John Shipman's 1946 RAF Diary

John Shipman's 1946 RAF Diary

John's day by day record of his work at RAF Maipur. It covers the RAF 'strike' and his return to the UK

1946

One handwritten diary

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YShipmanJ1694683v1

[Royal Air Force crest]
THE
AIR FORCE
DIARY
[page break]
[drawing of winged animal with flags behind]
Rotol Limited gratefully salute the Fighting Forces of Freedom and acclaim the triumph of their arms, which have brought us through the long night of war to the dawn of Peace. We also take especial pride in our modest contribution towards the achievement of this end.
[page break]
THE
AIR FORCE DIARY
1946
With sections on the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and the Air Training Corps
[page break]
Principal Aircraft Types – Continued
COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORT
[header] Type – Power Plant – Speed (m.p.h.) [/header]
AVRO YORK – 4 X Merlin 22 – [blank]
ARMSTRONG WHITWORTH ENSIGN – 4 X 900 Cyclone – 210
DE HAVILLAND FLAMINGO – 2 X 930 Pegasus – 239
DE HAVILLAND ALBATROSS – 4 X 535 Gipsy XII – 250
DE HAVILLAND DRAGON RAPIDE – 2 X 200 Gypsy VI – 157
GENERAL AIRCRAFT CYGNET – 150 Cirrus Major – 130
HANDLEY PAGE HARROW – 2 X 925 Pegasus – 200
MILES M-28 – 150 Gipsy Major – 176
PERCIVAL PROCTOR – 210 Gipsy Queen – 170
SHORT STIRLING IV – 4 X 1,600 Hercules – 280
VICKERS-ARMSTRONG WARWICK – [blank] – [blank]
GLIDERS
AIRSPEED HORSA – SPAN 88 ft., length 67 ft., height 21 ft.
GENERAL AIRCRAFT HAMILCAR – Span 110 ft., length 68 ft. 1 in., height 20 ft. 3 in.
GENERAL AIRCRAFT HOTSPUR II – Span 46 ft., length 39 3/4 ft., height 10 3/4 ft.
MISCELLANEOUS TYPES
BOULTON PAUL DEFIANT (TT) – Merlin XX – [blank]
TAYLORCRAFT AUSTER III (AR) – 130 Gypsy Major – 135
WESYLAND LYSANDER II – 905 Perseus – 230
ARMSTRONG WHITWORTH ALBEMARLE (GT) – 2 X 1,370 Hercules – [blank]
FB = Fighter Bomber; TB = Torpedo Bomber; TSR = Torpedo Spotter Reconnaissance; FF – Fleet Fighter; SF = Shipboard Fighter; A = Amphibian; AR = Army Reconnaissance; TT = Target Tower; GT = Glider Tug.
[page break]
BRITISH MILITARY AIRCRAFT
[black and white photograph of Avro Lancaster]
[symbol] AVRO LANCASTER HEAVY BOMBER
Equipped with four 1,280-h.p. Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, the Lancaster Mark I can carry approximately 8 tons of bombs at a maximum speed of 275 m.p.h. Maximum range is about 3,000 miles; armament includes ten .303-in. machine-guns. Normal crew is seven, and total loaded weight is 60,000 lb. The Mark II is powered with four 1,600-h.p. Bristol Hercules engines, the Mark III by Packard-built Merlins. Modified Lancasters carry the R.A.F.’s 10-ton bomb.
[black and white photograph of Handley Page Halifax aircraft]
[symbol] HANDLEY PAGE HALIFAX HEAVY BOMBER
The Mark I is powered by four 1,175-h.p. Merlins, and can carry 5 1/2 tons of bombs at a top speed of 270 m.p.h. Maximum range is about 3,000 miles; normal loaded weight 60,000 lb. The Halifax III has a larger wing span and four Bristol Hercules engines, each of 1,650 h.p. Halifax VI (Hercules engines), has a top speed of 328 m.p.h., and an all-up weight of 68,000 lb.
[page break]
BRITISH MILITARY AIRCRAFT
[black and white photograph of Short Stirling Tug and Transport]
“Flight” photograph
[symbol] SHORT STIRLING TUG AND TRANSPORT
First of the large four-engined heavy bombers to go into service with the R.A.F., the Stirling has either four 1,600-h.p. Bristol Hercules or four 1,600-h.p. Wright Cyclones. Maximum bomb load is 18,000 lb. Four power-operated gun turrets house ten .303-in. machine-guns. Normal loaded weight is 70,000 lb. Span is 99 ft. 1 in. and length 87 ft. 3 in. The Stirling later became a glider-tug and supply transport.
[black and white photograph of Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle aircraft]
ARMSTRONG WHITWORTH ALBEMARLE TUG AND TRANSPORT
Originally intended as a reconnaissance bomber, the Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle has since been adapted for use as a glider-tug or as a transport for airborne troops. It has a retractable undercarriage and is driven by two Bristol Hercules air-cooled radial engines.
[page break]
BRITISH MILITARY AIRCRAFT
[black and white photograph of Vickers Armstrong Warwick aircraft]
[symbol] VICKERS-ARMSTRONGS WARWICK TRANSPORT
Bearing a strong resemblance to its kinsman, the Wellington, both in line and construction, the Warwick was originally designed as a bomber, but was ultimately transferred to transport and Air-Sea Rescue duties. Its engines are Pratt and Whitney Double Wasps of 2,000 h.p. Span is 96 ft. 8 1/2 in., length, 70 ft.: and height, 18 ft. 6 in.
[black and white photograph of Avro York aircraft]
[symbol] AVRO YORK TRANSPORT
In service with the R.A.F. Transport Command, the York has the wings and tail unit of the Lancaster, with the addition of a third fin, but different fuselage. Loaded weight is 30 tons, and with four 1,280-h.p. Merlin engines, cruising speed is 220 m.p.h. Span is 102 ft., length 78 ft. 6 in. and height 20 ft. Special Yorks have been built for Mr. Churchill, Field-Marshal Smuts and the Duke of Gloucester.
[page break]
BRITISH MILITARY AIRCRAFT
[black and white photograph of Spitfire aircraft]
[symbol] VICKERS-SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE FIGHTER
Tested and proved in the Battle of Britain, the single-seat Spitfire held pride of place as an interceptor fighter throughout the war. It appeared in more than a dozen different versions the principal Mark numbers being V, VIII, IX, XII, and XIV. The majority had Merlin engines, but the XII and XIV had the Griffon. The Spitfire XIV was officially credited with a top speed of 450 m.p.h. The Spitfire VI and VII (Merlin engines) have “pressure” cockpits.
[black and white photograph of Hawker Tempest V aircraft]
HAWKER TEMPEST V FIGHTER
Successor to the Typhoon, the Tempest has an official top speed of 435 m.p.h. with the 2,400-h.p. Napier Sabre engine. Squadrons equipped with it destroyed some 600 flying-bombs during the first four months of the campaign against Southern England in the summer and early autumn of 1944. Interesting technical features are its thin, laminar-flow wing, and powerful ailerons, which give it an exceptionally fast rolling movement. Armament consists of four 20-mm. cannon.
[page break]
BRITISH MILITARY AIRCRAFT
[black and white photograph of Hawker Typhoon aircraft]
HAWKER TYPHOON FIGHTER
First in action in mid-1942, the Typhoon single-seater fighter was the first operational aircraft to be fitted with the Napier Sabre 24-cylinder H-type sleeve-valve liquid-cooled engine. Armament consists of either twelve .303-in. machine-guns or four 20-mm. cannon mounted in the wings. As a fighter-bomber the Typhoon carries a heavy bomb beneath each wing. It is also equipped for rocket-firing.
[black and white photograph of Hawker Hurricane aircraft]
[symbol] HAWKER HURRICANE FIGHTER
The Hurricane has seen action in seventeen different theatres. It bore the brunt of the Battle of Britain and has been adapted and developed as a fighter, fighter-bomber, tank-buster and shipboard fighter. As the Mark IID tank-buster, illustrated above, it had two 40-mm. cannon and two .303-in. machine-guns, and a top speed of about 340 m.p.h. Hurricane squadrons were serving with S.E.A.C. in 1945.
[page break]
BRITISH MILITARY AIRCRAFT
[black and white photograph of Bristol Beaufighter aircraft]
[symbol] BRISTOL BEAUFIGHTER FIGHTER
Used first as a night fighter for the defence of Great Britain, the Beaufighter subsequently saw service as a day-intruder fighter, fighter-bomber, and torpedo aircraft. In each role it won high honours in many different theatres of war. Its relentless campaign against enemy shipping in the Kattegat and Skagerrak was an outstanding feature of the closing months of the war in Europe. Armament: four 20-mm. cannon and six .303-in. machine-guns.
[black and white photograph of De Havilland Mosquito aircraft]
[symbol] DE HAVILLAND MOSQUITO BOMBER
Fast and versatile, the Mosquito is one of the war’s outstanding successes. Conceived and first built as a gunless bomber with a 1,000-lb. bomb load, it became, also, day fighter, fighter-bomber, night fighter, photographic aircraft, high-altitude bomber, submarine destroyer (armed with six-pounder gun), minelayer, and rocket-firing aircraft. Its bomb-load has been increased to 4,000 lb. Photograph is of Mark XVI high-altitude bomber with supercharged cabin. Span is 54 ft. 2 in., length 40 ft. 9 1/2 in.
[page break]
BRITISH MILITARY AIRCRAFT
[black and white photograph of Sunderland Flying-Boat]
SHORT SUNDERLAND FLYING-BOAT
A general reconnaissance flying-boat with a fine war record in Coastal Command operations, the Sunderland carries a crew of 10. Armament comprises gun turrets in nose and tail and two more gun positions amidships. It is driven by four 1,000-h.p. Bristol Pegasus engines, has a top speed of 210 m.p.h. and a normal range of 2,880 miles. Some have been converted for civil duties.
[black and white photograph of Sea Otter amphibious aircraft]
VICKERS-SUPERMARINE SEA OTTER AMPHIBIAN
Successor to the Walrus, which it closely resembles, the Sea Otter formed part of the equipment of the Air-Sea Rescue Service, working from bases in Great Britain, the Mediterranean and the Far East. Since 1944, when they went into general use, Sea Otters have rescued hundreds of “ditched” British and Allied airmen. They are extremely robust, and can stand hours of pounding by heavy seas. They can also work from aircraft carriers, if necessary being catapulted off.
[page break]
BRITISH MILITARY AIRCRAFT
[black and white photograph of a Fairey Barracuda aircraft]
[symbol] FAIREY BARRACUDA TORPEDO-BOMBER
Designed in the first place around a new and powerful aero-engine which was later withdrawn from production, the Barracuda was given a highly supercharged version of the Merlin. It was the first British monoplane torpedo-bomber to see service with the Royal Navy, and can carry bombs, depth charges, or an 18-in. torpedo. Large flaps permanently extended on outriggers give different positions for take-off, cruising, diving and landing.
[black and white photograph of a Fairey Swordfish aircraft]
FAIREY SWORDFISH TORPEDO-BOMBER
Old, and approaching retirement in 1939, the Swordfish was restored to full operational status when war broke out, and won battle honours as glorious as any bestowed upon its contemporaries. With bombs, torpedoes and rockets, it has taken heavy toll of enemy shipping in many seas. Famous among its exploits were the attack on the Italian fleet at Taranto and Matapan, and the crippling of the Bismarck.
[page break]
BRITISH MILITARY AIRCRAFT
[black and white photograph of a Fairey Firefly aircraft]
FAIREY FIREFLY FLEET-FIGHTER
Continuing the traditional policy of the Royal Navy, the Firefly is a two-seat fighter, though it has the “lines” and the performance of a single-seater. Interesting technical features are the large retracting flaps (which steepen the approach glide, assist take-off and, when needed in combat, improve manoeuvrability) and the wing-folding mechanism. Armament consists of four 20-mm. cannon. Engine is the Griffon II, which delivers more than 2,000 h.p.
[black and white photograph of Taylorcraft Auster aircraft]
TAYLORCRAFT AUSTER SPOTTER
The Auster is used by the Army as a light military observation and liaison ‘plane. A high-wing braced monoplane, it has an enclosed cabin seating two side-by-side with dual controls and radio equipment. With a 130-h.p. Gipsy Major engine the Auster III has a top speed in excess of 130 m.p.h., a range of 350 miles and lands at less than 40 m.p.h. The Auster IV has a Lycoming engine.
[page break]
U.S. TYPES USED BY R.A.F. & F.A.A.
[black and white photograph of a Boeing Flying Fortress Bomber]
BOEING FLYING FORTRESS BOMBER
[black and white photograph of a Consolidated Liberator Bomber]
[symbol] CONSOLIDATED LIBERATOR HEAVY BOMBER
[black and white photograph of North American Mitchell Bomber]
NORTH AMERICAN MITCHELL BOMBER
[page break]
U.S. TYPES USED BY R.A.F. & F.A.A.
[black and white photograph of Martin Marauder bomber]
MARTIN MARAUDER BOMBER
[black and white photograph of Douglas Boston III bomber]
DOUGLAS BOSTON III BOMBER
[black and white photograph of Lockheed-Vega Ventura Reconnaissance bomber]
LOCKHEED-VEGA VENTURA RECONNAISSANCE-BOMBER
“Flight” photograph
[page break]
U.S. TYPES USED BY R.A.F. & F.A.A.
[black and white photograph of Mustang]
NORTH AMERICAN MUSTANG FIGHTER
[black and white photograph of Thunderbolt]
[symbol] REPUBLIC THUNDERBOLT FIGHTER
[black and white photograph of Catalina Flying Boat]
“Flight” photograph
CONSOLIDATED CATALINA FLYING-BOAT
[page break]
U.S. TYPES USED BY R.A.F. & F.A.A.
[black and white photograph of Dakota]
[symbol] DOUGLAS DAKOTA TRANSPORT
[black and white photograph of Waco Hadrian glider]
WACO HADRIAN GLIDER
[black and white photograph of Vought-Sikorsky Helicopter]
VOUGHT-SIKORSKY HELICOPTER
[page break]
U.S. TYPES USED BY R.A.F. & F.A.A.
[black and white photograph of Vought-Sikorsky Corsair]
[symbol] VOUGHT-SIKORSKY CORSAIR FLEET-FIGHTER
[black and white photograph of Grumman Hellcat]
[symbol] GRUMMAN HELLCAT FLEET-FIGHTER
[black and white photograph of Grumman Avenger]
GRUMMAN AVENGER TORPEDO-BOMBER
[page break]
PRINCIPAL TYPES OF BRITISH AND U.S. AERO-ENGINES
[list of British and U.S engines]
33
[page break]
PERSONAL MEMORANDA
Name SHIPMAN JOHN
Service No. 1694683
Mess No.
Pass No.
Home Address STATHERN
NR MELTON MOWBRAY,
LEICESTERSHIRE ENGLAND
Dates of Promotion
TO LA/C FITTER IIE DEC. 1st/44.
Car Number
Driving Licence Expires
Insurance Expires
Weight 12 stone 0 lb. on DEC. 18th/45.
Home Phone No.
[page break]
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
NAME – TELEPHONE
G. NEAL
26 NEWLANDS. RD.
MIDDLESBROUGH
YORKS
A Rennison
High St
Gringley on Hill
Doncs.
R. DORRINGTON
322 DITCHLING RD.
HOLLINGBURY,
BRIGHTON
SUSSEX.
R. Street
9 Duchy St
Edgely
Stockport
Lancs
J. COLEY.
10 BATH ST
DUDLEY.
J. MYRES (MYERS)
12 SUNIMER ST.
KINGSWINFORD
STAFFS.
The Turks Head
Old Balderton
D.J. Lee
14 Park Rd
Grantham
[page break]
1946 JANUARY
1
17.00 TO 01-00 HRS SHIFT
HIGH BOOST ON STBD ENG. DAKOTA K.N 395 – FLUSHED CLUTCHES THROUGH – STILL HIGH ON RUN UP – HANDED OVER TO E.R.S. FOR ENG CHANGE
FINISHED 12.00 hrs
2
TERMINAL ON DAKOTA K.N 241. STBD ENG.
VIBRATION ON BOTH ENGINES. PLUGS CHANGED. PROP DOMES REMOVED. PORT PROPS CHANGED, STBD PROP CHECKED FOR TIGHTNESS FINISHED 02.00 hrs
3
WROTE LETTER TO BILL IN AFTERNOON. WENT TO WORK AT 5 OCLOCK. FINISHED GRADE III ON DAK KL 239. STBD FREE AIR SHUTTER JAMMED. ENG OK. ON GRUN. FINISHED WORK 10 OCLOCK
4
SENT FOOD PARCEL HOME. WORK AT 5 OCLOCK. TERMINAL ON STBD ENG DAKOTA 435.
5
SENT FOOD PARCEL TO AUNT ANNIE. DAY OFF. WENT TO KARACHI IN AFTERNOON. BOUGHT TWO RECORDS. RICHARD TAVEER & RICHARD CRUX
6
DAY OFF. WROTE TO TIM BROWN AUNT ANNIE & DAD. & BARBARA
[page break]
7
STARTED 01-00 hr 0900 shift. Went to work at 1-oclock Terminal on No 1 Eng Lib BZ 786 PICTURES at night, saw, “Here come the co eds”
8
REROUTE ON LIBERATOR B7 786 REFUELLED. FINISHED TURBO BLOWER CHANGE. HAD LETTER FROM MARY & EDDIE
9
WORKED ON LIBERATOR ENG CHANGE. FINISHED 8 OCLOCK, HANDED OVER TO E.R.S.
WENT TO CAMP CINEMA AT NIGHT OT SEE “CANT HELP SINGING” FOOD PARCEL ARRIVED HOME. SENT 4th
10
REFUELLED LIBERATOR 337 LETTER FROM MAM & THELMA NO MORE WORK. PACKED UP 04.00 hrs. WROTE TO MAM.
[symbol] WENT TO CAMP CINEMA IN AFTERNOON. SAW “STEP LIVELY.” WENT TO TOWN AT NIGHT. SAW “THE HORN BLOWS AT MIDNIGHT” ORDERED BLACK SHOES AT SHAMJI BANJI. RADY JAN. 30th. PAID 95 RS.
11
[symbol] DAY OFF. WENT TO CAMP CINEMA IN AFTERNOON SAW “THE PRINCESS & THE PIRATE”. ANSWERED MAMS LETTER. RECEIVED £2 from BARBARA FOR SHOES IN TWO LETTERS. LETTER FROM TIM BROWN, PAMELA. WROTE MRS BROMHEAD IN EVENING. C. HOURD MARRIED.
12
[deleted] START [/deleted]
13
START DAYS. ROUTE INSP ON LIB 266. REFUELLED TO 1750 GALLS. ROUTE ON No 4 ENG. NO MAIL. WROTE TO THELMA AT NIGHT
[page break]
14
WORKED ON LIB. HEATING SYSTEM. FOUND TO BE DISSCONNECTED [sic] ON ENGINE WROTE TO BARBARA AT NIGHT.
15
CHANGED GITTS SEAL No2 ENG. YORK 199. WENT AWAY 1500 hr REPORTED TO PAY ACCOUNTS TO CHECK APRIL TO SEPT STATEMENT. 25 Rs CREDIT.
16
ROUTE ON LIB. 329. SLOW RUNNING TOO FAST ON No 142. SHORT OF REVS No 2. WENT TO CINEMA AT NIGHT SAW “LADY IN THE DARK”. NO MAIL
17
CHANGED DOME SEAL ON LIB ON TROOPING APRON. TERMINAL ON DAK KW 504 STBD ENG. NO SNAGS NO MAIL.
18
[symbol] DAY OFF. (ORDERED BARBARAS SHOES) WROTE LETTER TO PAMELA. WENT TO KARACHI. FEED AT A.B.C. CAFÉ SAW “THE THIN MAN GOES HOME” AT CAPITOL RECEIVED 4 LETTERS. 1 FROM MAM. 2 FROM THELMA & 1 FROM TED.
19
[symbol] STARTING 5 to 12 SHIFT. WROTE TO MAM & TED IN MORNING DRILLED BROKEN STUD IN No 1 ENG. LIB. PRESSURE FILTER.
20
WROTE TO THELMA. RECIEVED [sic] LETTER FROM BARBARA STARTED 3rd BASE ON PORT ENG DAKOTA KN 668
[page break]
21
CARRIED ON WITH 3rd BASE ON DAK 668. HANDED OVER TO NEXT SHIFT TO FLUSH. S. CLUTCHES. MEETING IN COOKHOUSE TO DISCUSS THE DEMOB. UNREST.
[circled 22]
HARRY’S BIRTHDAY.
ON STRIKE FROM 8 IN MORNING UNTIL CERTAIN PROMISES ARE MADE AS REGARDS DEMOB ETC. WHOLE STATION OUT. LECTURE IN MORINING [sic] FROM A.V.M. BARRAT. NO SATISFACTION. OBTAINED. LECTURE IN AFTERNOON BY PADRE & AOC. STILL KEEPING OUT. UNTIL SATISFACTION OBTAINED. MEETING IN MESS [symbol] 8 OCLOCK.
23
CAIRO WEST, JIWANI, & JODPHUR GOES ON STRIKE. LECTURE AT 0200 hrs by padre, signal sent day previous to Blighty, padre read signal out. A.C.M. car came from Dehli [sic] to lecture us. Further meeting tomorrow
24
[symbol]
MEETING AT 10 OCLOCK IN MORNING. DECIDE TO START WORK 8 IN MORNING UNTIL FEB 15th CAME OVER WIRELESS FROM LONDON (STRIKE MADE NEWS) WENT TO KARACHI IN AFTERNOON BOUGHT PAIR GLOVES FOR BILL MET TIM BROWN IN B.G.H. BROKEN FOOT.
[circled 25]
[symbol] CHAPPALS READY FROM SHANJI BANJI. STATION RESUMED WORK THIS MORNING. WROTE LETTER TO MAM. WENT TO WORK AT 5 OCLOCK. WORKED ON DAK 219, PORT ENG. FLUSHED CLUTCHES. STBD ENG HIGH BLOWER SLIPPING. ENG CHANGE.
26
PAID 95 Rs. AT DISP. OFFICE. STARTED LETTER TO BARBARA. RUN UP ON DAK 639. STBD ENG SHORT OF REVS & BOOST. FREE AIR SHUTTER JAMMED & FREED. ENGINE STILL U/S
27
WROTE TO BARBARA. WORKED ON No 2 ENG. YORK 163. OIL LEAK. TOOK PROP OFF. CHANGED GITTS SEAL, CHANGED C.S.U. & VACUUM PUMP BASKETS. NO LEAK ON RUN UP.
[page break]
28
WORKED ON LIB. 668. CUTTING IN LEAN. CHANGED CARB (No1 ENG). NO BETTER ON RUN UP.
WROTE TO MISS ALDERMAN
29
WROTE TO EDDY RECIEVED [sic] LETTER FROM TED.
WORKED ON YORK 183. WOULDN’T COME BACK TO FINE PITCH No1 ENG. REMOVED PROP & C.S.U. FLUSHED OUT ALL DUCTS. REPLACED PROP STICK U/S ON GROUND RUN
30
SHOES READY AT SHAMJI BANJI. DAY OFF. WENT TO KARACHI. BOUGHT RONSON LIGHTER. SAW “A PLACE OF ONES OWN” AT PALACE.
HAD LETTERS FROM MAM, GLADYS, TIM, THELMA & MISS ALDERMAN.
31
DAY OFF. WROTE TO MAM, DAD & PEG. WENT TO YMCA AT NIGHT TO HEAR PROGRAMME OF CLASSICS.
FEBRUARY 1
STARTS 28 days leave. Went to pay accounts, paid 220 Rs. Wrote to Mary. Went to Karachi. Football at match Drigh Rd v Tourists LATTER WON 2.0. Bought apron 12/8 WVS. Saw Son of Lassie at Paradise
2
Went to Karachi. Football match at Y.M.C.A. TOURISTS 2 V ARMY NIL Feed at Cafe Grand.
Pictures, saw “Rebecca” at Regal. very good show.
3
Stayed in camp, wrote to Thelma & Mam. Went to transit cinema “Murder in the Blue Room.”
[page break]
4
STAYED IN CAMP. FOOTBALL MATCH IN EVENING. TOURISTS 3 V MAURIPUR. 1. PICTURES AT CAMP CINEMA AT NIGHT. “THE GIRLS HE LEFT BEHIND.
5
[symbol] BARBARAS SHOES READY FROM ALLADINA DALA. WENT TO KARACHI. FOOTBALL MATCH AT DRIGH RD. ARMY (MALIR) 0 TOURISTS, 4 BOUGHT CAMERA FROM NARAIN.
6
WENT TO KARACHI. HAD TIFFIN AND SPENT AFTERNOON AT CONTACT CLUB. WENT TO FOOTBALL MATCH ON YMCA PITCH. TOURISTS (3) V COMBINED SERVICES (1). PICTURES AT NIGHT. “DOUBLE EXPOSURE” VERY GRIM.
7
STAYED IN CAMP ALL DAY. WROTE TO THELMA, BABS, & TED.
8
WENT TO KARACHI. TIFFIN AT CONTACT CLUB. STAYED THERE REST OF AFTERNOON. DINNER AT CAFE GRAND & CAME BACK TO CAMP.
9
KARACHI ON 11.30 BUS. FETCHED SHOES FROM SHAMJI B. Rs 37. BARBARAS SHOES FROM A. DHALLA Rs. 15.8. WROTE BILL & G HOURD.
10
STAYED IN CAMP.
Went to camp cinema matinee saw, “Fanny by Gaslight”.
[page break]
11
Went to Karachi in afternoon and booked for Sandspit. Came back to camp early.
12
Went to Karachi & stayed at YMCA at night. Pictures at night Paradise. “The Spanish Main.
13
Came over to Sandspit on Y.M launch. Very nice ride out. Swimming in afternoon. Went long walk at night, got back midnight.
14
Swimming in morning Walked along beach towards Karachi & went swimming there. Played cards at night.
15
Sat in sun all morning. Wrote to Barbara. Played cards at night
16
Went fishing off raft in morning caught nothing, swam back to shore. Reading in afternoon Played Solo at night with two Bobs & Jack.
17
Swimming early morning sea beautiful
[page break]
18
Went back to Karachi on 6 PM launch. Had feed at Quality & slept in camp. Muslims causing trouble in town
19
Came back to Sandspit at 5 oclock. [sic] Spent afternoon at YMCA in town
20
MAMS SHOES READY AT HARI TUPANS. Had walk along beach towards Hawkes Bay. Boys caught 5 X 6 ft snakes on mudbank.
21
Trouble started by R.I.N. on docks wouldnt [sic] let launch come out to us. No water for drinking
22
R.I.N firing guns at Army, from H.M. HINDUSTAN. Everyone evacuated from Sandspit via Hawkes Bay. Camp closed down. Karachi out of bounds.
23
Stayed in camp, wrote to Mam. Heavy rioting in Bunder Rd. Went to Transit Pictures. “Reunion in France, good show.
24
Spent day at Hawkes Bay with Alf & Bob. Had letter from Babs. Went to pictures at night “Follow the Boys”
[page break]
25
Spent day in camp. Went to Trooping canteen at night. Karachi put in bounds.
26
30 Group leaving for Bombay. Went to Karachi.
Collected mams shoes. Regal Cinema at night “Captain Kidd”, good show.
27
Stayed in camp. Went to pictures on camp 2 oclock “David Copperfield,” transit at night. “The Lost Weekend”. Wrote to Mam & Dad
28
Stayed in camp. Wrote to Barbara. Went to Transit Cinema “Ronald [indecipherable word] Gangster”. Leave finished
MARCH 1
Day off. Went to Pictures in town. Regal. “Our Vines have tender grapes”. Fair. Palace “Lady Hamilton”, very good Group 31 & 32 clearing
2
Wrote to Ted & Eddy. Started work. 5 to 12 shift. Worked on YORK 206 No 4 ENG. Only 10 lbs Boost [symbol] T.O. Aneroid removed & replaced. Boost adjusted to + 9 lbs [symbol] [indecipherable word] & +14 lb T.O. Had letter from B.H & Thelma.
3
Wrote to Thelma. Work at 5.30. STIs & DAK 351. Fuel pipe for chafing breather pipe. Run up on YORK 110.
[page break]
4
Work at 5.0 oclock. DAK 351 STBD ENG. Low oil pressure & high cyl. temp. Thermo couple changed. Stbd & Port oil coolies inter change. Surge valve removed to be cleaned. NO MAIL.
5
LES’S BIRTHDAY. Work at 5 oclock. NO MAIL. SLACK evening. STI done on both engines Daks 351 & 265. Packed up midnight.
NO MAIL.
6
Wrote Mrs Bromhead & Bill H Work on NO 4 Eng Lib. Fail to start. Engine found full of oil & no compression on front bank cylinder. Engine change.
7
SENT PARCEL HOME BY SEA. Put in for camera permits. Worked on Hellcat 40 [symbol] insp.
8
Day off. Pay Day 70 Rs. Stayed in camp. Football match R & I (A) V R & I B. 3 X 1. Wrote to Mam.
9
Day off. Stayed in camp. Went to Trooping Cinema “Rhapsody in Blue”.
10
Started day shift. Work on Hellcat 242. Replaced oil cooler Went to Transit Pictures. “Captain Blood.”
[page break]
11
Working on Hellcat 242 again. Took starter to pieces & cleaned, assembled and fitted to aircraft again. 3 yrs ago we got on boat. Went to pictures “GASLIGHT” very good. Wrote Thelma
12
Finished Hellcat 242. run O.K. Grade I on Dak 508. Had letter from Tim Brown. Wrote Tim Brown and Pamela.
13
Tour reduced to 3 yrs from April 1st. Grade I on DAK 508. Hellcat on airtest. O.K. Had letter from Mam. Wrote Mam & Mag.
14
Lancastrian 725. Changed coolant pump on No 4 Eng. Ground run & found serviceable Wrote to Barbara. No mail.
15
Slow running adjusted on No 4 YORK 171. Sent to trooping apron to Grade I on 4 of 77 Sqn DAKS. Late back from tiffin. Going to pictures to see “2000 Women”. No Mail.
16
Day off stayed in camp. Painted tin trunk. Went to Transit Pictures “Diamond Horseshoes.” poor show.
17
Day off. Met Tim Brown in town. Went to Contact Club. Pictures at night, saw “Alexanders Rag Time Band.”
[page break]
18
Day off. Went with Shift to Hawkes Bay. Nice day, felt tired. Starting work at midnight Went to trooping cinema saw W.E at Waldorf.
19
Worked on Dak 150. Flushed S. Clutches on both engines. 2 Letters, Mam & Barbara.
20
[inserted] Letter from Bob & Thelma [/inserted]
Worked on YORK 195. Changed Gitts Seal and Prop rear cone washed on No 2 Eng. Wakened up by wogs to plaster billet no sleep all day.
21
Night off. Had to report to CTO at 9 in morning YORK 193 came back with oil leak, nothing happened. Letter from Barbara. Wrote to Mam.
22
Port Eng. DAK. 150. Low oil pressure changed relief valve. OK on G. Run. No mail received.
23
No 4 Eng YORK 109. Terminal Insp no snags. Rotten day. Sand storms blowing & hot.
24
YORK 110 No 4 ENG TERM. INSP. NO SNAGS. STARTED MINOR ON LIB 242. GOT UP AT 3 OCLOCK. WENT TO CAMP CINEMA. “DR GILLESPIES CRIMINAL CASE.”
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25
BARBARA’S BIRTHDAY. Day off, went to Karachi, collected Dads slippers. Went to Paradise cinema. “Bette Davis “The Corn is Green”, very good.
26
Started 5 to 12 shift. Wrote to Harry. Terminal on No 1 Eng YORK 170 Exhaust shrouds broken. Fuel press warn light stays on, stiff throttles. 3 Letters from Mam Thelma Pamela.
27
Wrote to Barbara. Worked on Lib 852. Sump changes on 2 & 3 engines. Finished 1 oclock.
28
Wrote to Thelma. Worked on YORK 112. Turn No 2 ENG Slight oil leak from front. Started to replace exhaust bolts in Lib 852.
29
Worked on Lib 893. Manifold press adjusted to 49”. Turn on YORK No 1 & 2 Engines. No snags.
30
Worked on YORK 206. Gitts seal change & Term. Insp. on No 2 Eng.
31
Worked on YORKS 110 & 114 No 4 Engines. Term Insp no snags. Letter from Thelma.
[page break]
APRIL 1
Alf went in dock. Day off. Tour reduced to 3 yrs effect from today. Went to town ordered watch for Mam. Bought fountain pen. Saw Incendiary Rhonde.
2
Day off, stayed in camp. Put name on tin trunk. Went to Trooping cinema. “Flight from folly”, Pat Kirkwood, very good.
3
Started day shift. Worked on [deleted] Yor [/deleted] Lib 344. Finish carb change, adjusted slow running, YORK 174. Oil leak No 3 very bad. Dorma plug came out in air [indecipherable word] stripped, new shell fitted.
4
Worked on YORK 193. Changed contact breaker for dead cut P. Mag, 4 Eng. Thermo valve changed for high temp & low press (oil). Went on airtest with same during afternoon, 30 mins flying (Letter from Mary £1)
5
Terminal on No 2 Eng YORK 48 no snags. Re Route on Lib 344 3 & 4 Engs no snags. Went to town to see Alf in dock. Bought Mams watch. Ruppees [sic] 65. Paid 70 Rupees in A.R.S. hangar. Wrote Dad.
6
Lib 734. All mags U/S through condensation. No 2 Eng L.H Mag Changed handed over to night shift. Had letter from Mary with [deleted] £1 [/deleted] 15/= P.O. Hot day 105o in shade. Wrote Mary.
7
Very hot wind blowing Day off. Went out to see Alf. Went to pictures at night. “The Wicked Lady” Very good.
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8
Day off. Went to see Alf in dock. Pictures at night [underlined] Pillow to Post. [/underlined]
9
Stayed in camp to start work at midnight. Went to transit pictures to see Holiday Inn.
10
Worked on YORK 206. Gitts seal change on No 2 Eng. Went to Trooping Cinema. “Thrill of a romance”.
11
Mosy 317. Block change on Stbd Engine. Warned to stand by for the boat. Went to town to tell Alf Bought cufflinks. Wrote Babs.
12
Got clearance chits from movements. Spent day getting cleared up only 2 more to get.
13
Finished getting cleared and handed chit in. Went to Trooping cinema. “I know where I’m going” grim show. Wrote Thelma & Tim.
14
Packed & sorted kit. Went to Trooping cinema. “The Seventh Veil”, very good.
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15
Not very busy, no gen yet. Wrote Mrs Bromhead. Went to camp cinema. “Three men in white”.
16
BILLS BIRTHDAY No gen yet. Stayed in camp. 37 Group got clearance chits. Went to trooping cinema to see “Shine on Harvest Moon”.
17
Went to Karachi with Ron D. to buy trunk. Stayed in to help him pack at night. No gen yet. 2 Letters – Miss Alderman & Barbara.
18
Pay parade at P. Accounts. 70 Rupees. No gen yet. Went to Trooping Cinema. “The [deleted] [indecipherable word] [/deleted] Univited. [sic] Letter from Thelma.
19
Went to Karachi in afternoon bought 3 cig cases for Les Bill & Bob Pictures at night. Trooping camp “Johnny Frenchmen.” No gen yet.
20
Painted Alfs box. Still no gen. Trooping cinema. “The Painted Veil” again.
21
Did nothing special all day. Still no gen.
[page break]
22
Still no gen. Went to Transit pictures. The Falcon out West”. Not bad.
23
37 Group left for Bombay. Still no gen for us. Went to Trooping Pictures. “Anchors Aweigh”.
24
No gen yet. Trooping Cinema. “The Rakes Progress”, good show.
25
No gen yet. Went to Transit Cinema “Molly & Me”, fair.
26
Still no gen Stayed in billet, did nothing in general.
27
Went to Karachi with Alf. Came back early. Derby won cup. 4 – 1
28
No gen. Stayed in camp. Went to camp pictures Pygmalion”.
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29
Played tennis at night.
30
Reported to S.W.H.Q in morning to give particulars. Played tennis again. Went to Transit cinema. Heaven is round the corner.
MAY 1
Played tennis again. Went to Trooping. Home in Indiana.
2
Played tennis
3
Paid 65 Rupees. Played tennis at night. Went to Trooping for feed. Saw “Laura
4
Had innoc against Cholera. Went to Trooping again.
5
No gen yet. Stayed in camp.
[page break]
6
Played tennis. Went to Transit Pictures. “Tender Comrade”. Grim
7
Lecture by C/O not leaving till June. Wrote home.
9
Saw Love Story at Transit cinema
10
Wrote to Thelma Stayed in Played tennis with G. Neal
11
Went to Hawkes Bay for 48 hr, but came back same day owing to more repat gen.
12
Sitting tight. Packed kit again.
[page break]
13
No gen yet. Only Jan & Feb blokes going Went to Trooping Cinema “Pink string & sealing wax”
14
Played tennis. Went to Transit cinema “Dark Tower”. Sold bearer watch 15 Rs
15
Part of Jan & Feb draft left for Bombay. Got to pack kit & report to movements in morning.
16
Reported to movements. Wrong list, us not wanted. Saw Her Highness & the Bell boy.
17
Paid 70 Rupees. Went to Karachi with G. Neal. Saw D. Durbin in “Because of him”, at Capitol.
18
C.Os Parade. Had letter from Mam. Got wireless in billet. Listened to Woodcocks fight
19
Stayed in camp. Saw Bathing Beauty” at camp cinema
[page break]
20
Admitted to B.G.H. with ear trouble. Ward 3 bed 28 Alf & Bob came down. Letter from Barbara & Thelma
21
Ear ache all night. Read book all day.
22
Nothing much to do. Went to see Kenney in Ward 6 at night.
23
Still in hospital. Alf & Bob & George came down letter from home
24
Hospital
25
Saw specialist still got to carry on with some treatment.
26
Played cards all morning. Wort to Mam
[page break]
27
Hospital.
28
Went to see ear specialist & skin specialist. Discharge on Thursday.
29
Hospital.
30
Discharged from hospital in morning. Got back to camp in morning. Reported sick.
JUNE 1
Transit cinema saw Mildred Pierce, good show.
2
Went to transit cinema saw Stage door canteen
[page break]
3
Signal came in for us to be at Bombay 12th June Pukka gen this time
4
Got to report to movements tomorrow. Very hot day, no breeze blowing.
5
Reported to movements going over the weekend to Bombay
6
Reported to Pay Acc at 2 oclock Paid Up to June 28th
7
Handed Rifles in to Armoury to go by air to Bombay. Kit packed leaving 02.30 hrs tomorrow
8
Came down to Bombay by air DAK 637. Take off Mauripur 6 oclock landed Santa Cruz. 9.45
9
Packed tin trunk Went to pictures
[page break]
10
24 hrs guard on armoury Very cheesed. Guarding Armoury 2 on 4 off
11
Came off guard at 11 oclock Raining all day again Went a walk round Tin Town at night
12
Fairly fine day. Went to Bombay for the day. Round the shops and pictures (I live on Grosvenor Sq) Walked back from station.
13
Felt tired & slept all morning. Wrote to George Neal. Still raining.
14
Rained again. [two indecipherable words] round. Tin Town April May & June lads came down from Mauripur
15
Walked along front in morning No gen
16
Still no gen
[page break]
17
Put on runner duty in G. Camp Orderly room Boat list in in afternoon
18
Got tickets for boat Changed money & handed D.S kit bags in. Poured with rain all night
19
Drawn arms from Armoury & rigs from Orderly Room. Going on boat in morning
20
[inserted] [underlined] Bombay [/underlined] [/inserted]
Reveille at 5 oclock. Left Work at 08.00 hrs embarking at 10.00 on H.M.T.S. Strathnaven [sic] Mess deck G 5. Civvies & army on board.
21
Final inspection & boat stations in morning. Pulled out of docks by tugs. Set sail at 01.00 hrs.
22
Right out at sea. Very rough indeed & feeling very sick. On deck all day. Slept on B. Deck very cold. (324 miles).
23
Still feeling sick, no boat stations today – Sat on B. Deck. Boat rocking very badly 314 miles
[page break]
24
Feeling a little better sea much smoother. Had dinner on Mess deck. Slept on B DECK STBD side (332 miles)
25
Feeling O.K. again. Went to cinema on B. Deck, came out owing to the heat Slept on B Deck (368 miles)
[inserted] [underlined] Aden [/inserted] [/underlined]
26
Aden on Stbd side at 07.30 hrs. Saw 2 aircraft carriers Very hot on mess deck. Passed Arundel Castle on STBD side 12.30 hrs Passed island of PERIM STBD SIDE & into the Red Sea at 14.20 hrs. (380 miles)
27
Slept on F Deck Very hot day Dhobi in morning. HMS Indefatiguable [sic] passed us on the stb 382 miles
28
Not so hot today. Land on Stbd side at 2 oclock. Slept on B. Deck 379 miles
[inserted] Suez [/inserted]
29
Entered Gulf of Suez 08.00 hrs Arrive at Port [indecipherable word] 19.30 hrs French liner PASTUER anchored out Entered Suez Canal at midnight [deleted] [indecipherable word [/deleted]
[inserted] Port Said [/inserted]
30
Passed the [indecipherable word] a French ship Anchored at Port Said at 11.00 hrs for refuel Left Port Said 20.10 hrs and into the Med 268 miles
[page break]
JULY 1
Woke up with no land in sight. Sea choppy again. Sick with stomach trouble. [indecipherable word] on B Deck [symbol]. Slept on B Deck. Passed Mauritania 1500 (233 miles)
2
Sea very calm feeling better today. Getting quite cold. Slept on B Deck. Portside (371 miles)
[inserted] [underlined] Malta [/inserted] [/underlined]
3
Sea dead smooth in morning. Duty table on mess deck. Malta visible on Port side at 11.15 hrs. Empress of Scotland overtook us at 15.00. Passed PANTELLERIO at 18.00 hrs Passed Durban Castle (373 miles)
4
Passed Cameronion in afternoon On guard for 24 hrs from 14.00 4-6 C Deck. Foyer 10-12 64 Hatch (379 miles)
[inserted] [deleted] Gib [/deleted] [/inserted]
5
On guard till 14.00 hrs. 4-6 D Deck Aft. 10-12 Galley. Came off guard at 12.00 hrs. Sailing along South coast of Spain, land in sight. Getting off boat on Tuesday (372 miles)
[inserted] [underlined] Gib [/underlined] [/inserted]
6
Passed Gibraltar at 02.00 hrs Portugal coast in sight on Stbr Sd Dhobie day. Passed C Rock at 20.45 hrs. Getting very cold now (365 miles)
7
Passed C. Finestere at 12.30 hrs. Entered B of Biscay 14.00 hrs Sea very rough, feeling sick again (368 miles)
[page break]
8
Changed into blue again Sea very calm. Entered English Channel. Drawn arms from Armoury. (361 miles)
[inserted] [underlined] Southampton [/underlined] [/inserted]
9
Arrived Southampton 11.00 hrs docked in 44 Berth Beautiful warm day. Blighty at last (288 miles)
10
Disembark at 0800 hrs. Free Naafi on docks. Travel first class to Hunsdon Kitted paid and ready for leave.
11
Arrived home on 28 day leave. Hot day. Came from London by 2.55 train.
12
Went to Melton Haymaking at night.
13
Haymaking went to dance at Eaton with Ted.
14
Went to Hove to see Francis. Church at night with Mam & Dad.
[page break]
15
Cutting down at band. Went to [indecipherable word]
16
Went to Melton for day. Pictures at night. “The [indecipherable word] in 92nd St.”
[symbol] LEAVE [symbol]
[page break]
[symbol] LEAVE [symbol]
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[symbol] LEAVE [symbol]
[page break]
[symbol] LEAVE [symbol]
AUGUST 8
[underlined] MARYS BIRTHDAY. [/underlined]
[page break]
12
Leave.
13
Received posting to 70 O.T.U. Silverstone.
14
Leave expired. Returned via N Hampton Arrived in camp 19.15 hrs.
15
Got arrival chits from SWO. Filled same in. Duty in No 1 Hangar No 2 Flight, 13 Billet 6 site
16
Started work in No 1 Hangar. [symbol] Minor on Wellington P.G.593. N.a.a.fi at night for supper wrote to Alf.
17
Finished work at 1130 and hitch hiked to Northton. Caught 1.20 home. Went to Harby at night
18
Went to Gunthorpe Bridge with Ken. Plough Inn at night.
[page break]
19
Came back to Camp with Mr Rice, got back 7.30. Still on P.G 393. Wrote to B. Moore & B. Hourd. YMC.A for supper.
20
Late for Pay Parade, pay on Thursday. Still on 393. Wrote to Mam & Mary, went to YMCA for supper.
21
Warm day today. Still on 393. Went to YMCA for supper at night with Ging.
22
Still on 393. Paid £2 at Pay Accounts. YMCA for supper at night. Put pass in for weekend.
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SEPTEMBER 17
Started 28 days harvest leave from 1200 hrs 19th to 0800 16/10
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OCTOBER 15
Recalled from Agric leave. Got to report midnight
[page break]
24
Arrived at North Luffenham. Peace time place. Bags of bull. Billeted in barrack blocks.
25
Unloaded lorry from Silverstone Started insp on Wimpy 366.
[page break]
31
G. Neals Pie.?.
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NOVEMBER 21
A.D. hrs
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DECEMBER 20
DADS BIRTHDAY.
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[calculations]
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