Leslie Manser's Diary
Title
Leslie Manser's Diary
Description
Leslie Manser's one day diary for 1940. Contains details about his life before he was accepted into the RAF and some details of his service life. Includes a blotter and news clipping.
Creator
Date
1940
Temporal Coverage
Spatial Coverage
Language
Format
One booklet
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
YManserLT66542v1, MManserLT66542-220118-01, NManserLT220118-01
Transcription
[front cover]
[three blank pages]
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N.J. POWELL’S
ONE DAY DIARY
For 1940 (LEAP YEAR)
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[three printed pages]
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PERSONAL MEMORANDA
Name Leslie Thomas Manser
Address Stedman Garage, Redlett
Home Telephone 6120 Radlett.
Business Address 5 Lexham Gardens
C. W. 8
Business Telephone [indecipherable name] 1287.
Telegraphic Address Lex Jam, Kew, Lon.
No. of Season Ticket L.M.S.084LPTB 037
Reg. No. of Car EYP147.
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[thirteen printed pages]
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[five blank pages]
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JANUARY 31 Days 1940
1 MONDAY
Came home about 2.30am from Tauntons. Quite good show. Pam sulked a bit – didn’t seem in good mood Sheila, Katherine, Helen, The Harogs and Kath’s 2 brothers were there
Went down village just before lunch to do some shopping.
Spent afternoon trying out the projection printer I made – not a great success. Barbara came over in evening to see Mavis who was still ill in bed.
Did a little Maths – Had a bath and went to bed. About 10. Cyril came home – not too sober – usual row.
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2 TUESDAY
Got up as usual [deleted] abut [/deleted] about 9.30. Didn’t much in the morning – not much to do.
Spent afternoon reading a book on birth control – quite interesting. Went down to the village at 5.15 and found out my trains & season ticket.
Gave Mum’s key to be mended.
[indecipherable word] still not ready – v. slack.
Went to see Pam at 6.15 – not home till about 6.30 – late. Collected my book and lent her the one I read in afternoon. Kissed her goodnight [symbol]. Mavis has temp.
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3 WEDNESDAY
Got up 7.30. Caught the 8.15. Usual days work – very few people present. Met post man on the hill and got the results from him. – did better than really expected: grand total 829 missed getting in by 170 odd marks.
Got 8 month season at St. Pancreas. Caught 5.10 home. Went to garage to find if key I gave to be done was ready but wasn’t.
Got 26/– from Dad for ticket on the tube – will get it to-morrow.
Stye seems worse – Rests a great deal. Had a bath and went to bed quite early.
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4 THURSDAY
Went to town as usual. Dull morning, but no biology in the afternoon as Rees couldn’t come. Left a [sic] 4 o’clock and went to Poole’s in Charing Cross Rd to buy a Hindustani [indecipherable word] and a Pettman’s Manual cost 5/6 total.
Caught 5.10 home – still no reading lights in trains, very poor. Went to Brailly & Smith for my photos – not too good on the whole but some are quite [indecipherable word] Tried some printing after but not a great success.
Intended doing some work but didn’t get very far. Rang up Mockidge
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5 FRIDAY
work as usual. Brought an Amateur Photographer. Met Mockridge at 1.30 and had lunch with him – Told me about joining Naval Air Arm.
Ross – Nicholl’s [deleted] of [/deleted] away after lunch so had Percy Bush last period.
Began studying Pittman’s Shorthand – ought to be quite easy to pick up.
Nothing to do in the evening so went on doing shorthand. Then had a bath and went to bed quite early.
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6 SATURDAY
Got up rather late. Went to Geffereys last evening to see some films instead of going to bed early and came home with Pam about 11. Didn’t play Squash with Michael Harvey or play hockey in the afternoon because it was cancelled Went to St. Albans at 3.10 with Pam to see the Crazy Gang in Frozen Limits. No bus home on account of the fog – damn nuisance. Caught train but carried onto Elstree – eventually got home at 9.15.
Had a soap down & went to bed.
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7 SUNDAY
Promised to play squash with Michael but didn’t – in fact didn’t get up till 10.30. Tried to do the Maths. paper but could not. After lunch changed and went with Pam to Hockey ground but there was no hockey – both v. annoyed. Met Geffney on his motorbyke [sic] on way to A.R.P. post.
Went over next door after tea – went upstairs – played a bit of ping-pong – also one or two [underlined] other [/underlined] things. Came home had diner [sic], had a bath & went to bed.
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8 MONDAY
Went to work as usual. Not very interesting throughout the day especially Maths with Syd Jones.
Came home as usual at 5.10.
Pam met me at the station and I came up the hill with her – Kissed her good-night and went indoors but didn’t do any work.
Discussed what to do about my Maths and decided to ask Mr. Rees to-morrow if he can help me.
Had a bath and went to bed about 10.15.
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9 TUESDAY
Split made a lot of noise v. early in the morning which annoyed me – and consequently he got a good beating.
Went up to town as usual. Mr. Rees came and we discussed about extra maths, but nothing definite was agreed upon.
Came home as usual. Read a good bit on nutrition in Human Physiology by Winton & Bayliss.
Intended to have a bath but didn’t in the end, principally because went to sleep early
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10 WEDNESDAY
Woke up 7.15 – begining [sic] to get used to waking up on time.
Had a hair cut in the lunch – made the back of the head feel rather cool!
Came home and was met by Pamela at the station – didn’t have a great deal to say on the whole. Met Barbara & Mrs. T. while we were waiting outside in the drive – Kissed P. good-night.
Did quite an amount of work including some Maths. Had a bath about 9.45 and went to bed.
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11 THURSDAY
Went to work as usual. A letter & a post-card for me. P.C. from Polhill, Letter from Rees.
Lunch was a rotten swindle – give up going to the Express.
Did Biology in the afternoon with Rees.
Went home as usual – rather a surprise when Pamela met me at the station without her bike.
– Kissed her good-night and said I’d meet at lunch time Saturday.
Intended to do some more Maths but didn’t.
Went to bed about 10.
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12 FRIDAY
Went to work. Went to the A.B.C Earls Court instead of the Express – quite good on the whole.
Came home and had a surprise – a letter from Idonea Scarlott asking my forgiveness.
Went to bed after having a bath.
Fins win a Great Battle against the Russians at [indecipherable word] – 4 miles of dead. Many Germans planes cross the [deleted word] East Coast.
Earthquake in Turkey – officially 23,131 dead. Paralysis of fuel supply in [indecipherable word] due to great [indecipherable word] prevalent throughout the world.
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13 SATURDAY
Got up 8. Caught the 10.30 bus to Watford. Saw [indecipherable word] and had a tooth extracted – v. painful throughout the day. Went for a walk with Pamela, Barbara Bobby & Split, came back, had tea and then went & spent the evening with Pamela.
Came home to have a bath take an aspirin and go to bed Cold day – frost last night – about 1” of ice on ponds. Sun shone for quite a time and quite warmly. R.A.F. made a pamphlet raid on Austria, Bohemia and Moldvia [sic]. Clear night.
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14 SUNDAY
Got up and wasted the morning doing nothing. Went to see Pam, but not in. Margo [indecipherable name] came to lunch. Went to see after lunch still not in. did the Science paper in the afternoon. Barbara rang up and went round after tea.
Played cards, table tennis, and darts till 7.30. finished the Physics paper by 9.30. Went around to see Pamela – had gone to bed.
Came home and went to bed quite early. Had a tooth removed Quite heavy frost and fog most of the day. Reservoir frozen.
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15 MONDAY
Went to work. Margo left by later train 8.34. Had lunch again at the A.B.C. Bought 1oz of Wills Cut Golden Bar 1/3. Did week-end paper in Sid’s period.
Changed at Leicester Square & went down to Foyles and bought a copy of Ward Cutler’s Evolution, Heredity & Variation 1/6. Also bought a Lilliput at St. Pancreas – poor copy. Pamela met me at the station – kissed her ‘night
Heavy frost again. B.E.F. leave cancelled so also in Holland & Belgium – tension on frontier. Heavy bombing in Finland.
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16 TUESDAY
Work as usual. Lunched at the A.B.C. Had Biology in the afternoon with N.O, Rees. Arrived home 6. Had a bath and went to bed about 10.
Very cold – snow at about 3.30 – not a great deal, about 1”. Clear night with bright moon – Expect it will freeze again to-night – temp about -6°C at 9.30.
3 British Submarines reported lost. Hore-Belisha spoke on his resignation – nothing definite or outstanding but with Chamberlain’s speech seems very fishy! 1.139 persons killed on roads in Dec. ’39. Belgian & Dutch easier but tottally [sic] relaxed.
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17 WEDNESDAY
Pipes frozen – very severe frost so caught 8.34 train which didn’t arrive here till 9. Had lunch at a new place – Earls Ct. Restaurant with Hardinge – Quite good.
Came home & was met by Pamela – said good night to her. Man at the house to defreeze the pipes. Milk frozen hard in bottles. Went to bed after doing some Maths and Biology.
Temp. at 10.p.m. -5°C. Names of 3 Subs. lost are Seahorse, Undine & Starfish the great news throughout day except comments on Chamberlains speech and the Finnish successes on the Russian frontier. Holland & Belgium quieter.
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18 THURSDAY
Went to work as usual. Had lunch at the [deleted] A.B.C. [/deleted] Earls Ct. Restaurant with Hardinge. Went home after having Biology with Rees. Promised to write to the University Tutorial College. Nothing much to do so had a bath and went to bed. Weather still very cold. Snow still on the ground – only thinly though. Vaste [sic] explosion at the Waltham Abbey Explosives factory in the Nitro-Glycerine shed at 4 in the morning. War in Finland still going on well. 99° of frost in Hensinki [sic]. Other news rather dull.
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19 FRIDAY
Went to work as usual. Had lunch with Hardinge and a friend of his. Came home. Letter from Electrical Utilities Ltd. saying no carbons in stock. Went to meet Pam at Geffney’s at 10. p.m. and stayed and had tea and played chess till midnight. Came home, saw Pam home.
Temperature still pretty low. Reports about explosion yesterday – some reports of cause being sabotage. Other news dull except that firing and bombs heard near Sylt seaplane base but no reports of R.A.F. having been there – practice suggested.
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20 SATURDAY
Got up rather late 10 am and had a bath & washed my hair. Went to see Mr. Hounsfield at Handley Page’s about extra tuition. Went to see dentist at 12.15 at Bushey and had tooth filled (Mr. Dinnis.) After lunch went to see Pam and went to the Pictures at St. Albans. When Tomorrow Comes with Charles Boyer & Irene Dunne at the Capitol. Came home – not in a good temper with her because she is so temperamental and tends to sulk and be quiet. Came after dinner to see her again. Left at 10 – seems to have had some effect and it ought to improve her if not – situation bad
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21 SUNDAY
Got up and wasted the morning doing nothing at all. Tried to mend the portable radio but not very successfully. Went round to see her at 3 p.m. – Had some visitors and I stayed and played cards had tea, played table tennis, darts and finally came home at 7.15. – v. boring afternoon. Barbara v. ill mannered – seems to have no sense entertaining guests. Came home not in a v. good temper. Sheila & Katherine there – only [indecipherable word] folk at all. Did prep. after dinner. Temp. still low. Snowed from 10.am till I went to bed at 10 p.m – feel v. depressed & fed up.
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22 MONDAY
Went to work. Had lunch with H. Decided to skip afternoon so went to the Movies. Saw “The Light that failed” with Ronald Coleman dealing with the Life of Rembrandt from the story by Rudyard Kipling. Came Home by bus. Went to bed after a bath. Did the [indecipherable word]-end Science paper.
F.S. Harwood, the head of the tutorial establishment, died yesterday at his home of heart failure. Still cold but seems to be beginning to thaw. H.M.S. Granville [sic] sunk on Saturday. 118 survivors. 8 killed. 73 missing.
Heavy fighting in Finland. Big battle near Lake Lardoga [sic].
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23 TUESDAY
Went to work as usual. Hardinge was away to have his eyes seen to, so lunch alone. Came home at 6.10. Went to Austin Reeds to order some clothes. Telephone out of order so rang up exchange from Tauntons. Kissed Pam good night. Went to bed at 10.15. Not so cold – only -4°C.
Russians driven back at Lake Lardoga [sic]. Fins bombed Russian Naval base of Krondstadt. Duke of Windor [sic] home on leave. Asama Maru held by Brit. Warship 21 Germans removed – big Japanese protest. 500 passages on Jap. Ships cancelled at San Francisco. Rees abscent [sic].
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24 WEDNESDAY
Went to work as usual. Collected for Henwood wreath (15/–). Came home Pam met me at station at 6pm. Saw her home and collected snip from Sketch on Henwood. Had a bath and went to bed.
Rather warmer. Russians again reported with heavy losses. Gen. Hertzog, Ex Premier of S. Africa sat upon by Gen. Smuts for his Pro-Nazis speech. H.M.S. Exmouth destroyer, sunk by torpedo & mine. Destroyers to date. Grenville mine or torpedo, N. Sea. Duchess in collision N. Sea. 130 killed [indecipherable word]. mine E. Coast. 31 killed. Blanche mine S-S coast. 2 killed. Air Raid on Shetlands six bombs dropped. Japanese still anoyed [sic].
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25 THURSDAY
Went to work as usual. Hardinge still abscent [sic]. Rees away so had to spend afternoon alone to do Biology – but didn’t do much. Came home by the 5.10. Pamela didn’t meet me at the station as I thought she would. Did some work and went to bed.
Warmer. Sunshine most of the day
Nazis oppression and cruelty in Poland – hundred murdered.
Reds bomb several hospitals. Japanese still [indecipherable word] protesting. Cenorship [sic] of films urged. Enormous contraband in mails from U.S.A. Duke of Windor [sic] returned to France yesterday.
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26 FRIDAY
Went to work. Bush, the French Tutor leaving to take post in French Consulate at Cardiff. Bought an Exchange and Mart – nothing I really wanted. Came home and Pamela met me at the station – walked home with her. After dinner went back to see her as everyone else had gone to see the pictures. Came home and went to bed about 10.30
Snowed heavily about 3pm. Also rained
250 Bombers reported to be flying the Atlantic to France. Bacon ration increased to 8 ozs. Hundreds of Russians killed N. of Lake Ladoga. Japs. stop British boat and search it as reprisal for stopping of the Asama Maru.
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27 SATURDAY
Woke up early but didn’t get up till about 10 am. Spent the morning doing nothing special. Went down to the village after lunch and bought some Johnson’s developer. Went to the films about 4.30 to see George Formby in Come on George – v. good indeed Also Nancy Drew Trouble shooter – also good – Bothe [sic] v. funny. Came home but bus didn’t go further than [indecipherable word] St. on account of heavy snow so had to walk. Didn’t get back till 10pm. so went straight in after kissing her good-night and had my dinner and went to bed. Quite a rotten day – snowy & slushy and v. cloudy. Temp. 0°C
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28 SUNDAY
Intended to go to church but didn’t – in fact get up about 9.30. ground covered in deep snow – about 8 – 12 inches. Went to see P. and gave her her stockings which she bought yesterday, and then fooled around in the snow for a while. Took some snaps but camera gave out and tore a length of film so spent the afternoon repairing it. Set down to work about 4.30 and finished about 10.pm. Finished Science paper but only did 3 out the 5 of the Maths. P. went out with Shiela & Kath. after lunch and not with me – so I am v. annoyed. Still snowing
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29 MONDAY
Due to v. heavy snow the train was late. Went a short way to station with P. Arrived at work at 10.15. Had lunch with Hardinge. Mr. Corbin came and did Biology from 2.30 – 4.30. caught the 5.10 home arrived at 6 and was met by P. Saw her home. Had a bath and went to bed. Letter from Ida. Temp. -2°C Heavy snowfalls – about 2’. Coldest winter since 1894 V. cold also in South of U.S.A. Japan still kicking up a fuss over Asama Maru case. Red Army on Defensive Finns holding the Reds, who await reinforcement at Salla. [indecipherable word] Red submarine sunk by Finns minefield
B.E.F. leave cancelled – snow. Big delays on main lines – Scots Express 16 Hrs late.
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30 TUESDAY
Went to work as usual – only a few mins. late due to snow. Went to Simpson’s and bought a sports coat, 2 Autex vests and a hat from Dunn’s. Came home by the 6.8. Had a bath & went to bed about 10.30.
Finns still driving back Reds. 21 bombers destroyed to-day. Several killed in air-raids on Abo. Many air raids on ships on E. & S-E. coast – light ship sunk. Still many delays on railways. Slight fall of snow last night. A train from Glasgow was 28 hrs 31 mins. late to get to Euston. Lockheeds arrive from U.S.A. At Bergen and are going onto Finland.
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31 WEDNESDAY
Went to work as usual. Posted the letter I wrote to Idonea. Came home by the 5.10. Bought some halibut liver capsules (Croakes) from Brailey & Smith’s. Went to bed quite early. Letter giving date of my exam. (medical)
First B.E.F. casulty [sic] list published. – 60 officers 698 Ranks. Finns bomb Kronstadt and other Russian bases.
Hitler speech – much the same as usual if anything weaker. Railways much better – almost normal service in some places. Coal restricted to 2 cwt. per week temporaly. 20 m.p.h speed limit in black from midnight.
Chamberlain a speech. Thawing. 1°C.
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FEBRUARY 2nd Month 1940
1 THURSDAY
Work as usual. Had lunch with Hardinge. Did Maths & English in afternoon instead Biology. Came back by the 5.10. Bought a [indecipherable word] Post. Had a bath & went to bed.
U boat sunk also one ship lost in convoy. Finns in new battle. Reds being driven back at lake [indecipherable word]. America bored by Helleis speech. Ajax which with the [indecipherable word] and Exeter sank the Graf Spee at Monte Video, came home to Plymouth. £1000 000 to be spent to stop inflation. The King ill in bed with a cold. Resignation of Canadian Premier [deleted letters] dissolution of Parliament meets with disfavour.
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2 FRIDAY
Went to work as usual. Sid away so Maths with Ruddle. Went after Lunch to Foyles and bought some books on photography. Then went to Hatton Garden to Electrical Utilities to enquire about ultra-violet Lamp. Came home by 5.10. Went to bed quite early. Wet still rotten. Rain & slight thaw. Big conference in Belgrade of members of Balkan Entente. New idea for Minister of Economy rejected. Japan calmer now but negotiations still in progress. Auxiliary Air Force in France [missing word]. Finns cut off Red Division – ski battalion Routed. £1 000 000 subscribed for Lord Mayor’s Red Cross fund.
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3 SATURDAY
Got up quite early. Went down to the village about 11 am and bought a lock – fixed the lock into larder door. New maid arrived at 12.30 about. Went to see Pamela at 2.30 and went off to the films at St. Albans – saw “Smaching [sic] Spy Rings” & Joan Blondell in “Good Girls go to Paris” but very funny and good! Came home about 8.30 and after kissing her good-night came in and had dinner. Devoloped [sic] a film taken of O.T.C. 1938. With Johnson’s Acid-hypo I bought yesterday. Weather still bad – has become quite foggy
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4 SUNDAY
Got up at 7.30 and went to Holy Communion: Met the Ambroses coming home. Spent rest of morning working. Went down to the village after lunch with Pam. to get Mum some cigarettes. Went over to see Pam after tea and played Ping-Pong till 7.30 – also did other things there! Very dull day on the whole due in some way to the bad foggy wet weather. Went to bed after having a bath at 9.30. Not looking forward to Medical Exam to-morrow – hope I shall pass.
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5 MONDAY
[inserted] Mum’s birthday. [/inserted]
Got up at 9 am. Went to station but there was no train so took a taxi to Edgeware and took a train to London. Arrived at Queens House, St James St for my Navy medical at 11.30 – think it was quite satisfactory. Caught the 1.15 and came home and had lunch. Did not feel very well so spent afternoon quietly. Rang up Pam at Geffneys and told her that I couldn’t to meet her. Went to bed at 9.30 after taking a pill. Mum had a big iced cake for her birthday at dinner. Gave her a bottle scent as a present which Dad bought for me.
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6 TUESDAY
Went to work as usual. Train a bit late so arrived at C & Gs a bit late. Had lunch with Hardinge. Came home by the 5.10. Throat still very sore – rather a nuisance all day. Came home and did some work, had a bath & went to bed. Weather better – rain. [indecipherable name] came & gave me some ultra-violet light – nice chap, interested in wireless, model Aircraft etc.
Finns gain big victory over 18th Russian Division N.E of L. Ladoga. Jortowala bombed – burned for 6 days H.M.S. Sphinx, minesweeper foundered during being towed to port after hitting mine – C.O. & 4 others lost. Mails for Denmark lost thro’ sinking of S S.Vidar.
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7 WEDNESDAY
Work as usual. Sid still away so had Ruddle. Hardinge away at medical. After Biology in afternoon went to Bakus at Holborn to ask about ultra-violet lamp – not very helpful. Came home by the 5.38. Went to bed about 9.30 – not feeling v. well due to sore throat.
Weather better still – little rain. About 5,000 killed of the 18th Russian Div. Loss of British ships estimated at 20,000 tons per week (cw.) 2, I.R.A. men, Barnes & Richards hung at Winson Green Prison, Birmingham at 9 am for bomb outrage in which 5 killed. Irish – Eng mail boat Munster struck mine and sunk – 300 saved.
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8 THURSDAY
Went to work as usual. Had lunch with Hardinge. Decided not to go with him to Ice Rink to-day but sometime next week. Caugh [sic] 5.10 and came home. Did some work and then went over to see Pam. Jeff didn’t come over so I came home again and went to bed.
Russians still battering Finish Mannerheim Line. Big Red Army losses. Schools to be reopened – attendance compulsory. British boat Almanistan torpedoed – crew brought back by Spanish boat. New Finnish Minister in Finland – Mr. G. [indecipherable name].
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9 FRIDAY
Went to work as usual. Ruddle away after lunch so wasted 1st period. Had a hair cut & came home on the 5.38. Pam met me and I went over after dinner and played a little table tennis. Gefferey [sic] was there. Came home & went to bed about 10.30.
9 days heavy fighting still continues against Mannerheim line but Finns stand firm. Forged notes being circulated in Balkans by Germany. [indecipherable word] Canadian Contingent arrived without incident. Goebbels makes a speech which is disliked particularly in Denmark.
Lord Tweedsmuir gravely ill after operation
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10 SATURDAY
Got up at 9.30. Went down to village at 11.30, met Pam said I’d see her later. Came home Carbons for my lamp came 3/3. Went over to see her and arranged about afternoon. Had a bath 9..30.
Went to Boreham Wood by the 3.15 and saw Where’s That Fire with Will Hay, More [sic] Marriott & Graham Moffat [sic] at the Studio – not v funny but entertaining Pam didn’t feel well – came home by 8.30. Think she’s getting a touch of flu! Undressed her and put her to bed. Left her about about [sic] 9. and came home. Had dinner & went to bed. 10.30.
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11 SUNDAY
Got up 10 am. Pulvexed the dog. Went over to see her and found her none too well – slight temperature & said she was suffering with aches and pains. Came home and had lunch.
Went to play hockey after Peter rang up at 2.30 – not a bad game, 1/2 field and 4 a side. Sun shone for quite a time, but cloudy. Came home & had a bath. Went over to see her again & took her some books at 6.30 – no better, don’t think they are looking after her well enough. Did some work after dinner Bed 12. Helen came over & I kissed her good-eve.
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12 MONDAY
Got up and went to work as usual. Discussed going skating with Hardinge. Came home as usual by the 5.10. Mavis pinched all bathwater so couldn’t have a bath.
Still heavy fighting in Finland especially on the Mannerheim Line where the Russian appear to gained a footing and the Fins have given up their forward positions. Lord Tweedsmuir – John Buchan the Author – governor general of Canada died last night of cerebral hemorrahage [sic] after a fall & 3 operations – 2 mins. silence held all over Canada. Cold coming back again – especially in Germany. Denmark & [deleted] Norway [/deleted] Sweeden [sic] linked by ice.
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13 TUESDAY
work as usual. Had lunch with Hardinge – decided to go skating to-morrow. Came home. Had a bath after dinner but it was cold because Mavis pinched the water. Did some work – Biology, Maths.
weather still very cold -2°C.
Australians arrive at Suez and go into camp – Mr. Eden was there to welcome them. Finns still trying to hold out but appear to have to retreat a bit – very heavy fighting.
Morning [sic] in Canada over Lord Tweedsmuir’s death. Debate in Commons about nationalisation of the railways – motion out voted. China war still continuing. Letter from Idonea.
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14 WEDNESDAY
Went to work and took my skates. Had lunch with H. After work went to H’s place in St. James’ St. Met his mother’s secretary Miss Craddock. – quite nice.
Had supper and went to Westminster Rink and skated till 9.15. Met [indecipherable word] of Aldenham there – also trying for navy but in June, Had been middi [sic] in R.N.V.R. Came home by 10. pm train.
Finns still retreating – Russians [indecipherable word] a large scale attacks [sic] – many thousands of Reds dead & much material lost. America building large navy $966,772,878 to be spent.
Germans scuttle Wakama in S. Atlantic – 10 picked up. Raider off Thames estuary driven off by fighters. Mr. S. Welles of U.S.A. to come to Europe.
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15 THURSDAY
Felt very tired after last night but went to work as usual. Mavis said that according to the M.O. at Queens House only 289 persons taking exam. – hope so. Came home as usual and went over to see Pamela. – still in bed but better.
British governments giants men of 27 years and over to volunteer for Finland. Still heavy Russians attack on Karelian Isthumus [sic] – but many casualties. Mr. Eden in Egypt – reviewed Indian Troops and Anzacs. Two U. boats sunk by British destroyer in N. Sea. New evacuation plans prepared. Cold still v. intense.
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16 FRIDAY
End of week – thank goodness. Went up to town. Came back by 5.10. Told Harding [sic] I couldn’t go to show to-morrow. Discussed about going skating on Monday.
Heavy fighting still continues in Karelian Isthumus [sic] 16 Red bombers shot down. Insane expenditure of shells – 300,000 a day by Reds. H.M.S. Exeter which took part in the battle of the River Plate against the Admiral Graf Spee – Capt. Langesdorff [sic] in command – came home – greeted by Churchill. Secret session refused in House of Lords by Lord Halifax. L. Tweedsmuir to be cremated to-morrow – ashes to come to England. £1000 000 from [indecipherable name]
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17 SATURDAY
Intended to get up early but didn’t. Had a bath – not v. warm. Woman – maid – left us. Went over to see Pamela, who was up, and Norman was there and they were going to Show in town.
Went to St. Albans after lunch & saw “The Rains Came” with Myrna Loy & Tyrone Power at the Capitol, also “Boy Friend,”. The Rains Came was very good indeed – all about Monsoon flood & earthquake at Ranchipur in India. Came home by 8.30. had dinner and went to bed at 11.pm. Bought some Wills Cut Golden Bar 1/3.
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18 SUNDAY
Got up at 9.am. Dressed and went down and began to prepare the breakfast. Went down to the village before lunch to get Mum some cigarettes. Pamela came while I was washing up lunch things and asked me to go down to the village. Went down & bought Cyril some cigarettes. Went over & helped her to get tea and had some there. Norman Moore was there. Played some table tennis and then went home. Mrs. T. was in bed with sore throat. Kissed Pam good-night. Went home and did some work after dinner and went to bed by 10.30.
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19 MONDAY
Got up at 7.15 and prepared my breakfast. All the Tutors away so did little or no work during morning – a Mr. Vanden Meenoch came for a short while. Came home 5.10 and Pam met me – kissed her [indecipherable word]. Had a bath and went to bed early. H.M.S. Cossack rescued 299 seamen from German ship [indecipherable name] inside Norwegian [indecipherable word] waters – hand to hand fighting on board.
British complaint to Norway about letting Germans convey prisoners thro’ her water & not searching ship – Germans v. annoyed. Respite on Mannerheim Line – 164th Division anihaliated [sic] near [indecipherable word]. Big thaw.
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20 TUESDAY
Went to work as usual. Had lunch with H. who was going skating to-night. Pamela came over just before dinner to get a paper. Went to bed v. early 9.30. Ordered a Naval Calendar from Smith’s 7/6 in exchange for Ships of the Worlds Battle fleet which wasn’t v. good.
Norway defendants accusations against her by Britain – Speech in the Starting by Proff Koht (.F.M.). America pleased with British action – would have done same in similar [indecipherable word]. H.M.S. Daring, Comm. S.A. Cooper torpedoed – obviously German reprisal. 148 men 9 officers lost, 4 men 1 officer saved. 18th Red Division completely destroyed.
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21 WEDNESDAY
Went to work. Met Peter Polkill, John Harper & others on train. Hardinge went home early so had lunch by myself. Went to Poole’s in Charing Cross Rd and sold my Human Phis. for 5/-. Bought Naval Calendar from Smiths 7/6. Had a bath and went to bed about 10.30. Got exams [indecipherable word].
Chamberlain makes speech in Parliament about Norway’s unneutral actions – dissapointed [sic] views in N. over speech. 164th Red Division totally aniohialated [sic] by Finns – great booty captured. Government decide to finance devolpment [sic] of colonies British warships reported off [indecipherable word] Reds bomb Pajala in Sweden. R.A.F. over Heligoland last night.
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22 THURSDAY
Went to work as usual. Had lunch with George. Went to Selfridges after work to inquire about lodging in Aldershot – no luck. Went to St. James Palace to see George to go skating but he’s in quarantine for measeles [sic] – had dinner – and caught the 7.25. New maid came.
Blizzards raging in Finland. – Russian Attacks therefore held up. Swedes protest about Russian bombing of Pajala. News very dull to-day – mainly political scandle [sic] and argument. More earthquakes in Turkey. Japanese offer peace terms to China – no territorial demands. Weather warmer.
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23 FRIDAY
Went to work as usual. George abscent [sic] – obviously the measeles [sic] must have taken. V. dull day on the whole. Came home by the usual 5.10. Went to bed quite early.
Vast Russian concentration on Mannerheim line and whole Finnish Border – Hail & snow falling[deleted letter]. Two Heinkels shot down in Scotland. Boy Dalai Larma [indecipherable word] Lhasa in Tibet – vast ceremony. H.M.S. Achilles, which took part in the victory over the Graf Spee, arrived in Auckland N.Z. early to-day. 2 I.R.A. explosions in the West – several injured.
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24 SATURDAY
Got up by 7.15 and took the dog for a walk round the golf course and took several photographs. Went down to the village twice and the dog once. Bought Pam a piece of rubber for the cycle pump. Went to play Hockey at 2.45 at the club. Match against [indecipherable word] but we were beaten 5 [symbol] 3. Lovely day – bright sun shine.
Came home and then went to Walford with Pam to see “Over the Moon” and another small detective film. The 1st was in techinicolor [sic] – both quite good. Missed bus home so Barbara came in the car to fetch us from Bushey Station. Went to bed about 11.30.
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25 SUNDAY
Summer time began to-day but for got to put on my clock so consequently I missed going to communion but was up by 8am summer time. Went round to see Pam during the morning. Went down with her and Joan Jewel to play hockey at 2.30 – Mr. Taunton took us. Several H.A.C. came along to play. Came home about 4.30 and had a bath. Went over to see Pam about 6. Vickers was there. Pam was disgusting – am v. annoyed with her – in fact I don’t think I can stick to her any more – seems to think I can be had for the asking. Did some work & went to bed.
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26 MONDAY
Went to work as usual. George still away. Sid Jones came back. Did quite an amount of work. Had a letter from Peter Grisham – 2nd Lieut. R.W.F. Went to bed quite early.
Weather worse – rather a lot of rain. Summer Wellis meets the Duce [sic]. Canadian Air Force arrive in England safely.
Reds held up as Finns fall back on fresh lines of defence. R.A.F. flew over Germany last Saturday and made several reconnaissance flights. Vickers Wellington lands in Belgium – R.A.F. men interned.
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27 TUESDAY
Didn’t go to work to-day as I had an interview this afternoon Got up about 8.30 Spent morning reading Naval Calender [sic]. Caught the 1.17. Interview at 2.50 at C.S.C. Burlington Gardens – not v. good. Went to see Revue Des Allies at Prince of Wales’ – not too good, some quite nice nudes.
[indecipherable word] falls – Finns retreat more – v. stubborn defence by Finns. N. of Caledonian Canal a banned area to general public. King inspects dockyards in Scotland. Nazis over Paris – A.A. Guns in action. D.F.C. awarded to R.A.F. Officer by King in Scotland.
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MARCH
2 SATURDAY
Went down to the town after breakfast to do a little shopping. Went over to see Pam before lunch.
Went to play hockey after lunch at Aldenham School. – not a very good game – 2 masters – Cox mi & Kennedy – played because many of team were ill. Met Palmer, Thompson, & May & talked to them for a short while.
Went to see Mickey Rooney in Andy Hardy gets spring fever – very amusing little picture – at the local. Kissed Pam good-night.
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3 SUNDAY
Dressed and went to communion. Came over to see Pam before lunch. Went to play hockey after lunch with her. Met Joan Jewel there. Very good game – thoroughly enjoyed it.
Bunch of people came over after dinner – Pam & Barbara, the Bedells, 2 Canadians & Marion. Good party on the whole – sang and talked & sat till 12.30 and then they departed so we all went off to bed.
Rather concerned about going down to Aldershot to-morrow.
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4 MONDAY
Got up at 9.30 and had breakfast. Packed my box after breakfast. Caught 2.8 to London
Said & kissed Pam good-bye at station. Went to Victoria and bought £5 Civil Service Stamps. Went to Waterloo & caught 4.27 to Aldershot. Arrived about 5.35.
Had dinner & went with another chap to see a show just round the corner. Two very good strip-tease acts and quite a good show on the whole. Went to bed about 10.30.
Place full of soldiers – never imagined how many there could be
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5 TUESDAY
[inserted] [underlined] Exam begins [/underlined] Aldershot [/inserted]
Got up at 8.30. Had breakfast at 9.15 and arrived at the Y.M.C.A by 9.45. G.K 11.5 – 12.35. Engl. I 10 – 11. Eng. II 2 – 3.30. Quite good papers on the whole. Lots of time on our hands after 3.30 so I wrote home to Gresham, and to Pam, After tea I went to have a look round the town and went to one or two amusement arcades & did some shooting. Went to see James Cagney in “Each Dawn I die” – remarkably fine picture about prison life. Came home about 11.30 and went to bed. Felt quite tired somehow
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MARCH
18 MONDAY
[inserted] Pamela’s birthday. [/inserted]
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19 TUESDAY
[inserted] [underlined] Spot died this day last year. [/underlined] [/inserted]
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MAY
11 SATURDAY
[inserted] My birthday. [/inserted]
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[41 blank pages]
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JUNE
22 SATURDAY
[inserted] [photography figures] [/inserted]
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[32 blank pages]
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JULY
27 SATURDAY
[inserted] Mavis’s birthday [/inserted]
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[17 blank pages]
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AUGUST
14 WEDNESDAY
Got up early and went to Edgeware by 9 am. Said Good-bye to all. Went to town. Euston house by 11 am. Had lunch by 1.30 and went thro’ medical by 4.30 – quite easy though ears gave a bit of trouble. Went home that night. Up in town next by 8.30 so must get up early. Saw Pamela at 10.30 and went for a short walk with her Pop gave me 30/- Cyril 5/-
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15 THURSDAY
Up in town by 8.30 Did not take my suitcase of clothes etc. was sworn in to RAFVR for duration Recommended for commission by interview board. Caught 6.30 train from Paddington to Torquay. Came down with J. Conran – Argentine Bought some shaving tackle etc. to last me a day or two. Changed at Newton Abbot. Arrived Norcliffe Hotel at 2 am and was put up for night in Delamer hotel.
Jerries came over & dropped some bombs close by.
Wrote Pam & Dad.
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Wrote Pam & Dad.
16 FRIDAY
Up 6 am Breakfast in Oswalds at 7 am. Went to see Adjutant & C.O. etc. Draughted [sic] to 5 Flight under Cpl Barber – v. nice chap. Nothing to do most of day. Went to Torquay with Canadian called John Stiff. Bought Some RAF notepaper & ordered an identity braclet [sic]. Had a few drinks & some food Came home by 9.30 and went to bed early – felt quite tired.
Jerry over twice during day.
Billeted Downs Hotel – good.
Letter from Dad
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17 SATURDAY
6 am up. Went to M.O. for F.F.I. & passed.
Went to beach to Sun bathe till lunch. Drew kit after lunch and went to see tailor for adjustment Stiff promised to pay for me if I went to Torquay so I went and had several drinks and a good dinner at Adison’s. Came back about 9.45 and had a drink and went to bed. Case arrived from home with Clothes.
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18 SUNDAY
Up 7.15. Breakfast at 8.am. Mucked about All day long – absolutely nothing to do. Flight 13 A went off to Aberasyth [sic] in Wales at 11.59 pm Place quite deserted.
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19 MONDAY
6am. Reflighted [sic] at 10am Put in NO 6. Flight but fortunately in same hotel – Downs – Cleaned kit etc. and generally killed time. Surprise letter from Pamela sent on Friday on receipt of my 1st letter. – miss her very much, lovely place here – could have such good fun together – sweet girl but am doubtful of her faithfulness even though I love her.
CO’s lecture cancelled. Went to bed early. Same bedroom as J. Stiff, Hovey, Scholes – all Canadians.
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20 TUESDAY
Bombs dropped 50 yards from hotel – Downs – at 1.30 morning 4 were dropped & I saw them as they fell.
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23 FRIDAY
HMS Hostile Sunk in Mediterranean.
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30 FRIDAY
Lord Trenchard came down to inspect us at 2.30. Had inoculation at 4.30. Left at 9.30 for Carey Park with kit bag & full equipment. Felt v. bad after inoculation. March down to Torquay – Air Raid began as were waiting on Carey Park.
Train left at [deleted number] 12.40 arrived at Aberystwyth at 2.30 Saturday afternoon. Felt v. ill all journey – took 2 or 3 days to recover completely. Billeted ‘C’ flight 4 Squadron 6 I.T.W. Lion Royal Hotel.
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31 SATURDAY
Wandered around Aberystwyth during afternoon. Arrived there at 2.30 pm. Journeyed from Cardiff since 7.30 am.
Went to bed early – didn’t feel too good. Put in Room 42 with Jack Cowan. ‘Tiny’ Faulkes (neally [sic] 6’ 6” tall), Dennis Death (nice chap.) & ‘Bishop’ Niel Nimmo.
Wrote home & to Jean Jewel.
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SEPTEMBER
2 MONDAY
usual Routine up at 6 am. Parade 8.15
Dull, P.T. Lectures etc.
Off at 5.30. In by 10.00 pm
Lectures Armaments – Browning gun
Signals – Morse Lamp & buzzer
Law & Adminstration [sic]
Anti-gas.
Aircraft recognition
General studies.
Mathematics
Navigation.
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3 TUESDAY
Received registered letter from home with 30/– in it.
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4 WEDNESDAY
Wrote to Pamela.
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5 THURSDAY
Usual routine.
[deleted word]
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6 FRIDAY
usual routine.
Pay parade. Received 30/–
Went to Dance at Kings
Met Adalyss again – nice girl – danced with her & saw her home at 11.35. Booked in by 12 midnight – had a late bath.
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Usual Routine. Air Commodore Critchly [sic] came down – frightful sod. – talked to us at 12 30 inspection by him of same squadrons at 4.30 but we continued with usual routine – drill
Went to Dance at Pier – flop – so went to King’s again, met 2 girls but no good, so came home at 10.45.
Radio Came from home – nice set Mayfan 4 valve American all mains universal
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8 SUNDAY
Church Parade 9.40.
March past Critchly [sic] at 11 am. Off for rest of day.
Wrote home & to Pamela.
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11 WEDNESDAY
7.30 near P.O. date with Adalyss. Went out with Ron & saw her home – not a bad girl at all
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12 THURSDAY
Received letter from Mum & Dad.
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13 FRIDAY
Went to dance.
Rather flat till 11.15 went a [sic] met a little girl who I saw home & kissed her goodnight
Got a free pass to see They walk Alone at the Kings – not bad at all.
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14 SATURDAY
[deleted] Cyril’s birthday [/deleted]
Went to the [sic] see the Wing team playing the SWB we lost 3-1. Went to see The Spirit of the People with Dennis
Didn’t think much of it.
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15 SUNDAY
Went to Communion
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16 MONDAY
Routine
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17 TUESDAY
Routine
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18 WEDNESDAY
Went for Route March.
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19 THURSDAY
Played soccer against NO 1 Squadron. Lost 3-0
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20 FRIDAY
Went to Dance. Saw [deleted] Aaly [/deleted] Adalys[deleted letter] there & saw her home – kissed her good night. Went to Red [sic] by 12.30 am.
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21 SATURDAY
Maths Exam – Passed.
Went to see Blue Bird with Dennis, Ward, Danniels. Had a few drinks.
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22 SUNDAY
Wrote to Pamela.
Sloop Dundee.
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[11 blank pages]
OCTOBER
4 FRIDAY
Went to dance.
Had a few drinks
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5 SATURDAY
Went to see Two Bright Boys & the Witness Vanish with Adalysis at the Pier Cinema.
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7 MONDAY
Armaments Exam 88%
Signal Receiving.
Drew flying kit.
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8 TUESDAY
Routine
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9 WEDNESDAY
Signals Sending Exam
Anti-gas
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10 THURSDAY
[inserted] Idonea’s birthday. [/inserted]
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[13 blank pages]
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[inserted] Dads birthday [/inserted]
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[19 blank pages]
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NOVEMBER
15 FRIDAY
[deleted] All wed [/deleted] Left Aberyst. for 7EFTS Duxford.
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16 SATURDAY
Arrived Desford. After 22 hrs Journey
Came with Peter Daniels Billeted together at Forest High School,
Kirby. [underlined] Kirby 169. [/underlined]
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18 MONDAY
Started flying with P/O Brett as my instructor
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19 TUESDAY
Pamela joined the WRNS.
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[10 blank pages]
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30 SATURDAY
Met Anne Stillings at a dance Works in General Office at the Drome.
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[3 blank pages]
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DECEMBER
4 WEDNESDAY
Did my first solo After test with Fl/Lt Hall, ‘D’ Flight C.O
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[3 blank pages]
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8 SUNDAY
Celebrated my Solo at the Red Cow at Kirby.
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[4 blank pages]
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13 FRIDAY
Went to a dance at the Grand with Pete Kaye & Jill. Rather dull though we ended up by doing a bit of necking in Pete’s [indecipherable word]. Came home at 2.30 am.
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14 SATURDAY
[deleted] Went out with Kaye, Jill & Pete. [/deleted] Went to the Simmonds Bar at 6.15 pm. Pete Joniel, Nic John & ‘Freada’ were there. Kaye, Jill & Bobby joined us.
Had a few drinks and after a grill at the Grand Came home quite merry.
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15 SUNDAY
Went out with Anne – She says she’s in love with me – makes things all rather akward [sic].
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16 MONDAY
Went to Leicester with John Owen, Pete, Bishop & Gordon. Went to tea at Adinley’s with John & Peter.
‘Freddie’ Shipley joined John & we picked up Kaye & Jill & we went to see “Under your Hat” at the Odeon.
Came home by taxi at about 12.
Morse, Armements & A/C Recog. Exam 78% in Morse 86% in Arm.
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17 TUESDAY
Got a present from Joan – scarf, cigarettes & a photo.
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18 WEDNESDAY
Did 3 hours flying to-day Hours now 25.
Received a Christmas Card from Idonea.
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19 THURSDAY
Great Day. Had a taxying Crash – no damage. Lost myself above clouds 5000 ft. Found myself at Rugby Flew low way back 360°(C.)
Navigation exam – ought to be O.K.
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[blank page]
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[inserted] REPEAT ORDER FORM [/inserted]
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21 SATURDAY
Met Jill & Kaye at the De Montfort. Saw her home.
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22 SUNDAY
Went to Desford to collect suitcase.
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23 MONDAY
Went up to to [sic] Bruff [sic] aerodrome near Hull to deliver R-4763. Came back with P/O Wright.
Spent night at Barton Fabis near Nottingham due to forced landing at 5.30.
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24 TUESDAY
Came back after breakfast at the HQ 139 HAA Brigade.
Got payed [sic] after service
Present from Mavis – tie & penknife.
Bought Christmas present in Leicester in the afternoon. Went to see ‘Dark Command with John Owen.
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25 WEDNESDAY
Got up late. Went to Red Cow & had a drink. Met Molly & had sherry with her. Had lunch with Miss Price.
Went to Party at Joyce Smith’s house. – Hell of a [indecipherable word] party.
Went to bed at 1.30 am
Present of handichiefs [sic] from Anne Stillings.
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[8 blank pages]
[page break]
MEMORANDA
Seemens Dalston E.F.
[page break]
ADDRESSES
Name Address
J.B. Mockidge 57 Birchwood Rd, Pettswood, Kent.
Orp. 518.
Sectietary [sic], C.W. Branch
Admiralty.
Whitehall
S.W. 1
With ref. Short Naval Air Arm
Rees. The Nook, 100 Spring Rd
Letchworth.
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BOOKS WANTED
Evolution, Heridity & Variation
Ward Cutter.
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[blank page]
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TELEPHONE NOS.
Pam (Harrison’s) Rad 6976
Pam (Home) Rad 6412
Polhills. Rad 6763
Sheila (Dr. Scrimers) Rad 6596.
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MEMO. OF THINGS LENT
Date Article Lent to Retd.
2.1.40 Book. Paul
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CASH SUMMARY FOR 1940
[a] Date [b] Received [c] Paid
[a] L.MS. 3rd [b] 1 15 – [c] 1 4 8
[a] L.P.T.B. 4th [b] 1 8 – [c] 1 4 9
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[5 blank pages]
[page break]
[back cover]
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ALDENHAM SCHOOL. – Furness, B.M. (b c e g + i); Gordon, M.W.B. (b c e g +); Hewitt, P.H. (b e g + m y); Jukes, A.G.H. (b c e g + i); Mackenzie, A.H. (b g + m y); Manser, L.T. (b d g + i s); Sharp, C.D.W. (b d g + I s); Stevens, R.J. (b g +); Thompson, M.W. (b e g + i m y); Watson, R.L.A. (a b g + y).
[page break]
N.J. Powell & Co.’s DIARY BLOTTER.
[vertical] Buy FORD’S, BRITAIN’S BEST BLOTTING
PLEASE TEAR [/vertical]
Buy . . .
FORD’S BRITAIN’S BEST BLOTTING
MADE IN 23 CHARMING COLOURS
and look for the watermark
FORD
428 MILL
in every sheet.
Obtainable at all stationers.
T. B. FORD, LTD.,
Snakeley Mill,
Loudwater, High Wycombe
P.2. – F5444
[three blank pages]
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N.J. POWELL’S
ONE DAY DIARY
For 1940 (LEAP YEAR)
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[three printed pages]
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PERSONAL MEMORANDA
Name Leslie Thomas Manser
Address Stedman Garage, Redlett
Home Telephone 6120 Radlett.
Business Address 5 Lexham Gardens
C. W. 8
Business Telephone [indecipherable name] 1287.
Telegraphic Address Lex Jam, Kew, Lon.
No. of Season Ticket L.M.S.084LPTB 037
Reg. No. of Car EYP147.
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[thirteen printed pages]
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[five blank pages]
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JANUARY 31 Days 1940
1 MONDAY
Came home about 2.30am from Tauntons. Quite good show. Pam sulked a bit – didn’t seem in good mood Sheila, Katherine, Helen, The Harogs and Kath’s 2 brothers were there
Went down village just before lunch to do some shopping.
Spent afternoon trying out the projection printer I made – not a great success. Barbara came over in evening to see Mavis who was still ill in bed.
Did a little Maths – Had a bath and went to bed. About 10. Cyril came home – not too sober – usual row.
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2 TUESDAY
Got up as usual [deleted] abut [/deleted] about 9.30. Didn’t much in the morning – not much to do.
Spent afternoon reading a book on birth control – quite interesting. Went down to the village at 5.15 and found out my trains & season ticket.
Gave Mum’s key to be mended.
[indecipherable word] still not ready – v. slack.
Went to see Pam at 6.15 – not home till about 6.30 – late. Collected my book and lent her the one I read in afternoon. Kissed her goodnight [symbol]. Mavis has temp.
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3 WEDNESDAY
Got up 7.30. Caught the 8.15. Usual days work – very few people present. Met post man on the hill and got the results from him. – did better than really expected: grand total 829 missed getting in by 170 odd marks.
Got 8 month season at St. Pancreas. Caught 5.10 home. Went to garage to find if key I gave to be done was ready but wasn’t.
Got 26/– from Dad for ticket on the tube – will get it to-morrow.
Stye seems worse – Rests a great deal. Had a bath and went to bed quite early.
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4 THURSDAY
Went to town as usual. Dull morning, but no biology in the afternoon as Rees couldn’t come. Left a [sic] 4 o’clock and went to Poole’s in Charing Cross Rd to buy a Hindustani [indecipherable word] and a Pettman’s Manual cost 5/6 total.
Caught 5.10 home – still no reading lights in trains, very poor. Went to Brailly & Smith for my photos – not too good on the whole but some are quite [indecipherable word] Tried some printing after but not a great success.
Intended doing some work but didn’t get very far. Rang up Mockidge
[page break]
5 FRIDAY
work as usual. Brought an Amateur Photographer. Met Mockridge at 1.30 and had lunch with him – Told me about joining Naval Air Arm.
Ross – Nicholl’s [deleted] of [/deleted] away after lunch so had Percy Bush last period.
Began studying Pittman’s Shorthand – ought to be quite easy to pick up.
Nothing to do in the evening so went on doing shorthand. Then had a bath and went to bed quite early.
[page break]
6 SATURDAY
Got up rather late. Went to Geffereys last evening to see some films instead of going to bed early and came home with Pam about 11. Didn’t play Squash with Michael Harvey or play hockey in the afternoon because it was cancelled Went to St. Albans at 3.10 with Pam to see the Crazy Gang in Frozen Limits. No bus home on account of the fog – damn nuisance. Caught train but carried onto Elstree – eventually got home at 9.15.
Had a soap down & went to bed.
[page break]
7 SUNDAY
Promised to play squash with Michael but didn’t – in fact didn’t get up till 10.30. Tried to do the Maths. paper but could not. After lunch changed and went with Pam to Hockey ground but there was no hockey – both v. annoyed. Met Geffney on his motorbyke [sic] on way to A.R.P. post.
Went over next door after tea – went upstairs – played a bit of ping-pong – also one or two [underlined] other [/underlined] things. Came home had diner [sic], had a bath & went to bed.
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8 MONDAY
Went to work as usual. Not very interesting throughout the day especially Maths with Syd Jones.
Came home as usual at 5.10.
Pam met me at the station and I came up the hill with her – Kissed her good-night and went indoors but didn’t do any work.
Discussed what to do about my Maths and decided to ask Mr. Rees to-morrow if he can help me.
Had a bath and went to bed about 10.15.
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9 TUESDAY
Split made a lot of noise v. early in the morning which annoyed me – and consequently he got a good beating.
Went up to town as usual. Mr. Rees came and we discussed about extra maths, but nothing definite was agreed upon.
Came home as usual. Read a good bit on nutrition in Human Physiology by Winton & Bayliss.
Intended to have a bath but didn’t in the end, principally because went to sleep early
[page break]
10 WEDNESDAY
Woke up 7.15 – begining [sic] to get used to waking up on time.
Had a hair cut in the lunch – made the back of the head feel rather cool!
Came home and was met by Pamela at the station – didn’t have a great deal to say on the whole. Met Barbara & Mrs. T. while we were waiting outside in the drive – Kissed P. good-night.
Did quite an amount of work including some Maths. Had a bath about 9.45 and went to bed.
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11 THURSDAY
Went to work as usual. A letter & a post-card for me. P.C. from Polhill, Letter from Rees.
Lunch was a rotten swindle – give up going to the Express.
Did Biology in the afternoon with Rees.
Went home as usual – rather a surprise when Pamela met me at the station without her bike.
– Kissed her good-night and said I’d meet at lunch time Saturday.
Intended to do some more Maths but didn’t.
Went to bed about 10.
[page break]
12 FRIDAY
Went to work. Went to the A.B.C Earls Court instead of the Express – quite good on the whole.
Came home and had a surprise – a letter from Idonea Scarlott asking my forgiveness.
Went to bed after having a bath.
Fins win a Great Battle against the Russians at [indecipherable word] – 4 miles of dead. Many Germans planes cross the [deleted word] East Coast.
Earthquake in Turkey – officially 23,131 dead. Paralysis of fuel supply in [indecipherable word] due to great [indecipherable word] prevalent throughout the world.
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13 SATURDAY
Got up 8. Caught the 10.30 bus to Watford. Saw [indecipherable word] and had a tooth extracted – v. painful throughout the day. Went for a walk with Pamela, Barbara Bobby & Split, came back, had tea and then went & spent the evening with Pamela.
Came home to have a bath take an aspirin and go to bed Cold day – frost last night – about 1” of ice on ponds. Sun shone for quite a time and quite warmly. R.A.F. made a pamphlet raid on Austria, Bohemia and Moldvia [sic]. Clear night.
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14 SUNDAY
Got up and wasted the morning doing nothing. Went to see Pam, but not in. Margo [indecipherable name] came to lunch. Went to see after lunch still not in. did the Science paper in the afternoon. Barbara rang up and went round after tea.
Played cards, table tennis, and darts till 7.30. finished the Physics paper by 9.30. Went around to see Pamela – had gone to bed.
Came home and went to bed quite early. Had a tooth removed Quite heavy frost and fog most of the day. Reservoir frozen.
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15 MONDAY
Went to work. Margo left by later train 8.34. Had lunch again at the A.B.C. Bought 1oz of Wills Cut Golden Bar 1/3. Did week-end paper in Sid’s period.
Changed at Leicester Square & went down to Foyles and bought a copy of Ward Cutler’s Evolution, Heredity & Variation 1/6. Also bought a Lilliput at St. Pancreas – poor copy. Pamela met me at the station – kissed her ‘night
Heavy frost again. B.E.F. leave cancelled so also in Holland & Belgium – tension on frontier. Heavy bombing in Finland.
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16 TUESDAY
Work as usual. Lunched at the A.B.C. Had Biology in the afternoon with N.O, Rees. Arrived home 6. Had a bath and went to bed about 10.
Very cold – snow at about 3.30 – not a great deal, about 1”. Clear night with bright moon – Expect it will freeze again to-night – temp about -6°C at 9.30.
3 British Submarines reported lost. Hore-Belisha spoke on his resignation – nothing definite or outstanding but with Chamberlain’s speech seems very fishy! 1.139 persons killed on roads in Dec. ’39. Belgian & Dutch easier but tottally [sic] relaxed.
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17 WEDNESDAY
Pipes frozen – very severe frost so caught 8.34 train which didn’t arrive here till 9. Had lunch at a new place – Earls Ct. Restaurant with Hardinge – Quite good.
Came home & was met by Pamela – said good night to her. Man at the house to defreeze the pipes. Milk frozen hard in bottles. Went to bed after doing some Maths and Biology.
Temp. at 10.p.m. -5°C. Names of 3 Subs. lost are Seahorse, Undine & Starfish the great news throughout day except comments on Chamberlains speech and the Finnish successes on the Russian frontier. Holland & Belgium quieter.
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18 THURSDAY
Went to work as usual. Had lunch at the [deleted] A.B.C. [/deleted] Earls Ct. Restaurant with Hardinge. Went home after having Biology with Rees. Promised to write to the University Tutorial College. Nothing much to do so had a bath and went to bed. Weather still very cold. Snow still on the ground – only thinly though. Vaste [sic] explosion at the Waltham Abbey Explosives factory in the Nitro-Glycerine shed at 4 in the morning. War in Finland still going on well. 99° of frost in Hensinki [sic]. Other news rather dull.
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19 FRIDAY
Went to work as usual. Had lunch with Hardinge and a friend of his. Came home. Letter from Electrical Utilities Ltd. saying no carbons in stock. Went to meet Pam at Geffney’s at 10. p.m. and stayed and had tea and played chess till midnight. Came home, saw Pam home.
Temperature still pretty low. Reports about explosion yesterday – some reports of cause being sabotage. Other news dull except that firing and bombs heard near Sylt seaplane base but no reports of R.A.F. having been there – practice suggested.
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20 SATURDAY
Got up rather late 10 am and had a bath & washed my hair. Went to see Mr. Hounsfield at Handley Page’s about extra tuition. Went to see dentist at 12.15 at Bushey and had tooth filled (Mr. Dinnis.) After lunch went to see Pam and went to the Pictures at St. Albans. When Tomorrow Comes with Charles Boyer & Irene Dunne at the Capitol. Came home – not in a good temper with her because she is so temperamental and tends to sulk and be quiet. Came after dinner to see her again. Left at 10 – seems to have had some effect and it ought to improve her if not – situation bad
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21 SUNDAY
Got up and wasted the morning doing nothing at all. Tried to mend the portable radio but not very successfully. Went round to see her at 3 p.m. – Had some visitors and I stayed and played cards had tea, played table tennis, darts and finally came home at 7.15. – v. boring afternoon. Barbara v. ill mannered – seems to have no sense entertaining guests. Came home not in a v. good temper. Sheila & Katherine there – only [indecipherable word] folk at all. Did prep. after dinner. Temp. still low. Snowed from 10.am till I went to bed at 10 p.m – feel v. depressed & fed up.
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22 MONDAY
Went to work. Had lunch with H. Decided to skip afternoon so went to the Movies. Saw “The Light that failed” with Ronald Coleman dealing with the Life of Rembrandt from the story by Rudyard Kipling. Came Home by bus. Went to bed after a bath. Did the [indecipherable word]-end Science paper.
F.S. Harwood, the head of the tutorial establishment, died yesterday at his home of heart failure. Still cold but seems to be beginning to thaw. H.M.S. Granville [sic] sunk on Saturday. 118 survivors. 8 killed. 73 missing.
Heavy fighting in Finland. Big battle near Lake Lardoga [sic].
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23 TUESDAY
Went to work as usual. Hardinge was away to have his eyes seen to, so lunch alone. Came home at 6.10. Went to Austin Reeds to order some clothes. Telephone out of order so rang up exchange from Tauntons. Kissed Pam good night. Went to bed at 10.15. Not so cold – only -4°C.
Russians driven back at Lake Lardoga [sic]. Fins bombed Russian Naval base of Krondstadt. Duke of Windor [sic] home on leave. Asama Maru held by Brit. Warship 21 Germans removed – big Japanese protest. 500 passages on Jap. Ships cancelled at San Francisco. Rees abscent [sic].
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24 WEDNESDAY
Went to work as usual. Collected for Henwood wreath (15/–). Came home Pam met me at station at 6pm. Saw her home and collected snip from Sketch on Henwood. Had a bath and went to bed.
Rather warmer. Russians again reported with heavy losses. Gen. Hertzog, Ex Premier of S. Africa sat upon by Gen. Smuts for his Pro-Nazis speech. H.M.S. Exmouth destroyer, sunk by torpedo & mine. Destroyers to date. Grenville mine or torpedo, N. Sea. Duchess in collision N. Sea. 130 killed [indecipherable word]. mine E. Coast. 31 killed. Blanche mine S-S coast. 2 killed. Air Raid on Shetlands six bombs dropped. Japanese still anoyed [sic].
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25 THURSDAY
Went to work as usual. Hardinge still abscent [sic]. Rees away so had to spend afternoon alone to do Biology – but didn’t do much. Came home by the 5.10. Pamela didn’t meet me at the station as I thought she would. Did some work and went to bed.
Warmer. Sunshine most of the day
Nazis oppression and cruelty in Poland – hundred murdered.
Reds bomb several hospitals. Japanese still [indecipherable word] protesting. Cenorship [sic] of films urged. Enormous contraband in mails from U.S.A. Duke of Windor [sic] returned to France yesterday.
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26 FRIDAY
Went to work. Bush, the French Tutor leaving to take post in French Consulate at Cardiff. Bought an Exchange and Mart – nothing I really wanted. Came home and Pamela met me at the station – walked home with her. After dinner went back to see her as everyone else had gone to see the pictures. Came home and went to bed about 10.30
Snowed heavily about 3pm. Also rained
250 Bombers reported to be flying the Atlantic to France. Bacon ration increased to 8 ozs. Hundreds of Russians killed N. of Lake Ladoga. Japs. stop British boat and search it as reprisal for stopping of the Asama Maru.
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27 SATURDAY
Woke up early but didn’t get up till about 10 am. Spent the morning doing nothing special. Went down to the village after lunch and bought some Johnson’s developer. Went to the films about 4.30 to see George Formby in Come on George – v. good indeed Also Nancy Drew Trouble shooter – also good – Bothe [sic] v. funny. Came home but bus didn’t go further than [indecipherable word] St. on account of heavy snow so had to walk. Didn’t get back till 10pm. so went straight in after kissing her good-night and had my dinner and went to bed. Quite a rotten day – snowy & slushy and v. cloudy. Temp. 0°C
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28 SUNDAY
Intended to go to church but didn’t – in fact get up about 9.30. ground covered in deep snow – about 8 – 12 inches. Went to see P. and gave her her stockings which she bought yesterday, and then fooled around in the snow for a while. Took some snaps but camera gave out and tore a length of film so spent the afternoon repairing it. Set down to work about 4.30 and finished about 10.pm. Finished Science paper but only did 3 out the 5 of the Maths. P. went out with Shiela & Kath. after lunch and not with me – so I am v. annoyed. Still snowing
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29 MONDAY
Due to v. heavy snow the train was late. Went a short way to station with P. Arrived at work at 10.15. Had lunch with Hardinge. Mr. Corbin came and did Biology from 2.30 – 4.30. caught the 5.10 home arrived at 6 and was met by P. Saw her home. Had a bath and went to bed. Letter from Ida. Temp. -2°C Heavy snowfalls – about 2’. Coldest winter since 1894 V. cold also in South of U.S.A. Japan still kicking up a fuss over Asama Maru case. Red Army on Defensive Finns holding the Reds, who await reinforcement at Salla. [indecipherable word] Red submarine sunk by Finns minefield
B.E.F. leave cancelled – snow. Big delays on main lines – Scots Express 16 Hrs late.
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30 TUESDAY
Went to work as usual – only a few mins. late due to snow. Went to Simpson’s and bought a sports coat, 2 Autex vests and a hat from Dunn’s. Came home by the 6.8. Had a bath & went to bed about 10.30.
Finns still driving back Reds. 21 bombers destroyed to-day. Several killed in air-raids on Abo. Many air raids on ships on E. & S-E. coast – light ship sunk. Still many delays on railways. Slight fall of snow last night. A train from Glasgow was 28 hrs 31 mins. late to get to Euston. Lockheeds arrive from U.S.A. At Bergen and are going onto Finland.
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31 WEDNESDAY
Went to work as usual. Posted the letter I wrote to Idonea. Came home by the 5.10. Bought some halibut liver capsules (Croakes) from Brailey & Smith’s. Went to bed quite early. Letter giving date of my exam. (medical)
First B.E.F. casulty [sic] list published. – 60 officers 698 Ranks. Finns bomb Kronstadt and other Russian bases.
Hitler speech – much the same as usual if anything weaker. Railways much better – almost normal service in some places. Coal restricted to 2 cwt. per week temporaly. 20 m.p.h speed limit in black from midnight.
Chamberlain a speech. Thawing. 1°C.
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FEBRUARY 2nd Month 1940
1 THURSDAY
Work as usual. Had lunch with Hardinge. Did Maths & English in afternoon instead Biology. Came back by the 5.10. Bought a [indecipherable word] Post. Had a bath & went to bed.
U boat sunk also one ship lost in convoy. Finns in new battle. Reds being driven back at lake [indecipherable word]. America bored by Helleis speech. Ajax which with the [indecipherable word] and Exeter sank the Graf Spee at Monte Video, came home to Plymouth. £1000 000 to be spent to stop inflation. The King ill in bed with a cold. Resignation of Canadian Premier [deleted letters] dissolution of Parliament meets with disfavour.
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2 FRIDAY
Went to work as usual. Sid away so Maths with Ruddle. Went after Lunch to Foyles and bought some books on photography. Then went to Hatton Garden to Electrical Utilities to enquire about ultra-violet Lamp. Came home by 5.10. Went to bed quite early. Wet still rotten. Rain & slight thaw. Big conference in Belgrade of members of Balkan Entente. New idea for Minister of Economy rejected. Japan calmer now but negotiations still in progress. Auxiliary Air Force in France [missing word]. Finns cut off Red Division – ski battalion Routed. £1 000 000 subscribed for Lord Mayor’s Red Cross fund.
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3 SATURDAY
Got up quite early. Went down to the village about 11 am and bought a lock – fixed the lock into larder door. New maid arrived at 12.30 about. Went to see Pamela at 2.30 and went off to the films at St. Albans – saw “Smaching [sic] Spy Rings” & Joan Blondell in “Good Girls go to Paris” but very funny and good! Came home about 8.30 and after kissing her good-night came in and had dinner. Devoloped [sic] a film taken of O.T.C. 1938. With Johnson’s Acid-hypo I bought yesterday. Weather still bad – has become quite foggy
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4 SUNDAY
Got up at 7.30 and went to Holy Communion: Met the Ambroses coming home. Spent rest of morning working. Went down to the village after lunch with Pam. to get Mum some cigarettes. Went over to see Pam after tea and played Ping-Pong till 7.30 – also did other things there! Very dull day on the whole due in some way to the bad foggy wet weather. Went to bed after having a bath at 9.30. Not looking forward to Medical Exam to-morrow – hope I shall pass.
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5 MONDAY
[inserted] Mum’s birthday. [/inserted]
Got up at 9 am. Went to station but there was no train so took a taxi to Edgeware and took a train to London. Arrived at Queens House, St James St for my Navy medical at 11.30 – think it was quite satisfactory. Caught the 1.15 and came home and had lunch. Did not feel very well so spent afternoon quietly. Rang up Pam at Geffneys and told her that I couldn’t to meet her. Went to bed at 9.30 after taking a pill. Mum had a big iced cake for her birthday at dinner. Gave her a bottle scent as a present which Dad bought for me.
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6 TUESDAY
Went to work as usual. Train a bit late so arrived at C & Gs a bit late. Had lunch with Hardinge. Came home by the 5.10. Throat still very sore – rather a nuisance all day. Came home and did some work, had a bath & went to bed. Weather better – rain. [indecipherable name] came & gave me some ultra-violet light – nice chap, interested in wireless, model Aircraft etc.
Finns gain big victory over 18th Russian Division N.E of L. Ladoga. Jortowala bombed – burned for 6 days H.M.S. Sphinx, minesweeper foundered during being towed to port after hitting mine – C.O. & 4 others lost. Mails for Denmark lost thro’ sinking of S S.Vidar.
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7 WEDNESDAY
Work as usual. Sid still away so had Ruddle. Hardinge away at medical. After Biology in afternoon went to Bakus at Holborn to ask about ultra-violet lamp – not very helpful. Came home by the 5.38. Went to bed about 9.30 – not feeling v. well due to sore throat.
Weather better still – little rain. About 5,000 killed of the 18th Russian Div. Loss of British ships estimated at 20,000 tons per week (cw.) 2, I.R.A. men, Barnes & Richards hung at Winson Green Prison, Birmingham at 9 am for bomb outrage in which 5 killed. Irish – Eng mail boat Munster struck mine and sunk – 300 saved.
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8 THURSDAY
Went to work as usual. Had lunch with Hardinge. Decided not to go with him to Ice Rink to-day but sometime next week. Caugh [sic] 5.10 and came home. Did some work and then went over to see Pam. Jeff didn’t come over so I came home again and went to bed.
Russians still battering Finish Mannerheim Line. Big Red Army losses. Schools to be reopened – attendance compulsory. British boat Almanistan torpedoed – crew brought back by Spanish boat. New Finnish Minister in Finland – Mr. G. [indecipherable name].
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9 FRIDAY
Went to work as usual. Ruddle away after lunch so wasted 1st period. Had a hair cut & came home on the 5.38. Pam met me and I went over after dinner and played a little table tennis. Gefferey [sic] was there. Came home & went to bed about 10.30.
9 days heavy fighting still continues against Mannerheim line but Finns stand firm. Forged notes being circulated in Balkans by Germany. [indecipherable word] Canadian Contingent arrived without incident. Goebbels makes a speech which is disliked particularly in Denmark.
Lord Tweedsmuir gravely ill after operation
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10 SATURDAY
Got up at 9.30. Went down to village at 11.30, met Pam said I’d see her later. Came home Carbons for my lamp came 3/3. Went over to see her and arranged about afternoon. Had a bath 9..30.
Went to Boreham Wood by the 3.15 and saw Where’s That Fire with Will Hay, More [sic] Marriott & Graham Moffat [sic] at the Studio – not v funny but entertaining Pam didn’t feel well – came home by 8.30. Think she’s getting a touch of flu! Undressed her and put her to bed. Left her about about [sic] 9. and came home. Had dinner & went to bed. 10.30.
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11 SUNDAY
Got up 10 am. Pulvexed the dog. Went over to see her and found her none too well – slight temperature & said she was suffering with aches and pains. Came home and had lunch.
Went to play hockey after Peter rang up at 2.30 – not a bad game, 1/2 field and 4 a side. Sun shone for quite a time, but cloudy. Came home & had a bath. Went over to see her again & took her some books at 6.30 – no better, don’t think they are looking after her well enough. Did some work after dinner Bed 12. Helen came over & I kissed her good-eve.
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12 MONDAY
Got up and went to work as usual. Discussed going skating with Hardinge. Came home as usual by the 5.10. Mavis pinched all bathwater so couldn’t have a bath.
Still heavy fighting in Finland especially on the Mannerheim Line where the Russian appear to gained a footing and the Fins have given up their forward positions. Lord Tweedsmuir – John Buchan the Author – governor general of Canada died last night of cerebral hemorrahage [sic] after a fall & 3 operations – 2 mins. silence held all over Canada. Cold coming back again – especially in Germany. Denmark & [deleted] Norway [/deleted] Sweeden [sic] linked by ice.
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13 TUESDAY
work as usual. Had lunch with Hardinge – decided to go skating to-morrow. Came home. Had a bath after dinner but it was cold because Mavis pinched the water. Did some work – Biology, Maths.
weather still very cold -2°C.
Australians arrive at Suez and go into camp – Mr. Eden was there to welcome them. Finns still trying to hold out but appear to have to retreat a bit – very heavy fighting.
Morning [sic] in Canada over Lord Tweedsmuir’s death. Debate in Commons about nationalisation of the railways – motion out voted. China war still continuing. Letter from Idonea.
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14 WEDNESDAY
Went to work and took my skates. Had lunch with H. After work went to H’s place in St. James’ St. Met his mother’s secretary Miss Craddock. – quite nice.
Had supper and went to Westminster Rink and skated till 9.15. Met [indecipherable word] of Aldenham there – also trying for navy but in June, Had been middi [sic] in R.N.V.R. Came home by 10. pm train.
Finns still retreating – Russians [indecipherable word] a large scale attacks [sic] – many thousands of Reds dead & much material lost. America building large navy $966,772,878 to be spent.
Germans scuttle Wakama in S. Atlantic – 10 picked up. Raider off Thames estuary driven off by fighters. Mr. S. Welles of U.S.A. to come to Europe.
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15 THURSDAY
Felt very tired after last night but went to work as usual. Mavis said that according to the M.O. at Queens House only 289 persons taking exam. – hope so. Came home as usual and went over to see Pamela. – still in bed but better.
British governments giants men of 27 years and over to volunteer for Finland. Still heavy Russians attack on Karelian Isthumus [sic] – but many casualties. Mr. Eden in Egypt – reviewed Indian Troops and Anzacs. Two U. boats sunk by British destroyer in N. Sea. New evacuation plans prepared. Cold still v. intense.
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16 FRIDAY
End of week – thank goodness. Went up to town. Came back by 5.10. Told Harding [sic] I couldn’t go to show to-morrow. Discussed about going skating on Monday.
Heavy fighting still continues in Karelian Isthumus [sic] 16 Red bombers shot down. Insane expenditure of shells – 300,000 a day by Reds. H.M.S. Exeter which took part in the battle of the River Plate against the Admiral Graf Spee – Capt. Langesdorff [sic] in command – came home – greeted by Churchill. Secret session refused in House of Lords by Lord Halifax. L. Tweedsmuir to be cremated to-morrow – ashes to come to England. £1000 000 from [indecipherable name]
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17 SATURDAY
Intended to get up early but didn’t. Had a bath – not v. warm. Woman – maid – left us. Went over to see Pamela, who was up, and Norman was there and they were going to Show in town.
Went to St. Albans after lunch & saw “The Rains Came” with Myrna Loy & Tyrone Power at the Capitol, also “Boy Friend,”. The Rains Came was very good indeed – all about Monsoon flood & earthquake at Ranchipur in India. Came home by 8.30. had dinner and went to bed at 11.pm. Bought some Wills Cut Golden Bar 1/3.
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18 SUNDAY
Got up at 9.am. Dressed and went down and began to prepare the breakfast. Went down to the village before lunch to get Mum some cigarettes. Pamela came while I was washing up lunch things and asked me to go down to the village. Went down & bought Cyril some cigarettes. Went over & helped her to get tea and had some there. Norman Moore was there. Played some table tennis and then went home. Mrs. T. was in bed with sore throat. Kissed Pam good-night. Went home and did some work after dinner and went to bed by 10.30.
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19 MONDAY
Got up at 7.15 and prepared my breakfast. All the Tutors away so did little or no work during morning – a Mr. Vanden Meenoch came for a short while. Came home 5.10 and Pam met me – kissed her [indecipherable word]. Had a bath and went to bed early. H.M.S. Cossack rescued 299 seamen from German ship [indecipherable name] inside Norwegian [indecipherable word] waters – hand to hand fighting on board.
British complaint to Norway about letting Germans convey prisoners thro’ her water & not searching ship – Germans v. annoyed. Respite on Mannerheim Line – 164th Division anihaliated [sic] near [indecipherable word]. Big thaw.
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20 TUESDAY
Went to work as usual. Had lunch with H. who was going skating to-night. Pamela came over just before dinner to get a paper. Went to bed v. early 9.30. Ordered a Naval Calendar from Smith’s 7/6 in exchange for Ships of the Worlds Battle fleet which wasn’t v. good.
Norway defendants accusations against her by Britain – Speech in the Starting by Proff Koht (.F.M.). America pleased with British action – would have done same in similar [indecipherable word]. H.M.S. Daring, Comm. S.A. Cooper torpedoed – obviously German reprisal. 148 men 9 officers lost, 4 men 1 officer saved. 18th Red Division completely destroyed.
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21 WEDNESDAY
Went to work. Met Peter Polkill, John Harper & others on train. Hardinge went home early so had lunch by myself. Went to Poole’s in Charing Cross Rd and sold my Human Phis. for 5/-. Bought Naval Calendar from Smiths 7/6. Had a bath and went to bed about 10.30. Got exams [indecipherable word].
Chamberlain makes speech in Parliament about Norway’s unneutral actions – dissapointed [sic] views in N. over speech. 164th Red Division totally aniohialated [sic] by Finns – great booty captured. Government decide to finance devolpment [sic] of colonies British warships reported off [indecipherable word] Reds bomb Pajala in Sweden. R.A.F. over Heligoland last night.
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22 THURSDAY
Went to work as usual. Had lunch with George. Went to Selfridges after work to inquire about lodging in Aldershot – no luck. Went to St. James Palace to see George to go skating but he’s in quarantine for measeles [sic] – had dinner – and caught the 7.25. New maid came.
Blizzards raging in Finland. – Russian Attacks therefore held up. Swedes protest about Russian bombing of Pajala. News very dull to-day – mainly political scandle [sic] and argument. More earthquakes in Turkey. Japanese offer peace terms to China – no territorial demands. Weather warmer.
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23 FRIDAY
Went to work as usual. George abscent [sic] – obviously the measeles [sic] must have taken. V. dull day on the whole. Came home by the usual 5.10. Went to bed quite early.
Vast Russian concentration on Mannerheim line and whole Finnish Border – Hail & snow falling[deleted letter]. Two Heinkels shot down in Scotland. Boy Dalai Larma [indecipherable word] Lhasa in Tibet – vast ceremony. H.M.S. Achilles, which took part in the victory over the Graf Spee, arrived in Auckland N.Z. early to-day. 2 I.R.A. explosions in the West – several injured.
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24 SATURDAY
Got up by 7.15 and took the dog for a walk round the golf course and took several photographs. Went down to the village twice and the dog once. Bought Pam a piece of rubber for the cycle pump. Went to play Hockey at 2.45 at the club. Match against [indecipherable word] but we were beaten 5 [symbol] 3. Lovely day – bright sun shine.
Came home and then went to Walford with Pam to see “Over the Moon” and another small detective film. The 1st was in techinicolor [sic] – both quite good. Missed bus home so Barbara came in the car to fetch us from Bushey Station. Went to bed about 11.30.
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25 SUNDAY
Summer time began to-day but for got to put on my clock so consequently I missed going to communion but was up by 8am summer time. Went round to see Pam during the morning. Went down with her and Joan Jewel to play hockey at 2.30 – Mr. Taunton took us. Several H.A.C. came along to play. Came home about 4.30 and had a bath. Went over to see Pam about 6. Vickers was there. Pam was disgusting – am v. annoyed with her – in fact I don’t think I can stick to her any more – seems to think I can be had for the asking. Did some work & went to bed.
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26 MONDAY
Went to work as usual. George still away. Sid Jones came back. Did quite an amount of work. Had a letter from Peter Grisham – 2nd Lieut. R.W.F. Went to bed quite early.
Weather worse – rather a lot of rain. Summer Wellis meets the Duce [sic]. Canadian Air Force arrive in England safely.
Reds held up as Finns fall back on fresh lines of defence. R.A.F. flew over Germany last Saturday and made several reconnaissance flights. Vickers Wellington lands in Belgium – R.A.F. men interned.
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27 TUESDAY
Didn’t go to work to-day as I had an interview this afternoon Got up about 8.30 Spent morning reading Naval Calender [sic]. Caught the 1.17. Interview at 2.50 at C.S.C. Burlington Gardens – not v. good. Went to see Revue Des Allies at Prince of Wales’ – not too good, some quite nice nudes.
[indecipherable word] falls – Finns retreat more – v. stubborn defence by Finns. N. of Caledonian Canal a banned area to general public. King inspects dockyards in Scotland. Nazis over Paris – A.A. Guns in action. D.F.C. awarded to R.A.F. Officer by King in Scotland.
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MARCH
2 SATURDAY
Went down to the town after breakfast to do a little shopping. Went over to see Pam before lunch.
Went to play hockey after lunch at Aldenham School. – not a very good game – 2 masters – Cox mi & Kennedy – played because many of team were ill. Met Palmer, Thompson, & May & talked to them for a short while.
Went to see Mickey Rooney in Andy Hardy gets spring fever – very amusing little picture – at the local. Kissed Pam good-night.
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3 SUNDAY
Dressed and went to communion. Came over to see Pam before lunch. Went to play hockey after lunch with her. Met Joan Jewel there. Very good game – thoroughly enjoyed it.
Bunch of people came over after dinner – Pam & Barbara, the Bedells, 2 Canadians & Marion. Good party on the whole – sang and talked & sat till 12.30 and then they departed so we all went off to bed.
Rather concerned about going down to Aldershot to-morrow.
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4 MONDAY
Got up at 9.30 and had breakfast. Packed my box after breakfast. Caught 2.8 to London
Said & kissed Pam good-bye at station. Went to Victoria and bought £5 Civil Service Stamps. Went to Waterloo & caught 4.27 to Aldershot. Arrived about 5.35.
Had dinner & went with another chap to see a show just round the corner. Two very good strip-tease acts and quite a good show on the whole. Went to bed about 10.30.
Place full of soldiers – never imagined how many there could be
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5 TUESDAY
[inserted] [underlined] Exam begins [/underlined] Aldershot [/inserted]
Got up at 8.30. Had breakfast at 9.15 and arrived at the Y.M.C.A by 9.45. G.K 11.5 – 12.35. Engl. I 10 – 11. Eng. II 2 – 3.30. Quite good papers on the whole. Lots of time on our hands after 3.30 so I wrote home to Gresham, and to Pam, After tea I went to have a look round the town and went to one or two amusement arcades & did some shooting. Went to see James Cagney in “Each Dawn I die” – remarkably fine picture about prison life. Came home about 11.30 and went to bed. Felt quite tired somehow
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[12 blank pages]
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MARCH
18 MONDAY
[inserted] Pamela’s birthday. [/inserted]
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19 TUESDAY
[inserted] [underlined] Spot died this day last year. [/underlined] [/inserted]
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[52 blank pages]
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MAY
11 SATURDAY
[inserted] My birthday. [/inserted]
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[41 blank pages]
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JUNE
22 SATURDAY
[inserted] [photography figures] [/inserted]
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[32 blank pages]
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JULY
27 SATURDAY
[inserted] Mavis’s birthday [/inserted]
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[17 blank pages]
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AUGUST
14 WEDNESDAY
Got up early and went to Edgeware by 9 am. Said Good-bye to all. Went to town. Euston house by 11 am. Had lunch by 1.30 and went thro’ medical by 4.30 – quite easy though ears gave a bit of trouble. Went home that night. Up in town next by 8.30 so must get up early. Saw Pamela at 10.30 and went for a short walk with her Pop gave me 30/- Cyril 5/-
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15 THURSDAY
Up in town by 8.30 Did not take my suitcase of clothes etc. was sworn in to RAFVR for duration Recommended for commission by interview board. Caught 6.30 train from Paddington to Torquay. Came down with J. Conran – Argentine Bought some shaving tackle etc. to last me a day or two. Changed at Newton Abbot. Arrived Norcliffe Hotel at 2 am and was put up for night in Delamer hotel.
Jerries came over & dropped some bombs close by.
Wrote Pam & Dad.
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Wrote Pam & Dad.
16 FRIDAY
Up 6 am Breakfast in Oswalds at 7 am. Went to see Adjutant & C.O. etc. Draughted [sic] to 5 Flight under Cpl Barber – v. nice chap. Nothing to do most of day. Went to Torquay with Canadian called John Stiff. Bought Some RAF notepaper & ordered an identity braclet [sic]. Had a few drinks & some food Came home by 9.30 and went to bed early – felt quite tired.
Jerry over twice during day.
Billeted Downs Hotel – good.
Letter from Dad
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17 SATURDAY
6 am up. Went to M.O. for F.F.I. & passed.
Went to beach to Sun bathe till lunch. Drew kit after lunch and went to see tailor for adjustment Stiff promised to pay for me if I went to Torquay so I went and had several drinks and a good dinner at Adison’s. Came back about 9.45 and had a drink and went to bed. Case arrived from home with Clothes.
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18 SUNDAY
Up 7.15. Breakfast at 8.am. Mucked about All day long – absolutely nothing to do. Flight 13 A went off to Aberasyth [sic] in Wales at 11.59 pm Place quite deserted.
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19 MONDAY
6am. Reflighted [sic] at 10am Put in NO 6. Flight but fortunately in same hotel – Downs – Cleaned kit etc. and generally killed time. Surprise letter from Pamela sent on Friday on receipt of my 1st letter. – miss her very much, lovely place here – could have such good fun together – sweet girl but am doubtful of her faithfulness even though I love her.
CO’s lecture cancelled. Went to bed early. Same bedroom as J. Stiff, Hovey, Scholes – all Canadians.
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20 TUESDAY
Bombs dropped 50 yards from hotel – Downs – at 1.30 morning 4 were dropped & I saw them as they fell.
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23 FRIDAY
HMS Hostile Sunk in Mediterranean.
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[6 blank pages]
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30 FRIDAY
Lord Trenchard came down to inspect us at 2.30. Had inoculation at 4.30. Left at 9.30 for Carey Park with kit bag & full equipment. Felt v. bad after inoculation. March down to Torquay – Air Raid began as were waiting on Carey Park.
Train left at [deleted number] 12.40 arrived at Aberystwyth at 2.30 Saturday afternoon. Felt v. ill all journey – took 2 or 3 days to recover completely. Billeted ‘C’ flight 4 Squadron 6 I.T.W. Lion Royal Hotel.
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31 SATURDAY
Wandered around Aberystwyth during afternoon. Arrived there at 2.30 pm. Journeyed from Cardiff since 7.30 am.
Went to bed early – didn’t feel too good. Put in Room 42 with Jack Cowan. ‘Tiny’ Faulkes (neally [sic] 6’ 6” tall), Dennis Death (nice chap.) & ‘Bishop’ Niel Nimmo.
Wrote home & to Jean Jewel.
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SEPTEMBER
2 MONDAY
usual Routine up at 6 am. Parade 8.15
Dull, P.T. Lectures etc.
Off at 5.30. In by 10.00 pm
Lectures Armaments – Browning gun
Signals – Morse Lamp & buzzer
Law & Adminstration [sic]
Anti-gas.
Aircraft recognition
General studies.
Mathematics
Navigation.
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3 TUESDAY
Received registered letter from home with 30/– in it.
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4 WEDNESDAY
Wrote to Pamela.
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5 THURSDAY
Usual routine.
[deleted word]
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6 FRIDAY
usual routine.
Pay parade. Received 30/–
Went to Dance at Kings
Met Adalyss again – nice girl – danced with her & saw her home at 11.35. Booked in by 12 midnight – had a late bath.
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Usual Routine. Air Commodore Critchly [sic] came down – frightful sod. – talked to us at 12 30 inspection by him of same squadrons at 4.30 but we continued with usual routine – drill
Went to Dance at Pier – flop – so went to King’s again, met 2 girls but no good, so came home at 10.45.
Radio Came from home – nice set Mayfan 4 valve American all mains universal
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8 SUNDAY
Church Parade 9.40.
March past Critchly [sic] at 11 am. Off for rest of day.
Wrote home & to Pamela.
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[2 blank pages]
11 WEDNESDAY
7.30 near P.O. date with Adalyss. Went out with Ron & saw her home – not a bad girl at all
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12 THURSDAY
Received letter from Mum & Dad.
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13 FRIDAY
Went to dance.
Rather flat till 11.15 went a [sic] met a little girl who I saw home & kissed her goodnight
Got a free pass to see They walk Alone at the Kings – not bad at all.
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14 SATURDAY
[deleted] Cyril’s birthday [/deleted]
Went to the [sic] see the Wing team playing the SWB we lost 3-1. Went to see The Spirit of the People with Dennis
Didn’t think much of it.
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15 SUNDAY
Went to Communion
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16 MONDAY
Routine
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17 TUESDAY
Routine
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18 WEDNESDAY
Went for Route March.
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19 THURSDAY
Played soccer against NO 1 Squadron. Lost 3-0
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20 FRIDAY
Went to Dance. Saw [deleted] Aaly [/deleted] Adalys[deleted letter] there & saw her home – kissed her good night. Went to Red [sic] by 12.30 am.
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21 SATURDAY
Maths Exam – Passed.
Went to see Blue Bird with Dennis, Ward, Danniels. Had a few drinks.
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22 SUNDAY
Wrote to Pamela.
Sloop Dundee.
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[11 blank pages]
OCTOBER
4 FRIDAY
Went to dance.
Had a few drinks
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5 SATURDAY
Went to see Two Bright Boys & the Witness Vanish with Adalysis at the Pier Cinema.
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[blank page]
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7 MONDAY
Armaments Exam 88%
Signal Receiving.
Drew flying kit.
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8 TUESDAY
Routine
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9 WEDNESDAY
Signals Sending Exam
Anti-gas
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10 THURSDAY
[inserted] Idonea’s birthday. [/inserted]
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[13 blank pages]
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[inserted] Dads birthday [/inserted]
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[19 blank pages]
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NOVEMBER
15 FRIDAY
[deleted] All wed [/deleted] Left Aberyst. for 7EFTS Duxford.
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16 SATURDAY
Arrived Desford. After 22 hrs Journey
Came with Peter Daniels Billeted together at Forest High School,
Kirby. [underlined] Kirby 169. [/underlined]
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[blank page]
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18 MONDAY
Started flying with P/O Brett as my instructor
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19 TUESDAY
Pamela joined the WRNS.
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[10 blank pages]
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30 SATURDAY
Met Anne Stillings at a dance Works in General Office at the Drome.
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[3 blank pages]
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DECEMBER
4 WEDNESDAY
Did my first solo After test with Fl/Lt Hall, ‘D’ Flight C.O
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[3 blank pages]
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8 SUNDAY
Celebrated my Solo at the Red Cow at Kirby.
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[4 blank pages]
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13 FRIDAY
Went to a dance at the Grand with Pete Kaye & Jill. Rather dull though we ended up by doing a bit of necking in Pete’s [indecipherable word]. Came home at 2.30 am.
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14 SATURDAY
[deleted] Went out with Kaye, Jill & Pete. [/deleted] Went to the Simmonds Bar at 6.15 pm. Pete Joniel, Nic John & ‘Freada’ were there. Kaye, Jill & Bobby joined us.
Had a few drinks and after a grill at the Grand Came home quite merry.
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15 SUNDAY
Went out with Anne – She says she’s in love with me – makes things all rather akward [sic].
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16 MONDAY
Went to Leicester with John Owen, Pete, Bishop & Gordon. Went to tea at Adinley’s with John & Peter.
‘Freddie’ Shipley joined John & we picked up Kaye & Jill & we went to see “Under your Hat” at the Odeon.
Came home by taxi at about 12.
Morse, Armements & A/C Recog. Exam 78% in Morse 86% in Arm.
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17 TUESDAY
Got a present from Joan – scarf, cigarettes & a photo.
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18 WEDNESDAY
Did 3 hours flying to-day Hours now 25.
Received a Christmas Card from Idonea.
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19 THURSDAY
Great Day. Had a taxying Crash – no damage. Lost myself above clouds 5000 ft. Found myself at Rugby Flew low way back 360°(C.)
Navigation exam – ought to be O.K.
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[blank page]
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[inserted] REPEAT ORDER FORM [/inserted]
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21 SATURDAY
Met Jill & Kaye at the De Montfort. Saw her home.
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22 SUNDAY
Went to Desford to collect suitcase.
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23 MONDAY
Went up to to [sic] Bruff [sic] aerodrome near Hull to deliver R-4763. Came back with P/O Wright.
Spent night at Barton Fabis near Nottingham due to forced landing at 5.30.
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24 TUESDAY
Came back after breakfast at the HQ 139 HAA Brigade.
Got payed [sic] after service
Present from Mavis – tie & penknife.
Bought Christmas present in Leicester in the afternoon. Went to see ‘Dark Command with John Owen.
[page break]
25 WEDNESDAY
Got up late. Went to Red Cow & had a drink. Met Molly & had sherry with her. Had lunch with Miss Price.
Went to Party at Joyce Smith’s house. – Hell of a [indecipherable word] party.
Went to bed at 1.30 am
Present of handichiefs [sic] from Anne Stillings.
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[8 blank pages]
[page break]
MEMORANDA
Seemens Dalston E.F.
[page break]
ADDRESSES
Name Address
J.B. Mockidge 57 Birchwood Rd, Pettswood, Kent.
Orp. 518.
Sectietary [sic], C.W. Branch
Admiralty.
Whitehall
S.W. 1
With ref. Short Naval Air Arm
Rees. The Nook, 100 Spring Rd
Letchworth.
[page break]
BOOKS WANTED
Evolution, Heridity & Variation
Ward Cutter.
[page break]
[blank page]
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TELEPHONE NOS.
Pam (Harrison’s) Rad 6976
Pam (Home) Rad 6412
Polhills. Rad 6763
Sheila (Dr. Scrimers) Rad 6596.
[page break]
MEMO. OF THINGS LENT
Date Article Lent to Retd.
2.1.40 Book. Paul
[page break]
CASH SUMMARY FOR 1940
[a] Date [b] Received [c] Paid
[a] L.MS. 3rd [b] 1 15 – [c] 1 4 8
[a] L.P.T.B. 4th [b] 1 8 – [c] 1 4 9
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[5 blank pages]
[page break]
[back cover]
[page break]
ALDENHAM SCHOOL. – Furness, B.M. (b c e g + i); Gordon, M.W.B. (b c e g +); Hewitt, P.H. (b e g + m y); Jukes, A.G.H. (b c e g + i); Mackenzie, A.H. (b g + m y); Manser, L.T. (b d g + i s); Sharp, C.D.W. (b d g + I s); Stevens, R.J. (b g +); Thompson, M.W. (b e g + i m y); Watson, R.L.A. (a b g + y).
[page break]
N.J. Powell & Co.’s DIARY BLOTTER.
[vertical] Buy FORD’S, BRITAIN’S BEST BLOTTING
PLEASE TEAR [/vertical]
Buy . . .
FORD’S BRITAIN’S BEST BLOTTING
MADE IN 23 CHARMING COLOURS
and look for the watermark
FORD
428 MILL
in every sheet.
Obtainable at all stationers.
T. B. FORD, LTD.,
Snakeley Mill,
Loudwater, High Wycombe
P.2. – F5444
Collection
Citation
Manser, LT, “Leslie Manser's Diary,” IBCC Digital Archive, accessed May 15, 2025, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/document/41326.
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