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

Setting Europe ablaze .... updated 09/07/2007, p. 24
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=2394
Author:  Tan [ Thu Apr 05, 2007 4:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Setting Europe ablaze .... updated 09/07/2007, p. 24
Polly was one of my favourite characters. Unfortunately there is no mention made of what happened to her after the war years. Last year Katarzyna started a drabble 'Polly's War'. That sparked off a bunny for me (I tried ignoring it, but it wouldn't go away). This story is based on many WW2 events. I hope you enjoy it!

A tall woman with greying chestnut hair stood in front of the plaque. Her head was bowed. In her hand she held a small bunch of red poppies with sprigs of rosemary. The plaque bore the names of four of her colleagues. She could picture them as they were, over twenty years ago. They were all so young, most of them in their twenties. Some were mothers. Others had barely escaped from Europe with their lives. And yet, they did not hesitate to volunteer. Many of them had been betrayed even before they had left England.

From the outside the brick building looked normal without a hint of menace. It was only inside that the jets in the ceiling, and the grates in the floor struck you. The final room where she stood was the most chilling of all. There were three large, metal ovens facing the room. Incinerators. It was these that turned this building into a war crime site.

A tear balanced on her eyelash and slid slowly down her cheek. She had wept so many times over the years ….
Author:  Fatima [ Thu Apr 05, 2007 4:25 pm ]
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This looks promising! Poor Polly, she's evidently been through so much. I can't wait for more - I'm glad you gave in to the bunnies, Tan!
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Apr 05, 2007 4:32 pm ]
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Ooh good, a new drabble :D .
Author:  Saffronya [ Thu Apr 05, 2007 4:40 pm ]
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This looks really good! Can't wait to read more :D
Author:  aitchemelle [ Thu Apr 05, 2007 4:58 pm ]
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Thankyou Tan. Looking forward to reading more :)
Author:  Smile :) [ Thu Apr 05, 2007 5:04 pm ]
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Oooh, interesting . . .

Thank you, more soon?
Author:  Elbee [ Thu Apr 05, 2007 5:25 pm ]
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Looking forward to this - I love stories set in WW2 :D
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Apr 05, 2007 7:18 pm ]
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This is going to be really sad, isn't it? :cry:


Thanks Tan
Author:  LizB [ Thu Apr 05, 2007 8:34 pm ]
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:cry:

Thanks, Tan
Author:  Tan [ Thu Apr 05, 2007 8:36 pm ]
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Thanks for all the positive feedback. I am fascinated by some of the World War 2 stories ... my dad was in the RAAF and my sister worked at the Australian War Memorial so I have grown up with a lot of military history! I am going to base it on some real stories. I am sorry Lesley, you may find parts of it sad. However, we have a fair way to go yet.

Oh, and thanks Liz for your help today!!

Here is a little more.

Her story was not unusual for her time, her parents having died when she was a baby, she was raised by elderly aunts, who had also labelled her with an old fashioned and very distinctive name. After they had passed away, she was raised by an elderly lawyer and his spinster sister. While they had treated her kindly, she found this lifestyle stifling and had run away whilst they were journeying around Europe. As fate would have it, she was rescued by a girl several years older than her who had promptly co-opted her for the school she herself had attended. Thankfully her guardian had agreed that school was the best place for her and she spent several happy years in this location. In addition to updating her French with a more modern vocabulary, she had also picked up a good knowledge of German. As many of her school friends were from Germany, Switzerland and Austria she had learnt from native speakers. The school itself insisted that all students speak German, English and French two days each per language.

The Chalet School had been established in Austria by an Englishwoman, and the school had flourished surprisingly quickly. Students from England, American and most of the Western European countries attended. It gained a reputation for its tri-lingual education and she had been happy there, particularly after her earlier upbringing. Staff noted that her education was very old-fashioned but Polly had quickly adapted.
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Apr 05, 2007 9:00 pm ]
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Thanks Tan.
Author:  Smile :) [ Thu Apr 05, 2007 9:11 pm ]
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Thank you Tan.
Author:  LizB [ Thu Apr 05, 2007 9:22 pm ]
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Thanks, Tan

And you're welcome :D
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Apr 06, 2007 12:13 am ]
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Thanks, this is really interesting. I always liked Polly.
Author:  Miranda [ Fri Apr 06, 2007 2:25 am ]
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This looks great :)

Incidentally, my cousin used to work at the Australian War Memorial too :lol:
Author:  Fatima [ Fri Apr 06, 2007 6:29 am ]
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The school turned out lots of pupils who would have made ideal spies or agents in the war.

Thanks Tan.
Author:  brie [ Fri Apr 06, 2007 1:37 pm ]
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thanks Tan this looks really interesting
Author:  Jennie [ Fri Apr 06, 2007 2:10 pm ]
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Thanks, Tan.
Author:  Tan [ Mon Apr 09, 2007 4:32 pm ]
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Thanks. Here is a little more. I am hoping to get quite a bit completed at work this week if it is quiet :P


Polly enjoyed her days at the Chalet School. She quickly became friends with a wide variety of people, and participated whole-heartedly in its activities. She particularly enjoyed learning handcrafts, and whilst not one of the most mischievous people in her form, did participate in several pranks (most notably the ringing of the flood bell at midnight and waking the whole valley in the attempt). She had been excited to join the Girl Guides and participated whole-heartedly in their activities, quickly gaining qualifications in Morse Code and First Aid. She was truly grieved when the school was forced to leave the lovely Tirol region after the 1938 Anschluss with Germany and unwanted attention from the Nazis had forced the school to flee.

Polly rejoined the school after it re-opened on the island of Guernsey. Sadly, during this period, the sister of her beloved guardian, Miss Wilmott, had died. Polly had insisted on staying to care for him, however, he had wisely insisted that she was much better off in Guernsey than in the home counties of England which were increasingly being bombed and she rejoined her beloved school. Even here Polly had managed to find adventure after a German girl was enrolled in the school. Her common sense had helped her to realise that Gertrude (as she called herself) was not as innocent as she had first appeared, although unfortunately the school authorities dismissed her genuine concerns. As a result, Gertrude suffered a terrifying ordeal after attempting to cross the English channel with some fishermen.
Author:  aitchemelle [ Mon Apr 09, 2007 5:34 pm ]
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Thank you Tan :)
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:07 pm ]
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Work is an excellent place at which to write drabbles if in the mood :wink: .
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Apr 09, 2007 7:41 pm ]
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Yes Polly did well there - pity they thought she was imagining it!


Thanks Tan
Author:  Laura V [ Mon Apr 09, 2007 8:27 pm ]
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yay, a drabble about Polly! :popper:
Thanks, Tan!
Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:08 am ]
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Have just found this after being away for Easter...thank you Tan.
Author:  Tan [ Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:29 am ]
Post subject: 
Alison H wrote:
Work is an excellent place at which to write drabbles if in the mood :wink: .


I am temping at the moment and it is very quiet where I am working. Plus having a word document open looks like I am doing something work-related. :lol:

Basically I am answering the phone (occasionally), sorting the post and signing for courier deliveries. It leaves me plenty of time for other things ...
Author:  Tan [ Tue Apr 10, 2007 12:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
OK, I have just about finished the background. I am finding my first attempts at writing dialogue rather interesting. I hope you enjoy.

Polly ended her school days as a Prefect, with her good friend, Cornelia Flower as Head Girl. By this time, the school had relocated after the Channel Islands were threatened by the Nazis. Indeed, shortly after the school had left Guernsey, the Channel Islands were successfully invaded by the Germans. The school was relocated to the Welsh border near Armiford, and the Sanitarium with which it was run relocated nearby.

Polly was a popular girl at school. Whilst not pretty in the conventional sense, she was pleasing to look at with long thick chestnut hair and fine grey eyes. She had a strong streak of common sense, and had remarked to Joey Bettany at the first meeting that her head was ‘well screwed on’. People instinctively turned to her in difficulties, and Robin Humphries had been able to easily confide her suspicions regarding ‘Gertrude Becker’. The school authorities had recognised these qualities and had rewarded her with a prefectship.

After leaving school Polly returned home to nurse her guardian through his final illness. As she had genuinely cared for him, and appreciated all of his kindnesses she truly grieved for him. By now, the only real family she had left was the Chalet School – one of the many for whom it was a real home. She accepted an invitation from Jo Maynard, who had tutored her in history when she had first joined the school. As Jo was now the proud Mamma of triplet girls, and pregnant for a second time, she was happy to stay with her and her extended family (Joey was also responsible for her ‘sister’ Robin Humphries and connexions, Daisy and Primula Venables). As well, Joey provided a home for twins who had been evacuated from their Highland Home. Jo in turn had always taken a genuine interest in Polly, after rescuing her in her one run away attempt.
Author:  brie [ Tue Apr 10, 2007 1:42 pm ]
Post subject: 
thanks tan. Is it too early to ask for more please? :lol:
Author:  Tan [ Tue Apr 10, 2007 2:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
brie wrote:
thanks tan. Is it too early to ask for more please? :lol:


As you asked so nicely ... especially for Brie!

She stayed with Jo for several months and was one of the few people to see her after the infamous dye incident before Stephen was born. While she knew that she had a home with Jo for as long as she liked, Polly was a firm believer in the Chalet School maxim of being a strong, helpful woman. The introduction of the National Service Act by the Government had decreed that all women aged between 18 and 30 had to register for war service, although, those who were caring for young children were still exempt. Indeed, the Chalet School had gained a famous pupil, Lavender Leigh, after her aunt was called up for war service. As a result, she knew that she would be called up fairly soon. Being Polly, she decided that she would prefer to make up her own mind as to which branch of war work she would like to do.

She had discussed her options in detail with Jo, keen to gain her opinion. ‘Honestly, Joey, what can I do? I don’t have any practical qualifications, although I can at least signal in Morse Code.’
‘Hmm, it is a puzzle. I think it really must be one of the forces for you Polly. There is the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and the Wrens. I think it might be best if you go and talk to one of the recruiting centres. At least that way you might have more of a say in your future.’
‘That is a good point. I think I will catch the bus into Armiford tomorrow and see what they say.’
Author:  Fatima [ Tue Apr 10, 2007 3:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan. :D
Author:  aitchemelle [ Tue Apr 10, 2007 3:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thank you Tan

Hannah
*also has perplexions when writing dialogue*
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Apr 10, 2007 4:58 pm ]
Post subject: 
Now see I don't have any problems writing dialogue - it's descriptions that flummox me! :lol:


Thanks Tan - of course Polly would be all alone - wouldn't she? Another for whom the School is home.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Apr 10, 2007 6:46 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan :D .
Author:  MaryR [ Tue Apr 10, 2007 8:54 pm ]
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Wondering which one she will choose.

Thanks, Tan - looking good so far.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Apr 10, 2007 9:36 pm ]
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Thanks Tan, am enjoying this
Author:  Elle [ Tue Apr 10, 2007 9:58 pm ]
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I am also enjoying it! Thanks.
Author:  LizB [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 8:29 am ]
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Very wise of her to be proactive about it - looking forward to seeing what advice she's given :D

Thanks, Tan
Author:  Tan [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 9:18 am ]
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For plot purposes, there can really only be one choice ... which you will find out a bit later on today :lol:
Author:  brie [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 10:26 am ]
Post subject: 
Tan wrote:
brie wrote:
thanks tan. Is it too early to ask for more please? :lol:


As you asked so nicely ... especially for Brie!



Why thank you tan!! I do feel loved today now!!!!
Author:  Tan [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 12:46 pm ]
Post subject: 
Have had to rewrite some of the next section after finding some new info.
Anyway, hope you enjoy the new update

The following morning after assisting Joey to feed the assorted babies, Polly changed into her suit and prepared to catch the bus to Armiford. Her hair was worn in a low twist on the base of her neck, and she pulled her hat on carefully. She put on her gloves and picked up her handbag. She turned to Joey, who was standing in the doorway holding baby Stephen on her hip. ‘How do I look?’
‘You’ll do’ vouchsafed Joey. ‘Have you a clean hanky?’ she enquired sweetly. Polly simply shot her a look.
‘I had better go, the next bus is not for an hour’.

Polly spent most of the bus trip staring out the window at the countryside. The past few months had been quite hectic, and she had had little opportunity to think about the future. She had seen the various posters for the different women’s services, but did not really have a preference for any particular service. While she had a good knowledge of gardening, she was fairly certain that she did not wish to join the Land Army.

The bus slowed down as it reached the outskirts of Armiford. She liked visiting the pretty cathedral town, having assisted Joey many times with her shopping. She knew from previous visits that the recruitment office was in the main street. She collected her bag and checked that all of her documents were still in it before alighting from the bus.

Her steps slowed as she reached the large shop which had been converted into a recruitment centre. There were several young men inside waiting to speak to the representatives of the various forces. To one side she noticed a sign for the women’s services and made her way over. A young woman, in her mid-20s sat behind the desk. She was dressed in the smart blue uniform of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. ‘For goodness’ sake Polly, pull yourself together’ she told herself silently. Her chin lifted and she walked confidently over to this table.
Author:  ibarhis [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 12:58 pm ]
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Yes... and... :)
Author:  Fatima [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 1:57 pm ]
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She should be confident - she's perfect for whatever they need!
Author:  aitchemelle [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 1:59 pm ]
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Thankyou :lol:
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 2:03 pm ]
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This is looking very interesting :D .
Author:  brie [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 2:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
thanks tan
Author:  Tan [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 2:58 pm ]
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Fatima wrote:
She should be confident - she's perfect for whatever they need!


I was tempted to use the spineless jellyfish line but decided against it. :lol:

‘Good morning’ the young woman said, smiling up at Polly. ‘Have a seat. Are you here to register?’
‘Yes’ Polly told her. ‘Although I’m not certain which service I should join’.
‘Well, as you are aware, all of the services need vacancies. Are you interested in the Land Army?’
‘Not really’, Polly replied.
‘Well, how about I get some more information about you then. I am Corporal Jones by the way’.
‘Polly Heriot’.

Corporal Jones conducted a thorough interview, eliciting information about Polly’s schooling, hobbies and skills. She was interested to learn about Polly’s language skills, particularly that she had lived in a German speaking company. While Polly had expected this, she was surprised that the Corporal seemed very interested in her Guides experience, particularly her skills in Morse code and First Aid. Polly explained that she had not had much practise with her Morse code recently, however, Corporal Jones brushed her concerns aside.

‘There are a number of occupations that I am sure you will be suited for. I am biased, but have you considered the WAAF? There are a number of different occupations that I think you would be well suited for’. She smiled at Polly. ‘There are a number of ground positions, administration, air transport, and of course, radar and radio support. I suspect, however, that with your Morse code skills you may be trained to become a wireless operator’.
‘They all sound interesting’ Polly admitted. ‘What does a wireless operator do?’
‘Basically your role is to receive messages in Morse code and to transcribe them. Of course, at other times you will be required to send messages. It requires a reasonable speed, but given you have previous experience with Morse Code, I think you will pick it up quite quickly’.

She then advised Polly of the process. ‘What happens next? You will be asked to attend a medical board within the next few weeks. If you pass the medical board, which I imagine you will, you will then be sent your joining up instructions. The basic training takes four weeks, and then you will be sent for specialist training after that. From there, you will be posted to any one of the bases around the country. Any questions? No? Well thank you for coming in today Polly, and best of luck!’
Author:  Elle [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 5:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
Wireless operator.... Hmmmm


*strokes beard (if I had one) in a thoughtful manner*


Thanks for the updates.
Author:  ibarhis [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 5:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
I think the ultimate question is, and just where would a multi-lingual wireless operator end up operating?
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 6:34 pm ]
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Especially one that has already lived in a foreign country and has few family ties.


Thanks Tan
Author:  aitchemelle [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 7:54 pm ]
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hmmm interesting.. *ponders*
Author:  LizB [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 8:57 pm ]
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Sounds like she might be snapped up eagerly, with those skills

Thanks, Tan
Author:  brie [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 10:23 pm ]
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im intrigued

thanks tan
Author:  francesn [ Thu Apr 12, 2007 9:48 am ]
Post subject: 
I'm very intrigued. Only just found this and totally hooked. Please update soon!
Author:  Tan [ Thu Apr 12, 2007 9:53 am ]
Post subject: 
It has been interesting reading your feedback. I am glad that you are enjoying it. I am trying to be as accurate as possible (my sister is a historian/librarian). If I have made any errors, please forgive me.


Polly gathered her hat and gloves, pulling them on as she walked out the door. The whole process had taken a little over an hour. She pulled the shopping list and rations books out of her bag and began collecting the items that Jo had asked her to buy.

After returning to Plas Gwyn, Polly outlined her meeting to Jo. ‘Well the medical shouldn’t be a problem for you’ Joey commented. ‘After all, you still play hockey and lacrosse regularly with the girls’. ‘Nooo’, Polly agreed. ‘So what are you worried about?’ Joey demanded. ‘I am sorry to leave you here with four babies’ Polly replied. ‘Speaking of which, where are the Triplets?’ ‘Out with Anna, I thought you might want to chat after your meeting’. ‘That is thoughtful of you’. ‘I am wondering what the training will be like, it does seem like a lot of responsibility’. ‘I don’t know what you are concerned about!’ Joey exclaimed. ‘Apart from the odd bell-ringing incident, you have been one of the most responsible seniors I can remember!’ ‘Trust you to bring that up after all this time!’ Polly retorted laughing.

Several days later, an official envelope dropped through the door. Polly opened it, and found that her medical board had been arranged for the following week. She needed to attend a building in a nearby town. She was told to wear comfortable clothing, and that the appointment could take two or three hours.

At the appointed time, Polly presented herself for her medical board. Not surprisingly, there were a number of women about her age in the waiting room. She began chatting with some of them while she waited. Several of the waiting people were anxious to join the WAAF as brothers and friends were members of the RAF. After the Battle of Britain, the RAF pilots were held in very high regard. She learned that some of her new friends were hoping to either become plotters (tracking the aircraft), cooks or work at an airfield. She hoped that one girl, Emma, would be on the same training as her, as she liked what she had seen of her.

After waiting half an hour, Polly was called in to her appointment. There were several doctors present.Her weight was taken, her height measured, her teeth examined and a series of questions asked. She handed over her medical certificate, and noticed that the doctor raised his eyebrows when he saw it was signed by Sir James Russell. ‘Well, this all seems to be in order Miss Heriot. I can’t see any problems with you joining the WAAF. No doubt you will receive your call up papers in the next few weeks. You are free to go thank you’.

Polly made her way back out to the waiting-room. She waved goodbye to the girls that she had been talking with and made her way back to the train station. She returned to Plas Gwyn, where as usual, Joey was waiting to hear how she had got on. ‘Apparently now, it is a case of waiting for my call-up papers to arrive. I am not sure where they are likely to send me, I guess we will find out closer to the time’.
‘Well, it has been wonderful having you here, and I have really appreciated your help. Don’t forget that you are welcome here any time that you have leave’. ‘Thanks Joey. I really do appreciate everything you have done for me’. ‘Nonsense. The girlies have adored having you here, and young Rob has enjoyed your company as well. But, in these times, I know that you can’t really stay any longer.’
Author:  aitchemelle [ Thu Apr 12, 2007 9:56 am ]
Post subject: 
Thank you :)
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Apr 12, 2007 10:06 am ]
Post subject: 
This is really interesting - I always wished there'd been more mention in the books of the war work being done by Old Girls. Joey and Madge seemed to make very little contribution to the war effort at all!
Author:  brie [ Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:46 pm ]
Post subject: 
thanks tan
Author:  Alice [ Thu Apr 12, 2007 5:29 pm ]
Post subject: 
I've just found this, thanks Tan.

I will find it interesting reading about Polly's experiences. My Grandpa was a wireless operator in the RAF. He spoke a bit about it but not very much, it wasn't something he wanted to remember really.
Author:  Fatima [ Thu Apr 12, 2007 5:51 pm ]
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I hope Emma ends up with Polly, too - it would be nice to have a friendly face when beginning training.
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Apr 12, 2007 6:10 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan - wonder if Polly and Emma will meet up again?
Author:  MaryR [ Thu Apr 12, 2007 7:06 pm ]
Post subject: 
Alison H wrote:
This is really interesting - I always wished there'd been more mention in the books of the war work being done by Old Girls. Joey and Madge seemed to make very little contribution to the war effort at all!

But I suppose EBD couldn't write about everything, Alison. :lol: The books would be so thick we wouldn't be able to pick them up. :roll: We do know what a lot of the old girls were doing in the war, even if it wasn't discussed much. And Joey and Madge were both mothers of young children, so would be handicapped, and Jack was away at sea doing his bit.

Thanks for the updates, Tan.
Author:  Tan [ Thu Apr 12, 2007 8:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for all the comments. Some of you seem to have a reasonable idea of where the story is headed. And you may see a couple more familiar faces pop up yet!

The next few weeks flew by. Polly continued her visits with the school, taking part in many games of hockey and lacrosse. She also spent plenty of time with Robin, a firm friend of hers.

Polly received her calling up papers, advising her that she would be attending basic training at Innsworth Camp in Gloucestershire the following week. After that, she would be posted elsewhere for specialist training. Attached to her letters was a travel voucher, covering her travel to Gloucester.

She showed the letter to Joey. ‘Well this is it. This time next week I am on my way to Gloucester’. ‘Well, we will make sure that you have a good send-off. How about a tea party? Is there anyone in particular you would like to invite?’ ‘I think it will be big enough if we keep it to the family, don’t you?’ she responded laughing. ‘OK then. I will have a word with Anna, and also see what Madge has available.’ Polly retorted ‘Well you could always ask Daisy to make some Welsh cakes’. ‘No thank you! The carpet still hasn’t recovered from the last time!’

The following Saturday Plas Gwyn was more chaotic than usual. As well as Joey, Madge and their extended families several of the staff had attended as well. After a particularly rowdy game (led of course by Joey), Polly slipped away to tidy up. On her return, she paused in the doorway to observe everyone. She realised that despite all of the noise and havoc, she would miss everyone here.

Joey noticed her in the doorway, and clapped her hands for attention. ‘Excuse me everyone. I think it is time that we demand some words from the guest of honour. On second thoughts, maybe I need to ring the alarm bell to get everyone’s attention!’ Polly blushed. ‘That was unfair Jo’, she protested. ‘That was several years ago!’
‘Regardless’ Jo retorted. ‘Did you think you were going to get off that lightly. Anyway, here is something for you’. She handed Polly a beautifully wrapped parcel. ‘Thank you’ and Polly carefully unwrapped the parcel. Inside was a small writing kit, full of paper, envelopes and stamps. There was also a new fountain pen. She looked around the room. ‘Thank you so much everyone. I will miss you all’. Realising that Polly was close to tears, Joey jumped in. ‘No excuses for not writing to us now’. Polly laughed, along with the rest of the room. ‘Well you are the writer, so I hope you keep me up to to date on all the hanes’.

All too quickly, Tuesday morning came around. She had packed a small case over the weekend, having been advised that she would be issued with her uniform shortly after arrival. Sir James had kindly volunteered to drive her to the station as he had some spare petrol.
Polly found it hard saying goodbye. In many ways, Joey and her extended family had taken the place of the brothers and sisters she never had. Joey was very much like an older sister, and she viewed the Robin as a younger sister. She clung to them both as they said goodbye. ‘Remember that you are part of the family Polly and always welcome here’ were the final words she heard from Joey. Her last view as they drove off was Joey surrounded by the children, all waving frantically at her.
Author:  francesn [ Thu Apr 12, 2007 8:25 pm ]
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I'm glad Polly will have those lovely memories to keep her going!

Thank you, Tan
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Apr 12, 2007 9:07 pm ]
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That was lovely of Joey.

Thanks Tan.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Fri Apr 13, 2007 12:53 am ]
Post subject: 
That was a lovely way to say goodbye to her....but she won't be the same person when she returns, will she?
Author:  Tan [ Fri Apr 13, 2007 11:42 am ]
Post subject: 
Third time lucky I hope (have tried to update twice and people keep interrupting me!)


| | | Inbox


They arrived at the station with a few minutes to spare. Sir James handed Polly an envelope. ‘This is something small from Madge and I’ he remarked. She opened the envelope to find several pound notes. ‘We thought it might come in useful until you receive your first pay’ he added. ‘Thank you!’ she said, throwing her arms around him. Sir James was quite touched by this gesture. ‘I know that Joey has offered a home to you, but don’t forget that we always have room for Chalet girls. And if you need anything, please write to us’. ‘Thanks Sir Jem’ Polly replied. ‘I will remember. And thank Madame for me as well’.

Her journey was uneventful, arriving in Gloucester mid afternoon. As she jumped down from the carriage, she noticed a cluster of girls around her own age. She made her way over, carrying her overnight case. ‘Hello Polly! I was hoping to see you here’ a dark-haired dark-eyed girl exclaimed. Polly was relieved to see her. ‘Hello Emma. I was hoping you would be on this intake as well. Do you know what the arrangements are?’ ‘The bus is waiting for us outside. I think yours was the last train that they were expecting today’. Emma slipped her arm through Polly’s and they made their way out to the bus.

Once they were seated, Polly looked around. There were around twenty people of their age on the bus – some looked quite confident, some looked very nervous. They ranged in age from the late teens through to the late twenties.

The bus trip took around twenty minutes, then they were turning into the drive of Innsworth Camp. There was a large cement square with a flag pole currently displaying the Union Jack. This was obviously the parade ground. There was a cluster of red brick buildings nearby. On the opposite side of the parade ground were a number of portable Nissen huts.

They tumbled off the bus to be greeted by an officer dressed in her WAAF blues. ‘Good afternoon’ she announced. ‘I am Section Officer Thwaites, and I will be in charge of you while you are here. The arrangements for today are to settle you into your huts and to show you around. Tomorrow morning we will issue you with your basic kit, and then we will commence your basic training in the afternoon. Please follow me’.

They moved away from the bus. ‘I need to take a roll call to confirm that everyone is here’. She made her way through the list. ‘Edwards, Joan’. ‘Present’. ‘ Heriot, Hildegard Mariana Sophonisba’. There was a moment’s silence. ‘Present, but could I be known as Polly?’ she replied. She heard a stifled giggle from Emma. ‘I dare say’ replied the Section Officer moving on to the next name on her list. Once all of the new intake were accounted for, she led them off to their hut.
Author:  francesn [ Fri Apr 13, 2007 11:50 am ]
Post subject: 
*giggles*

Polly is so much easier! Although surely with the initials HMS Heriot she should have joined the Navy...

Thanks Tan!
Author:  Fatima [ Fri Apr 13, 2007 12:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'd forgotten Polly's impressive list of names! Thanks Tan.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Apr 13, 2007 12:32 pm ]
Post subject: 
francesn wrote:

Although surely with the initials HMS Heriot she should have joined the Navy...



:lol: :lol:

Thanks Tan.
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Apr 13, 2007 6:57 pm ]
Post subject: 
Poor Polly! Still it gave everyone else a giggle. :lol:


Thanks Tan.
Author:  MaryR [ Fri Apr 13, 2007 8:33 pm ]
Post subject: 
How nice of Jem - and how natural Polly is with him!

Thanks, Tan
Author:  Alex [ Sat Apr 14, 2007 6:17 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for all the lovely posts, Tan. I'm really enjoying this - I've always had my suspicions about what Polly got up to!
Author:  Elbee [ Sat Apr 14, 2007 6:27 pm ]
Post subject: 
Just caught up on this and it's very good - I can really picture the scenes - very atmospheric. Thanks Tan.
Author:  Tan [ Sun Apr 15, 2007 3:01 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the feedback. I couldn't resist using her full-blown name at least once! It seems a shame that we couldn't capitalise on the HMS though. I haven't written any for a few days (had to raid the library for some books yesterday). Here is the next section.

She led them towards one of the Nissen huts. ‘This is where you will sleep for the next two weeks. I will give you fifteen minutes to settle in and then will come back to collect you for a tour of the camp. Any questions?’ She opened the door of the hut. It was long and narrow, with a wooden floor. There was a stove in the middle for warmth, and a sink at one end. On either side of the hut were narrow single beds. The bedframes were made of iron, with a mattress (Polly later discovered that they were referred to as biscuits) and pillows. There were blankets neatly folded on each end of the bed.

She placed her bag at the end of one bed. ‘If nobody minds, I will take this bed’. Emma promptly placed her bag at the foot of the bed next to Polly’s. The rest quickly sorted themselves out. They spent the next few minutes introducing themselves. Opposite Polly were two Joan and Elizabeth.

As promised, Section Officer Thwaites returned promptly to collect them. They followed her as she pointed out the sights. As they had surmised, the concrete square was the parade ground. She briskly pointed out the various buildings, ‘Over here are the ablutions block. You are quite lucky, it is fairly close to the hut that you have been allocated. That is the administration block. The mess hall. The infirmary. The shop, you can buy stamps etc there. The theatre. This building here is the stores room. We will detour here so that you can be issued with your irons’. After this puzzling statement, they followed her into the building to be issued with a knife, fork, spoon, and mug! Emma raised her eyebrows at Polly, who had to turn away so that she would not laugh.

The Section Officer took command again. ‘You will be collecting the rest of your kit from here tomorrow. Now, I will be collecting you tomorrow at 7.00 am. Reveille is at 6 am. Make sure you are ready. Anyone who is late will have extra drill. Your evening meal is served at 18.30. Don’t forget to take your irons with you. Here we are back at your hut. See you tomorrow morning. Sleep well!’

‘What did she mean, 18.30?’ Emma whispered to Polly. ‘She means 6.30 in the evening’ Polly replied. ‘You will soon get used to it!’ They started unpacking their overnight bag, and made their way to the ablutions block for a shower. It was obvious to Polly that some of her new companions were uncomfortable with a shared bathing area. Several years of both boarding school and Guide camps had accustomed her to this idea.

As Polly was brushing her thick hair, Emma asked ‘How did you know what she meant by 18.30 Polly?’ Polly laughed. ‘It is a bit weird until you get used to it. We used to use European time at my old school. I guess the military must use the same system. It makes sense when you think about it – no way that you can mix up the two seven o’clocks!’ Joan heard her remark. ‘Why did your school use European time?’ ‘I went to school in Austria before the war. They decided to use the ‘when in Rome’ rule so we used European time. It did take a little time for me to get used to it, I must say’. Emma gasped. ‘We better get moving or we will be late!’

They made their way over to the interestingly named mess hall. The meal was fairly basic but filling. Over dinner, they started to get to know one another. Joan was a friendly girl from Kent who was hoping to be as a signals operator. Margaret was interested in training as a cook, while Elizabeth was fascinated by the idea of becoming a radar operator.

Joan had worked in a shop, Elizabeth had only just left school and Emma had worked in a bakery. ‘I used to love eating the leftovers – not too many of those with rationing though’. Margaret laughed. ‘I would still love to do that though. I am hoping that when the war is over my boyfriend and I can open our own café’. They fell silent for a moment, contemplating their own dreams. ‘And what about you Polly?’ they asked. ‘Oh, I was looking after my guardian, and then was a mother’s help for a few months to a friend. I wouldn’t mind teaching if I get the chance’.

Reveille the next morning was an unwelcome sound. The beds had proven to be quite uncomfortable, and they had found it hard to sleep. Polly was hoping that there would be tea or something similar to help wake her up. As promised, the Section Officer was there to collect them at 7am.
Author:  Fatima [ Sun Apr 15, 2007 3:59 pm ]
Post subject: 
Having been to boarding school is already giving Polly an advantage!

This is great, Tan, thanks.
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Apr 15, 2007 5:17 pm ]
Post subject: 
This is great - thanks, Tan :D .
Author:  MaryR [ Sun Apr 15, 2007 5:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
The settling in seems to be going well.

Thanks, Tan
Author:  brie [ Sun Apr 15, 2007 6:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
thanks tan- lots of brilliant updates to catch up on there :D
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Apr 15, 2007 8:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Think Polly's previous life will help her settle into military life.


Thanks Tan.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:00 am ]
Post subject: 
Agree with that Lesley!

Am really enjoying this. Thanks
Author:  Tan [ Mon Apr 16, 2007 5:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hmm. I really thought I had updated this from home this morning, but it appears I didn't. Very strange! Anyway, here is the next bit. ETA oops - due to sheer vagueness, I posted the same part twice.

:oops:

Breakfast proved to be piles of toast with some margarine, a scraping of jam and weak tea. It had a most peculiar flavour due to the powdered milk that had been added to it. For ever after they would associate that flavour with their war service. After they had eaten, they were rounded up and taken through to the stores building where they were issued with their kit.

They assembled in the stores group where piles of uniforms, underwear, shoes, cleaning appliances and various other items. As they made their way to the desk, the clerk behind the counter looked them up and down, before selecting a pile of clothing and handing it to them. Polly felt that this was a most interesting way of measuring people! Emma muttered to her ‘It’s alright for you, you’re tall. How on earth am I going to get on?’ As Emma was quite petite, she found it difficult to get clothing to fit her.

Polly was handed a large pile of clothing, shoes, cleaning equipment and a kit bag. After each of them had been issued their kit they made their way back to the hut to sort and store their clothing. Polly was amused to discover that as well as a variety of uniforms (battledress top, trousers tunic and hat) that they had been issued with a variety of underwear (both long and short bloomers), two brassiers, socks, stockings, towels and shirts. The first aid kit and gas mask were not surprising, nor in many ways was the cape/groundsheet. However, the item that she found most amusing was the tin of Brasso, obviously to keep their buttons clean!

After commenting on the various items, they all changed into their uniforms. They were requested to bundle up their clothes, to be posted back to their homes. Despite her concerns, Emma found that her uniform fitted her reasonably well (the sleeves were a little long). Polly wished for a full-length uniform to see how her uniform looked. She thought back nostalgically to the first uniform she had worn, back in the Austrian Tyrol country, and later her Guide uniform. She seemed destined to be wearing some type of uniform it seemed.

Section Officer Thwaites returned to collect them and to inspect their uniform and hair. Two people were made to recoiffe as it was a WAAF policy that hair had to be clear of the collar. Once this had been rectified, she directed them to the administration block for their aptitude tests. This took them the best part of the morning, and they broke in time for lunch. After collecting their irons, they made their way to the dinner hall. As usual, Polly, Emma, Elizabeth and Joan all sat together, Margaret sitting elsewhere.

‘Well what did you think of that?’ predictably it was the outgoing Emma who started off the conversation. ‘I don’t know how you felt, but I thought I was back in school there’ stated Joan. Polly was more thoughtful ‘It was interesting. I can’t help but wonder why some of those questions were being asked. I guess that they have their reasons’. ‘I just hope that we end up doing work that is interesting. While war work is important, at the same time I don’t want to be bored. I had plenty of that at school’. They nodded in agreement with Emma’s statement. At this stage in the war, they knew that it could be another two or three years before the war was over. ‘And what did you think of those bloomers. Aren’t they hideous?’ They had to agree with Emma’s proclamation. The bloomers were indeed ugly. They were navy blue and knee-length, with an elastic cuff. They agreed that they were truly ugly. ‘What do you think we will do this afternoon?’ Joan asked the group at large. ‘Do you think it might be drill?’
‘I suspect so’ stated Polly. ‘After all, they did mention something about that yesterday’.

And after lunch, that is exactly what they did. Polly and the other Girl Guiders found it fairly easy to pick up, but Elizabeth swore that she had two left feet and was never going to be able to master marching in time. Polly changed places with Joan so that she could try and offer some advice to Elizabeth. After two hours on the parade ground, they were rather relieved when they were advised that they had lectures to attend. ‘I swear I am going to get blisters from this’ Emma stated.

The first lecture was on First Aid. Again, Polly and the other Guiders found that it was familiar territory. Joan had had some experience in this area, but it was new for Elizabeth and Emma. Where possible, Polly tried to pass on some hints and tips to her new friends. This, however, was followed by a lesson on RAF etiquette which they found rather dull after their previous activities. It covered the various forms of addresses for officers, when to salute, how to wear their uniform and they were relieved when it was over.

This pattern was repeated for the next several days. Being a friendly person, Polly soon became the natural leader of the group. The other recruits turned to her when they were having difficulties, particularly with learning their new skills. They covered some new topics, and were horrified at the lecture (complete with graphic pictures) on ‘personal hygiene’ that they received. For someone like Polly, it was quite a change to her days at the Chalet School. While they had covered some ‘hygiene’ subjects, Miss Wilson had mainly used black and white diagrams.

One activity that she did enjoy was the basic hand to hand combat training that they undertook. This was a form of ju-jitsu. Polly was a little disappointed that they were not given any training in weapons, however, understood the reasons for this particular decision.

At the end of the first week, they received the results of their testing. Polly was interested to learn that Corporal Jones had been correct – she was to be accepted as a radio operator. She was pleased to learn that Emma had also been selected for this training. Elizabeth was going to be trained as a radar operator, while Joan was being seconded to work as a waitress. Once their basic training was finished the following week, they would go their separate ways.

In the little spare time that they had, Emma and Elizabeth begged Polly for lessons in Morse code. This would not be part of Elizabeth’s training, but she felt it would still be a useful activity to have. Polly found some paper someone, and transcribed the alphabet for them, and started teaching them about ‘dots’ and ‘dashes’. Section Officer Thwaites watched these activities with interest and made some notes accordingnly in their personal files – not that they were to know this at this stage.

At the end of the following week, Elizabeth had managed to be able to master marching – part of the time. Emma still could not understand why she was unable to take a short-cut across the parade ground. They all knew to take their irons and mugs with them for every meal, and to be amongst the first people to use the communal washing up bowl. They had all agreed that they would never wear the ‘harvest gatherers’ as the navy blue bloomers were nicknamed.

The final day dawned. They completed a number of practical assessments in their First Aid and Safety subjects in the morning. That afternoon they undertook their final drill training and were informed that they were satisfactory in these aspects. They were dismissed a little earlier than usual, so that they could overhaul their uniforms before packing.

The mood was sombre in the hut. They had spent the last two weeks with each other, and it was not certain that they would meet again. Polly had noted that Elizabeth had a tendency to be a little sentimental and decided to take steps to avoid any scenes. She was quite brisk and matter of fact with Elizabeth. They did swap contact details with each other, and agreed to try and keep in touch and meet up if possible.

Emma later commented in private to Polly ‘You handled that well’. Polly laughed. ‘Unfortunately, saying goodbye is something that I have had a lot of experience in. And the school I went to was death on those sorts of things. They believed in people being responsible for themselves, and discouraged people who were weepy and weak’. ‘I must say I have never seen any of those tendencies in you’. ‘Thanks – I think. I have never been that type of person I must say’. They finished cleaning their teeth and made their way back to their hut. ‘I hope our next lot of accommodation is going to be more comfortable than this’ Polly said optimistically. As usual, Emma had the last word ‘The only thing that could be worse would be a barn!’
Author:  brie [ Mon Apr 16, 2007 6:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
thanks tan... i could also have sworn i read some of that this morning... :?
Author:  Fatima [ Mon Apr 16, 2007 6:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yes, me too! How very weird!

Anyhow, I'm glad Polly's settling in well. Her friends seem nice, too.

Thanks Tan.
Author:  LizB [ Mon Apr 16, 2007 8:34 pm ]
Post subject: 
She's showing herself to be a natural leader with a variety of skills, isn't she!

Thanks, Tan :D
Author:  Elle [ Mon Apr 16, 2007 8:44 pm ]
Post subject: 
Excellent updates, thank you.
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Apr 16, 2007 9:18 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yes, all those skills are pushing her just one way, aren't they?


Thanks Tan
Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Apr 17, 2007 1:28 am ]
Post subject: 
That's fascinating, and hints at so many possibilities for them all.
Author:  Tan [ Wed Apr 18, 2007 4:39 pm ]
Post subject: 
Sadly the bunnies aren't biting today. Hope you enjoy the next instalment!

The following Monday saw Emma and Polly boarding a train for Edinburgh. The journey was estimated to take several hours, however, due to emergency repair work after a bombing raid, it took considerably longer. Emma was fascinated by the stories Polly told of her schooldays. The bell-ringing incident had her in stitches. She was also interested in learning more about the various places that Polly had seen during the various expeditions undertaken by the Chalet School. ‘You are lucky Polly. I would love to visit some of these places, but I don’t know if I will ever find the chance. And did you find it hard to learn to speak different languages?’ ‘Well I knew French from a young age. My aunts thought it would be good for me to learn, and their maid happened to be from Paris. German was a lot harder, as I was a teenager. I found it very hard on German days’. ‘What do you mean?’ ‘The Chalet School teaches (well it used to before the war) in three different languages. So on Mondays, all of your lessons would be taught in French. Tuesday in German and so on’. ‘I see. And you had a Guide company you lucky thing. There wasn’t one near where I lived. I would have loved to have gone to Guides. I read about it heaps though’.

Shortly after that their train arrived in Scotland. They climbed down the stairs to be met by a WAAF Sergeant, whom they promptly saluted. ‘Hello there. You must be Aircraftswoman Heriot and Aircraftswoman Young. I am Sergeant McDonald. Follow me please’. She led them briskly out of the station to where a car was waiting. ‘The trip will only take us ten minutes’. While they drove she pointed out various shops and cafes that she recommended.

They arrived at their destination to find an old country house. ‘Rather different to your last posting isn’t it?’ she smiled at them. ‘I hope you two don’t mind sharing a room, we are a little restricted for space. There are twenty people on your course, we are quite short of wireless operators. The training begins tomorrow, so I hope you are prepared’. She led them down a short corridor, pointing out the bathroom. ‘The six of you down this hallway will be sharing this bathroom. You will have to sort out a system amongst yourselves. The evening meal will be served at 18.30 so I suggest you take the opportunity to freshen up. And this is your room here’. She opened a door which opened into a small room. There were two beds, made up with military issue blankets, two chairs, a small wardrobe and a chest of drawers. The window overlooked the grounds at the rear of the building.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Apr 18, 2007 4:41 pm ]
Post subject: 
*Sends more bunny food* :D
Author:  ibarhis [ Wed Apr 18, 2007 4:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
Whatever the bunny requires!
Author:  LauraM [ Wed Apr 18, 2007 5:26 pm ]
Post subject: 
I must admit I'd kind of forgotten about Polly, its been so long since I read the books.....
I really like the idea that some of the Chalet girls entered the forces during the war, not something that came up very often in the books.

I think we need more please :wink:
Author:  Ruth B [ Wed Apr 18, 2007 5:46 pm ]
Post subject: 
How long will it take Polly to come up with a rota for the baths?
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Apr 18, 2007 6:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
Ruth B wrote:
How long will it take Polly to come up with a rota for the baths?


Just what I was thinking!


Thanks Tan.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Thu Apr 19, 2007 12:39 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan. Interesting conversation between Polly and Emma - who may perhaps find that she does have an opportunity to visit these places, but not necessarily as she had intended....
Author:  ibarhis [ Thu Apr 19, 2007 5:09 am ]
Post subject: 
Cath V-P wrote:
Thanks Tan. Interesting conversation between Polly and Emma - who may perhaps find that she does have an opportunity to visit these places, but not necessarily as she had intended....


Not sure Emma would have the languages to pass as a native speaker...
Author:  Tan [ Thu Apr 19, 2007 7:05 am ]
Post subject: 
Wow. I am getting some interesting ideas!
Author:  LizB [ Thu Apr 19, 2007 9:11 am ]
Post subject: 
Ruth B wrote:
How long will it take Polly to come up with a rota for the baths?


I bet it's not long!

Thanks, Tan *sends more bunny food*
Author:  Nell [ Thu Apr 19, 2007 10:43 pm ]
Post subject: 
I immediately thought of rotas too. Thanks Tan this is fab, I've just read it all from the beginning and am really enjoying it!
Author:  Tan [ Fri Apr 20, 2007 3:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
You all seemed to be interested in the bathroom situation. And I seem to have found yet more characters

Later that evening Emma and Polly went downstairs to dinner. They found that there were another 10 people on their course which was due to start the following day. They discovered that the other people sharing their bathroom were two friends from Cornwall – Sarah and June. After finishing their meal, Emma and Polly stayed chatting with some of the other students.

When they went back upstairs, they found June waiting outside the bathroom door with her toiletries bag. She frowned at Polly and Emma, stating that Sarah had already been in there for fifteen minutes. Polly and Emma exchanged a glance. ‘I wish we had Matey here’ Polly thought to herself. ‘Have you tried knocking?’ Polly enquired. ‘Several times’. ‘Hmm, this could be a bit of a problem’. Polly reached over and knocked on the door announcing ‘Sarah, hurry up. There are still three of us waiting to have our turn’. Sarah flounced out a moment later, hair in rollers and her face covered in cold cream.

Polly and Emma returned to their bedroom to collect their items. ‘This could be a bit of a problem’ Emma remarked. ‘Yes, I think so too. How do you think we should solve it?’ They took it in turns to clean their teeth and retired for the night.

They were up early the next morning, only to discover that Sarah was entrenched in the bathroom again. June looked furious. Polly decided to take matters into hand again and proceeded to knock on the door repeatedly. These tactics worked. Sarah stormed out ‘Do you mind? I haven’t finished yet!’ Polly replied ‘You need to realise that we all have to share this bathroom Sarah. If this happens again, we will have to take this further’. Sarah stormed off without bothering to reply.

June, Polly and Emma and quickly finished bathing and had to rush to be ready in time. ‘This reminds me a little bit of school’ Polly remarked to June and Emma. ‘I am wondering how we would have dealt with this situation as prefects’. Emma looked at Polly ‘I am sure you will think of something!’ she replied. ‘Well, we’ll give her the benefit of the doubt this time’. June remarked ‘Apparently she is the only daughter of a wealthy family’. ‘That explains it’ Emma replied. ‘I’ve dealt with worse’ was Polly’s contribution to the conversation.
Author:  Ruth B [ Fri Apr 20, 2007 3:28 pm ]
Post subject: 
Personally, I can't see Sarah lasting...
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Apr 20, 2007 3:46 pm ]
Post subject: 
They definitely need a bathroom rota!
Author:  brie [ Fri Apr 20, 2007 4:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
thanks tan
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Apr 20, 2007 5:23 pm ]
Post subject: 
Taking the lock off the bathroom would be a good start - how long would she stay in there knowing the others could waltz in? :lol:


She seems a bit of a selfish madam though - needs to get her comeuppance - Go Polly!

Thanks Tan
Author:  Pat [ Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:43 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm looking forward to the training kicking in! That'll help to sort her!
Author:  LizB [ Fri Apr 20, 2007 9:59 pm ]
Post subject: 
And this is when there are only three others - what'll it be like when the other two arrive and want their turn too! :lol:


Thanks, Tan
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Apr 21, 2007 2:35 am ]
Post subject: 
Hmm, it certainly is unfair of her. We had two bathrooms at our place growing up and if anyone hogged the hot water or took to long we just started using the other shower or flushing toilets. They soon got the hint because the water would go cold very quickly! :lol:
Author:  francesn [ Sat Apr 21, 2007 3:55 pm ]
Post subject: 
I love the way Polly's 'dealt with worse'!.

Thanks Tan
Author:  Elle [ Sat Apr 21, 2007 6:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan.
Author:  Tan [ Mon Apr 23, 2007 8:01 pm ]
Post subject: 
More about that pesky bathroom ...

Polly and Emma had wondered what had happened to the other people on their floor. They had been warned that there would be six people sharing their bathroom, but they had not seen them as yet. They were advised at breakfast that the two women (who were sisters) had been sent home as their family had been bombed in the blitz. They would be put on the next available course.

Their training began in earnest that morning. They found that physical training formed part of the course – this was something that Polly enjoyed, and she was thankful that she had continued with some sports after leaving school. Predictably, Sarah was not impressed with this arrangement. This course was six weeks in length, and Emma privately remarked to Polly, that six weeks with Sarah would be the death of one of them. Polly was fairly confident that she knew who that would be!

The aim of this course was to give them training in the operation of a wireless radio set, as well as teaching them the Morse Code alphabet. The days were long, starting at 8.30, finishing at 17.00 with a one hour lunch break. PT would be early in the morning, before starting their Morse training, however, they were excused this on the first day.

After a basic introduction to the centre and tour, they began the course in earnest. The instructor began by finding out who already had some knowledge of Morse Code. Polly found that her Guides training gave her a headstart, as she already knew the alphabet. Emma was thankful that she had coaxed Polly in to giving her some lessons, so she knew some of the basics. The instructor was pleased to have two pupils who had already acquired some knowledge of the basics.

He began by demonstrating the use of a Morse Code transmitting key, and explaining the difference between dot and dash (short and long sounds). The next half an hour was spent on these exercises. Polly found this somewhat frustrating due to her prior experience, however, there was one person in the group who found it difficult to understand even this concept.

They broke for lunch and walked across the grass in small groups. June joined Polly and Emma, and Sarah was with a different group of people. June expressed her admiration of the skills that Emma had already picked up, and asked if Polly would help her if she got into difficulties. Polly naturally agreed to this.

They returned to the course in the afternoon, and were introduced to the wireless set. It was important for them to have knowledge of how these were designed and worked. Polly was thankful for the ‘light and sound’ subjects that she had been drilled in by Miss Wilson. Several of the students were frustrated by Sarah’s refusal to even try and understand simple concepts. Emma whispered to Polly ‘Who does she think she is? A princess?’ Polly smiled, having met one real-life Princess who would have been embarrassed to behave in such a way.

That evening, they were quiet as they ate their evening meal. For many of them, it was the first time that they had to maintain such a level of concentration and more than one woman was heard to express her concerns about being able to complete the course. June, Polly and Emma were interested to note that Sarah was sitting with yet another different group of girls – by now she had had at least one conversation with every girl on the course.

They made their way upstairs to clean their teeth and prepare for bed. For once, they reached the bathroom before Sarah and began to hope that she may have received the message.
Author:  MaryR [ Mon Apr 23, 2007 8:07 pm ]
Post subject: 
Polly is on her way to becoming a leader, isn't she? You are portraying her so beautifully, Tan. Thank you.
Author:  francesn [ Mon Apr 23, 2007 8:18 pm ]
Post subject: 
How the heck did Sarah manage to get onto this course?! I thought only 'bright' people were trained as wireless operators.

Thanks Tan
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Apr 23, 2007 8:27 pm ]
Post subject: 
Is she going round to all these people trying to find someone that agrees with her POV? Think she's not going to last the distance.


Thanks Tan.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Apr 23, 2007 10:45 pm ]
Post subject: 
You're really making me think about how useful some of the stuff they learnt at the CS would've been in the Forces. This is fascinating!
Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Apr 24, 2007 12:10 am ]
Post subject: 
Polly is definitely in the right place....and hopefully Sarah will either depart or improve.
Author:  Kathy_S [ Tue Apr 24, 2007 4:43 am ]
Post subject: 
*wonders how even Sarah could find the dot and dash concept difficult*

Perhaps she wants to flunk out? Or got in because she knew somebody?

Thank you, Tan.
Author:  ibarhis [ Tue Apr 24, 2007 8:08 am ]
Post subject: 
I'm beginning to have my suspicions about Miss Sarah! Surely no-one who naturally behaved like that would get on the course in the first place?
Author:  Tan [ Tue Apr 24, 2007 5:48 pm ]
Post subject: 
It's funny how Sarah has taken over. She was only meant to be mentioned in passing but she is such a demanding girl! :lol: I will update a little later tonight.
Author:  Alex [ Tue Apr 24, 2007 7:01 pm ]
Post subject: 
I wonder if Sarah is some kind of a plant. As in to check them all out, not as in a botanical specimen.
Author:  Tan [ Wed Apr 25, 2007 7:01 am ]
Post subject: 
It is ANZAC day today (92 years since Australian, New Zealand and British forces landed at Gallipoli Cove in Turkey).

Unfortunately the next morning, they had the same difficulties. Polly, June and Emma decided that the only way to deal with this situation was to tackle Sarah themselves. Accordingly, when they broke for lunch, Polly invited Sarah to sit with them. Once they had started eating, Polly tackled her. ‘Sarah, I wonder if you went to school at all?’ Sarah seemed puzzled by this. ‘Of course not, I had a governess at home’. ‘Did you play any sports, or where you in the Guides at all?’ ‘Good heavens, no. Why do you ask?’ ‘Well it’s like this.’ Polly started. ‘Like it or not, you are now part of a community. And being part of a community means that you have to learn to live with other people. We are going to be here for the next six weeks, and part of the WAAF for the foreseeable future. If you are unable to learn to give and take you are going to be in for a very miserable time I am afraid. The four of us need to be able to live together, and I don’t know about you, but I would much rather be friends.’

Sarah stared at Polly. ‘I don’t understand what you are saying. I don’t know what you mean about sharing’. Emma smirked. Polly remained calm. ‘Sarah, do you think it is fair that one person gets to spend twenty minutes in the bathroom in the morning, while three people have to then try and get ready in fifteen minutes.’ Confronted with this blunt assessment, Sarah had to agree, that no, it wasn’t fair. ‘Well what do you think we should do about it Sarah?’ ‘Why ask me?’ ‘Well you have to share the bathroom too, don’t you. So how can we make this a fair system for everyone?’ Sarah realised that Polly would not let her go until she had received a reply. After all, Polly had been a very effective prefect when she was at school. ‘Should we draw up some kind of system?’ she offered. ‘That sounds good. We used to do that at my old school and it worked fairly well. Of course, we need to make sure that everyone has a chance at being first, as well as last’. Sarah didn’t look impressed with this. ‘Would you like to draw it up Sarah?’ Polly asked. ‘It should only take a few minutes and we can look at it tonight’. Sarah had no choice but to say yes, although she did this begrudgingly. Polly kicked Emma’s foot as a signal to change the subject.

Later that evening, Polly, Emma and June noticed that no one seemed keen to have Sarah sitting with them. They felt a little sorry for her, but felt that she did need to learn a great deal more about getting on well with people. When they were sitting in the common room after the evening meal, she walked up to them with a sheet of paper. ‘Is this what you wanted?’ she demanded. Polly and Emma glanced over the list. ‘That looks good Sarah. Thanks for doing that. Should we stick it on the bathroom door so that we are all clear with who has what time?’ Sarah agreed to do this and retired to her room.
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Apr 25, 2007 7:30 am ]
Post subject: 
Well done Polly - especially about getting Sarah herself to draw up the rota. And I'm not surprised that no-one particularly wants Sarah to sit with them. I wonder if she is a 'plant' or if she got on this course through influence from her parents?


Thanks Tan.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Apr 25, 2007 7:39 am ]
Post subject: 
Polly handled that well.
Author:  Miranda [ Wed Apr 25, 2007 7:53 am ]
Post subject: 
How nice to have an update for Anzac Day :)

Thanks Tan I've been catching up on a bit of this. Well done Polly for sorting Sarah out! (...we hope)

And I really liked the comment earlier:
Quote:
Polly smiled, having met one real-life Princess who would have been embarrassed to behave in such a way.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Apr 25, 2007 3:34 pm ]
Post subject: 
Polly handled that very well. Am curious as to why Sarah is doing this at all especially with her background
Author:  Fatima [ Wed Apr 25, 2007 5:23 pm ]
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Well done, Polly! She handled that very well.
Author:  Kathy_S [ Wed Apr 25, 2007 5:42 pm ]
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Excellent tactics. :)
Author:  Cath V-P [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 12:41 am ]
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Nicely handled Polly - and not confrontational at all.
Author:  alicat [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 10:35 am ]
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Sarah is quite clearly a Queen Bee WAAF in disguise!!!!

bet she is having a chuckle in her own room - mind you she probably has a supply of goodies in there too, because she'll have known what to expect!!!
Author:  Tan [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 12:23 pm ]
Post subject: 
There were some interesting theories about Sarah being developed there. I think this post will answer a little bit more about who Sarah is ... although the plant idea was a much more interesting one!

June sighed. ‘She’s not the easiest to get along with’.
‘Give her time’ Polly replied.
‘You handled her well – how did you know to do that?’ Emma asked.
‘I wanted her to try and see what it was like for us’ Polly stated. ‘Also, the suggestion had to come from her, otherwise she would have blamed us for forcing her into it later. She might do that anyway but at least this way she gets some experience in learning that she is not the only pebble on the beach!’
‘What an expression’ Emma said. ‘Where did you pick that up?’
‘Oh from my friend Jo. She is a writer and comes out with the most surprising things at time’.
‘A writer? How exciting! Has she written anything we might know?’ ‘She writes under her maiden name, Josephine M Bettany’.
‘Is that the Joey you are always talking about, that you live with?’ Emma demanded excitedly. ‘You never told me that! I love her books’. ‘Well, you will have to come and visit with me one weekend’ Polly replied.
‘I couldn’t do that, you told me that she looks after lots of children’.
‘Joey wouldn’t mind. She loves having people around. I will admit that her house is rarely quiet unless the babies are asleep – or in mischief’ she added thoughtfully. ‘She is a very welcoming person and she would love to have you’.
June had been listening quietly all this time. ‘I’ve read her books as well. She’s great’.
Polly smiled. ‘She is one of my oldest and dearest friends. We have had some interesting times together’.

The next week passed smoothly, with the bathroom rota system working well. Sarah still tended to be a loner and had not really made any close friends. She was also struggling with her course work. As she was June’s room mate, Polly and Emma spent more time with her than most of the people on the course. However, most evenings Emma and June spent practicing their Morse code, determined to try and master it as quickly as possible.

They also had to get used to the idea of having their kit inspected regularly. They spent time each week making sure that their uniforms were immaculate, and each month one of the officers undertook an inspection. Polly found this fairly easy to fulfil, as she was used to the random dormitory raids undertaken by the various Matrons at the Chalet School. She could still remember the horror of being taken to task by Matey on one particular occasion! In fact, there were many Chalet School graduates who had survived this particular ordeal. During their weekly mending sessions, they would gather in the common room and listen to the radio. The Glen Miller band was a particular favourite, as was Vera Lynn.

One evening, during one of these sessions, Polly noticed that Sarah struggled with some of her mending and offered to help her. She was surprised, but pleased, when Sarah agreed.
‘If you do it this way, you find that your buttons will stay on more securely’ Polly explained.
‘Thanks. Polly, why don’t the other girls like me?’ she asked. Polly was silent for a moment, wondering how to answer this difficult question.
‘Remember what I said about being part of a community?’ she asked. ‘Yes’.
‘Well, being part of a community means that you have to learn to live with very different people. You may not necessarily agree with the way they do things, or the things that they say, but you still have to be able to be polite and pleasant’.
‘I don’t understand’.
‘Well, unfortunately, you didn’t get off to a good start’ Polly stated bluntly.
‘Oh’.
‘You have to consider other people, and treat them the way you would like to be treated yourself. The bathroom was a good example of that’.
‘But I was an only child’.
‘So was I. When I started school I quickly learnt’.
‘Well, what can I do?’
‘Saying please and thank you would be a good start. Not necessarily being the first in line for everything. Trying to understand when people try to show you how to do things’ Polly replied.
‘You don’t mince words do you?’ Sarah said wryly.
‘You did ask’ Polly replied simply.
‘I asked you because I thought you would be honest with me’ Sarah answered. ‘Well, that is my opinion, think it over and decide for yourself’.
‘I will – thank you’.
‘I am wondering though, Sarah, why did you decided to join the WAAF. What did you expect?’
‘Well Mummy didn’t want me to join up. She thought I could help her with her Red Cross work. But then the Act came in and I had no choice. And I was bored.’
‘I see. Well you are now learning lessons that most of us have to learn when we are younger. I guess you could call them growing pains’.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 12:25 pm ]
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Polly's great, isn't she :D ?
Author:  ibarhis [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 12:29 pm ]
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Your explanation is so much more likely...
Author:  francesn [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:37 pm ]
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I hope Sarah will be a lot stronger, and a lot nicer, once she's learnt how to be part of a community. I guess having Polly, who must remember how she felt when she stopped being the only one, to help must make all the difference.

Thanks Tan
Author:  MaryR [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:42 pm ]
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*Spare the rod and spoil the child* :lol:

What a lovely person Polly is - but certainly not afraid to call a spade a spade.

Thanks, Tan
Author:  Fatima [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 3:37 pm ]
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Polly was lovely there, explaining things but not sounding judgemental. Thanks Tan.
Author:  brie [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 5:00 pm ]
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thanks tan
Author:  Elle [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 9:38 pm ]
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Good for Polly.


Thanks muchly for the updates.
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 10:27 pm ]
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Glad Polly was able to respond so quickly to Sarah's excuse of being an only child. polly was very good there. So Sarah's joining the WAAF was an act of defiance against Mummy?


Thanks Tan
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:07 pm ]
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Polly was so lovely there
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:47 pm ]
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Just read this all in one go. It's brilliant. And Polly is a true Chaletian there.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 1:38 am ]
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Polly knew exactly what Sarah needed to hear didn't she? And she approached her in the right way, kindly, but firmly.
Author:  Tan [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 11:14 am ]
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I am really enjoying learning more about Polly. She is so much fun to write. I hope you enjoy the next segment!

Polly and Emma had become firm friends over this period. Polly found that sharing a room with just one other person, was very different to sharing a dormitory with up to seven other girls. She found that she quite enjoyed the experience. Emma had had a very different upbringing from her, and in the normal scheme of things, it is unlikely that they would have ever met. However, as they were well aware, this war was likely to change everything.

Emma was particularly fascinated by the stories of the Chalet School. One night, prompted by the continual Morse Code practice that they had completed, Polly told her, June and Sarah the story of Elizabeth and Betty, who had decided to use Morse Code as a way of communicating in prep. Emma appreciated the genius of the scheme, and was interested to hear more stories. Sarah looked a little puzzled about why this was considered dishonourable, but didn’t say anything.
‘Of course, Elizabeth has left school now, I hear that she is working in an Aircraft factory. My friend Joey tells me that Betty went to live with a friend of her mother, and is now doing war work as well. I always felt a bit sorry for her, as her story is not that dissimilar to mine really’. Emma knew the circumstances of Polly’s upbringing so made no comment to this.

On the weekends they had free time and made the most of their time. They were able to borrow bikes and go for long rides in the countryside. They explored Edinburgh and the outlying areas thoroughly, making the most of the time that they had there. Neither of them had been to Scotland before, and really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know the countryside better.

At the end of the six week course, they had all passed the first stages of their training, even Sarah. Admittedly, it had been a close thing for her. If it had not been for the extra assistance that she had received from Polly and the others, she would not have made it so far. However, they had stuck by her and she succeeded. She had become a lot easier to live with, but still had not really made any close friends.

They were not aware, but their instructors had been observing them closely. At the end of the six weeks training, a duplicate report on the progress of ACW Second Class Heriot was forwarded to a particular office in London. It was noted that she learnt quickly, was diligent, made friends easily with her peers. She was well respected by her peers and her instructors. She was athletic, and had an excellent character record. It was decided to continue monitoring her performance.

They were posted back to Gloucestershire for the second stage of their training. At the beginning of the war, this course had covered six months, however, it had been decided to try and condense the course down to three months. This particular course was designed to continue to improve their Morse speed, as well as teaching them the basics of radio set construction, operation and maintenance.

On arrival in Gloucestershire, they were assigned to large rooms of six beds. Polly, Emma, Sarah and June were in one group with two other girls from their course, Rebecca and Naomi. All six had got to know each other previously. Again, they were all assigned to one bathroom. Much to everyone’s surprise, it was Sarah who had raised the topic of developing a rota system. Thankfully, the impulsive Emma managed to wait until Sarah had left before exploding into laughter!
Author:  Ruth B [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 11:25 am ]
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Good for Sarah, it does sound like she is trying to make the most of this experience.
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 11:34 am ]
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And Polly has been noticed too...


Thanks Tan
Author:  Fatima [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 11:55 am ]
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I'm glad Sarah wants another rota for the bathroom - she's definitely improving.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 12:03 pm ]
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Sounds like Sarah is growing up and well done Polly
Author:  brie [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 5:00 pm ]
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thanks tan

i always liked pollys character
Author:  MaryR [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 6:25 pm ]
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That's the thing about writing, Tan - one falls in love with one's characters. :lol:

Polly deserves to be noticed by the powers-that-be!

Thanks, Tan
Author:  Elle [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 9:10 pm ]
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Thanks Tan.
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ Fri Apr 27, 2007 10:35 pm ]
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Thanks Tan. This is a period I love to read about.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Sat Apr 28, 2007 2:15 am ]
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Loved the irony of Sarah being the one to raise the bathroom topic!

Good to see Polly progressing so well - and so aware of other people's problems. I hadn't really thought about the similarities between her and Betty Wynne-Davies before.
Author:  Josie [ Sat Apr 28, 2007 8:56 am ]
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Just read this through from the beginning - it's fab, Tan, thanks. Looking forward to more. :D
Author:  francesn [ Sun Apr 29, 2007 1:17 pm ]
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*wibbling a tad about the fact that Polly's been noticed*

Thank you, Tan
Author:  Tan [ Sun Apr 29, 2007 6:49 pm ]
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Hmm. I had to rewrite this bit, as I somehow lost it. I have now got everything saved into a word document.



The format of their training was similar to that followed in Edinburgh. They contined to have morning PT, and their course work was a mixture of practical and theoretical lessons. Polly quite enjoyed both aspects of the course, and enjoyed learning the theory behind radio transmission. She secretly thanked Miss Wilson for her lessons in light and sound, as it made it easier for her to understand the concepts being discussed. She spent some time in the evenings, explaining these ideas to her room mates. The course leaders were happy enough to allow them the additional time in the class room for study, recognising that there was a large amount of material for the women to become familiar with.

As well as the theoretical aspects, they had to practise fault finding and maintenance of their equipment. Most of them enjoyed this hands-on aspect of the course, more so than the theoretical side. They also started to practice transcribing live transmissions from aircraft in the area. It was felt that the more hands-on experience that they had now, the easier it would be for them when they were finally in the field.

After two weeks on course, they were allowed to take a long weekend’s leave. Sarah, reluctantly, was returning to visit her mother in the country. Ruth and Naomi (who were cousins) were returning to their home in Manchester. June was also planning to visit her family. Emma was unable to return home, as her mother was away visiting relatives, so Polly extended an invitation to her. Emma, initially was reluctant to ‘impose’ on Joey and her family, but Polly laughed at her nerves. ‘Don’t be silly, Jo will love having you. She thrives on people. I will warn you though, while it will be a lot of fun, it won’t be quiet! Not with the amount of people that she has around’.
Author:  brie [ Sun Apr 29, 2007 6:54 pm ]
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thanks tan
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Apr 29, 2007 7:16 pm ]
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Good to see Polly doing so well - and she's described Joey's house very well, hasn't she? Don't think it could ever be quiet! :lol:


Thanks Tan
Author:  MaryR [ Sun Apr 29, 2007 7:52 pm ]
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Wonder what Emma will make of Joey et all.... :lol:

Thanks, Tan
Author:  francesn [ Sun Apr 29, 2007 9:09 pm ]
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Emma read JMB's when she was younger, didn't she? Hope she won't be too star-struck!

Thanks Tan
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Apr 29, 2007 11:13 pm ]
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It'll be interesting to see how Emma reacts to Joey!
Author:  Cath V-P [ Mon Apr 30, 2007 12:36 am ]
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Interesting to see Polly automatically taking on the role of leader and mentor.
Author:  Kathy_S [ Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:11 am ]
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Polly's clearly officer material.

Thank you, Tan.
Author:  Josie [ Mon Apr 30, 2007 10:15 pm ]
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Thanks tan. :D
Author:  Nell [ Mon Apr 30, 2007 10:43 pm ]
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Thank you! Still loving this.
Author:  Fatima [ Tue May 01, 2007 4:14 pm ]
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Thanks Tan. I wonder what Emma and Jo will make of each other!
Author:  Tan [ Tue May 01, 2007 8:31 pm ]
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Here is the next bit. I hope you enjoy!

Thankfully the train journey from Gloucester to Armiford passed without incident. When they stepped off the train at Armiford a tall figure, dressed in green and with dark hair worn in large coils over her ears swooped on them. Polly dropped her bag and threw her arms around her.
‘Oh Joey, it is so good to see you! Where are the children?’
‘My lamb, did you really think I would bring the hordes with me? They are at home with Rob and Daisy who are both dying to see you. Besides, we weren’t sure what time your train would arrive tonight and I didn’t really want Margot out in the night air. And you must be Emma!’ Joey whirled around to an uncharacteristically silent Emma who was unnaturally quiet for her.‘We are looking forward to having you stay with us Emma’.
‘Thank you Mrs Maynard’.
Joey looked horrified. ‘No, that will never do. I am Joey or Jo. If you feel very formal, Josephine. Although I only get called that on official occasions or when I am in trouble’ she added laughing.
‘Now, have you everything? I have left the car outside. Thankfully I have some petrol this week. Oh, and Jack should be home tomorrow Polly. He is looking forward to seeing you. And Madge and Jem should be visiting as well. ‘Now Emma, I should warn you that my house can rarely be described as quiet. However, everyone is very welcome as indeed you are. Do you like babies?’
‘I do, but haven’t had a lot of experience with them’.
‘Two days with us will soon put you right. Has Polly told you about our tribe?’
‘Yes, but I wouldn’t believe her about the triplets until she showed me the photos’.
‘Oh yes, we made a sensation that day. Steven is our only boy so far. I also have a number of wards living with us as well. Coming from a small family I do enjoy having a lot of people around me. Rob is nearly grown, and Daisy is in her teens so they do help a lot. Oh, and I hope you like dogs, as Rufus is part of the family as well’.
‘I know, I have seen his photo’.

They arrived back at the house fairly quickly. The younger children were in bed, but Daisy and Robin were on the lookout. Robin threw herself on Polly while Daisy tried to push her out of the way. Jo had to laughingly caution them to keep quiet to avoid disturbing the babies. Anna heard the noise and came out beaming to welcome home ‘Miss Polly’. Polly looked around tearfully. ‘It is lovely to see you all’.

‘Where are our manners?’ Jo exclaimed. ‘I hope you don’t mind Polly, I have put Emma in with you. Take her upstairs and show her around. Freshen up and come down and have supper’. Polly walked up the stairs quietly, mindful that the babies should be asleep. She pointed out the various rooms to Emma, before opening the door to the room that they would share. There was fresh water in the basin and they took the opportunity to wash their faces and hands, before heading back downstairs.

Over crumpets, muffins and cocoa Emma began to become acquainted with Jo and her family. She enjoyed hearing some of the stories, and they in turn were interested to hear about the training that she and Polly had undertaken. Joey looked at the clock. ‘Mercy! It is nearly eleven. We had better get to bed or we will be fit for nothing in the morning!’
Author:  brie [ Tue May 01, 2007 9:06 pm ]
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Thanks Tan, I do like your Jo. It's so nice to see Polly feeling like part of a family.
Author:  MaryR [ Tue May 01, 2007 9:23 pm ]
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Joey doing what she does best - making her home welcoming.

Thanks, Tan
Author:  Alison H [ Tue May 01, 2007 9:38 pm ]
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Thanks Tan :D .
Author:  Elle [ Tue May 01, 2007 10:38 pm ]
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Thanks Tan.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Wed May 02, 2007 1:06 am ]
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That was very friendly and happy.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Wed May 02, 2007 11:15 am ]
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What a lovely update, Tan! I think you've caught Joey perfectly.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed May 02, 2007 12:28 pm ]
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That was lovely and Polly is certainly one of the family but then jo did rescue her. Thanks Tan
Author:  Fatima [ Wed May 02, 2007 3:13 pm ]
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Yes, that's how I like to think of Jo - friendly and welcoming.

Thanks Tan.
Author:  Josie [ Wed May 02, 2007 10:56 pm ]
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Lovely, tan. Thanks. :D
Author:  Tan [ Thu May 03, 2007 7:21 am ]
Post subject: 
I think that this is when Joey is at her best. She is warm and friendly, and still very much a genuine person. In terms of chronology, this is roughly around the time of 'Jo to the Rescue'. I am going to take some liberties with timeframes as the story goes on.

The next two days passed swiftly. Emma found that what Polly had told her was true – it was impossible to be shy around Joey. She was amazed to find Joey playing hide and seek with the triplets, Daisy and Primula in the backyard. Polly just laughed and dragged Emma into the game. Later that afternoon, she discovered that Joey could be very grown-up, presiding over a lavish spread for afternoon tea. This was an interesting experience for Emma, as Joey had invited Madge, Frieda and their various children. While Emma had met Anna, this was the first time that she had really spoken to a ‘German’. Polly had tried to explain the difference between Germany and Austria to her, but she had not really grasped the distinction. She had heard (from Polly) about the experiences of Frieda and her husband during the early days of the war, and was forced to revisit her ideas of ‘Germans’.

She was interested to hear about their stories of Phoebe, a young woman they had met on their recent holiday, and was thrilled to hear that she was making a good recovery. She was also interested to hear their stories about Zephyr Burthill, expressing her surprise at such an exotic name. Joey laughed and agreed that Zephyr was certainly a unique young woman. She was also surprised to hear the interest that they had taken in a young boy, Reg Entwhistle. She inwardly agreed that Polly’s description of Joey as being a friendly and caring person was accurate.


Once she had relaxed into the friendly environment, Emma quickly became a preferred playmate of the triplets and adored young Steve. She was thrilled when Joey allowed her to bathe and dress him. Polly, too enjoyed the weekend. She renewed her friendship with Robin and her relationship with Daisy. She sincerely enjoyed seeing Madge and Jem again. She also had the chance to spend some time with the mistresses of the school who had invited her and Emma to attend the evening at the school. The seniors were excited to see Polly, and made sure that Emma was made very welcome. They quite enjoyed the games evening that the girls put on in the Hall (thankfully not interrupted by any air raids) and Polly enjoyed the chance to catch up on all the news.

That night, they discussed it in their room. ‘I can see why you enjoyed your school so much Polly. Are they always like that?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘They had only just met me, yet made sure that I took part in everything’.
‘It is part of what the school is about. I am not the only one who has little or no family, yet the school has made sure that I always had a home. Robin is the same, so is Biddy O’Ryan. Madge has told me that they will help to support Biddy through a university course. It is a case that they practise what they preach’.
Emma knew that Polly attended church and said evening prayers, even though she did not discuss it very much with anyone. She was secretly impressed, and wished that she had the same confidence and sense of belonging that Polly did.

The next morning was subdued. For once, Joey was not attending church with the children, excusing it on the grounds that Polly and Emma were visiting. They had an early lunch, before saying their farewells. The three little girls were sorry to see their new playmates going, and waved them off at the door. Jack and Joey dropped them back to the station. ‘Don’t forget Emma. You are welcome here any time – with or without Polly’ Joey instructed her in a laughing voice.
‘Thank you very much for the weekend Joey. And thanks for the book!’
She was thrilled to be presented with a copy of Joey’s latest book which Joey had autographed to her. She and Polly hung out of the windows, waving until the platform was out of sight.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu May 03, 2007 7:48 am ]
Post subject: 
That weekend sounds so lovely and just what they needed. Am glad Emma was made so welcome. It sounds exactly what Sarah needs. Thanks Tan. Am glad I found the update, it was a nice surprise :D
Author:  Miranda [ Thu May 03, 2007 8:22 am ]
Post subject: 
I'm really glad that Emma had such a good time at Joey's :) And that she learnt something about 'Germans' as well - hearing about Frieda's story would be one thing, actually meeting her would really make it sink in.

Thanks Tan!
Author:  Alison H [ Thu May 03, 2007 8:52 am ]
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It must've been really interesting for Emma.
Author:  Fatima [ Thu May 03, 2007 4:47 pm ]
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What a lovely weekend!
Author:  brie [ Thu May 03, 2007 4:49 pm ]
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Thanks Tan.

That must have been such a lovely way to spend a break for the two girls, and its nice to see that Polly feels she has a family and friends to support her.
Author:  Elle [ Thu May 03, 2007 8:07 pm ]
Post subject: 
Tan wrote:
Joey laughed and agreed that Zephyr was certainly a unique young man.


Well that explains alot! :wink:


(Sorry Tan!)


Thanks for the fantastic update.
Author:  MaryR [ Thu May 03, 2007 8:22 pm ]
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Lovely, Tan, thanks. :D
Author:  Tan [ Thu May 03, 2007 9:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
Elle wrote:
Tan wrote:
Joey laughed and agreed that Zephyr was certainly a unique young man.


Well that explains alot! :wink:


(Sorry Tan!)



Oops! I had better rectify that! Serves me right for not proof-reading more carefully - and of course, spell check did not pick that up.

Also, as a Catholic, it would not have been usual for Joey to miss Mass due to someone visiting.
:oops:
Author:  Josie [ Thu May 03, 2007 10:26 pm ]
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Thanks, tan. Lovely post. :D
Author:  Cath V-P [ Fri May 04, 2007 12:20 am ]
Post subject: 
That was a lovely interlude Tan.
Author:  Tan [ Fri May 04, 2007 7:14 am ]
Post subject: 
This is the last update for a couple of days as I am away this weekend. Have a good bank holiday weekend!


After they had started on their journey, Emma looked across at Polly. ‘Thank you for inviting me along Polly. I really enjoyed meeting them. They are like your family aren’t they?’
‘They are my family’ Polly replied. ‘And I told you Joey wouldn’t mind having another visitor’.
‘Is she always like that?’
Polly laughed. ‘Most of the time she is. Although she had a rough few months after escaping from Austria, and more recently when Jack was feared dead’ Polly’s grey eyes went dark at the thought. ‘Honestly, I don’t think she will ever really grow up. She was like that at school as well. She always insisted that she would never grow up – or marry for that matter!’

After returning back to camp, they swapped stories of their weekend away. Sarah returned very subdued, and Polly wondered at it. She wasn’t surprised when later in the week Sarah asked to speak to her in private. ‘It was horrible Polly. All Mummy wanted was for me to stay at home. She also invited around some friends and their sons around. Honestly Polly, this is not the time to be worrying about marriages and those sorts of things. I think that this might be the most important thing I ever get to do.’ Polly looked at her gravely. ‘I don’t like to see you at odds with your mother Sarah, but I can understand what you are saying. I think you have to be gentle with her but firm. I also think she probably got a surprise – you have changed a lot over the past couple of months’.
‘She did comment that she thought I was a lot coarser! And I took that as a compliment’.
‘Nooo. I don’t think it is that. I think you are learning to express yourself a lot better. And you are learning to mix with other people. I think you are also learning about yourself’.
‘Thanks Polly'.

They continued to have their weekly mending sessions, sing songs and dancing. Polly was particularly good at this, and taught some new dances. At the same time, she was learning more about popular music and culture. When they could, they also attended cinema presentations at the base cinema. This was something very new for Polly, as she had not had the chance to do this previously.

And at the end of each month, copies of their progress reports were distributed to various departments. And an additional copy of Polly’s progress made its way to Baker Street. A strong discussion took place about whether she was ready for what they had in mind. On the one hand, she had not had any active service, on the other, plans were being made for the landings in France. They had few potential candidates who were as strong as Polly.
Author:  Ruth B [ Fri May 04, 2007 9:24 am ]
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Oh dear, I have a feeling this might get rather wibblesome.
Author:  francesn [ Fri May 04, 2007 2:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
And it was so nice! *prepares to wibble*

Thanks Tan
Author:  Fatima [ Fri May 04, 2007 4:47 pm ]
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I'm enjoying seeing the changes in Sarah. And I agree that we're all going to be wibbling soon. Poor Polly.
Author:  brie [ Fri May 04, 2007 6:38 pm ]
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Oh dear!

Well Isuppose I had better join in the wibbling!

Dont be too mean Tan!!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat May 05, 2007 12:56 am ]
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Hope everything goes alright for Sarah and for Polly
Author:  Miranda [ Sat May 05, 2007 11:39 am ]
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I do want Polly to be able to receive the recognition she deserves, but I really don't want to have to go into wibble-mode! :?
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Sat May 05, 2007 9:31 pm ]
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Very wibble-making!

This is extremely good, by the way.
Author:  Maeve [ Sun May 06, 2007 4:52 pm ]
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I love anything set in WWII and am really enjoying this. Thanks, Tan.
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ Sun May 06, 2007 6:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
Really enjoying this but not enjoying the wibbling that last post enjoyed. Thanks Tan
Author:  Tan [ Tue May 08, 2007 4:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
Don't you trust me? :lol:

Here is the latest update, hope you enjoy!

Discussion took place over where best to place her with her unique skills. It was decided to allow ACW2 Heriot to complete her training, as at this stage there were no vacancies on any of their courses.

Finally, the wireless operator course drew to its close. They studied for their final theory exams, as well as undertaking practical tasks. Polly, not surprisingly, passed all her tests with flying colours. Emma passed with good results, as did June and the others. Sarah had just made the speeds that she needed to pass.

They received their new posting orders shortly before the end of the course. Polly and Emma were pleased to find that they had been posted together to the Abingdon airfield. Sarah was sent to an airfield in Surrey. They received a four day leave pass to visit family before being required to report to their new bases. They had also been promoted to Leading Aircraftswomen with an appropriate pay rise.

Polly, of course, made the trip to Plas Gwyn to visit Joey and the Russells. She enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with the family, as she was uncertain how often she would be able to get time off. She enjoyed catching up on all the news of the various connexions of the family. The triplets were becoming very active little girls, and they were evidencing very different personalities. Polly noticed that Len was becoming very motherly and responsible for her younger siblings. Connie was a dreamy little girl, very fond of sugar. In Margot, though, she noticed a tendency to be very demanding. Steven was a happy, chuckly little boy.

Polly reflected on the train journey to Oxfordshire. The past two years had been very busy for her. She had to nurse her beloved guardian in his final illness, and that had been a intense experience for her. She had enjoyed her time as part of Joey’s large family, and particularly enjoyed her developing friendship with both Joey and the Robin. Then there had been the past few months in the WAAF where she had made friends with Emma, Joan, June and even Sarah. It was interesting to realise that in ‘normal’ life she probably would not have had the chance to meet these people and certainly would not be on intimate terms with them. She wondered just how much the war would change them and change the way that they lived.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue May 08, 2007 4:41 pm ]
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Thanks Tan - this is really interesting, and a side of things that we saw very little of in the books.
Author:  Fatima [ Tue May 08, 2007 4:48 pm ]
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I'm glad that Polly and Emma are going to be together still. Have we seen the last of Sarah?

Thanks Tan.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Tue May 08, 2007 7:40 pm ]
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Ooh, ooh, ooh, Abingdon airfield - that's where my father worked, only after the war (he was in the Army during it!).

By the way, Abingdon was in Berkshire in those days (I was born there, and it was very definitely Abingdon, Berkshire, then - don't know when the county boundaries changed).
Author:  Tan [ Tue May 08, 2007 7:58 pm ]
Post subject: 
Mrs Redboots wrote:
Ooh, ooh, ooh, Abingdon airfield - that's where my father worked, only after the war (he was in the Army during it!).

By the way, Abingdon was in Berkshire in those days (I was born there, and it was very definitely Abingdon, Berkshire, then - don't know when the county boundaries changed).


Hmm. I have been using the Internet for research purposes, although the books I have used suggest Oxfordshire ... How exciting that he worked there!!

And Sarah will probably reappear (she was only supposed to be a minor character and somehow stole quite a few scenes!)
Author:  Elle [ Tue May 08, 2007 10:19 pm ]
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Damn, I thought that was a second update! Oh well, thanks for the actual update Tan. Am really enjoying this.
Author:  Lesley [ Tue May 08, 2007 10:42 pm ]
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Thanks Tan - this shows so many things that, when reading the books, we take for granted. i wonder just how difficult Frieda and all the other Austrians found it - I know they are not German but the British Empire was at War with Austria too.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Wed May 09, 2007 1:16 am ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
She wondered just how much the war would change them and change the way that they lived.


Yes, indeed.....
Author:  Tan [ Wed May 09, 2007 9:21 am ]
Post subject: 
Here is an update for you. I am the only one in the office this morning so taking the chance to update the drabble (my work is up to date).

When she arrived at Oxford, it was to discover Emma waiting for her on the platform as they had arranged. They travelled out to the base to report for duty and to obtain details of their lodgings. To their delight, they were to be billeted in the same house in a nearby village. They made their way there to meet their new landlady, Mrs Smythe. She emphasised in no uncertain terms that her name was definitely Smythe and not Smith.

As she led them upstairs to their room, she emphasised the rules of her home. Any guests were to be entertained downstairs in the parlour, no guests were to be permitted upstairs, and they could only entertain gentlemen visitors two nights in the week. All guests were to leave before 9pm. They could keep bicycles if they preferred, however, they were to be stored in the garden shed. Finally, she would provide clean linens once per week, and one meal per day (depending on shift patterns), as she assumed that they would take other meals at the base.

Polly did not dare look at Emma for fear that she would explode with laughter. She thanked Mrs Smythe and agreed that she and Emma would do their best to abide by her rules. They were pleased to see that the room she led them to was quite large, very light and airy. It was as the rear of the house and overlooked a very pleasant garden. Their room was equipped with a washbasin. They were pleased to find that they would have their own private bathroom.

After freshening up, they made their way downstairs for an evening meal. They were very pleased to discover that despite her slightly over-bearing manner, Mrs Smythe was an excellent cook. After dinner, they sat out in the garden exchanging their news. Emma was eager to hear all about Joey and her children, and was pleased to hear that they were all well. They also decided that they would try and buy some bikes to allow them to travel to the base more easily as the bus timetable did not always synchronise with their shift pattern.

Abingdon was primarily a bomber base. The role of the wireless operators was to monitor and transcribe messages received from the aircraft. The staff worked in pairs, with one pair relieving the other regularly for breaks. They would also work a rolling shift pattern of day followed by evening to be followed by a night shift. The other people they were working with were both male and female. Amongst them, was a quietly spoken WAAF by the name of Nora Khan. Nora was of Indian descent, although she did not speak very much about this. She was close to her mother and siblings, one of whom was also in the armed services. While pleasant, she had only made one or two close friends, however, was liked by everyone with whom she worked.

Polly and Emma enjoyed their first day, although were very tired by the end of it. They had found the work tiring, as intense concentration was required. They also found the background noise from the rest of the staff a little distracting. They learnt that due to the nature of the rolling shifts, the operators took the opportunity to catnap whenever they could. Nora and other people that they were working with had agreed that second hand bicycles were easily available and often advertised on the notice-board of the mess.

By the end of the first week, Polly and Emma had gained their bearings and slotted in to the rhythm of the work. Polly had found occasion to chat to Nora on one or two occasions and was interested to find out that she had been brought up in France. They talked together occasionally in French, and Nora commented on Polly’s accent and fluency. Polly in turn learned that Nora had been raised in Paris, and had escaped from France in one of the last boats to leave the country.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed May 09, 2007 9:50 am ]
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Thanks Tan :D .
Author:  Lesley [ Wed May 09, 2007 10:05 am ]
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Glad Polly and Emma are settling down.

Thanks Tan.
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ Wed May 09, 2007 8:02 pm ]
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Thanks Tan. I really love reading about this period. And I don't live far from Abingdon so thats a nice coincidence.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Thu May 10, 2007 1:00 am ]
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Thanks Tan, this is very interesting - Polly adapts to her new surroundings very well, doesn't she?
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu May 10, 2007 9:17 am ]
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Thanks Tan
Author:  Mona [ Thu May 10, 2007 10:57 am ]
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I've just read through all of this and am really enjoying it. I always liked Polly, and joining the WAAFs seems just perfectly in character for her. I'm looking forward to finding out what's in store for her!
Author:  MaryR [ Thu May 10, 2007 2:56 pm ]
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It strikes me Polly would fit in wherever she went.

Lovely, thanks, Tan
Author:  Miranda [ Thu May 10, 2007 3:14 pm ]
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Mrs Smythe is a crack-up :lol: I wonder how soon it will be before Polly is able to win her over with her charming ways?

Presumably not too long - and then there might be gentlemen callers every night of the week! :shock:

Thanks Tan
Author:  Tan [ Thu May 10, 2007 3:24 pm ]
Post subject: 
You are up late (or early?) Miranda!

I should add a disclaimer here - some of the people who feature from this part of the story onwards are real people. For the purpose of my story I am being a little flexible with timeframes (strictly speaking, following the EBD timeline it is now around 1944, however, for the story it works better if I treat it as if it is 1943).

Polly and Emma enjoyed their first day, although were very tired by the end of it. They had found the work tiring, as intense concentration was required. They also found the background noise from the rest of the staff a little distracting. They learnt that due to the nature of the rolling shifts, the operators took the opportunity to catnap whenever they could. Nora and other people that they were working with had agreed that second hand bicycles were easily available and often advertised on the notice-board of the mess.

By the end of the first week, Polly and Emma had gained their bearings and slotted in to the rhythm of the work. Polly had found occasion to chat to Nora on one or two occasions and was interested to find out that she had been brought up in France. They talked together occasionally in French, and Nora commented on Polly’s accent and fluency. Polly in turn learned that Nora had been raised in Paris, and had escaped from France in one of the last boats to leave the country.

The next month flew by. Polly applied for, and was granted, a weeks leave which she spent with Joey and her family. She was amazed at how much the children had grown in this time. She was concerned at the temper tantrums that Margot was beginning to act out, and mentioned this to Joey. Joey’s forehead creased in worry. ‘Yes, I had noticed that. I was hoping it might be something she might grow out of. Jack doesn’t know, I haven’t liked to worry him. Besides, she is so frail that I don’t like to be too strict with her’. Polly decided that there was nothing further to say to this, although she remembered how Joey had criticised Madge for similar behaviours with Sybil.

Robin and Polly spent several hours together. Robin had grown into a lovely girl, and was enjoying university. She had decided that she would like to study social work, however, hadn’t quite decided what type of work she would like to do after her course. Robin was keen to make sure that the work she was doing was meaningful, and was slightly envious of Polly. Polly laughed when she expressed these feelings, and told Robin that she was envious of her. ‘Why is that Polly?’ Robin asked curiously. ‘You seem to have a goal, however, I am not sure what I want to do with my life’. Robin flushed and changed the subject. Polly was to wonder about this later.

Polly returned to the base feeling slightly dissatisfied. She enjoyed the camaraderie of the people she worked with, and enjoyed her friendship with Emma. Emma had made friends with some of the aircraftsmen and urged Polly to join them on some outings. This was difficult for Polly, as due to her upbringing, she had had little contact with men outside of her immediate circle. While they were nice people, Polly did not feel at all inclined to pursue something more than friendship. She discussed this in one of her regular letters to Joey.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu May 10, 2007 3:46 pm ]
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The friendship between Polly and Joey is lovely.
Author:  Miranda [ Thu May 10, 2007 4:28 pm ]
Post subject: 
It's only just 11:30pm in Perth - rather a respectable hour for me really :lol: Good timing Tan, I'm pleased to have another update!

I liked the conversation between Robin and Polly - that each of them was envious of the other.

And Polly's thoughts on Joey's treatment of Margot were very interesting, especially the Sybil link!
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Thu May 10, 2007 5:24 pm ]
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Thanks, Tan.
Author:  brie [ Thu May 10, 2007 6:02 pm ]
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Thanks Tan, lots of great updates for me to catch up on there!
Author:  Lesley [ Thu May 10, 2007 6:19 pm ]
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Thanks Tan - interesting about Polly seeing analogies between Margot and Sybil, also that she seems to have seen more in Robin than anyone else had at the time.
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ Thu May 10, 2007 10:35 pm ]
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Thanks Tan, loved the scene with Robin and Polly.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu May 10, 2007 11:16 pm ]
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Thanks Tan for the update
Author:  Cath V-P [ Fri May 11, 2007 12:39 am ]
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Thanks Tan, good to see Polly and Robin growing closer.
Author:  Tan [ Fri May 11, 2007 2:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
I think Polly was one of the first people to realise that Robin was growing up, particularly after the incident with Gertrud Becker. And now that Polly is out in the real world I think she is less inclined to take things at face value. I hope you enjoy seeing some old friends in this installment. Hopefully no EBDisms here! :lol:

She and Emma received regular letters from Sarah and the other people on their course. Sarah was enjoying being in Surrey and was starting to make some friendships with the other people working there. She had also met several young pilots of whom she was sure her mother would approve! She was also enjoying the sensation of making her own living, the first time that she had been able to do this. Polly wondered why she did not feel that same sense of purpose that Sarah and Emma were experiencing.

She and Emma had settled into a routine by now, and found that Mrs Smythe was a little less strict than she appeared. It seemed that she had had some difficulties with previous WAAF billets and had decided that the best strategy was to lay down ground rules from the beginning. There were several times that Polly and Emma had discovered little packages of home made cakes and biscuits waiting for them in their room when they returned from work. In return, Mrs Smythe appreciated that Polly and Emma tried to minimise housework for her.

After several weeks at Abingdon, Polly, Emma and Sarah decided to meet up in London. As they travelled there by train, Polly realised that this would be the first time she had travelled to London by herself. Previously she had always been accompanied by her guardian, or was part of the school escort. She mused on how this independent travel would have been frowned upon previously. They enjoyed exploring the capital, although, were very saddened to see the amount of damage that had been caused by the bombings. They were amazed to see the amount of bunk beds that were in place in many of the tube stations. Polly returned to the base wishing there was something more she could do for the war effort.

One evening, shortly after her visit to London, Polly was making her way to the mess for her evening meal. She heard an American voice call out to her ‘Polly, over here!’ She looked around and was delighted to discover Evadne Lannis. She sat down with Evadne and soon caught up on her news. Evadne was also working in the WAAF and was engaged to a young pilot. She hoped that she would be able to introduce him to Polly soon, however, that would depend on his working hours. Evadne was working at this base temporarily, but Polly enjoyed being able to see a familiar face. She discussed her feelings with Evadne. Evadne suggested that Polly consider applying for a commission, where she would be able to have more responsibility. Polly wasn't quite sure if this was what she wanted, but she promised Evadne she would think about it.

Polly was pleased for Nora when she found out that she had been accepted for a commission interview. When Nora returned several days later, she expressed to Polly that she did not think she had been successful – she had been to frank with her opinions regarding the right to self rule by the Indian nation. This was not an area that Polly had ever really paid much attention to. She had, of course, heard of Gandhi but had not really thought much about the ideas that he supported. Nora made it clear to Polly that she supported the idea of peaceful change in India, however, that there may be a day when those tactics needed to change. Meanwhile, Nora had applied for an advanced signals course, and was waiting to hear the outcome of her interview.

After this conversation with Nora, Polly began to think more deeply about the issues of rights and freedom. She was passionate in her dislike of Nazi ideology, and was determined to do all that she could to help defeat the evil of Nazism. Having lived in Austria for several years, she had come to know many Austrian and German girls. She was aware of the manipulative nature of the Nazi party, particularly after witnessing what had happened with Gertrud Beck. And of course, she had lived through the aftermath of the Spartz incident experienced by Joey and Robin in particular. She began wondering what else she could do to help the war effort.

She met up with Evadne one evening to talk about these feelings. Evadne could understand Polly’s feelings, as she had spent many years on the continent. As well, she was half Austrian, and was passionate about that part of her heritage. She mentioned to Polly that she had heard of parts of the War Office that were on the lookout for people with linguistic skills. She had been tempted to find out more herself, however, did not want to be separated from her fiancé. As well, her accent in both French and German had traces of her American heritage. She promised to see what she could find out for Polly.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Fri May 11, 2007 3:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thank you, Tan. Oh Polly.... don't go there! Danger and death await.....

My great-aunt, incidentally, had to provide a "safe house" for men and women being taken into and out of occupied France - they would come and spend the night before either going out, or going on to London to be debriefed. Sometimes they had to spend a few days, if the weather was wrong. And my aunt had to make them go through all their luggage and all their pockets to make sure they didn't have any labels or coins or anything to identify them as having been in Britain - one guy, apparently, arrived and discovered to his horror that he had a copy of the Daily Telegraph in his pocket. So he carefully put it into the pocket of a German officer on the Metro!!!!!
Author:  brie [ Fri May 11, 2007 3:36 pm ]
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Thanks Tan- Its nice to see Evvy too.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri May 11, 2007 4:06 pm ]
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Nice to see Polly thinking more deeply about things.
Author:  Elbee [ Fri May 11, 2007 4:35 pm ]
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This is so fascinating Tan, thank you.
Author:  Fatima [ Fri May 11, 2007 4:53 pm ]
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I think we're all about to be very proud of Polly.

Thanks Tan.
Author:  Mona [ Fri May 11, 2007 5:05 pm ]
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Another great installment! Good to see Evvy Lannis.
Author:  francesn [ Fri May 11, 2007 6:20 pm ]
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Your great-aunt sounds like an amazing woman, Annabel.

*wibbles a bit more*

Polly's being pulled inexorably towards this course of action, and she doesn't seem to realise the danger she's about to put herself into. Thank you Tan.
Author:  Lesley [ Fri May 11, 2007 6:39 pm ]
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Can understand Polly wanting to do more - hope she manages it.

Thanks Tan.
Author:  MaryR [ Fri May 11, 2007 8:42 pm ]
Post subject: 
francesn wrote:
Polly's being pulled inexorably towards this course of action, and she doesn't seem to realise the danger she's about to put herself into. Thank you Tan.

Agreed, Frances, but then I think even if she, and others like her, had realised the danger, they would still have done it - anything to defeat the Nazis.

Thanks, Tan.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Sat May 12, 2007 2:32 am ]
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Interesting to see Polly starting to think about what she is doing and why. And I'km always a bit surprised when reminded that Evvy is half-Austrian - EBD plays up her "American-ness' so much.
Author:  Tan [ Sat May 12, 2007 10:02 pm ]
Post subject: 
I think that Polly being the person she is, could not help but be pulled into something like this. She is now mixing with a very different group of people, and that is causing her to see things a little differently.



Emma had noticed that Polly had become a little withdrawn and could not understand it. Polly recognised that this was something that she could not put in to words to Emma, recognising that for Emma, there was no distinguishing between the German leaders and the German people. This had come up several times when she and Polly had discussed her time at the Chalet School. For her, things were very much black and white. Polly, however, had known many German and Austrian girls while she was at school. She had witnessed first hand the suffering that Maria Marani and her family had experienced for standing up for what they believed was right. She had seen Joey, Robin and several others flee for their lives, again standing up for an innocent man. There were others - Frienda, Bruno, the Linders sisters and Elisaveta.

Interestingly, Emma had the utmost admiration for Frieda whom she had met when staying with Joey. She later commented to Polly that Frieda was different, and of course, she knew a little of her history. Polly was frustrated by this, as she had known many Austrian and German girls who passionately hated everything the Nazi party stood for. She knew, however, that this was one battle that she could not fight. She also realised that Emma would never really be able to understand her point of view. Despite these differences, she and Emma still continued to share a strong friendship. She was less inclined to go out dancing with the airmen, a past time that Emma quite enjoyed. It was not that she didn't approve, it was just something that she was not comfortable with.

Due to their busy workload, Polly could only ever remember her two months at Abingdon as a series of snapshots and small interludes. There were nights of moonlight when she and Emma would ride home at the end of their shifts. They would freewheel down hills and enjoy the silence after the click and clack of Morse transmitters. There were funny little incidents in the operations room, particularly with the practical jokes played by many of the airmen. And the mystery of what had happened to Nora. They knew that she had attended an interview at the War Office, and she had disappeared shortly after that. However, there were staff constantly being transferred in and out.

She met up with Evadne and her pilot fiance several times, and found him to be a friendly young man. He was obviously besotted with Evadne, and she was pleased to see how happy Evadne was. She confided in Evadne that she was thinking of speaking to one of the officers about a transfer to another division, perhaps where she could use her language skills a little more.

Polly was not too surprised when Emma shyly confided to her that she had become engaged to Peter. She had noticed that Emma tended to go out less and less in large groups, and that Peter’s name was cropping up in conversation more and more. She was pleased for Emma, but knew that she would miss her immensely. It also focused her more on the issue of her own future. She hugged Emma and exclaimed how pleased she was. She was also touched when Emma asked her to be a bridesmaid. They had decided to get marry quickly, as it was likely that Peter was going to be sent overseas. It was not uncommon in these times for weddings to happen quickly.
Author:  Lesley [ Sat May 12, 2007 10:26 pm ]
Post subject: 
Sad that we know Evvy's airman will not survive. :cry: Great pity that Emma cannot see the differences that Polly knows re the Austrian and German peoples - but I expect her attitude was the norm - and was probably the only way people can cope in wartime.


Thanks Tan
Author:  Cath V-P [ Sun May 13, 2007 6:02 am ]
Post subject: 
it's interesting to see Polly's observations on those around her especially the understanding that Emma can't distinguish between the people and the ideology, coupled with the knowledge that ultimately this isn't helpful. She also seems to me to be detaching herself a little from her surroundings and viewing them objectively...
And Evvy's happiness is so fragile, and we know what happens.... :cry:
Author:  Alison H [ Sun May 13, 2007 8:41 am ]
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Evvy and Peter are so happy ... :cry:
Author:  brie [ Sun May 13, 2007 9:50 am ]
Post subject: 
Poor Evvy!

Thanks Tan, this is great, and I really love Polly here.
Author:  Fatima [ Sun May 13, 2007 4:28 pm ]
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Poor Evvy. :(

Thanks Tan.
Author:  little_sarah [ Sun May 13, 2007 4:40 pm ]
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So sad that we know it won't work out well for Evvy :(
I'm also beginning to wibble about Polly....
Author:  francesn [ Sun May 13, 2007 5:46 pm ]
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I'm very interested by the fact that Nora's disappeared...

Thanks Tan
Author:  MaryR [ Sun May 13, 2007 8:44 pm ]
Post subject: 
But Emma hasn't had the experience of meeting the Austrians on their home ground and living with them as Polly has, so of course she wouldn't understand in the same way. I should think the majority of British people were the same.

Lovely snapshots of their life in Abingdon, thanks, Tan.
Author:  Tan [ Tue May 15, 2007 8:55 pm ]
Post subject: 
A bit more for you. I wasn't originally going to cover the wedding, but thought I should. Hopefully I will finish writing about it tomorrow!

The wedding was scheduled for three weeks time, and Emma was hoping that her parents would be able to attend. When Polly wrote to Joey with the news, Joey replied with an invitation for Emma and Polly to visit for the weekend. She wanted to host a small gathering to help prepare for her wedding, and told Polly that if Emma’s parents were unable to attend that she would like to attend. Emma was amazed, and slightly embarrassed by this offer, however Polly convinced her to accept. Joey had also extended an invitation to Sarah, via Polly as a surprise for Emma.

They applied for leave for the following weekend, and were granted it. The train trip passed quickly and smoothly thankfully! They arrived early Friday evening. Jack was waiting at the station for them, and greeted them warmly. ‘Let’s get you home quickly. Anna has some treats waiting for you’. They chatted on the trip to Plas Gwyn with Jack who laughingly warned them of a number of plans that Joey had made. Polly who knew what Joey could be like advised Emma to be prepared for anything. Jack heard the warning and laughed, before seconding it.

When they arrived at Plas Gwyn, Joey came flying down the stairs to hug them both. ‘Hello, so good to see you again. Come in out of the cold, and see what Anna has put aside for you’. She led them into the warm drawing room, before leaving to let Anna know that the visitors had arrived. Anna came bustling in with a large smile on her face. Polly smiled, and spoke to Anna in German to thank her. She left a large pot of tea and some lemon biscuits before returning to the kitchen to dish up large pots of stew and vegetables.

They sat eating their meal, while Joey peppered Emma with questions about her wedding plans. She smiled sympathetically when Emma explained that they were only able to have a small ceremony, due to Peter's imminent posting. ‘Jack and I had to do the same thing, but don’t worry Emma, we will make sure you still have a wonderful day. And have you thought about what you will wear?’ ‘Luckily my mother’s wedding dress will fit me’. ‘In that case, let me provide your veil as something borrowed. I had a happy wedding day and it is said that it is good luck to wear the veil of a happy bride’.When Emma started to protest, Joey firmly over-rode her. ‘Don’t be silly. It has been decided!’

When they went down for breakfast the next day, Emma was stunned to see Sarah sitting at the breakfast table. She turned to Polly ‘Did you know about this?’ Polly grinned back at her. ‘Sure did. Surprised?’ The three of them clung together in a big hug, before sitting down to have their meal. Sarah groaned as she explained her journey -unfortunately her train had been delayed, so she had arrived early in the morning. Jack had collected her from the train station. The triplets were thrilled to have so many visitors around them. Polly was saddened to see that Margot appeared quite fragile next to her sisters and could understand Joey's anxiety for her.

Joey was her usual bright and breezy self. ‘Right. This morning is going to be quiet, well quietish’ she amended with a grin. ‘Nothing is guaranteed in this household! This afternoon we are going to have a bridal shower and afternoon tea. Frieda will be coming, as will Madge. Daisy of course will be here, but Rob couldn’t get back from Uni this time’.

Sarah had expected to feel a little shy as she did not know anyone apart from Emma and Polly. She had been surprised that Joey had invited her along, but was very pleased. She realised that Emma and Polly were the first real friends she had made. Joey knew a little of the difficulties that she had experienced, and went out of her way to make her feel welcome. The triplets proved to be comic little hostesses, taking her around the house and pointing out the sights to her. This was the first time she had had a lot of contact with young children and she was thrilled at how welcome they made her.
Author:  MaryR [ Tue May 15, 2007 9:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
How lovely for Emma, and how good of Joey and Polly to make so much of it. Ah, that veil - how many times it is brought out, and how beautiful it always sounds. :lol:

Thanks, Tan
Author:  brie [ Tue May 15, 2007 9:12 pm ]
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Thanks Tan, Jo is coming over a little strong, but her intentions are clearly good.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue May 15, 2007 9:19 pm ]
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Joey can be a bit much sometimes, but she obviously meant it in a lovely way!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue May 15, 2007 10:12 pm ]
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Everyone is being so lovely to Emma. Hope Polly is able to sort out what she wants to do
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Tue May 15, 2007 10:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
Jo at her breeziest and best here - a little OTT, but her heart is in the right place. Like MaryR, I love the sound of that veil. However, I do hope Emma's parents will be able to attend the wedding in the end.

Lovely to see Sarah enjoying herself, too - she has come so far in the few months we have 'known' her!

Thanks, Tan
Author:  little_sarah [ Tue May 15, 2007 10:25 pm ]
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How lovely of Jo to have organised this for Emma, even though she can be slightly overbearing!
Thanks Tan
Author:  Lesley [ Tue May 15, 2007 11:25 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lucky Emma - Joey is being lovely here.


Thanks Tan
Author:  Cath V-P [ Wed May 16, 2007 12:36 am ]
Post subject: 
Joey is being very helpful and friendly.
Author:  Tan [ Thu May 17, 2007 8:22 pm ]
Post subject: 
Joey has good intentions I think. The next bit is a snippet, I didn't originally write a great deal about Emma getting married, so have had to come back and write a few chunks. Apologies for any layout errors ...

The first of the visitors arrived after lunch, bringing their contributions to the afternoon meal. Emma was pleased to see both Frieda and Madge, and was chattering away to them about their plans. Joey and Polly both made sure that Sarah was introduced, and gentle Frieda introduced Sarah to her children. Joey and Anna carried out a large variety of foods – it was amazing how far Anna could make rations stretch! ‘We wanted to give you a wedding shower Emma, however, we weren’t sure what your accommodation situation was going to be like. So instead, we are giving you IOUs. I hope that is OK?’ Joey looked at her anxiously. ‘We did manage to scrounge up a couple of gifts for you to have today’. ‘Joey, your language. Scrounge sounds terrible!’ Madge protested. ‘Emma, I have tucked away some linen that I thought you might find useful. I am happy to send it on to you when you are a little more settled.’ ‘Phoebe has also offered to make you something Emma. She has plenty of material tucked away, and she wasn’t sure what you would like. She is not feeling too well at the moment, which is the reason that she is not here’ added Joey.

Emma protested at this. ‘We would like to do it for you Emma. Both Frieda and I had to get married in war time and we know what it is like. We also appreciate the friendship that you have given to Polly’. At this, Emma had to demur. ‘I too, would like to give you something that I have made Emma’ added Frieda. ‘Thank you all very much, it is more than I expected’ replied Emma.

‘Now, let’s move on to the fun part of the afternoon’ Joey announced. ‘I have some games planned out for us’. ‘How old are you Joey?’ Madge protested. ‘Nonsense, they are all appropriate games’ Joey retorted. ‘Quite sedate really, as they are all pen and paper games’. Madge had to concede that this was acceptable.

The afternoon passed quickly. They played a variety of games including book weddings; guessing games; and a competition to see how many famous couples they could list who had appeared in books. Madge did well in this activity, as suited a former English teacher, however, Joey came a close second. It was with regret that both Frieda and Madge had to announce their departures. The nights still came in early and they wanted to be home before the black out if possible. They bid farewell to the three guests with promises to write soon.
Author:  Lesley [ Thu May 17, 2007 9:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
That's lovely - just a small thing, but I did like that Madge was better than Joey at the game - her role as English Mistress (albeit not qualified) seems to be forgotten in later books. They are all so kind to Emma - she must feel overwhelmed.


Thanks Tan.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu May 17, 2007 9:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
That was lovely.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Fri May 18, 2007 12:18 am ]
Post subject: 
They are being so generous and welcoming....
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri May 18, 2007 12:27 am ]
Post subject: 
That was so lovely of them all and love what they said that Frieda and Joey had both been war time brides too so wanted to make it as special as they could
Author:  Kathy_S [ Fri May 18, 2007 2:00 am ]
Post subject: 
Splendid weekend! :D

Thank you, Tan.
Author:  Tan [ Fri May 18, 2007 12:13 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lesley, I could not resist the urge to let Madge win!! :lol:

While Joey bathed her children and prepared them for bed the three friends enjoyed catching up with each other. Sarah was enjoying her time in Surrey, and had developed into quite a nice person. She was still having some difficulties with her parents, but was finding that being away from them was giving her a new perspective on her old lifestyle. Emma, of course, was bubbling over with enthusiasm about Peter and their wedding plans. Polly did not volunteer any information about her plans, but joined in the conversations where appropriate.

The following morning, Jack dropped them off at the train station on the way to mass. Given the state of the rail system due to bombing disruption, it was prudent to allow additional time for travel. Jack and Joey hugged all three girls and extended an invitation for them to visit again. ‘Emma, we hope you have a wonderful day. If your parents aren’t able to make it, let us know. We would be happy to act as your surrogate family’. ‘Thank you Joey, I really appreciate the offer and will let you know what happens’.

They caught the train and shared a compartment together. Surprisingly, the train while busy still had seats available. They sat together until Bristol where they had to change trains. ‘See you in a couple of weeks’ Sarah called from the doorway of her train, which she had barely managed to catch.

All too soon, Emma’s wedding day arrived. She and Peter had decided to marry in the small village church where she and Polly had been boarding. Given the nature of war time, it was a small wedding. In attendance were both sets of parents, Polly and John, Peter’s friend and best man. Mrs Smythe and Sarah were honorary guests. Emma was dressed in a lovely silk dress that she had owned from the beginning of the war. While she had appreciated the offer of Joey’s veil, she decided that it did not suit the simplicity of her dress, and wore a small hat with veil instead. Polly was dressed in a simple blue dress which suited her chestnut hair.

The wedding was very simple, as Emma had insisted on, consisting of the wedding ceremony only. As the church was located so close to the airfield, the local minister was used to performing marriage ceremonies for service personnel. He still insisted on meeting with each couple several times to ensure that there was a true commitment to marriage, and had refused to marry couples previously. Once the ceremony was over, both Polly and Sarah insisted on taking snaps of everyone outside.

Mrs Smythe had insisted on hosting the wedding lunch for all the guests, and had excelled herself. Emma’s parents had provided some of the treats and had sacrificed some of their food vouchers. They were proud of Emma, however, a little sad that they were unable to provide her with the type of wedding that they felt she deserved. Sarah and Polly continued to act as photographers, and Peter in turn, had made sure that several of the photos showed the three girls together.

Finally, the time arrived for Peter and Emma to depart on their honeymoon. Peter was being transferred to a base south of London, and had orders to report in a week’s time. He and Emma had decided to travel to Cornwall for their honeymoon, however, they would stop overnight in London. They were escorted to the train station by their family and friends. Emma’s parents and Sarah were catching the same train, and Polly felt slightly wistful as the merry party departed. While she and Emma would still remain friends, a chapter of their lives had now ended.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri May 18, 2007 12:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
That was so lovely :D .
Author:  MaryR [ Fri May 18, 2007 12:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
Poor Polly, now feeling lonely - will this make it easier to do whatever the Powers-that- be have in mind for her?

Thanks, Tan.
Author:  brie [ Fri May 18, 2007 1:30 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan- i still can't help worrying about Polly though...
Author:  Sal [ Fri May 18, 2007 5:25 pm ]
Post subject: 
Aww that was lovely. Thanks Tan :) Hope Polly will be OK though.
Author:  Fatima [ Fri May 18, 2007 5:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
What a lovely wedding - simple yet so beautiful! Thanks Tan.
Author:  Lesley [ Fri May 18, 2007 5:58 pm ]
Post subject: 
It all seems to have happened so quickly - yet wartime romances were like that - people didn't know how much time they had... :cry:


Thanks Tan.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Sat May 19, 2007 12:43 am ]
Post subject: 
What a lovely wedding and so typical of the time. I wonder what Polly will do now?
Author:  Smile :) [ Sat May 19, 2007 10:23 am ]
Post subject: 
I realised I hadn't read any of this after the first few posts so I've now caught up and it's great. Thank you Tan.
Author:  Tan [ Sun May 20, 2007 9:16 pm ]
Post subject: 
I think some of your questions are about to be answered ...


After Emma had departed on her honeymoon, Polly decided that she would apply for a commission. She submitted the paperwork and waited to hear back. She was surprised when only two weeks later, she received an invitation to have an interview at a hotel in Victoria. She did not realise that a letter had been sent to an address in Baker Street, nor that a certain Nora Khan had been asked to give her opinion of Miss Hildegard Mariana Sophonisba Heriot. Nora had been startled to hear this name and replied that she did not know anyone of this name, but she did know a Polly Heriot. When asked her opinion of Polly’s French she replied that it was excellent, and as fluent as anyone she had known in Paris with a true Parisian accent. Her opinion was duly noted.

Polly applied for leave to be able to attend her interview in London, with a Mr Selwyn Jepson. She travelled down the previous meeting and was saddened to see the amount of damage that London had been sustaining from bombs. She found that Kings Cross station was full of green, blue, white and khaki uniforms, worn by both men and women. That night she found it difficult to sleep due to the amount of noise, and had to evacuate to the hotel bomb shelter for several hours.

She made her way to the Hotel in Victoria and was several minutes early for her appointment. At this stage, she thought it was related to her commission interview. Mr Jepson began the interview by explaining that he worked in a liaison capacity for a number of services. Polly was a little surprised to hear this, but listened attentively. ‘Your file was passed to us, as you have a number of skills that we think would be very valuable to us’. Polly was startled to hear this. ‘The division that I work for is often on the lookout for people with your skills. I understand that you speak both German and French fluently’. Polly replied that she did, and he switched the conversation to French. ‘I notice that you spent several years living in Austria. I must say, that has given us some concerns. What are your thoughts about Germany?’ Polly realised that this was an important test to pass. She explained how she came to live in Austria, and described the incident that had happened in Spartz with Joey, Robin and the rest. She did not realise that this incident had been linked to her file. Mr Jepson was interested to see whether she would raise this, as this had been the subject of intense conversation between he and his superiors.
Author:  brie [ Sun May 20, 2007 9:36 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan!

I hope Polly is going to be alright...
Author:  Alison H [ Sun May 20, 2007 9:41 pm ]
Post subject: 
Ooh, I feel a dangerous trip to France looming - *wibbles*.
Author:  Elbee [ Sun May 20, 2007 10:03 pm ]
Post subject: 
*Joins Alison with the wibbling!*

Thanks Tan, this is so interesting.
Author:  Lesley [ Sun May 20, 2007 10:16 pm ]
Post subject: 
They are checking she's not a sympathiser - to be expected really.

Go Polly.


Thanks Tan.
Author:  Elle [ Sun May 20, 2007 10:28 pm ]
Post subject: 
Excellent updates, thank you.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Mon May 21, 2007 12:55 am ]
Post subject: 
Fascinating...thank you Tan.
Author:  LauraM [ Mon May 21, 2007 1:22 pm ]
Post subject: 
This just gets better and better. Getting a bit worried about Polly though....

Thanks Tan
Author:  francesn [ Mon May 21, 2007 1:30 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan. It's understandable that they would want to know about the time she spent in Austria.

I wonder whether there were any sympathisers at the CS (other than Gertrude) - although I expect most of the German and Austrian girls who might have been would have been removed at the first opportunity.
Author:  MaryR [ Mon May 21, 2007 7:29 pm ]
Post subject: 
When you think about it, though, they were very sneaky, these people - vetting you for something of which you had no idea. :cry:

Thanks, Tan
Author:  Tan [ Tue May 22, 2007 12:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for all your comments. Here is a small snippet for you.

‘As for the German people, I think it is important to separate them from
the Nazi party. Several of my friends have been treated appallingly by
the Nazi party and have escaped from them to serve the Allied Forces. I
despise the Nazi party and everything they stand for. I wish to do all
that I can to help drive such evil from this world!’ Polly was surprised
by her own vehemence. Mr Jepson was interested to see how passionate she had become. He recognised the core of integrity that was inherent in
Polly’s character, and believed that she had meant what she had said. He
also was relieved that she knew the nature of the Nazi party and
recognised the danger that they posed.

He phrased his next question carefully. ‘You commented that you would do anything to drive the Nazi party from this world. Just how far would you go Polly?’ The words were quietly spoken but Polly recognised that they were the core of the reason that she was in this room. ‘Anything. I have been feeling frustrated that I have not been doing enough to help the war effort. Also, given my languages, I am sure that there are better
ways that they can be used’. ‘My superiors and I agree, LACW Heriot. We
have been keeping a close eye on you for the past twelve months. Before
I go any further, I will have to get you to promise that what we discuss
does not leave this room. I know that you have signed the Official
Secrets Act, and I need to let you know that what I am about to tell you
is covered by the provisions of this Act. Do you understand what I am
saying to you?’ Polly was surprised at the twist the conversation had
taken, however, firmly stated ‘You can be sure that any promises I make,
I keep’.

‘I work for an organisation called the Special Operations Executive,
French division. We were set up shortly after the fall of France to do
all we could to help the French resistance, in fact, to ‘set Europe
ablaze’. We are on the lookout for people with the right sort of skills
and personality for our work. We think that you might be one of those
people. Please be aware that the work that we do is secret, and
dangerous in nature. If you do not feel interested, please let us know.
We know that what we do is not for everyone, and it is not a disgrace to
say no’.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue May 22, 2007 12:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan :D .
Author:  Ruth B [ Tue May 22, 2007 1:03 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan.

Sorry to lower the tone in a serious drabble, but I now have visions of Polly in a trench coat and black beret, a la Michelle in Allo Allo. :wink:
Author:  brie [ Tue May 22, 2007 1:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thank you Tan!!
Author:  francesn [ Tue May 22, 2007 2:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
She isn't going to say "no", is she?

Thank you Tan
Author:  Sal [ Tue May 22, 2007 3:40 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan
Author:  Mona [ Tue May 22, 2007 3:42 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan! I thought this was where you were heading, and it seems exactly right for Polly!
Author:  Fatima [ Tue May 22, 2007 4:35 pm ]
Post subject: 
And she is just perfect for this sort of work!
Author:  Lesley [ Tue May 22, 2007 6:52 pm ]
Post subject: 
Role could be made for her.


Thanks Tan.
Author:  MaryR [ Tue May 22, 2007 7:24 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'll say it's dangerous - not too many came back! :cry:

Thanks, Tan.
Author:  Elle [ Tue May 22, 2007 8:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
Ruth B wrote:

Sorry to lower the tone in a serious drabble, but I now have visions of Polly in a trench coat and black beret, a la Michelle in Allo Allo. :wink:



Now you have put that image into my head also!


Thanks for the update Tan, Polly is going to say yes isn't she?
Author:  Cath V-P [ Wed May 23, 2007 12:02 am ]
Post subject: 
SOE....and so many of them didn't come back.... :(
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed May 23, 2007 12:13 am ]
Post subject: 
Hope Polly will be alright
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Wed May 23, 2007 12:19 am ]
Post subject: 
SOE - possibly the most perilous wartime assignment Polly could have been offered, but I'm sure she'll rise to the challenge. However, I think you'll have your readers, especially those of us only too well aware of how few of those operatives came back, 'wibbling' continually for the rest of this drabble, Tan. We can only hope and pray that all will go well for Polly in the end.
Author:  Lesley [ Wed May 23, 2007 6:38 am ]
Post subject: 
We know that Polly survives though, don't we? The first two or three posts of the story make that clear.
Author:  Tan [ Wed May 23, 2007 6:55 am ]
Post subject: 
Lesley wrote:
We know that Polly survives though, don't we? The first two or three posts of the story make that clear.


Sssh Lesley! :lol:
Author:  MaryR [ Wed May 23, 2007 10:32 am ]
Post subject: 
Tan wrote:
Lesley wrote:
We know that Polly survives though, don't we? The first two or three posts of the story make that clear.


Sssh Lesley! :lol:

But what does she go through BEFORE she comes back? :cry: Remember what Tan said about her at the beginning.....
Author:  Tan [ Wed May 23, 2007 10:53 am ]
Post subject: 
Yes, the role really could have been made for Polly and many of the Chalet school students. I sometimes forget that Polly is a fictional character though ... :lol:

Polly was stunned by this assessment of her abilities, however, she also felt that she had found her purpose. She had been feeling very frustrated, and if she were honest, bored. She had envied some of the military people she had worked with, wanting to be able to make a difference in the way that they were making a difference. ‘I would like to find out some more please sir’. ‘Very well then. We have established a series of networks across France. Our staff work as couriers, wireless operators and organisers. Basically their role is to establish networks of people to help undermine the Germans. The work is dangerous, as the Germans are strongly entrenched in the country. Our staff undertake sabotage
activities, training the resistance and acting in any way to defeat the enemy that they can. We need people who can speak the language fluently, and most importantly, who can pass as natives wherever possible. You need to be able to remain calm under pressure, and to be comfortable with the unknown. You also have to recognise that you may be forced to lie to family and friends about what you are doing. And you can never really let your guard down while you are in the field. I have to be honest – the work is dangerous, and we can offer you little or no protection from the Germans. The risk of arrest is real. Naturally, we give you some time to think about it before waiting for a reply. And as I stated, now that you have found out more about it, you do have the opportunity to say no’.

Polly sat there for a moment. She realised the implications that had
been spelt out in that very stark message. If the Germans were
suspicious of an innocent picnic held by some schoolgirls, then how would they view this type of activity? Yet, was it right to say no to such an important task when she had the ability to do more? She also wondered if this had been the answer to the prayers that she made. She made up her mind. ‘I am still interested sir’ she replied firmly. ‘Are you sure?’ he questioned her. He knew, better than Polly did, what the risks were. At the Baker Street headquarters, concerns were being raised about the safey of some agents in the Pari area. Later (after the war) he was to reveal that he felt sick to the stomach, every time someone accepted his offer. Polly, naturally, was completely unaware of his feelings.

‘Very well then Polly. I will take that as a yes. I will set in place
the necessary steps. We will, of course, liaise with the WAAF. We
normally transfer people such as yourself across to the FANY, as it is a
lot easier for you to be disguised that way. We will be in touch’.

Polly left the building in search of a tea-shop. Her head was spinning
with the implications of what she had heard. However, she felt curiously
calm, as if this was the right decision for her to make. She
acknowledged that there was a real chance she may not survive what was
to come, however, felt that this was the most important thing she may
ever be involved in. She sat their gazing out the window, wondering if
this was what Nora had become involved in. After all, she spoke fluent
French, although it would be hard to disguise her exotic appearance.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed May 23, 2007 11:00 am ]
Post subject: 
Yes - with their language skills, they'd've been perfectly suited to the role.
Author:  brie [ Wed May 23, 2007 11:21 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan... I'm feeling a little dazed myself :)

I feel sorry for that man, really, being responsible for other pople lives like that...
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Wed May 23, 2007 11:33 am ]
Post subject: 
Have just caught up with this - thanks, Tan.
Author:  Jennie [ Wed May 23, 2007 1:22 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Tan. Even though we know Polly survives and comes back, the dangers they faced out there were terrible.
Author:  francesn [ Wed May 23, 2007 3:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
Even though Polly survives we don't know just how affected she will be by her experiences.

Thank you Tan
Author:  Sal [ Wed May 23, 2007 4:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan
Author:  Elbee [ Wed May 23, 2007 4:47 pm ]
Post subject: 
That was so good Tan, her thoughts were so clear, it felt so real. Poor Polly, SOE was such a dangerous organisation :(
Author:  MaryR [ Wed May 23, 2007 5:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
Tan wrote:
Later (after the war) he was to reveal that he felt sick to the stomach, every time someone accepted his offer.

Always hard to send others when you yourself know more about the risks than they do. It must seem like a betrayal. :cry:

But Polly has no doubts at all, does she?

Thanks, Tan.
Author:  Fatima [ Wed May 23, 2007 5:33 pm ]
Post subject: 
We might know that she survives, but we don't know that it will be unscathed, and I am going to being wibbling right now.

Thanks Tan.
Author:  Lesley [ Wed May 23, 2007 6:34 pm ]
Post subject: 
Well done Polly - but then that was never in doubt, was it?


Thanks Tan.
Author:  keren [ Wed May 23, 2007 8:31 pm ]
Post subject: 
My memory is a bit dim but there is a film that starts with a little girl getting the Victoria cross (?) for her mother is that Violet Szabo, and there is another very well known woman maybe Greta something whose name I have forgotton.

(Maybe their paths will cross)
Author:  Lesley [ Wed May 23, 2007 8:35 pm ]
Post subject: 
Carve Her Name With Pride
Author:  Pat [ Wed May 23, 2007 8:41 pm ]
Post subject: 
I saw the film when I was a kid. there's a book of the same name too.
I've also read a book about an Australian woman who survived - Nancy Wake I think she was called. I had the book a long time ago.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Thu May 24, 2007 1:13 am ]
Post subject: 
Yes, it was - there's a fairly recent biography of her that's currently in print.

Such a brave decision, even though it was clearly the right one for her...
and how dreadful to have to send people knowing what could so easily happen to them.
Author:  Tan [ Thu May 24, 2007 2:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
I *think* Nancy Wake now lives in London. One of the books about her was called 'The White Mouse'. She is in now in her nineties. I did see an interview with her in the past couple of years, and she is a definite character. My sister met her at the Australian War Memorial about 20 years ago.
Author:  Smile :) [ Thu May 24, 2007 5:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
Tan wrote:
At the Baker Street headquarters, concerns were being raised about the safey of some agents in the Pari area. Later (after the war) he was to reveal that he felt sick to the stomach, every time someone accepted his offer. Polly, naturally, was completely unaware of his feelings.


Oh this bit has me a little woried, although we do at least know that Polly will survive.

Thank you Tan.
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Thu May 24, 2007 6:27 pm ]
Post subject: 
I can quite understand why those in charge of sending the operatives to France were troubled by what they had to do, but thank goodness we *do* know Polly will survive. Interestingly there is an obituary in today's Globe & Mail (Canada) of one Anthony Brooks, an SOE operative who really *did* survive and lived until about a month ago.

Thanks, Tan - looking forward to more of this.
Author:  Tan [ Thu May 24, 2007 7:34 pm ]
Post subject: 
The quote from Mr Jepson is real (although I think that his name is a pseudonym). I am going to do some posts at the end of the story filling in a bit more of these stories.

On to the drabble - I apologise for the shortness of this post, I haven't had a chance to do an edit of the next bit.

She caught the train back to Oxford that afternoon. When she reported for duty the next day, her friends and colleagues asked how her commission interview had gone. She just replied that they said they would be in touch. It was the first time that Polly had deliberately misled anyone, and she realised that this was going to be her life from now on. Behind the scenes, a more in-depth security clearance was taking place.

She continued her shifts, hoping impatiently that she would hear back from Mr Jepson. In the end, it took three weeks for the letter to arrive. She was requested to report for her training the following week. When her colleagues asked if she had received the results of her commission application, she simply told them that she was being posted elsewhere.

She wasn’t sure how to advise her friends of her new address, particularly Joey and Emma. In the end, she just wrote to let them know to forward letters to her care of the Baker Street address that she had been given for that purpose. She was not aware of the fierce debate that was taking place about where best to place her in France.

Polly was requested to report to a training centre at Cranleigh in Surrey. She was there for four days undertaking a variety of tests. She was surprised that the staff regularly invited them to the bar after training. Polly had never been a big drinker, although she enjoyed the occasional glass of wine. She did not realise that this was part of the assessment process, until she noticed that one of the men from the course had disappeared. She then guessed that they were being assessed for how they behaved when under the influence of alcohol. She was advised at the end of the week that she had been successful in passing the preliminary stages. She was given a weekend pass, and then told to report to her second school, this time in Scotland.
Author:  Lesley [ Thu May 24, 2007 7:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
Makes sense - no point sending someone into occupied territory only to lose them because they go out and get drunk.


Thanks Tan.
Author:  MaryR [ Thu May 24, 2007 8:02 pm ]
Post subject: 
The secrecy surrounding it causing problems for Polly. How her friends would create if they knew just what she was up to. :cry:

Thanks, Tan
Author:  Alison H [ Thu May 24, 2007 9:17 pm ]
Post subject: 
It must've been so hard not being able to say anything.

I vaguely remember a TV series about Nancy Wake, years ago - I think it was called Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye ... or maybe they just used that as the theme tune!
Author:  Sal [ Thu May 24, 2007 10:13 pm ]
Post subject: 
Very difficult keeping it all secret especially for someone as open and honest as Polly.

Thanks Alison
Author:  Elle [ Fri May 25, 2007 12:37 am ]
Post subject: 
There was something on 'Timewatch' last summer about a female, indian, SOE wireless operator, but I cannot remember her name. I think she was betrayed and murdered by the Gestapo.


Thanks for the updates.

ETA - Noor Inayat Khan was her name, she was captured by the SS and refused to talk, she and three others were subsequently shot. She was posthumously awarded the Croix de Geurre (with Gold Star) and the George Cross (highest British award for gallantry not on the battlefield).
Author:  brie [ Fri May 25, 2007 10:40 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan
Author:  Tan [ Fri May 25, 2007 1:40 pm ]
Post subject: 
Noor's story is one that I plan to cover as a post-script. This is the last update for a few days, I hope you enjoy it.


Polly didn’t know what to do with her time over the weekend break. It was too far to go and visit Emma, and she did not feel that she could really tell her what was going on. For a similar reason, she did not want to visit Jo as she normally would when given leave. She was not particularly close to any of her colleagues at Oxford now that Emma had left. Evadne had been posted elsewhere and she felt very much at a loose end.

In the end, she decided to travel to London. She had never really had an opportunity to travel by herself and she thought she had better get used to it. She booked a room at a hotel and decided to spend her weekend doing some soul-searching. She felt that her decision had been the right one, but she did have some discomfort about misleading people. She was not to know that this was an issue that had been difficult for other new trainees of the SOE.

On the Saturday morning, Polly enjoyed walking around London. She mourned the loss of life that was evident in the craters, broken buildings and the faces of the people. She walked around Westminster, looking up at the Houses of Parliament, one of the symbols of her country. Westminster Abbey, next door, was open and she slipped into the church.

The quiet, solemn mood suited Polly perfectly. She joined the small group of people who were touring the church. Buried here were some of the most well-known members of British history and royalty. She paused for a moment in front of the tombs of Elizabeth I and her sister Mary. It was ironic that the half-sisters who had had such a troubled relationship were buried together. However, both had been strong women who had taken the throne when it was almost unheard of for a woman to rule a major European country. She reflected on Elizabeth I who had stood against the strongest rulers of Europe. Could she do any less?

After completing her tour of the Abbey, Polly slipped into one of the pews and bent her head in prayer. She sat there for several minutes and began to feel a sense of calm. She left the Abbey and made her way towards Green Park. She walked through the park, now planted with vegetables rather than flowers. She passed a number of families, taking advantage of the afternoon sunshine and continued on towards Buckingham Palace.

She paused and looked across to the Palace where the Royal standard flew, indicating that the King was in residence. She couldn’t see the damage that the Palace had sustained during one of the bombing campaigns, remembering the Queen’s famous comment that she now felt that she could look the East End in the face. That remark struck her as being the essence of what being English was about: the ability to see humour in bleak situations, but also that sense that they would never give up.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri May 25, 2007 1:57 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan. Have a nice time in Switzerland :D .
Author:  brie [ Fri May 25, 2007 2:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan

But surely if you are going away we deserve a double post... :wink:
Author:  Fatima [ Fri May 25, 2007 2:22 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hmm, I hadn't thought of the deception including deceiving family and friends. Tough for one as honest as Polly.

Have a good holiday, Tan!
Author:  Sal [ Fri May 25, 2007 2:24 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan, have a good holiday
Author:  Lesley [ Fri May 25, 2007 6:36 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan - can understand Polly having to do a lot of soul searching - the time in England is going to just as hard, in some ways, as when she is abroad.
Author:  Elle [ Fri May 25, 2007 6:51 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan.
Author:  Smile :) [ Fri May 25, 2007 7:32 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan. I hope you have a nice holiday.
Author:  Karry [ Fri May 25, 2007 9:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Elle wrote
Quote:
There was something on 'Timewatch' last summer about a female, indian, SOE wireless operator, but I cannot remember her name. I think she was betrayed and murdered by the Gestapo.


Thanks for the updates.

ETA - Noor Inayat Khan was her name, she was captured by the SS and refused to talk, she and three others were subsequently shot. She was posthumously awarded the Croix de Geurre (with Gold Star) and the George Cross (highest British award for gallantry not on the battlefield).
_________________

IT'S ON NOW!!!! On BBC2. They describe her as the Princess Spy!
Author:  Cath V-P [ Sat May 26, 2007 2:15 am ]
Post subject: 
Very thought-provoking Tan.

Thank you.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat May 26, 2007 2:40 am ]
Post subject: 
Thank you Tan. I was reminded of a book by Ken Follet called Jackdaws that was about people working behind enemy lines with this very thing. It certainly makes one wonder what our response would be in this situation
Author:  MaryR [ Sun May 27, 2007 2:03 pm ]
Post subject: 
Fiona Mc wrote:
t certainly makes one wonder what our response would be in this situation

I could tell you mine, Fiona - I'd be the biggest coward of the lot! :cry: But I suppose we don't really know until we have been tested. As Polly won't know, though her character shines through this story so clearly that we can make an educated guess.

I too saw the Noor documentary the other night and shuddered at what they now know about her death compared to what we used to know. Horrific!

Thanks, Tan
Author:  Tan [ Mon May 28, 2007 8:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
I managed to see about the last half hour or so of the Timewatch show. We were lucky enough to get BBC2 in Geneva and my SLOC was channel surfing.
Author:  francesn [ Mon May 28, 2007 9:06 pm ]
Post subject: 
Owww I thought that was an update!
Author:  Tan [ Tue May 29, 2007 12:48 pm ]
Post subject: 
Sorry Fran! I hope this makes up for it ...

On the Sunday, Polly decided to return to Westminster Abbey for the morning service. She slipped into the end of one of the pews, and was greeted with a warm smile by the woman sitting next to her. Polly listened closely to the service, and sung the hymns with enjoyment. Not surprisingly, ‘To Thee I Vow My Country’ was one of the hymns selected. Polly found this another form of confirmation of her decision. At the end of the service, Polly spoke to several members of the congregation before making her excuses. She had decided to catch an afternoon train to Edinburgh, realising that air raid alerts could add an additional several hours to her journey.

Polly arrived at breakfast time on the Monday morning. She made her way to the taxi rank and she was taken to the SOE office in Edinburgh. She was one of several trainees that was due to arrive that day, and they were taken by bus to the School A training camp. She discovered that while trainees were expected to be friendly with one another, they were not encouraged to form close friendships, the reasoning being that if they were to cross paths in France that this could put either or both parties at risk.

Each day began with a 10 minute run. Polly had always enjoyed physical exercise, and she found that she was able to keep up with most of the male trainees. Their practical lessons consisted of learning to shoot (from the hip and with two shots, known as a double tap), throw hand grenades and handle and use explosives (including blowing up railway tracks). There were a number of mock activities that they were required to take part in, including scenarios where they were expected to demonstrate their new skills. After early hesitations, they fully threw themselves into these activities, realising that their lives could depend on these skills. The course was quite gruelling, with the female trainees expected to undertake the same activities as male trainees. They were out in all weathers, and would return tired, aching and bruised.

As well as the outdoor activities, there were a number of indoor lessons that they undertook as well. They were also given lessons in map reading, close combat, including some martial arts training. They were taught how to kill silently. It was this that made her realise just what her new role would involve.

Weekly reports from all instructors were forwarded to Baker Street on the progress of all trainees. The reports on Polly continued to be positive. It was observed that she had natural leadership tendencies, and an ability to stay calm under pressure. She had taken well to weapons handling, and was not frightened of handling or using weapons. The debate continued on whether to place her in an organisers role, or whether she would be best suited as a wireless operator. Many of the decision makers were unconvinced that a woman could handle the job of organising a circuit, however, the counter argument was that Pearl Wetherington, for example, had fulfilled this role brilliantly. It was decided to send her in as an assistant organiser and courier.
Author:  Lexi [ Tue May 29, 2007 1:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
*wibbles*

It's great that she's so successful but the danger...
Author:  brie [ Tue May 29, 2007 1:30 pm ]
Post subject: 
*joins the wibbling*
Author:  Sal [ Tue May 29, 2007 1:41 pm ]
Post subject: 
*Adds to the wibbling*
Author:  Alison H [ Tue May 29, 2007 1:55 pm ]
Post subject: 
*Wibbles along with everyone else!*
Author:  Miranda [ Tue May 29, 2007 2:02 pm ]
Post subject: 
*enters mega-wibble mode*

Thanks Tan, I've just caught up on heaps of this and it's really brought several aspects of the war home to me. Particularly in regards of the comments that people are making about the real life cases.
Author:  Fatima [ Tue May 29, 2007 4:46 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm glad Polly's done so well.

*joins the wibblers*
Author:  ibarhis [ Tue May 29, 2007 4:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
Does anyone else remember "Wish me luck"? Kate Buffery and Susanna Hamilton?
Author:  Fatima [ Tue May 29, 2007 4:58 pm ]
Post subject: 
ibarhis wrote:
Does anyone else remember "Wish me luck"? Kate Buffery and Susanna Hamilton?


Yes, I do! I really enjoyed it.
Author:  Smile :) [ Tue May 29, 2007 5:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thank you Tan.

*yet another wibbler*
Author:  francesn [ Tue May 29, 2007 6:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
*many wibbles*

Thanks Tan
Author:  MaryR [ Tue May 29, 2007 7:47 pm ]
Post subject: 
She's showing so well just what she is made of, isn't she? But of course success over there didn't only depend on one's self. There was pure luck, and then there were the characters of the others one dealt with - and, of course, the enemy. :cry:

Thanks, Tan
Author:  Lesley [ Tue May 29, 2007 9:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thank you Tan - of course she would be perfectly suited, wouldn't she?
Author:  Elle [ Tue May 29, 2007 11:33 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan.


*joins in with the other wibblers*
Author:  Cath V-P [ Wed May 30, 2007 12:39 am ]
Post subject: 
Mary's right; even though she is clearly suited to this role so much depends on the things that are completely out of her control.
Author:  Tan [ Wed May 30, 2007 12:42 pm ]
Post subject: 
Here is a bit more. I have based this on the training that many of the agents undertook. The websites are a little hazy about dates ...


The next stage of her training was more specialised. She was sent to one of the group B schools in Beaulieu where they covered a diverse range of subjects. This training covered areas such as agent technique, clandestine life, personal security, communication in the field, how to maintain a cover story and how to act under police surveillance. They were constantly reminded that it would be these lessons that could ultimately save their life. They were drilled to make sure that these habits became second nature. The instructors told them that it was believed that some agents had forgotten these basics – such as meeting members of their circuit (the names given to the various rings that agents were a member of) in public and speaking English to one another in public. Polly was amazed that such a basic error could occur.

Other lectures included the recognition of enemy forces (how to distinguish between the Gestapo and other forces) as well as lectures on life in occupied France. This included such basics as how use ration cards, the ordering of drinks in cafes, and even how to answer telephone calls in French. Again, it could be these small factors that could lead to a person being challenged about their identity.

They were taught how to trail people, and how to recognise if they were being trailed. They practised on one another, as well as members of the public. They never knew which of the trainers was going to be assessing them, and were often assessed by people they had not yet met.

They were given lessons in how to disguise their appearance, using simple strategies, for example, changing hairstyles, partings, the use of clear spectacles. Polly was taught how to make contact with people such as ‘cut-outs’ (intermediaries), how to establish both live and dead post boxes, and how to pass messages on. They were also taught how to commit burglaries, and how to ‘pick’ locks. She reflected that Matey would be horrified to see her new skills, while many of the middles would be fascinated. She was also taught the basics of disseminating overt and covert propaganda. This could be as simple as passing on rumours.

At the end of this course, all agents who went through the training program were tested in a practical exercise, by being sent to an unfamiliar city and having to survive for either 48 or 72 hours. They were given a telephone number to use if they had major difficulties, however, Polly decided that she would not use this number if she could avoid it, suspecting that this could lead to an agent being rated as unsuitable.

Polly was dispatched to Bristol, while other people were sent to Edinburgh. As Polly had previously lived and trained there, it was not suitable for these purposes. She was given a number of tasks that she had to perform during her three days away. These included making contact with a ‘cut out’ through the use of a password. She also had to find suitable accommodation, particularly that would allow the use of a transmitter; recruit ‘live’ letterboxes (people who could take and pass on messages); locate suitable ‘dead’ letterboxes (places where messages could be left); post two letters that could not be traced back to her; and finally make sure that she was not followed; and develop an appropriate cover story for her activities.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed May 30, 2007 12:52 pm ]
Post subject: 
This is so scary - it's so easy to slip up with something like speaking the wrong language (although maybe not for a CS girl!) - *wibbles* ...
Author:  ibarhis [ Wed May 30, 2007 1:07 pm ]
Post subject: 
Trouble with boarding school is that you know people from all over... I can't remember anyone from Bristol but with the way people moved around during the War she could walk off the train and bump into almost anyone!
Author:  alicat [ Wed May 30, 2007 1:30 pm ]
Post subject: 
Oh crumbs...what happens if she bumps into an ex-CS girl when she's in France?
Author:  ibarhis [ Wed May 30, 2007 1:57 pm ]
Post subject: 
alicat wrote:
Oh crumbs...what happens if she bumps into an ex-CS girl when she's in France?


Recruit her of course! ;)
Author:  brie [ Wed May 30, 2007 2:07 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan
Author:  Miranda [ Wed May 30, 2007 2:45 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
She reflected that Matey would be horrified to see her new skills, while many of the middles would be fascinated


I wish I possessed more of those types of skills :lol:

Thanks Tan
Author:  Fatima [ Wed May 30, 2007 3:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
How nice to see a mention of Bristol (my hometown!). Thanks Tan.
Author:  Lesley [ Wed May 30, 2007 6:59 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan - very interesting seeing how they were trained.
Author:  MaryR [ Wed May 30, 2007 7:01 pm ]
Post subject: 
Fascinating, Tan. But does she also get tested in how to react if caught? :cry:

Thank you.
Author:  Tan [ Wed May 30, 2007 8:28 pm ]
Post subject: 
Some interesting ideas ... the bunny does like some of these suggestions.

And Mary, their training is very comprehensive.
Author:  Elbee [ Wed May 30, 2007 9:12 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan, I'm really enjoying this.
Author:  francesn [ Wed May 30, 2007 9:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
This is brilliantly written and ever so interesting.

Thank you Tan - the research must have been fascinating.
Author:  Elle [ Wed May 30, 2007 10:34 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
She reflected that Matey would be horrified to see her new skills, while many of the middles would be fascinated


This line amused me greatly!

Thanks for the update.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Thu May 31, 2007 12:20 am ]
Post subject: 
It's the little things that are so important.

Loved the line about Matey - thinking about it, she might have found picking locks a useful skill..... :wink:
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu May 31, 2007 1:30 am ]
Post subject: 
This is wonderful and hope Polly does well. Also really love the line about matey being horrified and the middles being fascinated. It would be hilarious to see Polly give a talk to the school about what she did during the war and see the look on Matey's face when she explains how to pick a lock to them :wink:
Author:  Sal [ Thu May 31, 2007 5:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan I also loved the line about picking locks and Matey.
Author:  Tan [ Thu May 31, 2007 8:02 pm ]
Post subject: 
The bunny is now suggesting that Polly could give a talk at a Careers day at the school with live demonstrations ... shoo little bunny, shoo! And yes, the research for this has been fascinating, heartbreaking and sobering at different times.


Polly arrived in Bristol one Tuesday morning. She decided to begin by looking for accommodation as per her instructions. She found that there were few suitable places advertised in the paper, so she decided to think more laterally. She booked into a cheap hotel, making conversation with the desk clerk. She explained that her husband was in the merchant navy and would be operating out of Bristol. Did the clerk know of a suitable flat that might be available? He was flattered to be asked for his opinion, and suggested two or three names of people that he knew may have rooms to let.

Polly also knew that she had to meet somebody that afternoon, so left her suitcase in her room and departed. She identified a suitable ‘dead’ letterbox on her way to the meeting. She met her contact at the library, and was able to introduce her password quite naturally into the exchange. While travelling on the bus back to the hotel, she struck up a conversation with the woman next to her. After some friendly chatter, she put her proposal to her and recruited her first ‘live’ letterbox. She also agreed to post the letter for Polly.

She went back to the hotel, and changed. It was amazing how different she looked with her hair in a French twist, rather than her standard knot. She also selected a pair of glasses and made her way out. She had decided to approach the university to see if she could identify a second set of dead letterboxes that she could use. Out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw a movement. She realised that this was the tail that was set for her, and decided to take steps to shake this person. After fifteen minutes of walking through shops and catching buses she was convinced that she had lost her follower. She also found that she was starting to enjoy this activity, much to her surprise.

Her visit to the University was successful, and she identified an appropriate dead letterbox. The University was ideal in many ways, due to the amount of people coming and going at different times. This would help to ensure that any contacts would not be spotted. She went and inspected two of the rooms that her friendly hotel clerk had helped her to locate. One was ideal, as it backed on to a garden, and the room was well away from that of her potential landlords. This would make it easier for her if she needed to transmit anything. The other was not suitable, as there was no potential for hiding any aerials used by transmitters. After this, she returned to her hotel and had dinner before retiring early.

The following day she ticked off the items she had to accomplish. She was about to set out to scope her second flat when she was approached by a police officer who demanded that she attend the local station with him.She followed calmly, suspecting that this was part of the test. She was questioned thoroughly for an hour, rejecting any allegations of spying, and calmly sticking to her cover story of relocating to Bristol and wanting to become better acquainted with the city. Eventually they released her. She wondered if this was part of the test that she had to pass and decided that it was.

She felt a little shaken and decided to have a cup of tea. The waitress in the café was friendly, and asked if she was all right. Polly decided that she would see if this was someone who could help her. After a bit of conversation, the waitress agreed that she would be willing to pass on messages if required. This would be ideal, as it was easy to have a legitimate reason to visit a tea house. The waitress also proved able to assist in the search for a flat, and phoned her friend while Polly waited.

Polly went and inspected the flat that afternoon, and decided that it would be suitable for her purposes. The only activity she had left to undertake now was to practice her trailing and also to find someone to post her second letter. On her way back to the hotel, she spotted a person that interested her and tailed him for thirty minutes. She was fairly confident that he did not notice her following him, and began to feel that her skills were becoming well developed.

The next morning she caught the train back to Beaulieu. She struck up a conversation with an airman who agreed to post her letter from London. She slept soundly on the train, feeling somewhat exhausted from the strain she had put herself under.
Author:  Lesley [ Thu May 31, 2007 8:40 pm ]
Post subject: 
She's done very well - or at least it appears so. Hope her instructors think so.

Thanks Tan.
Author:  MaryR [ Thu May 31, 2007 9:35 pm ]
Post subject: 
The trouble is, of course, that they are so expert at it and she is still a novice, and it's still a little like a game to her. I suppose only stark reality will bring it really home to her. But she was having fun there, wasn't she? I felt like hugging her. :roll:

Thanks, Tan.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu May 31, 2007 10:17 pm ]
Post subject: 
She's doing well, but it must be so stressful.
Author:  francesn [ Thu May 31, 2007 10:41 pm ]
Post subject: 
Part of me feels the school would be so proud of her but they'd also be horrified at the lies she's telling. It makes me wonder how Polly herself is coping with everything. It must be such a strain living a lie.

Thank you Tan
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu May 31, 2007 11:52 pm ]
Post subject: 
francesn wrote:
Part of me feels the school would be so proud of her but they'd also be horrified at the lies she's telling. It makes me wonder how Polly herself is coping with everything. It must be such a strain living a lie.

But then you would always be telling yourself its for a good cause. It reminds me of the spy games we played as kids and of course we always failed miserably at it :lol:
Author:  Cath V-P [ Fri Jun 01, 2007 12:16 am ]
Post subject: 
It's starting to fascinate her isn't it?

But in France, or wherever, she won't be able to relax for a moment.
Author:  Kathy_S [ Fri Jun 01, 2007 3:38 am ]
Post subject: 
Cath V-P wrote:
It's starting to fascinate her isn't it?

*agrees with Cath*
But, how horribly stressful, between the very real danger of the activities themselves and the deception even of friends.
Author:  Fatima [ Fri Jun 01, 2007 5:03 am ]
Post subject: 
Yes, it does seem to be too much of a game to her, whereas if she's sent to France or wherever she'll have to be on the alert all the time and won't be able to let down her guard for a moment. It'll be incredibly stressful for her.

Thanks Tan.
Author:  Miranda [ Fri Jun 01, 2007 7:19 am ]
Post subject: 
Polly will have to be so careful that the 'enjoyment' doesn't undermine her ability to survive - I hope she doesn't need a rude awakening to bring this home to her.

Quote:
She wondered if this was part of the test that she had to pass and decided that it was.

Am I the only one wondering whether the police questioning may not have been part of the exercise? (although it does seem a rather random thing for the police to be doing otherwise)
Author:  brie [ Fri Jun 01, 2007 10:53 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan. Polly enjoyed that, I wonder how long that will remain the case?
Author:  ibarhis [ Fri Jun 01, 2007 11:11 am ]
Post subject: 
On the other hand if she couldn't find any enjoyment in the 'intellectual' side of it, she probably couldn't do it at all...
Author:  Sal [ Sat Jun 02, 2007 3:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm glad Polly seems to be doing so well I just hope it stands her in good stead when it comes to doing it for real.

Thanks Tan
Author:  leahbelle [ Mon Jun 04, 2007 5:16 pm ]
Post subject: 
She did very well there.

Thanks, Tan.
Author:  Tan [ Tue Jun 05, 2007 1:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
Sorry for not updating for a few days ...

When she had arrived back at Beaulieu, she was asked to write a report of her activities, which she started that afternoon. She was tired after the previous two days, and was looking forward to getting a good night’s sleep. She was shocked awake when a thunderous knocking occurred close to midnight. She got out of bed and answered the door with apprehension. She was seized by the arms and dragged downstairs, without being able to put on even a covering robe. Her heart was starting to pound and she was feeling frightened. She was pulled into a room and ordered to sit down. A light was shining at her, and there were several figures in the room. Over the next three hours she was grilled about her activities and cover story, with the men taking it in turns to yell questions at her in both English and German. She was finally released shortly after three am.

One of the female officers was waiting for her and took her into a nearby office where a pot of tea and a pile of toast was waiting for her. She was gently debriefed and told that the purpose of the activity was to try and simulate a Gestapo arrest and interrogation. Polly had realised this during the activity and could appreciate the reasons behind it. However, she still felt badly shaken and upset by the events. She was pleased when told that she had handled herself well.

The following day she was interviewed by the course instructors and told that she had passed the requirements of the course. She was pleased and relieved to hear this, and to receive their feedback about her performance in Bristol. She was not surprised to learn that the ‘arrest’ in Bristol had been organised at the request of the course organisers. She would now be transferred to Manchester where she would undergo parachute training.

The two weeks in Manchester passed quickly. The trainees were given instructions in how to fold and use a parachute. They began practising by jumping from barns and roofs into a pile of hay. They were then taken up into an aircraft to become familiar with the sensation. This was the first time that she had been in an aircraft and she found the experience very strange and quite noisy. As the course progressed, they undertook several practice jumps, including one night jump. It was anticipated that most of the agents would be required to parachute into France as this was the safest way for them to gain entry into the country. Their instructors explained that for those people who could not parachute, their aircraft would land on the ground.
Author:  Miranda [ Tue Jun 05, 2007 1:24 pm ]
Post subject: 
That must have been such a hideously scary time! I'm glad Polly was able to handle it well, and hopefully she was allowed some rest afterwards.

The parachuting information was really interesting - and it must have been such an experience for them (especially if they'd never been in a plane before at all).
Author:  leahbelle [ Tue Jun 05, 2007 1:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
Polly is very brave. I don't think I could do what she is doing.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Jun 05, 2007 2:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
leahbelle wrote:
Polly is very brave. I don't think I could do what she is doing.


Me neither.

BTW, nice to see her training in Manchester :lol: !
Author:  Ruth B [ Tue Jun 05, 2007 3:24 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
They were then taken up into an aircraft to become familiar with the sensation.


Gosh how times have changed!
Author:  brie [ Tue Jun 05, 2007 3:41 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan
Author:  Fatima [ Tue Jun 05, 2007 4:29 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm glad she dealt with the interrogation so well; I hope she never has to face the real thing, though.

Thanks Tan.
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Jun 05, 2007 6:22 pm ]
Post subject: 
Well Polly - though however bad it was it'll not come close to the real thing. :cry:


Thanks Tan.
Author:  MaryR [ Tue Jun 05, 2007 7:25 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Tan - a question answered. :lol:

May Polly do as well in RL, if it ever happens. :cry:
Author:  Sal [ Tue Jun 05, 2007 8:18 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan
Author:  Cath V-P [ Wed Jun 06, 2007 7:29 am ]
Post subject: 
It's heartening to see how well she copes with the course, but it's very ominous....
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Jun 06, 2007 10:31 am ]
Post subject: 
She has handled it all well and it's nice to see Polly so beautifully expanded and developed as a charater. This seems to ring true with how she was portrayed in the book
Author:  Tan [ Thu Jun 07, 2007 3:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the feedback ... here is the next bit. She will be off to France soon.

After this, they were transferred to Chorleywood in Hertfordshire. This is where they would finalise their training and be given their cover story and assignment details. Polly already knew that she would be working as a courier and organiser, and was warned that at times she may be required to undertake wireless operation activities. As she was competent in the use of Morse she only required some tuition in the use of codes. This had been made easier by the development of the silk one-use transmission pads. Previously each operator had selected a story or verse which they used to encode their messages, however, the Germans had quickly been able to decipher any messages that were sent using this system. As a result, the one-use pads were developed and had proved to be very successful. Each set of coding was unique and there were no patterns to allow the German cryptographers the opportunity to break codes.

Polly was told that her new field name would be Veronique Cardon. Her operation name would be Student, and her code name would be Danielle. Her cover story would be that of a governess, and she would be sent to the Normandy region. Her cover story was quite detailed, and she was expected to memorise it entirely. This period of preparation would also enable any potential problems to be identified prior to any field work.

Polly’s story was made as close to her real story as possible. She discovered that as Veronique she was an orphan with no siblings. She had been born in Paris (many record offices in Paris had been destroyed, so this made it easier for a new identity to be created) and raised by elderly relatives. She had attended school in Belgium, as this would help to explain any oddities in her accent. Since the war began, she had been working for the Michelin family, however, they had since fled to the South of France. She had decided to relocate to Normandy in the hope of picking up some work.

The time at Chorleywood was busy. There were regular briefings, as information collected by agents in the field was passed on. This was designed to prevent simple mistakes being made (for example, asking for black coffee in a café when that was the only type of coffee that had been served for two years). Agents were given training in how to use their rations cards, as another agent had not eaten for the first day after being parachuted in for fear of making a mistake with the card. French newspapers were made available so that agents could become familiar with the current news stories of the day.

Polly was also expected to attend clothes fittings – the aim was to provide her with appropriate, French style clothing. A number of tailors were used to ensure that stitching was in French style, and patterns were identical to those used by French women. Labels were made bearing French names, and clothes were also made to look worn, reflecting the current conditions.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Jun 07, 2007 3:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
This is really interesting - thanks Tan.
Author:  brie [ Thu Jun 07, 2007 4:51 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan
Author:  Sal [ Thu Jun 07, 2007 5:51 pm ]
Post subject: 
Fascinating, thanks Tan
Author:  MaryR [ Thu Jun 07, 2007 5:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lovely fleshing out of how they were prepared for the job - and interesting how close they kept their cover stories to their real lives. Less chance of making mistakes that way. :cry:

Thanks, Tan
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Jun 07, 2007 6:03 pm ]
Post subject: 
They had to make everything seem ordinary and mundane, didn;t they - I remember watching the film about 'The Man That Never Was' - based on a true story, about a man, supposedly an English Officer, found after he had drowned with plans on him that showed the Invasion was to be away from Normandy - the detail involved was tremendous.


Thanks Tan.
Author:  Cathy [ Fri Jun 08, 2007 12:45 am ]
Post subject: 
Lesley wrote:
They had to make everything seem ordinary and mundane, didn;t they - I remember watching the film about 'The Man That Never Was' - based on a true story, about a man, supposedly an English Officer, found after he had drowned with plans on him that showed the Invasion was to be away from Normandy - the detail involved was tremendous.


Thanks Tan.


I remember that movie -- it was fascinating and one of the better war movies I've seen.

Really enjoying Polly's story -- can't wait for the next bit.

Cathy
Author:  Fatima [ Fri Jun 08, 2007 4:32 am ]
Post subject: 
Absolutely fascinating! Thanks Tan.
Author:  Kathy_S [ Mon Jun 11, 2007 4:29 am ]
Post subject: 
So much attention to detail! Necessary, of course, but very interesting.

Thank you, Tan.
Author:  Tan [ Mon Jun 11, 2007 8:51 pm ]
Post subject: 
Sorry for the tardiness in posting a new update. I was hoping to get a bit more written before posting. Thanks for the comments - I do appreciate it! Please forgive me if I have not proof-read this properly ... and for any EBDisms regarding Julian and Janey.

Polly also attended briefings with senior members of staff. It was important that they had full confidence in her ability to cope with the situations that she would face in the field. This included checking her ability to communicate in both French and German, and confirming her reasons for wanting to take part in this type of work. There were aspects of her story that they had to refine to make sure that it stood up to scrutiny, and a reminder of the need to maintain security. At this time, there were some concerns about the safety of some agents in the field.

She was then given a week off to finalise affairs and say goodbye to family friends and members. She was warned to make sure that she did not disclose any information about what her likely plans were. She had started dropping hints in her letters about possibly being posted overseas, but as instructed, had kept these mentions very vague. She was given an address in London where letters could be sent, but was reminded that the amount of mail that could be forwarded to her safely was limited, and to limit the number of people who had these contact details.

In common with most female members of the F division, she was advised that she had been transferred to the FANY. It had been decided early on that this was the best disguise for the women agents, as FANY members undertook a wide range of activities. She was provided with the FANY uniform, and it was this that she wore on her visit back to Joey.

She arrived at Armiford in the early afternoon of her first day of leave. She was relieved to see Jack waiting for her at the train station, as she wanted to discuss some business with him in private. He greeted her warmly, noting to himself that Polly had certainly lost weight and was looking extremely fit. He wondered just exactly what it was that she was doing, and drew some shrewd conclusions. He explained that Stephen was teething and that Joey had decided to stay at home with him.

‘That’s fine, Jack. I really wanted to have a chance to talk to you in private anyway’. ‘Oh?’ He raised an eyebrow at her. ‘Yes, I want to make sure that I put all of my affairs in order. Just in case …’ her voice trailed off. ‘I understand Polly’ he replied. ‘How about we make a time to see Julian Lucy while you are back? He should be able to answer any questions that you might have’. ‘That would be wonderful Jack. Oh, and I don’t want to worry Joey’. ‘Thanks Polly. She has been a bit worried about Margot, and of course, Stephen is teething again. I appreciate that there are some matters that you would prefer not to discuss publicly. I’ll phone Julian later and organise a time to see him. After all, what is more natural than you wanting to see his family while you are back?’

She settled back in the car seat and relaxed. She had been left a considerable sum by her late guardian, and knew that she did not really need to work at all. However, she wanted to make sure that if anything did happen to her, that her money would be put to good use. She also had written some letters that she wanted to make sure would be forwarded if she did not return.

They pulled up at Plas Gwyn, and Joey came to the door. ‘Quietly, I have just managed to get Stephen to sleep!’ ‘Poor Joey’ Polly teased her. Joey hugged Polly tightly, and noticed the changes in her that Jack had just observed. She guessed that there was more to Polly’s plans than she had let on, but for once, decided not to ask about it. ‘Anna has been busy as usual, and the girls have been waiting for you to come home. As it is between terms, we have a full house as usual!’

Polly dropped her case on the bed, and spent the rest of the afternoon catching up on all the news. Jack returned from his study to say casually, ‘Janie and Julian are hoping to see you tomorrow afternoon for tea. I have accepted on your behalf, I hope you don’t mind? I need to run over there anyway to see how young Vi is responding to her treatment’. ‘In that case, I would love to beg a ride with you. It has been a long time since I have seen Janie and I would like to catch up with her brood!'

The following afternoon, Polly and Jack made their way to the busy Lucy household. Polly spent several minutes greeting the children, whom she knew well from Guernsey, and the time she had spent living with Joey. Julian managed to extract her before too much time had passed. He had gathered from Jack that there would be quite a bit of work for him to do, and in such a short timeframe. She spent the next hour discussing her affairs with him, and signing a power of attorney agreement to allow him to implement any actions that he saw fit. She also outlined her plan that her money be placed in trust to provide scholarships and further training to students at the Chalet School, particularly those who came from poorer backgrounds. Julian agreed to draw up the paperwork and forward it to Plas Gwyn before she returned to London.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Jun 11, 2007 9:47 pm ]
Post subject: 
Nice to see Julian, but how sobering for Polly to be having to think about making a will.
Author:  Sal [ Mon Jun 11, 2007 10:31 pm ]
Post subject: 
The reality of what she is doing must be starting to really hit, its now stopped being a game.

Thanks Tan
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Jun 11, 2007 11:06 pm ]
Post subject: 
Interesting that both Jack and Joey have an idea of what she is doing.

How terrible to have to consider all of this - they obviously believed in preparing people for the worst.


Thanks Tan - PS what is FANY?
Author:  Mona [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 8:36 am ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
PS what is FANY

First Aid Nursing Yeomanry. Some history here.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 9:20 am ]
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Thanks. This is great
Author:  Elle [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 10:32 am ]
Post subject: 
Fiona Mc wrote:
Thanks. This is great


I agree.

Thanks Tan.
Author:  leahbelle [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 1:41 pm ]
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Thanks, Tan. It must all be becoming very real to Polly now.
Author:  Fatima [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 3:30 pm ]
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It's all become so serious now, hasn't it. I hope she's going to be all right. Thanks Tan.
Author:  MaryR [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 9:06 pm ]
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I should think making a will was the norm for members of SOE. Not only would they have been advised, but they themselves know that they are facing mortal danger, even if they try and push it to the back of their minds.

It's good to see that Jack and Jo are not deceived, and will pray for her. Everyone's senses are heightened by the atrocity that is war.

Thanks, Tan.
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Jun 12, 2007 9:39 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan for the info.
Author:  Tan [ Wed Jun 13, 2007 8:01 pm ]
Post subject: 
Just a short update. We had to rebulild our computer on the weekend, and I have not had a chance to update.

Joey *suspects* she is going to France, but not in what capacity (the FANY or First Aid Nursing Yeomanry) have a long history of doing ambulance and other volunteer work. The SOE liked using the FANY as a cover for their agents. None of the women who went overseas were protected under international or military law. The FANY served as a useful disguise.

Jack on the other hand I think is a bit closer to the mark.

The week passed too quickly. Polly was very conscious that this could be potentially the last time that she spent in this happy household. For her, it had become a home, and she felt torn that she could not confide in Joey and Jack. Robin was home from University, and she spent several hours with her. She found a sense of calm from the time she spent with her. Once again, Robin commented on needing to find a purpose for her life, in the way that Polly had.

She also enjoyed spending time with the children - the triplets in particular were developing quite strong personalities. She was pleased to see that Margot was losing some of the frailty that had frightened them several months earlier. Stephen continued to be a happy, chuckling little boy. Daisy was growing quickly, and Primula continued to be quiet. The Highland Twins were still enjoying school, and had retained their strong accents.

On the Sunday she departed to return to London for her final briefings. Joey and Jack accompanied her to the train station, and she clung to them as she said goodbye. ‘God Bless and be with you Polly’ Jack told her quietly. ‘You have great courage and more strength than you realise. All of our prayers will be with you’. She looked at him from tear-glazed grey eyes as she bid farewell. Joey wished her good luck and reminded her to remain in touch and to continue to regard Plas Gwyn as her home.

She spent the first half hour on the train trying to compose herself. She had made the decision, and after all, she was following this path to protect the future of children like those she had been spending time with over the past few weeks. She had written several letters that she had entrusted to Julian Lucy. He, like Jack, had suspected what lay ahead of Polly and promised to fulfil her wishes. She realised that the sooner she returned to London and threw herself into her final training, the better.

She had to report to Baker Street on the Monday morning, and had organised to stay in a hotel overnight. After a sleepless night due to bombing raids, she arrived at the Baker Street flat on the Monday morning. This flat was a legend amongst the SOE operatives. It was rumoured that the butler never forgot a name and had an uncanny ability to keep the agents apart from one another. This was crucial to avoid any potential breaches in confidentiality.
Author:  Elle [ Wed Jun 13, 2007 8:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
*wibbles*




Thanks Tan
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Jun 13, 2007 8:18 pm ]
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Thanks Tan - Polly is very brave.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Jun 13, 2007 8:29 pm ]
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Thanks Tan.
Author:  Elbee [ Wed Jun 13, 2007 8:36 pm ]
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This is so interesting, thanks Tan.
Author:  MaryR [ Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:06 pm ]
Post subject: 
Tan wrote:
[. ‘God Bless and be with you Polly’ Jack told her quietly. ‘You have great courage and more strength than you realise. All of our prayers will be with you’.

So true, Jack, and well done for telling her that. She needs it from the only family she has.

Thanks, Tan
Author:  Cath V-P [ Thu Jun 14, 2007 2:45 am ]
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It's all so close and so serious now....
Thank you Tan.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Jun 14, 2007 4:06 am ]
Post subject: 
Cath V-P wrote:
It's all so close and so serious now....
Thank you Tan.


It is though I am very curious as to where Polly's life will lead her now
Author:  Kathy_S [ Thu Jun 14, 2007 4:14 am ]
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Thank you, Tan, for both the updates and the info on FANY!
It's definitely not a game any more....
Author:  meerium [ Thu Jun 14, 2007 11:21 am ]
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This is incredibly good, Tan, and such detailed research! Can I ask (you might have said elsewhere, in which case I apologise for asking you to repeat yourself) is the research for fun bwcause you're interested in the subject, or is it work? Or both?!
Author:  Tan [ Thu Jun 14, 2007 12:31 pm ]
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Thanks! The research is for fun ... my Dad was in the Royal Australian Air Force for over 25 years (he was with the Occupying Forces in Japan). My sister is a librarian, and she worked for several years at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and she got to meet many WWII Veterans (including Nancy Wake). So I was brought up in a family who were interested in the military.

My favourite exhibits at the War Memorial are G for George (the Lancaster Bomber); Vivian Bullwinkle's uniform (complete with bullet hole); the blanket that the women made in the POW camp (the camp featured in Paradise Road and A Town Like Alice) and the lifeboat that washed up after HMAS Sydney was bombed in WWII.

I have always enjoyed history (my husband was telling someone yesterday that I corrected one of the Guides at the Tower of London :oops: when we visited there a couple of years ago).

There is a particular reason why I am interested in this story ... all will be revealed in later instalments!! :lol:
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Thu Jun 14, 2007 1:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
There is a particular reason why I am interested in this story ... all will be revealed in later instalments!!

And we will be waiting patiently for that to be revealed when you are ready to tell us, Tan! :lol:

Meantime, I am really enjoying your story. I've always had a soft spot for Polly and this is such a good 'fit' for someone with her language skills and intelligence. It's clear that Julian Lucy, Jack, and probably Joey, too, understand that the 'war work' she is embarking on is likely to be very dangerous. We can only add our prayers for her safety to theirs, and hope that you are planning a happy outcome.

Thanks, Tan, I'll look forward to further instalments of this.

PS - thanks for the explanation about the FANYs too - I never remember what the initials stood for! And I didn't know that they provided a 'cover' for SOE operatives, either.
Author:  brie [ Thu Jun 14, 2007 5:29 pm ]
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Thanks Tan!

*wibbling* You really make it come to life...
Author:  Dawn [ Fri Jun 15, 2007 10:01 pm ]
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I've just caught up on the last 12 or so pages of this - it's absolutely fascinating Tan and I'm really looking forward to finding out how she goes on, although wibbling quite a lot as well. It's very clear just how much research you've done and that is what makes it just so believable.

One of the things my dad told me before he died was that at his boarding school the senior boys had a day of speaking French and a day of speaking German (including lessons!) and because of that most of them did their National Service in the Intelligence division. What I never found out was whether the German continued during the war or whether it was introduced afterwards (he started there approx 41/42). He however didn't do the German days as he'd missed a lot of time due to illness (very CS only it was his diabetes) and so had private coaching in various subjects on those days.
Author:  Tan [ Sat Jun 16, 2007 10:08 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the feedback. She will be off to France fairly soon .... The SOE had a number of sections (each one being responsible for a different country in Europe. F section was responsible for France, and is perhaps the best known of all the different sections). That is interesting about your father Dawn, I wonder how many other schools operated that way?

She spent the next several days being drilled on her cover story. This was designed to identify any weak spots in the story, and to develop strategies that would counteract these weaknesses. It was also to enable the story to be fully learnt and in her subconscious, so that if she was ever challenged, she could answer any questions easily.

There were final fittings of clothing, the F section using tailors and seamstresses who had fled France several years earlier. It was important that all aspects of an agents persona were accurate in these details. Clothes were inspected to make sure that seams, buttons and finishings were French in character. Where possible, materials were aged or brought back from France to ensure absolute authenticity.

As a female agent, Polly found that Miss Vera Atkins assumed responsibility for her. Vera Atkins was an assistant to the head of the French Section of the SOE, Colonel Buckmaster. Miss Atkins took an interest in all of the female agents, making sure that any concerns or queries they had were addressed. This included details such as making provision for family members, and actions to be taken if an agent was reported missing or killed. She gave advice on how to deal with questions from family members, and also liaised with other Government agencies to ensure that her ‘girls’ were looked after. One of the problems with using women for undercover work was that they were not necessarily entitled to pensions or additional allowances in the way that their male, military colleagues were.

Polly gave her the contact details of Julian Lucy, Sir Russell and Dr Maynard. She knew that these three men would ensure that her wishes were carried out, and that the appropriate people would be notified. She reflected that apart from Sarah and Emma, most people that she considered family were members of the Chalet School. She had already written final letters which she had entrusted to Julian Lucy to be used in the event of her death.

Polly also attended briefings with senior members of staff. She met with Leo Marks, the person responsible for testing and meeting the wireless operators. Although Polly was not primarily going to work as a wireless operator, it was crucial that she was set up with her own individual wireless checks. All operators were given a ‘bluff’ check that could be disclosed to the enemy if necessary, however, there was a second check that also had to be made the ‘true’ check. The aim was that if one of the checks were missing it was a sign that the operator may have been captured by the enemy. It was not until after the war that Polly learnt that there were flaws in this system that had been identified at the very time she was preparing to travel to France.

Polly’s flight to France was scheduled for the following week. Flights normally took place over two or three nights per month (the night of the full moon and the nights either side). This was designed to make it as easy as possible for the Lysander planes to navigate and also to make it easy for the reception parties on the ground to be able to receive the plane. In some cases the Lysander would land to disembark and receive passengers, however, parachuting was used wherever possible to prevent the risk of capture.

The BBC radio was used to transmit details about aircraft movements. The BBC ran a personals section where announcements could be made – an announcement was made early in the evening, and if it was repeated later in the evening then it was a signal that the flight was due to go ahead as scheduled. These announcements could appear as a greeting to another person, or may be a particular piece of poetry or prose. Most nights, random items were inserted to make it more difficult for the Germans monitoring the airwaves to establish which were the genuine messages and which were fillers. Some items were genuine messages as well!

Polly spent the next week in a state of nervous apprehension. She went for regular walks in an attempt to burn off her nervous energy. She regularly reviewed the details of her new identity to be sure that she was familiar with it. On the advice of staff members, she spoke in French as often as she could to help remember that this was her main language from now on. Like most Chalet School graduates, this was easy for her, having been drilled in the system where two days per week they spoke French from morning to evening. And she received her final briefing from Colonel Buckmaster himself.

She found him to be an affable man. He explained that the role that had been allocated to her was one that they had not previously recruited female agents for. There was a strong preference that female agents were either used as couriers, and more recently as wireless operators. He mentioned that the first of the female operators had been sent into France only that year, and that one operator in the Parisian region was doing sterling work. Polly was to learn that she knew that operator, but only after the war was over. He also gave Polly a small gift, as was his custom.

Couriers were used to ferry messages between members of a circuit (the name given to a group of agents) and members of the resistance. Women were preferred for this role, as they found it easier to blend in and to move around freely. Very few men of military age remained in the villages and towns of France and it was difficult for unknown men not to attract suspicion. Polly could see the sense in the reasons for this.

Each circuit had an organiser who was responsible for the day to day operations of their region. Some circuits were quite large and had a number of sub-circuits, particularly in the Paris region. Due to plans being made by the Allies, it was important that efforts increased to sabotage the enemy and to better organise local communities in these efforts. It was proposed that Polly be sent to an existing circuit to help them with the expansion of their activities. Polly recognised the seriousness of this role and expressed this to Colonel Buckmaster. He shook her hand and wished her luck.

A planning officer then briefed Polly on what to expect in her first few days. For safety reasons, agents were normally parachuted into remote regions, as this was less likely to attract the attention of the Germans. She would be met at the field by members of a neighbouring circuit. It was important that she gathered her items (a suitcase and supplies would be parachuted with her) and that all people cleared the field as soon as possible. She was instructed to bury her parachute as quickly as possible, as possession of this would be enough to warrant arrest by the Germans.
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Jun 16, 2007 10:36 am ]
Post subject: 
*Wibbles* - but this is absolutely fascinating.
Author:  bethany [ Sat Jun 16, 2007 10:40 am ]
Post subject: 
I am really enjoying finding out more about this aspect of war work - an area I knew very little about before I start reading this.

I think I am more scared for Polly than she is... :?
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Jun 16, 2007 10:50 am ]
Post subject: 
Am really finding this fascinating and am more and more reminded of Ken Follet's book: Jackdaws which was about this very thing-a group of women gouing undercover into France
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Jun 16, 2007 1:36 pm ]
Post subject: 
Really interesting, getting all this background - I didn't know that about the money side - why were the women not given the same benefits as the men?


Thanks Tan.
Author:  Fatima [ Sat Jun 16, 2007 2:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
She seems pretty well prepared, but I'm worried that there's something they've overlooked.
Author:  brie [ Sat Jun 16, 2007 3:32 pm ]
Post subject: 
bethany wrote:
I am really enjoying finding out more about this aspect of war work - an area I knew very little about before I start reading this.


I agree with Bethany. Thanks so much Tan, this is really interesting- even if I am wibbling!
Author:  Kathy_S [ Sat Jun 16, 2007 4:23 pm ]
Post subject: 
This is fascinating, Tan.
Author:  leahbelle [ Sat Jun 16, 2007 4:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
This is fascinating, Tan. I'm learning a lot of new stuff, and its great to read more about Polly, too.

Thank you!
Author:  Tan [ Sat Jun 16, 2007 5:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lesley wrote:
Really interesting, getting all this background - I didn't know that about the money side - why were the women not given the same benefits as the men?
Thanks Tan.


At this time women were not supposed to be combatants ... although most of the SOE women who were sent to France were given honorary commissions in the hope that it would protect them if they were captured. They were really in a legal limbo. :cry:
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Jun 16, 2007 6:01 pm ]
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Thanks Tan - typical - the Powers That Be wouldn't give them the legal protection to fight for their country - but they were OK about them dying for their country? :evil:
Author:  Tan [ Sat Jun 16, 2007 6:13 pm ]
Post subject: 
In the case of the SOE, Churchill himself gave a tacit approval for the recruitment of women agents. Leo Marks commented that in many cases they were perfect for the job - they blended in and made good contacts. I *think* that the F section was the biggest recruiter of women and it is suggested that they recruited from the lower classes (dual nationality was very highly prized) and possibly the criminal underworld :shock: There is a story that one agent disappeared with a considerable amount of French francs from near Monaco ... he never was traced.
Author:  Elle [ Sat Jun 16, 2007 8:27 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the update Tan. I am enjoying this and learning at the same time!
Author:  Miranda [ Sun Jun 17, 2007 3:45 pm ]
Post subject: 
*seconds Elle's remarks*

I love all the historical detail you're putting into it, and yet it's such a nice *story* at the same time!
Author:  Tan [ Mon Jun 18, 2007 8:47 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the feedback. I sometimes wonder if I have laid the detail on too thick - I think secretly I am a frustrated teacher. If I had become a school teacher, I definitely would have opted for history ... not that any of you would be surprised by that ...

Oh, and Mrs Redboots, a friend of yours makes a brief appearance here!

She would make her way to Neuchatel the day after being landed, as quickly as possible without attracting attention. Once there she needed to make her way to an address which she was requested to memorise and to meet her contact there. She was given a password that she had to use in conversation to establish her legitimacy. Her contact would assist her in becoming established, and would help smooth over any difficulties in her first few days.

A third officer contacted a security briefing with her. She was advised that there were some concerns about one of the Parisian circuits having become infiltrated and, as a result, it was even more critical than normal to ensure that all security procedures were followed. She was reminded that it was best to limit contact with members of her circuit as much as possible, and to avoid meeting them in public if at all practicable. If she had to meet in public, she was to be as circumspect as possible. She was also reminded that if transmitting messages to London to ensure that she stayed on air for as short a time as possible and to vary her transmission locations as much as possible. This was due to the radio locating equipment that the Germans were known to operate from motor vehicles. She was also reminded to maintain security procedures at all times and if concerned for her safety and the integrity of the organisation to use her safe houses. Details of safe houses in the area were supplied to her.

She attended the final fittings of her clothing, and packed these into a suitcase. The day before her scheduled flight, Miss Atkins accompanied her and another agent, Yvonne, to a country house owned by a Mrs Jones. Mrs Jones was very familiar with the need for security and, in fact, had sent her children to a boarding school so that they were unaware of the frequent guests at her home. She made Polly and Miss Atkins very welcome. After dinner, they accompanied Polly to a bedroom and undertook a final search of her suitcase and clothing. It was important that no items that could link her to England (even a bus ticket) were transported to France as this could breach her security.

Mrs Jones and Miss Atkins laughed at how despite these precautions, a male agent had managed to take a copy of the Times with him. He did not realise until he was in France, however, had the presence of mind (not to mention nerves of steel) to slip the newspaper into the pocket of a passing German officer. Since then, it was even more critical to double check agents before they boarded the aircraft. Miss Atkins provided Polly with some French coins and tickets to put in her pocket.

Polly found it very hard to remain calm and relaxed, particularly after being handed a small box of pills and a pistol. The various pills in the box were for use in emergencies – several were stimulants, however, Polly had been strictly warned against their overuse as they were for extreme emergencies only. Two were to produce symptoms of gastric upset and could be dissolved in coffee if necessary. This could allow an agent to incapacitate someone, or alternatively, to fake the symptoms of an illness if necessary.The final pill was a cyanide pill to be used in case of capture, with the sincere hope that it would never have to be used. The pistol was in case they were discovered by Germans on landing, and was supposed to be buried after landing.

Finally, after the sun had set, Polly, Yolande and Miss Atkins set out for the airfield. Yolande was the only other person to be transported to France on that evening's flight. She was a female wireless operator whom Polly knew from her training called Yolande Beekman. As per SOE policy, the two whilst friendly had not known each other very well during their training. Yolande was to join a circuit near Paris known as Musician.
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Jun 18, 2007 9:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
It suddenly becomes very real with the pills and pistol - doesn't it?


Thanks Tan - love all the detail.
Author:  Elbee [ Mon Jun 18, 2007 9:19 pm ]
Post subject: 
There's definitely not too much detail Tan, it makes it so fascinating and I'm learning so much more about SOE!

This is getting seriously worrying now, poor Polly.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Jun 18, 2007 9:42 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm loving all the historical detail.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Jun 18, 2007 9:46 pm ]
Post subject: 
Alison H wrote:
I'm loving all the historical detail.

So am I. Thanks
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Mon Jun 18, 2007 9:53 pm ]
Post subject: 
The historical detail not only fleshes out the story of what Polly is doing, but also fills in such gaps in our knowledge - even those of us old enough to remember something about the War probably didn't hear anything about what SOE operatives were doing until long afterwards. You really are teaching us so much here.

Thanks Tan.
Author:  francesn [ Tue Jun 19, 2007 12:33 am ]
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I think the detail makes it all so much more real - please carry on with it!

Thank you, Tan
Author:  Sal [ Tue Jun 19, 2007 3:01 am ]
Post subject: 
*Wibbling*

Thanks Tan all the detail is fascinating.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Jun 19, 2007 7:24 am ]
Post subject: 
This is so compelling. Thank you Tan.
Author:  Elle [ Tue Jun 19, 2007 8:09 am ]
Post subject: 
Alison H wrote:
I'm loving all the historical detail.


And me!

Thanks Tan.
Author:  meerium [ Tue Jun 19, 2007 11:33 am ]
Post subject: 
You're most definitely not laying the detail on too thick, Tan! I'm really, really enjoying reading this.
Author:  brie [ Tue Jun 19, 2007 1:52 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan- I'm loving all the details, and i'm learning all about something of which I knew very little before.
Author:  leahbelle [ Tue Jun 19, 2007 2:19 pm ]
Post subject: 
This is such a well researched drabble. It must have taken ages to get all the detail just right.

Thanks :lol: .
Author:  Fatima [ Tue Jun 19, 2007 3:40 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yes, I love the detail, too. And now that Polly has the pills, I'm wibbling even more than ever.

Thanks Tan.
Author:  Tan [ Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks again for all the feedback. Here is the next installment. I had better start writing some more as I now only a couple of pages ahead of you! I can't believe that I have written 100 000 characters and 25 000 words. How did that happen?? :shock: I have managed to resist 'Allo 'Allo as a source of names but I am sure that at least one Rene will appear as we go along. :lol:

The flight took over two hours. Due to operational requirements, they were not able to speak to the pilot over the headphones – this was to decrease the chances of German radio interception. As they flew closer to the landing field, the expediter on the plane made sure that they had their parachutes fitted correctly. The plane flew quite low over the ground to help prevent being tracked by the enemy radar system. The pilot was quite experienced and familiar with this particular landing field as it was used regularly to ferry supplies. He and his assistant were searching eagerly for the lights to guide them to the landing field. They saw three flashes of a torch and flew around the site in a circle. This was the signal for the two women to get to the door of the aircraft and prepare for their jump.

Polly went first and experienced the adrenaline rush of jumping out of the plane. She counted and pulled the cord for her chute at the appropriate time, avoiding the temptation to continuously look down (they had been warned during their training that this could lead to their chute cords becoming tangled). She looked up and could see Yolande drifting behind her, followed by the chutes for their suitcases and the case for Yolande’s wireless equipment. She sneaked a quick peek at the ground, pleased to see that she was aiming towards an open patch of land – her fear during training was becoming tangled in trees.

She landed cleanly, running forward for a few steps to help slow herself down. She was quickly approached by two Frenchmen asking if she was all right. They helped her to remove her parachute, while another two assisted Yolande. The remainder of the group were running to retrieve their suitcases. A Frenchman who introduced himself as Jacques explained to Polly that their aim was to leave as quickly as possible. Polly could certainly see the sense in this! He was relieved when Polly agreed that she was able to ride a bicycle. He explained that in this area, that was one of the most common forms of transport. There was a horse and cart waiting to carry their luggage and Yolande’s wireless equipment.

She was surprised when Jacques laughed at her question about burying the parachute. ‘Non’ he replied, explaining that the material was too valuable to waste. After several years of occupation she realised that this would be a valuable resource for many families. She reflected that if Jacques was caught with this, that it could be difficult for him to explain it away, however, he must be well aware of the risks.

They cycled for five miles, arriving at a small farmhouse. Waiting inside was Jacques’ wife, Simone. She welcomed them in a flood of French, insisting that they sit down near the fire to warm up. She provided them all with a mug of vegetable soup to warm them up. Jacques explained to Polly that she and Yolande would stay there that night before catching their respective trains in the morning. The Germans in the area were strict about enforcing a night curfew, and she could see the sense in avoiding the village until morning. As they had been travelling through country areas, it had been relatively safe as they should here the cars in time to avoid them. Due to the petrol restrictions, most motor vehicles were operated by the Germans.

Yolande and Polly were shown to a room and provided with a large bowl of warm water to wash with. They were so weary that they fell asleep quite quickly. The following morning Simone gently shook them awake. She had brought a new pitcher of water for them to wash in and they followed her downstairs where she had some eggs and rolls waiting for them. There was plenty of black coffee and Polly was reminded of her days at the school as she ate.

Edited to correct mistake in counting!
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:40 pm ]
Post subject: 
A good start - hope it continues - thanks Tan.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
Just caught up with this - thanks, Tan! If and when she escapes safely, she'll probably go through my friend's house then, too....
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Jun 20, 2007 8:44 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan :D .
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Jun 21, 2007 1:23 am ]
Post subject: 
Lesley wrote:
A good start - hope it continues - thanks Tan.


Hope so too
Author:  Cath V-P [ Thu Jun 21, 2007 1:57 am ]
Post subject: 
Please let it continue to smoothly....hopefully, that parachute silk won't get them into trouble.
Author:  Elle [ Thu Jun 21, 2007 1:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
Excellent update, thank you Tan.
Author:  Fatima [ Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:13 pm ]
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At least she landed safely and got back to the farmhouse without being caught. Thanks Tan.
Author:  leahbelle [ Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:27 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Tan. I hope everything goes as smoothly.
Author:  Sal [ Thu Jun 21, 2007 11:47 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan
Author:  Tan [ Fri Jun 22, 2007 6:53 am ]
Post subject: 
I couldn't resist ....

Jacques drove them to the village in his cart, and dropped them at the train station. They were very circumspect in their farewells to avoid drawing any further attention to him. Polly bid a brief farewell to Yolande and wished her good luck. She boarded her train and managed to find a seat in a crowded carriage. Her trip took several hours, and she was pleased that Simone had packed her some rolls in case of hunger. An elderly woman sat next to her and began talking to Polly, complaining about the lack of goods from rationing. Due to the briefings provided before she left, she was able to participate in this conversation with no difficulty, and even practised a little of her covert propaganda tactics.

Polly arrived at her destination in the early afternoon. She had been given the details of the address that she had to report to. She asked for directions at the station office and found that it was only a short distance away. Her heart was beating quickly as she made her way there. Neuchatel was a typical French village, with a small main street containing a police station, the railway station (with bus stop outside) and a series of small shops. She could see small groups of women lining patiently with their ration cards to buy bread and other essential items. She had already noticed that there were very few men of military age visible, and those that were wore a variety of uniforms. She noted that the flags outside the Hotel de Ville and police station flew the Nazi swastika.

As she walked down the street, she observed several men in German uniforms making their way from the Hotel de Ville to a car that was parked outside. She was very conscious of them, but made sure she did not openly stare at them. She turned into the street that she required, keeping an eye out for the house that she required. As described, it was approximately halfway down the block. She walked up the steps and knocked at the door.

After several seconds it was opened by a man in his late 30’s. He was wearing glasses, and she wondered if that was the reason that he had escaped being conscripted. She greeted him, and he invited her into the house. She made a comment about the weather, managing to incorporate the passwords she had been given into the sentence. He smiled and introduced himself as Rene. In return, she introduced herself as Danielle, the name which she was now to be known by. A young woman of Polly’s age joined them, offering to make coffee. While they waited for her, Rene asked some questions about her trip and whether she had experienced any difficulties.

She answered in her fluent French, explaining that her trip had been relatively trouble free. She commented on the Germans she had seen in the street, and he laughed, replying that she would soon become used to them. He explained that he had managed to locate a room in a house nearby for her, but advised her to try and vary her locations as much as possible. He asked about her cover story, and when she explained it, he suggested that she advertise for some students as this would add a touch of realism to her story, as well as providing her with a good reason to travel around the district. She could see the sense in this and agreed to do so.

The young woman joined them with a pot of black coffee. She was introduced as Yvette, Rene’s sister. Rene confirmed that she was active in the resistance. She smiled at Polly and explained that she was very pleased to have another woman join the group as she felt a little outnumbered. Polly laughed at this and relaxed in their company. Rene advised her that he would take her to meet the organiser of the circuit, codenamed Philipe, later that evening. In the meantime, Yvette would take her to the house and allow her to settle in.

As they walked to the house nearby, Yvette pointed out several places of interest. This included the best places to procure the better quality food, as well as houses to avoid as the occupants were suspected of being Nazi collaboraters. Yvette explained that she had studied in France prior to the outbreak of the war, and suggested that Polly be explained as a friend from student days. This would help to explain why she had ‘relocated’ to the area, as well as supplying a natural reason to be seen with Yvette from time to time. Yvette also told her that her new landlady was sympathetic to the resistance and would turn a blind eye to any comings and goings. While Polly felt relieved at this confirmation of the landlady’s sympathies, she decided that she would still not relax her guard. She was a little concerned at Yvette’s slightly casual attitude, and hoped that she was not indiscreet.
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Jun 22, 2007 7:02 am ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
Listen very carefully, I shall say this only once!




Thanks Tan - though concerned about Yvette's casual attitude.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Fri Jun 22, 2007 7:33 am ]
Post subject: 
'slightly casual' could be disastrous... oh dear!

Thanks Tan.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Jun 22, 2007 7:44 am ]
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At least Yvette isn't talking about flying helmets and wet celery (apologies to anyone to whom that makes no sense whatsoever :lol: ).

Thanks Tan.
Author:  leahbelle [ Fri Jun 22, 2007 10:45 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Tan. Perhaps Yvette's casualness is just a cover and she is taking things very seriously underneath?
Author:  alicat [ Fri Jun 22, 2007 12:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
Chere Tan, c'est possible pour Polly et les autres se parler en francais??

(I love practising my franglais, which owes a good deal to the CS)
Author:  Tan [ Fri Jun 22, 2007 4:52 pm ]
Post subject: 
Sadly my French is very much of the franglais style - I last studied it in 1987 :shock: I am very good at doing literal translations and I would hate to cause any of you to tear your hair out a la mademoiselle :lol:
Author:  Kathy_S [ Sat Jun 23, 2007 2:34 am ]
Post subject: 
I can see why Polly -- or perhaps I should say Danielle; don't want her to forget -- would be concerned about Yvette, though of course responding too nervously could also cause problems.

Thanks, Tan.
Author:  brie [ Sun Jun 24, 2007 10:49 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan!!

Wibbling about Yvette
Author:  Elbee [ Sun Jun 24, 2007 3:53 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan, this is so interesting.
Author:  Elle [ Sun Jun 24, 2007 7:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan.
Author:  Sal [ Sun Jun 24, 2007 11:59 pm ]
Post subject: 
Bit worried about the slightly casual attitude.

Thanks Tan
Author:  Tan [ Wed Jun 27, 2007 5:13 pm ]
Post subject: 
Sorry - the bunnies seem to be off eating carrots somewhere. Hopefully they will come back soon. In the meantime, here is a little more for you. With any luck, they might speak French! :wink:

When they arrived at the small cottage, Yvette took over the conversation. She introduced Polly to Mme Dubois. She was shown to a small bedroom at the back of the cottage. She checked the view out of the window, and marked this room as appropriate for emergency transmissions as it would be easy to conceal a wireless antennae in the tree nearby. She was shown the small bathroom and the living area of the house. She agreed to visit Yvette later that afternoon, before her meeting with Philipe.

After several minutes of polite conversation, Mme Dubois left the room. Polly sat on her bed, feeling slightly exhausted. She realised that this was a reaction to the events of the past twenty four hours, and was relieved that everything had gone smoothly to date. She pulled herself together and unpacked her suitcase, before stretching out on the bed to nap before her meeting.

After awakening and freshening up, Polly called out to Mme Dubois that she was going visiting. She retraced her steps to Rene’s home, curious to meet her new leader. She knew that his codename was Joker, and that his cover name was Philipe. He had been in this region for two months, and now required an assistant to help him with his operations. She knew that he relied on the services of a wireless operator from another circuit, as wireless operators were in very short supply.

When she arrived, she found that Rene had a bicycle waiting for her to use . Rene explained that Philipe tried not to travel into the village if he could avoid it, as he did not want to draw attention to himself. They cycled to a farm about four miles from the village. Rene performed the introductions between ‘Philipe’ and ‘Danielle’. Polly found that Philipe spoke fluent French, albeit with a slight accent. She was later to discover that his mother was Belgian and this was the slight accent in his voice.

He greeted Polly warmly, explaining that over the next several days he was hoping to introduce her to several of the other members of the circuit. Only he would know who each member was, as this was one way to protect the circuit from penetration, although Polly would meet many of them. Polly was surprised at his level of security but pleased that he took these matters seriously. He explained that he tried to keep his stays in his safe houses to no more than two nights as an additional security measure, and that after the following day he would contact her via a dead letterbox.

After discussing a number of operational matters, dusk arrived and Polly and Rene had to make their way back to the village. He pointed out a number of village features to her, and she tried to memorise various landmarks as she had been taught. As a new member of the village she had a reason to be unfamiliar with landmarks, but she realised that learning short cuts and hiding spots could help to save her life one day.
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Jun 27, 2007 5:36 pm ]
Post subject: 
So much to learn, and knowing that it could mean her life - it's a wonder she can sleep.


Thanks Tan.
Author:  brie [ Wed Jun 27, 2007 5:48 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan. Polly is brave!
Author:  Sal [ Wed Jun 27, 2007 6:40 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Jun 27, 2007 8:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan :D .
Author:  Cath V-P [ Wed Jun 27, 2007 11:59 pm ]
Post subject: 
I suspect Polly is so busy at the moment learning as much as she can that she simply has no time to think of the 'what ifs?'. Which is probably a good thing.

Thanks Tan.
Author:  leahbelle [ Thu Jun 28, 2007 1:47 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Tan :D . Fascinating reading.
Author:  alicat [ Thu Jun 28, 2007 2:13 pm ]
Post subject: 
This is terrific.

Sends beaucoup des carottes pour encourager les lapin
Author:  MaryR [ Sat Jun 30, 2007 3:42 pm ]
Post subject: 
Have caught up with the last two weeks of this and am enjoying it so much, Tan. I have always had a fascination for the doings of SOE and have read a great deal, but actually seeing Polly involved in this way emphasises for me the fact that rank amateurs were the ones facing all the risks, with their idealism and brittle hope, but they had no real back-up if things went wrong, as they so frequently did.

Thank you, Tan.
Author:  Tan [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 9:07 am ]
Post subject: 
Les lapins have returned from their vacation.

When she arrived back at Rene’s house, Yvette peppered them with questions. Polly answered her briefly and managed to divert her by asking about food. This was a successful tactic, and Polly resolved to discuss her concerns with Philippe when she had a moment. Yvette prepared a simple meal of omelette and salad which Polly ate gratefully.

The next morning she took the opportunity to explore the village of Neuchatel more closely. She stopped at one of the small shops, buying some bread, cheese and fruit with her money before collecting her bicycle. She rode out to the farm where she had met Philippe the previous afternoon. She passed several people on the way, replying to their greetings with a cheery ‘bonjour’. Philippe was waiting for her and had his own bicycle.

After cycling for fifteen minutes, they turned in at the gate of a farm. A young man approached them, dragging one foot slightly. Polly realised that this was the reason why he had not been conscripted into the army. Philippe introduced him as Jean, and explained to Jean that Polly was working with him. They chatted for several minutes, and Jean passed on some gossip that he had heard regarding German movements. Philippe nodded and thanked him for the information. He explained to Polly after they left, that this was the type of information that they were trying to collect to pass back to London. He also explained to Polly that this was one of the safe houses he used regularly and that normally he did not let anyone know exactly where he would be staying.

He questioned her on her ability to set up dead letterboxes, and was pleased with her reply. His preference was to use this method of communication as much as possible, as it reduce the risk to both parties. He also advised Polly that she should always have a prepared explanation for her movements around the village in case she was ever stopped and questioned, and that he tried to instill this in the other members of the circuit. She was surprised that this was not included in the training provided by the SOE and commented on this to him. He laughed, and explained that he had developed his own security practices over the past two months.

Over the course of the day, he introduced Polly to a number of people. She suspected that he stayed at several of their homes regularly (the dogs did not bark at him when he rode up) but he did not disclose any more locations to her. He did advise her to try and identify her own set of safe houses, and that he did not wish to know their details – anything he did not know he could not disclose. Polly thought it most unlikely that this would happen, given his adherence to safety procedures. He also confided in Polly that he had requested a wireless operator from London, and that one should be arriving next month. He passed information to a neighbouring circuit who had a wireless operator, but he did not like the security implications of this. He was concerned that relying this heavily on the resources of other circuits could prove to be a security risk – after the war, he was proved to be right in this assumption.

He also gave her the details of a number of live and dead letterboxes, and suggested that she spend the next couple of days identifying her own letterboxes. He advised her to try and check them regularly, as this would be the main way that he would pass on messages to her. Her role would be to liaise between him and the other members of their organisation. The brief that they had received from London was to find out as much as possible about the movements of the Germans within their regions, to identify patriots who would be willing to put into place both active and passive resistance, and to help provide the necessary training and equipment to these groups.
Author:  ibarhis [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 9:14 am ]
Post subject: 
So many agents died because of slipshod security... this will help keep Polly alive!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 9:30 am ]
Post subject: 
Hope Polly is okay. Am curious what Philippe thinks of Yvette
Author:  Elbee [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 9:31 am ]
Post subject: 
I hope Polly manages to remember everything!

Thanks Tan.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 10:05 am ]
Post subject: 
Glad the bunnies are back!
Author:  brie [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 10:12 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Tan
Author:  Fatima [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 10:43 am ]
Post subject: 
He's given her some good advice. I hope she's ok.

Thanks Tan.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 3:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
Good to see this back. Thanks, Tan.
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 3:58 pm ]
Post subject: 
Just finished catching up on this after about two months - finally found the time! Chilling, gripping story. And an education. Thanks, Tan.
Author:  leahbelle [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 4:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
Great to see that the bunnies have returned. Polly is doing spendidly, considering how much she has to remember and how much is depending on her. Thanks, Tan.
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 6:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yvette seems to be a security risk here. :shock:


Thanks Tan.
Author:  Sal [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 7:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
Will be interesting to find out what Phillipe thinksw of Yvette.

Thanks Tan :)
Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:18 am ]
Post subject: 
Philippe is very aware of security - thank goodness!

Thank you Tan
Author:  MaryR [ Tue Jul 10, 2007 2:13 pm ]
Post subject: 
Philippe has worked out the best way to survive in what is turning out to be a very dangerous game. I hope Polly listens to him and takes the greatest care.

Thanks, Tan
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