Head lice had been rampant in the camp and so they had all hacked off as much of their hair as they could with anything they could find. It was better than being driven mad scratching but now as he weakly managed to raise his hand to his scalp he frowned. His hair, or what was left of it, stood up in little untidy tufts and he knew that he must look a terrible mess if any of his comrades were anything to go by.

His thoughts were interrupted when one of the nurses, a kind young woman who had told him her name was Sally, asked, ‘Is there anything I can do for you?’

He managed a weak smile. ‘Yes, you could stop the ship from rolling.’

‘If only I could,’ she answered with a grin, clinging to the side of the bed as the ship dipped again. ‘But never fear, the captain just told us that we should be out of the storm very soon and before you know it, you’ll be back on home ground.’

He nodded and finally gave up trying to overcome the tiredness that had hit him again and within seconds he was fast asleep.

‘Oh, my darling girl! You look just beautiful,’ Sunday told Kathy on the morning of her wedding. ‘I don’t think I have ever seen a more beautiful bride. Your other mum would be so proud if she could see you.’ She often thought of her Kitty, for as this lovely girl had grown, she had become the double of her.

‘Now, Mum, don’t start crying or you’ll start me off,’ Kathy warned as she pulled the little veil on her hat down over her eyes. ‘Pass me that posy, would you? And then I think we’re all ready to go.’

George had run the groom and the rest of them to the church some time ago and had now come back for Kathy, her mother and John, who would give the bride away. He had become quite emotional when Kathy had asked if he would consider doing it and had assured her that it would be a very great honour.

Sunday lifted the tiny posy of white roses and baby’s breath and handed it to the bride then, after exchanging a kiss, side by side they set off down the stairs.

John too looked quite teary-eyed at his first glimpse of Kathy and told her sincerely, ‘You look absolutely stunning, my dear. Now … are we ready to do this?’

‘Oh yes,’ Kathy breathed. She could hardly wait to be David’s wife and so they all clambered into the car for the short journey to the church.