Recently I lost my Grandad. The only Grandparent I had ever known. I never asked much about my Nan or Grandma, I just didn't, but recently I learnt of the most beautiful love story...left for me, my sister and my cousins, hand written with pictures in a sealed envelope.
Could I call this my tribute to my wonderful wife Audrey?
In 1949/50 I was stationed in Durham, 45 Field Regt. R.A.
My army pal Chris was marrying a Durham girl, would I like to attend the wedding?
I went on Friday arriving late that evening. 'Gordon' we have to be on Durham Railway Stn early, overnight steam train due at 4.50 from Kings Cross London. My best man is bringing his girl friend, as the train pulled in Audrey a lighted from the carriage, we looked at each other saying 'hello'.
Like a bolt of lightening we were both struck, deadly it was, love at first sight for us both. Talking to myself under my breath, which I still do, 'Gordon' do you realise you have just said 'hello' to your wife to be, Audrey will be mother of our 10 kids.
As you know we settled for quality not quantity. We were both well aware of the situation we found ourselves in, serious, no prescription required, no known cure, none ever wanted. We must admit we like it. This is commonly known as 'LOVE'.
The moment I set eye's on you Audrey, your boy friend became your ex, but remember this we would not have meet bar for him.
I can remember just what Audrey wore, cloth were then still on ration, coupons required. Her coat was camel coloured with a tie belt, dress pink with white spots polo mint size, wore a neckless of pearls with matching ear rings. Shoes brown swede, plus a lovely smile.
...Now back to that Durham wedding. I stood behind Audrey in church, other people could see I had eyes for Audrey. At the reception I told Audrey 'Put your coat on, wait outside'. Told friends I was taking her into Durham. I ask Audrey how long have you been going out with him, 'Not long', well that's the finish, 'Audrey your mine'.
Durham was bathed in sunshine, as we strolled along the river bank hand in hand, we passed under the shadow of that 900 year old Cathedral. We sat beside the river where we kissed, cuddled and even talked. Time stood still. The birds flew upside down in complete frustration.
Now back to the wedding reception. Two people are missing, you guess it: Audrey and Gordon. Word got back to me that Audrey's ex boy friend is going to kill me. He's not a happy bunny but I can assure you IT never happened.
All to soon Audrey had to return home, her 'ex' never spoke a word all the way. At Kings Cross Station he just walked away from my Audrey, leaving her to make her own way to Paddington Stn for Reading train then home.
This weekend was the coming together of Audrey and Gordon.
So between the 27th May 1950 till end Sept 1950, Audrey and I only enjoyed about 4 week-end leaves together and my embarkation leave, before sailing to Korea.
Audrey did suggest we marry before we go, so we could save the marriage allowance for when I return. I had to say 'No Audrey' I will tell you why. I'm going out to the Far East for the third time, I know I lost good mates both in Malaya and Korea.
We said our goodbye on Reading Station, I hung out of the window till my Audrey was out of sight, never out of mind.
Would we ever meet again? Only time would answer the question.
A happy ending took over two long years.
I parted end Sept 1950 to middle Dec 1952. About 800 days. Audrey always numbered her letter, last one: 419.
So Audrey you wrote every other day.
...In December I was caught up in the Big Smog in London...My train from Paddington set an all time record, took 5 1/2 hours to reach Reading, more stop than go.
Audrey waited for hours on that cold damp station. Then made her way home. When I arrived at Reading, 'No Audrey'. I didn't know where the house was, had the address, when I left Audrey they were living in a nissen hut back of Woodley aerodrome, as they had been bombed out in London. So while I'm in Korea, they got a house in Shinfield.
Anyway, I eventually found the house, no Audrey, she had gone off again trying to find me. Off I go looking for my girl. We bumped into each other, Audrey pushed me away from her, I said 'Do you really want to marry me?', (response) 'Come here of course'.
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