In A Family at War Season 2, Episode 5 – The Forty-Eight Hour Pass, the brief return of a soldier on leave offers a moment of reunion, hope, and heartbreak for the Ashton family. As the realities of war intrude on precious time together, this poignant episode captures the emotional highs and lows of life on the homefront and the front lines. A tender yet sobering chapter in the family’s ongoing struggle during WWII.
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00:00Thank you very much.
00:30We're going to give them hell tonight, Frank.
00:43Oh, cheer up your miserable gets.
00:46Look, I'm all right, Dave. Just take it easy, will you?
00:48I say, somebody's nicked my funny-fashioned silk mitts.
00:51They're sticking out of your pocket, old boy.
00:53Yeah, I'll grab that, Frank.
00:55Come on, Sam.
00:57Come on, John. Put a sucker in.
01:00Come on, John.
01:29Can't you sleep, Frida?
01:56Yeah?
01:58No.
02:01Me neither.
02:04Oh, I hope our lot are keeping their lot awake.
02:07Doris is asleep.
02:12Yeah, I bet she sleeps for an air raid.
02:15Oh, it's like living in a chicken run, isn't it?
02:22No, we're like three old hens in a chicken run.
02:27Did you enjoy the dance?
02:30I've never been much before without a chap.
02:33You feel as if you're up for sale, where they look you up and down.
02:35Oh, did you feel the blast, then?
02:53Oh, did you feel the blast, then?
02:53It was like somebody opened the back door.
02:55Oh, I hope they did.
02:57Oh, well, we've got a part-time warden next door, but when and every time there's a raid,
03:02they say he goes around comforting frightened women with a Bible in one hand and his stirrup pump in the other.
03:08It's never been as bad as this before.
03:16We've had five raids in a row now.
03:20I sometimes wonder if there'll be anything left.
03:24Well, they can fetch this lock down with pleasure, so long as I'm not in it.
03:29David hates coming back here.
03:31He always has done.
03:32Since he got that last promotion.
03:39Oh, God.
03:42I'm dreading him getting a commission.
03:45When did you want leave?
03:47I don't know.
03:50If he comes, he comes.
03:55He went to see the kids last week.
03:59I'd never have known.
04:00And Mrs. Thomas hadn't wrote and told me.
04:14I know what I'm going to do.
04:17I'm going to buy us a brand new bed.
04:21We've had that old rattle trap upstairs ever since we got married,
04:23and it looked as if it had beaten the record then.
04:26It practically touches the floor when there's two of you in it.
04:34Shh.
04:35You went to see Doris.
04:38I can live off my nothing money now, you see.
04:41And so I save what David sends me.
04:43I've got quite a lot put by.
04:46Oh.
04:48I hope Mama Margaret's all right.
04:50I hate being away when it's like this.
04:54When's the baby due?
04:56You know.
04:58Yeah.
04:59She came round the other night and told me all about it.
05:03I've always got on very well, Margaret and me,
05:05ever since John went missing.
05:08Pity she can't marry this chap, really.
05:11He sounds quite nice.
05:13Yeah.
05:14We, uh, don't talk about it much at home.
05:20Because of Mum.
05:22Just try and pretend it never happened.
05:25Knocked her for six, didn't it?
05:29Margaret, of all people.
05:32It's only people like me we're supposed to do,
05:35that sort of thing.
05:44Is there any tea left in the flask?
05:47Sorry, Mum.
05:48It's all gone.
05:50I'll go make some more.
05:52He was just trying to sleep.
05:53I could go, Mrs. Ashton.
05:54No.
05:55No, thank you.
05:56I can manage.
05:56I shouldn't go out just yet, Mum.
05:59It's quiet enough.
06:01I hope Frida doesn't try and come home.
06:02No, she'll stay at Sheila's.
06:04Look, let Michael go and make some tea.
06:07No, no, thank you.
06:08I can manage.
06:09I expect you'll be wanting to get home to your little girl,
06:11won't you, Mr. Armstrong?
06:12I sent her away to my sister's last week,
06:14away from the bombing.
06:15Oh, I see.
06:18We know what that means.
06:21An empty house, you and me.
06:24Her imagination will be working overtime.
06:27Talk about shutting the stable door
06:29after the horse has bolted.
06:32I think I will go.
06:34I'm sorry.
06:36It's not very nice for you, is it?
06:39I wish she'd just shout or something.
06:42I'll start working nights next week.
06:46Oh.
06:48Well, that'll put her mind at rest.
06:53Perhaps she's right.
06:54Perhaps it would be better if we left things as they are
06:57for the time being.
06:59It's convenient, isn't it?
07:02Convenient?
07:02There's someone to look after you.
07:05It's comfortable.
07:08It's home.
07:14Very good.
07:16Listen, Jack, I put it in your boots.
07:17There's sugar in one, a dozen eggs in the other,
07:19so watch where you're putting your feet.
07:21Eh?
07:22No, I'll not be on when you get here.
07:25Right you are, then.
07:28Hello, Edwin.
07:29Hello, Ted.
07:31The pot's still warm.
07:33Good.
07:34I was hoping it would be.
07:36Have the rescue lads turned up at Margaret Street yet?
07:39Yes, that's why I came back.
07:40I was getting in the road.
07:42I couldn't see the wood for the trees.
07:45What's the roll call?
07:46Well, we've got the father.
07:48He'll be all right, I think.
07:49The mother's dead with the lintel over and the kiddies underneath.
07:52Still breathing, they say.
07:54But the doctor looked a bit grim.
07:57Put that in your pocket.
07:59Mum's the word.
08:01Half a pound of home cured.
08:03Oh, thanks very much, Ted.
08:04That's very kind of you.
08:05That'll be tempting, Stu.
08:06What?
08:08Oh, yes, yes, of course.
08:10I just heard a very funny story there
08:11about an old lady going for a meat ration, you know.
08:14And the butcher wrapped it up in a tram ticket
08:16and she lost it on her way home.
08:17It fell through the punch hole.
08:18There we are, temperance.
08:20Don't you like my stories, Edwin?
08:22What?
08:22I just told you a funny story.
08:24Well, tell me it again, Ted.
08:26I'll never tell a good story twice.
08:32Heard from Robert?
08:34Not since we had that telegram thing
08:35about the beginning of March.
08:37Three standard phrases and his name
08:39from somewhere he's not allowed to mention.
08:42It's not much for a worried mother, is it?
08:45Here I heard a very good one this morning
08:48about a sergeant major.
08:49Now, this sergeant major,
08:51he was talking to the lads on parade.
08:52How was Cologne, then?
08:58Bang on.
09:00We nearly ditched the old kite, though, coming in.
09:04Good show, though, all things considered.
09:05Good show?
09:07You're off on leave tomorrow, aren't you?
09:09What do you mean tomorrow?
09:10It's today.
09:12Today, old chump.
09:13The sun will be shining out there in a couple of hours.
09:16Oh, I missed the post of that letter, by the way.
09:17Old batty caught me and kept me talking.
09:20Oh, it's all right, kid.
09:22I'll be able to catch the old lady at it.
09:24Nice surprise for her, won't it?
09:27Oh, Terry Main's been after you.
09:29Says you're home a fiver.
09:31Well, he's not sweating for it, is he?
09:32Yeah, I think he is.
09:33Well, you can square him, can't you?
09:34What do you mean?
09:35Oh, come on, Frank.
09:36We all know you're loaded.
09:37Look, if he wants the fiver, Dave, he wants the fiver.
09:39Charge him commission on it.
09:40Oh, well, don't bring me into it.
09:42Oh, you're a great chum.
09:44You are great.
09:44Look, you know, he can't be that hard up.
09:49His old man is loaded.
09:51Oh, who's talking?
09:52You're our man owns a bloody printing works, doesn't he?
09:54Yeah, all right, but I'm going on leave tomorrow,
09:56so he'll just have to wait till I get back, won't he?
10:02Ed, did you register yesterday?
10:03Yeah, did you?
10:04Well, I have to say it was everybody else.
10:06It's a performance.
10:08Of course, it won't bother you with being in the naffy,
10:09and they're not one of you, Frida,
10:10because it's only after them we're out working.
10:12Oh, now, where is it?
10:13It's outside.
10:14Oh, yeah, it's in the yard, love.
10:15Hey, kick the door over before you go in,
10:17only there was a rat in there.
10:19Oh!
10:19Oh, yeah, they're all over the place since the bombing.
10:23Me dad says he saw dozens of them crossing the street
10:25the other night, hand in hand.
10:27Pink ones, he said.
10:29Oh, Sheila.
10:30The old boozer.
10:33Oh, well, I'd better get dressed, I suppose.
10:36I'm not on until seven tonight.
10:38Seven until twelve.
10:39Short shift.
10:40I shall know what to do.
10:41Oh, hello.
10:44There's the post.
10:47Is it from David?
10:50No.
10:53Mum got a letter from you on Monday.
10:55Oh, did she?
10:58No, I don't get letters from David anymore, only about him.
11:01About him?
11:02Who from?
11:04I don't know.
11:05I don't even bother to read them anymore.
11:07They're always the same.
11:08Oh, what are they about?
11:09What do they say?
11:15But he got a girl pregnant as that last company was up.
11:20David?
11:22Have you told him?
11:23I told him about the first one, but he said it wasn't true.
11:28He said it was probably somebody who was jealous of him.
11:31Oh, you don't believe them, do you?
11:34Oh, yes, I do.
11:36Sheila, that's ridiculous.
11:38Oh, you don't think I want to believe it, do you?
11:40Don't you think I haven't tried not to?
11:42And every time I begin to forget, I get another letter to remind me.
11:49I'm going to get to breakfast.
11:58Sheila, I'm sorry I...
12:00Now, look, Frida, don't you tell your mother, will you?
12:05I tried talking to her about it once.
12:08I must have been mad.
12:10She'll never believe that, never in a million years.
12:13Poor old Margaret.
12:15Why do you say that?
12:16Because I don't think she'll ever forgive her, that's all.
12:20Mine never forgave me.
12:23What time do you all clear to go?
12:25I don't know.
12:26I thought it was a siren's again if I'd seen her out.
12:30I was talking to Frida last night.
12:42She said that you'd been bombed out.
12:44Yeah, it was that last bad raid.
12:46We was all in a shelter, else we'd have had it.
12:48I'm an unwelcome lodger now at my sister's.
12:50You wouldn't like to come and stay here, I suppose.
12:54Were you?
12:55Well, you could have the kids' room.
12:56The bed's not much, but our Maureen has slept on it.
13:00Oh, Sheila, are you sure?
13:01I mean, I'd pay you some...
13:02No, no, share the rations, that's all.
13:04I'd be glad of the company, honestly.
13:06You could come tonight if you're interested.
13:09Oh, yeah, yeah, and I'd like to.
13:11You won't mind being on your own, though, will you?
13:13Only I work funny hours, you see.
13:15Oh, no, not a bit.
13:16I'm used to being on my own.
13:17Good.
13:18We'll see how it works out, then, shall we?
13:32Hey, have you heard from Peg since, you know...
13:36You just had to bring that up, didn't you?
13:37I just wondered, that's all.
13:39Well, you just watch it while I'm away.
13:41Eh?
13:41I said watch it with a skirt.
13:43What skirt?
13:44Any skirt.
13:45Don't go making any rash promises
13:47just because Daddy's not around to look after you.
13:49Are you in a good mood or something?
13:50I'm going on leave, aren't I, Frankie?
13:52Boy, to me own lovely bed, son.
13:53Hey, get off!
13:56You ought to get married, you know, Frank.
13:57You don't know what you're missing.
13:58Hey, you're joking.
13:59Hey, I'll tell you something, though.
14:01I've been in this lot for three bleeding years now
14:03and there's two things I've never got used to.
14:05What's that?
14:06Sleeping next to you
14:07and that bloody thing there.
14:09Tell her.
14:09Tell her.
14:10Oh, you off, Dave.
14:11Yeah.
14:11That five quid you owe me, I'm a bit short right now.
14:14Oh, Teddy, I haven't got it.
14:15You can manage till I get back, can't you?
14:17Well, I won't be here, old boy.
14:19I've got my dues.
14:20Commission.
14:21Let's have a drink to it.
14:24Since when?
14:24This morning.
14:25Just been to see Batty.
14:27Well, didn't he send for you?
14:29Nope.
14:30Well, bad luck.
14:31Well, you're all a bit overdue for it, really, aren't you?
14:33Yeah, yeah, I am.
14:35Now about the money, the fiver.
14:36Look, Teddy, I haven't got it.
14:38Oh, well, Frankie here's not going anywhere, are you, Frankie?
14:40Not that I know of, no.
14:41Now, you're a thrifty sort of bloke.
14:43You lend Dave the five quid, and he'll sting his old man when you get to play for Liverpool.
14:46You'll be all right.
14:47He's always telling us how stinking rich the old boy is.
14:50All right, Dave?
14:50No.
14:51Frank hasn't got five quid.
14:53Yeah, I have.
14:54Oh, now there's a chum for you.
14:57Well, aren't you going to send me on my way?
14:59Here's to Pilot Officer Teddy Mayne.
15:02Congratulations, Teddy.
15:07Well, Dave, if I don't see you again, love to the wife.
15:11Thanks for the money, Frankie.
15:12All the best.
15:16Cheeky bastard.
15:19I'm sorry about the fiver, Frank.
15:22I'll bring it back with me, all right?
15:24Yeah.
15:25Hey, don't worry about the commission.
15:27It's that bloody accent of his.
15:28Yeah.
15:29Keep trying.
15:29You'll get there in the end.
15:30Shut up.
15:33I knew she was in trouble, but I thought,
15:35wait to be told, Sefton, wait to be told.
15:39I wouldn't have thought it of your Margaret.
15:42I wouldn't.
15:42The last person on earth.
15:45Yes, well, there it is.
15:47He'll marry her, of course, this chap.
15:49In seven years.
15:54I've forgotten about that.
15:57It's a funny state of affairs, it is.
16:00Things aren't what they used to be, Jean.
16:04It seems a good long time since I saw anybody making their own bread.
16:08I tried to get Mrs. Foster to do it, but she won't.
16:11That stuff from the shop gives me indigestion.
16:14You never said how Tony was.
16:16Oh, he's got himself a girlfriend.
16:19I don't quite know what the situation is there, either.
16:23But what can you do?
16:25There's our Joe, as well.
16:26Out there in the Middle East with all those Australians.
16:30Tempting providence, if you ask me.
16:33People along the road are talking, of course.
16:35That's the worst part of it.
16:37It's not for myself, I mind.
16:39It's her.
16:40When she goes out in the morning,
16:41I can almost see her bracing herself to cope with it.
16:46That'll be Edwin.
16:49Don't tell me if I talked to you about it.
16:51Well, it's all family, isn't it?
16:56Robert!
16:57What?
16:57Hello, Robert!
16:58You didn't tell me you were coming, love!
16:59I didn't have time, I just brought me washing.
17:01I didn't have time, love!
17:02Oh, God!
17:05True, Ed.
17:08Stay, how's it going?
17:10All right.
17:13You're not going to tear it or anything, now, are you?
17:15Have you said things like that, love?
17:16You'll hurt me feelings.
17:18Move more beds than you've had at dinners.
17:20Haven't I, Ralph?
17:21Is he still there?
17:22Could you put it up for me?
17:24Oh, well, now you see,
17:25I start my taxiing round in an hour, love.
17:26Oh, go on, be a sport.
17:28You're tempting me, aren't you?
17:30Only I haven't got a man, you see.
17:31And a man, I see.
17:33He's in the Air Force.
17:35If he's in the Air Force, he's bound to be cheeky.
17:38Come on, Ralph, I'll take that end on the ascent.
17:42We mustn't put too much strain on you.
17:45Yes, must we.
17:47Right.
17:51Don't worry, love, we'll put it together for you.
17:52Oh, thanks.
17:53I'll put the kettle on, shall I?
17:54Oh, is your gas come on together?
17:55Yeah, come on last night.
17:56Right, now, I hope you're going to have a warm drink.
17:59You're good.
17:59Can I come in?
18:00Oh, hello.
18:01You're all in the stuff, have you?
18:03Yeah, what's left of it?
18:04My jaw's still buried under the rubble.
18:06Should have sent my chest to do it, shouldn't I?
18:09Well, both, really.
18:11Oh, I'm glad you've come.
18:13I've been as miserable as sin here on me own.
18:15Well, they were all smiles on our left,
18:17so everybody's happy, aren't they?
18:18Good.
18:19Anyway, make yourself at home, won't you?
18:21I'm on at the nappy in half an hour,
18:22but I'll be back about to twelve,
18:24unless the siren goes,
18:25and I might stop on there in the cellars,
18:27but you'll be all right on your own.
18:28Oh, yeah.
18:29Hey, do I lock the door?
18:31No, well, I don't,
18:31just in case, you know,
18:32anything happens in case the siren goes.
18:35Now, there's bits of stuff to eat in the kitchen,
18:38and if you want to take your things,
18:39there's bits of the door on the left.
18:40Right, well, I'll take them now.
18:44Hello.
18:45Hello.
18:46Is the one you got fixed up for a run here?
18:48I think you didn't manage it.
18:50Don't take any notes of him.
18:52He thinks he's Max Miller.
18:53They've brought me bed.
18:55First bit of new furniture.
18:57Oh, I can't wait for David to see it.
18:59We went to this place called Tokoradi, right?
19:16It's here like that.
19:17We moved right around the coast
19:19to a place called Lagos.
19:21There was a swimming pool there
19:22and saw a great big sheet of canvas
19:23all stretched out over this hole in the ground, you see.
19:26Any time, many of the lads jumped in.
19:29A lizard jumped out.
19:34Oh, it's a lovely table, Robert.
19:36You seen it, Septon?
19:37Yes, I was wondering what it was.
19:39Nice bit of inlay there.
19:40It must have cost you a fortune, though.
19:43Just a pair of socks.
19:44A pair of what?
19:45Just an old pair of very high-quality socks
19:48that you knitted for me, Fred.
19:50Oh, thanks very much.
19:51And all this time, I've been thinking
19:52they were keeping your toes warm.
19:53Well, they were too long in the foot, you see.
19:55It's all right.
19:55You needn't explain.
19:57Got them off a chap in a bum boat.
19:59Robert.
19:59Yes, a good few hours have gone into that.
20:02But labour's cheap out there, isn't it?
20:04How did you manage to get it here?
20:06In pieces, Uncle.
20:07Eh.
20:09Catch sight of any submarines, lad?
20:12Not a sausage, Uncle.
20:15Lots of the lads have been out there for years
20:16and never seen one.
20:19Stand by your beds.
20:20Oh, please remain seated.
20:25Carry on talking.
20:27Now, what have we got here?
20:30One slightly sampled, often a special of all.
20:33Oh, Jamie.
20:34Good Lord, where'd you get that, son?
20:35Jump you, he loves.
20:36You're in the wrong mob, old chap.
20:39Well, I wish I could stop and have one with you,
20:41but Sheila doesn't know I'm here yet.
20:42Ah, stay and have one little drink, love, surely.
20:45She'll understand.
20:46Of course she will.
20:47It's ages since we had two of you lads home together.
20:49Yeah, all right.
20:50I'll have a quick lunch.
20:51Come on, get the glasses, Frida.
20:54I had a letter from Phil the other week, Dad.
20:57Oh?
20:57Yes.
20:58So, when's he getting his commission?
21:01I'm not sure he wants one, son.
21:03He what?
21:04I'll grab mine with both hands.
21:06I can do with the extra boblets.
21:07Isn't Margaret coming back?
21:10Yes, yes.
21:12She'll be back soon.
21:13Here we are, then.
21:16Come on.
21:19Here, Dad.
21:20My treat.
21:21Take it out of that.
21:22Oh, thanks.
21:23I was hoping it was somebody's treat.
21:25I'm skint.
21:26Well, don't they pay you in the Air Force?
21:28Oh, yes.
21:28Fifteen bob a day.
21:30Do you fancy joining us, Uncle Siftan?
21:32Well, that's not so bad, is it?
21:33It's not so bad.
21:35Well, to Robert, to David.
21:40And our thoughts to Philip.
21:44And Tony, too, of course.
21:46Sheila was round last night.
21:48She came to have a bath.
21:52We've got a remorse and shelter, you know, one of those terrible jobs.
21:54She'll be sound asleep in it by the time you get home.
21:57Oh, they might at least get the washing up done.
22:06I'll see to the washing up.
22:07You and Madam here get the shelter ready.
22:09Well, I suppose I'd better make a dash for it.
22:12I'll not see you tomorrow, Edwin.
22:14I'm off to Manchester.
22:15Oh, well, before you go, Siftan, I'd like these two lads to know what you've done for us.
22:19Your Uncle Siftan has let us have this house.
22:22Now, Edwin, you're embarrassing me.
22:24Of course you have a stock.
22:26Robert!
22:28Never thought you were coming.
22:29Hello, Maggie.
22:31David!
22:32It's quite an occasion, isn't it?
22:33Well, it's lovely to see you.
22:36Where have you been?
22:37Well, he's been to West Africa buying tables off bumboats with pairs of socks I knitted for him.
22:42Yeah, I've got a present for you upstairs.
22:43What a lovely surprise.
22:44Well, I'll leave you to it.
22:56We should have warned you.
22:57It's too late now, but, well, just be careful what you say, that's all.
23:06She's just popped upstairs.
23:08She thought she heard John George sneeze.
23:10Michael, this is David.
23:16This is Robert.
23:17Michael Armstrong.
23:19Margaret's friend.
23:23Put the kettle on for your bottle, hon.
23:29Why did Michael have to come?
23:32Just when the boys are here.
23:35We'll all be nice and warm.
23:38Don't worry.
23:38Look, I have a right to know what's going on, Dad.
23:41Look, I'd rather she told you herself.
23:44But she can't, can she, not with this lot around?
23:48Oh, come on, Dad.
23:49I've got to get away in a minute.
23:52Look, she's pregnant.
23:54Is it him, the chap she's with?
23:56Yes.
23:56Yes, it is.
23:59It's just not like her, Maggie, that.
24:02He wants punching.
24:03Oh, David.
24:05Well, I mean, you know how?
24:07I mean, what?
24:08Well, there's more to it than I can explain, certainly in a few minutes.
24:10All I can say is that, much as it hurts me, I think I can understand.
24:15Understand?
24:16He wants his bloody neck.
24:17Look here, David.
24:18I don't want any more trouble.
24:19I've enough with your mother as it is.
24:20Now, that's definite.
24:21If I can try to bring myself to understand, I shouldn't have thought it was beyond you to do the same.
24:26Oh, the pot calling the kettle black.
24:28I didn't say that.
24:29Well, I'll say it for you, then.
24:30Look, Dad, what I've done with my life.
24:31Well, that's, that's how it's been.
24:33It doesn't mean to say I like myself for it, but I'm Maggie.
24:41Is he going to marry her?
24:43Well, that's another problem.
24:47Because of John, you mean.
24:52That's about it.
24:55Are you going to join the others in the shelter?
24:57No, no, I want to see Sheila, you know.
25:02I've only got the one night at home.
25:03Well, don't hang about in the streets too long.
25:05It's not too good, the receiving end.
25:08Especially the last few nights.
25:10Not so good at the other end, are they, Dad?
25:12No.
25:13I know that, son, I know.
25:14Have you said goodbye to your mother?
25:16Yeah.
25:17Dad?
25:18Yeah?
25:18Have I got to go to the shelter tonight?
25:20Yes.
25:21If it's only to keep your mother happy.
25:22Well, I'm away in a minute, Rob.
25:24Have a good leave, kid.
25:26Same to you, Dave.
25:27Hey, we'll have to have a night out one of these days.
25:29Yeah, great.
25:30Ta-ra.
25:31Ta-ra.
25:37Oh, it's...
25:38Just puts you off, doesn't it, Dad?
25:41Off what?
25:43Oh, I don't know.
25:45Maggie and...
25:47Just puts you off, that's all.
25:48You look after yourself.
25:50We'll sort out the troubles at home.
25:53Ta-ra, Dave.
25:54Be lucky.
25:55Goodbye, David.
25:55Take care, son.
26:03Good night.
26:04Good night.
26:05Good night.
26:05Good night.
26:18Hello.
26:19Well, I thought you were with the others.
26:22Where's Michael?
26:23He's gone to the shelter with Mom and Margaret.
26:24Well, hadn't you better hurry up and join them?
26:26I'm just going.
26:28Has David gone?
26:30Just.
26:30How do you take it?
26:33It was a shock, of course.
26:35Well, there's another one waiting for him when he gets home.
26:38Huh?
26:39Sheila's got a lodger.
26:39A lodger?
26:40Who?
26:42Doris from work.
26:44Why?
26:44What do you think I was going to say?
26:46That she'd got wires to him, that she was playing him at his own game?
26:48Now, Frieda.
26:50It would serve him right if she did.
26:52And the kids?
26:53Would it serve them right?
26:55I'll tell you one thing, Dad.
26:57You'll not get me off your hands in a hurry.
27:00I'm right off matrimony at the moment.
27:02I'll tell you one thing.
27:29Sheila.
27:36Sheila.
27:40Oh, Christ!
27:41Ow!
27:42Who are you?
27:46David!
27:48What are you doing here?
27:49What do you think I'm doing?
27:50I'm trying to put my trousers on.
27:52Yeah, I can see that.
27:53You wouldn't like to tell me how you came to take them off, I suppose.
27:56Where have you been?
27:57What have you been doing?
27:58What have I been doing?
27:59What have you been doing more like?
28:01You're going to be all right.
28:03Don't worry, I'll die for the nearest shelter if I hear anything come in.
28:06I'm sorry about that.
28:07All the family being there, I mean...
28:09That's all right.
28:11I find it a bit grim, too, sometimes, you know.
28:14Yes, I know you do.
28:16It'll get better.
28:18It's just living through it, isn't it?
28:21Well, it's up to me, I suppose, to talk to Mum about it.
28:24I mean, now that Robert's back...
28:26I wouldn't push her too hard.
28:28But we've got to make a decision sometime.
28:31I mean, sooner or later, we...
28:33Better to.
28:34Let things take their course.
28:37You don't mind anymore, do you?
28:41I mind for you.
28:42Of course I do.
28:44Michael.
28:47You're still buzzing about up there.
28:50That's right.
28:51You take care, won't you?
28:52Of course I will.
28:53Good night, then.
29:02Good night, Margaret.
29:04The kettle will be boiling in a minute.
29:06I'll put a load of sugar in his tea, sweeten him up a bit.
29:09Yeah, was it awful for him?
29:12Oh, no.
29:13It's the worst for him, is the thing.
29:15Don't let him catch us laughing when he comes in.
29:17He's so embarrassed.
29:20Serves him right for not letting me know he was coming back.
29:22He's going to come back here one day and find I've moved.
29:24Hey, he's dead strong on you, though, isn't he?
29:27Is he?
29:28What makes you say that?
29:29I don't know.
29:30I can just tell that's all.
29:31Are you ready for a cup of tea, then, love?
29:42Yeah, yeah, why not?
29:44Is it quiet outside?
29:47Well, there's a bit of a fire going on over towards the river.
29:51But you'll be all right.
29:55Oh, yeah, right.
29:56Well, I'll go up, then.
29:59Can I borrow your torch?
30:01Yeah.
30:02Thanks.
30:08A friend of your Freeders.
30:10Yeah, yeah, you said.
30:11Yes, they went to a dance at the nappy.
30:13She's been bombed out.
30:14Well, is she going to be here every time I come home?
30:17Well, she comes near for me, that's all.
30:20She can have the kids' room if she decides to say, you know,
30:22when things are normal.
30:24If they ever do get normal,
30:25there won't be much left if things go on like this, will there?
30:28Just one bad raid after another.
30:31Ever since April.
30:32Listen.
30:34Are you glad to see me?
30:36Yes.
30:38Oh, you look tired, David.
30:39Yes, well, I've been dying from my own bed.
30:42Oh, dear.
30:43Oh, I'm sorry you said that.
30:44Why?
30:45Because you're going to be disappointed.
30:47Why am I going to be disappointed?
30:48David, your face.
30:50Why am I going to be disappointed?
30:51Because I've chucked it out and I've fought us another one.
30:54Oh, yeah.
30:54You had me worried there for a minute.
30:56You were just going to go nasty on me then, weren't you?
30:58You don't mind?
30:59No.
31:00Oh.
31:01Good riddance to bad rubbish, I'd say.
31:02Oh, you said you were dying for it, didn't you?
31:05You're a great little kid, aren't you, eh?
31:07I thought to myself, now, what can I do to take my mind off it?
31:09You know, the bombing and all that.
31:11And I thought, I know.
31:12I'm going to buy us a new bed.
31:13So I did.
31:14I just went straight up and I bought it.
31:15Just like that?
31:16Yeah, just like that.
31:18Well, look, you go and tuck Flossie up and I'll test the springs, right?
31:23Oh, David, we can't do that.
31:26What, in the middle of an air raid?
31:27You don't know what it's like.
31:28I'm terrified if I'm upstairs and there.
31:30It's dead quiet, aren't you?
31:31Yes, I know, but...
31:32Look, I tell you what.
31:33The minute anything starts, down we come, right?
31:37What, guns or anything?
31:38Yeah, anything.
31:42Oh, you're an old devil.
31:44You are, aren't you?
31:45What, me?
31:46No.
31:48I'm just a fella on a 48-hour pass.
31:52Do you remember what you used to say?
31:54What?
31:56It was like a second honeymoon.
31:58There are all the right things to say, don't you?
32:09Yes, all right, Bert, I've got that.
32:12Ta.
32:15Come in.
32:23Michael.
32:25Thought I'd drop in on my way.
32:26Cozy little place, isn't it?
32:38Yes, you get quite attached to it after a bit.
32:40Being up at night, too.
32:42Like living in another world.
32:44You miss the sleep, of course, but...
32:46It has its compensations.
32:48You believe in this war, don't you, Mr. Ashton?
33:01Don't quite get you, son.
33:03You believe that we've got to fight it.
33:04But what'll happen if we don't, we'll be worse than, well, fighting and so on.
33:11I think so, yes.
33:14You're not absolutely sure?
33:16Yes, I'm sure on that point.
33:17I see.
33:22You get a lot of people saying it's good versus evil.
33:25I suppose that's true to a certain extent, but I'm not so sure about the good.
33:31Evil versus something that's less than good, but it am so better than what the enemy stands for.
33:39That's a bit nearer the mark for me, I think.
33:41And, of course, there are always those times when you don't feel sure about anything.
33:51When our Philip went to Spain, and then Robert going off to sea at 16 years of age.
34:00Things like that.
34:03And there was John, of course.
34:06Do we talk about John?
34:08Yes.
34:08Yes, of course.
34:09He was a bit like me in some ways.
34:12Not too sure where he stood most of the time, except that it was something that had to be got through.
34:20But then, most of these things are decided for us these days, aren't they?
34:26They are, yes.
34:28For most people.
34:30I couldn't even tell you what his politics were.
34:32But then, there always seems to have been some sort of conspiracy of silence about politics.
34:39Between people like us.
34:42Yes.
34:44I know you have views, of course.
34:48I wish I did.
34:49You're a registered conscientious objector, aren't you?
34:56That's the problem.
34:59I think I'm beginning to believe as you do.
35:03It's a bit shattering after years of believing the other thing.
35:10That's why...
35:12Well, I'm not sure Margaret and I should live together.
35:17If I find I do believe in this war, then I'll have to join in and help to fight it.
35:22It's the only decent thing I could do, isn't it?
35:25And risk her having to go through it all again, like she did with John.
35:44What's the alternative, Mr. Ashton?
35:46What's that?
35:49Oh, much better.
35:52How is it feeling?
35:53Oh, it's always great.
35:55The bed daft.
35:57Oh, yeah.
35:58Smashing.
35:58Bang on.
35:59Tis good, isn't it?
36:00You can lie right on the edge without rolling into the door.
36:03How much did you pay for it?
36:05Seven pounds, five.
36:08What, have you been saving up?
36:09Oh, yeah.
36:11I've been saving up for ages, not just for this.
36:14You're a right little capitalist, aren't you?
36:16Yes.
36:18You don't think it was extravagant, do you?
36:21Well, it all depends, doesn't it?
36:24I'll, uh...
36:25I'll have to give it my expert.
36:32David, come on!
36:32Sheila, it's all right.
36:33Come here.
36:34Come on!
36:35Come here, Sheila.
36:37They're after the docks, I tell you.
36:44You rotten, lousy bastards.
36:46Margaret.
37:09Margaret.
37:11Margaret, love.
37:12What time is it?
37:16You're all right.
37:18No need to rush.
37:19Oh, what time did the all-clear go?
37:22Soon after four.
37:25You dropped off when we came in, and I hadn't the heart to wake you.
37:27Well, I bet you'd get cracking, hadn't I?
37:31You'd just lie there and drink your tea.
37:35I called you ten minutes early on purpose.
37:38There's Robert up here.
37:43Robert can stay in bed all day if he wants to.
37:47Breakfast in bed today, I think.
37:49That's right.
37:49You spoil him and enjoy yourself.
37:51I won't be back till after tea today, Mum.
37:59Won't you, dear?
38:01Something on at the school?
38:03No, no, I'm going round to Michael's.
38:06Oh, I see.
38:09Will you be staying for tea?
38:10Yes, I think I will.
38:17Mum.
38:17Yes, dear?
38:22I know what I've done has upset you terribly, and I'm sorry.
38:27That's why I haven't said anything before about what we planned to do.
38:34You and Michael.
38:35You see, Michael asked me some time ago to go and live with him,
38:38and I'm going to tell him tonight that I will.
38:40It seems the only practical thing to do.
38:43Yes, I suppose it does.
38:47You won't be too unhappy about it.
38:53I won't be able to be completely happy about it.
38:56I'm made the way I am, and we all have things that make us more unhappy than others.
39:06I try to be intelligent about it, of course.
39:10But when you're brought up in a certain way, you can't entirely ignore your emotions.
39:19I'm sorry.
39:20No.
39:25No.
39:26So long as you're happy.
39:43Awake?
39:45Yes.
39:45Where's Admiral Jellicoe, snoring his head off, I suppose.
39:50Honestly.
39:51It's the boy's first day home.
39:52You expect him to be up with a lock.
39:54You've forgotten what time we went to bed.
39:57Why can't you have a meal in a restaurant now and again?
40:00What's wrong?
40:03I've, uh, just been talking to Margaret.
40:07I see.
40:09Michael's asked her to live with him.
40:11Has he?
40:14Under the circumstances, I suppose it's the only practical thing to do.
40:21Yes.
40:22Perhaps it is.
40:25She's, uh, going to see him tonight.
40:27Oh, he's fast asleep.
40:32I don't like to wake him.
40:34Oh, I think he'd be gladder than I asked him.
40:36Not him.
40:37Hey, what are you going to do about work?
40:40Oh, I won't go to work today.
40:41No, he'd go mad if he'd wake something from his front of work.
40:44Can you phone the naffy for me when you get to your place?
40:47Yeah, of course.
40:48Thanks.
40:48Are you sure you want me to come back tonight?
40:50I'll be daft anyway he's going back tonight.
40:52Oh, well, I'm working late anyway.
40:54Stop being tapped.
40:55You're embarrassing.
40:56All right.
40:58Do you want me to bring anything back?
40:59No, no, because, uh, I've got to go out shopping.
41:01We'll see you in a minute.
41:10David.
41:15David.
41:17Oh, honestly, Robert, these socks, they're absolutely filthy.
41:22Hey, look as though they haven't been washed since you came home.
41:26I've been saving them up.
41:27It looks like it.
41:29I hope these weren't the ones you gave that gentleman in the, uh...
41:32One boat.
41:33Yes, that's it.
41:34Because if they were, goodness knows what sort of home he thought you'd come from.
41:39Well, that'll be the milkman, love.
41:41Tell him I'll be here tomorrow, will you?
41:42Okay.
41:51Oh, hello.
41:52Hello, Robert.
41:53Then you told me you were home.
41:55You've been to Africa, haven't you?
41:56Yeah, Mum's in the kitchen.
41:58Oh, did you enjoy it?
41:59Fine, thanks.
42:05Oh, dear.
42:06It's your beautiful white shirt with the oil all over it.
42:09I thought you was dirty washing, has he?
42:11Hello, love.
42:12Is David with you?
42:12No, no, I've left him in bed.
42:13I bought you that half pound of butter that I owe you.
42:15Oh, you shouldn't have bothered.
42:16Oh, come on, I can manage.
42:18Anyway, it's rations.
42:19Well, you're looking better already.
42:23Better?
42:24You must be having Rob at home, is it?
42:28Does it show?
42:29Yeah, it shows.
42:48Sheila?
42:49Sheila!
43:07There.
43:08How's that?
43:09Oh, that's marvelous, love.
43:11Hey, have you seen the holes in all these socks?
43:14I thought sailors were supposed to be well up on, darling.
43:17This one certainly isn't.
43:19Mum?
43:20Mm-hmm?
43:20I hate to spring it on you like this, but do you think I have to have my bath now instead
43:24of on Thursday?
43:25Yes, of course you can, love.
43:26I've got the water hot for Robert, but he can have his later.
43:30Can't you, love?
43:31Can't I what?
43:32Have your bath later.
43:34Later the better.
43:35See?
43:36Good.
43:36I'll go up.
43:37I've got me on towels.
43:38I'll make you some tea when you come down.
43:40How about it, then?
43:45How about what?
43:46Any odd jobs you want doing.
43:47Odd jobs, indeed.
43:49You just relax and enjoy yourself.
43:51Unless you like to darn this lot, eh?
43:53All right.
43:54I'll make you some tea when you come, Move.
43:54Era
45:23Oh, it's four o'clock.
45:28Oh, what time does your train go?
45:31Six o'clock from Lime Street.
45:34Hey, do you know, you make noises.
45:37Noises?
45:38Mm-hmm, when you sleep.
45:39What sort of noises?
45:41Oh, I don't know, just noises.
45:43When do you finish your tour?
45:49I've finished it a few up since.
45:52What, you mean you'll be offline for a bit then, will you?
45:54Yeah.
45:55I don't know, you know, maybe.
45:58Maybe?
46:00Yeah, maybe I will, maybe I won't.
46:02But...
46:02I'm not far off me commission, you know.
46:09Pilot Officer Ashton.
46:10Ashton.
46:12How do you fancy that, then?
46:14You saw the kids, didn't you, David?
46:18Yeah, who told you?
46:20Mrs. Thomas won't tell me.
46:22Excited, were they?
46:24Janet was, yeah.
46:26I hardly saw Peter.
46:27He'd gone off exploring or something.
46:29I hardly had two words with him.
46:31Mrs. Thomas says you've stopped wetting the bed now.
46:34They're very happy there, aren't they?
46:37When did you let us go?
46:39Well, the first week in April.
46:42Oh, it upsets me, though, Davy, when I have to come away, you know.
46:46Yeah.
46:50Can you lend me five quid?
46:52Five quid?
46:57Yeah, well, I'm skint till I get paid.
47:00I don't get paid, you know, until the day after tomorrow.
47:02Well, yes, I know, love, but five quid.
47:06Can't you make do with less?
47:08Look, I need five quid.
47:11Did you owe it or something?
47:13Look, if you can't lend it to me, just say so.
47:15You do owe it, don't you?
47:17Yeah, yeah, all right, I owe it.
47:18David, I'm saving that money for us, for after it's over to give us...
47:21Just forget I asked.
47:27David.
47:27Just forget it.
47:35Got what you came for, then, have you?
47:37Are you trying to make me feel rotten again?
47:39Or was it the five pounds you were...
47:41Oh, thanks.
47:42Well, what do you expect me to think?
47:44I'm saving that money for us, David, for our future.
47:47Future?
47:48Future?
47:48What future?
47:52Do you know what my future is, Sheila?
47:53Do you know what it ends, my future?
47:55The minute I step into that bloody plane, that's where my future ends.
47:58Yes, I know, David.
47:59You know?
48:00How do you know, Sheila?
48:02You know nothing.
48:03Nothing.
48:04You can have the money.
48:12Why didn't you say so in the first place?
48:16Because I worry about you, David.
48:19I worry, you know, in case you try to be something that you're not.
48:24When I came down to see you at the base that time, I don't know it.
48:30It wasn't like seeing you here.
48:34I worry in case you go away from me for good.
48:40Sheila.
48:41Oh, David, don't leave me.
48:44Please.
48:46Don't change.
48:47What a sweet letter.
48:52Her spelling seems to be better, too.
48:54She asks about you.
48:55Oh, where?
48:56Over the page.
48:57Oh.
48:59Are you still friends with Mrs. Porter?
49:03Well, are you still friends with Mrs. Porter?
49:06I've reassured her on that point.
49:08You wouldn't like to reassure me, too, would you?
49:10I'm still friends with Mrs. Porter.
49:11I mean it, Michael.
49:14Things aren't as they were, are they?
49:16Oh, come on now.
49:19I suppose pregnant women are a bit oversensitive about these things.
49:23About what things?
49:24Well, there you were, impatient for me to come and live with you,
49:28and then, bang, you seem to go cold on a whole thing.
49:33You have, haven't you?
49:36In a way.
49:38I see.
49:39Not in the way you're thinking.
49:41I spoke to your father about it.
49:43Oh, when?
49:45Last night.
49:46You might have spoken to me first.
49:47I didn't plan it that way.
49:48It just happened, that's all.
49:51I told him I didn't know how long I could stay a CO.
49:56And if I decide I can't...
50:00You'll join up.
50:02Is that all?
50:04Would I have any other option?
50:06You're not sure yet.
50:09I...
50:10I just wonder, when it's all over, and assuming we win, whatever that means,
50:15whether it won't all be just like the last lot, an accident of history, the great cause, just a sham,
50:21the powers of darkness no darker than the so-called powers of light, or very little anyway.
50:26I can't think about it like that.
50:28I just feel threatened.
50:30One doesn't mind being a tool of history.
50:32It's how the tools are used that matters.
50:33What about us?
50:37Well, it just means that if I did join up, it wouldn't be possible for us to live together for a while.
50:51You might as well go home, then.
50:55Don't be silly.
50:57You can't in this.
50:59And I don't want you to anyway.
51:00You believe it, don't you?
51:02You think that's all it would mean, that we just simply couldn't live together.
51:07But don't you see that if you did join up, you'd be asking me to go through it all again,
51:12everything that I went through with John, and I can't face it, Michael.
51:15Well, I can't.
51:16Get down!
51:17Get down!
51:18Get down!
51:27Margaret!
51:30Margaret!
51:32Margaret!
51:33Margaret!