Page 11 - The Spirit of Christmas 1940
P. 11

The Spirit of Christmas 1940

             In some cases, officers would wait on the platform to inform
           relatives of the loss of their brave family members,  It was a truly
           heartbreaking sight.  Jimmy would always be on the look out for
           such instances, the last thing he wanted to do would be to scream
           out the laterst headlines when such devastating scenes were
           happening.  The quick minded Jimmy always knew when to keep
           quiet.  Happily, this was not one of those times but something had
           caught his interest.  He wandered across the platform to Rose who
           was busy arranging her displays of flowers into stunning colourful
           patterns.


            “Ere Rosie, have you seen that soldier over there?  This is the
           third time this week I’ve seen him here.  He was here a lot last
           week too.”


             Rose peered across to a tall solitary soldier standing by the ticket
           booth by Platform 1.  His face was completely expressionless and
           seemed oblivious to the hustle and bustle of the station.  Almost as
           if he occupied a space completely seperated from normal daily life.

            “I can’t say I’ve noticed him before” Rosie replied, although she
           had indeed noticed him on a few occassions but had decided not
           to make a fuss.  Best leave him be, besides he appeared so sad as
           if he knew the pain that was bound to be arriving at church street
           before long.


             Jimmy scratched his head in wonder. “Why does he keep
           coming back?  Don’t seem right.”

            “Best just let him alone Jimmy.  It’s not our business.”  Rosie
           didn’t want to labour the subject.  She felt uncomfortable getting
           involved in other people’s business.

            “I’m surprised old Crispin hasn’t told him to sling his hook.
           You know what he gets like when things dont seem right.  Still, I
           suppose you’re right.”  Jimmy thought it might be a good idea to
           change the subject.  “Anyway, when you gonna come dancin’with
           me?  I keep askin’ but your always too busy.  I get the feeling
           you’re giving me the brush.”  He said cheekily.
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