Chapter 41

Four tired but happy pilots were directed into Alan’s office, an RAF mini bus had picked them up from Brize.

Alan came straight to the point after congratulating them on the success of the last tour. “The A10 has proven to be an unqualified success, so much so that another squadron is to be formed. There’re going to be changes to the structure, Robbie I’m afraid you have flown your last mission over there. You are to be promoted to Wing Commander; your main job will be to bring the new squadrons up to scratch. Tim and Dave are promoted to Squadron Leaders for the two new squadrons. They will be based at RAF Mainton on Salisbury Plain, I’m afraid you will still have me a Station Commander. Let me be the first to congratulate you,” he said shaking the hands of the surprised pilots.

“Now you have a month’s leave due you, starting tomorrow after your investiture for your medals, Air vice Marshall Sir John Bradbury will be conducting the ceremony. Oh there’s one other small detail, it seems four young ladies are waiting to see you at a motel. I was asked to pass that message on, that’s, if you are interested.” A large smile appearing on his face, nearly as large as the smiles on the four pilots.

Robert opened the door to number 15 quietly; she was sitting by the dressing table brushing her hair. He crossed over to her; she saw his reflection in the mirror and began to turn.

“No stay were you are,” he asked quietly.

Her face showed alarm, “What’s the matter?” She asked.

“I have some news, but I’m not sure how you will take it,” he murmured.

“Oh god, they can’t be sending you out there again already,” she whispered.

“No, I have a new job at a new station,” he replied sitting down on the end of the bed watching her reflection in the mirror.

He could see the tears forming in her eyes, “So what are they expecting you to do now,” bitterness creeping into her voice.

“They want me to form two new squadrons at RAF Mainton; it’s about twenty miles from Aventon.” He replied.

“Well that’s nice, but does that mean you have to go out more often with two squadrons?”

“No it means I won’t go out ever again, I’ll be based here at home.”

He watched her face as she digested his news. She was frowning trying to make sense of what he had said. “Bobby this isn’t a joke or something, it would be too cruel if it was.”

“No darling, no joke, you are going to have to get used to me being under your feet all the time.”

The tears started to fall, her face breaking into a wide smile, the dimples forming. She turned from the mirror, and threw herself into his arms. “Oh thank god Bobby, I finally have you safe at home,” she whispered her soft lips enfolding his, as the headboard next door began to bang against the wall.

Terry looked up at the clear blue sky as a flight of A10’s roared over the parade ground. She felt the little squeeze of her hand, and glanced at Aggie and smiled. They were all here, Archie, Jack and Ruby, whilst on her left side Sir Wilber and Sir Royston Smith sat. The stands were packed with the wives, mothers and fathers and girlfriends of the assemble Squadron The band had ceased plying after the march pass, and now the Squadron was lined up before the review stand with Bobby, Tim, Bill and Tom stood in front of the assembled men and women. Her eyes glistened with love and pride as the Air vice Marshal descended from the stand to present them with their medals. She could see Sue, July and Carol sat with the parents of their man, each beaming with happiness at the occasion. She looked along the lines of the assembled men and women, stood rigidly to attention. Each in their own way, through effort and expertise had contributed to enable the pilots to fly their aircraft in safety. Without them there would have been no medal ceremony, Terry knew that after today a new chapter in their lives opened, one in which she and Bobby could share together.