The Tyndale family sat around the kitchen table. The papers sat in the middle where
Bill Tyndale had thrown them during their conversation.
“Those warmongers!” he shouted. “Now we’re all deep in it, ‘specially thee. Still, if thee goes now thee’ll have it ower
soon.”
The others weren’t saying much. That which they had dreaded for most of the year had finally come to pass and
already impacted their lives.
“Where do you have to go John,’ asked Mary in a tiny voice.
“I have to report to Barrowthwaite for training sis. That’s all I know,” He replied placing his hand on her arm.
His little sister had tried to be brave but burst into tears at the thought of her brother having to go to war.
“I don’t want anyone to be upset about this. I’ll go and do my duty and like father says, I’ll be back before you know
it,” said John.
“Does William have to go as well?” asked Margaret.
“No. Someone has to look after the farm, “answered William.
Elsie spoke, saying, “The sooner you go lad, the sooner you’ll be back.”
This was the prevailing attitude around the nation. People generally thought the war would be over quite quickly.
Some thought before Christmas.
“Well, if I have to report to headquarters on the fourteenth of August. That’s three days time, I’d better get busy.”
“Aye lad, thee’d better get crackin’ and visit some folks before thee goes,” said Bill.
John made his way to Stopford Brook to visit Sarah. There were more military vehicles on the road now and they
were generally in a hurry to get somewhere. It had been a very hard Winter but the rest of the year through Spring
and Summer had been quite mild. In early August John found the weather beautiful for riding his motorcycle.
“John No!” was Sarah’s reaction when he told her of his conscription. “What are we going to do?” They sat alone in
the front garden of the Dubois house. For the two lovers the day lost it’s brightness.
“What will I do if something happens to you? If you’re lost I’ll surely die,” she added.
“Nothing will happen to me darling. It’s not going to be much of a war they tell me.”
“Daddy said it’s going to be a beastly affair which could drag on for months,”said Sarah, her voice wavering.
“We’d better go in and tell your parents I suppose,” John rose from the garden seat with a deep sigh. He took Sarah
in his arms and said, “Don’t worry, it will be alright lass.”
“Are you sure,” Sarah asked as they walked inside.
“I’m sure darling. I’m sure.”
“I believe this war will last for a much longer period than most people think John,” said Carlos Dubois gravely. “I’m
thinking we may be at war for years, not months as some are saying.”
Sarah’s face fell as she listened to her father speak. When would she see her true love again?
“When do you leave? Where do you go? Asked Hannah Dubois.
“I report on Monday morning at Barrowthwaite headquarters.” answered John.
“That’s only three days!” cried Sarah. “They can’t do that. Daddy you must do something.”
Of course there was nothing Carlos Dubois could do for his eldest daughter on this occasion. In any case, he was
well aware that John was quite prepared to do his duty. He was a fine young man and he, with many others like him,
would answer the call. At 21 yrs of age John was now a fully qualified Builder and able to make his own decisions.
Soon, however, he would have to get used to others making decisions about his life.
“Mr Dubois, I have to visit my grandparents tomorrow. Would you mind if I take Sarah with me?” asked John.
“Not at all son, that will be fine. You may take the car,” Carlos answered.
“Thank you sir. Until the morning then.”
Later, John and Sarah sat in the garden contemplating their future. He placed his arm around her and she lay her
head on his chest.
“Sarah, I’ve been thinking,” said John.
“Yes my love. What have you been thinking.”
“I think we should be married before I go to the war.”
Sarah sat up quickly and looked into his eyes.
“That is exactly what I have been thinking,” Sarah whispered. “But we don’t have time to be married, do we? Don’t forget, I’m not yet of age,” she added.
“But you will be next year,” John protested.
“Daddy won’t allow it until I’m twenty one darling. He already told us that.”
“I’ll go and speak to him now,” said John resolutely standing to his feet.
“No my love! Not now. It will cause such a fuss and I’d like some peace before you go away,” begged Sarah, taking
him by the hand. They sat talking until the midges from the river bank started to bite.
“Until I see you in the morning my dear,” said John kissing her on the forehead.
“Take care on the way home my love,” whispered Sarah.
The following morning they rolled up at the gates of Bell Hill and drove slowly along the tree-lined driveway. Mr and
Mrs Lowther, John’s grandparents, met them at the front door. Mrs Lowther’s face showed the concern she felt, for
the well-being of her eldest grandson.
“Come inside you pair of love-birds,” she said after the welcome. “It’s so good to see you both.”
George Lowther took his grandson aside into the privacy of the drawing room and gave him a hug. He took a small
Bible out of his pocket and gave it to John.
“I’d be proud if you take this with you lad. I’ve always carried it with me.”
“You will find all the comfort you need within the pages of that book,” he continued.
“Thank you very much grandfather, I’ll treasure it,” said John.
“Follow orders and keep your eyes open wherever they send you lad,” said Lowther.