The Uncertain Years (2 page)

The next morning it was chaos in the newsroom, and Will was pounced on as soon as he walked in the door. It seemed as if everyone was shouting requests at the same time.

‘Hold it!’ he bellowed at the top of his voice. ‘One thing at a time. You’ll never get anything done if you keep running around like headless chickens!’

A hush fell over the room as every head turned in his direction.

‘Good Lord,’ one man muttered. ‘I never knew you could raise your voice, Will.’

‘Sorry, but it was the only way I could make myself heard.’

‘Don’t apologise,’ the chief said as he came out of his office. ‘Come with me, Will, I want to have a word with you.’

Wondering why the boss wanted him, he followed him into the office and stood in front of the desk, waiting
while the chief settled in his oversized chair.

‘You said war was coming and you were right.’ Ted Dunstan studied the tall boy in front of him. ‘I’m going to lose a lot of my most experienced reporters. What are your plans?’

‘I haven’t any at the moment, sir. The forces won’t take me because of my arm.’

‘Ah, I can see you’re disappointed about that, but I’ll be honest with you – I’m pleased. I’m hoping you’ll decide to stay with us. That was a fine piece of writing you did about Hitler. You’ve got a sharp mind and have the makings of a good reporter.’

‘Thank you, sir.’ Will was taken aback by such rare praise. ‘I’d like to stay.’

‘Good, good, you can go out with Andy for a couple of days, then you’ll have to work on your own.’ Ted Dunstan grimaced. ‘This place is going to start emptying out quite soon and we’ll have to take on some women. What about your sister, would she be interested?’

‘She’s determined to go into the ATS.’

The chief sighed wearily and nodded. ‘Thank God I’m too old for this one, but it’s going to be hard for you to see your friends joining up.’

‘It is,’ he admitted.

‘Don’t be too down about it. The people are going to want news, and we’ll be here to provide it.’ He stretched his mouth into an unaccustomed smile. ‘Didn’t someone say, “The pen is mightier than the sword”?’

‘Bulwer-Lytton, sir.’

‘That’s the man. Then let’s prove him right, shall we,
and fight our war from here.’ He settled comfortably and waved to a chair. ‘Sit down and tell me what you think is going to happen.’

‘You’re asking me?’ He was stunned, but pulled up a chair and sat down. The chief obviously wanted to talk, and who was he to question that?

‘Go ahead.’

‘Well, no one really knows. All we can do at the moment is guess.’

‘All right, guess.’

Will gathered his thoughts. ‘I’ll tell you what I think, but it could be completely wrong. I’ve watched the rise of Hitler and the Nazis and believe they want domination of Europe. They’ll turn their attention to France, and if they can get a hold there they will throw everything they’ve got at us. Shipping is our life-line so they’ll try to sink as many ships as they can. If he wants to invade us he’ll have to cross the Channel, and that won’t be easy without sustaining heavy losses.’

‘So, what will he do?’

‘Try to bomb us into submission before he invades. He’s used that tactic successfully before.’

‘And will France hold?’

‘I expect so.’ Will shifted uncomfortably, feeling he’d been talking too much, but he’d been studying what had been happening in Germany for the last few years. It was a subject he was passionate about. ‘I’ve just outlined the worst possible scenario, but what worries me is that Germany has been re-arming for some time, and they’re looking strong.’

‘Are we ready?’

‘No.’

The chief narrowed his eyes as he looked at the boy in front of him. ‘Do you think the Nazis can be stopped?’

‘Yes, but the cost will be high.’ Will spoke with confidence. ‘If we believe they can’t then we might as well surrender now.’

‘You’re right about that, and the attitude this paper will take is that we can – and will – win.’

‘I’m probably completely wrong about everything else, sir, and they’ll be defeated before they even set foot in France. No one knows what direction this war will take.’

‘That’s true.’ The chief stood up. ‘Thank you for talking to me. It’s been most enlightening; you’ve obviously given this a great deal of thought, and I’m convinced you’re going to be valuable to this paper.’

‘Thank you, sir.’ Will stood up as well. Now he understood what the chief had been doing; he’d been finding out if he was up to the job.

‘Didn’t expect this many girls!’

The voice whispering in her ear made Becky jump, and she turned her head sharply. The girl grinning at her was expertly made-up, her blonde hair waved and shining, and her dress bright pink. She was quite lovely and completely out of place in the queue to sign on for the ATS. Becky could picture her as a model, but not in a khaki uniform.

‘My name’s Alice Henderson.’ She thrust out a beautifully manicured hand.

‘Er …’ She shook hands carefully, hoping this elegant
girl didn’t notice her rough hands. ‘I’m Becky Adams.’

‘Nice to meet you. I thought I might be the only one here, but lots have the same idea. I expect it’s a chance for some to get away from home.’

‘Might be, I suppose. What are you hoping to do?’

‘I’m a secretary.’ Alice’s smile widened. ‘Perhaps I can wangle a job looking after the officers’ paperwork. What about you?’

‘Not sure yet. I’ll have to see what’s going.’

Their conversation was brought to a halt when Becky was called. The man sitting at the table was in uniform, but she didn’t know enough to work out his rank. He was an officer of some kind, though, and had a pleasant face.

‘Sit down, please.’

Hmm, nice voice too, she decided, feeling immediately at ease in his company as she sat opposite him.

After studying her intently for a moment, he said, ‘How old are you?’

‘Twenty,’ she lied. Well, she would be in January. The rest of his questions she answered truthfully.

When he’d finished writing down the details he glanced up. ‘Can you type?’

‘No, and I don’t want office work. I would like to do something useful.’

‘Such as?’ He laid down his pen, giving her his full attention.

She shrugged. ‘I was hoping you could suggest something. I work in a shoe shop and haven’t any office skills, but I’m quite handy with a screwdriver.’

‘Explain.’

She was sure she saw the corners of his mouth twitch, but didn’t care if he found her funny. ‘A friend of ours has a motorbike and he’s shown me how to repair it when it breaks down – which is often – so I’ve had plenty of practice.’

‘Can you drive?’

‘Not a car, but I have a go on the bike.’ She was talking about her favourite subject now and her hazel eyes sparkled. ‘There’s a bit of spare ground near us, and I can go faster than the boys and still stay on.’

The officer looked down at the form on his desk as if it was the most fascinating thing he’d ever seen, but when he glanced up his expression was quite composed. ‘You’d like a transport division then, would you?’

‘Oh, that would be lovely!’

‘I can’t promise that’s where they’ll put you, but I’ll add a note of recommendation on your application.’ He stood up. ‘You’ll be hearing from us, Miss Adams.’

As she left the room she was sure she heard a roar of laughter, and she didn’t care. A transport section would do her nicely.

‘You’ve been a long time.’ Alice was waiting for her. ‘How did you get on?’

‘All right, I think. What about you?’

‘I only had to tell them I could type and do shorthand and that’s all they wanted to know. What are you going to do?’

‘Transport.’

Alice looked horrified.

‘You’ll get your hands dirty.’

‘I hope so!’

They burst into laughter and Alice slipped her hand through Becky’s arm. ‘Oh, I like you. Let’s go and find a nice tea shop somewhere. I do hope we end up at the same camp.’

After telling her mother the exciting news, Becky rushed next door to see if Bob was there. She found him and Jim tinkering with the motorbike.

‘They’re going to put me down for transport!’ she exclaimed. ‘How did you get on?’

The boys wiped oil from their hands and Jim tossed her a spanner. ‘You’d better get in some practice and have a go at the bike then. Bob wants it in good running order so he can give it to Will later.’

She caught the tool deftly. ‘Give me a chance to change first. I’m still wearing my best frock. Now, tell me, have you both signed up?’

‘Yes, but I’ve got to wait and see if the navy will take me,’ Bob told her. ‘If they won’t then I’ll try for the RAF.’

‘What about you, Jim?’

‘Same thing. We’ve put our names down, and it’s just a matter of waiting.’

‘How long do you think it will take before we hear?’

Bob smiled, shaking his head, making a strand of light brown hair fall over his eyes. ‘Impatient as ever. It will take as long as it takes, Becky. We’ve done all we can – now it’s up to them.’

‘I suppose so, but I hope they don’t take too long. Now I’ve made up my mind I don’t want to hang around.’ She
studied the spanner in her hand for a moment. ‘I’ll change my frock and then have a go at the bike. I’ve got a lot to tell you. I met the most amazing girl today.’

‘Hurry up then.’ Bob took the spanner from her. ‘Once it’s running smoothly we’ll take it for a spin on the spare ground.’

‘Oh good!’ She tore off, dark hair bouncing as she ran, eager for the chance to ride the bike. She knew a lot of the local girls thought she was odd, messing around with machines, but she loved it. And she saw the longing glances they gave the boys and that amused her.

‘Where are you off to in such a hurry?’ her mother called when she was halfway up the stairs. ‘Tea will be ready in an hour.’

‘We’re going to work on the bike. Bob wants it in good order so he can give it to Will when he goes into the navy.’

‘That’s kind of him.’

Something in her mother’s voice stopped her, and she came down again. ‘This is hard for you, isn’t it, Mum? But you must try not to upset yourself too much. I’m sure Dad won’t be called up, and Will can’t go into the forces anyway.’

‘I know, but I remember the last war, and I’m scared. Not just for us, but for all of our friends. Bob and Jim’s parents are putting on a brave face, but those boys are their only children, and they’re devastated to see them signing up so soon.’

‘We’re only doing it now because it’s the best way of getting into the service we want.’ She laid a hand on her mother’s arm. ‘We’ll be fine.’

Mavis Adams took a deep breath and wiped the worry from her face. ‘Of course you will. Now, you’d better get on with repairing that old wreck of a bike.’

‘Don’t you let Bob hear you call it that!’ She laughed. ‘It’s his pride and joy.’

Her mother laughed with her. ‘Off you go. I’ll put tea back for six o’clock.’

‘Oh, ta.’ She ran lightly up the stairs, relieved her mother seemed all right now.

Within half an hour Becky was riding round the spare ground, listening intently to the sound of the engine. She pulled up by the boys and nodded. ‘Sounds all right now.’

‘All right?’ Bob looked scandalised, patting the bike as if comforting it. ‘She’s purring like a kitten.’

Jim burst into laughter. ‘Some kitten! The noise is enough to deafen anyone within half a mile.’

‘More like a mile.’ Will strolled towards them, grinning. ‘I didn’t have to ask where you were, I heard you. Stop messing with that now. I want to hear how you all got on today.’

After propping the bike against a tree the friends sat on the ground, their expressions serious as they related the events of the day. There was silence for a while as they contemplated the momentous steps they were about to take.

‘Our families think we’ve rushed into this without giving it proper thought,’ Jim remarked. ‘But Will’s been sure for a long time that war was inevitable, and I believed him. I’ve spent many sleepless nights coming to this decision.’

‘Me too,’ Bob agreed. ‘We know the future ahead of us is going to be rough and dangerous, but we have to do what we feel is right. We’ll get called up anyway, so we might as well do it now while we have some kind of a choice. It’s a bloody mess, isn’t it, and Hitler can’t be allowed to win.’

The friends all nodded, in complete agreement.

The postman was three doors away when Becky ran to the gate to wait for him, shivering as the cold wind hit her. Christmas was nearly here and it was turning out to be a strange kind of war. Nothing was happening.

Well, that wasn’t true really. There were troops and planes in France, but here at home the waiting was driving her to distraction. After volunteering, the three of them had soon been called for medicals, which they all passed A1. Jim was the first to go, followed four weeks later by Bob.

Stamping her feet in an effort to keep warm, she scowled as the postman became involved in a lengthy conversation with one of their neighbours. Her reaction when she had waved goodbye to Jim and Bob had shocked her. She had never thought she would be so upset. There had been tears in her eyes, but she’d managed to wipe them away quickly before the boys had noticed. How embarrassing. But how
she missed them. She was still waiting for her own call-up papers, and it seemed as if they would never come.

‘Hello, Becky.’ The postman finally reached her. ‘What are you doing standing out here in the cold?’

‘You know darned well why I’m here.’ She peered into his satchel. ‘Got anything for me today?’

‘Hmm, let’s see.’ This was a game they’d been playing for some weeks.

As he searched through the letters the hope faded from her eyes. ‘Nothing again.’

‘Don’t think … Ah, what’s this?’

Grabbing the envelope he was holding up, she tore it open, then gave a whoop of delight.

‘I take it that’s the one you been waiting for?’

‘Yes! They’ve accepted me.’ She did a pirouette, stopped in front of him and reached up to plant a resounding kiss on his leathery cheek. ‘Thank you, Stan.’

‘You take care, young Becky. There’s a lot of tough and rough men in the forces.’

‘Oh, Stan,’ she laughed. ‘That won’t bother me. Don’t forget I’ve grown up with three boys, and can take care of myself.’

‘That’s as may be, but you still be careful.’ He smiled sadly, his sparse grey hair ruffling in the wind. ‘But I’m glad the letter has made you happy. I’m afraid I won’t always be delivering welcome news in the future.’

‘Were you in the last lot?’ she asked, studying him carefully.

‘I was, and I remember what it was like.’ He sighed, patted her arm, and continued with his round.

‘Becky!’ her mother called. ‘Was there any post?’

She waved the letter and ran towards the house. ‘I’ve got to report on the seventh of January.’

‘But that’s your birthday.’ Mavis shut the front door as soon as her daughter was inside.

‘I know.’ She grinned. ‘Some birthday present, isn’t it? Well, I told them I was twenty, so I didn’t lie after all. We can celebrate my birthday at Christmas. I wonder if Bob and Jim will be able to get home?’

‘We can only hope so. Come into the kitchen where it’s warm and I’ll make us a pot of tea. Then we can read your letter properly.’

By Christmas Eve, Becky had given up hope of seeing the boys, as she had so wanted to before she went away. There was no telling when they would all be able to get together again. It was no good fretting about it, because this was how life was going to be from now on. She began to turn away from staring aimlessly out of the window, but as she moved something caught her attention in the road, and she spun back, nose pressed against the cold glass.

Was it …? As the figure strode closer she let out a yell of delight. ‘Mum! Mum! Jim’s home.’

The front door crashed open as she hurtled out, waving frantically. ‘Jim!’

He dropped his kitbag, laughing as she threw herself at him. He lifted her off her feet and spun round with her.

‘Why didn’t you let us know? How long have you got?’ she asked, as soon as he put her down.

‘It was an unexpected four-day pass.’

Jim’s mother reached them, smiling with joy as she greeted her son. Mavis also arrived with Bob’s mother so Becky stepped back and studied her friend. He was thinner and his features more finely chiselled. He’d always been a strong, athletic boy, but now he looked fit and healthy. In fact he wasn’t a boy any longer – he was a man.

‘Come on, Becky, let Jim have some time with his family.’ Her mother took hold of her arm. ‘You can see him later.’

‘Yes, of course.’ She waved at Jim. ‘I want to hear all your news when you’re ready.’

Hoisting his kitbag on his shoulder he nodded. ‘Any sign of Bob?’

‘No, afraid not.’

‘That’s a shame. See you later, Becky.’

She went back indoors with her mother. ‘At least Jim’s made it, and that will please Will. He misses them terribly.’

‘And so do you.’ Mavis put the kettle on for tea.

‘I know, but at least I’ll be joining up myself soon, but Will has to stay behind. He never complains or shows his disappointment, but he’s not happy about being left out.’

Mavis smiled sadly at her daughter. ‘You mustn’t worry about Will, darling. I know you feel protective towards him, but he’s had to live with his disability all his life. It’s made him strong and determined though. He’ll deal with anything he has to, and find himself a useful role in this war.’

‘Course he will. He’s got more courage than all of us.’

‘And I thank God for giving him that quality.’ Mavis’s
expression was a mixture of pride and sadness for the son she adored.

The tea was made when Bill and his son walked in.

‘My goodness, you’re early,’ Mavis exclaimed.

‘Well, it is Christmas, even if there is a war on.’ Bill kissed his wife on the cheek. ‘And we might as well make the most of this one because there’s no telling what the next one will be like.’

‘Jim’s home,’ Becky told them, ‘so I think we should have a party.’

‘Oh, that’s marvellous!’ Will was on his feet in an instant and heading for the back door. ‘I’ll nip round and see him.’

‘Any sign of Bob?’ Bill asked, as his son disappeared.

‘No, but he might still turn up.’ Mavis poured the tea. ‘Even Jim didn’t know he was coming until the last moment.’

‘It would be lovely if we could all be together.’ Becky’s expression was wistful, and then she brightened again. ‘But we can still celebrate Jim’s leave and my birthday, can’t we?’

Before anyone could answer, the back door swung open and the two boys came in, laughing and obviously happy to see each other again.

Bill smiled. ‘It’s good to see you, Jim. You look well. How’s army life treating you?’

‘Tough.’ He grimaced as he sat down and accepted a cup of tea from Mavis. ‘Dad said we should all go to the pub tonight and sink a few pints of beer.’

‘Only lemonade for Becky.’

There was a stunned silence for a few seconds as all
eyes turned to the tall sailor standing in the doorway. Then pandemonium broke out.

‘Bob! Now we really can have a party!’ After hugging her friend, Becky gave him a playful punch. ‘And I’ll have something stronger than lemonade. I’m almost twenty.’

‘Well, seeing as you’re soon going to be a soldier we might let you have a shandy.’

They all laughed at the usual teasing between the two of them, and they all had to squash up as the boys’ parents also crowded into the small kitchen. Happiness glowed on every face. Whatever happened in the future they would all be together this Christmas.

‘Right, all the men in the front room.’ Mavis began to organise the milling crowd of neighbours. ‘You’ve got to make room for us women to get you something to eat, then we’ll go to the pub and have a night to remember.’

The boys’ mothers hurried off to find contributions to the tea and Mavis began slicing bread. She caught hold of her daughter’s arm to stop her following the men. ‘You’ll have plenty of time to talk to them later, Becky. We need your help here.’

‘Of course.’ She was longing to ask the boys a million questions, but it would have to wait. She was so happy she couldn’t stop smiling. ‘Shall I butter the bread? Isn’t it wonderful to have them home, and don’t they look smart in their uniforms?’

Her mother nodded. ‘Brings home just how grown-up they are now. They’re not boys any longer.’

‘No, they’re not, and our carefree days are over.’ Becky had to swallow hard as the reality of what was happening
swept away her happiness for a moment. But her smile was back in place when the others returned with armfuls of food.

‘My goodness!’ Mavis exclaimed as they put tins, biscuits and other items on the kitchen table. ‘Where did you get all that?’

‘Bob and Jim came home with their bags full of tins.’ Sally Walker grinned. ‘Bob’s kitbag must have weighed a ton.’

They all set to work and soon had plates piled high with ham, cheese and salmon sandwiches.

There were roars of laughter coming from the men, and Jim’s mother, Pat, grinned. ‘Sounds like they’re telling tales not fit for our ears.’

Once several pots of tea were ready, it was all put on trays and taken into the front room.

When the debris was cleared away, they grabbed coats, eager to get to the Red Lion for a celebration.

The place was packed and they had to push their way in. Becky’s father made straight for a corner of the saloon bar and started gathering enough chairs for them all, but progress over to him was slow. The boys were instantly welcomed, with neighbours wanting to buy them a drink. There were plenty of others there in uniform as well, all intent on having a riotous evening.

They finally made their way over to Bill. ‘How did you manage to get here so quick?’ Jim gasped. ‘This place is heaving!’

Bill grinned. ‘I’m too big for them to argue with.’

In no time the table in front of them was full of drinks.
The noise was deafening, and it was almost impossible to hold a conversation. By the time someone began pounding on the piano and the place erupted into song, they gave up trying to talk to each other, and just sat back and joined in the fun.

Bob placed a shandy in front of Becky and they grinned at each other. She’d have her chance to talk to both of them tomorrow, but for this evening she would just enjoy being with them again.

After giving a sharp knock on the back door, Becky bounded into the kitchen. ‘Happy Christmas, Mr and Mrs Walker. Where’s Bob?’

‘Still in bed.’ John Walker peered at her through half closed eyes. ‘Where we should all be after the night we had.’

‘It was fun, wasn’t it?’ Becky was bouncing with pleasure.

John groaned and rubbed his head. ‘Sit down, Becky, you’re making me dizzy. And don’t shout.’

‘Oh dear, you do look rough.’ He winced as she dragged a chair from the table and sat down. ‘Have another cup of tea.’

‘I’ve had six, and Sally’s had four. How’s your folks?’

‘Don’t know. I haven’t seen them yet, but Mum must have got up because the chicken’s in the oven. I expect she went back to bed, and Will’s still asleep.’

‘Wise man.’

‘Hmm.’ She pushed away from the table. ‘I’ll go and see if Jim’s up.’

‘He won’t be.’ Sally motioned her to sit down again. ‘I
know you’re eager to see them, Becky, but let them sleep in this morning. They’ve both been dragged out of bed at the crack of dawn during basic training, and this is a treat for them.’

‘But they’ve only got four days,’ she protested. ‘They can’t waste it in bed. I haven’t had a chance to talk to them yet.’

The back door opened slowly and two dishevelled characters crept in, sat at the table and reached for the teapot.

‘Want some toast?’ Sally asked.

They nodded silently.

Becky stared at her brother and Jim for a moment, and then shook her head in disbelief. ‘If this is what happens when you’ve all had a few beers, then I’m glad I don’t drink.’

‘Don’t shout,’ they both whispered.

‘Oh, you can talk then? And I’m not speaking loudly.’ She began to see to the toast, as Bob’s mother didn’t seem to be able to concentrate. ‘What you all need is a good breakfast. Have you got any eggs, Mrs Walker?’

‘Don’t you dare start cooking things like that. Our stomachs won’t take it.’ Will glared at her. ‘Toast will do.’

‘I’ll have some scrambled eggs, Becky.’

‘Ah, someone’s feeling normal this morning.’ She beamed at Bob who was leaning against the door he’d just come through, and then she raised her eyes to the ceiling. ‘I take that back. You sure you want scrambled eggs?’

‘Of course, I’m starving!’

‘He always did have a cast-iron stomach.’ Jim stood up,
holding on to the table for support. ‘I’m just going to stick my head under the cold tap, and then I’ll be back when Bob’s finished eating.’

‘Try having a shave while you’re at it,’ she said, as he lurched towards the door.

‘Told you,’ he muttered. ‘She’s going to make a perfect sergeant.’

Unable to stand the smell of cooking, everyone else disappeared, leaving Becky alone with Bob. ‘Right!’ she said after putting a plate of eggs in front of him. ‘Tell me what it’s like.’

‘Hmm?’

‘Concentrate, Bob,’ she demanded. ‘I’ll be joining up myself in a couple of weeks, so I want to know what happens when you arrive at the camp.’

‘I don’t know about the women, but the men had to strip off, stand in line to have needles stuck in them, then given uniforms, and spend the next few weeks marching around a parade ground.’ He cleared his plate, sighed, and sat back.

‘What else?’ She leant on the table, eager to hear more.

‘That’s about it. The rest you’ll find out for yourself.’ He stared at her thoughtfully. ‘Don’t expect it to be easy.’

‘It certainly isn’t.’ Jim rejoined them, looking more awake and respectable. ‘But Becky’s no weakling. She’ll take it in her stride.’

When Bob nodded in agreement she was touched by their confidence in her, making her determined not to let them down.

The rest of their leave went in a flash, and it was just as hard saying goodbye again. Once 1940 arrived it would be her family and friends waving her on her way. Now the time was close the prospect was a little scary, but she wouldn’t let them know she felt that way.