“So have you been seeing anyone then on a regular basis?’
“Well I’ve been keeping Nancy Carter’s bed warm for a while now said Brian with a grin.
“What about you then Keith.’
“Not me mate; I like to get myself a different bird each week.’
“Hazel behind the bar here is gagging for it.’
“Been there and done it mate.’
“Christ is anyone safe with you.’
“He’d shag a warm scarf if it was left long enough said Brian.’
“Listen whose talkin’ said Keith.’
“Alright calm down the two of you.’
Jim was about to walk to his seat with the tray of drinks when he looked over to see Keith who was talking to Hazel.’
Brian just shook his head then came and sat down.’
“What have you both been up to you look proper guilty.’
“Mother you don’t want to know.’
“A singer was on stage singing a few Bing Crosby and Perry Como numbers then a comedian came on. Jim and his friends were in conversation as they asked about what it was like in the Royal Navy with all of those wrens knocking about. Come on then tell all you dirty bugger.’
“Yes there’s a lot of it going on but honestly lads I haven’t had a minute I’ve been on exercises up in Scotland. And I’ve just come back from Singapore.’
“Well I hope you give them Jap’s what for.’
“I not allowed to discuss it lads; official secrets act and all that but we came out of it on top shall I say.’
“Is that how you got the George Cross?’
“Yes; I saved someone during a mission; he was badly wounded poor lad,’
“Lad you say?’
“Nineteen years old he was shot through the jaw and it took part of his face away.’
He was bleeding badly and calling out for his mother.’
I bandaged him up and carried him back to the submersible canoe where we were later picked up by HMS Porpoise. I had paddled for over thirty miles. He had lost a lot of blood but they managed to save his life when he was taken to a hospital ship where they performed emergency surgery to his face.
“War is ugly lad’s, it’s nothing like you read about in the newspapers; where they glorify it to make you want to join up.
“When this lot is over I’m coming out of the Navy altogether.’
“After what you just told us I don’t blame you.’
“What will you do?’
I’ve spoken with a friend who is in charge of a salvage team and I’m going to work for him; I will be well paid to dive as part of a team then when I’ve made enough money I will pursue my dream.’
“What is that?’
To find the ships that was sunk by the English during the reign of Queen Elizabeth the first.’
“Well good luck with that.’
Another drink mother asked Jimmy as he went to the bar and got another round in for his parents and his friends.’
“It was my round said Brian when Jimmy came back.’
