Dear Ruth,
I apologise for not replying sooner but when you read this letter and see what’s been going on, I’m sure you’ll understand and forgive me.
I’ve been forced to share my billet with a nasty bit of work, a bullying sergeant who has been making my life as difficult as he could.
I survived – obviously – and the horrible little man has now been posted elsewhere, much to everybody’s relief.
I’m about to leave for my course and will get a few days’ leave when I’ve finished and before I get my next posting, which is probably going to be back where I am now. My reckoning is that you’ll have finished your training and will also be a gunner by then.
I’m pretty sure you should get at least a forty-eight-hour pass so can we coordinate and meet up in London? It doesn’t have to be London, I’ll come wherever you are. My family live near St Albans and I’d love to take you to meet them but I suppose it could be too early for that.
If I’ve got my calculations correct you ought to be on leave around the 15th and I’ll have finished and be promoted – God willing – on the 16th.
I promise I’ll not leave it so long to reply next time. I hope you don’t mind me sending you the photograph. If you’ve got a snap of yourself, I’d love to have it.
I’ve thought about you every day. I should have asked immediately if your shoulder’s better, if you’re enjoying your course, but you can tell me in your next letter.
Take care,
fondest wishes
He’d scrawled his name underneath and she couldn’t stop smiling as she read it a second time. She’d never had a serious boyfriend. In fact, she wasn’t really sure that Sam qualified as one as they’d not even been out on a date. Her thoughts at night were filled with images of him and she knew she found him very attractive but didn’t know him well enough to say he was her actual boyfriend.
She lifted the paper and sniffed it, not sure why she’d done it, and Jill laughed. ‘I know, I always do that hoping I’ll be able to smell Arthur somehow on the paper but I never can.’
‘I’ve never had a letter from someone I’m going out with – I’ve had a few boyfriends but no one I wanted to write to.’ Ruth carefully folded the paper and pushed them back into the envelope. ‘He’s leaving today to do his promotion course and when I see him again, he’ll be a sergeant. I’m going to be a bombardier so we’ll both have something to celebrate.’
She frowned. ‘Bother, I’ll be on my cadre when he wants us to meet. What a shame.’
‘That’s a pity but don’t tell him that in your letter, things might work out and you don’t want to upset him,’ Jill said.
Ruth agreed and continued with her letter without mentioning she probably wouldn’t be there. ‘Sam thinks that I’ll be free on the same day that I finish. He wants us to meet somewhere in London as he’s in Lincolnshire and we’re here. He did suggest I might want to meet his parents but it’s far too early for that.’
‘If it’s just a convenient place for you to spend time then I don’t think it matters. It doesn’t always mean that you’re about to get engaged or something like that.’
Ruth nodded and then told her friend about Grace. ‘It’s a shame I won’t be able to go but I expect the others will be there and I’ve yet to meet the three girls she became pals with at basic training and I’d really like to.’
‘Are you going to finish your reply as I’m halfway through my letter to Arthur and we could go and post them together?’
Ruth wrote a quick note to Grace, congratulating her and saying that unfortunately she wouldn’t be able to attend the ceremony in Romford. She had now completed her reply to Sam, omitting the fact that she couldn’t actually meet him, blotted the paper, addressed the envelope and was ready to take an early-evening stroll to the postal office.
* * *
The following day, she used the range finder and predictor for the first time and could sense that their sergeant and lieutenant were watching her closely. For some reason, this made her more confident, not nervous at all, and she completed both tasks perfectly.
As she’d done well, she wasn’t worried about being summoned after they’d finished for the day. There was going to be a dance at the barracks tonight, which meant both she and Jill had no excuse not to go. But first, she had to march to the lieutenant’s office to hopefully hear some good news.
After saluting smartly, she stood at ease. ‘Lance Bombardier Cox, I’m having you made up to Bombardier immediately. You don’t need to go on a cadre as you’ve already got more than enough experience. Well done – I’m looking forward to working with you on a live site very soon.’
Ruth saluted again, having not said a word and about turned and marched out. All gunners were known as bombardiers not privates. Once safe from view, she leaned against the nearest wall and forced her fingers to unclench. Even though she’d known she wasn’t being called for any disciplinary reason, she’d still been apprehensive. Officers were fine when you were working but quite terrifying sitting behind a desk.
It only took a few deep breaths for her to feel calm. As she was walking briskly back to the billet, it occurred to her that she should have gone to collect her second stripe, but she wasn’t exactly sure whether she should go to the stores or somewhere else.
She seemed to recall that if you went on the course then you had the stripe presented to you when you completed it successfully. What was she going to do? She saw the nervous corporal, the one who’d been so upset about them almost wandering into the men’s ablutions, who hadn’t been around much lately.
‘Excuse me, Corp, I’ve just been made up and was wondering where I should go to collect my stripe.’
‘Jolly good, I could see that was on the cards. Come with me and I’ll find them for you. You can sew it on before the dance and then everyone will know. It’s not often a girl gets made up without having to go on the cadre.’
Ruth returned immediately to her billet and got out her hussif – her housewife – which was an excellent small sewing kit that had been invaluable over the past few months, and attached the second stripe to her uniform jacket. She had two extra stripes for her number one uniform and her battledress jacket.
Feeling proud and excited, she marched into the canteen, half-hoping that everybody could see she was now a bombardier. They noticed, and she was universally congratulated.
Jill was on her feet and hugged her enthusiastically. ‘How absolutely super – you’re not the only one with a new stripe.’ She showed her single stripe, indicating she was now a lance bombardier.
‘Absolutely spiffing! Now we’ve really got something to celebrate. I wasn’t looking forward to this dance, but I am now. I wish I’d waited to post the letter so I could have told Sam that I could meet him and not just avoided the subject, but I’ll do it in the next letter.’
She joined the mixed group at the table, knowing things would be different. The privates – both male and female – would now have to take orders from her and she was half looking forward to being in that situation and half dreading it. Most of the men were now good friends but there were one or two she didn’t quite trust and was worried that they might make things difficult for her. But tonight, she was going to enjoy her promotion and leave the worries for another time.
* * *
Sam had left it far longer than he’d intended to answer Ruth’s letter but the bully he’d had to share his billet with had been making his life difficult. Vital pieces of his kit had vanished and he been forced to purchase new items from the stores. He’d been sent on unnecessary errands at mealtimes and missed more scoff than he’d eaten.
The wretched man hadn’t gone as far as to put him on a bogus charge but had done whatever he could to try and push Sam into retaliating. If he either physically or verbally attacked a sergeant, he’d be demoted and his chances of future promotion would vanish.
Eventually an eagle-eyed lieutenant had picked up on what was going on and Sam’s tormentor had been immediately transferred. Nothing was said openly, but a collective sigh of relief went around camp when this bully had gone.
His section was now settled and tomorrow he was leaving to attend the sergeants’ cadre. He’d be leaving this posting first thing and had to take his full kit with him as when you’d finished and got your extra stripes, you received a fresh posting. Although it was quite likely he’d return here. The wide skies of Lincolnshire were ideal for bombers to take off and land, but Sam found it too flat and too windy.
As a sergeant had been removed from their battery then it probably made sense for Sam to replace him. If this proved to be the case then it was a bloody nuisance having to take his kit when he could just have left it where it was, but that was the army for you.
He’d managed to buy a pad of Basildon Bond writing paper and half a dozen matching envelopes at the NAAFI. He had a fountain pen that his mother had given him when he’d enlisted and he’d already filled the reservoir so was ready to write.
Pleased with his effort, he dashed off to the postal department and dropped his letter into the bag. With any luck, Ruth would get it within twenty-four hours as the BFPO – British Forces Postal Office – was often quicker than the national service. Mail for service personnel was prioritised over that of civilians.
With his kitbag packed, all he had to do in the morning was put in his wash bag and shaving kit. He didn’t fancy an evening in the bar, he wanted a clear head when he left, but he liked the majority of the blokes in his section and he’d be sorry not to see them again.
The Lancasters were magnificent; four-engined beasts taking off one after the other into the night to bomb the poor sods over the Channel. He didn’t envy the aircrew, though, as the loss of life in Bomber Command was heinous.
He’d enjoyed his late-evening stroll and was somewhat surprised to be called over by his officer on his return.
‘Right, don’t bother to take your full kit as I’ve managed to wangle you a permanent posting here. I need a competent and intelligent sergeant and you’re just the man for the job.’
Sam had jumped to attention and saluted after being hailed and now smiled. ‘Thank you, sir, I appreciate your faith in me. And I’m even more grateful that you’ve told me before I leave so I don’t have to lug everything there and back.’ Then something less positive about this news occurred to him.
‘Do I still get my leave even though I’m returning here? I’m hoping to meet my girlfriend in London as she’ll have also completed her training.’
‘Don’t worry, you get a four-day pass – I can’t spare you for any longer than that. You never know, your young lady might end up working in this neck of the woods. I’ve heard that there’s going to be a few mixed batteries on several of the bases in Lincolnshire.’
‘Now that would be just the ticket.’ He nodded, didn’t salute a second time as that seemed unnecessary, and was about to hurry back to his billet when Lieutenant Culley called him back.
‘You’ll remain in the same billet, obviously, and at the moment you won’t have anyone sharing with you. Make the most of it – not many sergeants are so lucky.’
‘Yes, sir, thank you again.’
* * *
The course was interesting and informative – he passed every section top of the class and was inordinately proud to be handed the neat parcel containing his third stripes. He’d arranged to meet Ruth at King’s Cross tomorrow and couldn’t wait. She was now Bombardier Cox and he was Sergeant Johnson. Life couldn’t be better for both of them.
He shook hands with the other newly promoted sergeants and then collected his overnight bag – everybody apart from him was being posted somewhere new.
There was transport laid on for them and he scrambled into the rear of the ancient, camouflaged lorry, glad the distance to the station was short. From the racket the engine was making, he doubted it would even make the return journey without breaking down.
He’d taken longer to shave than usual, had on a clean collar and was looking smart, if he did say so himself. His boots were shiny, his buttons gleamed and he was proud of his three stripes and the white Royal Artillery lanyard that he wore proudly on his right shoulder. Ruth would now be entitled to wear one, but she’d have to purchase it as it wouldn’t be included with her uniform.
This time he didn’t take the service bus but travelled on the underground. This was quicker and he didn’t want to be late. They’d agreed to meet under the station clock but as neither of them had been entirely sure when they’d arrive, he was worried she might be standing alone and be bothered by other servicemen. He’d flatten any man who upset his girl.
He shouldered his way through the press of people, took the stairs at the double and emerged into the noisy, smoke-filled station and headed for the clock. He wasn’t late – he was first so could relax and keep an eye out for her.
* * *
Ruth had travelled up to London with Jill, who was staying in a B & B somewhere near the War Office. Their section was being posted to a bomber base in Lincolnshire – she couldn’t be happier as at least there was some chance of seeing Sam if they both got time off together once she was at her permanent posting. As soon they’d disembarked, they rushed to the left luggage office and deposited their bags. No point in carrying them about the place when they had everything they needed in their haversacks.
‘We’ll meet here in two days. Good luck with Arthur, I hope you get to spend some quality time with him,’ Ruth said as she hugged her friend.
‘Thank you, it’s not nearly long enough but there’s a war on so we mustn’t grumble.’ Jill stopped and pointed. ‘Is that your young man striding towards us? My word, you never said he looks like a film star.’
‘It is. Don’t rush off, I want you to meet him.’
‘I need to spend a penny. I’ll be back in a tick.’
Ruth’s eyes were wide. Until Jill had spoken, she’d not really thought much about just how handsome Sam was. He was certainly getting a lot of appreciative glances from the women he strode past. Then she forgot all about his looks and ran into his arms.
A highly satisfactory and quite wonderful few minutes later, she was breathless, her cheeks pink and her lips tingling. She rested her head against his shoulder for a few seconds to recover.
‘You look absolutely stunning, Ruth, those stripes suit you. I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you.’
‘Not nearly as happy as I am to be here. My friend said you could be a film star – I hadn’t realised how good-looking you are until she mentioned it.’
‘Thank you for the compliment. Now I’ve finally got a girlfriend who lives up to those high standards.’ He looked around for her kitbag. ‘Even better, have you already dumped it?’
‘I have – what about you?’
‘I’m going back to Lincolnshire…’
‘That’s where I’m going, so we’ll be able to meet up occasionally. We’re going to be at Binbrook. Is that near you? You’ve never actually told me the name of your base.’
He was staring at her and shaking his head. ‘I’m based at Skellingthorpe. It’s no more than thirty miles from Binbrook. I don’t believe this. It couldn’t be better. We can meet in Lincoln, which is only three miles from me.’
‘That’s incredible. What a good start to our leave. Have you booked anywhere or are we going to wander around looking for a guest house or B & B?’ Ruth looked at him seriously. ‘We’re not sharing a room or a bed, in case you thought we were.’
‘Of course we’re not. Your friend who dashed off without waiting to be introduced could perhaps have advised us.’
‘She’s coming back, in fact I can see her,’ Ruth said and turned to face Jill with Sam’s arm still around her waist. After introducing them, Jill was able to give them exactly the information they wanted.
‘We stay at a lovely inexpensive guest house just off the Strand, it’s perfect for cinemas, theatres and restaurants. I’ve got their telephone number and there’s a kiosk over there. Would you like me to see if they’ve any rooms?’
‘Oh, please do that, I hate not knowing where I’m going to be sleeping,’ Ruth said.
They followed Jill and waited outside the telephone box whilst she was connected by the operator. She pushed button A and was immediately in conversation with someone. She put the receiver down and pushed open the door.
‘There are no spare rooms, but Mrs Fredericks suggested that Ruth and I share and Arthur and Sam do. Both rooms have twin beds. Will that be suitable for you?’
‘Fine for us, Ruth, but what about your Arthur? He won’t be used to sharing.’
Jill laughed. ‘Heavens, he’s in rotten digs, sleeps in an attic room with three others from the same department. Sharing with just one will be luxury for him. Also, it will be so much cheaper to split the cost.’
She vanished back into the telephone box and completed the call and then came out smiling.
‘Arthur’s a junior member of his department and I can assure you that they’re not well paid.’ She looked a little uncomfortable. ‘He does have a private income but that doesn’t go far. He earns more than we do but then I think just about anybody in full employment does. It’s always a struggle for us to meet the cost of two rooms even at this modest guest house.’
‘It certainly will make things easier for me,’ Sam said happily. ‘Are we catching a bus down Gray’s Inn Road or going on the underground?’
‘I’d prefer to walk and it’ll probably be quicker,’ Jill answered. ‘It’s not much more than a mile. The guesthouse is in Adam Street and has pretty gardens at the back, perfect for afternoon tea. You can also exit through them onto the Embankment.’
‘That sounds perfect. As we don’t have heavy bags to carry, I’m happy to walk. When are we meeting up with Arthur?’
‘He’s free from four o’clock and will meet us at the guest house – not that he knows it’s an “us”, but he’ll be pleased, I can assure you.’
* * *
It seemed rude to walk hand in hand with Sam when Jill was on her own, but Ruth didn’t want to miss a minute of being close to him. As they walked, she stole surreptitious glances at him, hardly able to take in that somehow, after just one meeting, they seemed to be in a serious relationship.
He turned his head and caught her looking and his eyes flashed. Before she could protest, he’d gathered her close and kissed her with a passion that made her toes curl. For a few blissful minutes, she forgot there was a war on, that they were blocking the pavement with unseemly behaviour, and just revelled in the sensation.
He was the one to break the embrace and she regained her composure and looked for her friend. Jill was unaware that they’d stopped and was happily chatting to a complete stranger walking behind her.
‘Oh dear, we’d better catch up with her. She’s going to be so embarrassed,’ Ruth said and they dodged through the pedestrians and slipped in behind Jill.
Her friend stopped and put her hands on her hips as if annoyed. ‘About time – I think I’ve told two sailors intimate details about my relationship with my fiancé. I hope you’re ashamed of yourselves.’
There was no need to apologise – they laughed and continued their stroll down Gray’s Inn Road, across Holborn and then along Chancery Lane to the Strand. They walked for half a mile towards Trafalgar Square before turning into the road they needed.
The guest house was in a row of Georgian terraced three-storey houses, nothing to indicate it was anything other than an expensive residence. Jill saw Ruth’s expression.
‘I know, it’s word of mouth only. Mrs Fredericks isn’t really supposed to have a business here but as it’s so discreet no one has complained. We were told about it by someone at the War Office.’
‘Then it’s not as expensive as it looks, that’s a relief.’