Book 36

Thursday 22^nd April 1943

Up before 6.  I got out quick to wash. It was quite warm this morning so I was soon ready for breakfast.

We went off at 8 for our tests.  First we had to do another Morse aptitude test, just the same as the first.

Then we had some intelligence tests, in some ways they were easier than the Air crew in another they were harder.  My pal was the same as me, knowing nothing about wireless.

We then had to have a colour vision test & while we were waiting I looked at my marks – which we should not do.

I got 99.92 & 86 average of 92.

My vision was o.k. & eventually we got before the bloke in the C.T.T.B.^X My pal was lucky, in 3 minutes he was down as W./O. and went to the attestation room but some interfering flight sergeant came up to my bloke & eventually I had to take another test.

It was then 10 to 12 so I only did the first part of the test & then went to lunch.

The test was wicked.  It was all about wireless & although I answered most of the questions I had to guess a lot of them

After lunch I finished the test – a maths paper with advanced algebra so I thought I would be thrown out of W.O.

I rang Dads shop & left a message to say I might not be home tonight. 

When I saw the CTTB bloke again he seemed surprised about my test & asked me a lot of technical questions & eventually he said, “you know if you fail this you will be out altogether so do you think you will do it if I pass you” so I hastened to assure him I would & he advised me to start studying wireless & maths.

He was the most decent bloke I saw & it is due to him only that I got in the R.A.F.

After seeing him I went to the attestation room & saw my pal there.  A Waaf took all my particulars & then although Burridge had been there 4 hours before me our papers came out together & we went off to the Paying officer.  We got 3/- subsistence & 4/- advance pay.

My number is 1876276 A.C.H. Redhead

I dashed off to the Intake section & got cleared & got a pass which entitled me to leave at 1600 hours so I left without tea.

I came back via Bedford to St Pancras – far better than Kings X to Cardington.

I eventually got home at 7.45.

Bed at 10.30

Cardington & RAF is bloody awful & all I wish is that I was exempt.

Friday 23^rd April 1943

Up at 11.30

Messed about till after tea.

Then I called on Ron but he was out.

I called on Ray to see if he knew what Les was doing.

Les had called to see if I was back on Wednesday evening & Thursday afternoon so it was only polite to call on him but I didn’t want to find him out.

Ray didn’t know what Les was doing so I went to Les’s he was in.

Eventually he & I called for Ray & we came to my place for a bash.  I called for Bert as well.

After Les & Ray had gone Bert & I stood talking we saw a bit of flashes in the distance but we eventually went in.

I hadn’t been in 2 minutes before there was an alert at 22.55 till 23.40.

It wasn’t very noisy, however.

Saturday 24^th April 1942

Ern & I went to the baths in the morning.

After dinner I went out & bought an RAF VR badge^XI & then I saw Bert.

We played at Pretoria it was really good. We played several Orks right through.

Sunday 25^th April 1943

ARW 0032 – 0040 all quiet

Mum & Dad Ern Jean & I went to Laindon. I called on Freddy in the morning he is waiting to go in the army.

We had some fun in the afternoon & in the evening Ern Jean & I went for a walk.

Mum & Jean had the bed & Ern Dad & I slept on a made up bed on the floor.

Monday 26^th April 1943

Up at 9.  I did more work than I did yesterday.

We left at 8 & caught the 8.36 home.

We saw an accident at the Broadway.  A crowd of blokes came from the Coach & Horses & sauntered across the road & one didn’t take any notice of a car & got hit but he wasn’t hurt much.

Tuesday 27^th April 1943

Les called to see me in evening & he came up Elccas with me.

I bought a book on Radio & another on maths today.

Wednesday 28^th April 1943

Worked at LHWG with Roff.

I had to go to city fire prevention offices & found out that as I was not on active service I still had to Firewatch – which I think is a damned imposition.

We played at Pretoria & it was super.

Thursday 29^th April 1943

At LHWG during morning.  In office after lunch.

Played at St Marys church in evening it was super. About the best we have ever been.

I went to music.

Friday 30^th April 1943

I had to Firewatch although I had tried to evade it but I stopped in my room till it was dark working on my music index & then I went straight to bed.

Saturday 1^st May 1943

Home at 7.45.

Ern & I went to the baths.

Ern left about 12 to see Stan & go to the church with his Mum & I went about 1.15.

We got to Upminster Bridge & walked to the church.  Stan & Joan had a nice service.  We went to the house & I played the piano a bit & got some RAF gen from Stan & one of his pals.

We left about 6 & I got to Pretoria at 7.30 it was a lousy affair, a private do, with all the usual messing about & we were glad to pack up.

Sunday 2^nd May 1943

Up at 12.

Bert & I went out in evening & finished up at Elccas.

Monday 3^rd May 1943

Les called round in evening & we had a bash.

Tuesday 4^th May 1943

I got my Papers.

I have to report at Cardington on the 18^th—————-

I told Agar & I shall leave Friday.

Went to Night School.

Richards told me to keep in touch with him.

Went up Elccas.

Johnny is having his medical Friday.

Wednesday 5^th May 1943

Bert & I went round Fred’s & had a talk.  They will get Jimmy Haggerty in my place.

Home at 10.30

Thursday 6^th May 1943

Went to music for last time.

Went round to Ron’s after.

Friday 7^th May 1943

Had a good last day. Did a job for West & Agar nearly to B.S. (Balance Sheet) & did some other jobs & after lunch as there was a meeting we went in the board room.  Geoff had his medical A.1 & provisional air crew.

I felt rotten when I went round & said goodbye.

West gave me a 2/- tip.  He’s a good old boy even though he does talk a lot.  

Fred gave me a dancing lesson.

Saturday 8^th May 1943

Up late ARW 7.5 am 8.10am all quiet.

Went to Broadway & saw George Formby in “Get Cracking” & “Quiet Please- Murder”.

Went to Pretoria.

As Les is still off we are going up the other end Monday.

Sunday 9^th May 1943

Ern Jean Dad Mum & I went to Walters for Beryl’s 2^nd Birthday.  Mr & Mrs Keyes were there.  I gave Beryl 5/-.

She has had £5 given her.

Left at 10.30.

Monday 10^th May 1943

Poured with rain all day but Les & I went out.

I called in at Guedalla’s for ½ an hour.

Then Les & I went to the news cinema under Grand Bldgs. & saw several short films.

After our lunch we went around & bought some music & Les bought a mute & music.

Then we came home & finished up at the Odeon & saw “The ghost Breakers” & Rhythm of the Islands”.

Stayed in during evening & indexed some music.

Tuesday 11^th May1943

Up dinnertime.

I indexed some music.

Les came round & we got all the boys to come to Elccas.

I went to night school.  Richards told me to write to him.

Left school at ¼ to 8.

Bert & I were at Elccas first & all the boys came & we had a super time.

Koch announced I was going up.

Mary & Maisie asked Les & I to go to a wedding on Saturday so we said we’d arrange it on the way home.

Les beat me to Mary by a short head. Anyway we are going.

Wednesday 12^th May 1943

Up dinnertime.

I indexed some music.

We played at Pretoria & had a grand time.

We had a jam on In the Mood for a jitterbug that lasted nearly a ¼ of an hour.

Ern came later on & heard us. I felt rather browned off when we finished, but still I can come back after the war.

Mrs Tennant spoke to me in the Interval & said Ivy wants me to write to her.  She gave me her address.

Ivy’s boy has just gone overseas so it looks as though I will have to watch my step.

Thursday 13^th May 1943

Went to Laindon.

Saw Freddie in evening & he wants me to write to him.  He is expecting his papers any day.

Friday 14^th May 1943

ARW 0215 to 0303.  Planes were about but I was so tired I didn’t get up & a storm came on before the AC.

I saw Les in the morning & got him to come to the Public Hall tonight to see Fred play.

Mum said I could have the boys round tomorrow night.

I bought a record of “Shadrack” by Louis Armstrong for Fred.

Les & I went to the Broadway in the afternoon & saw ”Star Spangled Rhythm” & “City of Silent Men”

I handed the band funds over to Bert.  Ron was the only one who didn’t come to the Public Hall.

Les had said he didn’t want to go to the wedding and we had sent a card saying so but Mary & Maisie were at the Public Hall & they persuaded us to come after my party was finished.

Saturday 15^th May 1943

Up dinnertime.

I made a list of music I could bash.

ARW 17.42 to 17.51 saw a plane flying but I think it was British. 

Doris came over with Beryl.

After tea Les Bert Ron & I had a jam till 11 & then Bert Les & I went up the Broadway & Ray joined us & then Mary & Maisie came along & we went to the wedding. Bert & Ray went at 3.

The people heard I was going in the RAF & one of them slipped some money in my pocket.  I found after that there was 14/6.

We didn’t go to sleep after we finished playing but we went in another room with M & M.

Sunday 16^th May 1943

Home at 7.45.

Ern Mum Dad & Jean went to Laindon.

I went to sleep in the sun & got burned.

We had an alert at Laindon from 1240 to 1250 but we only got the planes flying as they are all day.

Did a good bit of work.

Home at 10

Bed 11.30.

I was woke up about 2355 by mum saying a bomb had fallen & Bert was yelling for me.

While I was dressing the ARW went at 2358 there was no action during the raid & the AC went at 0012.

Monday 17^th May 1943

Ern got in about 12.15. He was in the next road to the bomb which fell in Bath Rd Stratford.  He said the plane dropped it because it was caught in the Cedars Light.

He had phoned up about the incident & had given 3J as a reference & he went up to see them.

While he was there we had an alert. 0032.  We soon saw action & loads of shrapnel fell near us.  Ern came back about 0045 & we heard a bomb drop over the docks way soon after.

There was a long lull & then a fair more guns and the AC went at 0239.

I then went to bed.

When I got up Mum told me they had had another warning from 0345 to 0420.  They heard planes & guns in the distance.

I went to the Broadway in the afternoon & saw “Money for Jam” with Abbott & Costello & George Arliss in “Dr Syn”^XII & some short films.

Bert & I went round Fred’s & I had a dancing lesson & had a music discussion.

I felt it when I had to say cheerio to Fred & Bert.

Aunt Lily & Maud were at home with Stan’s wedding photos.

ARW 2336 to 2342.  We had heard guns before the alert & we heard planes as well during the alert.

Bed about 12.15.

Tuesday 18^th May 1943

ARW 0110 to 0201. Got up heard planes guns & bombs.

Went to bed 0215.

ARW at 0225 to 0315.  Heavy gunfire.

Stayed in bed.

Up 8.30.

Finished getting ready.

Had dinner & left at 12.30.  Mum cried a bit & Dad didn’t say much  & I didn’t feel too good.  Ern came to the Stn with me as he is not at work because the Dr said yesterday he must get his teeth seen to.

Ern wasn’t too happy at saying cheerio.

Caught 1.30 from St Pancreas to Bedford & caught RAF bus to the camp.

Did some waiting & got my kit etc & handed over ration books identity card etc.

Had some awful muck for tea.

Wednesday 19^th May 1943

Writing this on 21^st.  it will have to be collection of note from now.

Up 10 to 6

Busy all day getting kitted out.  Kit weighs nearly as much as me.

Sent parcel home.

Hardest job webbing.  Up till 10.15

Had warning in night all stayed in bed in defiance of rules.

Thursday 20^th May 1943

Up 10 to 6

Ready by 7.45.  full kit weights a ton.  In train about 10.  Took some kit off in train.  Travelling rations were lousy.

Arrived Skegness in time for lunch.  Food better than at C 

Billeted in empty houses no furniture. I’m in Squad 1. Under the sergeant a good chap.  All NCO’s are o.k.

Skegness seems nice place. Planes over all day.

Had F.F.I.^XIII

Did plenty of marking arms shoulder high.  Had couple of lectures.  They instil pride of RAF in you.

After tea we are free but we had so much cleaning etc to do I stayed in. I managed to write a letter home.^XIV

Up till after 11 working.

Friday 21^st May 1943

Up 10 to 6

Felt bit stiff but we had 3 hrs lectures on Gas – post war planning – security etc. & it wore off.

Had another lecture later Rules boundaries etc.

Plenty of marching.

Started parade drill.  It’s not too hard. I think I will learn commands soon.

P.T. we just had talk.

We are to do unarmed combat & modified commando course throwing logs etc about. We finish VC in Full Kit.

Managed to write another letter home.

Stayed in in evening.

Saturday 22^nd May 1943

Had vaccination & inoculation see letters.

At cinema saw “By Street “ & some shorts.

Had smashing tea out.

Sunday 23^rd May 1943

Wrote home & to MBBs. (The Band)

Arm was very sore.

Went up Naafi in town in afternoon & had a bash.

Tony Scotty & Des came with me.

After tea we went to Naafi I had another bash.

We all felt gay & ragged one & other in the billet.

Got to bed about 11.

Monday 24^th May 1943

We all got tousled up by the NCOs today either individually or singly.

We are supposed to be on fatigues see letters

Went to NAAFI for a cake & tea. Back to Billets to clean up & write letters.

During day we had more lectures on Aircraft Rec etc & we had the MOs one & also the Accts section.

Tuesday 25^th May 1943

The B-y PTI Sergt made us run around a field today in bare feet. The grass was wet & there were a lot of nettles & I have cut a lump off one of my toes & altogether I feel more browned off than ever before. I got no letter today & that didn’t help any.

I also had a haircut & it feels awful.

All I want to do is leave the RAF & as I know I can’t, the sooner I get a leave the better.

Wednesday 26^th May 1943

I got a parcel from home today enclosed were letters from Mum & Ern (see letters)

Had another gas lecture after tea & found what I am doing. I am with Corpl Muir ( a damn fine chap)

Thursday 27^th May 1943

Had 2 letters from Dad & Mum & Bert.  Bert writes a damn fine letter & I felt quite cheerful after.

We had dental parade.  My teeth are fit.

We were also radiographed for T.B. & while at the place had nearly an hours lie down in the sun.

We felt grand – the NCOs were in a good mood & even let us sing as we returned.  Then we had P.T. & had a dip in the sea as we did yesterday.

Altogether it was the best day we’ve had.

We had a dummy run for the exercise. But it was a lot of rot.

Spent rest of evening cleaning.

Wednesday 2^nd June 1943

I think I will more or less stop this for a while.  All my doings are in mum & Dads letters so they can take the place of a diary. Link to Letters.

Tuesday 29^th June 1943

I will start diary again now (4^th July) I think as I have more time. 

First part of today is in letter so I’ll carry on.

The assault course consists of a slope with barbed wire at top when you jump through there is a pit about 12 ft deep to land in. then a tunnel (where you get your rifle banged up) a couple of holes to jump over then a 12 ft wall to scale a little run over some wire & jump a gate another run over trip wires then balance along a log 6 ft above ground then hand over hand along a pole over an imaginary river, more wire fix bayonets & charge the dummies jump a trip wire & that’s the end.

On our way back we had a rest & Halle (Ex F.O. Navigator) gave us a talk about training & raids.

In the tea detail 12 of us were posted & was I glad Tony Scott & I went to the swimming Gala after tea.  We picked the winner right away. She was a piece of nice alright.

Wednesday 30^th June 1943

We had our usual routine in the morning, after dinner the posted AC2s paraded together & we had an FFI & got rid of our rifles ammo cleaning stuff & dungarees then we packed up our kit.

After tea 6 postees & 6 others went out on the spree & painted Skeg scarlet.

Johnny Pete & Harry got drunk & Derek was half cut.  We had to tie Pete in bed & Johnny was sick on the landing.  Anyway we got to bed about 12.30 after a memorable night.

Thursday 1^st July 1943

Up soon after 4. Breakfast at 5.

We caught the train at 9.45 & left at 9.33.

We arrived at Kings X about 2 & a lorry took us to South Ken.  After about 15 mins the lorry took us back to Kings X & we all got very excited about.  Eventually we arrived at the Northern Poly in Islington & were received there & given billets etc.  (out of the 12 of us Ernie Cliff & Gwyn were posted to Lewisham & the rest to Islington)

I am with Johnny Ed & Chris & Jack in 53 Carleton Rd.  the Billet is actually a Club-hostel affair & is the best billet going. The room has furniture & lino & civvy beds.  In fact we were even able to put our webbing out of sight because all our kit went into drawers.

I rang Walter at 6 as I didn’t think it was worth going home as M&D might have been at Laindon.

One of the drivers answered & said W & D were out – back at 6.45 so I asked to be rung at 7.  

When Walter rang he didn’t know but anyway we had a good talk.

Friday 2^nd July 1943

Paraded at 7.40.

Although we are on civy rations we got good food & enough of it.

We messed around all day & various people came to speak to us.

We get a 36 hr pass every week & we filled those in.  We also get 2 48 hr & 2 7 days while on the 24 week course.

I would have gone home tonight but we didn’t get our passes or FFI.

Saturday 3^rd July 1943

Had FFI & Colour vision test & got our passes.  We left at 10.45 & I was home at 11.30.

I met Ern in the Broadway.  He had left Romans & is going on a Precision Tool Course & will only be home weekends like me.

There have been some changes round home.  Mrs McGarry & baby are dead & the fireman opposite is in hospital.

They have had part of the house redecorated.

Jean came over in the afternoon

Marsden called to do the piano & I found out he knows Hurran & Stokes the Principal of the music trades school & the chief tuner at the Poly.  In fact he asked me to give them his regards.

It was good to be home again – I can’t really describe it.

I went up the Public Hall with Bert early evening & I had a bash.  Bert Hansey liked me & was disappointed when he heard I would not play all night.

Although the boys are better now, when I play they improve still more.

It was grand to play again I played a quickstep waltz foxtrot tango rumba & conga with the boys.  Even old Fred congratulated me.

Sunday 4^th July 1943

Went to Laindon & had a good time .  Ern & Jean M & D went. Home 8.30

Bert & I went to Elccas about 9.15 & I left at 10.  I got to the billet at 11.20. (I had a bash at Elccas)

Monday 5^th July 1943

One instructor Mr Jazz certainly lives up to his name & I will have to study plenty at the billet if I am to follow the course.

I spent 3 ½  hrs studying in the evening.

Tuesday 6^th July 1943

Had Metalwork in morning & went to maths in afternoon.

Swotting most of evening.

Wednesday 7^th July 1943

During our GST period we went to the sports ground & just messed about.  Johnny Ed Chris Jack & I went to the Finsbury Park Empire^XV and saw Harry Roy & his Ork.^XVI  Quite good show.

Thursday 8^th July 1943

Dad came to the billet to bring my washing for tomorrows kit inspection.

I got packed up & did some swotting.

Went to baths in morning & I started to learn to swim.

Friday 9^th July 1943

Jazz properly fazed us all today & we had to work till nearly 11 & then I didn’t finish my notes.

Kit inspection was a farce.  2 chaps got on a 664B.

I got paid – 18/- for a week.

We went to the Rec room & myself & Howard Jones had a go on the 2 pianos.  We are going to try to organise a dance in lunch hour.

Saturday 10^th July 1943

I had to bring my books home to get organised & up to date.

I called at Kingsway to get more gen books on my way home but HMSO & Smiths were shut so I was unlucky.

Doris & Beryl came over.

Beryl didn’t know me at first.

Went to Public Hall.  Apparently Jimmy got snotty at me playing last week so I didn’t play.  Still I am still the MBB pianist & he’s only a deputy.

Ivy was there. I had a couple of waltzes.

Sunday 11^th July 1943

Up at 10.

Got my work up to date.

Saw Ron in afternoon. Got some more music to take to the billet.

Ern said he would get my gen books for me.  He is starting a course as instrument maker at Edmonton soon.

I had a record jam session.

Went to Elccas & from there went to Billet.  Met Ed at Kings X 

Got in about 11.

Monday 12^th July 1943

Day was easier than last week’s work.

Had a nice quiet evening reading.

We had a gas mask parade in morning.

Tuesday 13^th July 1943

I am doing better in metalwork than I did at school.

Did a few notes in evening.

Wednesday 14^th July 1943

We started our course on IC engines.^XVII Mr Ring is a darn good instructor & he can put it over.  A very interesting lesson. We started our first aid course with a lecture on anatomy.

Had a quiet evening & did my notes.

Thursday 15^th July 1943

Got my fags & chocs from Naafi.

Friday 16^th July 1943

Went for a run to Parliament fields & back during G.S.T.

The CO gave us a lecture on Indian diseases as most of us will be going there in about a years’ time.

Saturday 17^th July 1943

Went home.

Ern had all the Gen books I want.

The boys didn’t have a job until last night & when Fred went to Jimmies he was out & he asked me to play.  I went to Fred’s at 6.15 & found Jimmy there so I didn’t play.

I wrote some notes instead.

I had to go back as I had no pass

Back at 11.

I took the gram & a dozen records.

Sunday 18^th July 1943

Church parade was o.k. finished at 10.15.

I caught the 11.45 to Laindon.  Arrived at 1 had a quiet day & got back to billet at 9.30.

Monday 19^th July 1943

I rang up the office at lunchtime & had a chat with Pratt.

Wrote notes in evening.

Tuesday 20^th July 1943

Bit browned off & had a rotten evening. I wrote a couple of letters.

We had a gas lecture & sniffed several gases including Phosgene mustard lewisite & a couple of others.

Wednesday 21^st July 1943

Did some notes in evening.

Thursday 22^nd July 1943

During GST we were dismissed & had a walk & bought some apples & plums, the women in the queue insisted we should be served first.

Went to the Gaumont with Ed & John in evening & saw Joan Bennett in “Girl Trouble” & Jack Benny in “The Meanest man in the World” also a Walt Disney “Pluto” film.

Had the Naafi today.

Friday 23^rd July 1943

Got paid £1/14/-

Did my notes in evening & had a bath.

Saturday 24^th July 1943

We had to go to the sports at Tufnell Park in the afternoon & didn’t get off till 4.40.

Home at 5.40.

I went to Elccas at about 6. Had a grand time at Ellen’s wedding.  Ron & Doll were there Ron should have been with the boys but didn’t go. Home 11.30.

Sunday 25^th July 1943

Dad gave me a cup of tea at 8 & then Mum & he went to Laindon.

I got up at 12.30.

Messed about till 4. Saw Bert & he & I had a bash for a while. Ern came in with Jean & they went again at 7 & I went up Elccas.  Enjoyed myself & went home at 9.30.

Left at 10.30 & got to Billet about 11.50.

Monday 26^th July 1943

Mr Harvey who we have got while Jazz is away is damn good & explains very well.

Did some work in evening.

Tuesday 27^th July 1943

During GST we went in the gas chambers – only with CAP but it was quite uncomfortable what with the heat & sweat, & we had our tin helmets.

Got up to date with work during tutorial & went home in evening.

Did some reading & went with Bert & Ray round the Black Lion to a job but I only stayed till 8.30 as it was a poor show & only them 2 & an NFS present.

Left home 9.30 at billet at 10.45

We filled in our weekend pass today – 800 sat to 2359 mon but whether or not we get it is a different thing.

Wednesday 28^th July 1943

Went to the Odeon with Erik & Johnny & saw “The life & death of Colonel Blimp” quite an excellent film in many ways but the plot was not very good.

Both Johnny & I were out of fags & through talking about it Ed got us to promise to knock off smoking till 800 Sat.

So now I can’t have a fag till Saturday & I can’t let myself down or they will say “no willpower”.

Thursday 29^th July 1943

Got knocked down in gym & hurt my wrist again.  Made my nose bleed as well later.

I got a free ticket today, together with John Ed Chris & Jack, for the Scala (they’re provided by the London Welfare we get them every 3 days).

Got there at 6.30 & found it closed & Cops outside moving people on.  They said 3 of the cast fell ill but seeing the no. of officers & also the fact that the deputy commissioner of police turned up, we think that there is something up.

We went round to the army exhibition in Oxford St. its darned good & we spent 2 ½ enjoyable hours looking round.  Back at 10.30

Friday 30^th July 1943

Had a couple more nose bleedings & got off PT in morning.

We were able to go home in evening till Monday night, did a little work. 

Aunt Lily came over.

Saturday 31^st July 1943

Up at 11.30

Messed abut in afternoon.

Played at a party at Elccas in evening with Ron & Jim.

Home 11.45.

We had a colossal storm during evening & Ern & Jean were out in it. & Ern lost his wallet with money identity card other official papers comb nail file scissors etc.

Sunday 1^st August 1943

Up at 11.30 

Went to Laindon on 3.5 train.

Did some work

Monday 2^nd august 1943

We got up at 8.30 and had a good day.  I did some more work & Ern Jean & I had a nice day in the town.

Home at 8.30

At Plaistow we met Jeans sister in law.  (Her husband is a flight sergeant)

I felt very little like going back but I had to & got back at 11.30.

Tuesday 3^rd August 1943

Pryser chewed me up because my buttons weren’t clean enough for him – the xxyxxzzz.

I felt like going home but had some work so did that & then I wrote a letter to Freddy.

Wednesday 4^th august 1943

Worked through evening

Thursday 5^th August 1943

Same as last night.

Friday 6^th August 1943

More work.

Saturday 7^th August 1943

Did written exam. I shall be surprised if I don’t get about 90%

Left at 1.30

Home 2.15

Dads brother Harry & his wife Alice called last Tuesday evening.  

It must be 10 years since I have seen them

Walter came over to see Ern & took me back to see his garage & gave me 20 fags.

I went with the boys to the Elyssa school of dancing where they are playing.

Fred wants me to form a band for the 21^st as he is already booked at the public hall.

Les is in hospital with pneumonia.

Sunday 8^th August 1943

Mum Dad Ern & Jean went to Laindon.  I got up at 11.45 messed about.

Monday 9^th August 1943

Went to the Savoy with Ed & saw Presenting Lily Mars” & “Close Quarters”

Tuesday 10^th august 1943

Finished up with over 80% for the exam.

Went home for the evening.

Wednesday 11^th august 1943

Went home again

Thursday 12^th August 1943

Had haircut.

Worked in evening.

Friday 13^th August 1943

Worked in evening.

Saturday 14^th August 1943

Went to Laindon Saturday evening after spending the afternoon (under complaint) at the sports.

Sunday 15^th August 1943

Messed about all day. Went up Elccas in evening.

Monday 18^th August 1983

Firewatching in evening in place of civy.  Had an alert which lasted 4 minutes at midnight.  Had lovely bed in the orderly room.

Tuesday 17^th August 1943

Mum & Dad are at Laindon (Dads on holiday) & I went to Abels house.

Wednesday 18^th August 1943

Ed Jack & I went to Savoy & saw Bob Hope in “They got me Covered” & Thursdays Child”

Thursday 19^th August 1943

Got my second FS cup.

Played football against the tens & beat them 5-2 in evening.

Friday 20^th August 1943

Rutherford (ex Arsenal) picked two teams (he’s taking all the best) & we had another game.  He’s side won 11-4 but I think we did well.  My feet were bad when we finished.

Went on leave in evening got ration card for first time.

Saturday 21^st August 1943

Up 11.30

Saw Ron in afternoon.

Met the trumpet player from the billet who Ed booked for the Public Hall.

We had a damn good time & I’ve got a job for next Sat at Pretoria at £1/10 per man.  I want Ron & Jim for it.

Book 37

Sunday 23^rd August 1943

Went to Laindon.  Went to Elccas in evening.  Ron will do it. Jimmy can’t.

Monday 24^th August 1943

Went back to Poly

Worked in evening.

Tuesday 25^th August 1943

Went home

Went to Elccas.

Thursday 26^th August 1943

Got a bottle of hair cream at Naafi.

Worked in evening

Friday 27^th August 1943

Had a haircut.

Worked in evening.

Saturday 28^th August 1943

Went home.

Played at Pretoria. The drummer Ron got was lousy.

Sunday 29^th august 1943

Had to go back for church parade.

The CO is a C____.

He marched back in front of us to the Poly & dismissed us in the road.

Everybody gaped as we “Officers on Parade dismissed”.

Messed about rest of day.

Went up Elccas

Monday 30^th August 1943

Had a letter from Fred.

Worked in evening.

Tuesday 31^st August 1943

Went home.

Called at Elccas. 

Johnny is joining Essa & Kenneth had given me my old Tues- Sunday job back.

Starts next Tuesday.

Wednesday 1^st September 1943

Worked in evening.

Thursday 2^nd September 1943

Worked in evening

Friday 3^rd September 1943

Lost at football today 3-4 after winning last week 14-1.

Worked in evening.

We celebrated beginning of 5^th year of war by invading Italy.^XVIII

Saturday 4^th September 1943

Designed & built a 2 valve amplifier.

Went round Ron’s in evening, had a good time.

Sunday 5^th September 1943

Went to Laindon. Jean & I picked about 6lbs of blackberries.  I answered Freddy’s letter.

Monday 6^th September 1943

Nothing out of ordinary.

Tuesday 7^th September 1943

Played at Elccas

Wednesday 8^th September 1943

Ordinary day

Thursday 9^th September 1943

Had Naafi

Friday 10^th September 1943

Ordinary day

Saturday 11^th September 1943

Played at Elccas

Sunday 12^th September 1943

Monday 13^th September 1943

Ordinary day

Tuesday 14^th September 1943

Played at Elccas

Wednesday 15^th September 1943

Ordinary day

Thursday 16^th September 1943

Ditto

Friday 17^th September 1943

Pay Day.

On Firewatch

Saturday 18^th September 1943

Went with Bert to his cousins wedding at Rainham.  Stayed all night.

Sunday 19^th September 1943

Met Dad at Barking & went to Laindon.

Played at Elccas

Monday 20^th September 1943

Ordinary day.

Except for 2^nd exam. Rather stiff.

Tuesday 21^st September 1943

Played at Elccas

Wednesday 22^nd September 1943

Ditto

Thursday 23^rd September 1943

Went to Savoy & saw “Dubarry was a Lady” & some short films .

For exam got 30 out of 40 & 48 out of 60.  25 for viva & 52 for practical.

Got pay & ration money.  Should have gone on leave tonight but Sunday is Battle of Britain Sunday we have to lose 2 days & go on parade on Sunday.

Saturday 25^th September 1943

We built a set today. Ours works very well.

Came home in afternoon.

Bought a mains transformer for 25/-.

Played at Elccas.

Sunday 26^th September 1943

Up at 6.

At poly at 7.

We marched about 10 miles in all.  The service was a Alexandra Palace grounds.  Was glad to get it over.

Home 10 past 2

Played at Elccas in evening.

Monday 27^th September 1943

Up at 11.

Met Bert at 12.30 at Ibex House.  We had lunch. Went up Charring X Rd & I bought some dots.  Looked in Lisle Lt for some wireless parts but didn’t get any.

Went to Daily Express exhibition Path to Victory, finished up at Stoll at “Hi De Hi “ good war time show.

Had supper at Corner house & home at 10.45.

Tuesday 28^th September 1943

Up at 11.30

Messed about all afternoon.

Played at Elccas

Wednesday 29^th September 1943

Sorted out music & bookcase & desk.

Thursday 30^th September 1943

Went to Laindon with Mum & Dad. Saw Freddy who was on leave.

Friday 1^st October 1943

Went to the office.  Had a good talk.  Bacon Martin Miles & Ager were out.  Went to Tivoli & saw “Stormy Weather”. Fine film.

Played at Elccas.

Saturday 2^nd October 1943

Doris & Beryl called in afternoon.

Played at Elccas.

Sunday 3^rd October 1943

Went to Laindon.  Came back by early train & played at Elccas.

Finish of my leave.

Monday 4^th October 1943

We had a special Naafi today for us coming off leave – only fair too.

Went junking & got some wireless parts.

Thursday 5^th October 1943

Went home in evening. Played at Elccas but got up late in morning & late on parade & got put on a charge for it by Jones.

It was funny when I was marched into the CO & the evidence laid by Flight.

I got 2 days cc & spent from 6 to 7.15 painting blackboards with Chris John Cameron & 2 other blokes.  We should have stayed till 8 but we sheered off early. 

I had to go back to get my kit ready to take back in the morning.

Wednesday 6^th October 1943

We had to go on parade in full kit.

Jones inspected us.  We all got told off for 

1. No small kit in valise. 
2. Dirty water bottle cap. (For which we had to go to the orderly room at 10.15)
3. No water in bottles.
4. Pack too low or gas mask too low.
5. Our gas capes didn’t open

When stay was pulled on order “Gas” we were in an awful mess when he let us go.

We scrounged some Emery & Sandpaper & cleaned out bottle caps like new & when we arrived at the orderly room Jones took us to the CO.  It really shook him when we displayed our clean caps.  So the CO couldn’t do a thing.

We had to go to Manor Hse for fatigues in evening but we had an easy time.  As we left Holloway Rd tube on our way back the ARW sounded but we only heard a few guns.

Thursday 7^th October 1943

I went to a dance with the boys but we had a warning & it was closed down.  It was quite hot at times.

Friday 8^th October 1943

We played football at Tufnell Park.  I scored my first goal of the season.

Saturday 9^th October 1943

I got some wireless parts.

We played at Pretoria.

Les’s old girl May was there.  I took her home – boy can she clinch.

Sunday 10^th October 1943

Went to Laindon.

Played at Elccas.

Monday 11^th October 1943

Stayed in all evening

Thursday 12^th October 1943

We had a first aid lecture from 5.30 to 7 – quite interesting but it didn’t finish till 7.20 & I had to race home & got to Elccas at 8.15.

Mr Levey passed away this morning at 95 yrs.  Kinch will not leave at xmas as he was but is going to stand by the club & try to get all the improvements they wanted after the war.  We are carrying on except for next Monday and Tuesday.  

He is being buried Tuesday next.

Wednesday 13^th October 1943

Bought an old chassis & some parts.

Nearly got my books up to date in the evening.

Thursday 14^th October 1943

Slack day & messed about in evening.

Friday 15^th October 1943

Football in morning.  Messed about in evening.

Saturday 16^th October 1943

Went home.

Went to Ron’s in evening.

Sunday 17^th October 1943

Stayed in all day messed about.

Played at Elccas.

Monday 18^th October 1943

I’m class leader this week – rotten job.

I bought a load of wireless parts for the set I want to make.

Genned^XIX up in the evening.

Tuesday 19^th October 1943

Went home in evening & messed about with set parts as we had no job at Elccas because Mr Levey was buried today.

Wednesday 20^th October 1943

Had a scrounge in last period instead of going to baths.

It’s a bit wrong though letting the blokes push off instead of doing as you’re told.

Thursday 21^st October 1943

Genned up in evening & revised for set I’m building.

Friday 22^nd October 1943

Mucked about all night.

Saturday 23^rd October 1943

Finished as class leader – good job too.

Went home

Half built set in evening.

Sunday 24^th October 1943

Finished set bar soldering.

Firewatching at Poly all night.

Played snooker most of time.

Didn’t have air raid – first time for over a week

Monday 25^th October 1943

Genned in evening.

Tuesday 26^th October 1943

Went home & played at Elccas

Wednesday 27^th October 1943

Up late & almost late at Poly.

Fogg started our practical viva.

Thursday 28^th October 1943

I went over to a chap Bert told me about who had a set to sell.

It’s a smashing set & cost me 15/- but it was a hell of a job to get it to the billet.

Friday 29^th October 1943

Pay day

Genned in evening.

Saturday 30^th October 1943

Came home.

Spent all afternoon making my set.

Had raid in evening & went round Ron’s later.

Sunday 31^st October 1943

Spent more time on set. 

Went up Elccas.

Monday 1^st November 1943

Ken Cameron asked me if I would take 2 girls out with him this evening.  When we got to the Gaumont they didn’t turn up so we went to see one of them & found out that her brother had broke his leg or something & she was staying in with him. Anyway she got her pal from across the road & we had an enjoyable time in the Brick shelter outside her house.

Tuesday 2^nd November 1943

Played at Elccas.

Wednesday 3^rd November 1943

Genned all evening.

Thursday 4^th November 1943

Genned all evening.

Friday 5^th November 1943

Had a scrounge in morning & dodged football.

After lunch we had our 3^rd exam. Very stiff it was too.

After tea I came home on leave.

Went up Elccas & had a good time.

Saturday 6^th November 1943

Up 10.30 after dinner I went to West Ham with Bert saw them play QPR was a fairly good game but West Ham would have won if they had not had bad luck, as it was they drew 1-1.

Went to Pretoria in evening.  Played till, the interval.

I’m afraid the band had gone down since I Ron Les & Reg have gone.

May was there again & I took her home had a good time on the step.

Raid started while I was on way home.

Finished 12.17

Sunday 7^th November 1943

Up 11

Messed about with set I’ve built, I can’t see why it won’t work.

Played the piano at various times.

Played at Elccas.

Monday 8^th November 1943

Met Ed at Aldgate. Got picked up at Moorgate Stn by 2 SPO—————  of all the luck.  Told Flight.

Ken Cameron arranged to take Jen & Doris to the Gaumont.

We found out after though that we had a first aid lecture in the evening & we couldn’t let them know & had to miss them.

We got to the Gaumont at 7.20 & of course they weren’t there.  We went in though & saw “Someone To Remember” & Victory through Air Power”.

Exam marks Radio & teclet 91 Radio practical 71 metalwork 85 

Tuesday 9^th November 1943

Didn’t hear about the charge. 

Went home in evening.

Dad is not too good & has had to see Kyndt.  He’s still at work though.

Saw Bert & told him.

Jean came over.

Back at billet at 10.30 as I had arranged on phone for Ron to get someone for Elccas.

Wednesday 10^th November 1943

Heard at break the CO is away & Chiefy told us to be at Sth Ken at 1.30.

Went back to billet at 12 tidied up & reported at 1.32.  Flight was there.

Went before FC who couldn’t or wouldn’t deal with it a S/L gave us 4 days cc & 1 days pay stopped.  I think our excuse knocked it down.

Went to Manor Hse in evening.

Thursday 11^th November 1943

Evening at Manor Hse.

Billet at 8.

Friday 12^th November 1943

Manor Hse & more spuds.

Back at 8.

Saturday 13^th November 1943

Rang dad & told him.

Had a letter from May.

Ed was put on phone duty at Poly finishing at 4.30.

At Manor Hse F/Sgt didn’t seem too nice, & I thought I had had it till about 4 who should come in but Phyllis

• Eddy Turners girl. She’s a corpl. She spoke to a Sgt & he let me go at 6.
• A friend in need is a friend indeed.

Home 7.30.

Russel at 8.

Bert Ron & I had a damn good time.

Home 11.30.

Sunday 14^th November 1943

Up at 11.

West Ham are top of League South.

Mucked about all day.

Went to Elccas.

At Billet at 10.30 – first time in 4 months.

Monday 15^th November 1943

Firewatching

Wrote to May.

Played billiards & Snooker.

Bed 11.30

Had letter from Les.

Tuesday 16^th November 1943

Ken & I took Jean & Doris to Marlborough & saw “World of Plenty”^XX & “So proudly we hail”

Billet at 10 to 11

Wednesday 17^th November 1943

Ken John Taffey & I went to the Naafi place at Tufnell Park. I played piano & we had a general muck about . back at 11.15.

Thursday 18^th November 1943

Stayed in

Had letter from May.

Had warning.  Short & nothing happened.

Book 38

Written on Dec 21^st 

Friday 19^th November 1943

Went to cinema with Ken saw “Millions Like Us” & “All by Myself”

Saturday 20^th November 1943

Bert bought me an electric soldering iron for my birthday.  

Bert Ron & I played at Pretoria.

Sunday 21^st November 1943

Mucked about all day.

Monday 22^nd November 1943

Nothing doing all day.

Tuesday 23^rd November 1943

Came home in evening.

Did metal work exam.

Wednesday 24^th November 1943

Slack day.

Thursday 25^th November 1943

19 today.

First birthday in R.A.F. Had IC engines exam.

Friday 26^th November 1943

Went to Dance with the boys.

Saturday 27^th November 1943

Came home.  Took May to Odeon & saw “So Proud to Hail” & “World of Plenty”.

Sunday 28^th November 1943

Mucked about all day.

Monday 29^th November 1943

Bought odds and ends ready for kit inspection on Wednesday.

Went with John & Ken to Naafi.  Had good time.

Tuesday 30^th November 1943

Came home in evening.

Wednesday 1^st December 1943

Stayed in in evening – genning.

10 of us got 100% for engine, Jack got 91% Dell got 94%

Thursday 2^nd December 1943

Genned in evening except when Chris Ed & Jack were playing the fool in our room Chris got locked in our wardrobe. Very funny.

Friday 3^rd December 1943

Genned.

Saturday 4^th December 1943

Came home

Poiser said we should gen & stopped our passes.  I still came home but as I intended I Genned up.

Sunday 5^th December 1943

More genning.

Visited Elccas.

Monday 6^th December 1943

Went to Gaumont with Ken Cam & Ken Searle. Saw “ Saludos Amigos” & “True to Life”.

Tuesday 7^th December1943

Had last metalwork lesson.

Had viva in afternoon. I got on well with Fogg & Cave.  But CTTB Officer only gave me 25% – the rat the questions he asked weren’t fair.

Came home.

When I got back jacked kit.

Wednesday 8^th December 1943

Took kit down.

Did Tecclee paper in morning. I did well.

Mucked about in ICE period.

After break had kit inspection. Horner poked his nose in the !xxjj.

Took kit home in evening. Jean came over. Ern she & I played cards.

Thursday 9^th December 1943

Did radio paper I did well.

Jack Ed, Cam, Chris, John, Tony, Perry, Myself Savile & Whitehouse went out for evening. Had really good time. Flight gave us passes & let us off parade.  Went in 4d for a while then got asked to make less noise after an hour in Pied Bull.  Then made our way to Finsbury Park Empire saw Norman Long Adelaide Hall Tessie O’Shea & others.  Finished up at 11pm at billet, long horse fight in road.  One of the rowdiest & most enjoyable evenings I’ve had.

Friday 10^th December 1943

Scrounged during morning.

Stayed in in evening. 

Had alert, bombs near us. C.O. didn’t want to pay doctors bill and told me to find nearest service doctor.

Saturday 11^th December 1943

Got 64 out of 72 for Tecclee Ken got 70.  In Radio I got 91 ½ out of 108 – top marks. Shows what I can do .

We clubbed together & gave Fogg 100 fags he was very touched & made us a speech.

Went to ARP HQ on CO’s instruction they could give me no information so CO said he would so I was proved right.

Horner caught us all going at 12.30 & nearly stopped our passes. Wynne gave us lecture on overseas 12.30 to 1.

I wrote to May in week to see her tonight but she didn’t turn up so I went to Ron’s.

Sunday 12^th December 1943

Went up Elccas

Monday 13^th December 1943

Pryser saw us all in morning.  I got 85% final marks – about 5^th.

Half go to Sth Ken & rest to Bolton.  Cam John Searle Perry Taffy & I go to Sth Ken.

Rang up dad & told him.

We had photos taken at dinnertime.

Had VD lecture after dinner

Had our farewell dance grand time.  Finished up with our class & their girls & Fogg in Pied Bull.  

Saw CO re ARP rota & told him he’s stiff pig-headed but wouldn’t take bite.

We bought matron a broach as a tribute to her attention to us.

Packed up last of kit.

Tuesday 14^th December 1943

Went to Cossons to see how valves were made. Very interesting time. After dinner got pay & papers.

CO lectured us on security & finished up by saying that Sth K needs musicians & musicians.  Wynn is down as pianist.  I put down to learn alto sax.  Taffy wants to learn trumpet.

Finished at 3.  Goodbyes were said & we arranged to meet at 3.30 at Sth K Stn next Wednesday.

Went up Elccas.

Wednesday 15^th December 1943

Went to Pretoria with boys.

Thursday 16^th December 1943

In all day till evening when I saw Ron & arranged to borrow his sax next Mon & Tue.

Friday 12^th December 1943

Visited the firm.  Met Bert & we went out. 

I bought a load of music & we commenced a new library for after the war with 4 S.O’s.

Saturday 18^th December 1943

Ron Bert & I played at Russell Rd school.  Grand job we did too.

CO sent Drs bill down to me with instructions to pay it.

Sunday 19^th December 1943

Went to memorial ground AA site with band. Had a dance.

Monday 20^th December 1943

Had 2 raids & bombs during night I didn’t know anything about it.

Went to Ron’s & borrowed sax.  I can play all his music. I need practice to improve tone & technique.

Went with Bert & his family & Fred & his wife to dance at War Office.  Had good time.

I met Parsons & another bloke from IOC & got Sth Ken gen from them. 

I’ll get Xmas pass. Music gets you put of fire pickets. 10 week course.  Bags of 6 ST but easy to scrounge.

Tuesday 21^st December 1943

Went to Hearty’s. He wouldn’t take my money but wrote a stiff letter to them & gave it to me.

Practiced on sax.

Took Sax to Elccas.  Left early. Finished packing kit.

Had alert early in evening, quiet.

Bed 11.30

Wednesday 22^nd December 1943

Up 9.30.

Messed about.

Left home 2.30.

Met the boys at Sth Ken Stn. Gave in Hearty’s letter.  Got billets etc went to NAAFI concert.

Bed 11.

Thursday 23^rd December 1943

Lectured at all day.

Bags of bull.

With army denim (including  gaiters) meals quite good.

Went to Band room after decent night saw sergeant Crossman (good bloke) he put me in military band on alto. Gets me out of Squadron duties, church parades & firewatching.

Friday 24^th December 1943

Couple more lectures & FFI started course in afternoon bags of secret gen.

Packed up at 5 to 4.

Home at 5.30

Till Monday night.

Went up Elccas & played got 15/-

Bed 1am.

Saturday 25^th December 1943

Up late. Jean was coming over but she missed bus & Ern had to fetch her.

Taught Bert a bit of vamping.

Bert & I called on Ron.  Bert came in with us.

Bed 4.30am.

Sunday 26^th December 1943

Up 11.30.

Jean Mum Dad Ern & I went to Walters.  Keyes were there. Home 2.30am.

Monday 27^th December 1943

Up 12. Saw Bert. 

Jean & Ern left about 9.41. I left at 10.15. At Albert Ct at 11.15.

Tuesday

28^th December 1943

More gen. did my second parade with Band this morning.

Taff & I went to Band room & practiced in evening.

Wednesday 29^th December 1943

Some bugger lifted £3/10/- from my wallet while we were on GST this afternoon.

Tuesday 30^th December 1943

Went to Band rehearsal.  2 Waaf’s were there who wanted to join.

Friday 31^st December 1943

I was put down to Firewatch tomorrow & I tried to get off to play with Bert. I even got Sgt Crossman to try but it all failed so I must now do it.

Rang Dad & told him.

Went to dance at Naafi. Met one of the Waaf’s from last night, she’s on my course. Name Eileen.  Her pal has been sent to Woolwich. Took her back to her billet. Did all right.

Saturday 1^st January 1944

Firewatched at Sculpture galleries. Bally nuisance.

Sunday 2^nd January 1944

Home at 9.

Mucked about all day.

Went up Elccas.

Monday 3^rd January 1944

Went up Band room. Met Eileen. Took her back. Ok.

Tuesday 4^th January 1944

Took Eileen to Ensa show at Naafi.

Got back to billet late after seeing her back.

Wednesday 5^th January 1944

Went up Band Room but Len wasn’t there.

Decided to bath.

When undressed I found a rash on my chest & back.  MO said it was nothing serious & not to worry.

Thursday 6^th January 1944

Rehearsal.

Took Eileen home (she’s learning the Eb horn, (no joke) o.k.

Friday 7^th January 1943

Did some genning at College as we have finished Basic & started Secret.

Took Eileen to Naafi dance. Ok.

Saturday 8^th January 1944

Did 2 parades with band instead of one, as usual.

Got my SOP at long last & took kit home.

Sunday 9^th January 1944

Up at 6.45.

Played at Church parade & band really sounded good.  Went up Elccas at evening.

Monday 10^th January 1944

Up 6.30 at Sth Ken at 7.40.

Went to band practice saw Eileen. Ok.

Tuesday 11^th January 1944

Up 6.40 at SK at 7.45

Met Eileen & went to Naafi show the “Gestors” – nothing to do with Radar but G Division Police Concert party not bad but I’ve heard many better.

Wednesday 12^th January 1944

Up 6.30 S K at 7.35.

Home at 7.25.

Jean came over

Bert came in. we played cards.

Thursday 13^th January 1944

Went to band practice. Saw Eileen. Ok. Home 11.30

Friday 14^th January 1944

Went to Naafi dance. Cpl Eaglestone had said I could play but nothing came of it.

Eileen turned up & instead of getting home at 11.15 it was 12.20 when I got home.

Saturday 15^th January 1944

Up 6.30.

At S K at 7.45.

Very thick fog.

No band parade

Had SST all afternoon but had decent Cpl & mucked about. I found out that he knows Mr Keyes as he worked on the Daily Herald.

He let us go at 4.45 so we were able to change from Denims to Blue & some of the chaps wore shoes.

Cam wore shoes so I took his class leader lanyard & took the squad round to aircraft Rec. He let us off at 5.45 so I was home at 7.

Still foggy.

Went to see Ron at 10 to 9 after a short noisy alert.

He was out. Saw Doll.

Home 9.30 bed 11.

Sunday 16^th January 1944

Up at 10.30.

Still rather foggy.

Mum wanted to take Edie & Phyllis’s wedding present over so I went with her.

Arrived at Turners at 3.30.  I saw Aunt Liz & the twins.  They are lovely kids.  I got an invite as I am on 48 next week.

Left 4.45.  met Bob on way to bus stop. Caught bus to the George.  When after waiting we found no more 40 buses were running due to fog so we caught another one for a short ride then walked across flats to Walters.

He was just putting his car away as the fog was too thick to drive.

I thanked him for the £2 he has given me to make up for my lost £3/101- – it shook me that he should do such a thing.

When we left it was thick & we had to walk home.

Home 7.15.

Went up Elccas for a while.

Monday 17^th January 1944

Up 6.30

Band practice in evening.

Saw Eileen

Thursday 18^th January 1944

Eileen & I went to Naafi concert.

Wednesday 19^th January 1944.

Home 7.30. mucked about.

Thursday 20^th January 1944

Band practice.

Saw Eileen

Friday 21^st January 1944

We scrounged last 2 period & left at 4.30. home 5.30.

Called at Elccas & collected a musicians badge from Jim.

Ron told me that Essex have a Sax for £12/10/-

Mum has got me a Printator which I have wanted for some time for notes & cets.

Had an alert from about 9 to 10.30. worst for some time. Heavy AA & some stuff dropped.

Bed 12.

Saturday 22^nd January 1943

Warning about 4 something lasted nearly 2 hrs.  about the same as one before.

Stayed up.

At 9 I went to the Essex stores to see Sax.  They were shut.

Then dashed to Ibex House to see Bert & collect some artificial flowers, a woman at the war office makes, for mum.

Then went to Essex Stores again. The sax was lovely & they only wanted £4/10/-for it.  No good to me.

When mum & I were ready to leave, Les called.  He’s on a long weekend from Yatesbury. I shall see him tomorrow.

Went to garage. Walter took us to Turners.

Went to lunch.  Saw wedding. Had the breakfast at back of Barking Town Hall.  Some of Phyllis’s lot from Manor Hse came & some of Eds pals.  Piano was lousy.

Home 6.15.  Saw Bert. He & I went to Pretoria about 7.  I took some old dots of mine out of library.

Not bad but not good.

May turned up.

She seemed a bit embarrassed at first but we got quite friendly again.  Iris’s  ex – bloke Arthur is after her.  She doesn’t seem to want him.

I could have taken her home but if she couldn’t turn up on a date well – her.  I must say I wouldn’t have minded seeing her home.

I might ask her why she didn’t turn up if I see her again.

I couldn’t go for her in a big way thought because I got bored with em after a bit, I was slightly bored with May & I am bored with Eileen as well.

Sunday 23^rd January 1944

Up 12.

Les called.  We had a bash.

Went to Elccas in evening.

Monday 24^th January 1944

Worked at RCA in evening.

Tuesday 25^th January 1944

Worked at RCA saw Eileen.

Wednesday 26^th January 1944

Worked at RCA

Thursday 27^th January 1944

Had a gas rehearsal today. Damn silly.

Went to band practice. saw Eileen.

Friday 28^th January 1944

Did a job for Eaglestone at a Wren Petty Officers party at Chelsea.

Finished at 12 & had to sleep at Albert Ct.

3 piece band. Get paid next week I hope.

Started IFF today.

Saturday 29^th January 1944

Home at 7.30

Stayed in

Had raid. Fairly heavy.

Bed 11.30

Sunday 30^th January 1944

Up 12.30

Saw Bert

Monday 31^st January 1944

Genned in evening.

Saw Eileen.

Tuesday 1^st February 1944

Had G Trade Test.

Passed AC1

A good show.

Wednesday 2^nd February 1944

Home early.

Thursday 3^rd February 1944

Went to Band practice. Saw Eileen.

Friday 4^th February 1944

Went to Naafi Dance with Eileen.

Saturday 5^th February 1944

Played with Ron & Jim at Beckton Road AA site.

Sunday 6^th February 1944

Up 12.

Went to Elccas in evening.

Monday 7^th February 1944

Went to rehearsal but hardly anyone turned up so Eileen & I went to Hyde Park. OK

Thursday 8^th February 1944

Genned in evening. Saw Eileen.

Went to Western Galena & worked on kites IFF, smashing.

Wednesday 9^th February 1944

Went to Naafi show of music & ballet. Jolly good.

Started last piece of gear.

Thursday 10^th February 1944

Went to Band practice.

Friday 11^th February 1944

Took Eileen to pictures saw “Secret Enemy” & “Lassie Come Home..  Good show.

Saturday 12^th February 1944

Went up Elccas in evening.

Sunday 13^th February 1944

Up 7. Played at church parade.

Monday 14^th February 1944

Eileen & I went for walk in evening.

Tuesday 15^th February 1944

Went to Naafi show with Eileen

Wednesday 16^th February 1944

Home early.

Thursday 17^th February 1944

Went to Band practice. Saw Eileen.

Friday 18^th February 1944

Went to Naafi dance with Eileen.

Saturday 19^th February 1944

During raid we had in early morning 0035 -0147 a bomb dropped on corner of Prince Consort Rd near Albert Court.

Ken Cameron Ken Searle Myself & Eileen went to party at 36 site. Had good time. Slept at 53 Carleton .

Sunday 20^th February 1944

Home 10.30

Went up Elccas for a while.

ARW 21.37 – 22.35 fairly quiet.(I have missed many raids from notes)

Monday 21^st February 1944

ARW 0335 – 0400

Fairly noisy at times.

Was going to work at RCA but raids have made them cancel all evening work so stayed at Albert Ct till 8 working with Ken & John.

But got me some sparks & “Paper Doll” “Kill Me” & “The Dreamer”

Tuesday 22^nd February 1944

ARW 0300-0340. Quiet.

Went to pictures with Eileen saw ”San Demetrio London” & another film.

Called at Elccas & got a musicians badge for Johnny off Jim.

ARW 23.55 – 0120. Noisy at times.

Wednesday 23^rd February 1944

Home early did some genning.

2206-2315 raid noisy at times.  UXB dropped near Albert Ct entrance.  Half of building out of use.  UXB in St Marys Rd.

Thursday 24^th February 1944

Home early to work on radio theory.

ARW 0847-0859.  All quiet.

 “2140-2250 noisy once , quiet rest of time.

Friday 25^th February 1944

Went to cinema with Eileen saw “Jane Eyre” & “Never a Dull Moment”.

In trade tests passed Basic easily – I think.

On ASV I couldn’t find a very hard fault & I may not have got 60%.

G Visual I boobed, I don’t think I got one right but it doesn’t count much. Is all round I may still have a chance of obtaining my 1 of 1. Do well Monday.

Saturday 26^th February 1944

2 periods revision.

2 on G Trainer.

Home early & went to Bert’s 21^st birthday party.

Indoors at 2.

Sunday 22^nd February 1944

Up 1500 hrs.

Doris called with Beryl. I had a bath. Sewed on one pair of sparks to best blue. Did some genning.

Monday 28^th February 1944

Did theory paper dead easy.

Bought Bert a certificate for his birthday.

Home at 5.30

Tuesday 29^th February 1944

Passed as AC2.

I’m very disappointed.

I think I should have passed though.  I deserved 80% on Basic  & it was a brutish fault I had on ASV.

Still I can now have a crack at  LAC  on my station – the sooner the better.

Took Eileen to see “This is the Army”.

Wednesday 1^st March 1944

Passing out parade.  Didn’t get posting till 5.30.  I’m going to Hartford Bridge Surrey. (In Hampshire)

Johnny & Ken Searle go to Bicester.  Ken Cam Tabby & Jeff go to Blandford.  Tiffy is 7 miles from home at Abercanon Valley.  Swensen Cpl Wyebeham & Stanhope are with me.

Went to Pretoria.  Arranged to play on Saturday.

Thursday 2^nd March 1944

Up late. Looked up ABC. I shall catch 12.54 train on Wednesday next.  Mucked about with wireless in evening.

Friday 3^rd March 1944

Went up Elccas with Bert in evening.

Saturday 4^th March 1944

Played at Pretoria. Made quite a change.

Sunday 5^th March 19434

Started to pack my kit.

Went up Elccas.

Monday 6^th March 1944

Went up office.  

Met Bert & had lunch.

Booked at Piccadilly to see “Panama Hattie”

Went down Charing X Rd went in news theatre in Leicester Sq. Saw show.

Home by 10 & went round Ron’s till 12.30

Tuesday 7^th March 1944

Mucked about 

Went up Elccas for a little while.

Didn’t feel too well & was sick all night.

Wednesday 8^th March 1944

Went to St Marys Naafi & was kept in.  Was left in bed & isolated till Saturday when lab report came back & showed I had not got dysentery.

Got up every day till Thursday when I came out very monotonous life although nurses were O.K.

Thursday 16^th March 1944

Home 4.30.

Doris & Beryl were there. Ron called.

He has been queer this week.

Jean called.

Bert & I went to nurses dance at hospital had good time home 12.30

Friday 17^th March 1944

Left home 11.40

Arrived at Fleet 2pm. Got lorry to Hartford Bridge.

3122SE has moved to Lasham about 3 months ago.

Mucked about all day.

Saturday 18^th March 1944

Got to guardroom at 8.30.

Transport was eventually arranged & I got to LashamXXI before 12.

At SHQ I got an arrival chit & then went to 107 Squadron Orderly room.  After dinner I started to wander around getting signatures on my arrival chit.  When I got to the Disup Office Cpl Rose told me where I could find a bed & after I had got bedding & kit up there I took things easy.

Wrote letter home.

I found Radar Mech who left Sth Ken about 2 or3 weeks before me. He was the first R/M here.

Sven Ron & Stanhope are at Cranwell on a course for a week.

Bed early after having supper at Naafi.

Sunday 19^th March 1944

Went sick. MO didn’t examine me but Sgt took down some details about the hospital etc.

Got a couple more signatures on arrival form & went over to Section did a bit of work there.

I’m in TAF2 & it looks like we are in 2^nd front. We are getting a 2^nd kit bag & blankets fork knife tin plate etc.

We have dinner from field kitchen when working.  On 1^st April we go under canvas.

After tea I had supper at Naafi & then cleaned boots etc & wrote a couple of letters.

Monday 20^th March 1944

Went to cinema saw “Love on Suntee“  newsreel & a damn funny cartoom & “Above Suspicion”

Got wellingtons.  Took afternoon off to give in arrival chit 

Tuesday 21^st March 1944

Got paid £2/18/-

Had inoc in afternoon & got haircut.

Went to Naafi 

Wrote 2 letters.

Wednesday 22^nd March 1944

Had letter from home. Went to Cinema saw Newsreel & “Air Force”. Quite good.

Day off on Sunday.

Made out pass.

Thursday 23^rd March 1944

I have put into advance party for going under canvas.

Saturday before the main party on 2^nd April.

Had to go to meeting about it.

I am now more settled in section & I’m getting on with DJ s, etc.

Saw Cpl Rose. He thinks I can still have my pass.

Didn’t go out but wrote letter.

Friday 24^th March 1944

2 letters one from home 1 from Ron & Doll.

Went to Naafi.

Packed kit.

Saturday 25^th March 1944

Got Kit & blankets to Piccadilly by 8.30.  

Lorries took us near to the section where we are having site.

All meals at field kitchen this is better than the mess.

We got up tents filled paillasses built bog & generally got through some work but it wasn’t too bad.

I got nails for hooks, wire for towel line tin for ashtray. We scrounged petrol tins  got candles bought cakes from Naafi got tea from field kitchen in water bottles.

It’s amazing how you can organise things when pushed.

All days off are cancelled till April 4^th but if we work & finish early we will all have a day off. I found how I could get to Post on Monday.

No letter I wonder why Bert hasn’t written.  Bed by 8.30. must write home tomorrow.

Sunday 26^th March 1944

Wrote home.

More work on tents.

Wrote to Ron & Doll in bed.

Monday 27^th March 1944

Had good weather so far. Took down more tents than we put up today. In evening we had lorry to pictures saw “North of the Border” “West of the Rockies” & Bette Davies & Leslie Howard in “Gt Love I’m after” good laugh.

Had lorry back

Bed by 10.30

Tuesday 28^th March 1944

If ever anything makes a bloke red it’s the service.  They are taking our paillasse & blankets away after a time & the officers are getting light camp bed tarpaulins.  Wooden floors washstands etc in their tents.

We were putting up a marque for the officers mess they want ante rooms hot plates etc & we get F – all.  It makes you feel mad – to put it mildly.

Went to bed early.

Wednesday 29^th March 1944

Put up more tents. went down to Naafi on lorry.

Thursday 30^th March 1944

Put up more tents in morning.

During lunch break I called at Section. Chiefy told me he had put me down for GH course at Swanton Morley as he thought I would be fed up with tent life.  How right he is. I tried to scrounge a day off before I go but he said he didn’t know when I would have to go.

Did some digging after dinner.  About 5 Sgt Pratt came round for me in the van as I was wanted.

When I saw Chiefy he told me I was to go tomorrow.

Johnny Harris is going with me. Got our route form & warrants.

I got organised in a hurry & put all kit I didn’t need blankets & Paillasse in section & put the stuff I needed on the lorry & went down to 4 site.

I scrounged a bed made myself presentable & went to Naafi.

Monday 31^st March 1944

Missed breakfast.

Caught 8 bus. Train from Alton to Waterloo. Rang dad.

John went to see his girl I went to office.  Train from Liverpool St to Kings Lynn.

Kings Lynn & Dereham. What a journey. Had tea in Dereham caught bus to camp. Got bed & blankets. 

While in mess a Cpl saw us & told us to see him in morning.

Very nice camp. Barrack blocks central heating wireless food superb.

Saturday 1^st April 1944

Mucked around all day went to Dereham with John.  Hitchhiked down went to Market theatre & saw “They got be Covered” & “Call of the Canyon”. Bus back crammed to suffocation.

Sunday 2^nd April 1944

Clocks put on an hour. As we weren’t required at Section till 10.30 we decided to go to bed again after breakfast but no one woke till 8.30.  still we made up with dinner & tea.

Started course.

Very informal 

Had bath & went to Naafi in evening.

Monday 3^rd April 1944

Did half of course. Went to Naafi.

After I had worked on course till 9.

Tuesday 4^th April 1944

Finished course today.

Joe is getting us pass from AD Thur till 0800 Sat & AD Thurs means 0800 hrs – 2 day pass. Very nice.

Went to bed early.

Wednesday 5^th April 1944

Private study all day. Test in evening. Arranged early breakfast sandwiches, blankets & transport. Got passes

Bed 10.30

Thursday 6^th April 1944

Up 0500hrs.

Breakfast 0530

Caught lorry 0600

Arrived in London 1200

John will book me a bed at YMCA for tomorrow as no tubes run in time for me to get to Waterloo Sat. had talk with Mum & Dad told them about RAF & overseas.

Saw Bert.

We went round Ron’s stayed till 0030 hrs Ern was asleep in chair when I got home so I didn’t wake him.

Rang Walter & Doris.

Book 39

Friday 7^th April 1944

Ern had to go to work today so I didn’t see him after all.

Saw Bert twice during day.

Left at 10.45.

Got to YMCA & went to bed.

At 12 we had an SP raid

Saturday 8^th April 1944

Up at 4.30.

Got to Larkham in time for breakfast. Saw Ron Iven & Stanpopa. Mucked about all day.

Wrote letter home.

Sunday 9^th April 1944

Had to go sick because pain in my leg which I have had since Friday afternoon was worse.

I was given a chit for 3 days radiant heat treatment. It’s very nice. Had 2^nd Typhus jab.  Rotten sort of day for work.

We never get enough to eat these days at the field kitchen & when Ted Ern & I went to camp we raided the Naafi.

There we saw “The Gen” & “Watch on the Rhine” jolly good film.

We have been lucky. The Radar section was divided into groups & 1 group went on a site. We are on K & I & also we are in the mobile & come in other K & I.  We have a tent to ourselves. The rest are on DI etc & sleep one in a tent amongst 7 different chaps.

Monday 10^th April 1944

Went to SSQ in morning. Worst bank holiday I have ever had. Even had to go back to Section late to clear away some stuff.

Ted went to Naafi & brought us back some cakes. Wrote home & to Fred.

Tuesday 11^th April 1944

Went to SSQ in  morning. Worked till late.

Went to Naafi & brought back cakes.

Wednesday 12^th April 1944

Harwood & I were put on fatigues & worked all day clearing up empty site. What an imposition.

Stayed in tent all evening.

Thursday 13^th April 1944

Went back to section but were sent back on fatigues. We are on till next Tuesday.  Peeled spuds.

Friday 14^th April 1944

Went sick with sore arm. Got a bike.

Got 5/16/- on pay parade sent £4 home.

Spent afternoon in Sgts mess & drilling in preparation for guard of honour next Tuesday.

Stayed in tent.

Saturday 15^th April 1944

Spent part of morning doing up Sgts mess after dance, & what a b. mess.

About 10.30 we were recalled to Section. Busy all day there then.  Off guard of honour as well.

Frosty Ted & I went to Alton.

Stayed in pub & had few drinks.  County beer certainly has more guts than London beer.

I had no lights. Coming back I was nearly mown down by a H.G. coming in the opposite way with no lights.  He missed me by a miracle & hit a Cpl who was behind me dead head on.  The front wheels were in a mess luckily they weren’t hurt bad.

Back 11.45

Sunday 16^th April 1944

We started another course today.  A bloke came & lectured us, when his finished some more chaps will arrive with stuff & demonstrate.  Nod off till finished.

Wrote letters in evening.

Monday 17^th April 1944

All day on plugs.

We had a bean feast round fire with cheese chips & bread from cook house & soup oxo & chocolate supplied by Frosty & Ken.

Found that Monty knows Jean Bessie & Martin from NFS days.

Tuesday 18^th April 1944

Busy all day on plugs.

Ernie Marshall & I went to Naafi & had bash on piano.  I started on my store of necessities which is soap fags & matches.

When I get home I’ll see mum about some more stuff – grub candles etc.

Wednesday 19^th April 1944

Busy on plugs.

In evening we built a new fire & it is a beauty.  I dropped a can of mud and it came up and hit me in the eye. Monty laughed loudest & then laughed the other side of his face when Ted dropped the tin & smothered him in mud.

Pete couldn’t wait for us & built a fire in 2 ticks & had hot water in 5 minutes.

It took us 4 hours to find what was wrong with our fire & all it needed was a hole in the top as the pukka chimney didn’t provide enough draught.

Thursday 20^th April 1944

Had to go sick with sore throat & cough.

Starting installing plugs in kites – what a job.

Got parcel from home & got my one ready.

Wrote letters.

Fire worked better tonight.

My nose bled while at treatment in evening & again later on.

Friday 21^st April 1944

Nose bled several times in afternoon I had to be taken to hospital in section van it was so bad but when I got there it had stopped & the ME couldn’t find where it was actually bleeding from, although he nearly drove a hole through to the back of my neck with various instruments.

Wrote to Wal & Doris in evening.

Turned cookhouse supper of bread & cheese into welsh rarebit on toast.

Saturday 22^nd April 1944

Felt bad all day & when I went for treatment the orderly found my temp was 100.6 & sent me to SSQ. I went straight there & the first thing they said was “have you got your small Kit”  they had already arranged for me to go straight in so I had to cycle back to tent & get it.  Pete drove me back to SSQ.  Total number of nose bleedings at time of going in – 17.

Had a welcome hot bath.

Sunday 23^rd April 1944

Felt bit better. Wrote letters, read & listened to wireless & dozed occasionally.  It’s not bad here .  we can smoke but I find I don’t want to smoke too much.

Monday 24^th April 1944

Had 2 nose bleeds during night & 1 this morning.

Cold & throat much better but I think they are going to treat me for the Epistaxis (hope that is spelt right).^XXII

Spent day much like yesterday.

Tuesday 25^th April 1944

Read dozed wrote letters.

Wednesday 26^th April 1944

As yesterday.

Ernie Marshall called in.

Thursday 27^th April 1944

As yesterday.

Friday 28^th April 1944

Up till afternoon. Read book.

Saturday 29^th April 1944

Up. Expected to leave soon. I’m to be sent to nose specialist.

Wrote letters.

Read.

Sunday 30^th April 1944

Put in pass for Friday.

Bags of work.

Went to cinema & saw “Now Voyager”  with Bette Davis.

Monday 1^st May 1944

Got paid.

Busy at section.

Went to Naafi left others working till 8.30. got bags of stuff for others.

Tuesday 2^nd May 1944

Working till 8.30.

Wednesday 3^rd May 1944

Working till 8, its getting beyond a joke this.

Saw Alexanders Rag Time Band at Camp Cinema.

Thursday 4^th May 1944

Cycled to Alton & missed 12.54 by 2 minutes.

Home at 4.

Went round Ron’s with Bert.

Saw Ern.

Friday 5^th May 1944

Up 12 had lovely sleep in lovely bed.

Bought bags of fags & 2 camp tobacco pipe cleaners & other odds & ends.

Called at Elccas.

Back at camp at 11.50.

Saturday 6^th May 1944

Felt cheesed.

Went to New Inn with boys had a bash & a sing song.

Sunday 7^th May 1944

Fairly busy. Finished at 5. 

John Ted Monty Ernie & I cycled to Bentley found a smashing pub & started a dance there.  Had fine time.

Back 11.15.

Monday 8^th May 1944

Felt still more cheesed off.  Stayed in all night, wrote letter home, mended trousers.

Tuesday 9^th May 1944

Fairly busy.

Got rations at Naafi & mucked about all evening.

Wednesday 10^th May 1944

Dull day nothing doing.

Thursday 11^th May 1944

As yesterday except we shifted our tent into woods.

Friday 12^th May 1944

Got paid. Stayed in all evening.

Saturday 13^th May 1944

Caught 12.54 home.

Don & Beryl called.

Had bath.

Went to Johns with Bert had good time.

Bed 4 AM.

Sunday 14^th May 1944

Got home 11.30.

Left music at Johns.

Dad got home from Laindon about 7.30.  Left at 8.

Wrongly directed at Waterloo but eventually got right train. Had warning at Alton.

2 down.

Couldn’t find my bike for half an hour, it had been tucked away in a shed.

Bed 12.45

Monday 15^th May 1944

Had haircut.

Wrote letter

Stayed in.

Tuesday 16^th May 1944

Poured with rain.

Stayed in & read.

Wednesday 17^th May 1944

As yesterday.

Thursday 18^th May 1944

Started new work scheme 2 permanent day, 4 on day 4 on nights switching every 6 days.  Good in some ways – nearly 3 days off. Worse in others.

Wrote home.

Friday 19^th May 1944

I’m getting on well with ring I’m making. I’ve cut out eagle from hat button & it’s nearly ready to fix to ring.

Messed about all evening.

Saturday 20^th May 1944

Messed about in evening.

Sunday 21^st May 1944

As yesterday

Monday 22^nd May 1944

As yesterday

Tuesday 23^rd May 1944

Nice to be off till 4.

Evening work isn’t bad didn’t do much.

Bed 12.45

Wednesday 24^th May 1944

Up 2 

Caught 8.10 bus & was home by 11.40.

Messed around all day.

Jean called in evening.

Had a bath.

Thursday 25^th May 1944

Went to Laindon.

Had quiet day.

Left home 8.15.

No liberty bus at Alton had to walk part of way but got a lift.

Sunday 26^th May 1944

Got paid.

Lazed all day.

Saturday 27^th May 1944

In workshop all evening.

Sunday 28^th May 1944

Last day of night work.

Monday 29^th May 1944

Langham came gave us a pep talk. Seems a nice bloke.

Tired & lazed all day.

Pedal came of bike.

Tuesday 30^th May 1944

Went to Naafi in evening & played piano.

Wednesday 31^st May 1944

Repaired bike.

Nose bled.

Thursday 1^st June 1944

Stayed in tent

Friday 2^nd June 1944

Bill Mac & I went to cinema & saw “Coney Island” 

Ted has been posted lucky devil.

Saturday 3^rd June 1944

Big flap on – all kites painted with black & white stripes thought Invasion had begun.  Night shift in bed at 4am.

Sunday 4^th June 1944

As Ted’s going tomorrow we went to New Inn & celebrated, left at 10 to 10 when they sold out.

Came back singing & found a dog had adopted us so we made it a bed for the night.

Had 4 course supper.

Hot soup

Breakfast   Jam & bread

Bread & cheese

Toasted marshmallows.

Damn good.

Monday 5^th June 1944

Up early

Went home on pay.

Home at 3.

Saw Bert 

Called on Ron.

Bed 12.30

Tuesday 6^th June 1944

Up 8 heard news.

Invasion begun.

Got back 10.15 not any different to a usual day.

Bed 12.45

Wednesday 7^th June 1944

Up 11.45

Wrote home & tidied tent.

Thursday 8^th June 1944

Lased all day.  Dads birthday.

Friday 9^th June 1944

Got paid.

Last of nights.

Saturday 10 June 1944

Wrote home re birthdays.

Sunday 11^th June 1944

Mums Birthday.

We went to New Inn but they were sold out. Played piano a bit.  Ben Dempsey was there & he played, he’s good.

He played “Some Changes Made” & “She had to go & lose it at the Astor” damn good.

Had supper of hot soup meat spread bread & biscuits.

Monday 12^th June 1944

Went to Naafi wrote letter.

Tuesday 13^th June 1944

Stayed in tent.

Wednesday 14^th June 1944

Went to camp dance. 

Station band jolly good.

Bed 12.50

Thursday 15^th June 1944

Stayed in all evening.

Friday 16^th June 1944

Monty is posted to Hornchurch the lucky sod.  Ernie & I are to take over the IFF stand – it’s a shift. Genned up.

Saturday 17^th June 1944

Started nights again.

Took it easy during the day.

Sunday 18^th June 1944

Went for walk with Bill & Angus.

Monday 19^th June 1944

Got ready to go home

Tuesday 20^th June 1944

Went home. Home 3.10. had couple of alerts but no flying bombs.

Doris & Beryl came.

Had a bath.

Jean came 

Saw Bert 

Went to Elccas & saw Ron.

Wednesday 21^st June 1944

Some raids during nights heard no bombs till 8 this morning, heard one go up.

Raid on while going to Waterloo, had to go from Charing X to Waterloo by train.

They’ve had 3 bombs near Lasham.

Thursday 22^nd June 1944

Found mould on some of my kit had to clean it.

Wrote home.

Friday 23^rd June 1944

Got paid £5/10/- (Credits I suppose) Band has gone to Uxbridge & a couple of us saw Sgt Stanley (WT) about forming another.

Saturday 24^th June 1944

Went to Basingstoke with Max Bill Angus Frosty & Bill (the other one).  Frosty & Bill weren’t puffing.  Max & Bill to a show & Angus & I to see Bob Hope Bing & Dorothy Lamour in “Road to Zanzibar” good film.

Sunday 25^th June 1944

Went with Bill Angus & Max to the Camp Theatre to see the Squadronaires – boy what a band S/C R Murhead W/C K Horne Joan Winter & Norman Dawn & Gene Crawley.

It was a super super show 2 ½ hrs & I would have gone on for hours listening to the Squadronaires.

Monday 26^th June 1944

Stayed in tent all night.

Tuesday 27^th June 1944

Played in Naafi dinnertime.

Wednesday 28^th June 1944

Stayed in tent.

Thursday 29^th June 1944

Sgt Stanley has organised a meeting for tomorrow night.

Friday 30^th June 1944

We have drums Piano Base & trumpet there instruments for above & also alto & Clarinet.

I had to ask Dalby for time off to go & Stan said Dalby had asked him if it was on the level – what a cur.  I arranged to bring some Pls back to make up sets of dots.

Saturday 1^st July 1944

Home 3.15

Ern & Jean were there. Erns on holiday.  He was at Jeans last night & a FB fell near.  The doors & windows are off Jeans place.

Saw Bert. Had a bath & washed my feet because wearing rubber boots all the time has made my feet – tender.  Saw my first FB one or two close enough for me. Had about 10 alerts while I was home. Jean stayed the night.

Sunday 2^nd July 1944

Mum & Dad went to Laindon back at camp at 2.35.

Monday 3^rd July 1944

Heard FB explode early this morning.

Stayed in bed till 1 because of rain.

Tuesday 4^th July 1944

Lazed all day.

Wednesday 5^th July 1944

Started days.

Bill lent me a book called “A maid & a million men” I think it’s a really good book & I shall have to try to obtain a copy for myself.

Thursday 6^th July 1944

We reorganised the section and shifted all the vans & tents what a job.

Bill lent me another book “The Tiger of Cloud River” not bad.

Mac & I wandered round the woods & found some strawberries & cherry’s & some apples & filberts that will be ready in a few weeks.

Friday 7^th July 1944

Got paid £2/18/-

Angus is a funny chap in some ways. He makes me want to laugh when he speaks of his old man as “Our Father”.

I’m getting really interested again in radio with all the repairs of other blokes efforts going on. A chap asked me for a circuit today & I’ve been racking my brains for one.

Wrote home.

Saturday 8^th July 1944

Read during evening.

Sunday 9^th July 1944

Mucked around during evening.

Monday 10^th July 1944

Told to move my gear into other van. Worked late doing so.

Tuesday 11^th July 1944

Up at 11.15.

Angus & I went to Basingstoke to find times of trains.

Finished my gear in other van.

Wednesday 12^th July 1944

Erik has moved in as well – bloody luck – I’d like to get rid of him but I don’t like too.

Thursday 13^th July 1944

Booked out at 12 – pass began at 4. Home 3.15. Jean came saw some FBs.

Went to Ron’s with Bert.  They are in a mess from the FBs.

Bed 12.30

Friday 14^th July 1944

Had haircut.

Got wireless set, that I made, to go. Tried to finish it in Bert’s workshop, found the .0005 con went U/s.

Bed 12.

Saturday 15^th July 1944

Back at camp at 12.20

Wrote home

Sunday 16^th July 1944

Finished nights.

Monday 17^th July 1944

Stayed in tent to read.

Tuesday 18^th July 1944

Erik has not moved in my van after all. Good show.

Stayed in and read.

Wednesday 19^th July 1944

Went to cinema & saw Betty Grable in “Sweet Rosie & Grades” the more I see of her the more I wish I was Harry James.

417 lads have got there move so we have another band.

Thursday 20^th July 1944

Letter from home a FB hit Russell school & I guess the old home is in a bit of a mess. Still thank god everyone is safe

Wrote home 

Frosty’s set speaker is U/s we fixed up HCD sets on it & had them by our beds, very good it was too.

Friday 21^st July 1944

We put carbon talc on the nest & killed a lot of wasps.

Saturday 22^nd July 1944

Dug out wasps nest.  Bill Hill mounted the queen & wasps in various stages of development.  What a hobby.

Sunday 23^rd July 1944

Started nights again up 10.

Monday 24^th July 1944

Nothing of interest.

Tuesday 25^th July 1944

Up at 11.

Left at 12.

Home 3.20

Sunday morning an FB fell on corner of Lens garage & together with the other one on Russel school we got 2 rooms u/s. Mum & Dads bedroom  has got the wall pushed in, my bedroom ceiling was lifted and the ceiling is cracked all round from the top of the stairs daylight can be seen.  The kitchen ceiling is bulging & of course several windows are gone.

The Sunday bomb injured Mr Gardner who was in a bus & Mr Foley in Southern Rd was blown to bits.  Mrs Sealey found the body – or what was left. & slate fell off the roof Sunday evening & hit Mrs Reddin, Mum had to see to it for her.

Mum was in the garden when the Russel one fell it could only have been about 50 ft up & she said she couldn’t move when she saw it. 

Walter had a bit of luck Friday last.

Dad noticed a car parked in Samson St before & after his lunch so he had a second look & found it was Walters.  So he stayed there. By chance one of Mums cousins passed by so he sent her for mum.  Mum stayed there while Dad phoned & soon Walter turned up with the driver of the stolen car & a CID man, he was at the station. When dad phoned.

All they got away with was a 30/- had a 2/11 map & a Key..

It must have been Walters lucky day.

They CID man congratulated Dad on his work & observation. 

Went to Elccas

Several FBs over in night.

Wednesday 26^th July 1944

Tried to get some Radio parts but failed so couldn’t get set going.

Went to Walters place.

Went to Public Hall with Bert. We played all second half Fred was playing & Ron came & played as well.  Altogether very enjoyable.

Many more FB’s at night. Mum got me to sleep downstairs.

Doris said Mr Keyes knows that 92% are being brought down. A use for the balloons at last.

Thursday 27^th July 1944

Back at camp at 12.40

More changes made.  All tools in stores except for individual kits.  All Poles going & more RAF bods coming to R&I .  Myself Hill & Ernie posted to 305 squadron.

Friday 20^th July 1944

Wrote home.

Saturday 29^th July 1944

Leave at last.

We are getting 4 days leave a piece all to be completed in the next 6 weeks we all lose 2.44 so we don’t gain much really, but we all get travelling time so we get 4 clear days.

A lot of bods have been brought to R&I from the flights so we have had to reorganise the tents , Ogden & Bill Moyes have come into our tents. I am posted to 305 Sqd^XXIII with Bill Hill & Ernie.  I am now on permanent days.

I have been put on doing some odd jobs but I’m keeping up to date.

Sunday 30^th July 1944

I’ve had several nose bleedings the last few days & had to go to SSQ 3 times so I went sick  & the MO is sending me to Aldershot to have the veins cauterised electronically.  We had quite a chat about it.  Bill & I went to the cinema & saw “Thank your Lucky Stars” jolly good film.

Monday 31^st July 1944

Dolby the z—- put me on painting the roof of the stores van & while doing it I worked up a blister which eventually broke & I got paint in it, I cleaned it as well as I could & then went to SSQ as a safety precaution.

 In the evening I had a wash down & washed some bloody handkerchiefs – subsequent to my attacks of nosebleedings.

Tuesday 1^st August 1944

At last something has happened I wanted – we can wear collars & ties with battledress.  There is a rumour that we will soon be having 2 sets of battledress – one for walking out.

I mind particularly – no buttons to clean.

Went to Naafi in evening. 

Wrote home.

Wednesday 2^nd August 1944

Did more painting on vans.

In evening Frosty & I went to New Inn for a couple of pints, mucked around with wireless, sat in van for a while.

Thursday 3^rd August 1944

Did more painting. While camouflaging the back of the van. I got Angus to draw the outline of a woman – sideways – & painted it. It’s fairly legible. I wanted Angus to do some stencils for others but he didn’t bother.  I got Ken Harwood to think up some names for the vans but there  were no suitable names forthcoming except things like “Fircombe Hell” & “ Veedec Villa” prefer E.T. Packets. which are hardly the thing.

I saw Smith about he TTB & told him that this morning when Sgt – AC1 Wynn came he said all our chaps were AC1. & getting there LAC’s in a couple of weeks so he said he would make it a good paper & we could get our LACs from it.  Good show & I sincerely hope I succeed.

Wynn is still full of wind.

Stayed in tent & read all evening. Had supper of fried spam, hot chocolate & cake. 

Friday 4^th August 1944

Worked in hanger to help out Max.

Ernie, Hill & I had to go to 305 pay parade so we now get all morning off for pay parade.

In the evening I was taught an abject lesson in how to carry on through life – look after No1. & no-one else.  Ernie Frosty & I started a friendly (I thought) game of pontoon.  I soon started a lucky streak & had all Ernie’s money & most of Frosty’s.  Ernie then wanted to bail out but I said, “ you’ll make it up.” He then began to make a bit up.  He then got the bank & soon lost to Frosty without altering his position much 

Frosty then began a winning streak & got some money back. Ernie began to panic.  Then I won bank & started to pull in the dough again  I encouraged Ernie.

Then eventually Ernie won.

I had decided to let the boys have their money back if I won more than a couple of bob because Frosty is going on leave & is short & Ernie needs the money anyway.

However I decided to let Ernie win his money back. I gambled badly deliberately to let him win. Unfortunately he had a winning streak & first Frosty went down over a pound – on paper & then I began to go down heavily.  I saw Ernie was getting unsteady so I started double or quits which was the only way to clear myself. I was up eventually to £5/16/4 & Frosty had climbed down to a couple of bob.  The next hand I recovered £5 & Frosty got back his dough.

Then Ernie did a dirty trick – He refused to hold the bank. Frosty took it & played fair to me & after a good bit more playing he & I were almost equal then I got the bank again naturally I expected Ernie to do for me what I did for him boy oh no he plays careful & keeps my IOU’s.  Frosty helps me & when we end I own him 1/2d & Ernie gets 16/5 off me – & he demands it.  He has also won a couple of bob of Frosty.

I though “OK if you want it you can have it” so I paid up resolving that Ernie has had any favours from me in future.

I definitely cannot afford nearly a quid because I am already behind in my savings schedule & I hope soon to buy a Sax off Ron so I came to the only decision possible – a cut down in smoking & sell what I bought at Naafi today (18/- worth) at 2/4 for 20.

I had the luck of Ernie coming to me for some so I made him pay 2/8 for 20.  He had 40 so I made a bit back.  The full details of what I thought are enclosed:-

(Piece of blue writing paper in diary with stamp insignia of the Royal Canadian Air Force dated 17/7)

6/6 per week

26/- per month

Month = 28 days 

Fags 15 per day = 1/11/2 per day

18/- in 16 days 

Therefore no smoking for 16 days but 

1/8 made on fags E.M. = 15/8 in 14 days =15/9

Therefore no smoking for 14 days. But I desire to knock down smoking so I say no smoking for 14 days definitely & after that I will try to keep it up for a month. Then I have 80 fags which cost 0/0d at 10 per day when I start that = a save of 6/- so if I don’t smoke for 2 weeks & allowing loss at pontoon I make profit of 3/- but to make it worthwhile I must knock off a month & I make 10/4.   Fags sold at over 1/6d per 20 =s all profit.

Anyway it has tought me a lesson never to spare any thought to the chap who is on the losing streak.

Still although I say that now I know I shan’t keep to it.

Anyway if I succeed in cutting down smoking. In the long run I gain so what am I grumbling at & anyway Ernie said we should play some more. If we do & I make up to a pound that’s ok by me.

My leave is from 23^rd to 27^th got pass signed from 1600 on 6^th to 12.00 on 8^th 

Saturday 5^th August 1944

I felt I needed a smoke in the morning but didn’t have one. 

I had little desire to smoke in the afternoon. In the evening I wanted to smoke & also I had indigestion so I had one & got rid of the indigestion.

In the evening I cleaned my buttons & shoes & prepared to go on pass.

Sunday 6^th August 1944

Didn’t have so much desire for a fag today & I didn’t smoke till I was on the train to Laindon.

I was informed I had to go to SSQ tomorrow at 2. So I went down & saw them & explained I was going on pass.  So they gave me my papers. Changed into best blue dinner time. Then went to the orderly room & fixed up a warrant & route form so that I could go to Aldershot coming back from pass.

Left orderly room at 3.45 & booked out at 4.

Got lift on the RAF Regt lorry into Basingstoke & caught a train in 5 minutes & was home by 20 to 7.

I found a note saying they were all at Laindon & Dad was returning to see me.  

I had a bath & then Dad came home so he & I caught the 8.41 from East Ham back to Laindon.  Another FB fell on the garage & there are lots of u/s buses on the bombed sites.  

Another fell near Cage Rd School.

We have part of the kitchen ceiling down as well now.

Mum Dad Ern Jean & Beryl were there.

Monday 7^th August 1944

Up late. Heard several FBs during the night.

Doris came down.

Had a nice easy time all day.

Home about 8.40

Went to Elccas played a while Fred gave me a dollar. At 11.20 a warning went & the hall was cleared. I think I will be having another niece or nephew in a few months’ time.

Tuesday 8^th August 1944

Up at 8. Caught 11.27 train. 

Had lunch in Aldershot went to the hospital.  They did the same thing as was done once before, cauterised my nose with chromic acid.  Then they stuffed 2 wads of cotton wool with ointment up my nose.  I did feel a sight.

At Alton I got a lift in a jeep to R& L Hanger – 10 minutes all the way.

Back at 4

Wrote home.

Wednesday 9^th august 1944

Went to SSQ removed plugs. Told to come back if it bled again – it did but I didn’t go back. 

Wrote home.

Went to Naafi to find out what tombola was – just a simple gamble. I lost 2/-

Thursday 11^th august 1944

Frosty returned from leave & he Max & I went to the New Inn for a pint.

Saturday 12^th August 1944

Had a letter from home.

Sgt Stanley wants us to rehearse tomorrow night.

Mucked around all evening.

Sunday 13^th Augus1944

More nosebleedings

Had rehearsal in evening. Drums Piano Sax Trumpet.  Wasn’t too bad but the Trumpet is very weak.

Monday 14^th August 1944

Went on Polish flight for day as several Poles are ill or on leave.  Did 5 DIS & had rest of day free. I used the time to sort out the PSI music. Made up 10 sets comprising 18 tunes.

Had another rehearsal the trumpet is definitely poor.  We could do with another, also we need a tenor sax.

Tuesday 15^th August 1944

Put in leave application.  Keeping up with fag rationing.

Slightly less nosebleedings. Washed some handkerchiefs. We had clothing parade I got a new hat with plastic buttons & badge & 2 prs of socks.

Put plastic badge on buttons on working hat & brass on new hat.

Wednesday 16^th August 1944

Nothing of interest.

Thursday 17^th August 1944

To celebrate the 2000^th sortie since D day there are no Ops tonight but a dance is on from 8 to 1 am women are coming from Basingstoke & Waaf’s from other camps.  All free bar beer.

613 & 107 stand down is from 1700 to 1000 but 305 is from 1000 to 1000 so Ernie & I finished the inspection & pushed off to Basingstoke at 12.

We had to walk nearly 2 miles before getting a lift. We went to the Players & saw Frank Sinatra in “Higher & Higher” & “Slow Boat to China”.

Then had a walk round back at 8.15. then went to the dance till 11.

As I expected the hall was half empty about 10. Some old bags were almost asking to be raped. Spectacles like that always disgust me.

Frosty came in drunk about 12. He provided us with a laugh at his antics though. 

Pay parade was held today.

Had letter from home with news that Bert has been killed in Italy. Poor chap. I don’t know how Mrs Keyes & Doris will take it.  Bert & Doris were inseparable when younger.

Friday 18^th August 1944

Nothing of interest. Stayed in tent had kit inspection.

Saturday 19^th August 1944

Did odd jobs in van in evening.

Sunday 20^th August 1944

Prepared to go on leave.

Monday 21^st August 1944

Got all ready by 6.15 & collected pass. Caught bus at 7.1 from New Inn.  7.24 from Basingstoke first stop Waterloo. Home at 9.45. Held up at Waterloo because flood gates on tube were closed although AC went as we pulled in. 

Alert about 11 (Dad has complete record) I slept downstairs. Ern is going to make me some tools.

---

X: Central Trade Test Board, a body which oversaw trade tests of all airmen.

XI: https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/units/5119/royal-air-force-volunteer-reserve/
A civilian volunteer on being accepted for aircrew training took an oath of allegiance (‘attestation’) and was then inducted in to the RAFVR. Normally he returned to his civilian job for several months until he was called up for aircrew training. During this waiting period he could wear a silver RAFVR lapel badge to indicate his status.

XII: Wikipedia 
Doctor Syn is a 1937 British black-and-white historical dramatic adventure film, directed by Roy William Neill for Gainsborough Pictures. It stars George Arliss (in his last feature film), Margaret Lockwood, Graham Moffatt and Ronald Shiner.[1] The film is based on the Doctor Syn novels of Russell Thorndike, set in 18th century Kent. The character of Syn and the events at the film’s climax were both softened considerably in comparison to Thorndike’s original story.

XIII: From Stand by Your Bed! By David Findlay Clark
Within a day all servicemen underwent a medical with the unit medical team. David Findlay Clark discusses this as being more about looking for signs of venereal disease (VD) in an inspection called Free From Infection (FFI)

XIV: This is the first of many letters home, which he re-wrote in  notebooks.  Also found amongst his records were the letters he received from family and friends.  The letters give a fuller description of his time in the RAF, and also a wonderful insight  into how civilians were feeling back home.

XV: Islington Gazette  PUBLISHED: 09:40 11 October 2017
One of Islington’s forgotten gems, the Finsbury Park Empire, has been commemorated with a memorial plaque. The Gazette pulls back the curtain to look at the history of the music hall and variety theatre.
Most people will have walked along St Thomas’s Road in Finsbury Park without realising there once stood one of London’s most famous variety halls and theatres.
A plaque commemorating the Finsbury Park Empire was installed this week after the public voted it one of three historic sites they wanted to see honoured.
The 2000-seat theatre, designed by top theatre architect Frank Matcham, opened in 1910 at a cost of £45,000 and played host to many stage and screen greats including Laurel and Hardy, Max Miller, Tony Hancock and even Harry Houdini.
“It was really the main north London palladium,” said Islington Local History Centre archivist Julie Melrose. “It was the Moss Empires’ main theatre outside the West End. There was very much a need for entertainment venues in the area at the time and they realised that.

XVI: Wikipedia
Harry Roy (12 January 1900 – 1 February 1971) was a British dance band leader and clarinet player from the 1920s to the 1960s. He performed several songs with suggestive lyrics including “My Girl’s Pussy” (1931), and “She Had to Go and Lose It at the Astor”

XVII: Internal combustion engine

XVIII: Wikipedia
September 3, 1943 (Friday)
· The Italian mainland was invaded by the Allies for the first time during World War II, as the British commanding General, Sir Bernard Montgomery, sent the first British and Canadian troops across the Messina Strait, from Sicily to the southern tip of Italy. The British Eighth Army, 5th Division, and the Canadian 1st Division began Operation Baytown at 0430 GMT and encountered little resistance after going ashore at Reggio di Calabria.
· At the same time, General Giuseppe Castellano, acting with the authorization of the Italian government, secretly met with Allied officials at the village of Cassibile in Sicily to sign the Armistice of Cassibile, Italy’s unconditional surrender, to “come into force at a moment most favourable to the Allies”. U.S. Army General Walter Bedell Smith signed on behalf of the Allies.
· The Nazi German SS began the arrest thousands of Jews in Belgium, with two days of raids on the cities of Brussels and Antwerp. The first of ten deportations by railroad would begin on September 20.
· A children’s home was bombed in Wales, and all the children there were killed in the ensuing explosion, including the head mistress it was a big tragedy. The attack was carried out by a squadron of Heinkel.

XIX: studied

XX: Wikipedia
World of Plenty is a 1943 British documentary film directed by Paul Rotha for the Ministries of Food and Agriculture. It discusses problems with, and possible improvements to, global food distribution.
Synopsis
An opening narration explaining that the film’s purpose is to examine the “world strategy of food”, in terms of its production, distribution and consumption. The film is then divided into three parts: “Food – As It Was”, “Food – As It Is” and “Food – As It Might Be”.

XXI: From Wikipedia
Lasham Airfield  The airfield was constructed in 1942. Initial operations (from November that year) were by 38 Wing, Army Co-operation Command.
Maps of the area before and after the airfield was constructed are displayed in the main corridor of the clubhouse of Lasham Gliding Society on the North side of the airfield off Avenue Road. Also displayed are photographs and other details of aircraft and personnel of the squadrons that flew from Lasham.
In mid-1943, the airfield was transferred to RAF Fighter Command. Squadrons equipped with Hawker Hurricanes, Hawker Typhoons and Spitfires operated from Lasham. Later in 1943, it became a base for the bombers of No. 2 Group RAF, part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force. The squadrons of 2 Group used the de Havilland Mosquito and North American B-25 Mitchell.

XXII: Epistaxis is defined as bleeding from the nostril, nasal cavity, or nasopharynx. Nosebleeds are due to the bursting of a blood vessel within the nose. This may be spontaneous or caused by trauma. Nosebleeds are rarely life threatening and usually stop on their own.

XXIII: No. 305 Polish Bomber Squadron “Ziemia Wielkopolska” (“Land of Greater Poland”) was a Polish World War II bomber unit. It fought alongside the Royal Air Force under their operational Command and operated from airbases in the United Kingdom.
The last of the Polish bomber squadrons under Royal Air Force command, 305 Squadron was formed at RAF Bramcote, Warwickshire on 29 August 1940. It was initially equipped with the somewhat obsolete Fairey Battle aircraft but was reequipped in November 1940 with twin-engine Vickers Wellington heavy bombers. The unit began operational flying in April 1941. Its first mission was bombing of petrol and fuel storage tanks at Rotterdam in the night from 25 to 26 April 1941. Between June 1941 and August 1943 the Squadron was based at RAF Ingham.
In August 1943, the Squadron was moved to RAF Swanton Morley and thereafter ceased its affiliation with RAF Bomber Command; instead, it was absorbed into the freshly formed Second Tactical Air Force, a specialized arm of the RAF that was centered on tactical air strikes on vital enemy targets (such as bridges, supply trains, etc.) in the European Continent.
During this period, 305 Squadron was transferred to No. 2 Group RAF and converted briefly to North American Mitchell medium bombers before adopting the De Havilland Mosquito FB.VI, the aircraft that the Squadron operated for the remainder of the European campaign. Through 1944, the 305 was stationed at RAF Lasham in England and then briefly at RAF Hartford Bridge before moving to the Epinoy airfield in France in November 1944. During the Normandy Landings, the squadron destroyed 13,000,000 litres of the German fuel stored near Nancy, France. The squadron performed its last mission exactly four years after their first, in the night of 25 to 26 April 1945. After the hostilities ended, the Squadron continued to operate in Germany as part of the occupation forces and, after a brief return to England, was finally disbanded formally on 6 January 1947 at RAF Faldingworth, having already given up its aircraft on 25 November 1946.

Book 40

Tuesday 22^nd August 1944

Up 9.15 played piano etc in afternoon went up Abby Arms got couple of notebooks & went into Jack Faust’s & bought a speaker & tannoy also got a tannoy con with Vernier drive for riser and  mixer.  Had chat for about 2 hrs with him.  

Visited Fred with Bert & discussed the Gtr amp & I am to try to get magnet & bobbins & see what I can do towards it.^I  

Went up Elccas played for half an hour.

Slept upstairs.

Wednesday 23^rd August  1944

Up 9.15. had bath. Went to office only 4 there rest dispersed at Finchley Ilford etc.  Had nice chat.

Couldn’t get any wireless parts in Lisle St or Charing X Road.

Bought valve data book.

In evening visited Ron had good time gave me 100 fags.

In afternoon Mum & I visited Walter. Gave me 10/-.  Doris was over news of Bert’s death.  Fred seems to be as well.  Beryl insisted on coming home with me for couple of hrs mum took her back later.

Thursday 24^th August 1944

Up 12.  We didn’t go to Laindon as arranged. Mum suggested we go over to Chingford for a stroll – all well & good but it poured & all we did was stay on the bus there & back, still it was a run out.

Very bad buzz raid later. One fell on our route home. Mucked about all evening.

Friday 25^th August 1944

Took things easy all day finally got wireless going & fixed it up in Bert’s.

Jean called.

Bed 1 am.

Saturday 26^th August 1944

Up 5 to 8.

Left home at 9. 

Back at camp 12.40.  Went sick about nosebleedings.  They are fixing up another appointment at Aldershot wrote home & read in evening.

Sunday 27^th August 1944

Didn’t do much work – didn’t feel like it.

Went to Naafi in evening & played piano.

Then went with Frosty to New Inn & had a couple of pints & a singalong.

Monday 28^th August 1944

Did a little more work than yesterday.

Stayed behind in evening & worked on wireless set & Perspex rings & brooches.

Tuesday 29^th August 1944

Went to cinema with Ernie & saw the Adventures of Robin Hood.

Wednesday 30^th August 1944

Frosty Ernie Bill Mayson Johnny Harris Ken Harwood Derik Hill & I went to the New Inn, we made a kitty & we were all half cut when the place shut, we then went to a dance for a few minutes & eventually got back to the tent.  Gee what a night I vaguely remember spreading cheese on Frosty’s head amongst other things.

It certainly was the wildest night we have had.

I visited the Dentist because of a touch of neuralgia. He sent me to the MO who gave me tablets.

Thursday 31^st August 1944

Had letters from Dad & Mum & Ron. Answered both.

Did more work on the Perspex rings I am making.

Friday 1^st September 1944

Today is the end of my months fag rationing of 20 per week.  I have kept to it as well & as a result I have saved £2.18.4d which more than makes up for my debacle at cards a month ago. If I carry on as I intend at 10 a day I estimate I will save 7/6d a week.

I receive £3/12/- in pay but whether this includes ration money or not I do not know.

More work on rings.

Saturday 2^nd September 1944

Did some more on rings but went to bed at 9.30

Sunday 3^rd September 1944

5 years of war today & unconfirmed reports say we are in Germany.  Well I hope this is almost the end of the war.  But the most pleasing thing to me is the clearing of the fly bomb sites.

I spent today preparing 2 sites for the return of the aircrew.

I hope we will be returning as well very shortly.  It is getting bad now for wind cold & rain but it is bound to become 10 times worse.

I was annoyed about being sent on the job but it wasn’t so bad & I finished early because of it.  One of the men’s marquees blew down in the night. 

I went to the Naafi & had supper & a bash on the piano.  Then I returned & prepared for bed & wrote this.

Monday 4^th September 1944

Poured with rain.

Went to Aldershot for appointment.  The specialist made a note of my docs & sent me back without doing anything.  I have to report sick tomorrow.

I had to go to bed as soon as I returned because my trousers were so wet.

I folded them in newspaper & slept on them to dry them out.

Tuesday 5^th September 1944

When I got up I found the newspaper a soggy mess but the trousers were ok.

The band have returned is a 2 group band so I suppose our effort will fall through.

Wednesday 6^th September 1944

Went on pass at 4.  Got a lift in a US army waggon & we did 60 all the way.

Home 6.30

Went to Public Hall for an hour & called at Ron’s.

Thursday 7^th September 1944

Stayed in all day.

Friday 8^th September 1944

Back at 12.40.

Wrote home.

Saturday 9^th September 1944

Went to Basingstoke in the evening & Angus Ernie Mike & I had the 4 middle seats in the front row at the Grand & saw a Strip Tease show – not bad either from that position.

Sunday 10^th September 1944

Keeping to my limit ok in fact I don’t smoke 10 fags a day even.

We’ve been having to revive the van & Dalby – the ignorant … ain’t satisfied with the progress we’ve made although I’d like to see him do it quicker, anyway we had to stay till it was finished so we stayed till 12 & did all we could baring work outside the van & by the time we had had supper & washed it was 10 to 1.

Monday 11^th September 1944

We were entitled to 12hrs off but that crawling sneaky cowardly swine Winstanley, although he knew what we had done, told Dalby we weren’t in & Dalby came round & woke us up got us up & said our passes were cancelled for a month – we know he couldn’t do that but anyway we went to Sgt Levandouski & he saw Dolby & bawled out Win.

However Dalby came to see us & we had a go at him about his accusing us of lacrimony.  Anyway he hadn’t a leg to stand on & climbed down from his high horse. Lev. said that if he interferes with us any more he’ll get him posted same as he had had done to 3 NCO’s & 5 officers here.  Lev is a good bloke to have on your side.

Ernie moved in our tent as Moga & Ozzie have moved to the flights tent to be with their pals.

Tuesday 12^th September 1944

Stayed in tent all evening.  We are getting a further 4 days leave.

Mine 25^th to 30^th Sept & I have a pass 14-16^th.

Wednesday 13^th September 1944

Had haircut & prepared to go on pass.

Thursday 14^th September 1944

Changed lunchtime.

Left 3.20

Got lift to Basingstoke.

Went round Kens with Bert.

Friday 15^th September 1944

Went to Walters.

Beryl seems to be springing up these days.

Bert was killed by a mortar shell they’ve found out.

Stayed in all evening.

Bought “Its Love Love Love” & “I’ll walk Alone”.

The Huns are sending rockets over although I’ve heard they may be experimental missiles we are developing which go wrong.

Nothing official has been said about them.

Saturday 16^th September 1944

Flying bombs launched in mid-air were sent over.

I heard one Rocket shell at 8.30.

Back 12.40

Went to Naafi in evening & worked on wireless set.

Sunday 17^th September 1944

Noting extraordinary today worked on set Ernie & I are building.

Monday 18^th September 1944

Frosty gave me the photo we took recently.

I was on night duty till 10. Worked on wireless with Ernie.

Tuesday 19^th September 1944

Ernie & I worked on set in evening.

Dalby told us a board will be held in about a fortnight.  LAC board & b – stiff.

Wednesday 20^th September 1944

Genned up for board

Thursday 20^th September 1944

Genned up for board

Friday 22^nd September 1944

Genned up for board

Saturday 23^rd September 1944

I saw a tragedy today.  2 305 kites collided & both crashed.

They were over our heads when they hit, one went on seemingly ok & the one carried on for a second & then — there was an explosion & the tail fell off.  For one sickening moment it stood still – then down it came gradually spiralling & gathering speed.

Everybody was screaming “Get out Get out” but of course it was hopeless they were far too low.

Then we all moved – a great mob jumping the fences – forcing through undergrowth – & just as we got to the field – boom – it hit the deck & up it went.  We still ran on with ammunition & debris flying around us, but in our hearts we all knew it was hopeless. They never stood a chance in a million. All we could do was stand & wait helplessly till the fire tender arrived.

There was a Polish pilot & a Polish Army Padre on a joy ride in that one & the other one which crashed a mile away had an English crew attached to 305.  None got out.

Our R1355^II was a dozen yds away – burning & the leads snapped clean like a piece of cotton. The only other whole thing was the armour plate behind the observer.

In the evening I prepared to go on leave.

Monday 25^th September 1944

Left at 4.30

Home at 7.45

Ern & Jean were in bed late.

Tuesday 26^th September 1944

Stayed in.

Saw Bert in evening & we went to the Elccas.

Wednesday 27^th September 1944

After dinner Bert & I went out we bought some music & books went to a news theatre then met 2 VADS^III Bert knows – had tea & went to embassy.  I danced nearly every dance & had a good time.

Home 12.15.

Bed 1.

Thursday 28^th September 1944

Up late.

Dad & Doris & Beryl went to Laindon.

Played piano etc 

Pressed trousers.

Went round Ron’s in the evening with Bert.

Jean called.

Friday 29^th September 1944

Had haircut

Went to Jack Faust’s & got 3 condensers & a screwdriver.

Ernie Marshall came in the afternoon. We played piano & saw Bert & then all 3 of us went to the Elccas & had another enjoyable evening.  We had 2 alerts.  Home 11.30

Up till 1 talking to Ern.

Saturday 30^th September 1944

Up 8

Left 9.15.

Back at camp 12.30

Not yet moved to Static camp.

Wrote home.

Poured with rain about 9.

Sunday 1^st October 1944

Told we are moving to static tomorrow.

Folded kit in readiness.

Monday 2^nd October 1944

Moved to static.

First we were put in the mess but were later moved to a hut on 2 Wouf site.  Very comfortable indeed.

Private lavatory – & a good job too because I was up twice & all the other blokes were up once during the night.  I think the tea was off because it was general.

We get bags of lorry hours in now riding back & forth between static & airfield for meals etc.

Tuesday 3^rd October 1944

Up 7.20

Much better than tents.

Went to Naafi in evening.

Wednesday 4^th October 1944

Ern is 28 today.

Wrote home in answer to a letter I had today.

Sat round the fire writing letter all evening & reading.

Thursday 5^th October 1944

Genned up all evening

Friday 6^th October 1944

Genned up

Saturday 7th October 1944

Genned up

Sunday 8^th October 1944

Genned up

Monday 9^th October 1944

Prepared to go home tomorrow.

We were expecting the board to start today but Dalby & Smith both suddenly went on leave.

Tuesday 10^th October 1944

Got afternoon off to get ready to go on leave & at lunch found out that all leave is cancelled.

I confirmed then at the guard room & wired home “Cannot get home writing later Love Don”.

We are moving very shortly & I go by air.

I wrote home without saying too much & asked for several things.

Went to Naafi for a while.

Wednesday 11^th October 1944

Went in & helped take down tents & clean up.  It poured down & a gale was blowing.

We had to go to a VD film. It only served to strengthen my resolution to live a clean life.  It was to realistic especially where they showed blokes being treated.

The GC spoke to us before the film & said we are going near Lille & said that the drome was poor on the domestic side.  Still we have to put up with it.

Thursday 12^th October 1944

Stayed in billet.

Friday 13^th October 1944

As yesterday.

Still raining heavily most of the time & everything is swimming in mud.

Saturday 14^th October 1944

Went to Basingstoke with Ernie Angus & Frosty. Had good time drinking & singing.

Back at 12.

Sunday 15^th October 1944

Went to Camp Cinema & saw “Santa Fe Trail” a film about John Brown & the slaves.^IV

Monday 16^th October 1944

Got my parcel from home with various thing I require.  Wrote home.

I’m getting a good stock of cigs & soap & odds & ends now.

Tuesday 17^th October 1944

Stayed in all evening.

We can all have a day off by Saturday & I am to go tomorrow.

Wednesday 18^th October 1944

Up early. Booked out at 8.15. caught a jeep with Angus & got off at the roundabout near Basingstoke & then got a lift on a lorry to Slough via Hartford Bridge, an ammo store & prison camp & Windsor great park.

We got a bus from Slough to Hounslow & there we caught the Piccadilly line. I changed at Hammersmith & went straight to Plaistow.

In at 12.30. Saw Dad. Played piano & had a bath.

Doris came with Beryl.

Doris says she is gong to divorce Walter because he been going around with another woman – the dirty rat, but I don’t think she will somehow, he’ll probably come to his senses before then.

Left at 5.45.  train to Wimbledon changed & went to Surbiton & there to Alton. Met Angus on the bus. Back at 10.15.

Thursday 19^th October 1944

Played chess with Ernie won 1 drew 1 lost 1. Wrote home

Friday 20^th October 1944

We got paid today – at least the airlift party did. So it looks like we are going soon.

Beat Ernie in 2 games of chess.

Saturday 21^st October 1944

I was on fatigues today so I reported & then went to the section & read.  In the afternoon I was given an afternoon off & Angus & I did some washing & then went to Basingstoke & went to the cinema.  We saw “The Falcon out West” & “It happened on Sunday”. The latter being a wizard film.

Sunday 22^nd October 1944

The airlift party is leaving for Hartford Bridge tomorrow. Everybody was very busy packing we had a lorry sent which we put our equipment in.

It was a hell of a game packing up in the evening, eventually however I managed to get everything away.

We take 1 kit bag with 5 blankets, webbing gas equipment helmet & rifle & the main party takes our other kit bag & big backpack.

Monday 23^rd October 1944

With a great struggle I managed to get all my blankets in.  it took 2 of us to do it through, pushing & the other standing on them.  We left after dinner arriving at HB about 3.

Naturally Smithy had made no arrangements for us so we had to stick in the van till he condescended to arrive.  Eventually he got us an officers hut which we shared with 5 meet wallahs  one of whom was Halle the ex-aircrew officer who was at Skegness with me.

I went of the section to unpack.  It is the standout radar workshop.

Angus Ernie & I went to the camp cinema & saw “White Captive” & the Andrews sisters in “How’s about it”. Very good film.

The food is very much better.  In fact HB should be a lesson showing how a RAF drome should be run.

Tuesday 24^th October 1944

I didn’t feel to well today probably because I got wet & cold in the move.

After tea I stayed in the billet & got in conversation with the Meet Wallahs^V & of all things one of them was the secretary of the Birmingham Rhythm Club.  Name of Waring.  He has had letters in the MM^VI in arguments with R6VV.

His opinion of Venables is low.  He says originally he was genuine but he is merely a racketeer now.  He sold £40’s worth of records in a month recently & that he is a farmer.  He used to be a journalist.  He has a similar impression of Bill Elliott & says that Ray Sarin will only be the editor of the MM till he gets a better offer.

“Mike” was Spike Hughes. We went to the Royal Oak later & continued the discussion.  

The talking made me feel much better.  When we got back Sgt Beaton came in & said we return to Lasham tomorrow.  What a B— bind.

Wary is writing a book with another bloke, called “Trumpets for Beiderbecke” he gave me a card.

Wednesday 25^th October 1944

We packed up the goods & chattels at the section in the morning & then went back to the billet & packed our own kit.

We left about 2.

Mostly we were sorry to leave – especially in the circumstances. Everybody is afraid of Burma.

We were back at 3 & moved into the static Radar Section.

Stayed in all evening. I feel a good bit better tonight.

Thursday 26^th October 1944

Stayed in billet all evening & read.

Friday 27^th October 1944

We are moving to HB again on Sunday. We heard it over the tannoy at lunchtime after all the work we’ve put in on the static section too!.

We got cracking in the afternoon & packed nearly everything once more. 

Read during the evening.

Saturday 28^th October 1944

Loaded 3 lorries for main party – what a job.

The packing is the worst part of the job.

Several of us went to the camp theatre in the evening. The show, Arthur Roseberry’s “Time out for Rhythm” was about the worst I’ve ever seen.  There was hardly one thing which took it up from banality.  The stage management was poor, the artists were weak, the band ropey & Roseberry himself gave a very amateurly exhibition on the piano.

I packed almost all my kit when I got back to the billet.

Sunday 29^th October 1944

We loaded our lorry & then finished packing our own kit. We got Sgt Beaton to get our coupons & we got our rations at lunchtime.

The Naafi tried out the old gag – cheap fags only.  We were in no position to argue although we told the girls what we thought.  I got some more tobacco for my pipe.

The journey was even more disorganised that last time.  Harry had all our kits out & reorganised into different vans.  By some miracle I found all my kit at H.B. we were once more in the same billets.

I came down with 107 flight bods & we sang nearly all the way. Even Beaton joined in eventually. I’m afraid most of the songs were risqué. Still that can hardly be avoided when Frosty’s crowd are present.

We unloaded at the section & then had tea. Several of us went to the Naafi where I played the piano – oh where will I find a good piano, I am getting sorely out of practice & pianos such as the one I used tonight do nothing to help my technique.

We then went to the camp cinema & saw 2 very old films. Laurel & Hardy in “Pack up your Troubles” & “Laburnum Grove” both of which were quite good.

It was very chilly when we left the cinema & I was extremely glad to get to bed.

Monday 30^th October 1944

This station is the exact opposite of Lasham in everything – whereas at Lasham the only good thing the mess produces is tea here the tea is the weak spot of the mess. 

I did very little work at the section. I checked one set & then sat by the fire & read. 

We are getting passes & mine is from 17.15 hrs 1^st Nov to 23.59 2^nd Nov.

I played Ernie a game of chess – at least I started with Ernie but Joe Kowalski joined in & after a very interesting game beat me. He sure is a very very good player.

I decided to stay in this evening. Unfortunately for me Brody – one of the Met wallahs decided to stay in & practice his violin. I’ve heard all about him & reserved judgement till I heard him.

Well I was sitting down quietly ready & harming nobody & he started.

What a B- awful row.

I think he could sound quite effective if he played something within his powers but he persists in trying very difficult concertos & the noise he kicks up is beyond description.  I couldn’t read – funnily the phrase I read as he began was this “Good God! of what can men’s hearts be glad who can this dally with the agony of others?”

It completely spoilt my evening. Although the lads are now in & he has stopped I can still hear it ringing through my head. Never again will I stay alone with Brody.  He is a public menace.

Tuesday 31^st October 1944

Went to YMCA

Wednesday 1^st November 1944

Went on pass about 3, hitched to Camberley. Home at 6.15.

Walter called later, a rocket fell behind his place this evening. He was really shaky. Doris & Beryl have gone away.

These rockets are real swine’s.

Walter gave me 10/-.

Thursday 2^nd November 1944

Went around shops & bought things like paper envelopes etc. got diaries for Dad & I left at 8.50. Ern & Jean saw me off at Paddington.

Met Ernie at Sandhurst & walked back with him.

Friday 3^rd November 1944

Went to the YMCA

Played piano.

Saturday 4^th November 1944

Went to YMCA & had super time with Ernie on the Piano. Got paid today.

Sunday 5^th November 1944

Went to Naafi.

Visited camp cinema & saw “Crazy House” with Olsen & Johnson.  To make it more crazy they mixed the reels & made it almost impossible to understand.

Monday 6^th November 1944

Ernie & I went on pass, he came home with me.

He Bert Joyce & myself went to the Odeon & saw “Till we meet again” & “Thanks for the Memory” which is about 8 or 9 years old but well worth seeing again.

Tuesday 7^th November 1944

Up late played piano etc. played cards in evening. Ern brought Jean along.

Left at 8.45, met Bert & he came to Plaistow Stn with us.

There was a pro saying goodbye to a US sailor in our compartment.  What a disgusting exhibition.  Some drunk US soldiers got on. 1 put his fist through a door window when some bloke wouldn’t let them in a compartment, we helped him wash it & clean himself up.

Back at 12.

Wednesday 8^th November 1944

Ernie Jack & I went to Reading.  Went to the Pavilion^VII & saw “The Falcon & the Co Eds” & “Ministry of Fear” a good programme really.

On the train back we got talking to some girls – not bad really – a pity they were with Canadians.

Thursday 9^th November 1944

Don Jack Ernie Win &  I went to Yateley & trawled the pubs. We had a game of bar billiards.  Win & I beating Don & Ernie.  Quite an enjoyable evening.

Friday 10^th November 1944

Our latest method of killing time at the section is Pitch & Cross – cards seem to have had their run for a while. Also for a change I can keep my end up at it.

We all have to be in by 12 tonight & passes are stopped – in readiness for money exchange parades.  Angus Bob Johnny Jim Don & I went to Reading.  We had tea & then got slightly drunk & then staggered into a dance losing Angus & Johnny on the way to 2 women.

Bob & I pulled up with 2 & I thought I was ok but I lost mine to a yank.

However outside I met another but when I took home, not too bad but not good.

Saturday 11^th November 1944

Money exchange parade was put back & passes recommenced.

Ernie & I went to the YMCA then to the British Legion Hall – better know as the sweat box – to a dance. I soon got a bit & she sat on my lap all night.  She was a first class bit. I took her home & tried for a date but she is on late shift this week – what a pity.

In at 12.20.

Sunday 12^th November 1944

There was no gen about passes today & money parade was still down for tomorrow so I took a chance & got a bird in the hand in the shape of a pass from 12 today till 8.30 tomorrow from Sgt Beaton.

I got 2 lifts & was in Reading by 1.25. caught the 1.45 train which left at 2.5 & was indoors by 4.

Mum & Dad were at Laindon so I saw Bert & called on Fred & Ron. 

Mum washed my clothes I got some cash from Dad.

Ern has an ancient coin & from a labours job of research we have discovered that it probably comes from Philippopolis now (Greece & Albania) & is about 1900 yeas old.  He wants to check up on this at the British Museum but at present its rather difficult I hope he is able to and it is a good sum.

Bert had a new one Friday, a V2 fell 20 yds from him.^VIII

Bed at 12.

Monday 13^th November 1944

Up 5.10.

Left at 5.45.

Ern came to Plaistow with me.

Got 6.54 at Waterloo. Train was late at Camberley & I missed the bus but got a lift & booked in at main guard room.

I had to duplicate the signal gen for aircrew at Smithy’s request this afternoon.  It was interesting although it made me a bit late finishing.

I sorted my kit & went to bed early.

Tuesday 14^th November 1944

Passes reinstated & Beaton gave me from 12 today till midnight tomorrow.

Caught 12.22 but to Reading & then the 1.11 train. – I saw at Reading Stn a petrol driven train – with an I.C. Engine it did look & sound queer. 

Home at 2.35.

It shook them all rigid – & I was shaken rigid once or twice by V2’s.

Jean came over.

I did some indexing of music, I’ve been on that job nearly 2 years now. Thank goodness it nearly finished.

Bert called & we visited Elccas for a while. 

Bed 12.30

Wednesday 15^th November 1944

Up 12.

Played piano.  

Had a near V2 which mum heard fell in Forest Gate so I rang Walter. He was on a job but everything was ok.

Doris & Beryl are still in Wales.

Did a lot more indexing. I’ve come to the conclusion that my method isn’t efficient enough.  I’ve thought out a better way.

Left at 8.45.

In billet at 12.

Thursday 16^th November 1944

Wrote home during morning while I was Hut orderly.

I took on that job because I was tired & didn’t want to get up at 8.

In the evening I went to Reading with Angus & Jack. Angus had a date & 2 dames who Jack knew came in the pub. They weren’t the type I like – one of them had a baby I found out later.  However I lost them & went to the YMCA & arrived just before the end of a social. It wasn’t bad. I played piano for a while.  Met Angus later back at 12.

60 Libs landed here because of bad weather of course 600 extra discharged everything. (presumably B-24 Liberator American heavy bomber)

Friday 17^th November 1944

Poured with rain all day.

Money changing parade was held today. I got 600 francs for £3.

Had quiet night.  At least it was till Don  Wyn Mike & Jack came in all half cut.

Saturday 18^th November 1944

Had half day. Went to YMCA with Bill Hill.

We played chess & stalemated – very good game.  At billiards I lost by one. I had a very welcome bath.

In the evening we went to a social there. Wasn’t too bad.

When we got back we found we were moving tomorrow so we had to pack as much as possible.

Sunday 19^th November 1944

Up at 6. Packed by 6.45. breakfast at 7.  The Poles collected myself Ernie & Len & took us to their site & then to 308 dispersal where we were kept waiting till 12.

When we at last got into the Dak. (Dakota)

I got talking to the nav & over the channel we helped him navigate very interesting it was too.

We were airborne at 1229and down at 1340 hrs.

It was very interesting. I didn’t know we were up till I suddenly saw small shapes which were aircraft on the dispersals below. We bumped a bit & then got above the clouds &  had a very smooth trip over the channel. We didn’t see the coast of England.

You didn’t know you were moving except for the roar of the engines & the blue sky above & grey-white clouds below were a marvellous sight. 

We went below the clouds halfway across & had a good view of the approaching coast.

Once over the French coast we bumped a good bit & after I had had a good look round I decided to lay down & close my eyes to prevent feeling bad.

We made an excellent landing & were soon out of the kite.  We got to the section & Norman took us round in the van to get us dinner, park our kit in the billet & fill our paillasses. 

They came through Belgium & had a wonderful time.  The Belgians are vastly superior to the French in their attitude to us.  They arrived yesterday.

The billets aren’t bad –  a bit crowded thought. I have a top bunk of all things. Still I must put up with it.

We saw the Met bods & visited an entertainment with them.  The beer is lousy but the Ersatz coffee^IX isn’t bad. I had a go on the piano but it was terrible back at billet about 10.30, started to write home. 

Monday 20^th November 1944

Up 8. This place is marvellously camouflaged but even so we’ve bashed it a good bit.  Our Kites did some of it.

The workhouse queues are as bad as ever & we had to peal 4 spuds each at lunchtime. Stayed busy getting our section fitted up.  

Stayed in all evening & got my kit organised and wrote home. Bed 11 pm.

Thursday 21^st November 1944

Got my bench organised.

Went to Epinoy in evening with the Met blokes. Bill Hill got talking with a French lass & we got the gen about the Huns.

She used to work in the airmen’s mess for 10 hrs a day for 6F 60 centimes per hr.  She served them as well.  They left on 30^th August taking all the girls – voluntarily or forcibly – & the yanks came on Sept 2^nd.

They have had 3 air raids & they made a hell of a mess of the airfield & knocked the village about a bit.

There were very few FF1 men here.

Back at billet at 10.10.

Wednesday 22^nd November 1944

Up late but caught wagon back to billet dinnertime & made bed etc ready to go to Douai^X tonight.

There were 2 shows on tonight & rumours went round the run was cancelled. Then Dalby took the van & made us late. Eventually Bob Norman Johnny Ernie & I caught the wagon at 7.30.

At Douai we were mobbed for fags & chocolates.  I sold 40 fags.

We walked around for a while.  There is quite a lot of damage.

We finally went in one café – quite a good class one. We had lemonade finishing with cognac – quite good stuff.

Then we made our way to another where there was a wizard band consisting of alter trumpet, trom, Piano Bass & drums.  They were wizard. Playing many stomps. The only new tune they had was In the Mood all the rest were about 1936 vintage.

I got near them & applauded & eventually I had a chance to speak to the drummer so I pointed to myself & said “L’Orchestre Angletere” so he said “oui – drums?” my answer was to wiggle my hands & say “no- Piano” so he intimated I could play.

I gave a few solos & asked if they would play ensemble so we played “Troublesome Trumpet” & “On the sentimental Side” really wizard.

Before I left I gave them 10 fags & they said after profuse thanks would I be there tomorrow so I said “no Sunday” and amid many farewells I left.

Bed at 11.25

Thursday 23^rd November 1944

Washed my clothes in the evening & wrote diary.  Quite a busy night.

Friday 24^th November 1944

We got our Naafi rations – Razor blade matches – chocolate 80 fags. Its 7 F for 20.

Paid for a dozen xmas cards.

• 

• 

• 

Got paid 580F  

Stayed in & wrote letters & read.

Saturday 25^th November 1944

20 today.

Stayed in all evening.

Dreariest birthday I’ve had.

Sunday 26^th November 1944

Went Douai with the boys.  Played with the band again wizard.

We played “Tiger Rag” –  & what a tempo – about 140 to the minute.

Had really good time. 

Back 11.15

Had birthday card from Bert.

Monday 27^th November 1944

Wrote letters. Read. Visited the Met boys & arranged to go to Douai tomorrow with Charlie & Don.

Tuesday 28^th November 1944

Went to Douai played with the band really enjoyed myself. I don’t think much of French Bars.

Dally is organising another run on Thursday.

Wednesday 29^th November 1944

Saw the Squadronaires. What a treat. Ginger Chisholm can be a really good comedian when he tries. They played Sth Rampart^XI St & several other of my favourites.  

I wouldn’t mind seeing them a few more times. Wrote to Ern & read.

Thursday 30^th November 1944

Wyn Mike Bob Bill Hill & I visited No 11 this evening. 

It’s the only time I shall visit a brothel.  We were surrounded as soon as we entered by a crowd of harpies & beer, which we didn’t order was served, at 6F per glass.

One of the women was trying to kiss me so I buried my mouth in a glass. Bill fixed up for the exhibition and up we went with two of the whores.  They took us into a bedroom.

After paying 30 F to madame & 50 F to the girls each.

Then they stripped naked & got to work Bill translating what they said.

Their figures were not in the least attractive & after the first couple of minutes it just became disgusting – not even humorous.

They demonstrated various positions – oh hell its not worth describing. 

How anyone could dream of touching such women is beyond me.

I played with the café band the rest of the evening.

Friday 1^st December 1944

Stayed in all night darning socks & reading.

Saturday 2^nd December 1944

I’m on a week’s fatigues & I spent today peeling spuds. What an occupation.

I had a letter from home. Very welcome – it’s the first answer I’ve had to my letters.

Wrote a reply.

Read.

Sunday 3^rd December 1944

Put on spud pealing again so I saw Sgt Beaton & told him about it.

Read in evening.

Monday 4^th December 1944

Sgt Beaton got me off spud bashing. I’m helping to build a stage in a hanger now.

Went to Douai with Angus Mike & Wyn met Don & Jina there.

We met 2 French chaps with a super girl – Polish at that. What a wizard dame.

Tuesday 5^th December 1944

Continued making stage in evening I played chess beating Ernie.

Wednesday 6^th December 1944

Got another job today in the Sgts bar wiring up some lights.

Went to Douai in evening with Ernie & Angus & we met some very nice girls. It shook me when they consented to walk to the lorries.  The one I was with said I was timid so I showed her.

How these women kiss – they nearly bite your tongues out. But even so they wouldn’t let you try anything else.

Thursday 7^th December 1944

We finished the job in they Sgts bar so we pinched some whisky as payment. Whizzo stuff too.

Friday 8^th December 1944

Pay parade in morning & didn’t bother about fatigues in evening.

Got my Naafi rations.

Went to Naafi & had some English beer – very welcome change from French muck.

Saturday 9^th December 1944

Had half day.

Angus Don & I hitched into Douai. We got a lift on a trailer towed behind a car. It measured about 2’6” by 6’ & there were also 2 Yanks, what a bloody journey.  We nearly froze & were nearly bumped off several times.

We wandered round & made several purchases. I bought scent lipstick & powder & a pipe for Bert. There’s a bit more stuff I must get.

In evening we wandered around the cafes & I played with the band.

Angus got an invite for he & I to a house tomorrow. Its useful being a musician. The chaps mother is a violinist & that’s how we got it.

Sunday 10^th December 1944

Letter from home & Bert. Wrote home.

Had bang on time with Jean. He took us to his grandparents house first. They were very pleasant. Grandpere spoke a little English & insisted on telling us of his one visit to England after the last war.

The general atmosphere of the place was Victorian.  The fuel ration is approx. 100lb per month. So they have to depend mostly on wood & everyone crowds round the fire.

He was very pleased with a few fags.  Then we went to Jeans home. Had another enjoyable time.  The piano was wizard.  His mother played & sang with me.

She plays all over France with the Municipal orchestra & she did very well with my new stuff. She made us some tea. It was without milk & something like honey was used to sweeten it but the result was an excellent drink. We are going again Tuesday.

She was grateful with a bar of chocolate.

Monday 11^th December 1944

Letter from Ron about Doll has fallen again. I sent my congrats. Wrote letters home & to Bert & Ron.

Tuesday 12^th December 1944

Went to Douai with Angus to Josephs house. Played piano there while his mother sang. Good time.

Wednesday 13^th December 1944

Stayed in all evening reading & genning up because at long last the trade board has begun.

Thursday 14th December 1944

Went to cinema on camp & saw Abbott & Costello in “In Society” & one or two shorts. The news was last weeks. Called on Don after.

Friday 15^th December 1944

Stayed in most of evening & just lazed around.

Saturday 16^th December 1944

Angus & I had half day so we went to Douai.  We had a hell of a time hitching in & when we got there we went to a café to warm up for a while.

We wandered all over town & I bought some souvenirs hankies & a bottle of scent.

We went to the usual café for the evening till 8 when we went to Josephs. Unfortunately I had forgotten my music & they had invited some friends. Even so we had a very good evening.

On the waggon coming back we gave a lift to 3 dames who sat on our laps. They had been to Lille & were hitching home to Cambrai. Angus & I helped them carry their bags as far as the R & I end of the main road & received an invitation to visit 40 Rue Victor Hugo anytime. We were in Cambrai

Sunday 17^th December 1944

Spent the evening in the usual café with Angus talking to Jan & Charlotte & Paulette.

Monday 18^th December 1944

Stayed in & did laundry wrote home. Ernie & I finished the bar we were making to keep stuff in & I organised my half of it.

2 Marauders^XII collided & crashed on the drome today.

Pretty grim. 10 blokes gone for a burton.

Tuesday 19^th December 1944

Booked to go to Douai but the fog closed down & all runs were cancelled.

The Jerry advance is really becoming a menace now. They’ll have to get cracking on stopping them very shortly or we will be evacuating Epinoy. Thank goodness their Air Force isn’t so big these days.

Did some genning up in evening.

Wednesday 20^th December 1944

An order was brought out that we must carry arms & ammo in camp. Paratroops have been dropped around.

They are trying to detect all mines etc now because its possible there is a master switch somewhere that could blow up all the airfield & maybe the Paratroops are here to blow it all up.

Ernie & I went to see the Group band under Sgt Reg Conroy.  They used to be the station band. They have personality now & put on a really good show.

Ivor Moreton & Dave Kaye played for an hour – till one of the pianos went for a burton.

Whizzo.

Reg has composed 2 tunes “Riffin in the RAF” & “2 Group Jive” really good numbers too.

Genned up after.

I saw the Yanks clearing up the Marauder today.

They found a bit of a leg while we were there & I saw some guts on another piece. Thank goodness I didn’t go as a navigator after all.

Thursday 21^st December 1944

Radar played Wireless at football & lost 2-0.  1 goal however was definitely unfair & the other was doubtful. Actually we had most of the play but Mikes foot gave out soon after we began & I had to play left half & outside left at the same time really & it made our finishing weak although the openings were o.k. 

Wrote home in evening & Genned up.

Book 41

Friday 15^th December 1944

Got paid 280 F.

Stayed in in evening.

Saturday 23^rd December 1944

Everyone has to load their magazines now.  I’m going to be careful with rifles from now on.

Ernie & I got a lift to Douai in a car – a very pleasant ride.

We visited his friends & did some shopping & then went to the usual café.

Ernie left to see his friends again & later Angus turned up with Jose. We arranged to see him at 9.

I played with the band a while & we had a chat with John & Charlotte & Paulette.

Madame Dutanqe asked us to dinner tomorrow but we had to refuse due to work.

We just caught the lorry.

Everyone who came in the evening was carrying rifles – which is the latest orders. Rifles to be carried everywhere.

Sunday 24^th December 1944

A 9 pm curfew has been put on Douai so it’s no use going in for an evening.

Had 3 letters from home Walter & Bert.

Ernie & I went to the 305 mess supper – had a very good time.

Sections sat at the tables NCO’s & Erks together. 

After a short prayer everyone broke bread & then the meal began.

Hors’ d’oeuvres soup & then the main dish – Polish sausage with trimmings, what a meal. I had to give up before I finished.  Some chaps had 2 lots thought. 

It was a tasty change but I couldn’t become a Polish sausage addict.

We finished with blackberries & custard.

There was plenty of beer & apples & we were given 60 fags each from the Polish Red Cross.

After the meal there were some carols. I only knew “Silent Night” but the melodies were lovely.

Wrote home.

Monday 25^th December 1944

Christmas Day.

For the first time I rose at 7.15 on Xmas day.

Afternoon off.

Dinner was the usual Xmas do – waited upon.

The diner was really quite good & Christmas pudding followed.

We were given chocolate sweets 30 fags & 5 cigars & plenty of beer.

Why is it always beer & not wines or spirits?

After dinner Ernie & I visited Don. We had a few pleasant hours there.  We collected some rifle bullets & emptied them.  Had tea – not so good.

Then played cards & wonder of wonders I won. 2.5 francs.

Bed at 11.

Tuesday 26^th December 1944

Worked all day.

Went to see Gang Show No 5 in evening.  It was a side-splitting laugh from beginning to end.

It had been freezing cold the last few days the temp fell to 22 (Fahrenheit) the other day.

Wednesday 27^th December 1944

Had my TTB in the afternoon. I did quite well I think.  It was quite informal & I didn’t give him much chance to ask questions because I tore through the stuff very rapidly. We had an argument over Super Keys amplifiers.

The S/L signal came in & listened to my IFF discourse & asked Smithy how much he was learning.  Smithy said he always wanted to know how it worked.

I was only in there 2 hours. Smithy called me back after a few minutes & said that as I had done so well compared with the rest he wanted to know if I had any special facilities for genning. I told him exactly what I had been doing. I feel very confident anyway.

Wrote home.

Ernie & Angus Bob & Allen went to the R & I dance. I didn’t stay long because it was too crowded & not enough girls but the 2 group band was in excellent form.

Thursday 28^th December 1944

Busy all day. Spend evening darning & mending & writing.

Visited Don for a few minutes.

Friday 29^th December 1944

During the day I was called on the phone by Cpl Allen the Army Liaison chap to attend a meeting in F/O Chorley’s room at 7.30.

Had a shower.

At the meeting there was myself Cpl Allen & “Podge” a WHQ signals bod.

We discussed the band & got it down on paper as a 7 piece we discussed all subsidiary details.

I am in charge of the library (when we get it). Chorley is playing drums until we can get someone else. I promised to get a chap from 613 flight on sax.

I wrote letter home asking for music & catalogues to be sent & gave it to John.  He will get it censored & flown over tomorrow.

I also raised point of dancing classes. It was approved & Ernie & some others will instruct so he is pleased as well.

Saturday 30^th December 1944

Ernie Angus Bob & I were all off & went to Douai as the curfew is lifted.  We hitched in.

I got a draught across me while drying after the shower yesterday as a result I had a touch of flu. It was a dead loss for me. I sat in the café feeling terrible I was glad to get back.

We saw Charlotte.

Jan & Paulette have gone to the south of France for Jan’s work.

We called on the Butanqus & got no reply to our rings so I suppose they were all out.

Sunday 31^st December 1944

Stayed in bed till 12. Felt much better. Only have cold left. Read in evening & went to bed soon after 8.

Monday 1^st January 1945

Didn’t feel too good in morning & went sick after dinner.

As soon as my temp was taken I was rushed into the M O & admitted immediately with tonsillitis.  Very quiet. Did a little reading.

Ernie called in evening after visiting band meeting. I signed an agreement not to claim if my dots were lost. Apparently things are going well with the band.

Tuesday 2^nd January 1945

Bags more reading today. This is a lovely rest for me. I’m quite enjoying it. Angus and Bob called in evening.

Angus & I have an invite out on Sunday so I must be out then.

Wrote home.

Wednesday 3^rd January 1945

More reading.

Quite day.

Wrote home & to Bert thanking him for the music which just arrived.

There is a lot I haven’t got myself which I shall have to copy before giving it to the band.

Thursday 4^th January 1945

More reading today.

Ernie called.

Friday 5^th January 1945

Got up today.

Feel much better.

Saturday 6^th January 1945

MO said I can leave tomorrow.

Sunday 7^th January 1945

Left SSQ about 10. Got ready to go out & had dinner.

Then met Angus & he told me that we were going to dinner with the pianist in the café band.

We got to her house at 2 & dinner started at 2.15.  it continued till 4.30. we had Vin Blanc Vin Rouge, Gin, Beer & Coffee.

We had second helping if required of everything but soup.

The meal consisted of soup, Rabbit & Veg Egg & Chip & 2 helping of different kinds of fruit tart. You never know when the meal is finished because after each course you talk for about 10 or 15 minutes.

When we finished I could hardly move. Especially as I had had dinner at camp.

Her husband was a POW from 1940 to 1942 when he was released through illness.

They have 2 sons & a daughter. She is a sweet little kid of 6 & she knows several English phrases. I must sent her some chocolate. One son collects stamps & Angus & I gave him some. I must get him some more.

When she left to play Angus & I had a talk with the old man & then went to the café. The family followed later.

We met Charlotte at the café.

Had a very good night.

Monday 8^th January 1945

The snow which fell yesterday was added to by a fresh fall today.

I ordered £2 worth of P.O’s to send home.

I saw John & arranged for him to get me some manuscript to copy the music Bert has sent.

Tuesday 9^th January 1945

Quiet night.

Wednesday 10^th January 1945

More snow.

I took half day & went to Cambrai With Bill Hill & Johnny T. I bought some hooks & small monograms to make into broaches.  We left before dark as the weather didn’t look promising.

Good job we did there was a terrible snowstorm we found it about 1 ft deep next morning.

When I got in I found a parcel of manuscript from John waiting me.

Got on writing parts.

Thursday 11^th January 1945

Snow clearing parties were out – B & L watches – I’m on A watch. 

As there are no ops & so no inspections we had the afternoon off.

I finished writing music out. Ernie was trimming my hair when Norman came along & took over & made a really good job of my hair.

I found he was expert at it. Apparently he used to service hairdressing equipment at one time & out of interest he learnt how to use the stuff – primarily ladies, but he took gents as well.

I promised to ask Ern to get him some stuff.

Went to a rehearsal in evening.

There were John, Ern & Angus myself & 2 guitarists & a drummer – but no drums. We did fairly well.  Adrian was good on fiddle but you could tell he was a “light” player.  John made several boobs in his playing . Still we had a couple of jam sessions. We are to play at a dance in the Epinoy hall Saturday evening.

At my instigation Angus Ernie & I visited a café & arranged for them to do our washing. We are to take it Sunday.

Friday 12^th January 1945

Got P.O.s & sent them home & enclosed a request to Ern to get the hairdressing equipment for Norman. Incidentally Norman is interested in the band & John will try to get him a violin as Norman’s own is too valuable to risk losing in transit.

I should have gone snow clearing but didn’t know until too late to go. Had another afternoon off.

Went to a band meeting. 9 attended all points were settled bar name & Stand design & we can do no more till stuff comes over from England.

The dance tomorrow is cancelled. Weather will not allow transport for women. I’m glad we aren’t really good enough. We will probably get paid in lump sum about once a month. 

We shall probably go on leave all at once.

Ernie Winstone^XV may be writing our signature tune as a favour to Johnny.

We have several parcels of music coming from various bandleaders. 

Groupie may get us trips to England & if we’re good enough will let us do as may outside jobs as we like. 

Had a wizard parcel from home. Bags of grub etc. had a job to get it all in my cupboard.

Saturday 13^th January 1945

On snow clearing in afternoon. Deadly job. Glad when we finished. Reorganised my cupboard to get all stuff in.

Sunday 14^th January 1945

In evening I took my laundry down to the village together with Ernie Angus Bob & Johnnie & really got my cupboards organised.

Monday 15^th January 1945

Made a box for my washing materials.

My laundry has been lost.

Stand-down in afternoon. Spent most of it chasing laundry & collecting wood.

Stayed in & read. & wrote & saw “This Happy Breed” in billet.

Wizard film. Very nostalgic.

Thursday 16^th January 1945

Stand down in afternoon. Went to Cambrai with Angus Bob Johnny & Bill Hill.

Went to red & visited shops & got some perfume & pouches etc.

Saw films in VS Army camp. “Hit it big” not very good – rather silly.

Walked back. It took 75 minutes.

Back at 10

Bed soon after.

Today a transformation revolutionised the mess . A S/L & a W.D. were there from Group & they have really shaken the place up.  They were at Swanton Marley when I was there & that was the best food I’ve had in the RAF & it is now the same here.  The place is clean all over the queue is about non-existent. The running water is spotless & the food – it looked wizard & you can have just as much as you want. It will stop the Black Market from the Airfield anyway.

No officer has ever been so welcome in this airfield.

Wednesday 17^th January 1945

Spent afternoon chasing laundry & getting concession labels for parcels & a new paybook.

Back at section at 4.

Stayed in & wrote & talked to Angus & Ernie.

Thursday 18^th January 1945

Stayed in all evening.

Friday 19^th January 1945

Got 4 weeks’ pay today.

Went to Douai with Angus. I took in the music.

At the Café we were told that due to the fact that so few people went there (no liberty runs) they couldn’t pay them 7 days a week so now they only play Saturdays & Sundays. As we didn’t want to carry the music around we went to the Pianists home.

She & her husband were pleased to see us & we stayed there going through the dots & drinking.

We arranged to see them tomorrow.

Saturday 20^th January 1945

The liberty run was cancelled at lunchtime & Angus & Ernie & I didn’t go in during the afternoon. We stayed reading etc.  However Flessing took out a van with WT bods & we were able to get ourselves smuggled in with them.

We went to the café & stayed there all the time. The trpt & base have left & they now have a tenor Sax. They are quite well really with the music although one or two boobs were made.

We left at 10.35 & after wandering up & down for a while we clambered in the van & sat there. Suddenly Flessing came down with a woman & drives the van off. We thought he was taking her home but horror of horrors he takes the van out a way, stops, & brings her round the back. We heard him say “We go in back” & mentally we echoed her answer “No! No! No!”. I was afraid my torch would come in any minute & we had to synchronise our breathing with there’s.

It would have been embarrassing all round if we had been found & anyway he didn’t know we were out.

After about 10 minutes of passionate kissing we heard the rustle of clothes & then his voice “Is it in & a little sigh from her & the answer “Si Si”. Then the van started rocking & the springs creaked & ground & Angus & I nearly burst with silent laughter.  After a minute he finished & after another 5 minutes kissing he drove off.

All the way back he was giggling & cackling & saying “& you say you no Ziggy- zing”. We leapt out as soon as he stopped at the Café & got out & let it seem that we had just arrived.

They all piled in mostly drunk & sang lewd songs all the way back. Only quietening when we reached the guardroom. It was a night I’ll never forget.

Sunday 21^st January 1945

Stayed in all night reading & writing.

The food improvement is still being maintained much to my gratification. We collected our clean laundry. Whizzo.

Monday 22^nd January 1945

Stand down in afternoon.

I received my music from H.B. A rehearsal was scheduled for tonight but it was cancelled due to a film show. I’m beginning to get cheesed off – they have to start getting organised soon.

Took in laundry & visited Naafi. It’s pretty much a dead loss, like all Naafi’s. If the Yanks can make a success of their kids why can’t the Naafi do the same.

Tuesday 23^rd January 1945

Got a bike today.

Did quite a good days work.

Read & wrote in evening.

Wednesday 24^th January 1945

Stayed in all evening.

Thursday 25^th January 1945

Same as last night.

Friday 26^th January 1945

Sent home a remittance of 1000 francs. Had to borrow off Bins to do it.

Went to Band meeting but it was cancelled.

Saturday 27^th January 1945

Put on fatigues again I tried & Beaton tried to get me off but all to no avail.

Reported after dinner & was put on the Naafi.

There are 3 of us & it’s the best fatigue we ever had. – very little to do. A warm place & no one to bother us.

Stayed in in evening.

Sunday 28^th January 1945

Another day of indolence at the canteen & another night at the fireside.

Monday 29^th January 1945

Did a bit of snow clearing at the canteen & read.

The TTB results are out although a couple of chaps are still to go.

Myself Ernie Angus Bob Alec & most others have got our passes.

We went to a rowdy event at the Epinoy Hall & celebrated with whisky & Gin. Reg & the boys were there.

He is having Zyrah Jive published in Brussels & is going to send me a copy.

Wrote home.

Tuesday 30^th January 1945

Night in billet.

Wednesday 31^st January 1945

At the Ensa show this evening Ernie & I were on the stage working the amplifier. Had a wizard view especially of the acrobatic dancers. Quite a good show.

The snow has nearly all melted at last.

Thursday 1^st February 1945

Snow in continuing to melt.

Wrote to Doris & Beryl.

Friday 2^nd February 1945

Went to Band meeting. Charley was there. Finished fatigues today. Really an enjoyable week all round.

Saturday 3^rd February 1945

Ernie Angus & I went for a cycle ride into Cambrai. We left early.

On the way back we visited a couple of war cemetery’s & then Angus led us into a muddy tract as a short way back. Boy did we get gummed up.

Went to Band rehearsal in evening.

Sunday 4^th February 1945

Did a dance for the RC signals at Oisy L Estray this evening. We had Piano Drum gtr elc gtr & 2 tpts. Talked about deadly, it wasn’t in it. To get the amplifiers going we had to break a meter & top two phasers.

We had to take our own piano as well. It was really corny but the froggies enjoyed it.  We finished at 12 & left at 12.45.

In at 1.30am.

Monday 5^th February 1945

Naturally I was up very late this morning. 

Wrote home. & answered a letter from Bert. Ivy is expecting as well as Doris now.

Tuesday 6^th February 1945

Had a parcel a letter & 2 lots of papers from home.

Stayed in all evening.

Wednesday 7^th February 1945

Now the snow has at last cleared the runs are on again. Angus & I visited Douai with some of the wireless blokes & had an evening in a café.

We nearly missed the wagon because while fixing up the amp for the theatre this evening I dropped it & it was late before Pete repaired it & we fixed it up.

We are playing next Sunday at Epinay Hall.

Wrote home.

Thursday 8^th February 1945

Wrote home.

Received a letter & some socks from home & also 200 fags. 

My Props are dated to 1^st Jan while 613s are 1^st July.

Had rehearsal.

Friday 9^th February 1945

Had another rehearsal. As last night Johnny couldn’t come & it was a dead loss.

One good thing is that we have at last got a really good drummer.

We had a chat after & decided to suggest that we play Sunday as a 4 piece Drs piano Gtr & Elc Gtr.

Saturday 10^th February 1945

Told Johnny of our suggestion & after seeing others he said that it would be best if we continued as before but he would have a talk before the dance.

Went to Dons in afternoon.

In evening had a Jam session in the Café.

Tribe the Clary player on 6B spoke to me & said he would come tomorrow night to the dance.

Sunday 11^th February 1945

Made up an extra mike & special stand for the electric Gtr. In afternoon Angus Ernie & I went to set up the amp.

We found first of all that we didn’t know the voltage. When we fixed that the thing couldn’t work – we found the fault. – scrounged an iron from M.T. – plugged it in -blue flash – dead short – eventually got ordinary iron & did job. Had a scrambled tea & were getting ready when all the lights went out.

Eventually get there just in time but the hall lights were out.

So all our work went for nothing on the amp.

We eventually got going with dec lights and burrman lamps.

Set up – drms Piano gts 3 tpt & vin.

Better than last Sunday but still not much good.

Finished at 10.45

Arranged to see Bill tomorrow & firm up electric Gtr.

Monday 12^th February 1945

Saw Bill & got the amp working ok with the 2 mikes. 

Received letters & socks from home then got parcel from Doris letter from Ron & Doris & letter from home.

In evening wrote letters all the time. Wrote to home Doris Freddy Wills Ron & Doris (2 letters) Doris off about separate letters again. I wonder what my welcome will be when I get back.

Tuesday 13^th February 1945

There is a Jazz Gala in Dumas next Tuesday & Jean is getting tickets for me. I got 25 names & we will have a special lorry to take us.

I took the money in to Jean & he will have the tickets Saturday.

Wednesday 14^th February 1945

Went to the Ensa show in the evening & worked the amplifier with Ernie.

Thursday 15^th February 1945

Band rehearsal cancelled. So I spent the evening reading & making out a list of music for the band library. 170 no’s I got down in all.

Friday 16^th February 1945

Attended band rehearsal in evening – pretty poor.

Saturday 17^th February 1945

Went to Douai for half day.

It took us a long time to get a lift so we didn’t get in till 3.30.

We went to see Jean & collected the Jazz Gala tickets.  Apparently duty is added after for we had to pay another 62.50 francs – 2.50 per ticket.

I’m making a box to keep stuff in & I got a lock & things for it.

The evening was pretty well a dead loss so we went to the cinema.

It was a stuffy little hole & most uncomfortable seats. 

I could follow the film fairly well, but I missed all the jokes.

Smoking is not allowed – maybe it’s as well because the smell of French fags in a confined space like that would soon overpower me I’m sure.

Sunday 18^th February 1945

Finished the box & sent it to Bill who is going to paint it for me.

We played at the R&I dance tonight. It was super success for us. The band sounded much better than it has ever done. The piano went u/s though. I told them to get another before the next dance. There was a lot of shagging going on. These dances are always marred by that.

Monday 19^th February 1945

Spent the evening writing letters. George got us a stove today for cooking. We had spent some time reviving it but it worked whizzo in the evening. We had some soup & coco.

Tuesday 20^th February 1945

Went to the Jazz Gala. It wasn’t so hot. After the dance it was something of an anti-climax. It lacked life & personality & the announcements being in French didn’t help. It’s only a small theatre & the audience was at least half RAF personnel.

The band was augmented to 6 rhythm 4 sax & 3 brass. The tenor sax & Clary player was excellent & Pierre was on his usual form. With imaginative backing they could have made a snappy outfit but they stuck mostly to dots & it plodded its dreary way on till nearly the end when they began to wake up. Another half hour & it would have been good.

Unfortunately some ignorant individual made an exhibition of themselves by catcalls.

In the interval whey they were passing remarks. I didn’t mind but I object to turns being interrupted.

Wednesday 21^st February 1945

Bill rang me to say he had bought an amplifier for his gtr.

I went to see it dinnertime & although it’s quite good it isn’t loud enough so I arranged for him to bring it to the section where I put a preamplifier stage on it. In the evening we went to the cinema to see the Mask of Dimitrios but the film broke down & we only saw a bit of it.

Friday 23^rd February 1945

Sent home another remittance of 1100 francs.

In the evening Bill came to the section & we started on the bobbins for his gtr.

Finished at 10.30

Saturday 24^th February 1945

Went to Douai in afternoon. I brought a new pipe as I have broken my other. Went to the café in the evening. I got a photo of the band at the Jazz Gala.

Back at 11.

Sunday 25^th February 1945

Went to Camp Cinema again but the projector broke down once more so I still haven’t seen the Mask of Dimitrios.

Went to Naafi after & Charley & Johnny are back from England.

They have got quite a bit of stuff & I am going to sort out the music tomorrow evening.

Monday 26^th February 1945

Received a parcel from home.

The music is quite a good selection. About 100 numbers. I sorted it out with Roy.

Read afterwards & went to bed early .

Tuesday 27^th February 1945

Nearly finished the case for the amplifier & the Gtr itself is nearly completed.

Read & wrote letters in evening. 

Ernie got some eggs & we were going to have a feed of spam & eggs but Ray called in & said we could use the theatre for a vocalists rehearsal so the 2 of us went down & had a tune up.

I got my number in the leave draw. 908 out of 1030 still with my luck I think I’m lucky I’m not nearer the end.

Wednesday 28^th February 1945

Stayed in & read & wrote to Fred Gillam.

Thursday 1^st March 1945

Had letter from home.

Roy & I sorted out the library & numbered it 

Friday 2^nd March 1945

Wrote home.

Finished sorting the music in evening. Bed at 9.30

Saturday 3^rd March 1945

Played at Sgts mess concert.

We were a little late due to a transport muck up.

It started ok & we were getting on quite well with the orks but it degenerated into a drunken orgy & we cleared out at 11.30.

Ernie got drunk & I had to put him to bed.

Sunday 4^th March 1945

Played at dance at No 1 mess. Wasn’t too bad but we had difficulty in fixing up the amplifier.

We had to fix up the electric Grs which had gone wrong.

Monday 5^th March 1945

Made a couple of adaptions so that we can take power from electric lights.

We were going out but we forgot to get tickets so we stayed in & had a feed.

Tuesday 6^th March 1945

Didn’t feel too good in evening so we stayed in.

Wednesday 7^th March 1945

Felt worse so we went to bed early. It’s funny how many blokes have been queer these last 2 days. Must be the food.

I broke my glasses today.

Thursday 8^th March 1945

I felt very much better today. Got a pass for tomorrow. 

Went to band rehearsal.

Friday 9^th March 1945

Ernie decided to go sick today so he didn’t come with us.

We went to Lille on a 417 lorry. Sgt Beaton was on it.

We had a wizard time in Lille. I got some music & some gents dress gloves.

We went by train to Douai – very grim – standing in a corridor with the reek of garlic under my nose.

Went out for supper & then saw Pierre . He played the solos I bought for Ken.

Saturday 10^th March 1945

Went into Douai in evening & visited the usual cafes.

Sunday 11^th March 1945

No 1 band played at the dance this evening & I stayed in & wrote letters.

Monday 12^th March 1945

Wrote & read in evening.

Tuesday 13^th March 1945

Wrote home & to Ron & Doris in evening then read.

Wednesday 14^th March 1945

Stayed in all evening

Thursday 15^th March 1945

Again stayed in.

Friday 16^th March 1945

Angus & I went to Madame Dulaney’s For the evening.

We got a lift & were in Douai at 6.20.

At 7.4 Ray Liznts chaps from 1 airfield arrived with some French girls. We had an enjoyable evening because we turned it into a dance.

We nearly missed the lorry back. We had to run for it & just got there as they were leaving.

Saturday 17^th March 1945

Wrote home.

I broke my chain going to breakfast got it repaired & then at dinner time I got a puncture. I was cheesed.

I went to SSQ & was told to come for my appointment on Monday at 1.

Then Angus Ernie & I went to Douai. 

We had our photo taken.

We saw a Yank car drop a full 4 gallon can of petrol so we got the MPs to collect it. 

I got back to camp early as I was playing in the canteen for the Sgt. Pilards night do.   We had a good crowd out -Sgt Acton has a tenor sax – & we put up a good show. The GC & WC was there with some other officers.

When we left off to have some supper they were singing rude songs with the women. Disgusting I call it.

Sunday 18^th March 1945

I’m cheesed with all these punctures I’m getting so I spent the afternoon cleaning & repairing my bike. I started painting it after.

We shall have to renew our tent soon as well.

We’ve got half the work for the floor & if we want to move in next month we’ll have to get cracking.

Had letter from Ern wrote to him & to Mum & Dad.

Monday 19^th March 1945

Went to Lens in the afternoon for the optical appointment. 

We all went by ambulance. Quite an interesting ride. They examined my eyes & fixed me up with 2 prs of glasses at once.

They are flat lenses & reflect so I don’t like them much. Still they’ll do till I get home on leave.

While we were waiting to go back we wandered round the grounds & some women in the women VD ward – all encased & barred – got up at the windows & gave us a little exhibition.

They had very little on & it was really funny the actions they got up too. I shall remember it for a long time.

Back at 6.30. 

Read & wrote in evening – a parcel from home was in the billet & I had to reorganise my kit to pack all the stuff away.

Tuesday 20^th March 1945

Today was one of those days when everything goes wrong.

I worked hard all day but didn’t service one set. 

Stayed in all evening & wrote to home & mucked around.

Wednesday 21^st March 1945

Went to Ensa in evening.

No1 band played before the start.

Pretty good effort especially some of Bills intros & Johnny’s cornet.

I wish I could get really cracking on No 2 band. I show Johnny something.

The show was 4 vocalists & a pianist.

It was pretty grim except for one or two highlights because it was too much of one thing.

The Pianist was really whizz. 

Thursday 22^nd March 1945

I won a ticket to the England – Belgium football match in Brussels on Sunday Whizzo for me.

Stayed in read all evening.

Friday 23^rd March 1945

Went with Angus to Mme Dutanqe’s house had quite good evening.

Saturday 24^th March 1945

Angus & I went to Douai in afternoon after I had got 200 Belgium francs for 227 French ready to go to Brussels tomorrow.

We got our photos but they are grim still they will make a laugh at home. 

Went to the café in evening

Sunday 25^th March 1945

Up at 7.30. 

Wagon left at 8.30. we were all given passes there were about 25 of us that went.

We had a very interesting trip to Brussels.

Belgium is vastly different to France – very much better. The roads are wider & the whole atmosphere is cleaner & brighter. It is quite hilly as well.

We had dinner at 2 after a good scrounge round for irons & plates.

Just as we arrived the AOC landed in his Auster on a patch of waste ground & now I suppose they will shoot a line about being operational.

We got our tickets & after a terrific fight we got in.

We saw a very good game Tom Lawton got our 3 & the Belgium’s got 2.

We had another fight to get out & then had tea at the Malcolm club. 3 of us then wandered round to see the sights before it got dark & as dusk approached we went into the ritziest ice cream parlour I’ve ever seen – something like a corner house – band as well.  We had an ice cream sundae – my first since 1940. It seemed absolutely wizard.

We had a ride on a tram just to say we had done so. They have 2 or 3 carriages to the trams & there are no restrictions on passengers, you get on where you can – on the roof or cling on to the outside.

We then went to the 21 club but it was impossible to get in so we wandered around again looking at the lights etc. you could almost imagine yourself in Oxford St.

We went into a news theatre – like the trams it was free. We saw several English news reels.  Another wander round & a few drinks & we caught the wagon back at 10.30. the ride back was grim but we made it by 3 feeling somewhat the worse for wear.

I was soon asleep once in bed.

Monday 26^th March 1945

Up at 10.30. found a parcel from Doris a packet of papers & a letter from home with a cycle repair outfit enclosed.  Sorted it all out & found it was time for dinner.

Had a letter from Fred Gillam.

Wrote all evening.

Tuesday 27^th March 1945

What a cinema show & a stage show this evening & they were both really good entertainment.

First was “By Hook or by Crook” & then came the Number 6 Gang show. It was really bang on. We all got the biggest laugh of any show we’ve seen. 

Sent photos to Mum & Dad & Doris.

Wednesday 28^th March 1945

Spent the evening talking to Don Nursey & sorting out some of my gifts ready to send to parcels tomorrow.

Thursday 29^th March 1945

Sent home 2 gift parcels.

Wrote letter in evening & read.

Friday 30^th March 1945

Went to French class got 20 interested. I didn’t notice the time & missed the wagon to Douai. Couldn’t get a lift in so I spent the evening reading & writing.

Saturday 31^st March 1945

Half day.

Went to a few shops & then visited some people Angus met the other day. They are quite nice. They took us to their allotment & we passed a pleasant hour there. We had dinner with them. I played the piano a while. They gave us some eggs.

Sunday 1^st April 1945

Went to Douai in evening & visited usual café.  Played & talked.

Monday 2^nd April 1945

Wrote letters in evening & played Blackie a game of chess – I lost.

Tuesday 3^rd April 1945

Read & played chess with Blackie lost again.

Wednesday 4^th April 1945

Wrote home.

Thursday 5^th April 1945

Went to Douai in evening with Angus & went to Mme Coupe’s. Had a very good time. Played the piano.

Friday 6^th April 1945

Went to French Class in evening & wrote & read afterwards before going to band rehearsal.

Saturday 7^th April 1945

My half day today.

We went to Douai.

At a radio shop we visit for stuff we spent an hour listening to some bang on records of Jazz. I hope to buy some..

After a wander around we went to Mrs Coupes allotment.

On the way back little John took my hand & was nattering away. I felt an awful fool. We took them our rations & had dinner with them. Had a wizard time.

Sunday 8^th April 1945

The big do was held tonight. I didn’t pay the 100F admission because I went with the band I think I am entitled to do.

It was a wizard effort. No 1 Band, the Polish Band a French Band & a Cabaret show. Madam Dutanqe was in the Cabaret orchestra.

There was a boxing tournament as well.  It started with the bands playing a few tunes each with Tony playing his PA in between while the stage was cleared. 

Then the boxing.

Then more dancing & then the cabaret.

I was on the stage & was it good.

The chorus girls weren’t very good barring a couple but there were a man & woman who were really good. Then came the dancer from Paris. She came on in a pair of small tights & a transparent gown, whizzo but as the band didn’t play properly she flounced off the stage. However after seeing the orchestra conductor she came on again. She did 2 dances the 2^nd in just tights whor whor. It was like being in the wings of the Windmill Theatre.

Naturally Mills bagged her after when all 3 bands were on the stage at once. 

It finished at 2 & I got to bed about 3.

Monday 9^th April 1945

Up at 11. Wrote letter & went to camp cinema in evening saw “Sea Here Private Hargrove” very good.

Had an inoculation today. Didn’t bother me much.

Tuesday 10^th April 1945

Stayed in all evening. Wrote home.

Wednesday 11^th April 1945

Went to Ensa show but it was a dead loss.

Thursday 12^th April 1945

Wrote 3 letters in evening.

Friday 13^th April 1945

Stayed in 

Saturday 14^th April 1945

I didn’t feel so good yesterday & today I felt worse so I stopped in the billet for my half day. Bed early.

Sunday 15^th April 1945

Got rid of my cold during the night but had a sore throat.

Went to Douai in evening & wandered around with Angus.

Monday 16^th April 1945

Felt worse.

Went with Johnny to a rehearsal of the RAF regiment concert.

I have to make out music for several tunes.

I am playing Sunday & Tuesday with Cpt Rey & Monday Bill Razi will play.

Tuesday 17^th April 1945

Went sick as my throat was worse. Got treatment & E.D. so used time by writing out the music.

Wednesday 18^th April 1945

Finished writing out music.

Went to Ensa in evening. 

Very good show.

Thursday 19^th April 1945

Went to Regiment rehearsal with Bill Holland at Johnny’s request as Cpl Rizi was orderly day.

I was glad Podge came – he’s a dead loss. Rehearsal went ok.

Friday 20^th April 1945

Stayed in during evening.

Saturday 21^st April 1945

Up at 9. Angus & Blackie & I went to Lille we got in an hour & a half.

Wandered around I got a pipe for Bert’s pal.

Caught 5.45 train to Douai. Got a seat this time. Angus & I went to Mme Coupes had a good dinner & played ludo^XVI with them.

Sunday 22^nd April 1945

Podge was put on Duty so he couldn’t play, we were glad.

Rehearsed at 2.

Toff lost his voice so we fitted in a turn with some boogie & arranged a turn on “Yeah Man” to fill the gap.

The show went well & as they prefer us to the other gash crowd we decided at the celebration after that I should ring Johnny & see if we could play all 3 nights.

Monday 23^rd April 1945

Rang Johnny & arranged to play all 3 nights. I doubt if he would have let me but they got another job. Podge was playing football & couldn’t come so once more we were pleased.

The yanks were taking photos to prepare for us visiting them. At the “do” after we arranged to tell Johnny that the regiment only wanted the 2 of us tomorrow at 417.

Tuesday 24^th April 1945

Fixed up that Podge wouldn’t come.

The show was ok tonight but we drew a poor crowd & a very unresponsive one.

This finishes the run & until one of their chaps gets back from leave (he goes the 28^th) we are finished then we will rehearse again ready to go on the way & at Cambrai.

Bill & I are well in with the Rgt now & they want us to do their dances for them. We are also going to try to put on an R & I show if possible.

Wednesday 25^th April 1945

Wrote letters in evening.

Book 42

 Thursday 26^th April 1945

Went to Mme Coupes in evening & had a good time.

Friday 27^th April 1945

Stayed in.

Saturday 28^th April 1945

Up at 9.30 but it was wet & cold so stayed in all morning.

Went to Douai later in afternoon. I bought some radio parts & we went to Mme Coupes later. They got us to play Ludo again. Had good time.

Sunday 29^th April 1945

Went to see the Waaf gang show in the evening. It was really good. 2 of the girls were at Lasham. 

Monday 30^th April 1945

Stayed in all evening.

Tuesday 1^st May 1945

Weather is still B— awful—the same as the last week. It’s even been snowing & hailing what whether for May.

We went to Vimy Ridge today on a signals organised run. We were supposed to go on the first lorry at 2.15 but the rotten so & so’s all got on at the cookhouse & didn’t bother to call for us 6 at the billet, eventually S/C Rowlands got us on a 2^nd waggon at 3pm. We got there late but had a good look at the memorial & bought some photos.

It’s a wizard memorial – really impressive & grand. 

There are the names of thousands of Canadians who fell there & neatly engraved on it. We also visited the German & Canadian trenches where they have been preserved.

They were only about 20 yds apart – much too close for my liking.

We went down the tunnels as far as possible & got horribly muddied up.

We went to the cinema in Arras later & saw the French equivalent of “Gunga Din” with Wallace Beery.  I understood it fairly well.

Back at 11.30.

Wednesday 2^nd May 1945

Heard a broadcast about the torture camps at Belson & Buchenwald.  the chaps would like to get their hands on some of the German swine’s.

Stayed in all evening.

Thursday 3^rd May 1945

Stayed in all evening.

Friday 4^th May 1945

As last night except that we had some excitement.

All the German forces in N.W. Germany Holland & Denmark surrendered to Monty & some of the chaps got a rumour that the war was over. But what it actually was, was that it was over as far as this drome was concerned because the remaining fighting was too far away for us.

There were wild scenes in the billet though.  

We got our squadron badges today.

Saturday 5^th May 1945

Up late as the weather was still bad. Angus got up after me & I went to the section to wait for him.  When I got there I was told he was posted to Hendon & Johnny Harris to Croydon.

When Angus heard the news he was considerably cheesed as I would be. 

It spoilt our day off.  

Stand-down today & tomorrow.

We went into Douai about 1.30. Bought some radio parts. Visited Mme Dutanqe & told her.  Bill Hill & I were invited to the Commune party of the 20^th 

Visited Mme Coupe in the evening.

We repaired their radio for them, fitting a new volume control.

Sunday 6^th May 1945

In the evening I had to go to the boxing play at the theatre to play the national anthem when the show finished. 

I was chosen because I wasn’t able to spend the evening in the section as I did in the afternoon.

Monday 7^th May 1945

Went in in morning.  It’s all set for the peace now – everyone knows it. Stand-down in afternoon.

Weather has turned very fine now.

Stayed in billet all evening.  Down at the canteen all beer was free & the blokes came in drunk. The lights didn’t go out till 1.

Tuesday 8^th May 1945

V. E. Day

Peace treaty of Unconditional Surrender was signed at 0241 yesterday.

Stand-down from dinner time till tomorrow night.

Angus was supposed to leave today but there was no transport & so he is going tomorrow.

Pete & I fixed up the amplifier outside Flying Control for the AVM. Speech at 4 this afternoon.  We relayed Churchills speech at 3 & dance music from the wireless while the chaps were waiting.

While the blokes were in the blazing sun we were down a shelter in the cool controlling the amplifier.  I went to Douai in the evening.

What a night. I was wearing the 305 badge & met some Canadian aircrew from 305 and a Yank & we all got half cut.

Penny one of the officers is a real decent kid. Eventually I lost them.

There were bags of fireworks & the aircrew had brought in Pistols & flares which they fired. At 12.30 I went to the wagon after saying cheerio to the Coupes who I’d met at the Town Hall dance but no one wanted to go so we decided to leave at 2.  I went to look for the Coupes but they had evidently gone home but I found Barkway dressed as a woman & he & I had great fun.  I forgot all about the wagon & had to sleep with him at his friend’s place.

Wednesday 9^th May 1945

What a night, back at camp at 1.

Took easy afternoon & went to 305 dance in evening.

They had a Civy Polish band as their own band is u/s due to the P.A. player having been posted. The Civy band were supposed to come but due to a misunderstanding they didn’t turn up & I spent 1 ½  hours with the wireless Sgt driving around getting blokes.  We eventually played with Cpl Moulds F/S Mink Bill Holland Billy Norman & myself but we did far better than the other band. Bed at 1.

Thursday 10^th May 1945

Up at 11 as we had 305 stand-down.  Took it easy all day reading & writing.

Friday 11^th May 1945

Stayed in & wrote.

Saturday 12^th May 1945

Day Off.

Went to Douai in afternoon. Got some wireless parts.

Went to Mme Coupe in evening. Had good time. Got over language difficulties fairly easily.  They gave me a fag case & for Angus a writing case.  Back at 11.20

Sunday 13^th May 1945

We had a Victory service this morning but it wasn’t very good.

At the dance in the evening I was I/c amplified – & the damn thing went U/s.

Someone broke the mike wires & I had to go to H.Q. Sigs to repair it & then the loudspeaker went u/s. what a night. It went on till 3. During the evening the bomb dump caught fire. There were some big bangs when the 4000 lbers went off.  I don’t know whether it was accident or sabotage.

Monday 14^th May 1945

Went on convoy run practice in evening ready for the move into Germany.

It was quite good fun really. The weather was nice & it made a pleasant run around the country.

Tuesday 15^th May 1945

Stayed in & wrote & read.

Wednesday 16^th May 1945

Stayed in all evening.

Thursday 17^th May 1945

Had a lecture on EVT today. I shall have to see the education officer before I decide what to do. 

Went to see the Coupes in evening. Took them in some soap etc. they were very pleased.

Friday 18^th May 1945

I have been experimenting with RC phase shift oscillation. I found out some of the difficulties & then decided to build one for testing amplifiers.

Then Pete suggested I put on an KF Part & build a sig genny.^XVII So I shall do that.

In the evening. I saw something I have never seen before.

Suddenly a terrific wind blew up & it started to get very dark & then from the direction of Arras came a terrific cloud of dust.  We watched it get very close & then made a dash for shelter. It was absolutely deadly & then suddenly the storm was here on top of us. I’ve never seen so many types of lightening in one storm & the noise the thunder made was like Hells orchestra.  The place was inches deep in water in about 5 minutes.

We had to go to tea in the stores wagon.

We stayed at the mess till it stopped raining thought. Wrote letters in evening.

Saturday 19^th May 1945

Went to see Education Officer & decided to go in for Forces Prelim Exam & hope the Inst. Of Chartered Accountants accepts it as excusing their Prelim. The E. O. didn’t think we would be drafted into Civil airlines although I’m still not so sure.

We now have all Saturday afternoon & Sunday free & Wed afternoon for games.

But I spent the afternoon making a chassis for my sig genny.

Got cheesed & read in evening.

Sunday 20^th May 1945

Up at 11.

After dinner Bill Hill & I got on the road & hitched to Douai – got to Mme Dutanqe’s at 2 for the communion party. They had started dinner but everyone stopped while Bill & I caught up.

We were eating until 4.15 & as we had had dinner I was feeling somewhat bloated & the sausage they are very fond of here doesn’t really agree with me but I forced it all down. But was I glad of the chance for a walk to the church for the service. They didn’t mind us going although we wasn’t Catholics. It was very interesting anyway.

We got back at 5.30 & started eating again till 8. We had about 4 kinds of tart & cream, & then chocolate cake.

After that there was dancing. But I couldn’t do much because the sausage & the wine & champagne etc were arguing & I felt rotten.  We caught a wagon back at 10.30 after leaving the rest to carry on & declining an invitation to go for the finale tomorrow night.

We had a look at the Victory dance – with floodlights & open air dancing. Reminded me of pre-war times. When I got back to the billet I felt worse than ever eventually I was sick but I felt better after. 

Heard that all Radar mecs in Group 1 will be demobbed all others retained.  What a farce.

Monday 21^st May 1945

Went to the Cinema on camp. Saw “2000 Women” a very good film indeed. Farfetched but well-acted. The only part I didn’t like being that of the cockney aircrew Sgt. which was definitely overacted.  Wrote home complaining about retention of Radar mecs & asked for M.P’s aid in the House of Parliament.

Tuesday 22^nd May 1945

Carried on with chassis for S.G. as there is very little work.

Stayed in evening & did some work on it.

Wednesday 23^rd May 1945

Wrote letters in evening & ordered parts for Sig from Premier.

Thursday 24^th May 1945

Worked on chassis. Stayed in evening & worked on it.

Friday 25^th May 1945

Weather has been bad this week & we got soaked going to tea.

Went up to billet & mucked around all night & prepared for trip tomorrow.

Saturday 26^th May 1945

Caught wagon at 8.30  for trip to B Station at Le Capelle.

There were 17 of us. We got to the Radar Stn after a colossal ride & got some gen on how the Geo Stus work.

After dinner we went on to St Quentin. Got there at 3.30 after another hair raising ride. We stayed till 6. Pete Day & I went around together. We couldn’t find any decent radio shops but I got some music & a 620 film.  It rained on & off but it was still very interesting. Left at 6.30 & got to Camp at 7.30.

We went through Guise on the way to St Q & saw the Castle – or what’s left of it.  The scenery round there is marvellous.

When I got back I found 2 letters & a parcel with my wireless parts in it, from home. 

Wrote up my diary for the last 10 days & started on a letter home.

Sunday 27^th May 1945

Up at 10.30.

Took radio parts to section & after dinner I got stuck in. I was working till 10 to 10 & got half the components mounted.

Monday 28^th May 1945

Did more work on set & only have to mount some tagboards & 2 condensers & I can start wiring up. Got laundry & read & wrote in evening. Received letter from Bert. 

Saw Johnny about No2 band & am having a rehearsal Wednesday.

Tuesday 29^th May 1945

Worked on set most of day & evening.

Wednesday 30^th May 1945

Arranged for rehearsal with Bill & Charlie this afternoon. As the theatre was in use for a show we eventually got cracking in a café in Haynecourt with Polish drumkit. Dawson the Bass will join & we found that Isaacs the Barber used to play tenor in the Skyrockets.^XVIII

In evening wrote music for alto with Bill. 

Thursday 31^st May 1945

Worked on set most of day & evening.

Friday 1^st June 1945

Finished set. Wrote in evening.

Saturday 2^nd June 1945

Went to Douai late in afternoon.

Took me 2 hours to get there.

Saw Norman in there & went to the French litllone committee with him for a while.  Visited the Coupes later.

Sunday 3^rd June 1945

Up early.

Helped Bill Holland to develop some photo he took of me. We collected the Polish side drum at dinner time.

At the dance in the evening we went on for a while & put on a wizard show.  Johnny Allen nearly went mad trying to get us off.

Monday 4^th June 1945

Wrote out music in the evening.

Tuesday 5^th June 1945

Went to cinema & saw “Lost in a Harem” with Bud Abbott & Lou Costello

Wednesday 6^th June 1945

1^st anniv. Of invasion & a holiday for us. Up at 11. Stayed in & read & wrote in evening.

Thursday 7^th June 1945

Gave in my money for exchange. Stayed at Section in evening & got to work on my radio. But I couldn’t finish it because the coils have the wrong inductance & so won’t line up. 

We had 12 III gs in & I had to get busy on them as well. Ernie went on leave.

Friday 8^th June 1945

Dads Birthday.

Got paid 540 francs. Went to cinema & saw “Artists & Models with Jack Berry. Not so hot.

Saturday 9^th June 1945

Spent all morning on set with Pete. He is going to take some tuns off the coil. In afternoon heard the daily broadcast, & then went to Douai. Bought some music.

Sunday 10^th June 1945

Up at 11.

In afternoon went to theatre.  Worked out programme of fixed amplifiers. Then wrote music.

In evening we put up a wizard show & I fixed an appointment  with the Band Officer.

Monday 11^th June 1945

Mums Birthday

Saw Captain May & straightened out the position of our band. Got permission to go ahead.

We got in Isaacs & we will have a rehearsal Wednesday.

Pete fixed my radio & we finished it this evening.

Tuesday 12^th June 1945

Wrote in evening.

Wednesday 13^th June 1945

Got permission for rehearsal but the Barber wouldn’t give us the boys to get the drums & the piano was moved so Bill & I went to see Mays.

We had the hell of a talk but he left us two alternatives. 

1 to join the other (meaning that No2 band would cease to exist)

No 2 staying apart from them. Which meant (he said) he couldn’t support us.  We agreed to have a general meeting at 2 on Saturday. But after talking it over with the boys we decided to scrub round it.

Wrote in evening. 

Went to Naafi & when I came out the SPs took mine & Bill Hollands names for needing a haircut. – a Purge has begun.  Crowds of blokes are on it. The whole bloody thing is disgusting.

Thursday 14^th June 1945

Read in evening.

Friday 15^th June 1945

Sent remittance of 2900 francs. Worked in section all evening.

Saturday 16^th June 1945

Went to Douai in afternoon to the Coupes garden. Took 8 photos. Left at 8. Back at 9. Read & wrote.

Sunday 17^th June 1945

Up at 11.

Went to section in afternoon & worked.

In evening did hour drill – for that affair of no haircut on Wednesday evening.

Read & wrote.

Monday 18^th June 1945

Wrote to Bert & read.

Tuesday 19^th June 1945

Did an hours rifle drill in evening got 2 lovely blisters as a result. Am I mad.

Wrote home & rested for remainder of evening.

Wednesday 20^th June 1945

Spent afternoon at section.

Ernie came back off leave.

Thursday 21^st June 1945

Stayed in billet all evening.

Friday 22^nd June 1945

Went to Douai & visited to Mme Coupes.

Saturday 23^rd June 1945

Stayed in section working out on test set.

Sunday 24^th June 1945

Stayed in section till evening then went to cinema & saw “Hangover Square” quite a good thriller murder film.  Also on was “Battle of Russia” very well made film

Monday 25^th June 1945

Told I was going to Paris tomorrow evening on 48.

Wrote home. Spent lazy evening.

Tuesday 26^th June 1945

Went to cinema & saw “Sensations of 1945”

Left on the trip to Paris at 12.

Wednesday 27^th June 1945

Got to Lille at 1am after a terrible journey in the back of a 15 unit van.

We had an hours wait for the train & it was a 3^rd class compartment naturally. Bloody uncomfortable.

Once we started Jack Tracey Cpl England & myself found an empty compartment further down the train & managed to get a little sleep. I certainly didn’t enjoy the journey though.

It was a very slow train they all are now in France. It took us till 9 to get to Paris.

Once out of the train we found buses waiting to take us to our hotels. Our hotel was The Hotel Commodore No 12 Boulevard Haussmann in Montmartre.

We started off with a very nice breakfast consisting of eggs & tomatoes bread & marmalade.

We were given the gen & the 3 of us got a room together on the 2^nd floor No 224. It had its own bathroom.

The beds were smashing – nothing like our blankets.

We cleaned up & went for a walk around.

We covered a hell of a lot of ground & when we got to Notre Dame we decided to go back by metro because it was lunchtime & Jack & I had sore feet.

Lunch was bang on.

After lunch Jack & I went on a bus tour of Paris. We saw pretty near everything opera Eiffel tower arc di triomphe trocadero Notre dame Madeline Place d las Concorde.

The guide made the tour very interesting they certainly know their gen about Paris. I got some books & photos.

Dinner was very good – chicken for the main course.

Afterwards Jack & I went to the Folies Bergère. The whole thing is a terrific racket & you could spend tons of money there.

The show itself was like the curates egg – some parts were good – especially the comedians but the dances were very crude, apart from that the nudity was no worse than England.

We wandered back to the hotel & after coffee & cake went to bed.

Needless to say I found time for a bath during the day.

Thursday 28^th June 1945

Up at 8.45. 

Wandered round for a while & then had lunch. In the afternoon I went with Jack to see a girl Ernie knows. She works in the Prefecture de la Seine but her colleague said she was ill so we went to her house at Choisy  le Roi. We went by auto bus which is actually a train electric with overhead cables. Incidentally the metro isn’t a patch on the tube. There were 16 lines & the changes necessary are terrific. Its old fashioned too compared with the tube. 

Anyway when we got to her house her mother said she was in Paris so we waited. Eventually she returned. We had a chat & some tea & then left.

We hadn’t any plans for the evening so we asked if the Glen Miller outfit was in town. They weren’t but the hostess gave us two tickets for the American troops “Olympia” theatre.

We had to wait a while to get in but we eventually got 2 good seats & saw first of all a French show – really good.

In the middle of it they announced a surprise item, James Mason the British film star in a one act comedy.  It was a wizard piece really funny 

After the French variety they announced that the air traffic command band & Micky Rooney Ingrid Bergman & Bobby Breen would be broadcasting from the stage over the AFT.

That was a wizard show & after it was over they made a recording of Ingrid Bergman which will be used on Thursday for the second anniversary broadcast of the AEF programme.

Friday 29^th June 1945

Up at 8.45 we tried to get some photos of the show but were unsuccessful. It would have been nice to have got a souvenir of the broadcast.

We went on a tour of Versailles in the afternoon. That was wizard the chateaus & castle were very interesting & the gardens are beautiful.

After tea I went to the Hotel shop & got some ties & a bracelet.

After dinner there was a dance & we stayed there for an hour till we left at 8.45.

I think that Paris may be more beautiful than London but I still think London is the best city in the world.

We were on the train at 9.15 & left at 10. The seats were hard again but we moved down & got a soft seat & were able to get some sleep.

Saturday 30^th June 1945

Arrived at Lille at 4.05. there was a transport mix up & we spent until 8 sitting in the TRO’s office then we had to walk to 17 PDC for a wagon. Eventually we got back at 9.15. got cleaned up. Wrote home.

Went to Douai in the evening to see Mme Coupes. Back at 11.45.

Sunday 1^st July 1945

Wrote home. Spent lazy day reading & writing.

Monday 2^nd July 1945

Wrote home in evening after spending a little while in Section.

Tuesday 3^rd July 1945

Bill Holland & I played for 3 hours this evening at the opening of the R & I canteen outside our billet.

Nearly everyone was drunk but everyone enjoyed themselves. Tony Hall said he thought there were about 15 blokes playing at times when we were really beating it out.  Of course he was drunk. I even got Ernie playing duets with me.

Wednesday 4^th July 1945

In the afternoon Pete & I provided the amplifier for 417 sports day. In between times we put over some of “Strully on the record” etc.

We’re doing it again next Wed. for the finish. It’s a lost half day but I don’t mind.

Thursday 5^th July 1945

Stayed in all evening wrote to Ron.

Friday 6^th July 1945

Read all evening

Saturday 7^th July 1945

Went to Douai in afternoon & bought a doll for Beryl. Damned expensive too. Still I don’t mind.

Left early cause it was so hot & dusty.

Wrote home.

Saturday 8^th July 1945

Up late!

Was in Canteen most of day playing table tennis.

Monday 9^th July 1945

Had musical evening in club. Everyone was drunk at the end but a good time was had by all.

I’m going on leave Monday 16^th filled in leave application

Tuesday 10^th July 1945

Got 2 inoculations felt a bit bad – unusual. Played table tennis & it wore off a bit read & wrote to Angus.

Wednesday 11^th July 1945

Pete & I worked amp for sports day. In club in evening had talk on education S/c  Rowlands had chat with me after.

Thursday 12^th July 1945

Went to Mm Coupes  place.

Friday 13^th July 1945

Worked on set.

Saturday 14^th July 1945

Started to sort kit for leave.

Sunday 15^th July 1945

Finished sorting kit for leave & worked amp for sports meeting.

Monday 16^th July 1945

At 5.15 left on leave. We went to the cinema at Lille & saw 2000 women. Caught train at 1.30am.

Tuesday 17^th July 1945

The only room in the train was in a cattle truck & what a journey we had till 4.30 when we arrived at Calais. We were taken to one of the dance halls & left till 6.30 when we had breakfast.  We couldn’t go that day because of bad weather yesterday so after changing money & getting boat ticket etc we were put in a Nissen hut & left. After tea we had a walk around Calais & saw “Here come the Co Eds” with Abbott & Costello

Wednesday 18^th July 1945

Sailed at 12.30

Had a lovely journey across. It was like a pond.

As England is an hour in front of us we arrived at 1. Caught train right away & was at Victoria at 3. Home at 3.45.  Jean was there.

After a rest & a talk Walter & Olive came over.

I was worried about this beforehand. Apparently, Walter is divorcing Doris – she hasn’t wanted to be a wife to him for a long while so Olive is giving up her name to be co-respondent.

Ern is suffering from nervous debility & has to be away from work.

Mum & Dad have had a music cabinet made for me. It’s a lovely job. It was grand to be able to have a go at the old piano again. Saw Bert.

Bed at 1.

Thursday 19^th July 1945

Up 8.30.

Made a few purchases locally.

In evening Bert & I visited Ron & Doris.

Bed 1.30

Friday 20^th July 1945

Up 8.30

Ern & I went out & I bought a few odd wireless parts.

After dinner Ern & I went to Doris so I could give Beryl her doll.

After, we went to Jeans & she came back with us.

Bed 1.30

Saturday 20^th July 1945

Ern & I got the radio going that I made. Messed around rest of day.

Sunday 20^th July 1945

Up at 7.30.

At 8.30 Walter & Olive came in the car & Mum & Dad Ern & Jean & I went to the bungalow had very good day.

Home at 9.30. went to Elccas for a while.

Monday 23^rd July 1945.

Ern & I went up the West End. I bought £12 worth of radio parts & a load of music.  Home 5.30.

After tea Bert Ron Frank Jim & I played at Prince Regent Lane School for a dance – the boys aren’t so bad now.

Home 1.

Bed 1.30.

Tuesday 24^th July 1945

Stayed in all day & got radio going. Walter & Olive came in evening & Bert came in & we had a “do” till 3.30am.

Wednesday 25^th July 1945

In afternoon I had an eye test for a new pair of glasses.

At 5.30 Walter & Olive called in the car & Ern & Jean Mum & Dad & I went to the Globe theatre to see “While the Sun Shines”. Very good indeed. Afterwards we went to the Hungaria & had dinner. I even got Jean to dance later.

We left at 12. Home 12.20. bed 2am

Thursday 26^th July 1945

Got news of a day’s extension of leave. Met Bert at Ibex house at 6.30 & went home to one the altos houses for tea & to show her something of the Rumba rhythm’s etc. she can play classics very well & has a lovely voice. Home 11.30 bed 1.30

Friday 27^th July 1945

Went up to the office & had a long talk. Phillimore seems ok for taking me back & I may get my articles.

Bought some more music & then met Bert.

Had tea at the corner house & then myself Bert Jimmy (of the pay corp) & 3  girls went to Hammersmith Palais. I had Jean, she was a lovely bit & had grand evening.

Home 12.

Saturday 28^th July 1945

Ern Jean & I went to Southend. It’s not like pre-war though & we spent the day quietly on the pier etc. Dad is not too well today & went to bed early. 

Got news of another extension.

Sunday 29^th July 1945

Dad was a bit better today. Went to Elccas in evening.

Monday 3^rd July 1945

Got a 3^rd extension today. 

In evening went to see Fred but he was out. Went to Ron’s they were out as well.

Bed 1.30

Tuesday 31^st July 1945

Up 8.30.

Cleared up urgently packed at 9pm.

Walter & Olive came over & took us all up to Victoria at 10.20.

& so ended a wizard leave.

Caught train at 11.

At Folkestone at 1 had bed in Clifton hotel for the night. Up at 6.30.

Wednesday 1^st August 1945

Sailed at 8.30 landed at 10 due to change of time. Spent till 7.30 in French camp.

At Lille at 10. Left Lille at 10.30 & arrived in camp at 1.30.

Thursday 2^nd August 1945

I knew 107 was leaving but it shook me when I heard that 305 had left as well.

In the morning I found a note from Ernie saying I had been posted to 6021 SE.  He is in Germany & Ginger is in Holland.

I went to the orderly room & got a clearance chit & got busy . First I finished at the section & then elsewhere I started packing in the evening. What a job I couldn’t finish it all at once.

Friday 3^rd August 1945

Finished clearing & eventually succeeded in packing my kit. Bed early as lorry leaves at 7.

Saturday 4^th August 1945

Up 7.15. luckily the lorry was late so I made it.

Left at 7.45 & arrived at Melsbroek post outside Brussels at 1.

Got bed & tent etc & left it at that.

Wrote home.

Sunday 5^th August 1945

Day off so just lounged around.

It’s not bad at 140 wing. 107 are here so I know a lot of others. There are only 3 or 4 to a tent & we are all very comfortable.

Wing stand down tomorrow.

Monday 6^th August 1945

Lazed all day.

Wrote letters in evening.

Tuesday 7^th August 1945

Moved into Bill Morgan’s tent with Ken & Richey.

Wrote letters.

Wednesday 8^th August 1945

Finished my arrival chit & messed around during afternoon playing cards in the Section.

After tea I got cracking on my Sig Genny & did a lot of the mounting of components.

Thursday 9^th August 1945

Started work on 21 flights.  Not much to be done did some maths.

Went to EVT^XIX in afternoon.

Wrote letters & got cracking on some maths.

Friday 10^th August 1945

Half day in afternoon did some maths.

Same in evening. 

Japs offered to surrender.

Saturday 11^th August 1945

Got weekend duty today. Wrote letters in morning & read in afternoon.

Sunday 12^th August 1945

Up late. Worked on Sig Genny all day.

Had letter from home.

Monday 13^th August 1945

EVT in afternoon.

Wrote home in evening.

Got my leave photos. They are very poor. Got book called “Mystery of Madame Yes” from Sta library.

Thursday 14^th August 1945

Had day off for weekend duty. Up at 10.45. after reading some of the book I got. It’s a most peculiar book, but very interesting.

Went out with Blacky to Brussels.

Met Tony Kolakouski there. He was going back to Holland from 138 where he had been for the weekend..

Blackie & I had quite a good time.

Tea at the Monty club, ices & plums outside. A visit to the cinema to see “Guilty Parents” a very old film which has been banned in England. Wandered around the town.

Dance at the 21 Club & then further wanderings till 11.

Wednesday 15^th August 1945

VJ day today & we are free from 12 today till Saturday morning when we have pay parade. Church Parade Sunday & work Monday.

I stayed in all day. A sgt called to see me about the sgt’s mess dance Friday & I went with him to Sgt Cameron. It seems the band must be pretty poor because they only play tunes about 5 years old.

I arranged to see another Sgt at Arfld Flt tomorrow at 9.30.

Thursday 16^th August 1945

Went to see this Sgt but he wasn’t there waited 20 minutes & left. If they want me it’s up to them to come for me.

Ken Harwood & I left for Bruges after dinner.

It took 90 minutes from the Gare du Nord to get there. The Bruges station is a lovely modern building & it’s set in a park outside town. The town itself is very old & most interesting. Its surrounded by a moat & most of it looks as though you could expect peasants in medieval costumes to suddenly appear round the corner. It’s full of solders now & we had tea at the Naafi we wandered back to the Stn – I got some of the best plums I’ve ever tasted at a little shop & when Ken & I got to the park we took some photos. We got the 7.5 train back arriving at Brussels at 25 to 9.

We wandered around for about ¾ hrs looking at the Mannikin Pis statue etc. & finished up in the news theatre. This ended at 6 mins to 10 & we caught a train at the Gare du Midi which left at 10. By a stint of much running & jumping on trains.

No mail again today this makes about 4 days without it.

Friday 17^th August 1945

Up at 11. Read letters from home & Ernie stayed in camp reading & writing.

Saturday 18^th August 1945

Spent quiet day. Was on duty in morning & afternoon till 3.15.

Wrote letters.

Sunday 19^th August 1945

Spent most of day working on Sig Genny .

Wrote home

Monday 20^th August 1945

Worked on Sig genny.

EVT in afternoon.

Tuesday 21^st August 1945

Day off.

Weather bad.

Went to Brussels despite the rain.

It wasn’t too bad until 11.

Went to news cinema. Bought some wireless parts.  Tea at Monty Club^XX & then saw “Salty O’Rourke” at the Metropole. 

Walked around after.

Sat on one of the boulevards in the dark & was sorely tempted to find a woman but controlled myself & didn’t. Very glad.

Just as I went for the wagon a storm broke on us & the rain descended in practically a solid sheet.

Back at 11.30.

Wednesday 22^nd August 1945

Went to library in evening & changed library book. Got “The Strange Invasion” very good.

Thursday 23^rd August 1945

Worked on Sig Genny in evening.

EVT in afternoon.

Friday 24^th August 1945

Worked on SG in afternoon & evening had letter from Pete Day.

Saturday 25^th August 1945

Duty all day.

Read a book “Orrible Murders”. Quite good.

Sunday 26^th August 1945

Up 11.30.

Worked on SG all day.

Monday 27^th August 1945

EVT in afternoon.

Worked on SG in evening 

Tuesday 28^th August 1945

Did EVT work & wrote letters.

Got caught for night flying out till 12.30. meeting kites.

Cheesed off with ST – dashing from one end of dispersals to the others..

Left 1 am.

Bed 1.30.

Wednesday 29^th august 1945

Up 10.15

Worked on EVT all day. Changed library books in evening got “Teamwork” by Joan Ruther & “Bill the Conqueror” by P.G. Wodehouse.

Was asked to ring Sgt Cameron but couldn’t get in touch with him.

Thursday 30^th August 1945

Ray Cameron’s playing set evening for 487 dance in the village.

Went to EVT

Did homework in evening.

Friday 31^st august 1945

On duty all day.

Wrote & read.

Went to Stn library got “The Red Tapeworm” by S Maugham a satire on the Civil Service & “Jill the Reckless” by PG Wodehouse.

Ricky lent me some books “Limister Island” “The Fortress Crime” “Death Stops at the Old Stone“ & “Steps to Murder”.  All thrillers & Noel Godber’s “Amazing Spectacles”.

Did EVT work.

Saturday 1^st September 1945

Did EVT work.

Played at dance. Piss poor. Shan’t do any more work for them.

Sunday 2^nd September 1945

Wrote letters read & did EVT work. 

Up 12.

Frosty came up for the day.

Monday 3^rd September 1945

Anniversary of Brussels liberation.  After tea went in town. Nothing unusual happening so went to Ensa theatre & saw “Bring on the girls”.

Tuesday 4^th September 1945

Got a lovely sting on my right eyelid last night. Terrifically swollen.

Did EVT work. Had letter from Ron wrote & read.

Wednesday 5^th September 1945

Wrote to Ron & Doris in the afternoon. Worked on EVT in evening.

Thursday 6^th September 1945

Wrote home. Did EVT.

Friday 7^th September 1945

Did some work on Sig genny.

Saturday 8^th September 1945

Worked on Sig Genny .

Sunday 9^th September 1945

Spent nearly all day on Sig Genny.

Monday 10^th September 1945

At EVT we were split into groups 1 taking he exam in Feb & the rest taking it in Aug. I’m with the first lot. Worked on sig genny 

Wrote home.

Tuesday 11^th September 1945

I’m going back to Rost on Thursday. Some new bods have arrived in 21 from 139 wing.

Did EVT work.

Wednesday 12^th September 1945

Wrote to home & Ernie Marshall, & did some work on Sig Genny.

Thursday 13^th September 1945

Worked on sig genny nearly all day in Rv1. There are 3 IFF bods & we have our own tent to work in.

Friday 14^th September 1945

Did no work at all except on sig genny. Wrote home & did some maths in evening..

Saturday 15^th September 1945

Was hoping to do some good work on Sig Genny but I was put on booking out duty at 11am. Spent all afternoon & evening there reading & doing the booking out.  Dead loss job except that it will get be off tomorrows Church Parade for Battle of Britain Sunday.

Finished at 12.45

Sunday 16^th September 1945

Up late.

Worked on Sig Genny.

Monday 17^th September 1945

Was told I’m on fire picket.

Finished the day working on Sig Genny & took over my bed etc in the evening after going to the library and getting “The Penguin Herodotus” “As you Like It” & “The Eyes of Max Carrados”.

It’s not so hot at the Fire Section although there is constant hot water radio & pukkar billets because there are thousands of mosquitos. 

Tuesday 18^th September 1945

Woke up with about 50 stings all over me. 

On standby today. Went on Runway at dinner & teatime to reduce duty crew.

Rest of day I read & wrote.

Saw Ernie Marshall & arranged to meet him in Brussels tomorrow.

Wednesday 19^th September 1945

Day off. Went over to Section in morning for mail & after dinner went to Brussels. Had a lovely hot bath & went to the news cinema. Had eats at the CWL & waited for Ernie. He should have arrived at 6.30 but at 7 he hadn’t arrived so I pushed off to the Ensa cinema to see Bing  Crosby In “Here Come the Waves”.

Thursday 20^th September 1945

On Runway all day. 

Read books.

Played cards in evening. Bed 11.

Friday 21^st September 1945

My scheme for mosquito protection at nights that I started Wednesday is working very well .

Day off today.

Went to Section & did EVT homework.

Saturday 22^nd September 1945

On standby today.

Wrote letters & read & did EVT

Sunday 23^rd September 1945

Off all day – read & wrote.

Monday 24^th September 1945

Finished duty at 10.30 

Scrounged off rest of day.

Tuesday 25^th September 1945

Read in evening & did EVT.

Wednesday 26^th September 1945

We were told we could leave tents & go in an old hanger.

Ken & I cleaned up a room ready for use & chopped a load of wood for fires.

In evening sorted out a lot of junk ready to move.

Thursday 27^th September 1945

Ken Frank & Reg decided not to move but would stay in tent.  Dodger & Win are coming in with me.

I moved in the evening.

Its whizzo there. Tons better than tents.

Friday 28^th September 1945

Saw Ernie today.

Win & Dodger moved in hanger.

Saturday 29^th September 1945

Went into Brussels.

Saw “Blithe Spirit” at the Ensa cinema. It was a wizard film. 

Went to Monty club to have tea & meet Ernie as arranged.

We saw Hedy Lamarr in “Ecstasy” the film she made about 10 years ago & which was banned in England & America.

Back at 10.50

Sunday 30^th September 1945

Stayed in & did EVT read & wrote.

Monday 1^st October 1945

Stayed in all evening.

Tuesday 2^nd October 1945

Got the new demob gen & it’s worse than anything I ever imagined. Navy 45 by June 46 army 31 by June & us group 28 it’s absolutely bloody awful.  & to add insult to injury the papers say we should be pleased to be staying on & getting the others back by air.

Wednesday 3^rd October 1945

Stayed in.

Thursday 4^th October 1945

Did EVT read & wrote 

Erns birthday

Friday 5^th October 1945

As yesterday.

Saturday 6^th October 1945

Finished reading “Forever Amber” one of the sexiest novels I’ve ever read. 800 pages of it too. 

Went to Brussels & saw ”Her Highness & the Bell boy” at the Metropolis. Wizard  film.  “The true Glory” or from D Day to V Day at the Ensa & the news theatre shorts. Back in camp at 9.15.

Sunday 7^th October 1945

Up 12.15.

Wrote & read & did EVT.

Monday 8^th October 1945

Did EVT & read

Tuesday 9^th October 1945

As yesterday

Wednesday 10^th October 1945

Read & wrote & did EVT.

Thursday 11^th October 1945

Got some photos off Frank of the section & the boys.

A new dial arrived from home to replace the broken one.

We are moving the IFF section into one of the wagons now that all surplus American equipment is going back & one workshop is left vacant.

Read & wrote & did EVT

At this afternoons EVT my sonnet was read out as being a good example.

Friday 12^th October 1945

Went to Brussels in afternoon. Had a bath, visited the news theatre & saw a film about Radar. Not bad at all. Finished evening at the CWL as they had a dance but the band was awful so I left early & caught the 9.10 train.

We were busy all morning getting our part of the Workshop fitted out. It will be a lot better than a tent.

Book 43

Saturday 13^th October 1945

Stayed in & read “Nicer to Stay In bed” “Once in Every Lifetime” very good books.

Did E.V.T.

We had a prang on the drome tonight.  One of the Libs that is taking the Squaddies to the Middle East had its engines cut just after take-off & about 30 blokes were killed.  Deadly sort of thing to happen now.

Did a bit to my sig genny in morning.

Up 12.15.

Read “Strange Fruit” & did E.V.T. got up to date with it.

Wrote home.

Monday 15^th October 1945

Worked on Sig genny

Tuesday 16^th October 1945

Did EVT, wrote etc. Walters birthday.

Wednesday 16^th October 1945

Messed around all evening.

Thursday 18^th October 1945

Ernie & I went to Brussels in evening after spending all afternoon doing a maths test at EVT.

We went to the Metropole & saw “Out of this World” not bad.

Friday 19^th October 1945

Worked on sig genny. I’ve got a snag on the beater wiring.  The switches seem to have got mixed up. Wrote home & told them I shall be on leave next Friday.

Saturday 20^th October 1945

Worked on sig genny. Finished wiring. RF works but AF doesn’t. Couldn’t find why.

Sunday 21^st October 1945

Scrappy sort of day. Up at 10.45.  after reading a book.

In afternoon worked on S.G. with a scope. Didn’t get much further except to find that the AF&RF both not working.  When I get to Germany I’ll sort it out properly.

In evening I collected together some of the stuff I want to take home with me.

Wrote home.

Mosquitoes have come out again now its become warmer. Got several stings.  Damn nuisance just as I’m going on leave.

Monday 22^nd October 1945

Got results of EVT maths test. Came 2^nd with 72% not bad.

Read all evening & wrote home.

Started to get ready for leave.

Tuesday 23^rd October 1945

Read & wrote home. Weather bad.

Wednesday 24^th October 1945

Read & wrote home. When I took leave form back was told leave was put back a day through weather.

Thursday 25^th October 1945

Weather turned to Gale. No leave parties going. Read all evening.

Friday 26^th October 1945

Read all evening. Weather at worst last night, leave delayed.

Saturday 27^th October 1945

Gale finished at last many mines loose, damage to leave camps etc. went to Brussels in afternoon.  Bought a copy of the Penguin Wordsworth at Smiths.

Visited news theatre & Ensa cinema saw “a tree grows in Brooklyn”. Didn’t think much of it.  Went in one or two canteens.

Caught 8.40 train back at 9.30.

Read.

Sunday 28^th October 1945

In bed till 12.30. no leave parties going till tomorrow.  I shall go Friday –  I hope.

Move to Y19 on Wed or Sat. I got some of my kit ready to go off. Wrote home. Read.

Monday 29^th October 1945

Cleared up section in morning. 

Went to Brussels in afternoon & bought myself an electric razor & got some medal ribbons for the boys. In evening sorted my kit I want to take.

Tuesday 30^th October 1945

Waggons arrived for packing. I got all of my kit except bed, bedding & kit bag on.  Bed early but couldn’t sleep till one because blokes went out to celebrate their last evening at Melsbroek.

Wednesday 31^st October 1945

Up 4.30 put rest of kit on waggon & saw convoy leave at 8.

Messed around all day. Got 3 kilos of grapes to take home.

Left at 7.

At Guardroom they said transport would go at 7.45. at Schaerbeek at 8.10.

Train left at 10.

Thursday 1^st November 1945

Arrived Calais at 4 after a very uncomfortable journey on wooden seats. Little sleep.

Breakfast at 5. Changed money etc.

Left at 10 (9GMT) arrived at 11.15 taking 2 ¼ hrs. rotten boat. SR train boat took ¾ hr to get ashore because ramp on train deck was u/s & they were messing about with it all that time.

At Victoria at 3.15, home 4.

Very pleased with grapes. Met Ern at High St as he was going to meet Jean.

All at home being Thursday. Jean came.

Saw Bert in evening. 

Saw Walter & Olive.

Ern put my medals up for me.

Friday 2^nd November 1945

Messed around all day. Made plug for razor. Saw Ron & Doris.

Saturday 3^rd November 1945

Bert saw me & told me of job at Herbert’s.

Saw W Ham beat Southampton 3 : 1. Good match.

Bert Frank & I played at Herbert’s got £4 for it.

Sunday 4^th November 1945

Up 10. Frank Bert & Ron came round for practice. Not bad.

Went to Elccas in evening. Saw Walter & arranged to fix his radio tomorrow.

Monday 5^th November 1945

At Forest Gate garage at 10. Walter came at 10.30. went to new garage.

On radio electrolyte U/S. Spent  2 hours looking for one in shops.  Eventually got one at the Greengate in Scott’s shop. Went back to garage in afternoon & fixed it.

Saw Bert in evening.

Tuesday 6^th November 1945

Went up City. Got some books & music. 

Got 5 WS chevrons. 

Back 4. Mum sewed on my chevrons.

Met Bert at 5.15 & we went to Sarah’s home & I played piano. I’m sure she’s fallen for me.

Home 12.

Wednesday 7^th November 1945

Messed around indoors all day.

Thursday 8^th November 1945

Ditto yesterday.

Fred called in morning. Went to his place in evening.

Friday 9^th October 1945

Walter wants me to make him a wireless for his Wans Garage (2 speakers).  Got circuit out & bought some parts at Scott’s. Got a lot of other odds & ends.

Frank & Bert came in for a bash.

Got a day’s extension.

Saturday 10^th November 1945

Bert came in in afternoon for some drum practice.

Played at Herbert’s. 

Walter & Olive came to dance.

Sunday 11^th November 1945

In the morning Ern & I detonated a lot of bullets & cannon shells I brought home for lighter parts.

Went round Ron’s in afternoon.

Jean came to tea.

We all went to Wanstead Garage in evening by car for opening ceremony. Met Mr Key had quite good evening. Home 11.

Monday 12^th November 1945

Went up office. They are giving me back my job & at money I should be earning.

Visited news cinema got some music & radio parts & a couple of 1946 diaries.

Ern gave me a pound for the 25^th.

Tuesday 13^th November 1945

Got some more radio stuff. Picked up my bag etc.

Walter & Olive came.

Walter ran me up to Victoria in Junior.  On way he told me why he is divorcing Doris.  She is undersexed & thought sex is horrible etc etc & has altered towards him.  Olive is absolutely different.  He said that Olive told him I fascinate her. What am I, that makes 5 of em I know of. 

Caught last train.

Wednesday 14^th November 1945

At Dover at 3. Bed 3.30. up at 4 breakfast 4.15. boat left at 8 (GMT) landed at 10.15 (BST) went to Ensa show at 112 T.C. very good. Left at 7.45.

No lights in train but there was glass in the windows which is better than nothing. 2 in my compartment had a sleep.

Thursday 15^th November 1945

Stopped at Schaerbeek & Duisburg for tea & sandwiches. Changed engines 6 times in all.

Arrived Munster at 4.  At all the stops along the line a crowd gathered & the M did a brisk trade.

Left Munster at 6 at Y99 ( Gutersloh Germany) at 8 (slow because of fog).

Billets are fine, clean & warm, 3 in our room, central heating.

Wrote letter. Bed 11. Stan Crows has his Class B & leaves in a couple of weeks.

Friday 16^th November 1945

Up 8.

Went to section. Bags of work for IFF bashers.

Finished at 5.

Food not bad. No plates needed now china plates at cookhouse.

Saturday 17^th November 1945

Went to Gutersloh  with Reg & Ken.  Busy place.  

Malcolm club’s not bad though plenty of cream cakes etc.

Went to Adastral theatre & listened to classical music concert.

Walked the 3 miles back.

Sunday 18^th November 1945

Up at 12.

Lounged around all day till evening when Ray & I went to see a chap we met yesterday about forming a dance band.  Seems fairly hopeful. Reg & I played a few duets. 

No heat in billets today.

Monday 19^th November 1945

Still no heat. Its getting a bit grim.

Played cards in evening with Ken & Reg & Ken Smith.

Tuesday 20^th November 1945

I’ve got a bloody awful cold & cough – still no heat.  The people who organise these things want shooting.  If they don’t soon get some coal in they wont be able to get any because the roads will freeze up.

Did EVT & wrote home etc.

Wednesday 21^st November 1945

Did EVT in evening. After going with Reg to a band meeting in SHQ. An officer is taking over & Cameron has stuck his nose in.

Thursday 22^nd November 1945

Wrote home & went to Camp cinema saw “Meet Me in St Louis Louis”.

Friday 23^rd November 1945

Duty Mick.

Had letter & card from Mum & Dad & card from Ern.

Wrote home.

In evening Reg & I played some piano duets.

Sunday 25^th November 1945

21 Today.

& what a place I’m spending it in. Boy what a day it would be if I were at home.  Still I am here & must put up with what I’ve got.

Up at 12. Lousy dinner.

Wrote letters in evening & read.

Monday 26^th November 1945

EVT in afternoon. Went to Band room in evening & played with Davy Mark & Syd.

Saw Davy about concert party.

Tuesday 27^th November 1945

Took afternoon off for my duty mech on Saturday.

Did EVT. Wrote in evening & did EVT.

Reading “Erewhon“ by Samuel Butler^XXI for EVT library book.

Wednesday 28^th November 1945

Meeting in band room. Should progress o.k.

Finished 11.

Thursday 29^th November 1945

Went to EVT.

Started studying trigonometry. Went to concert party meeting in band room.

I’ve got several jobs to do in it.

We are getting some Waaf’s from Group to help us out.

Finished 11

Went to late supper.

Bed 12.

Friday 30^th November 1945

Went to short concert & band meeting to decide list of music required.

Finished at 7.

Read & wrote.

Saturday 1^st December 1945

Got off parade by working.

Read Jack London’s “The Iron Heel” in afternoon, very good socialist propaganda.

In evening went to Gütersloh.  Saw “Broadway Rhythm”  at the Adastral. Visited a German pub. Beers awful.

Back 10.30

Sunday 2^nd December 1945

Up at 8. First Sunday breakfast I’ve had for months.

Put some book shelves over my bed.

Did EVT.

Read & wrote.

Monday 3^rd December 1945

On duty all night. Wrote home.

Tuesday 4^th December 1945

On duty mech. Bags to do.

Blew up ace by charging it with stoppers in.

Bad day all round. We decided to check on all A/C for the mods we’re doing- & they all flow, making us chase them as they came in, then frank went off with the wagon keys & made me late for tea.

Also 4 squadron were flying & I had to stick around till 7.15.

Still I used the time to answer a letter I had from Bert.

Wednesday 5^th December 1945

In afternoon I was told I am on guard tomorrow.

Eric went in dock today with a bad foot.

Had to ball all night preparing for guard tomorrow. Bed 9.15.

Concert party meeting – soon over.

Thursday 6^th December 1945

Was so determined to be up on time. I woke at 3,5,6, 6.30 & 6.55 so I got up then.

On parade at 8.15.

Some Jerrys got arrested for not stopping during the flag raising.

I was put on 2 Group flts petrol dump – about 80 gallons.

The hut we had was terrible – oil stoves for heat & light.

It would only be a one journey job for a wagon to take it to our dump & anyway its being closed soon but the RAF would sooner pay £5 a day in pay & allowances to 7 men guarding it.

Again they take our section waggons from us & make us push our test sets around on a trolly, wasting time, tempers & energy but 3 lorries do 300 miles a day bringing waitresses to the Officers & Sgts messes, also another lorry did 600 miles for some rose trees to go round the officers swimming pool. 

Its easy to see where the public money goes, & why income tax isn’t going down.

They weren’t going to let me go to EVT but I visited the Education Sgt while at dinner & he fixed it for me.

I did guards from 12 to 1 & then double guards from 6-8 12-2 & 6 -8 again.

Friday 7^th December 1945

While on the 12-2 guard we expected the C.O. round & once we thought we heard his car which stopped when it got near.  We thought he was trying to take us by surprise & stood there, torches at the ready, straining eyes & ears for a glimpse or sound of him, when suddenly from the pile of empty drums, came a clang as though someone had tapped one, we dashed over with torches flashing & bayonets fixed, ready for anything but nary a thing did we find.

Then we heard some more & in all we were messing around for 30 minutes before we decided it was the falling temperature causing the metal to contract & to move against each other. It was a lesson on how much we rely on eyes rather than ears.

Had 4 hours sleep. Went to billet at 9 & cleaned up & went on pay parade.

Had a rest after till dinner time.

Ken Fairey returned from leave.

Spent afternoon making cables & in evening went to band meeting but we did sweet FA really.  Afterwards prepared for a kit inspection tomorrow.

Saturday 8^th December 1945

Up 8.30 had soon cleaned & kit laid out by 9.30. did some EVT till Bass & Rostom arrived at 11.30.

O.K. had all huts & Bass is to try & get U/S stuff changed for us.

Messed around all afternoon & evening.

Did a bit of EVT & wrote etc.

Sunday 9^th December 1945

Up late.

Got a parcel from home.

Did EVT & read & wrote.

Monday 10^th December 1945

Went to E.V.T. got cards ready to send in evening. Will keep them till the 15^th before posting them.

Tuesday 11^th December 1945

Did EVT in evening.

Wednesday 12^th December 1945

Wrote home & also to the Enquiries Branch of POSB about my RAF savings A/c.

Did E.V.T.

Sent home 200 Mk’s remittance.

Thursday 13^th December 1945

Went to E.V.T.

Had band & concert party meeting.

Monk is now on leave. So I’m taking over the band almost nothing has been done since our last meeting & we’ve got to look snippy to get the show on.

Wrote home to Ern.

Friday 14^th December 1945

Did a lot of dashing around organising band etc. we’ve a grim job ahead. Wrote home.

Saturday 15^th December 1945

Had band meeting got music & sorted it into some order.

Not much any use to us.

Did EVT etc.  Arranged for Ray to go to Brussels for his tpt. (trumpet) & for piano to be moved & tuned.

Sunday 16^th December 1945

Wrote home.

Did E.V.T.

I’m going to play sax, after the shows in the band.  There are a lot of pianist & few saxist’s around.

I’ve been practising & I’m doing fairly well.

Monday 17^th December 1945

Reg went to Brussel. More dashing around all day. I’m off the section now until after xmas so that I can get the band organised.

Went to EVT.

Tuesday 18^th December 1945

Went to Detmold with some of the lads to get costumes. Got a few & went to a highland division for a rigout for Jock Keith.

Detmold is wizard compared to Gütersloh.

Back at 3.30.

Bit of a rehearsal. 

Did EVT & wrote home in evening.

Wednesday 19^th December 1945

Sorted music in morning. Rehearsed in afternoon & evening practiced Sax.

Got card & letter from home. Wrote home. 

Now going to do some geometry for EVT.

Thursday 20^th December 1945

More chasing about in morning.

EVT in afternoon did work in evening.

Friday 21^st December 1945

Reg got back from Brussels at dinnertime so we made a start on the orks.  At it till 9, still some to do.

Did spot of E.V.T. 

Saturday 22^nd December 1945

More orks in morning

Pianos in theatre were tuned in afternoon & I did some more orks.  Boys came down from 6.30 to 9 & we finished the job.

Th band isn’t bad although it certainly isn’t good .

Still we can get by. Wrote home.

Sunday 23^rd December 1945

More rehearsals & preparations.

Monday 24^th December 1945

S/L Fletcher F/O Stanfield Foster & Crosley & Lac Raman stayed at theatre till 5 am to finish stage.

Rehearsal in morning.

Show in evening. Went down big.

Used grease paint for first time.

Wrote home bed 12.

Tuesday 25^th December 1945

Xmas Day

Up at 8.45.  breakfast ok.

Saw AF/F billet room decorations – Bretton woods.  Very good & I could see we had some stiff opposition so I dashed down to theatre & borrowed some costumes. Several of us dressed up in cowboy costume.

The room looked very good & there was plenty of “atmosphere”.  Guitar & voice quartet. Drinking & cardplaying. 

At our table 3 of us were playing & a 4^th “body” was on the floor with 5 aces in his hand.

We won 1^st prize – a barrel of beer.

Dinner o.k.  We went down in our costumes & serenaded the queue.

In evening played in mess from 7.30 till 9. Then to billet read & bed early.

Wednesday 26^th September 1945

Up 11.

Dinner ok.

Show in evening bit different to Monday but good.

Plenty to drink & eat.

Had late supper after.

Wrote home.

Thursday 27^th December 1945

Up 8.30.

Back to work.

Didn’t do much in morning.  EVT in afternoon.

Did EVT in evening & read.

Friday 28^th December 1945

Up 8.

Worked hard – for me these days.

Read & wrote in evening.

Very bad storms. I saw roof of block 42 lifted & smashed down flat by wind.

Saturday 29^th December 1945

On Guard today.

Wrote & read.

Bed 1 am after oo came round.

Entertainments meeting in morning.

Sunday 30^th December 1945

Wrote home.

Did E.V.T.

Monday 31^st December 1945

Quiet end to old year. Day EVT, bed 10.30. wrote home

Tuesday 1^st January 1946

Up early.

Did EVT in evening. Interviewed about show by “Renpoint” reporter.

Wednesday 2^nd January 1946

Wrote home.

Had band rehearsal.

We are scrubbing the old show & starting a new one.

Thursday 3^rd January 1946

Went to E.V.T.

Got some gen about Accountants Laws.  Be o.k. for me pass prelim.

Did EVT in evening.

Wrote home answered Pete Days letter started writing to Bert 

Friday 4^th January 1946

Did EVT in evening.

Saturday 5^th January 1946

Had band rehearsal in morning.

Worked on Walters radio. Did EVT & read in evening.

Sunday 6^th January 1946

Still managing to get up early. Did EVT most of day.

Read & wrote & played solo with Ray Ken & David Pound.

Monday 7^th January 1946

Went to E.V.T.

Went to cinema in evening with Frank Reg & Ken & saw Bob Hope in “Princess & the Pirate”.

Tuesday 8^th January 1946

Worked on Radio etc.

Eric came back off leave.

Played solo with Reg Ken & David Pound.

Wednesday 9^th January 1946

No half day today.  Worked on radio all afternoon in evening I worked on E.V.T.

Thursday 10^th January 1946

Went to E.V.T.

Read & wrote in evening. Saw my docs this morning & Smithy has specially recommended me for promotion.

Friday 11^th January 1946

Took on a bet with Reg that I would give up smoking for a fortnight.

Potter the old sod took Monday & Thursday morning from us for rehearsals his excuse being shortage of bods.

Did EVT in evening.

Saturday 12^th January 1946

Had a band rehearsal in morning. 

Spent rest of day on E.V.T. 

Sunday 13^th January 1946

Spent all day on EVT. Wrote home.

Monday 14^th January 1946

Arranged to see Addis about music etc this evening.

EVT in afternoon.

Cookson is going to arrange that we can come Wednesday & Saturday morning to EVT. Heard that Chiefy Monks is back so Reg & I went to see him in the evening & gave him the griff. Then all 3 of us called on Addis & ordered a lot of music & instruments etc.

Tuesday 15^th January 1946

Did EVT in evening & wrote home.

My no smoking bet is proving a walkover for me.

The boss is back from leave & I sent in to see him about my chances of promotion.  I explained my position to him & he promised to give me seniority as if I had had my board the same time as the others.

We have permission to go to EVT – Wednesday afternoons & Sat. mornings.  I have an idea that Potter & Costello fixed that to mess up my band arrangements. Still we shall see. I have a scheme.

Wednesday 16^th January 1946

Saw Chiefy Monk & resigned from the band, telling him why I couldn’t get along to rehearsals.

This was at 11.  At 12 I went in the Boss’s office to get the keys & he asked me why I had resigned from the band.

I flannelled him, he flannelled me & now I have permission to go on Rehearsal Monday morning, EVT Monday afternoon, Rehearsal & EVT Wednesday afternoon.

EVT Thursday afternoon.

EVT Saturday morning with a promise of Thursday morning for rehearsals & after the exams I can use the Wed afternoon & Sat mornings for the band.

Costello – the XXXXXXXX has put me on 2 flights but as Key goes on leave soon I hope to soon be back in R&I.

Was not working this afternoon spent time at rehearsal in Cinema. Chiefy Monk is fairly satisfied & he is off to Sylt With 107 on Saturday I shall be i/c again soon.

Did EVT. Wrote home.

Thursday 17^th January 1946

Went to EVT.

In evening did some more EVT – after being on night flying at 2. From 5.45 till 7.30.

Friday 18^th January 1946

Well I have done 1 week of my no smoking bet now.

Had morning off for night flying. Did EVT & generally mucked about.

It’s a waste of time on the flights in the afternoon. Nothing at all to do.

Did EVT & wrote in evening.

Saturday 19^th January 1946

Went to EVT in morning.

Went to Gutersloh with Ken and Reg at 3.

We stayed around the Malcolm club till 7 & then went to the Adastral theatre to see “International Variety” & very good show it was too.  I really enjoyed every bit of it.

Back at 11.

Sunday 20^th January 1946

Up 8.30

Did EVT all day. Got through a hell of a lot.

Monday 21^st January 1946

E.V.T. in afternoon & work in evening. Did a fair amount.

Tuesday 22^nd January 1946

Still mainly rising early. Its amazing & I’m also still winning my bet with Reg. Did more EVT in evening.

Wrote to Ernie Marshall.

Wednesday 23^rd January 1946

EVT in afternoon

More in evening.

Thursday 24^th January 1946

Sent home remittances of 100 marks. EVT in afternoon & evening.

Friday 25^th January 1946

Won my no smoking bet.  Did EVT.

F/L Addis asked me to get a band for Sunday at the town Major’s Gutersloh. Got Syd, Bob McGower Al Taylor (Clarinet), Jack Redfearn & myself with a trpt(trumpet) who Syd knows at group.

Saturday 26^th January 1946

EVT in morning & all day.

Sunday 27^th January 1946

Had wizard time at Town Majors Place – plenty to drink etc.

Left at 3.15am.  200 marks for job.

Monday 28^th January 1946

EVT in afternoon. More in evening.

Tuesday 29^th January 1946

More EVT

Wednesday 30^th January 1946

Still more EVT.

Thursday 31^st January 1946

This evening we took a test maths exam from 6 to 9.  I finished at 8.15.  I think I did well.

Friday 1^st February 1946

F/Sgt Potter gave a demob party tonight.  My goodness what a night. Everyone flat out. We were all in bed at 11.30.  Ernie was very bad.

Saturday 2^nd February 1946

Got 80% for test exam. Jake & Ken Farey are posted to C.M.F.

More EVT done.

Sunday 3^rd February 1946

Did EVT

Monday 4^th February 1946

EVT in afternoon. Wrote read & beat Ernie at chess in evening.

Tuesday 5^th February 1945

Beat Ernie at chess & drew with Handley. Read.

Wednesday 6^th February 1946

Did a bit of EVT

Thursday 7^th February 1946

Beat Ernie at chess & wrote 3 letters.

Friday 8^th February 1946

Hubbard is posted to CMF with 2 compassionate postings to England this makes 5 in a fortnight. 

Chief Monk & I got out a list of music to send to Browns tomorrow.

Saturday 9^th February 1946

Went to EVT – last before exam.

Messed around all day.

Sunday 10^th February 1946

Did a little work but spent most of day idling around.

Monday 11^th February 1946

Had band rehearsal. Played chess with Handley & lost. Went to Cinema, saw “Roughly Speaking”.  There was an actor named Jack Carson who is the exact double of Walter, especially when he grins.

Tuesday 12^th February 1946

Did a last minute bit of genning up. At 2 group at 9. No heat in exam room – a dead loss. Did English first – not at all easy.

After dinner we had civics. Not too bad. 1 question was a gift, how to play a saxophone. Back at camp at 4.45.

Played chess in evening beat Frank.

Did a bit of genning.

Wednesday 13^th February 1946

Maths exam this morning – a real swine. Didn’t finish.

No geometry on the paper, that’s what got me. However I’ve finished now so that’s that, I have no more EVT till I get back from leave.

Band rehearsal in afternoon. Played chess in evening.

Thursday 14^th February 1946

Band rehearsal in morning. New, the Tpt from M.T. came along, he’s passable as 2^nd or 3^rd.

Went to section in evening & got on with Walters radio – nearly finished it.

Friday 15^th February 1946

Leaves put back 3 days – I now go on 23^rd. Sent off that shopping bag I got for mum.

Started to pack some other parcels I want to get rid of.

Had Concert Party meeting.  Only 4 of us turned up. Had a short talk.

Bed early as I felt tired.

Saturday 16^th February 1946

Writing this on the Sunday after my leave finished as far as I can remember I spent the time on the radio I’m building.

Band rehearsal in morning.

Sunday 17^th February 1945

Worked on radio.

Monday 18^th February 1946

Band rehearsal.

Went to EVT for fixing up new courses.

In morning I also got fixed up with forms for leave & filled them in etc.   Worked on radio.

Tuesday 19^th February 1946

Got paid, FF1 etc. worked on radio, gave it up as a bad job – can’t finish it in time.

Wednesday 20^th February 1946

Band rehearsal in afternoon.

Messed about all evening.

Thursday 21^st February 1946

Changed my battledress etc. Went to cinema with Reg. started to send kit.

Friday 22^nd February 1946

Finished sorting kit. Bed early.

Saturday 23^rd February 1946

Left at 9.

Munster at 10.30. train at 7pm. Layed in corridor with Johnny Kenyon all the way.  Arrived at Hook about 3.  Changed money etc.

Sunday 24^th February 1946

Went to Cinema at 4 am saw “Bring on the Girls” on boat “Antwerp” at 9.

Sailed at 10.

Weather very bad – sick as a dog till we reached calmer seas near England.

Decks awash most of way.  Arrived Harwich at 5.15.  Off boat at 6.30. straight through customs – no one stopped. Home at 9.

Had meal right away and felt better.

Gave dad the flying jacket & the odds & ends of cutlery to mum. Also 23 bars of chocolate etc.

I surprised them greatly. Walter & Olive had just left when I got home. He got his decree nisi last month & so getting married at the end of August.

Ern was surprised when he got in.

Bed very late.

Monday 25^th February 1946

Up at 9.

Stayed in all day. Played piano etc. Saw Bert. Visited Ron & Doris.

Tuesday 26^th February 1946

Went to Leyton Baths with Bert, who is on the panel & got 2 tickets for the MM DB contest tomorrow night.

Bought some birthday cards for Bert etc.

Wednesday 27^th February 1946

Went up West End, bought some music & 3 manuscript books.  Went to a news cinema & a cartoon cinema.

Home at 4

Bert & I went to the DB contest. Met Ron & Doris.

Fred was playing in a band there.

The contest was excellent.  Freds band was 4^th. He won Greatest individual award.

Home 11.30.

Thursday 28^th February 1946

Bert & I had a walk around Barking Rd etc. 

Bought some odd & ends.

Friday 1^st March 1946

Went out with Bert again. Bought more odds & ends.

Bert had a birthday “do” went in stayed till 11.

Saturday 2^nd March 1946

Played piano etc. all day. Visited Ron & Doris.

Sunday 3^rd March 1946

Walter & Olive Ern & Jean Bert’s Mum Dad & I had a little “do” for my 21^st  – they had a pukka iced cake etc for me. Packed up at 3am.

Monday 4^th March 1946

Up at 10.30.

Ron & I went to Upton Park & I got a dress suit for £3/10/- not bad either. 

Bert & I went to Kinema later & saw “Phantom Friend” & “From Pillow to Post”.

Tuesday 5^th March 1946

Went to Walters garage after dinner.

Mrs Turner brought the twins over before dinner.

Stayed in after tea.

Wednesday 6^th March 1946

Went up office. Called at Inst of Chartered Acc & got gen about Forces prelim. (Forces Preliminary Examination)

Home 5.

Bert & I went to Ron’s.

Home 10.45

Thursday 7^th March 1946

Got some odds & ends in Morning.

Jean Walter Olive & Beryl called in evening.  Also Mr Turner.

Bed at 12.30

Friday 8^th March 1946

Up at 9.

Left home at 1.30.

At Harwich at 5. Sailed about 9. Lovely trip slept most of time.

Saturday 9^th March 1946

Landed at 7.

Went to Cinema & saw “Sunday dinner for a Soldier”.  On train at Midday.

Munster at 10.15.

Left at 11.15.

At camp at 1 – due to taking 55 MFH & 2GH types. Had eats in cookhouse & got to bed at 2.

Sunday 10^th March 1946

Up at 8.30.

Sorted out kit.

Wrote home

Went to cinema saw George Formby in “I didn’t do it”

Monday 11^th March 1946

Went on the work parade the new WC has started. What a farce.

Wrote letters.

Tuesday 12^th March 1946

Wrote home.

Started EVT.

Wednesday 13^th March 1946

Went to Band rehearsal on Tenor.

Did EVT.

Thursday 14^th March 1946

Went to EVT.

Wrote home.

Eric gave me the address of a girl who works with his wife & who wishes to write to me after seeing my photograph.  Whor Whor.

Friday 15^th March 1946

Did EVT in evening.

Saturday 16^th March 1946

Reg went on leave. Went to band rehearsal.

Messed around all day.

Sunday 17^th March 1946

Up early.

Wrote to Gwen – the girls whose address Eric gave me.

We went cycling in the afternoon to see the country quite nice.

Monday 18^th March 1946

I/o stores while Reg is away. Nice job.

Wrote home.

Tuesday 19^th March 1946

Did EVT & read.

Wednesday 20^th March 1946

Trade a chassis for remaking my TRF.

Wrote home.

Read.

Thursday 21^st March 1946

Went to EVT. 

Worked on cabinets for radios

Friday 22^nd March 1946

Worked on cabinets for radio in hobbies club.

Saturday 23^rd March 1946

Got some paper from camera club. Worked on radio cabinets.

Sunday 24^th March 1946

Worked on cabinets & Ernie & I printed some photos.

Monday 25^th March 1946

Went to Cinema & saw “I’ll be your sweetheart” very good film.

Tuesday 26^th March 1946

Received a letter from Gwen with photo, seems quite nice.  Started to write to her.

Went to radio club meeting & ordered some radio parts.

Went to EVT

Wednesday 27^th March 1946

Went to EVT.

Finished letter to Gwen. Did EVT.

Thursday 28^th March 1946

Went to EVT.

Got up at 6.45 to go for a run. Had letter from home, & Ron & Doris with photo.

In evening went to Signals demob party. Had good time.  Singing etc.

Friday 29^th March 1946

Up for a run.

Worked on cabinet for radio.

Saturday 30^th March 1946

Up for run.

Worked on radio & cabinets

Sunday 31^st March 1946

Up 7.30 for run. 

Worked on EVT & radio cabinets.

Monday 1^st April 1946

Worked on radio & cabinets.

Tuesday 2^nd April 1946

As yesterday.

Went to EVT 

Wednesday 3^rd April 1946

Went to EVT.

Went to theatre to see camp dramatic society in “Crooked Billet”. Very good.

Thursday 4^th April 1946

Went to EVT.

Did homework

Worked on cabinets

Friday 5^th April 1946

Made remittances 170 marks.

Worked on cabinets.

Saturday 6^th April 1946

Worked on cabinets & went to Symphony concert at Bielefeld. Very good.

Sunday 7^th April 1946

Worked on cabinets & on radio, finished it but it doesn’t work.

Monday 8^th April 1946

Got a job on Wed & Sat at Bielefeld. 

Monk is going on tour with dramatic society. So I’m i/c. busy all day on that. 

Worked on radio & got it going.

Tuesday 9^th April 1946

Busy on getting band together. Worked on radio again.

Wednesday 10^th April 1946

Had rehearsal in morning & didn’t do much. Went to Army camp at B. in evening. Took 3 Waaf’s. What a shock – it was a frat dance. Anyway we got through with a lot of duets from Ray & I.

Thursday 11^th April 1946

F/Lt Campbell has found out about the frat dance & now the Co has cancelled the Saturday job.

Messed about all evening.

Friday 12^th April 1946

On guard this evening. But I got the runners job so I will be ok.

Saturday 13^th April 1946

Worked on radio.

Sunday 14^th April 1946

Finished radio.

Went to Cinema & saw Abbott & Costello in “The Naughty 90’s”

Monday 15^th April 1946

Messed around all night.

Tuesday 16^th April 1946

Had band rehearsal messed around all night.

Went to EVT.

Wednesday 17^th April 1946

Ernie went on leave worked on radios & cabinets. Fitted up my set.

Thursday 18^th April 1946

Went to EVT

Worked on cabinets & radio.

Friday 19^th April 1946

Up at 8.15.

Worked on radio & Cabinets all day.

Bed at 12.

Saturday 20^th April 1946

As yesterday.

Sunday 21^st April 1946

As before

Monday 22^nd April 1946

Did EVT & got up to date with it.

Tuesday 23^rd April 1946

Up at 7.15.

Went to EVT.

Cleared up the Billet for inspection tomorrow.

Wednesday 24^th April 1946

GC didn’t come round after all.

Wrote a couple of letters to Wing Mag.

Thursday 25^th April 1946

Went to cinema saw “Wizard of Oz”.

Friday 26^th April 1946

Pay day.

Went to Bielefeld & saw “The Magic Flute” Couldn’t understand much but the music was good.

Sang all the way back in the wagon.

Saturday 27^th April 1946

Read a lazed around – very hot.

Wound transformer in the evening. 230 to 24 volts.

Sunday 28^th April 1946

On guard in evening so didn’t do much all day. On middle shift. 10.40 to 3.20

Monday 29^th April 1946

Went back to bed after breakfast till dinnertime.  Played for RAF Regiment party in evening.

Tuesday 30^th April 1946

Some new bods have arrived one is A12 group 54 whizz.

Phil the trombonist also arrived.

Wednesday 1^st May 1946

Had short rehearsal in afternoon. Then they showed a film in the cinema so we stayed & saw it. It was “Lady in a Train”.

Thursday 2^nd May 1946

Did some reading & EVT & wound a transformer.

Friday 3^rd May 1946

Wrote several letters.

Saturday 4^th May 1946

Nearly finished the transformer in the afternoon.

Went to Bielefeld in evening to the concert. 2 pieces by Mozart & one by Beethoven. Best I’ve been to so far.

Sunday 5^th May 1946

Up early & left on trip to Mohne See at 10.

Arrived at 11.45. after dinner we went to the dam that W/C Gilson blew in 1943 & went all over it & took a lot of photos.

After tea met a couple of Mil Gov Civvy typists & went for a walk with them.

Left at 8.30 after a bit of trouble with the Sgts who had some civvy English girls in the Sgts club & wanted to stay late.

Back at 10.45

Monday 6^th May 1946

Wrote letters. Ray came back from his weekend in Brussels, brought some reeds etc & some radio parts Les Carter had got for me.

Tuesday 7^th May 1946

Went to cinema in evening. Saw “At Dead of Night” – a wizard film – really horrific.

Wednesday 8^th May 1946

Had band rehearsal. Jack Redfearn is back & it sounded quite good.

Saw “Madonna of the 7 moons” not a bad film.

Wrote letters & did EVT

Thursday 9^th May 1946

Went to EVT.

Messed around all evening.

Friday 10^th May 1946

No concert this week. So stayed in billet & messed around.

Saturday 11^th May 1946

Band rehearsal in morning did various things rest of day.

Sunday 12^th May 1946

Got some valve bases & finished layout of Walters set.  Not too bad but wants some mods.

Monday 13^th May 1946

Started wiring set in evening.

Tuesday 14th May 1946

Carried on wiring up.

Wednesday 15th May 1946

Band rehersal in afternoon. Wired up set in evening.

Thursday 16th May 1946

Finished wiring set.

Friday 17th May 1946

Got cracking on testing set. Not too bad, but wants some mods.

Saturday 18^th May 1946

Went to Symphony concert. Not as good as usual.

My 3 years are up today.

Sunday 19^th May 1946

Worked on set all day nearly finished.

Monday 20^th May 1946

Started doing overtime to get kites ready for flypast. A grim show.

Tuesday 21^st May 1946

More overtime but did EVT.

Arranged for dance Saturday.

Wednesday 22^nd May 1946

Rehearsal.

Wrote letters.

Heard from Gwen.

Thursday 23^rd May 1946

Rehearsal with Ginger Clay. Wrote letters.

Friday 24^th May 1946

Rehearsal for dance. Wrote more letters & did over time – curse it.

Saturday 25^th May 1946

Band practice in morning. Worked on radio in afternoon & in evening played at the dance in the Naafi. A wizard success. Ginger really made us with his Alto & Clary.

Sunday 26^th May 1946

Wrote to Gwen & to home.

Monday 27^th May 1946

Sent a parcel home wrote letters & music in my “Gen” books.

Tuesday 28^th May 1946

Ernie went to England for V Parade.

Did overtime. 

I am going on leave next month.

Saw F/o Everson & arranged to go early.

Saw Davy Monk & gave him gen on band.

Wrote music.

Wednesday 29^th May 1946

Wrote home & to Gwen about leave.

Had band rehearsal.

Wrote music.

Thursday 30^th May 1946

Finished the IFF Mod in all squadron Kites. Thank goodness that job is done. Started to sort out stuff for leave.

Friday 31^st May 1946

Got leave forms & started filling in the chitty – chattes. Wrote music & letters.

On guard at 9.30pm. My turn from 04.40 to 0800. In cookhouse till 6 & left at 7.15 for breakfast. Whizzo.

Saturday 1^st June 1946

Went to band rehearsal.

Put Walters set in cabinet 

Wrote music.

Bed early.

Sunday 2^nd June 1946

Up 0800. Lazy day writing & sorting leave things.

Monday 3^rd June 1946

Got paid FRI etc.  Wangled extra on pay .

Change chit.

Bed early.

Tuesday 4^th June 1946

Took kit in & packed left at 4.

At Munster at 6. Went to cinema & saw “Pillow to Post”

Bed 10pm.

Woken up by bloke above me  starting to p in the bed – nipped out smartly to avoid deluge & made bed on floor.  10 minutes later top bed collapsed on where I had been laying …….. out of evil cometh good.

Wednesday 5^th June 1946

Up 3.30 on train at 6.

Arrived Hook at 4. Changed money etc.

On boat at 8 got my head down.

Thursday 6^th June 1946

Up 5.15

Off boat 7.30. home 11. Had a rest. Played piano saw Bert.

Ern & Jean & Walter & Doris were here. Talked to Ern till 2am. Dad is still away from work.

Friday 7^th June 1946

Up 11 am.

In the evening went to Erns shop in Gt Portland St & met him & Jean & went for a stroll around but the lights aren’t much, neither are the decorations.

Home 10.15. called on Ron for a few minutes.

Saturday 8^th June 1946

Listened to V Parade broadcasting saw the meteors fly over.^XXII

Ern & Jean came in evening & we played cards etc.

Sunday 9^th June 1946

Up late.

Bert & Frank called & fixed up a rehearsal.

Went to Franks in evening & played till 9pm.

Monday 10^th June 1946

In all day.

Went round Ron’s in evening till 11.

Tuesday 11^th June 1946

Went to Doctors with Dad. He is still to continue as usual.

I saw him about my spotty face & he told me to stop using hair cream as my hair is too greasy anyway & it causes skin trouble & he also gave me some ointment. 

Worked on radio for Walter.

Went to speedway.  Belle Vue beat W Ham 47-36. Exciting but not like pre-war.

Walter & Olive were at home.

I bought some of the V Stamps today.

Wednesday 12^th June 1946

Mum Dad & I went to Laindon.

Took 14 snaps & mowed half of lawn.

Thursday 13^th June 1946

Went up West bought tenor mouthpiece & saw Charlie Tribe in Browns & got some music.

Saw Ern.

Home 4pm. Ern & Jean called.

Friday 14^th June 1946

Got Walters set going & bought some more parts. Bert bought Pat in for a few hours.

Saturday 15^th June 1946

Went over Walters & got set going.

Sunday 16^th June 1946

Mum Dad Walter Olive & I went out in car. Called at Bromley for Beryl. 

Went to Hastings St Leonards Bexhill & Eastbourne. Home at 8.

Drove over 150 miles.

Walter settled for set at £25.

Monday 17^th June 1946

Went up office. They want me back as soon as poss.

Went up West & got some music & books.

Tuesday 18^th June 1946

Dad went to Drs. Still to stay home & get out in good weather.

Packed up & left at 2.

A very nice leave but didn’t do much. Talked with Ern every night till 1 or 2 & discussed money making schemes. If I can get out before Xmas we should be alright on Radios & lead models that Ern has started making.

Left L St at 3.

Harwich camp is ok these days.

Left on Duchess of Gal at 9.  Got my head down early. Up at 6. 

Wednesday 19^th June 1946

Landed 7.30. On train 10.30. At Munster at Midnight.

Thursday 20^th June 1946

Up 6.30.

Left at 8.45 & hitched back to camp.  Arrived 11.30 in 3 trips. Got things sorted & collected kit & rifle etc. wrote home & to Ern.

Friday 21^st June 1946

Up late.

Went to section – did nothing at all. On guard Sunday. Read in evening.

Saturday 22^nd June 1946

Messed around all day. Wrote home.

Sunday 23^rd June 1946

Eric went to Handorf. Spent day reading & clearing up.

Monday 24^th June 1946

Went to Naafi & bought things.

Stanfield got me my money from P.S.I.

Did some EVT. Wrote home.

Tuesday 25^th June 1946

Went to Naafi and SA in evening. Played piano did EVT.

Wednesday 26^th June 1946

Played for Rad & Sigo & armoury R&I in afternoon. Wet weather spoiled game we lost 81 for 7  declared  to 35 all out.   I got 1 not out going in 9^th.

Wrote home.  Did EVT. 

Went to SA & Naafi. I’m buying stacks of stuff.

Thursday 27^th June 1946

Did EVT in evening & went to Naafi 

Friday 28^th June 1946

Did EVT went to SA & Naafi.

Wrote home. Got 21 Squadron badge.

Saturday 29^th June 1946

No band rehearsal but took morning off.

Went to S Ans & Naafi read & did EVT. Played cricket in evening & got some good practice.

Sunday 30^th June 1946

Did EVT read.

Wrote home.

Went to cinema saw “Johnny Frenchman” not bad & “Patricia Roe” – Whozee.

Monday 1^st July 1946

Did nothing all day.

Very very hot.

Did EVT in evening. Got more odds & ends.

Tuesday 2^nd July 1946

Went to geography. Sent off parcel.

Got odds & ends .

Did EVT

Had a shower.

Wednesday 3^rd July 1946

Sent off parcel

Went to Geog & Economics. Did EVT in afternoon & sunbathed.

Played cricket V 83 Wing Sigs in evening.

We got 51 (me out) they were 52 for 7.  Trouble Jack & Tom Cox bowled too long.

Got odds & ends at Caters. Had a shower. (its still terrifically hot).

Thursday 4^th July 1946

Went to Naafi in evening.  Did EVT. Wrote home

Friday 5^th July 1946

Went to Naafi.

Did EVT.

Saturday 6^th July 1946

Read & wrote home. Did EVT.

Went to Naafi.

Bought watch off Reg for £4/17/6.

Sunday 7^th July 1946

Up early.

Messed around most of day. With Reg & Bill.  Bill has bought Don Jaquays Guitar & we went to Sally Ann to find the chords of some song like “Making Whoopee”.

Had a “do” in Naafi in evening on piano.

Did EVT after. Got up to date.

Monday 8^th July 1946

Didn’t feel like doing any work after EVT so we played darts all day.

Went to Naafi & Sally in Evening. Then went to see the Dramatic Songs new Show “The Man at 6”. It’s not bad.

Wrote home.

Tuesday 9^th July 1946

Did EVT etc & went to Naafi

Wednesday 10^th July 1946

Sent off some parcels. Wrote home.

Did EVT. Went to Naafi got 2 pairs of socks at Naafi.

Thursday 11^th July 1946

Went to Naafi.

Did EVT.

Friday 12^th July 1946

Wrote home. 

Played in cricket match. We won 65 – 46. I scored 4.

Went to Naafi.

Saturday 13^th July 1946

Billets inspected this morning.

Did EVT. & read.

Went Naafi

Sunday 14^th July 1946

Did EVT all day

Had parcel from home.

Monday 15^th July 1946

Did EVT; Wrote home. Went to Naafi.

Tuesday 16^th July 1946

To Naafi. Did EVT.

Wednesday 17^th July 1946

Worked all afternoon on EVT 

Wrote home.

To Naafi.

Thursday 18^th July 1946

Had letter from Bert. Wrote to him also to Ron .

Went to Naafi.

Friday 19^th July 1946

Had to move from our billets to block 42. Its next to the mess but what a bind moving took us till 10.30 to get the room straight.

Reg & I are together now had letter from Ron.

Saturday 20^th July 1946

Finished moving.

Wrote home. Wrote to Ron. Did EVT.

Bought some sports clothing in Naafi.

Sunday 21^st July 1946

Did EVT.

We all took some photos dressed in the stuff we got yesterday.

Monday 22^nd July 1946

Went to Naafi. Did EVT. Date of exams is Geog afternoon Thursday 15^th Aug Economics Morning Friday 16^th Aug.

Tuesday 23^rd July 1946

To Naafi.

Wrote home & to Ernie Marshall.

Did EVT

Reg went on leave.

Wednesday 24^th July 1946

To Naafi as usual to get rid of some Marks.

Did EVT.

In afternoon & evening played cricket. We won 49 to 50 for 6.  I didn’t bat.

Thursday 25^th July 1946

Wrote home.  Did EVT. Sent home £10 remittance.

Friday 26^th July 1946

Went to Naafi.

Did EVT

Saturday 27^th July 1946

Wrote home, did EVT, went to Naafi.

Bill Ward came down from Handorf for the weekend.

Sunday 28^th July 1946

Did EVT. Went to Naafi.

Went to cinema & saw “Rhapsody In Blue” the story of George Gershwin.

Of course I have no doubt they took liberties with the truth but films like that always affect me.

It has filled me with a desire to be able to work like he did. I’ve been slacking lately but even now at 10.40 I’m going to try to get up to date. I want to succeed. I must pass and then get out of the RAF & stop wasting time. Work hard, learn to play piano really well. I must be a success mediocrity will never do for me. I would like to write music maybe if I try I can do it.

Monday 28^th July 1946

Went to EVT.

Visited Naafi.

Did EVT.

Tuesday 30^th July 1946

Went to Naafi.

Did EVT.

Wednesday 31^st July 1946

Went to EVT.

Did EVT in afternoon & evening. On guard all night but slept all the time & nothing happened about it. Whizzo.

Thursday 1^st August 1946

Got paid £7 in ISAF’s V it seemed funny to take in pounds again after all this time.

Did EVT & read..

Friday 2^nd August 1946

Did EVT & read.

Saturday 3^rd August 1946

Had to go to Gut on the job of making inventories of the houses being requisitioned for married quarters.  Horrible job made us feel a lot of heels when women started crying. 

Did EVT went to Naafi.

Sunday 4^th August 1946

Wrote home. Found about the requisitions of houses for married quarters.

Did EVT & read.

Monday 5^th August 1946

Bank Holiday.  Did EVT & read.

Talking to Bob Dyer from 1030 to midnight.

Tuesday 6^th August 1946

Wrote home. Read did EVT.

Wednesday 7^th August 1946

More studying in morning. Afternoon at section as we had to work & evening in billet.

Thursday 8^th August 1946

Wrote home. Heard news demob  47 out in Dec. Piss poor.

Studied

Friday 9^th August 1946

More studying .

Saturday 10^th August 1946

More studying.

Saturday 10^th August 1946

And more. Wrote home.

Sunday 11^th August 1946

More studying.,

Monday 12^th August 1946

EVT in morning. Studying in evening. Wrote home heard from Bert.

Tuesday 13^th August 1946

More studying.

Wednesday 14^th august 1946

Morning study.

Afternoon at section – still studying. Heard from Ron.

Wrote home.

Ray came back off leave. More studies.

Thursday 15^th August 1946

Had morning off for study. – came in useful for exam  on Geog in afternoon. It was easy – bang on – wizard etc etc.

Wrote home. Did a bit of economics.

Friday 16^th August 1946

Economics not so easy but finished in 2 hrs 10 mins. Should have passed I think.

Wrote home to Ron to Bert & to Ernie. 22 pages in all. Made up my diary.  Will now start to get some parcels ready to send home.

Saturday 17^th August 1946

Wrote home.

Had band practice in morning not much good.

Booked for Dortmund tattoo. Read books.

Sunday 18^th August 1946

Up at 8 read books most of day.

In evening went to cinema & saw “Action in the North Atlantic”

Monday 19^th August 1946

Sent off a parcel.

Went to Gut with Reg & Ben Mosely & took the Bass & Tenor Sax for repairs.

Wrote home. Read.

Tuesday 20^th August 1946

Sent off another parcel. Read books.

Wednesday 21^st August 1946

Had to work in afternoon 209 read all the time. Sent off another parcel.

Wrote home. We were going to cinema but went up Radio Club instead & I got several useful things.

Thursday 22^nd August 1946

Wrote home. Read books. Went up Section in evening & started to repair my radio.

Friday 23^rd August 1946

Went to tattoo with Bill & Reg, quite an eventful trip.

Wagon caught fire twice, & we were damned glad to get there.

Show wasn’t bad though parts were poor.

It finished at 12.15.

Other wagon broke down & we had to tow it. 

Back at 4.45 had a meal & went to bed.

Saturday 24^th August 1946

Up at 12. After dinner wrote & read.

Sunday 25^th August 1946

Up 8

Read all day & worked at section

Monday 26^th August 1946

Wrote home 

Went to cinema & saw “1001 Knights” whizzo.

Tuesday 27^th August 1946

Wrote home read worked at section in evening.

Wednesday 27^th August 1946

Prepared equipment for trip to Munston. I’m going. Wrote home & to Ron & worked in section. 

Thursday 28^th August 1946

Went to Bielefeld to see “Othello” by Verdi.

Bang on.

Back at 10.50

Friday 29^th  August 1946

Got kite ready for Munston & what a panic.

Wrote & read & went to Naafi after packing kit.

Friday 30^th August 1946

Left at 12.

Arrived at Walon at 6.30. – the wagon broke down when we had done about 115 miles & we were towed the last 20.

Met Jack Walker – on guard & Dutch Holland – & Eric Throup – just on guard. What a camp. The grubs good & the Malcolm clubs ok but that’s all you can say for it. 

Saturday 31^st August 1946

Went to Dusseldorf with Bob & Johnnie in evening.

Went to 94 club & saw the cabaret then went to Dance, walking over Rhine Bridge with 2 girls after.

Wagon was late so talked to 2 whores for a while. Back at 2.30 am.

Sunday 1^st September 1946

Went to dance again, in afternoon. Had a walk round, saw Black Market alley.

Visited the Church army canteen, a very good place. Had dinner at the 94 saw cabaret & then met 3 girls & wandered round finishing up with a snogging match at the car park. Back at 1.

Monday 2^nd September

Went to Camp Cinema with Bob & saw “The Suspect” with Charles Loughton.

Tuesday 3^rd September 1946

21 E crashed today, crew & some civvies killed.  Horrible.  

Had a bath in evening & read & visited Malcolm club.

Wednesday 4^th September 1946

Went for run after tea started at Cologne where we went up towers on pranged Hohenzollern bridge – very good view.  Then to a canteen in Bonn & finished at Bad Gotesbung where we had a smashing 3 course dinner.

Earlier on we had gate-crashed an officers club. Ha Ha.

Wondered round town & finished up in OR’s club.

Went back over Rhine ferry where I met a girl who was a singer & played piano & Sax.

Went over 7 Mtns  – 2500’ up got lost & arrived back at 2.30 – I was in bed at 2.34.

Thursday 5^th September 1946

Dutch Holland got me a ticket for the dance in the Malcolm club. The band is bang on Piano (whiz) Drums (Dutch) Trpt (bang on) bass (good) Gtr (fair).

Ernie had some Belgium Milgone girls & I did some dancing.  Played clarie during rumba. Back at 10.45 & packed kit including a clock Ernie gave me. 

Friday 6^th September 1946

Took off in Dak at 2.28 pm. Landed Manston 4.10pm. (3.10 English time).  A wizard smooth trip.

We were all set to go on pass when we heard a duty crew had to stay.  I tossed with Bob & Johnnie & I lost.

Went to Margate, rang Walter, then 2 of us went for eats & visited cinema to see “Mill on the Floss” with James Mason.  Took the P out of 2 bobby soxers^XXI next to us. Taxi back to Camp.

Saturday 7^th September 1946

Plenty of work. Left camp at 5.30.

Had tea went to Dreamland, eventually visiting cinema to see Sid Field in “London Town”. He’s damn good.

Taxi back.

Sunday 8^th September 1946

Went to Margate for a change after work.

Had tea, went for a walk all over town & finished up in fun fair. Met two girls & took them around. Had supper, they missed their bus, we took a taxi to Broadstairs where they live. Said good night & had a search for a taxi. Eventually got one to Ramsgate & from there to camp.  What a night. Arranged to meet girls Thursday in Margate. They work at Balmoral hotel & are Vera & Joyce.  Vera’s mine & she’s lovely.

Monday 9^th September 1946

Went on pass at 1. Home 7.10. had tea, saw Bert. & we had a talk indoors. Talked to Ern Bed 1.

Tuesday 10^th September 1946

Up at 10. Went & bought radio parts.

Played piano.

Went to speedway with Bert & Peggy. Saw Doris but she disappeared again.

W Ham drew 42 all with the Dons. Wizard  firework display.

Walter had called while I was away.

Bed 1.

Wednesday 11^th September 1946

Up 11.

Played piano. Saw Bert. Ern & Jean called. Left 8.50. just caught train & met 2 of the boys. In camp 11.30.

Thursday 12^th September 1946

Went out in wagon at 5.15.  sat on beach till 7.15.  girls didn’t turn up  so I rang them up & they came arriving 8.15.

They admitted waiting till we rang before leaving.

Went to Dreamland got through some money, finished up snogging on front. Vera is wizard. Seeing them tomorrow night. Left in wagon at 12.

Friday 13^th September 1946

We are off all day but the girls are working. Good job cause I’m broke. Rained like mad. Had a bath. 

Heard all demobs & leave are cancelled & all BAFO bods on leave are recalled to Germany. 

John & I went to Margate.

Went on putting green.

Rang Walter.

Went to Broadstairs met Vera & Joyce walked round & finished on pier.  Bus to Margate, walked from there, got lost took us from 10.30 to 12 to get in.

Saturday 14^th September 1946

Not much to do.

2 tempests crashed, 1 bloke killed.

2^nd flypast scrubbed through weather & at 3 – we were given passes.

Nipped off smartly but held up by bus just caught 5.15..

Home before 8.Bert & I went to Ron’s.

Sunday 15^th September 1946

Up 10 Ron & Bert called for a bash.

Bert had a turn.

Played till 1.30.

Walter & Olive came to dinner.

Went to Ron’s.

Jean came. Played cards etc after tea.

Bert came in.  bed late after packing to go at 6.15 tomorrow.

Book 44

Monday 16^th September 1946

Up at 5.40.

Caught 7am from Cannon St.  In camp at 10.40. no gen there but in afternoon got a pass till tomorrow night home 8.  Sorted out music.

Tuesday 17^th September 1946

Up 9am. Sorted music. Left at 4.30. back at Margate 7. Rang Vera. Went to Broadstairs & we had a walk. Had kiss & cuddle. Got her address. In camp 12.

Wednesday 18^th September 1946

Up 7.

In kite, after customs, money etc at 10.30.

Took off 12.17.

Had to fly at 10,000’ to get above clouds.  Quite good trip landed 1.54 (2.54 local time). Had a meal & got on pit.  Went to Malcolm club & wrote home & to Vera.

Thursday 19^th September 1946

Up 8.

Little work to do.

What a dead loss place this is.  Went to Cinema with Ernie & saw “Trojan Brothers”.

Bed 11.

Friday 20^th September 1946

Even less work. We are here at least till end of month. Going to Gut tomorrow wrote home, to Ron & to Bert.

Saturday 21^st September 1946

Left 8.30 at Gut at 1.  Got some more kit.  Collected a letter. Reg is in Brussels. Read books went to canteen.

Bed 10.30.

Sunday 22^nd September 1946

Up 9.

Pressed trousers.

Left at 1. At Wahn at 6. Had tea. Read & wrote letter at Canteen.

Monday 23^rd September 1946

Nothing much to do. Read most of time.

Went to canteen, talked & read all evening.

Tuesday 24^th September 1946

We are going back to Gut Thursday.

Went to Dusseldorf. Visited Black Market alley. Went to 94 club for supper & dance.

Left 10.30. Wahn 12.

Wednesday 25^th September 1946

Kites left. Packed up loaded lorries. Spent evening writing reading etc. visited canteen.

Thursday 26^th September 1946

Left 8.45 in Gut 2.45. got some mail. Wrote home.

Walter wedding 12^th Oct.  I’m down for leave on 27^th applied to be brought forward must wait & see. 

Visited canteen & read. Got brief case from Sandy.

Friday 27^th September 1946

Billet orderly.

Reg went to Brussels. Cleared up for inspection tomorrow. Read, visited library.

Arranged to Start EVT Monday.

Letter from home.  Answered it..

Saturday 28^th September 1946

Got some extra fags from Reg, very good thing.

Had letter from home & answered it.

Went to see Nicholls in morning & got my leave brought forward to the 9^th.

Played at a Sgts mess dance. Wizard music. Bags of drink. Wizard time. Finished. At 12.30. 

Met signals W.O’s wife. What a low character.  Tom Coe’s wife is very nice though.

Sunday 29^th September 1946

Up at 9.  Worked on radio. Read books.

Monday 30^th September 1946

Wrote home & to Bert in answer to his letter.

Tuesday 1^st October 1946

Wrote to Ern. Finished radio. Read books.

Wednesday 2^nd October 1946

Wrote home in answer to letter. Played at dance in mess quite good. Bags to eat, only beer.

Thursday 3^rd October 1946

Got bottle of brandy & 1 of champagne to take home.  Had letters from home & Ron & Doris, read books.

Friday 4^th October 1946

Erns birthday today. Read books.

Saturday 5^th October 1946

Played with the Skyliners at the officers Mess at Bad Oeynhausen. Wasn’t very good because we had to bind to even get a good supper. In camp at 1.30.

Sunday 6^th October 1946

Up late.

Read all day. 

Monday 7^th October 1946

Got ready for leave.  At sick quarters* refused all inocs as I didn’t want 3 before my leave. Read books.

Tuesday 8^th October 1946

Left at 5.30. at Munster at 7. Bed 8.30

Wednesday 8^th October 1946

Left at 5.30 at Munster at 7. Bed 8.30.

Wednesday 9^th October 1946

Up 6 left 8.30. Played Solo all the way to the Hook.

Boat left at 18.30.

Thursday 10^th October 1946

Ashore at 7.

Held up in customs till 7.45. but didn’t get charged on anything. Home 11.30.  stayed in all day. Saw Bert.

Friday 11^th October 1946

Went out & bought shirt tie etc. messed about rest of day & saw Ron & Doris in evening.

Saturday 12^th October 1946

Up at 9.

Olive stayed the night here. Ron came at 11.15.

Wedding at 12.15.

Dinner at the house & then went to the hall.

Got a bit fed up & we drunk but only 2 or 3 noticed it. Sobered up before we got back to the house. Home at 1.15.

Sunday 13^th October 1946

Up 12. Stayed in till evening & went with Bert to see Ron.

Monday 14^th October 1946

Went up West End & had a look round & bought one or two things.

Went to News reel cinema while up there.

Tuesday 15^th October 1946

Met Bert for dinner, called in his office & went up West. Bought music etc & went to News Cinema.

Wednesday 16^th October 1946

Walters birthday.

Did some work on Radio cabinet.  Called on Ron & Doris in evening but Ron was playing so left right away.

In all evening.

Wal & Olive called in afternoon.

I made appointment to see MP Friday evening.

Thursday 17^th October 1946

Worked on cabinet again.  Bert came in in evening & we sorted music etc.

Friday 18^th October 1946

Sent parcel to Reg. Bert & I went to see Elwyn Jones in evening.  He is taking up both our cases (demob & Civil Service).^XXIV

Wrote to Reg about it.

Saturday 19^th October 1946

Saw W Ham draw 2-2 with Spurs.

Bert & I called on Ron & Doris but they were out so had a walk & home at 9.

Sunday 20^th October 1946

Worked on cabinet all day. Went up Elccas in evening.

Walter & Olive called.

Monday 21^st October 1946

Worked on cabinet . went to Broadway with Bert & saw “Blondie will fix it” & “Theirs is the Glory”, the story of Arnhem.^XXV  The mayor & some local Arnhem boys were there appeals & an auction took place.

Thursday 22^nd October 1946

Had a walk round. Went with Bert to a band rehearsal in evening.

Wednesday 23^rd October 1946

Bert & I went to Johnny’s house in afternoon & evening . He will be home next week for Demob.

In morning I went up West & booked 5 seats for “Follow the Girls” at 13/6 each. Called on Ern at his shop.

Thursday 24^th October 1946

Mum Dad & I left at 10.30. at S Ken at 12. In BCMI exhibition at 1 left at 3. Not a bad display there but it could be improved.^XXVI

Had something to eat & then to a new theatre tea at the Corner Hse & then to His Majesty’s for the show. 

Ern & Jean arrived just after it started after going to the wrong theatre.

Home 10.45

A Ashley & Co were bang on in the show. I really enjoyed it.

Friday 25^th October 1946

Up at 12.

Went to Walters to borrow a plane went with Bert to Lyceum to dance. We met 2 girls Bert had asked. Had very nice time.

Home 11.15.

Saturday 26^th October 1946

Spent morning finishing the radio cabinets.

In afternoon lent the small one to Bert.

Bert & I went to the Rex in evening & saw “The Trespasser” & A Girl  In a Million” very good.

Sunday 27^th October 1946

Up 9.30.

Went to Walters & picked a lot of almonds off the tree with George.

Home 1.20

Played piano etc in afternoon. Ern & Jean & Bert were here all evening.

Bed 1.15.

Monday 28^th October 1946

Up 9.30

At Office at 11.10

Stayed for an hour. They don’t seem as keen as they did.

Saw Ern for an hour.  Got some 47 diaries.

Walter had brought the radio over as it didn’t work – the fuse was gone.

Went over in the evening with Mum & Dad Ern & Jean & fitted it up.

Frank called & we had a chat about the band.

Tuesday 29^th October 1946

Up 9.

Got ready to go back. Left at 1.

Saw Ern & We had a coffee. Train left at 3.

Left at 10.

Wednesday 30^th October 1946

Good crossing. Landed at 7. Train left at 9.15. Munster at 4.30.  Left on 2 Gp wagon at 5.15. in camp 8.30.

Saw Reg & Bob & Ernie had a chat. Bed early. 

Thursday 31^st October 1946

Got kit sorted & organised myself.

Had a letter from Vera. Wrote letters.

Friday 1^st November 1946

Had to see S/L Hast about conditions at Munster Transit camp.

Went to discussion on Divorce at Church club. Wrote 4 letters.

Saturday 2^nd November 1946

Started to read my Book Club selection “Susan Crowther”.

Went to church club & played “Monopoly”.  Good fun.

Sunday 3^rd November 1946

Up 11.45.

Read J B Priestley’s “Bright Day”.

Wrote home.

Went to cinema with Bob & saw “Bathing Beauty”

Started to read PG Wodehouse’s “Small Batchelor”

Monday 4^th November 1946

Read “Then & Now” by WS Maughan. Went to Sally Ann & Played Table Tennis & Billiards.

Letter from home.

Tuesday 5^th November 1946

Got 2 books from library. “Leaves from Arcady” by HA Vachell & some stories by Balzac.

Wrote home.

Wednesday 6^th November 1946

Went to Church club with Reg & helped serve etc at the mothers meeting. What a do. Reg & I went to Gut in evening & visited the music shop. The bass has been collected & we arranged to collect the clary tomorrow.

Had letter from Ernie & home. 

Thursday 7^th October 1946

Went to Gut by bike with Reg & got Clarry.

Wrote home & to Ernie. Got “They found Atlantis” D Wheatley from library.

One of our Oxfords collided with a chimney near Dortmund today.  7 very nice chaps went for a burton – 4 going on demob too.

Friday 8^th November 1946

On Guard in evening but had first shift.

Wrote home.

Had letter from home.

Went to PSI meeting.

Saturday 9^th November 1946

Wives & Waaf’s selling poppies today. 

Went to signals dance committee meeting.

Read in afternoon & played clary. I’m getting on ok with it.

Played monopoly in church club in evening.  Tom Com & wife were there.

Gave preference for unit when repat comes through. Ordered 107 Sqdron badge.

Sunday 10^th November 1946

Had armistice Parade today.

Went to Church after. Read & played clary in afternoon.

Letter from home & “PW” wrote home & to “P.W.” for the address of the newly formed Radar Association.

Went to cinema & saw “A Guy called Joe”.

Monday 11^th November 1946

MT ran short of drivers & Reg volunteered to take some mail to the bombing range. I said I would go with him & so we left at 2.30 however we got a puncture by HQ & didn’t leave till 4.

I had a map & was navigating.

We lost ourselves twice, once in the country & once in Munster.

However, we did the 70 miles there in 2 1/2 hours.

We had a bang on tea & left at 7.

We lost ourselves again at Munster, it was worse as there was a thick fog.

We had to call at Wiedenbruck & got there at 10.30.

We eventually arrived at camp at 11.15. had a supper & went to bed.

Tuesday 12^th November 1946

Wrote home. 

Got D Sayers “Unnatural Death” & D Wheatleys “Spanish Gold” from library. Reg & I had a bash on the piano in the church club & decided to get a couple of numbers ready for the free T easy concert on Thursday evening.

Wednesday 13^th November 1946

Had letters from home & Ernie.  He is detailed to Gatow. Reg & I practised in afternoon & evening.

Thursday 14^th November 1946

Wrote home.

Reg & I had a last rehearsal.

The Free & Easy concert was quite good. Wifes beat RAF in a quiz & Reg & I were voted a great success on the pianos.

Friday 15^th November 1946

Had letter from home. Went to Signals dance in evening. It wasn’t bad but I don’t think I’ll go to any more.

Saturday 16^th November 1946

Read books.  “Islands of Adventure” etc.

Wrote home & to Ernie.

Cliff won the football pontoon.

Sunday 17^th November 1946

Had letter from home.

Read all day & went to Cinema in evening. Saw “Lisbon Story” not very good.

Monday 18^th November 1946

Read book, played clary, wrote home.

Went to Waaf billet with church club for a discussion but we played monopoly instead.

Tuesday 19^th November 1946

Wrote to Bert Vera Home & Radar Association, read.

Thursday 21^st November 1946

Went to Cinema in evening & saw “Key of the Kingdom” – very good.

Friday 22^nd November 1946

Bullish night for GC’s inspection. Really went to town in the billet.

Had letters from Home & Ernie. Wrote answers to them. Read.

Saturday 23^rd November 1946

GC didn’t call at billet but did call at Section.

Played football V HQ Sigs & lost 8.0

Watched Wing team beat 2770 RAFR by 7-1.

Wrote home in answer to card & letter from home. They have bought me a Ronson lighter for the 25^th.

Saw Olsen & Johnson in “See my Lawyer” very funny.

Sunday 24^th November 1946

Read all day. Watched football for a while. Played billiards with Bob & Ray for a while.

Monday 25^th November 1946

22 today.

Cards from Bert, Walter & Olive & Mrs Neaves. Wrote thanking them & also wrote home. (I had a card from Mum & Dad on Saturday.  M & D & Ern bought me a Ronson lighter.

Went to library & got “Pagans” by Andrew Souter & “Mr Mulliner Speaking” PG Wodehouse.

In evening Reg & I practised piano & clary in church club.

Tuesday 26^th November 1946

Elwyn Jones has acted – & hasn’t it bounced.

I had to see Groupie this afternoon by he didn’t get any change out of me. 

What a colossal stir though.

Started teaching Cliff economics in morning.

Wrote home & went to Sally Ann.  They had the German Band & the Skyliners.

I won a prize with a lucky number. I got – a packet of chocolate biscuits, a glass-jewelled ring & – a kiss from Mrs Traynier – horrible.

Wednesday 27^th November 1946

Had to see the Boss about Jones affair.  AM Wrigglesworth c/c BAFO came round. We had to parade etc while he gave a DFC to a 107 bod. We lost our afternoon off because he wanted to see the sections.

Starfield said he would possibly want to see me but it didn’t come off as he didn’t call in our section.

Saw “Meet the Navy”.  The Royal Canadian Navy Show – very good.

Thursday 28^th November 1946

Group Radar Officer saw me. Nothing much new except to tell me of new trade of Fitter Radio Air & F/R/Ground. & course takes 4 years.

Stayed in all evening. Reading etc.

Friday 29^th November 1946

Took Cliff in economics.

Reg & George Lansbury got tapes today via records – what a shaky do. Letters from home & Bert. Answered them.

Saturday 30^th November 1946

Messed around all day reading etc. but in evening played monopoly at church club.

Sunday 1^st December 1946

Up 11.45.

Read & hung about all day. Wrote home.

Monday 2^nd December 1946

Went to cinema & saw “Strike Up the Band” Micky Rooney & Judy Garland.  Old but good.

PASSED Forces Prelim had letter from home about it. Wrote back.

Tuesday 3^rd December 1946

Went to Entertainments meeting.

Organised script committee & took names of bods willing to take part.

Met in evening & committee. Wrote lot of scripts. Finished at 10.40.

Wednesday 4^th December 1946

Wrote home.

Went to married families party & made a joe of myself.

Stayed in billet all night.

Thursday 5^th December 1946

Saw Roe in morning & got job of getting band box show together. Spent all day in seeing bods about it.  Had letter from home & answered it.

Also heard from Ron.

Went to Script writers meeting in the church club. We churned out a very good sketch for Band box.

Bed 12.

Friday 6^th December 1946

Had a letter from E Jones – without any gen in it, as I expected. Wrote home.

The Regt Paf McDonald at last has dropped out of the Xmas show, so maybe we can get ahead now. Went to Sally Ann & afterwards to Theatre where I saw an excellent show. Wrote couple of sketches later.

Saturday 7^th December 1946

Saw bods about show.

Nichols invited committee to his house. Ted Utley & I went at 2 & Reg Gadd Pete Garner & Bill Walsh came along at 6.  Had tea there. Wrote fair amount of stuff.

Had chats about many topics.  Mrs N is very nice. Played their piano.  Mrs N asked me to write her the music of “Melodica” which I have at last obtained. Left at 9.45.

Back at 10. Had duty supper. Bed at 12.15. awake till 2 though & even put lights on to write down ideas I got.

Sunday 8^th December 1946

Up 11.15.

Went to theatre to rehearse Wednesday’s sketch but Dramatic Society were there & we will have to do it tomorrow.

Letter from home.

Answered it & wrote to Ron, Jones & Vera.

Monday 9^th December 1946

Had rehearsal in afternoon & evening after tea.

Messed around all evening reading etc.

Went to library got “Follow the Saint” C Charters & “Central Stores” Vali Baum.

Tuesday 10^th December 1946

More rehearsing in evening. Wrote home. Went to Sally for supper.

Wednesday 11^th December 1946

Read all afternoon. 

Letter from home. Went to theatre at 6. Show went over big. I did duet with Reg accompanies 2 singers & was outside announcer in an “In Town Tonight” scene.

Thursday 12^th December 1946

Letter from home, wrote back.

Had book from Hutchings

Friday 13^th December 1946

Billet orderly so had comfortable scrounge all day. Went to choir practice in evening at church.

Saturday 14^th December 1946

Snow during night & B – cold.

After dinner Ginger Halton told me that Keene & I are on PORs at T/Cpls from 15.10.46 like Reg & the rest. I didn’t believe him at first but I soon was persuaded it was correct.

In evening went to Social at Church club to meet w/c Betts the Group Padre. 

Chattered with Yates Nichols & various padres till 10.30.

Letter & papers from home. Wrote back.

Sunday 15^th December 1946

Up 8.30

Went to church.

Read all day.

Went to theatre to see Groenhout players in “For the Love of Mike”. Very good performances I thought.

Monday 16^th December 1946

Wrote home.

Got my tapes & my pay book altered.

In evening the choir went to F/c Crawshaw’s house in Gut. We rehearsed our carols & then spent the time boozing & singing other songs. Left at 12.30.

Tuesday 17^th December 1946

Wrote home. Only went to Sally Ann for a while & then stayed in billet & early to bed because of the cold.

Wednesday 18^th December 19456

Letter from home. Replied. Went to kids party at church club in afternoon. 

Bob & Reg have their tapes. Good show. Had choir practice & script meeting.

Thursday 19^th December 1946

Had script meeting in evening. 

Still B cold.

Friday 20^th December 1946

Johnny Fillets tips came through today 13 cpts 6 cals now.

Choir practice in evening & script meeting.

Saturday 21^st December 1946

In afternoon had show rehearsal & spent evening typing instructions for show.

Bed 12.

Sunday 22^nd December 1946

Went to church & sang in choir but as M7 messed up families Mr Crashaw didn’t arrive till 11.50 so we weren’t as good but we are doing it again Xmas morning.

Spent day reading & went to cinema & saw 2 group show Aladdin in evening. VG show.

Monday 23^rd December 1946

Spent all day rehearsing – not very successful so far. Got “The Little Nugget “ PG Wodehouse & “Old Father Aunty” by Doreen Wallace.

Had another letter from Elwyn Jones – more tripe. Wrote home.

Tuesday 24^th December 1946

Another rehearsal, fairly successful.

In afternoon I helped at the German Children’s Xmas party in the mess. 

Received a good parcel. Letter from home & 5 cards.

In evening went to Sally Ann social for supper & at 8.30 went to Wing May party in Cellar of Equip section.

Had a wizard time till 11.30 when some oaf got drunk & fighting mad. We got all the Waaf’s out & as Danny Monk was tight & Beryl was also merry I tagged on & went to the Waaf billet.  We met Ginger Billinge & the Post Office Waaf Cpl & all crept in their room for coffee.

Left at 12.45.

Sat in Bills & Bills room till 3.

Bill Walsh put the other bloke out & in dock by knocking him off the parapet into the road.

Other than for the disturbance we could have carried on till Xmas dinner.

Wednesday 25^th December 1946

Christmas Day

Up 8.20 had few drinks then to church where the choir put up a good show & Mrs Cronshaw made up for last Sunday.

Xmas dinner was bang on. After dinner had more drinks. Read “Bed for Beginner” & laid on the pit till teatime.

At 6 we went to the Church club. The party there was a wizard success & only packed in at 12.15 as some of us had to be at rehearsal at 9.30.

Thursday 26^th December 1946

Boxing Day

Up 8.45.

Rehearsal went off quite well.

Messed around all afternoon.

Bish came to dinner in our mess.

Went up cinema at 5. When Nichols came we found he hadn’t laid on transport for the band. By threats we managed to get a band from the officers mess till 8.30 & by doing of much improvisation we managed to get the show (Mozzy Express) over. Actually we were amazed by its reception. It went over in a really big way & all from the GC down congratulated us.

Had celebration supper in mess.

Bed at 11. Read “The Black Beret” by Charles Graves till 12.

Friday 27^th December 1946

Up 8.10. cleared up theatre of props etc in morning. Messed about in Section all afternoon & cleared up Billet in evening. 

Wrote home.

Read “Contraband” by Denis Wheatley.

Saturday 28^th December 1946

Stayed in all day after work.

Sunday 29^th December 1946

Went to Church to hear Bish Crozer last sermon.

Read & packed parcels as after Jan, all parcels must have a label & we are limited to 3 a month.

Monday 30^th December 1946

Got “Berlin Hotel” V Baum & “Days Life” by Gordon Bushell. Also read “Portrait of Churchill by Guy Ede.  I’ve got a hell of a cold.

Tuesday 31^st December 1946

Got cracking on sending home parcels as we have to use customs labels after today & we only get 2 a month.

Wrote home.

Wednesday 1^st January 1947

Day off.  In morning Ray & I met Ted & Bish & had a snow fight.

After break in Sally we all went to Church & cleared out the annex in preparation for it being extended.

Reg & Jack gave us some organs & piano duets.

In afternoon I went up club & played piano. We had a wizard party in the evening. Packed up at 12.

Letter from home. Answered it.

Thursday 2^nd January 1947

George Naylor, Bill Ward & Johnny Elder got their Tapes through.

The demob gen is wizard. 51 out in March. Roll on May.

Letters from home (2) & Ern. Answered them.

Friday 3rd January 1947

Went to choir practice but couldn’t sing because of my cold. Went to a show at the theatre after. It was an army show built up round a band & it was very good.

Wrote home.

Got “Comrade Jill” Herbert Adams & “War in the Air HG Wells from library.

Saturday 4^th January 1947

Messed around all day.

Reg has gone to Brussels

Sunday 5^th January 1947

Up 8.45.

Spent most of day typing Economics notes for Cliff.

Went to Bielefeld in the evening to see the Opera “Carmen”. Bang on. 

Wrote home after.

Monday 6^th January 1947

Up 7.50. wrote home. 

Tuesday 7^th January 1947

Went to a lecture given by Mr Parsons (one of the back room boys) on Atomic Energy. Very concise & Explicit.

Went to cinema in evening & saw Tommy Trinder in “Fiddlers Three”.  Excellent film & it was similar to our Old Nick Players production of “Dear Swiftus”. Although none of us had seen the film. Just shows the workings of great minds (?)

Wednesday 8^th January 1947

Had letter from home & answered it.

Went sick in morning as my nose has been bleeding. Only got treatment for cold & cough. Also saw dentist & got appointment for 22^nd to have my teeth cleaned.

Read in afternoon.

Went up church club in evening with Reg & Bill & played various numbers.

Thursday 9^th January 1947

Didn’t do much all day.

Friday 10^th January 1947

Read letter from home & answered it. 

Went to Sally & messed around all evening. Went to choir practice.

Saturday 11^th January 1947

W Ham lost to Leicester 1-2 at home. Exit from cup – in 3^rd round too.

Read and lazed around till evening when I went to cinema & saw “The Suspect” for the 2^nd time, still Charles Laughton is well worth seeing again.

Sunday 12^th January 1947

Wrote home.

Read & played sax. Went to church in morning.

Monday 13^th January 1947

Went to library got “Young Man with a Horn” Dorothy Baker & “Angry Column” Douglas Green.

2 letters from home & a parcel. 1 letter from Bert. Wrote replies.

Tuesday 14^th January 1947

Letters from home & Ron & Doris answered them. Reg & I went up church club & played piano & organ.

Wednesday 15^th January 1947

Weather much better. Wrote to Bert about the photos he promised me.

Thursday 16^th January 1947

Wrote home. Had a “Monopoly” session in the billet.

Friday 17^th January 1947

Went to the V.A.S. at 2 Group. Had good luck in hitchhiking down.

The test were very interesting. Had a talk at 3. It seems I am a gem kiddie.  Bags of brains, principles & ideas. Said I would be good as Barrister, Accountant, Solicitor or Senior Admin Grade Civil Servant.

Got a lift back easily.

Wrote home.

Tidied up room ready for inspection & cleared up for parade tomorrow morning.

Saturday 18^th January 1947

Hammers beat Chesterfield 5.0 today. Whizzo.

Read & lazed around. Went to Jimmy Gilberts’ demob party in the Church club. Bang on time till 12.

Ted Reg G Reg A & I were talking in the billet till 1.

Sunday 19^th January 1947

Up 8.45.

Went to church.

Pressed parts etc.

Wrote letters to home Ernie Marshall & Angus Nash.

Went to cinema & saw “over 21” pretty grim American “patriotic” war film.

Monday 20^th January 1947

Played monopoly all night. Bang – on.

Read letter from home.

Tuesday 21^st January 1947

2 letters from home. Wrote back. Went to cinema saw “Frenchmen’s Creek” – not bad.

Wednesday 22^nd January 1947

Read letter from home.

Went to Entertainments meeting in morning. I’m on committee of concert party & Rhythm Club.

Had script session in afternoon but didn’t get any ideas. Played monopoly in evening.

Thursday 23^rd January 1947

Read letter from Mum & Dad & Ron & Doris, wrote back. Also applied for membership of R.A.F. Assn. in evening had script session  but got nowhere.

Friday 24^th January 1947

Letter from home & Bert, answered them went to meeting in afternoon.

In evening when to Show at “Broadway” called “Over the Footlights”.  All acrobats practically.  Good in parts.

When I got back I wrote a letter of protest to “Wing” about the oafish interruptions.

Saturday 25^th January 1947

Messed around,

Had monopoly sesh (Session)  in evening. 

W.Ham draw at Millwall. Better than nothing.

Sunday 26^th January 1947

Up 8.30.  Went to Church after dinner sat in Sally Ann talking to Ted, Harry, Maria & Phyllis. M is a lovely girl, what a pity she’s R.C.  sorted out my junk later.

Arranged a monopoly sesh, but while at supper in the Sally the orderly Sgt put me on guard.

Read & talked all night. Sleep at 3.45.

Monday 27^th January 1947

Up 8.

Took morning off.

In evening we all went to cinema to see “Appointment with Crime” a bang on British murder film.

Letters from home & Ernie. Answered Ernie.

Tuesday 28^th January 1947

Wrote home.

Had a monopoly sesh.

Wednesday 29^th January 1947

Went to library. Got “Both Sides of the Blanket” Halcott Glover & “Weeping Wood” Vicki Baum. Read etc in afternoon.

Went to dance in Naafi. Not very good. Left at 10 & went to bed.

Thursday 30^th January 1947

Up late, just made breakfast. Still b – cold but in afternoon it started to thaw.

Wrote home & messed around.

Friday 31^st January 1947

Played monopoly all evening.

Saturday 1^st February 1947

Read letter from home. Wrote back.

Lazed around all afternoon played monopoly in evening also got to work on a couple of scripts.

Sunday 2^nd February 1947

Went to church.

After dinner went to Sally afterwards then adjourned to Wing Mag Office to write scripts. Wrote words to a song “Freda the Frat”.

After tea Bill Ward & I went to Church Club & wrote music to “Freda the Frat” then back to Wing Office to cast sketches & list props etc.

Holiday meeting tomorrow.

When I got back to Billet Reg told me I had been elected on to the Wing Church Council. I shall have to see someone about it. I don’t know what to do: I don’t think I’m the type.

Monday 3^rd February 1947

Up late & missed breakfast.

3 letters from home. 1 from Ron & Doris. Also read papers.

Had meeting in afternoon & handed out all parts. 

Wrote letters in evening.

Tuesday 4^th February 1947

Had our first rehearsal this evening, didn’t go too badly – much better than last time anyway. 

Got 8.12.6 pay for Brussels trip.

Wednesday 5^th February 1947

Had rehearsal in cinema in afternoon & got measured for suits in evening Reg & I moved to new room. Not bad room either.

Wrote home.

Thursday 6^th February 1947

Got new battledress.

Went to Dentist in afternoon & had my teeth cleaned. 

Rehearsal in evening went o.k.

Fitted up electrical circuits in our room.

Wrote home & commenced preparations for trip to Brussels.

Friday 7^th February 1947

Up 7.40.

Had letter from home.

Early tea. Left 5.30 train at Munster, after long wait, at 9.30 poor night, playing bridge & talking little sleep.

Saturday 8^th February 1947

Arrived 8.30,

Went to RAF Delegate & changed £32. Then to report centre. Booked rooms at Hotel Monaco near Gare du Nord.  Then walked to Bar Marche. Cakes & Aperitif. Started buying orgy, getting clothes etc.

Dinner at Monty Club.  Eddie & I pressed on buying all afternoon while Pete & Bill went on drinking sesh.

Met again at Monty for tea, P & B being very merry.

Weather atrocious – raining & freezing. Went to cinema on Rue Neuve & saw “Under the Lantern”. Very low, many nude women stripteases.

Then had few drinks & found that in Bill & Ps room a counterpane which had been left on a radiator went up in spontaneous combustion, police & fire there. What a game.

Bed 11.30.

Sunday 9^th February 1947

Up 10.20

Breakfast of aperitif – martini & cakes – bang on.

Wandered round all day drinking & eating.

Dinner & tea at Monty’s. Loaded up with fruit, sweets & drinks & caught train at 6.30 wearing 2 pairs each cause of customs but Belgies didn’t bother at all & frontier control were very easy. Damn good show played Gin Rummy drank & ate.

Monday 10^th February 1947

At Harman ouest at 4. In RTO till 4.30 train should have left 4.50 but eventually got going at 6.25.

At Gut at 7.45 B -cold. In camp 8.10.

Breakfast.

Found letter & papers in my room.

Work 9.30.

Feel very tired 

1 letter from home.

Sorted self out wrote this & will now write home. After to Sally & Church club to try music I bought.

Went to club with Bill then till 10.15 playing piano & table tennis.

In billet drank some whisky & to pit, asleep in no time.

Tuesday 11^th February 1947

Up 7.50

Felt tired all day. Didn’t go to rehearsal in evening but went to club instead & played piano.

Bed 11 still very tired.

Wednesday 12^th February 1947

Up 7.45.

Had to work in afternoon but went to rehearsal at 3.

2 letters from home one from RAF Assc & 1 from The Director of Recruiting of all people. Why he should write to me I don’t know, unless someone has sent up a form in my name as a joke.

Wrote home & to Bert.

Thursday 13^th February 1947

Put on job in hanger modding kites. What a bind. It’s nothing to do with Radar. Messed around all evening.

Friday 14^th February 1947

Still in hangar. Be on it for ages – a dead loss.

My leave has been approved for first week in March.

Got pair of shoes today, not bad at all.

Played Dave at table tennis got beaten up. Wrote home in evening. Played monopoly in evening.

Later Pete & I made out running order for show. Decided that Reg Gadd & I should go to Hamburg Monday for costumes.

Bed 12.

Ray went to Brussels.

Saturday 15^th February 1947

Billet inspection in morning. 

Went to rehearsal in afternoon.

Arranged to go to Hamburg – got time off, collected money from PSI (£50) & got route form.

Played monopoly in evening received papers from home.

W Ham V Burnley cancelled so W Ham go down 1 place in league 15^th now.

Bed 10.30

Pete & Reg G came in talking till 12.

Sunday 16^th February 1947

Up 8.45.

Went to church.

Big fall of snow during night, several inches deep this morning. After dinner went to Naafi & then played 2 games of monopoly.

Found out about train & transport. We must leave here at 10 to 7. Arranged breakfast for 6.30. rehearsed in evening.

Things went bang on.

Wrote home etc afterwards.

Monday 17^th February 1947

Alarm woke me at 6. Up for 6.30 breakfast. Left camp at 7.

Diesel train left at 8 from Gut.

Very cold journey till we were nearly at Hamburg when the heat came on.

Arrived at 1.30 – only 15 minutes late.

Went straight to CSEUY at the Garrison theatre.

They had very little of what we wanted so we had to go through their wardrobe.

Left at 3.30 with a large hamper of stuff. The crusade club had no wads due to the fuel cuts so we boarded the 4.2 train with hunger gnawing at our guts.

Going back, the train was warm but this was not exactly an advantage because the engine was under our coach & the cooling system had gone for a Burton  & we had frequent delays.

We got to Minden an hour late & I took the chance to go to a canteen for Woof while repairs were being carried out. At Bielefeld it went Kaput, but we got a special train put on to get us to Gut where we arrived at 10.30 instead of 9.15.  we caught the bus back to camp & leaving the clothes in the guardroom went straight to the mess for an enormous supper. Then to the billet for a wash & in the pit at 12.

2 letters were on my table – both from home.

Tuesday 18^th February 1947

Up 7.30 had breakfast & went back to the pit till 10.15. then to the Naafi.

Went to the section in the afternoon .

Wrote home in evening. 

Had rehearsal.

Wednesday 19^th February 1947

Had to play table tennis as organised games but went to rehearsal at 2.45.

Very good.

Had a very successful rehearsal in evening & then went to church club.  Took Sax & Clary. Reg took Tpt & Bill took Guit. Had a good evening. Left at 10.45.

Thursday 20^th February 1947

Working on mod all day – the Waaf’s are off it now & we are beginning to get somewhere. 2 letter from home & the RAF Assn

Has sent my badge etc home.
Wrote home.
Went to choir practice & Discussion group at Church.

Book 45

Thursday 20^th February 1947

Working on mod all day – the Waaf’s are off it now & we are beginning to get somewhere. 2 letter from home & the RAF Assn
Has sent my badge etc home.
Wrote home.
Went to choir practice & Discussion group at Church.

Friday 21^st February 1947

Letter from home.  My gratuity £48-0-6d has arrived there.
In evening we tried on & sorted out costumes. Had a shower.

Saturday 22^nd February 1947

Terrible cold when I woke up. Went sick. Told MO about show.
Dress rehearsal in afternoon, not very good.
Went to cinema & saw “Arsenic & Old Lace” Walters double Jack Carson was in it. Very good film.
Received invitation to join Wing Church Council.
My name appeared in March release list.

Sunday 23^rd February 1947

More snow – now very deep.
Went church. Padre Ellis gave excellent sermon.
After dinner had rehearsal from 12.30 till 2.15. collected necessary odds & ends during afternoon & read.
Went down theatre at 5.30. Terrific rush changing etc but show was a great success. My “Freda the Frat” went down very well & Groupie really enjoyed the LDS officer sketch in which Pete was made up to look like him. Editor- see Wing Mag Review Bottle Party
Polite audience – even during the hula-hula dance in the desert Island sketch.
Late supper.
Nattered till 12.15 then wacked off greasepaint. Bed 12.45.

Monday 24^th February 1947

Up 7.45. cold a bit better.
Received papers from home. Fixed up leave for 4^th.
Leave cancelled due to Big 5 meeting in Moscow. 139w bods being detached to here to bring us up to strength. 140, Gatow & Moscow are staying pests. Bods going to Berlin & Moscow. 
Fasbourg move cancelled. I don’t think leave cancellation will last long.
Went to release section. It was a mistake. I should be out in April though.
Wrote home.
Accepted Wing Council membership. Sent renewal to Hutchinson’s book club.

Tuesday 25th February 1947

My leave has been scrubbed & I am to go to Sylt.  Editor See Operation Sylt in Wing Mag. What a B nuisance.
Wrote home about it & started to sort kit for move. Packed 5 parcels.

Wednesday 26^th February 1947

Put leave back to 25^th March (don’t suppose I shall get it though). Got paid. Paid Dave what I owed him. Sent off my parcels. Got route form to travel on Liesel tomorrow.
Messed around all afternoon sorting kit & reading etc. 
Letters from home & Bert.
Wrote home.
We had our Radar demob party at the “Bucket of Blood” in 44 Block. Wizard time, but I drank too much including some Stein larger & then I crashed my head on a low door so I didn’t feel too good. In bed at 11.

Thursday 27^th February 1947

Up at 6. Still feeling pretty drunk.
Caught wagon to Gut at 7.30.
Got Liesel O.K.
While getting some tea at Minden I met George Naylor, who was returning from leave. I sat with him yarning for a while. We mentioned Radar once or twice & then a girl in CCG uniform sitting opposite to us introduced herself as Secretary of the Radar Association. She is an ex Waaf Radar Op.
I told her about writing them in October & she said my letter must have been lost , as they needed new members. Had quite an interesting talk with her & she is sending me forms for the boys & I more or less promised to try to organise a local Assoc around West Ham.
She also gave me the address of the President & asked me to contact him about entertainment (she had heard me telling George about our show).
Arrived at Hamburg 3.30 – 2 hours late.
George took me to Trinity House for the night. 
Its wizard there. A room to yourself, the food is excellent & served at a respectable table.
Played piano for a while in evening. I bought a bottle of sherry for 9/- off the Sgt Interpreter.
Bed 10.
Wrote home & to Bob Dyer for addresses of bods interested in joining the Radar Assoc.

Friday 28^th February 1947

Wakened at 7.30 with cup of tea.

Breakfast at 8.

Went to Altona Stn by car in time for 9.36 train to Flensburg. Read on the way up.

At Flensburg at 3. Then commenced a journey through hell.

As we walked out of the station we walked into a blizzard.

We got in a lorry waiting for us. There was an inch of snow in it. We were taken to the Naafi for ¾ of an hour. We got in again at nearly 4.

We then had what should have been 1 ¼ hours ride to Neble or Nuble or some such place. It took us 2 hours. The blizzard was still at its height & the snow was forced into the lorry through tiny cracks etc until we were covered in snow. It was bitterly cold & the truck was swinging from side to side of the road.

We got bogged in drifts several times & had to pull & dig our way out. 

When we got to Noble (or whatever it’s called) (Editor it is Nebel) we had 5 minutes in the RTO’s office, & it was sheer agony as we began to thaw out. We got on a train there to go across the causeway & the lorry was in a truck on the end of the train.

We caught the 2pm train at 6.

It was pretty cold on the train & we were all very glad to get to the guardroom after another 10 minute lorry ride.

There we began to feel warm again. We got blankets etc. filed in the truck & had another ride to the billets.

There we filed out with all our stuff & wandered around to find our billets. Eventually I found 107 & got my stuff over in 4 trips, only falling in the snow about 4 times.

I got a room, threw my stuff in, then made a beeline for the mess.

After a good meal I was only too glad to be in out of the storm, which was still at its height & got my wet clothes off & clamber into the pit.

Saturday 1^st March 1947

Blizzard has died down a bit.

No work this morning. Good show. Sorted things out a bit.

Dodger had already left for Gut so I wrote to him asking him to send me his flying suit etc.

Wrote home & to Bert. It is his birthday today.

Put on guard at hangar with some 80 squadron types, but as 80 squadron didn’t detail anyone I stayed in billet.

Quite a good guarding all in all.

Charlton are in Cup Semi-final. W Ham beat Swansea 3.0. good show.

Read & bed at 1030.

Sunday 2^nd March 1947

Up 8.15

Read most of day.

Went for walk in morning, with Hugh Clunes, over to the seashore. I have never before seen the sea frozen as far as the horizon or seen boats frozen in. Quite a scene of arctic desolation.

Since leaving Gut I have read.

“English Story. 4^th series”

“Short Stories by Mark Twain”

“Caravan” by Eleanor Smith

“Accuse the Toff” John Creasey

“Once in Vienna” Vicki Baum

“Strictly Personal “ W.S. Maughan

Bed 11.30 after writing up my diary.

Monday 3^rd March 1947

Up 7.30.

Weather not too bad.

Really cheesed off with work. Dinner at 1 & tea at 6.30.

Stayed in & read.

Tuesday 4^th March 1947

Still kept late over at flight, parking kites in & out. Cheesed off.

Tried to get my last week’s Naafi ration but was refused. Got a chit from Faulkner & went back to Naafi in evening. Again refused.

Wednesday 5^th March 1947

Got in touch with more people about rations & eventually obtained them. I’m not going to be swindled out of them by rotten types. I know what I am entitled to & mean to get it.

Finished reading “He rides in Triumph” by Philip Lindsay started on “Strange Stories “ by Hilda Lewis.

Afternoon off, spent it reading.

Went to 107 dance in Westerland in evening. Had quite a good time talking to some Waaf’s, but mine deserted me to go snogging with an officer – the cow.

Packed up 12.30

Back at 1.15

Talking till 2.30

Thursday 6^th March 1947

Up 7.30.

Blizzard started. 

Didn’t do any work at flight. Made to go back in afternoon the stupid clots, took hour to get there & we turned round & came back immediately.

Read rest of time.

Read “A Naturalist goes to War” by Philip Gosse.

Bed 10.30

Friday 7^th March 1947

Up 7.15.

No work because of blizzard.

Went to EVT block to see papers. They were last Sundays, so much against my conscience I pinched one for the tables & fixtures.

Also went to library & got “The Dubliners” by James Joyce.

Went to sleep in afternoon.

Rations wagon didn’t get through & we didn’t get much tea!

Went to Naafi for a while in evening. 

Wrote home.

Saturday 8^th March 1947

Went to work back late.

Read & lazed around.

Felt hungry. Had 2 suppers one in Naafi & one in mess. Bed early.

Sunday 9^th March 1947

Up 8.

Went to church. 

Read all afternoon. Went to church again in evening. Then read after a visit to the Naafi.

Wrote home.

Monday 10^th March 1947

Up 7.30 Had a letter this morning – the first for 12 days. There should be 6 down at Gut.

In the afternoon I saw a German bod get run over by a snow plough. It made me feel queer for a moment, especially as it need not have occurred if the driver had  had any sense.

The German got away lightly though. He went under headfirst & only 1 wheel passed over his legs. We got him out & gave him fags & tea & the ambulance soon arrived for him.

He got 1 simple fracture & 1 compound fracture I found out later. He certainly was lucky.

We went to the music circle at the Waaf site in the evening. They played Vaughan Williams Overture to the Wasp, Beethoven’s Poetesque Sonata, some arias from Pagliacci sung by Gigli & Caruso besides some Chopin studies & other things. Very enjoyable.

Met Griff the Waaf I met at the party had a chat with her. 

Back in billet at 10.50.

Weather not too good.

Tuesday 11^th March 1947

Heard rumour that 54’s are out in April – What I have been waiting for for 4 years. I am nearly free again.

Weather bad & couldn’t get to work.

Read papers in EVT block.

Went to library & got “Sgt Michael Cassidy RE” by Sapper & “Send One Down” by H. Steig.

Read all afternoon.

Wrote home after tea.

Went to German discussion group with Padre. Quite interesting but I found it difficult to follow because of necessity for “interpreters”

Back at 11 pm.

Wednesday 12^th March 1947

Up 7.30

Put on guard tonight. 

Spent morning snow clearing & afternoon on my pit reading. Went on guard at 5.

We had a rum ration – 1 fluid oz per man. 

The boys didn’t go out much as it was cold. After supper (9-12) they went to bed & I stayed awake to listen for the D.D. but no one came. 

The only interruption was a dog which had been running around all night to keep warm & barked at the door at 4. I let him in & he immediately went to sleep on the floor.

Thursday 13^th March 1947

Left at 9.

Had breakfast, washed & read. Dinner at 12. Went to work for an hour but as another blizzard had started we went back to the billet.

Read “Sinister Errand” by Peter Cheyney.

Tea 4.30.

Supper at 7.

Wrote home.

Friday 14^th March 1947

Cleared snow all morning. In afternoon, all the station were out clearing a grass runway for the CO to take off a Martinet to drop food to 26 stranded bods. He took off at 4.20 & was back at 5 past 5.

Bed early

Saturday 15^th March 1947

Lazed around all day.

A new Radar bod came up to take my place. Whizzo!

He was amongst those stranded. Got the story for Wing.

He brought mail up but it is in Post Office. Went to cinema & saw George Formby in “He Snoops to conquer” not bad.

Sunday 16^th March 1947

Up 8.

Went to church. Got mail after.  Papers & 4 letters from home enclosing RAF lssn receipt & photos Bert got me & calendars from Walter.

Also receipt from Hutchinson’s book club & letter from Ron & Doris. 

On pit all afternoon.

On guard in evening. Weather not too good.

Monday 17^th March 1947

Morning off, handed in library books & got laundry from Post office. 

After dinner I started to sell the Wing mags. I got a mention for my “Freda the Frat” in the show.

No work in afternoon, weather bad. Slept all afternoon. Wrote home. Went to music circle. Good programme.

Bed 11.

Tuesday 18^th March 1947

Up 7.15.

Sold Wings to air crew etc. I am going back with the rest on Saturday morning. Word is on the rear party.

Received 3 letters from home & 1 from Bert.

Demob Gen

53 out in April & May Wizard – after 4 years.

Wrote home.

Wednesday 19^th March 1947

Big thaw on now. Good show.

Played cards all afternoon.

Went to Cinema & saw “Buddleia”^I quite good. My wristwatch went for a burton. 

Thursday 20^th March 1947

Up early.

Played cards all day. Finished early. Wrote home.

Friday 21^st March 1947

Snow nearly all melted. Plenty of water about.

Went to Westerland to collect Ork that the German Pianist did for me.

Got soaked.

Saturday 22^nd March 1947

Up 5.

Left 5.45

Stayed on truck on train over causeway.  Caught train at Flensburg played cards.

Arrived Cuxhaven 7.

Bed 10.30

Sunday 23^rd March 1947

Up 4.

Left 6.15.

Played cards all day. At Bad Oeynhausen at 3.15.

Coach to camp. Arrived 4.30.

Packed up for leave. Wrote home received letters.

Monday 24^th March 1947

Up 7. Managed to get leave. Saw Beryl Hughes & asked her to get me a watch from Brussels as mine is U/S.

Finished packing.

Bed 10.30

Tuesday 25^th March 1947

Up 6. Left 7.10.  Train 10.00. played cards. At Hook at 4. On boat 9.

Bed 9.30

Wednesday 26^th March 1947

Up 5. Ashore at 6.

Customs took £4.1.10 from me for liquor & fags. – the swine’s.

Home 11.

Quiet day.

Ern & Jean came.

Gave Jean her nylons. She nearly went mad. Bed 2am. Saw Bert.

Thursday 27^th March 1947

Up 11.

Quiet day.

Saw Bert.

Went to RAFA meeting at Stratford & transferred from E Ham.

Called on Ron.

Home 11.40

Bed 12.30

Friday 28^th March 1947

Up 8.15.

Went to office.

Boss was keen on fixing me up. Saw Inst (Institute) & payed for Cert of exempt from prelim.

Went to Min of Lab appointments Bureau for gen on grants.  Called in Walters for gen on Bank A/cs & on Sec of RARA for gen on grants.

Uncle Bob & Aunt Liz called after tea. Quiet night. Bed 10.45.

Saturday 29^th March 1949

Up 8.30

Went to football. Lousy match. Coventry won 2.1.

In evening went to dance with Bert. His band not so hot.

Sunday 30^th March 1947

Up 8 mum Dad & I went to Littleport (Cambs) with Wal & Olive.

Had good day – bags to eat bought back 180 eggs & 4 lbs butter. Whizzo.

Home 11. Did 170 miles.

Monday 31^st March 1947

Up 9.30

Messed around all day. Went with Bert to meeting of Young Conservatives joined up. I can see I shall start some fireworks there.

Tuesday 1^st April 1947

Letter from RAFA saying see SSAFA at the Cedars about grant.

Up 11.30.

Went to Cedars. No one there.

Mum & Dad & I went to Walters after tea. 2^nd anniversary of their meeting.

Home 12.

Wednesday 2^nd April 1947

Up 9. Frank called. Went to office.

Arrived 11. Saw Boss. He gave me a letter to try and get out early in May.  Saw Tuffney & Cruse.

Went to Charring X Rd. met Bill Walsh. Going to Phoenix tomorrow with him Reg G & Victor Kelly.

Went to Ron’s in evening.

Thursday 3^rd April 1947

Up 9.30.

Went out at 4.40. met boys at “Lipton’s Cabin” at 5.40 left at 6.40 for Phoenix “Under the Counter” not very good – only Cicely Courtney any good.

Had supper in Rainbow Rooms. Home 12.

Friday 4^th April 1947

Ern & Jean, Bert Ron and I went to speedway.

West Ham beat Belle Vue 51-33 quite good sport.

Saturday 5^th April 1947

Went to football.

Chelsea Res best W Ham res 1.0

Went to Odeon & saw Bob Hope in “My Favourite Brunette”. Not bad. “Strange Journey” ok.

Bed 2.

Sunday 6^th April 1947

Up 1

Walter Olive & Gary called for tea. Jean was here. Mum & Dad went out with Wal to get Beryl.

Ern Jean & I played cards. Beryl was brought here later.

Bed 12.30.

Monday 7^th April 1947

Up late

Went to football.

4 goals in first 10 minutes WH 3 Bury 1. After interval Bury made it 3.3.

Went round Ron’s in Evening.

Tuesday 8^th April 1947

Up late.

Went to speedway.

Wimbledon beat W Ham

Wednesday 9^th April 1947

Messed around all day. Went to Odeon with Bert in evening. Saw “The Razors Edge” very good.

Thursday 10^th April 1947

Went up West. Bought music & had a walk round.

Wrote in afternoon to Jack king, Gill Seed, Ted Inley, Ernie Marshall, Pete Garner & Angus Nash.

In evening called on Frank. Went to RAFA meeting. Called on Ron, Fred Gillian was there.

Home 12.15

Friday 11^th April 1947

Up 11.30.

Saw Weston (Secretary RAFA)

Found they don’t give grants unless Min of Lab refuse. 

Had haircut.

Sorted music in afternoon.

Stayed in all evening. Saw Bert.

Saturday 12^th April 1947

Went to football. W Ham beat Southampton 4.0.

Went to dance with Bert in evening.

Sunday 13^th April 1947

Up 9.30

Ron Bert Frank & Reg Samoans came for a practice – spot on.

Jean & Walter & Olive came.

Bed late.

Monday 14^th April 1946

Up 9.

Packed etc.

Left 1.40

Usual sort of ex-leave journey.

On boat at 8.

Tuesday 15^th April 1946

Docked at 6.30 on train at 10. In camp 9.15. unpacked & sorted myself out.

My 3^rd isn’t through. Bob Arthur & George Royton have theirs.

Wednesday 16^th April 1946

Up 7.30

Got watch Beryl bought for me. Its bang on. Read all afternoon. Played monopoly.

Thursday 17^th April 1947

Wrote home & to Ernie.

Went to cinema saw “Brazil” – deadly.

Friday 18^th April 1947

My name up for demob.

Saturday 19^th April 1947

Filled in first demob form – the internal proforma.

Orderly Corporal – spent most of day in Naafi. Letter from home. Wrote home & to Bert & Ron & Doris.

Sunday 20^th April 1947

Up 8.30

Went to church.

After dinner Ray, Johnny, Bob, & Dave Bucher went to Winterberry – the “B” Stn with the padres.

Very nice trip. Left 2 arrived 4.18. had tea, then had a walk, went to church, another walk & then to YMCA.

Left 5 to 10 back 5 to 12.

Wizard day.

Monday 21^st April 1947

Filled in my blue book for demob. Wrote home. Sorted out kit to hand in.

Went to cinema & saw “Woman Chases Man” old but quite good.

Tuesday 22^nd April 1947

Had letter from home. Played monopoly in evening.

Reg went to Brussels.

Bed 11.30.

Wednesday 23^rd April 1947

Up 7.30.

Got leaving date – the 2^nd May. (Editor see Notable Departures from Wing Mag)

That means I leave here 9.45 on the 1^st. wrote home.

Sorted out stuff for parcels. Had a shower. Messed around all evening.

Thursday 24^th April 1947

Up 7.30.

Letter from home.

Sent off 2 parcels. Went to choir practice in evening & we had the discussion group after. Discussed whether man would have been better off without machines. 

Packed in at 10.30, but Johnny Awry & I continued in the billet till 12.30.

Friday 25^th April 1947

Got clearance chit & obtained half the necessary signatures..

Went to show in evening at camp theatre – an Army show “Stars out of Battledress”. Very good indeed. They had part of the ballet “Slaughter in the Avenue” in it.  100 minutes top entertainment.

Saturday 26^th April 1947

Got more signatures on clearance chitty.

Listened to Cup Final  Charlton won 1.0 Whizzo.

Did up more parcels  & packed up stuff.

Went to cinema saw “Four Jill’s in a Jeep” average yank stuff.

W Ham 4 Barnsley 0 whizzo 10^th now.

Sunday 27^th April 1947

Up 8.30.

Went to church. Reg back from Brussels. Had a watch for me for Walter.

Stayed in during rest of day except for a trip to the Sally Ann. Wrote home.

Monday 28^th April 1947

Up 7.30. did some more clearing.

Had my first medical – fairly thorough.  Went to cinema saw ”Dark Mirror” very, very, good psychological film about twins – one of whom is suspected of murder.

Tuesday 29^th April 1947

Handed in but finished clearing. Collect docs tomorrow.

Reg goes on 19^th so he can play organ at church for broadcast on 18^th over BFN.^II

Played monopoly in evening. Had good fun.

Letters from home & Bert. Wrote home.

Wednesday 30^th April 1947

Up early, letter from home.

In afternoon we prepared the church club & got cutlery etc from Naafi.

Couldn’t get tablecloths but Bill took us to Gut & let us borrow 2 of his.

We had 14 there me, Reg, Arthur (demobbers) Bob, Johnny, Tom & Mrs Cox, Nobby Clarke, Newland, Bill Ward, Bid, Harry Goldberg, Stan Moore, & Dick Buchner. 

We had egg spam etc jelly & custard tea, cakes, sweets & fruit.

We had a sing away etc till 12.

Very good time had by all. For 1/10/2d between the 3 of us, whizzo.

Thursday 1^st May 1947

Up at 6.30. packed etc. went to section left at 5 to 10. At Gut in time for 10.30 train. Changed Hamburg At 5.45. arrived Cuxhaven 7.50.

Had to stay for 24 hrs.

Friday 2^nd May 1947

Messed around all day. On boat at 9.32. got in pit & fell asleep before we left at 12.

Saturday 3^rd May 1947

Not a very good night’s sleep, lights on all night. Up 6.30. lazed around all day. Food b-grim. Arrived Hull 9.30. bed later.

Sunday 4^th May 1947

Up 6.30. off 8.30

Customs took a quid from me for Walters watch – the so & so’s. went to Hull transit camp.

Good dinner.

Then to Warton.  changed at Leeds & Manchester for Lytham & caught bus to camp. What a way of spending Sunday.

I’ve got another cold through the weather. Arrived 8. Got blankets & sheets (for my last 2 days). All of us in together for grub & beds no Sgts mess or billets.

Monday 5^th May 1947

Up 7.15.

Did a bit of documentation.

After dinner 5 of us went to Blackpool.  Visited Tower aquarium & zoo.

Sent card to the boys. Plenty of eats went to Winter Gardens but I didn’t dance & spent most of time in Bar discussing politics etc. back at 12.

Tuesday 6^th May 1947

Up 7.15.

Great deal of waiting today. I got really cheesed, despite the fact that this should be the happiest day of my life.

Went to Kirkham & got clothes. Generally, not too bad thought shirt & tie are grim. Back to Warton & left at 12.30. got 1.2 from Lytham & had to wait 3 hours for 4.45 at Preston. Still I didn’t waste the time as I managed to get a “Monopoly” set. At Euston at 9.15.

Home 10pm. 

Started writing Bert etc. 

Bed 1.30am.

Wednesday 7^th May 1947

Up 11.30

Rang Walter. Messed around all day.

Called on Ron in evening but he was playing. Saw Bert.

Walter & Olive called.

Bed late.

Thursday 8^th May 1947

Up 9.30.

Went  up office. Can’t get articles for a while – am I wild. Would have put add in D Telegraph but there is a 5 week delay. So I shall hang on till after the 9^th when I start work..

Bed late.

Friday 9^th May 1947

Up 9.30. went to Food Office & got identity card ration book & clothing coupons – 110 coupons.

After dinner Dad & I went out & I bought a bow tie, & hat at Deans where Jeans brother works & ordered a pair of flannels & jacket from Woodmansee’s, promised for 31^st May.

Sorted out all my suits etc. Jean came over & we played monopoly all evening.

Les Ashly called.

Saturday 10^th May 1947

Up fairly early.

Had several nosebleedings.

Went to dance with Bert in evening.

Home 11.20.

Sunday 11^th May 1947

Up at 9.

Jean came over. 

Walter & Olive came at 10.30 & then 7 of us went to Westcliff to see the house we are staying at next month.

Had quite a good day – food ok.

Walter Ern & I went to Rochford aerodrome & they went up. I didn’t go because the plane only held 3 – & they had to take a pilot. Anyway it didn’t matter much to me because I’ve got over 5 hrs already. 

Home 10.

Monday 12^th May 1947

Up at 9. Went out with Bert in afternoon as he wanted some trousers. I bought a “Litesome Belt” they aren’t at all bad.

Went to Young Conservatives meeting.

Bert went to Cinema but I saw him go so I pressed on. Mum said after that Peggy knocked to see if I was going.

I don’t like it. It seems I am being inveigled into something I don’t want. 

I am now helping the entertainments sub-committee – they are after providing some shows or something. Home 11.15

More nosebleedings.

Tuesday 13^th May 1947

Up 9.

Went out in morning to try to get a biro penIV – no luck.

Went to speedway.  W Ham beat Harringay 44.40 thanks to Eric Chitty.

Wednesday 14^th May 1947

Messed around all day.

Went to Broadway & saw “Magnificent Doll” & “Son of Dracula” not so hot.

Thursday 15^th May 1947

Up late.

Messed around all day. Went to RAF meeting. Had couple of diaries.

Friday 16^th May 1947

Up 9.30

Wrote several song tunes today.

Called on Ron in evening had a talk etc. he has been given some opium by a chap at his office. I made sure it was destroyed because I could never be sure he would not use it. 

Wrote to an arranger about an article he wrote in the M.M. (Melody Maker)

Saturday 17^th May 1947

Wrote more tunes. Had a bath. Collected photos from Baber’s, they are not too good.

Went to Odeon in evening. Saw “The Late George Apley” & “The House of Tao Ling.”

Not too grim.

My 107 badge came today.

Sunday 18^th May 1947

Joined RAF 4 yrs ago today. 

Up 10

Ern & I did a lot of sorting out of our stuff in the little room.

Jean came over.

Monday 19^th May 1947

Up late.

Went up West bought some books & ordered a Biro Pen.

Rang up the book club & found that my address had been lost but the books would be sent to me.

Went to boys football match W Ham V Edmonton. W Ham lost 2-3 but really drew 3.3  – the goal being disallowed – as far as I could see for no reason. Quite good game & I think 3 of the boys will go far.

Went to YC meeting, played table tennis etc.

Tuesday 20^th May 1947

Up 9.30

Went up West after dinner. Bought book & got 3 seats for June 11^th at Palladium.

After tea went up West again to Radar Assn Social.  Fairly good time but didn’t meet anyone I knew. 

Home 11.40.

Did football pools.

Wednesday 20^th May 1947

Up 9.30 put up a bird table in the garden.

Went to Odeon saw Bing in “Welcome Stranger” “Step By Step “. Not bad.

Thursday 21^st May 1947

Went to RAFA to whist drive. Did pools. Bed late.

Friday 23^rd May 1947

Ernie Marshall came.  After dinner we went up West.

Saw Ed G Robinson in “The Red House” very good.  After tea we went to the Windmill. Worth seeing but not at them prices.

Home late.

Saturday 24^th May 1947

Up early. Went to see Ernie off.  Bert & I practiced dancing. 

We went to Broadway to see “The Jolson Story”. Very good & “Mark of Legion” not good.

Went to YMCA dance with Bert. Danced with couple of nice wenches.   Must Join.^V

Sunday 25^th May 1947

Up late

Cleaned shoes etc & did odd jobs. Went to see Les Ashby but no one in.

Called on Ron.

Monday 26^th May 1947

Whit Monday. Bert & I went to British Games at White City.  Heino (Finland) broke British 6 mile record & Conwell (USA) the 100 yds. 

Tea at Strand Corner Hse then to Eltham to see one of Bert’s colleagues played monopoly & I won. Left 11.20.

Caught last bus

Caught last tram

Caught last train from New X

Caught last train from Whitechapel

What a night.

Home 1.20

W.Ham won 3.2 at Newcastle – wonders will never cease.

Tuesday 27^th May 1947

Up late 

Bert & I went to YMCA & got entry forms.

Then to Broadway & saw “The Man Within” – excellent & “ Tale of two Cafes” – tripe.

Wednesday 28^th May 1947

Went to Walters. Had haircut joined YMCA went to dance there quite good time. 

Les Ashley called.

Thursday 29^th May 1947

Went to RADA dance good evening.

I played drums while Bert danced once or twice. Went for interview about job at shop I wrote to.  He will let me know but I don’t think I want the job.

Friday 30^th May 1947

Bought hanks & ties from Woodmansee’s & collected flannels. My jacket won’t arrive till Monday so they will send it on.

Went to Odeon with Bert & Ron.  “Hatters Castle” wizard & “The Trouble with Women”  good.

Saturday 31^st May 1947

I thought this week had been hot but today beat all.

Went to football W Ham lost 5-0 to Burnley – so Burnley go up.

In evening went to Swimming Gala Plaistow beat Ilford 42-36. 

First team drew at Polo 3.3 B team won 5.2.

Had a bath etc.

Sunday 1^st June 1947

Up 8.15.

Finished packing. Wal came 11.

Called for Jean & then Olive.

Arrived at 14 Grosvenor Rd at 1.

Had dinner, went for walk. Met Ernie Marshall & went out with him in evening to Southend for walk etc.

Monday 2^nd June 1947

Up 8.30 slept well. Met Bert & Pat at Southend at 10.15. Went to Southend airport & he & Pat went for a flight. 

Went on pier.

Dinner at Garmen’s 

Met Ernie.

We all went to Kursaal.^VI

Played 2 rounds of putting green . Ern & I went to his place at Rayleigh & then to a dance back 10.15

Very hot.

Tuesday 3^rd June 1947

Up 8.30. put on shorts. Sunbathed before dinner. After dinner we had a boat out. Picked up Ernie at Leigh.

Walter & Olive came for tea. Brought us our letters etc. 

Hottest day since 1911. 93.

Wednesday 4^th June 1947

Another hot day.

Wore shorts.

Went into Southend & bought a white jacket as my sports jacket which arrived today is a dead loss.

Sat on front in afternoon.  We all went to Kursaal in evening but it is dead. Walked back. Had late walk after supper.

Thursday 5^th June 1947

Not so hot now.

We all went to Southend to shops in morning. Ern & I bought ties & went on cars by pier. After dinner it was a bit cold & we went to a shelter on the front.

Mum & Dad visited friends in evening.

Ern & Jean V me played cards.

Friday 6^th June 1947

Went to Southend & bought cards for Dad & Mums birthdays.

In afternoon it rained & Ern Jean & I spent our time in arcades till it stopped raining & we could go on putting green. Went on cars.

In evening all of us & Mrs H & Jean went to Palace Theatre & saw “Tony Draws a Horse” not bad. 

Played cards later.

Saturday 7^th June 1947

Up 8.30

Dads cards came & I gave them to Jean to keep till tomorrow.

More rain.

Went to Southend before dinner.

After dinner started to show Jean chess.

Listened to Derby commentary.

Went shopping with Ern & Jean & then to Southend.

All went to Southend later on putting green played 2 games of chess won 1 lost 1.

Sunday 8^th June 1947

Dad 62 today. Gave him his cards & made breakfast – good fun. Packed all our stuff & went for walk. 

Wal & Olive came for dinner. 

Went to Rochford airport. Left after tea. Home 9. Unpacked & prepared for work tomorrow.

Monday 9^th June 1947

What a coincidence met Doris Stainsby on train. I think she is still unattached. Must dig in.

Felt like new boy again but it soon wore off. Worked out of office in afternoon. Home 5.15. 

Ok for articles probably get  £4 a week.

Went to YC meeting.

Tuesday 10^th June 1947

Up 8.

Again out of office. Home 5.15.

Mum & Dad went to Isle of Sheppey with Wal & Olive.

Went to speedway & saw W Ham beat the Dons 44-40 – very good as Dons are top at the moments.

Met Eileen from Elccas .

Mums birthday tomorrow. Ern Jean & I bought her a miniature garden – very nice.

---

I: Tannoy : Old word for a PA System : Public Address System PA
Tannoy Con : Condenser Microphone
Vernier drive for riser : Control knob
Mixer : Sound mixer
Gtr Amp : GTR famous maker of amplifiers like guitar amplifiers
Magnet & Bobbins : Used for guitars

II: Wikipedia
The airborne side of the Gee Mk. II system consisted of two portions, the R1355 radio receiver, and the Indicator Unit Type 62 (or 62A) oscilloscope. The two were attached together by two thick cables, one of which carried the video signal, and the second carried the power to the Indicator, the power supply being built into the receiver to save space on the display side. 
The R1355 was designed so as to allow the Radio Frequency Unit (RFU) to be easily swapped over in flight. This allowed the navigator to select different Gee Chains, the change-over operation taking only a minute or so. A change of RFU could also be used to avoid jamming, as the Germans would not know which Chains were being actively used.

III: Wikipedia
The Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) was a voluntary unit of civilians providing nursing care for military personnel in the United Kingdom and various other countries in the British Empire. The most important periods of operation for these units were during World War I and World War II. Although VADs were intimately bound up in the war effort, they were not strictly speaking military nurses, as they were not under the control of the military. The VAD nurses worked in field hospitals, i.e., close to the battlefield, and in longer-term places of recuperation back in Britain.

IV: Santa Fe Trail (film) – Wikipedia
Santa Fe Trail is a 1940 American western film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Raymond Massey, Ronald Reagan and Alan Hale. Written by Robert Buckner, the film is about the abolitionist John Brown and his campaign against slavery prior to the American Civil War.

V: base wallah – someone on HQ staff http://whitepebbleday.com/raf_slang_and_abbreviations.htm

VI: Wikipedia 
Melody Maker was a British weekly music newspaper, one of the world’s earliest music weeklies (according to its publisher, IPC Media, the earliest). It was founded in 1926, largely as a magazine for dance band musicians, by Leicester-born composer, publisher Lawrence Wright; the first editor was Edgar Jackson.

VII: www.thepavilion.org.uk
The Pavilion opened in Reading in 1929 as a cinema, The Gaumont, complete with organist and tea lounge. It closed in 1979, and was used for a while as a snooker hall.
More than 30 years after the cinema closed Life Spring Church bought the Pavilion and restored the building, opening it again for their church services and various other community events. They opened it as a smart venue for hire and a centre for theatre and other performances, keeping many touches of its original architecture as a cinema.

VIII: Wikipedia
The V-2 (German: Vergeltungswaffe 2, “Retribution Weapon 2”),  was the world’s first long-range guided ballistic missile. The missile, powered by a liquid-propellant rocket engine, was developed during the Second World War in Germany as a “vengeance weapon”, assigned to attack Allied cities as retaliation for the Allied bombings against German cities. The V-2 rocket also became the first man-made object to travel into space by crossing the Kármán line with the vertical launch of MW 18014 on 20 June 1944.
Research into military use of long range rockets began when the studies of graduate student Wernher von Braun attracted the attention of the German Army. A series of prototypes culminated in the A-4, which went to war as the V-2. Beginning in September 1944, over 3,000 V-2s were launched by the German Wehrmacht against Allied targets, first London and later Antwerp and Liège. According to a 2011 BBC documentary, the attacks from V2s resulted in the deaths of an estimated 9,000 civilians and military personnel, and a further 12,000 forced laborers and concentration camp prisoners died as a result of their forced participation in the production of the weapons.
As Germany collapsed, teams from the Allied forces—the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union—raced to capture key German manufacturing sites and technology. Wernher von Braun and over 100 key V-2 personnel surrendered to the Americans. Eventually, many of the original V-2 team ended up working at the Redstone Arsenal. The US also captured enough V-2 hardware to build approximately 80 of the missiles. The Soviets gained possession of the V-2 manufacturing facilities after the war, re-established V-2 production, and moved it to the Soviet Union.

IX: Ersatz coffee, made of non-specific organic material (often acorns) to replace real coffee, which was not available by the end of the First World War due to the Allied blockade of German ports.

X: Wikipedia 
Douai is a commune in the Nord département in northern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. Located on the river Scarpe some 40 kilometres from Lille and 25 km from Arras, Douai is home to one of the region’s most impressive belfries.

 XI: South Rampart Street Parade

XII: Wikipedia
The Martin B-26 Marauder was an American World War II twin-engined medium bomber built by the Glenn L. Martin Company in Middle River, Maryland (just east of Baltimore) from 1941 to 1945. First used in the Pacific Theatre in early 1942, it was also used in the Mediterranean Theatre and in Western Europe.
After entering service with the United States Army aviation units, the aircraft received the reputation of a “Widowmaker” due to the early models’ high accident rate during takeoffs and landings. The Marauder had to be flown at exact airspeeds, particularly on final runway approach and when one engine was out. The 150 mph (241 km/h) speed on short final runway approach was intimidating to pilots who were used to much slower speeds, and whenever they slowed down to speeds below what the manual stated, the aircraft would stall and crash.
The B-26 became a safer aircraft once crews were re-trained, and after aerodynamics modifications (an increase of wingspan and wing angle-of-incidence to give better takeoff performance, and a larger vertical stabilizer and rudder). After aerodynamic and design changes, the aircraft distinguished itself as “the chief bombardment weapon on the Western Front” according to a United States Army Air Forces dispatch from 1946. The Marauder ended World War II with the lowest loss rate of any USAAF bomber.

XVIII: Wikipedia
Eric Winstone (born 1 January 1913 in London, died 2 May 1974 in Pagham, Sussex) was an English big band leader, conductor and composer.
Playing piano in his spare time from a job as Westminster Gas and Coke Company led him to form his first band in 1935. He learned the accordion, started an accordion school and formed an accordion quintet, a swing quintet, and a big band orchestra.
During World War II his orchestra entertained the forces and performed at holiday camps after the war. In 1955 a CinemaScope short of The Eric Winstone Band show was made.

VXIV: Ludo  is a strategy board game for two to four players, in which the players race their four tokens from start to finish according to the rolls of a single die. Like other cross and circle games, Ludo is derived from the Indian game Pachisi, but simpler. The game and its variations are popular in many countries and under various names.

XV: Wikipedia
Eric Winstone (born 1 January 1913 in London, died 2 May 1974 in Pagham, Sussex) was an English big band leader, conductor and composer.
Playing piano in his spare time from a job as Westminster Gas and Coke Company led him to form his first band in 1935. He learned the accordion, started an accordion school and formed an accordion quintet, a swing quintet, and a big band orchestra.
During World War II his orchestra entertained the forces and performed at holiday camps after the war. In 1955 a CinemaScope short of The Eric Winstone Band show was made.

XVI: Ludo  is a strategy board game for two to four players, in which the players race their four tokens from start to finish according to the rolls of a single die. Like other cross and circle games, Ludo is derived from the Indian game Pachisi, but simpler. The game and its variations are popular in many countries and under various names.

XVII: Signal Generator

XVIII: http://henrybebop.co.uk/service.htm
The Service bands (1940 – 1945)…
Service bands were at the forefront of swing during the war years with the Dance Orchestra of HM Royal Air Force (Squadronaires), the No. 1 Balloon Centre Dance Orchestra (Skyrockets) and the Royal Army Ordnance Corps Dance Orchestra (Blue Rockets), led by Jimmy Miller. Paul Fenhoulet and Eric Tann respectively, prominent.

XIX: NB probably Educational and Vocational Training see National Archives Kew https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4100864

XX: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/30/a2745830.shtml
Right, so I’m in Brussels, the War is still on, but fighting had moved far on. British forces had freed Brussels, and it was now a leave centre for men from the Front, for Allied troops. To accommodate them many large buildings had been taken over. The Metropole Hotel was, I think, the A.E.F. Club, the Montgomery (Monty) Club was a former Royal Palace, and so it went on. Entrance to clubs, theatres, concerts, Opera House, etc. was free, as were the trams and trains. ‘Charge it to Churchill!’ was the cry.

XXI: Wikipedia
Erewhon: or, Over the Range (/ɛrɛhwɒn/) is a novel by Samuel Butler which was first published anonymously in 1872. The title is also the name of a country, supposedly discovered by the protagonist. In the novel, it is not revealed where Erewhon is, but it is clear that it is a fictional country. Butler meant the title to be understood as the word “nowhere” backwards even though the letters “h” and “w” are transposed. The book is a satire on Victorian society.
The first few chapters of the novel dealing with the discovery of Erewhon are in fact based on Butler’s own experiences in New Zealand where, as a young man, he worked as a sheep farmer on Mesopotamia Station for about four years (1860–64) and explored parts of the interior of the South Island and which he wrote about in his A First Year in Canterbury Settlement (1863).

XXII: London Victory Celebrations of 1946
From Wikipedia 
The London Victory Celebrations of 1946 were British Commonwealth, Empire and Allied victory celebrations held after the defeat of Nazi Germany and Japan in World War II. The celebrations took place in London on 8 June 1946, and consisted mainly of a military parade through the city and a night time fireworks display. Most British allies took part in the parade, including Belgium, Brazil, China, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, Luxembourg the Netherlands and the United States. The parade arrangements caused a controversy surrounding the lack of representation of Polish forces.

XXIII: From Wikipedia
Bobby soxer is a term for the wildly enthusiastic, teenage female fans of 1940s traditional pop music, in particular that of singer Frank Sinatra. Bobby soxers were usually teenage girls in high schools and colleges, who got their name from the popular bobby socks that they wore. As a teenager, actress Shirley Temple played a stereotypical bobby soxer in the film The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947).

XXIV: In February 1974, he was once again elected to Parliament, now for Newham South, but left the House of Commons soon afterwards when he was made a life peer, as Baron Elwyn-Jones, of Llanelli in the County of Carmarthen and of Newham in Greater London. He then served as Lord Chancellor from 1974 to 1979, under Harold Wilson and James Callaghan. In 1976 he was made a Companion of Honour.

XXV: Wikipedia
Theirs is the Glory (a.k.a. Men of Arnhem), is a 1946 British war film about the British 1st Airborne Division’s involvement in the Battle of Arnhem (17 September to 25 September 1944) during Operation Market Garden in the Second World War. It was the first film to be made about this battle, and the biggest grossing war movie for nearly a decade. The later film A Bridge Too Far depicts the operation as a whole and includes the British, Polish and American Airborne forces, while Theirs is the Glory focuses solely on the British forces, and their fight at Oosterbeek and Arnhem.
The film was directed by Brian Desmond Hurst, who was himself a veteran of the First World War, having survived Gallipoli where he had served with the Royal Irish Rifles. The producer was Leonard Castleton Knight, Head of Gaumont British News. The script was written primarily by Louis Golding but honed by Hurst’s protege Terence Young (then subsequently went on to direct They Were Not Divided and the early Bond films). Young had been in the Irish Guards with the Guards Armoured Division seeking to relieve Arnhem during the battle and hence the authenticity of the eventual story-line. The veterans who starred in the film also actively collaborated on the script.

XXVI: Designing Britain 1945 – 1975  Exhibiting Britain  Britain Can Make It  BCMI Introduction
The Britain Can Make It (BCMI) exhibition was held between September and November 1946 at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum, London. It was organised and held under the auspices of the Council of Industrial Design (COID) which had been established by central government in 1944 ‘to promote by all practicable means the improvement of design in the products of British industry’ (COID, 1946, 5).
In an announcement released to Trade Associations in September 1945, the aims of the exhibition were declared:
The Council of Industrial Design will hold in the summer of next year a national exhibition of design in all the main range of consumer goods – clothing, household furnishings and equipment, office equipment and civil transport…It will represent the best and only the best that modern British industry can produce…[it will be] British industry’s first great post-war gesture to the British people and the world
BCMI would display the consumer goods which, the government intended, would form the basis on which the economy of post-war Britain would be renewed. Six years of war had left the country in severe debt. The government’s main concern was to ensure that income could be generated through trade, particularly with countries overseas. Hence all effort in production was aimed at the export market while the British market remained subject to a rationing even more severe than in wartime. This situation was made clear at BCMI where all the goods on display were for purchase only by the export market and would not be available, at least in the short term, to home consumers (hence the popular nickname for the exhibition, Britain Can’t Have It).
The fact that the exhibition was organised by the COID and was described as ‘a national exhibition of design’ reveals how intrinsic design was to economic renewal. Stafford Cripps, President of the Board of Trade, the government department of which the COID formed part, emphasised this in a speech made in November 1945:
Design is a factor of crucial importance to British industry today…
He continued:
…we must have something more than British solidity to sell our goods in competition with others.
Cripps, 1945
The future of British design rests, in the long run, with you.
COID, BCMI Guide, 1946
But in 1946, the notion that design, and designers, could enhance a product and were a ‘good thing’ was a relatively new one to the British. So, in addition to the task of presenting well-designed goods to the overseas market, BCMI was also used to present the idea of the need for design to the British public. Thus alongside the displays of consumer goods, the COID also included stands devoted to the role of the designer and the history of design in Britain. In addition, this belief in the absolute necessity of design meant that the COID did not just ensure that all the goods on display were well-designed but that the very environment in which they stood reinforced the design values it endorsed.
At the end of the war the Victoria and Albert museum was standing empty. Its exhibits had been stored in the safety of the countryside during hostilities and had not yet been returned. The museum was, after much debate, agreed as an appropriate site since the founding purpose of its collection was the improvement of design. In all, 90, 000 square feet of museum space would be allocated to BCMI, about half the museum’s total area.

I: Wikipedia
Bedelia is a 1946 British drama film directed by Lance Comfort and starring Margaret Lockwood, Ian Hunter and Barry K. Barnes.[3] It is an adaptation of the novel Bedelia by Vera Caspary with events moved from the United States to England and Monaco.

 II: British Forces Network (BFN) broadcasting

IV: Wikipedia
Invented as the Second World War was about to begin in 1938, the biro takes its name from its creator Ladislao José Biro. Biro, also known as László József Bíró, was born on 29 September 1899 in Budapest in what was then Austria-Hungary.29 Sep 2016.
This new design was licensed by the British, who produced ballpoint pens for RAF aircrew as the Biro. Ballpoint pens were found to be more versatile than fountain pens, especially at high altitudes, where fountain pens were prone to ink-leakage.

V: Family legend has it that mum and dad met at the YMCA Rambling Association.

VI: Wikipedia
The Kursaal is a Grade II listed building in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England, which opened in 1901 as part of one of the world’s first purpose-built amusement parks. The venue is noted for the main building with distinctive dome, designed by Campbell Sherrin, which has featured on a Royal Mail special edition stamp.

Book 46

Wednesday 11^th June 1947

Mum & Dad back at 12.45

Ern in at 1 so we gave mum her garden.

Mum 60^th birthday.

Out of office most of day . Home 5.15.

Mum & Dad & I went to Palladium to see Tommy Trinder in “Here There & Everywhere”. Very good. Home 11.40

Thursday 12^th June 1947

Up 8 Saw Doris on train. In office all day. Went to Ron’s.

Friday 13^th June 1947

Up 8 saw Doris.

Went to Stratford Town Hall dance with Bert.

Meet Eileen & Barbara. Danced several times.

Saturday 14^th June 1947

Up late.

Saw Doris & asked her for date.

Home 1.

Got photos from holiday. Not very good. Took sport jacket back to Woodmansee’s.

Went to Band job with Ron & Bert.

Home 11.40

Sunday 15^th June 1947

Up 1. Had a bath. 

My name is in the Melody Maker this week in an article by Kenneth Essex.

Stayed in & played monopoly with Ern & Jean.

Monday 16^th June 1947

Signed articles today with FHA^VII & took them to Inst.

Went to cinema with Bert saw “That Brennan Girl” & “Hue & Cry” very good. 

Went to Midland bank & opened A/c.

Tuesday 17^th June 1947

Went to speedway with Bert. W Ham lost to Odsel^VIII

Wednesday 18^th June 1947

Went to Cinema with Bert to see “King Kong”. Well worth seeing again. 

DS is hooked up for good – damn & blast

Thursday 19^th June 1947

Went to RAFA dance – had a very good time.

Friday 20^th June 1947

Mum & Dad went to Clacton.

In all evening Ern & Jean came over.

Signed up for course with H Faulks Lynch today.

Saturday 21^st June 1947

Up late.

Went out looking for a suit but unsuccessful.

Played in evening. Nice easy quid for 2 hrs work.

Had letter from Institute saying my articles cut to 3 years & receipt from Faulks Lynch.

Friday 27^th June 1947

Got paid today.

Very very hot in morning but extremely violent storm in lunch hour & almost a cloud burst in fact.

Home early. Saw Bert & did some studying in evening.

Got my Biro pen today, it is certainly a very nice thing to write with & I am glad I got it.

Saturday 28^th June 1947

Went to work but didn’t do much. 

In afternoon went to Woodmansee’s it rained. Played in evening total 22/6d for a nice job. Home 11.40

Sunday 29^th June 1947

Played piano & messed around. Saw Ron in evening.

Monday 30^th June 1947

My papers arrived from Faulks Lynch & co. started studying & then went to YC’s very interesting talk by Councillor Collins on “Local Government”.

Home late in storm.

Tuesday 1^st July 1947

Halfway through the year now. Worked hard all day went to City YC during lunchbreak for lunch & to hear JBL Thompson the vice chairman of the Con Party in “Party Organisation” very good.

Studied hard in evening & did self-test. I will go out tomorrow & do test on Thursday.

Wednesday 2^nd July 1947

Went to  Charing X Rd to see “Birth of a Baby” very good but I didn’t learn much.

Thursday 3^rd July 1947

Did 2 Lynch tests & studied all evening.

Friday 4^th July 1947

Studied all evening.

Saturday 5^th July 1947

Up 8.15.

Went to see about a suit & I hope to get one in a few weeks’ time.

In all afternoon sorting music. 

Went with Ron to dance job. Not too good – didn’t feel on form.

Sunday 6^th July 1947

Wasted day fiddling with music etc. till evening when I went to open air social meeting & rather messed up the speakers.

Monday 7^th July 1947

Home 5.15

Studies & went to Y Con meeting what a crazy night.

Thursday 8^th July 1947

Went to City Y Con meeting & heard Anthony Nutting MP. Quite good.

Studied in evening..

Wednesday 9^th July 1947

Studied in evening.

Thursday 10^th July 1947

As yesterday.

Friday 11^th July 1947

Studied in evening.

Saturday 12^th July 1947

Went to work.

Home 12.45

Did odd jobs in afternoon & bought tie & collars & ordered sports jacket. Had appointment with optician.

Sunday 13^th July 1947

Up late.

Messed about all day.

Went to Walters in evening home 11.45.

Monday 14^th July 1947

Went to Y Con in evening. Played records & danced etc. home 11.35.

Tuesday 15^th July 1947

Went to lunch with Bert. Studied in evening.

Wednesday 16^th July 1945

Studied in evening & did test. Saw Bert. Got Job Sat at Heathway

Friday 18^th July 1947

Bought some music & manuscript books. 

Studied in evening.

Had to get biro refilled – cost nothing.

Saturday 19^th July 1947

Day off.

Took photos to Baker for extra prints & did odd jobs.

Got invite to Bob Agers wedding.

Trains hopeless must try by coach.

Played at Heathway.

Sunday 20^th July 1947

Up 10

Messed around all day & went to Broadway in evening. Saw James Mason in “The Patient Vanishes” & “Eve knew her apples”

Monday 21^st July 1947

Had afternoon off to book coach seat but queue too long so went up Charing X Rd for music etc.

Went to YC’s meeting pretty dead loss.  Walter & Olive called.

Tuesday 22^nd July 1947

Up late.

Studied in evening.

Wednesday 23^rd July 1947

Got an electric clock for Bob.

Lunched with Bert & bought 2 ties.

Studies & went to YMCA arranged to go hiking on Sunday.

Thursday 24^th July 1947

Studied in evening.

Friday 25^th July 1947

My nephew David Joseph Redhead born at 10.20 am 9lbs 8 oz.

Mum of course stayed over Wanstead with them.

Another DJR born on a 25^th..

I went over with Dad in evening. He has dark brown hair. Saw Jean when we got home.

Saturday 26^th July 1947

Went to office.

Got photos & collected jacket, it isn’t too bad.

Played at Heathway with Holloway.

Dad stayed at Wanstead talking to Bert till 2am.

Sunday 27^th July 1947

Up 9.

Went on Ramble with YMCA very good time went to Walters had a bath & something to eat & came home with Dad. Bed 11.45.

Monday 28^th July 1947

Up late.

Went up YMCA in evening & messed about.

Tuesday 29^th July 1947

Worked all evening.

Walter called.

Wednesday 30^th July 1947

Last Day In RAF.

Got 19/4/2 from them & sent off a stinky letter cause I think they owe me a fiver still.

Went up YMCA.

Thursday 31^st July 1947

Had letter from Bob, wrote to him & got new glasses. Went up YMCA

Friday 1^st August 1947

Studied all evening.

Saturday 2^nd August 1947

Saturday off.

Messed around all day played in band at Heathway again.

Talked to Bert till 2.

Sunday 3^rd August 1947

Dad was at Walters – I woke at 12.15. at Walters at 1.30.

Did odd jobs & messed arounds stayed all night.

Monday 4^th august 1947

Up 8

Messed around all morning & studied.

After dinner came home & pressed suit I got ready for Band job.

At Walters again for tea. 

Home 11.35.

At London Bridge all day.

Studied in evening.

Wednesday 6^th August 1947

Went up YMCA in evening after working.

Thursday 7^th August 1947

Got my shoes repaired. At London bridge all day. Worked in evening.

Friday 8^th August 1947

Worked all evening.

Saturday 9^th august 1947

Bought shorts & paid for rambling.

Went to see practice match at West Ham. Result 3;2

Went to Maisie’s wedding with Bert got on very well with wench named Eileen – ex Wren now in an accounts office.

Sunday 10^th August 1947

Saw Eileen home. Home at 7.20 cleaned up & went out on ramble. 

Went to Ongar (12 miles) met 2 sisters Doris & Vera (Vera bang on) Doris works Pimms Hall Vera New Broad St.

Home early as I felt tired.

Monday 11^th august 1947

Studied in evening & went to Y Cons.

Tuesday 12^th August 1947

Went to City Cons in lunch hour.

Studies in evening. 

Did test & sent it off.

Wednesday 13^th August 1947

Studied in evening & went to YM

Met Vera again she’s lovely. Hope to see her Sunday.

Thursday 14^th August 1947

Up YM to see about Sunday ramble.  Played snooker .

Studied.

Friday 15^th August 1947

Studied in evening. 

Olive came with David. Ern & Jean here.

Saturday 16^th August 1947

Went to football.

Played at Heathway.

Sunday 17^th August 1947

Up 8. Saw Kenneth in train, he is on catering board. At Baker St at 9.45.

Vera there.

Did 14 miles around Walford. Very hot day. Saw Vera to Leyton & arranged to take her out Friday evening.

What a girl.

Monday 18^th August 1947

Got seats for show & rang Vera.

Studied in evening instead of going to YC’s. 

Tuesday 19^th August 1947

At Allan’s with George so couldn’t go to City YCs – hope Vera didn’t go there.

Studies in evening.

Wednesday 20^th August 1947

Studied all evening.

Thursday 21^st August 1947

Studied all evening.

Friday 22^nd August 1947

Took Vera to see “Woman’s Eye View” bang on.  Went to Rainbow room for supper.

Took V home

Home at 12.

Saturday 23^rd August 1947

Went to office. Home 12.30

Went to Dentist. Played at Heathway. Home 11.30

Sunday 24^th August 1947

Went to ramble to Broxbourne. Not very good. Home 10.

Monday 25^th August 1947

Studied all evening.

Tuesday 26^th August 1947

Studied.

Wednesday 27^th August 1947

Went to FR Allen’s with George Lewis.

Studied & went to YMCA dance. Saw Vera – all very cold.

Thursday 28^th August 1947

Studied

Friday 29^th August 1947

Studied in evening.

Saturday 30^th August 1947

Went to football w Ham beat Notts F 2.1

Went to Ladies night at YMCA not very good.

Sunday 31^st August 1947

Went on ramble to Ongar to pick blackberries. Got a couple of pounds of berries. Home 9.30.

Monday 1^st September 1947

Studied all day. Sent in paper from office. 

Went to YCs saw the prospective candidate not very impressed.

Tuesday 2^nd September 1947

Went to City YC’s & did another Lynch test paper.

Good going.

Frank turned up with Tenor dots.

Wednesday 3^rd September 1947

Went to YMCA.  All up with Vera – very cold.

Had haircut.

Thursday 4^th September 1947

Bob Dyer & his wife took me to lunch & I took them round city.

Dorothy is just the type for Bob – very practical & pushful – contrast to Bob.

Card at home say Ray Abbott getting married Saturday.

Studied. Wal & Olive left David at home while they went out.

Friday 5^th September 1947

Not much study.

Called on Ron & Fred Clements.

Saturday 6^th September 1947

Went up office & took books – therefore I had a job come along – if I hadn’t taken books I would have sat idle all morning.

Played at Heathway with Ron.

W Ham lost  – the clots.

Sunday 7^th September 1947

On Ramble to Sevenoaks for blackberries. Not bad.

Home 9.

Monday 8^th September 1947

Went to YC meeting. Studied most of day.

Tuesday 9^th September 1947

Studied most of day went to lecture.

To city Y Cons.

Wednesday 10^th September 1947

Studied most of day.

Went to YMCA 

Thursday 11^th September 1947

Reg called.

Wal & Olive left David here.

Friday 12^th September 1947

Studied most of day.

Went to lecture.

Studied in evening.

Saturday 13^th September 1947

Reg called.

Wal & Olive left David here.

Friday 12^th September 1-47

Studied most of day.

Went to lecture.

Studied in evening.

Saturday 13^th September 1947

Ordered suit.

Went to Dentist – refilled.

Went to football beat Southampton 2.0

Played at dance.

Sunday 14^th September 1947

Went to David’s Christening.

Party at Walters home 12.30

Monday 15^th September 1947

Saw the flypast 4,21,& 107 in it.^IX

Went to Y Cons canvassing very interesting. 

Went to KHPA dance at Public Hall.

Not very good.

Saw Ernie Chitty Aub Lawson & Bill Mathews. Helped Bert home with kit. Home 12.

Tuesday 16^th September 1947

Went to lecture.

Wednesday 17^th September 1947

Went to AGM at YMCA. Dead loss

Thursday 18^th September 1947

Went to open air YCon meeting. Studied all evening.

Friday 19^th September 1947

Bought some music went to lecture. Studied.

Saturday 20^th September 1947

Saw W Ham reserves beat QPR Reserves 4.1

Played at Halbury in evening.

Sunday 21^st September 1947

Stayed in all day studied & messed around.

Monday 22^nd September 1947

Went to Y Cons in evening.

Tuesday 23^rd September 1947

Went to City & Co. 

Went to lecture.

Went up YMCA

Wednesday 24^th September 1947

Went up Allen’s in Strand.

Went out to YMCA & Herbert.

Thursday 25^th September 1947

Got some music.

Studied

Wal & Olive brought David here.

Friday 26^th September 1947

Went to lecture.

Studied

Saturday 27^th September 1947

Went to Dentist. Saw W.Ham beat Coventry 1.0

Went with Bert to a dance got cheesed, walked out went to YM met Vera.

Sunday 28^th September 1947

Bert & I sorted our dots.

Studied & messed around. Went up Trafalgar Squ to a mass meeting demanding a General Election – good fun.

Monday 29^th September 1947

Went to YCs had a chat etc.

Tuesday 30^th September 1947

Went to City YCs . Bang on speech on Germany by Bernard Braine.

Studied in evening.

Wednesday 1^st October 1947

In evening we played at YMCA – not bad.

Jeff Pratt back at work.

Thursday 2^nd October 1947

Played at Fred’s Band rehearsal – dead loss band.

Went to lecture at institute very good, went with Jeff.

Friday 3^rd October 1947

Went to lecture.

 Did test in evening. Got some handkerchiefs as a present for Ern.

Fred Gilly, Fred Clem Bert all called.

Saturday 4^th October 1947

Ern is 32 today.

Called on Ray

Went to dentist – another filling.

Went to football W Ham beat Chesterfield 4 0.

Went to Franks house & practiced with him & Ray.

Sunday 5^th October 1947

Up 8.30

Went out all day with Bill to Tring in Herts. Had a good ramble. Home 10.30.

Monday 6^th October 1947

Went to YC’s in evening.

Tuesday 7^th October 1947

Went to City YC’s. did some study in office.

Studied all evening.

Wednesday 8^th October 1947

Lunch with Bert.

Fred, Rey, Frank & Bert called in evening.

Went to Y Con dance at Town Hall. Saw Mrs Sheppard.  Met Eileen – took her home.

Not very good.

Thursday 9^th October 1947

Went to Freds rehearsal – dead loss.

Went to Students Say lecture.

Friday 10^th October 1947

Went to Students Say Lecture & G.L Lecture.

Les Ackley called 

Saturday 11 October 1947

Went to Dentist.

In afternoon went to YC meeting at Grosvenor Square.

In evening went up YMCA and to Herbert’s.

Sunday 12^th October 1947

Up 10

Had rehearsal at Franks.

After dinner went round Ron’s. Went up YMCA in evening. 

Monday 13^th October 1947

Went up YC’s in evening. & studied.

Tuesday 14^th October 1947

Went to City Y.C’s.

Spent evening studying

Wednesday 15^th October 1947

Bert, Ron, Ray Les, Frank & I played at YMCA big success.

Thursday 16^th October 1947

Went to General Aircraft. Home 5.30.

Wal & Olive brought David over.

Studied.

Friday 17^th October 1947

Usual sort of day.

Studies in evening.

Saturday 18^th October 1947

Went to Dentist.

Saw W Ham & Birmingham draw 0-0. Good match.

Played at Westrick with Ron & some oaf walked off with my hat & left me his thing. Means I must start wearing my black homburg for the office. 

Sunday 19^th October 1947

Had bash at Franks. Pretty good.

Studies from 3 till 11 Jean came.

Monday 20^th October 1947

In evening had bash at Franks. Bang on.

Went to YC’s – & lost my biro by lending it to Maisie.

Tuesday 21^st October 1947

Rotten day – things kept going wrong.

Went up YC’s but no Biro.

Studied.

Wednesday 22^nd October 1947

Played at YMCA very good.

Thursday 23^rd October 1947

David over home.

Studied.

Friday 24^th October 1947

Home late as I went to FC & S Sec lectures. Studies.

Read “Flotsam” by E M Remarque. Very good

Lousy day at office. 

Saturday 25^th October 1947

Went to Dentist.

Saw Reserves Beat Leyton 9-0 1^st team won at WBA 2.1.

Played at RC Club at Holland Park in evening. Whizzo with the old whisky etc. smashing there. Home 1.15.

Sunday 26^th October 1947

Up 1.30

Studied.

Went to YMCA in evening. Listened to Records, talked to Doris.

Wal & Olive & Jean all came.

Monday 27^th October 1947

Up 8.40 mad dash but in office at 9.30.

Went to YC’s. Studied.

Tuesday 28^th October 1947

Did test paper. Went to lecture.

Wednesday 29^th October 1947

Played at YMCA. Pretty grim – Frank messed about too much.

Thursday 30^th October 1947

Studied.

David at home went to lecture.

Friday 31^st October 1947

Went to S Say lectures.

Studied.

Saturday 1^st November 1947

Up 10.

Bought hat. Went to dentist. Saw Ern in afternoon & bought pair of shoes.

Saw W Ham beat Barnsley 2-1.

Voted for the first time.

After mucking about at YMCA etc eventually went to Broadway & saw “They Got Me Covered” & “The Long Night” quite good. 

First time for months I have been to cinema.

Went round to Town Hall to see results after. We lost 15-1.

Met Marsden there & left with him at 1.45.

Sunday 2^nd November 1947

Home 2.10 Bed 2.30

Up 1.15.

Studied.

Went to YMCA for music & heard lecture on India after. Wal & Olive at home. Bills bike repair finished so let him have it.

Monday 3^rd November 1947

Studied all evening.

Tuesday 4^th November 1947

Studied all evening.

Wednesday 5^th November 1947

Bit foggy. Good few bonfire & fireworks but not like pre-war.

Studied.

Went up YMCA at 9. 

Thursday 6^th November 1947

Went to lecture. David at home. Studied.

Friday 7^th November 1947

Went to lecture. Studied.

Saturday 8^th November 1947

Went up office.

Called at dentist & got teeth finished.

Home 1.15.

Went to football reserves beat Plymouth 2-0 & 1^st team drew at Argyle 1-1.

In evening Wal & Olive called & left David.

I went up Club, saw Ern, went to Drill Hall E Ham with him & met Charlie there. Made date for Friday with a dame – Thelma, who works in E Ham Public Library – 6.45 at Town Hall Gates.

I also found 10/- — a good evening.

Home 12.

Sunday 9^th November 1947

Up 10.15

Messed around reading etc most of day.

Studied.

M & D went out with W & O back late.

Monday 10^th November 1947

Studied.

Went up YC’s for half an hour & studied in evening.

Tuesday 11^th November 1947

Got a record of Hoagy Carmichael play “The Music Master”.

Studied in evening and did test.

Wednesday 12^th November 1947

Played at YMCA in evening for Juniors – not very good.

Thursday 13^th November 1947

Not much work.

Studied.

Went to YC’s social at Stratford – not very good.

Friday 14^th November 1947

Saw Thelma, went to Odeon & saw “Fame is the Spur” – very good & “The Crimson King”.

Not very good evening on the whole.

Saturday 15^th November 1947

Morning off.

Moss of the tailors called here & I am to see him in evening.

Went to football. Draw with Luton 0.0 dead loss game.

In evening went to see Moss & couldn’t find his house.

Tried to fix my radio but no luck.

A wasted evening – what a dead loss.

Bed 12.30

Up 8. Went to lecture School at the Palace Hotel Southend. 

Very good day. Good lectures etc. home 7.00 pm studied.

Monday 17^th November 1947

Studied & went to YC’s. Eileen was there. Home late. 

Saw Moss he lives at 90 Lansdale.

Tuesday 18^th November 1947

Studied in evening. Got suit. Fits fine. Went to City YC’s.

Wednesday 19^th November 1947

Up early. Went to GACs. Not bad day. Free lunch ok. Studies & went up YMCA with Bert.

Thursday 20^th November 1947

Studied in evening. David left here all evening.

Friday 21^st November 1947

Studied in evening.

Saturday 22^nd November 1947

Went up office. Home 1.

Went to football reserves beat Birmingham 1.0. pretty good game.

Collected the radio I loaned Bert & got it going.

Played at Holbrook school. Lousy evening.

Sunday 23^rd November 1947

Up 11.30.

Fixed Tuning Indicator in my radio – after much sweat & toil.

Went up YMCA met Vera & Doris. Went to cinema there with them & saw “Waterloo Rd”. very good.

Colin offered them a lift & I went too. Tried to date Vera but can only see her Wednesday at Club.

Home 11.

Monday 24^th November 1947

Up 8.10. left home 8.25. couldn’t get a season so travelled without one till the evening when I got a new season.

At GAL again.

Tuesday 25^th November

23 today.

Mum gave me an umbrella & Ern the money for a tie. No cards. Good thing too.

Wednesday 26^th November 1947

Went up YMCA in evening with Bert. Saw Vera.

Thursday 27^th November 1947

Bought a couple of ties at Feltham.

Studied in evening.

David at home.

Friday 28^th November 1947

Didn’t feel very good in morning. Felt better at lunch & worse after. At 3 I packed up & came home. Everything went wrong. Missed a train at Feltham & ½ hour wait decided to go via Charing X instead of Bank & train broke down.

Had to go to bed instead of running dance at Herbert’s for the YC’s.

Sick later on. Felt really grim.

Saturday 29^th November 1947

Dr Kyndt came – Flu & Tonsillitis.  Medicine & gargle.

Read etc all day.

Sunday 30^th November 1947

Sat up after lunch. Rigged up radio.

Reg & Frank called to report that they had fixed up ok for last night.

Ern & Jean are engaged.

Wedding probably very soon.

Monday 1^st December 1947

Read. Listened to radio & studied all day.

Tuesday 2^nd December 1947

As yesterday & I got up in evening.

Wednesday 3^rd December 1947

Up 10. Went to Doctor & rang office.

To see Dr & ring office again on Saturday.

Went up YM with Bert. I think I have had it with Vera.

Thursday 4^th December 1947

Up 11.

Messed about with radios etc.

In evening went to RAFA & called on Ron.

Friday 5^th December 1947

Worked on radio & read etc. studied in evening.

Saturday 6^th December 1947

Went to Doctor & he signed me off. In evening went to YMCA. Tried the old time dance. Had quite a good time. Got my 3 draws up.

Sunday 7^th December 1947

Up 11.15.

Worked on radio.

Went out at 4 to band job with Bert & Ron. Got 35/- each home 11.15.

Had a bath.

Monday 8^th December 1947

Went up office to go to GAL tomorrow. Went to YCs Eileen was there. Took her home.

Tuesday 9^th December 1947

At GAL.

Studied in evening.

Wednesday 10^th December 1947

In office all day.

Went up YM in evening. Eileen came. I ignored Vera for a change. 

Took Eileen home & arranged for Eric & Charlie to come up the YCs on Monday.

Les called in evening.

Thursday 11^th December 1947

Got 10/- for my 3 draws.

Still at GAL.

Studied & did radio.

David here all evening.

Friday 12^th December 1947

At GAL.

Messed with radio all evening.

Saturday 13^th December 1947

Bought radio stuff.

W Ham beat Fulham 3.0.

Stephens & Wade (new CF & OK) very good.

Played at Westrick with Les in evening.

Sunday 14^th December 1947

Up 11.15. messed around with radio.

Studies for an hour.

Went up YMCA.

Saw “Henry V” on film very good. 

Monday 15^th December 1947

At GAL

Went up YCs. Took Eileen home.

Book 47

Tuesday 16^th December 1947

AT G.A.L.

Bert gave me a record for Xmas. He told me Doris had a still born last Friday. Grim for Ron.

Wednesday 17^th December 1947

At GAL

Went up club in evening.

Thursday 17th December 1947

To GAL finished at 11.30.

Came back to town. 

Lunch at Tottenham Court Rd.

Went to Mining trust.

Studied, David here.

Friday 19^th December 1947

At Mining Trust.

Did some Xmas shopping. 

Saw Bert in Evening.

Studied.

Saturday 20^th December 1947

Went up office.

Saw W Ham & Bradford draw 0 0.

Played at Holbrook with Bert Ron & Les.

Sunday 21^st December 1947

Up late.

Messed around all day.

Jean came. I asked her to get gift for Ern from me.

Went up YMCA to Carol Service.

Monday 22^nd December 1947

At M.T.

Played at YMCA in evening. Row with Frank

Tuesday 23^rd December 1947

At M.T.

Spent 2 hours trying to get gift for David. No luck.

Jean came with Ern’s present for me. 

Studied.

Saw Bill he lent me some books.

Wednesday 24^th December 1947

In office. Left at 12.

Mum got me presents for David.

Played at Venesta’s in afternoon. Went out with Bert in evening.

Home. 1.30.

Thursday 25^th December 1947

Up 9.

Left at 11.15.

At Walters at 11.45.

Nice quiet day. Bed 3.30am.

Friday 26^th December 1947

As yesterday – but quieter.

Left at 11.15. home 11.30.

Plenty of good grub.

Saturday 27^th December 1947

Up at 10.

Went to Walters to get medicine which he forgot. Travelled on the new line. (probably the extension of the Central Line to the East)

Home 1.10.

Went to football Sheff W won by 4 to 1.

Stayed in in evening.

Sunday 28^th December 1947

Wal & Olive & Jean came to see us. Quite good evening.

Monday 29^th December 1947

At M.T.

Got book called “British Electric Trains”. Very very interesting. Studied.

Tuesday 30^th December 1947

At M.T.

Went to City YC’s

Wednesday 31^st December 1947

At Albus on GAL Audit.

Played at St Agnus in evening.

Thursday 1^st January 1948

At GAL on Cash check.^X

Studied in evening.

Friday 2^nd January 1948

At M.T.

Studied.

Saturday 3^rd January 1948

Bought radio parts. Built amp for Bill.

Played at Ilford in evening.

Sunday 4^th January 1948

Up late.

Saw Bert.

Called on Ron.

Went to YMCA

Monday 5^th January 1948

Went to Browns for dots.(Music)

Studied.

Tuesday 6^th January 1948

Went up Browns again.

Got a book on Executorship from HFL & Co. it seems a good buy. Studied. Went to H& C Lecture.

Wednesday 7^th January 1948

Went to GAL with George.

Studied in evening. Did Pools.

Thursday 8^th January 1948

David here. Didn’t do much studying.

Friday 9^th January 1948

Studied in evening.

Saturday 10^th January 1948

Did radio jobs.

Went up YMCA.

Wal & Olive David & Jean came.

Monday 12^th January 1948

In office.

Studied in evening.

Tuesday 13^th January 1948

Went to HFL lecture.

Studied in evening.

Wednesday 14^th January 1948

Played at YMCA. – I think, for the last time.

Thursday 15^th January 1948

Mum & Dad went to Walters to look after David while W & O went out. They are staying all night.

I messed around with records etc at home.

Ern wasn’t well & went to bed early.

Jean came.

Ron called with Bert.

Friday 16^th January 1948

Mum ill when I came home from work.

Saturday 17^th January 1948

Mum in bed so stayed home to help do shopping etc. 

Played over at Stratford.

Sunday 18^th January 1948

Mum & Ern in bed ill. Jean came over.

Went to YMCA.

Monday 19^th January 1948

Bought Self timer for camera.

At Adelaide House.

Tuesday 20^th January 1948

Mum a bit better. Ern still out from work & going for Xray test for lungs on Friday.

Played at Victory House Leicester Square with Band.

Lind Joyce of ITMA sang with us.^XI

Wednesday 21^st January 1948

Bought music of “Greensleeves”

Went up YMCA.

Thursday 22^nd January 1948

Mum better except for her ear. Olive & David are also queer.

Went to RAFA – walked out in disgust & called on Ron.

Friday 23^rd January 1948

Bought music of Waltz from “Blithe Spirit”

Got “Chartered Students Telephone”.

Ern told not to worry after his Xray.

Saturday 24^th January 1948

Worked on radio.

Went up YM in evening played records – after having to collect them & saw “The Young Mrs Barrington” very very good.

5^th Divi on 1d points

Sunday 25^th January 1948

Worked on radio & messed about.

Good programme at YMCA

Valse Triste

Shepherds Hey

Nocturne Eb mg op9 no2 Chopin

Carnival of Animals

Miserere “Il Trovatori”  Verdi

Peer Gynt Suite No 1

Then saw “Destiny rides again” in Cinema.

Monday 26^th January 1948

At GAL

Got haircut.

Studied.

Thursday 27^th January 1948

At GAL  Studied.

Wednesday 28^th January 1948

At GAL

Went to YMCA. Nattered & danced with V.

Got divi – 7/- !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday 29^th January 1948

In office at M.T.

Studied. Les called.

Friday 30^th January 1948

Played at 7 Keys hotel. Whiz job.

Ealey offered me “La Boheme” on 6 12 for £1/1/-

Took the offer.

Saturday 31^st January 1948

V supposed to ring me & didn’t.

Went to YM read & then Bill played some records – then went with Margaret to Herbert’s & saw her home. – necking from 11.15 to 12.15

Whizzo – whew.

Olive & David came over.

Sunday 1^st February 1948

Up late.

Messed around, laying lino repairing Bert’s drum etc.

Went up YMCA.

Ern & Jean are getting spliced & I have at last persuaded M & Dad to go to Walters so next time he mentions it we should be all set to live in a decent place at last.

Monday 2^nd February 1948

At GAL

Got Ern a lelefold clothes airer – what a job to get it home.

Mucked around all night.

Tuesday 3^rd February 1948

Went up YMCA to hiking society meeting.

Messed around.

Wednesday 4^th February 1948

Went to YM dance.

Thursday 5^th February 1948

Did pools. Went to Young Cons meeting. I am vice-chairman & on one committee for the area.

Friday 6^th February 1948

Studied.

Saturday 6^th February 1948

Worked on radio etc.

Played at Balaam St.

Sunday 8^th February 1948

Messed around all day found my old deed box & cleared it up. Went to YMCA.

Monday 9^th February 1948

Studied a while.

Aunt Till came. Worked on deed box.

Tuesday 10^th February 1948

Went to GAL.

Finished deed box. Studied.

Wednesday 11^th February 1948

Went to YMCA

Thursday 12^th February 1948

David here for evening. Studied a while.

Rotten day at work.

Friday 13^th February 1948

Another rotten day at work. But managed to do some study.

Studied at home in evening.

Saturday 14^th February 1948

Went to office.

Worked on radio. 

Played at Balaam St. 

Sunday 15^th February 1948

Messed around all day – did an orchestration.

Called at Walters to measure my room.

Went up club & finished at Herbert’s.

Monday 16^th February 1948

At M.T. all day.

Studied. & lazed about.

Tuesday 17^th February 1948

At Allen’s on GAL

Studied a while.

Wednesday 18^th February 1948

Went to YM dance in evening.

Thursday 19^th February 1948

Got 22/- for 3 X’s on pools.

Friday 20^th February 1948

At M.T.

Saturday 21^st February 1948

Bags of snow.

Played at Balaam St.

Sunday 22^nd February 1948

Bags of snow again.

Messed around all day. 

Went up YM

Saw “Blithe Spirit”

Monday 23^rd February 1948

At M.T.

Studied.

Tuesday 24^th February 1948

At M.T.

Studied.

Wednesday 25^th February 1948

At M.T. did overtime till 9.

Went to YMCA

Thursday 26^th February 1948

Got 5/-for 2 X’s & 1 cancelled from pools.

At M.T.

Worked till 9.

Friday 27^th February 1948

At M.T. worked till 9. Got 2/2/- & 7/6 exes.

Saturday 28^th February 1948

Got Radio back – lined up.

Went to football Newcastle won 2.0

Played at Westrick

Sunday 29^th February 1948

Went to Wals & helped move stuff. Had lunch there. Left at 2.30 messed around packed up at home.

Went to YMCA & called at Herbert’s with the mob.

Monday 1^st March 1948

At M.T.

Home early – studied.

Tuesday 2^nd March 1948

At M.T. did overtime till 9.

Jean came. Ern got me a printing set.

Went to YMCA

Thursday 4^th March 1948

Moved to Wanstead.

What a day. Anyway I am nearly straight. 

Got Jeans stuff to 27 Edinburgh Rd.

Friday 5^th March 1948

At M.T. 

Bought some books.

Had lunch with Bert & Betty.

Saturday 6^th March 1948

Went to YM dance in evening.

Fitted up curtains in my bedroom.

Sunday 7^th March 1948

Went to YMCA

Called on Ern & Jean

Monday 8^th March 1948

At M.T.

Studied.

Tuesday 9^th March 1948

At M.T.

Went to City YCs.

Studied

Wednesday 10^th March 1948

At M.T.

Went to YM dance & rehearsal.

Thursday 11^th March 1948

At M.T.

Studied.

Friday 12^th March 1948

Overtime this evening.

went to YM for rehearsal.

Saturday 13^th March 1948

Went to office.

Played at Holbrook.

Sunday 14^th March 1948

Went to YM in evening. Worked on radio.

Ern called over with Jean.

Monday 15^th March 1948

Worked overtime.

Tuesday 16^th March 1948

Studied

Wednesday 17^th March 1948

Played at St Anne’s

Thursday 18^th March 1948

Ern got married.

Had afternoon off – & lost overtime.

Went back to Plaistow & then to supper at Toni’s.

Called at Y Cons then the YMCA for rehearsal.

Friday 19^th March

YMCA show band good

Saturday 20^th March 1948

Played at Forest Gate.

Went to Party at Les’s home finished at 4am.

Stopped by cops.

Home 4.45.

Sunday 21^st March 1948

Up 11. Worked on radios.

Monday 22^nd March 1948

Studied.

Tuesday 23^rd March 1948

Overtime

Wednesday 24^th March 1948

Went to YMCA

Thursday 25^th March 1948

Studied.

Friday 26^th March 1948

Studied, & messed around all day.

Saturday 27^th March 1948

Played at Forest Gate

Sunday 28^th March 1948

Studied all evening & messed around during day.

Walter brought Beryl over.

Monday 29^th March 1948

Studied all day

Tuesday 30^th March 1948

Studied

Wednesday 31^st March 1948

Studied all evening – poured with rain.

Thursday 1^st April 1948

Studied

Friday 2^nd April 1948

Overtime at M.T.

Saturday 3^rd April 1948

Played at London Hospital

Sunday 4^th April 1948

Played at Chadwell Heath

Monday 5^th April 1948

Studied.

Tuesday 6^th April 1948

Studied

Wednesday 7^th April 1948

Called on Ern.

Went to YMCA

Thursday 8^th April 1948

Went to Bill Barham to hear some records

Friday 9^th April 1948

Went to Woodford Young Cons. Studied.

Saturday 10^th April 1948

Went to office.

Played at Forest Gate.

Worked on radio.

Sunday 11^th April 1948

Went on Ramble to Cobham – 29 of us. Good time.

Beryl went home.

Monday 12^th April 1948

Studied

Tuesday 13^th April 1948

Studied.

Wednesday 14^th April 1948

Went to YMCA

Thursday 15^th April 1948

Studied

Friday 16^th April 1948

Studied.

Saturday 17^th April 1948

Went to Forest Gate Odeon to see “The Best Years of Our Lives” – fair.

Sunday 18^th April 1948

Went Rambling to Abridge 7 of us. Not bad.

Monday 19^th April 1948

Studied

Tuesday 20^th April 1948

Studied

Les called about the band

Wednesday 21^st April 1948

Bought a drill.

Went to YMCA

Thursday 22^nd April 1948

Studied

Friday 23^rd April 1948

Studied.

Saturday 24^th April 1948

Saw W Ham beat Leeds 2.1 on last home match.

Mucked around all evening.

Sunday 25^th April 1948

Went rambling to Knockholt 27 of us.

Monday 26^th April 1948

Studied

Tuesday 27^th April 1948

Studied

Went to City YCs

Wednesday 28^th April 1948

Went to YMCA

Thursday 29^th April 1948

Went to YMCA

Thursday 29^th April 1948

Went to AGM of students Assoc. usual lot of bilge from speakers about “duties & privilege of CA’s”

Lord Greene was quite good – not one note to refer to.

Friday 30^th April 1948

Studied

Saturday 1^st May 1948

Stayed in till evening.  Went to YM listened to records & then went to a dance with Bill Barham.

Sunday 2^nd May 1948

Went rambling round Essex finishing up at Pitsea only 5 of us – jolly good day.

Monday 3^rd May 1948

Studied

Tuesday 4^th May 1948

Studied

Wednesday 5^th May 1948

Went to YM asked Doreen out – no luck.

Thursday 6^th May 1948

Studied

Friday 7^th May 1948

Beryl 7 today.

Studied.

Saturday 8^th May 1948

Went to office.

Messed around all evening

Sunday 9^th May 1948

Ramble to Amersham

Monday 10^th May 1948

New stamps out today went to Head PO to get some.

Studied

Tuesday 11^th May 1948

studied for short while then called on Les – got soaked on way, in storm

Wednesday 12^th May 1948

Went to YM.

Arranged to see Doreen Friday.

Thursday 13^th May 1948

Little studying – Ern & Jean called – & talked.

Friday 14^th May 1948

Took Doreen out to Odeon & saw “Snowbound” & “Beauty for Sale”.

Nice time.

Met Bill at Connie’s house on way back.

D lent me her bike & Bill came home with me to borrow a pair of shorts. 

Seeing D tomorrow at 7.

Saturday 15^th May 1948

Didn’t go to office.

Went to Ds at 7.

Sunday 16^th May 1948

Went rambling saw D home.

Monday 17^th May 1948

Went up West with D. 

Saw “Spring in Park Lane” had supper at Rainbow Rooms.

Tuesday 18^th May 1948

Saw D at City YS.

Studied.

Wednesday 19^th May 1948

Saw D at YMCA dance.

Thursday 20^th May 1948

Studied

Friday 21^st May 1948

Studied

Saturday 22^nd May 1948

Bill & Connie & D & I went to Valentines Park on boats & putting green.

Played at Holland Park in evening.

Sunday 23^rd May 1948

D & I went out at 4 had tea at Marble Arch & saw an exhibition.

Started to rain so came home & played records. Les called.

Monday 24^th May 1948

Studied

Tuesday 25^th May 1948

Bought 9 records off Solhold good ones too.

Saw D at YC’s.

Studied

Wednesday 26^th May 1948

D & I went to Odeon & saw a matter of Life & death. Wizard,

Thursday 27^th May 1948

Studied

Friday 28^th May 1948

Got my bonus 10.00

Tax   2.11.0

Net   7.  9. 0

Grim

Studied

Got tickets for 2^nd test at Lords 28^th & 29^th June.

Saturday 29^th May 1948

Went with D to Brixton to her friend & then to Brixton YC dance. OK

Sunday 30^th May 1948

D & I & Bill & Con went boating at Reading.  Good day out.

Monday 31^st May 1948

Studied

Tuesday 1^st June 1948

Studied

Saw D at YCs 

Wednesday 2^nd June 1948

Went to Odeon with D saw “Miranda” excellent & “Society Smuggler”.

Thursday 3^rd June 1948

Studied.

Friday 4^th June 1948

Studied.

Saturday 5^th June 1948

In office.

D & I went to Ilford to see Essex V Surrey.

D won, on My Lover in Derby – good sign I hope.

Tea at Ilford & then to YMCA & saw “12^th Night” very good.

Called on Ern

He has got me 3 white utility shirts & 31 120 film.

Sunday 6^th June 1948

Went to Ds for tea & had a walk after. Very nice evening.

Wal & Olive flew to Isle of Mann today.

Monday 7^th June 1948

No study – Sybil came in from next door & we couldn’t lose her.

Tuesday 8^th June 1948

Dads birthday.

63 today.

Got him some cigars.

Saw D at YC’s 

Studied

Wednesday 9^th June 1948

Got some scent for mums birthday on Friday.

Went to YMCA with Doreen

Thursday 10^th June 1948

Studied

Friday 11^th June 1948

Booked to see “Caribbean Rhapsody”

Studied.

Saturday 12^th June 1948

Doreen Bill & Connie came over for a musical evening.

Sunday 13^th June 1948

Up 7.30 met Doreen at Stratford & we went to Margate by coach with Bristow & Co. Jolly good day.

Monday 14^th June 1948

Studied

Tuesday 15^th June 1948

Studied

Went to City YC’s 

Went to F C lecture

Wednesday 16^th June 1948

D & I saw Caribbean Rhapsody – marvellous show.^XII

Studied.

Book 48

Sunday 1^st August 1948

Everyone went out, I studied

Monday 2^nd August 1948

Studied.

Went to prom concert with Bill & got soaked while queuing.

Tuesday 3^rd August 1948

Studied

Brought record La Mattinata

In office

Wednesday 4^th August 1948

At GAL

Lunched  at Hounslow Whizzo

studied

Thursday 5^th August 1948

At GAL

studied

Friday 6^th August 1948

As yesterday

Saturday 7^th August 1948

Bill & I met girls at Paddington.

Studied

Bill Doreen & I went to Prom

Sunday 8^th August 1948

Doreen & I went to Erns for tea (I had lunch there as all here went out)

Very nice evening

Monday 9^th August 1948

At Murry Trust now.

Beryl come over yesterday

Studied

Tuesday 10^th August 1948

Got another 18 records on the cheap

Studied

Wednesday 11^th August 1948

Went to Odeon with D saw “West Point Widow several shorts & “So Evil My Love”

Thursday 12^th August 1948

Studied

Friday 13^th August 1948

Bought a dressing gown 50/- & 3 ½ coupons what a snip

Saturday 14^th August 1948

Football stats no luck on pools

D & I went to dance

Got my new suit

Sunday 15^th August 1948

Studied a bit

Called on D & we went out for a ride, met her aunts & went with them to Police Club at Chigwell to see cricket etc. 

Monday 16^th August 1948

Studied

Tuesday 17^th August 1948

Saw D at lunch

Studied

Packed to go away

Wednesday 18^th August 1948

Met Bill at 8.15 at Stratford, 8.35 to Clacton

Arrived at camp at 1. Bit rough but grubs o.k.

Messed around & went for walk. 

Played rummy till 2.am.

Thursday 19^th August 1948

Up 10.30

Went to Clacton on pier etc.

Went to cinema & saw “Forever Amber” not bad

Walked back to camp.

Friday 20^th August 1948

Up 10.30 went over St Osyth’s 

Bus to Colchester, looked round town, went to castle museum & looked all over it. Very nice.

Met rest for tea & all went to Clacton to pier show. Very good.

Cards till 2

Saturday 21^st August 1948

Up 10.30  went to Clacton

Bought presents on pier etc

Rained so bad had drink & supper & went back to camp

English soccer stats no luck on pools 

Rummy till 2

Sunday 22^nd August 1948

Up 10.30 Left at 3.30

Cheap, good but rough holiday.

Caught 3.50. Home 6.20

Cleared up

D called at 7.30

Ern & Jean called

Monday 23^rd August 1948

Studied

Tuesday 24^th August 1948

Went to Y Co

Studied

Wednesday 25^th August 1948

Went to YMCA in evening

Thursday 26^th August 1948

Studied

Friday 27^th August 1948

Played at Grove Park Hospital

Saturday 28^th August 1948

Went to Promenade concert with Doreen & Bill. Very good seat indeed

Sunday 29^th August 1948

Went on ramble to Epping

Monday 30^th August 1948

Studied

Tuesday 31^st August 1948

Went to Y Co.

Studied

Wednesday 1^st September 1948

Went to prom concert

Thursday 2^nd September 1948

Studied

Friday 3^rd September 1948

Studied

Saturday 4^th September 1948

Went up to see “Hamlet”  Very good

Home very late

Sunday 5^th September 1948

Went out to Hainault for blackberries

D called at 3. We got all the berries we wanted

Saw a forest fire. Walked 8 miles – quite a full day.

Monday 6^th September 1948

Studied  did pools

Tuesday 7^th September 1948

Studied

Wednesday 8^th September 1948

Went to YMCA

Arranged to go to dance on Friday 

with Peggy & Ted & Ann.

Thursday 9^th September 1948

Studied till 3 am

Friday 10^th September 1948

Went to dance at Caster Hall – whizzo

Left at 11.45

Home at D’s at 1.20

Home at 2.

Saturday 11^th September 1948

In office

Went out with Doreen & Pam & met Bill at the Science Museum then went to Prom

Home 11.40

Sunday 12^th September 1948

D called at 12.30. We were going cycling but decided to walk – Good job too.

Got to Ongar & walked – then it rained. Got about a dozen berries

Home here at 6.

Tea with m&d & Ern & Jean, played cards etc.

Home 11.45

Monday 13^th September 1948

Studied

Tuesday 14^th September 1948

Studied

Wednesday 15^th September 1948

Studied

Thursday 16^th September 1945

Went to Prom concert with D 

Had tea in West End

D bought seats for 2^nd Oct.

Saw Bill Home late

Friday 17^th September 1948

Studied

Saturday 18^th September 1948

Called on Ern to try & get present for D

Called on tailors

Called on D for tea

Went to premier saw “The Red Shoes”

Sunday 19^th September 1948

D & I went to Upminster to meet the ramblers but couldn’t find them. Picked a few blackberries.

Home her at 9

Listed my records.

Monday 20^th September 1948

On Holiday

Studied all day 

Ern & Jean called.

Tuesday 21^st September 1948

D called at 9.10.

Met Bob Dyer & Dorothy at Trafalgar square at 10, had coffee

Went to National Gallery. Walked to Westminster

Had lunch

Went to Kew Gardens

Back to Charring x on River Bus

Went to see “Starlight Roof” – not as good as I hoped

Wednesday 22^nd September 1948

Studied

D & I went to Odeon & saw “London Belongs to Me”

Thursday 23^rd September 1948

Studied all day. Did a test

Friday 24^th September 1948

Studied all day. 

Went to East Ham Pal with D.

Saw Ern & Jean

Saturday 25^th September 1948

After lunch called on D & went to Southend to Doris & Alf for weekend.

Nattered & played piano

Bed 11

Sunday 26^th September 1948

Up at 8

All went for walk

After lunch D & I walked to Leigh

Went on pier

After tea talked & played piano

Home 11.45

Monday 27^th September 1948

In evening sorted out some music for Doris.

Tuesday 28^th September 1948

Bought necklace for D’s birthday

Studied

Wednesday 29 September 1948

Went to Odeon, saw “Glory of Sport” about Olympics

Thursday 30^th September 1948

Studied

Friday 1^st October 1948

Studied

Saturday 2^nd October 1948

D 22 today

Went over at 4 took presents from M & D & myself

After tea all family went to St Martins Theatre to see 

“Sugar & Spice” excellent show thoroughly enjoyed it.

Home at 1 am.

Sunday 3^rd October 1948

D & Pam called over at 12 – was I scruffy

At 3 went down to Hornchurch to D’s aunt. We had a walk & got lost

Played monopoly after tea. Home 11.30

Monday 4^th October 1948

Up 7.15. Left 10 to 8

Caught 9.10 with plenty of time (at Pad 9.45)

Home 7.20

Studied

Tuesday 5^th October 1948

Left 8.15 missed trains

Through slow tube arrived at 12.

Studied in evening

Wednesday 6^th October 1948

Went to YMCA

Thursday 7^th October 1948

Studied

Friday 8^th October 1948

Studied

Saturday 9^th October 1948

Doreen came to tea

Went to cinema  – Forever Amber

Sunday 10^th October 1948

Went to YMCA music circle

Called on Ern & Jean

Asked D to Marry me – O.K.

Missed bus, nearly missed train too home 12.20

Monday 11^th October 1948

Finished at Sullens

Studied

Tuesday 12^th October 1948

Studied 

Walter in bed – bronchitis

Wednesday 13^th October 1948

D & I had a walk & supper & talked things over 

She is very cautions

Thursday 14^th October 1948

Studied

Friday 15^th October 1948

Studied

Saturday 16^th October 1948

Called on D for tea

She has a cold 

Stayed in all evening

David can now walk

Walters birthday

Sunday 17^th October 1948

Got 3 draws up made 15/6 on that

Called on D at 6. Went to YMCA

Called on Ern & Jean

Took D home early

Saw her Pop about us – o.k.

Monday 18^th October 1948

Went to cinema with D saw “The Weaker Sex” V. good

Tuesday 19^th October 1948

Went to High Wycombe with Land

Studied

Wednesday 20^th October 1948

Studied

Thursday 21^st October 1948

Went with D & YMCA crowd to dance at Holborn very good indeed.

Home at 1

Friday 22^nd October 1948

Studied

Saturday 23^rd October 1948

Went to cinema & saw “Life with Father” an excellent film

Sunday 24^th October 1948

Doreen came to tea & we played Monopoly all evening with Mum & Dad

Monday 25^th October 1948

Ern & Jean called

Studied

At City Road (J B Ltd)

Tuesday 26^th October 1948

At City Rd. Called in office at 5 to get RSM books

Went to lecture at Powers Samas. Very good. Left at 7.35

Met D at East Ham at 8.15

Rang Mum

Had a sandwich

Went to show at Palace – not bad

Wednesday 27^th October 1948

Studied

At RSM very foggy

Walter had a smash, car is finished & he is badly bruised & cut a bit

Thursday 28^th October 1948

At RSM Ltd

Studied

Friday 29^th October 1948

Went with D to dance where Les & Len Winfield were playing.

Bert & Doris there

Saturday 30^th October 1948

Dad not too good – staying in bedroom

Mum & I went to Leyton (new house) in morning. No one in.

Called on D in afternoon, she came to tea

Mum & I called over Ramsey Rd in evening & saw Mrs Cornwell.

Came back to Seagry & played cards etc

Sunday 31^st October 1948

Dad still upstairs

Went to D’s for tea, left for club at 6.

Gave my record programme

I played

La Boheme  – Tony Hand

          Lovely Maid Moony

          Masetta Waltz 

Ballet Capelin

La Boutique 

Gregs Norwegian Dances (No2)

Rhapsody on Theme of Pegamine (Rachmanioff)

Honky Tonk Train Blues

Saxophim

La Mattinata

Prince 9 Act 3 (Polobtr March)

Fantaisie Impromptu in C Minor Chopin

Etude in E Mag

Valse in E Maj Moszkowski

Called in & saw Ern & Jean at 27.

Monday 1^st November 1948

Studied

Tuesday 2^nd November 1948

At Ealing

Studied

Wednesday 3^rd November 1948

Went to YMCA in evening

Thursday 4^th November 1948

Studied

Friday 5^th November 1948

Studied

Ern & Jean called 

Saturday 6^th November 1948

Went to D’s for tea – she likes ring

Went up West looked in shop & saw lights in Trafalgar Square

Sunday 7^th November 1948

After lunch went with D to her aunts at Thornton Heath

Home 11.40

Monday 8^th November 1948

At Surbiton

Studied

Tuesday 9^th November 1948

As yesterday

Wednesday 10^th November 1948

Went to YMCA

Called on Ern

Thursday 11^th November 1948

Studied

Friday 12^th November 1948

Ern & Jean called

Studied

Saturday 13^th November 1948

D & I went to Upton Park W Ham drew Saints 1.1

Went to 50-50 dance at Royal Hotel Russell Square.

All coats messed up in cloakroom and through that didn’t get homes till 2am.

Sunday 14^th November 1948

Had bath

Messed around

D called at 4.

Went to Hornchurch

Home 11

Monday 15^th November 1948

At the brickworks

Studied

Tuesday 16^th November 1948

Called on doctor Kyndt got optical form & some medicine

Bought new RS&P

Studied

Wednesday 17^th November 1948

D & I went to cinema saw “The Winslow Boy”

Thursday 18^th November 1948

Studied

Friday 19^th November 1948

Got a scarf for Ern for Xmas

Studied

Saturday 20^th November 1948

Played at Elccas with Bert & Ron

Sunday 21^st November 1948

Went to see D

Monday 22^nd November 1948

Studied

Tuesday 23^rd November 1948

Studied

Wednesday 24^th November 1948

Studied

Thursday 25^th November 1948

24 today

Silver cig case from D

D came over

Saw Bert at lunch time

Friday 26^th November 1948

Went to lecture

Studied

Saturday 27^th November 1948

Getting ready to move 

Packing up stuff all day

D called

Sunday 28^th November 1948

D came over

Packed up all day

Monday 29^th November 1948

Packing all day

Tuesday 30^th November 1948

Moved & what a job

Dad taken very bad & in bed early.

Up till 1

Ern & Jean helped & Doreen

Wednesday 1^st December 1948

Worked all evening

Ern & Jean here

Thursday 2^nd December 1948

E & J here

Worked till 1

Friday 3^rd December 1948

Worked all evening till 1

Saturday 4^th December 1948

D & I called at Segrey Rd Saw David

Played with boys at Whitechapel

Home 11.30

Bed 12.15

Sunday 5^th December 1948

Up 11

Working till 6

D came over

Bed 12.30

Monday 6^th December 1948

Up 8.10

Very tired

D called

Bed 11.30

Tuesday 7^th December 1948

Ern & Jean called

Paid for engagement ring

Did test

Wednesday 8^th December 1948

D & I went to dinner at Elccas 

Bert Ron & I played

Thursday 9^th December 1948

Studied

Friday 10^th December 1948

Bought some xmas gifts

Studied

Saturday 11^th December 1948

Went to D’s in afternoon, went shopping with her & Pam to Stratford

D & I went to her grandmother’s place.

Sunday 12^th December 1948

D called over

I studied

Monday 13^th December 1948

Studied

Got some gifts

Tuesday 14^th December 1948

Studied

Bought some gifts

Wednesday 15^th December 1948

Went to YMCA with D

Thursday 16^th December 1948

Studied

Friday 17^th December 1948

Studied

Saturday 18^th December 1948

Called at D in evening & we went To the cinema saw “Here comes the Haggetts”

Sunday 19^th December 1948

D & I went to see Walter & Olive & David 

Had tea & stayed till 10.15

Monday 20^th December 1948

Studied hard

Tuesday 21^st December 1948

Played at Whitechapel

Wednesday 22^nd December 1948

Played at YMCA

D came

Thursday 23^rd December 1948

Studied

Friday 24^th December 1948

Didn’t feel well. Office closed at 1.

Called on D & bought home cake

Played at Chadwell Heath.

D came

Home late

Got the ring & gave to D

Saturday 25^th December 1948

Xmas Day

Very quiet but enjoyable

Studied

Sunday 26^th December 1948

Called at D Aunt at Romford

Not bad

Monday 27^th December 1948

Boxing Day

D & I came home for lunch.

Ern & J called. J mother in hospital

Took her home at 11.

Tuesday 28^th December 1948

Up 12.

Studied hard

Wednesday 29^th December 1948

Studied hard

Thursday 30^th December 1948

Studied

Friday 31^st December 1948

Played at Chadwell Heath

D came

Car home

Saturday 1^st January 1949

D & I went to Peoples Palace to see “Song of Norway”. Beautiful show

Bus strike no trouble

In morning Ron & I got a cab from Woodford to Tuffs Mill Hill

Sunday 2^nd January 1949

Ern & Dad & Mum & I went to Ds for our celebration.

Very nice except Dad taken bad at 9.30

D & I came back in car & then went back

Home 12.40

Jeans mother died

Monday 3^rd January 1949

Studied & did test

Tuesday 4^th January 1949

Studied

At Mr Miler

Wednesday 5^th January 1949

At Victoria

Went to cinema with D & saw “It’s Hard to be Good”

Thursday 6^th January 1949

At Victoria

Studied

Friday 7^th January 1949

Studied

Saturday 8^th January 1949

Up at 8.30 had haircut

Met D at Upton Park at 11.15. Went to Southend

Had lunch went on pier, walked round shops got some flowers.

At Doris’ at 5 

Had tea, talked, played piano

Bed 11.45

Very cold all night

Sunday 9^th January 1949

Won £6-0-0 on pools  (tried Odds)

Went for long walk

Left at 8.15 home 11.30

Monday 10^th January 1949

At High Wycombe

Studied

Tuesday 11^th January 1949

Studied

Wednesday 12^th January 1949

Went to W & O’s with D

Thursday 13^th January 1949

Studied

Friday 14^th January 1949

Studied

Saturday 15^th January 1949

Morning off

Did odd jobs round home.

Went to dance at Empire at Northumberland Avenue.

Sunday 16^th January 1949

Up 9

Called on D

Went to Walters, took David to Ramsay 

Back at Seagry at 1.

Splitting head till after tea

David fine

Home 11.30

Monday 17^th January 1949

Studied

Tuesday 18^th January 1949

At Fenchurch St this week

Studied.

Wednesday 19^th January 1949

Went to cinema saw “Portrait From Life”

Very good

Thursday 20^th January1949

Studied

Friday 21^st January1949

Studied

Saturday 22^nd January 1949

Went shopping with D

Went to see shops in West End & got tickets for “Kid from Stratford”

Sunday 23^rd January 1949

Won 1/7/6 on pools

D came over

Studied

Monday 24^th January 1949

Studied

Went to optician

Saw Bert for lunch

Tuesday 25^th January 1949

Studied

Wednesday 26^th January 1949

Went to Broadway 2 films “Look Before you Love” & a Gangster film

Thursday 27^th January 1949

Studied

Friday 28^th January 1949

Foggy – dad not so good

Played at Stepney Green with the boys.

Saturday 29^th January 1949

At office

Went shopping with D. Bought stuff to make a rug

Went to Peoples Palace to see “Barret’s of Wimpole St”

Sunday 30^th January 1949

Called on Ern

Bad head again

Went to cemetery with D to put Flowers on her granddads grave

Tea here, worked on rug

Monday 31^st January 1949

Studied

Finished last test but 2 – should have finished course today.

At Southall this week.

Jean has walked out from Ern

Tuesday 1^st February 1949

Messed around all night

Wednesday 2^nd February 1949

Called on D Worked on rug

Thursday 3^rd February 1949

Studied

Friday 4^th February 1949 

Called on Ern got tin of cream at Malya

Saturday 5^th February 1949

Went shopping with Doreen. Bought 2 clip rugs.

Called on Ern

Won 3/3/6 on pools

Sunday 6^th February 1949

Called on Ern & helped him.

Doreen came over to tea.

Worked on Rug.  Doreen not very well.

Monday 7^th February 1949

Played at Elccas

Called on Doreen

Tuesday 8^th February 1949

Studied

Wednesday 9^th February 1949

Called on Doreen

Did rug

Thursday 10^th February 1949

Studied

Ern called over

Friday 11^th February 1949

Studied

Saturday 12^th February 1949

Played at East Ham

D came  Did rug

Sunday 13^th February 1949

Played at East Ham till 7.

D came over did rug

Monday 14^th February 1949

Still at Malya

Bought a biro minor

Studied

Tuesday 15^th February 1949

Malya 

Bought toy for David

Studied

Wednesday 16^th February 1949

Went to YMCA with D

Thursday 17^th February 1945

Malya still

Studied

Friday 18^th February 1949

Finished at Malya

Got cream, chocolate, marzipan & nuts – Whizzo

Studied

Saturday 19^th February 1949

Went shopping with D for present for Pam

Went to Stratford & Ilford – eventually bought a clock.

Went to cinema in evening saw “Warning to Wantons

Sunday 20^th February 1949

Went to Erns in morning

D came over

Monday 21^st February 1949

Went to see Arthur Askey in “Kid from Stratford” with D & family

Tuesday 22^nd February 1949

Studied

Wednesday 23^rd February 1949

Went to club late 

Bought gold chain for D

Thursday 24^th February 1949

Studied

Friday 25^th February 1949

Studied

Saturday 26^th February 1949

Played at Elccas

D came

Dropped my pen & broke it

Sunday 27^th February 1949

Went to Erns

D came over in evening

So did Ern

Monday 28^th February 1949

Studied

Tuesday 1^st March 1949

Had haircut

Studied

Wednesday 2^nd March 1949

D came over did pools etc

Thursday 3^rd March 1949

Studied  Lecture

Friday 4^th March 1949

Lecture

Studied

Saturday 5^th March 1949

Off today

Played at Hospital

D’s for tea, did rug etc

Sunday 6^th March 1949

Played records at YMCA

Back home at 9

Monday 7^th March 1949

Studied

Tuesday 8^th March 1949

Studied

Wednesday 9^th March 1949

Got exam entry form 

Hope to get 5 weeks off

D came over – did pools

Thursday 10^th March 1949

Only getting 3 weeks for study

Studied

Friday 11^th March 1949

Bought 10 records off Sully

Working at Ilford today

Studied

Saturday 12^th March 1949

Took D & Pam to East Ham Palace

Collected my pen – done free instead of paying 18/11d – said wasn’t welded properly

Sunday 13^th March 1949

D came over so did Ern

Played monopoly etc.

Monday 14^th March 1949

Afternoon off to go to Ideal Home Exhibition – nothing outstanding

Got some odds & ends including toy for David

Tuesday 15^th March 1949

Studied

Wednesday 16^th March 1949

D came over

Did pools.  Studied

Thursday 17^th March 1949

What a time with radios – all gone u/s & only 1 now gives a peep –

Have to buy a new one

Ern came 

Did ½ hr study

Friday 18^th March 1949

Studied

Saturday 19^th March 1949

Got my old radio going – nice to have a radio again.

D & I went to East Ham Central Hall to hear a Chopin  recital by Poushnoff.

Very nice indeed.

Sunday 20^th March 1949

Went to Hornchurch with D & her people as Norman joins Navy tomorrow.

Monday 21^st March 1949

Studied

Tuesday 22^nd March 1949

Studied

Wednesday 23^rd March 1949

D came over did pools & studied

Thursday 24^th March 1949

Studied

Friday 25^th March 1949

Studied

Saturday 26^th March 1949

Mr S won a pen & pencil in the comp and gave me £2 so I put it to the Joint A/c

D & I went to Ilford & bought stuff for our “Musical rug”

I played with band in afternoon. Met Mr McKinnon the old “Head” had a chat for a while.

D came home & when I got back we worked on the rug.

Sunday 27^th March 1949

Went to D’s her Hornchurch people came.

I finished the treble clef on the rug – looks good.

Monday 28^th March 1949

Studied

Bought Easter egg for David

Tuesday 29^th March 1949

Studied

Wednesday 30^th March 1949

D came over, did some rug

Thursday 31^st March 1949

Studied

Friday 1^st April 1949

Studied

Saturday 2^nd April 1949

D & I went to Odeon saw Bob Hope “The Paleface”

Sunday 3^rd April 1949

D came over 

Did rug

Monday 4^th April 1949

Studied

Tuesday 5^th April 1949

Studied

Wednesday 6^th April 1949

Working at Leyton with Tibbs

D came did rug

Studied

Thursday 7^th April 1949

Got my exam course, hell of a lot to do

Studied

Friday 8^th April 1949

Studied

Saturday 9^th April 1949

D & I went to cinema saw “History of Mr Polly”

Sunday 10^th April 1949

D & I called on Seagry Rd for an hour or two.

David is fine.

Monday 11^th April 1949

Studied

Tuesday 12^th April 1949

Studied

Working at Stadler’s

Wednesday 13^th April 1949

D came over did some rug & pools

Thursday 14^th April 1949

Studied

Friday 15^th April 1949

Good Friday, Up early

Studied all morning

To D’s in afternoon.

After much fiddling eventually decided to go to Sheering to her aunts.

Much trouble with Green Line eventually after going by train & bus to Wake Arms we got Green Line to Sawbridgeworth & walked to Hatfield Heath for tea then walked to Sheering.

Stayed an hour or 2 took photos etc. Walked to Harlow & bus back 

Saturday 16^th April 1949

Studied in morning

D came to tea

We went to Ilford to putting green & to fair

Back at 10

Went to D’s & left at 11.45

Sunday 17^th April 1949

Went to Hornchurch with D & her folks – 

Norman on leave

Monday 18^th April 1949

D & I went on picnic to Epping Forest.

Very nice day.

Big fire near us

Tuesday 19^th April 1949

Work again – studied

Wednesday 20^th April 1949

D came over did pools

Thursday 21^st April 1949

Did test etc

Friday 22^nd April 1949

Did test

Asked LEF for more time off

Saturday 23^rd April 1949

At office

Called on optician re new lens

D & I went up West to see lights etc

Sunday 24^th April 1949

No sweet rationing, bought some for mum & Doreen.

Parachutist were in Flats & Mum Dad & I went over – got some snaps

D called before we got back.

Stayed in all day.

After that I did some work.

Monday 25^th April 1949

Busy day

Finished at office

Did test

Tuesday 26^th April 1949

Did 2 tests

8 hrs work

Phoned D.

Wednesday 27^th April 1949

D came over 

Did pools

Thursday 28^th April 1949

D called & we had walk

Rang Seagry –  Jacqueline born yesterday at 7.30am

Friday 29^th April 1949

D & I went to Seagry

• An enormous child

Saturday 30^th April 1949

To D for Tea

Went to cinema saw Bad Lord Byron

Sunday 1^st May 1949

Called on Ern

Met D & went to Seagry

Walter in Hosp on 2^nd June.

Took David out met Mum & Dad, went to Park

At 166 for tea.  Ern came

Took David back at 8.

Home 9.30.

Monday 2^nd May 1949

Lecture started, very good

Studied

D came over & we had walk

Tuesday 3^rd May 1949

studied

Wednesday 4^th May 1949

Studied

D came over 7 stayed in

Thursday 5^th May 1949

Went to Seagry

Friday 6^th May 1949

At lecture

Studied

Saturday 7^th May 1949

Did little work

Bathed

Tried to get D’s mower working

D & I went to 50-50 dance at Holborn – not bad

Stayed at D’s place

Sunday 8^th May 1949

Up early – cut lawn

D Pam & I came home & the 3 of us delivered pamphlets for Doris ready for next Thursday.

D came to tea.

Monday 9^th May 1949

Lectures

Studied

Walk with D

Bought speedway annual

Tuesday 10^th May 1949

Studied

Wednesday 11^th May 1949

Studied

Went to Ds as it was her ma’s birthday.

Tried to get mower working.

Book 49

Thursday 12^th May 1949

At lecture

D came & went for walk

Friday 13^th May 1949

Lectures finished

D & I went to see Mr Harper, had very nice chat & arranged to go to MF’s place at

Hackney next Wednesday evening

Took D home

Saturday 14^th May 1949

D & I had a trip up west for the evening

Sunday 15^th May 1949

D came over

Monday 16^th May 1949

Stayed in studying – except for our walk & we found a place to book seats to Yarmouth for our holiday

Tuesday 17^th May 1949

As yesterday but while out , paid for our seats

Wednesday 18^th May 1949

Studied, phoned D.

Called on Mr H at 7.15 & we went to HF’s – very interesting indeed, saw how their books & counters are made up & how they allot numbers etc.

Home 10.

Thursday 19^th May 1949

Studied & had walk with D. 

Ern came over 

Started digging in garden

Friday 20^th May 1949

Studied

Saturday 21^st May 1949

Studied.  To D’s for tea. D & I went to cinema – I misjudged time & we could have seen it twice, still “Cardboard Cavalier was worth seeing

Sunday 22^nd May 1949

Ern came & we started the cementing.

Stayed in

D came

Monday 23^rd May 1949

Last mad rush at studying.

Rang D

Tuesday 24^th May 1949

Didn’t sleep well

Nearly late –

Still I did (I hope) V good.

Papers on Auditing & Ltd Companies.

Rang D

Studied

Wednesday 25^th May 1949

2 sticky papers Partnership & Tax  & Costing but I think I did a good T& C paper.

Rang D

Studied hard

Thursday 26^th May 1949

Executorship first & nearly boobed badly.

GCK in afternoon – nearly fainted but finished ok. 

Felt half dead when I got home.  D was there but I got over it & D and I had a very long walk

Back at 10.15

Took D home.

Friday 27^th May 1949

Went to work

D & I went for walk

Saturday 28^th May 1949

In office

D came over

Ern & I were cementing D took photos of us

Sunday 29^th May 1949

Cementing again

Felt nearly dead, but its good exercise

D came over

Monday 30^th May 1949

At Stadler’s

D & I went to Odeon saw “Fools Rush In” – what a scream

Ern fixed D’s mower o.k.

Tuesday 31^st May 1949

D Ern & I went to speedway.  WH beat B’ham 51 – 33

D likes it.

Wednesday 1^st June 1949

D came over – we did rug

Thursday 2^nd June 1949

Got photos – very good

Went to Ds & we had a walk. Got haircut.

Finished at Stadlers – found £21 petty cash short.

Told Bill

Friday 3^rd June 1949

Stayed in & straightened out my exam papers etc.

Saturday 4^th June 1949

Felt rotten when I woke.

Went to Ds & we went to Ilford to get presents  for Mum & Dad. Got tidy & scarf for mum & bot of Rum for Dad.

Felt worse when I got home for dinner.

Went to Ds & we went up West. Couldn’t get in anywhere for a show.

Had tea & went to St James park. Felt a bit better & told D.

She took me home eventually, because I felt rotten again, but against my will.

Sunday 5^th June 1949

Stayed in bed.  D came

I got delirious & Doc came at about 10 or 11 pm.

Got flu badly.

Sick twice

Monday 6^th June 1949

D came brought a birthday card for dad.

Tuesday 7^th June 1949

Doc came can get up tomorrow.

Wednesday 8^th June 1949

Dad 64 today.

Got up in afternoon 

D brought his present round

Thursday 9^th June 1949

Got up again today

D came.  Rose brought Beryl round to see us as she is over for a while.

Friday 10^th June 1949

Up again went for walk in afternoon

Brought some tools & records.

Saturday 11^th June 1949

Mum 62 today

D came over with mums presents.

After lunch D & I went to Ilford & sat in park for a while.

Got some strawberries on way back.

I bought a sports jacket in Dunn’s

Got some ice cream to have with strawberries –  A nice tea.

D stayed over here for evening.

Sunday 12^th June 1949

Went to Ds for tea

D & I went to Ilford park in evening.

Monday 13^th June 1949

Went to Docs.

Bought some tools & called in Woodmansee’s for a suit but didn’t see any good cloth. Bought tie.

Called on Ern 

Went to Ds for evening 

Tuesday 14^th June 1949

Had walk round called on Ern

Rang Olive.  She asked me & Dad to christening. Told mum of this

Met D at 5.20. Went to Odeon to see “Passport to Pimlico” – Wizard film & “Million Dollar Weekend”

Wednesday 15^th June 1949

Went for walk

Called on Ern

D came over & we did rug

I had all my clothes out for airing & brush in afternoon.

Thursday 16^th June 1949

Called on Ern while out 

Bought socks & ties. Got sand & cement in, Ern came over & we started laying path in garden

D came over

Friday 17^th June 1949

Got more sand in

Mum rang Olive

Called on D in evening

Went to Ilford park & played on golf course

Saturday 18^th June 1949

Went to Doctors & signed off

D & I went to Greenwich Observatory, looked at museum & had tea. By river to Charring X.

Walked to Bank. Home early

Sunday 19^th June 1949

D came over

Ern & I laid path in garden

Monday 20^th June 1949

Back at work

Paid HFL for final course

Saw D

Tuesday 21^st June 1949

D & I went to speedway

W Ham won

Wednesday 22^nd June 1949

Went to D’s place

Thursday 23^rd June 1949

D came over home

Friday 24^th June 1949

D & I went to Cinema to see “Every Girl Should be Married” what a scream

Saturday 25^th June 1949

D & I went to V & A museum to see the Transport Poster Art Show – very good too.

Home early & we started to make Dorothy bag for Doreen

Sunday 26^th June 1945

Jacqueline christened

D & I met at 3.15. Fair do.

Home at 2am

Monday 27^th June 1949

D came over

Tuesday 28^th June 1949

D came over

Wednesday 29^th June 1949

D & I went to films saw “June Bride”

Thursday 30^th June 1949

D & I went to see Jeans agency & the **’’**

Has debunked – with several thousand quid

Tried other places unsuccessfully.

Friday 1^st July 1949

M & Dad went out in evening – I felt queer – met D as arranged & came back home

She left early

Saturday 2^nd July 1949

Awful night. Sick in morning didn’t eat all day. 

D was here

Sunday 3^rd July 1949

D came over Ern called

Went to D’s for tea

Monday 4^th July 1949

Still trying to book seats for Yarmouth

Took D to lunch

Called on D in evening

Queer when I got home

Tuesday 5^th July 1949

Couldn’t go to work

Eventually got to Doctor – gave me medicine to tighten me up – do I need it

Wednesday 6^th July 1949

Back at work – much better

D came over

Thursday 7^th July 1949

Got my glasses back

In evening sorted out holiday 

Friday 8^th July 1949

Got money from bank.

Had last try for coach seats 

Got haircut

Packed stuff

D came at 9

Bought tickets

Stayed at Ridley Rd

Bed 11

Saturday 9^th July 1949

Up at 6.15

D Pam & I caught 6.57 train.

Signals failed & all trains messed up. – we were lucky though, got empty carriage & all got seats.

Mr & Mrs S coming on soon after us.

Arrived about 12.30

Had good dinner out. Nice digs.  Food good

Had look round in afternoon 

After tea D & I went round old town, over ferry & round Gorleston

Back 10.45

Sunday 10^th July 1949

Up 6.45 got papers & had walk with D

Beach in morning, afternoon played golf etc with all.

Evening D & I went to Caister along the front to see the sea wall being built to stop coast erosion.

Monday 11^th July 1949

On beach

Went on Broads boat trip in afternoon

D & I had walk in evening & went rowing.

Sent box of fish home

Tuesday 12^th July 1949

On beach am & pm & went on boat to Scoby Island

All went to speedway in evening

Funniest thing ever – all fell off in one heat

Wednesday 13^th July 1949

On beach am & pm

D & I went dancing on Pier

Thursday 14^th July 1949

Beach am & pm

All went out on Landau trip in evening after finding we couldn’t get to California by bus

Friday 15^th July 1949

Raining

D Pam & I went to Lowestoft by bus 

Very nice trip saw markets etc

In afternoon went rowing with Pam & D & in evening D & I walked to far South of Yarmouth

Saturday 16^th July 1949

Got up early, thus doing it every day of holiday

All out together for morning buying fish & taking cases to station.  Had last look at front & caught 4.25 at L St at 8.30.

Home with D at 9

Took her home at 10.

Mum & dad liked the fish

Sunday 17^th July 1949

Up 10 

Bathed & read & lazed around

D came over

Monday 18^th July 1949

Ern came over & we put door glass back

Tuesday 19^th July 1949

D came over, I worked on door glass, 

cleaning & puttying

Wednesday 20^th July 1949

Dad & mum went to Southend

D came I worked on glass in door

Wrote David’s card with lots of 2’s 

on it – 2 David etc, etc.

Thursday 21^st July 1949

Studied – first time for ages.

D came over for a while

Friday 22^nd July 1949

Studied

Saturday 23^rd July 1949

D & I went shopping in afternoon & called in Ashford & Davis about her ring.

Bought gifts for David

Tea with D & Pamela

Stayed in all evening.

Sunday 24^th July 1949

D came to tea

Mum & Dad & D & I went to Ilford

D & I went rowing.

Walked back from Green Man

Monday 25^th July 1949

Met D at 5.30.  Had tea & went to Albert Hall. Rotten seats but good programme.

David 2 today.

Tuesday 26^th July 1949

Met D & went to Proms, better seat.  

Programme not so good

Wednesday 27^th July 1949

Collected holiday snaps – not bad

Met D – she was not too good & was late – & went to Seagry

Gave David his toytoise, & telephone (from mum & dad) & clucky hen & rock. He was pleased. 

Helped Walter draft new will.

Thursday 28^th July 1949

At office till 6.30

Home 7.10

Met Mum on corner of road – I wondered why, when I got in, I found out the reason – a letter from the institute. I opened it very rapidly & then my nerve left me & I was scared to look – but I did – and saw that word “Passed”. I felt quite queer but then I look further and saw “6^th Order of Merit” & my legs turned to jelly & I fell in a chair. I could have cried – and very nearly did.

I dashed to the phone – had to wait – got very impatient – dialled – & then instead of playing up to Doreen & pulling her leg I gasped out the news. Uproar at Ridley Rd.

I rang Seagry but had to leave a message.

D came round later.

Friday 29^th July 1949

Jenkins has passed his prelim. 

Uproar in the office

Bill – extremely pleased

Salkeld – dumbfounded

FMA – absolutely astonished

Tibble – awestruck

My triumph has made up for FMA’s remark sometime in 1943 that I thought more of ‘playing in bands than I did of accountancy’.

D and I had lunch together as we have done every day since our holiday while Joyce is away.

After 5.30 Bill & Tibble & Miss White & D & I went to the Dive to celebrate.

Home with D (both squiffy) at 7.15.

At D’s at 8.

Stayed till 10.15

I’m very pleased that HFL& Co will pay 3 guineas for my honours place.

Saturday 30^th July 1949

Felt dopy when I woke.  Up 9.

Bathed & dressed & ready at 11.30

D came at 11.45 – feels like me.  Had dinner & left at 1.15

At Southend at 3

Bought slippers for Linda. Linda is a much nicer child now than last January

All of us went to Southend in evening & D & I stayed later.

Sunday 31st July 1949

Up at 8.15

Went for walk before dinner 

Lazy afternoon

Early tea & to Southend

Went over replica of “Golden Hind”

Back early & talked & I played piano

Bed 12

Monday 1^st August 1949

Up at 8.15

Went to Southend for a while & went down pier.

Back at 2

Had to leave at 2.45 to get 3 pm train.

What a rush.  At Romford at 4.

What a shock for us _ Mum & Dad were there.  Mr & Mrs S had called round last night & fixed 

it up. Still it was a very nice surprise & I am very pleased that they were asked.

A very nice evening to celebrate D’s Nans & Grandads Golden Wedding.

We came home by car as it rained & we were too late to get a 687 at The Alice

Tuesday 2^nd August 1949

At Mrs Molar with Cruse

Home late

D came round

Wireless broke & I wasted all night trying to fix it.

Ern came over

Wednesday 3^rd August 1949

Went to Institute to see results  492 passed out of 1088 i.e. 45.2% better than usual

20 honours men

D came again

M & Dad were at Mrs Tuffs

Still couldn’t fix radio.

Thursday 4^th August 1949

Saw Bert

Fixed up another radio & spent evening clearing up odd things.

Friday 5^th August 1949

Jeff & I had a drink in the evening after work on my success

Home at 7.45

Ern came

Saturday 6^th August 1949

At office

Tried to repair radio -no success, took it in to shop.

D came over we went shopping 

Tea with D & stayed at her place.

Sunday 7^th August 1949

D came over

Monday 8^th August 1949

In office all day

Studied

Tuesday 9^th August 1949

At Paddington at Hatts Sheetmetal Works – what a din

Studied

Wednesday 10^th August 1949

At Hatts

Called on D & we went to Ilford Park – she wasn’t too well & on way home she nearly collapsed.

Gave her whisky etc & she felt better before I left.

Thursday 11^th August 1949

At Hatts till lunch

Called at Bush House to make Searches for Ern & myself

Called on D

Doctor gave her overhaul – nervous debility medicine & rest required

I felt lousy

Friday 12^th August 1949

Felt terrible

Left office at 5

Went to Docs – sent home to bed

Rang D

Rose & Beryl called

Saturday 13^th August 1949

D called

Radio not ready

Went to D’s for tea felt rotten

Sunday 14^th August 1949

Ern called

Mum Dad & I went to D’s for tea

Felt bit better

Monday 15^th August 1949

Felt very weak

Rang D & stayed at home

Tuesday 19^th August 1949

Went to Docs for tonic

Rang D in evening

Wednesday 17^th August 1949

Met D & went to Ilford to play round of golf

Our rugs came from Readicut – they are lovely

Took one to D.

Thursday 18^th August 1949

Went back to work

Studied

Friday 19^th August 1949

Studied

Saturday 20^th August 1949

Cleared up odd jobs at home for first part of afternoon

Went to D’s for tea, stayed in till late then we went for walk

Sunday 21^st August 1949

D has next week off

We went for walk from Buckhurst Hill to Chigwell

Tea at home & worked on new rugs & “odds & ends” rug

Monday 22^nd August 1949

Mum finished off our “odds & ends” rug

D came over

Rose brought Beryl round

Tuesday 23^rd August 1949

Studied

Wednesday 24^th August 1949

D came & we had walk. She was queer yesterday & today.

Went to dentist – 2 fillings done

Thursday 25^th August 1949

Did pools – studied

Friday 26^th August 1949

Studied & D came over re her dads PAYE. Took her home.

Saturday 27^th August 1949

D went to Docs – she must stay home next week

I went to tax office re G Martin & Co’s PAYE – great firm

To D’s at 2.30

Tea at West End

Evening at open Air Theatre Regents Park seeing Faust – very good indeed.

Home 12.30

Sunday 28^th August 1949

D & I went to Ilford on golf course

Monday 29^th August 1949

D called round in evening

Tuesday 30^th August 1949

Olive rang to say David’s picture in Stn last Friday – Photographed while in town last Thursday.

Pathe publications coming down this afternoon

I rang D to tell her

Bill Land & I went to Stadler’s. I got blouse for D

D came over & I gave her her blouse – very pleased.

Rose brought Beryl over

Wednesday 31^st August 1949

Went to Stan officer for papers

Went to Dentist – he finished me off.

Went to Seagry with D

Brought press photos to show mum.

Thursday 1^st September 1949

D & I took Press photos back to Seagry

Studied

Friday 2^nd September 1949

Went to Stadler’s

Studied

Saturday 3^rd September 1949

On holiday

D & I went to Ilford on Golf course

She beat me for first time

Had tea out & saw “Sky Dragon” & “Private Angels” at Cinema

Home at D at 10.45

Sunday 4^th September 1949

D came over

Monday 5^th September 1949

Up very late 

Saw D at 1. Went to Ilford on Golf course

Tea out, home at D’s early

Tuesday 6^th September 1949

Up early (Comparatively)

Met D at 10

Went to Stratford & got ring – charged £1

Lunched Corner Hse At Tottenham Ct Rd. Saw Boughey there.

Bus to Strand -On-the-Green at Kew & then walked to Richmond

Pleasant tea – home by train

Home 10.30

Wednesday 7^th September 1949

Up 7.30

Mum Dad & I met D Pam & her Mum at 8.20.

Nice day at Clacton marred only by D losing her camera

I even won a cake stand on game of chance

Thursday 8^th September 1949

Did pools in morning

D came over

D I Mum & Dad met Ern at Bakers Arms & all went to Southend by coach

On Pier most of time

Home 12.15am

Friday 9^th September 1949

D & I went to London Hospital for Cert for her granddad

Home 1

At D’s at 2

Went to Ilford shopping & then got on bus to Chigwell & had a walk – with all the shopping.

At D’s at 8.30

D cooked supper

Left at 10.45

Saturday 10^th September 1949

Met D at 1

Went to Doris & Alf’s at Southend for Linda’s 2^nd Birthday

Quite nice

Bed 12.30

Sunday 11^th September 1949

D & I almost quarrelled – but made it up

Went walking with Doris & Alf

Left at 7

At D’s at 9.30

Home 10.30

Saw Ern

Monday 12^th September 1949

Work again

D at work too

Plenty of it

Saw Ern

Studied

Tuesday 13^th September 1949

Studied again

Rang D 

Lecture

Wednesday 14^th September 1949

Called on Seagry Rd to see David

Lecture

Thursday 15^th September 1949

Studied – rang D

At Stadler’s

Friday 16^th September 1949

At Stadler’s

Studied lecture

Rang D

Saturday 17^th September 1949

Morning off 

D came over we went for walk around Wanstead Park etc had tea out

Home at 6

D went home, I played with Bert & Ron, not very good evening

Got clarinet back

Ordered photos of David from Paper in morning

Sunday 18^th September 1949

D came to dinner

We put photos in album.

£ devalued – what lies Cripps told on radio

Monday 19^th September 1949

Studied

D called

Tuesday 20^th September 1949

Saw Bert while at lunch

Studied     lecture

Wednesday 21^st September 1949

D called in evening & I studied

Thursday 22^nd September 1949

Studied a while

Rang D in evening & found that her firm would not allow tax on her sickness benefit.

Had long talk

D called

Walked home with her having agreed not to take any action things are now square again.

Friday 23^rd September 1949

Lecture

Studied in evening

Saturday 24^th September 1949

At office

Went shopping with D in afternoon after calling at 

W Ham library to see the local history exhibition –  very very interesting indeed

Sunday 25^th September 1949

D came over & we went to Epping on first day of new tube extension

Had a drink & got blackberries

Monday 26^th September 1949

Working at Dartford on transport

Home 6

Studied

Rang D

Tuesday 27^th September 1949

At Dartford – firm will not be nationalised – goodo

Rang D  studied

Wednesday 28^th September 1949

lecture

Very busy buying things lunchtime – foods from HF Lynch & Co, music, Photo albums, sweets, B’day Cards (for D & Ern)  But could not find gift for D

D came over

Friday 30^th September 1949

Went up St Pauls area to look for D’s gift. No luck but got diaries & photo album.

Rang D studied

Posted D’s card

Saturday 1^st October 1949

Didn’t go to office

Looked for D’s gift: getting desperate when I called  on Ern – he saved me – suggested leather goods & I remembered D needed a purse

Got one – he suggested a coin should be fixed & got me a silver link to fix it.

Got also a St Christopher key ring

Mounted the 6d

Looks good

D & I went to Epping for Blackberries – got lots

Home 7.15

Sunday 2^nd October 1949

D 23 today

Called over at 3

Gave her her purse, sweets & photo album

Joyce & her Geoff came over

Home 11.30  saw Ern

Monday 3^rd October 1949

Studied

Rang D

Tuesday 4^th October 1949

Erns birthday

Called on Scottish Life Ass Co & arranged agency.

Rang D

Studied 

Lecture

Ern called

Wednesday 5^th October 1949

At 11am I went to the Institute to collect my Certificate. 

About 20 of us went into the council chamber, heard a speech & got my cert from Sir Russell Kettle the President.

At 5.30 Bill & I went to see Mac on his opening night at his pub

Met D at Trafalgar Square at 7.15

We went to the Savoy Theatre & saw “Young Wives Tale” what a scream

Home 12

Thursday 6^th October 1949

Went to a lecture

Studied

Friday 7^th October 1949

Studied

Saturday 8^th October 1949

D & I went to Radio Olympia

Not too bad a show

Home at 8

Did some of D’s rug

Sunday 9^th October 1949

Spent morning painting and doing odd jobs

D came over

Monday 10^th October 1949

Studied

Tuesday 11^th October 1949

Studied & went to lecture

Wednesday 12^th October 1949

Went to lecture

D called

We went to Seagry

W&O out. Saw David

Had a walk

Come home

Ern was here

Thursday 13^th October 1949

At lecture by Bank of England Chief just back from USA

Studied

Friday 14^th October 1949

Went to lecture

Studied

Saturday 15^th October 1949

At office

In afternoon D & I went shopping for sheets etc before prices go up. Got 4 sheets & 4 pillow covers & odds & ends.

Home 5

Went out to cinema but didn’t wait to queue so came home & did rug

Home 11.30 saw Ern

D gave him pair of socks

Sunday 16^th October 1949

Up late

D & I & Pam went to Seagry to see some clothes they had there 

(models that were shop-soiled)

Eventually D’s people came over on way to Romford

Pam & her mum had coats

D got shoes

Home 7

Monday 17^th October 1949

Working at The Oval

Studied

Tuesday 18^th October 1949

At Oval

Went to lecture

Studied

Wednesday 19^th October 1949

At Oval

Went to Students Society AGM & heard Sir Cohen Speak

D & I went to Seagry

Thursday 20^th October 1949

At oval

Studied

Friday 21^st October 1949

In office

Studied

Saturday 22^nd October 1949

D & I went shopping in afternoon & bought tablecloth material

Met mum

She had a cup of tea with us.

D & I went to Odeon & saw “Joan of Arc”

Sunday 23^rd October 1949

D came over

Cut up tablecloth material

Monday 24^th October 1949

Studied

Tuesday 25^th October 1949

At Stadler’s. Got D some lace for her dress

Studied

Wednesday 26^th October 1949

Ern had bottom cut out

Went to D’s & had evening round the fire

Thursday 27^th October 1949

D called over

Did pools

Studied

Rang Seagry

Friday 28^th October 1949

Studied

Saturday 29^th October 1949

Met D at Stratford at 9.15 & went to Oxford St.

Got lots of gifts etc

Home 4.30

D’s friend Della & her daughter Sandra got home from New Zealand

Stayed in all evening

Sunday 30^th October 1949

Up late

Did odd jobs

D came had a walk

Evening at home

Dictated notes for my answer for the Students Say meeting

Monday 31^st October 1949

Studied in evening

Tuesday 1^st November 1949

Studied

Day in office for a change

Wednesday 2^nd November 1949

D came over

Ern called

Thursday 3^rd November 1949

Finished at Stadler’s back to office after lunch

Got “Harry Lime Theme” record of music from “The Third Man”

Studied

Friday 4^th November 1949

Had to go to Bush House while up West & saw shop selling cati 

seeds – got some planted them during the evening. Rang D

Studied

Saturday 5^th November 1949

In office 

D came over & we went to W Ham football.

Nearly didn’t get in  – had to get out of first place & give “backhander” to get into stand.

Very disappointed with W Ham who lost to Spurs 1-0

D came to tea & stayed all evening.

Ern called – gave him a record of Third Man music 

Home (after seeing D home) at 12.

Bed 12.45

Sunday 6^th November 1949

Went with D over to Seagry to take record for Olive & toy for David

Left 5.30

Tea at D’s

Worked on rug during evening

Monday 7^th November 1949

In office – very busy as always these days

Studied in evening

Tuesday 8^th November 1949

Studied

Doc came to Dad – He’s not too bad

Wednesday 9^th November 1949

D came over

Ern called

At Stadler’s in morning

Thursday 10^th November 1949

Studied

Friday 11^th November 1949

Doc called again Dad back to where he was

Saturday 12^th November 1949

D & I took David & Sandra to Gamage’s

What a morning

Home 3.30

Got xmas cards from Boardman’s

D & I went with Pam to Pictures saw “The Hasty Heart”

Sunday 13^th November 1949

D came over

Monday 14^th November 1949

Studied

Tuesday 15^th November 1949

Studied

Wednesday 16^th November 1949

D came over

Thursday 17^th November 1949

One of my Cacti is through at last

Took part in Student Say lecture

Friday 18^th November 1949

Studied

The new rug came

Saturday 19^th November 1949

At office

Went shopping with D – went to Ilford

Tea with D

Went to cinema with D and saw “Mother Knows Best” Stupid film

Sunday 20^th November 1949

Up 11

Called at Seagry, then on to D’s

We went to Joyce’s for tea

Home late

Aunt Liz called

Monday 21^st November 1949

At Rainham

Home at 6.15 after calling on Ern. He came over later

Studied

Tuesday 22^nd November 1949

At Rainham

Home 5.45

Studied

Wednesday 23^rd November 1949

At Hitchin. Left home at 7.30 am

Home 7.15 pm

D was here we went to cinema saw “You can’t sleep Here”

Thursday 24^th November 1949

At Rainham. Back to office 

Went to lecture – studied

Ern called gave me clippers & an autograph album signed by Sam Costa^XVIII

Friday 25^th November 1949

25 today

5 cards M& D, D, Ern, Bert, Mr & Mrs S

D came over

Gloves from Mum & Dad

Socks from Mr & Mrs S & Pam

D was wild – the ring is not ready for me.

Saturday 26^th November 1949

Up at 11.15

Called over to D & we went shopping around E Ham. Called on Ern.

Tea with D

Wanted to go to Ballet at Peoples Palace but full up so went to her  Grandads place.

Home late

Bought hot water bottle for mum & dad

Sunday 27^th November 1949

Got 3 x’s up

D came over. Ern here for tea

Busy evening

Gave M&D the bottle

Monday 28^th November 1949

In office.  Studied in evening

Tuesday 29^th November 1949

In office.  Studied

Wednesday 30^th November 1949

D & I went to the cinema & saw “In the Good Old Summertime”

Thursday 1^st December 1949

Studied

Friday 2^nd December 1949

Studied

Saturday 3^rd December 1949

Went over to Ds & went to her bazaar. Later we went shopping 

& D forgot her key so we had to meet Pam & all go to my place. 

We played monopoly.

Sunday 4^th December 1949

D called over for tea

Monday 5^th December 1949

Studied

Tuesday 6^th December 1949

D & I had lunch together & went to St Pauls & got some gifts including a bread knife for mum.

Gave it to her in evening

Studied

Wednesday 7^th December 1949

Met D at Wanstead

Went to see “The 3^rd Man” Very good

Thursday 8^th December 1949

Studied

Friday 9^th December 1949

Got a lovely boil coming up

Studied

Saturday 10^th December 1949

Took shoes to repairer

D came over for tea

Sunday 11^th December 1949

Up at 9

Met D at Forest Gate

Went to Doris & Alf’s at Southend. Quite a nice day but my boil was aggravating

Dad got the cone out when I got home

Monday 12^th December 1949

Stayed home & had my face bathed

Did rug, read etc

Phoned office & D.

D called in evening

Tuesday 13 December 1949

At home still. Phoned D

Wednesday 14^th December 1949

Went to office

D & I went to cinema to see “William goes to Town”

Thursday 15^th December 1949

Got some gifts for Ern & Dad 

Studied

Friday 16^th December 1949

Studied

Saturday 17^th December 1949

D & I got last of our gifts

Did up Xmas parcels

Sunday 18^th November 1949

Up at 12.45

Did odd jobs

Went to Ds

Monday 19^th December 1949

Bought extra xmas cards

Studied

Tuesday 20^th December 1949

Studied in evening

Wednesday 21^st December 1949

D & I went to Seagry in evening with presents.

David & Jacquie were kept up till about 9.30. David 

was thrilled with his things and even the baby seemed pleased.

Thursday 22^nd December 1949

Called at Stadler’s & home early

Did pools

Studied

Ern came over with gifts – hankies for D studs etc for me & a clock for us.

Friday 23^rd December 1949

In office.  Nearly all had invites to client’s “do’s” except me. 

I couldn’t get away till 3.

Did shopping for fruit etc. Home 4, then went up East Ham for more stuff.

Rang D later she was not too good. Joyce had got tight & had to be taken home.

Went over to Ds she eventually felt better.  Fixed up decoration lights for D

Left about 10.45.

Saturday 24^th December 1949

No work

Got set fixed up for Pamela. Bought some music.  Bathed

D came over about 4.30 still not quite well.

We went out for some lemons etc

Left here fairly early after a quiet evening.

Took Pam’s set over

Home 11.00 with Mr S who brought the cat over, Ern was here

Sunday 25^th December 1949

Christmas Day

Up 10

Left here at 11.40 at Ds at 12.

D Pam & I went down by bus to Romford.

Quite a nice day.  Bed at 3.

Had a ride round in car with D, Joan & Norman in evening

Monday 26^th December 1949

Up at 10

Went for car ride

D & I came up home about 5. Home at 6.10. had tea here 

with Mum & Dad & Ern 

Left again at 7.25 at Romford at 8.15

Played games etc – very good evening 

Bed at .30

Tuesday 27^th December 1949

Up at 10.30

Left about 12 something

Home at Ds at 1.5

At Ramsay Rd at 2 – we had to walk all the way.

Felt very full up after dinner & had to take things very quietly for a while – D too.

Took the cat back with us, he was quite good – as he has been all the holiday.

Home 11

Left 11.15

Missed the bus – as is usual these days

Ern was still home D had left her glasses

Wednesday 28^th December 1949

D came over at 8.50 for her glasses

Didn’t like work

Ern called in evening.

Did pools – didn’t fancy studying & did very little

Bed at 12

Thursday 29^th December 1949

Home early Ern came over

Mum Ern D & I went up to see Tree in Trafalgar Sq.

Met Winnie (Erns shop assistant at Mile End)

Very nice evening

Dinner at Corner House

Took D home

Home at 12

Dad had been queer

Bed 12.30

Friday 30^th December 1949

Up late

Dad stayed in bed

Studied hard in evening

Saturday 31^st December 1949

At office

Home at 12.45

Dad a bit better & got up

Called on D

Fired up Pam’s Xtal set

Went shopping with D

Had tea with her family

They went to panto

D & I to West Ham Baths dance.

Della was coming but her ma was a bit upset so she stayed.

Tommy Wretham was in the band – but didn’t speak to him.

Dances went on till 12.

Back at Ds at about 12.45

Had a drink & home about 1.20

Dad still about the same

---

I: Wikipedia
Bedelia is a 1946 British drama film directed by Lance Comfort and starring Margaret Lockwood, Ian Hunter and Barry K. Barnes.[3] It is an adaptation of the novel Bedelia by Vera Caspary with events moved from the United States to England and Monaco.

 II: British Forces Network (BFN) broadcasting

IV: Wikipedia
Invented as the Second World War was about to begin in 1938, the biro takes its name from its creator Ladislao José Biro. Biro, also known as László József Bíró, was born on 29 September 1899 in Budapest in what was then Austria-Hungary.29 Sep 2016.
This new design was licensed by the British, who produced ballpoint pens for RAF aircrew as the Biro. Ballpoint pens were found to be more versatile than fountain pens, especially at high altitudes, where fountain pens were prone to ink-leakage.

V: Family legend has it that mum and dad met at the YMCA Rambling Association.

VI: Wikipedia
The Kursaal is a Grade II listed building in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England, which opened in 1901 as part of one of the world’s first purpose-built amusement parks. The venue is noted for the main building with distinctive dome, designed by Campbell Sherrin, which has featured on a Royal Mail special edition stamp.

VII: Hope Agar

VIII: Odsal Boomerangs were a motorcycle speedway team based at Odsal in Bradford from 1945 to 1949. The team later become the Odsal Tudors

IX: Battle of Britain Anniversary flypast.

X: The majority of the current bank holidays were specified in the 1971 Act: however New Year’s Day and May Day were not introduced throughout the whole of the UK until 1974 and 1978 respectively.

XI: Wikipedia
It’s That Man Again (or, commonly, ITMA) was a BBC radio comedy programme which ran from 1939 to 1949. It was written by Ted Kavanagh and starred Tommy Handley in comic situations often related to current war news. It featured popular characters such as Colonel Chinstrap and Mrs. Mopp and generated certain catchphrases that long outlived the series. ITMA was credited with sustaining wartime morale.

XII: http://kdcah.org/katherine-dunham-biography/
The Katherine Dunham Dance group first appearance in London was at the Prince of Wales Theatre in June 1948, in Caribbean Rhapsody, which was already a success in the United States, and with which she was to tour Europe. It was the first time Europe had seen black dance as an art form, and also the first time that the special elements of American modern dance appeared outside America.

VXIII: Wikipedia
Samuel Gabriel ‘Sam’ Costa (17 June 1910 – 23 September 1981) was a popular singer and dancer of the British dance band era and a voice actor on the show Much Binding in the Marsh