The Clippie Girls Read Online Free PDF

that not all of those under his charge saw very often.
    From the beginning, when Peggy came home in her uniform and regaled the family with stories of the training and her first days as a clippie, Rose was even more determined to join her.
    ‘We’ve already been warned that it’s bitterly cold in winter and boiling in summer,’ Peggy warned her. ‘It’s dirty and dusty – and you wouldn’t believe the trouble we’re likely to get from passengers sometimes. And by the end of an eight-hour lump – that’s what they call a shift – my feet are killing me.’
    ‘But you love it, don’t you, Peg?’
    Peggy’s eyes had sparkled and she couldn’t deny it. ‘Yes, I do.’
    ‘Will Bob have to go? You know, be called up?’
    As the first volunteers were disappearing from their neighbourhood and even one or two men from work had gone already, Rose asked the question.
    Peggy shook her head. ‘He says not. Mr Bower saw a list published in The Times in January—’
    Rose gasped. ‘You mean they thought there was a war coming back then?’
    Grace, overhearing, sniffed. ‘Of course it was always coming. It never really ended last time. That’s what the papers say, anyway. And we’ve had leaflets already telling us what to do if there’s an invasion.’
    ‘You shouldn’t believe all you read in the newspapers, Mother,’ Mary said mildly as she glanced up at Peggy. ‘Go on, dear.’
    ‘Nobody listens to me,’ Grace muttered and then clamped her lips together as if determined to say no more.
    ‘Mr Bower kept the list,’ Peggy went on, ‘just in case it came in useful, and it includes tram motormen, so he thinks at least they’ll be exempt.’
    But Grace’s efforts to remain silent didn’t last many minutes. ‘Unless they volunteer, of course. And you know what fools men are.’ She glanced up at Mary, silently reminding her that her husband, Ted, had been a gallant volunteer, but look where that had landed them all. ‘You mark my words, they’ll all go flocking to get themselves killed and we’ll be left with silly young girls to drive our trams.’
    Rose’s eyes widened. ‘Do you really think so, Gran?’ She clapped her hands. ‘Oh, I do hope you’re right. I’ll ask Mr Bower in the morning and get my name put down.’
    The family all laughed at Rose’s enthusiasm, not taking her seriously for a moment, but the very next day Rose cornered the inspector when he came into the canteen.
    ‘Mr Bower, if a lot of the drivers leave, will you be training up women to take their place, because if so I’d really like to be considered?’
    ‘Whoa, whoa there, Rose. Hold your horses, love.’ He peered at her closely. ‘I thought you wanted to be a clippie like your sister.’
    ‘I did – I do , but learning to drive a tram would be so much more exciting.’
    ‘It’s not about excitement, Rose. It’s about keeping our passengers safe.’
    ‘But will you be training girls?’
    Laurence shook his head. ‘I really don’t know yet, lass. Management haven’t said owt.’
    ‘But if they do – please , Mr Bower.’ She pretended to pout, but her eyes were full of mischief as she said, ‘You know I always give you an extra spoonful of your favourite mashed potato.’
    Laurence Bower wagged his forefinger playfully at her, trying hard to keep a stern expression on his face, but failing miserably. ‘Don’t think extra helpings are going to coerce me into giving you a new job. You’re a bad ’un, Rose Sylvester. A real bad ’un.’ Now he was grinning broadly, but then his smile faded and he became serious. ‘I know you want to be a clippie like your sister. She’s a good lass, bright and excellent with money. At the end of the day, her ticket takings are rarely wrong and she’s calm in a crisis. We get a few awkward customers, y’know, but she can handle them.’
    He regarded Rose thoughtfully. He was already on the lookout for a new batch of recruits. Maybe he could take a chance on Rose.