A Flight of Golden Wings Read online

  They grinned at each other, understanding the eagerness.

  Suddenly there was activity as the chits were handed out. Ruth had to collect a Tiger Moth from the manufacturers and deliver it to Luton.

  A Fairchild had just landed and when it came to a halt they all piled in. These were being used as taxies to take the pilots to the pick-up points, and would, hopefully, bring them back here at the end of the day’s work. But there was no guarantee of this. Many things could happen. If the weather closed in at any time they might have to land at the nearest airfield and stay overnight, continuing their journey when flying conditions improved. On the advice of the more experienced women, Ruth had packed a few essentials in a small bag – just in case.

  One of the senior women was flying the taxi and they were soon at de Havilland’s – the manufacturers – as it was quite close to Hatfield. After dealing with the necessary paperwork, they collected their aircraft and set off. Ruth couldn’t resist a yell of delight once she was airborne, not just because she was flying again, but because she was also doing something to help in this war.

  The next three weeks raced by, and Ruth couldn’t remember when she had been so happy. At first they had given her the shorter trips, but now she was delivering all over the country. It often entailed nights away and the necessity of finding lodgings, but she didn’t care: it was all part of the job. On one occasion she’d even had to get back to Hatfield by train. And she had been chosen to go on the conversion course at Upavon. After that she would be able to fly more types of planes.

  Ruth frowned and peered through the windscreen of the Magister. Where had that front come from? The weather ahead looked wild and the rain was already pattering down. Mindful of the directive that they must never ‘go over the top’ of the clouds, Ruth had no option but to turn back. The damned front followed her, being driven by a strong wind, and by the time she reached Cosford, her nearest airfield, the plane was being buffeted about. It was going to be a tricky landing, but the only sensible thing was to get down. The weather had closed in all around her now and she was losing height all the time in an effort to stay below the clouds.

  Finally the airfield came into view and she breathed a sigh of relief. She could easily have missed it in this weather. Landing in some farmer’s field was not something she fancied attempting.

  Using every ounce of her skill, she made a fairly good landing and silently thanked Simon for his excellent teaching.

  She taxied towards the buildings. The rain was coming down in sheets by now.

  An aircraft engineer yanked her door open as soon as she had come to a stop. He muttered something under his breath when he was confronted with a woman, then said out loud, ‘Blimey, miss, this ain’t no weather to be flying in! Not even the birds are leaving the ground!’ He laughed at his own joke.

  She smiled politely, and then they both ran for the building. Just inside the door the man peered at the golden wings on her newly-issued uniform.

  ‘Ah, you’re one of them ATAs. We got another one stranded here as well.’

  After shaking the rain out of her hair, Ruth looked up to see Simon walking towards her. ‘Simon! You’re stuck here as well, then. This weather came up so suddenly …’

  ‘I’m afraid so. You handled that tricky landing well.’

  ‘Look who taught me.’ She was pleased to see him. ‘Where were you going before the weather closed in?’

  ‘Back to White Waltham. And you?’

  ‘Shawbury. Hope the weather clears enough so I can finish the journey tomorrow.’

  ‘Hmm, the forecast isn’t good. You’ll certainly be stuck here for the night.’

  She pulled a face. ‘I don’t suppose they have any facilities here for women?’

  Simon shook his head. ‘You’ll have to look for digs.’

  ‘’Scuse me, miss.’ The man who had met her plane approached them. ‘My mum will give you a bed for the night. I’ll take you in my truck, if you like.’

  ‘Oh, thank you very much.’ She was pleased she wouldn’t have to trail around in the rain trying to find somewhere to stay.

  ‘I’ll just go and get the—’ He stopped and tipped his head to one side, listening intently. ‘Blimey, there’s someone else up there, and that plane don’t sound none too healthy.’

  They all rushed to the window and scanned the sky.

  ‘Another trainer,’ Simon remarked, knowing the sound of just about every engine. ‘Do you know of anyone else coming this way today, Ruth?’

  ‘Several, I think. The manufacturers wanted to clear the planes as quickly as possible. It’s a busy day, but I don’t know who it might be.’ She clenched her fists. Someone was in trouble up there. It was only three o’clock, but very gloomy.

  ‘Get some lights out there,’ an officer shouted. ‘And the fire truck.’

  Ruth watched the men running to obey orders, knowing just how difficult it would be to make out the airfield in this weather. She had been lucky and beaten the worst of the storm. If it was a trainer, as Simon said, then it was more than likely to have a woman pilot, possibly one of their group from Hatfield. But who?

  ‘There it is!’ Simon pointed to a speck in the gloom, very low and obviously going to try a landing at the airfield.

  ‘Thank God!’ Ruth ran to the door with Simon right behind her. ‘Finding this place in such terrible weather is like looking for a needle in a haystack.’

  The station commander had a pair of binoculars to his eyes, watching the approach. ‘There’s smoke pouring out of the engine.’

  Ruth was sure her heart stopped beating for a moment. She knew just how dangerous the situation was, but all the women were excellent pilots and hand-picked for their skill, so if it was a woman in that stricken plane, then she’d have a damned good try at landing it.

  ‘Here she comes,’ Simon murmured. ‘The controls are giving trouble by the look of it.’

  They watched in silence as the plane hit the field, skidded along sideways and ended up on its side.

  The men were swarming all over it as soon as it came to a halt and were pulling the pilot out. Ruth recognised the blonde hair at once and sighed in relief. ‘It’s Gussie, and she appears to be all right. Don’t shake hands with her, Simon, she’s very strong.’

  The tall woman reached them and grinned at Ruth. ‘Wow, what a ride! The weather was bad enough, but the poor little darling decided it had had enough. Wouldn’t do anything I asked. Couldn’t gain enough height to bail out.’ Gussie studied the crumpled plane with concern. ‘I’m sorry I broke it, though. Where are we, by the way?’

  ‘You don’t know?’ Ruth noticed a group of men listening intently to their conversation.

  ‘Not a clue, Ruthie. I saw lights and headed for them.’

  ‘This is Cosford.’

  Gussie looked at Ruth in astonishment. ‘Good Lord! I was a bit off course – I was heading for Luton.’

  ‘Gussie!’ Ruth burst out laughing, feeling the tension leave her. ‘Stop teasing or the men will believe you. You knew exactly where you were.’

  The only answer was an amused chuckle as Gussie studied the man standing next to Ruth. ‘I don’t believe we’ve met.’

  Simon held out his hand and introduced himself. He didn’t even wince when Gussie shook his hand. ‘I’m pleased to see you’ve come out of the crash unscathed.’

  ‘In five years of flying that’s the only mishap I’ve had. Are you the Simon who taught Ruthie to fly?’

  Simon nodded and flexed his hand, giving a slow smile. ‘Ruth warned me you were strong.’

  ‘Sorry, I keep forgetting that I’ve got a grip like a vice. Good job I have, though, because I had to fight that plane all the way down. She just wanted to nosedive on me, but I told her I wasn’t having that.’

  A young man brought two mugs and held them out to Ruth and Gussie. ‘The commander said to give you both some hot, sweet tea.’

  ‘Oh, thanks, we’re gasping.’ Ruth drank gratefully and notice
d that Gussie’s hands were not quite as steady as usual, but the trembling was quickly brought under control. She was more shaken by the crash than she was allowing the others to see.

  The young man was still there, eyeing the golden wings on their uniforms. When Gussie smiled at him, he said quickly, ‘I want to fly, and I’ve asked to be trained. Have you all been flying for long?’

  Ruth then explained that Simon was an instructor and had taught her to fly, making the lad turn his attention to Simon. ‘Are you staying here tonight, sir?’

  ‘Yes, they’ve found me a bed.’

  ‘Could I come and talk to you later, when I’m off duty?’

  ‘Of course,’ Simon agreed.

  The young airman pumped his hand with pleasure. ‘Gosh, thanks, sir. I’ll see you in the Mess later.’ He took the empty mugs and began to walk away, then stopped and turned his head to look at Ruth and Gussie. ‘I think you’re both very brave. There’s Germans up there and they could shoot you down. They wouldn’t care that you were unarmed aircraft.’

  ‘We do try to keep out of their way, don’t we, Ruthie?’

  ‘Most certainly, but if they’re around they usually have Hurricanes and Spitfires on their tails.’

  After giving a brief nod, he went on his way, apparently impressed by their attitude.

  Ruth glanced around. ‘Simon, do you know the man’s name who was going to find me lodgings with his mother? I can’t see him anywhere and I’m wondering if she will take Gussie as well.’

  ‘He’s Sergeant Stan Walker.’

  ‘That’s me,’ a voice said from behind them. ‘I’ve brought the truck up to the door. Mother will be pleased as punch to put you both up for the night. She loves a bit of company.’

  Gussie nodded gratefully. ‘That’s very kind of her.’

  ‘No, trouble, miss. If you’d like to come with me she’ll settle you in and then cook you a bit of supper.’

  ‘Oh, we can’t take her rations.’ Ruth shook her head. ‘Is there a pub nearby?’

  ‘No need for that.’ Stan gave them a sly wink. ‘I’ve got a bit of extra food in the truck.’

  Gussie had rescued her bag from the stricken plane and she picked it up, eager to be on her way. ‘I need to get out of these clothes. They stink of burning oil.’

  ‘I’ll be leaving at first light if the weather’s all right.’ Simon helped Ruth with her bag and followed them out to the truck. ‘Get back here early and I’ll give you a lift to White Waltham, Gussie. You’ll probably be able to cadge another lift from there, or pick up a ferry job.’

  ‘Thanks, that would be great. I’ll be here at dawn.’

  ‘Me too.’ Ruth smiled. ‘Night, Simon.’

  He nodded. ‘Sleep well.’

  ‘I will.’

  As Simon watched the truck drive away, the station commander came and stood beside him.

  ‘I’m surprised those two girls weren’t killed. What the hell are we doing allowing them to fly all over the country like this? The ATA are flying without radios or arms. It’s dangerous enough for the men, but we shouldn’t be asking the women to take the same risks.’

  Simon glanced at the officer, irritated by his attitude. ‘They have all fought to get into the ATA, and are well aware of the dangers. And they’re more experienced and probably better pilots than the young men you’re sending into battle with only a few flying hours to their credit. It took real skill and nerve for both of them to find this airfield and get down.’

  ‘I’m not disputing that, but couldn’t the ATA recruit more men?’

  Simon spoke firmly. ‘We are trying, but there’s a limited amount of men with private licences. Most of the airline pilots have had to leave, and the RAF have withdrawn most of their pilots from ferrying duties. The manufacturers want the planes cleared as soon as possible in case of attack; planes have to go to and from the maintenance units and the RAF have to be supplied with planes. These women are excellent pilots and we need them.’

  ‘I suppose you’re right.’ The man gave Simon an apologetic smile. ‘Sorry, I was brought up to believe that a woman’s place is in the home, but the war has changed everything, hasn’t it?’

  ‘Yes, it has, and we have to accept that. We need all the help we can get.’

  ‘Again, you’re right.’ The officer glanced at his watch. ‘You’ll join me for dinner, Simon?’

  ‘Thank you.’

  During the night the storm blew itself out and, eager to be on his way, Simon was pleased to see Ruth and Gussie arrive at first light.

  ‘What were your digs like?’ he asked.

  ‘Lovely. Mrs Walker made a real fuss of us,’ Ruth told him. ‘Mind you, I’ve had so much to eat my poor plane might have difficulty leaving the ground!’

  The girls were in high spirits, laughing and joking together. It was obvious to Simon that they had put yesterday’s troubles behind them. That was the past, and this was a new day. He was proud of them. The ATA had chosen their pilots not only for their skill, but also for their temperament.

  Ruth checked over her plane with meticulous care, as always, and was quickly on her way. Simon watched until she was out of sight and then headed back to White Waltham with Gussie as a lively passenger.

  Chapter Five

  North Dakota. August, 1940

  ‘Lucy, will you wing walk for me at tomorrow’s circus?’

  Lucy Nelson watched her brother stride into the room. ‘Why? And where have you been for the last three days? We’ve got a show tomorrow and you disappear without telling any of us!’

  ‘I’ve been to New York.’ He shrugged out of his jacket and tossed it on a chair.

  What was he up to? Lucy knew her brother well and could sense a change in him. There was an air of quiet determination about him – and yes, he was hiding something. But getting information out of Jack Nelson was just about impossible. He would only tell you things when it was all settled. He could be infuriating at times. When he stood in front of her he was a good head and shoulders taller than her five feet five. Then the usual gleam of mirth came into his eyes.

  ‘Well, will you do it?’

  She shook her head. ‘I’ve got a better idea, Jack. You go on the wing and I’ll fly the plane.’

  ‘Can’t do that. The crowd like to see a pretty girl on the wing.’

  ‘Flattery won’t work with me, big brother. Where’s Sue, anyway?’

  ‘She’s having a baby and can’t do it any more.’ Jack gave his most beguiling smile. ‘Come on, do this for me. It’ll be the only time because this is my last show.’

  Lucy was surprised by this news. Her brother was an ace pilot and lived to fly. ‘You’re giving up barnstorming?’

  ‘Yep.’ He sat down and stretched out his long legs.

  Once again, Lucy wondered why she hadn’t been born with his elegance. Oh, she was pretty enough with her corn-coloured hair and hazel eyes, but there was something extra special about her brother. While Lucy was mulling this over, their mother came in from the yard carrying a load of clothes that had been drying in the stiff breeze.

  ‘I never thought I’d hear you say you weren’t going to fly again.’

  ‘Hi, Ma.’ Jack stood up and relieved his mother of her burden. ‘Where’d you want these?’

  ‘Just leave them on the table.’ Bet studied her son with curiosity. ‘So, where have you been, and why are you going on about not flying?’

  ‘I’ll still be flying, but not here. I’ve been to New York to see a man who’s recruiting men to fly in the ATA. Next week I’m off to Montreal to take a flying test and conversion course, and then I’m going to England.’

  There was a stunned silence as Bet and Lucy tried to absorb that news.

  ‘You’re doing what?’ Lucy gasped, when her mind started to function again.

  ‘I’m going to England.’

  ‘Whoa! Hold on a minute!’ Bet sat on the nearest chair as if her legs would no longer hold her. ‘You can’t go over there! They’re at war
and the Germans are going to invade any minute now.’

  ‘If they do, then I promise I’ll take the nearest plane and fly right back here.’ Jack’s expression became grim. ‘They’re fighting for their lives, Ma, and need all the help they can get.’

  ‘I know that.’ Bet had recovered somewhat from the shock. ‘But they don’t stand a chance – everyone says so.’

  ‘I believe everyone’s underestimating them. They won’t be so easy to defeat.’

  ‘I hope you’re right.’ Bet gave her son a pleading look. ‘But it isn’t our war, son.’

  ‘I know that’s what some feel, and I understand it seems to be a long way from us, but what do you think will happen if the Nazis gain control of all of Europe? Britain is the only country standing in Hitler’s way. He’s got to be stopped and I’m going to help.’

  From the determined look on her brother’s face, Lucy knew that his mind was made up and nothing on this earth would make him change it. That he was going off to another country frightened her, but she was also intrigued. Jack must have been planning this for a while, but had said nothing about it. She wanted to know more.

  ‘Did you say you are joining their air f—?’

  Bet interrupted her daughter. ‘Please don’t do that, Jack. And what’s this ATA? I’ve never heard of it.’

  He reached out and patted his mother’s arm. ‘Don’t look so worried, Ma. ATA is short for the Air Transport Auxiliary.’

  ‘But America is neutral: you can’t go and fight for the Allies!’

  ‘The ATA is a civilian organisation of pilots with private licenses, not military, so it’s OK.’

  Now Lucy was more than interested. ‘What do they do?’

  ‘They collect new planes from the manufacturers and deliver them to wherever they’re needed.’

  Bet gave an audible sigh of relief. ‘So you won’t be in their military?’

  ‘No, I won’t, Ma. None of the planes are armed. It’s purely a delivery service, but a vital job if the RAF are to be kept supplied with aircraft.’

  Lucy went and sat beside her brother. ‘Are they only taking men?’