand beside him. ‘Can I sit in her?’
‘Help yourself, sir. You’ll find her very different from the Lysander.’
‘And the Lancaster,’ he said, eagerly climbing up to the cockpit and easing himself into the seat.
The airman had followed him, and now leant in to help fasten the harness. ‘That will help you get the feel of her, sir. The pilots say the plane feels a part of them once in the air.’
‘I expect it does.’ He sat there imagining what it would be like to soar into the air in this superb plane. Before he left Tangmere he was going to fly one, he promised himself.
He reluctantly climbed out, thanked the airman, and began his customary walk. After half an hour he went to his quarters to get some sleep.
At dinner there was no sign of the colonel or the agents, and he was told that they were now in London, but the colonel would be back soon. He guessed that would mean another mission, but until then he could leave the base as long as they knew where he was going. This gave him the opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside and enjoy long walks along the coast.
He hung around waiting for ideal weather conditions and then made one more trip to drop off agents and pick another one up. As much as he’d relished these runs, he was becoming anxious to return to Scampton, and was missing his friends and comrades. This was solitary work and he was very much on his own at this base.
After making his concern clear to the commander, it was the very same day that the colonel approached him.
‘I am told you are anxious to return to your squadron.’ He gave a wry smile. ‘I would have liked to keep you longer, but I do understand you are needed elsewhere.’ He shook Steve’s hand. ‘I am most grateful for your help. You have done a first-class job for us and helped us out of a difficult situation. Thank you very much.’
‘I am pleased I was able to help, sir.’
When the colonel left him, Steve went straight to the commander’s office, determined not to leave until he had flown a Spitfire. This might be the only opportunity he would get. ‘The colonel has finished with me,’ he said the moment he walked in through the door, ‘so can I ask when I will be able to return to Scampton?’
‘He told me he was, reluctantly, going to release you, and you also have my thanks for your excellent help. We’d have been hard-pushed to get those agents where they needed to be without you.’
‘I enjoyed the challenge, and I would like to ask a favour, sir.’
‘Name it.’
‘I want to fly a Spitfire.’
The officer smiled. ‘That doesn’t surprise me. Why don’t you fly back to your base in one of them, and I will ask one of the ferry pilots to collect it for us?’
Steve couldn’t hide his delight at such an offer. ‘I’d like that very much, sir.’
‘Good, I’ll let them know you are flying back. The plane will be ready for you at 9 o’clock tomorrow morning.’
‘Thank you, sir.’ He left the office elated at the prospect of taking off in one of those beautiful planes.
He was on the airfield before the time he was due to leave and another pilot was there to give him a few tips on handling the plane.
The commander came over to see him off. ‘I’ve had a message from Scampton, and, before you land, they want you to show them what the Spitfire can do. You’ll have the feel of her by the time you reach there, so have fun, but don’t damage her.’
‘There won’t be a scratch on her, I promise.’
He chuckled. ‘That remains to be seen. I know you young pilots when you get your hands on something new. Good luck in everything you will be doing over the next few months. It has been a pleasure to meet you.’
‘The same here, sir. It has been an interesting assignment.’ With excitement coursing through him, Steve took his leave and climbed into the plane, and the moment he was strapped in the usual calm settled on him and he was ready to fly.
‘Robert.’ The commander led the wing commander out to the airfield. ‘Allard is on his way back in a Spitfire, and I’ve given him permission to give us a display before landing. He has checked in and is only about ten minutes away.’
‘The lucky devil.’
They stood in silence, straining to hear the first unmistakable sound of the Merlin engine. Others had gathered as well, wondering what the officers were doing scanning the sky at this time of day.
‘Here he comes.’ Robert shaded his eyes.
The Spitfire came in fast and low, roaring over the airfield, making people come running from all directions to see what was happening. They were used to the sound of the bombers, but this was different and they all wanted to see what it was.
‘A Spitfire!’ Luke shouted to his friends. ‘Come and have a look.’
After another low-level swoop across the field the plane climbed, rolled and dived, making everyone shout in delight.
‘My God!’ Ricky exclaimed. ‘Look at him go.’
After giving a spectacular show for ten minutes, the plane swept into a victory roll and then came in to land.
Sandy was jumping around with excitement. ‘I’ve got to meet that pilot. Who is he?’
The wing commander grinned. ‘You’ll see in a minute.’
When the plane landed and cut its engine the ground crew rushed over to help the pilot out and take care of the plane.
The onlookers watched, stunned, as the tall figure of their friend walked tow
ards them.
Ricky swore under his breath, even though he was smiling. ‘We might have known it was him.’
‘Damn me,’ Sandy muttered. ‘How did he get his hands on a Spitfire?’
Steve stopped in front of the officers and saluted smartly. ‘Reporting back, sir, and thank you for allowing me to let rip.’
‘You are not trying to tell me you didn’t have a sly practice on the way here, are you?’
‘Ah well, I had to find out what she could do,’ he replied, managing to keep a straight face.
‘Don’t try that with the Lancaster or you will turn your crew grey with fright.’
‘Wouldn’t dream of it, sir.’
The commander chuckled softly under his breath. ‘Welcome back, Allard. Come and see me in an hour. I want to hear all about your exploits at Tangmere.’
‘Yes, sir.’
He glanced around at everyone. ‘I know you’re all itching to get a good look at that plane. You can examine it and even sit in her if you want to, but don’t any of you dare start her up. A ferry pilot will be coming tomorrow to pick it up.’
Robert looked disappointed. ‘Does that include me?’
‘Especially you, because the moment I turn my back you’ll have her up in the air. Come on, we’ve got work to do.’
Robert held his hands up, and then walked back to the office.
His friends were delighted to see him and inundated him with questions.
‘Where have you been? What have you been doing? We were worried you weren’t coming back. What are you doing flying a Spitfire? Have you been with a fighter squadron?’
He stopped them. ‘I have been on special duties, and the Spitfire was a reward for a job successfully done. That’s all I’m allowed to say.’
‘But you’re back with us now?’ Luke asked anxiously.
‘I am, so what have you all been doing while I’ve been away?’ He strode towards their quarters, and the others followed him, still hoping for more information.
‘They’ve been keeping us busy, but things are moving, Steve. Raids will be stepped up because of the invasion. We’ll soon be flying again, and they told us we would be given another pilot if you weren’t back in time.’
Together Under the Stars Page 14