Duty Calls at Goodwill House by Fenella J Miller

Author:Fenella J Miller [Miller, Fenella J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

15

Di dropped Freddie at the admin block, where he was greeted with slaps on the back, handshakes and even a few hugs. She watched this enthusiastic welcome for a few moments and then slammed the car into reverse and drove as fast as she dared to the MT, dreading what Sarge might say to her this time.

Her worries were unnecessary, as he wasn’t there, and the friendly Corporal Miller was in charge. ‘Sorry to have taken so long, Corp, but I’m here now.’

‘Don’t worry about it, as long as you’re back. There’s a pile of assorted items waiting to go across to dispersal. Take the van – it should be big enough.’

The flyers, those that had returned safely, were now sitting and lying a hundred yards from dispersal. This made sense, as the area was heaving with airmen putting fresh huts up. Her lips curved when she saw they hadn’t removed the somewhat singed WC hut but put a second one next to it. The men would be pleased, as one between so many wasn’t efficient or pleasant for them.

One wouldn’t have known that a few hours ago, at least three of their friends had gone for a Burton – they were joshing and laughing as normal. The NAAFI van was parked on the edge of the runway and doing a brisk trade.

Di was back and forth across the base a dozen times, conveying items to the various building projects underway. Freddie was right to say that by tomorrow everything would be tickety-boo and the burned dispersal huts replaced with new ones.

The squadrons were scrambled a second time but there was no siren and the Blenheims remained where they were. She counted them out and all returned safely – thank god. She wasn’t ferrying the pilots this evening so was able to finish her shift at eight.

Even though the huts were there, the interiors had yet to be finished and they needed tables, chairs and camp beds. This meant the men couldn’t sleep at dispersal tonight, even though they were back on duty at four in the morning.

At least they would be able to sleep in a comfortable bed. If the Tannoy went off in the middle of the night, they would have to scramble from their billets. She and Sally were the designated drivers. The lorries were parked outside the WAAF accommodation at night in case of this eventuality. Di decided she’d sleep in her underwear tonight so she could be out and into the lorry in minutes.

Sergeant was now back on duty and appeared to have forgotten his previous disgruntlement. ‘Things are hotting up. I doubt you’ll get much sleep tonight. Sleep in your uniform, I should, just in case.’

‘Righto, Sarge. It’s good news that the two missing chaps were picked up from the sea unharmed.’

‘It certainly is. Two new kites were delivered this afternoon by the ATA but that means they’re still short of four. God knows when we’ll get them.’

‘Freddie thought they might be able to salvage most of his kite – but I think that was wishful thinking.

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