The Grafton Girls - Annie Groves [44]
‘You do realise how serious an issue this is, don’t you?’ the lieutenant demanded harshly. ‘We are very proud of the good name the WAAF has here. Things may have been different at your previous posting.’
Diane swallowed back her longing to defend herself.
‘You realise, of course, that this kind of behaviour cannot be tolerated?’
‘Yes, ma’am,’ Diane agreed woodenly.
Was she going to be dismissed, drummed out of the WAAF and sent home in disgrace? She could hardly bear to think of the shame that would cause her parents. With every word of criticism she was having to endure, her angry resentment against the GIs was growing.
‘You say you believe that spirits were added to your drink by the American soldiers you were with?’ Group Captain Barker queried.
‘Yes,’ Diane confirmed.
‘You are ready to swear to this on oath?’
‘Yes. There can’t be any other explanation.’
‘Well, I have to say that I was extremely surprised to learn about what had happened. You hadn’t struck me as the sort of young woman who would behave so foolishly and irresponsibly – quite the opposite. And…’ Group Captain Barker paused and then stood up, ‘unhappily this isn’t the first time we have had reports of American soldiers behaving in a less than chivalrous way towards British women both in and out of uniform, although I must say I would have expected one of my own girls to have recognised the danger of getting too friendly with soldiers so far away from their own homes and families. Having said that, since you have given me your word that you believe your drink was interfered with, I am prepared to overlook what happened – on this occasion. Should something of this sort happen again—’
‘It won’t, ma’am,’ Diane stammered as the lieutenant gave her a look of angry incredulity for forgetting herself and interrupting the captain.
‘I also intend to have a word with the C-in-C here and ask him to speak to his opposite number at Burtonwood with regard to the behaviour of his men.
‘Now whilst you are here there is something else I wish to discuss with you.’ Although the captain’s voice had warmed slightly, the lieutenant was still looking at Diane as though she wanted to put her on a charge.
‘Take a seat,’ Group Captain Barker instructed.
Diane was glad to obey. Her legs were now trembling so much she wasn’t sure she could continue to stand stiffly to attention for very much longer.
‘Our C-in-C considers it important that we establish good working relationships here at Derby House with our American allies. Men’s lives depend on the success of our convoys, and monitoring and protecting them from our base here is work that we all know demands the utmost dedication and concentration. The smallest error in detecting enemy activity can result in convoys being torpedoed, and ships and men’s lives lost. We are all aware that some of the American airmen coming over feel very much on their mettle and determined to prove themselves. They are arriving in a country whose airmen have proved themselves as saviours, and naturally some of these young American airmen may feel that they are being looked down on and might, therefore, be inclined to behave recklessly in an attempt to match this bravery. The C-in-C feels that by welcoming them we can impress on them the necessity for calm, controlled behaviour from those who fly the planes that protect our convoys. With a view to fostering such good relations, he has decided to invite some of our American allies to welcome parties at Derby House and he has asked me to put forward the names of those of my girls whom I consider to be suitable for such an important and delicate assignment. What the C-in-C wants is for our American allies to feel they are welcome, but he is aware that they will be missing the female company of their own wives and families, and what he does not want is to encourage the wrong kind of behaviour. Prior to hearing about the events of Saturday night I had put your name forward.’
Diane gave a small start and was frowned back into place by a withering look from the warrant officer.
‘Since you have