Secrets, Lies and Butterflies

By Derry J Phillips

Butterflies – beautiful creatures which conjure up images of hot summer days. But not these butterflies. Grimsby, June 1943, butterflies brought death and destruction to the town. An evil anti-personnel bomb tested for the one and only time on this Lincolnshire fishing town.
Grimsby is at the heart of this book, and by following two families through WW2, we follow the journey the town took alongside them. Lawrence Street was where they lived, a quiet cul-de-sac not far from the docks. Jessie and Tom Williams, their sons Frank and George, and daughter Peggy. Next door lived the Tomkinsons, Bert, Marion and their son Joe, known to everyone as Ratty.
By the end of the war, Tom and Bert are successful businessmen, brought about by George and Ratty and a remarkable find they made as messenger boys during the blackout.
Into this mix is added the local spy, Hairnet Jackson, who had his own particular reasons for betraying his country, and his mysterious disappearance after the Butterfly Raid.
The Americans arrived and Lt Col Elroy Baker stood centre stage and directed operations.
All these threads weave together while the butterfly bombs unleash their terror. Were they all found and destroyed?
The last page answers the question… Secrets, Lies and Butterflies!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Feb 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781528981637

Derry J Phillips

Derry is a retired technical director of his own company. Having always dreamt of writing a book, retirement finally gave him the time and opportunity to fulfil his dream.

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About the Author

Derry is a retired technical director of his own company. Having always dreamt of writing a book, retirement finally gave him the time and opportunity to fulfil his dream.

Dedication

Dedicated to the town of Grimsby.

Copyright Information ©

Derry J Phillips (2021)

The right of Derry J Phillips to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781528981620 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781528981637 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published (2021)

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd

25 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5LQ

Acknowledgement

The research provided by my good friend, George Hyde Williams, was invaluable. A rich resource collected over many years, it provided the background information that made this book come alive. Many happy hours were spent in the pub discussing plot lines and characters.

My wife, Janet, who worked tirelessly typing and editing the book. She kept me writing on days when I would have given up and without her, I would not have had the courage to start writing in the first place. My partner and the best friend, we make a formidable team!

I would like to thank my friend, Sharon, who has proofread and edited the book every Friday over the last year. Her enthusiasm was infectious and made us really believe that we could publish the book.

Chapter 1

Late Summer 1939

George Williams! Are you out of bed yet???

I’m coming…I’m coming!

Well, get a move on, your dad’s going back to sea in five minutes and wants to see you.

George threw his clothes on and dashed down the stairs, a typical teenager, leaving everything to the last minute. His dad, Tom, was all ready to leave for his three-week stints on the trawlers and wanted to say goodbye to his family.

Where’s our Peggy? George wanted to know as soon as he got downstairs.

Your sister’s already gone to work, his mum, Jessie told him.

I did see her before she went, Tom reassured George. Peggy was eighteen years old and worked in Turners, a draper’s shop in Grimsby. Her long fair hair was her pride and joy, and she spent hours in front of the mirror modelling herself on Deanna Durbin, her favourite film star. Peggy was a vibrant young woman, enjoying life to the full despite all the talk and worry about the war that was more or less a certainty now.

Well, that’s it then, I’m off! Tom declared, having hugged his wife, Jessie and ruffled fourteen-year-old George’s hair. No one would stand at the door and wave Tom goodbye or go to the docks to see his boat leave, as all fishermen believed this to be bad luck. One last hug for Jessie, then off Tom went without a backward glance, back to sea.

Is my breakfast ready? I’m starving! complained George.

And so, another day began in Lawrence Street, Grimsby. A small, neat cul-de-sac of terraced houses, off James Street, not far from the docks. Number 9 is where Tom Williams and his wife Jessie had raised their three children. Their daughter Peggy and youngest son, George, still lived there with their parents. The talk of war had increased worries about their eldest son, Frank, now twenty-one, who had joined the RAF as a navigator but was still in training.

When Tom was home from the sea, he liked to go out with his next-door neighbour, who lived at number 11. Bert Tomkinson was married to Marion, and they had one son, Joe, who was the same age and best friends with Tom’s son, George. Joe was always known as ‘Ratty’ because he liked chasing the rats on the docks when he was a young lad and was a crack shot with his catapult, never known to miss! He was seen as a bad influence on George, but the two were inseparable. Despite this, it was certainly easy to tell them apart. George was tall and slim with straight dark hair, whereas Ratty was small and wiry, with a head of brown curly hair.

*****

Both Tom and Bert had been trawler men for many years, but Bert had recently left and joined the Army.

We lost one of the young deckies overboard this trip, Bert had told Marion when he got home from his last trip. I honestly don’t think I can do this anymore. This trip seemed to last forever.

What would you do instead, you make good money on the trawlers? Don’t forget about me and our Joe, we still need to eat and have a roof over our heads. Marion, the homemaker who had looked after everyone for all these years while Bert was at sea, was quite rightly shocked by this pronouncement.

I thought I’d go in the Army. I’ve talked about it often enough.

What! Join the Army! You’ll see a lot worse than someone falling overboard, you know. We’ll be at war with Germany soon! Marion thought Bert must have lost his mind.

I’m not going back to sea, and that’s that!

You’ll have to kill people before they kill you, do you realise that? Marion just couldn’t understand why Bert would want to put himself in so much danger.

I know all that, of course, I do. Once war breaks out, I’ll probably get called up anyway, so I may as well go now, Bert was resigned to this happening.

Marion turned to walk away. She was angry, upset and frightened, thinking Bert hadn’t considered his family at all when he had made this crazy decision, but Bert pulled her back into his arms, I need to do this or I’ll go mad. I just cannot go back to sea again.

Marion could now see how badly affected he had been by what had happened, and it worried her that he felt so strongly about it. Will it make any difference if I don’t agree with what you want to do? she asked him.

No! I’m sorry, but it won’t. My mind’s made up.

Marion held onto to Bert, and looked into his eyes, as she realised that she had no option but to accept his decision.

Do you know, you still look as good to me as the first day I met you? Bert told her. Your gorgeous figure, soft brown hair and gentle brown eyes, you’re still as beautiful as ever.

Get away with you! I’ve certainly put some weight on since then and stop trying to change the subject! I worry about you at sea, so I’ll just have to worry about you fighting for your country instead. If it means so much to you, I’ll make ends meet, don’t you worry about that.

Thank you, Bert was moved by Marion’s support. I promise to come back safe and sound to you both.

Just make sure you do. Marion too was visibly moved by Bert’s words of love and reassurance.

*****

Preparations for war were gathering speed now. Ration books had been issued for every household member. People were told not to use them but they must register with the shops of their choice. All houses were advised to have an air raid shelter in the garden. Jessie had applied for their shelter and was shocked to find that because Tom earned more than £250 a year, they would have to pay for it. It was going to cost £7 and this was more than a week’s wage!

Men had been asked to volunteer as Air Raid Precaution Wardens, (known as ARPs,) as blackout regulations were to be introduced on 1st September. There were to be severe penalties if even a chink of light was showing from your premises.

The wardens would patrol the streets shouting, Put that light out! or, Cover that window! if they saw the smallest glow. Streetlights were switched off and even the traffic lights had slotted covers fitted to make their light shine downwards. Suddenly, the world had gone black and this frightened everyone more than anything else. The only question on everyone lips was when, not if, the war would happen. It must be very close now.

Sunday, September 3rd, was a beautifully warm, late summer’s day. Jessie and Marion were chatting in the garden. Tom was at sea, and Bert was with his unit. Both women were worried, as they waited for the radio broadcast at quarter past eleven, as they knew that time had run out, and the war was now certain to happen.

What will happen to Bert now? Marion wondered aloud. I don’t even know where he is, or when he’ll ever be home again.

I’m sure he’ll be fine, Jessie replied, not really listening as her thoughts were of Tom, out at sea. Only a few short weeks ago they had walked through the park in the glorious summer sunshine and watched the butterflies dancing in the heat. It had felt like nothing could ever spoil that perfect moment, and yet, here she was waiting for a war to be declared and praying that Tom would be safe.

At eleven o’clock, Jessie and Marion were settled by the radio in Jessie’s front room, with a cup of tea. The familiar voice of Alvar Lidell announced that the Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, would address the nation in a few minutes, and they were to stand by.

Sure enough, the dreaded words were spoken,

I am speaking to you from the Cabinet Room at 10, Downing Street. This morning, the British Ambassador in Berlin handed the German government a final note, stating that unless we heard from them by 11 o’clock that they were prepared at once to withdraw their troops from Poland, a state of war would exist between us. I have to tell you that no such undertaking has been received and that consequently, this country is at war with Germany.

Although Jessie and Marion were braced for the worst, they were still shocked by the announcement, and fearful for what would happen to them all.

Well, that’s it then, said Jessie. What happens now?

I’m going home. Our Joe will still want his Sunday dinner, war or no war! replied Marion.

The two women went back to their usual Sunday chores, mindful that their world had changed forever.

*****

However, although war had been declared, nothing happened in Grimsby and life carried on as usual. September rolled on, and Tom came home from the trawlers.

Did you manage to hear Mr Chamberlain on the radio? Jessie asked him.

We were all huddled together in the radio room when it was on. We all knew it was going to happen, it was just being told when. Where were you?

Me and Marion were sitting here with a cup of tea. It was quite strange really; Marion just went home to get the Sunday dinner ready after the broadcast.

Well, you’ve still got to eat. Has anything happened yet?

Apart from the blackout, which is really annoying, nothing at all. I meant to tell you though, there’s a campaign started in the town, asking women to do war work. I thought that seeing as you’re still going to be away fishing, I’d get myself a job at Wonderland. It’s going to be building vehicles and machineguns

But that’s the Pleasure Beach on the promenade in Cleethorpes, isn’t it?

That’s what I thought. Well, it seems this company, Winns from Leeds, have got a contract to build vehicles for the war, and all the rides and amusements have been taken away.

Fancy that! I loved going on the Big Dipper there. Do you remember young George the first time I took him on it? Tom reminisced.

I’d forgotten about that! His little face was as white as a ghost when he got off. Mind you, it never stopped him going back on again. The other two loved it though, didn’t they? Jessie was thinking back to happier and more peaceful times.

It’d better come back when all this has finished. We’ll need to have some fun again. Tom then moved his thoughts back to the present reality. What about our Peggy and George? Will they be all right if you go to work?

They’re old enough to look after themselves now. Peggy’s at work all day, and George is certainly old enough to start getting his own tea ready. Jessie sounded determined.

Well, if you think you can do it, have a go! Tom declared.

It’ll make me feel as though I’m doing something to help the war effort, and the money will definitely be useful, Jessie replied. I think I’ll ask Marion to go with me. Money is tight for them with Bert in the Army, and it’ll give her something to do and get her out of the house.

Tom agreed that it was a good idea, and Jessie went round next door straight away to sort it out with Marion. Do you fancy coming with me to get a job down at Wonderland? You’ve seen the posters, haven’t you?

I fancied having a go at it, but I was too scared to go on my own. I could certainly do with the money, Marion admitted.

That’s sorted then. We’ll go down first thing in the morning!

Great! But I won’t sleep tonight now, wondering what they’ll want us to do!

Bright and early, Jessie and Marion set off for the new factory. There they found a queue of about fifty women, all wanting jobs and they thought that they didn’t stand a chance. What they didn’t know was that Winns needed to employ about two hundred people, and the workforce would be mostly women, with just a few men for the heavy work and maintenance.

Jessie and Marion got to the front of the queue and were told to go into a large room where there were about ten tables, with someone sitting behind each one, interviewing people as they arrived.

Do you have any problems doing shift work? was the first question.

No problems at all, Jessie replied, as did Marion.

It was unsure at this stage what hours the shifts would be, just that the factory would operate twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Jessie was quite surprised at this but thought that there must be plenty of work if the factory was to stay open day and night.

You will have to sign The Official Secrets Act, as this is war work, they were told.

Jessie and Marion had no problem with this, in fact, it made the job seem more exciting and important.

What will I be paid? Jessie remembered just in time to ask.

It’s fifty shillings a week whether its days, nights or weekends, was the reply.

Jessie was thrilled with that and started planning in her head what she would do with the extra money. Marion was delighted too, as she would now be able to cope easily and not have to watch every penny.

I’m pleased to inform you that, subject to a successful medical, we can offer you a job here, both the ladies were told by one of the interviewers.

Why do we need a medical? Marion asked, somewhat taken aback by this.

We need to check your chest and heart for any problems. This will be heavy work and you need to be fit, they were told.

This put their minds at rest, and off they went to see the Nurse about the medical. The two ladies joined another long queue, but very soon a door opened and the nurse appeared. Could you please join me in here, ladies? she asked and they went into another large room. This time, the room had about twelve doctors sitting behind tables, and various nurses helping them. All the ladies were asked to undress, down to their underwear. Some were shocked and refused, and even started to walk away.

The nurse reminded them, You are free to leave, but if you don’t comply with the regulations, then I’m afraid that you will not be given a job here.

This made several of the women change their minds, as they really needed the money. They did as requested and the nurse reassured them that once they had been seen by the doctor, they could get dressed and go home. Jessie and Marion passed the medical with no problems and were both offered a job.

In the following day’s post, both Jessie and Marion received letters asking them to start work on the following Monday. They were very excited at the idea of bringing home wages for the first time since they had been married. Arrangements were made for George and Ratty to sort themselves out if they were home first. The new workers were to be on day shifts for the first month and then they would be told their shift pattern after that.

Chapter 2

Working Life

The day of the first shift arrived, and Jessie and Marion were put to work together on the production line. The work seemed to be really heavy at first, but they managed to keep up with the moving line. They met a lot of women, who, like themselves, had never worked before, and friendships quickly formed. After the first few days, the women decided to call in the cafe on their way home for a welcome cup of tea before returning home to the inevitable round of housework and cooking.

When the ladies needed a toilet break, they would raise their hand and shout for Billy, the shift foreman, who could do all the jobs on the production line. He would come and take their place, so the line never stopped. Billy was a stocky chap, mid-thirties, average height and not bad looking. He always had a smile on his face, and the ladies liked having a bit of banter with him. He worked the same shift as Jessie and Marion, so they always had a good laugh when they were at work. Usually, there was about eight of them that went for a cuppa after work, and Billy tagged along with them.

Jessie noticed that Marion always had a smile for Billy, and when they were working, Billy could often be seen gazing at Marion. Billy didn’t always go to the girls very quickly when they needed a break, but he always rushed to Marion when she raised her hand and would stand to chat to her when she returned. Jessie also noticed that Billy would touch Marion on the shoulder and she saw him pat her backside more than once. Marion seemed to like this and would give him a smile as he walked away. Billy always made sure that he sat next to Marion in the cafe and would pay for her cup of tea. Jessie was concerned that Marion was leading him on, but she felt awkward about it and decided not to say anything to anyone. After all, Marion was probably lonely. Bert had been away for a long time now.

About a week later, everyone decided to have a night out in the pub to celebrate the end of their first month at work. Marion came along and was joining in all the laughter and jokes, but after an hour or so said that she felt very tired, made her excuses, and left early. Jessie thought nothing of it, after all, they were all tired, but she stayed with her workmates. Tom was at sea, and George and Peggy would certainly have gone out. By nine o’clock it was decided that it was time to go home as it was an early the next morning. Everyone said their goodbyes and left to go their separate ways. Jessie noticed that Billy had already left, but just thought that she had missed him leaving.

It was a lovely walk home. There was a full moon, and the streets seemed brighter than usual since the blackout. The house was calm and quiet when Jessie walked in. Peggy was out and George was with Ratty but would be home about ten, as usual. Jessie made herself a cup of tea and decided to take it up to bed with her to enjoy the peace. The air raid sirens had gone off the last few nights and even though they had been false alarms, they disturbed your sleep, so Jessie was glad to be lying in bed drinking her tea and thinking about her day. She was surprised by how much she was actually enjoying going to work.

George came home and went straight off to bed. Peggy came in and she too went straight to bed. Jessie decided it was time she went to sleep, but she just lay there, wide awake now. Getting up, she went to look out of the bedroom window and it was then that she noticed a figure walking down Marion’s garden path towards the front gate. A man wearing a flat cap, so Jessie couldn’t see his face, but there was no mistaking who it was. It was Billy Bates! He slowly opened the gate, closed it carefully behind him, put his hand to his mouth and blew a kiss towards Marion’s front door, before setting off to walk down the street. Jessie couldn’t believe her eyes! Climbing back into bed, she eventually fell asleep trying to make sense of what she had just seen, and what was probably happening next door.

Earlier that evening, about eight o’clock, Marion had walked home from the pub, feeling excited and anxious about what was surely going to happen. After weeks of flirting and quick cuddles in corners, Billy was coming to her home, and she knew what that meant, or hoped that it did!

Dashing upstairs, a quick glance around made sure everything was tidy. Then, there was a knock at the front door. Heart pounding, Marion ran downstairs and opened it. There was Billy, looking around to make sure no one had seen him. Marion pulled him inside, closed the door, and told him to go into the front room.

Did anyone see you? Marion asked nervously.

No. I didn’t see a soul, he reassured her.

I’m very nervous about all this, Marion confessed.

Don’t be. Come here. I’ll relax you! In seconds they were in each other’s arms. Billy was surprised by Marion’s enthusiasm, and Marion surprised herself by how much she was enjoying Billy’s kisses. She took his hand and quickly led him up to the bedroom, where the kissing continued as they undressed.

Billy lowered Marion onto the bed and then lay on top of her. Marion had an odd feeling as up to this moment; her Bert had been the only man to see her naked body and she wondered what Billy thought of her. After all, she wasn’t a young woman anymore, but soon Billy was busy kissing up and down her less than perfect body, and Marion forgot everything else. She had never been kissed like this before and thought she would burst with pleasure. Each kiss was like a butterfly’s wing gently caressing her, and as Billy slowly worked his way up her body, she thought that she might faint if he didn’t stop. When he finally reached her lips, she could feel him deep inside her, and the lovemaking was certainly not a disappointment. Afterwards, they lay back in each other’s arms. All too soon, Billy was ready again and this time they made love more slowly and gently. They both fell asleep satisfied and happy.

Marion hadn’t planned on Billy staying for so long, but when Billy woke up and looked at the clock it was just gone eleven o’clock. Oh my God! he whispered, I should have been home an hour ago.

Be quiet! Marion whispered too. Don’t wake my lad, whatever you do.

Billy got dressed quickly and quietly. Marion told him to put his shoes on downstairs to keep the noise down. She opened the bedroom door to make sure the coast was clear, and putting on her dressing gown, waved to Billy to go downstairs. Marion opened the front door and again looked out to see if there was anyone about, as the full moon made it easy to see down the street. Billy walked down the path and when he looked back, there was Marion standing in the doorway, opening her dressing gown to show Billy her satisfied, naked body. He blew her a big kiss and opened the front gate. Marion waved him off, closed the door, and went back to bed. She lay there for hours thinking about Billy and his incredible lovemaking. She had never felt anything like it and fell asleep feeling no guilt whatsoever over her betrayal of Bert.

Up bright and early the next morning, Marion set off downstairs, after looking in on Ratty, who was still fast asleep. She got herself ready for work, and then went up to wake him up.

You were noisy last night, Mum, were his first words.

What do you mean? she asked, holding her breath for fear of what he might say.

I heard you moving about in the night, that’s all. Are you all right?

I couldn’t get to sleep. I seemed to be awake for ages.

You’ll be tired at work today, but you’ll get over it, that’s what you always tell me! Ratty laughed. With a sigh of relief, Marion went back downstairs to get his breakfast ready.

*****

Next door, Jessie too was getting ready for work and all the time she was running through her mind what she had seen last night. She wondered if she should say anything to Marion, thinking that it would be difficult to work alongside her all day and not say anything.

Do I tell Tom when he gets back? she also wondered. I don’t think I can keep this to myself.

Eventually, Jessie decided to say nothing as really it was none of her business, and she didn’t want to lose Marion’s friendship. Tom had more than enough to think about when he was at sea and needn’t be burdened by her overactive imagination!

*****

October arrived and it was certainly business as usual. Nothing had happened on the warfront in Grimsby, but the radio kept everyone up to date with the news. The Germans, along with the Russians, had attacked and divided up Eastern Europe. This meant that their attention was now drawn towards Western Europe. Britain was on full alert, as considerable amounts of food and much-needed machinery had been lost.

Home from the sea, Tom was in the Lincoln Arms, his local pub, where he got talking with Jack Jackson, a local market trader. Jack’s father, Peter Jackson, had a thriving optical business in Lucerne, Switzerland. Peter had been injured in Flanders during the First World War and had been treated for his injuries in a German Hospital. Here he had met and fell in love with Evelyn Reinhardt, one of the nurses. They married and returned to England, where Jack was born in late 1919. Unfortunately, Evelyn was never accepted in England and the family moved to Lucerne, where Peter Jackson founded his business.

As he grew up, Jack had no interest in the business and moved back to England as soon as he was able. His parents had given him money with which to buy a property and Jack had bought a smallholding and house between North Coates and March Chapel, about twenty miles from Grimsby. It was a lonely spot, near the coast and Jack loved it.

On this smallholding, he grew vegetables and salad crops and kept chickens just for their eggs. All of this he sold on his stall in the market. This was held in Freeman Street every day, and it was always a busy and bustling place.

Jack was very popular with the local farmers as he helped them to control the rabbit population. This was a major problem for all the farmers and local landowners, too. Never going on any land without the owner’s permission, he was very generous with the rabbits that he caught. His friends looked forward to getting a rabbit for the pot, and the rest he sold on his stall.

At the end of the market day, Jack would drive his van down to the docks with any leftover produce. He gave this away to the poor people down there and became well known locally as a kind and generous man. Even the police patrolling the docks would regularly go home with a rabbit and some eggs.

The docks are always a windy place and after losing several hats, Jack turned up at the market one day, wearing a hairnet! He was very vain about his black and lustrous hair, always combed back, and never a strand out of place. He truly believed that he looked like Errol Flynn and didn’t want anything to destroy this image! All his customers made fun of the hairnet, but Jack decided that it made him stand out from the crowd, and people would remember him, because of it. The following week, a large sign appeared on his stall, HAIRNET JACKSON FOR ALL YOUR FRESH PRODUCE.

The name stuck with him and made him instantly recognisable for all the time that he lived in Grimsby. Having a German mother, Hairnet could speak both English and German fluently, but he never told anyone about this. All ‘foreigners’ were classed as the enemy, and the government had started to intern these people. The decision to tell no one about his ability to speak fluent German was to ensure his own future safety.

*****

This particular night, as Tom was chatting to Hairnet in The Lincoln Arms, the conversation turned to the war, as it did with everybody, and Tom was asked if he had seen any German ships or ‘U’ Boats when he was on the trawler.

I’ve not seen any of those, Tom said, I think that one or two of the other boats have though.

Where did they see them? Hairnet asked.

Up around Scotland, I think, there’s lots of good fishing up there, Tom replied.

Hairnet then bought Tom another drink and started to ask even more questions about his fishing trips.

What are you up to? Tom wanted to know, as he was getting suspicious about all these questions.

I’m worried if the Germans bomb the trawlers, I won’t be able to get any fish ‘off the top’ to sell on the stall.

I don’t think that’ll happen, you should be all right, Tom’s suspicions were allayed now.

Selling ‘fish off the top’ was how a lot of the trawlermen made a bit of money on the side and was accepted by all the owners, as long as they didn’t get too greedy!

*****

The following morning as Tom was heading down Fish Dock Road to collect his wages from the office, he saw his next-door neighbour and best mate Bert, heading for the Lincoln Arms. Tom shouted to him and Bert stopped, waved and waited till Tom caught up with him,

What’re you doing here? Tom asked.

I’m home on leave for a few days.

I didn’t know you were home, or we could have gone for a couple of pints.

I’ve been catching up on some jobs in the house, Bert replied.

Jessie told me that Marion had gone on to doing nights. What hours does she work? Tom wanted to know.

She starts at eleven and finishes at seven in the morning, Bert told him, but what Bert didn’t know was that Marion had asked to go on nights because Billy had also been moved onto this shift.

Jessie’s stayed on the day shift. She didn’t fancy working all through the night. I still haven’t seen much of her though, and I’m back at sea in a couple of days. Anyway, I’ll meet you in the pub in a while, I’ve got to go and get my wages, Tom told Bert, who promised that he would have a pint on the bar ready for him, and they could have a good catch up. True to his word, there was a pint waiting when Tom walked into the pub.

Are you still enjoying working on the trawlers since the war started? Bert asked Tom.

I’m worried now that this merchant ship has been sunk. It’s unsettled me, I must admit.

Bert himself was worried, as there were rumours that his regiment was going to move out and no one knew where. They knew it would be soon, and this might be his last leave for a very long time.

How’s Marion coping with work? Tom asked.

I think she’s fine, Bert replied.

You don’t sound too sure.

I just don’t see much of her, Bert confessed. She’s in bed asleep till about four in the afternoon, and then she doesn’t seem to want to talk to me when she does get up. Do you know, we’ve not had it off since I got home on leave, she just doesn’t seem bothered at all. If I thought about it, I’d say she was getting it somewhere else!

I bet it’s ’cos she’s doing the night shift, Tom said, I’ve heard it can mess with your body and make you tired all the time. Jessie isn’t that keen either these days, we only do it two or three times when I’m home.

I’d settle for once, sighed Bert, She’s definitely off me at the moment.

After a couple of hours, Tom decided to go home so he could be there when Jessie got in from work.

*****

Tom was already at home when Jessie got in from work and he had a sandwich ready for her, with a cup of hot tea.

Oh, that’s lovely, Jessie sighed, I’m really tired today.

Well, get your feet up and have a rest. Jessie didn’t need asking twice.

It was so busy today. You wouldn’t believe how many vehicles we’re producing and on top of that, they came round with gas masks for us all. They’re horrible and smell really bad, but I suppose they’d save your life.

That’s what they’re for, silly! Let’s just hope that you never have to use them. Anyway, I bumped into Bert when I was going for my wages and we went for a pint, Tom told Jessie. He’s a bit miffed ’cos Marion doesn’t want to sleep with him anymore.

This stopped Jessie chewing on her sandwich. What do you mean? She won’t have it off with him?

Well, he told me he’s not had anything, while he’s been home on leave.

She’s probably too tired ’cos she’s working nights now, Jessie had to offer some excuse.

That’s what I told him, Tom agreed with her. This worried Jessie as she knew the real reason why. Should she say anything or not?

*****

The house seemed empty when Bert walked back in about five o’clock, but as he was taking his coat off, he could hear someone moving about upstairs.

I’m home! he shouted.

Marion appeared at the top of the stairs, draped in only a towel.

What you up to? Bert asked her.

Though I’d have a bath before work. We’re starting a bit earlier tonight, so me and the girls are meeting up at the pub earlier too, so I’m starting to get ready now, Marion told him.

"Have you