‘Good idea. They will be able to celebrate your marriage then.’
‘Sandy told me you are going to be his best man, and he’s roped me and Luke in to help out at the church. It will be fun for us all to be together again.’
‘That’s right.’ Sandy joined them with Luke as well. ‘The four of us have been together from the start, and I hope we will never lose contact once we get back.’
‘Not a chance.’ Steve lifted his glass. ‘Let’s drink to our continued friendship.’
They clinked their glasses and remained together talking and laughing.
‘Those boys are close,’ Tom remarked, watching them with interest.
‘Not surprising when you consider the dangers they share night after night.’
‘Do you know why they are now wearing medal ribbons, Harry?’ Tom asked casually.
‘No, they won’t talk about it, but they must have done something very special to earn them,’ he said proudly.
The pub had shut its doors at closing time and put up a private party notice. When midnight struck on the clock they cheered and went round hugging and kissing everyone in sight, and it was two in the morning before they made their way back to Harry’s. With no buses or trains running at that hour, they had to sleep as best they could in chairs or on the floor. Some went next door to Gladys’s and did the same. They had all had far too much to drink to care anyway. The war was nearly over and they were happy.
They were still slightly hung over and lacking sleep the next morning, so when they arrived back at Nancy’s house they made their way through several pots of strong tea. After that they all crawled into their beds for some sleep.
At the end of their leave they packed their kitbags. Nancy’s parents insisted on coming to the station with them, and as the train arrived, Tom spoke softly to Steve. ‘We want you to know we are happy about you and our daughter, and as hard as it will be to let her go, whatever decision you both come to, we will accept.’
‘Thank you, I appreciate that, and I will keep in touch.’
Sally hugged him and kissed his cheek, which surprised him. He got on the train, touched by their selflessness, and he was happy he’d had the sense to talk to them. He was very aware he was going to be asking a lot of the family – perhaps too much, but the prospect of not having Nancy by his side was something he could not accept, so he was left with little choice.
They met up with Ricky and Luke at King’s Cross station so they could travel together. On the journey back to base his thought turned to home, and his mind roamed over the land, taking in every detail he knew so well, hardly being able to believe that it might not be too long before he was back there again. Someone tapped him on the shoulder and brought him out of his reverie.
‘Are you all right?’ Luke asked. ‘You look miles away.’
‘I was thinking of home and the future.’
‘Ah, yes, our time here is running out.’
Steve grimaced. ‘What are you going to do about Sybil?’
‘We’ve talked it over, and she is naturally doubtful about leaving her father, which I fully understand, and I have to return home.’ Luke propped himself up against the carriage partition. ‘I know you are in a similar situation, so have you any ideas how we can solve the problem?’
‘Not one, I’m sorry, but if I come up with anything, I will let you know.’
Luke sighed. ‘What do you think our chances are?’
Steve shook his head. ‘It will be up to the girls and their families. Whatever they decide we will have to accept.’
Shortly after that they were able to find seats for the rest of the journey, and they spent the time going over the lively party at the Jolly Sailor. There was little point fretting about the future at this point. It would have to be faced at the right time.
Chapter Twenty-Six
The weeks sped by and they were kept busy trying to knock out rail bridges and submarine bunkers.
On 22nd March the Allies crossed the Rhine, and they all knew it could only be a matter of weeks before the end came. That day was almost there when they were called in for a briefing.
‘The people of the Netherlands are starving,’ they were told. ‘We have reached an agreement with the occupying forces there to drop food. Operation Manna it is to be called. They have promised that you will not be attacked.’ The officer glanced around the room. ‘You will be flying in low and on no account – I repeat, on no account – are you to use your guns unless you are fired on first. Is that understood?’
There were nods of agreement.
‘Your first drop will be tomorrow, 29th April, and you will be fully briefed in the morning.’
After being dismissed, they stood outside discussing the unusual mission, and became aware of the activity going on around the airfield. Vehicles were arriving all the time and being unloaded, and Nancy was in the thick of it, Steve noted, with a sheaf of papers in her hand as everything was checked in.
‘Do you think they will keep their promise and not fire on us?’ Luke was clearly very doubtful about that.
‘We can hope so. This is going to be a humanitarian mission for starving people, and it must be desperate to get agreement for us to do this.’
‘I agree, and the Germans must know the war is just about over, so I think they will keep their promise.’ Sandy smiled. ‘Dropping food will be a novel experience, and I for one am looking forward to it.’
‘Going in low, not allowed to use guns, and in daylight will also be a change,’ Ricky told them. ‘Should be fun.’
The next day the Lancasters roared into the sky, heavily laden with food, and as they approached the dropping zone they searched the sky looking for enemy fighters.
‘Nothing up here but us,’ Terry, the rear gunner announced.
‘Confirmed,’ the mid gunner, Jake, said.
‘Right, in we go then.’ Steve approached the drop zone with the rest of the squadron and they released the large packages, filling the sky with life-saving food.
‘Look at that,’ Luke exclaimed. ‘There are people everywhere waving at us.’
They arrived back, buoyant that they had been able to help in this way. They did this several times, enjoying the unique experience.
They listened to the news every day, waiting, as everyone was. Then one day, while they were talking to some of the other crews, they saw the girls running across the field towards them, waving their arms and shouting something they couldn’t hear.
‘It’s over!’ Jean launched herself at Ricky. ‘Germany has surrendered!’
Steve caught hold of Nancy and swung her off her feet, and then both the girls were running around and hugging everyone in sight.
The four Canadians watched the joy and relief on the faces of the British. They had arrived towards the end, really, but this country had endured over five years of war. It was good to see them celebrating with such abandon.
Sarge came tearing up with his entire ground crew. ‘We are going to have one hell of a party in town. We’ve commandeered a lorry, so will you all come with us?’
‘That would be great,’ they all said enthusiastically.
‘Terrific!’ Sarge beamed with pleasure at the prospect. ‘We have been through a lot, and it’s only right we should share this triumph together.’
‘We wouldn’t have it any other way,’ Steve assured him. ‘Will it be all right if the girls come with us as well?’
‘Of course.’ He winked at Steve.
Sandy was laughing as he came over to tell them they had all been summoned to a meeting. The commander gave them details about the unconditional surrender. ‘I’m sure that 7th May will be a date we will always remember, and while we celebrate this victory, let us not forget the many hundreds of bomber crews who are not here to join in. But you have earned the right to rejoice, so thank you, gentlemen, and enjoy yourselves.’
‘Thank you, sir,’ they all said together, standing respectfully as he left the room.
/> They gathered in groups, discussing this momentous occasion. It was hard to grasp that it was finally over. No more taking off and wondering if they would return, no more watching friends being dragged out of wrecked planes, injured or dead, and no more trying to ignore the empty seats in the mess. There was the other side of things, though, like the comradeship they had shared. That was special, and when they did set sail for home, it was going to be hard to leave everyone. But before that day came there was still work to be done. The war might be over and their role changed, but they were sure there were many ways they could help, as they had done for the starving people of the Netherlands.
Later that afternoon, they piled into several lorries and headed in to town, The streets were full of people all celebrating, and the airmen were greeted with affection and much back slapping. Food and barrels of beer appeared, and a wind-up gramophone had been brought out so they could have music.
Nancy was standing beside him and he noticed tears in her eyes, so he put his arm around her and drew her close to him, knowing this was a bitter-sweet moment for her, as it must be for everyone who had lost loved ones.
She swiped a hand over her face, swallowed, and then the smile was back.
It was a boisterous time and the moment it began to get dark everyone rushed into their houses, pulled down the blackout curtains and switched on the lights. The years of darkness were over, and this brought a huge cheer from the crowd.
‘I bet there is an enormous party going on in London,’ Ricky said, ‘Harry and his friends will be in the thick of it.’
‘And rightly so,’ Steve remarked. ‘I wish we had been able to spend this time with Harry and your parents, Nancy.’
‘That would have been lovely.’ She tugged his arm, laughing. ‘Look, Luke and Sandy are being pursued by two local girls.’
‘Save us!’ Sandy demanded, rushing over to them. ‘Just because we spoke to them, they won’t leave our sides.’
‘Tell them you are both married,’ he suggested.
Ricky and Jean appeared just then. ‘Ah, there you are. Sarge said they are going to tour around the district, and do you want to come?’
‘Good idea,’ everyone agreed, and headed quickly for the lorry, with Luke and Sandy breaking into a trot.
‘What’s wrong with them?’ Jean wanted to know.
‘Some local girls have set their sights on them,’ Nancy explained.
‘And they are running away?’
A look of devilment crossed Ricky’s face. ‘Where are these girls? They might like a ride in a lorry.’
Jean punched his arm. ‘Don’t you dare.’
They climbed in and waved to everyone as they drove away. They spent the rest of the time moving from place to place, stopping now and again to join in the fun. It was two in the morning when they arrived back at base, and after saying goodnight to everyone, the Canadians walked towards their quarters.
‘Just look at that.’ Steve stopped and pointed into the darkness where the outline of majestic Lancasters could be seen. Their fighting days were over, and it was as if they were resting peacefully, proud of a job well done.
‘I’m going to miss flying one of those,’ Sandy said.
‘Me too,’ Steve admitted. ‘But we will be here for some time yet, so let’s make the most of any flying we can get – without being shot at.’
‘I wouldn’t mind doing more runs like we did for the Netherlands. It was fun seeing people wave at us instead of running for cover.’ Ricky shoved his hands in his pockets, still gazing at the planes. ‘It won’t be easy going back to our old lives, will it?’
Everyone agreed, knowing that the things they had seen and done would remain with them for the rest of their lives.
‘I expect there will still be plenty for us to do. Remember, it isn’t all over yet,’ Steve reminded them. ‘Troops are still fighting Japan.’
‘That’s true, and goodness knows how long that is going to last.’ Luke stifled a yawn. ‘I need sleep.’
They tore themselves away from their beloved aircraft and headed in to get some rest.
The defeat of Japan came much sooner than anyone expected. On 14th August Japan surrendered and VJ day was celebrated on the 15th. The relief that the fighting was finally over everywhere was enormous.
A week later they were given seven days’ leave. Steve, Luke and Sandy went to Harry’s, Ricky to Jean’s home and Nancy to her parents, where the two pilots would join her later. The English crew members all headed for their homes.
‘Time to think about our futures now,’ Luke remarked. ‘I would like to be home for Christmas.’
‘So would I,’ Steve admitted. ‘But we have a couple of problems to solve before we board a ship. Ricky and Jean have it all sorted. They told me they are going to marry here, and when she can join him in Canada, they will have another ceremony to celebrate the marriage so his family won’t feel left out.’
Luke was nodding. ‘That’s a good idea. I’ll suggest it to Sybil.’
‘Will she leave her father?’
‘That’s something we have to work out. Harry has said she must think of her own future and not worry about him, but I’m not sure she will feel able to do that. What about you and Nancy?’
‘Honestly, I don’t think I stand a chance, but I have to try anyway because the thought of sailing away and never seeing her again is the last thing I want to do.’ He smiled at Sandy. ‘I expect your girl is getting excited now it’s all over, and is expecting you back soon.’
‘From the letters I’ve received it is clear the families have got the wedding arranged, and all that needs to be penned in is the date.’
They arrived at Harry’s and he was delighted to see them. ‘Well, boys, your job is done, and I’m damned happy you have survived. Come in and drink a toast to peace at last. Sybil is on her way home, and should be here anytime now.’
They were savouring a fine whisky Harry had managed to get hold of when Sybil arrived.
After greeting everyone, she smiled happily. ‘I’ve put in for demob and I will be out in about four weeks.’
‘That’s good.’ Harry kissed her on the cheek and then held her away from him so he could look into her face. ‘I suppose we will have a wedding to arrange?’
Luke was immediately on his feet, hope showing in his eyes. ‘With your permission, Harry.’
‘You have it, lad. This is a time for you youngsters now, and I know this is what you want, so go ahead and be happy.’ He winked at Steve. ‘After all, this won’t be the first time a girl from our family has married a Canadian, and that has worked out all right.’
Luke was shaking his hand vigorously and Sybil was nearly in tears. ‘Are you sure, Dad?’
‘Positive. Hey, no tears, sweetheart. This is what we’ve fought this bloody war for, so we can live our lives as we want.’ He put his hand on Luke’s shoulder. ‘Are you quite sure you want this foreigner as a husband?’
‘Positive,’ she replied, repeating what her father had said.
‘Then that’s all that matters.’
‘I’ve got to buy you a ring now!’ Luke was practically dragging her out of the door. ‘We won’t be long,’ he told everyone.
As soon as they left, Harry turned to Steve. ‘Their romance has been quite a whirlwind affair, mostly conducted from a distance, and although I like the lad, I don’t know much about him. Will he be a good husband to my Sybil, and is he able to provide a home and look after her properly?’
‘You need have no fears about that, Harry. Luke is financially secure and will be able to give her a good life. He is also one of the kindest men I have ever met. He will treat her well and probably spoil her.’
‘I can confirm that,’ Sandy told him. ‘Your daughter will be safe and happy with him.’
‘That’s all I wanted to know. They will be too far away for me to keep an eye on them, and if she should be unhappy, I wouldn’t be there to help her.’
‘He only lives a sh
ort plane trip from me, so I will see them often, and if there is any sign things are not working out then I will step in.’
‘Ah, Steve, that is a relief.’ He refilled the glasses. ‘Now I can relax. One way or another, you boys have caused havoc since you arrived.’
The two pilots suppressed smiles, and said together, ‘Never.’
‘No good you denying it. You’ve worried everyone flying those huge planes, got shot at night after night and nearly killed more than once, I suspect.’
‘Yes, there is that,’ Sandy admitted. ‘But it’s all over now.’
‘And thank heavens for that. Now all we have to do is try to pick up our normal lives, and that isn’t going to be easy. I doubt things will ever be the same.’
‘They never will be, for any of us.’ Steve tipped back the last of his drink. ‘The things we’ve seen and done have changed us.’
‘I certainly agree with that. You came here as boys, but look at you now. Confident, war-hardened men with ribbons on your chests. That’s quite a transformation. Did you ever tell your mum and dad how badly injured you had been?’
‘No, and I’m not going to. And how did you know about that?’
‘I really can’t remember, but someone must have mentioned it to me,’ he said with a look of complete innocence on his face. ‘Now, in all the excitement I forgot to ask how long you are staying.’
‘Just two days, and after that we are going to spend a couple of nights with Nancy’s folks, then we’ll come back here. If that is all right with you?’
‘That’s fine. They are a nice family.’
‘They have made us feel like family, and we are grateful for their kindness,’ Sandy explained.
It wasn’t too long before Sybil and Luke returned, and she held out her hand, grinning with excitement. ‘Look at my beautiful ring.’
The solitaire diamond ring was examined and admired by all.
‘Good heavens, that must have cost a fortune.’ Harry was frowning.
‘I wanted Sybil to have a really nice ring and that one fitted her perfectly.’
Together Under the Stars Page 21