The next morning, when I went down to breakfast, I received scowls from half of my fellows. Surprisingly three came to sit next to me. Alfred, the friend of the son of the General, had a blackened and swollen nose. He looked positively apoplectic with rage. I sighed. I could do nothing about it.
The young man next to me held out his hand, "My name is Roger Pearson. I saw it all last night. It was terribly brave of you to take four of them on don't you know."
"Oh it wasn't that brave. They were drunk and like all bullies they thought they could frighten me."
"They terrify me! I was badly bullied at Harrow. I came up here because I thought there wouldn't be bullies." I looked at one of the quiet lads who had sat next to me on the first night. I felt guilty now. He had been quiet and reserved because he was terrified. He shook his head as he held out his hand, "Phillip Cowley."
I shook his hand, "Pleased to meet you."
We were all on parade on time. I noticed wry grins on the faces of the sergeants and Captain Carrick.
Sergeant Greely stood with legs apart and his swagger stick held behind his back. He rolled up and down on the balls of his feet as he spoke. "You will be pleased to know that today, we will not be marching, running nor shooting." There were audible sighs of relief. "Today we are going to teach you how to fight without a gun; unarmed combat." He openly grinned at Alfred. "I think some of you, from what I hear, may well need it."
Inside I groaned. I did not need this.
We were taken to the University rugby field where the sergeants showed us moves designed to defeat an enemy by using his own strength and weight against him. I had been taught some of the moves many years earlier by Warrant Officer Ted Taylor who had been an expert himself. Once again I was praised for my success. I did not want notoriety I wanted anonymity. Things went from bad to worse. I was not threatened again; I think they all knew they would come worse off but their snide comments and mockery wore me down.
It came to a head when we were issued a Webley revolver and taken to the ranges. I deliberately missed with my first six shots. Sergeant Greely's face became crimson and he hauled me by the ear from the firing line. Out of the hearing of the others he said, "What is your game young man? Why did you deliberately miss?" My eyes involuntarily flickered to my tormentors. The sergeant smiled and put his arm around my shoulders, "I thought as much. Listen son we all heard what happened when they tried to rough you up and you did the right thing. There are toss pots like that in every walk of life. You behaved as I would expect a gentleman to behave. They did not. Now get back there and show me what you can do. Losing is a bad habit to get into. I prefer it when you are winning because that is what you are, Mr Harsker, a winner."
"Right Sarge, sorry."
I reloaded and this time hit five bulls and one which clipped the edge of the bull. The sergeants all clapped and Sergeant Greely said, "Now that is how you shoot."
That proved a turning point and the bullies, with an increasing number of allies, began to pick on those who had befriended me. One by one they stopped sitting with me. The last two to leave were Phillip and Roger. It took a bloody nose for Phillip to switch allegiances and I did not blame either of them. In fact I felt happier when they were away from me for that way they were safe. I made sure that my letters home did not give a hint of my troubles. Both my parents had enough to worry about without me adding to them. I would deal with it.
As July drew to a close I found myself alone in the small park just down the road from the University. I have always had this ability to think things through. As I watched the urchins and street children playing games together I worked out what I ought to do. If I stayed at University I would be alone. Robert Hughes-Graham had too much influence. I did not mind being alone but what was the point of being at University if I could not socialise. In addition I would be with them all for the officer training for the next three years. I would be with them for twenty four hours a day and that idea did not appeal to me.
It was the officer training element which decided me. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the training we had been given. I felt alive and I knew that I enjoyed the military life. However I preferred the company of the sergeants to my peers. I did not want to be an officer. That decided my future became easy. I would join up.
I was no coward and I steeled myself, the next morning, to face Captain Carrick. As soon as we were dismissed from the parade and before we were marched off to our rifle practice I said, "Permission to speak with the Captain privately, sir."
I knew what they all thought. They believed that I had been broken and that I would be telling tales about the bullying. I say in the faces of my tormentors. Nothing could be further from the truth. I could handle being sent to Coventry. I could face the bullies. I could endure the isolation. I was making my decision because it was something I wanted to do. The only thing their action had done was focus my mind and for that I ought to have been grateful to them.
"Permission granted."
Every eye was on the two of us as I followed Captain Carrick to his office. I stood to attention and he waved me to a seat. "What's this about then, Tom?"
"I'd like to leave, sir."
His mouth opened and closed like a fish. I smiled as he reached for his pipe. He had learned that from my dad. He used the pipe to give himself thinking time, "Is this about the bullying if it…"
"No sir, it isn't. I can handle that."
"But you are doing so well. The sergeants can't sing your praises highly enough. They are excited to be training such an accomplished officer. Your parents won't be happy if they think you are giving up."
I felt myself colouring, "With respect, sir, I find that remark offensive. I am not giving up!"
"That is what it looks like from this side of the chair."
"No sir, you are wrong. Look may I speak candidly?"
"Of course."
"There is a war coming and we both know it. I want to be part of it and not stuck in a university. You went to war when you were my age didn't you?"
He smiled, "I was younger actually. I did my degrees after the war."
"Exactly, sir, and that is what I want to do. Could you have a word with the Chancellor and see if my place can be kept open for me until after the war?"
"I am not…"
"I know you could do it, sir. I have come to realise that you are held in high regard here."
"Well I suppose I could but what would you do then? Go to Officer Training School?"
"No sir, enlist."
"But you wouldn't be an officer."
"Nor was my father when he joined up. I am happy about that."
He tapped out his pipe which had gone out. "I suppose that would be an interesting idea. Which branch of the air force; fighters, bombers…?"
"Not the air force."
"What!" This time I had truly surprised him.
"I know what it would be like. Every officer I met would have heard of my dad and what he did in the war. They would all expect me to be the same and I'm not. People would make allowances for me and treat me differently. I am sorry, sir, but it has happened here. You couldn't help telling everyone what a hero my dad was and I agree with you he is my hero too. That is a huge cross to carry. I am not certain that I could."
I could see that I had stunned him. "Then what would you do?"
"I have enjoyed what I have done here already, sir, and I think I would join the army. I'd like to be ready when war is declared."
"But you have so many skills. They would be wasted as a squaddy!"
I laughed, "Dad joined the army as a cavalryman and the Royal Flying Corps because he could mend cars. He became a pilot. I don't know what I will be good at yet. It might be nothing but I am an optimist and I believe that there is something out there that needs me to do it. It isn't sitting in Manchester University for three years while good men die."
He fiddled with his pipe and then he grinned and stood up. He held out his hand, "I'll tell you this, you are your father's son! I'll do what I can."
"Thank you, sir. Do you mind if I change into civvies? I'd like to go into Manchester and get things started."
"Yes, of course." He shook his head, "When you make up your mind there is no stopping you is there?"
"No sir, it is a family trait."
I got changed and went into Manchester. There were offices to recruit into all the services but, annoyingly, the one for the Army was closed until the afternoon. I visited the others just to get a feel for the questions I might be asked; reconnaissance again. I was flattered that they all wanted me to sign up there and then. The other volunteers, who were in the offices, looked a little unhealthy and perhaps I was seen as a healthy specimen. I felt better about my decision.
I walked the streets until it was time for the office to open. I waited outside. I was keen and I didn't mind if they knew it. A sergeant and a private strode up two minutes before the opening time and unlocked the door. They waved me in. The questions I was asked were almost the same as in the other offices and I answered them well. I had had practice. However, when I said I wanted to sign up they asked me an extra one I hadn't been asked earlier.
"Right then, Thomas, do you have your parents' permission to join up?"
"Pardon?"
He tapped the form and pointed to my birth date. "You aren't twenty one."
"I thought that was just to vote. Besides they said I could do what I wanted." I heard the door open behind me and the sergeant glanced up. I assumed it was another recruit and he would soon hurry me out. I would have to go home and get permission and I was certain they would not give it, either of them.
"I am sorry, son. I would love to sign you up but I wouldn't want your parents to come down on me like a ton of bricks."
The voice behind said, "Jack, that would be a mistake. This young lad is just what the 1st Loyal Lancashire regiment needs."
I turned around and saw Sergeant Greely standing there. "But he isn't twenty one, Harry!"
"And neither were we when we joined up. Let him sign the papers. I'll put my name on it if you like."
The sergeant shook his head, "You are joking. I am not letting you have the bonus. You are already on a nice little number at the OTC. Here you are son, sign here!" I signed. "All you need to decide now is three years or twenty five years."
"What?"
"How many years do you want to enlist for?"
"Three years."
"You get more money if you sign for twenty five."
"Three years is fine or the duration of the war."
"What war?"
"Trust me Sergeant, there is a war coming."
Sergeant Greely waited while I signed everything. As we walked back towards the university he asked, "Are you sure about this, Mr Harsker? I mean you could be an officer. You have more military sense than the rest of that shower put together."
"I know what I am doing Sarge and thanks for your help back there."
"It was Captain Carrick as sent me; he thought you might have a problem." He smiled, "Well tonight is your last night as a civilian. Come on, let's go in the Red Lion and we'll have a pint. Tomorrow I will be shouting at you and chasing you from haircut to breakfast time!" The Red Lion was just off St Peter's Square and was a quiet little pub.
"But I thought you were based at the university."
"I have to go back to the regiment. Things are hotting up. It seems you have joined at the right time, old son."
I spent some time talking with Sergeant Greely. It seems he had joined up in 1917 and stayed on after the war. The other sergeants were all due to be retired within the next year but the sergeant was in for another three years. I found out as much as I could about the 1st Loyal Lancashire Regiment as I could. I knew that I was taking a huge step. We only had two pints and then we marched down to the University.
"With talents like yours you will soon be made up to non-com."
"But what if I just want to stay a private?"
"I know you don't want your dad bringing up but he is a good example. He was promoted because he could lead when others couldn't. You are a leader. You know how to make hard decisions and you are not afraid to upset people. If there is a war then the last thing you need is someone dithering when a decision has to be made. Anyway that is some time off. I'll see Captain Carrick. I daresay he will want to see you off tomorrow."
"Won't he be at dinner tonight?"
"No, he has to go to the Chancellor's dinner. He will see you in the morning. Last night for the monkey suit eh?" I nodded. "I should just take one suit of clothes with you. The other recruits will have just what they are wearing and from now on it will be khaki for you." He tapped his nose.
"But won't they have a change of trousers and the like."
He shook his head, "The lads who join will have one pair of shoes, one jacket and a couple of shirts at best. You'll see." He smiled. "The first proper boots I ever had were the ones the army gave me. I wore clogs until then." It was sage advice.
The cadets were still out. I went to the porter's lodge and explained that I would be leaving the next day. The old porter just gave me a sad smile and nodded, "A shame, young sir still you are doing your duty and that is always for the best."
I wondered, as I went to my room, how he knew. Then I realised that with so few students in the dormitories there would be no such thing as a secret.
I began to pack. Mum had chosen some really fine clothes for me to wear. She had not wanted me to look in any way down at heel. Now I would have to send my case home. I looked at the leather bound shaving kit. That would have to go. From now on it would be army issue. I put the razor to one side and the brush. The rest could go back but I would retain those. They were both small and would be a reminder of my Mum's thoughtfulness. I packed a small bag with my essentials.
The word must have spread for I did not receive the normal cold shoulder the following morning at breakfast. Only Hughes-Graham and his inner circle seemed to take any pleasure in my departure. Phillip sat next to me, "I am sorry those beasts won, Tom. I should have stood by you."
"No, Phillip and they didn't do this. I could have taken all that they had to offer. When the war comes I want to be there from the start."
"You are so keen to fight?"
I shook my head, "If I am honest I am scared stiff but I feel I ought to do as my dad did and do my duty."
He said quietly, "My father was gassed. He spends most days staring at the walls. My mother cries a lot."
I had my case ready the next morning and I had deliberately chosen the clothes which would, I hoped, help me to blend in. I left my case in the porter's lodge and went over to Captain Carrick's office. His car was outside. As soon as I entered Sergeant Williams barked, "He's here sir." He smiled at me and said, "Good luck, Mr Harsker. I admire what you are doing." He held his hand out and shook my mine warmly.
"Ah Tom, come along, I'll pop you along to the barracks. Save you walking eh?"
We picked up my bag which was I then jammed in the jump seat of his MG. As we drove I shouted, above the noise of the engine, "Sir, is there any way you could look after my case until I get some leave?"
He shook his head, "You won't get leave for some time, but I will look after your case." He glanced at me. "I intend to drive down to your place this weekend. I can drop it off then eh? I daresay you haven't told them yet?"
"I have had no time," I said weakly.
"Write to them today and I will explain to them what happened. They need to know. I know your dad and, I think, I understand your mother. Both will see the reasons behind what you have done but not the fact that you were scared to tell them."
I took the letter from my jacket, "I wrote it last night, sir."
His face broke into a grin, "Then I apologise for misjudging you. If you give it to me I shall post it directly."
As I handed it to him I felt a great sense of relief. He was right, they deserved to know and they would understand.