A slice of Faith saved 26-01-2023

Faith Pollard the protaganist.

Aunt Vie (her real mother)

Ada Pollard (her ado the adopted mother, biological Aunt). 

Jack Pollard (Ada's husband).

Jacob Critchley the mill owner 

ATC Sgt Ann Grey

Private Lizzie Sawyer 

Philip Sawyer

Sgt Caruthers

The Dawson Family (farmers).

Pamela, Faiths friend at the barracks.

1

It was a remembrance Sunday morning in the November of  2010, Autumn was begining to take its grip.  Gathered outside the cenotaph in the shadow of  Preston Market, the local Band was tuning up,  the city's dignities, the local Scouts The Girl Guides and the usual representation from the armed forces were all represened. 

Sat there quietly about three rows back in the invited guests section was Faith Dawson. 

Faith was a quietly spoken, somewhat shy individual who lived nearby in smart sheltered housing,  housing which was provided and paid for by the Royal British legion. That alone would have given the sharp-eyed observer the clue the Faith had played some sort of key role in Britain's armed forces but on the rare occasions she wore her medals on her blazer this would be left in no doubt at all.

Of course getting her to talk about the medals and what she won them for was not an easy task she was not a lady of words and she would brush questions aside with a "hey it's a long time ago" and "it's water under the bridge now". 

2

Born Faith Pollard in December 1922 in Dalby, a semi rural village in the east of Lancashire and within the shadows of Blackburn and Chorley. Founded on agriculture,  the railways and the industrial revolution had both conspired to change its character, but its surroundings remained breathtakingly beautiful

Faith was one of four girls. Her life in her little family unit was happy, if somewhat unconventional.

Things were not always what they seemed though, her real mother was Aunt Vie, Faith knew she was her real mother and understood the background to this somewhat unusual set of circumstances,  that as a single girl who became pregnant with a married man, the future for both mother and child in a pre war Northern town would have been bleak to say the least. 

Vie knew to survive she'd need support from her family and the father, her boss Jacob Critchley, a stalwart in the local community, Mill owner, magistrate and aspiring councillor. Vie knew he'd agree to supporting her and the child financially and practically, if anything to buy her discretion. His place in the community was of utmost importance to him. 

Meanwhile Vie's sister Ada Pollard already had three little girls as well as an oafish somewhat slow witted husband Jack. She and Vie agreed that the child would be brought up as a sister to the other girls. 

She simply cracked on to Jack that she'd became pregnant again and her sister Vie would be moving in with them for the duration of the pregnancy, a scenario he accepted without question or quarrel, he had after all had the occasional beer fuelled fumble with her on the odd Saturday night. Truth was he was more interested in his racing pigeons and the local football team, along with his involvement in the Union than time spent with stuff like babies and domestic issues. Vie in the meanwhile, can we make this where are we agreed with Jacob Critchley that she'd continue to work in the mill office, along with a cottage, rented to her for a peppercorn rent as long as she lived, and an allowance for the child's upbringing, this would be passed to her sister to help with the cost of the child's upbringing.  Of course he agreed, such a man of high standing would avoid scandal at all costs and to be fair, he had a fondness for Vie but still a legal agreement was drawn up by a local trusted solicitor.

From Faith's point of view although she always knew she been adopted as a baby, her siblings were indeed her cousins but no one including Faith saw much significance in it.  Her sisters Ada, Mary and Alice loved her and thought of her as a bit  special. Their house was plain and simple but warm in winter and often reverberated with the sounds of laughter and screams of joy from the girls and often their friends. During one such play session Jack remarked that he was sure "they weren't all ours" as he reached for his coat. Ada allowed a wry smile to pass her lips.

3/ Winter '39-'40

For Faith the summer of '39 had been  idyllic and long, she'd spent many an hour up at the Dawson farm, helping Mr & Mrs Dawson with the animals, sheep, pigs and chickens. Two lads completed the family. Donald some 4 years older than Faith, and Geoff who was about the same age, indeed she'd known Geoff for what seemed all her life as they were in the same class at Dalby Primary school as well as Chorley High. Geoff was a regular type of lad, a good help for his parents and not given to disagree. Donald on the other hand was a force of nature, tall and athletic if somewhat gangley, with a mop of fair hair. He rode a large Triumph motorcycle with a distinctive growl which echoed around the village telling everyone that "Donald was on the move". The year before Faith had reached 16 and her feelings towards Donald seemed to have taken  a newer, somewhat different direction, but events would shortly push those feelings to the back of her priorities.

By the autumn of '39 the war was here, gone the phoney war and Britain was deep in preparation for the battles they knew would come, memories of "the last lot" was still fresh in many people's minds. Strategically the shortage of staff in many domestic military and civil defence units became evident as male drivers went off to regular military duties,the War Organisation appealed to all citizens for help, Soon, an army of drivers would converge on London to answer that call.  TheThe Blitz began on 7 September 1941, 'Black Saturday', when German bombers attacked London, leaving 430 dead and 1,600 injured. London was then bombed for 57 consecutive nights, and often during daytime too. London experienced regular attacks and on 10-11 May 1941 was hit by its biggest raid. German bombers dropped 711 tons of high explosive and 2,393 incendiaries. 1,436 civilians were killed. However, this proved to be the last major raid until January 1943. 

Spring 1940

Over the years Donald taught her the rudimentary of mechanics batteries carburettors tractors fixing punctures etc she seemed to enjoy this and often would be found laying under a tractor with her arms and hands covered in oil.

Running off to join- (with Donald's help) 

Faith was one of those. She was just turned 18 but could drive a tractor or van about the farm, she'd learned that regional recruitment offices were set up in Preston and asked Donald if he'd take her on day?

She was a bit miffed at his reaction, he'd guffawed at the very thought, but was glad he agreed. As much as she liked Donald she was saddened by his adherence to the cultural norms of the day, set in the past she thought, he'd often told her to get into service at some of the local important houses in the area. His reasoning was that her choices were limited and on that she couldn't disagree, but the war had interviened and she felt her choices had indeed widened and didn't was to lose this opportunity. She hadn't told her sisters or her parents of her plans, her reckoning was the later she'd leave the less arguments and grief she'd have to take. In reality she should by now be working and was acutualy aware of this but had relied on the maids in service practice of hiring after mothering Sunday to postpone this, her helping out at the farm was bringing home the bacon (literally) as well as sausages, milk l, potatoes, eggs etc if not actually any wages.

5

...she told the recruitment officer such and also that she'd delivered lambs, dispatched chickens and could happily skin a rabbit. The recruitment officer was impressed with her confidence as much as her transferrable skills, but said "young lady if I'm to put you where I think your skills  could be put to good use you will see terrible sights and smells the like of you've never experienced before are you ready for that?" 

For many years now Faith felt a restlessness about her life, that she wanted more, the general consensus of opinion from those around her seem to to accept that she'd become either the factory girl or or service at one of the big houses in the nearby towns as such education didn't seem to be a priority. But as often happens we can sometimes get swept along by events, sometimes local, sometimes worldwide, the latter was it seems, to be Faiths fate.

Yes she said and he was convinced, always mindfull that the training they had for the role he had in mind would soon identify any weaknesses in her ability to do the roll. What role she said? "Motor Mechanic" he replied, you seem to have all the necessary skills. Well? Without hesitation she said yes I'll give it a go.

She had to admit to herself that she should feel more trepidation but her confidence and yearning for adventure all pushed her on, back home memories seems to have somewhat faded.

Back home in Dalby life went on, a couple of days after her 18th the letter came,  the recruitment office assured Faith that they would be writing to her shortly with a joining instructions the letter came midweek on a wet Wednesday morning with orders to catch the train down to London that Saturday and report to the regimental barracks on on such and such a date for  basic training. Her father Jack was in support what she was doing although Aida had a reservations. Her initial role would be that of trainee motor mechanic she had a flare and an interest in fixing mechanical things and I often helped on the farm ma in this area, I'll be a safe as houses and I'll keep my head down ma she used to said she would say to her mother but deep down she knew that wasn't going to be that simple. 

Chapter 6

She arrived at the barracks on soon was allocated the most unflattering uniform, khaki green overalls, and boots which you would never be able to dance in. She was instructed to go to barrack for where she would meet the company orderly Sergeant Grey, an appt named woman of some stature "Hello Private Pollard, nice of you to join us" she quipped. So let's get down to basics...

She explained about the the running of the camp the meal times where you went to eat and at what time is this was available the days you worked which was all them really except Sunday all the on Sunday the camp run at about 30% capacity. Churches where scattered locally but she explain that more squirrels use the Sunday to rest and recuperate from the Saturday night.

She also explained what was going to be expected of you in terms of military training and the training you would need to do your duties efficiently. "First let me dispel a myth you girls always arrive with you feel that you're here to be either a mechanic, a driver, or indeed nursing duties, well ladies, you'll be all of those depending on what the war department need"

Dear Mother I hope you are all well?

I've arrived in London which is nothing like Dalby. the barracks are basic and being given amongst other things one of the most unflattering uniforms you can imagine. Been allocated company which is about 12 of us girls and a Sergeant Grey who says she will look after us? The other girls all seem frienldy, under how long that will last? I'm next to a girl called Lizzie, they probably put us together because we are both northerners she seems nice and seems to know her way around. Also Ada yes another Ada but this one's from Wales and speaks with such a lovely accent. How is Aunt Vie? I reckon she'd love it down here in the smoke, she'd be able to wear her lovely frocks and fur trimmings you seems to be parties on most nights despite the threats of air raids. Love to everybody

See you soon 

Faith

Chapter 7

Spring 1940

 

Monday saw her in the garage, Spring was early but there was a fair old nip in the air, the place was noisy and unsurprisingly smelled like oil, "rlghto, they told me I'd be getting a lass who had some experience with engines" said the chap in charge of the garage, one Sergeant Deary, "go to that shed marked spares and get me a set of spark plugs for this diesel engine."

..."no she replied" 

he raised an eyebrow at her response,  

..."because a diesel engine doesn't have spark plugs Sergeant" she added.

He smiled and told her she'd passed the first test.  "Can you change a tyre"? she said yes, ok then going to there and start replacing those beasts and worn out tired I'll catch you up later, 20 into the back of the garage 8-hour of wheels with all tyres on them and a similar tower of new tyres with their labels still on them in the middle was a machine which word enable like to change the tires quite quickly so she said to work

Toil, Adventures 

She soon found her way around the backbone of British transport workhorse the Austin K2/Y, easily kitted out as an ambulance its large engine and robust gearbox made it a worthy choice for the British army. She could have a wheel and tyre off in a matter of minutes with the help of an array of levers and machines.

But her skill of a driver that was at that time needed the most, she found herself taking these vans up and down the A roads of Britain, she soon got to know the routes, up to Birmingham and back was a common assignment, the train to Coventry and a new wagon back to London, often whit the paint still tacky. This and continued military training sessions kept her busy and fit, some days she felt you could take the world on whilst other days she yearned for sleep. The men in the garage always treat the ladies with the degree of respect Faith threatened a lot of it was due to the presence of Sergeant Gray.

Faith was 19, It was a fine, warm early summers evening when Faith and some of her friends went out dancing. Lizzie, along with Ada, Nancy (often call Nancy the naughty night nurse by the lads) and Pamela set off from the barracks to catch the bus into town, Faith loved these night out, as they skipped along the road  dressed in clothes which wartime rationing allowed but with care and a few tricks the looked and felt like Hollywood filmstars. Faith had a good figure with dark brown hair cut into a bob for practality, Lizzie was the opposite, sturdy built with a mop of Auburn red hair and an attractive face she was not a girl to fade into the background.  Laughing and joking, the horrors of the past week soon faded the bad memories and an exited anticipation look over. They were young, pretty and confident, the world was still their oyster and Faith was determined to life whatever life she had left to the full. A brief memory of her Aunt Audrey telling her that fun and giggles were the devil's work flashed by as Valerie remarked that they may see the boys from the Bus Depot in town and was Faith interested? "Never say never" laughed Faith. 

She loved London despite the carnage, people just didn't have the same narrow mindedness as those from her village and everyone seemed to be enthusiastic and cheerful. Arriving in town the skipped and laughed up to the Mecca, a queue was already forming, young men in smart suits and brylcremed hair all smoking and many chatting the lasses up already. Faith was applying more lipstick and checking her stockings seams when there turn came "WVS" one of them shouted to the large frightening doorman who looked like he'd bashed a few heads and enjoyed it, a flick of his head got all four of them in without paying and Nancy, normally the shy one kissed him on the cheek as she skipped past him. Mind you, he knew the more lasses he could get in the more lads would come, and they would be less inclined to fight.

Inside the band was playing the latest from the  Chicago Jazz scene and Faith and her mates were soon up dancing with the lads. 

Chapter 9

1940 (Leave and Donald).

Faiths first leave became due, she was allocated 10 days off, given a return train ticket, and two weeks pay,  she left the barracks on the Monday the first Monday of July.

It was a glorious day in London and the trip back to Lancashire on the train was noisy, full of soldiers sailors are men and civilians smoking drinking bottles of beer and generally relax because they've got away from the the horrors of war. They were generally respectful of her because seeing a girl in a military uniform was still a rarity.

She'd phoned through The Black Sheep, the village pub and ask them to pass a message on on to her mother to tell them she was coming home for 10 days leave, this was done so when she arrived home he was warmly welcomed not only by her family but by some of the locals as she walked up the street in her uniform

Mother and father had prepared a bit of a spread (as they say Lancashire) and afterwards father took them (Ada too) down to the pub where they both enjoyed with a glass of beer and jovial. Aunt Vie came and Faith and she hugged so long they thought they'd not let go of each, not much time for  conversation with the locals.  Indeed Faith was pleased that Donald was there as well, it was good to see him he was looking well and that the summer sun had browned him so that he looked almost Greek. He'd seen how lots of folk wanted to hear the news from London from her and she was lapping up the warmth of her family being around, "let's go swimming to the lagoon" he said, "it would be just like the old days" yes she said we'll go tomorrow I'll make my own way up there air "no wait" she said you can take me up on that big noisy bike of yours I'll fetch some sandwiches tomorrow then?

"You'll hear the bike before you see me" he laughed, "sure I will" she replied "about 10 o'clock".

The road up to the blue lagoon was bumpy but afforded beautiful views of the Lancashire rolling countryside. Not too far it was a regular haunt in summer for all the local folk, this morning it was relatively quiet just a small group of young teenagers jumping in off the rocks into the deep blue well which was created from an old quarry it was warm it was sunny and Donald and Faith talked about many things he wanted to know about her life in London the old saw wanted to talk about the night before in the pub when Faith seems so happy, "you're right" she said "it was wonderful seeing everybody and realising how much love they held for me.

The silence of the day was broken by why an aircraft flying over clearly in some distress with smoke coming from its back when it was making its way to a nearby aerodrome and it's appearance caused the children there where to jump on the bikes and cycle down the hill after it in the ghoulish hope that it might crash land. (It didn't). Let's swim then said Faith whilst the lagoon is empty and they both agreed and strict the close down to the swimming costumes. Donald could not notice the Faith had matured into a womanly figure of some beauty, he simply had to comment on her swimsuit barely covering the things that used to cover quite easily, she laughed, "look who's talking" she said "those trunks are barely concealing your intentions" she laughed it made him blush.

He became confused, he was experiencing feelings he hadn't before, with his friend of many years, wrong he knew but at the same time exiting, he dived in the cool deep water and as he did so she couldn't help noticing his sexual arousal and how he'd developed  from a gangley youth into a taut muscular man. She jumped in but almost dragged him out back to a concealed area where they made love in a most joy filled  enthusiastic way. 

Chapter 10

The events at the blue lagoon were on her mind as the train taking Faith back to London sped through rural England She was surprised at the whole affair being so, well, enjoyable.

But work beckoned and Faith was fully committed to her role, she had been selected for a regular driving job. It was a big house some 60 miles north of London unusually her sergeant didn't give her a map to the big house but told her the route in A roads and she was told to watch out for red tractor on its side? Follow this landmark for half a mile to be a gate entrance on your left driving to the gate and up the long single track road where you will be met by military police and escorted to your destination stay in the van until it's unloaded and you are waved away then you can come home the rest of the day is yours. That suited Faith as she was often home about 3 which gave her chance to I have what she called "FaithTime", a chance for her to do her hair, nails etc all the things that girls like to do. Also, it kept her away from the quite devestated areas of London for a short while. Other days she was doing first aid and basic medical training delivered by the St John's Ambulance Service, given that they were driving on the ambulances,  and often stopped for help it was felt that the the new recruits at least needed the basics this was Borne out by an incident but you soon happened whilst Faith without driving. 

The driving jobs took up her Monday the other days mixture of training and her duties out in the city, mainly befitting a relatively inexperienced ambulance driver  One day Faith was driving through London delivering a brand new ambulance through to the barracks at Chelsea turned into a street which was unfortunately blocked due to a large bomb crater the fire brigade was there as like a hive of bees as they were trying to clear the site, as she looked around for an alternative route in the street a policeman flagged her over and asked her to join him with a with another gentleman who turned out to be a doctor. The doctor was an older man who had an expression on his face or fatigue and defeat "we have a situation here" he said  "in which have got an old of the gentleman trapped underneath wooden rafters and beams he's legs and hips a badly crushed and it's about 6-ft under rubble, we can get near to him but I'm in no physical condition to get right up to him, that said from the reports from the fire brigade who have spoken to him he's drifting in and out of consciousness and clearly and some pain. Given his age and his physical condition I can only recommend that we use what resources we have on site to ease his passage so I can join his loved ones who seem to have passed away in the bombing. Therefore I want you to slide down there eir.ie will give you 3 files of morphine and he will administer them one after another we have public officials witnessing what I'm telling you you and therefore you will have no no responsibility for what you do. 

Faith was devastated at this turn of events,  but she knew new exactly what he was saying and knew he was right  and what he was suggesting as a process of action was really the only option available she took off a tunic she had underneath a white dress a  cotton blouse and the fireman helped her over to the makeshift ladder and pointed down two ways you could see an arm on the side of the face of an elderly gentleman,  she moved and helped by the fireman moved into a position she needed to be to grasp the gentleman's hand he's head move slightly to his left so he could see her and he smiled he looked at kind sort of way, he was trying to speak but he couldn't,  he had a genuine look of relief on his face that she, another human being at joined in him in this he'll hole. I'm going to do my best to help you she said during and held up a bottle of morphine to show him he know what she could do do and what she was about to do and  welcomed it. Hows our Elsie" he asked "is she ok?" "Yes" she fine replied Faith he smiled he looked calm She quickly administered the three files with morphine into his arm and he fell asleep within seconds she held his hands to make sure,   and then looked up and two firemen who witnessed events, sighed at the futility of it all but was thanked by them and the doctor and policeman for carrying out her duty. The doctor had written down his name and address as well as the policeman's badge number and pass this information to her with the order that she report the incident to her second in command on arrival back at the barracks including these details of the witnesses.

For the next few weeks Faith became somewhat withdrawn. 

Mothers letter 

Hello Faith,  I trust you are well, we al

Chapter 11

Later that summer .... well autumn really "so how is your love life" Lizzie asked Faith one damp Monday morning in July as both girls were getting their uniform on for whatever the day was about to hold a bit early a bit early yet said fair "I'm not really in the mood at the moment to be honest." "Ah yes,  you get your plums squeezed when you're back up in Dalby  you little monkey" Lizzie laughed. Faith looked around surround hesitantly be quiet about that she said it's supposed to be our secret don't go shouting it all over Barracks. "Tell  you the truth I'm so busy with this extra driving that I really don't have the energy all the to pursue a love life I just want to sleep in my hours off". Lizzie laughed.

"You won't want a blind date with my brother then" Lizzie said. "Hold on there a mo" she replied, "let's not be too hasty"

They arranged a foursome for the following Saturday A few beers, fish and chips a dance and whatever else you want was the order of the day Lizzie and Faith, Philip and Stan. What could possibly go wrong?

London during the Blitz

London smelled of war, a mixture of cordite from the bombs, brick and cement dust and cooking jellied eels from the vendors. That Saturday  was a warm  evening, Faith had some trepidation over this blind date but any such hesitation was soon gone as they all met up outside the Elsoldo in Green St, a well known dancehall and cafe, Faith noticed the number of  motorbikes outside the cafe and couldn't help thinking about Donald and how much he would enjoy the evening, maybe not when he seen her when other fellow and she had an idea what he might do do to restore his honour. She often thought of Donald and felt he was the thing she missed the most about her previous life. 

On seeing Philip Sawyer all thoughts of Selby faded, he was tall with an athletic build, a mop of blond curly hair and steel blue eyes she could stare into for some while. The danced and drank a few beers and afterwards they enjoyed snogging and petting in an alleyway but Lizzie soon called time as the last bus to the Barracks was near due. The kissed and parted but Faith was fair smitten, Philip promised to contact her again for the following week and was true to his word. He asked her to meet him on the Sunday midday, they could walk along the Thames maybe have tea and cakes and maybe go to the cinema later? She agreed. 

  ,_,,

Autumn 1940

7/Jack's death

It was a late Autumn Sunday morning when Faith was called in to the COs office, Capt. Dowling, a tall slim lady who Faith felt was chosen for her humourless demeanour as much as skill sets, her office was a small dingy affiar more like a broom cupboard. "there's been an loss at your home I'm afraid, I've had a phone call to say your Father Jack Pollard has been killed in an industrial accident." She continued, "you will be granted two weeks leave with immediate effect and travel documents and pay due can be collected from the paymaster, I expect you back on duty Monday the 21st. Faith stood up and thank her, saluted and left.

Faith collected her pay and documents and returned to barracks, she'd already decided to wait till tomorrow to travel as it was Sunday, Monday would mean a more regular train timetable, the barracks were empty so she'd have a chance to reflect on events as well as prepare herself for the journey.

She went to the phone box just off the barracks gates and contacted the Black Sheep in the village, it was the landlords wife Gina who answered, Faith didn't need to explain why she'd rung, she wanted Gina to get a message to her mother to say she would be home tomorrow? Gina sympathised, I'll do better than that she said, I'll tell Dawn, she's in at the moment, that's better than placing an advert in the local gazette. 

Faith smiled and thanked her. Upon her arrival home she learned from her mother that the factory had refused to pay the death benefit to Jacks family because he wasn't officially working when he was killed he was in fact on a picket line outside the factory. Jack for all his faults was an active supporter of the Union that was trying to get recognition in the factory I move much resisted by the management as it happened he was on a picket line on the morning it was killed some scabs at turned up on a coach to break the picket and a fight it broken out as fights often do at such events.  A stone was thrown be why somebody unknown and unfortunately caught Jack on the left temple he died immedihe house as was the tradition during the 40s in Britain, was prepared for the mourning, black crepe covered part of the front door the mirrors and pictures in the house we're covered in black crepe,  the big table in the parlour was opened out ready to take the coffin on Thursday the funeral was arranged for Friday. Faith hugged her mum and Ida, the one sister who  remained living at the property since the other two had married and moved on. Over a cup of tea it became apparent that not only had Jack been killed but her mother confirmed that the management at the factory had taken the stand that the newly granted death benefit for widows and families would not be payable to Jacks widow. Without this benefit her mums life looked bleak indeed. Ironically it had been Jack over years had fought for this benefit and when it was granted he was held as almost a national hero in the factory. Mother was naturally quite devestated, but Faith had other plans. She put her arm ariund her mum and asked her not to worry,  they then busyed themselves making cakes and pastries for the funeral guests.

Later that week it was a typical autumn morning,  the leaves were beginning to fall and a heave dew hung in the air. 

Faith left the house at about 10 o'clock,  dressed business like in her navy suit and white blouse and certainly looked  the part of a person on business.

Mother wondered where she was going but she simply said she would go down to the Black Sheep  for lunch and meet up with one of two old friends.

The reality was she was going first to the factory office to meet one Mr Joseph Critchly. As she  she felt strangely empowered it was only about a year ago when she was a young girl in this parish being told what to do by a teachers her parents her elders and indeed anybody and everybody who seemed to to be older and wiser than her. Now, having experience so much good and bad things she felt that really nothing good harm or shock her more than pulling half a teenage lad out of a bombed cellar. She went straight up to the main office to a stone faced receptionist and ask to see Mr critchley she knew he was in in because he's old rover 75 I was outside in the car park it was one of the few men in time to have a such a car the receptionist baulked but Faith said "tell him it's Jack Pollard's daughter, Jack and Ada Pollard" the latter was to lay the Foundation of what she knew was going to be the next 15 minutes difficult conversation. The receptionist disappeared but came back in about 5 minutes and I should get through to the office, a grand affair which seem strangely out of place in a factory environment leather chairs leather top desks and mahogany panelling I was broken up by my paintings of local scenes and local dignitaries. 

Jacob Critchley was  steel haired with peircing blue eyes "I expect I can guess what you want" said Jacob Critchley, "money"? 

You're clearly a man who like straight talking Mr Critchley so I'll get straight to the point. My family dynamics are a little unconventional to say the least, if I was to refer to my mother who in fact would have been referring to would it be Ada Pollard or my Aunty Vie? Should it be the latter the next question would be then who's my father? A pause ensued. 

Of course I'm sure you will agree that whatever the current status quo is, is best left alone. Questions and rumours could start circulating and all sorts of allegations and truths could come out which could harm you. I now live and work in London and have no interest in returning to Dalby but without her rightful widows benefit my mother would need my ongoing support, the only solution to this issue would be for me to move back to the village start going round with my old friends hanging round The Black Sheep,  having a few beers crying in my beer some nights and letting some inconvenient truths slip. Now you may not know one Dawn Dawson  down at The Black Sheep,  but I can assure you that mentioning something to her is more efficient at getting it spread around then putting it in the BBC news. So you have a decision. Reinstate the benefit, I'll be back to London and things remain the same. Jacob stood looking out of the window in silence for a minute or two, then turned to her and said

 "I will reinstate the benefit on two conditions, One is if this history of ours is ever made public I will stop the benefit right away and two is I never see or hear from you again, if you break any of those conditions the widows benefit will stop. Good morning Miss Pollard."

When Faith emerged back out into the street she felt elated,  she's achieved what she set out to achieve and she stood up against one of the most powerful men in the village, more importantly she'd secured mothers financial future.

 M15 call

Driving jobs up to the old house we're getting more and more frequent for Faith sometimes three times a week, but she had began to quite enjoyed it. On the days she wasn't driving she'd be in medical training for ambulance staff. She was taught to bandage, stem bleeding, use of a tournque etc. Her duties in the workshop were being lessened, She recalled Sgt Grey had said this was to be expected as squadron needs changed and individual skills were recognised.

For Faith the freedom of the road was exhilarating, it gave her time to gather her thoughts away from the hustle bustle and chatter of the HQ.

Dear Faith I hope you're guess what's happened here at home I had a letter from a solicitor saying saying that at the critchleys factory and decided to reinstate your father's death benefits and therefore I will receive the widow's pension with back pain there was something about they didn't want any publicity over the matter or they would withdraw the pension over his strange but I'm over the moon I'll tell you more about it when I see you at which I hope will be soon Mum

Chapter 7 

It was Monday, the weekends events turned over in her mind and whilst many were good, one conversation concerned her. She and Philip had danced and had a few drinks, enjoyed fresh fish n chips as they walked across London bridge, and ended up back at his flat where they made love. Sunday morning broke, a warm early spring walk beckoned, Faith wanted a walk to a little cafe nearby for coffee and breakfast buns but Philip seemed to want to talk to her about her duties, indeed his opening "pillow talk" was asking her what she'd be doing tomorrow? It was a line of questioning that had come up previously and Ashley was mindful of the signs about "careless talk costing lives". Why the interest she asked?

Oh, you know he replied nonchalantly, I love you so much I want to learn more about you, there are things I hardly know about you. That seemed to satisfy her embryo of suspicion but she still wanted to tread carefully. Get dressed then, and I'll let you take me for breakfast she replied.

 "What about you"? she quipped as the walked along the embankment, "I know very little of your world." He shrugged, not much to know I'm afraid, event to Grammar School and on to University then landed a position as a reporter here in london, mainly covering... As he spoke the sirens wailed and they ran to a signposted shelter, t"hats breakfast postponed" he shouted above the brutality and  theatre of the scene. "I hate those Germans for what damage they're causing to my world" she said to him, "not just the Germans to blame" he shouted but quickly clammed up when he realised it caught the attention of an ARP patrol chap. Later on that morning as they sat in a simple but homely cafe for tea and cake she asked him to elaborate on the market made.

He was coy, talked about world politics and ages of empires,  which to be honest went right above her head,  he that said talking talking of empires reminded her something Lizzie had said back at the barracks in casual conversation with Faith some weeks earlier, could this be a family trait she wondered was he one of these fifth columnists one hears about on the BBC? Either way it bothered her and she was begining to think she didn't think that much of him anyway. Whilst they were together her mind would often wonder back to Dalby. 

These events bothered her so much that on her arrival back at the barracks she decided to go and speak to Sergeant Grey mainly to tell her of her concerns about Philip asking her about what her duties were, and her trips out of London, adding that she hadn't told him where she was going precisely and at this point she was glad she hadn't told him much anyway.

She thought that will be the end of it in need it was as far as she was concerned but she was very wrong indeed from that moment on life changed completely 

The first move the sergeant did was too confined to barracks "for her own good" she said. The following morning she was reminded to say nothing to anyone about their conversation but she was told to do the midland run again and things seem normal until she got there.

After she had unloaded her cargo she would normally get back in the van and drive back to base, this time however two men in civilian suits with bowler hats and ask her to join them in the office leave the lorry here they said we'll have you on your way shortly they seemed pleasant enough if somewhat sinister in there manner but they took her into a side office and that's who she like tea or coffee to each you replied coffee. The introduce themself as sergeants Carruthers and Thompson.

"Let me get straight to the point" said Carruthers, "we understand your boyfriend has been asking you all sorts of questions, well we suspect he might be up to no good and I think you suspect similar, which is why you reported it to your line manager last night yes?" She replied "yes"

"So does this mean I will be sent home in discrace?" Faith asked glumly,  not at all said Sgt Caruthers indeed some could say that you are acted quite responsibly in bringing it to your sergeants attention.

Look, we know this all sorts of things going on in London with some queer minority groups trying to to undermine or elected governments fight against the Nazis. We're dealing with it but this type of infiltration what we believe has happened here could be used to our advantage. We're going to askew you to get involved further, you must realise that any such involvement could be very dangerous for you you and I wouldn't blame you if you said it was not your bag in that case you'd return to your normal duties and no further action would be taken. Think about it said the other man with our planning and operation and your cooperation we could send the German military intelligence a curved ball. It's not going to win the war on itself but it's the chipping away at they are mighty German intelligence machine.

I mean she said no need to think about it I'm in. Woah slow down a little first thing you'll have to learn is how not to appear to keen, they'll smell a rat, keep things cool and pretend you thought a lot about it suggest to him that you're prepared to help him because although you're not too sure of how how these things work you trust him and have a great deal of affection for him. That would be a blazing lie said Faith I hate the bastard now, "young lady if you're going to help in the world of espionage you're going to have to learn that honesty is a luxury we can't afford. Go home and await our instructions," he replied.

What about Philip? she said, "carry on courting him" they replied, "as nothing has changed".

Chapter 9

Faith was to find out later that Philip wanted her to photograph the documents she was taking up to Birmingham.

He had indeed given her a miniature camera and instructions on how to use it. 

He'd also told her that the information would be valuable he's saving countless lives and she would be a hero when this war had been settled to everybody's favour of course she knew this was a lie and hated him for telling it but was pragmatic and realised that during this horrible war normal morals didn't really apply . Apparently, what she was delivering were damage  reports through various agencies highlighting the effects on the air raids on different areas of London on a parish by parish basis. The fifth columnist group Philip worked for was aiming to feedback statistics to Berlin which could be used by the Luftwaffe to target the areas where their bombing raids were having the greatest effects in terms of infrastructure destruction and human deaths the British intelligence service simply altered the figures to what were effectively false statistics,  these she found out meant German air raids were tricked into targeting relatively low impact sites and as one of the men in grey suits (she would call them) told her her actions, although the operation only lasted for about a month would have effectively saved many hundreds if not thousands of lives.

Caruthers explained to Faith that Philip would use her until she became of little value to him and his band of fifth columnists. He fancies his self as something fairly senior should any new administration take charge of London.

As well as carrying on with her transport runs Faith spent a good few days with Carruthers training in small arms at a local army firing range introduced her to a Webly hand gun used by the British army and Navy ideal because it was small and could be hidden in a pocket or a handbag which you needed to be by competent in its use so they practised of an evening. 

You need to be able to strip it down load it clean it learn it's controls and most importantly use it it could save your life one day, got that?

Yes she replied, He was a tall Square jawed man and said he'd been a Commando, which to be honest was fairly obvious. He was muscular with a mop of dark curly hair. He was curt though, his manner was really matter of fact which was disconcerting to her  She was going through some fairly awful dilemmas she was still friends with the Lizzie she told Carruthers, but he  explained to her that Lizzy was a traitor to the England, she and Philip belong to a group that believed that Germany's Third Reich would strengthen Britain and help it prosper while getting rid of "undesirables" and she was Philips sidekick. 

Indeed he warned her to watch Lizzie like a hawk, particularly if her demeanour towards Faith changed, she must let him know immediately, "Same for Philip" he said watch his moods, his demeanour and his attitude, and if you feel at all all like you've been compromised contact me right away" In the meanwhile you be careful. 

Dear Faith, how are you? Will we see you soon? I do hope so. Things Are Strange here without your father but with Mary and Alice we survive plus the pension I get from the Mill helps whilst we're not millionaires we are to all intents and purposes comfortable I thank God everyday for the extra pension from his works somebody was looking after me me because it was looking like we're going to get anything I saw the Dawson lad the other day the older one the one with the daft motorbike why he's looking big now is the size of a brick shithouse but good-looking with it

 

Chapter 10 

 

It was a wet foggy Thursday evening when a large air raid hit the area served by Faith's group, operations were centered on an are about 2'square miles. she had the sounds even though she was in and Spencer she knew that soon after should be going out helping their RP and fire brigade recovering the wounded and the dead. But it needed doing on so she would do it she had mixed feelings now because at the beginning she was so sure about the good guys and the bad guys but now these lines have become blurred especially in terms of what Philip was up to. Truth was at times like this she longed for the homlyness of her village, a place where most people knew you and you knew of them and they were friendly and genuinely interested in what was going on in your life and your family life the smell of freshly baked bread which was much better in the smell of explosives, death and destruction.

But life went on, London was taking a pounding but the general consensus was that the people were more determined than ever to fight on. Faith was confused sometimes thinking that the war was hopeless and it was lost another x feeling proud that we were fighting it and ready to to throw everything we had at the enemy which made her very patriotic, Not an emotion she was familiar with.

Chapter 11 

"Where's Lizzie?" Pamela asked, "dunno" was the general relpy from around the  canteen, "haven't seen much of her to be honest" one of the girls said I believe she's doing some jobs up in Manchester and so she's out other times one of the girls said. "Doesn't matter anyway, what about Saturday night, are you coming out with Faith?" "She's got a bloke in tow these days" Pamela said,  "I don't think we'll see much of her at the dancehall for a bit" she said playfully. 

"It's not just that, I'm knackered most days and find sleep wherever I can" replied Faith, "anyway it's not quite as much fun these colder nights, I'll stay tucked up with a Philip Marlowe" "You're getting old" one of the other girls said, "you'll be knitting soon and reading woman's weekly" they all laughed. Truth was much of the time she spent out on the the firing range learning how to shoot and manage gun, Carruthers wanted her fully competent should the need arise. Anyhow she thought she would be seeing Phillip this weekend but he hasn't rung her as he normally did on Thursday or Friday to arrange to meet up. This she thought was strange, and reported it to Sgt. Carruthers, he thought about it and told her she should see this as possibly a warning sign and be on her guard, "you got the gun?" he asked "yes" she said, "where" he said "here in my bag" she said "good girl, treat it as a good friend, it may well be one day... 

As she went to bed on Sunday night she felt a little more relaxed because she hasn't heard from Philip and because Lizzie seemed to I have done a bunk she felt in a heart that she may never see either of them again NJ and to be quite honest with herself that would suit her thank you.

Chapter 12

She was up early on the Monday, she breakfasted on oats and toast, collected a packed lunch from the canteen and went to collect her transport. Off she set, on the by now,  familiar route out of London. The fog had lingered on and made driving even more difficult. Driving past Luton the fog began to lift to reveal a bright late autumn morning, ironically she felt a similar lifting of the fog in her own mind regarding matters of Philip, clearly she no felt that she wouldn't see him I'm busy anymore and that she guessed something has spooked them and they were on the run somewhere. This idea major field much more relaxed about what had gone and in the past. 

She was making good time to her destination, traffic was light and she was now approaching Daventry in the Midlands countryside and milestones which made her feel that our journey was coming towards and end she look forward to reaching the house and getting a cup of tea sit down to eat a packed lunch. She wondered what was in a packed lunch and took a peek in her bag on her left hand side it was fairly well wrapped up and touch you couldn't tell, she hoped it was pork pie. At that point events began to happen very quickly and somewhat strangely, up ahead about 200 yards she could see a sentry box with a barrier placed across the road she immediately started to slow down to weigh the situation as it didn't sit right, it was unusual to see a roadblock as there only seemed to be one sentry present. 

At the same time in her rear view mirror she noticed a large black saloon car not far behind her, looking back to the sentry she noted he carried a machine gun but also noticed he seemed to have curly blond hair poking hitting the sides of his beret, blonde hair very similar to Phillips.

She slowed the van to walking pace whilst the line guard was walking towards her, closing the gap, he held a gloved hand upwards with his machine gun at the ready in the other.

Meanwhile her left hand was in her bag scrambling for the gun, as he drew alongside the driver's window clearly was obvious it was Philip who had a strange almost trans like look on his face however has he started to raise his machine gun towards her, he was distracted by the black car which was squealing it's brakes behind them. Two sharp snaps rang out and Phillips forehead developed a hole right in the centre, he seemed to stare for a second as if to take it all in, and then crumbled onto his knees and onto the floor.

It was Sergeant Saunders she saw first in her mirror down the left sides of the van, he had in his hands beluga type pistol Sergeant Carruthers on the other hand was to the right holding a UK Tommy gun. Caruthers made eye contact with her and beconed to open the door, 

"Put your gun down miss it's all over now you safe" he said not sure if she did as she was told Carruthers open the driver's door and gently helped her arm. Saunders will take it back now to your barracks, "I will tidy up here and take your van up to the house". She was glad really, "you alright miss?" Carruthers asked, yes she replied, she avoided looking at the body of Philip despite the fact that she was now used to seeing dead bodies. Cruises asked him should he take her back to the barracks or to the safe house no back to the barracks he said she seems to be ok KF you have any doubts use your own initiative I'll ring through to the barracks to sort things out go now. Girls agreed on escorting the back to the car where they set off when I pace back to London, "does a decent pub about 3 miles down here he said to her yes I've passed it she replied will stop there get a sandwich and maybe a cup of tea before we carry on back to London,c"fine by me she said I passed it before I wondered what it was like" The drove on in silence events going through her mind in slow motion. "What was all about she asked?"

"Philip was in a corner he replied, "he knew new that you knew too much and had you have decided to spill the beans he would ended up quickly in a jail that's a traitor" .

The lunched in the pub, a simple meal a pork pie and pickles and a glass of bitter ale, during the meal the chattered about their homes which it transpired the both missed very much but the incident with Phillip wasn't mentioned at all. 

Chapter 13

The morning after,  Sgt Grey stopped her in the canteen to tell her she'd to take 72 hours leave on the recommendation from "them above", take it for R&R (rest and relaxation), Faith was not aware of what Sgt Grey knew about her "lncldents" but was aware of her talks about "less talk costs lives", so Faith simply agreed with her and said she would call to the office to collect a travel warrant. Hold on the second Sgt.Grey mused, "your mate Pamela is going down to Cornwall for 3 days on a job, she takes a staff car down there to be sprayed up, then  brings it back here, she lives down that way so she stays with her mother and father,  why don't you ask her if you wouldn't mind you tagging on? It'll save you going up to those dark satanic mills" she laughed. She often laughed at her own humour. She find Pamela in the barracks she was actually packing overnight hi she said to her I believe you doing a job down your home way this next few days and she went on to explain the conversation she had with Sgt.Grey, "if I could bum a lift down there air-dry could maybe fix myself up in a local guest house or farmhouse for the 3 days and come back with you" she said.

 "You'll do nothing of the sort played Pamela you come down with me and stay at my house with my parents order does the most fantastic cheese and onion pie and shall regalia with scones and clotted cream, there's also a couple of pubs in the village frequented by fishermen and young lads" she winked. Well I wouldn't half mind if that's okay she said.

Chapter14

Faith and Pamela set off early that morning, Faith mind was all over the place and she wasn't really much I've got a conversation list on the way down she suspected that Pamela new new that's something that happened, but preferred to keep quiet. A first night sleep with heavenly she have a soft bed in a quiet village with just the sound of seagulls two lull you off, oh how she loved this village.

The social centre was two pubs The Sea Captain and aThe Dolphin. It reminded the both reminder of the black sheep in Dalby very much the Hub a village life with a similar amount of working lads and lasses relaxing and having a beer ear after a hard day's work one lad in particular caught face eye that all dark skin lad dark skinned from the fishing in the sun. He felt a lottery so so she finds out his name was Charlie, oil Betty has his own mirror she said to Pamela who left her head off not that it was that funny but she's already had a few pale ales. It was soon time to get back however but the break had done the job. Again face wanted to get back to the war to do her bit she had a burning passion to help people because in doing so she was contributing to the war effort and she believed that the more people contributed the quicker and the better the chances of us winning where.

Chapter 15.

The reminder of faith's war  could be described this almost mundane, she was promoted to Sergeant giving her skill sets 

Shed been moved to an artillary barracks over towards Greenwich and found herself more and more involved with the day to day running of the barracks. , she missed her friends although she promised to keep in touch with Pamela she knew that was on my quick to happen because of the distance between them two of them she often wondered what what to become of of Lizzie. But she knew better than ask. One afternoon her office phone jingled,  it was the gatehius telling her that two gentlemen had needed to see her,  intruiged she went down and was shown into an anti room. Low and behold it was none other than Carruthers and Saunders. Well she exclaimed,  I was just thinking that I was missing some of my old friends but I never expected you to,  how the devil are you,  as usual it was carruthers who replied where well thank you Miss and yourself? Yes fine she said but you haven't come here to make small talk I reckon no he said please sit down I'll get straight to the point he said that's one thing I do remember about you your northern directness she smiled we have a situation which we need some help on but we need somebody I was not afraid of facing your bit of action. Go on she said I was getting a little bored here anywhere are they looked at each other and exchanged a right smile almost like one of them had a side bet on that reaction.

 

 she was awarded several medals recognising her contribution in helping wounded soldiers and civilians in London to try and make the centre of it all. She had a letter from her mother one winters day telling her the local gossip but also telling her that Donald Dawson had been reported as missing in action, a situation that his mother had taken "very badly" . Truth was Faith also took it very badly but unlike her mother she wasn't in a position to share her feelings. The war was coming to an end, London was full of Yanks who had wandering hands, she missed Dalby, it's hills, it's simplicity and it's people. She knew she'd be back shortly. Life all seems so wasteful she lost so many good people friends boyfriends our family what's the city wiz scarred with on damage but the seams through Beam a mentality of we have a beautiful wonderful country let's make it beautiful and wonderful again

 ,

Leave at the end of the war (changes to her relationships)

Returning the defunct ambulances to London. (Meeting old friends, let's get pissed)

 

 

 Notes on the AAP

women from most of the English shires, Scotland (branch of St Andrews Ambulance Association), members of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY), as well as members in Canada and in South Africa. At. In addition to the headquarters camps, there were two advanced bases with an average of 25 ambulances and their drivers each, on call and awaiting orders to move to France. Most of these women were already highly skilled in first aid, driving fast and efficiently in warzone landscapes, mechanics and ambulance repairs, and comfortable working without the reassuring protections of peacetime luxuries. Women developed rapidly in the role and, according to the records of the War Organisation, in most cases women would successfully get promoted from nurses and ambulance drivers to officers very quickly, excelling in their 

Women working in ambulances and other vehicles had to be extremely flexible and to cover a wide range of skills in order to be efficient in their crucial work. They had to be vigilant and careful when following the convoy which was performed mainly at night, adding to the danger involved in the operations. They had to withstand the trauma of war while servicing and caring for others in unsafe conditions surrounded by wounded and dead. Also, as preserving life was often a matter of speed of transport, they had to display high competence in driving; there was one occasion when drivers managed to take casualties from France and the war front to hospitals in England before the end of the same day. In addition, according to an article on the Times around that time, each nurse had to service her own ambulance, internally and externally. The ambulances were designed in a way that would allow the driver to be able to walk from her driving seat down the centre of the ambulance so that she could check on the patient and make sure transportation was smooth for them. Maintaining the vehicle was often also part of this duty and, according to the sources, many drivers would take great pride in their work and develop affection for their vehicles and their dedicated units. As the workload of the Transport Section was becoming increasingly demanding and heavier, eventually, on top of their normal duties, ambulance workers had to care for the infirm and elderly living locally who were being forcefully removed from their homes by the German Forces, adding also to their journeys and stretching their travelling and working hours to their limits.

Recognition
Women ambulance workers played a vital role in servicing those in need during the Second World War in general, and in the conveyance of the wounded to the British hospitals in particular. Working against all odds and the restrictions shaped by the expectations around their social role based on gender, women at the home front, in France, and elsewhere were present, empowering, and actively shaping history. In 1939 a General wrote with regards to the existence of female personnel in France: “Of course, you can say that we don’t smile on the proposition”. However, women who took part in these life-saving operations proved that their contribution to a more humane world was voicing its vision in the most elaborate way, in an act that demanded to be heard and recognised.