1917
Bessie tore down the path to the mail box. She flung open the latch. At last! Mail! Grabbing the contents from the box, Bessie gingerly opened the envelope addressed to her and greedily soaked in the content.
“Bessie, you are my intended. Please wait for me.” Bessie closed her eyes and pressed the card to her cheek.
“Oh Sam!” she whispered. “Please come home to me safely.” The words caught in her throat as she blinked away hot tears. She slipped Sam’s card into the front pocket of her apron.
“No I will not allow myself to think the worst,” she vowed fiercely. “As Mother says, ‘Chin up and get on with it’. The crosses we have to bear are nothing compared to what our boys have to bear.”
Bessie thought of her dear brother Jack also fighting somewhere in France.
“Look after each other and please come home to us soon” she implored.
Bessie ran back inside to share her news with the one woman she could always rely on.
“Motttther … Motthhherrrr,” she called.
“Goodness Bessie, whatever is the commotion about?” asked Elizabeth Richards aghast.
“I have a card from Sam!”
Elizabeth smiled. “He is such a lovely young man Bess! What does he have to say?”
Bessie blushed. She couldn’t tell mother about the entire contents of the card yet.
“Oh … just that … he misses everyone.”
“That’s lovely dear. Now don’t dilly-dally. It’s washing day and there’s a strong wind blowing. We don’t want to lose a moment’s drying time.”
“Yes mother,” said Bessie as she lit the copper.
Elizabeth, widowed at a young age, with thirteen children to raise, depended on her oldest daughter heavily and Bessie never let her down.
Bessie was torn. She wanted to serve Mother but, at twenty one, she longed for a husband to honour and obey and her own children to love. Her glory box overflowed with all sorts of treasures, many she made herself. Hand painted plates, smocked aprons, embroidered table cloths and napkins and her prized possession, a precious crystal vase from mother. Sam was the only man for her but this wretched war could destroy all her dreams in an instant.
Later that evening, when the little cottage was quiet, her younger sister Min lying beside her lost in dream land, Bessie took out her card from Sam. She read…
‘THOUGHTS OF YOU
When the stars are all like dreams
And the breezes all like sighs,
There comes a voice from far away
Like your spirits low replies.’
Bessie flipped the card over and read
My dearest Bessie, this is a picture of me thinking about you. With all my fondest love, Sam (F.1)
Bessie sighed dreamily. Sam’s kind blue eyes captivated her and it was obvious to all her friends that Sam held her in high regard. He nodded politely to the many girls who vied for his attention but concentrated his efforts on Bessie. She was the most glorious creature he had ever seen.
Mother made it clear it was improper for young ladies to be obsessed with boys. Bessie always listened to mother but with Sam, try as she might, she could not control her feelings. He was so courteous, strong and dashing. Bessie blushed just thinking about Sam. Thoughts of him consumed her as she went about her endless chores.
Each Sunday the entire Richards clan attended the local Catholic Church. Bessie sang How Great Thou Art at the top of her lungs. Elizabeth smiled at the zest her oldest daughter invested in her hymn singing. Bessie did not dare tell her that all the while she was singing she was actually thinking about Sam.
After mass, each Sunday afternoon, Bessie walked in solitude along the narrow bush track bordering their home. She collected armfuls of forget-me-nots, the delicate flower whose blue shade reminded her so of Sam’s eyes. She filled her wicker basket with the dainty flowers, buried her face in them and cried as though her heart would break.
Finally Bessie drifted off to sleep. She tossed and turned. She could see Sam. It was so strange. She knew she was asleep and yet it was so real. Sam was in the middle of a battle field. He was the hero calmly comforting the wounded and fielding them to safety. Bessie called his name but he could not hear her over the sounds of battle. Finally he turned to her, flashed a broad smile and mouthed “I love you Bessie. Please wait for me.” Suddenly there was an explosion. Debris flew everywhere… then… pitch blackness…
Bessie ran through the field searching for Sam. Panting, she called Sam’s name “Sam Sam Saaaaammmmm.” She could no longer see him. Looking wildly around her, heart pounding, she saw wounded men lying in pools of blood, limbs torn away, men with gaping wounds, calling to her… “Help me Bessie! Help me!” Bessie stumbled over a dead body… down… down… down… she fell.
Bessie gasped and woke with a start. Still panting, she sat up in bed drenched in sweat. Looking around she saw she was at home in her own bed, Min half asleep was kicking her mumbling, “Shoosshh Bessie. Too noisy.” Bessie held her little sister close and exhaled, relieved it was only a dream. Bessie stumbled to the wash stand, gazed at her reflection, and whispered “Get a grip girl. Imagining the worst will not do.”
The next morning, after the younger children had been waved off to school, Bessie collapsed in tears. “Whatever is the matter child?” demanded Elizabeth.
“Oh mother, what if I never see Sam again? I wish we had never met! How could he go away and leave me?” she sobbed.
“Bessie, when your father passed I was desolate. Part of me wished we had never met because losing him hurt so much but I soon realised that if I had not met him I would not have been blessed with such wonderful children. I would not have you. I don’t believe for a moment you wish you had not met Sam. The reason you are in such pain is because you are in love.”
Bessie, crimson faced, stole a sideways glance at mother.
“Yes I can tell Bessie, no need to be coy.” Elizabeth said, smiling at her namesake. “Don’t let your imagination run wild. Deal with what is in front of you. Our men have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect us. Say your prayers and stay busy making up your special parcels for Jack and Sam. Knit love into every stitch of the socks you are making. Send happy thoughts to Sam and one day you may look up from your work and he will be standing in front of you with his arms outstretched waiting for one of your wonderful hugs.”
Bessie, teary-eyed, smiled admiringly at her mother and hugged her close.
“You always make me feel better mother. I love you.”
“I love you too dear girl and I need your help so please get back to work.”
*********************************************
1935
The elegant crystal vase proved a fine feature on the polished oak dining table. An abundant arrangement of long stemmed sky blue flowers, complete with sunny yellow centres towered above the splendour of an exquisitely embroidered table cloth. The forget-me-not tablecloth with matching napkins was a fixture in the O’Donnell household. Sam O’Donnell entered the dining room in a manner most befitting a police officer in charge.
“It’s arrived Bess,” Sam announced to his wife, handing her an official-looking letter. Bessie smiled at her husband adoringly.
“Girls come. Listen to this. Your father has been awarded a very high honour indeed.” Bessie beckoned to their three daughters – Vera, Eileen and Lois as Sam cleared his throat and read
Australian Imperial Force Base Records Office; Victoria Barracks
Melbourne 25th March 1935
Dear Sir I have much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from Second Supplement No 30424 to the London Gazette dated 11th December 1917 relating to the conspicuous services rendered by you whilst a member of the Australian Imperial Force.
Awarded the Military Medal
His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the reward of the Military Medal for Bravery in the field to the undermentioned No 5162 Private (Acting Corporal) S. O’Donnell, Anzac Provost Corps. On 20th September 1917 this NCO was controlling the traffic from the Culvert to the Hooge. On the day in question the Menin Road between these points was heavily shelled. Through his energy, coolness and utter disregard of personal danger he controlled the traffic on the road (traffic at all times being exceptionally heavy) and materially assisted in expediting the evacuation of the wounded. The above has been promulgated in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. 66, dated 2nd May 1918
Yours faithfully, Sergeant T Robinson Officer in Charge Base Records (1)
“Sam I am so proud of you! It is uncanny. It is like a dream I had when you were at The Front. I had forgotten about it until now. It was like I was there watching this the whole time.”
“Well you know Bess thinking of you kept me going in all the darkness of those long days. I just thought, my darling, if I did my duty God would take me home to you safely and He did. I have other news too Bess. I have been promoted. Next week I officially take charge of Eltham Police Station.”
Bessie sat down, stunned. “What an amazing day! Girls we had better start packing our things. There is so much to do!”
*************************
1940
There was standing room only at Eltham Hall. The large crowd were waiting to greet the man they had adopted as their own, and they arrived in droves to express their appreciation. Lively chatter filled the air as, in turn, they relayed stories about their Senior Constable Samuel O’Donnell. The trestle tables bowed under the weight of a resplendent feast provided by the ladies auxiliary, plate upon plate of delicious sandwiches, cold cuts, iced cakes and pitchers of tangy punch.
Upon entering the hall, Bessie clutched Sam’s arm tightly. They smiled and nodded at their many friends as they made their way to the front of the room.
“I’m so excited for you Sam but I am a little nervous too,” she whispered.
“It is fine my love. We will have a fun evening. Just relax and enjoy yourself. It will give you a chance to say goodbye to all our friends” said Sam, smiling reassuringly at his wife as they took their seats in the front row.
Councillor Braid approached the podium, voices slowed to a murmur and a hush descended. He addressed the large gathering.
“Ladies and gentlemen it is my great privilege to welcome you to this wonderful celebration in honour of our very own Senior Constable Samuel O’Donnell. As many of you know Senior Constable O’Donnell was awarded a military medal for his impeccable service during World War One. His bravery was once again tested last year when the merciless fires devastated parts of our district. For his actions during that time and for all his support during the past four years we are truly blessed and grateful. Sadly it is time for Senior Constable O’Donnell and his family to leave us. To his credit he has been promoted and will soon transfer to Russell Street Police Station.
It is heart-warming to see so many of you gathered together to bid farewell to the O’Donnell family. Senior Constable O’Donnell has displayed wonderful tact and understanding which is very necessary in the position he has held. He has fully earned his promotion, and we are glad for his sake, but many residents will feel a definite loss in the departure of the O’Donnell family from the district. (2)
Without further ado I would like to introduce our first speaker, Mr Everand M.L.A.”
“Thank you Councillor Braid and welcome to all on this auspicious occasion. From the moment I met Senior Constable O’Donnell I knew our community was in safe hands. Beneath his calm demeanour is a man of strength and fine character. He always has time for everyone, irrespective of the issue. He truly listens and cares. With a ready smile and comforting word he remains steadfast and fair in his decision making. Due to the confidential nature of policing I am prevented from citing direct examples from Senior Constable’s suite of triumphs but he has certainly made an excellent impression on our young folk. We have never had so many youngsters wishing to join the police force. Thank you, Senior Constable O’Donnell for your contribution to our community here at Eltham and surrounds. Congratulations on your promotion and all the very best for the future to you and your lovely family. I would like to introduce another fine community leader, Captain Allen, who will speak on behalf of the Eltham Fire Brigade.”
“Thank you Mr Everand. It is my great honour to pay tribute to Sam this evening. We have worked very closely together and shared a great deal. I wish to make special mention of Sam’s role in what was a devastating time for this community, last year’s bush fires. January 13th 1939 was a black day for many. We are all so lucky the fire was contained before reaching Eltham and Senior Constable O’Donnell played a huge part in that containment. The fires have been described as reminiscent of a war zone. (3) We were so lucky to have a war hero to support us through such a challenging time. We all thank you implicitly and will miss you and your family. Hold onto your hats Russell Street is all I have to add, Sammy.”
Captain Allen appeared to wipe his eyes as he resumed his seat. The two men locked eyes and nodded in recognition of their solid mateship. Bessie squeezed Sam’s hand and wiped away her own tears.
“Thank you Captain Allen,” said Councillor Braid leading the applause. “Hardly a dry eye in the house. It now gives me great pleasure to introduce Superintendent Patterson.”
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. The large attendance this evening is convincing evidence of the popularity of Mr and Mrs O’Donnell. Senior Constable O’Donnell has always carried out his duties in a fearless and impartial manner. And it is a fact, as I am standing before you, that every district to which Mr O’Donnell has been attached, has regarded his departure with deep regret. (4) This is proof of the exemplary nature of this fine officer. I would like to introduce the great man himself to address you all. Residents of Eltham, may I present your Senior Constable Samuel O’Donnell. Join me at the podium Senior”.
The crowd rose to their feet to applaud their much loved policeman. The standing ovation shocked Sam and he glanced at Bessie in surprise. Bessie encouraged her husband to accept his honour. Sam addressed his beloved community.
“I am truly humbled by your response. It has been a pleasure to serve you all. Bessie and I have made the most wonderful friends and our time here has been far too short lived. There is always a place at our table for you.Thank you for the warmth and hospitality you have bestowed upon us. I would like us all to bow our heads and pay our respects to those who lost so much in the fires last year, including those who are now with our dear Lord Jesus Christ.”
The crowd paused for a few moments to pay homage to friends and neighbours lost.
To lighten the resultant sombre mood Sam quipped,
‘Incidentally January 13th is Bessie’s birthday so us men all knew we needed to rally together and fast. I would have gotten myself into all sorts of bother if I missed Bessie’s birthday celebrations.”
Laughter filled the air on this bittersweet evening. The crowd realised Sam’s comments were an attempt to navigate away from the grief many felt following the fires and that disrespect was not his intention. He was a devoted service and family man who worshipped the ground his wife walked on. Bessie shook her head as if to scold her cheeky husband.
“Now seriously folks it is with delight that we have made your acquaintance. A special thank you to the ladies who spent so much time preparing such a tasty supper. Stay around for a chat, a cuppa and a bite to eat so we can thank you personally for making us feel so welcome these past four years
At home, later that evening, with the festivities now only a memory, Sam turned to his wife.
“As a token of my gratitude for all your support, sweetheart I have a gift for you. I know leaving Eltham and all our friends will be difficult. You have always been there to help me shine. I could not have done any of this without you. You deserve the accolades more than I do.”
Sam presented Bessie with a card.
SWEET THOUGHTS
I hear you calling me
You’d call’d me when the moon had veiled her light
Before I went from you into the night
I came – do you remember? – back to you
For one last kiss beneath the kind star’s light
With All My Fondest Love, Sam (F.2)
“This card reminds me of all the times I have left you behind not knowing if I would come back alive. I want you to know that the very thought of you helped me to be extra cautious. I always want us to be together. These are for you, my angel,” said Sam presenting his wife with a stunning bouquet of brilliantly blue forget-me-nots.
“With all my fondest love.”
