The Uncertain Years by Beryl Matthews Read Free Book Online Page A

‘She’s a bit cramped, isn’t she, but we won’t all be in here at the same time, thank goodness. Hope you’re a good sailor because this is going to roll about like mad once we get into the Atlantic.’
    ‘The only boat I’ve ever been on was on the Thames. What about you?’
    ‘Same here.’ Reg grinned. ‘As soon as we get under way we’ll find out if we’ve got the stomach for it.’
    At that moment the tannoy barked out orders, and there was a scramble to get fell in on deck.
    They were soon on their way to meet up with a convoy making its way from America. Their ship was to take the place of a destroyer sunk two days ago. They weren’t given details, and didn’t ask. It was a tense time for Bob and the new members of the crew.
    Once out and in open water the sea was very rough, but Bob was relieved to discover that the constant rollingand dipping of the vessel didn’t trouble him at all. That wasn’t the case for a few of the others, and even a couple of the experienced sailors were afflicted with seasickness. Evidently this was quite normal for them, and they soon recovered.
     
    It took them two days to reach the convoy, and it was great to see sailors waving to them as they skirted the edge of the merchant ships to check for stragglers.
    ‘Nice to know we’re welcome.’ Reg joined Bob on his watch. He had also been unaffected by the motion of the ship, and both men were feeling quite pleased with themselves.
    An officer joined them. ‘Keep your eyes peeled,’ he told Bob. ‘You know what to look for. The news is that there could still be submarines in the vicinity.’
    ‘Right, sir.’ Bob held the binoculars to his eyes and began to scan the surface of the sea for any sight of a periscope. He had been given this job because of his exceptional long sight.
    The journey back to England was uneventful, much to everyone’s relief. There was no time to relax though, as within three hours they were under way again, this time to rendezvous with a convoy making its way back to America. They were then to escort another one back to England.
    ‘Hope we get a chance to go ashore in New York,’ Bob said. ‘It’d be a shame to go all that way and not see something of the place.’
    ‘We might have to wait until the convoy is ready to sail. It would be nice to relax, because we’re going to find outwhat it’s really like to be at sea with an enemy trying to sink you all the time,’ Reg remarked as they relaxed on a short break from duty.
    ‘I tell you what, I’d rather be on this destroyer than one of the merchant ships.’ He gulped down his tea. ‘Especially the tankers.’
    Reg shuddered. ‘Damned brave men – all of them.’
    ‘I agree. At least we have the chance to fight back.’ Bob refilled his mug. ‘But these convoys are vital. Without them England wouldn’t survive.’
    Reg nodded. ‘Let’s hope we can help get the next one, and ourselves, back safely.’
    ‘Amen to that.’

Chapter Six
    The wait was agonising, but eventually Becky was told where she was being posted. It was a transport division based in Hampshire, and she was delighted. She wished David were here so she could thank him personally, because she was sure his recommendation had helped.
    The girls she had been with during the basic training were being dispersed to various camps, and it was unlikely she would see them again. They had been a good lot, but she was too excited to feel sad about the parting. It had seemed strange at first to be with a load of girls instead of the boys, but she’d got used to it.
    With her bag packed, she gave one last look around the hut, and with all the goodbyes said, she headed for the door. There were seven days’ leave ahead of her, and she couldn’t wait to see her family. It would bewonderful if the boys had leave as well, but she knew just how unlikely that was. Still, Will would be there, and she could hear all his news.
     
    The week’s leave flew by. Becky’s father had