wartime-casualties

In this chapter, Ernest finds himself trapped in the rubble of a bombed building in Croydon during October 1944, struggling to survive amidst smoke, dust, and fire. He encounters a young woman, initially mistaken for Polly but revealed to be Mary, and desperately tries to warn her about the dangers of the upcoming Blitz. The chapter culminates with Ernest being rescued by Colin Templer, who reassures him that others, including Polly and Charles, are safe, even as a V-2 rocket strikes nearby.