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.