A Flight of Golden Wings (14 page)

It was nearly midnight when Simon and Jack arrived back at White Waltham. Tricia’s parents had been so upset by the news of Rob’s death they hadn’t wanted to leave them alone. They still hadn’t recovered from the loss of their only child, and now the man who had comforted and supported them through that dreadful time was also dead. They were distraught.

Neither Jack nor Simon had wanted to go back to their lodgings – sleep would be impossible – so they’d headed for the Mess. There were still a few people on duty in the ops room preparing the list for tomorrow’s deliveries, but apart from that the place was quiet.

‘I don’t know about you, Simon, but I could do with a stiff drink.’

‘I’ve got a bottle of whisky in my locker. I’ll get it while you scrounge a couple of glasses.’

Jack soon found them and sat down, staring into space,
still not able to believe that Rob was gone. He closed his eyes, hurting so much it was like a physical pain. Rob had been liked and respected by everyone. What a waste.

‘Jack?’

The sound of his sister’s voice made his eyes snap open. ‘What are you doing here? You should be asleep.’

She sat opposite him and rested her arms on the table. ‘I guessed you’d come back here. I stayed with Ruth and Gussie for a while.’

‘How are they?’

Lucy shrugged, giving her brother a puzzled look. ‘I don’t understand. They clearly thought a lot of Rob, and were shocked by his death, but there were no tears, no sobbing, no anger at a life cut short.’ A large tear trickled down her face. ‘I didn’t know him very well, but I cried. They didn’t.’

‘Lucy,’ Jack reached over and took hold of her hand, ‘you must remember what the British people have to cope with. Their young men are dying on land, at sea and in the air. Young and old are being killed in air raids. This is the reality of their lives, and they are dealing with it in their own way. They grieve quietly, and I’m positive that many tears are shed in private. They keep their feelings to themselves, but they hurt just like everyone else.’

She drew in a deep breath. ‘You have to be here before you can grasp the enormity of the struggle against the Nazis, don’t you?’

‘And until now it’s been a struggle they’ve had to face on their own.’ Jack released his sister’s hand and sat back. ‘Get some sleep, Lucy.’

‘You do the same.’ She stood up and wrapped her arms
around him, giving him a fierce hug. ‘You’re a different man now, do you know that?’

‘Am I?’

‘Yeah, you’re quite something, big brother. No wonder Ruth’s crazy about you.’

When he just raised his eyebrows, she lifted her hands in surrender. ‘I’m not prying into your love life, but the pair of you are no good at hiding how you feel about each other.’

Jack sat back and folded his arms. ‘You’re imagining things. We’re friends, that’s all.’

‘That’s a shame.’ Sadness flashed across Lucy’s face. ‘Gussie told me that Rob had been in love with the girl who got killed. Perhaps they’re together now.’

‘Who knows.’

‘It’s a nice thought though, isn’t it?’

‘Yeah, now get some rest. You’ve a busy day ahead of you tomorrow.’

‘OK.’ She gave her brother an affectionate tap on the shoulder. ‘I’m glad I came over here. I missed you.’

Lucy had just left when Simon appeared with a bottle of whisky. ‘Sorry I took a while. I was talking to Jane. Was that your sister I caught a glimpse of?’

Jack nodded, took the bottle from Simon, poured two generous measures, then screwed the top back on. ‘One will do. We’re both flying in the morning.’

‘I’m going to ask you to take on some of Rob’s pupils, Jack.’

‘Sure. God, but we’re going to miss him.’

‘We certainly are.’ Simon emptied his glass in one go. ‘It’s a bloody tragedy. But he isn’t the first ATA pilot we’ve lost, and he won’t be the last.’

‘True, and something we have to face.’ Jack took a mouthful of whisky and grimaced. ‘Lucy was puzzled because the girls didn’t wail and cry over the loss of Rob.’

‘If we did that every time someone was killed in this country, we’d be forever weeping into our beer.’ Simon’s mouth was set in a determined line. ‘But it hurts, Jack. Believe me, it hurts.’

‘That’s what I told Lucy.’

Early next morning, Lucy and the other American girls were ready and waiting to be taken to the No. 6 ferry pool at Ratcliffe, near Leicester. They were now all eager to get on with the job.

‘Do you know who’s taking us?’ Pat asked Lucy.

‘No, it would probably have been Rob …’ Her words tailed off.

‘He seemed like a great guy.’ Pat glanced around. The airfield was buzzing with activity. Pilots were leaving to pick up their first ferry of the day, and various planes were taking off and landing. ‘But everyone’s just getting on with the job. I sure admire that. It’s something we’ve all got to learn to do if we’re going to win this war.’

‘We’ll win.’ Lucy was adamant. ‘It’s going to be a long, hard struggle, but at least we’ll be doing something to help. Who would have thought women would get the chance to fly operational aircraft during a war!’

‘Yeah, this organisation is quite something.’ Pat nodded with satisfaction. ‘I think I’m going to like it here.’

‘Me too.’ Lucy watched Simon walk towards them and felt a warm glow of pleasure. He was one lovely man.
She just adored his quiet sense of humour and air of calm efficiency. He was someone she felt you could lean on in difficult times.

‘Ready, ladies? Number 6 ferry pool is awaiting your arrival with anticipation.’

That caused a laugh as they followed him out to the Anson.

On arrival they were taken to a large house and allotted rooms. This was to be their home while they were at Ratcliffe.

Once they’d stowed their luggage, they made their way back to the airfield to meet some of the other pilots. They were a mixed bunch of different nationalities, but there were still a few Americans, and they were the first to welcome the girls.

There was a Spitfire on the airfield, and Lucy couldn’t resist having a look at it. She’d seen quite a few of them, of course, while they had been taking the tests, but it was a fascinating plane. She ran her hands over it, loving its feel and smell.

‘Go and sit in the cockpit.’

Lucy spun around, startled. There was an RAF officer watching her. A group captain, she noted. ‘Can I?’

He inclined his head. ‘That’s what you want to do, isn’t it?’

‘Very much.’ She held out her hand. ‘I’m Lucy Nelson.’

‘Dave Sullivan.’

When he held out his hand and grasped hers, she saw him flinch. She looked down and noticed angry scars on his hand. She released her grip quickly. ‘What happened?’ she asked, always open and direct.

‘I got shot up, and the hand is still sore.’

‘I’m sorry. Has that put a stop to your flying?’

‘I was grounded for a while, but I’m operational again.’ He tipped his head to one side, looking thoughtful. ‘Nelson, and by your accent I’d say you’re American. Are you any relation to Jack?’

‘He’s my brother.’ There was pride in her voice.

‘Ah, then you are more than welcome.’ He indicated towards the plane. ‘Go on, sit in her.’

‘Thanks.’ Lucy didn’t need a second invitation and clambered up, then eased herself into the cockpit. With her
Handling Notes
open at the Spitfire, she began to check the controls, running through the procedure for take-off in her head.

Dave jumped up and began to explain the flying capabilities of the Spitfire to her, and she couldn’t help picking up his enthusiasm.

‘Are you cleared for flying the fighters?’

She nodded, not taking her eyes off the instruments. ‘All single engines. We start work tomorrow, but it might be a while before they let us loose on one of these.’ She looked up, excitement in her eyes. ‘Are they as good as I’ve heard?’

‘Probably better.’ Dave patted the plane affectionately. ‘One of these babies saved my life. I was injured and unable to bail out and, although riddled with bullets, she still got me down.’

Lucy gazed into the grey eyes of the young man who had seen and done incredible things – and she fell in love. It was as quick as that.

He held out his uninjured hand. ‘Come on, I’ll buy
you a cup of tea, and you can tell me all about yourself.’

When they walked into the Mess, Lucy didn’t miss the knowing smiles from the other American girls, but she didn’t take any notice. All she wanted to do was spend some time with Dave. They sat at an empty table.

‘I want your whole life story,’ he told her, when they were settled with tea in front of her. Like her brother, Lucy had taken to this national drink, really enjoying it.

‘How long have you got?’ she laughed.

He glanced at his watch. ‘Half an hour.’

‘I’d better start when I was about sixteen, then.’ She told him briefly about their home, her love of flying and the barnstorming she did with her brother, making him smile at some of the crazy antics of the flying circus.

The time whizzed by, and Dave was checking his watch again. ‘I’ve got to go, but you can tell me the rest next time we meet.’

They walked out together, Lucy reluctant to let him go so soon.

Outside, Dave studied her face intently. ‘I’m very pleased I landed here today to refuel. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Lucy.’

‘Yeah, same here.’ She watched him stride towards the Spitfire she had been sitting in a short time ago. In no time at all he was airborne and had disappeared from sight. She hoped she would see him again, but she hadn’t even asked him where he was stationed. Stupid idiot!

The rest of the day was taken up with learning all about the day-to-day working of the ferry pool. They were told
to be there by eight the next morning ready for their first deliveries. Even though she was keyed up, Lucy slept soundly.

Lucy’s first ferry was a Harvard from Cosford to Ternhill. She had been meticulous in planning the route and was bubbling with a sense of achievement when she landed safely without getting lost. From Ternhill she picked up another trainer – and that was how her day went.

She was delighted to see Jack at Ratcliffe when she arrived back in the taxi Anson. ‘Hi, Jack!’ She slipped her hand through his arm and gazed up at him.

‘Hmm, I don’t have to ask how you got on today. From the expression on your face, I’d say you’ve thoroughly enjoyed yourself.’

She gave a little hop as they walked along. ‘I never got lost once. Can you stay?’

He shook his head. ‘Sorry, this is only a brief visit.’

The Mess was noisy with chatter as everyone talked about the day’s flying. Jack and Lucy sat outside where it was quieter.

‘Tell me what you’ve been up to since you arrived here.’

Lucy launched into vivid descriptions of the house they were staying in, and how unappetising the food was. ‘What we used to eat at home in one day would last someone here a week.’

‘That’s an exaggeration, Lucy,’ he told her wryly. ‘Rationing is strict, but you’ll soon get used to it.’

‘Sure we will.’ She examined the minuscule amount of cheese in her sandwich. ‘If we don’t we’ll starve, and I’ve got no intention of doing that. What an organisation the ATA is, Jack.’

‘It’s quite something, isn’t it. So, what did you fly today?’

‘Two Harvards and a Magister. They’re easing us in gently, but we can’t wait to fly the fighters.’ She then went on to tell him about Dave Sullivan and how he’d let her sit in his Spitfire. When she’d finished her brother was studying her intently, a deep frown creasing his brow.

‘What’s that look for?’

‘You sound as if you liked him.’

‘I did. Anything wrong with that?’

‘Not if that’s all it is. I’ve met Dave and he’s a nice guy, but he’s from  No. 11 group at Biggin Hill.’

‘So?’ Lucy swallowed the last of her sandwich.

‘They’re always in the thick of things and lose pilots quite often.’ Jack didn’t know how to put it, but he baulked at saying that their pilots’ life expectancy was not good. He only wanted to warn his sister. He caught Lucy’s hand in his and turned her to face him. ‘Don’t get too fond of him.’

She’d always thought she knew her brother’s every mood, but as she looked at his serious expression, she knew this wasn’t the man she had grown up with. ‘Jack, we can’t hide from our feelings, even if there is a war on. Shouldn’t we make the most of every moment?’

He looked into space for a moment, and then began to talk softly. ‘I’ve known ATA pilots who’ve been killed. Tricia and Rob the most recent. I’ve delivered priority Lancasters and seen why they were needed so urgently. Early one morning I stood on an airfield and watched the bombers returning from a raid over Germany. The ground crew were anxiously counting them in as they landed, and scanning the sky for the next one. Then there was nothing.
The sky was empty and silent. I didn’t ask how many hadn’t returned, but it was the most heartrending thing I have ever experienced.’

‘And is this why you keep your distance from Ruth? You’re afraid that one of you might not make it through the war?’

‘It’s a possibility we have to face. I wouldn’t want to cause Ruth such pain. I think it’s best to wait until this mess is all over before making a firm commitment.’

‘You’re wrong, big brother.’ Lucy shook her brother’s arm. ‘So very wrong. We can’t put our lives on hold for the duration of the war. This is a time to savour the good moments, and deal with the bad.’

He shrugged. ‘You’re probably right, but that’s how I feel at the moment.’

‘Have you told Ruth any of this?’

‘She knows how I feel about her, but I’ve said we must wait.’

‘This war could go on for years. What makes you think Ruth won’t find someone else?’

‘It’s a chance I’ll have to take.’ He stood up. ‘I must get back now.’

Lucy also stood up and gave her brother a fierce hug. ‘I can’t be like you. I’ll take my happiness where and when I find it, and so should you. You’ve got this whole thing wrong, and you’re probably hurting Ruth more by your attitude than you realise. You mustn’t let fear of the future stop you from loving.’