Part 1 Chapter 3 Summary

Billy Prior gets his wish, as he's sent back to France. As he walks along the seawall in the darkness of Bradford, he encounters Elinor, a lady of the evening.

She's drunk and has a hard time walking in her red high heels. At first, Billy isn't interested in her, but then decides to partake of her services. They return to Elinor's room in the local boardinghouse. First, he explores Elinor. Then, he's repulsed by her. Billy's repulsion stems from a look on her face that he's seen before. It's the face of Father McKenzie, his first sex partner.

After his brief evening with Elinor, Billy returns to the barracks, where he awaits going back to France. His tent mate, Hallet, away on a bombing course, has now returned and surprises Billy. Hallet will be shipped out with Billy.

As Billy...