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Many wives had contrived to follow their husbands every time the Company was posted. There was a plentiful supply of rooms vacated by sons or fathers who were engaged in war service elsewhere. Landladies seemed to enjoy adopting these Yorkshire families into their homes. Bob Borthwick recognised his good fortune. 鈥楳ost servicemen were already separated from their wives and families. We had enjoyed more than 7 months together but it had to end.鈥�

One evening Bill Harvey was summoned back to the orderly room to take a telephone call. 鈥業 was apprehensive as he ran to take the call but he was instantly relieved. It was Edith announcing that she was in Edinburgh and would arrive in Stonehaven about midnight with the children. She had become aware of the exodus of Doncaster wives and had taken charge of events. I quickly managed to fix up some accommodation and meet her. The news had evidently reached Doncaster that we should be on the move soon. So much for security!鈥�

Everyone understood that once overseas the best they could hope for was a separation running into years. 鈥業n a way, war is for love and lovers鈥� said Bill Harvey who knew how tough it was for those left behind. 鈥淚 salute the courage of all the wives in those troubled days and the hardships they endured.鈥�

This story was submitted to the people鈥檚 War site by a volunteer from CSV Oxford on behalf of the late Bill Harvey. It is a transcript of his own diary and several interviews. He gave written permission for the material to be edited and published.

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