A New Dawn
Chapter 17
It was now 1950 and so much had happened since Jacqui and Brian left for Singapore in 1947. The welfare state was set up in 1948 and Molly was asked to stay on at the hospital, and with Edna's support in looking after John she was able to go back part time and managed the odd night shift if Charles was home at night and not on exercise or duty and with National Service having also been introduced for all able bodied men between 18 and 30 he could be away for the odd night or two. Fortunately he hadn't been deployed anywhere and had remained stationed at Aldershot.
Things were getting better at long last canned and dried fruit, biscuits, treacle, butter and clothes to name but a few along with petrol and soap all now in free supply and rationing ended. Sugar, Sweets and meat and cheese were still rationed and you needed your book.
Roger Beck and Charles had gone to the third reunion dinner in London and met up with Dave. Every April since 1948 the original Saigon men met, had dinner and gave thanks to Sparks who had attended their first one. Many of them were Territorial Army and were not young men to start with and they had already lost a couple more with recurring Malaria and stomach issues brought about by the poor diet and sanitation. Many of the POW's or those that fought in that campaign had a need to seek out others who would understand the horror of what they saw and experienced and joined organisations like the British Legion, being told to keep quiet about their experience was difficult for many of them.
Charles was promoted to Major in the same year as the national health was started, they were still living in Aldershot, he still wasn't sure about staying in the army but didn't know what he would do if he left. The Korean crisis was starting and there was rumour that the British would send troops along with Australia to support the US. He wasn't sure if he would be asked to go as he had a couple of recurring bouts of Malaria himself.
"They always turned up late" grumbled Roger "Don't see why we should turn up on time" which caused Charles to snigger. Roger was a full Colonel now, but himself in his mid 50's was thinking of retiring from the army and maybe growing roses or something in their garden in Guildford. He knew it would be hard for them to move away as he didn't think he would be able to tear Edna away from her little family but part of him would have liked to move somewhere a bit more rural. Not that he minded he was very fond of Molly and Charles himself. As for their little John he was turning into a lovely little boy always smiling and he enjoyed having them over and showing him the garden. He was looking more like Charles every day, keen and inquisitive like his mother and he took great pleasure showing him things. He felt like a surrogate Granddad.
It was a bit of a worry for him if Korea kicked off. He hadn't forgotten just how ruthless the Korean guards were in camp, he and Charles still carried the scars. Although Charles was a Major there was still an element of danger involved in conflict and he knew that Molly would be distraught if anything happened to Charles. They were a very close couple, always seemed to know where the other one was when they were in a room, a bit like him and Edna really their eyes noting where they were.
Edna wanted to go to the reunion that had been arranged too. She would love to see the refuge that had been set up by Dr Mason and she would dearly love to see Jacqui and Brian and their little girl Sophie. They had been sent some pictures in one of their letters but it wasn't the same as seeing her in real life. She had got very attached to all the girls when they were in camp and was looking forward to seeing them again.
Katie had completed her Doctors training and had a one year old daughter Elizabeth 18 months younger than Jacqui and Molly's children. It would be a great reunion all of them together again for three weeks. Molly had arranged John would stay with her parents rather than take him on such a long trip and so far from home. Katie had done the same and their daughter was being left with Alex's parents.
They were actually going to take a flight from Heathrow, none of them had been on a passenger plane before, just those awful Dakota's the air force had used. According to the BOAC brochure they would be getting lunch and dinner on the flight along with complementary drinks and snacks. They were due to fly out on the 10th and Jacqui had already booked the table at Raffles for the 15th August.
"Are you sure you want to leave John behind?" Charles asked Molly his arm round her shoulder stroking her arm while they sat on their sofa watching him play on the floor.
"I will miss him but it's a long flight and the heat out there" she lent her head on his shoulder "Brian wants to show us how the memorial is coming along, Dr Mason wants us to see the refuge, not to mention dinner in Raffles. My parents will love having him now all the others have left home, well apart from Martin"
"Well if you're sure" he said "I don't want you crying the whole time and trying to ring home to check" he sniggered
"That's more likely to be you" she laughed and kissed him on the cheek.
"I have to say I will miss him" just as John threw one of his teddies at him hitting him on the head "Good shot" he laughed "Perhaps it will be nice to have just adult company for a few weeks and you all to myself" he whispered into her ear enveloping her in his arms.
"You might be able to refresh my memory of some of those wonderful tips you picked up" waggling his eyebrows a big grin on his face, which got him a well-placed elbow in his ribs.
"You losing your memory old man" Molly laughed and he pushed her back down on the sofa tickling her and trying to kiss her. Which was interrupted by John giggling, wanting to join in; he picked him up swinging him onto his shoulders to take him to bed.
"Yes, some time alone with my beautiful wife wouldn't go amiss" he laughed as he carried his son upstairs to bed.
-OG-
The day finally arrived and the four of them left for Heathrow for the long flight to Singapore. All of them were enthralled with the stewardesses as they came round with drinks and food, nothing seemed too much trouble. Molly couldn't help but think what an amazing job this must be, to travel the world.
They finally arrived and were met off the plane by Jacqui and Brian after 17 hours. It was an emotional reunion for Molly and Jacqui as they sobbed in each other's arms, they hadn't seen each other since they set sail in May 1947; for them that was a long time to be apart. They had grown up together, trained together, gone to Singapore and shared some horrific experiences together. Now both of them mothers and desperate to catch up on all the news from home, letters would never be the same. Before she knew where she was Edna had also been pulled into the hugs and tears by the two girls.
Brian just rolled his eyes and shook his head with a grin on his face "Women" which was rewarded with a slap on his arm from Molly and Jacqui for his cheek, before being kissed and hugged by Molly who was just as pleased to see Brian again after all this time.
"You're all staying at Raffles then" said Brian "That makes it easier"
"Katie and Alex are flying in from Melbourne tomorrow afternoon and staying there too" added Jacqui
"I still hope we can come out to see where you live and meet Sophie" said Molly still linking arms with her friend as they were walking towards Brian's hired car. It was a bit of a squeeze with all the luggage but they made it to Raffles to check in.
"We will wait in the bar for you to come back down from your rooms" said Brian
"We'll get the Gin Slings in ready" grinned Jacqui remembering how Edna liked them
Roger and Charles checked them in and got their keys so they made their way to their rooms. Charles hadn't told Molly but he had booked the same room they had for their wedding night hoping that she would remember it. It wasn't their anniversary until November but he wanted to make this trip special for her.
As soon as she walked into the room she recognised it even after nine years. He just about managed to put the suitcases on the floor before Molly threw herself into his arms kissing him.
"Steady on Molls" he laughed giving her a lingering kiss back as her legs moved around his waist her and arms wrapped tightly around his neck. "You remember then?" he whispered to her.
"I'll never forget, one of the best days of me life" smothering his face with little kisses.
"Come on wife of mine" he laughed "let's unpack, go for our Gin Slings and continue this later."
"I love you Charlie" she beamed at him "and I love you too Molly" he replied kissing her on the forehead.
-OG-
They joined Brian and Jacqui in the bar, as promised a jug of Gin Sling was waiting for them along with a Tiger beer for Charles.
"It's so nice to see you again Jacs" gushed Molly "Can't wait to see Sophie…. Sorry we didn't bring John out with us but it might have been too much and Mum and Dad were keen to have him for a few weeks"
"How is the family? asked Brian
"Well Bella and June are both married now, they've moved out to Essex their husbands work at Fords. The boys left the brewery, Jack is down in Southampton now in the Merchant Navy and Frank is out in Kent at the paper mill. Only Martin left at home. Nans still the same"
"Don't think she will ever change" laughed Jacqui "You see anything of my family?"
"We don't get up there much but we see them when we go up the pub. Your dad ain't changed still sat on his doorstep listening to the game on a Saturday" and they laughed again.
"Yeah! me brothers have moved out an all Essex mainly, reckon you can't get a place in London anymore, what with the bomb damage." "Who wants to live with your parents forever?" she carried on "All piled into one house"
Roger and Edna came in and joined the group, they did look a little weary after the long trip but Edna in particular wanted to be here and catch up with Jacqui, she had missed her over the years, wanted to see how they were and meet Sophie.
"Perfect" she beamed "Gin Sling I've been looking forward to this ever since we left Heathrow" and the group sniggered.
"You always did like a fruit juice didn't you dear?" smiled Roger causing more chuckles as she patted his hand
"Well it must be good for you all that fruit" she laughed
"It's just all the various alcoholic shots in there that might not be" laughed Charles
"Now there is no need to be facetious dear" she replied patting him on the cheek and causing more laughter in the group.
They ordered dinner with the friendly banter continuing while they caught up with news and old friends. But with the time difference and the long journey the four travellers were more than a bit tired.
Alex and Katie's flight was due early afternoon tomorrow, Brian and Jacqui would pick them up from the airport too. So, they thought they would get an early night and meet tomorrow evening in the bar. Jacqui would bring Dr Mason with her so they could catch up on all the news from her. She was looking forward to seeing Molly to ask her about the new National Health Service and Katie to see how she liked being a Doctor.
-OG-
They all said their goodnights and went back to their rooms, while Jacqui and Brian went home.
"I think I will take a quick bath before bed" she said yawning
"Good idea" he smirked "I'll do your back" she shook her head grinning at him
"Nah! I'll do yours or we'll never get to bed" causing him to break into a wide grin as he sucked in his bottom lip
-OG-
Roger and Edna were still very tired from the long trip yesterday, so Charles and Molly decided to go and visit the Buddhist temple, take a wander round the godowns and see what was still left from when they were here before. Molly did as she did before with the incense sticks while Charles watched, this time she didn't say what she had asked for, just grinned and patted his cheek.
They wandered back to Raffles for afternoon tea with the Becks and to wait for the arrival of Alex and Katie. They were ideally placed to see them come through to the bar. Alex looking tall and tanned, his slightly wavy brown hair damp from the humidity. Looking fit and healthy after five years back in Australia, Katie the same had regained her lost weight and had a healthy glow, a light tan from the outdoor lifestyle, her black hair also long again and swept back into a gleaming bun her blue eyes scanning the room for her old friends.
"Wow this place hasn't changed much has it" said Alex while seated at their table with a Tiger beer. "It's as if time has stood still"
Charles looked around the large bar with the band playing, while immaculately dressed waiters served tea and sandwiches as couples were getting up to dance. It was exactly the same as it was when they all met in 1941 and were asked to be witnesses at their wedding.
"You're right it hasn't" he observed "just the people in here that have"
"So ,Charlie, you still in the army then" asked Alex
"Yes, not sure I want to though" he shook his head still unsure about what direction he wanted his future to go. He really only joined the army because of family tradition rather than enjoy the life.
"Well as soon as the rumours started about Korea, I resigned my commission" said Alex as he looked down at his beer "It's not that I am a coward, but I have fought them before and I'm not sure I want to see all that again" he shook his head "It's taken a long time for the nightmares to stop and still have the odd one" Charles nodded in sympathy, he too had had frequent flashbacks of being trapped in the confined space of that ship and being tied to a post and beaten. To this day he still didn't like being in confined spaces and he started twisting his wedding ring.
"You know we are sending men out there then" he said to Alex who nodded in response noting him twisting his wedding band
"You still do that" nodding at the action "One of the first things I did when we got back to Aus was buy a ring, we had another blessing with the family this time" the two men grinned at each other.
Beck attracted the waiter to order more beers for the men and the now customary Gin Slings for the ladies.
"Katie and I have just bought a farm in the North West part of Victoria, we're going back to farming"
"What sort of farming" asked Beck
"Merino Sheep"
"Look Charlie, if you aren't happy with the army life anymore, why don't you look at buying the land next to us. We can both be sheep farmers become business partners" Charles threw his head back and laughed
"What would I know about sheep farming?"
"You could learn Charlie, I'll teach you same as I will teach Katie, although she says she's going to join the flying doctors so at least the stations will have a medical service"
"How will you fly to these places" asked Molly her ears pricking at the conversation and loving the sound of travelling as a nurse, she herself looking at being a district nurse
"I'm learning to fly Molly" replied Katie alight with excitement "We are going build a runway at one side of the property so we can fly in and out to the different communities. Well that and go to the Melbourne races or the beach without having to spend a day in the car" she laughed
"Land over there is cheap Charlie" continued Alex "It's not like farming in the UK, with the combined land it would probably be the size of one of your counties over there" and Charles whistled.
"There is a population shortage in Aus, so there's a drive to get you Poms over on an assisted passage, why don't you look at emigrating and joining us out there"
"You would be nearer to Jacqui and Brian" added Katie hoping that might be an added incentive "Would be able to see them more often"
Charles and Molly just looked at each other not having even remotely thought of something like that for their future or the future of their children. But Molly liked the idea of being closer to her friends and have Charles leave the army, she had never really liked that he could be sent to a conflict at any time. Charles liked the relaxed and easy going nature of them all. What with the Dawes family all calling him Charlie these days and with this reunion with the Wiggerty's and Hodgsons who were also calling him Charlie, he had been losing the reserved stiff upper lip he used to have when he first met them, he felt relaxed and at ease in their company. It almost felt odd when someone called him Charles these days. In the same way that the camp had bound the women together it had bound the men together too.
"Why don't you all come over for a week before heading back home?" said Katie, "We can put you all up"
"Excellent idea" added Alex patting Charles on the back "Would love you to see what we have planned for the place"
There and then a plan was made that all of them would go across to see Alex and Katie in their new home part way through their second week of their holiday, then return to Singapore before flying back to the UK.
"I can't wait to see it" enthused Molly "We never got to see it last time"
Dr Mason arrived and joined them for dinner. Telling them all what the refuge was for, to teach the children to read and write so that when independence finally came, and she truly believed it would they would have opportunities in commerce or government. She was also teaching some of the women nursing skills so they could take over when one day she would have to go home.
An arrangement was made that Jacqui would sort the transport to collect them to go to the refuge, look at the school and medical centre and her and Dr Mason would show them round. Charles sent his apologies and said that he had some errands to run with Brian and would join them later causing Molly to frown as she couldn't think what errands he would have to run out here.
-OG-
"I forgot how bloody hot and humid it was out here" said Molly fanning her hat across her face, her now long hair tied into a ponytail.
"Takes some getting used to don't it" replied Jacqui
They were all stood in reception waiting on their transport to the refuge, Charles and Brian already having left to do these mysterious errands.
It took over two hours to see round the refuge, Molly, Edna and Katie were impressed with what they had achieved in the last four years since setting it up. But as it was Dr Mason running it they weren't surprised as she had always been meticulous for rules at the hospital when they were her nurses and ran a tight ship on the wards.
They were all going back to Brian and Jacqui's for lunch, Molly was particularly looking forward to meeting Sophie for the first time. There was only a few days difference in ages between her son and her best friend's daughter.
When they all arrived at the house, which was large and airy they found Brian and Charles already sat on the veranda drinking ice cold beers
"I hope there is one there with my name on it" laughed Alex who was promptly handed a bottle of cold beer, which he poured into a chilled glass. Roger was also handed one and he was more than grateful also finding it particularly hot and humid.
A jug of ice cold lemonade was produced with glasses for the ladies and behind Jacqui their 2 and half year old daughter followed holding onto the bottom of her mother's dress. She was a chubby little thing with rosy cheeks, with curly blonde hair and blue eyes and as far as Molly was concerned looked just like Jacqui.
"She's adorable" smiled Edna and was rewarded by Sophie smiling back offering Edna her doll.
"She likes you Edna" laughed Jacqui "It's not often she hands over Polly, shame you live so far away you could be our babysitter."
"She's a beautiful little girl" sweeping her up onto her lap and cooing at her.
"She's a cutie alright" smiled Molly "I wish we had brought John now to see how they got on maybe they could be best mates like we were" her eyes misting a bit as she suddenly missed her son. Charles just rolled his eyes and gave her that told you so look.
"They drive you mad while they are so demanding and then you miss them when they're not there" laughed Katie "We had a similar discussion about whether to bring Elizabeth or leave her behind"
"Mind you if you like Australia when you see it they could all grow up together" she continued. Edna's smile slipped a little but only Roger noticed in this happy group of young people. It would probably break Edna's heart if she lost Molly and little John if Charles took them away for a new life on the other side of the world.
"I'm really looking forward to it now, can't wait to see Elizabeth" laughed Molly her eyes alight with the prospect of seeing a new country and her friend's daughter.
They spent a happy afternoon at Jacqui and Brian's, little Sophie running from person to person in her excitement at all the new people to take an interest in her toys. They had dinner at their home but as evening fell the group left Jacqui and Brian to go back to Raffles.
Edna and Roger shattered after a long day decided to retire for the night saying they would see them for breakfast the following morning leaving the four friends in the bar.
"Will we get to see Koalas" asked Molly
Katie laughed, "Yes, there are some around Melbourne and on some of the islands"
"They were hunted to near extinction but they are protected now" added Alex "The ones in Victoria are fluffier because of the climate"
"Is it cold there then" she asked and Alex roared with laughter
"It can be in winter, can sometimes get low temperatures but not as cold as the UK" he laughed
"What about Kangaroos, will we see them" she really was getting excited about going now, a trip they thought she would be doing in February 1942 but now she was actually going to go.
"Yes" they both laughed "but they can be a bit of a nuisance, we have to manage them" added Alex "they compete with the livestock for food" Molly just nodded. Charles couldn't stop grinning at Molly, her excitement infectious. If they liked it, it could be a new life an opportunity for them maybe he would like an outdoor lifestyle in farming rather than the desk job in the army. He did worry about Roger and Edna though, he had a feeling that she would be very upset if Molly and he emigrated.
Charles and Alex carried on talking about sport, he would show him Aussie rules football, what an event the Melbourne Cup was and of course Rugby. They talked of their farm, how they built their house, their dreams for the future and how they wanted to be one of the best farms in the state producing the best wool.
Molly and Charles listened and were carried away by their enthusiasm, their dreams and just how close they were.
"What about the flying doctor thing you mentioned?" asked Molly
"That's early days Molly" she laughed "I have to learn to fly first"
"WOW" her eyes wide with excitement she had always had a lust for trying new and exciting things; but flying?.
"You learnt to swim yet" Katie laughed as Molly looked down shame faced into her drink and shook her head. Charles eyes darkened as he looked at her, thinking of all their trips to the coast with John.
"I didn't know you couldn't swim" he said in a clipped tone which didn't go unnoticed by Alex and Katie.
"Well it never cropped up" she smiled back at him knowing he was a bit annoyed as whenever they had gone to the seaside with John she had always insisted he take him into the water while she looked after their belongings and only ever played with him on the beach.
"Edna and I only found out when her and Jacqui announced it when the ship was sinking" Katie tried to laugh it off "We made sure they jumped with us and had life belts"
"We're having a pool built at the house as we speak, perhaps you can learn" interjected Alex
"I'll teach you" said Charles holding her hand suddenly realising just how scared she must have been that night. Looking at her intently and seeing the fear in her eyes at the thought but she just nodded wanting to forget that awful night and how frightened she had been when she had lost Jacqui and was flailing around alone in the dark.
Charles twisted her wedding ring in his fingers staring into her eyes and the feeling passed as she smiled back at him.
"So" said Alex changing the subject knowing this had brought a memory back, he and Katie could relate to that, how some minor innocuous comment or sight, sound or smell brought a memory crashing back. "How do you think the old bird is going to react if you say you are emigrating?" he had heard all about Edna from Katie. He knew that the girls had all been close, looked after the older woman and to be fair on every occasion he had met her she seemed a nice lady. Roger himself seemed to mellow over time in the camp not so regimented with a rod up his back, especially with the likes of Dave Dawes and Brian reminding him that it was them or us with regard to morals.
Katie and Molly looked at each other as they hadn't really thought about how it would affect Edna. Then Molly gave one of her huge beaming smiles as she suddenly had an idea
"Well rather than learn to swim, what about I learn to fly and Katie and I could look after people when they are sick or in labour and Edna could look after the kids when we were out, well if she wanted to of course"
"Good idea Molls and I think we both know she loves kids, look at her teaching them all in the camps" laughed Katie "I was wondering if I was out for the day who would look after Elizabeth" warming to the idea instantly "If you did we could certainly provide some much needed services to the area, the midwifery alone will be a godsend to the area" and the pair of them started talking about qualifications, what skills they had picked up and they were sure they could do it.
Charles and Alex looked at them transfixed with their animated chatter before turning and clinking their beer glasses together Alex commenting "Looks like they have a plan"
Charles laughed "I don't think they are the stay at home type"
"Another beer?" "Why not" and the pair of them moved to the bar leaving the women talking.
-OG-
Brian and Jackie met them after breakfast with a couple of cars to take them over to Kranji. The gardens and monument were still being built although a lot of it had been completed, the cross of remembrance and archways all standing. It had a very tranquil feel to it, the gardens, the monuments, four in total all as Brian had told them when he accepted the position out here.
"How much longer before its finished?" asked Roger
"At least another 5 years before the opening" replied Brian "The main monument is built but all the names have to be engraved" and he pointed to the 12 pillars. They stood round the main stone reading the inscription saying that it was to record the names of over 24,000 soldiers and airman for whom the fortune of war denied them the customary rites accorded to their comrades in death – They died for all free men.
"It's taking time to do the engraving but we are halfway there" said Brian shaking his head "Do you want to see where we placed the recovered men from Saigon?" and they nodded.
They looked across the gardens to look at a sea of white stones each bearing the name, rank, number and regiment of the man lying beneath. Molly gripped Charles arm; never had she felt such sadness, but at the same time there was a feeling of peace here. They walked down the rows of graves looking at names and the young ages of the men before finding the ones they were looking for
"We found Captain Harte and the Private he tried to escape with" said Brian sadly "The Americans have already taken their men home"
Charles stood in front of his old friends' grave, they went to Sandhurst together, were the same age. Molly was holding his arm and he had his hand over hers, his eyes misty as he remembered him. He was sure that they would have remained friends in the end that they would have recovered from their falling out.
"Shame his wife doesn't have a grave too" said Molly sadly
"Actually, she does" said Jacqui also misty eyed and trying not to cry herself "We never found the first camp or Violet" her voice hitched as Brian put his arm round her.
"But we were informed when building work to put up a petrol station started and that a number of graves were found when they started clearing the jungle."
Brian continued as his wife was understandably emotional "we think many were lost when the houses were built but they spotted the graves and moved them in to a mass grave in a local civilian cemetery and put a marker as to who was in there" he coughed "Blanche and Georgina are in there along with about 20 others"
"We are trying to raise funds for a proper memorial for them" finished off Jacqui "It's only a fraction of the ones we buried Moll but at least some of them will have a place their families can come to if they want."
"Well that is something we can do when we get home" said Edna forcefully "I will get Charles mother to help, she was always good at organising committees and raising funds."
They had seen what they wanted, seen the men they had left behind and started walking back to the cars.
"How many are here?" asked Alex looking at the rows and rows of white stones
"Just under 5,000, but these are just the ones that remained here, there are more like this all over Malaya, Thailand, Burma and Indonesia. I occasionally go out to check on them"
"Do you think your mother would do that, fight to get them a proper memorial?"
Charles snorted a laugh. "Probably, she always did like a good cause."
-OG-
After the previous day which they all agreed had been emotional, they all decided that they would probably just relax and do their own thing, Charles and Molly deciding they would go to the Botanical gardens.
"No band" she laughed as they walked round the bandstand remembering their first day out together. Charles carried on walking, holding her hand as it was over his arm and they came to the bench by the lake where he had proposed.
They sat and watched the sun shimmering on the water and the waterfall in the background, when Charles produced a small velvet box from his pocket. Molly looked at it wide eyed and then up into Charles smiling brown ones.
"I know you said you didn't want another engagement ring, it wouldn't be right" and Molly opened her mouth to speak but Charles put his finger over her mouth silencing her.
"I got Brian to take me back to the place where we got it and our wedding rings" he smiled at her, which had answered the question of where he had gone when they went to the refuge. "I bought you an eternity ring instead" and opened the box to reveal a beautiful band with diamonds and sapphires. She couldn't stop staring at it, it was the loveliest thing she had seen. She looked up into his soft brown eyes, her own a little glassy with tears as she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him with the same passion she had always felt for him.
"You will always be the love of my life" he whispered when they broke their embrace.
"And you mine" she answered as he slipped the ring on her finger to join her wedding ring, she couldn't stop grinning as she looked at it.
"I love you Charlie" as they kissed again.