Heat of Autumn (Innocents No More Book 3) by Andrew Wareham

Author:Andrew Wareham [Wareham, Andrew]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Speculative
Publisher: PublishNation
Published: 2020-06-30T23:00:00+00:00

The squadron landed with none lost and minor damage to the planes, their raid having turned away in the attempt to draw them offshore and towards a formation of 110s waiting at height.

Jim was inclined to be indignant.

“The buggers weren’t really attempting to bomb, Thomas. They just wanted to get us under the guns of their fighters. I chose not to play.”

“Well done, Jim! Did you score any of the decoys?”

“Four between us, Thomas. Battered and patched up old Heinkels, too slow to make their escape. I suspect they came from a squadron that had taken heavy losses and were under punishment for failure. Might even have been the remnants of three or four squadrons put together for the purpose.”

It seemed ruthless to Thomas, but it was not impossible.

“Tell that to Idiot. He’ll send the message upstairs. I’ll speak to Fred Petersham. We have two replacements coming in any time now, Jim. If possible, if it fits your plans, I am allowed to take them up to teach them the basics as quickly as I can.”

“Good. Try to show them how to fit into a Flight at least, Thomas. Fred has given you the all clear to fly, has he?”

“I will be permitted to make up the numbers if the squadron takes losses today. My sentence is up in the morning, Jim. Are you ready to take on your own squadron?”

“No! It’s far too early for that, Thomas!”

“You’ve got the DFC and bar. You’re one of the highest-scoring pilots to come out of Cranwell this year, if not the very highest, in fact. You are English and you’ve got a good smile – what other qualifications do you need?”

“That’s bloody ridiculous!”

“The newspapers won’t think so. You’ve had a week in the job – speak now or forever hold your peace. Can you do it?”

“If Gorgeous George can, so can I – and without so much bullshit!”

“That’s the spirit that made England great! Good. I shall recommend you strongly to Fred and he will go to Group, I don’t doubt. I shall miss having you at my side, Jim.”

Jim flushed bright scarlet – Thomas was his hero, the great white knight. To be told that he was valuable to the man who had made him a true fighter pilot was the ultimate accolade. He was close to tears. He grasped for anything to say.

“What’s this about a bar, Thomas?”

“Came through just now, Jim. For making your ten kills and for the surrender of the Stuka. Happened a few times in the last war but yours is the first so far in this.”

Jim was struck by a sudden happy thought.

“My brothers will go spare if I am promoted again, Thomas, while they stay as lieutenants! I was always the little boy tagging along behind, the one they would have to look after. Two ranks above them, equivalent to a major! Decorated twice as well. Definitely tell Fred I want it, Thomas!”

Every man had his own motivation, Thomas reflected as Tony met the two newcomers from their transport.

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