Together Under the Stars Read online

  Together Under the Stars

  Beryl Matthews

  Per Ardua Ad Astra

  – Through Adversity to the Stars

  Royal Air Force motto

  Contents

  Title Page

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  By Beryl Matthews

  Copyright

  Chapter One

  Scampton, Lincolnshire, October 1943

  The lorry swung through the gates and pulled up outside a building. The men surged off, and Steven Allard gazed around, hardly able to believe he was here at last. His bright blue eyes came to rest on a sight that made the excitement rush through him, and without thinking began striding across the grass to take a closer look. Studying the beautiful object up close he knew he was in love. This was what all the training had been for.

  ‘Sir?’

  Forcing himself to turn his head towards the person who had come to stand beside him, Steve found he was looking into a pair of golden-brown eyes. She was around nineteen, he assessed, and several inches below his six foot one. He smiled and nodded towards the Lancaster. ‘Isn’t she beautiful?’

  ‘And deadly, sir.’ She didn’t return the smile.

  It was only then he noticed the dark circles under her eyes, and a deep sadness showing in them. His instinct was to reach out and put his arm around her to offer some comfort for whatever she was suffering. That was crazy, of course – they didn’t even know one another.

  ‘They are waiting for you, sir.’

  ‘Yes, of course. I just had to have a closer look.’ They walked together towards the building. ‘Why is that plane down here and not with the others I can see on the airfield?’

  ‘It’s a replacement, and has only just been delivered, sir.’

  ‘Ah, I see.’ He didn’t need to say anything else. The word ‘replacement’ said it all.

  Once inside they walked along a passage and stopped by a door, which she opened, and with a smile of thanks he went through.

  Nancy Dalton closed the door quietly behind him and paused for a moment, head bowed as she tried to control her emotions. These young men had left the safety of their homes in Canada to become bomber crew. Did they know their chances of surviving thirty missions were slim? Yes, of course they did, she had seen it in the eyes of that pilot when she’d told him the Lancaster was a replacement. They all knew and still they went out, night after night, knowing each mission could be their last. Just like her darling brother, Dan. He’d adored flying and had such enthusiasm for life, but sadly at twenty-one his life had been cut short. He was due to land two nights ago and hadn’t returned.

  She straightened up. It promised to be a clear night. Once again the planes would roar into the air, and once again they would scan the skies and count how many return. Those that didn’t make it back would be briefly mourned, then everyone would carry on with what had to be done. This dreadful loss of life was happening on land, sea and air, and many kept the grief to themselves, just like Nancy. Even when she was off duty, she counted the planes as they arrived back. Many times she had considered putting in for a transfer away from the airfields, but she would still know the raids were going on. No, this was where she had to be, and here she would stay. Dan hadn’t shirked his duties knowing his chances of survival were not good, and distressing as it was, neither would she.

  ‘What are they like?’ Jean, her friend, fell into step beside her. ‘I saw you with one of the new arrivals.’

  ‘He’s the only one I’ve met. He was studying the new Lancaster and Group Captain Jackman asked me to bring him in here.’

  ‘Well, what was he like?’

  ‘Tall, nice soft voice …’ she shrugged. ‘I was only with him for a few minutes.’

  ‘I saw you walking with him and you looked good together.’

  Nancy stopped and glared at her. ‘I am not looking for a boyfriend, and certainly not one from a bomber crew. The pain of losing my brother is unbearable and I will not lay myself open to that kind of grief again.’

  ‘I know this is a terrible time for you, but Dan would want you to get on with your life. You will change your mind eventually.’

  ‘Never!’

  ‘There you are!’ Luke Canning made his way across the room towards his old friend. ‘Where the blazes have you been, Steve?’

  ‘There’s a new Lancaster on the field and I went to have a look at it. Didn’t you see it?’

  ‘I saw it, but we were told to come straight in here.’

  ‘I couldn’t resist, and don’t look so worried, a WAAF came and tore me away from it.’

  His friend’s hazel eyes lit up with interest. ‘Was she beautiful?’

  ‘Exquisite.’

  ‘Did you find out her name?’

  ‘Name?’ Steve frowned. ‘She didn’t have a name. It had only just arrived.’

  Luke gave an exasperated sigh. ‘I’m talking about the girl, not the plane. What was the WAAF’s name?’

  Steve shrugged. ‘I didn’t ask.’

  ‘Of course you didn’t.’ Luke shook his head in mock despair. ‘Put you in front of a plane and you don’t see anything else. My friend, you have a problem. You must have noticed something about her. Was she dark, fair, tall or short?’

  ‘Hmm.’ Steve made a show of needing to think for a moment. ‘She was attractive with lovely brown eyes, but she looked tired.’

  ‘That’s hardly surprising. This country has been at war since September 1939, and for most of that time it has been fighting on its own.’

  ‘Well, it’s hitting back, and now we are here to help.’

  Luke laughed and, nearly as tall as him, rested his hand on Steve’s shoulder. ‘In the grand scheme of things, how much difference do you think our small group are going to make? I’m only twenty and so is Ricky Gregson, you’re twenty-one and Sandy Jenson is the oldest at twenty-two.’

  ‘I know we’re a bunch of inexperienced boys, but we will be able to do the job we are trained for. Most of those flying are no older than us, but we are here because they badly need aircrews.’

  ‘Gentlemen!’

  They turned their attention to the officer who had just come into the room, and all chatter ceased.

  ‘Please be seated.’ He waited until they were settled, then introduced himself. ‘I am James Harlow, the commander of this base. Welcome to RAF Scampton.’ His gaze lingered on each of the four men in turn. Steve, Luke, Ricky and Sandy waited expectantly to hear what he had to say. ‘I know you came over in a larger group and I was hoping for more, but we have only been alloca
ted four of you. Nevertheless, we are grateful to have you join us, and you are more than welcome.’ He gave a wry smile. ‘There is a saying in the military I don’t think any of you will have heard. Anyone know what it is?’

  All heads shook in denial.

  ‘Never volunteer for anything.’

  Laughter filled the room.

  ‘You are all volunteers so you might like to remember that, in case you need it sometime. Now, we were expecting you at the beginning of the month and not towards the end, but I know your convoy was delayed. You have had a long journey, and are no doubt curious about the country you have come to fight for, so you have three days’ leave to do some exploring and adjust to your new surroundings.’ He waited for the murmur of approval to die down, and then continued. ‘Don’t expect the kind of conditions you have come from. Many things will be different – especially the food. Being an island, our vital supplies have to come in by sea at great cost to the lives of merchant seamen, so when you are out don’t criticise the food. Rationing is strict and you will often see long queues of people waiting patiently outside shops.’

  ‘Sir, if everyone gets the same, why do they have to queue up for it?’ Ricky asked.

  ‘They do that when a shop gets something extra. News spreads and people rush to get there before everything is sold out. Also, when someone sees a queue they will join it without knowing what the shop is selling. However, gentlemen, you will be relieved to hear that we do our best to see our aircrews are well fed, but if you are used to having large steaks, then that is a thing of the past, I’m afraid. When you are flying you will get bacon and an egg for breakfast,’ he told them.

  ‘I like three eggs, sir,’ Luke called out.

  ‘You’ll get one and be grateful for that.’ The commander chuckled. ‘You will now be shown to your quarters, so settle in and the evening meal will be served at seven. Tomorrow you start your leave, and after that the hard work begins. Don’t get into any trouble, because we need each and every one of you. Oh, and one more important thing. When you are out and about, you are not to talk about the base or what you are doing here, not to someone you know nor amongst yourselves. Remember, careless talk costs lives. You will see that notice everywhere, so be careful. You never know who is listening.’

  They stood as the officer walked out, and then followed the escort to another building. The next couple of hours were spent exploring what was going to be their home for the foreseeable future. Eventually they settled in the mess.

  One of the cooks approached them. ‘Would you like a pot of tea, sirs?’

  Luke frowned.

  ‘Yes, please,’ Steve said, before Luke could say anything.

  ‘I was going to ask for coffee,’ his friend protested.

  ‘If coffee was available, he would have offered tea or coffee. Remember what we’ve been told about shortages and everyone here drinks tea, so we’ll get used to it.’

  ‘Ah, yes, I forgot for a moment.’

  There were doubtful looks as the pots of tea were placed on the table near them. Back home most of them only drank coffee, but Steve’s family did have tea, especially when the weather was hot, because they found it more refreshing.

  ‘That’s freshly made so let it draw for a while,’ the orderly told them.

  ‘Draw?’ Ricky asked.

  A slight smile touched the man’s face and he patiently explained that it would be too weak if not allowed to stand. ‘Would you like me to show you how to pour a good cup of tea, gentlemen?’

  ‘Yes, please.’

  ‘First you put a little cold milk in the cup, and then when the tea is the right colour, you fill the cups.’

  They watched as he did this and then handed the cups around.

  ‘Now, you must taste it because some of you might like sugar. Personally, I prefer my tea without, but it is a matter of taste.’

  Steve was the first to sip his, and after a moment said, ‘That’s lovely and I don’t take sugar.’

  ‘Do you drink tea in Canada?’ the cook wanted to know.

  ‘Oh, yes, but coffee is generally the preferred drink,’ Steve explained, draining the cup and holding it out for a refill. ‘That was most welcome. Can I have another, please?’

  The man refilled Steve’s cup and gave him a smile of approval. ‘There’s a knack to making a good cup of tea. Call if you need anything, sirs.’

  ‘Where are the aircrews?’ Ricky asked.

  ‘They will be sleeping, sir. The weather is good so they will be going out tonight.’

  By the time they had drained the pots, the men agreed that tea wasn’t so bad after all.

  ‘We haven’t tried the food here yet,’ Sandy said.

  ‘I don’t care what it’s like,’ Luke declared. ‘I’m so hungry I’ll eat anything.’

  They laughed, feeling relaxed and happy to have reached their destination after months of intensive training.

  It had been quiet on the base since they had arrived, but suddenly there was the sound of vehicles running and voices calling out orders. Without a word the Canadians got up and went out to the airfield. It was a hive of activity, with a flood of vehicles heading towards the Lancaster planes.

  ‘They are loading bombs for the raid tonight,’ Luke murmured. ‘I wonder where they are going.’

  ‘They won’t know until the briefing.’ A sergeant came and stood beside them. ‘No one is told the destination until the last minute.’

  ‘When do they take off?’ Steve wanted to know.

  ‘In two hours. I have been told to inform you that dinner is about to be served. Do you know where to go?’

  Luke nodded. ‘We’ve explored and got our bearings.’

  ‘Off you go then, sirs.’

  The mess was buzzing with talk and laughter when they took their seats.

  ‘Late again, Steve,’ Ricky, the navigator, remarked. ‘Couldn’t you find your way?’

  ‘Trust you to beat us to the food,’ Steve remarked dryly. ‘Did you run all the way?’

  The joking and friendly insults continued while they devoured the food, and not one of them complained about the simple offering. It was plentiful, and that was all the group of young, healthy men needed. It had been a long day, and after a tense sea journey the relief of reaching the base was immense.

  They were all sitting around talking and enjoying a cigarette when the sudden roar of engines had them on their feet and running outside to watch the majestic planes taxi for take-off. The reaction to the sight was different for each one of them. Someone drew in a deep breath, another clenched their hands in excitement and one murmured a prayer. Apart from that, every one of them was quiet, well aware they would soon be the crews embarking on a raid.

  Steve watched each of the huge Lancasters heave itself into the air with its heavy burden of bombs, and could almost feel his hands on the controls. His expression was impassive, giving nothing away.

  Ricky came to stand beside him and asked quietly, ‘Do you think they will let us choose our own crews?’

  ‘I don’t know. Why?’

  ‘I’d like to fly with you, if possible.’

  Steve tipped his head to one side and his mouth twitched in amusement. ‘Do you think I’ll get lost without a good navigator?’

  ‘There is that, of course,’ Ricky chuckled, ‘but you’ve got the reputation of being a damned good pilot, and unflap­pable. I’d feel easy knowing you were with me. Try and fix it, Steve. I’m the best navigator you could have. I was top of the class.’

  ‘I know, I’ll see what I can do.’

  Ricky smiled in relief. ‘Thanks.’

  Sandy had overheard the conversation and joined them. ‘I don’t know how true it is, but I’ve been told they put all those up for active duty in a room together and the pilots can choose who they want for a crew.’

  ‘That would be great,’ Luke exclaimed, grinning at his friend. ‘If that’s true, Ricky and I won’t leave your side. You’ve already got two of your crew, a nav
igator and a flight engineer.’

  ‘We’ll have to wait and see if Sandy is right.’

  ‘I hope I am because it is going to be damned important to be up there with people you like and trust.’ Sandy stifled a yawn, running a hand through his dark blond hair. ‘I need some sleep.’

  ‘Good idea.’ The men turned and made their way towards their quarters.

  Steve was already clothed and on his feet when the others began to scramble out of bed.

  ‘They’re coming back!’ someone shouted, but Steve was out of the door with Ricky and Luke right behind him.

  There were people and vehicles everywhere, the fire appli­ances and ambulances lined up, ready to move in if needed. Two planes had landed and more were coming into view. They watched in silence and scanned the horizon, just as everyone else was doing. Plane after plane landed, then all went quiet – the sky was empty.

  ‘Is that all of them?’ Luke wondered.

  ‘Still five more.’ A man with wings on his chest came and stood with them. He held out his hand to Steve. ‘Wing Commander Robert Jackman,’ he said, shaking each of their hands in turn.

  After introducing themselves, Steve asked, ‘Have you flown on these raids?’

  The wing commander nodded. ‘Finished my second tour of duty last week, but most of my crew is still up there, and I’d rather be with them instead of waiting down here, but my request was refused.’

  ‘I can hear another one, look.’ Rick was pointing.

  Suddenly the vehicles near them burst into life, and when the plane was nearly down they raced after it.

  ‘Oh hell – fire!’ Luke swore.

  The next half-hour was a nightmare. The ground crews were pulling men out of the plane when another one came into view missing an undercarriage and badly damaged.

  They breathed a sigh of relief when it stopped just before hitting the burning plane. After that the sky was empty. Three planes still unaccounted for. As the Canadians watched the drama unfold before their eyes, they were in no doubt as to the dangers they would face. The men were so absorbed in the action, not one of them noticed the young girl standing by the control tower.