Don't Mention The War.

Maureen was the prettiest girl I had ever seen. She was really nice too, and even though she looked like a goddess, she didn't seem to realise it. Unlike a lot of girls I knew. She was easy to talk to, and always with a smile on her lovely face.

We were courting, Maureen and I. Well I say courting. What I mean is we had dated a couple of times,and I wished we were courting. I was proud to be seen holding her hand. I knew my mates thought I was a lucky so and so.

We were both about 18 years old. At the time I was working on the ferry service between Aberdeen, Orkney and the Shetland Isles. So I was often in Aberdeen, where she lived.

We had arranged to go to a dance hall in Aberdeen. I couldn't dance to save my life, but it was a good way to spend some time holding her close. Oh my word, she smelled divine, and the softness of her hair against my cheek. I used to think I had died and gone to heaven.

There was a German warship in the harbour. The city council had put the flags out for them. They were given a civic reception. I think it was the first time since the 2nd world war that a German navy vessel had visited. The newspapers were full of it. Blimey! It wasn't so long ago since I spent my time shooting Germans. Only in childish games. I don't mean for real. That was my Dad's job!

When the delectable Maureen and I arrived at the dance hall it was full of young German sailors, in their fancy uniforms. We local lads didn't really stand a chance.

A well scrubbed young sailor approached our table. He stood before Maureen, bowed, and asked her politely in broken English if he might have a dance. Hah! He bowed! What a Dork!

I wouldn't have felt so annoyed about it perhaps, if she had looked to me first, but it was suddenly as if I didn't exist. Maureen was up and swept away in his arms. He could dance too! I expect he'd had dancing lessons the swine!

After she had danced with him several times in a row. I was in despair. I should have challenged him to a duel, but I expect he would have been brilliant at that too.

Honestly, I wasn't the only upset one that night. The local girls were having a ball, the local lads were having a bawl! Anyone would have thought the Germans had won the war!

That was it with Maureen and me. We didn't go out any more but I soon recovered. After all I was a sailor too. I had a girl in the Shetlands, and the Orkney islands! Although that may have been wishful thinking. No it wasn't! I did have girlfriends there. Don't know why I said that.

Apparently, why the girls were so bowled over by the Germans was because they were so well mannered! Bloody nerve of it!

Maureen I forgive you. But how could you do it? Had you forgotten that they bombed our fish and chip shop?

Not to worry. I'm over it. Almost!