Despite the hole in the wing the aircraft continued to respond to Greg’s control almost normally. The return journey was more relaxed than the outward had been. Bobby handed him a spam sandwich whilst slurping his lukewarm tea from one of the thermos flasks.
‘Take something to Jimmy – he needs to stay alert in his turret and a hot drink will help. I don’t think we’ll meet any German fighters in this rotten weather. But he’s got to keep his eyes peeled just in case.’
He brought the crate in and touched down safely and then taxied it to the hangar. He wasn’t the first back and he waited in the hut with the other aircrew for the rest of his squadron to arrive.
‘My bomb was a dud, it hit the bloody target but didn’t explode,’ one of the pilots complained.
‘I’m not sure I was anywhere near the target – although according to the equipment I was directly overhead,’ someone else said.
‘It was a bloody shambles, if you want my opinion,’ the most recent arrival said. A chorus of agreement rippled around the already overcrowded shed.
‘Let’s get on the bloody lorry, the last bods are approaching the runway now. Let’s see what’s said in the debrief,’ Greg added as he made his way through the fog of cigarette smoke to the door. He’d given up smoking himself as Ellie didn’t like the smell of tobacco.
He squashed himself on the bench at the far end to allow room for everyone else to crowd in. The vehicle creaked and groaned as the last aircrew jumped aboard.
Bobby and Jimmy were crushed next to him. ‘Imagine doing this at night in the middle of winter. It was bad enough in daylight.’
‘I’m pretty sure I saw a Wellington crash into one of the warships, skipper. That lot have gone for a Burton,’ Jimmy said glumly.
‘It was a monumental cock-up, but at least our squadron all got back safely, if not entirely intact,’ Greg replied.
The adjutant told them to stow their kit and then get a hot meal – the debrief would be in the lecture room in an hour. The atmosphere in the canteen was jolly. Nobody talked about the poor buggers who’d lost their lives in the other squadron, they were just pleased to be alive themselves.
The general consensus of opinion was that although several of the bombs had been duds, and that the navigational equipment was pretty useless, lessons had been learned. Hopefully the next time they were sent out on a mission these things would have been rectified.
His Blenheim wouldn’t be airworthy until the hole in the wing had been repaired. Greg wasn’t sure if this meant they wouldn’t be on call or if a spare kite would be found from somewhere.
His brush with death made him think of Ellie and he joined the queue at the one telephone available so he could ring her. Hearing her voice would be enough to restore his faith in humanity. He was going to ask her to send him a couple of photographs – one he would pin in his cockpit, the other he’d keep in his wallet.
*
It seemed wrong that war had been declared on a Sunday but Ellie supposed it didn’t matter what day of the week it was to Hitler. Most people would have been at church when the announcement was made but no doubt the news would have percolated into the congregation before the end of the service.
She wasn’t a churchgoer, wasn’t even sure she believed in the existence of a supreme being, but it couldn’t do any harm to say a few prayers just in case. Next week she’d definitely go to matins even if it meant putting on a frock.
Mrs B had taken over the role of poultry keeper which meant Ellie’s mornings were far smoother. Her trusty bicycle had been handed over to the housekeeper so she could pedal into the village or to the local shop when necessary.
Monday was like any other day and she and Jack set out for the airfield without mentioning the fact that Britain was now at war.
Gladys greeted them with a worried smile. ‘My Bert says he heard that all civilian aircraft have been grounded. Does that mean I’m out of a job?’
‘Nothing’s changed here,’ Jack told her. ‘We’re part of the war effort and they want us to continue to give the new recruits basic flying skills. When things kick off it will be different, but don’t worry about it now.’
‘My Bert says it will all be over by Christmas, so he doesn’t know what all the fuss is about. He did his bit in the last lot but he volunteered for the ARP. He don’t think he’ll have much to do apart from making sure everyone’s blackouts are working.’
‘I reckon there’ll be more accidents from people stumbling about in the dark now the street lights are turned off and the cars can’t use their headlights,’ Sid chimed in as he dropped his bicycle against the wall of the office.
‘I’m just glad he’s not going to be conscripted. My sister Vera says her Tommy has had his call-up papers and he’s just had his fortieth birthday.’
‘I don’t think they’ll want him, Gladys, it’s just a precaution. The reservists for all the armed services and the young men will be wanted first,’ Ellie reassured her.
‘I’ll get the kettle on then, I can hear the lorry coming down the track and the boys always want a good brew before they start.’
The RAF transport was, as always, on time and neither the cadets nor the Flight Lieutenant behaved any differently than they had the previous week. All six were now reasonably competent; this would be their last week at Glebe Farm Aero Club before they were sent on their way.
This week the trainees would be doing more than circuits and bumps – they would be staying up for a couple of hours and using a compass, map and landmarks to find their way. The Flight Lieutenant was going to accompany one of them and she and Jack would go up with two others.
The remaining three had to spend the time studying their textbooks. All six of them would be examined on what they’d learnt before they could go onto the next stage of the two-year training. A soldier received a few weeks learning to drill and follow orders instantly as well as how to use his weapon but would be ready for battle after that.
She didn’t know how long it took for a sailor, but she doubted it would be much longer than that for a foot soldier. The RAF was the elite service and only took the best recruits.
On Wednesday evening she was sitting in the garden enjoying the evening sunshine when Mrs B called her to take a phone call. ‘It’s your young man, Ellie, he’s ever so nice. You’ve fallen on your feet there, my girl.’
‘Greg, I’m glad you called. I haven’t heard from Neil or George and I really want to know what’s happening.’
‘I don’t know about either of your brothers, but I don’t think there’s been much action in the air so far. My squadron has flown one mission and we all returned safely.’
Her stomach somersaulted. The thought of him having already faced the enemy when war had only been declared three days ago was quite horrid. ‘I’m glad you’re all right. I won’t ask you what happened as I know you’re not allowed to talk about your missions. Suffolk is a long way from Romford otherwise I’d borrow Jack’s car and come and see you.’
‘There’s no need to do that, sweetheart, it’s possible we’re going to get leave after all. At least if nothing else happens over the next few days, we will. It’s only a couple of hours in the MG and at the moment we can still get petrol on the base. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be rationed soon which will make seeing you a bit tricky.’
‘I could catch the train to Colchester, then you would only have to come halfway. In fact, as I’m not working at weekends anymore, I could come to Ipswich – that’s not very far from Woodbridge is it?’
‘How come you’ve got Saturdays off as well?’
‘We’ve got this first lot of cadets ready to move on in a week less than they anticipated. So, unless things change, Jack and I have the weekends free in future. Even if you can’t get more than a few hours we could still see each other.’
‘That’s spiffing news. I don’t have to stay on the base unless there’s a flap on, as long as I report in the morning and evening. Actually, I rang to ask if
you’ve got any spare photographs of yourself you can send me.’
‘Sorry, I haven’t. We don’t go in for photographs in this family, I’m not sure there’s even a camera in the house.’
‘You must have taken pictures of your aircraft for your brochures – I bet there’s a camera at the airfield. Get Jack to take a couple of snaps of you in your flying gear; even better get some of you in the cockpit.’
‘Wouldn’t you rather have me looking glam in a pretty frock?’
‘When I first saw you, you were wearing scruffy dungarees and still looked beautiful. You’re not a silk stocking sort of girl and I want my photos to look like you and not someone else.’
She wasn’t sure if she was offended or pleased by his remark. ‘If we can find a camera I’ll get Jack to take some of each and then you can make a selection when we meet.’
‘I should have asked earlier, is Fred doing well?’
‘Yes, he’s itching to get back to full-time work but his doctor says he mustn’t overdo it for another few weeks. It wouldn’t matter, but the Ministry of Agriculture is demanding that all farms produce a lot more food but we’re not getting any extra labour to help with this.’
‘Britain imports a lot of our food and that’s going to be difficult with the U-boats patrolling the channel. I bet they’ll set up the Land Army again and then you’ll be able to get some girls to help out.’
She heard someone talking to him and then he was back. ‘I’ve got to go, there’s a queue of bods waiting to use the phone. If I can get a twenty-four-hour pass I’ll come to you, if not I’ll see you in Ipswich for lunch. I’ll let you know in the morning if I can meet you.’
The line went dead and she replaced the receiver. Being at war had changed everything – including her feelings towards him. Was it because he could be killed the next time he flew on a mission? Under normal circumstances she would have kept the relationship casual but now she thought she might be a little bit in love with him.
Nineteen
The second cohort of RAF cadets were as enthusiastic as the first and Ellie’s life settled into a well-ordered pattern. Unfortunately, Greg had been unable to get away to meet her, but they spoke on the telephone a couple of times a week.
Jack had borrowed a camera and taken a roll of film, mostly of her in her work outfit as well as something a bit more elegant. He’d also taken a few shots of the RAF boys and the aircraft. She had been a bit uncomfortable asking him but he’d laughed at her hesitation. He’d said that they were like siblings and therefore she could ask him anything she might ask Neil to do for her.
Someone in the village had a dark room and the prints would be ready in a few days and Mrs B had volunteered to collect them when she next went to the shop.
At the end of the month Greg finally got a weekend pass. ‘Now petrol’s rationed I’m not sure how often I’ll be able to drive down to see you after this. Nothing’s happening here and we’re all mooching about with nothing to do. The adjutant has told us we can have weekends free until further notice.’
‘That’s wonderful. Neil is coming Saturday so you’ll be able to catch up with him. George has got himself a girlfriend too and is going to stay with her family. I feel sorry for the families of the soldiers and sailors. There are quite a few homes without their sons at the moment. It must be horrible knowing that if your boy is a sailor his ship could be torpedoed like the Athenia. Imagine deliberately targeting a passenger ship like that.’
‘From what I’ve heard the army is having a grand old time in France. They’ve not seen any action either – it’s mainly at sea. Chamberlain thinks we can blockade Germany and stop food getting through but it works both ways.’
This was a depressing conversation and she didn’t want to think about Britain doing the same horrible things to German civilians. ‘What time will you be here on Saturday?’
‘Before lunch – if that’s all right? I’ll share with Jack like I did before. It’s a good thing there’s no food rationing yet or Mrs B might find it difficult to feed two extras.’
‘I don’t think we’ll ever be short of food here, one of the advantages of being on a farm. I’m helping out at the weekends and so is Jack to try and make Dad take it a bit easier.’
‘I’ll do whatever you want. A bit of physical exercise will do me good. After the initial training RAF chaps don’t do any square bashing or PE.’
‘It seems so long since I’ve seen you, I’m really looking forward to Saturday. By the way, I’ve got the snaps you wanted – you can choose two when you come. Have you got one of you in your uniform I can have?’
‘I think so, one of the bods took some last week.’
*
Ellie was busy cleaning out the cowshed when Greg turned up. ‘Gosh, I didn’t expect you before breakfast. I see you’ve changed into overalls – have you come to give me a hand?’
In some way she was relieved he had arrived when she was busy; they had become so close over the phone he would probably expect to kiss her whenever he wanted. She recalled her mother saying that well-bred girls didn’t indulge in any sort of intimacy until they were formally engaged. Mum had been gone for months, and if she was honest, they were all much happier with Mrs B in charge. But the rules of etiquette were ingrained in Ellie’s brain and however much she tried to ignore them they kept popping up at the most inconvenient moments.
‘I’ll do the sweeping now, you hold the hose,’ he said and removed the stiff broom she’d been using from her unresisting fingers.
‘You’re lucky I’ve already mucked out, hence the manure all over my gumboots. Did you bring yours with you?’
‘Don’t own a pair, I borrowed the overalls and boots. I hope whoever owns them doesn’t mind.’
‘They’re George’s, which is a good thing as Neil will want his tomorrow.’
With both of them working the task was soon completed. She cleaned her boots and then did the same for him. Everything was ready for when the cows came in for milking that evening.
‘Dad and Jack are doing the pigs – we got off lightly today.’
She and Greg had washed their hands and arms and when they’d stepped out of their overalls and wellingtons were clean enough to go inside for breakfast.
‘Good morning, I hope you’re all hungry, there were a dozen cracked eggs today that need to be eaten,’ Mrs B said as they sat down.
‘I’m starving; all that hard work gives a chap an appetite,’ Greg replied.
There was a definite whiff of pig when her dad and Jack joined them. She was used to it but she wondered if Greg would wrinkle his nose. Instead he stood up and shook hands with both of them. ‘Thank you for inviting me, Fred. It’s good to see you Jack. I must say that both of you look tickety-boo.’
‘There’s no need to stand up for us, lad, you get on with your breakfast before it gets cold.’
Three chairs scraped against the flagstones as they sat down. Everyone was too hungry to chat and it wasn’t until they were all on their third cup of tea that conversation started.
Ellie was about to ask what a Spitfire was like to fly when a car pulled up outside. She jumped to her feet. ‘I’ll go. Are we expecting anyone, Dad?’
‘No, love, no one.’
She rushed outside and skidded to a halt. It was a police car. Two men in plain clothes emerged. Before she had time to take in what was happening a second car pulled up and the yard was full of uniformed constables.
*
Jack dropped his cutlery and surged to his feet. ‘Another car’s arrived. Something’s up.’ Ellie was still standing in the doorway which was a bad sign.
‘Two police cars, Jack, what do they want here?’
‘We’re about to find out. One of the detectives is brandishing a paper – it could be a search warrant.’
Greg arrived beside them. ‘I should leave this to us, Ellie, make yourself scarce.’
She remained exactly where she was.
The man with the paper st
rode up to them. He flashed his warrant card. ‘Chief Inspector Dutton. I have a warrant to search these premises.’
‘Why?’ Ellie stepped forward and held out her hand but he ignored this gesture and just waved the document in front of her.
‘Stand aside, miss, we intend to search these premises.’
The three of them stepped to one side and the detectives and uniformed men poured into the house. She waited until they’d gone before speaking again.
‘Joe has told them about the envelope. They must have gone to the airfield and discovered it’s no longer there.’
‘It seems a bit odd they already had a warrant to search here.’
‘I just got a glimpse and could see it was genuine but I didn’t have time to see anything else.’
‘I’m going to demand to read it,’ Jack said, ‘I think they’re trying to pull a fast one. The warrant will be for the airfield not here.’
‘I’ll stop them searching, you get hold of the warrant and see if you’re right,’ Greg replied.
She glanced towards the kitchen where her dad and Mrs B were waiting. ‘I’ll take care of Dad, I don’t want him involved so soon after his stroke.’
Dutton was about to go into the office. ‘Hey, hang on a minute. You’re not going anywhere until I’ve read that warrant,’ Jack said loudly.
The policeman tried to bluster his way out of it but Jack insisted. He was right – the paper referred to the airfield not Glebe Farm. ‘This is an illegal search, Chief Inspector, I demand that you and your henchmen leave this house immediately. I can assure you there will be a complaint made to the Chief Constable about this. There might be a war on but that doesn’t mean you can break the law yourselves.’
‘This is a matter of state security, sir, that overrides common law.’
‘Quite possibly, but you barged in here under false pretences. Until you come back with the correct paperwork you can sod off.’ Up to that point he’d been rather proud of his self-control, but now his anger had made him less polite.
Heartwarming and emotional story of one girl's courage in WW2 Page 17