The CBB
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/

Advent Drabbles Day 16: Highland Twins
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=5430

Author:  Advent Drabblers [ Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:10 am ]
Post subject:  Advent Drabbles Day 16: Highland Twins

I apologise for any errors in this...my books are still all boxed up and I've been using transcripts to help with these and there wasn't one for HT, so I had a summary from Lesley and then Pat in msn answering questions as I wrote!!

Poor kids, all dressed up so old fashioned like in full Highland dress, kilts, glengarry bonnets, the lot. So alike as well. We noticed them first when we entered the compartment.

“Hi, in here, better than with those effing Tommies,” shouted Effie down the corridor to me. “Come on Marge, quick, you and Joan get in here with me.”

We piled in and that was when we saw the kids. I say kids, one was as old as we were, but she still looked a kid if you know what I mean. The other two were still babes, probably about 10 or 12. They were dressed like I said, and although they had been chatting away, clammed up as soon as we entered. The two littlies visibly moved closer to the older girl who must have been their sister.

“Hey, we don't bite,” I said as I offered them some sweets, which they took shyly and then clammed up again after murmuring their thanks in whispers. Still they relaxed a bit.

Effie, Joan and I made ourselves comfy, spreading out as it was likely to be a long journey. Isn't every journey a long one these days, with Jerry about. We talked among ourselves, mainly about waaf stuff and I'd be surprised if they understood half of it. I did notice the look one the older girl gave us when we let rip in some rather ripe naaffi slang, I hadn't given it a thought, although I'd never talk like that at home. I suppose it wasn't the done thing in front of the kids, but they were so quiet I'd forgotten they were there.

It was to make up for that slip that I offered them some of our meal. There wasn't a buffet on this service, and they didn't seem to have any, at least they hadn't eaten, but when we offered them some plums they offered to share their own which was in a basket on the rack. Effie, being the tallest of us lifted it down and we all tucked in. It seems strange, but I think they had been too shy to start eating with us there. Shy of us, who'd believe it.

We started talking a bit more then. It seems they had lived on a tiny Island all their lives, the younger two, twins, had never left it before. The government had requisitioned it though and they had been forced to leave for the duration. An older brother was in the Raf, another at school and the twins were also off to school. I don't know how they will cope with it, will be a big change for them. From a tiny Scottish Island to a big English boarding school. Poor mites. Shiena's earmarked for the services as well, probably waafs like us if her brother flies, she'll have a hard time of it as well, but she seems tough enough to make it. She'll have half her unit in her pocket, wanting to know how she manages to have such clear skin. She really does have a beautiful face, no marks at all. Of course the other half'll be as jealous as sin.

It was a bit later that we pulled into a wayside station. We'd been travelling stop and start for a while and had been off the mainline. To be honest I had no idea where we were, although I knew we would hit Leeds eventually. You nearly always do end up at your intended station, even if it is much later and by an odd route. We stopped now though, and I wasn't a bit surprised when the wailing started. We started to groan, but the three Scots jumped up in terror. It was only then that I realised they had never heard a siren before, they were that sheltered.

Effie, Joan and I tried to comfort them, but knowing it was a raid just terrified them more. I must admit in blank terms, the eerie siren and then the thought of planes dropping bombs on you does sound terrifying, but somehow you come to accept it as normal don't you. You just get on, take shelter or do your job and hope it doesn't have your name on it. But not the first time. I'd forgotten the first time.

I didn't think there would be any planes, but kept watch, and when we heard the drone of engines was ready, the first bomb falling nearby threw us all off our seats, and when we heard the shrieking of others coming I pushed the twins under the seats, safest place. We laid on the floor in the dark as the bombs fell, they didn't seem to be aimed at the train, but was near enough, as near as you'd want to to be. Luckily it wasn't too ling before the all clear sounded and we were able to get up again. Effie had a reccy and the worst damage was a few broken windows further down the train, ours was cracked, but not broken. There didn't seem to be any injuries either, apart from the cuts, bumps and bruises from being a bit thrown about. There was a rumour that a house had been hit, but I don't see how anyone could actually know. What people didn't know was how long it would be until we were moving again, nor how long until we had some light, so we sat down on the floor of the compartment again and poured coffee from our flasks for everyone. I always say you can't have a raid without coffee!

I wonder what will happen to the three of them now. They were nice kids, hope they make it through. Boarding school should be safe enough from Jerry, but Shiena will have her eyes opened, and as for their brother...

Author:  Lisa [ Tue Dec 16, 2008 9:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Advent Drabbles Day 16: Highland Twins

A very interesting perspective ... sends a chill of unease down the spine at the end. Thanks :D

Author:  snowmaiden [ Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Advent Drabbles Day 16: Highland Twins

Thanks AD's - all of these have been brilliant so far. Interesting perspective here.

Author:  leahbelle [ Tue Dec 16, 2008 1:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Advent Drabbles Day 16: Highland Twins

Very interesting to see this perspective. Thanks!

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Dec 16, 2008 2:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Advent Drabbles Day 16: Highland Twins

Thanks for that. It is eerie

Author:  Advent Drabblers [ Tue Dec 16, 2008 7:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Advent Drabbles Day 16: Highland Twins

The weather was perfect tonight, just as the forecasters promised for once. Clear skies all the way across the North Sea, so it was easy to see when we crossed the coast. We dropped down to seal level to go under the radar, as instructed, and it seemed to work. At least we didn’t pick up any flack for quite a while. We were aiming for the airfields at Topcliffe and Dishforth, and we were halfway there before they picked us up. We lost Hans almost straight away, a lucky shot from a battery that took an engine out. He may have got down safely, or there may have been time for them to bail out. Didn’t see what happened after they got hit. The fighter escort had to turn back about then and we were on our own. That could have been a bit hairy, but the night fighters hadn’t picked us up at that point.

We found one of the bases - Topcliffe I’m pretty sure, as the railway line from London to the north ran nearby - and made out bombing run. It was so clear in the moonlight that I could see the bombs hitting the runway. Kurt got some photos I think, By this time the Englander fighters were up, and things got a bit hot. We tried to keep them off the ones who hadn’t dropped their bombs, and I think we were pretty successful, though they were a bit of a nuisance. I saw Georg go in after a fighter straffed him; his plane hit at the side of the runway, and I don’t think anyone got out in time. Some of the bombs struck near the railway. I think there was a train sitting in a siding, as I saw reflections from glass, but I don’t think it was damaged much. Just peripheral stuff you know, though the passengers won’t have been happy, but we weren’t after transport last night after all.

By the time we left we’d got scattered all over the shop, as usual. We flew back alone, lost the fighters, God be thanked, and once we were over the North Sea again it was plain sailing. A fairly normal raid as these things go and I just hope we didn’t lose too many tonight.

Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Dec 16, 2008 9:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Advent Drabbles Day 16: Highland Twins

Thanks ADS. Two different views of the raid. They are both frightening in some ways.

Author:  Sugar [ Tue Dec 16, 2008 9:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Advent Drabbles Day 16: Highland Twins

Interesting perspectives. Thanks. I always felt for the the Highland girls on that journey. Would the Waaf girls have used the F word though? I thought it wasn't used in conversation like that til more recently. My Grandmother would never have used it.

Author:  Advent Drabblers [ Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Advent Drabbles Day 16: Highland Twins

Re swearing - possibly as they mixed with soldiers/airmen they would pick up more - as soldiers certainly know how to swear! :lol:

'pzzzzt....d evening everyone, this is your Guard speaking - this is the six-fifteen murble-burble Newcastle Central to Leeds, calling at wheeeee...zit and all stations. The projected time of arrivbuzzzzzzz o'clock though there may be some minor delays on the line. Thank you.'


'Ladies and Gentlllllblurrrrrrrr.. .our Guard again, our estimated time of arrival atpsssss Central is now eleven thirty. There is no refreshment coach on board and, our later arrival will mean the shops will be mrrrrrrr.'


'Important information, this train has just heard that hurgle wheez plibbub have been spotted heading this way and the train may have to divert. Your patience is requested.'


'My apologies for the slight delay to your journey. This is......bris on the line. There is also the slight matter of thos blwheeeeeHuns bombing the line. Could a few men please assist in removing the rubble? Thank zzzzzz.'


'For those passengers hoping to travel on to Stockport after dididididididididiidididididididididii at Leeds, the Stocburble ain has also been depsssssss.'


'Thank you for travelling the Newpicapicapicap eeds express, we hope you enjoyed your journey.'

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Wed Dec 17, 2008 1:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Advent Drabbles Day 16: Highland Twins

Loved the incomprehensible loudspeaker information - don't think station announcements have improved in 60+ years, even though the PA systems on the trains themselves have improved!

Thanks, Advent Drabblers.

Author:  Sugar [ Wed Dec 17, 2008 1:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Advent Drabbles Day 16: Highland Twins

[quote="Advent Drabblers"] this is the six-fifteen murble-burble Newcastle Central to Leeds, calling at wheeeee...zit and all stations"

LOL Brilliant.

OT: did anyone else see the news about the Bham to Euston Non Stop Express where a muppet had got on wanting to get off in Coventry?! Is it any wonder people think we are stupid?

Author:  Cath V-P [ Wed Dec 17, 2008 3:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Advent Drabbles Day 16: Highland Twins

The first two perspectives, with their underlying seriousness - and then that loudspeaker announcement. Great fun.

Author:  Alison H [ Wed Dec 17, 2008 7:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Advent Drabbles Day 16: Highland Twins

At least they got an announcement - half the time they don't even tell you what the delay is or how long it'll be!!

Thanks ADs :D .

Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Dec 17, 2008 5:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Advent Drabbles Day 16: Highland Twins

Thank you for a trip down memory lane with the train announcements which I remember from childhod journey's in the fifties and sixties with my railway man father.

Author:  Susan [ Wed Dec 17, 2008 10:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Advent Drabbles Day 16: Highland Twins

That railway announcement is spot on. WHy is it the important words that disappear?

I posted a card today to some friends that live in Topcliffe - thankful they didn't live where they do during the war!

Author:  Pat [ Wed Dec 17, 2008 10:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Advent Drabbles Day 16: Highland Twins

My husband was at Topcliffe when we met.

All times are UTC
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/