We Joined The Navy Read Online Free Page B

that any son of his would join the Navy over his dead body. You have, so buck up and look cheerful about it, my lad.’
    ‘I’ll try, mater.’
    ‘Looking at some of these little tykes you shouldn’t do too badly.’
    ‘Yes, mater.’
    George Dewberry put a finger in the rim of his cap and lifted it from the position of equilibrium it had assumed over his ears. The naval outfitters had given him a cap many sizes too large.
    George Dewberry was philosophical about it; it was only one and a minor one of the inconveniences of joining the Navy.
     
    Tom Bowles was alone and walked up the platform and straight into a carriage.
     
    Michael Hobbes was seen off by his mother and father and his eldest sister Susan. Michael was the first of his family to join the Navy and the news that he was about to do so had sent an electric tremor along the family grapevine only equalled by a birth or a marriage. His immediate family were delighted and particularly Susan who was captivated by the uniform. When Susan had first seen Michael in his uniform she had been struck dumb by his transformation from the chrysalis of a rather odious elder brother into the glorious butterfly of a Cadet, Royal Navy. She had regarded him with almost worshipping eyes but now that she saw so many other young men, all in the same magical dress, she was more critical of her brother.
    ‘They’re quite a lot of them taller than you, aren’t there?’ she said to Michael when they arrived on the platform.
    ‘Oh shut up. You’re supposed to be seeing me off, not making funny remarks.’
    Michael tried to conceal his nervousness.
    ‘It’s almost like going back to school again isn’t it Michael?’ said his mother.
    His mother knew more certainly than any other person in the family that they were about to lose him. She sensed that the break which was just approaching would be far more permanent than a return to school. She also sensed her son’s fear of the future.
    ‘Don’t you think it’s like going back to school, Michael?’
    ‘Almost.’
    ‘Remember to write now, won’t you, and let us know if you’re doing all right.’
    ‘Yes, mum.’
    ‘Got your ticket?’
    ‘Yes, mum.’
    ‘Handkerchief?’
    ‘Yes, mum.’
    ‘Michael, don’t be such a drip,’ said Susan. ‘You’ll be back in three months. Which are the boys who are going to be captains?’
    ‘How on earth should I know? I’ve never seen them before in my life.’
    As the time of departure came nearer, each cadet and his attendant circle tended to draw away from the rest. The families’ reactions varied from the stoical to the wildly tearful. Some families regarded their sons coldly and unemotionally, like Red Indian families sending their young braves out to fight against the white man. Others nearby wept and embraced each other, as though they were saying farewell to their boys before they disappeared into the gas-chamber.
    A whistle blew. Mrs Vincent was almost extinguished behind her lace handkerchief and her veil. She could find no words to say to her son at this moment but hugged him tight.
    ‘Here,’ said Cedric, taking a five pound note from his wallet. ‘Don’t spend it all on one woman.’
    The whistle blew twice.
    George Dewberry’s mother opened her handbag, which appeared to have been hacked from the carcass of an otter.
    ‘Here is your ticket, George,’ she said. ‘I’ve kept it as long as I can. You’ll have to look after it yourself now.’
    George and his mother kissed briefly, like horses recognising each other.
    A third time the whistle blew. Michael Hobbes hurriedly kissed his mother and his sister. He shook hands with his father.
    ‘I suppose I really ought to have given you some advice,’ said Mr Hobbes. He held out a pound note. ‘Don’t take up smoking too early.’
    The whistle blew again, in exasperation. There was a rush to the carriage doors. Michael Hobbes got in with Paul Vincent and George Dewberry. There was another cadet already