The Airshipmen: A Novel Based on a True Story. A Tale of Love, Betrayal & Political Intrigue.

by David Dennington

  Later, while Charlotte was lighting a candle before slipping into bed she remembered something. “What happened to your chief steward friend? I was looking forward to meeting him.”

  “Oh, sorry, I forgot to ask him, honey,” Lou said, as they snuggled down.

  “You forgot Lord Thomson and the Prime Minister, too, I suppose?”

  “Yes, my love I plain forgot,” he answered.

  “Okay, but just don’t forget about the gypsy tomorrow,” she said.

  “Charlotte, let’s think about us,” he said, gently lifting her so she was straddling him.

  “Yes, yes, all right, my darling. I can do that,” she whispered, settling over him.

  He loved to see her like this in the candlelight, smiling down at him, hands behind her head, hair tumbling around her shoulders to the waist. She began to writhe.

  “I can certainly do that …” she said, closing her eyes.

  “It was a wonderful party, Charlotte. Thank you.”

  “You’re very welcome, my darling.”

  “I’m the luckiest man in the world,” he said

  “Yes, you are, and just don’t you forget it, Lieutenant Commander Remington.”

  At times like this, Lou felt really and truly blessed to have Charlotte as his wife.

  43

  ST. MARY’S - THE BLESSING & HARVEST THANKSGIVING

  October 13, 1929.

  The next morning, everyone, with the exception of Rosie Cameron, attended St. Mary’s Church. Her absence didn’t go unnoticed. Lou wondered if she was with Jessup. All officers and crewmen of Cardington R101 were in their smart, new Airship Service uniforms. This was a special service to bless the airship and to give thanks as part of the Harvest Festival. The church, with the aroma of a garden market, had been decked out in a colorful display of locally-grown fruits and vegetables: sweet onions, cabbages, huge, polished marrows, potatoes and carrots scrubbed clean; all collected and donated by school children, later to be given to the poor.

  On their way to the old, brick church, worshipers lifted their eyes in wonder to the airship tethered to the tower, glistening in the sun. They trooped into the church to thank God and ask for His protection. The organ played softly while everyone took their seats in wooden pews, which smelled of lemon polish. They sat with their heads bowed amid hushed whispers. A baby cried in the rear of the church close to Freddie and Billy. Charlotte waved to them and Lou gave them a nod as they passed before sitting down toward the front.

  Suddenly, the organist became energized and the congregation stood for the singing of “All Things Bright and Beautiful”—the cue for the vicar, choir and assistants to file down the aisle toward the altar, holding their hymn books high in front of them as they sang. Lou and Charlotte sat in a row near the Atherstones, Irwins and Johnstons. Scott and his wife sat in front of them with Wing Cmdr. Colmore, recently promoted from Assistant Director to Director of Airship Development. Colmore’s wife sat proudly beside him. They looked at each other fondly from time to time, like sweethearts. The Richmonds sat nearby with Rope and his wife. Lou was struck when Richmond turned to acknowledge them, by how much he'd aged this past four years. Scott appeared jaded, but no doubt he’d recover by noon.

  Staff from the Royal Airship Works design offices and machine shops sat in nearby pews, intermingled with strangers—here for the launch. By the time the vicar started the service, the church was full. During a long pause after prayers, the sound of children mumbling to their parents and people clearing their throats echoed around the building. Irwin got up and moved to the front of the church. He climbed the pulpit steps to the lectern, where an enormous Bible lay open with the lesson marked. He read beautifully, in his rich Irish dialect, the opening passages of 'Jonah and the Whale'. The captain’s soft voice was mesmerizing, gently floating around the church as he related the story of Jonah disobeying God’s commands and fleeing aboard ship. In an ensuing violent storm, the crew, blaming him for bringing bad luck upon them, cast him into the sea.

  “ …Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish’s belly and said, ‘I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord and He heard me; out of hell cried I and Thou heard my voice. For Thou had cast me in the midst of the seas; and the floods encompassed me about and Thy waves passed over me …”

  Lou glanced at Charlotte. He wondered if he had a connection to this story. By Charlotte’s returning stare, she was wondering the same thing. He squeezed her hand.

  “…but I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the land.”

  To Lou, the text chosen by the vicar was ironic—perhaps too ironic!

  Maybe that whale out there’s gonna swallow us all and spit us out!

  Irwin reverently closed the Bible and returned to his seat. The vicar moved to the center of the church to face his flock. “Tomorrow is an important day in our lives—the maiden flight of our great airship. I want you to remember the words read to you by Captain Irwin. Remember always that in times of trouble, you must pray to the Lord and ask for his help and deliverance. At this wonderful time of Harvest Thanksgiving we now see the fruits of all your labor—Cardington R101 floats out there at the mast for the world to see. Similarly, we experience the fruits of the labor of our farmers and those who tend our fields and gardens. The harvest has indeed been bountiful. Let us give thanks to God and ask Him to bless this airship and all those who fly in her.” The vicar signaled for the congregation to kneel and began his prayer. “Oh, Heavenly Father we thank You and humbly beseech You …”

  The faint sounds of the carousel and the girls’ screams from the fairground drifted from across the road behind the graveyard. Lou looked at Charlotte, who seemed far away in a dark place—a place she inhabited too often these days. He wondered where her mind was at times like these.

  She noticed him studying her and returned from her brooding. Lou winked and she forced a smile. He took her hand, signaling, no, he hadn’t forgotten—they’d walk over to the fair and see the damned gypsy. The organ struck up again for the last hymn—a rousing one to lift all spirits: “Jerusalem.”

  And did those feet in ancient time

  Walk upon England's mountains green:

  And was the holy Lamb of God

  On England's pleasant pastures seen!

  Lou made a point of looking at all the faces, particularly the ones he knew. Everyone sang, except poor Cameron. Even Binks seemed to be taking things seriously for once. Freddie and Billy, were giving it their very best.

  Bring me my Bow of burning gold;

  Bring me my Arrows of desire:

  Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold!

  Bring me my Chariot of fire!

  The organist at this point, pulled out all the stops, giving it everything. The church came alive, the enthusiasm tangible—the usual Sunday morning drowsiness swept away with everyone singing at the top of their lungs. The vicar and his brethren marched out grandly, uplifted.

  I will not cease from Mental Fight,

  Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand:

  Till we have built Jerusalem

  In England's green and pleasant Land.

  Lou and Charlotte followed Irwin and Olivia down the aisle.

  “That was some hymn, Charlotte. I’ve never heard it before,” Lou said as they filed past the vicar, smiling and shaking his hand at the door.

  “The hymn is fairly new, I think. There’s something magical about it,” Charlotte said.

  “Is there a story behind it?” Lou asked.

  Overhearing, Olivia turned to them. “‘Jerusalem’ is about the legend of Jesus’ lost years. They say He came to England during that time and went to Glastonbury,” she said.

  “Wow! Interesting to think He may have walked this ‘green and pleasant land.’”

  Outside the church, Lou and Charlotte socialized for a short time, but Charlotte was anxious to get over
to the fairground. As they strolled along Church Lane, Lou couldn’t resist pulling her leg. “Out of the church and into the soothsayer’s tent! It all seems a bit sinful, if you ask me, missus!”

  “Oh Remy, it’s just a bit of fun, love.”

  “I’m sure there’s something in the Bible about fortune tellers,” Lou said. They turned into the gap in the chestnut fence and walked toward the Ferris wheel.

  “Do you want to go on some rides first?” Lou asked.

  “No, I want to see the gypsy!”

  “All right, this way.” Moments later, they were outside the red tent where Madam Harandah stood at the entrance. Charlotte studied her, suddenly unnerved.

  “Waiting for us?” Lou said, smirking.

  “Yes, I was. Come in, my dear. My, what a lovely girl you are. You are a lucky man,” she said looking from Charlotte to Lou. Inside, Lou took out a shilling and put it in the old woman’s hand. He was about to sit down.

  “You’d better go for a walk, young fella,” the gypsy said.

  Lou was surprised. He glanced at Charlotte.

  “Oh Lou, do you mind? Do as she asks, please, my darling.”

  Lou left the tent. He regretted bringing Charlotte now.

  Oh Damn! This was a mistake.

  He hoped the gypsy didn’t upset Charlotte; that was all he cared about. He walked over to the chestnut fence and bought the Sunday Pictorial from a paperboy and a coffee from a vendor. He sat down in the sunshine to read about the launching and drink his coffee—which tasted like crap. The article told how wonderfully advanced the Cardington airship was; how much like an ocean liner; the wave of the future; blah, blah, blah; a good write-up—propaganda, nonetheless.

  Charlotte appeared forty minutes later. She seemed more cheerful. “There you are,” she said.

  “How did it go?”

  “I couldn’t understand half of it.”

  “She talks in confusing riddles. That’s her technique,” Lou said.

  “But she did say I’d have a child. In fact, she said ‘You will have children.’ But she said I needed to get my house in order first. Things I must do.”

  Lou frowned. “Like what?”

  Charlotte looked away, evasive.

  “Well, she could be right… You might and you might not,” Lou said.

  “No. She said I would, one day.” Her eyes brightened at the thought.

  “Yes, I’m sure you will, Charlotte. I’m sure you will.”

  He swallowed the last of his coffee and stared across the field at the airship.

  Let’s hope they’re mine.

  44

  OVER LONDON

  October 14 & 16, 1929.

  The next day, with her blessing bestowed, Cardington R101 rose into the air in perfect weather conditions, watched by an enthusiastic crowd and a friendly press. The ship, under the command of Capt. Irwin and his officers, Lt. Cmdr. Atherstone, Flying Officer Steff, Johnston the navigator and Lou as third officer, made a short flight around Bedford and then on toward the outskirts of London before returning home. When the airship passed over Bedford, Charlotte came out into the street with dozens of other nurses to catch a glimpse. To most of those who saw her, the airship appeared as a thing of awesome beauty.

  Cardington R101 had proved she could fly. Thomson was invited to make a flight two days later. As with the launching, Thomson, Brancker and Knoxwood stayed overnight at Cardington House so they could be at the field early next morning. At 6:30 a.m. the crowd cheered Thomson as he climbed out of the car. This event, seen as the ‘official’ maiden flight, appeared as a bright spot on the otherwise chaotic, depressing world-wide economic front and spectators made the most of it. Thomson waved to the crowd and then marched along the line of ground crewmen to the tower, nodding and smiling to each man. He noticed Freddie standing next to Billy.

  “My, my, you’ve been working hard on those boots, young man,” he said, placing his hand on Freddie’s shoulder. “Good work, son.”

  Thomson knew the boy must have spent a lot of time the night before polishing those old boots. They shone like black-gloss paint. He took pains to notice things like that. When he reached Irwin, waiting at the foot of the tower, he took his hand between his and greeted him warmly.

  “My dear Captain Irwin. This is a momentous occasion.”

  “Welcome aboard, sir.” While the captain shook hands with Brancker and Knoxwood, Thomson stepped back to look up and study the gleaming airship. “Give me a moment,” he said.

  “Please, take your time, sir,” Irwin said.

  Freddie and Billy followed Thomson at a discreet distance and stood watching and listening. After a few minutes, Thomson turned to them and smiled again.

  Two young lads witnessing history in the making—future airshipmen of the fleet!

  Thomson and his party squeezed into the elevator and the operator closed the accordion gates. There was a stiff breeze at the top of the tower and, although sunny, it was chilly. Thomson was glad he’d worn his overcoat. He stood for a moment taking in the scene across the field toward the sheds and beyond to Cardington House. He held onto his hat as Irwin allowed them to go aboard. Church stood rigidly to attention inside the entrance ramp and as Thomson passed he greeted him with a polite half smile.

  “Good morning, young man,” he said.

  Thomson and his group were led by Irwin along the catwalks from the rounded bow. Crewmen and engineers had been posted at intervals. He passed Binks, who stood ramrod straight.

  These chaps are not military and here they were doing their best to appear so.

  This showed respect and he liked that. He wore his benevolent headmaster expression as he moved along. Disley stood at the door of the electrical room. He nodded to Thomson.

  Not so servile, this one. Probably intelligent!

  Then there was Sky Hunt, the chief coxswain. Thomson had taken the trouble to find out who was who. He’d heard about Hunt’s no-nonsense reputation and his bravery concerning the R33 breakaway, for which he’d earned the Air Force Medal. Thomson reached out and took Hunt’s hand, surprising and pleasing the man. Thomson moved on, noting the areas leading to the passengers’ section were somewhat spartan. This would need to be a topic for discussion.

  Not as luxurious as a real ship, but we’ll soon fix that.

  Colmore, Scott, Richmond, Johnston, Rope and Lou, all in uniform, waited for Thomson in the lounge in a line with eight well-dressed civilians from the Royal Airship Works and the Air Ministry. As Thomson entered, they broke into applause and he went down the line shaking hands, saying a few well-rehearsed words while they praised him as the great architect of it all. Colmore and Scott took over the handling of Thomson from Irwin, who went to the control car with Lou to join Atherstone. Thomson was led out to the promenade deck where he could appreciate the extraordinary view and witness take off from the enormous windows.

  In the control car, Irwin picked up the phone and gave orders to the tower crew foreman to be on standby for cast off.

  “Is everybody ready in the control car?” he asked.

  “All ready, sir!” Cameron, on elevators, and Potter, on rudders, answered together.

  Irwin turned to Lou. “Let’s pull up the gangplank and close the forward hatch.”

  Lou picked up the speaking tube to Church. “Bring in the gangplank and close the hatch.”

  “Right away, sir. Yes, sir!” Church answered in Lou’s ear.

  Lou glanced up at Johnston, leaning over the chartroom rail, who winked and smiled. Irwin turned to Lou again.

  “Start engine Nos.1 and 2 and idle.”

  Lou passed this order to the engine cars via the telegraphs. They rang faintly below in the cars. This was followed by puffs of smoke from the starter engine exhausts. As the diesel engines kicked over, the propellers began to turn after slight hesitation. In a few moments, plumes of black smoke and diesel fumes spewed from the engines and drifted down the field. Moments later, the engines settled down and ran smoothly.<
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  “Engines 1 and 2 are idling, sir,” Lou said.

  “Start engines 3 and 4,” the captain ordered.

  Lou went through the same process until all four were running.

  Irwin picked up the phone to the tower again and held it. “Be ready on ballast. Ready on rudders. Start engine No. 5.”

  “Ready on ballast. Ready on rudders, sir,” Atherstone repeated.

  “Starting engine No. 5,” Lou said, relaying the order to Binks and Bell, who were anxiously standing by. Lou caught a flash of Binks five years ago standing at Cardington gate, cap in hand. He’d come a long way.

  Mr. Humble Pie!

  Lou smiled. A puff of smoke came from the exhaust and the propeller started moving. The critical moment had arrived. Irwin put the phone to his mouth.

  “Standby to slip.”

  Lou was impressed with Irwin. He’d studied him closely on Monday’s short maiden flight. “Ready on reversing engine No. 2?” Irwin asked.

  “Ready on No. 2, sir!” Lou confirmed.

  “Be ready to increase revs on No. 2 to four hundred.”

  Irwin spoke loudly into the phone. “R101 ready to slip.” He listened for a second, then spoke again forcefully. “Slip now! Thank you, Cardington Tower.”

  The bow dipped after disconnection from the tower. The ship did nothing for a few moments, being suspended in air.

  “We’re free and clear of the tower, sir,” Atherstone announced.

  “Okay increase revs on reversing engine No. 2 to four hundred.”

  Lou passed the order to the engineers in No. 2 and the revs went up. The ship pulled back, her nose down.

  “Increase revs on No. 2 to six hundred. Dump two tons at Frame 4,” Irwin ordered. Atherstone released water ballast. The bow came up. Not nearly enough.