Emily was just eighteen when she met the man of her dreams at a local dance. Every Saturday night she would go along to the local dance hall with some of her friends. She looked forward to this all week, as there was not a lot for young people to do in the small township of Hinds, a tiny town midway between the Rangitata and Ashburton rivers in mid-Canterbury.
Hinds had a population of around five hundred and most of its inhabitants were either farmers or retired people. There was a saw mill which employed around twenty men. The nearest town was Ashburton which was twenty miles away; occasionally Emily would go to Ashburton with her mother Margaret. Margaret was a dressmaker and would make regular trips to town to buy materials for the garments she had on order.
Emily’s parents had a small store on the corner of their street, part of the store was a dressmakers and the other half a barber shop which Emily’s father Henry had inherited from his father. The family lived in the back. Emily had a brother Tom, who was two years older. Tom worked at the mill up the road. Life for the family was pretty easy-going and uneventful. Emily was hoping to become a nurse at the Ashburton hospital and was waiting to find out if she had been accepted for training. In the meantime she helped her mother making garments.
**
The next coming Saturday, the local dance was going to be extra special with a live band and a big turnout was expected. Emily was excited; she had spent all week working on a new dress to wear. Her mother had given her some lovely lavender fabric for the dress along with eight small pearl buttons. Emily choose a slightly off the shoulder style with a full skirt which had layers of tulle underneath. Her beautiful blonde wavy hair looked pretty with two pearl clasps in it.
Emily looked stunning as she stepped out with her brother Tom to walk the ten minutes to the dance hall. It was great having Tom with her as he was happy to act as chaperone. When they arrived they separated and mingled with their own friends.
Emily had a couple of dances with Jimmy; he was a school friend and one of the crowd. While dancing with Jimmy, Emily felt a tap on her shoulder.
“Excuse me, would you care to dance with me?” said an unfamiliar young man.
Both Emily and Jimmy looked startled at the interruption.
“Let me finish this one bud”, replied Jimmy giving the young man a look.
“Do you know him?” asked Emily, looking at Jimmy curiously.
“Nope, never seen him before. Must be from the big smoke,” he replied.
After the dance ended Jimmy took Emily back to her seat and gave her a thank you bow. Emily smiled back.
Two dances later the stranger came over to Emily again.
“Are you free for a dance now young lady?” he questioned with a big grin.
“Yes, sure,” replied Emily noticing how good looking the young man was with his dark wavy, sweptback hair.
“My name is Laurence,” said the young man, “what’s yours?” he asked as he whisked Emily on to the dance floor.
“It’s Emily,” she replied softly.
“Pretty name – it suits you,” Laurence smiled as he twirled Emily around the floor.
While they danced they made light conversation. Laurence told Emily he worked in Christchurch which was a couple of hours from Hinds. He was in Ashburton visiting relatives and a friend brought him along to the dance. Laurence went on to explain that he was a carpenter and worked for a big company in Christchurch.
“Ah that explains why I haven’t seen you at the dance before…” remarked Emily.
“Well if I had known you would be here, I would have come sooner,” Laurence responded with a cheeky grin.
Emily was slightly taken aback, but did not show it. “You are a forward young man,” she said.
The rest of the evening they sat and talked and danced until Emily said she could dance no more as her feet hurt.
After the dance Laurence asked Emily if he could walk her home. Emily agreed and found her brother Tom to tell him. Tom of course was quick to give brotherly advice.
On the short walk home Laurence reached for Emily’s hand. Emily felt happy and already felt an attraction towards Laurence. She felt safe and secure and really didn’t want the night to end.
The short walk home was over far too soon. As Laurence bid Emily goodnight he leant forward and gave her a kiss on the cheek. As he retreated beyond the front gate he called out “Can I meet you at the dance next weekend?”
Emily was delighted and called out, “I had a lovely time, thank you – see you there.”
**
The next morning over breakfast Tom was quick to tell their mother that Emily had met a young man. Emily blushed and nodded, “He is very nice. His name is Laurence and he is coming to the dance again next Saturday to meet me,” Emily said excitedly.
“Well just make sure he is nice dear…” replied Emily’s mother, patting her hand reassuringly.
**
The next week seemed to drag by for Emily. She was really excited and looking forward to seeing Laurence again. On the night of the dance Emily spent considerable time frowning at herself in the mirror trying on various outfits before deciding on a pretty pink dress. Her mother told her she looked lovely as she left the house with her brother Tom.
Laurence was not there when she arrived, Emily instantly felt disappointed. Two hours went by and there was only time for a couple more dances when in walked Laurence. He was all red in the face and appeared flustered, “I am so sorry, my car broke down and I really didn’t think I would make it in time, please forgive me,” announced Laurence, puffing and blowing.
“It’s not your fault. let’s just sit for a bit while you get your breath,” said Emily, putting her hand out to Laurence to try and reassure him.
There was only time for the last dance before the evening was over.
On the walk home Laurence said he had been so looking forward to seeing Emily again and he was disappointed that the evening had been cut short.
Emily looked at Laurence and smiled. It was not his fault and she didn’t want him to think she was upset.
When they arrived at Emily’s house Laurence asked if it would be possible to do something the next day, “Could we possibly go for a picnic tomorrow before I head back to Christchurch?” Laurence asked expectantly.
Emily grinned and felt happy as she replied, “Yes that would be lovely, we could go to the river or to the beach.”
“Great, I will come and pick you up at ten if that’s alright,” Laurence replied, looking somewhat relieved. With that he gave Emily a peck on the cheek and headed off.
Emily called after him saying she would pack a picnic.
**
The next morning Emily jumped out of bed at eight, had a lovely bath and washed her pretty hair. She then went into the kitchen to prepare some sandwiches and make some scones.
Emily’s mother was awoken by the smell of cooking and came in to see what was going on.
“Oh mother I hope you don’t mind me making food, I am going on a picnic with Laurence,” Mary said looking for her mother’s nod of approval.
“That’s nice dear, so long as you are comfortable with this young man. Your father and I don’t mind, maybe bring him in to meet us when you get back,” said her mother with a little smile.
Emily packed the lunch and got a blanket for them to sit on, along with a warm cardigan. She was going to suggest they head to the coast to the beach.
Laurence was keen on a trip to the beach and he thanked Emily for preparing the picnic.
It was a lovely sunny relaxing day. They even went for a paddle on the water’s edge and Emily gathered some shells. The pair were so comfortable in each other’s company and Emily really didn’t want the day to end.
“I have so enjoyed just being here with you Emily, and by the way you made us a superb lunch,” said Laurence patting his full tummy as he lay back in the sand.
“My parents would like to meet you when we get back to Hinds if you are up for it?” Mary asked, hoping not to put him off.
“Sure I will, hope I pass the test,” replied Laurence laughing.
**
They returned to Hinds just as Emily’s parents and brother were about to have dinner.
“I am sorry if we ruined your family dinner Mrs Squires,” Laurence said apologetically.
“Of course not,” said Henry, gesturing Laurence and Emily to sit down at the table.
“I do not want to intrude Sir,” replied Laurence, directing his comment to Emily’s father.
“You sit down lad and have some roast beef and Yorkshire pudding with us; it’s a pleasure to meet you,” said Henry with a welcoming smile.
“Looks great, thank you very much,” said Laurence, feeling at ease.
After dinner Laurence sat in the lounge next to Emily’s father, “I hope you do not mind me courting your daughter Sir. I do live in Christchurch but I am happy to come to Ashburton at the weekends to stay with my Aunt and Uncle, that way I can take Emily out if you are agreeable”, Laurence said, waiting for approval from the older man.
“You can my son, so long as my daughter is happy then that’s all I need to know. Mind you, you treat her well,” Henry warned with a look.
“Thank you, of course I will sir,” replied Laurence trying to suppress his excited grin.
**
Over the next few months Laurence made a weekly visit to see Emily. Sometimes they went along to the dance, and sometimes they just sat at home listening to records on the gramophone. It really didn’t matter what they did, they were happy just to be together.
One weekend Emily went to meet Laurence’s parents and two sisters in Christchurch. Ernest and Ingrid Walters were lovely people, as were his sister’s Margie and Veronica. His sisters were seventeen year old twins and they were delighted to see their brother had met a young lady. They all took an instant liking to each other. Emily slept in the girl’s bedroom which gave them chance to get to know each other better. They loved talking fashion and music together. Laurence was pleased to see how well they all got on.
Over the next few weeks Laurence made his weekend visits to see Emily and sometimes she would go to Christchurch, especially if it was going to be a long weekend. She did worry how a long distance relationship would work in the long term, but Laurence assured her because they loved each other they could overcome any obstacle. Emily agreed, they would work things out and they were meant to be together.
**
After Emily and Laurence had been dating for a year Laurence asked Emily’s father for her hand in marriage.
There was much excitement in the two households and an engagement party was held at the hall where the Saturday night dances were held. This place had special meaning for them after all.
Six months later they planned to wed. War in Europe was imminent and Laurence had been called up for basic training.
Many young couples were marrying quickly, with the threat of New Zealand being involved in the war getting stronger every day.
The wedding was held in Ashburton at the Anglican Church in late August. Emily’s brother Tom and Laurence’s best friend William were best men and Laurence’s two sisters Margie and Veronica were Emily’s bridesmaids.
Emily wore a stunning while lace gown made and designed by her mother. She looked radiant. Laurence’s eyes filled with tears when he saw his beautiful bride.
It was a perfect wedding; the birds were singing and the blossoms were all coming out. It was hard for everyone to comprehend that war was on the horizon.
**
After the wedding Laurence and Emily went to Nelson for a week’s honeymoon. That was all they could manage as Laurence had to be back for army training.
The young couple were only back in a few days in Christchurch where they had set up a home when New Zealand along with Australia, France and Great Britain declared war on Germany.
The next few weeks Laurence spent most of his time training in Burnham Military Camp. Fortunately he was able to get weekend leave every second week.
Emily longed to be with her husband. Their time together had been all too short. The prospect of Laurence leaving soon for war was high. She tried hard to keep her tears under control but found it hard. Every moment they spent together was precious, but she was also very aware Laurence had to spend time with his family as well.
Late November the call came and Laurence was informed he would be in the First Echelon leaving Wellington on December the 11th. This date would be forever etched into Emily’s memory.
**
Their last evening together they went on a picnic together to the beach, it was almost as perfect as their first picnic together, but both their hearts were heavy.
Early the next morning Laurence had to be ready to catch the train in Christchurch along with his soldier mates. The day had come and they were leaving for war. The soldiers left with the hope it would soon be over and they would be home for Christmas.
Emily waved goodbye from the platform along with her parents and Tom. Tom was exempted from the army because of his bad eye sight but would help his father when they were called to do home guard duties. Laurence’s family stood on the platform together. As the train disappeared from view they all hugged and cried with each other.
**
The next few weeks and months were hard on everyone. Christmas came and went, and the family celebrations were low key. No one felt like there was much to celebrate. Emily had only had two letters from Laurence but she knew it was hard for him to write. The Red Cross sent Christmas parcels to the soldiers and Emily also made up a small package of chocolate and warm socks to send to Laurence, with the hope he would receive them.
Laurence’s battalion ended up in Egypt before going on to Greece. He was captured early on in the war and spent almost five years in a Prisoner of War Camp. Laurence’s leg had been badly injured when he had to jump ship in Piraeus Harbour. He was eventually interned in a work camp in Graz, Austria.
He worked long hours in the fields, under constant guard with little food. The occasional Red Cross parcels and letters from home were a welcome sight and always gave Laurence hope that his family and his wife were waiting anxiously for his return.
**
Back home, Emily had been accepted for nursing training and was eventually sent to the Pacific to help care for wounded soldiers there. This work gave her a feeling of being able to help in some way. It brought her comfort to think she was doing her bit for the New Zealand soldiers as well.
Towards the end of the war nurses from New Zealand including Emily, were sent to Britain to help transport injured solders back home.
On arrival in London Emily was sent to Queen Alexandra Military Hospital along with twenty other New Zealand nurses. The sight of the injured men was disturbing and upsetting. Emily cried herself to sleep the first night, wondering how other human beings could be so cruel.
The next morning she was going to be introduced to the patients who would be in her care on the voyage back to New Zealand. She walked along the row of beds and gave all the men a warm smile and a small bar of chocolate.
“God Bless you nurse,” said one of the soldiers as he reached for her hand. Emily smiled; it was a lot to take in.
These young men had left New Zealand healthy and with a life full of promise, now they were maimed. How life could ever be the same for them, she wondered.
Just as Emily turned to go down the next row of soldiers she heard her name called urgently. Emily turned and walked over to where the voice came from. She did not recognize the soldier and wondered where he knew her from.
“It’s me Emily, Laurence,” said the shaking voice.
Emily started to cry, it was indeed Laurence. His hair was long and dirty, he was unshaven and his leg was heavily bandaged.
“What are you doing here?”, Laurence asked in total surprise at seeing his wife so far from home.
Emily sat down on the chair by the bed and reached for Laurence’s hand.
“How long have you been here?”, she asked in return, her voice full of emotion as she wiped away her tears.
“I think three nights. It’s all a bit of a blur, four of us escaped the work camp in Graz and we were rescued by American soldiers and brought here to be patched up before being sent home,” he said, wincing as he shifted in the bed.
“I must have been sent to find you,” Emily said as she put her arms around her husband.
“I think so darling…” he replied, before falling back to sleep.
“Lucky bugger…” whispered the soldier in the next bed as he watched on.
Emily sat beside her husband for the next hour before she was told she was needed to help some of the other soldiers.
When she got chance she spoke to one of the doctors on the ward about Laurence. The doctor told Emily that Laurence had suffered a bad gunshot wound early in the war and because it was untreated for so long it had become infected. The chance of saving his leg was not looking good. Emily was visibly upset and the doctor reassured her they would do their best.
Emily decided not to tell Laurence, he had been through enough. He was alive and all she wanted to do was to take him home.
Treatment was started and Laurence went into surgery. Emily felt the time in surgery would never pass but tried to keep herself busy with other patients. The ship back to New Zealand was leaving in two weeks and those well enough had to be prepared for the long trip home.
After what seemed like an eternity Laurence returned from theatre. His bedclothes were up so Emily could not tell what had been done to his leg.
The doctor who had operated on Laurence took her aside and told Emily part of the muscle where the bullet had entered his leg had to be removed. His leg had been saved but it would never be as strong and he would most probably need to use a walking stick for the rest of his life.
Emily took the doctors hand and thanked him for doing his best.
After Laurence came out of the anaesthetic Emily gently told him what had been done.
“That’s alright, at least I am alive and a lot better off than some of these poor buggers around me,” Laurence said, reaching for Emily’s hand.
“That’s exactly right, and hopefully we will be able to go home on the next ship,” Emily replied giving her husband a kiss on the forehead, “And I sent a telegram to your parents so they know what’s going on. They have been so worried about you of course.”
“Thank you darling,” replied Laurence before drifting back off to sleep.
**
The next days were spent helping Laurence get his strength back and onto his feet. Emily did what she could as well as caring for other patients.
Laurence told his wife he was so proud of her and everything she had done to help the soldiers.
Laurence was given special exemption and was able to share a cabin with his wife for the homeward journey. Some parts of the voyage were pretty rough and Emily was kept busy looking after soldiers and dressing wounds. Laurence understood his wife was working, he was just happy to have her close.
Six weeks later the boat arrived back in Wellington.
Emily had to arrange for a wheelchair for Laurence and some of the soldiers helped lift him on the train to get him back to Christchurch. Both Emily’s and Laurence’s parents were on the platform to meet the young couple. Hugs and tears flowed and everyone was overjoyed to see Laurence back home. Laurence’s sisters handed him bunch of ‘forget me nots’, they were half wilted but Laurence was touched by the gesture. Laurence’s mother had prepared a welcome home dinner and the family spent a lovely evening together catching up.
**
During the coming weeks Laurence worked hard on his rehabilitation and soon he was walking with just the aid of a stick.
Emily went back to work at the local hospital after she had a couple of weeks rest with her husband. Until Laurence was fit enough to work she had to be the bread winner.
About six months later Laurence was offered a desk job at The Christchurch Press in advertising. It worked out perfectly and the commute to work was only a short bus ride away.
Emily and Laurence went to Hinds once a month to catch up with her family and stay the weekend. Tom was engaged to be married to a local girl he met at the dance and Emily was excited to get to know Jennifer, her soon to be sister-in-law.
Laurence’s family had moved into a new home in Sumner and Emily had fun helping Laurence’s mother decorate and make curtains for the new house.
Laurence’s twin sisters were now at university, Margie was studying law and Veronica studying to be a doctor. Both were due to graduate the next year.
Laurence settled well into his newspaper job and about eighteen months after he and Emily returned to New Zealand Emily gave birth to a little son. They named him Joshua, and he brought a whole new dimension into their lives. The couple had seen first-hand the cruelty of war and now they hoped for a bright and happy future for their little son.
Lest we forget.
By Kay Rayner. Read more here.
We have a DVD copy of Journey Of A Story to give away for Anzac Day.
Journey of a Story is a unique New Zealand feature film set in the present and also the decade around WWII. It follows the story of William Brown and his struggle to cope in an environment very different from the one he left behind. The film is dedicated to the filmmakers father and grandfather and is a tribute to the generation of kiwi families that struggled in the aftermath of WWII. PG Rating.
The story is based on GrownUps columnist Kay Rayner’s late father’s experience. She has kindly donated a copy of the DVD for a lucky member.
Simply comment below to be in to win.
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