Chrissie

Leading Aircraftwoman **Chrissie** is a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force.

June 1943, Chrissie works in the parachute store and is the girlfriend of Frank Cox.

At the Turk's Head, Frank and Chrissie are discussing David Ashton, and Frank informs her that David went to London on leave because his wife has found a new bloke. Chrissie asks Frank what he would do if she were to find another bloke, and he tells her not to say things like that, even in jest. Frank receives a telephone call from David, who also wishes to speak with Chrissie. David wishes her congratulations and urges her to look after Frank for him.

Frank and Chrissie stroll near the plane, talking about their future together. When Frank cautions her to be careful of those other airmen, she assures him that there will never be anyone else for her. To this, Frank responds fatalistically, "Well, if there has to be, there has to be. You understand?" But Chrissie cannot even bear to think of this, so she kisses him goodbye and hurries away.

The flight crew are heading for their bomber, but Frank pauses for a moment to speak with Chrissie. He tells her, "I'll see you in the morning, then," she responds, "See you in the morning," and then they kiss each other goodbye.

March 1945. Chrissie, while working in the parachute packing room, agrees to go for a drink with Peter Bryant that evening, if, that is, he promises to have her back by nine o'clock. David notices the two talking, and Peter seems embarrassed to be seen with her, as she was Frank Cox's fiancée until poor Frankie was killed in an airplane fire after a bombing run. Peter assures David that there is nothing serious between them, explaining, "I do just enjoy her company very much."

Peter and Chrissie are having a drink, and up to their table staggers Jack, who obviously is quite drunk. After Jack chats for a moment and then walks away, Peter realises that he must not have heard that they are on call for tomorrow. Peter hurries after him to try to prevent him from imbibing any more alcohol.

At a farm Peter and Chrissie are chatting as they sit against a comfortable stack of hay. She reveals to him that this is the first time she has gone out with anyone since Frankie was killed. Shyly, Peter asks her if she would like to go out again sometime, and, to his pleasant surprise, she says, "Yes, of course."

At the Turk's Head. Chrissie and Peter are playing snooker while discussing the bad luck that seems to follow David around. Peter explains that poor Jill was told by someone that Derek had been killed, but actually he was able to land safely in Holland. Derek is still on the duty list, says Peter, and he still has six more ops to go. Just then, Derek comes into the pub, buys a beer, and, trudging directly past Peter and Chrissie, seats himself at a corner table, where he seems intent on drowning his problems. Alarmed at Derek's odd behaviour, Chrissie asserts, "Peter, I don't think he even saw us."

At the hospital. Sitting beside David's hospital bed, Chrissie informs him that Jill asked her whether she thought it would be all right to send a letter to Sheila, inviting her to stay at the Robbins' if she came to visit David. Chrissie told Jill yes, send it, but David doubts that Sheila will come.

At the Turk's Head, Peter is drinking with some friends when Chrissie gently confronts him about his flying assignment for tomorrow. He has finished his tour, Peter says, but now he will be "hanging in for a few ops." Chrissie forces him to admit that he is taking the six ops that Derek failed to complete.

## Gallery

Frank Cox and Chrissie.Frank Cox and Chrissie.Peter Bryant and Chrissie.