Together Under the Stars

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘You take care now. We are in the last stages of this war, so you keep safe.’

  ‘I will.’ He strode out with a huge smile on his face, clutching the document he had worked so hard for.

  The first thing he did when he was back at the base was to hand in the document, and then he head for the mess. He saw Sarge nearby and gave him the thumbs-up sign, receiving the same back.

  ‘How did you get on?’ Ricky asked the moment he joined them and sat down.

  ‘I’m fit for duty.’

  Everyone was delighted with the news, and Steve settled down to enjoy lunch.

  They had just finished lunch when they were told the commander wanted to see Steve, Luke, Sandy, Ricky and Andy.

  ‘What, all of us?’ Luke asked the messenger.

  ‘Yes, and at once, please, sirs.’

  Sandy grinned as they stood up. ‘What have we been up to?’

  ‘Nothing we shouldn’t have – I think,’ Andy replied. ‘It’s a bit puzzling he wants to see all of us, though.’

  The office door was open as usual, so Luke tapped on it and they walked in, standing in a smart line in front of the desk.

  The commander glanced up and the corners of his mouth twitched. ‘Relax, gentlemen, I have good news for you. First, I must congratulate you, Allard, on your speedy recovery.’

  ‘Thank you, sir.’

  ‘I have the pleasant duty to inform you that all of you have been given awards. The Air Force Cross to Allard’s crew – sadly three of them will be posthumous awards, but we hope the families will see how proud of them we are.’ He then turned his attention to Sandy. ‘For your bravery in guiding the stricken plane back although under attack, you are also to be given the Air Force Cross. Allard, for bringing that plane and your crew back although gravely injured yourself, you have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and promoted to squadron leader. Congratulations, gentlemen. That was a feat of extreme courage by all of you, and you deserve to have the achievement recognised.’

  Steve was speechless. He hadn’t expected this, and by the stunned expressions on his friends’ faces, neither had they.

  ‘There will be a ceremony tomorrow afternoon when the medals will be officially presented.’

  ‘Thank you, sir,’ they said in unison.

  ‘Now to business. I have found you two gunners and a wireless operator to complete your crew. They are good men but inexperienced, so you will take them on training runs, and that will give you a chance to get to know each other. We have the luxury of a little time before missions begin again and I want us to make the most of it.’

  There was a knock on the door and three young men were ushered in. They were only a year or two younger than the Canadians, but there the comparisons ended. Steve couldn’t help wondering if they had looked like that when they had just arrived, untouched by battle experience.

  The commander was on his feet and came to stand by Steve. ‘Squadron Leader, these men have been assigned to complete your crew, and I suggest you all go to the NAAFI and get to know each other. You start your training runs tomorrow, early morning. You are dismissed.’

  Steve smiled at the boys who hadn’t taken their eyes off him. ‘Let’s go and get a drink – tea, of course.’

  The moment they were outside the grins appeared, and Sandy left them to get acquainted with their new crew members. Because of the lads with them, they didn’t mention anything about the awards, or Steve’s promotion. The teasing would come later.

  The NAAFI wasn’t too busy, so they pulled two tables together and all sat round. The youngest of the boys seemed fascinated by Steve.

  ‘It’s an honour to join your crew, sir,’ he said.

  Ricky laughed and slapped him on the back. ‘You might change your mind about that after he dumps you in a field full of cabbages.’

  ‘Ah, but it was a nice field.’ Luke joined in the fun.

  ‘We heard about that, sir,’ another one said.

  ‘There you are, Steve, you are notorious.’

  ‘Hey, that’s a good word, Andy. He is so notorious he gets us a medal.’

  Steve listened to the banter, his eyes glinting with amuse­ment, pleased to see it was putting the new boys at ease. They knew darned well they were replacing men who had been killed, so this wasn’t going to be easy for them. As soon as he saw them relaxing, he stepped in. ‘First of all, we welcome you to our group.’

  ‘Thank you, sir. We are pleased to join you.’

  He nodded acknowledgement. ‘When we are together relaxing like this, we only use first names. I am Steve and this is Luke, flight engineer, Ricky, navigator and Andy, bomb aimer. All we want now are your Christian names and your position in the crew.’

  ‘I’m Geoff, wireless operator.’

  ‘Jake, mid gunner.’

  ‘Terry, rear gunner.’

  ‘Good, be ready for a training flight in the morning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are doubtful about anything at all. Also, I am always around if you want some­one to talk to.’

  ‘Thank you … Steve,’ Geoff said hesitantly.

  He smiled. ‘It seems strange, but you will soon get used to us.’

  The three new members were nodding and smiling now. Cigarettes were handed round while they settled down to get to know each other.

  After an hour they went back to their quarters and Luke closed the door before asking, ‘What do you think of them?’

  ‘They seem eager boys, but we won’t know how good they are until we get them in the air.’ He put his hat back on. ‘I’m going for a walk.’

  ‘Okay, but don’t go far because we’ve got a big day tomorrow, Squadron Leader. I wonder if the girls know about this.’

  ‘Ricky didn’t come back with us, so I expect he is searching for Jean. It won’t take long for the news to fly around now.’

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  The next morning the Lancasters were roaring into life as they prepared for a training flight. The new boys had been briefed and settled into their positions, trying to hide their nervousness, knowing they had to prove themselves worthy of flying as part of the Allard crew. There was also the added concern that they were replacing three of their friends who had been killed. It was only natural they felt the pressure, and Steve was very aware of this fact.

  Steve and Luke went through their checks, then smiled at each other as they got into position for take-off.

  As the plane gathered speed, Steve’s excitement grew. This was where he loved to be, and the horror of the last mission could not dim his pleasure.

  The flight went well, and after landing he made a point of praising the new boys, bringing smiles of relief to their faces. The next test would be to see how they performed under fire, but Steve felt confident they would do well.

  After debriefing they sat around discussing the flight, and at lunchtime went to the mess together. The youngsters couldn’t stop smiling with pride.

  The medal ceremony was to be held at three o’clock and best uniforms were pressed, buttons and shoes polished until you could almost see your face in them.

  The commander took the salute and Steve was surprised to see Commander Grieves and Colonel Harrison there with him.

  The achievements were read out as each had the awards pinned to their tunics. The three who had not survived were also honoured and the medals handed to Wing Commander Jackman, who would see the families received them person­ally. It was a heart-wrenching moment, but right they were honoured that way. They had paid the ultimate price, and no more could be asked of anyone.

  After the parade, food and drink had been laid on and Colonel Harrison came over to Steve. ‘I have people I would like you to meet.’

  He was puzzled when they went to another room and saw four officers in there, one of whom was a general.

  ‘Sirs, this is Squadron Leader Steven Allard. He is the pilot who successfully helped us out of a desperate situation.’

  Steve saluted the army offic
ers, intrigued.

  The general returned the salute and smiled. ‘It is a pleasure to meet you, Squadron Leader. Colonel Harrison has spoken highly of the way you carried out those missions for us. You made a vital contribution to future plans, and it is our pleasure to present you with the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Congratulations and our grateful thanks.’ He stepped forward and pinned the medal next to the other one Steve had just received.

  Steve saluted. This had come as a complete surprise and he was having a job to believe it was really happening. Those runs he had made must have been of the utmost importance. He had known they were urgent, of course, but to receive an award for his small part was unbelievable.

  After staying for a while and talking to them, Steve made his way back to his friends, who stared in surprise at the new award, gathering round to examine it.

  Luke gave him a speculative look. ‘Distinguished Conduct Medal. Why would the army give you that?’

  ‘It was for something I did for them at Tangmere, and I am as surprised as you.’

  ‘Well, it must have been for something very special to not only give you that medal, but to let you fly a Spitfire. You can’t tell us what it was for, can you?’ Sandy asked.

  ‘No, sorry.’ He gave a smirk. ‘They are a secretive bunch.’

  Luke slapped him on the back and grabbed a drink for him, then raised his own glass. ‘How on earth did four boys from Canada come to have medals pinned on their chests? All we did was fight to stay alive.’

  ‘Damned if I know.’ Sandy shook his head. ‘All I did was guide you back.’

  ‘With fighters shooting at us,’ Luke pointed out. ‘You could have got out of their way, but you didn’t.’

  ‘I knew it was you, and I wasn’t going to leave my friends when they were in trouble. I told my crew what I wanted to do, and they all agreed we stay with you.’

  ‘And for that we will always be grateful. I was barely functioning.’ Steve pointed to the award on his friend’s chest. ‘You deserve that medal, and I’m so glad your part in saving us has been recognised.’

  ‘Well, if you put it that way.’ Sandy grinned at his friends. ‘Wait until the folks back home hear we have been given medals.’

  ‘I’m not going to tell them because it will probably make them worry all the more,’ Steve said.

  ‘You are right about that,’ Andy agreed. ‘It’s best not to tell them too much, especially as you have been involved in some dodgy stuff.’

  Steve took a swig of his drink and said nothing.

  ‘Yeah, that about sums it up.’ Ever hopeful, Ricky asked again. ‘Can’t you give us even a tiny bit of what you did for those guys?’

  ‘Ask me in ten years’ time.’

  ‘He’s going to leave us in suspense.’ Ricky sighed and looked across the room. ‘Where are the girls? They ought to be here as well.’

  ‘I expect they are working. We’ll see them tonight and have a party of our own.’

  That brought the smile back to Ricky’s face, and he beckoned to the new aircrew boys. ‘Come and join us. You are part of the gang now and we’re going to have one hell of a party tonight.’

  Later that evening, and still in high spirits, they called on the girls and went to the local pub, which was already crowded with airmen from the base. With the first drink they raised their glasses to the three who had died – colleagues and friends who would never be forgotten. After that sombre moment of remembrance, the celebration began, and there was much to be grateful for. The award they had received, of course, but the fact that they were still alive.

  As the evening progressed it became hot, smoky and bois­terous, so Steve draped his arm around Nancy’s shoulder and led her outside. He took a deep breath and smiled at her. ‘That’s better.’

  ‘They will soon come looking for you. I think they are almost afraid to let you out of their sight now.’

  He leant against the pub wall and drew her close. ‘We are like brothers now, and I missed them when I went to another base. I was mostly on my own at Tangmere, but I did have time to explore the surrounding area. You have a beautiful country, so green and lush and I would like to see a lot more of it, but with the troops moving through France, the end should certainly come in early 1945. That doesn’t leave much time for gadding about when we don’t get a lot of free days.’

  ‘You will be going home as soon as the war ends, then?’

  Nodding, he said, ‘I have to.’

  ‘Before you leave, could you find the time to visit my parents? They would love to see you again.’

  ‘Of course. I wouldn’t dream of leaving without seeing all the people who have been so kind to us.’

  ‘When you are home again, will you still be able to see Luke, Ricky and Sandy?’

  ‘Certainly, we all come from various parts of Alberta, and I can always fly to meet them. We won’t lose touch, and I hope we won’t lose touch with you and Jean.’

  ‘Not a chance. We shall be friends for life.’

  ‘You know, I’m banking on us being more than friends to each other, Nancy. I can’t bear the thought of being away from you, and want us to be together always.’

  ‘I feel the same, but you know it isn’t possible. You can’t stay here, and I can’t leave my parents. All we can do is enjoy whatever time we have together. When I thought you were dead I was distraught that I had never told you I loved you. I do, but that doesn’t change anything, Steve. No matter how we feel about each other, when this war ends we are going to have to part. I wish with all my heart that things were different, but they aren’t and we have to accept that.’

  He shook his head. ‘There has to be a way and I won’t rest until I find it. I am not giving up hope, my darling. I can’t.’

  Just then, the pub door opened and Luke peered out.

  ‘Hey, you two, come back and join in the party. The drinks are lined up for you.’

  ‘Ah, that’s the end of our peaceful moment together, and by the look of Luke I am going to have to put him to bed tonight.’ He kissed her gently before stepping away. ‘We’ll talk again soon.’

  Jake, Terry and Geoff were having a wonderful time, and clearly delighted to be included as part of this likeable group.

  Sandy had his arm resting on Geoff’s shoulder. ‘How are you getting on with this crazy bunch?’

  ‘We were nervous at first, but Steve has been encouraging and has complimented us on our performance, which was a huge relief, I can tell you.’

  Terry joined them. ‘To be honest, we were scared when they told us who we would be joining.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘We heard a lot of stories about Steve and his crew, and we weren’t sure we could live up to expectations.’

  ‘Nonsense. They are grateful to have a full crew once more so they can fly again.’

  There was a burst of laughter coming from Luke, Ricky and Jake. Sandy grinned at the two boys. ‘See? There’s nothing to worry about. You are part of the team now.’

  ‘Er …’ Geoff hesitated. ‘The girls, Nancy and Jean, do they belong to anyone?’

  ‘As Canadians far from home we have adopted them as family, but Ricky and Jean are an item, and the same goes for Nancy and Steve, I guess, so you’ll have to find your own girls,’ Sandy told them.

  ‘Ah, that certainly rules them out.’ Terry grinned. ‘We wouldn’t dare upset our pilot and navigator.’

  ‘Sandy!’ Steve called over to him. ‘Try and stay reasonably sober, will you, because I think some of our friends are going to need help later on.’

  ‘Okay.’

  ‘Steve doesn’t drink much, does he,’ Geoff commented, studying the tall man.

  ‘He never has, and he’s drinking less after being in hospi­tal.’ Luke appeared beside them, swaying slightly, but still coherent. ‘We help him out when he’s got too many lined up.’

  ‘From the look of you, I would say you have been helping him quite a bit tonight,’ Sandy laughed.

  Ricky p
eered over Luke’s shoulder. ‘There isn’t anything we wouldn’t do for our friend. He’s one of the best, as you will find out when we are in action again.’

  Someone started pounding on the piano and Ricky dragged them all over for a sing-song.

  By the end of the evening everyone was still standing – just – and the two pilots managed to get them safely back to base.

  Luke sat on the edge of the bed struggling to untie his shoes, so Steve knelt down to do it for him. When he looked up, he was shocked to see tears running down Luke’s face. ‘Hey, what’s the matter?’

  ‘It’s so bloody good to have you back, Steve. When I saw you slumped in your seat with blood everywhere, I was sure we had lost you.’

  ‘You daft thing,’ he teased. ‘You’ve had too much to drink, and you need to sleep it off.’

  ‘I know.’ He wiped a hand over his face. ‘We had a good time tonight, didn’t we?’

  ‘It was great, and it helped the new boys feel they belonged.’

  ‘Yeah, that’s important.’

  ‘Very.’ Steve made sure Luke was comfortably settled in bed, and then climbed in his own. ‘Night, sleep well.’ But his friend was already snoring.

  For the next few weeks they listened to the news, following the progress of the invading forces and flying missions to try and disrupt enemy supply lines. By October, it was clear the war wasn’t going to end that year. With winter approaching that had been expected, but the end was in sight.

  When they had a break, Steve took Nancy out on their own, Ricky spent much of his time with Jean, and Luke saw Sybil when he could get off base for a couple of days. They all knew their time in this country was coming to an end, and they weren’t sure what was going to happen with the girls they had fallen in love with. Would they be willing to leave everything they knew and come to Canada, or were they going to have to walk away? It appeared that Jean was prepared to go with Ricky, but it was uncertain whether Sybil and Nancy would be willing to leave family and home.

  After returning from his early morning walk one day, Steve found Luke looking rather dejected.