1916 Angels over the Somme (British Ace Book 3) (18 page)

There appeared to be little action on the ground.  As we passed Delville Woods I saw the South Africans digging in. Beyond them we saw the Germans creating trenches in, as yet, unsullied soil. We had the same endurance as the Gunbus and I was not worried about fuel.  Our slow speed meant that the squadron could even take their time over the target.  Major Leach was leading my flight.  I wondered how they would view the change in leadership.

I saw the German field ahead and I waggled my wings. I turned and shouted, “Lumpy wave to show the major where the field is.”

A moment later he shouted, “He has seen the signal sir. They are attacking now.”

Of course Lieutenant Giggs had bombed before but the others might be finding it a strange experience. I spiralled up to get out of the way.  I could have headed for home but that was not my way and I wanted to see my flight and my squadron in action.

The guns placed by the Germans began to open fire.  They had heavy machine guns mounted in sand bagged emplacements on either side of the field.  These were the 7.92mm guns. They also had some ancient 15cm artillery pieces and these, while they made a great deal of noise did little damage.  You would have to be extremely unlucky to be shot down by one of those.  Especially at the low altitude the major was using. The machine guns, on the other hand had converging fire.  The later Gunbuses would face a fierce fire.

My flight had the easiest of bombing runs.  The Germans were still manning their weapons and I saw all of the bombs strike aeroplanes and emplacements. Then it was Charlie Sharp and his flight. Their bombs compounded the damage done by C flight.  When Ted and B Flight zoomed down they were able to target the headquarters and other buildings. His flight also suffered the first casualties. Lieutenant Carrick was hit.  I saw the smoke pouring from his engine. He banked and began to limp west.  He would not make our lines. I just hoped he could get close to Delville Woods.  Perhaps the South Africans might be able to help.

When Gordy and his flight dropped down to finish the work of the squadron he flew into a maelstrom of metal. I saw his gunner slump forward after he had thrown two of his bombs. He had the smallest flight now and that meant the Germans could concentrate their fire.

Major Leach saw the danger and he led my flight to strafe the gun emplacements.  Perhaps he should have done so earlier for the anti aircraft fire ceased but I saw Lieutenant Charlton holding his shoulder and Lieutenant Swan’s gunner looked to have been hit. The squadron began to head west.  I stayed high to watch them.  Some of them were leaking oil while others appeared to have suffered engine damage.

Lieutenant Morley fell further and further back. I could see him looking for somewhere to land. I saw, ahead, Lieutenant McCormack’s crashed bus beyond Delville Woods and was relieved that he had made the South African lines. Lieutenant Morley would have no such luck.  “Lumpy, get ready on the Lewis; we are going down to help them.”

“Righto sir.”

I thought Morley and his damaged Gunbus was going to make the woods but the engine finally cut out and he slammed into the ground just forty yards from the German trenches. We were diving now and I banked to come across the trenches and allow Hutton to fire to the right. I drew my Luger. Our crashed compatriots were firing with their service revolvers but the Germans were using rifles and machine guns.  The Rolls Royce engine afforded some protection but soon the infantry would swarm over the Gunbus to capture the crew.

Hutton fired as soon as he could.  I was flying at thirty feet.  I was not even sure how much clearance I had beneath my wheels. I aimed the Luger at an officer who was directing fire.  I hit his helmet and he fell to the floor not injured but shocked.  I kept firing.  We needed their heads down.  Hutton’s withering fire had bought Morley and his gunner time.  They sprinted for the woods and the safety of the South African lines.

I began to bank.  “Do you have a Mills bomb?”

“Of course, sir.”

“Then when I fly over destroy the Gunbus.”

The Germans were already swarming out of their trenches to pursue the two fleeing crew.  The two young men were fit and had a start. The Germans failed to notice us for we were no longer firing. Lumpy could not miss the crashed bus and, as we soared and banked west, the grenade exploded.  The fuel tank erupted and the eager Germans were all destroyed.  Morley and his gunner waved as they trotted into the protection of the wood.

“Let’s go home, Sergeant.”

“Aye sir,” he shouted.  “I reckon we have earned our rum ration today!”

The Avro had served us well but I would not trade it for my Gunbus. Gordy was waiting for me.  “Are they safe?”

I nodded, “They made it to the South African lines.  How about the wounded?”

He shook his head.  “Two of the gunners died.  There are three with wounds.  Doc Brennan thinks he can fix them up here. Archie is standing us down tomorrow.  I can’t see those two squadrons being able to do anything.” He hesitated, “Thanks for going after Jamie.  I appreciate it.  He had potential.  If he had gone to an ordinary school which didn’t fill his head with heroic nonsense he would have survived.”

“It was quick but you know, Gordy, the one I feel sorry for is his gunner.  The poor sod hero worshipped Jamie and he died needlessly.”

“We’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

I nodded, “I had to have a serious talk with Freddie and Johnny some time ago.  They seem to have taken it to heart.  Their heads are screwed on now.”

For once I did not have a report to make and I headed for my quarters. Bates was bouncing around like a spinning top.  “I have run your bath sir and there is a large whisky but I have the most wonderful news, sir! You have letters from home and from the perfume all three are from ladies!”

He was even more delighted than I was, “Thank you Bates.” I put my hand on his shoulder.  “And thank you for the breakfast this morning it was delicious and thoughtful of you.”

He seemed embarrassed, “Sir, that is my job and I am just pleased to serve you.  Now get into the bath while it is still hot.”

I laid the three letters out in the order I would read them.  I had known who they were from as soon as he had said three. I would read mum’s first, then Sarah’s and finally, save the best until last, Beatrice’s. I forced myself to luxuriate in the bath and sip my whisky slowly. I knew we might not get more mail for weeks.  I would be able to read and re-read them to my heart’s content.  I washed the war away. After I had dried myself Bates helped me to dress.

“Would it be impertinent of me to ask who they are from sir?”

“Of course not, Bates. This one is from my mother.  I am the eldest boy now and I know she frets about me.  This one is from my sister, Sarah; from her I will get the truth no matter what little white lies my mother tells me. And this one is from my young lady, a nurse who cared for me when I was wounded.”

He clapped his hands together and giggled, “I just knew it! Now I shall get your laundry done and I will make sure you have no interruptions until dinner.”

I lay on the bed and opened my mother’s letter.

Burscough July 1
st
1916

My Dearest Son,

I hope God continues to watch over you. When our Alice told me you had been wounded I thought the worst.  I was more than relieved when Lady Burscough said how well you looked.

Your father was proud as Punch when the King himself gave you your medal.  We cut the photograph from the newspaper and put it in a nice frame. You look so handsome in your uniform.

Alice also told us that you have met a nice girl, a nurse. I hope she is nice, Bill because there are some hussies down there.  Alice seems to think she is a good girl but I will hold judgement until I have seen her.  I am still not happy about our Alice living in London.  It is a sinful place.  I only let her go because her ladyship persuaded me.

Your father should be retired but they need him with the horses.  Most of them men have joined up, there is just Cedric left at the Big House and he is getting fed up with the comments of some of the people in the village.  It is a shame.  I wish you were all home.  These Germans are evil using gas and killing civilians.  We have heard that they have been bombing London! I have Alice to worry about now.

Well I shall go now.  Little Billy has just woken up. Please, our Bill, continue to write.  Just because you have a young lady is no reason to forget your own family.

Your loving mother

xxx

When I had read it I folded it and returned it to its envelope.  Kissing the envelope I said, “Dearest mother; as though I could ever forget you.”

I sipped some of my whisky and opened Sarah’s.

June 28
th

Burscough Hall

Dear Bill,

I was relieved when our Alice told me that she had spoken to you and you were not badly wounded. We all think the world of you up here.  It is not just the family that think highly of you.  Her ladyship is always singing your praises. You probably didn’t know it but many of the girls on the estate had their heart set on you. I think their hearts were broken when we told them about your new young lady.  You dark horse, you! I am pleased for you.  Her ladyship and Alice told me what a nice girl she is.  Ignore Mother’s comments.  You were always her favourite.  Beatrice will have to be special to match up to her expectations!

Mother might be a little happier soon.  Her ladyship has a surprise.  She has contacts in London and has arranged to have a proper copy of the photograph of you with the King. We are going to give it to her on her 60
th
birthday.  (That is September the 1
st
in case you have forgotten!)

We now notice the war at home. It is lucky that we produce so much food for ourselves.  The shelves in the shops are empty now.  It is those U-Boats! They are strangling this country!

Cedric is the only man left on the estate and dad still has to work. Some of the snide comments people make about Cedric upset him.  They know better than to make them while I am around or they would get the sharp edge of my tongue.  Our family has done enough.  I have lost two brothers already and my other two brothers are both heroes.

Your nephew grows bigger day by day.  Mother swears she can see you in him.  I am not so certain but it pleases her.

You take care, brother.  You know we love you.  I know we rarely say it but that is how we feel.  Dad, in particular, misses you. He said to me that with you and Bert away there is an ache in his heart. It almost brings me to tears.  Try not to be the hero all the time.  I want to be at your wedding!

Your sister,

Sarah,

xxx

I found myself becoming emotional as I read that. I realised just how much I missed my family. I folded the letter, returned it to the envelope and kissed it. 

I held Beatrice’s letter. I was afraid to open it.  I had poured my heart out to her.  Suppose she had had second thoughts?  Suppose she had met someone else?  There must be far better looking young officers with better prospects coming through the doors of the hospital all the time. I finished the whisky off and poured a second one.  It was just to delay opening the letter.

“Stop being a bloody fool and open it! Better to know one way or the other!”

My fellow officers would think that I had finally cracked hearing me talking to myself. I lay down on the bed and opened the envelope with a knife.  Bates was correct, this letter was perfumed. I held the folded letter in my hand. I had to force myself to open it.

Hyde Park,

June 30
th
1916

Dearest Bill,

This is the first chance I have had to write to you since you left so quickly.  I have come to the chestnut tree under which we sat on those blissful afternoons.  I like to come here as it makes me seem closer to you.

I know you said many things before you left and I hope that you meant them.  However if you were just playing with my affections then I would like to thank you for the lovely times we had. I will be waiting for a letter to let me know how you feel now that you are back in the war.

Whatever you decide I will understand.

I have had tea with your sister and I think she is lovely.  She thinks the world of you. I am an only child and I miss what you have, a loving family who are close to you.

I hope and pray that you are keeping safe.  We read in the newspapers about the terrible casualties and I see many of the results of the war. I could not bear to think of you dying over there or anywhere for that matter.