Journey from Walara

Journey from Walara

Laurel Lamperd

It is 1940. Danny and Will Hennessy have joined up. Danny is in England flying bombers over Germany. Will is in the army and has been sent to New Guinea with the Militia Forces.

Journey from Walara is the second book in the Danyari series about the Hennessy family who own Walara, a sheep station in the Carnarvon district of Western Australia.

Copyright © 1911 Laurel Lamperd

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All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of the copyright holder, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

Laurel Lamperd was born in Western Australia and lives in a small town on the south coast. She writes poetry and short stories which have been published in journals, magazines and online. Her seven novels are available in download and some in print.

Book cover: From a Photograph by Dawn Lamperd. Designed by Wendy Laharnar

Fiction by Laurel Lamperd

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Chapter 1

Danny Hennessy rolled from his bunk in the hut which housed ten other air force recruits. The cement floor under his feet felt cool after the sweltering night. He picked up his towel and shaving gear, and still wearing the shorts he'd slept in, hurried to the showers. He grabbed a bay that had just been vacated, the soap suds still vanishing to where Aldo Scarlatti hummed Ave Maria.

Danny slipped from his shorts and turned on the water. Just as well no one is modest, he thought as Aldo turned his bare butt towards him and picked up the soap he'd dropped.

Fifteen minutes later, Danny arrived at the mess. The room echoed with strident voices, each one trying outdo his companion.

What do you want? a young recruit on kitchen duties asked Danny.

What have you got?

Bacon and eggs. Bacon and eggs.

Okay. I get the message.

The recruit slapped two fried eggs, topped with rolls of bacon and thick slices of toast on a plate and handed it to Danny. There you are, mate. You won't eat better at the Ritz.

Danny took the plate and the cup of scalding tea. He moved away from the canteen and stood for a moment, searching for a vacant seat.

Smithy's voice rose above the clatter, Over here, Hennessy.

Danny pushed between the crowded benches and squeezed in beside him.

Are you going to the dance tonight? Smithy, a short energetic looking young man, asked.

Danny swallowed a forkful of egg and bacon. I'm giving it a miss.

I'll take on Madeleine if you're not. I don't know what you've got that the rest of us haven't. She looks a good sort to spend some time in the hay with.

Go for your life, mate. Danny hid his embarrassment that the best looking girl on town had made a play for him. It's why he'd decided not to go to the weekly dance. Better get out before anything happened. He gulped a mouthful of tea and scorched his mouth. You and I are down for flying practice this morning.

Yeah, I know. I'll be with you in a moment, Smithy said as Danny rose to leave.

Back in his quarters, Danny grabbed his flying helmet and leather jacket then went outside to wait in the morning sunshine.

Smithy arrived a few minutes later. I don't think I'll make it as a pilot, he said as he and Danny walked towards the Cunderdin airfield which had been upgraded by the Australian Royal Air Force to train pilots when war had been declared on Germany. I can't seem to make the perfect landings that you can.

Danny clapped him on the shoulder. You're sure to get better at it.

They spent all morning racking up flying hours. From his advantage point in his Tiger Moth, Danny grinned as he watched Smithy bouncing along the tarmac as he landed ahead of him.

After dinner that night, still determined not to attend the dance, Danny slumped on his bunk, reading a newspaper and ignored the activity around him as the recruits raced to get ready to catch the bus.

He had the newspaper whipped away. Get on your feet, Hennessy. Smithy grabbed Danny's arm and yanked him up. It's going to be pretty boring here on your own. He glanced at his watch. You've got fifteen minutes before the bus leaves.

What the hell, Danny thought. Madeleine wouldn't be the only girl he'd meet during this war. He'd been a raw teenager when he met Connie. He wouldn't get tripped up by a girl again. Have some fun with them but don't get too serious would be his motto from now on.

The bus stopped at the local Memorial Hall. Every country town seemed to have one built after World War One to commemorate the fallen. Danny wondered what they'd do to honour the dead of this war though he doubted it would last long enough for any memorial halls to be built.

He stepped from the bus and hurried up the stone steps to the sounds of Moonlight Bay echoing from the hall.

He paid his entrance money and stood with Smithy in the wide doorway joining the lobby and hall, his glance raking the occupants. His breath quickened when he saw Madeleine surrounded by several Air Force recruits.

She glanced towards the doorway. Even from this distance, Danny saw her smile at the young men before she made her way along the edge of the crowded dance floor towards him. For a moment, he lost her from view behind the dancers, then he saw her again, the brilliant green of her evening dress enhancing her fair hair which fell to her shoulders.

Hello, Danny, she said, her blue eyes sparkling as she reached him. I thought you weren't coming. She slipped her arm through his, her pink nails resting on the navy blue of his Air Force uniform.

He felt good just looking at her. She overflowed with vitality. He knew she considered him her boyfriend. Temporary boyfriend, he thought. There'd be another input of recruits after his group had moved on. The band struck up a slow fox trot. Shall we? he asked.

She slipped easily into his arms. I thought you'd never ask.

The lights dimmed as he held her close. Taller than Connie, she came to his chin. She leaned her head against his shoulder. His mouth rested against her hair which smelt of sunshine.

I'll hate it when you go, she whispered. You're the first boy I've ever loved. Mum and Dad asked me to invite you home so they can meet you.

Panic struck him. Their relationship had moved too fast. There was Connie. Even though he and Connie weren't married, they had a four-year-old daughter and had been living together before he left Walara. He should have told Madeleine about Connie and Maia but it was too late now. In a few days, a week, he'd have left Cunderdin. We haven't known each other long, he muttered. You shouldn't talk about being serious. You're only eighteen.

And, of course, you're old, she scoffed. Twenty-two. Four years older than me. Don't you like me saying I'm in love with you? she continued with all the confidence of a young woman who knew she only had to curl her finger at a man and he'd come running.

The music ended. They stood together, his arm around her. If he could wipe out the past, maybe he could let himself fall in love with her.

Her hand clasped his. Let's go outside, she said, not looking at him, her hand tightening over his.

He stared at their clasped hands. That's not wise.

She smiled mischievously at him. Why not?

The music began. Without answering, he took her in his arms.

Two dances before the end, Madeleine said, Let's go. She took his hand and pulled him towards the door.

Hidden in the shadows of the hall, she placed his hand against her breast. He felt the beating warm roundness of her through the taffeta frock and kissed the tender skin.

She gasped aloud, her long nails biting into his neck, oblivious to another kissing couple in the shadows not far from them.

He lifted his head and stared at her.

I want you, Danny, she whispered.

He heard the bus engine start and the horn toot loudly. He pulled her arms from around his neck.

She clasped the front of his jacket. Don't go. I know a place where we can spend the night.

He stared at her a moment. Bad idea. I'll see you next week. He untwisted her fingers from his jacket and started towards the bus.

She grabbed hold of his arm and followed him.

I have to go, he said when they reached the bus. He kissed her in front of the load of recruits, suddenly not caring if they ragged him. He let her go and jumped on the step, standing there, embarrassed by the naked look of desire on her face. If he could see it, surely everyone could.

The bus revved and began to move. The driver called, Look out, mate. I want to close the door.

I'll phone you, Danny called as he stepped back in the bus.

So you had a good time, mate? Smithy stopped Danny on his way along the aisle.

Danny elbowed him as he went past. Shut your trap.

Three days later when orders came through of his group's transfer to Geraldton, Danny felt relief. The decision of whether to continue his relationship with Madeleine had been taken from him. He stared at his packed bags. In half-an-hour, he and his group would leave the training camp and catch the train to Perth.

He hadn't phoned Madeleine to let her know though he'd said he would. He had to break with her. She'd soon forget him. He pulled out the fountain pen which Rosa had given him before he left Walara and tore a page from his pocket book.

Dear Madeleine – Our orders have come through. We're on our way to Geraldton. It might be better if we say goodbye. I don't know where I'll end up if the war continues for any length of time. You are too young to make any commitments. Danny.

He cadged an envelope from the caretaker and gave him money for a stamp. Will you post it for me?

The elderly caretaker raised his eyebrows. Sure, mate. I have about ten to post. The ladies of Cunderdin have done well. He went off whistling, 'Goodnight Sweetheart'.

As they drove through town, Danny saw the Roadboard Office where Madeleine worked. Guilt swept through him that he hadn't telephoned her as he'd promised.

I'll show you the sights of Perth, Smithy said to Danny when the bus stopped outside the railway station.

Danny wasn't sure he'd have time to see Smithy's sights. He had to meet Connie who was training as a nurse at the Fremantle Hospital. Smithy didn't know about Connie or Maia. He humped his kit bag on his shoulder and stepped from the bus. The train had already pulled in, the steam hissing from the locomotive. He found a seat and pushed the kit bag onto the luggage rack above him.

As the train chugged from the Cunderdin Station, the warm breeze in blew through the open window across paddocks of sun-drenched wheat stubble. A flock of sheep sheltered from the afternoon heat in the shade of a towering clump of Wandoo. He wished he'd bypassed Perth and gone on to Geraldton for his three-day leave to avoid seeing Connie.

Can you shove along, mate? Smithy asked Aldo Scarlatti who sat next to Danny.

It's going to be a tight fit, Aldo said good-naturedly as he moved along the seat. But I don't mind as long as you don't.

Thanks, mate. Smithy squeezed in beside Danny. What are you going to do in town? We could go dancing at the Embassy tomorrow night.

I'm giving the dancing away, Danny said.

Smithy laughed. Are you worried you'll get more Madeleines to fall over you?

Danny felt his face burn. I'll hand you any excess baggage.

Two hours later, they reached the outskirts of Northam. Smithy glanced out of the window as the train moved behind the town's shopping centre. I used to know a girl who lived here.

Does she know you're coming? asked Aldo.

Smithy shook his head. She's probably married now for sure. I was eighteen and she twenty-one. She was a humdinger, I can tell you. We had a weekend and a half.

That's what you say about all your women. Danny winked at Aldo, feeling he was getting his own back.

Smithy saw him and laughed. I'll get even with you, Hennessy.

They stayed fifteen minutes at Northam, long enough to take on several passengers and load freight. Danny decided to send a telegram to Connie and tell her he was on his way to Geraldton but when he asked a porter where the post office was, he was told it was in the town centre a mile away.

They stayed longer at Spencer's Brook, a small siding a few miles from Northam, populated by a few railway workers houses and a hotel. The bell rang from the Refreshment Rooms as the train came to a halt. The passengers jumped off and rushed to the counters, waiting impatiently while the women poured tea into thick white cups, and served hot pies and corn beef sandwiches.

Smithy looked wistfully at the hotel. What I'd give for a cold beer.

Same here. Danny stirred sugar into his tea. I could have done with a beer. It's been dammed hot on the train but we wouldn't make it back in time.

Yes, far too risky, said Aldo. I want to get down to see my parents near Albany before I head off to Geraldton. They are worried that the authorities will intern them.

That's a bit rich, said Smithy. Brave son goes off to war leaving his hard working Italian immigrant parents languishing in gaol. Your parents shouldn't worry. The war won't last long. We'll be lucky if we get out of WA. Geraldton might be our last stop and then it will be back home.

At least, we'll have learnt to fly, Danny said.

Speak for yourself, Smithy mumbled, his mouth full of pie. I'm aiming to be a radio operator instead of a pilot. Too many kangaroo landings, old Fletcher told me, he added, speaking of the chief training pilot. I might be able to get a job in radio after the war.

I hope to be a navigator, said Aldo. I'd nearly completed a cartographer's course before I joined up.

The engine whistled. Danny, Smithy and Aldo dumped their cups and plates on the counter and boarded the train. He could be with Connie tonight, Danny knew, but he didn't want to be.

Chapter 2

An hour later, the train pulled into Perth Railway Station. It was crowded with more service personnel, than Danny remembered when he'd boarded the train to go to Cunderdin some months earlier. Perhaps the war might last longer than he and Smithy thought.

I'll check the Albany timetable, Aldo said as he followed Danny and Smithy from the train. He dumped his kitbag on the platform. Would you watch my gear, fellows? I shouldn't be long.

Sure, mate. Smithy started to roll a cigarette.

I'll see if I can make a phone call from here, Danny said as he parked his kit bag near Aldo's. I won't be a moment.

Right. Smithy lit his cigarette and leaned back on the wooden seat.

At the phone booths, Danny waited until one became vacant. He hoped Connie was on duty. If not, she'd want him to spend the night with her. Stepping into a booth, he pushed some coins in the slot and dialled the number of the nurses' quarters. Could I speak to Connie Craig, please? he said when a woman answered.

Just a minute while I check, said a woman's voice. No, she's not available, she said after a moment.

Relief flooded through Danny. Tell her, I'll phone later.

Aldo arrived back the same time as Danny. I'm not going home, he said. It will take a day to get to my parents' farm. I wouldn't get back in time to catch the train to Geraldton.

Hard luck, mate. Smithy rose to his feet and threw his cigarette butt on the pavement, stamping it out with his foot. You can stay at my place if you like.

What will your mother say at me turning up unannounced?

The old lady won't mind, Smithy assured him. How did you get on? he asked Danny.

She's not there.

You're in the mood for painting the town. You've just left Madeleine and here you are phoning another girl. The girls fall off his fingertips like bloody raindrops, he told Aldo as he hoisted his kit bag onto his shoulder.

Picking up their kit bags, Danny and Aldo accompanied Smithy from the station to St Georges Terrace and caught a bus. Getting off, they followed Smithy to a weatherboard house a few doors down.

Smithy pushed through the rickety gate and along a long driveway to the back of the house. He opened the door leading into the long narrow kitchen. His mother, a tall stout woman in her early fifties, glanced up from mixing a batch of scones. Reggie. Why didn't you let me know you were coming home? Before he could speak, she'd gathered him in her arms.

Aw, come on Mum. Don't get carried away, said Smithy, extricating himself from her embrace.

Danny and Aldo began to apologize for their arrival.

Mrs Smith cut short their explanations, I don't mind you being here as long as you look after yourselves. I'm president of the local Red Cross and with this war going on I spend my time with a lot of other ladies raising money to run the Red Cross Canteen and buy comforts for our boys. She popped the scones into the Metters wood stove in which a fire burned brightly.

Smithy showed Danny and Aldo into the sleepout. Choose any bed, he said, flopping on one. None of my brothers are home at the moment. I've slept in this bed ever since another arrived to take my place in the cot in my mother's bedroom. Me and my brothers had some great pillow fights out here. There'd be feathers flying everywhere. It was everyone for himself when Mum arrived with the strap."

Aldo sat on the bed opposite Smithy.How many are there in your family?

Eight. Four boys and four girls. There are two of the girls at home. My youngest sister who is still going to school, and my eldest sister who is married with a kid. Her husband's in the army. He's in the Middle East somewhere. My second sister is away nursing and the next sister is doing a secretarial course. She wants to join the army the last I heard. My three brothers are in the army."

I've got four sisters too, Aldo said. They are all older than me and married with husbands in the forces. I'm the only son, the last one to be born, so you can guess that I'm pretty precious. He laughed. "It upset my parents when I joined up. They don't want anything to happen to the bearer of the family