Ernest Probyn 1945 Diary
Title
Ernest Probyn 1945 Diary
Description
A diary kept by Ernest up to October 1945
Creator
Date
1945
Temporal Coverage
Spatial Coverage
Language
Format
One printed book with handwritten annotations
Conforms To
Publisher
Rights
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Contributor
Identifier
YProbynEA1896412v2
Transcription
[Royal Air Force crest]
THE AIR FORCE DIARY
[page break]
[black and white photograph of RAF emblem]
2/2
THE AIR FORCE DIARY 1945
With sections on the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and the Air Training Corps
[page break]
PERSONAL MEMORANDA
Name Ernest Arthur Probyn
Service No 1896412.
Home Address 7 Ichnield Rd
Longwick
Aylesbury, Bucks
Dates of Promotion W/O. due on 28.10.45.
Home Phone No. AYLESBURY 213
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
1945 JANUARY
1 MONDAY
Went to Lincoln to tea & pictures.
2 TUESDAY
Late morning, went to Lincoln.
3 WEDNESDAY
Very windy, also snow, cold.
4 THURSDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Royen, [/underlined] what a trip nearly bought it.
5 FRIDAY
Very cold day, very nearly went on spare bad trip.
6 SATURDAY
Rather a quiet day spent in Billet. Wrote to Mother & Gladys.
7 SUNDAY
Weather pretty duff.
[page break]
8 MONDAY
Practise flying.
9 TUESDAY
Quite [sic] day spent in billet, snowing, all day
10 WEDNESDAY
Still more snow.
11 THURSDAY
Started to pack early for leave.
12 FRIDAY
Up very early to start leave home by 3 p.m. Saw Glad in evening.
13 SATURDAY
Went to Wycombe with Gladys.
14 SUNDAY
Tea at Glads.
[page break]
15 MONDAY
Spent day at home
16 TUESDAY
Carlton with Gladys
17 WEDNESDAY
Went to Aylesbury with Mother
18 THURSDAY
Spent day in Oxford with Gladys
19 FRIDAY
Spent day at home.
20 SATURDAY
Went to Wycombe with Gladys.
21 SUNDAY
Back to Camp
[page break]
22 MONDAY
Went on a low level Cross country took photos from rear turret.
26 FRIDAY
Low level cross country again.
27 SATURDAY
Up on a 20 [indecipherable word] check.
[page break]
1 FEBRUARY THURSDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Seigen [/underlined] SE of Cologne. S. Ldr. Horsley pranged & blew up on drome.
2 FRIDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Karlsruhe [/underlined] had bust up with JU88 he lost. 1 M.
3 SATURDAY
Day in the clear.
4 SUNDAY
Fighter affill
[page break]
5 MONDAY
Pretty cold day, heavy frost in the morning.
6 TUESDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Magdaburg [/underlined]. Flak hot, caught a burst Landed near Brussels.
7 WEDNESDAY
Spent most of day in bed. Went into Brussels in evening, went to the 21 Club.
8 THURSDAY
Pretty late getting up. Went for walk to a village called “Geovise.” Had tea at the local Mayors.
9 FRIDAY
Flew back by Dacota [sic] boys glad to see us again Wish I had kept part of ‘chute.
10 SATURDAY
Bruce came over for the weekend.
11 SUNDAY
Had to stay in camp raining all day.
[page break]
12 MONDAY
Went to Lincoln this evening.
13 TUESDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Dresden [/underlined]
14 WEDNESDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Rosetz [/underlined]
15 THURSDAY
Went to Lincoln for evening, with Mac.
16 FRIDAY
Fairly quite [sic] day spent in camp.
17 SATURDAY
Another day spent in camp.
18 SUNDAY
Went to camp cinema saw “Phantom of the Opera.”
[page break]
19 MONDAY
Busy during day. Spent evening packing Duty Crew.
20 TUESDAY
Started leave today arrived home at 3 pm.
21 WEDNESDAY
Went to Aylesbury with Mother, saw “Casanova Brown” at the Odeon.
22 THURSDAY
Took Gladys to Carlton to see “Christmas Holiday.”
23 FRIDAY
Went to Aylesbury with mother to see “Dangerous Moonlight.
24 SATURDAY
Wycombe with Gladys saw “Casanova Brown” again, good film though
25 SUNDAY
Saw Uncle Will in morning. Glad came round in evening.
[page break]
26 MONDAY
Spent morning in garden. Went to Risbrough in evening with Glad saw “Fanny by gaslight
27 TUESDAY
A day in the garden planted the shallots parsnips, peas & beans.
28 WEDNESDAY
Spent last evening with Gladys. Told her just how I felt about her.
1 MARCH THURSDAY
Back to camp again dont [sic] feel like going.
2 FRIDAY
Started D.I. again feel pretty cheesed off.
3 SATURDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Dortmund-Ems Canal [/underlined]. Slight flac. [sic] 1 M.
4 SUNDAY
Pretty quiet day.
[page break]
5 MONDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Boland [/underlined] south of Leipzig. Hot place. 2.M.
6 TUESDAY
Went to Lincoln with Mac. Had tea & went to films.
7 WEDNESDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Hamburg [/underlined]. Flack heavy. Lost our hut mates on trip also 2 more kites. 3.M.
8 THURSDAY
Quiet day spent in camp. Went to Cinema in evening. Weather just like spring
9 FRIDAY
Another day of peace went to Caister in evening. Glads.
10 SATURDAY
Spent day in Lincoln saw D. Lamour in “Paradise Island.”
11 SUNDAY
Daylight raid on [underlined] Essen [/underlined].
[page break]
12 MONDAY
Daylight raid on [underlined] Dortmund [/underlined]. Passed right over home. 1.M.
13 TUESDAY
Rather a quiet day.
14 WEDNESDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Landsdorf [/underlined]. Flak pretty hot.. Took Groupy. 2.M.
15 THURSDAY
Flew back to Base from Grandowne Lodge
16 FRIDAY
Spent morning getting a pass. Arrived home about 10 pm.
17 SATURDAY
Spent most of day in the garden.
18 SUNDAY
Saw Gladys today. Started back to camp.
[page break]
19 MONDAY
Started work. Wish I was still on leave.
20 TUESDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Bolan [/underlined]. Took the G.C. Quite a lot of rocket flack. 3.M.
21 WEDNESDAY
Spent day in bed
22 THURSDAY
Day raid in [underlined] Bremen. [/underlined]
23 FRIDAY
Wizard day. Spent it sunbathing.
24 SATURDAY
Went to Rauseby Hos. Saw Hodgy & Dan Solly.
25 SUNDAY
Wizard head today.
[page break]
26 MONDAY
Went to town with Jack. In evening we saw “This Happy Breed” at the Theatre Royal.
27 TUESDAY
Spent day in camp.
28 WEDNESDAY
Went to Town with Pop & Mac. A good time was had by all. Saw A. Planes at the Ritz.
29 THURSDAY
Spent day in camp Cinema in evening, saw “Dearest Song.”
30 FRIDAY
Stayed in camp all day. No [indecipherable word].
31 SATURDAY
Bags of mail. Quiet day as usual.
1 APRIL SUNDAY
Spent the whole day in the Hut
[page break]
2 MONDAY
Another clear day. No opps. Went to Caister in evening.
3 TUESDAY
Still nothing doing
4 WEDNESDAY
Daylight raid on [underlined] Northanger [/underlined] very quite [sic] no flak.
5 THURSDAY
Started filling in our passes today
6 FRIDAY
Leave at last I was home by four.
7 SATURDAY
Went with Glad to Aylesbury.
8 SUNDAY
Spent today at home.
[page break]
9 MONDAY
Rather a warm day for gardening. Glad & I went to Carlton in the evening
10 TUESDAY
Went for a walk with Gladys in the evening
11 WEDNESDAY
[inserted] DADS. [/inserted]
Spent the day in the garden with Mother.
12 THURSDAY
Aylesbury with Gladys.
13 FRIDAY
Went to Aylesbury with Mother, went to films.
14 SATURDAY
Saw the film “Wilson at Wycombe Odeon.
15 SUNDAY
Started off back to camp found [underlined] tour [/underlined] was ended.
[page break]
16 MONDAY
Off on leave again. I arrived home about ten at night.
17 TUESDAY
Spent the day in the garden. Saw Glad in evening.
18 WEDNESDAY
Went to Carlton this evening with Glad. Saw “Follow the Boys”
19 THURSDAY
Finished off odd bit of digging. Went for a pretty long walk in the evening across the fields.
20 FRIDAY
Went to Carlton this evening with Gladys.
21 SATURDAY
Glad came over to tea. I started off to camp.
22 SUNDAY
I got back to camp at 5.30 this morning.
[page break]
23 MONDAY
Had our photo taken at the kite today with the ground staff.
24 TUESDAY
Went to Brussels to pick up prisoners, landed at Westcott, flew over home. X
25 WEDNESDAY
Day spent in the Billet. Weather pretty bad.
26 THURSDAY
Went to Brussels again for more prisoners Had a prang. Shaken up a bit. X
27 FRIDAY
What a cold day. I spent most of it in bed.
28 SATURDAY
Had quite a lot of snow today
29 SUNDAY
I spent all morning in bed.
[page break]
30 MONDAY
Spent day getting cleared.
1 MAY TUESDAY
Filled in my leave pass spent day in town with Mac. Met Dan in evening, had our last few hours together.
2 WEDNESDAY
Up at six & off on leave.
3 THURSDAY
Spent all day in doors I feel pretty rotten.
4 FRIDAY
Most of today at home fixed up a date in evening.
5 SATURDAY
Raining most of today went to Carlton in evening with Glad.
6 SUNDAY
Went for a long walk with Glad in the evening
[page break]
7 MONDAY
Glad was taken to hospital with appendicitis today.
8 TUESDAY
V.E. day war over in Europe. Everyone going mad. I have been thinking today of some of my pals who were not so lucky as myself, in getting through
10 THURSDAY
Recalled. Back to camp.
11 FRIDAY
Spent today getting cleared. Went to Lincoln in the evening
12 SATURDAY
Started off for A.C.A.C. today arrived about 6 pm.
13 SUNDAY
Nothing doing today
[page break]
14 MONDAY
Started day well by filling in stacks of forms.
15 TUESDAY
Had a medical today passed ok.
16 WEDNESDAY
Spent day in billet nothing to do.
17 THURSDAY
Kit inspection. It’s a long time since I had one of these.
18 FRIDAY
I had my first interveiw [sic] today.
19 SATURDAY
Had a trade test today. Hope to get to Halton.
20 SUNDAY
Whit Sunday nothing doing today.
[page break]
21 MONDAY
Whit Monday spent morning in bed, went for walk in evening.
22 TUESDAY
Saw the E.O. today he put me down for E.V.T. & matric.
23 WEDNESDAY
Had my second interview today.
24 THURSDAY
Nothing doing only P.T.
25 FRIDAY
Saw final Board, still hope to get same job. Pay day.
26 SATURDAY
Clearing Board Started home.
27 SUNDAY
Arrived home in time for lunch
[page break]
28 MONDAY
Saw Glad this evening but she cant [sic] go out.
29 TUESDAY
Spent day in garden weeding & dodging showers.
30 WEDNESDAY
Rather a wet day for gardening. Saw Glad in evening.
31 THURSDAY
Most of day spent in doors, to [sic] wet to go out.
1 JUNE FRIDAY
Did a spot of gardening, went to Aylesbury.
2 SATURDAY
Planted summer beans this morning. Spent evening with Glad.
3 SUNDAY
Rained all day. To [sic] wet to do anything.
[page break]
4 MONDAY
Went to Aylesbury with Mum to Hospital. Went out with Glad in evening 6.th.
5 TUESDAY
Saw Gladys this evening
6 WEDNESDAY
Mother went to Hospital today for Xrays.
7 THURSDAY
Went into Risbrough to Carlton with Glad.
8 FRIDAY
Just pottered about in the garden today.
9 SATURDAY
[inserted] MUM [/inserted]
Mothers Birthday today spent day at home.
10 SUNDAY
Went to Glads for tea, & a walk round after.
[page break]
11 MONDAY
Gave mother a hand
12 TUESDAY
Went into Risbrough this evening with Gladys to Carlton.
13 WEDNESDAY
Not a lot doing today
14 THURSDAY
Did a spot of work in garden. Glad & I went into Risbrough in the evening
15 FRIDAY
Mother went into Hospital again today. Has to go in when there is room for two months.
16 SATURDAY
Wycombe today with Glad, the first time for quite a while.
17 SUNDAY
Glad came over for tea today went for walk after
[page break]
18 MONDAY
Glad started work today, so I did not see her.
19 TUESDAY
Quite a warm day. Did a spot of gardening Went with Gladys to Carlton in evening.
20 WEDNESDAY
Spent most of day in garden. Went to Wycombe in the afternoon.
21 THURSDAY
Went to Wycombe again this afternoon & pictures in evening with Glad.
22 FRIDAY
put in quite a bit of time in the garden today.
23 SATURDAY
Spent a wizard day in Wycombe with Gladys. Had my recall.
24 SUNDAY
Saw Aunt Louie in morning. Went out with Glad in evening.
[page break]
25 MONDAY
Spent quite a lot of today getting pass. Went to pictures for last time with Gladys
26 TUESDAY
Started off to Tangmere. Arrived in time for tea. Billeted in an old mansion miles from camp.
27 WEDNESDAY
Spent most of the day in the camp waiting for my posting
28 THURSDAY
Started off for Cosford. Arrived pretty late got fixed up for the night.
29 FRIDAY
Started off well today new billet is about 2 mls from the mess.
30 SATURDAY
[underlined] FEEL DOWN IN THE DUMPS. [/underlined]
Spent Most of the day in the Mess. Weather foul poured with rain most day HAD IT.
1 JULY SUNDAY
[inserted] Put in for W.O. [/inserted]
Had a late morning, feel pretty cheesed off.
[page break]
2 MONDAY
Very cheesed off
3 TUESDAY
[underlined] DITTO [/underlined] !!!!!!!
4 WEDNESDAY
Went into Shiftnall [sic] today. Not a bad place bit better than camp.
5 THURSDAY
Went to a Gang Show in the Camp Theatre.
6 FRIDAY
Started work today. It makes a change from more hanging about.
7 SATURDAY
Worked in the morning spent most of the afternoon in the Mess.
8 SUNDAY
Should have been on Church parade but did not make it.
[page break]
9 MONDAY
Saw a show called “Alfredo & his Gipsy Band”
10 TUESDAY
Went to a show in the camp theatre called “Aircrews.” An all R.C.A.F. show.
11 WEDNESDAY
Still hard at it only wish I could get posted away from here.
12 THURSDAY
Finished my job today only wish I could get off till next week.
13 FRIDAY
Saw Mr Cousins today only hope he can do something for me.
14 SATURDAY
Went to Wolverhampton this evening & to films saw “None but the Lonely Heart.”
15 SUNDAY
SPENT MOST OF MORNING IN BED WROTE HOME & TO GLADYS IN AFTERNOON.
[page break]
16 MONDAY
Started [indecipherable word] engines today. Mostly lectures.
17 TUESDAY
More engines, pulled a Gipsey [sic] Miner to pieces.
18 WEDNESDAY
Still stripping the engine down. Cleaning it.
19 THURSDAY
Went into Wolves this evening took some collars.
20 FRIDAY
Still on engine. Saw a show in camp called Desert Dog.
21 SATURDAY
Had a letter from Gladys today.
22 SUNDAY
Had a ride round this evening
[page break]
23 MONDAY
Back to work started putting the engine back together.
24 TUESDAY
Went into Wolverhampton this evening to collect my collars.
25 WEDNESDAY
Had an engine runup today it was pretty good
26 THURSDAY
Nipped into Shiftnall [sic] with Geo this evening.
27 FRIDAY
Had exam [indecipherable word] engine. I think I passed ok.
28 SATURDAY
Went into Wellington to a dance. Not much else to do.
29 SUNDAY
Spent day in camp, feel pretty cheesed off.
[page break]
30 MONDAY
Started on phase C. Mags & Carbs today. Skipped off of G.S.T. Film this evening saw “Love Story”
31 TUESDAY
Still on Mags & Carbs. Had letter from home today.
1 AUGUST WEDNESDAY
Pay Day. Had a letter from Glad. V.V. today.
2 THURSDAY
Started work on Carburetters [sic] today.
3 FRIDAY
Still on carbs. Filled in my pass for bank holiday.
4 SATURDAY
Work in morning. Off home in the afternoon. Saw Glad in evening.
5 SUNDAY
Spent most of day at home. Went out with Glad in evening
[page break]
6 MONDAY
Spent the day at Bonnie End with Gladys Had a wizard time.
7 TUESDAY
Off to camp again.
8 WEDNESDAY
Started on Hercules XI today.
9 THURSDAY
Went into Wolverhampton this evening.
10 FRIDAY
Spent day in workshops. Went to cinema in evening Saw “Love Story”
11 SATURDAY
Went down to Boskaville this evening.
12 SUNDAY
Spent most of the day in the billet.
[page break]
13 MONDAY
Started work again. Went to pictures with the corp this evening. Saw “And Now tomorrow.”
14 TUESDAY
Payday. Just about time as down on my last few bob.
15 WEDNESDAY
V.J. day, some of the chaps went home I went to Boskaville to a party & stayed all night. [symbol]
16 THURSDAY
Arrived back at camp in time for dinner spent afternoon in workshops asleep.
17 FRIDAY
Started off home today arrived about 7 oclock. [sic]
18 SATURDAY
Did a bit of work in the garden went to pictures in the evening saw “Champagne Charlie.”
19 SUNDAY
Stayed at home all day. Started of [sic] to camp in evening.
[page break]
20 MONDAY
Back in the workshops still playing with Hercs
21 TUESDAY
Went to an Ensa show on camp this evening.
22 WEDNESDAY
Had the morning of [sic] from work. All the boys on G.S.T.
23 THURSDAY
Day on engines. Went to cinema in the evening. Saw, “Murder in Thornton Square”
24 FRIDAY
Had a letter from home & one from Gladys today.
25 SATURDAY
Spent morning in the workshop. Was invited to a party in No. 1. Sgts Mess in the evening
26 SUNDAY
Went for my usual Sunday ride to Boskaville
[page break]
27 MONDAY
Started on Merlins today. Went to cinema. Saw “A Guy Named Joe”
28 TUESDAY
Had a letter & parcel from home today. Spent evening in the mess playing snooker
29 WEDNESDAY
Day off, stayed in the billet as it rained all day.
30 THURSDAY
Back in the workshops. Went into Shiftnal [sic] in evening.
[page break]
7 SEPTEMBER FRIDAY
Started off for Credenhill what a place. Pulled up in first 5 mins
8 SATURDAY
Quite a lot of the boys arrived back at camp, the four of us turned in early.
9 SUNDAY
Up pretty early. Spent most of day in billet rest of lads arrived.
[page break]
15 SATURDAY
Battle of Britain Day. Camp was thrown open to civies.
16 SUNDAY
Church parade
[page break]
21 FRIDAY
Workshops today. Started off home in evening.
22 SATURDAY
Spent morning in garden. Went to Carlton
23 SUNDAY
Pretty nice day. Started off for camp in the evening.
[page break]
24 MONDAY
Feel pretty tired today. Started work over in the airfield.
25 TUESDAY
On Lectures today. Had all the gen on running up an engine
26 WEDNESDAY
Spent day on airfield running up Hurricanes.
27 THURSDAY
Back to workshops started taking an engine out of a kite.
[page break]
4 OCTOBER THURSDAY
Finished packing in morning. Started off for Credenhill.
5 FRIDAY
Spent the day in Hereford.
6 SATURDAY
First day in camp none of the other boys turned up yet.
[page break]
13 SATURDAY
Went into Hereford today, had tea & went to Cinema.
14 SUNDAY
Spent all morning in bed, dont [sic] feel too good
[page break]
19 FRIDAY
W.O.
20 SATURDAY
Stayed in the billet most of the day raining most of the time
21 SUNDAY
Went to Church in the village this morning
[page break]
22 MONDAY
Started a new phase today. I went to pictures in evening
23 TUESDAY
Lectures most of the day on [indecipherable word] starter, & organisation.
24 WEDNESDAY
Hand swinging props on the magister poured with rain most of the time.
25 THURSDAY
Still stacks of rain [indecipherable word] up the Oxford. Pay day.
26 FRIDAY
Morning in the class Running up the Typhoon in afternoon.
27 SATURDAY
Got off work early spent afternoon in the billet.
28 SUNDAY
Went to Village Church in morning
[page break]
29 MONDAY
On second week of instalation, [sic] could not do much as it is raining
30 TUESDAY
Weather has broken. Things warming up round camp a new wingo has arrived. 74 in 4 hrs.
[page break]
7 WEDNESDAY
WARD MASTERS OFFICE 11.00
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
9 DECEMBER SUNDAY
SHOULD BE ON LEAVE? I HOPE!!!!
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
3 JANUARY 1945 THURSDAY
CTG 8.30
[page break]
[advertisement for James Booth & Company]
THE AIR FORCE DIARY
[page break]
[black and white photograph of RAF emblem]
2/2
THE AIR FORCE DIARY 1945
With sections on the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and the Air Training Corps
[page break]
PERSONAL MEMORANDA
Name Ernest Arthur Probyn
Service No 1896412.
Home Address 7 Ichnield Rd
Longwick
Aylesbury, Bucks
Dates of Promotion W/O. due on 28.10.45.
Home Phone No. AYLESBURY 213
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
1945 JANUARY
1 MONDAY
Went to Lincoln to tea & pictures.
2 TUESDAY
Late morning, went to Lincoln.
3 WEDNESDAY
Very windy, also snow, cold.
4 THURSDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Royen, [/underlined] what a trip nearly bought it.
5 FRIDAY
Very cold day, very nearly went on spare bad trip.
6 SATURDAY
Rather a quiet day spent in Billet. Wrote to Mother & Gladys.
7 SUNDAY
Weather pretty duff.
[page break]
8 MONDAY
Practise flying.
9 TUESDAY
Quite [sic] day spent in billet, snowing, all day
10 WEDNESDAY
Still more snow.
11 THURSDAY
Started to pack early for leave.
12 FRIDAY
Up very early to start leave home by 3 p.m. Saw Glad in evening.
13 SATURDAY
Went to Wycombe with Gladys.
14 SUNDAY
Tea at Glads.
[page break]
15 MONDAY
Spent day at home
16 TUESDAY
Carlton with Gladys
17 WEDNESDAY
Went to Aylesbury with Mother
18 THURSDAY
Spent day in Oxford with Gladys
19 FRIDAY
Spent day at home.
20 SATURDAY
Went to Wycombe with Gladys.
21 SUNDAY
Back to Camp
[page break]
22 MONDAY
Went on a low level Cross country took photos from rear turret.
26 FRIDAY
Low level cross country again.
27 SATURDAY
Up on a 20 [indecipherable word] check.
[page break]
1 FEBRUARY THURSDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Seigen [/underlined] SE of Cologne. S. Ldr. Horsley pranged & blew up on drome.
2 FRIDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Karlsruhe [/underlined] had bust up with JU88 he lost. 1 M.
3 SATURDAY
Day in the clear.
4 SUNDAY
Fighter affill
[page break]
5 MONDAY
Pretty cold day, heavy frost in the morning.
6 TUESDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Magdaburg [/underlined]. Flak hot, caught a burst Landed near Brussels.
7 WEDNESDAY
Spent most of day in bed. Went into Brussels in evening, went to the 21 Club.
8 THURSDAY
Pretty late getting up. Went for walk to a village called “Geovise.” Had tea at the local Mayors.
9 FRIDAY
Flew back by Dacota [sic] boys glad to see us again Wish I had kept part of ‘chute.
10 SATURDAY
Bruce came over for the weekend.
11 SUNDAY
Had to stay in camp raining all day.
[page break]
12 MONDAY
Went to Lincoln this evening.
13 TUESDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Dresden [/underlined]
14 WEDNESDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Rosetz [/underlined]
15 THURSDAY
Went to Lincoln for evening, with Mac.
16 FRIDAY
Fairly quite [sic] day spent in camp.
17 SATURDAY
Another day spent in camp.
18 SUNDAY
Went to camp cinema saw “Phantom of the Opera.”
[page break]
19 MONDAY
Busy during day. Spent evening packing Duty Crew.
20 TUESDAY
Started leave today arrived home at 3 pm.
21 WEDNESDAY
Went to Aylesbury with Mother, saw “Casanova Brown” at the Odeon.
22 THURSDAY
Took Gladys to Carlton to see “Christmas Holiday.”
23 FRIDAY
Went to Aylesbury with mother to see “Dangerous Moonlight.
24 SATURDAY
Wycombe with Gladys saw “Casanova Brown” again, good film though
25 SUNDAY
Saw Uncle Will in morning. Glad came round in evening.
[page break]
26 MONDAY
Spent morning in garden. Went to Risbrough in evening with Glad saw “Fanny by gaslight
27 TUESDAY
A day in the garden planted the shallots parsnips, peas & beans.
28 WEDNESDAY
Spent last evening with Gladys. Told her just how I felt about her.
1 MARCH THURSDAY
Back to camp again dont [sic] feel like going.
2 FRIDAY
Started D.I. again feel pretty cheesed off.
3 SATURDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Dortmund-Ems Canal [/underlined]. Slight flac. [sic] 1 M.
4 SUNDAY
Pretty quiet day.
[page break]
5 MONDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Boland [/underlined] south of Leipzig. Hot place. 2.M.
6 TUESDAY
Went to Lincoln with Mac. Had tea & went to films.
7 WEDNESDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Hamburg [/underlined]. Flack heavy. Lost our hut mates on trip also 2 more kites. 3.M.
8 THURSDAY
Quiet day spent in camp. Went to Cinema in evening. Weather just like spring
9 FRIDAY
Another day of peace went to Caister in evening. Glads.
10 SATURDAY
Spent day in Lincoln saw D. Lamour in “Paradise Island.”
11 SUNDAY
Daylight raid on [underlined] Essen [/underlined].
[page break]
12 MONDAY
Daylight raid on [underlined] Dortmund [/underlined]. Passed right over home. 1.M.
13 TUESDAY
Rather a quiet day.
14 WEDNESDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Landsdorf [/underlined]. Flak pretty hot.. Took Groupy. 2.M.
15 THURSDAY
Flew back to Base from Grandowne Lodge
16 FRIDAY
Spent morning getting a pass. Arrived home about 10 pm.
17 SATURDAY
Spent most of day in the garden.
18 SUNDAY
Saw Gladys today. Started back to camp.
[page break]
19 MONDAY
Started work. Wish I was still on leave.
20 TUESDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Bolan [/underlined]. Took the G.C. Quite a lot of rocket flack. 3.M.
21 WEDNESDAY
Spent day in bed
22 THURSDAY
Day raid in [underlined] Bremen. [/underlined]
23 FRIDAY
Wizard day. Spent it sunbathing.
24 SATURDAY
Went to Rauseby Hos. Saw Hodgy & Dan Solly.
25 SUNDAY
Wizard head today.
[page break]
26 MONDAY
Went to town with Jack. In evening we saw “This Happy Breed” at the Theatre Royal.
27 TUESDAY
Spent day in camp.
28 WEDNESDAY
Went to Town with Pop & Mac. A good time was had by all. Saw A. Planes at the Ritz.
29 THURSDAY
Spent day in camp Cinema in evening, saw “Dearest Song.”
30 FRIDAY
Stayed in camp all day. No [indecipherable word].
31 SATURDAY
Bags of mail. Quiet day as usual.
1 APRIL SUNDAY
Spent the whole day in the Hut
[page break]
2 MONDAY
Another clear day. No opps. Went to Caister in evening.
3 TUESDAY
Still nothing doing
4 WEDNESDAY
Daylight raid on [underlined] Northanger [/underlined] very quite [sic] no flak.
5 THURSDAY
Started filling in our passes today
6 FRIDAY
Leave at last I was home by four.
7 SATURDAY
Went with Glad to Aylesbury.
8 SUNDAY
Spent today at home.
[page break]
9 MONDAY
Rather a warm day for gardening. Glad & I went to Carlton in the evening
10 TUESDAY
Went for a walk with Gladys in the evening
11 WEDNESDAY
[inserted] DADS. [/inserted]
Spent the day in the garden with Mother.
12 THURSDAY
Aylesbury with Gladys.
13 FRIDAY
Went to Aylesbury with Mother, went to films.
14 SATURDAY
Saw the film “Wilson at Wycombe Odeon.
15 SUNDAY
Started off back to camp found [underlined] tour [/underlined] was ended.
[page break]
16 MONDAY
Off on leave again. I arrived home about ten at night.
17 TUESDAY
Spent the day in the garden. Saw Glad in evening.
18 WEDNESDAY
Went to Carlton this evening with Glad. Saw “Follow the Boys”
19 THURSDAY
Finished off odd bit of digging. Went for a pretty long walk in the evening across the fields.
20 FRIDAY
Went to Carlton this evening with Gladys.
21 SATURDAY
Glad came over to tea. I started off to camp.
22 SUNDAY
I got back to camp at 5.30 this morning.
[page break]
23 MONDAY
Had our photo taken at the kite today with the ground staff.
24 TUESDAY
Went to Brussels to pick up prisoners, landed at Westcott, flew over home. X
25 WEDNESDAY
Day spent in the Billet. Weather pretty bad.
26 THURSDAY
Went to Brussels again for more prisoners Had a prang. Shaken up a bit. X
27 FRIDAY
What a cold day. I spent most of it in bed.
28 SATURDAY
Had quite a lot of snow today
29 SUNDAY
I spent all morning in bed.
[page break]
30 MONDAY
Spent day getting cleared.
1 MAY TUESDAY
Filled in my leave pass spent day in town with Mac. Met Dan in evening, had our last few hours together.
2 WEDNESDAY
Up at six & off on leave.
3 THURSDAY
Spent all day in doors I feel pretty rotten.
4 FRIDAY
Most of today at home fixed up a date in evening.
5 SATURDAY
Raining most of today went to Carlton in evening with Glad.
6 SUNDAY
Went for a long walk with Glad in the evening
[page break]
7 MONDAY
Glad was taken to hospital with appendicitis today.
8 TUESDAY
V.E. day war over in Europe. Everyone going mad. I have been thinking today of some of my pals who were not so lucky as myself, in getting through
10 THURSDAY
Recalled. Back to camp.
11 FRIDAY
Spent today getting cleared. Went to Lincoln in the evening
12 SATURDAY
Started off for A.C.A.C. today arrived about 6 pm.
13 SUNDAY
Nothing doing today
[page break]
14 MONDAY
Started day well by filling in stacks of forms.
15 TUESDAY
Had a medical today passed ok.
16 WEDNESDAY
Spent day in billet nothing to do.
17 THURSDAY
Kit inspection. It’s a long time since I had one of these.
18 FRIDAY
I had my first interveiw [sic] today.
19 SATURDAY
Had a trade test today. Hope to get to Halton.
20 SUNDAY
Whit Sunday nothing doing today.
[page break]
21 MONDAY
Whit Monday spent morning in bed, went for walk in evening.
22 TUESDAY
Saw the E.O. today he put me down for E.V.T. & matric.
23 WEDNESDAY
Had my second interview today.
24 THURSDAY
Nothing doing only P.T.
25 FRIDAY
Saw final Board, still hope to get same job. Pay day.
26 SATURDAY
Clearing Board Started home.
27 SUNDAY
Arrived home in time for lunch
[page break]
28 MONDAY
Saw Glad this evening but she cant [sic] go out.
29 TUESDAY
Spent day in garden weeding & dodging showers.
30 WEDNESDAY
Rather a wet day for gardening. Saw Glad in evening.
31 THURSDAY
Most of day spent in doors, to [sic] wet to go out.
1 JUNE FRIDAY
Did a spot of gardening, went to Aylesbury.
2 SATURDAY
Planted summer beans this morning. Spent evening with Glad.
3 SUNDAY
Rained all day. To [sic] wet to do anything.
[page break]
4 MONDAY
Went to Aylesbury with Mum to Hospital. Went out with Glad in evening 6.th.
5 TUESDAY
Saw Gladys this evening
6 WEDNESDAY
Mother went to Hospital today for Xrays.
7 THURSDAY
Went into Risbrough to Carlton with Glad.
8 FRIDAY
Just pottered about in the garden today.
9 SATURDAY
[inserted] MUM [/inserted]
Mothers Birthday today spent day at home.
10 SUNDAY
Went to Glads for tea, & a walk round after.
[page break]
11 MONDAY
Gave mother a hand
12 TUESDAY
Went into Risbrough this evening with Gladys to Carlton.
13 WEDNESDAY
Not a lot doing today
14 THURSDAY
Did a spot of work in garden. Glad & I went into Risbrough in the evening
15 FRIDAY
Mother went into Hospital again today. Has to go in when there is room for two months.
16 SATURDAY
Wycombe today with Glad, the first time for quite a while.
17 SUNDAY
Glad came over for tea today went for walk after
[page break]
18 MONDAY
Glad started work today, so I did not see her.
19 TUESDAY
Quite a warm day. Did a spot of gardening Went with Gladys to Carlton in evening.
20 WEDNESDAY
Spent most of day in garden. Went to Wycombe in the afternoon.
21 THURSDAY
Went to Wycombe again this afternoon & pictures in evening with Glad.
22 FRIDAY
put in quite a bit of time in the garden today.
23 SATURDAY
Spent a wizard day in Wycombe with Gladys. Had my recall.
24 SUNDAY
Saw Aunt Louie in morning. Went out with Glad in evening.
[page break]
25 MONDAY
Spent quite a lot of today getting pass. Went to pictures for last time with Gladys
26 TUESDAY
Started off to Tangmere. Arrived in time for tea. Billeted in an old mansion miles from camp.
27 WEDNESDAY
Spent most of the day in the camp waiting for my posting
28 THURSDAY
Started off for Cosford. Arrived pretty late got fixed up for the night.
29 FRIDAY
Started off well today new billet is about 2 mls from the mess.
30 SATURDAY
[underlined] FEEL DOWN IN THE DUMPS. [/underlined]
Spent Most of the day in the Mess. Weather foul poured with rain most day HAD IT.
1 JULY SUNDAY
[inserted] Put in for W.O. [/inserted]
Had a late morning, feel pretty cheesed off.
[page break]
2 MONDAY
Very cheesed off
3 TUESDAY
[underlined] DITTO [/underlined] !!!!!!!
4 WEDNESDAY
Went into Shiftnall [sic] today. Not a bad place bit better than camp.
5 THURSDAY
Went to a Gang Show in the Camp Theatre.
6 FRIDAY
Started work today. It makes a change from more hanging about.
7 SATURDAY
Worked in the morning spent most of the afternoon in the Mess.
8 SUNDAY
Should have been on Church parade but did not make it.
[page break]
9 MONDAY
Saw a show called “Alfredo & his Gipsy Band”
10 TUESDAY
Went to a show in the camp theatre called “Aircrews.” An all R.C.A.F. show.
11 WEDNESDAY
Still hard at it only wish I could get posted away from here.
12 THURSDAY
Finished my job today only wish I could get off till next week.
13 FRIDAY
Saw Mr Cousins today only hope he can do something for me.
14 SATURDAY
Went to Wolverhampton this evening & to films saw “None but the Lonely Heart.”
15 SUNDAY
SPENT MOST OF MORNING IN BED WROTE HOME & TO GLADYS IN AFTERNOON.
[page break]
16 MONDAY
Started [indecipherable word] engines today. Mostly lectures.
17 TUESDAY
More engines, pulled a Gipsey [sic] Miner to pieces.
18 WEDNESDAY
Still stripping the engine down. Cleaning it.
19 THURSDAY
Went into Wolves this evening took some collars.
20 FRIDAY
Still on engine. Saw a show in camp called Desert Dog.
21 SATURDAY
Had a letter from Gladys today.
22 SUNDAY
Had a ride round this evening
[page break]
23 MONDAY
Back to work started putting the engine back together.
24 TUESDAY
Went into Wolverhampton this evening to collect my collars.
25 WEDNESDAY
Had an engine runup today it was pretty good
26 THURSDAY
Nipped into Shiftnall [sic] with Geo this evening.
27 FRIDAY
Had exam [indecipherable word] engine. I think I passed ok.
28 SATURDAY
Went into Wellington to a dance. Not much else to do.
29 SUNDAY
Spent day in camp, feel pretty cheesed off.
[page break]
30 MONDAY
Started on phase C. Mags & Carbs today. Skipped off of G.S.T. Film this evening saw “Love Story”
31 TUESDAY
Still on Mags & Carbs. Had letter from home today.
1 AUGUST WEDNESDAY
Pay Day. Had a letter from Glad. V.V. today.
2 THURSDAY
Started work on Carburetters [sic] today.
3 FRIDAY
Still on carbs. Filled in my pass for bank holiday.
4 SATURDAY
Work in morning. Off home in the afternoon. Saw Glad in evening.
5 SUNDAY
Spent most of day at home. Went out with Glad in evening
[page break]
6 MONDAY
Spent the day at Bonnie End with Gladys Had a wizard time.
7 TUESDAY
Off to camp again.
8 WEDNESDAY
Started on Hercules XI today.
9 THURSDAY
Went into Wolverhampton this evening.
10 FRIDAY
Spent day in workshops. Went to cinema in evening Saw “Love Story”
11 SATURDAY
Went down to Boskaville this evening.
12 SUNDAY
Spent most of the day in the billet.
[page break]
13 MONDAY
Started work again. Went to pictures with the corp this evening. Saw “And Now tomorrow.”
14 TUESDAY
Payday. Just about time as down on my last few bob.
15 WEDNESDAY
V.J. day, some of the chaps went home I went to Boskaville to a party & stayed all night. [symbol]
16 THURSDAY
Arrived back at camp in time for dinner spent afternoon in workshops asleep.
17 FRIDAY
Started off home today arrived about 7 oclock. [sic]
18 SATURDAY
Did a bit of work in the garden went to pictures in the evening saw “Champagne Charlie.”
19 SUNDAY
Stayed at home all day. Started of [sic] to camp in evening.
[page break]
20 MONDAY
Back in the workshops still playing with Hercs
21 TUESDAY
Went to an Ensa show on camp this evening.
22 WEDNESDAY
Had the morning of [sic] from work. All the boys on G.S.T.
23 THURSDAY
Day on engines. Went to cinema in the evening. Saw, “Murder in Thornton Square”
24 FRIDAY
Had a letter from home & one from Gladys today.
25 SATURDAY
Spent morning in the workshop. Was invited to a party in No. 1. Sgts Mess in the evening
26 SUNDAY
Went for my usual Sunday ride to Boskaville
[page break]
27 MONDAY
Started on Merlins today. Went to cinema. Saw “A Guy Named Joe”
28 TUESDAY
Had a letter & parcel from home today. Spent evening in the mess playing snooker
29 WEDNESDAY
Day off, stayed in the billet as it rained all day.
30 THURSDAY
Back in the workshops. Went into Shiftnal [sic] in evening.
[page break]
7 SEPTEMBER FRIDAY
Started off for Credenhill what a place. Pulled up in first 5 mins
8 SATURDAY
Quite a lot of the boys arrived back at camp, the four of us turned in early.
9 SUNDAY
Up pretty early. Spent most of day in billet rest of lads arrived.
[page break]
15 SATURDAY
Battle of Britain Day. Camp was thrown open to civies.
16 SUNDAY
Church parade
[page break]
21 FRIDAY
Workshops today. Started off home in evening.
22 SATURDAY
Spent morning in garden. Went to Carlton
23 SUNDAY
Pretty nice day. Started off for camp in the evening.
[page break]
24 MONDAY
Feel pretty tired today. Started work over in the airfield.
25 TUESDAY
On Lectures today. Had all the gen on running up an engine
26 WEDNESDAY
Spent day on airfield running up Hurricanes.
27 THURSDAY
Back to workshops started taking an engine out of a kite.
[page break]
4 OCTOBER THURSDAY
Finished packing in morning. Started off for Credenhill.
5 FRIDAY
Spent the day in Hereford.
6 SATURDAY
First day in camp none of the other boys turned up yet.
[page break]
13 SATURDAY
Went into Hereford today, had tea & went to Cinema.
14 SUNDAY
Spent all morning in bed, dont [sic] feel too good
[page break]
19 FRIDAY
W.O.
20 SATURDAY
Stayed in the billet most of the day raining most of the time
21 SUNDAY
Went to Church in the village this morning
[page break]
22 MONDAY
Started a new phase today. I went to pictures in evening
23 TUESDAY
Lectures most of the day on [indecipherable word] starter, & organisation.
24 WEDNESDAY
Hand swinging props on the magister poured with rain most of the time.
25 THURSDAY
Still stacks of rain [indecipherable word] up the Oxford. Pay day.
26 FRIDAY
Morning in the class Running up the Typhoon in afternoon.
27 SATURDAY
Got off work early spent afternoon in the billet.
28 SUNDAY
Went to Village Church in morning
[page break]
29 MONDAY
On second week of instalation, [sic] could not do much as it is raining
30 TUESDAY
Weather has broken. Things warming up round camp a new wingo has arrived. 74 in 4 hrs.
[page break]
7 WEDNESDAY
WARD MASTERS OFFICE 11.00
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
9 DECEMBER SUNDAY
SHOULD BE ON LEAVE? I HOPE!!!!
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
3 JANUARY 1945 THURSDAY
CTG 8.30
[page break]
[advertisement for James Booth & Company]
Collection
Citation
Ernest Probyn, “Ernest Probyn 1945 Diary,” IBCC Digital Archive, accessed April 26, 2024, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/document/33177.
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