Chapter 3........

Chapter 3

East Hills Hostel

They arrived in Sydney Harbour on June 22, 1958, in what was said to be the worst weather witnessed for some time. Most likened it as inferior to the ‘English’ winter, dissimilar only by the absence of snow. This cataclysm made up of low, amorphous, uniform, dark layers of cloud gave off continuous precipitation. It was not the greeting expected and definitely not like the information provided in England displaying golden beaches, swimsuits and sunny days.

They and their fellow travellers became instantly sceptic of the glamour associated with Australia’s sunny climate. As thoughts entwined with the journeys end became a reality it promoted further apprehension, but, at last, especially for Ted, verification of years of anticipation and struggle in obtaining passage finally consummated an outcome. Happier times and opulence rest in the hope and belief the stories, travel brochures, pamphlets and government propaganda they were inundated with over the past few years in England could offer the qualities of life authorities so freely publicised. The intensions of the Scotsdon’s were laden with many possibilities to fulfil dreams, and as long as they did not allow first impressions to impact on the achievement of successful results thus far, the opportunities were there to be taken.

While being transported from the ship by bus to East Hills Hostel, a hope proffering the unknown kept everyone to a whisper. They had yet to see Kangaroos hopping ubiquitously, bush rangers riding their stallions, or snakes squashed on the roads as informed by London gossipers.

       “Hip hip hooray,” everyone cheered as the bus pulled into the ‘Hostel’ cul-de-sac. Within view was a mass of huts, not unlike the concentration camps as witnessed by many of the veterans, despite this the silence had been broken as cheers and laughs exchanged a variety of tones. The joy was probably only a release of anxiety helping to camouflage the hesitation so heavily lingering in receding minds as each knew they were now a servant to their own destiny.

Don was too young to understand the setting he was to call home, he could only later envisage and try to comprehend the multitude of sentiments felt by his parents. Their search for happiness and a new lease on life in Australia jumbled with snug memories of ‘English’ home comforts, and the intellectual void caused from alienation restraining optimism, all played a part in aggravating the senses to create a concoction of emotions.

       “This way please,” said a young man in a dialect made up of ‘English’ and ‘Australian’ slang. He wore cheap rubber thongs, walked with a slouch, and introduced himself as ‘Bill’. While leading a charge towards the main hut, undaunted by the rain, he explained he had been in Australia for four years and reassured everyone they would enjoy the people and the climate. Most disbelieved his statement as they tiptoed through murky puddles.

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East Hills Hostel Sydney 1958

Chapter 2 conclusion

Chapter 2 conclusion

Repressive mechanisms took control of Don’s mind, maybe the lethal fracas he witnessed added an ‘Oedipus’ complex because, although he was innocent of any wrongdoing the fear of punishment and repercussions to himself or his father if he dare blab his secret lent an emotional dynamic forced subjugation of the unconsciousness. But much to his favour was the remarkable and significant esteem he held for his family and never once mentioned that evening, or displayed or developed adverse aggression toward his father. It could have been he was just too scared to say anything, nevertheless he unquestionably suffered an early dissociative disorder but this later served him well when he was old enough to associate it with ethical and moral correctness. It taught him to understand a lifelong rule; one’s need to fight for principles of justice and protect one’s property was of paramount importance for sanity, liberty, and freedom.

Only when Don grew old enough to imagine the mixture of feelings his dad held within could he understand his actions. The war compelled hostility and death, yet to have to initiate the taking of a life in peacetime must have been a horrific experience. Don never saw his father show emotion or speak a word of his deed. In travel from England, the alienation, confusion, uncertainty and the many feelings and insecurities mixed with the excitement of what lay ahead in an unknown land must have been invigorating and intimidating, and Ted was not going to let a pervert like Battista stand in his way; he had come too far and fought too hard to be distracted from his goals.

For the Scotsdon family the stimulation from an ambiguous future surely affected each in different ways. Before the trip came to an end Tim simply enjoyed all on offer, and Ted put the repugnant past in the past, but Rene’s attitude to travel was still one of anger and resentment which she masked vaguely by deluding herself the merriment of ship festivities could continue forever. She would never be aware of Ted’s execution and with his atheistic beliefs he never sought redemption for his crimes. Don was reticent for the rest of the trip for which his family put down to his sometimes bratty behaviours, and Zoe never gave Battista another thought.

Chapter 3 to follow........

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Chapter 2 continued...........

Chapter 2 continued.........

When he poked his head out the door to search the deck he caught glimpse of the two fighting and baulked daunted before dashing to hide behind the staircase to remain inconspicuous. From there he viewed Battista on the ground bleeding from facial wounds and his father standing over him. Now Don was very scared and intimidated, he froze, watched, listened, and heard Battista say in an arrogant and offensive tone;

       “I’ll have you up for assault and then you’ll be in the ships’ brig and why your there I’ll have my way with your precious daughter. You won’t stop me. Ya fuckin' Idiot.” Battista laughed scornfully as he strained to his feet. Ted said;

       “Ohhh no you won’t.” He grabbed him to hit him again, they struggled, Ted fought like a Kilkenny cat as they neared the railing of the ship, he picked up Battista bodily and in the gravity of intense fury threw him over the side into the endless dark ocean. Don could hear the faint scream in the strong wind and ran inside petrified but unseen.

Ted looked over the side with a torrid mental rejection of his own actions, then he scanned up and down the deck in shock of his instinctive yet deadly reaction, as he became sanely aware of the outcome he took one last look over the side, but saw no sign of Battista; he was gone in seconds. He looked left and right along the empty deck again and again and was confident he was not seen. He wiped his clothes free of ruffle, gathered his senses and went inside to the bathroom to freshen his appearance.

Once Don got inside he was sheepish looking, his mother asked;

       “Are you okay? Did you find your father and say goodnight?” With a sense of guilt and overtones of quailed reflections, he answered;

       “No mummy, I didn't see ‘im.” Ted joined his family at the table as if nothing happened. On one hand he was tense but on the other hand glad the problem had been disposed off. Don said his goodnights and slept in disbelief to what he witnessed.

During the trip when Zoe and others commented they had not sighted Battista for a while, Ted answered;

       “He’s probably in his cabin suffering from seasickness like a lot of the other passengers.” Zoe accepted her dad’s explanation but Rene showed her suspicions by later asking;

       “It’s strange Battista just disappeared. Did you say anything to him?” Ted replied;

       “I asked him to stay away from Zoe and told him people are talking about them and it doesn’t look good, maybe he listened and is staying clear of us, or maybe he really is seasick. How would I know?” Rene’s insight to her husband’s character was sufficient enough to know he was withholding information, but because she was glad she and Zoe had not seen him for a few nights she refrained from further inquiry.

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SAKI- The drunk Aussie monk

Chapter 2 continued

Chapter 2 continued.................

Over the next few days Battista refused to heed Ted’s warning and blatantly breached Zoe’s space with disturbing commitment. He did this in company and with fun attached to ensure his actions could not be construed in any way to amount to unlawful molestation. He plumed himself in the knowing, if Ted hit him with witnesses present he could take legal action. Ted was not going to go to a cell for anyone, but he knew he had to put an end to the pandemonium because Battista was portraying a confidence flaunting an open infatuation, it was getting out of control and he was getting away with it. Ted knew for sure Battista’s obsession was far from any puritanical legacy, and if he let Zoe out of his sight for any period of time her safety would be compromised. So as not to make a scene Ted tried to get him on his own again, but he was clever in his movements and stayed well clear of Ted’s advances. Instead he manipulated Zoe’s affections in the hallways and in places Ted was absent, or on the dance floor in full view of everyone to nullify an attack. Both Ted and Rene spoke to her constantly about his improper advances but she was too innocent to realize her ease of association was influencing his behaviour; just like any teen she knew best. Ted thought: ‘I have to be patience and wait my chance. He’ll not get away with it much longer.’

Ted watched his every move with determination. After dinner on a moonless, cold, windy, blusterous evening, Battista finished his meal and went outside onto the deck for reasons known only to him, maybe for a smoke, fresh air, or exercise, whatever the reason it was a lapse in memory on his part. This was the opportunity Ted was waiting for. He followed him, cornered him, and firmly made his case clear;

       “I’ve fuckin’ warned you sunshine, over and over again. Stay away from my daughter or it will be the last thing you do. Do you understand?” He paused before clinching his fist at his face; “I will not tell you again.” Battista laughed condescendingly, as he turned his back on Ted to walk away he replied with impudence and gall;

       “You can’t do a thing about it. Piss off!” The derisive reply once again saw Ted disparaged to the point of rage. He laid one hand on the shoulder of Battista, forcibly spun him around and whacked him firmly on the lip with a right hook, then followed with a left jab to the stomach; he went down squealing like a pig. Ted stood over him about to affirm once again his dictate but he moved suddenly, swiftly swiping his leg in a low circular motion at Ted's legs knocking him off balance, it was just enough to allow himself freedom to get up and attempt scamper to the safety of inside, but Ted tackled him around the waist and pounded him again and again with his fists.

While this ruckus was evolving Don was told by his mother, who was oblivious to the whole goings-on outside;

            “It’s time for bed Don. Go and find your father and say goodnight.” Don remembered seeing his father go outside and went looking for him. 

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Chapter 2 continued

Chapter 2 continued

On this occasion it was a sleazy Italian named Battista. He befriended the Scotsdon’s and at first proved good company and helpful with entertaining the young children, but he soon began showing a lot of inflictive attention to Zoe who was only in her mid teens compared to his late twenties; he was enamoured with her purity. Ted kept a discreet eye on the two and was forced to speak to Battista many times about inappropriate advances towards his daughter, but he persisted without shame condoning an inert discombobulated sense of wrong. Because of Zoe’s naiveté she enjoyed the attention and had no idea of his sordid intentions. Battista would fake sexual play by patting her leg, or by brushing his hand over her breasts while attempting a friendly cuddle. He would dance with her consistently and his pelvic movements worked to gyrate in close proximity to her body with enervating effects on her father’s patience, his excitement would show boldly by the bulge in his trousers front; clothed frottage gave him intense sexual pleasure. Many passengers commented on their distasteful and suspicious behaviour and a lot took umbrage at what they described as; ‘Zoe’s attempts to lead him on’.

Ted tried hard with as much diplomacy as was tolerable to reason with Battista. He already explained in no uncertain terms Zoe was an impressionable youngster, determined and rebellious like all other teenagers, but nescient to his violations of her privacy or other infractions regarding his suggestions. Ted knew she was oblivious to any type of intrusive misdemeanour, yet could not make Battista understand; he ignored all warnings so Ted dictated;

       “Battista, I am getting tired of talking to you about this subject, we like your company but I’m not happy with the attention you’re paying my daughter. She is only fifteen and has not got a clue what’s going on, in fact she's innocent to your gestures and sick advances. You do know what I mean don’t you? I want you to stay away from her.” Ted went silent for a few seconds waiting for a reply, but his question gained no response so he continued with an order free from ambiguity;

       “Stay away from her! Okay!”

Battista just stared at Ted, he smirked a supercilious and conceited smile to reply with a pitted snub to his warning;

       “Fuck off! She likes my attention and you can’t do a thing about it!” Ted was infuriated; he did not hesitate in bending his arm at the elbow to release his fist with as much power as he could muster and landed a right hook on Battista’s chin knocking him to the ground. Then to relieve himself some more by therapeutic abreaction, while turning for the door he pointed to him with arm outstretched and threatened;

       “Stay away from her or there will be trouble. Do you understand?” Battista was dazed, while trying to stand he knelt on one knee clasping his chin in one hand and gazed menacingly at Ted with an expression of extreme and wilful disobedience. Ted was well acquainted with such impertinence from people and aware this was not the end of his troubles.

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1945 Burma

CHAPTER 2

Chapter 2

Trip to Australia

For one so young the sea crossing offered only vague memories for Don. In the five thousand mile, six week journey they suffered their share of storms, and the family of five were cramped into a small cabin which would have been uncomfortable even without the inconvenience of bad weather. Winds were relentless, unleashing enough power to prove capable of tossing the ship into a fury of frenzied twists and turns. Passengers were told to stay in their cabins and remain on the beds to prevent injury. Don’s parents strapped him to the bed by joining a few belts together and securing them to the frame. One wonders how easy it would have been to become trapped in the cabin if there was an emergency; after all, they were on the bottom deck where the continual rhythmic thud of the engines would practically dismiss any audible mechanism of warning. The storms finally eased, after many days the constant battering diminished and orders of confinement to cabins retracted. Passengers enjoyed the rest of the trip in calm seas and balmy days, and many made valuable friends on the way.

Zoe, now an attractive young lady entered the ships ‘Crossing the Equator Ceremony’ in which someone was to be chosen worthy of being crowned ‘Neptune’s Queen’. Fifteen young women paraded the ‘Sundeck’ lounge for all those passengers still well enough to take part in the judgement. She wore a white full piece swimsuit covering more than it left uncovered, and a numbered sash draped her shoulders, it was accompanied by a white dangling cloak stopping short only inches from the ground; fitting advantageously to bestow her beauty. The participants were judged by a table of five, the main one being ‘Neptune’. He was identifiable by the ‘trident’ he clasped, and the other four, his helpers, were dressed in character. Much to her parent’s delight Zoe came second and was named ‘Maid of Honour’. Excitement drew tears of joy from Rene. She rushed over and hugged her daughter with the warmth and ardour a mother’s devotion so readily delivers; truly a blissful day. Ted clasped his ‘Box Brownie’ with proud indulgence and snapped a photo. His heart was filled with happiness as he evinced a smile that could subdue any rough passage. Zoe received a box of chocolates and dinner at the captains’ table for her triumphant pretence in a moment of fantasy, more importantly it increased her self-esteem and she was the envy of many of the young girls; not to mention young hormonal males. The advertising gained from the parade towards her splendour presented much avenue of attention from the men aboard. Interests came her way not only because of her victory and loveliness but also due to her friendly disposition. This served a cautionary awareness for her father’s paternal defence mechanisms; from hereon he kept a more appropriate watchful eye over her.

There were numerous arrangements made to entertain the children and give parents a break, ‘time out’ to relax; swimming in the pool, birthday parties, face painting, educational classes and more. For the voyage entire, most adults, except the sick, took advantage of the illusionary effects of such a rich lifestyle. No work and all party, sunny days, nightly dances, sing-a-longs, meals supplied, no washing up, fun company, live shows, lots of activities such as ‘Housie’, and practically everything included in the cost of the ‘passage’ made it so easy to believe in the world of dreams. These were the best times in which all past problems could be forgotten, albeit, the opportunity given to relax and let those dreams became a reality was only for a short period because as usual there is always someone ready and willing to upset a sense of equilibrium by creating a problem.

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‘Crossing the Equator Ceremony’ 1958 Fairsea

 Leaving England 1958 on 'Fairsea'.