Heartwarming and emotional story of one girl's courage in WW2 by Fenella Miller (best ereader for students .TXT) 📕

Perhaps now was the time to tell him her decision – but she kept the information to herself not wishing to spoil their parting with an argument.

‘I’ll miss you too.’ She swivelled on her seat and put her arms around his neck. His kiss was passionate and she responded willingly. Jack hammering on the window rudely interrupted them.

‘Enough canoodling you two, the train will be here in a minute.’

She jerked away, her face scarlet, but Greg stroked her cheek and kissed her gently a second time. ‘Ignore him, he’s only jealous. Take care of yourself, sweetheart. Be careful on the drive back.’

‘And you be careful cycling to the base,’ she called after him.

Neil had already wheeled his cycle onto the platform but Jack was waiting for Greg. He winked and saluted and then they were both gone.

Her eyes prickled and she blinked back the unwanted tears. Hanging about at home would be unbearable. She would have far too much time to think about all three of them risking their lives every time they flew.

It wasn’t too far to the recruitment office. She would leave the truck here and go and sign on right now. It might be only a couple of days after Christmas, but there was a war on and she was sure the office would be open.

Sure enough the dingy hall was ready and waiting to receive volunteers. She filled in the forms stating that she had a preference for becoming a radio or wireless operator. If she couldn’t fly herself then the next best thing would be to talk to those in the air.

A wireless operator would be paid 2/8d a day, 2d more than if she was to be a radio operator. Whichever trade she was selected for, her food, clothing, accommodation and medical treatment would be provided free. By signing up she was agreeing to remain with them for the duration of the war and had to be prepared to serve anywhere in the United Kingdom or overseas.

She had handed over her log book, but they didn’t seem particularly interested in her experience in the air. However, she walked out feeling proud to be doing her bit. Her papers would come through when the next draft was called, which could be anything from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. This would give her ample time to prepare her family for her imminent departure.

Twenty-five

The New Year came and went with little celebration on her part. She was now writing to both Jack and Greg and their replies were the highlight of the week. Mrs B now insisted that she called her Mabel but Ellie was uncomfortable with that. Although she was happy for her dad, she was beginning to feel she was in the way.

She had not told anyone she was joining the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. She kept the news to herself until a brown envelope arrived telling her to report to the WAAF depot the following week. The waiting was over and she would have to explain to her family and Greg that she would be leaving, possibly for years.

Greg was the first to be told. ‘You’ve done what? What in God’s name possessed you to do something so stupid? I thought we’d agreed you would stay where you are until we get married when this is over.’

‘I didn’t agree, you assumed. I’ll be far more use as a WAAF than I will be here. I know it means we won’t see each other, but…’

‘There’s a war on,’ he finished for her. ‘It’s incredibly selfish of you. Now I’ve got to worry about what’s happening to you as well as doing my job.’

‘I’m sorry about that, but it can’t be helped. I’d much rather be busy than waiting here for a phone call or telegram saying one of you has been killed. It’s possible I’ll get stationed at the same base as you, but if I don’t we’ll just have to get on with it like everybody else. There are several families in the village who haven’t seen their husbands or sons since they were sent to France last September. At least we can talk on the telephone occasionally.’

There was a silence at the other end. This was the first disagreement since becoming engaged that they’d had and she hoped they could put matters right before he hung up.

‘There’s not much point in discussing it, Ellie, as it’s a fait accompli. Do you know where you’re going to do your training?’

‘I was told I would be put in the next draft and it could be anywhere in the country. I haven’t got my travel docket so don’t actually know at the moment.’

‘There aren’t any WAAFs here, but the adjutant said they are thinking of putting up some Nissen huts to accommodate them. I’m sorry if I sound upset, it’s just that I love you and the thought of you putting yourself in unnecessary danger is unbearable.’

‘I love you too. I promise I’ll be careful and not volunteer for anything I don’t have to. At least the weather has improved as I don’t fancy travelling in a blizzard.’

‘I’m sure there will be a telephone box within walking distance of the camp. Ring me and give me your address. It’s possible you’ll get a weekend pass when you’ve finished your training. If you can get home, I’ll meet you there somehow. By the way, my bicycle is the talk of the squadron. Much admired and will be bloody useful getting to and from the pub.’

‘I’m glad you like it. I’ve got to go; I haven’t told Dad yet. I wanted you to be the first to know.’

‘Your entire family will be in uniform in a few weeks. No one can say the Simpsons aren’t doing their bit for the war effort.’

After a few more pleasantries they cut the connection. She’d already written to Jack and Neil and promised to send them the address of the training depot. All that was