Together Under the Stars

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘There was no chance of that,’ he assured them. ‘We’re going to see this through together.’

  The girls smiled at each other and watched the group of airmen walking away. Steve was completely surrounded, and it looked as if everyone was talking at the same time.

  ‘They’re so relieved to have him back. Ricky was worried that wherever Steve was would keep him.’

  ‘I don’t know what is more worrying – not knowing where he is and what he’s doing, or watching them take off in the Lancaster, knowing the danger they will be in.’

  ‘I’d rather have him here. His crew trust his flying skills.’

  Nancy laughed. ‘And we’ve just had a demonstration of that skill.’

  ‘The commander ordered him to do that for everyone’s entertainment.’

  ‘How did he know he could fly like that?’ Nancy asked.

  ‘He knows Steve’s full history from before and after he joined up.’

  ‘What on earth was he – a stunt pilot?’

  ‘That is information only the man in charge is privy to, but I doubt it. Remember, he’s been flying from a young age and can probably handle anything he sits in.’

  ‘I guess you’re right, and I suspect someone has been taking advantage of that ability.’ Nancy frowned.

  ‘Secret and dangerous, no doubt.’

  ‘We can be sure of that.’ Jean glanced at her watch. ‘I must get back to work now the entertainment is over. We’ll catch up with the boys tonight. It would have been impossible to get near Steve with that crowd around him, but at least he’s back and safe.’

  ‘That’s a lot to be grateful for. See you tonight, Jean.’

  The girls went their separate ways, back to their duties.

  Chapter Nineteen

  The next morning they were sent for, and when they walked in they saw that all crews who had completed their missions were there.

  ‘Uh-oh,’ Luke murmured under his breath. ‘Anyone want to bet what this is about?’

  ‘Please be seated, gentlemen.’

  They waited, all sure they knew what was coming.

  The officer didn’t waste any time. ‘As you are all aware, an invasion is going to be launched soon and Bomber Command has a job to do in the run-up to this. When you all arrived here, I advised you never to volunteer for anything.’ He paused and looked around at the faces all watching him intently. ‘I take that back and now ask you to volunteer for further missions. Anyone prepared to do this, please stand.’

  Every airman stood as one man, and the commander nodded. ‘Thank you, gentlemen.’

  ‘Do you have a date for the invasion, sir?’ Sandy asked.

  ‘I can’t disclose that at the moment, but it is now the beginning of May, the weather is improving, so it will be soon. However, everything will depend on conditions in the Channel. You will be fully briefed as the orders come through.’

  Each crew walked out together as they contemplated what was ahead of them again. This was going to be a momentous undertaking and they were excited to play a part in it.

  ‘Hey, Sarge,’ Ricky called.

  He came over to them, clearly eager to know what the meeting had been about.

  ‘We’re in business again.’

  ‘I thought that might be the case. I’ll get the boys together and we’ll look after you again.’

  ‘Thanks, we’d appreciate that,’ Steve told him. ‘We haven’t any details yet, but the hint was we will be flying again quite soon. They are just awaiting orders.’

  ‘Right. We’ll start giving the Lancaster a thorough going over.’

  They watched him hurry away, already shouting orders.

  ‘That’s settled, then. I’m happy with the same men we had last time.’ Luke rubbed his hands together and grinned at them. ‘Okay, what are we going to do tonight? Do we have a boys’ only night out or are we asking the girls to join us?’

  There was silence for a moment, then Steve said, ‘I think we had better keep it to just our crews.’

  Sandy agreed, but then looked at Ricky. ‘Is that all right with you?’

  ‘Yeah, as much as I would like Jean and Nancy to come with us, we can really let rip with just us boys.’

  ‘Exactly,’ Luke replied. ‘I don’t think we’ll be suitable company for the girls tonight.’

  That caused a few chuckles as they anticipated the evening ahead.

  Two days later they were flying again, and there was an air of anticipation as the invasion of France was close.

  Nancy watched Steve walking across the airfield, as he always did. Her thoughts turned to her brother and knew that, regardless of the risks, he would have volunteered to keep flying at this crucial time. The majority of them were little more than boys, but in her eyes the courage they showed made them men – special men. She was prejudiced, of course. She was well aware that the same kind of courage was present in all the services, but because of her family connection, and now the Canadians, she was close to this group of men. Too close for comfort most of the time, but it was unavoidable. The hardest part of this was struggling to keep a friendly relationship with Steve. They both wanted so much more, but she couldn’t allow that to happen.

  She saw him walking towards her.

  ‘Morning, Nancy.’

  ‘Good morning, Steve.’

  ‘Are you on duty?’

  ‘Not until two o’clock.’

  ‘In that case, will you walk with me?’

  This surprised her; he always walked alone. ‘If you would like me to?’

  ‘I would.’

  They walked side by side out of the base and along a country lane. He didn’t speak and she remained silent, knowing he didn’t want to listen to mindless chatter. There were dark circles under his eyes, and it was clear they were all beginning to suffer with battle fatigue.

  They had been walking for about fifteen minutes when he took hold of her hand, still saying nothing. After a few more minutes he looked down at her and smiled. ‘It’s a beautiful morning, isn’t it?’

  ‘Yes, lovely.’ Now he had broken the silence she felt able to speak, but not about the missions, of course. ‘What will you do when the war is over, Steve?’

  ‘Go home. What about you?’

  ‘I really don’t know. It isn’t going to be easy adjusting to civilian life again. You’re a good pilot and could have an excellent career in the air force.’

  He shook his head. ‘Tempting, but not possible. I’m needed at home. Dad has been managing on his own, but it takes two of us to run the place.’

  ‘Is it a big farm, then?’

  ‘Big enough.’

  ‘You’ll miss flying.’

  ‘I’ll still be flying, but something much, much smaller than a Lancaster. I will miss that beautiful plane, though.’

  ‘Is that all you’ll miss?’

  ‘Oh, no. I’ve come to love this place and the people we have met. It’ll be hard to leave.’

  ‘Yes, once the war is finally over there will be hard decisions to be made by many people.’

  ‘True, but no obstacle is insurmountable, my father always says.’ He turned them round and they started back. ‘Thank you for walking with me,’ he said, and pausing he bent down and kissed her on the lips.

  It was no more than a butterfly brush, but it was the first outward sign of affection he had shown her. Knowing this was dangerous ground, she stepped back and said teasingly, ‘My, you’re in a strange mood. Get some sleep, you’re tired.’

  ‘We all are.’ When they entered the gate, he gave her hand an understanding squeeze and walked towards his quarters.

  As he strode away, Jean joined her. ‘Did you actually accompany him on his walk?’

  ‘He asked me to, and he’s in a strange mood. He kissed me ever so gently, but I’m hoping it was more of a thank you for keeping him company. He didn’t want to be alone today, and that worried me.’

  Jean gave her friend a studied look. ‘If you don’t mind me saying, t
hat gorgeous man loves you, and you feel the same about him. Why don’t you just admit it?’

  ‘I daren’t, for both our sakes.’

  Giving a shake of her head, Jean sighed, but dropped the subject. ‘I’ve been told they had a very rough night, so he probably needed to release tension, and having you with him helped.’

  She smiled at her friend. ‘I worry too much about all of them.’

  ‘Can’t help ourselves, can we? I’ve just seen Ricky and he looks drained. But by tonight they will be laughing and joking again.’ Jean tapped Nancy playfully on the back. ‘The first night they have off we should challenge them to another darts match.’

  ‘That’s a good idea, and we could let them win this time.’

  Jean looked horrified. ‘Not likely. Don’t let your sympathy for them cloud your judgement, Nancy.’

  ‘True. Forget I said that. It was just a weak moment.’

  ‘Well, don’t do it again. Anyway, what did you talk about on your walk?’

  ‘We were discussing what we would do when the war is over. I know you and Ricky are fond of each other, so it’s going to be very hard to see him leave for home.’

  Jean pursed her lips. ‘More than fond of him, I’m crazy in love with him, and he feels the same about me. I know those boys won’t make a permanent commitment until this conflict is over, but if he wants us to marry, I’ll follow him to Canada.’

  ‘That’s a huge step to take. What about your family, won’t they be upset?’

  ‘I expect they will, but I’m the eldest of three. My brother and sister will still be at home, so I’m sure they’ll understand. I have to make my own life, and all they will want for me is to be happy.’

  ‘I hope it works out for both of you.’

  ‘I hope so too, but the time to make such decisions is still a way off.’ Jean broke into a wide grin. ‘Do you know what Ricky told me the other day?’

  ‘No, what?’

  ‘While Steve was away, Luke travelled to where Sybil is stationed so they could spend a little time together. He appears to be quite attracted to her, Ricky said, and writing every day. I wonder if he’s told Steve?’

  ‘I really don’t know, but I’m sure he would be happy for them.’

  Jean chanced bringing up the subject of Steve again. ‘What are you going to do about Steve when the time comes?’

  ‘There isn’t anything to do. We are just good friends and I expect we will keep in touch by letter when he goes home.’

  ‘I don’t believe that and neither do you. Be honest.’

  ‘Alright, I’ll admit that my feelings for him are more than that, but there is no future. He’ll return to Canada, and I couldn’t possibly go with him. You know why, Jean.’

  Her friend nodded sadly. ‘Is it any good pointing out that you have the right to choose your own future?’

  ‘None at all.’

  ‘I thought not. Ah well, all we can do is wait and see how things work out. Fate can take many unexpected turns, and things have a habit of working out for the best. Now, I must get back to work.’

  ‘Always the optimist.’

  ‘Is there any other way? Bye, see you for dinner.’

  ‘Writing to your father?’ Steve asked, sitting in a chair and stretching out his legs.

  Luke glanced up. ‘Already done that. This one is for Sybil, so shall I send her your love?’

  ‘Please, and tell her I will write soon.’

  ‘Okay. You’ve been a long time.’

  ‘It’s a lovely day so I went for a longer walk than usual.’

  At that moment Ricky and Sandy arrived.

  ‘Good, you’re still up.’ Sandy sat on Luke’s bed. ‘We’re too keyed up to sleep yet, so we thought a game of darts might relax us.’

  ‘Worth a try.’ Luke put his letters in a drawer and stood up. ‘What about you, Steve?’

  ‘Why not.’ He hauled himself out of the chair. ‘I could do with a cup of tea and a bun as well.’

  The four of them ambled over to the NAAFI and spent an hour seeing who could make the highest score. Ricky actually hit one hundred and eighty, which was a complete fluke, though he insisted it was skill.

  Making their way back to their quarters they were all relaxed and laughing, ready to sleep and prepare themselves for another mission.

  In the few minutes before drifting off to sleep, Steve’s mind turned to his walk with Nancy. It was going to be very hard to leave her, but he knew he was going to have to. However, he was determined the parting wouldn’t be permanent. He would find a way for them to be together. There was still time before decisions had to be made. The invasion was due to be launched soon. It wasn’t going to be a quick victory, though, but victory it had to be, and they would all be playing their part in its success.

  Chapter Twenty

  It had been one hell of a bombing run, but they had come out of it without damage. They couldn’t relax, though, until they were in sight of England.

  ‘Fighters!’ the rear gunner yelled as he opened fire, ‘lots of them!’

  There were thuds as the plane was hit many times and someone swore – then there was silence as the communica­tions went down. The attack was brief but deadly as one Lancaster went down and others were damaged.

  They began to veer off course and Luke called, ‘Hold her steady, Steve.’

  When there was no response, he studied his friend. He was still flying the plane but with obvious difficulty. Luke swivelled round to Ricky in the navigator’s seat behind the pilot and saw he was slumped down and unconscious with blood running down his face. As much as he wanted to help him, they needed a pilot to get them home, and there was definitely something wrong with Steve.

  ‘You’re off course!’ he shouted. ‘The engines aren’t damaged, she’ll still fly. Come on, Steve, you can do it.’

  Just then another Lancaster took up position in front of them. ‘Steve, follow that plane. It will guide us back.’

  He didn’t know if Steve was hearing him and he watched carefully, then breathed out in a gasp of relief when he saw their course adjusted to follow the other plane. He was unable to find out how the rest of the crew were because their system had been knocked out. His job was to try and keep Steve conscious.

  He kept talking, shouting instructions and encourage­ment, and although Steve never replied in any way, they remained on the other Lancaster’s tail all the way back.

  The guiding plane peeled off when they were approaching the airfield. Now all Luke could do was try to make Steve understand they now had to land – and pray. He could see his friend was in a bad way and fighting with all his might to remain in control of the plane. He touched the pocket with the lucky symbols in it.

  ‘The airfield is in sight, Steve. Get us down. You can do it!’ They began to lose height for the landing, but they were coming in much too fast. ‘You’re going to overshoot!’ he shouted at the top of his voice.

  The engines roared and they climbed.

  The second approach the speed was better, and Luke knew they had to make it this time because, from the look of Steve, there wasn’t going to be a third try.

  They hit the ground with such force that the tyres burst and the plane began to career all over the place.

  ‘Brake! Brake!’

  The moment they came to a stop, Luke released his harness and grabbed hold of Steve, who was now slumped in his seat. It looked as if he had died the moment they hit the ground. ‘Somebody get the door open. I need help up here.’

  He heard the door crash open and Andy appeared. ‘Get Ricky out and someone help me with Steve.’

  One of the medics shouted for them to come out. ‘Leave this to us, sirs.’

  There were willing hands helping them out and once the way was clear the medics climbed into the plane.

  ‘Where are the others?’ Luke tried to run back to the plane and check, but he was told firmly to stay where he was as he would only hamper the rescuers. There was a look of horror on his f
ace as he studied his blood-soaked hands and jacket. Andy was in the same state from trying to help their injured friends. ‘There can’t be only two of us unhurt, surely?’

  ‘The wireless operator is dead, and I don’t know about the gunners, but I suspect they didn’t stand a chance.’

  Ricky was brought out first and put in an ambulance, then Steve, who was also rushed away to hospital. A medic came over to them. ‘Your pilot and navigator are alive, but the pilot is in a bad way. The wireless operator and one gunner are dead and the other so badly injured it is doubtful if he will survive.

  Luke bowed his head in grief. He looked helplessly at Steve’s blood covering his hands and clothes. ‘Dear God, he’s hit bad.’

  ‘You helped. I could hear you shouting at him all the time. You kept him functioning enough to get us back.’

  ‘Come with us, sirs.’ A medic led them towards an ambulance.

  Before they got in, Sandy rushed over. ‘I’ll come to the hospital as soon as I’ve finished debriefing. Are Steve and Ricky still alive?’ he asked urgently.

  Luke just shook his head. ‘We don’t know yet. Ricky was unconscious all the way, but Steve got us down before he collapsed.’

  ‘I saw you get hit and needed help so I flew in front, hoping you would be able to follow me.’

  ‘That was you?’

  Sandy nodded.

  ‘That was just what we needed. It gave Steve something to focus on.’

  ‘Glad it helped.’ He squeezed Luke’s arm. What about the rest of your crew?’

  ‘Two dead for sure,’ Andy told him.

  Sandy swore before saying, ‘I’ll see you at the hospital.’

  Luke and Andy climbed into the waiting ambulance and were sped off to the hospital.

  This was one morning when Nancy and Jean were on early duties and had witnessed the drama unfolding.

  ‘Oh, dear Lord, they brought out bodies. Only two of that crew were standing. Who were they, Nancy, did you see?’

  Her face was ashen when she lowered her binoculars. ‘That was Luke and Andy.’