1
25
99
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1918/45665/YCrawfordJ[Ser -DoB]v3.jpg
3f3376802febb96a0df712c9c6e3a333
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Crawford, Jack 416818
John Crawford
J Crawford
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-08-08
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Crawford, J
Description
An account of the resource
18 items. The collection concerns Warrant Officer John "Jack" Crawford (416818 Royal New Zealand Air Force) and contains his diaries, documents, correspondence and photographs. He flew operations as a wireless operator/ air gunner with 189 Squadron and was killed 4 March 1945. <br /><br />The collection was loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by john Herbert and catalogued by Lynn Corrigan.<br /><br /><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW220471175 BCX0">Additional information on John "Jack" Crawford</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW220471175 BCX0"> is available via the <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/105207/">IBCC Losses Database.</a></span>
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Itinerary
Description
An account of the resource
First entries of Jack's journal describing his time as ground staff, refuelling and starting aircraft, taking, and passing the aircrew entrance exams and waiting to sail.
This item was sent to the IBCC Digital Archive already in digital form. No better quality copies are available.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1941
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1941
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
New Zealand
New Zealand--Rotorua
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal New Zealand Air Force
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Diary
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
YCrawfordJ[Ser#-Dob]v3
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John 'Jack' Crawford
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Cover and three pages.
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription
ground personnel
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1918/45594/YCrawfordJ[Ser -DoB]v1.pdf
7a96a93f820e668840dc899996c68726
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Crawford, Jack 416818
John Crawford
J Crawford
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-08-08
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Crawford, J
Description
An account of the resource
18 items. The collection concerns Warrant Officer John "Jack" Crawford (416818 Royal New Zealand Air Force) and contains his diaries, documents, correspondence and photographs. He flew operations as a wireless operator/ air gunner with 189 Squadron and was killed 4 March 1945. <br /><br />The collection was loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by john Herbert and catalogued by Lynn Corrigan.<br /><br /><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW220471175 BCX0">Additional information on John "Jack" Crawford</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW220471175 BCX0"> is available via the <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/105207/">IBCC Losses Database.</a></span>
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Jack Crawford's trip book
My trip book
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John 'Jack' Crawford
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Royal Canadian Air Force
Royal New Zealand Air Force
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Diary
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One booklet
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
YCrawfordJ[Ser#-DoB]v10001
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942-06-11
1942-06-20
1942-06-22
1942-07-14
1942-07-21
1943-03-06
1943-04-02
1943-05-03
1943-12-16
1944-08-30
1944-08-31
1944-09-10
1944-09-11
1944-09-12
1944-09-13
1944-09-17
1944-09-27
1944-09-28
1944-10-05
1944-10-06
1944-10-07
1944-10-11
1944-10-17
1944-10-18
1944-10-19
1944-10-20
1944-10-23
1944-11-11
1944-11-12
1944-11-22
1944-11-23
1944-11-26
1944-11-27
1944-12-04
1944-12-05
1944-12-10
1944-12-11
1944-12-31
1945-01-03
1945-01-04
1945-01-05
1945-01-07
1945-01-08
1945-01-16
1945-01-17
1945-02-17
1945-03-01
1945-03-02
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Atlantic Ocean--North Sea
Belgium
Belgium--Houffalize
Canada
Alberta
Alberta--Calgary
Alberta--Edmonton
British Columbia
British Columbia--Vancouver
Manitoba
Manitoba--Winnipeg
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia--Halifax
Ontario
Ontario--Ottawa
Québec
Québec--Montréal
Saskatchewan
Czech Republic
Czech Republic--Most
France
France--Boulogne-sur-Mer
France--Le Havre
Germany
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
Germany--Bremen
Germany--Braunschweig
Germany--Darmstadt
Germany--Dortmund-Ems Canal
Germany--Hamburg
Germany--Heilbronn
Germany--Hörstel
Germany--Kaiserslautern
Germany--Karlsruhe
Germany--Munich
Germany--Nuremberg
Germany--Siegen
Germany--Stuttgart
Germany--Wilhelmshaven
Great Britain
England--Gloucestershire
England--Lincolnshire
England--Oxfordshire
England--Staffordshire
Netherlands
Netherlands--Vlissingen
Norway
Norway--Trondheim
Panama
Panama--Panama Canal
Russia (Federation)
Russia (Federation)--Kaliningrad (Kaliningradskai︠a︡ oblastʹ)
United States
Illinois
Illinois--Chicago
New York (State)
New York (State)--New York
Description
An account of the resource
Covering the period 3 December 1941 to 1945 it details Jack's initial training, sailing from New Zealand to Canada and subsequent train journey, visiting a fox farm, canoeing, taking exams and getting the results and trips in the snow. Qualifying as a wireless operator and travel to Britain on the RMS Mauretania, the continuation of training, posting to 50 Squadron and marriage to Edna. Provides details of 28 operations to Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway and Russia including Houffalize, Brux, Boulogne, Le Havre, Bremen, Brunswick, Dortmund-Ems canal, Darmstadt, Gravenholst, Harburg oil refinery, Heilbronn, Kaiserslautern, Karlsruhe, Munich, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Wilhelmshaven, Flushing, Trondheim and Koningsberg. It includes a leave pass, berthing card, travel map, sketches, photograph and other memorabilia.
This item was sent to the IBCC Digital Archive already in digital form. No better quality copies are available.
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
50 Squadron
Advanced Flying Unit
aircrew
Anson
bale out
bombing
Catalina
ground personnel
Initial Training Wing
Ju 88
Lancaster
Lancaster Finishing School
love and romance
Nissen hut
Operational Training Unit
RAF Barford St John
RAF Coningsby
RAF Scampton
RAF Sutton Bridge
RAF Syerston
RAF Upper Heyford
training
Wellington
wireless operator / air gunner
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1918/45590/MCrawfordJ416818-170808-09.2.jpg
a8c288669e6bedc7347cae64b2b9ea71
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Crawford, Jack 416818
John Crawford
J Crawford
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-08-08
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Crawford, J
Description
An account of the resource
18 items. The collection concerns Warrant Officer John "Jack" Crawford (416818 Royal New Zealand Air Force) and contains his diaries, documents, correspondence and photographs. He flew operations as a wireless operator/ air gunner with 189 Squadron and was killed 4 March 1945. <br /><br />The collection was loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by john Herbert and catalogued by Lynn Corrigan.<br /><br /><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW220471175 BCX0">Additional information on John "Jack" Crawford</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW220471175 BCX0"> is available via the <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/105207/">IBCC Losses Database.</a></span>
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
White Christmas
Description
An account of the resource
An extract including a description of being invited by Dr. Whitelaw to a mansion for Christmas dinner and playing snooker. Accompanied by the words of the song 'White Christmas'.
This item was sent to the IBCC Digital Archive already in digital form. No better quality copies are available.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John 'Jack' Crawford
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1942-12
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942-12
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Canada
British Columbia
British Columbia--Vancouver
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal New Zealand Air Force
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Diary
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Two handwritten sheets
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
MCrawfordJ416818-170808-09
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
entertainment
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/2557/44696/YBlamiresRG139996v1.1.pdf
6c32c25bea0d48eb2787b671cb83547c
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Blamires, Robert Geoffrey
R G Blamires
Description
An account of the resource
99 items. The collection concerns Robert Geoffrey Blamires (b. 1921, 139996 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, diary, correspondence, documents, charts and an <a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2645">Album</a>. He flew operations as a navigator with 103 Squadron. <br /><br />The collection was loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Judith Coad and catalogued by Trevor Hardcastle.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2022-05-11
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Blamires, RG
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
Monday 8th. May 1944
Last full day of my leave at home. Got up at ten-ish and spent the rest of the morning cutting the grass. In the afternoon went down town and after quite a search managed to buy a bicycle at Wiley Bros. in Trinity St. Quite a nice job but it set me back £11-10s all told. Went to the Ritz to see an excellent show – a musical “Thousands Cheer” with a good supporting programme. Rode the new steed proudly home – or rather part of the way and pushed it the rest. Had a nice little spin to Farnley at night where I had a drink in the local. Aunt Edith came up and we had a fish and chip supper. Finished Hector Bolitho War in the Strand”. A grand day.
Tuesday May 9th. 1944
A lazy morning spent mainly in packing. Mrs. Reid to dinner. Cycled to Uncle Jimmy’s (J’s) in the afternoon and found them in the midst of spring cleaning. In a burst of enthusiasm I volunteered to give a hand with the carpet beating which I afterwards regretted, getting a huge blister on my right hand. Ephie came to tea and took my bag to the station while I cycled down. Caught the 5 o’clock and changed at Penistone. Uneventful trip. Very charming girl in our compartment. Picked up Gordon and Ted en route. Danny returned in his standard. One hour in the mess and so to bed.
Wednesday 10th. May 1944
Back to work again. Got up at 8 o’clock which was rather shocking after the leave. Doug had a bad cold and reported sick – off flying for the day. Did a spot of fighter affiliation in the morning – about an hour. Put on a night bullseye but this was eventually scrubbed. Had a first crack at ground Y with Doug in the afternoon. Cycled into Barnetby with Doug and Ted in time to catch the 6:30 pm to Scunthorpe. Saw a picture show there – Bing Crosby in “Paris Honeymoon” Wizard. Had a couple of beers and sandwiches at the Oswold. A good night. Not a cigarette all day.
Thursday 11th. May 1944
On a day X country. Bit of a panic and then aircraft u/s. finally got off just after 12 o’clock and had to be back by 4 o’clock so cut it a bit short. Not a bad trip. Had a high flying tea with the usual egg and then a bath. Wrote home and enclosed the last batch of crew snaps together with Frank’s photograph. After dinner cycled into Brigg with Ted and had a beer. Watched the boys take off.
Friday 12th. May 1944
Did a spot of Y in the morning. Should have gone on air to air firing in the afternoon but this was scrubbed as we were put on a bullseye and had to attend briefing. A lazy afternoon followed by a very leisurely briefing. Took off at 22:45 and had quite a good trip. No bother. Landed at 22:45 and had breakfast at 03:30 – and so to a late sleep.
Saturday 13th. May 1944
Got up at 12 o’clock. Had an unpleasant letter at dinnertime – my first mail since my return from leave – an income tax return form for 1944. Went out in the afternoon first off the coast and did our air to air firing. Got down just after 5 o’clock and had then finished for the day. After dinner Danny took five of us into Brigg and the other two went on Dennis’ motorbike. Had a couple of beers at the “Angle” and a look around the place. Came back at half past nine and did one or two odd jobs.
Sunday 14th. May 1944
Had another egg for breakfast. Intelligence lecture first thing in the morning followed by a bombing detail. Doug dropped a good set of bombs. No night ops. A Y lecture after lunch. After dinner cycled down into Brigg and had a couple of beers. Very pleasant run on the way in but dammed hard work coming home due to a hard head wind. Heard one of my favourite records in the pub – Bing and The Andrews Sisters singing “Yodelling Jive”. A spot of writing and then to bed. A very pleasant but cold day.
Monday 15th. May 1944
Station commanders parade at 08:15 but was just too tired to get up for it. A nondescript morning. No night ops for us. In the afternoon went on a Y X country. Passed over Huddersfield on route but there was too much cloud to see it. After a helluva rush - we landed at 5:40. Ted, Doug and I just managed to get the 6:30 train to Scunthorpe. Another Bing picture and a couple of beers at the Oswold made a banger evening. “Road to Singapore” very good.
Tuesday 16th. May 1944
Dirty, wet and cold weather – so another stand-down for the night. Did no flying through the day either. In the morning had an interesting and useful lecture and film on aviator rescue and ditching. After lunch Doug and I had another film show – this time on Y. Then went for a very badly needed haircut. In the meantime Danny and Ted had craftily caught the 4 o’clock into Scunthorpe. The rest of us followed on the 6:30 which eventually left at 7 o’clock. Had a pleasant evening. Saw “Goodbye Mr. Chips” which was well worth seeing again and a snack and beer in the Oswold. Forgot to mention we had our photographs taken in the morning for our new pink identity cards. And so to bye bye.
Wednesday 17th. May 1944
Another dirty day and another standdown. In the morning spent a couple of hours preparing a very pretty master chart of enemy defences. Should have been a lecture in the afternoon but the Wing Co. in charge of the squadron allowed us to fly with him on a local air test which took 40 minutes. On landing I thought he was going to drive it into the deck but he made it O.K. after all. Spent a very pleasant evening reading? T.M. and playing table tennis in the mess with Doug. A spot of writing and that’s all for today brother.
Thursday 18th May 1944
Another standdown. With Doug’s assistance finished my master chart. After lunch had a natter with F/L Evans, which was very useful. Packed up early and cycled into Barnetby with Danny. Doug, Ted and Frank to catch the 4 o’clock train to Grimsby. Intended to do a spot of shopping there but unfortunately it was early closing day. Had a very enjoyable plaice and chips tea for 1/9d and then went to the flicks. Tyrone Power in “the Mask of Zorro”. The other boys came by bus later. Picked up Charles map? En route – can that guy talk? Had a drink in the mess and then had a most interesting religious discussion in the billets with Danny and later on Ted and Doug. A swell day.
Friday 19th. May 1944
The weather had improved slightly and we were on a 2 ½ hour X – country in the morning. Landed just after 1 o’clock to find that ops were on and we were also on. Had lunch and then got our gear out to the kite. Briefing started at 6 o’clock and we took off at 10 o’clock. Orleans marshalling yards were the target and we had a good trip and a good prang. Landed shortly after 3 am and after interrogation and early breakfast finally got to bed at 5:45 am, I think I earned my 18/2d. and sleep.
Saturday 20th. May 1944
Got up at 12:45. I was very pleased to hear there was a standdown owing to duff weather. Changed my flying pullover in the afternoon – blue for white – filled in my log book, prepared another chart and did one or two other jobs in the afternoon. After a spot of tea had a bath which I certainly needed. Danny had got his antique wireless set working. After dinner listened to that and spent a lazy evening writing letters – Irene.
Sunday 21st. May 1944
Nasty dirty day for a start but met. Said it would clear and ops. were on. They were more or less right. Prepared in the morning and had a rest in the afternoon. Target – Duisberg. Took off at 22:30 and had quite a good trip but rather too much cloud over target. Got to bed at 6 o’clock the next morning.
Monday 22nd. May 1944
Got up at 1 o’clock. Ops. on again. Bombload again a cookie and incendiaries – the boys guess it is the Ruhr again. Preparing in the afternoon. Took off at 22:15 for Dortmund – the boys were right. Too bloody hot for my liking. Coned and hit by flak just after leaving the target. Starboard inner packed up shortly afterwards – we had to feather it due to a leak in the coolant and catching fire. Finally got out of it and struggled out of the Reich. Boy was I relieved. Then 80 miles from base the starboard outer packed up. After a sticky half hour reached base O.K. and Danny made a wizard landing on his two port engines. Left the kite just off the runway and examined the damage. I was never so glad to get the old dogs on terra firma once again. Bed at 6 o’clock. Charles missing. (see end of diary for info from web.)
Tuesday 23rd. May 1944
Got up at 12:30. Day off. I reckon we’ve earned it. Did a few odd jobs in afternoon. Danny took us into Brigg in his car just after 4 o’clock and left it there at a garage for some repairs. Did a spot of shopping there and had tea – poached eggs on toast. Then a bus to Scunthorpe and went to see Bing in “Holiday Inn”. A good show. Caught the 9:30 pm train back and then to bed. Doug’s new bike arrived during the day – royal Enfield roadster.
Wednesday 24th. May 1944
Ops. on again. Ted reported sick with eye trouble and was grounded until next Monday when he has to see a specialist. That meant we should be flying with a new rear gunner – his first trip – which we didn’t like very much. Spent afternoon preparing and then wrote home and had an hours nap before briefing. Laundry came back today for which I was well and truly grateful as I was reduced to my last collar. Target Aachen. Took off at midnight and had a relatively quiet trip. Landed at 05:10 and had to go like hell to get across the Dutch coast before dawn broke. Got to bed at 10:30 just as the batwomen started their days work. (see comment on this raid at end from Web.)
Thursday 25th. May 1944
Got up at 1:30 pm. On again. Went out to the kite in the afternoon and checked things over. Another new rear gunner. Ted went home for a day or two. Briefed at 19:00 for Mannheim. Just got everything set up and in the aircraft waiting to start up when the rocket went up and the op. was scrubbed – for which I was very glad being dammed tired. Had a beer in the mess, got this thing up to date, wrote home and so to bed for a good night’s rest.
Friday 26th. May 1944
Got up at 08:20 and just made breakfast. Doug was unlucky – he had to pump his tyre up and missed out. Went into the radar section to do a spot of Y bombing in the morning. Then came the welcome news that there was a standdown. Went to the briefing room and prepared a couple of charts before lunch. Afterwards went back to the billets and really got the bike up to scratch – cleaned it, oiled it and fitted new front brakeblocks. Caught the 4 o’clock train to Scunthorpe and after a long wait in the Majestic café managed to get sausages and chips. Saw a picture show, had a couple of beers in the Oswold and returned on the 9:30 train. An excellent day.
Saturday 27th. May 1944
Went over to the met. section in good time to see what the score was. Good chance of ops. they say but the trip wasn’t altogether a dead loss for I had a good cup of coffee across there. Ops. on O.K. but to our surprise – we had got our gear in the transport ready to take out to the aircraft – we weren’t on the detail. In the afternoon went around all the ops. kites with the rest of the boys to check up on the window supplies. Load 13 x 1,000 lbs and only 1,400 galls. Of petrol. What with a spot of moon and a late briefing at 21:00 it seems a cert French trip so maybe we have missed out. Had a sorely needed bath after tea and then Danny and I spent a highly exasperating hour getting his wireless set working sufficiently well to pick up F d….? programme. We eventually succeeded. Wrote a few letters at night and enjoyed the fruits of our success on Danny’s radio.
Sunday 28th. May 1944
Just made breakfast as usual. Ollier and Beer missing from last night’s effort on Aachen. Grand day and much to our surprise there was a standdown. Supposed to be on a Y X-country at 13:30 but Y u/s and we didn’t get off the deck After dinner cycled into Brigg and had a few beers with Doug, Carroll, Ted, Whiehoughs? and Ron evans. A good night.
Monday 29th. May 1944
A little of yesterdays stomach ache still present. Another standdown. C.O’s parade in the morning but got up too late and missed both it and breakfast. On a Y stooge in the afternoon with Y bombing and ordinary practice bombing on Mission. Up for three hours – weather hot and thundery and felt rather wishy washy though I coped O.K. After dinner cycled into Barnetby with Ted and Doug and had a beer in the Ship Inn Followed this by a game of pontoon and so to bed. A quiet Whit Monday. Heard from home – also an “Examiner”.
Tuesday 30th. May 1944
Got up at 0810 – rather earlier than usual. After working parade a lecture by the WingCo on window and discipline. Another standdown. Danny is now flight commander – bags of office work. Lecture by the G/C after lunch again on discipline – he spoke very well. With Ted, Doug and Frank – Danny was still working – caught the 4 o’clock train to Grimsby. A very good fish, chips and peas tea at the Savoy Café then quite a decent picture show – “Jack London” and “Sherlock Holmes Faces Death”. Caught the 20:50 bus back, had a beer in the pub at Barnetby and so to bed. A good day.
Wednesday 31st. May 1944
Another standdown due largely I think to a lot of thunderstorms about. Did very little before lunch except prepare another chart. Boys off training during the day but we were lucky and skipped off it. Nothing to do at flights in the afternoon so went back to the billets and wrote home. Collected my shoes from the cobblers – sent ‘em in a month ago. After dinner went for a cycle run with Doug – about 15 miles. Very pleasant. Had a couple of beers at a couple of country pubs. Ted met Kathleen in Barnetby and we passed them en route. Poor old Ted.
Thursday 1st. June 1944
Danny’s birthday. Ted went to see a specialist about his eye. Report rather grim – had to have an operation on Sat. – results will be doubtful. It rather looks as if we shall need a new rear gunner. Ops. on but we aren’t – not a maximum effort. Went into Brigg in Danny’s car which he was taking in for further repairs. Had a dammed good cold ham tea in there and then caught the 6 o’clock bus to Scunthorpe. Saw a film show “The Rising Sun” and caught the 9:30 train back. Saw an instructor from Blyton – Beardsall missing on his second tour.
Cycled to the mess and had a couple of beers with Doug – ops had been scrubbed a 7 o’clock and there was quite a party. Ted had gone home until Sat. Saw our Y bombing photos from 29th. – not so good. Letter from Don and the bank - £44 in the old account so I’m still solvent.
Friday 2nd. June 1944
Ops. on - light petrol load only 1,000 galls. So we reckon it should be a short – and we hope an easy trip. Jack – the gunnery leader – is coming with us as rear gunner. Did an air test just before lunch. Everything O.K. In the afternoon had a good sleep. After the usual meal – briefing. A costal bash on gun positions near Calais. Took off at 11pm and were on the target at 12:30. A dead loss for the target was covered in 10/10 cloud and we had to stooge round for another hour and a half to use some more petrol and get our weight down. Finally landed with our bombs at 4 am – five hours to Calais – we could have walked it quicker. That makes five trips. Tyre burst while taxying.
Saturday 3rd. June 1944
Ops. on again but we’re not – no rear gunner. Got up at 12:30. Had a look in the nav. section. Went into Brigg with Danny, had a good tea at a little café there and then into Scunthorpe. Saw “This is the Army” – a grand show. Had a couple of beers while Danny phoned home and then caught the 9 o’clock bus back to Brigg. Danny picked up his car there and drove us back to camp. Later on went on to the control office roof and watched the boys take off in rotten weather from 11pm until a quarter to twelve. Target more guns near Boulogne. A good day.
Sunday 4th. June 1944
Standdown. In the morning another crew took us over to Killingholme to pick up one of our aircraft which had lobbed down there last night. After a long wait we eventually got it and brought it back. Had hoped to see Manny there but he was still in bed having been on last nights ops. Had a much needed bath in the afternoon. A very wet evening which I spent letter writing – a rather belated effort and listening to the radio. As usual there were several requests of the old maestro including the title song from his latest film “Going My Way”. Old Ted having his eye operation today. Hope all goes well.
Monday 5th. June 1944
Ops. on. Got our gear out to the kite in the morning and had a good sleep in the afternoon. Briefing at 6 o’clock rather shock us – much earlier than usual. Bombed gun emplacements in Cherbourg Peninsular. Took off at 9:30 and landed at 2 am. Light most of the way there and even when darkness fell it was still almost as light as the daytime by the full moon. Quite a good trip. Saw a lot of ships crossing the channel towards France on our way back – the invasion fleet.
Tuesday 6th. June 1944
Got up at 1 o’clock. On again. Got prepared in afternoon. Took off at 10 o’clock to bomb a railway and road bridge just behind the front. Very bright night again. Not a bad trip. Bombed from only 4,000 feet – much too low for my liking. Landed at 3:30 and so to bed.
Wednesday 7th. June 1944
Got up at 1 o’clock to hear the very pleasant news that there was a standdown. After lunch went to the section and did one or two odd jobs. Afterwards drew my revolver and cartridges from the armoury. Heaven help me if I ever need to use it. Wrote a letter to mother and Margaret at Blackpool. Had an early dinner and caught the 6:30 train to Scunthorpe with Danny and Doug. Saw a film show “100 Men and a Girl” and “divide and Conquer”. Felt very sleepy with a slight head ache. Had a couple of beers and then back to camp.
Thursday 8th. June 1944
Just made breakfast – as usual. Ops. on – went out to the kite with our gear. After lunch prepared a chart and then had a couple of hours kip on old Flo. Received a letter from Irene in the morning mail. Had our meal at 6:30 pm but still no gen about time of briefing etc. Eventually at 7:15 the news came through that ops. were scrubbed. Cycled to Brigg with Doug and Dennis and had a very enjoyable hour in the “Dying Gladiator” – locally rechristened as the “Dying Navigator”. A very pleasant night.
Friday 9th. June 1944
Ops. on. Got our new rear gunner. Bill Bancroft from Manchester who is on his second tour and seems a good chap. Went out to the aircraft in the morning and had a sleep in the afternoon. Times very late in coming through and when they did our briefing wasn’t until 9 o’clock. Target – airfield at Flers. Took off at 00:40 and didn’t bomb until 03:30 – latest yet. A first class prang but we didn’t get to bed until 07:45. Hope there are no more ops. tonight. Our quietest trip yet.
Saturday 10th. June 1944
Nancy woke us at 13:30 with the very welcome news that there were no ops. on. Had a rather belated lunch and then slipped up to the new section to see to one or two small items. Caught the 4 o’clock train to Grimsby and had a very pleasant evening there. Caught the 20:50 train or rather bus to Barnetby and so to bed. As has been the custom for the past few days the question of our leave came up for much discussion during the course of the day. The position is still pretty obscure but it seems we should get home on the 26th. or 27th. The sooner the better. A good day.
Sunday 11th. June 1944
Prepared a chart and got everything ready for the night in advance. Just as I finished the gen. came through that there was a standdown – duff met. Apparently the message came through that ops. were on and then a further message came through almost immediately cancelling them. After lunch went up to the nav. Section and was promptly nailed to give a lecture to some ATC cadets who were on a days visit to the station. This went off reasonably well apart from a couple of passes on met. and the square search. Afterwards had a very pleasant soak and wrote a few lines to Puol? At night cycled into Brigg with Doug, Dennis and a gunner of Mursating? Crew. Had a few beers in the “Dying Gladiator”. One or two quite decent women in there. Must go down there solo some evening. Another excellent day.
Monday 12th. June 1944
Ops. on. Went out to the aircraft – T Tommy this time – and checked things over in the morning. After lunch cleaned the bike up and then had three hours horizontal P.T. which stands one in good steed on these night ops. Briefed at 19:15 – target Gelsenkirchen (Oil refinery, synthetic oil, in heavily industrialized Ruhr – see end of diary). Didn’t like the idea much after the shaky visit to the Ruhr but we took off at 22:45 and it went off quite nicely. Quite a strong wind and got there at 01:00 – 80 minutes after S/C. Bed at 6 o’clock.
Tuesday 13th. June 1944
Nancy woke us at 12:30 with news that ops. were on – which rather cheesed me off. A nice piece of pork for lunch. Received a welcome letter from home. Got up to flights a 2 o’clock just in time to hear that ops. had been scrubbed. Went to Scunthorpe with the boys on the 4 o’clock and saw “The Velseen Touch” and had tea there. A couple of beers at the Oswold and then back on the 9:30 pm. A spot of writing and then to bed.
Wednesday 14th. June 1944
Went to the briefing room soon after 9 am and got all my things ready for the night’s ops. which I thought were a cert. Actually they were but we weren’t on due to Danny being put in hospital with a slight temperature – nothing serious I hope. Had a navigation natter with S/L Gallagher before lunch. Wrote home for my pipe and one or two other odds and ends and mooched around the nav. section in the afternoon. Briefing at 17:30 – hellish early. After dinner went down and saw Danny who wasn’t feeling too bad and then had 15 mile cycle over to Barton – very pleasant with a couple of beers en route. Had a game of bar billiards and table tennis in the mess afterwards – learnt that the boys were doing a daylight on Le Havre. Hope all goes well.
Thursday 15th. June 1944
Danny still in dock so spent quite a free day. Prepared a pilot’s master chart after managing to rearrange some Perspex, quite a long job. Ops. on. Saw Danny – he should be out tomorrow and took him some cigarettes. Then cycled to Barton with Doug and Frank where we had a smashing tea for 2/6d. each at a little café – egg (real), steak, chips, jam, cakes, biscuits and cheese.
Cycled through S. Feriby where the rain held us up for a pint After it cleared went on into Brigg where we had intended going to see a cinema show but the rain had delayed us so we had a drink at the “Dying Gladiator” instead. A total of 24 miles of cycling for the night. A grand day. Ops. had been scrubbed – probably because of the duff weather. All the boys had got back O.K. from last nights trip. Made a good resolution to cut smoking to 5 cigs / day for at least a month.
Friday 16th. June 1944
Again just made breakfast – and a pretty poor effort it was too. Ops. on but again will stand down due to Danny being in hospital still. After a spot of chow when the NAAFI man came round went down to see the skipper. He was just getting ready to come out – feeling rather weak but otherwise O.K. In company with Doug, Denis and Frank went to Grimsby on the 4 o’clock train. Met Danny in there and had the usual fish and chip tea. Saw the film show at the Savoy which was quite good and then caught the 20:50 bus to Barnetby. Had a couple of beers at the “Railway Hotel” and then got back to camp just before the boys took off. Hope they have a good trip. Got a letter from Frances in the morning – a very bright and good letter. She has guts. She has courage and deserves better of life in the future. A good day.
Saturday 17th. June 1944
After a leisurely breakfast and a look at the papers went up to flights. Nobody around the Nav. Station. Last nights effort on a small place in the Ruhr. Pretty sticky trip apparently with bags of combat and fighters and flak. Not at all sorry we missed it. Went down the billets and was just in the middle of a letter to Jimmy when Gordon came down with a message to report to the adj. filed for orderly officer. Ops. on but Danny still not feeling up to the mark so were stood down again. Orderly duties of writing letters filled in the rest of the day and night. One thing about being orderly officer (O.O) you can sure whip off your correspondence. I got seven written. Received a birthday card – rather early but what the hell – and P. order for 5/- from Auntie Hannah. The boys took off from about 23:00 – 23:30. Hope it’s a better trip for them tonight.
Sunday 18th. June 1944
The boys had an abortive trip last night – cloud below 600 ft. and they all brought their bombs back. No one in flights for a time and then worked out some airmiles. About 10:30 went across to met. and prepared synoptic chart. Had a cup of tea and a cake across there and a yarn with navigators union. Went down early to the mess and read the Sunday papers. News came through while we were at lunch that Ops. were on. Danny reported to the M.O. for treatment but he wouldn’t let him fly – still ear trouble. Wrote a letter to Keith before tea. After dinner saw an excellent film show at the camp cinema “French Without Tears” – one of the brightest comedies I’ve ever seen. Also a “Superman” and Mickey Mouse cartoon and a shout on the destruction of the Czech village of Lidice by the Nazis. Grand show. Early to bed. A good day. Ops. were scrubbed.
Monday 19th. June 1944
Up at half past seven – G.C’s weekly parade which I attended for a change. After that Ron gave us a lecture on Y and a general natter. Ops. on again but Danny’s ear is still troublesome and we’re stood down. Strange as it may seem, you get a hell of a rotten feeling seeing all the boys getting ready for the trip when you’re not on. You actually feel out of it. One or two odd jobs in the afternoon then went into Scunthorpe with the boys. Had tea in Brigg first and then saw a film show in Scunthorpe – William Powell and Hedy Lamarr in “Heavenly Body” – what a women – and supporting film. Very good. Half past nine train back after a couple of beers in the Oswald. Cycled to the mess and had a coffee and collected my mail – six in all – they’re birthday cards.
Tuesday 20th. June 1944
Another birthday and another years service in the Air Force. The boys gave me 150 Canadian cigarettes as a birthday present. Did nothing particular in the morning – standdown for once. In the afternoon we were going to do an air test to see how Danny’s ear shaped but the aircraft wasn’t ready in time. Incidentally 15 of the boys actually took off last night and then it was scrubbed. They had to go out to sea and jettison some of the bombs and then return and land – rather an abortive effort! Wrote to Goldthorpes thanking them for £1 and good wishes. No letters for me nor has the parcel from home arrived yet. With Danny, Doug, Ted and Denis cycled into Barton and had a smashing birthday meal there – the usual steak, chips and egg ensemble etc. – my treat. Afterwards went to the local cinema and saw a couple of quite decent musicals. Cycled back and had a beer in the mess. Rather a panic. Briefing at 03:15 and meal at 02:15 in the morning. We are to be called at 01:30 even though it is very doubtful whether we shall be on. A good day.
Wednesday 21st. June 1944
Not called during the night, thank goodness, so got up at the usual time and as is my want, just made breakfast. No work during the day. Standby. Wrote three letters – home, Courtney and for a civil navigators “examination” syllabus. Wally Boscock rang up while I was at dinner asking us over to a cocktail party at N. Killingholme on Friday evening. Hope to go. Cycled into Brigg and had a few beers with Ted – the navigation officer – and Gibson – the intelligence officer. A grand day. Still the parcel hasn’t arrived from home. Heard three Bing records in the course of the day.
Thursday 22nd. June 1944
Rather a panic up at flights in the morning. Ops. on – another daylight. Briefing at 11:30. After lunch watched the take off – a pilotless plane base near Calais. Hitched into Brigg for tea and from there caught the usual bus into Scunthorpe. Saw a rather gaudy Technicolor musical “The Girl he left behind” with Alice Faye and Carmen Miranda. Had a beer or two in the Oswald and so home. My “birthday” parcel arrived. 9 days en route. Very good cake. All the boys had a piece also the two batwomen.
Friday 23rd. June 1944
As usual just made breakfast. After messing about for a time did an airtest in W which is our own aircraft from now on. Danny’s ears stood up quite well. Took about 6 ATC cadets up with us – only one was sick. Ops. on but we’re stood down. Read a book and had a bath in the afternoon. There is no chance of our going on leave tomorrow – M.O. does not want Danny to fly before his leave so he can have a good rest. After dinner had a doubles at T.T. (table tennis) and Danny and I beat Doug and Ted after a good game. Got most of my things packed and then cycled into Brigg with Denis and Gordon. Had a beer or two in the “Dying Gladiator” and felt rather tempted to pick up a women in there but thought better of it. Had my last piece of birthday cake and so to bed.
Saturday 24th. June 1944
Got dressed in my best bib and tucker straight away in case we could get on leave today. Eventually Danny, being unfit, was allowed to go but the rest of the crew has to stay behind until Monday or Tuesday. I was bloody annoyed and bound the adjutant rigid – also the world at large, but it was no go and eventually the Wing commander kind of ticked me off about being so insistent. Cheesed off over the whole affair. Doug went into Scunthorpe. After dinner read for a while then went to the local at Barnetby with Denis and had a couple of pints. Made another good resolution to cut drinking down to a minimum and smoking to five cigarettes per day. A good day on the whole and one to remember.
Sunday 25th. June 1944
Another disappointing day as far as leave is concerned. Messed about in general through the day and gave the bike another clean up. At night went to a party at Killingholme with Doug. Saw Mannay and Wally there – they have done 18 now. Actually first class party – loads of beer and spirits, cigarettes and food, all free to the guests. Got pretty well oiled and Doug was pretty out. Eventually left at 1 o’clock but the transport broke down. We had to get another one sent from Elsham and we eventually arrived back at camp at half past three.
Monday 26th. June 1944
The C.O’s parade cancelled - good show. Just made breakfast – Doug still feeling rather grim and didn’t get up till 1 o’clock. Finished packing in afternoon and got our leave forms and ration cards at 5 o’clock but no trains until the morning. Got the girls to take my case down to their prequet post for me to pick up in the morning. Spent a quiet night in the mess.
Tuesday 27th. June 1944
At long last we’re on leave. Early breakfast and caught the early train from Barnetby. Changed at Retford where we had an hours wait and a spot of toast and tea. More changes at Sheffield and Penistone and a bus from there. Eventually got home at half past one – mother and Margaret both in. Mother took my battledress in to be cleaned – ready for Saturday. Saw a rather poor show at Ramsden Street at night. A game of solo – a read and then to bed. A grand day. Heard the bad news that Ron Fox is missing. Hope he is O.K.
Wednesday 28th. June 1944
Got up at 9 am and spent the morning finishing reading “The Man on the White Horse” and sticking some more snaps in my collection. Went to the Ritz in the afternoon and saw Andy Hardy’s? “Blonde Trouble” – very funny. After tea watched a cricket match at Hall Bower between them and P.H. (Primrose Hill) – for the Red Cross. Saw Llewellyn and several people up there that I know. Left early but I think Hall Bower would win 134 for 5 & P.H 76 for 3 – only 5 more overs to go. A very pleasant evening. Took two tickets for a bottle of sherry raffle but no luck. Had a chat with Mr. Pollitt and then home. Still smoking too much – decided to cut it down.
Thursday 29th June 1944
Had a read in the morning. After dinner went to the Empire and saw Arthur Askey in “Bees in Paradise” and a Sherlock Holmes picture “The Spider Women” – a good show. Visited Greeds at night and had a good yarn. The news of Ron Fox was in The Examiner – also the surprising news that Primrose Hill had won last night – 136 – must have knocked up 60 in the last 5 overs. A good read and then to bed. A grand day.
Friday 30th. June 1944
Nothing much in the morning – went to Jimmy’s and collected meat. After dinner went to see Mrs. Fox at Hornby – she was very cheerful. Went to Aunt Hannah’s for tea. Saw a film show at the Carlton. A bath when I got home. And so ends another month.
Saturday 1st. July 1944
Went down town in am and collected my battle dress which had been cleaned – quite well – and found my train for the journey back. In afternoon went to Elland to see the Sykes Cup 3rd. round – Hall bower v Elland. We lost 113 to our 101. But a very good match. Had a couple of pork pies and a mug of tea up there in company with Archie Sykes. The weather was quite good after a rather shaky start. Went to Batty’s afterwards. Found them quite well and pleased to see me. Had a couple of pints with Mr. B at the Fountain before coming home. A grand day.
Sunday 2nd. July 1944
Got up at 10 o’clock and continued reading “Hatters Castle” in the morning. After dinner went with mother to Firths and saw Mrs. Read – then on to Uncle Jimmie’s for a very good salmon tea. Left there at 8 o’clock. Rhodes came over and another family chat. More reading and then to bed at 1:30. A good day.
Monday 3rd. July 1944
Another sorrowful day – go back to camp today. Raining all day and did not go out until it was train time. Mrs Read came just before I left. Caught the 5 o’clock as usual – Ephie was at the station to see me off. Only change – Penistone but I got soaked to the skin getting to camp with suitcase and bike from Barnetby station. Doug already in. got unpacked and dried and then to bed.
Tuesday 4th. July 1944
Got up to flights at 09:15 and got the gen – nothing much fresh. Danny and Ted not yet back. Stuck in Doncaster for the night. On ops. tonight and got things cleaned up in readiness. Danny and Ted arrived at lunchtime but Danny has spent half his leave in shelter and other half down with laryngitis so M.O says he hasn’t to fly tonight. Ted has also had quite hectic time with the buzz bombs. Got two weeks chocolate ration. Had a yarn with Danny and the boys after lunch and went up to the nav. section in the afternoon. Some of my clothes still wet from yesterday’s soaking. After dinner tried to get into a camp concert but full house. Cycled into Brigg with Doug and had a pint. Came back and heard the old maestro in an American show. A good day.
Wednesday 5th. July 1944
Spent quite a busy morning in charge of the nav. section – Ted and Ron were flying – bags of airmiles and concentration times from last nights trip to Orleans. All our boys got back but the other squadron lost one aircraft and one bomb aimer. Four of our navigators have been severed in the past fortnight. We went to see a camp concert in the afternoon – RCAF show and very good. At tea time was nailed by the flight commander to do an airtest with F/O Bartlest but after waiting round from 17:30 till 20:30 it was cancelled. Ops. on – a big trip – but Danny still unfit. Ted on with another crew. After a late dinner wrote a letter home and did a spot of repair work on my braces before turning in for the night. A grand day.
Thursday 6th. July 1944
The boys had been diverted from last nights long st …/ and returned just after 9 o’clock. A 9 hour trip to Dijon without loss. Ted was on it and they had a rather shaky trip getting 100 miles off track and straying over St. Nazaire all by themselves. Did an airtest in the morning to see how Danny’s ears worked out – they didn’t and he is to see a specialist tomorrow. Worked out some concentration times in the afternoon and then caught the 4 o’clock to Grimsby with Doug and Danny. Had a good tea there with strawberries and then went to Cleethorpes. A grand night and a very pleasant time there with putting (a hole in one) and slot machines (no Bing on the radiogram was the only snag). Back on the 20:50 and a beer in the mess. Doug and Ted on as spares early tomorrow morning.
Friday 7th. July 1944
Ops. on – briefing at 09:15 instead of 03:30 as originally planned. I was duty nav. After about an hour it was scrubbed – duff weather. Strawberries for sweet at lunchtime. No mail. Went up to the nav. section in afternoon but nothing doing so soon left. Briefing at 17:00 Doug and Ted flying as spares. The boys are all reserves. Danny rolled back at 19:00 pretty grim. He is to see a specialist again on Monday. More strawberries for dinner. Watched boys take off at 19:30 – daylight on Caen. Wrote a couple of letters and had a beer in the mess and then to bed as the boys were just arriving back. A good day.
Saturday 8th. July 1944
Danny saw the M.O. – not wanted until Monday – eventually got away on the 13:30 train for London till Monday. Worked the air miles out for last nights prang on Caen and had a cup of tea in the met. Office. All got back O.K – a good prang. Doug just about got a decent hit. Ted had another rather shaky navigational effort. Moore was in a collision over target – rear turret (with gunner) was chewed off also one fin and rudders. Landed at Tangmere. Two day ops. scrubbed. Read a book in the mess during the afternoon. Heavy shower just after tea. Cycled to Barton with Ted, Tony and Ron Evans. Got mixed up with --- ? screening session but finally got away to the usual good feed. Another pint and then cycled home. Still no mail. Heard F/O Moss broadcast on last nights Caen effort.
Sunday 9th. July 1944
Nothing doing in the morning. Standby until 23:00. Lecture by S/L Gallagher and radar bods at 2 o’clock. Then returned to billets and finished Warwick Deepings “Mr. Gurney and Mr. Slade” – I enjoyed it. After dinner the rain stopped and Denis, Doug and I cycled to the “Dying Navigator”. I had a couple of pints. Then home to bed – C.O’s parade on the morrow. A good day.
Monday 10th. July 1944
Got up at 07:40 and had a helluva rush to get on the G.C parade at 08:15 but just made it O.K. Ted didn’t. In charge of the nav. office in the morning – standdown but bags of training. Air Chief Marshall – Inspector General – and bags of other high bods at the station for lunch. All the nav. kings down for a conference as well. Went into Scunthorpe with all the boys on the 4 o’clock. Saw John Garfield in quite a decent picture with a couple of beers at the Oswald afterwards. Danny back – still not fit – to see a specialist on Thursday.
Tuesday 11th. July 1944
Just made breakfast – Danny didn’t. After kicking around in the nav. section for an hour or so, went out to U uncle and had a look over it. Ted and Ron over at Lindholme so looked after nav. section while they were away. Three letters today from home – heard that Blezard has been killed in a crash – also from Margaret, Milnes and Pual. Doug and Denis had dates and went to Scunthorpe. Frank and I had a wizard evening. We left camp just after 6 o’clock and cycled to Barton where we had the usual banger meal of steak, egg, tomato and chips. Then saw a film show with two not very well known, but excellent films. Returned via South Ferriby where we had a pint with the locals and then to the mess for another odd one. An excellent day. Standdown.
Wednesday 12th. July 1944
Ops. on. Went across to met. and had a cup of tea in the morning, also checked my nav. gear. Went to radar in the afternoon and got a bit of practice in. Caught the 4 o’clock train to Grimsby – Doug was writing letters and Ted was with Jo – so went there with Frank and Danny. Gordon had been on a Y cross country with another crew and Denis was to see the G/C about his commission. More strawberries and fish and chips for tea. Saw “The North Star” about Russia and quite good. A spot to eat and then back on the 20:50. Boys had just taken off – a long trip – 2,000 galls and max all up weight. Had a beer with Frank and so to bed.
Thursday 13th. July 1944
The boys had been diverted last night – bad vis – and had landed all over the place. A complete shambles of a raid – no markers and returned after skirting for a hell of a time. Losses hefty – about 12% - /_\ 100 miles SE of Paris. Those from our squadron – Abbott, Phillips and Harrison. Another crew bailed out through lack of petrol on return. Spent a useful hour with Doug in the radar section in morning and then with Ted and Doug did a spot of clay pigeon shooting – lost a bob to Ted but won it back shortly afterwards at table tennis. Wrote home and cashed a cheque at lunch time. Spent an hour at the nav. station in the afternoon – the boys were just getting back from last nights effort – and then caught the 4 o’clock to Scunthorpe with Danny and Ron Evans. A good tea of chips, spam and tomatoes and then saw “A Guy Called Joe” with Spencer Tracey and June Dunne – very good. Then a walk and a pint at a new and very pleasant pub. Saw Gordon on the home train – vis clamping again.
Friday 14th. July
Worked out some air miles in the morning. An egg for breakfast. Had my first game of Bridge for nearly a year. F/S Thomas and I played together and did quite well. After lunch went up to the Nav. section and gave F/O Fairlie the gen. Just after 4 o’clock flew down to Kelston with F/L Allwood and Denis to pick up another kite. Landed again at base just after 5 o’clock. Danny has got the whole crew a 48 until Monday morning but it was too late to go home tonight. Had a letter from Frances and Mrs. Howell – Grace has been bombed out – Frances is still chirpy. Gordon and Frank are on as spare bods – 9,000 bombs, 2,000 petrol T/O (take off) 21:00 hrs. Had a bath then went into Brigg for a pint with Denis. An excellent day.
Saturday 15th. July 1944
Had bad news first thing. From last nights raid on Ravigny – bombs brought back again – two kites were lost from our squadron – Ogden with Frank as midupper and P/O Anthony in U. A bad night. Eventually decided to go home for the weekend. Caught the 11:10 and after four trains and two buses finally got home at 6 o’clock. Met the twins – Rene and John – two grand little kiddies. Spent a quiet evening and tumbled into the camp bed at 2am after a long tussle trying to put a new wick in my lighter but I didn’t manage it. Met Shirley in town. (N.B Rene and John were evacuees).
Sunday 16th. July 1944
Rose at 09:30. Took John and Rene over to Thorntons in the morning. A grand day and spent a pleasant afternoon in a deck chair. Mother and Margaret and Rene went to the chapel while John collared me for several games. Ephie and Mrs Read came down just before I left. Caught the 21:00 to Manchester. Changed stations there and had a bite at the YMCA. Eventually got the 01:35 from Manchester and went via Penistone (which I reached 5 hours after leaving home) etc to Barnetby at 05:30. Eventually got to bed at 06:30.
Monday 17th. July 1944
C.O’s parade and I no sooner got to bed than it was getting up time again. After the parade went into the nav. section and got the latest score. Then lunch followed by a game of bridge and a lecture by S/L Gallagher on some new equipment. My letter from (to?) Ron Fox returned. Had a sleep and then dinner. Wrote a bit and then a spot of washing and so to welcome bed.
Tuesday 18th. July 1944
Danny still unfit – to see specialist again on Friday. Went across to the met. In the morning and prepared a chart for Ted showing jettison area. Danny flight commander – gone on last nights trip on a place near Caen – a good prang in early morning light – 1,000 kites – 5,000 tons – 6 lost – none from our station. Stooges around in afternoon. Went down to 8 site and shook two crew up to fetch a new a/c? (aircraft) from another station. Had a bath and then went out after dinner to Brigg for a couple of pints. Op. on – experienced crews and cookies – looks like a German bash – hope all goes well – Danny wrote to Frank’s parents on behalf of the crew.
Wednesday 19th. July 1944
Last nights effort on an oil refinery near Gelsenkirechen. All our kites got back but several had shaky efforts. A good prang. 5 Group went to Remigny and lost 26 out of just over a hundred. Worked out some airmiles and then just hung around. Ops. on. In afternoon looked in nav. section and met new nav. leader – a F/L whom I met in the group section at Wymeswold – seems quite a decent chap. Went into Grimbsy on the 4 o’clock with Danny and Ted – Doug on with another crew and going to the camp cinema. Went to usual café for tea – more strawberries – and then spent a very pleasant evening in Cleethorpes – won two rounds of putting. Returned on the 8:50 train – a wizard conductress – just had time for a beer in the “Station” and so home. Wrote home and sent Margaret’s birthday card. Ops. on and not back until early morning. An excellent day.
Thursday 20th. July 1944
No early morning ops. Had a decent game of bridge with Vanell as partner in the crew room. Ops. on – Doug on with F/S Hill and Gordon with a new crew. Gordon managed to get out of it eventually. Went into the nav. section in the afternoon and had a yarn and then a cup of tea (and doughnut) with Ron in the met. section. Had a game of table tennis with Danny and a nod before dinner. Heard Bing in his weekly programme on the American Forces wavelength at 19:05 and then saw an excellent film at the camp cinema “Girl Trouble” – Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. Boys took off at 7 and should be back by this time 10:30. An excellent day.
Friday 21st. July 1944
Margaret’s birthday. Had a game of bridge in the morning – Doug had a go but he’ll need a fair bit of practice. Ops. on – cookies again. Last nights chemical bash was a piece of cake. Got July’s “Taxes” at lunchtime. Went to radar in the afternoon with Ron and Ted. Just got the 4 o’clock train with all the boys. Had quite a good tea then saw “Halfway House” – unusual and very good also a Charlie Chan picture. Afterwards went to the (pub) and had a couple of pints – Danny the worse for wear. Met Kathie. Train late. News of attempt on Hitler’s life and revolt in Germany on everybody’s tongues. A good day.
Saturday 22nd. July 1944
Last nights ops. scrubbed. Got up to flights by 9 am. Had a game of bridge until about 11 am and then returned to the mess where I had a good game of T.T. (table tennis) with Walker. Doug and Ted had tried to get tomorrow off and to go to London but W/C wouldn’t wear it. However we were given the rest of the day off and Doug and Ted went to Grimsby on the 2:30. Danny got tomorrow off and went home. I offered to fly as a Y screen with F/O Avon. However we got a couple of u/s kites – coolant leaks – so it was a waste of an afternoon. After dinner went into Brigg with Ron Evans and had a few beers. Several pieces of ? around. Made a good resolution – no more than 5 cigs per day and a minimum of drink. A good day.
Sunday 23rd. July 1944
Went on a church parade in the morning – quite a good service. Afterwards had the usual game of bridge. Ops. on – full effort. Ted and Doug arrived back about 10:30 after spending the night at the “Bluebell” – rather a dirty dive. Spent a bit of time on the Y trainer in the afternoon but it is rather a dead loss. Cookies, incendiaries and 1550 – looks like the Ruhr. After tea had a bath and read then went to the 8:30 camp cinema show “By Hook or by Crook” – Red / Rod Skelton and Eleanor Powell – not bad. Had a cup of coffee and a beer in the mess. Saw some of the take off. Should go on leave again on Aug. 8th. – A good day.
Monday 24th. July 1944
Worked out last nights air miles – a good trip to Kiel – no losses from here. Then spent the rest of the morning working in latitude and longitude on some new gee charts. Continued this in the afternoon and at 4 o’clock went to a lecture in the station cinema by the S.A.S.O – an Air Commander on the last big daylight attack near Caen. Very interesting. Read my little gen book at night. Got my pair of shoes back. Ted’s had gone to the Committee of Adjustments in Frank’s name. Danny back – O.K. again for local trips. Doug had a grand parcel from his cousin. Had a letter from Margaret and Danny had a letter from Frank’s people.
Tuesday 25th. July 1944
Last nights effort on Stuttgart – one from each squadron missing. Also prepared several new charts during the day. Danny taking an Indian D.S.O major around in the afternoon. No kites so we couldn’t fly. Ops. on – seven on a long and the other seven on a short trip. Ted on with F/L Marsden. Went into Scunthorpe with Doug on the 6:30pm and saw “Alexander’s Ragtime Band”. Quite good and had a couple of pints. Letter from Donald and gloves from home.
Wednesday 26th. July 1944
Worked out some more air miles for the second Stuttgart and Channel bash – Dyer missing. Finished off the new charts I started yesterday. Got a couple of hours in, in the afternoon doing a couple of air tests – our own kite and zebra in which we went 60 miles out to test the rear turret. Had a good wash and then after dinner saw a camp cinema show – “New Moon” – so, so. Had a pint and then to bed.
Thursday 27th. July 1944
Had a haircut in the morning and wrote home. Danny fit for Ops. up to 14,000 ft. Ops. on and for a change we’re on – briefing early in the morning. Bath and a sleep in the afternoon. Got our gear out to the kite at teatime. Got to bed at 8 o’clock and slept until 2 am. Briefed for a French trip and got out to the kites only for it to be scrubbed at the last minute.
Friday 28th. July 1944
Got to bed by 7 o’clock and up again at 12:30. Ops. on – cookies and 500 pounders. Got all prepared in the afternoon and had a sleep. Breakfast at 7 pm – picked to bomb on Y – another Stuttgart prang. After a hell of a rushed briefing we were scrubbed at the last minute – M.O’s orders. Saw the boys take off – hope all goes well. Had a couple of pints and a game or two of table tennis in the mess. A yarn with the boys and so to bed.
Saturday 29th. July 1944
A wicked night – eight lost on Stuttgart and several others badly smashed and landed away – four lost from each squadron. Worked out some airmiles and had the usual cup of tea at the met. office. Broadbent (Wood), West (Vouell?), Maso (Oliver) and Armstrong (Shaw – last trip) from our squadron. Ops. on five crews from our squadron – we’re on. Got our gear out to the kite in the afternoon. Subsequently ten crews on and an early morning effort.
Sunday 30th. July 1944
Woken up by Jack Braheny at 02:30 – what an ungodly hour? Meal at 03:00 hours and our briefing started at 4 am. Another raid supporting the army – about 30 miles in. Very poor weather for take off but Danny made a good job. Navigation not bad for such a long lay off – one or two minor boobs. Gordon had more finger trouble. A good prang – went down to 2,000 to bomb and sure felt the blast. Landed at a Yankee station in East Anglia at 10:30 am and had lunch and quite a good time. Looked over a Fort (American Flying Fortress bomber?) When weather permitted took off at 13:00 and landed at base just before 2 o’clock. Interrogation and then a good hot bath. A…. to stay in camp - nothing definite on. Had a few grapefruits in the mess with Doug – then gen came through - …….. standdown. Dinner, a write, a read and an early night.
Monday 31st. July 1944
C.O’s parade – what a bind. Had to tote our vapirators and gas capes around? in the morning. Natter by Gallagher to navs and B/A’s (Bomb Aimers) at 10 am. Ops. on and so are we. Should have done our air test at 2 pm but meal at 3 and briefing at 3:45, so it was scrubbed. U uncle just off its inspection. Feeling very tired and a slight headache. Le Havre – target and a good briefing. Bad headache and felt very grim. Sick after we had been up about an hour but OK afterwards and coped fairly well. Took off at 6pm and bombed at 20,000 feet. Flak moderate and accurate. We were hit very slightly on the mid upper. Flew with our new rear gunner – Eric Tidd. Saw F/O Avon shot down – tough. Two of his crew were seen to get out O.K. Landed at 9:30 pm and after interrogation and an egg got to bed. A good prang.
Tuesday 1st. August 1944
Had breakfast at 09:30 then went to a lecture on escape by a F/Lt. who got out of Germany in the last war. Ops. on. Got everything ready – briefed at 17:00 Took off at 18:50 – a channel flying bomb site. Over target just after 20:30 but just as we crossed the coast the master of ceremonies told us to abandon and go home. Got quite a lot of accurate flak pumped up at us by a flak ship just off the coast. Jettisoned some of our bombs and returned. Cloud base pretty grim – 700 feet – but Danny made a good job.
Wednesday 2nd. August 1944
Got up to flights by 9 o’clock. Cleaned up charts and got gear ready again. Ops. on and took our things out to the kite. After lunch wrote home and then lay down for a while. Meal was at 15:00 but when I got up there was a standdown until 23:00 hours. Ted, Doug and I went into Grimsby – saw “p g motion” ? and returned on the 20:50 bus. Had a beer and so to bed. Rumoured that briefing is 09:30 in the morning.
Thursday 3rd. August 1944
Got up to the mess to find that Ops. were on – briefing at 09:30. Took off at 11:35 for a flying bomb site about 100 miles in France and had quite a good trip. Landed at 16:10. After interrogation had another egg, a bath and a quiet evening with a couple of beers in the mess. Letters from home, (Mrs Howell) Dan - who is getting leave from 10th. – 17th. and feels should be able to see Don OK, and wrote him.
Friday 4th. August 1944
Ops. on first thing. A hell of a rushed briefing – an hour – what a panic. Target Pauillac oil refinery way down almost in Spain. A long sea crossing at 10,000. Not a bad trip but took 7 ¾ hours. Long range fighter support. Landed at 21:30. Had a spot of something to eat a drink and rolled into bed. Halfway through our turn.
Saturday 5th. August 1944
Just had time to slot our leave applications in before briefing again – 11:30. Almost same place, same route and same tactics – another oil refinery just across the river estuary. Another 8 hours only this time diverted to Ossington – a Canadian Wimpy OUT. A lot of balling around but eventually got a bite, a drink and a bed status at base.
Sunday 6th. August 1944
Woke up at 09:30. An egg for breakfast, a wash and took off for base at 11:30. Landed to hear that there was a standdown – welcome news after six in seven days. My nose still very sore – poisoned by continued rubbing of the oxygen mask. Landed O.K. at base and after interrogation had a wash, a drink and then got my gear ready for the next one. A bath and then a spot of lunch at 2:45 pm. Spent ½ an hour clearing my log book up and then a game of pontoon with the boys which set me back 3/-. Had a letter from accounts waiting for me asking for another £14- another. Got changed, had dinner and a few games of T.T. with Roy Walton and then cycled to Brigg with the two D’s – Doug and Danny for the odd beer. Danny trying to get accommodation for Olive and himself for next week but no luck. Hope to get away on leave tomorrow. A cup of cocoa in the mess and so to bed.
Monday 7th. August 1944
Got up full of hope that we may get on leave today but these were dashed near lunchtime when Ops. were put on and being a full effort we were on. Did a dual Y stooge as ? – ahem – in the morning with P/O Smith’s crew – it didn’t go off too badly. Got my gear out to the kite in the afternoon – briefing 18:30. An army support job – a big one – the other side of Caen and we didn’t mind the trip but met. said we were almost certain to be diverted. Took off at 21:00 and it was a good prang. Met. were wrong and we roared back to base. One kite missing – crew had bailed out O.K. Got to bed at 3 am.
Tuesday 8th. August 1944
On leave. Got up at 7:30 am the 9:05 / 9:5? – the boys caught the 8:30 / 8.3? Travelled to Doncaster in company with Les – the met. chappie. Hung up for an hour at Penistone where I had a pint and a yarn with an - - -? Got home at 2 pm and to find Mrs. Howell there – all the news. The twins went off to Greenhead Park for the day. A grand day. At night had a walk to the same park and then popped up to Goldthorpes. Got home at 10:45 pm.
Wednesday 9th. August 1944
Didn’t get up till 11:30 am – a dammed good sleep on the camp bed. After lunch slipped up to Gurds – Donald home tomorrow. Went to the station and got the gen on the trains to Leeds. Then went to the Princess to see “Phantom of the Opera” – very good. Gladys and Lizzie to tea. Did a spot of writing at night. A good day.
Thursday 10th. August 1944
Went to Leeds for the day with mother and Mrs. Howell. The twins packed off to Bar(n)croft Road for a couple of days. Caught the 10:43 train and had to stand all the way. Finally managed to get a spot of lunch at the “Imperial Hotel”. Mother and Mrs H. went shop touring so I slipped into Leeds and saw Herbert Laing and Miss Dalton – it quite reminded me of old times. Then spent the next hour in the news theatre. In the morning went into the Royal and had a beer – mother had a sherry. Finished up with seeing David Niven in “The Way Ahead” at the Odeon. Very good. Had a bite at the station and caught the 8.8 went to Gurds where I met Don and Geoff and had supper.
Friday 11th. August 1944
After breakfast went over to Jimmie’s – received £1. The twins had slept at Glady’s and seemed O.K. They seem to want to spend all their time telephoning. Had a game of cricket with John. After lunch went to the butchers for the meat then to the Ritz with Don and Geoff to see “Destination Tokyo” with Cary Grant. Not bad. Went up to Don’s just before 9 o’clock and had a walk up to Castle Hill. Back to Don’s for supper then to bed. Mrs. Howell rather ill.
Saturday 12th. August 1944
Packed diary in for a time.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Geoff Blamires diary May to August 1944
Description
An account of the resource
Handwritten diary with a transcription. Covers a short period of time when Geoff had just arrived at Elsham Wolds flying operations on the Lancaster. A detailed account of his life concentrating on the non operational aspect.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
R G Blamires
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-05-08
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-05-08
1944-08-12
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Lincolnshire
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Civilian
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text. Diary
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One printed diary with handwritten additions
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LBlamiresRG139996v1, YBlamiresRG139996v1-Transcript
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
103 Squadron
aircrew
Lancaster
navigator
RAF Elsham Wolds
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/2565/44148/YSaundersJWG1324708v1.1.pdf
8f8ed161e1217468438f07b5ba46af06
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Saunders, John Walter Gifford. Training
Description
An account of the resource
118 photographs and a diary. The folder covers John Walter Gifford Saunders’ travel to South Africa on board the Highland Princess accompanied by 1,700 other Royal Air Force and British Army personnel. In 1942/1943 John visited family in Durban before continuing his journey to Zimbabwe by train. During his time there, he went to the Victoria Falls, relaxed with friends and took part in training exercises including camping in the largely uninhabited wild region far from towns. Subjects includes accommodation, transport, landscape, and local scenes.
The collection was loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Clive Saunders and catalogued by Lynn Corrigan, with additional contributions by Ella Keogh and Lucy Liu.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-03-07
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Saunders, JWG
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Diary of John's journey to South Africa
Description
An account of the resource
A description of travelling in convoy on the Highland Princess with 1,700 other Royal Air Force and British Army personnel. Including details of the onboard conditions, weather, a stopover, gun duty, attending lectures and wildlife sightings. Includes sketches, lists of aircraft identification numbers and notes of expenditure. Covering the period 13 April 1942 to 20 May 1942.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John Walter Gifford Saunders
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1942-04
1942-05
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone--Freetown
South Africa
South Africa--Durban
Zimbabwe
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
British Army
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Diary
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Handwritten pages from a notebook
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
YSaundersJWG1324708v1
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942-04
1942-05
sport
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1472/43563/MHuntMJ[Ser -DoB]-151125-01.pdf
b287df5f65a5c4029f59929d3351b99e
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Hunt, Mark James
M J Hunt
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-11-25
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Hunt, MJ
Description
An account of the resource
One item. The collection contains a diary.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Mark James Hunt and catalogued by Trevor Hardcastle.
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
1943 pocket diary
Description
An account of the resource
The diary records the publicly announced operations and bomber losses over Europe for 1943.
Another entry records the death and funeral of Sergeant Bill Forster (1533997 Royal Air Force) who flew with 156 Squadron did not return from an operation 12 June 1943.
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text. Diary
Text
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One pocket diary
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
MHuntMJ[Ser#-DoB]-151125-01
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription
air gunner
aircrew
bombing
killed in action
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/2229/41326/YManserLT66542v1.2.pdf
46600192c654079236e0763eee55e352
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/2229/41326/NManserLT220118-01.2.jpg
6ae2e6e4cac5aca7bc672613bb4af883
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/2229/41326/MManserLT66542-220118-01.1.jpg
ed0809e5d032ed6f38a8eee77b105e04
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Manser, Leslie Thomas
Leslie T Manser VC
Description
An account of the resource
One item. The collection concerns Flying Officer Leslie Thomas Manser VC (1922 - 1942, 66542 Royal Air Force) and contains his diary. He flew operations as a pilot with 50 squadron and was killed 31 May 1942. <br /><br />The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by C Lowndes and catalogued by IBCC Digital Archive staff. <br /><br />Additional information on Leslie Manser is available via the <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/114845/">IBCC Loses Database.</a>
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2022-01-18
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Manser, LT
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Leslie Manser's Diary
Description
An account of the resource
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
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Manser, LT
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1940
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Diary
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One booklet
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription. Allocated
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
YManserLT66542v1, MManserLT66542-220118-01, NManserLT220118-01
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1940
aircrew
bombing
entertainment
home front
pilot
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1921/41100/YHenningtonAJM154960v1.1.pdf
0afde5011699749947fb4ac8be396bd7
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Henington, A J M
Henington, Albert John Maurice
Bertie Henington
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-08-10
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Henington, AJM
Description
An account of the resource
32 items. The collection concerns Flight Lieutenant Albert John Maurice Henington (1604946, 154960 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, diary, photographs and documents. He flew operations as a navigator with 106 Squadron.
The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by John Tim Henington MBE and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Bertie Henington's Diary Extract
Description
An account of the resource
Three pages of Bertie's diary covering March 19 to April 5. He had just returned from Canada but after three weeks he was posted to Filey.
This item was sent to the IBCC Digital Archive already in digital form. No better quality copies are available.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Bertie Henington
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Yorkshire
England--Filey
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Diary
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Three handwritten pages
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
YHenningtonAJM154960v1
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
aircrew
RAF Hunmanby Moor
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1989/41034/YGeorgeDB1796593v1.1.pdf
304e87743b39fdfe7a1407ff9aa6e77f
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
George, David Burrows
D B George
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-11-17
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
George, DB
Description
An account of the resource
14 items. The collection concerns Sergeant David Burrows George (1796593 Royal Air Force) and contains operation reports, correspondence, a biography and photographs. He flew operations as a flight engineer with 153 Squadron and was killed 22 January 1945. <br /><br />The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Shelagh Wright and catalogued by Barry Hunter.<br /><br /> Additional information on David Burrows George is available via the <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/108520/">IBCC Losses Database.</a>
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Flashbacks to My Tour with the Americans
May 1942 to August 1943
Description
An account of the resource
An diary kept of operations, starting 1st to 18th December then 8 May 1944 to July 30th 1944.
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany--Berlin
Great Britain
England--Wellingborough
Germany--Leipzig
England--Lincoln
France--Normandy
England--New Brighton (Wirral)
England--Blackpool
Great Britain Miscellaneous Island Dependencies--Isle of Man
Northern Ireland--Antrim (County)
Scotland--Galloway
Gibraltar
Spain
North Africa
Italy
England--Chigwell
England--Preston (Lancashire)
Germany
Italy--Capri Island
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Diary
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
10 handwritten sheets
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
YGeorgeDB1796593v1
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
5 Group
air gunner
aircrew
anti-aircraft fire
crash
killed in action
Lancaster
mess
missing in action
pilot
radar
RAF Brampton
RAF Fiskerton
RAF Gamston
RAF Waddington
RAF Woodbridge
V-1
V-weapon
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/2200/40170/YDarbyCAH927893v1.1.pdf
39f9047959b99f039f9bfc01236609bf
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Darby. Charles Arthur Hill
Darby, CAH
Jack Darby
Johnny Darby
Description
An account of the resource
203 items. The collection concerns Charles Arthur Hill Darby (1915 - 1996, 154676 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, photographs, documents and correspondence. He flew operations as a bomb aimer with 186 Squadron.
The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Richard John Darby and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-02-02
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Darby, CAH
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Jean Welland's 1944 Diary
Description
An account of the resource
A diary kept by Jean but only a few pages in January and May have been completed.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Jean Welland
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--London
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Diary
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
11 handwritten sheets
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
YDarbyCAH927893v1
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1697/39583/YPowellNI1896919v1.1.pdf
dba9082bc13fcb9d9e72d438682a02ff
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Powell, Norman Ivor
Powell, N I
Description
An account of the resource
262 items. The collection concerns Powell, Norman Ivor (b. 1925, 1896919 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, diary, target photographs, maps, photographs, correspondence, and two photograph albums. He flew operations as a flight engineer with 614 and 104 squadrons in North Africa and Italy. <br /><br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2207">Powell, N I. Photograph album one</a><br /><br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2209">Powell, N I. Photograph album two</a><br /><br />The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Brian Powell and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2019-10-29
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Powell, NI
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
COLLINS GEM DIARY
No.364
[page break]
JANUARY 1946
Tues. 1
Wed. 2
Thurs. 3
[page break]
Fri. 4
LAST – LIB; TAKEN.
KILO.FORTY.
WE. FLEW. IT. DOWN
Sat. 5
6:2:46!
236. Wing.
C. System.
Wings [indecipherable word] F/O.
Sun 6
1890077. SGT. CLIFTON. C.W.
[underlined] 104. SQDN [/underlined]:-
[page break]
Mon. 7
PARCEL. POSTED.
[underlined] HOME [/underlined].
Tues. 8
Wed. 9
Thur. 10
[page break]
Fri. 11
Sat. 12
Sun. 13
[page break]
FEBRUARY 1946
Mon. 4
REMMITANCE. OF.
£60..0..0d. SENT. HOME.
Tues. 5
MY. SKIPPER. NAV; [symbol]
GUNNER. POSTED
22. P.T.C.
Wed. 6
Thur. 7
[page break]
Fri. 8
POSTED. TO. 231. WING.
Sat. 9
1851428. W./O. J. COLE.
47. Claron. Rd.
Bitterne Park.
Southampton.
Sun. 10
[page break]
Mon. 11
Tues. 12
RECEIVED. NO. MAIL. OR. CARD.
FROM. MOTHER.
MY, 21. BIRTHDAY.
RECEIVED. NO. MAIL. FROM.
HOME. FOR. [symbol] WEEKS.
Wed. 13
Thur. 14
[page break]
1897059. F/SGT,
Fri. 15
76. St James Rd,
Surbitone [sic]. “POP.”
Surrey
Dennis. Thursfield.
Sat. 16
“Vioron”
High Park Crescent.
Seddgley [sic]. SEDDGLEY [sic].
NR; DUDLEY. WORC;
Sun 17
MR; W. GLOSS.
[page break]
Mon. 18
Tues. 19
Wed. 20
Thur. 21
LEB;
[page break]
Fri. 22
Sat. 23
Sun. 24
[page break]
Mon. 25
Tues. 26
Wed. 27
STILL. NO. SIGNS. OF.
MAIL. FROM. HOME.
Thur. 28
[page break]
MARCH 1946
Fri. 1
Sat. 2
Sun. 3
[page break]
OCTOBER 1946
Mon. 14
Tues. 15
12/9. 6 gallons petrol.
2 1/2 hours overtime.
Wed. 16
Thur. 17
[page break]
Fri. 18
Sat. 19
Sun. 20
[page break]
[cover]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Diary -1946
Description
An account of the resource
Diary for 1946 January to March and October with a few entries some military and some personal. Some addresses of colleagues.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1946
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1946
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Diary
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
printed booklet with handwritten entries
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
YPowellNI1896919v1
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Peter Bradbury
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1406/36729/YRosserLV745193v1.1.pdf
97264448a19f7397991c068cc8021daf
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Rosser, Lewis Victor
L V Rosser
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2019-05-17
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Rosser, LV
Description
An account of the resource
154 items. The collection concerns Flight Lieutenant Lewis Victor Rosser (b. 1919, 745193 Royal Air Force) and contains his log books, a diary of his operations, notebooks, documents, correspondence and an album. He flew operations as a pilot with 35, 58, 51 and 115 Squadrons. <br /><br />The collection includes a <a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2133">Photograph album</a> with photographs of people and aircraft, artwork cards, newspaper cuttings and documents. <br /><br /><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Ann Godard and Joy Shirley and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
L V Rosser - private diary operations
Description
An account of the resource
Written in RAF pilot's flying log book by Sergeant, pilot Rosser, Lewis Victor, RAFVR - diary of night bombing operations. Gives date, aircraft, crew, target and description of each operation. Also included are extracts from the Bomber Command war diaries concerning the overall operation numbers and losses. Covers 23 operations on first tour from 11 May 1941 to 15 November 1941 and then 14 operations on second tour from 5 March 1945 until 24 April 1945. Aircraft flown Whitley, Halifax and Lancaster. Includes some newspaper cuttings concerning particular operations. Operations on first tour to Bremen, Cologne, Schleswig Holstein, Duisburg, Hannover, Kiel, Rotterdam, Emden, Bremen again, Rotterdam again (crashed after undercarriage problems), Dunkirk, Le Havre, Mannheim, Frankfurt am Main, Berlin, Brest, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Nuremburg, Wilhelmshaven, Calais, Frankfurt again, Kiel (cancelled crashed). Operations on second tour (some in daylight) to Gelsenkirchen, Salzbergen, Dessau, Datteln, Dortmund, Hattingen (Heinrichshutte), Recklinghausen, Hamm, Münster, Hallendorf (Salzgitter), Leviva (near Leipzig), Kiel, Bremen, Bad Oldesloe.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
L V Rosser
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1941-05-11
1941-05-16
1941-05-28
1941-06-11
1941-06-15
1941-06-17
1941-06-20
1941-06-25
1941-06-27
1941-06-29
1941-08-14
1941-08-18
1941-08-22
1941-08-27
1941-08-29
1941-09-07
1941-09-13
1941-09-29
1941-10-01
1941-10-12
1941-10-20
1941-10-22
1941-10-24
1941-11-15
1945-03-05
1945-03-06
1945-03-07
1945-03-06
1945-03-12
1945-03-14
1945-03-17
1945-03-20
1945-03-21
1945-03-29
1945-04-04
1945-04-09
1945-04-22
1945-04-22
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1941-05-11
1941-05-16
1941-05-28
1941-06-11
1941-06-15
1941-06-17
1941-06-20
1941-06-25
1941-06-27
1941-06-29
1941-08-14
1941-08-18
1941-08-22
1941-08-27
1941-08-29
1941-09-07
1941-09-13
1941-09-29
1941-10-01
1941-10-12
1941-10-20
1941-10-22
1941-10-24
1941-11-15
1945-03-05
1945-03-06
1945-03-07
1945-03-09
1945-03-12
1945-03-14
1945-03-17
1945-03-20
1945-03-21
1945-03-29
1945-04-04
1945-04-09
1945-04-22
1945-04-24
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Germany--Bremen
Germany--Cologne
Germany--Schleswig-Holstein
Germany--Dortmund
Germany--Hannover
Atlantic Ocean--Baltic Sea
Germany--Kiel
Netherlands
Netherlands--Rotterdam
Germany--Emden (Lower Saxony)
France
France--Dunkerque
France--Le Havre
Atlantic Ocean--English Channel
Germany--Mannheim
Germany--Frankfurt am Main
Germany--Berlin
France--Brest
Germany--Hamburg
Germany--Stuttgart
Germany--Nuremberg
Germany--Wilhelmshaven
France--Calais
Germany--Gelsenkirchen
Germany--Salzbergen
Germany--Dessau (Dessau)
Germany--Düsseldorf
Germany--Bochum
Germany--Recklinghausen (Münster)
Germany--Hamm (North Rhine-Westphalia)
Germany--Münster in Westfalen
Germany--Salzgitter
Germany--Leipzig
Germany--Bad Oldesloe
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Log book and record book
Text. Diary
Text. Personal research
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Multi-page printed book with handwritten entries
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
YRosserLV745193v1
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
115 Squadron
aircrew
bombing
Halifax
Halifax Mk 1
Lancaster
pilot
Whitley
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1845/36506/YJonesFT1717191v1.2.pdf
6ffe67302424854dc38307ef88e8248c
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Jones, F T
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-05-15
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Jones, FT
Description
An account of the resource
32 items. The collection concerns Flight Lieutenant F T Jones (b. 1923, 1717191, 186036, Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, diary and photographs. He flew 38 operations as a flight engineer with 420 Squadron from RAF Tholthorpe.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Chris Jones and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Diary - Sergeant F T Jones
Description
An account of the resource
Navigator's. air bombers and air gunners log book used as a daily diary from 23 January 1944 until 31 January 1944. Describes daily activities including lectures as well as training and test flights. Mentions social activities, weather, inspections and entertainment. Mentions pilots on second dickie trips and three missing after trip to Berlin. Stops just before his first operational trip with a note that he had been informed that they were not allowed to keep a diary. Remaining pages are used for list of expenditures.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
F T Jones
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-01
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-01-03
1944-01-31
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Yorkshire
Germany
Germany--Berlin
England--York
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Royal Canadian Air Force
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Diary
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Multi-page printed book with handwritten entries
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
YJonesFT1717191v1
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription
420 Squadron
aircrew
bombing
flight engineer
Halifax
Halifax Mk 3
military living conditions
military service conditions
missing in action
pilot
RAF Tholthorpe
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1886/36490/BStandivanARStandivanARv1.2.pdf
8e4213ff9e54b44f494814e6aba845c4
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Standivan, Arthur George
A G Standivan
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-06-29
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Standivan, AG
Description
An account of the resource
58 items. The collection concerns Leading Aircraftsman Arthur George Standivan (1717552 Royal Air Force) and contains documents and photographs. He served as ground personnel with Second Tactical Air Force The collection includes two photograph albums, one of his <a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2148">Service life in the UK and France</a>, the other concerns <a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2149">the liberation of Belsen</a>. The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Brenda Titchen and catalogued by Trevor Hardcastle.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
No 2 Squadron, 2nd Tactical Air Force, 29 July 1944 - 3 January 1945
Description
An account of the resource
This is a diary covering No 2 Squadron, Aircraft Mobile Servicing part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force, recording their journey from the time they landed in France until they arrived in Holland in early 1945.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Arthur Standivan
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-07-29
1945-01-03
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
France
Great Britain
Netherlands
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text. Diary
Text
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One handwritten diary
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
BStandivanARStandivanARv1
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
ground crew
Second Tactical Air Force
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1895/35563/SGillK1438901v10015.2.pdf
0cbff6977895121eeb6f25b00f0ffa40
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Gill, Kenneth
K Gill
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-07-09
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Gill, K
Description
An account of the resource
One hundred and sixty-four items plus another one hundred and fifteen in two sub-ciollections. The collection concerns Flying Officer Kenneth Gill DFC (1922 - 1945, 1438901, 155097 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, documents, photographs and family and other correspondence. <br />He flew operations as a navigator with 9 Squadron before starting a second tour with 617 Squadron. He was killed 21 March 1945 having completed 45 operations.<br /><br />The collection also contains two albums. <br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2114">Kenneth Gill. Album One</a><br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2117">Kenneth Gill. Album Two</a><br /><br />Additional information on Kenneth Gill is available via the <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/108654/">IBCC Losses Database.</a><br /><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Derek Gill and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
WALKERS' DIARY FOR 1942.
Printed & Published by
HERBERT WALKER,
Well Croft Works,
Shipley – Yorks.
[page break]
PERSONAL MEMO.
Nat. Registration No.
Season Ticket No.
Motor No.
Bank Pass Book No.
Tel. No. (Private)
Tel. No. (Business)
Telegraphic Address
Size in Gloves
Size in Collars
Size in Hats
Size in Boots
Weight . . st. . . lbs. . . Date . .
Height . . ft. . . ins. . . Date . .
Name [inserted] Vera Longden [/inserted]
Address [inserted] 23, Sycamore Ave., Halton, Leeds.
[page break]
CASH SUMMARY
Paid
Balance from last year £. s. d.
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
December
£
[page break]
TELEPHONE NUMBERS.
Name. Exchange No.
Kannellys
[page break]
TELEPHONE NUMBERS.
Name. Exchange No.
[page break]
ADDRESSES.
L (Lewis)
Mrs Sykes, 139, Eden [deleted] Drive [/deleted] Crescent, Eden Drive, Leeds 4. Drv. D. Longden. 1893201.
M B. Mitton, 44, Hollin Park Crescent, Leeds, 8.
N
O
P
Q
[page break]
ADDRESSES
R
S W. Spofford, 12, Howorth Terr. Clay Pit Lane, Leeds. 7.
T
U – V
W M. Wright, 57, Kyffin Ave.
X – Y – Z
[page break]
1941
[table]
[page break]
1942 JANUARY
1 Thu.
Morning shift 7 – 2
Wrote a letter to Ken.
2 Fri.
Helped mother after dinner. Went down to Panto rehearsal. Dorothy & I took some kiddies home. Came home early. Had a chat with Mavis.
3 Sat a.m.
Finished work at 11.30 a.m. Met mother at Stankeys, saw Betty. Dined Co-op. Ken phoned after I had gone to their house.
4 Sun.
New class at S. School. After service sat with Mavis for communion. Molly & Gladys came for tea [indecipherable word] 8.30 p.m. [indecipherable words]
[page break]
5 Mon.
Letter from Ken at Manchester, suppose he will have moved now. Started work at 9.30 p.m. Had a test. Very tiring. Everything O.K.
6 Tue.
Finished 6.30 a.m. Went to bed 8.30 a.m. got up 5 p.m. Too late for pictures wrote to [deleted] bed [/deleted] Betty. Another Test.
7 Wed.
Went to bed 10 a.m. Got up 7.30 p.m. Wish I knew where Ken was.
[page break
8 Thu.
Went to bed 10 a.m. got up 4.30 p.m. Arrived work 9.10 p.m. Passed my test. Last nights work at Kirk. G.T.C.
9 Fri.
Home early missed Margery. Went to bed. Got up at 4 p.m. Punched in at K.T.S. 9 p.m. came home started a good book. Went to bed 11.30 approx.
10 Sat.
Down at K.T.S. for 9 a.m. saw Betty on the bus. Got my wages and cards. Went down to S. School after Regal good picture Pimpernel Smith
11 Sun.
After church went to Gill's, walked down with Mavis. Gladys came down, we went home at 9 o'clock.
[page break]
12 Mon.
Got up at 5.30 a.m. Started A.V. Roe at 7.30 a.m. Finished 6.30 pm. Same room as Joyce. Alright so far.
13 Tue.
Work as usual.
Joan & I went up to Betty's for supper, had a grand time & a good talk with Mrs Hughes. Got home at 11.30 p.m. bed 12 pm.
14 Wed.
Laid in, it was 7.15 p.m. before mother woke up couldn't get a bus to go. Stayed in bed. Went down to see Joan stayed until 10.15 p.m.
[page break]
15 Thu.
No-one said a thing about me staying away.
16 Fri.
Nothing to report, finished work at 4.30 p.m. stayed in all night.
17 Sat.
Finished work at 5 p.m. Panto started at 7 p.m. good audience, went down well.
18 Sun.
Finished work at 5 p.m. After tea Gladys came & she went to church with us. Walked her home. Lovely night, snow.
[page break]
19 Mon.
Terrible cold, stayed in bed until 4 p.m. very cold. My day off from work.
20 Tue.
Good news, me & 4 others got our stamps. Joyce only got hers last week-end. [indecipherable word]
21 Wed.
Went straight from work to the Panto. Joan came & we had some fish & chips at half-time. Went down well again.
Sun 25.
The U,Manager praised me.
[page break]
22 Thu.
Nothing special. Stayed in all night.
23 Fri.
Received my first wage.
Too cold to go out. Reading all night.
24 Sat.
Gladys came from work & we went to the Panto. A huge success. Ronnie home, Leslie told me they had had a Cable from Ken. Went to bed at 12.30 & talked for ages.
25 Sun.
Gladys at home when I got [deleted] from [/deleted] back from work. Went to church and then walked Gladys home. She is booking for Varieties next week.
[page break]
26 Mon.
Still bad weather.
Work as usual. It was wonderful to see a letter with Kens hand-writing on but I couldn't get used to the idea that it was written weeks before.
27 Tue.
Nothing doing.
Days come & go, every days one nearer to seeing [deleted letter] my darling.
28 Wed.
Nothing doing. Stayed in at night too cold to move from the fire
[page break]
1942 JANUARY & FEBRUARY
29 Thu.
Bill Langdale came on leave. Duke of Kent visited Avroe [sic]. Joan made me feel blue & when I got home there was a telegram for me, it cheered me up no end.
30 Fri.
Went to work with Phyllis. Ted took me round to see the Planes & I took Joan with me. The usual arrived.
31 Sat.
Finished work at 12. Went in town afternoon, bought Joan's 21st. present. Night saw films at Sunday Sch. sat with Harry & John.
1 Sun.
Got up at 11 a.m. Did the usual went to Ken's at night first time for 3 weeks. Snowed all day Mr Gill poorly
[page break]
2 Mon.
Still with Phyllis.
Nothing doing at night.
3 Tue.
Had a day off work. Uncle Bill died at 5.30 p.m. approx.
Went to the Doctor's.
4 Wed.
Nothing said at work. Had a party for the concert party.
Bed at 12.15 a.m. Snow still about and very cold. Joan at work.
[page break]
5 Thu.
Joan away. Bill [deleted] goes [/deleted] went back at 6 p.m.
6 Fri.
Uncle Bill's funeral. Finished at 4.30 p.m. Went to the Ritz by myself made me melancoly [sic].
7 Sat.
Finished work at 5 p.m. Went to a Social. Had some fun with Harry etc. Helps to pass the time away.
8 Sun.
To the church at night. Wrote some letters.
[page break]
9 Mon.
Concert at dinner time got 3 white overalls, went in an Anson Plane with Ted. He gets worse. Still passing screws.
10 Tue.
Got up at 10.30 p.m. Went to the Majestic two good pictures. Trying to snow again.
Stayed in at night, altered my overalls and ironed.
11 Wed.
After work I had dinner took Joan's present, she was thrilled with it. Went to Ken's, dad a little better, listened to an Opera and I went to sleep. Left at 11.50 was home for 11 p.m.
[page break]
12 Thu.
Still doing "hinge bolts". Stayed in at night.
13 Fri.
Usual at work. Finished at 4.30 p.m. Went to the choir practise. Trial for new choir [deleted] practise [/deleted] master.
14 Sat.
St. Valentines Day. Got a lovely one for Ken but nowhere to send it. Went to Shaftsbury [sic] with Gladys. Lovely picture.
15 Sun.
Work as usual. Young P.F. stayed in all night.
[page break]
16 Mon.
Work as usual.
Dennis arrived at 2 a.m. morning.
17 Tue.
Work as usual.
Terrible cold.
18 Wed.
Work as usual. Went down to S. School to practise some solo's but couldn't sing for cold. Dennis & Molly came for supper.
[page break]
19 Thu.
Nothing special.
20 Fri.
Finished 4 p.m.
Didn't go to choir practise. Feeling blue, wrote to Ken.
21 Sat.
Finished at 12 noon. Went to Football Match with D. L & G. Dad. Freezing cold, went to [indecipherable word] for tea. To Ken's, mother in bed poorly.
22 Sun.
Morning church. Sunday School & stayed in all night. too cold to go out.
[page break]
23 Mon.
Took my ring to be altered our Dennis went with me. Didn't go to bed caught bus at 6.30 p.m. Made charge-hand over some new girls, on nights. Don't like the girls on nights.
24 Tue.
Went to bed, slept all day. work at nights. George came yesterday for 48 hrs. Jack came for tea. D.G.J had a merry time
25 Wed.
Work at night.
[page break]
1942 FEB. – MAR.
26 Thus. +
Went to bed. Work again at 6.30 p.m. Bored stiff.
27 Fri.
Stayed up until after dinner & helped mum. [deleted] Went to [/deleted] had a bath went to bed for 1 1/2 hrs. Tired all night.
28 Sat.
[symbol] Went to bed until 3 p.m. Had tea early. Mr Gill brought me Kens address he'd had a cable for his birthday. Went to see Richard Tauber in Blossom Time.
1 Sun.
Didn't go to work. Farrows & all from Barwick came for their tea. Had a good sing song as our Dennis calls it.
[page break]
2 Mon.
Got up at 11 a.m. After dinner went to SS saw Albert stayed to tea. [indecipherable word] Dennis leaving by the 7.30 p.m. train, couldn't see him off for the first time as I had to go to work
3 Tue.
Washing Day. I went to bed, didn't get up until 5 p.m. Work as usual at 6.30 p.m.
4 Wed.
Started to snow again. Snowed heavily during the night.
[page break]
5 Thu.
Wonderful, I got a letter from Ken. Stayed up for my dinner. Work as usual. Snow.
6 Fri.
Work as usual at night.
7 Sat.
Stayed in bed until 6 p.m. Had a scramble to get ready for the concert which was at the S. School.
8 Sun.
Got up 12 oclock. Went to S. School & church. Didn't go to Ken's as I had to go to work at night. Snowing.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
21 Sat.
Working all day.
Went to the pictures to see Charles Boyer in "Hold Back the Dawn".
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
27 Fri.
Got another increase
[symbol] 28 Sat.
29 Sun.
Went to church straight from work. Had my tea & went to Ken's Uncle John & Aunt Lily came. Dad brought me home.
[page break]
MARCH & APRIL 1942
30 Mon.
Took our Jean down to Joan's to practise her dance, got home at 10.15 p.m. Mother not too good
31 Tue.
Work as usual Gladys & Ronnie came home for 10 days.
1 Wed.
Went to practise at Sunday School.
[page break]
2 Thu.
Nothing special.
Good Friday. 3 Fri.
Working until 4.30 as usual, got home at 5.45 p.m. Went down to 55.
4 Sat.
Finished work at 12 p.m. Afternoon went in town. Anniversary concert at night. Gladys 21st birthday
5 Sun.
Morning 8 oclock communion 11 oclock church. Tea at 55 Leslie & I went to church afterwards went to Mrs Hughes
[page break]
6 Mon. Easter Monday
Walked to Garforth & Barwick. Got drenched in a shower went to see Grandma. Home for 10.15 p.m.
7 Tue.
Working. Jack starts on nights rather quiet without him. Only Joan & I on days Joyce on nights.
8 Wed.
Our George came home for 48 hrs. to see Jim. Practise at night.
Lovely & warm but windy
[page break]
9 Thu.
Laid in so stayed at home. Went to see chemist for something for my cataarh [sic]. Practise at night. Letter from Ken
10 Fri.
Lovely weather.
Had a good practise (choir) miss Ken when I have to come home by myself. Our George went back.
11 Sat.
Worked until 5 p.m. [inserted] 1921-2 Registered. [/inserted]
Joan & I had tea in town went to see Desert Song walked home from [indecipherable word].
12 Sun.
Anniversary day. After church went down to Ken's. My rota day. Dennis Smith there.
[page break]
13 Mon.
Princess Mary had a tour round [indecipherable word]. Lovely spring day. Concert practise at night went down terrible.
14 Tue.
Travelled to work by myself Joan's day off.
Teachers meeting.
15 Wed.
Nothing special.
Went to church afterwards to Ken’s
[page break]
16 Thu.
Lovely weather. Practise at night
17 Fri.
Another lovely day. Finished work at 4.30 pm. Final practise
18 Sat.
Concert went down O.K. our Jean a huge success.
19 Sun.
Should have gone to work stayed in bed until 11.30 p.m.
[page break]
20 Mon.
Went to doctors’ & to Aunt Ria's. Went with Dot to dressmakers. Dull weather
21 Tue.
Jeans birthday. Letter from Ken. Dull again haven't been able to go out. Washed my hair.
22 Wed.
Went shopping in the morning, got a new hat & some shoes. Went to Dr. & pictures (Blossoms in the Dust).
[page break]
23 Thu.
Went to work. Joan didn't go as Bill was home for 48 hrs. Have to go on nights.
24 Fri.
[symbol] Went to a social to be formally introduced to Mr & Mrs Davy (new choir master)
In bed late.
25 Sat.
Finished work at 12 noon. Went in town to have photo taken, hadn't time to wait Pictures with Lucy & Geo. (The Great Lie)
26 Sun.
[symbol] Went to church morning & afternoon. Saw Ronnie went to 55 for tea. Church with Leslie.
[page break]
27 Mon.
Stayed in bed until 11.30. Afternoon in town.
Work at night, not too bad as I am with Sue, nice crowd of men on.
28 Tue.
Feeling tired from 2 a.m. Bed until 5.30. Bus 6.30 p.m. At work early.
29 Wed.
Sirens 3 am went on working all clear soon after.
see me home changed my hat & coat, went home to (55) for tea left Gladys, caught bus at 6.30.
[page break]
1942 APRIL & MAY
30 Thu.
A lovely letter & B Card from Ken. To go to Dressmakers. Went to Dressmakers at 5.30 p.m. for try on. Caught bus at Shafts Lovely weather.
1 Fri.
Went to bed at 11 a.m. Received cable from Ken & some lovely birthday cards. Letter from Gladys. Had a feast at 12 midnight with Sue.
2 Sat.
Stayed up all day. Went in town got present for Gladys. Lucy bought me one. Went to sleep at 9 p.m. had supper & went to bed.
3 Sun.
Up at 11.15 had bath afternoon took David a walk, Leslie went also met Gladys J as she was coming to
[page break]
4 Mon.
Lovely sunny day I was in bed. Work as usual at night. Knox brought Mr Marks to see me. Sue likes Bishop.
5 Tue.
Wrote to Milton & Gladys. Bed in the afternoon. 6.30 Work. Eddy firewatching.
6 Wed.
Have some fun with Stan & Freddie.
[page break]
7 Thu.
Sue away, bored stiff nearly all night. Wilson had to keep me awake. 4.30 to 5 a.m. had a sleep.
8 Fri.
Sue came back. Stan wants us to stay on nights.
9 Sat.
Lovely morning but rather chilly. Awful day, slept afternoon stayed in all night.
Letter from Ken.
[page break]
11 Mon.
Bed in the morning until 5.30 p.m. work as usual for the last week
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
25. Mon. Whit-Monday
Went to see "Underground" at Ritz by myself.
[page break]
29 Fri. On another
30 Sat.
Work until 5 pm. Got my photo pictures Ritz "Sun Valley Serenade" finished altering blue frock Bed 1 am.
[page break]
22 Mon.
Concert in the Canteen for Russia week. Lovely hot day. Sat in the garden at night.
23 Tue.
Awful day at work, wish I could hear from Ken. Jimmie Crawley home on leave.
24 Wed.
Nothing Special.
[page break]
25 Thu.
Started in Router House I'm the only inspector. Not too bad can please myself what I do. Dinner-time went out into the sunshine.
26 Fri.
Another lovely day, had our dinner outside. Went to have my hair permed.
27 Sat. (26)
Work at 9 a.m. missed 6.30 a.m bus. Finished at 12. Went to Star with Joan walked home had fish & chips outside. Home 12 oclock
28 Sun.
Tea at Kens. Took David to church round Temple with Mum, Dad David Leslie.
[page break]
JUNE & JULY 1942
29 Mon.
Lovely weather.
[page break]
[blank page]
4 Sat. (27)
[page break]
[symbol] 7 Tue.
Went to dinner at Lonsdale with Joan & Aunt Ria. Tower pictures Confirm or Deny Lonsdale tea Empire. Fair at Harehills supper at Aunty's.
8 Wed.
Work.
[page break]
9 Thu.
10 Fri.
[symbol] After work went with Joan & Aunt Ria to Stanley & shopping. Lonsdale for tea. To Kens to see mum & dad before they went to Whitby.
11 Sat. (28)
After work went to Grand to see "The Barber of Seville" quite nice for Opera.
12 Sun.
Went with Dad & Joan to 2 pubs & a nice walk.
[page break]
13 Mon.
Poorly all day but stayed at work
14 Tue.
Stayed in bed, had a wonderful letter, snaps & stockings from Ken. Mum & Dad went to Scarborough.
15 Wed.
Went to work. Clara started as a nurse
[page break]
16 Thu.
17 Fri.
Finished work until Monday. Choir practise
18 Sat. (29)
Got up at 11 a.m. Went to meet Joan & to Tower ((Smilin [sic] Through) Aunt Ria's for supper 12.30 went home.
19 Sun.
[deleted] Giving Parish [/deleted] cancelled Ronnies 21st. Went to Kens & a walk with Leslie.
[page break]
10 Mon.
Letter from Ken & some snaps.
[page break]
15 Sat. (33)
Dream't that I had a baby girl to Ken. If only it was true my loneliness would disappear
[page break]
AUGUST & SEPT. 1942
31 Mon.
1 Tue.
Roy Rich starts again with Record Time.
[page break]
[blank page]
5 Sat. (36)
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
1942 OCTOBER
2 Fri.
Went with T for tea & to the Odeon to see Bing Crosby in Holiday Inn
3 Sat. (40)
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
9 Fri.
Went to the Empire with Joan to see Billy button.
10 Sat. (41)
West with a party to Stone Craft. Had a marvellous time.
[page break]
[symbol] 21 Wed.
I couldn't believe that Ken had arrived, at last, my heaven was complete. He's still my darling, he's broader & does he look grand.
[page break]
22 Thu.
Ken & I went to Leeds. Afternoon with mum & David to Aunty Lils until 7.30. The night in our room.
23 Fri.
Went to [indecipherable word], got well through [indecipherable word] for tea Barwick & Hughes, home 12.30 a.m.
24 Sat.
Grandma Day's, have dinner, stayed in all day. Had a marvellous evening by ourselves at home.
25 Sun.
Walk in the morning. Ken mum rather unpleasant but we can take it.
[page break]
26 Mon.
Ken's mum never spoke to me all morning. Went to Wine Lodge for a sherry, dinner at Co-op. Empire, Ken packed went up home.
27 Tue.
Ken went back on the 7.50 a.m. train. It was awful loosing [sic] him after such a short time of heaven. The rest of the day dragged [indecipherable word].
28 Wed.
Ronnie made such a fuss of me at work, all over Ken. Another airgraph from Ronnie.
[page break]
29 Thu.
Received some flowers from (they were beautiful) Compact from our George.
[page break]
23 Mon.
Board & [indecipherable word] 1-15-0
Insurance 2-8
1-17-8
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
MEMORANDA.
[underlined] Birthdays [/underlined]
23 Jan. G. Inkpin
16 Feb. S. Lewis.
Mr Gill 27. Feb.
4 April G. Burrows.
26 April Jean.
16 June George.
16 June Mrs Gill.
19 July R. Gill
30 July. David G.
25 Aug Clifford.
[page break]
MEMORANDA.
Birthdays
1 Sept. Dennis. L
26 Sept. Kenneth L.
16 Oct. M. Wright.
9 Nov. B. Millon
19 Nov. Ken [deleted] Leslie [/deleted] Gill.
4 Dec Dot
14 Dec Molly
26 Nov [deleted] Luc [/deleted] Mother
24 Nov Lucy
2 Jan Betty Hughes
23 Dec. Joan.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
MEMORANDA.
13-12-43 / 5-0-0
Presents. / 1-2-0
3.18.0
17-12-43
Board 1-15-0
2-3-0
18-12-43 [indecipherable word] 6-0-0
8-3-0
27-12-43 All 6-0-0
Bank 1-0-0
5-0-0
Board etc. 2-0-0
3-0-0 BANK £1
All 5-0-0
8-0-0
Board 2-10-0
6-10-0
Board etc. 3-10-0
3-0-0
[page break]
MEMORANDA.
29-1-44
Board 2-0-0
30-1-44 1-0-0
All 5-0-0 £1 B.
6-0-0
10.0
5-10-0
11.2.24 2-0-0
3-10-0
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
MEMORANDA.
Letters posted March 2/6 + 6-3 (6)
Cable 14th April. 6-3
5th June £3-2-6
12 June 2-3-11
19 June 2-19-3
26
[page break]
MEMORANDA.
30th Jan. [deleted] £1-10-6 [/deleted] [inserted] £2-11-0. [/inserted] (ONE DAY OFF.)
6th Feb. £3-4-3 (7 days)
13th Feb. £1-13-9 (2 1/2 days off)
20th Feb. £2-14-4. (1 day off)
27th Feb. £3-8-6 (Full Week)
6th Mar. £2-16-6 (1 1/2 days off)
13th Mar. £2-15-6 (1 day off)
20th Mar. £3-7-11 (Full Week)
27th Mar. £1-9-11
3rd Apl. £2-10-6 (Sun. off)
1st May. 2-17-1
8th May. 3-12-10
15th May. 3-5-10
22 2-3-5
[deleted] 10-6-41 £3-14-3 – 11/9 (7 days)
29 May 2-3-3
[page break]
[blank page]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Vera Longden - 1942 Diary
Description
An account of the resource
Entries detailing daily activity including shift work at AV Roe, friends, entertainment, health, weather and family news. Mentions letters from Ken, and his arrival back in October.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
V Gill
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1942
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Yorkshire
England--Leeds
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Diary
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Multi-page printed booklet with handwritten entries
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SGillK1438901v10015
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Sue Smith
entertainment
home front
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1895/35556/SGillK1438901v10013.2.pdf
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Title
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Gill, Kenneth
K Gill
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Date
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2017-07-09
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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.
Identifier
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Gill, K
Description
An account of the resource
One hundred and sixty-four items plus another one hundred and fifteen in two sub-ciollections. The collection concerns Flying Officer Kenneth Gill DFC (1922 - 1945, 1438901, 155097 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, documents, photographs and family and other correspondence. <br />He flew operations as a navigator with 9 Squadron before starting a second tour with 617 Squadron. He was killed 21 March 1945 having completed 45 operations.<br /><br />The collection also contains two albums. <br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2114">Kenneth Gill. Album One</a><br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2117">Kenneth Gill. Album Two</a><br /><br />Additional information on Kenneth Gill is available via the <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/108654/">IBCC Losses Database.</a><br /><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Derek Gill and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
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Charles Letts’s
DIARY
[page break]
Telephone Numbers
Name Number
[page break]
Memoranda from 1941
Left home July 7th for London
Left London July 26th for Leuchars.
Left Leuchars Oct. 3rd for 9 days leave.
Left home Oct. 12th for Leuchars.
Left Leuchars Oct. 17th for London
Left London Nov. 22nd. for Clyffe Pypard
Left Clyffe Pypard Dec. 13th for 14 days leave.
Became engaged Dec. 16th to my darling.
Left home Dec. 27th for Heaton Park.
[page break]
Memoranda from 1941
[printed information]
[page break]
January 1 Thursday 1942
Were issued with extra kit, vests, gym. kit, overalls, new towel & a new kitbag.
Had to mark bags with code letters etc.
Wrote letters to Vera & home.
Had bath & went to bed.
[page break]
2 Friday 1942
Had two teeth out at 12.25pm. at Bowlec Station. What a job it hurt quite a bit & bled a lot.
Hugh McCoy went with me.
Had rest of day off.
Code words altered.
[page break]
3 Saturday 1942
Gums still sore but a lot better, had mouth-wash after breakfast & had nothing to do till 1.30pm.
Pay parade at 2.15pm received £2 what for beats me.
Finished at 4pm.
Wrote letter to Betty Hughes & one to Vera.
Rang up, [indecipherable words] out & rang again & Vera was out. Spoke to Mrs. Longden.
4 Sunday
Took in kitbags not wanted on voyage.
Went with Pete to tea at Alcocks’. Good night Wish Vera could have some.
Tried to get through but couldn’t.
[page break]
5 Monday 1942
Went to pack & messed about & got embarkation cards. Seems we’re going at last. Tried to ring but couldn’t get through. Wrote V & home.
Left Byron’s at 10.30pm for Park. Had supper & stayed there till 2.30am. Marched to station & got on train at 3.00am.
Woke up at Glasgow.
[page break]
6 Tuesday 1942
Arrived at 12.0a.m. on docks at Gourock. Went aboard steamer & was taken out to troopship, not bad accomodation [sic]. Sleep in hammocks & on mess-tables.
The lads are all here.
Wrote to V & home.
Had a bit of fun getting hammocks set up right. Slept in our clothes.
[page break]
7 Wednesday 1942
Got up at 6.30a.m. not bad night.
Was given guard duty for 24hrs, 1 on & 2 off. My post on bow of ship.
Left Gourock at 2.0p.m. & had a Yank destroyer to acompany [sic] us.
Quiet night. Running down the Irish Sea.
[page break]
8 Thursday 1942
Bacon & egg for breakfast. Finished guard at 9a.m.
Ran in to Milford Haven at 2- pm.
Left at 4 pm. With 2 Yank destroyers & 1 troopship with soldiers aboard.
Heading back up Irish Sea. Ship rolling a bit.
[page break]
9 Friday 1942
Up at 6.30a.m. Good night
Just out of Irish Sea. P.T. on deck after lifeboat drill.
Was given job of sweeping up decks every day.
Went up on boat-deck.
Heavy seas coming up
Was sick seven times in afternoon & evening.
Decided to sleep on mess-table.
Clocks put back an hour.
[page break]
10 Saturday 1942
Up at 6.30a.m. Fairly good night. Was sick again before breakfast. Had a kipper & kept it down. Just has pudding at dinner-time & a [indecipherable word] Powder. Heavy seas & gale-warning. Cleared out scuppers & lashed everything down.
Sea came over lower decks & Boat rocked awful.
11 Sunday
Everything in a mess on the floor. Heavy seas still running. Chicken for dinner. Read 2 books in afternoon. Don’t feel too good. Another gale coming up.
[page break]
12 Monday 1942
Clocks back another hour.
Nearly slid off table last night. Decks had all been awash. Heavy seas again. Was sick before breakfast. Ship rolling very badly.
One destroyer gone back owing to engine trouble.
Feel O.K. just now.
Nothing interesting.
[page break]
13 Tuesday 1942
Fairly good night, but sea still rough.
Ships pitching so much that propellors [sic] come out of water.
Feel fairly well.
Nothing interesting.
[page break]
14 Wednesday 1942
Good night, although sea was very rough.
Porpoises seen on port side after dinner.
Had a talk by a Yank officer.
Ropes put on deck for holding on to.
Battened down after tea. Lower decks perpetually awash. Sea came in twice at portholes.
A few lads were knocked over by waves & soaked.
Other destroyer packed up & gone away. Troopships on our own now.
[page break]
15 Thursday 1942
Decent night, storm calmed a little, sea still very rough. Should be in on Saturday now.
Some chaps had their money changed or rather given in today.
[page break]
16 Friday 1942
Good night. Heavy sea again. Spray coming over like rain.
Seems we just missed U-boats during night.
[page break]
17 Saturday 1942
Good night. Sea a bit calmer. Much colder, it snowed in afternoon. Picked up Yank destroyer so must be getting nearer.
Nothing unusual.
18 Sunday
Fine morning, rather cold. Chicken for dinner again. Should see land tomorrow. Wrote home & Vera.
Nothing unusual.
[page break]
19 Monday 1942
Up at 6-0a.m. On deck at 7-0a.m. Very cold. No land in sight yet. Sighted land at 9.30a.m. At last the journeys ended.
Stayed on board till 9.15 p.m. then boarded train for Monkton.
Seems very strange seeing so many lights.
Sent cable to Mum, cost 3/6 but it was worth it.
[page break]
20 Tuesday 1942
Arrived at Moncton [sic] at 5-0 A.M. & trudged through snow & rain to camp. Were given billets & then had egg & tomatoes for breakfast. Had a rest on bunk till dinner.
Pay parade at 2-0p.m. received 3 dollars. Cabled to Vera.
Went round Moncton & had a banana split & then to pictures. Plenty of fruit here, everything seems very strange & lights seem unreal.
Very cold here but it’s a dry cold & not so bad really.
[page break]
21 Wednesday 1942
Up at 6-30 a.m. Breakfast & then parade for flighting.
Pay parade at 2.0p.m. & received 10 dollars (American).
Received our other kitbags then sent both kitbags by lorry to the train.
Our 1250’s came back at 9-0p.m. and then to billets & bed.
[page break]
22 Thursday 1942
Up at 4-0a.m. Breakfast at 5a
Paraded at 6-15a.m. & went down to station. Roads very slippery. Entrained at 8-0 a.m.
Grand scenery, rivers & lakes frozen over. Dinner lovely, negro waiters. Crossed to U.S.A. at 2-30p.m. Clocks put back an hour. Dinner at 6p.m. grand food. Changed trains at 8-0p.m.
Still in snow area.
No beds have to sleep on seats.
[page break]
23 Friday 1942
Woke up at New York at 5-30a.m. Ham & eggs for Breakfast Changed trains at Washington at 10-30 a.m. Very hot sun.
Grand dinner, chicken.
Country very dry & parched looking. Passed tobacco plantations & cotton fields & orange orchards.
Should be in tomorrow morning.
[page break]
24 Saturday 1942
Woke up at 4-0 a.m. at Atlanta dining cars taken off. Passed some fruit farms & tobacco fields
Population nearly all negro.
Arrived at Turner Field, Georgia about 9-0 a.m. Billets are fine. Breakfast grand food & waiters. Gave in blankets. Dinner fine. Collected kitbags, filled in forms etc. & had grand tea. Lecture on discipline etc. Went back to rooms at 7-45p.m. Lights out at 10-0p.m. Fine place here, very big & plenty of room.
25 Sunday
Up at 6-0a.m. Bacon & eggs etc for breakfast.
Were shown how to lay out our rooms. Haircut in morning. Scrumptious dinner.
P.T. at 1-30pm. to 3-30p.m. Played basket-ball.
Lecture again. Tea. At 5-0p.m. “Open Post” after tea while 21-00hrs. Went into Albany not much there. Bed at 10-30. p.m.
Very hot here, better than our summers.
[page break]
26 Monday 1942
Up at 5.45a.m. Breakfast then P.T. for an hour. Shower then lecture on system of guards. Break. Wrote to Vera & sent it by Letter Mail 5c. Drill period for an hour & a half. Very funny trying to learn American drill. It seems rather babyish to us & not half as smart.
Wash & Brush up then dinner.
Parcelled up laundry ready for collecting. Started writing home. Very warm. Lecture on “customs & courtesies”. Clothing inspection. Athletics, played touch rugby. Tea [deleted] h [/deleted] at 4.30p.m., very nice. Drill after tea. Went to see Bert in evening. Made out a list of all the Leuchars lads & got their signatures, put on it preference for Lakeland, Florida.
Bed at 10-0pm.
[page break]
27 Tuesday 1942
Up at 5-0a.m. Washed & dressed than had 40 winks while assembly sounded. P.T. after breakfast very stiff.
Lecture on Guard Systems of Air Corps then drill. We combine our own & their drill now, makes it a bit better. Shower then dressed for dinner. Took in list to Orderly Room & was O.K. Dinner fine, served potatoes & tea today. Customs & Curtesies [sic] again after dinner.
Issued with text books and manuals.
Thunderstorm & very heavy rain. Took in laundry to stores then to tea. No “open post” tonight. Read a bit, then wrote home.
Had a shower & then to bed after cleaning up.
[page break]
28 Wednesday 1942
Up at 5.45a.m. Washed & dressed then breakfast. Much colder today Americans wearing greatcoats. P.T. after breakfast then lecture on “guards” Seems we’ll have to do it soon. Drill followed & had to take a squad. Dinner at 11.30 a.m. Took in boots to be repaired to stores. Had lecture on Military Law, then athletics till tea time. No Open Post again tonight. Had a shower, then read old letters etc. . then retired to bed at 9-0p.m.
[page break]
29 Thursday 1942
Up at 5.45 a.m. washed & dressed, then breakfast. Warmer today than yesterday. Calisthenics after breakfast.
Drill followed, then had to line up in formation & sign a form, what it’s for I don’t know. Saw officers that came over with us on boat.
Dinner at 11-30pm [sic] . Lecture on Civics; then on Terminology used at Training Schools.
Athletics till tea-time, played touch rugby. , Very warm.
No “Open Post” again, lads getting discontented & “browned off”.
Cleared up, washed and so to bed at 9-30p.m.
[page break]
30 Friday 1942
Up at 5-45a.m. Breakfast. Raining hard, ground soaked. No P.T. Lecture on Terminology. Gave in size of collars & trousers. Dinner at 11-30a.m. Lecture on Civics, very tiring, bad speaker. Marched down to stores & drew rifles & bayonents [sic]. No athletics. Tea at 4-30p.m.
“Retreat” formation; did it very well indeed. “Open Post” till midnight.
Went to town with basket-ball players. Went to see “Manpower” at “Clair”. Not bad. Wandered round & got back at 10p.m. & so to bed.
[page break]
31 Saturday 1942
Up at 5-40a.m. Raining very hard.
No P.T. Soon cleared up. Inspection by Commanding Officer. Nothing to do till dinner. Finished at 12 o’clock. Washed & changed & went out at 1-30p.m. Called at Y.M.C.A. & Services Club. Tea at “Georges” very nice. Saw “Across the Sierras”, bought shirt & towel & cleaning rod for rifle. Back in camp at 10p.m. Cleaned gun. Bed at 11-0p.m.
February 1 Sunday
Up at 5-50a.m. Breakfast. Laid on bed & read till dinner time.
Wrote to Vera. Went to see Bert after dinner. Tea at 4-30p.m. read paper then went to see “Corsican Brothers” very good
Bed at 11-0p.m.
[page break]
2 Monday 1942
Up at 6-0a.m. Calisthenics before Breakfast. Lecture on Terminology then drill for an hour. A little warmer now than first thing this morning.
Break for an hour then dinner.
Took up positions for possible air-raids on hillsides.
Film on Military Hygeine [sic] after that. Collected boots at stores then ‘Retreat’ formation with rifles.
Tea at 5.45p.m. Cleaned rifle & bayonet & boots. Finished letter to Vera. Bed at 9.30pm.
[page break]
3 Tuesday 1942
Up at 6-0 a.m. P.T. before breakfast. Lecture on Terminology then rifle drill for an hour. Lecture on Civvies then break while dinner.
Athletics, played touch-rugby. Brought back laundry, not too good. Film on Personal Hygiene.
Retreat formation with rifles & bayonets. Tea at 5.45p.m.
No open Post. Cleaned up, packed up laundry etc. Had a shower & so to bed at 9.30p.m.
Am playing t. rugby tomorrow for Platoon.
[page break]
4 Wednesday 1942
Up at 6-10a.m. P.T., wore our overalls over gym-kit.
Breakfast. Took in laundry, then lecture on History.
Drill with rifles & bayonets. Practice formal guard mounting. Break for an hour, then lecture on Geography. Dinner at 1.0pm.
Athletics, played T. rugby, no score. Film on Courtesy & Customs.
Retreat formation. Open Post. Went to Y.M.C.A. & watched basketball.
Had supper & arrived back at 11.0p.m. then bed.
[page break]
5 Thursday 1942
Up at 6.10a.m. P.T. a little warmer today. Breakfast, then lecture on History. Drill and Rifle Inspection. Mounted guard at 12.0 o’clock. Am on 3rd. relief Went on at 4.0p.m. at water tower. Off at 6.0pm. then tea. Wrote home. On again at 10p.m. till 12.0p.m.
Not bad doing guards here.
[page break]
6 Friday 1942
Off at 6.0 a.m. Calisthenics for others Breakfast then relieved guard for 1/2hr. On again at 10a.m. & off at 12.0a.m. Dinner. then parade for pay. Received 20 dollars. Bought two singlets from store. Read in afternoon after check-up. Weigh 158 stripped. Said I’d been payed in dimes & nickels.
Open Post. Didn’t go out.
Went to canteen, then library. Read a bit & then to bed at 10p.m. Rather tired.
[page break]
7 Saturday 1942
Up at 6.0a.m. Breakfast. No P.T. Cleaned up, then inspection. Nothing to do till dinner. Read in afternoon. No “Open Post”. Went to Camp Cinema to hear violinist. Very good show. Saw “Marry the Bosses’ Daughter”, not so good, bad acting. Bed at 10-30p.m. Bert came “home” today from hospital.
8 Sunday
Up at 6.0a.m. Breakfast. Ready for 8.30a.m. Left camp for Sylvester. 75 of us. Church first then split up for dinner. Bert & I went to Cooks. Grand time. Had to come back for retreat. No “Open Post”. Went to see Mac. Read & then to bed. Clocks on an hour.
[page break]
9 Monday 1942
Up at 7-0a.m. Breakfast then Calisthenics. Drill then break. Lecture on history Before dinner. Bought two pairs of underpants at store. Dinner at 12-30pm.
Talk on Aircraft Rec after dinner. Went to sleep again as usual.
Athletics, played touch-rugby.
Big parade for Wing Commander Hogan. Says we’ll be moving in 12 days time. Tea after that, then Retreat. Went to see Mac, with the boys. Read a bit and then to bed.
[page break]
10 Tuesday 1942
Up at 7-0am. Breakfast then Calisthenics. Rifle drill after for an hour. History lecture before dinner at 12-30pm. Film on Aircraft Recognition after dinner, not so good. Lecture by Mr. De Lom on Army & Customs etc. very good.
Athletics played touch-rugby again & won. Tea at 5-30p.m. then Retreat. Started raining. “Open Post”. Got a lift to “Adam’s Inn”. Still raining so Bert & others went back. Arrived at Sylvester at 8-30pm. Had a grand supper. Very nice people indeed. Left at 11-10p.m. Mr. Cork ill so couldn’t drive me back. Got a lift on a petrol waggon & arrived back just in time, only just too. Still raining, but I had a grand time.
[page break]
11 Wednesday 1942
Up at 6.45a.m. Breakfast. Johnie stayed in bed. No Calisthenics, ground too wet. No drill either. Saw “Target for Tonight” at camp cinema. Break then dinner after History Lecture. Aircraft Recognition lecture sleep as usual for half an hour. Bert took my trousers to be pressed at camp tailors.
Athletics & more touch-rugby, won again.
Tea at 5.30pm. then Retreat. John & Ted went to a dance in Albany for R.A.F. boys only.
Bert & I went to P.X. read a bit & then to bed.
The lads came in at 2.0a.m. had a good time.
[page break]
12 Thursday 1942
Up at 6-45am. Breakfast then Calisthenics. Supply Formation, drew extra Cassack bag.
Lecture on History, went to sleep.
Dinner at 12.30pm. Film at 2-0pm. on Aircraft Recognition.
Lecture on Customs & Courtesies. Athletics till tea-time, played touch rugby, & won; champions of squadron. Tea then retreat formation. Won colours for being smartest squadron. “Open Post”. Bert & I left at 7-30pm. with staff sergeant. Went to pictures to see “North of the Yukon” Drove out of town & passed all the “Barbeques, Joints, & night-clubs etc.
Stopped at “The Esquire” for a 7 up drink. Left at 11-25pm Called for a “hamburger with” in town & got back at 11-55p.m.
Very good evening out.
[page break]
13 Friday 1942
Up at 7-00a.m. Breakfast. Calisthenics, rather cold wind.
Drill for an hour with rifles.
Lecture on Organisation; went to sleep as usual. Dinner at 12-30 a.m.
Lecture on Aircraft Recognition, slept.
Athletics till tea time. Played touch-rugby, drew with “B” squadron champions. Replay needed. Lost at football.
Tea at 5.30p.m. then Retreat formation. Won colours again for smartest squadron. No “Open Post”. Wrote home. Shower, cleaned up and then to bed.
Bought pipe from P.X. not bad.
[page break]
14 Saturday 1942
Up at 7-0a.m. Breakfast. No P.T. Took in bed-sheets. Cleaned up, cleaned windows. Inspection at 10-30a.m. Everything O.K. Dinner at 12.30p.m. Got changed and left camp. Caught bus to Sylvester & arrived at 1-45p.m. Drove around town & picked up two girls Betty & Margery. Went to a dance & tried jitter-bugging, easy enough. Back to Cook’s for tea, scrumptious. Drove round country, & called back at dance for 10 minutes. Left at 10.30p.m. & back in billets at 11-45p.m.
Grand day.
15 Sunday
Up at 7.0a.m. Breakfast. Back to bed till dinner time. Dinner. Filled in diary wrote home. Frank got blood-poisoning. Rain all day. Tea at 5.30p.m. Went to P.X. Boys went to pictures. Bed at 10p.m.
[page break]
16 Monday 1942
Up at 7-0a.m. Still raining. No Calisthenics. Back to bed for 1/2hr. Breakfast at 8.45am. Air Corps Lecture at 10-0a.m. Not much good.
Drill at 11.0a.m. Rained again. Lecture on discipline at 1-00pm by a Lt. Colonel.
Dinner at 2-0p.m. No Athletics
Collected clean laundry from stores. Tea at 6-45pm.
Went to Albany with Eric, very close & sweaty. Went to see “It Happened in Bombay” at “Clair”. Caught bus back to camp. Bed at 12.00pm.
[page break]
17 Tuesday 1942
Up at 7-0a.m. Ground too [missing letter]et no Calisthenics. Start guard [missing letter]t 1-0p.m. Lecture on Bombardment Aviation. Dinner at 2-0p.m. Went on guard at Water Tower [missing letter]gain. American guard there too. Off at 5-0pm. Tea at 6-45p.m. read a bit, had a coffee & on at 9p.m. Coffee at 11-10p.m. then bed till 2-45a.m. [Off at 5-0am & bed again while 8-30a.m. Breakfast & on again at 9-30a.m. Finished at 11.0a.m. Dinner at 2-0p.m. Gave in rifles and bayonets. Tea at 6-45p.m.] see over.
[page break]
18 Wednesday 1942
Finished guards at 11-am. Dinner at 2-0p.m. Gave in rifles & bayonets at stores. Slept till tea-time.
Read a bit, had a coffee & then to bed. No Open Post as we were late for parade yesterday.
[page break]
19 Thursday 1942
Up at 7-0a.m. Calisthenics, rather cold. Breakfast at 8-45a.m.
Lecture on Observation & Reconnaisance [sic] by Lt. Honeycut, very good.
Drill for an hour.
Gave in books before dinner.
Dinner at 2-0p.m. Athletics in afternoon. Played touch rugby & won again, finals tomorrow some time.
Read a bit, then retreat formation, did very well.
Tea at 6-45p.m. Boys went to see McCoy. Went to P.X. for an hour, then wrote to Vera.
Bed at 10p.m.
[page break]
20 Friday 1942
Up at 7.0a.m. Calisthenics as usual. Breakfast at 8.45a.m.
Lecture by Lt. Lamb, had a good time, sang a few songs.
Drill for half an hour. Break till dinner. Bought new ‘Parker’ pen at P.X. $8.75 down to $5.25. Dinner at 2.0p.m. Pay parade, received our money handed in on boat & $11 pay.
“Open Post” after Retreat. Went to Albany, had steak & chips. Went to Services Club, party on, had a good time, College graduation dance. Called in at Clubroom then caught a wagon back to camp. In at 11-45p.m.
Bed at 12-15a.m. Tired.
[page break]
21 Saturday 1942
Up at 7.0a.m. Didn’t go to Calisthenics slept under Johnies bed. Breakfast. Cleaned up, then to P.X. bought new tie. Had photo taken. Finished Vera’s letter.
Dinner at 2-0p.m. Went to town with the lads. Saw “They Died with their Boots on”. very good.
Had tea at Georges’. Walked round and caught bus at 9.10p.m. In bed at 10.30p.m.
Leave at 8-0pm. tomorrow.
22 Sunday
Up at 7.0a.m. Breakfast at 9-0a.m. Received kit at stores. 3 shirts, 2pr. pants, 4 sets underwear, 6prs of socks. Packed kit & cleaned room out. Dinner at 2p.m. Tea at 6p.m.
Put kit on waggons. Entrained at 7.30pm.
Left at 8-0p.m. for Arcadia.
[page break]
23 Monday 1942
Woke up at 7.0am Not a very good night. Arrived at 7.30a.m. Taken by truck to camp. Grand place, rooms for four, lockers, shower and washplace to each room. Kit arrived at 10.a.m. Cleaned up & put kit away in lockers.
Dinner at 1-30pm. Grand food & mess hall. Went to stores and drew leather jacket, goggles, helmet & books. Room inspection. Tea at 6.0pm. Talk at 8.0p.m. by officers. Raining hard.
Bed at 10-30p.m.
Very nice place here, tennis courts, swimming pool, basketball court etc. Large rooms, good lighting, table & chairs.
[page break]
24 Tuesday 1942
Up at 6.25a.m. Cleaned up & breakfast at 7.0a.m. Paraded at 8.0a.m. & went down to Flight Line. Given some instructors & shown kites. Had controls etc. explained. Seems we’ve a lot to learn.
Dinner at 1.10p.m. Medical check after dinner. Went to lecture block and drew text books. Nothing to do till tea-time except retreat formation.
Tea very good. Cleaned bathroom, took all evening but looks good now. Had a shower & then to Bed at 10.30p.m.
[page break]
25 Wednesday 1942
Up at 6.25a.m. Breakfast at 7.0a.m. Went down to hangers and flight line at 7.30a.m. No flying, left at 9.0a.m. Had a coffee & came back to billets. Calisthenics at 11.45 to 12.45. very good. Dinner at 1-10p.m.
Classes at 2.0p.m. till 5.30p.m. Didn’t do so much 45 mins. on & off.
Retreat formation then tea. Cleaned up, had a shower & to bed at 10.30pm
[page break]
26 Thursday 1942
Up at 6.25a.m. Breakfast at 7-0a.m. Went down to hanger.
Had lecture on take-offs, circuits, wind directions, drift, S bends etc.
Very warm now, still in blues. Did Calisthenics for an hour, Sun very warm & turning red a bit. Shower & then dinner at 1-10p.m.
Classes at 2.0p.m. to 5.30p.m.
Retreat Formation at 6.15p.m. then tea. Had a chat with American Cadets.
Had a shower, wrote up notes on Navigation & so to bed at 10.30p.m.
Sent dad cablegram for his birthday, cost $2.85. about 14/3 approx.
[page break]
27 Friday 1942
Dad’s Birthday, hope his Cablegram arrives in time.
Up at 6-30a.m. Breakfast at 7-10a.m. Went down to Flight Line. Mr. Jones was absent. No flying, heavy squalls & Nor-west wind. Read Manual for an hour. Left at 10.0a.m. Had a coffee then looked up Theory of Flight.
Went to P.X. & Bert bought a camera. Dinner at 1-10p.m.
Classes 2. to 4-30p.m. Left early to watch tennis exhibition.
Took some snaps. Retreat Formation at 6.15p.m. Tea after retreat. Wrote up notes on Navigation. Bed at 10-30p.m. after a shower.
[page break]
28 Saturday 1942
Up at 6.30a.m. Breakfast at 7-10a.m. Down at “Ready Room” at 7-50a.m. No Mr. Jones again. Read Handbook again. Calisthenics at 11.45a.m. for an hour. Played football. Dinner at 1-10p.m.
Groundschool at 2.0p.m. to 5-15p.m. Left early, went to canteen for orange soda & ice. Retreat, then tea. Wrote home, then did notes on Meteorology. Bed at 10-30p.m.
March 1 Sunday
Up at 6.30a.m. Breakfast at 7-10a.m. Calisthenics at 8.0a.m. for an hour Very cold. Down at Ready Room at 9-30a.m. Mr Tanquay our instructor.
Up at 10.20a.m. for 40 mins. Grand plane. Dinner then Ground school till 5.30p.m. Retreat then tea. Wrote notes on Flying.
[page break]
2 Monday 1942
Didn’t get up while 7.0a.m. Missed breakfast parade. Went to canteen and had coffee & ham sandwiches. Rained very heavy. No Calisthenics. Down on Flight Line at 9.30a.m. No Flying, ground too wet. Stayed in hanger with Mr. Tanquay, explained Army Forms 1 & 1a. stalls, & forced landings.
Had a coffee, then dinner at 1.10p.m. Ground School 2pm to 5.30p.m. Changed into blues for Retreat. Tea after. Inspection at 8.30p.m. Demerits for speck of dirt on toilet. (Hope his rabbit dies)
Wrote letter to Vera. Bed at 10-30p.m. Received [deleted] lett [/deleted] cable from mum.
[page break]
3 Tuesday 1942
Up at 6.30a.m. Breakfast at 7-0a.m. Calisthenics for an hour. Down on Line at 9-30a.m. Up at 10-20a.m.
Did. climbing turns, stalls, medium turns & landed after 50 mins. Received 1 demerit for leaving mop & broom in room.
Dinner at 1-10p.m. Ground school at 2.0p.m. Had exams in engines & Theory of Flight. Retreat formation at 6.20p.m then tea.
Wrote to Vera, then wrote up notes on Flying.
Bed after a shower.
[page break]
4 Wednesday 1942
Up at 6-30a.m. Breakfast at 7-0a.m. Calisthenics for an hour. Down at Flight Line at 9.30a.m. Went up at 10-0a.m. Took off on my own. Did turns, stalls, and spins. Down after 45 mins.
Dinner at 1-10p.m. Changed into blues. Ground School for 3 1/2 hrs. Has sandwiches in canteen then waited for bus. Arrived in Sarasota at 8.30p.m. Went down to U.S.O. on pier and were invited to stay at the “Gulf View” Inn. Car took us & manager showed us round & introduced us to his guests. Band in dancehall, had a grand time. Pedro & I sang “Yours” and others joined in singing popillar [sic] songs, negro waiter sang [inserted] poor [/inserted] blues. Marvellous place, very welcome. Rooms for two with single beds. Bed at 1-0a.m. Very Tired.
[page break]
5 Thursday 1942
Up at 6.45a.m. Washed & dressed and went down for a walk on the beach. Waited in the lounge for the boys & then to breakfast. Read in lounge while girls came in then went down to the beach.
Went in for a dip but found it rather cold.
Dinner at 12-30p.m. Left at 1.30p.m. by bus to Sarasota. Bought a camera and a swimsuit.
Had a look round then went to a picture show as it rained. Caught bus at 5-30p.m. and arrived in Arcadia at 7-0p.m. Had tea in a restaurant then got bus back to camp at 8.30p.m. Bed at 9-45p.m.
[page break]
6 Friday 1942
Up at 6.30a.m. rather tired. Breakfast at 7-0a.m.
Calisthenics for an hour.
Went down on Flight Line at 9.30a.m. Rain had soaked field, no flying, no instructors. Back to billets and wrote up notes on Flying.
Dinner at 1.10p.m. Ground school 2 to 5-30p.m. Pay parade after, received $16.
Retreat formation at 6.20p.m.
Tea at 7.0p.m.
Cleaned up room for inspection. Played basketball. Shower and then to bed at 10-30pm
[page break]
7 Saturday 1942
Up at 6-50a.m. Breakfast at 7.15a.m. Calisthenics for an hour then changed for flight line. Flew at 9.50a.m. Took off did climbing turns, stalls, spins. Did spins on my own, not too bad. Dinner at 1-10p.m. then groundschool at 2.0p.m. to 5-30p.m. Warmer today than yesterday. Played basket ball again. Shower & bed at 10-30p.m.
8 Sunday
Up at 6-30a.m. Breakfast at 7.10a.m. Down on “Dawn Patrol” this week. No flying, ground too wet. Calisthenics for an hour. Dinner then groundschool, didn’t do much. Tea then wrote home.
[page break]
9 Monday 1942
Up at 6.30a.m. Dawn Patrol. No flying, ground too wet. Gave in note-books for checking. Mr. Tanquay seemed pleased.
Didn’t do Calisthenics, wrote home instead. Dinner at 1.10p.m. Groundschool 2.0p.m. to 5.30p.m. Had exams in Navigation & Meteorology, did them O.K. Retreat formation then tea. Open Post. Managed to get on bus for Sarasota at 7-0p.m. Arrived at 8.30p.m. Booked a room at Hotel Watsons. Went with boys round towns to night-clubs etc. Had a good time & bed at 3-0a.m.
[page break]
10 Tuesday 1942
Up at 9-0a.m. Had breakfast at a restaurant then wandered round town. Bought a watch $4 quite good too. Saw Mr. Whipple at U.S.O and were invited out to dinner. Seven other chaps out there too.
Had a fine time on beach, sea very nice. Plenty of people there too. Saw Priscilla and Annette. Left at 4-30p.m by taxi. Got on bus at 5-3p.m. & arrived in Arcadia at 7-0p.m. Had ham & eggs at cafe then got bus back to camp. Booked in at 8-0p.m. Cleaned up, had a shower & then to bed at 9-30p.m. Very tired.
The lads are very red with the sun.
[page break]
11 Wednesday 1942
Up at 6.30a.m. Breakfast at 7.15a.m. Dawn Patrol. Bert up first, Johnie, then me. Took off, climbed to 2,500ft. did stalls power on, then power-off. Did a spin, not too bad. Landed at auxiliary field & took off again O.K. Landed again at field & taxied up to line, & parked ship. Calisthenics for an hour then dinner. Groundschool 2-0p.m. to 5-30p.m. Had exam in Theory for Flight. Retreat formation then tea. Played basketball, had a shower then wrote up notes on flying. Bed at 10.p.m.
Six of our lads solo’d today.
[page break]
12 Thursday 1942
Up at 6.30a.m. Breakfast at 7-10a.m. Dawn Patrol again. Heavy ground mist no flying till 9-0a.m. No 1 ‘T’ pos changed to No 2 ‘T’ Pos at 10.0a.m. Up for 15 mins. Taxied to line, took off, climbed to 1500ft. did gliding turns, entered traffic, & landed again. Not too bad.
Calisthenics for an hour, played football, very warm. Took some snaps on Flight Line. Dinner at 1.00p.m. then Ground School 2.0p.m. to 5.30p.m.
Retreat formation at 6.20p.m. then tea. Wrote up notes on flying then started letter home.
Entered log-book up.
Bed at 10-30p.m.
[page break]
13 Friday 1942
Up at 6.30a.m. breakfast at 7.10a.m. Dawn Patrol again. Johnie up first. Heavy ground fog came up & flying was suspended. “T” pos. changed from No. 2 to No. 4 & flying resumed at 11-0a.m. Didn’t go up. Calisthenics for an hour.
Took film in for developing. Dinner at 1-10p.m. Groundschool at 2.0p.m. to 5.30p.m. Plot to do in navigation easy enough. Retreat then tea-parade.
Played basketball till 8.0p.m. Had a shower, then read notes for exams tomorrow.
Bed at 10-0p.m.
[page break]
14 Saturday 1942
Up at 6.30a.m. Breakfast at 7.10a.m. Dawn Patrol again. Johnie & Bert up. Cloud came in low, flying stopped. No flight again for me. Left line at 10.35 a.m. Calisthenics for an hour. Dinner at 1.10p.m.
Groundschool at 2.0p.m. to 5-30p.m. Exams in engines & theory for flight. Retreat at 6-15p.m. then tea. Finished letter home. Bed at 10.15p.m.
15 Sunday
Up at 6.30a.m. Breakfast at 7.10a.m. Calisthenics for an hour then down on Flight Line. Flew for an hour, nothing right. Dont fly regular enough. Dinner at 1-10p.m. then Groundschool. Retreat then tea.
[page break]
16 Monday 1942
Up at 6.30am. Breakfast at 7-10a.m. Calisthenics for an hour then down on Flight Line at 9.30a.m. Flew for 33 mins, a lot better today. Dinner at 1.10p.m. Groundschool at 2.0p.m. to 5.30p.m. Retreat formation then tea at 6-30p.m.
Played basket-ball for an hour, cleaned up for inspection, which didn’t come off. Wrote up notes on flying. Read a little then to bed at 10.0p.m.
[page break]
17 Tuesday 1942
Up at 6.30a.m. Breakfast at 7.0a.m. Down on line at 9.30a.m. Flew at 10.15a.m. for 47 mins. Did stalls, spins, landings & take-offs. Not so good today. Dinner at 1-10p.m. Groundschool at 2.0p.m. Exams in Meteorology & Engines. Retreat formation then tea at 6.30p.m. Wrote to Vera, then to bed at 10-15p.m.
[page break]
18 Wednesday 1942
Up at 6.30a.m. Breakfast at 7-0a.m. Calisthenics for an hour.
Down on line at 9-30a.m. Heavy low clouds, thunderstorm broke at 11.30a.m. Heavy rain. Had a talk with Tanquay on flying generally.
Dinner at 1-10p.m. Groundschool 2.0 to 5-30p.m. “Open Post” till 12.p.m.
Went to Arcadia with the lads, walked round a bit then went to skating rink & had a good time.
Caught last bus and got in to camp at 11-45pm.
Bed at 12p.m. very tired.
[page break]
19 Thursday 1942
Up at 6.30a.m. Breakfast at 7.0a.m. Cleaned room, then Calisthenics for an hour.
Down on line at 9.30a.m. Flew at 10.5a.m. for 45 mins. Did stalls, spins, S. turns, & rect. courses. Had a good day today.
Dinner at 1-10p.m. then groundschool, test in Theory of Flight. Retreat at 6-20p.m. and tea at 7-0p.m. Wrote up notes on flying then to bed at 10-30p.m.
[page break]
20 Friday 1942
Up at 6-30a.m. Breakfast at 7.10a.m. Calisthenics for an hour then down on Flight Line.
Flew for 45 mins. Take-offs & landings O.K. Stalls not so good. Dinner at 1-10p.m.
Groundschool at 2.0p.m. to 5.30p.m. Pay Parade after. Received $21 dollars. Arranged to go with boys by car to Sarasota.
Retreat then tea. Played basketball, then wrote up notes on flying. Bed at 10.0p.m.
[page break]
21 Saturday 1942
Up at 6-30a.m. Breakfast then down on Flight Line. Flying not so bad today. Calisthenics for an hour then dinner. Changed into blues I then went with boys to Sarasota in private car. Touched 97m.p.h. & arrived in 45 mins. 54 mls.
Had a good time at the Lido & went in sea for a while. Drove round & had tea in town. Left at 8-15p.m. and arrived in Arcadia at 9-20p.m. Drove round & then back to camp for 10p.m. Tired.
22 Sunday
Up at 6-30a.m. Breakfast then down on Flight Line. Flying not so good. Check tomorrow. Calisthenics then dinner. Groundschool after, exam. in Meteorology not so bad.
Tea at 6.30p.m. Wrote up notes on Flying.
[page break]
23 Monday 1942
Up at 6.30a.m. Breakfast at 7-10a.m. Down at Flight Line at 7-45am. Check ride, progress, with Flight Commander Eckart. Flying not so good, passed on to Army for another opinion. Calisthenics for an hour then dinner at 1-10p.m.
Groundschool in afternoon, test in Navigation, fairly easy. O.K.
Retreat then tea at 6-30p.m. Cleaned up for inspection which didn’t take place. Had a coffee, then cleaned buttons, boots etc. Read a little then to bed at 10p.m.
[page break]
24 Tuesday 1942
Up at 6-30a.m. Breakfast at 7-10a.m. Down on Flight Line at 7-45a.m. Up for Army Check. Took it at 12-15p.m. Got through it, flying not so good though. Calisthenics for an hour, then dinner.
Flying again this afternoon. Went for another Check Ride with Lt. Flophenstein & was eliminated for mechanical & dangerous flying. Back to Moncton next Tuesday.
Tea after Retreat. Received February’s News Letter from Dick Thomas.
Wrote to Dick after a coffee at canteen. Read a book & then to bed at 10-30p.m.
20 lads went back to Moncton today after being eliminated.
[page break]
25 Wednesday 1942
Up at 6-30a.m. Breakfast at 7-10a.m. Cleaned buttons & boots etc. then cleaned room a bit.
Hung around all morning waiting for board meeting. Dinner at 1-10p.m. Went round camp and took some snaps of swimming pool & flight line etc. Retreat formation then tea. Had a coffee at canteen then read a while. Bed at 10.3p.m.
Seniors had Graduation Dance tonight, good band. Listened to band while 12p.m. then dropped off to sleep.
[page break]
26 Thursday 1942
Up at 7.30a.m. Didn’t go to breakfast. Had sandwiches in Canteen. Wrote letters home, to Vera & Betty Hughes. Went to try & get leave but have to wait for board. Dinner at 1.10p.m. Read book all afternoon. Retreat then tea.
Read a while, cleaned up, then to bed at 10-p.m.
[page break]
27 Friday 1942
Up at 6-30a.m. Breakfast at 7.10a.m. Cleaned room up, then went to see if boys had heard when board was to be. Filled in diary.
Board meeting at 11-0a.m.
Nothing much in it. Said I’d do for Observer, dangerous flying, & mechanical flying too. George & I managed to get leave while Monday noon. Had dinner then cleaned up. Tea at 6.30pm. then got bus for Sarasota. Arrived at 9-0p.m. Went to U.S.O. then on to Casa Madrid & saw film.
Called in at Manhattan & met Mr & Mrs Harris, & Mrs Bauer. Invited us out to hotel.
[page break]
28 Saturday 1942
29 Sunday
[page break]
30 Monday 1942
[page break]
31 Tuesday 1942
Up at 6.30a.m. Breakfast at 7.15a.m. Gave in blankets & sheets etc. Took kitbag to Administration block at 9-0a.m. Signed papers at 9.30a.m. & gave in Clearance Form.
Got kit ready, then went to the boys. Had dinner at 11-30a.m. Saw Maxine & Flossie, then the lads & then departed with kit for train. Saw Kathryn in Arcadia. Left at 1-15p.m. for Moncton.
[page break]
April 1 Wednesday 1942
Bad night, didn’t sleep very well.
[page break]
2 Thursday 1942
Crossed border at Vanceboro’ at 7-0a.m. Had passport checked & baggage. Dinner at 12-0a.m. very good. Arrived at Moncton at 3-45p.m. Walked up to camp & messed about giving in particulars for an hour. Billeted in same block as Jack Kellet & boys. Went into town & had tea. Walked round then went to pictures to see “Shanghai Gesture” very good too. Arrived in camp at 11-30 p.m. and so to bed.
[page break]
3 Friday 1942
Stayed in bed till 11-0a.m. Cleaned up & then had dinner
Went to town & met Mr Grant & had a ride round in his car. Had tea at his house & then late dinner at 7-0p.m. Stayed until 11-30p.m. then Mr Grant brought us back to camp.
Had a grand evening very nice evening & can go there when we want to.
[page break]
4 Saturday 1942
Up at 6.45a.m. Cleaned up, then breakfast. Paraded at 9.0a.m.
Went up to pay accounts & drew $5 as a casual payment. Went into town for dinner. Walked round then had tea. Went to pictures at night to see “Ride Em Cowboy” with Abbott & Costello. Back in camp at 10-p.m. Had a shower & then to bed.
5 Sunday
Up at 6.45a.m. Cleaned up then breakfast. Church parade 9.0a.m. Went into town for dinner. Walked round then back to camp for tea. Pressed trousers & jacket, filled in diary. Bed at 10-30p.m.
[page break]
May 11 Monday 1942
Up at 6.30a.m. Breakfast at 7-0a.m. Paraded at 8.0a.m. Drill for an hour, went to Medical Quarters for a check-over. Filled out forms etc., then dinner. Saw minister of United Church. Met our officer & had a chat with him.
Tea at 4.0p.m. Parade at 5.0p.m. for retreat. Wrote letters.
[page break]
12 Tuesday 1942
Up at 6-30a.m. Breakfast at 7-0a.m.
Paraded at 8.0a.m. Went to lecture block at 9-0a.m.
Went to hangar and had flying kit issued. Not so good.
Dinner at 12.0a.m. Went & had signals test, not so bad. Was shown round plane & had things explained. Were fitted with parachute harness. Drew issue of books, & instruments etc., Tea at 4.0p.m. Paraded at 5p.m. received passes & left camp at 7.0p.m. Had a coffee then went up to the social at St. Lukes. Had a grand time & left at 11.30p.m. Arrived back in camp at 12-10a.m. & so to bed.
[page break]
13 Wednesday 1942
Up at 6.30a.m. breakfast by 7-0a.m. Paraded at 8.0a.m. drilled for a while then Signals course. Navigation till dinner time.
Dinner at 12.0a.m.
Signals at 1-30p.m. for an hour then Bombing for two hours. Tea at 4-30p.m. Retreat 5-15p.m. Signals 6.30p.m. for an hour.
Filled in diary.
Paraded at 9.0p.m. made bed & did a bit more of diary.
[page break]
14 Thursday 1942
[page break]
Notes for 1943
[page break]
Cash Account – January
Date Particulars Received Dollars. Paid
3. English £2-0-0
20. Canadian. 3 - -
21. American. 10 - -
[page break]
Cash Account – February
Date Particulars Received Paid
6TH. Feb. American. $20-00
20TH. Feb. American. $11-00
[page break]
Cash Account – March
Date Particulars Received Paid
6TH. MAR. American. $.16 - -
20TH. MAR. American. $21 - -
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Kenneth Gill 1942 Diary
Description
An account of the resource
Starts with account of movements in RAF for 1941. Continues lwith entries for daily activities. Embarks Greenock, Leaves Milford Haven on 8 January for voyage across Atlantic and describes voyage to Canada. Arrives Moncton 20 January describes daily routine. Left for United States on 22 January. Describes train journey via New York, Washington, Atlanta and arrived at Turner Field, Albany Georgia 24 January. Goes on with daily entries describing activities mentioning food, lessons, sport, weather, rifle training, social activities and physical training. Mentions visit to Sylvester. Transfers to Arcadia, Florida 22 February. Starts flying training at end of February. Continues with description of ground school, flying and other daily activities. Mentions visit to Sarasota. Failed pilot flight check on 24 March 1942 an was sent back to Moncton, Canada. Entries for a few days activities and entries then peter out for April and May and then cease.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
K Gill
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1942-01
1942-02
1942-03
1942-04
1942-05
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942-01
1942-02
1942-03
1942-03-24
1942-04
1942-05
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
Scotland--Glasgow
Wales--Pembrokeshire
Wales--Milford Haven
Canada
New Brunswick--Moncton
United States
New York (State)--New York
Washington (D.C.)
Georgia
Georgia--Atlanta
Georgia--Albany
Florida
Florida--Arcadia
Florida--Sarasota
Florida
Georgia
New York (State)
New Brunswick
Coverage
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Royal Air Force
United States Army Air Force
Language
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eng
Type
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Text
Text. Diary
Format
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Multi-page printed booklet with handwritten entries
Rights
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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.
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Identifier
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SGillK1438901v10013
Contributor
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Peter Bradbury
aircrew
entertainment
military living conditions
military service conditions
pilot
sport
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1895/35543/SGillK1438901v10008.1.pdf
26c324acfdaeb5f2c3355710eec2db13
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Gill, Kenneth
K Gill
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-07-09
Rights
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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.
Identifier
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Gill, K
Description
An account of the resource
One hundred and sixty-four items plus another one hundred and fifteen in two sub-ciollections. The collection concerns Flying Officer Kenneth Gill DFC (1922 - 1945, 1438901, 155097 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, documents, photographs and family and other correspondence. <br />He flew operations as a navigator with 9 Squadron before starting a second tour with 617 Squadron. He was killed 21 March 1945 having completed 45 operations.<br /><br />The collection also contains two albums. <br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2114">Kenneth Gill. Album One</a><br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2117">Kenneth Gill. Album Two</a><br /><br />Additional information on Kenneth Gill is available via the <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/108654/">IBCC Losses Database.</a><br /><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Derek Gill and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Transcribed document
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Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[blank back cover]
[page break]
ARCHITECT'S & BUILDER'S DIARY
[page break]
[unrelated notes]
[page break]
[italics] Name [/italics] K. GILL
[italics] Address [/italics] 55 KYFFIN AVENUE,
HALTON
LEEDS
[italics] Telephone [/italics] 29737 (LEEDS FIRECLAY CO LTD.)
[page break]
JANUARY 1941
13034312
PTE. H BERRY.
7 SEC 177 COY P C
MONKTON FARLEIGH.
WILTS.
1146390
A/C2 R GILL.
4 WING, H. SQUADRON
HOTT.33. 50TH. ENTRY.
10 S OF TT
KIRKHAM.
MR & MRS J. GILL
9 GIPTON WOOD CRESCENT.
LEEDS. 8.
1 WED
Home at 1-30 am. Went up at night at 7-15pm. and then to pictures.
3 FRI
Les had ticket for dance so went on my own. Arthur & Billy were there. Not too good. Wonder what she'll say.
4 SAT
Les & I started to rejuvenate shelter. Very cold, still snow. Went to Regal. She paid I don't know why. Saw Deanna Durbin. I think. Told her about last night. Was mad a lot.
[page break]
5 SUN
Papers as usual. Had pains in body. No parade for us. Had tea at Vera's. Awful headache & pains. Some [indecipherable word] eased a bit. Felt a bit better when got home at 11-0 p.m.
6 MON
Nightschool started again. 7-0 pm. to 9-0 pm. Calculus now. Differential & Integral. Home, had bath & so to bed.
11 SAT
Les & I did bit more of shelter. Called at 7-10 p.m. and went to Regal to see 'Convoy'. Very good. Back home & stayed till 10-30 p.m. Left for home.
[page break]
12 SUN
Papers in morning. Temp. at 10-am. Went with wrong platoon. Paid 7/6. Went for walk in afternoon, tea at home, stayed in. Took her home at 10-30 pm.
13 MON
Nightschool at 7-0 pm to 9-0 pm. Came home and read a while about Calculus. Bed after having supper.
14 TUES
School, saw Vera, had haircut. Home Guard lecture at 8-0 pm to 9-30 pm. Called round, and stayed till 10-30 p.m. Home to bed.
15 WED
Had dog destroyed in afternoon. Stayed at home & did homework. She came down at 8 pm. and stayed for supper. 3 men stopped. Some on notice.
16 THUR
Ground frozen hard. Light layer of snow. Stayed at work for tea. Vera & others passed me in town, caught Gladys up. Nightschool & then bath & so to bed.
17 FRI
Stayed in and did some homework.
18 SAT
Chambers left, gone to Farnley. Did homework in afternoon. Went up to Vera's at 7-30 pm. Stayed and then left at 9-30 pm. Snowing hard. Went to post at 10-10 pm. Played darts till 12 pm.
[page break]
19 SUN
Very deep drifts in places. Home at 6-30 a.m. Had some rest. Ron went to Temp. Les & I on papers. Finished at 4-45 pm. Took her home to tea. Went back after & stayed till 10-30 pm. Still loving.
20 MON
Snow still deep. Snowed up at work pipes frozen & burst. Went to nightschool but was late. Teacher may not come again.
21 TUES
Walked to work. Thawed slightly. School in afternoon. Left at 4-0 pm. Home Guard lecture at night. Have guards on Thursday & Sunday. Called round & stayed till 10-30 pm.
22 WED
Work at 9-0 am. Snow still here. Tiring day & Herbert finished today. Went up at 7.5 pm. Took her to Ritz to see "Forty Little Mothers". Very good picture. Was very loving after picture.
23 THUR
Work at 8-25 a.m. today. Car service [unreadable]. Another trying day. Home in Vic's car. Got Gladys & went to Irvin at 7-40 pm. Arrived at A.F.S. station & stayed till 12 pm. No sirens thank goodness. Home by bus. Bed 1-30 am.
24 FRI
Wrote to Franklin at dinner. Stayed in and did homework. Vera came down at 8-45 pm. Had supper and took her to bus. She's such a dear. Plucked pigeons when got back.
25 SAT
Did homework. Had bath and washed hair. Went up for 7-30 pm. Waited till 8-0 pm & went to social. Fairly good time. Waltzed a while with an angel. Called & then went home.
[page break]
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 1941
26 SUN
Up to Templenewsam for 10-am. Dad & Les took papers. No Church, went up in uniform. Had tea at Vera's. Room at 8-15 pm to 9 o'clock. Didn't want to leave her. Bought her chocs. Left for guard.
27 MON
Home at 6-0 am after a quiet night. Ground frozen roads very treacherous. Martin's Bank a success. Nightschool at 7-0 pm to 9-0 pm. New teacher. Lot better now, may get somewhere.
28 TUES
Went up to school at 8-0 pm. Had lecture on maps, country etc. Refused guard. Called round & stayed till 10-30 pm.
29 WED
Stayed in and did homework. She came down at 8-15 p.m. and stopped till 10-0 pm. Took her home, and then to bed.
30 THUR
Nightschool at 7-0 pm. Stayed till 9-0 pm. Home and tried homework, not so good. Bed at 10-30 pm.
31 FRI
Went up at 8-0 p.m. Took up pigeons. Took Jean home at 9-15 p.m. and went to see Lucy. Put Jean to bed & had supper. Sat by fire and left at 11 o'clock. Aren't I a fool
1 SAT FEBRUARY
Did nothing in afternoon. Went up at 7-30 p.m. Stayed in with George. She is worried, but tries not to be. Left at 10-30 p.m. for home.
[page break]
1941 FEBRUARY
2 SUN
No papers. Guard on Tuesday. Temple for 10 am. Issued with capes. Patrol in woods, an awful job. Had tea at home. Left at 9-15 pm. Took her home she's not so well, suspect impetigo.
3 MON
Tiring day. Transport a heck of a job. Snow a nuisance. School at 7-0 pm. to 9-0 pm. Saw Joan. Vera been to doctors', got some inhalent[sic]. Bed at 10-30 pm
4 TUES
School at 2-0 p.m. till 5-0 pm. Went for her after school. Home by bus. Called at Buttons & was kept till 6-45 p.m. Furious, can't see her now. Temple at 8-15 pm. Sirens at 10-pm. All clear at 12-5 am. No bombs.
5 WED
Rang her at dinner-time. Went up to Vera's at 6-45 pm. Ritz at 7-10 p.m. Snowing again. Saw "New Moon", Nelson Eddy, Jeanette Macdonald very good. Snowed heavy afterwards, She's such a star.
6 THUR
Went to nightschool at 7-0 pm. to 9-0 pm. Home and bed at 10 pm. Boss not too good. Suspect flu.
7 FRI
Dennis home for 7 days. Went up to see Vera. Stayed till 10-40 pm saw Dennis coming home from Mollys. Vera has next week holiday
8 SAT
Went up to see weddings at church. Called round and had cup of tea. Regal at night to see "The Westerner". Very disappointing. Vera didn't like it either. Stayed till 10-30 pm
[page break]
9 SUN
Ron & I took my round. Les took other. Went to church, sat on my own. Had tea round at Vera's. Dennis & Molly were in. Read in room for a while. Had supper, left at 11-0 pm
10 MON
Tiring day, told Harry to cut Maryland Point, hope I'm right. Nightschool 7-0 to 9-0 pm. Home and so to bed.
11 TUES
Boss came in morning, but didn't stay long. Went up at 3-30 pm. Called at Kilners for watch. Had tea at Coop Cafe, then to Grand. Very good show. Went up with them, and left at 10-45 pm
12 WED
Tiring day, had headache. Stayed in and did homework. Vera came down, but I wasn't very sociable. Took her home at 10-30 pm.
13 THUR
Went for hardware for post. Nightschool at night, 7-0 to 9-0 pm. Didn't feel too good, couldn't concentrate on work. Home to bed.
14 FRI
Sent her a Valentine. Gregson fitted light to fire-watching post from office. No power all day. They played billiards at night so went up to see Tom. Passed Vera's but did not call. Dennis staying.
15 SAT
Called at Aunt Gladys'. Did homework in afternoon. Didn't feel too good. Went up at 7-30 pm. She has impetigo poor dear. Stayed in till 10-15 pm. Had a walk & then went home. She's such a darling.
[page break]
16 SUN
Ron & I took paper's, Les took one round. Temple at 10-15 a.m. Very bitter wind. Didn't go to church. Saw her after, & took her home for tea. Face all green with liningent. Had to go on guard at 7-30 pm. Left her at Irwin Arms. Don't see much of her lately.
17 MON
Home at 12-30 am. Bed at 1-0 am. Rotten headache. Nightschool at night 7-0 pm to 9-0 pm. Leslie in bed ill, doctor coming tomorrow. Not so good myself.
18 TUES
Bad headache all day. Felt cold. School in afternoon 2-0 to 5-0 p.m. Didn't go to Home Guard, did some homework. Mother not so well. Ronnie has bad cough. Guard on Friday night.
19 WED
Cold, feverish, bad headache stayed in office as much as possible. Sirens sounded 4-15 pm. All-Clear 5-20 pm. Ronnie in bed ill. Called at Gladys' then to Vera's. She's a bit better, glad I went. Left at 10-30 p.m.
20 THUR
Ronnie stayed in bed . Doctor coming to Leslie. Mother no better. Pain at back of eyes, felt weak & shivery. Went to nightschool 7-0 pm. to 9-0 pm. Home and then to bed.
[page break]
FEBRUARY-MARCH 1941
28 FRI
Stayed in and did homework
1 SAT MARCH
Had hair-cut in afternoon. Didn't do homework. Went up at 7-30 pm. Her mother not well. Stayed in. Sirens for 10 mins. Home at 11-0 pm. Wish we were older.
[page break]
1941 MARCH
2 SUN
Papers as usual, didn't go on parade. Called for Lucy & went to church. Had tea at our house. Had a walk to Templenewsam. She's adorable. Supper and home.
3 MON
Ron had to go for 9-o'clock. Think he'll go to Padgate. Nightschool 7-0 pm to 9-0 pm. Home and to bed at 10-30 pm.
4 TUES
No news of Ron. Rang Vera, and went for 1 o'clock. Went to Town Hall to hear organ. Very good. School at 2-0 p.m. till 5-0 pm. Broadbent back again. Stayed in at night & did homework. Saw Tom at school.
5 WED
Everybody likes her photo. Boss too.
[page break]
9 SUN
Got ready for 9-15 am. Stocks didn't come so went up for nothing. Raining heavily. Finished at 12 a.m. Church in afternoon. Had tea at Vera's
10 MON
Had to go to nightschool in uniform. Got up to Mansion at 9-50 p.m. Sirens went about 10-30 pm. Was orderly. others had to stand-to. All-clear at 12-20 am. Layed down & had about 11/2hrs sleep. Tired when I got up. Left at 6-15 am.
11 TUES
Went down for 1'o'clock. Went to Town Hall, had a young girl singing for him. Went to school. Called at Col. Office and entered for National Cert. Stayed in and did homework.
12 WED
Rang her at dinner. Said she was taking me out, but said I wouldn't let her. She was annoyed. Went up at 7-15 pm. Went out, had walk right up Whinmore and back. She would not speak to me till Crossgate Parade. We made up again. Sirens at 10-15 pm A.C. 3-30 am
13 THUR
Nightschool at 7-0 pm to 9-0 pm. Left and was at Woodpecker when siren's went. Went up to Vera's and left at 10-30 p.m. Raiders were not over here, but guns fired spasmodically All Clear at 2-0 am
14 FRI
Sirens at 9-10 pm. Vera came down before they went. Tried to do some homework but did not do much. Terrific barrage of A.A. bombs near-by. Took her home at 10-45 p.m. She was scared, poor darling. Some incendiaries, raid got nearer. All-Clear 3-45 am
15 SAT
Leeds caught it last night. Shrapnel all-over the place. More damage done than we thought. Market, Town Hall, Museum, Stations, Farnley, Wortley, Elland Road, T.E.P. Basinghall [deleted word] hosts of others badly damaged. 50 dead, 250 homeless. Took Vera & Betty to Ritz to see Pride & Prejudice. Ronnie fire watching.
[page break]
16 SUN
Quiet night. London caught most of raids. Fog during night. Took our own papers. Leslie's shop got direct hit, starts with U. Jim Monday. Tea at our house, church in uniform. Had to go to Templenewsam for 8-30 p.m. Guard from 12-15 am. to 1-30 am. Nothing to report.
17 MON
More reports of air raid damage & casualties.
[page break]
19 THUR
Went to Cardington on 1 p.m train from Leeds. Arrived at 7.30 p.m. had supper & went to bed.
20 FRI
Had exams all day & got through them all. Left at 9-30 p.m. for home again. Arrived at 4.0 a.m.
21 SAT
Slept till 2 pm rang Vera up and boss too. Said I'd to wait about 3 months at least before being sent for.
[page break]
[2 blank pages]
1941 JULY
7 MON
Left Leeds & my darling at 10-15 am. Arrived at Lords at 4-0 pm. Got through administration & got into billets at 7-0 pm. Am in 7 flight.
[page break]
19 SAT
Moved from Stockleigh to Avenue Close after a fortnights' training, feel rather tired but getting used to it
[page break]
26 SAT
Left Avenue Close at 5-30 am, up @ 3-0 am. Entrained at K. Cross at 6-0 am. Arrived at Leuchars at 7-0 p.m. Had good supper & went to bed. Grand place. Very tired
[page break]
JULY-AUGUST 1941
27 SUN
Had a rather tiring day filling in docs and drawing equipment. Good meals here & very good billets
28 MON
Started lessons. Flt Lt Kerr is our officer i/c. Seems we've plenty of work to do here.
[page break]
1941 AUGUST
3 SUN
Went down on drome & had 3 flights in a Hudson. Very good here so far.
[page break]
13 WED
Had [unreadable] exam in maths, managed 90%
16 SAT
Crash at St Andrews. Hudson burned out. Pilot & Observer dead.
[page break]
18 MON
Funeral, had to act as cortege followers. Pipe band played dirges very solemn proceedings.
20 WED
Had [deleted word] final exam in maths, think I got through O.K.
23 SAT
Siren for an hour, nothing doing.
[page break]
24 SUN
Went up to sports ground & watched lads play Station Defence & win at rugby. Crash in afternoon, Hudson damaged by Beaufort.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[2 missing pages]
[page break]
SEPTEMBER 1941
[blank page]
[page break]
1941 SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER
3 FRI
Left for 9 days leave at 3 pm. Stayed in Edinburgh 5 hrs Leeds at 4.45 am. Missed them & went home on my own & was having breakfast when they arrived. She's really wonderful & it's good to be home again.
[page break]
OCTOBER 1941
[blank page]
[page break]
12 SUN
Left Leeds & my darling at 2 p.m. for Leuchars. Have had a marvellous time at home. Got in at 11-30 p.m. Tired & weary
17 FRI
Left Leuchars for London at 7-20 p.m. Sorry to leave wish we could stay here for all our training. Travelling all night special compartment.
18 SAT
Arrived at 9-15 a.m. Tired & hungry. Went to Abbey Lodge & finally to Avenue Close. Shook 'em with our drill.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
1941 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER
1 SAT NOVEMBER
Left Avenue Close for Hall Road
[page break]
[2 missing pages]
NOVEMBER 1941
21 FRI
Had flying kit issued. Going tomorrow thank goodness.
22 SAT
Left Hall Rd. for Clyffe Pypard 9 am. Arrived 12-30 pm Dinner then docs, pay accounts etc. Civilian air drome. Food poor.
[page break]
23 SUN
Flew in morning with P/O Holyoake my instructor. Poor food here. Badly cooked.
[page break]
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 1941
2 TUES
Left at 3-30 pm for Swindon on 48 hrs. Got 7-0 pm train to London & 10-40 pm from there
3 WED
Arrived 5-15 a.m. Mum & others impressed. Went up to Vera's and woke her up. She didn't go to work & we had a very nice day.
4 THUR
Went with Vera in morning & left at 2-10 p.m. for London & arrived at Swindon at 10-30 pm. Transport took us back to camp.
[page break]
1941 DECEMBER
12 FRI
Took in our flying clothing & boots, gumboots & socks. Packed up ready for going
13 SAT
Left at 11-30 am for 14 days embarkation leave. Arrived home at 9-45 pm. Vera & her Mum were at our house.
[page break]
14 SUN
Bed at 3-30 am. Vera stayed overnight. She starts at Training Centre tomorrow morning.
15 MON
Took her to Kirkstall Rd for 9 am. Called at Aunt Elsie's. Went for her at 9 pm. She's on 2 to 9's
16 TUES
Went in town for a ring & got one at Owen & Robinsons. Two stones set on cross, platinum top. Dinner at Coop.
[page break]
27 SAT
Left at 9-18 am for Manchester & arrived at 12-0 am. In private billets with Mrs Byron 11 Polefield Gardens. Ray Vera at night
[page break]
28 SUN
Wrote home & to Vera. Food is good here, discipline is slack. Nothing to do from 10 am
29 MON
Breakfast 8 am. Parade at 8-45 am. Stood about all day so finished at 4 pm.
30 TUES
Same as yesterday.
31 WED
Gave in our [unreadable] clothing & steel helmets. Went out at night with the lads got in at 12-30 am.
End of 1941 & me an engaged man. Better things for 1942 I hope. Shouldn't be surprised if we moved at the weekend
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[calendar dates 1941]
[page break]
Left at 8-0 am
reached Sussex at 9-0 a.m.
reached Rothesay at 10-5 a.m.
reached Coldbrook at
Across border at Vanceboro
Changed trains 8-15 p.m. at Portland.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Kenneth Gill 1941 Architect's and builder's diary
Description
An account of the resource
Occasional daily inputs. Mentions going to Lords (initial aircrew) in July, Leuchars for training in late July then back to London. Mentions some flying experiences in November.
Creator
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K Gill
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1941
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1941
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Yorkshire
England--Leeds
England--London
Scotland--Fife
Coverage
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Civilian
Royal Air Force
Language
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eng
Type
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Text
Text. Diary
Format
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Multi-page printed booklet with handwritten entries
Rights
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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.
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Identifier
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SGillK1438901v10008
Contributor
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Babs Nichols
Conforms To
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Pending text-based transcription. Under review
military living conditions
military service conditions
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1178/34346/YvanRielHXXXX1213v1.1.pdf
bfe2d0efed9fc5392b7418374955617b
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Van Riel, Coby
J F Van Riel
Description
An account of the resource
Three items. An oral history interview with Coby Van Riel (b. 1932), a memoir and her brothers war diary. She was a recipient of the Operation Manna food drops.
The collection was catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Date
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2015-08-25
Rights
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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.
Identifier
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VanRiel, JF
Transcribed document
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Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
Han’s war diary
(Brother of Coby van Riel)
December 1944
Thursday 28
Holiday – No confirmation classes.
The streets are getting icy today, it’s thawing. In the evening, we had soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 8 x air raid warnings. There was heavy bombardment today and shooting. Mr Boelens from Arnhem dropped in.
Friday 29
Holiday. We had carrot soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 6 x air raid warnings. 9 V1’s flew over. Someone was attacked on the Apeldoornse laan.
Saturday 30
Holiday. In the evening we had barley soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 3 V1’s flew over. 12 x air raid warnings.
Notes
We were planning to nick a door this evening, we almost managed to get it off its hinges when we were caught in the act.
Sunday 31
New Year’s Eve. Holiday. In the evening, we had sugar beets and red cabbage from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 7 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded, 4 x air raid warnings. We stayed up till 1 o’clock in the morning. It’s been snowing.
Monday 1 January 1945
New Year’s Day. Holiday. In the evening, we had Savoy cabbage soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 6 x air raid warnings. 2 V1’s flew over, one of which landed in Indigo Street.
Notes
Mother, father, aunt Co, uncle Bernard visited aunt Riek. In the afternoon Stiny went ice skating with the family Meuldijk on a piece of land bordering one of the side streets of the Driebergenstraat.
Tuesday 2 January
Holiday. In the evening, we had Savoy cabbage soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 9 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. 2 x air raid warnings. I went to No. 1 Kerkplein to obtain information about handing in a potato ration voucher.
Wednesday 3
Holiday. In the evening, we had Savoy cabbage soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 6 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. 1 x air raid warning.
Thursday 4
Holiday. No confirmation classes. In the evening we had carrot soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 9 x V1’s flew over. 6 x air raid warning. We received letters from aunt To and Elly.
Friday 5
Holiday. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 6 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. 6 air raid warnings.
Saturday 6
Holiday. In the evening we had Savoy cabbage soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 8 V1’s flew over, 3 x air raid warning. The streets were icy. People were ice skating in the streets.
Sunday 7
Holiday. In the evening we had bouillon (broth) with small pieces of meat from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 11 V1’s flew over of which one exploded, 2 x air raid warning. It snowed (sleet).
Monday 8
Holiday. In the evening we had sugar beets from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
11 V1’s flew over. There was a thick layer of snow on the streets that night. Then it started to rain and the snow disappeared in the blink of an eye.
Tuesday 9
Holiday. In the evening we had Savoy cabbage soup with small pieces of meat from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 6 V1’s flew over of which one exploded. Mother, aunt Co, aunt Cor, Stiny, Coby and I went to “Wij Draaien” in the cinema Capitol. In the evening mother threw a little soup over father. Irma, Elly, Servaas, Vera, Coby and I went sledging.
Wednesday 10
Holiday. In the evening we had kale soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
5 V1’s, 1 x air raid warning. There was no further snow fall. Mother bought a new little teapot.
Thursday 11
Holiday. In the evening we had sauerkraut soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 5 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded, 1 x air raid warning. No further snow fall, it’s still freezing. I went to the ‘Kerkplein’ in the morning.
Notes: Stiny went skating with Family Meuldijk on a piece of land on one of the side streets of the Driebergenstraat.
Friday 12
Holiday. In the evening we had porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 9 V1’s flew over. We had porridge instead of bread yesterday afternoon and this afternoon because we didn’t have enough bread. It’s thawing. I’ve cleaned my skates. We received letters from aunt Lien and Nico.
Saturday 13
Holiday. In the evening we had kapucijner (chick pea) soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 7 V1’s flew over. It’s still thawing. I have sanded my skates and painted them.
Sunday 14
Holiday. Frans (de Winter) was still at the altar. There was a severe frost. I have started to work on the electricity current drawing. In the evening we had beetroots from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 10 V1’s flew over. 2 x air raid warnings. Pastor Roeseling took Church Service in Voorburg. (normally in The Hague). Pastor Harderwijk takes the Service here.
Monday 15
Holiday. In the evening we had Savoy cabbage soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 4 V1’s flew over. Uncle Luuk lent me skates, from father I got a T-square, a set square (45 degrees) and a protractor. It’s no longer freezing.
Tuesday 16
Holiday. In the evening we had tomato soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 6 V1’s flew over of which one exploded. It’s no longer freezing.
Wednesday 17
Holiday. In the evening we had potato soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 4 V1’s flew over. Irma, Elly, Vera, Coby and I played outside today in the afternoon. (hide and seek).
Thursday 18
Holiday. In the evening we had soup (?) from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 2 V1’s flew over both of which exploded. Gale force winds. No confirmation classes.
Friday 19
Holiday. Gale force winds, hail in the evening and sleet. Not a single V1. In the evening we had onion soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Mother got an extra portion.
Uncle Luuk and I fetched 90 kg potatoes from Valkenhuis.
Saturday 20
Holiday. In the evening we had tomato soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Mother got an extra portion. 13 V1’s flew over. Uncle Luuk and I had planned to go to the Public Bath house in the morning but it was closed due to a fuel shortage. It’s snowing.
Sunday 21
Frans wasn’t at the altar today. In the evening we had beetroots with sugar beets and potatoes + small pieces of meat from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. There’s been a heavy snow fall. Mother had an extra portion.
Monday 22
Holiday. I would have accompanied father but this wasn’t possible because he and 2 “lopers”
(helpers) did one round together. There is still snow on the ground. In the evening we had potato soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Mother had an extra portion. 4 V1’s flew over. Twice air raid warning. We received a letter from aunt To that Frits (her son) is back in The Netherlands again.
Note Coby: Father was a bread deliverer. “Lopers” were helpers to pull the baker’s delivery- cart through the snow and for protection from looting.
Tuesday 23
Holiday. In the evening we had tomato soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Mother had an extra portion. There is still snow on the ground. 7 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded.
Wednesday 24
Holiday. In the evening we had soup (?) from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Mother had an extra portion. 7 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. There is still snow on the ground. It’s been freezing. I bought a small leather strap for my skates.
Thursday 25
Holiday. It’s been freezing and snowing. In the evening we had Savoy cabbage soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Mother had an extra portion. No confirmation classes.
8 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded.
Friday 26
Holiday. In the evening we had ½ litre soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 8 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. It’s been snowing and freezing. Bread rations reduced by 500 grams. I have arranged to go sledging with Irma and Elly tomorrow afternoon 2.30.
Saturday 27
Mr Veldink’s birthday. Holiday. .In the evening we had ½ litre soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 11 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. It’s been snowing and freezing. Coby wasn’t well and Irma’s sledge was broken, we therefore couldn’t play outside.
Sunday 28
Holiday. Frans was at the altar again. In the evening we had Savoy cabbage soup with flower bulbs! from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 8 V1’s flew over, three of which exploded. In the afternoon I sledged with Irma and Elly and threw snowballs. There is still snow on the ground.
Monday 29
Holiday. There is still snow on the ground. In the evening we had flower bulb! soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 9 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. Father did his last round (due to looting).
Tuesday 30
Holiday. In the evening we had flower bulb! soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. There had been a severe frost and heavy snow fall. Food provisions have been left by the Swedish Red Cross in Meppel (town in county Drente North East) for children over 14 years of age. Not a single V1.
Wednesday 31
Holiday. It is thawing and it’s been raining. We had salted endive with sugar beets from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 1 x air raid warning. Not a single V1. Father had exchanged a bottle of milk for 1a coupon of bread, this was used to make custard.
Thursday, 1 February 1945
Holiday. The snow has almost gone. 12 V1’s flew over, 3 of which exploded. We had tulip bulb! soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Christmas holidays extended till 18 February 1945 inclusive. No confirmation classes.
Friday 2
Holiday. We had tulip bulb! soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 8 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. The snow has gone.
Saturday 3
Holiday. We had tulip bulb! soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 4 V1’s flew over, two of which exploded. 4 x air raid warnings. I fetched rhubarb tubers with uncle Luuk from his garden. Father became unwell. Stomach ache and nausea.
Sunday 4
Holiday. Frans was at the altar again. We had salted endive and potatoes from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 11 V1’s flew over, two of which exploded. 2 x air raid warnings. Father isn’t well. Stomach ache and nausea.
Monday 5
Holiday. We had Savoy cabbage soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 6 V1’s flew over of which two exploded. We got a letter, a pair of socks and a loaf of rye bread from aunt Lien. Father went to work, but he hasn’t fully recovered. He’s been to the doctor and was given a medical tonic. He’s not allowed to eat anything from the Central Kitchen for 3 days.
Tuesday 6
Holiday. We had salted Savoy cabbage soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
11 V1’s flew over, two of which exploded. 7 x air raid warnings. Father stayed at home. Dr. Clias has been. I went to the “Volharding“ (similar to Co-Op) office, to tell them that Father was ill.
Wednesday 7
Holiday. Father stayed at home. Mother went to the Volharding office but got nothing. We had ????? soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 4 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded I assembled the radio and tried it out, but it was not working. 1 x air raid warning.
Thursday 8
No confirmation classes. Holiday. We had ???? soup from the Central Kitchen. 16 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. Father is still unwell. Irma, Elly, Coby and I played outside in the afternoon.
Friday 9
Holiday. We had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 8 V1’s flew over.
2 x air raid warnings. Father is still unwell. 2 V1’s exploded. I went to Loosduinen where there had been heavy bombing.
Saturday 10
Holiday. We had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 11 V1’s flew over.
3 x air raid warnings. Father is up and about again. I went to the Volharding for yeast.
Sunday 11
Holiday. There was an air raid warning at half past nine in the morning. We thought that church would start at 10.15. But it started at 10 o’clock. We arrived too late. I wasn’t at the altar. But Frans was. In the evening we had sauerkraut with sugar beets from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 9 V1’s flew over, 2 of which exploded. 2 x air raid warnings.
Monday 12
Holiday. We had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 10 V1’s flew over. Father and uncle Luuk have been to the doctor. Father hasn’t been back to work yet. Uncle Luuk was planning to go to Rotterdam but it was raining too hard.
Tuesday 13
Uncle Bernard’s birthday Holiday. We had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 13 V1’s flew over. In the morning, we had coffee with milk and sugar. Father has not been back to work yet. 2 V1’s exploded. Uncle Gerard’s house was broken into.
Wednesday 14
Holiday. Father hasn’t yet returned to work. In the evening, we had brown bean soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 12 V1’s flew over one of which exploded. 6 x air raid warnings. Irma, Elly, Coby and I played outside.
Thursday 15
Holiday. No confirmation classes. Father still hasn’t returned to work. In the evening, we had red cabbage with sugar beets from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 7 V1’s flew over. 2 x air raid warnings. Stiny and Coby went to aunt Jet’s.
Friday 16
Holiday. In the evening, we had kapucijner (chickpea) soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 8 V1’s flew over. Father still hasn’t returned to work.
Saturday 17
Holiday. I went to the Volharding in the morning to get yeast. In the evening, we had ???? soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 13 V1’s flew over. Father hasn’t returned to work yet. With uncle Luuk and I fetched 100 kg sugar beets from his office. Christmas holiday extended to 5 March 1945 inclusive. Uncle Gerard has been.
Sunday 18
Holiday. Father has been to Uncle Gerard. In the evening, we had carrots and onions from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Irma, Ellly, Coby, Vera and I played outside. Frans was not at the altar. 9 V1’s flew over. Stiny had been to Aunt Jet’s.
Monday 19
Holiday. Father still hasn’t returned to work. He’s been to uncle Gerard’s. In the evening, we had ??? soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 9 V1’s flew over, 2 of which exploded. I had planned to go to Servaas in the evening but he wasn’t at home.
Notes: Father went to the Volharding office to ask if he could have a loaf of bread which the other staff members had received because they had guarded the shops. He didn’t get anything however. Uncle Luuk had been to Rotterdam.
Tuesday 20
Holiday. In the evening, we had ??? soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 12 V1’s flew over, 1 of which exploded. 3 x air raid warnings. Father has returned to work. Irma got a new little sister called Marion. I fetched a small box of “Sacharine” (sweetners) on the Leeghwaterkade. (Note: sweetners as there was no sugar anymore).
Wednesday 21
Holiday. In the evening, we had chick pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 8 V1’s flew over, 1 of which exploded. I saw it explode. 10 x air raid warnings. Irma, Coby and I went outside for a little while. I arranged to meet Servaas v. Dam to go fishing tomorrow.
Thursday 22
In the evening, we had red beetroots with sugar beets + meat from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Holiday. No confirmation classes. I went fishing in the Loosduinseweg and caught more than 60 sticklebacks. 15 x air raid warnings. 5 V1’s flew over. Shooting, bombing and flights all day. Irma, Coby and I rollerbladed in the afternoon. Grenade bombs across the whole city, at Westland, Marlot, Bezuidenhout etc. Jo gave birth to a son Tonny.
Friday 23
Holiday. In the evening, we had tulip bulb! stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. I went to Servaas van Dam in the afternoon. 3 x air raid warnings. 10 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. New regulation from the Central Kitchen. Food distribution from
3.30 - 5.30pm.
Saturday 24
Holiday. Turkey has declared war upon Germany and Japan. In the evening, we had tulip bulb soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 5 x air raid warnings. 1 V1 flew over. Yeast is no longer permitted to be sold. Letter from Charles. Uncle Willem’s birthday.
Sunday 25
Holiday. Coby has been to aunt Jet. In the evening, we had Savoy cabbage and sugar beets from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 10 x air raid warnings. Frans was not at the altar. Egypt has declared war upon Germany and Japan. 2 V1’s flew over.
Monday 26
Holiday. In the evening, we had vermicelli soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 10 x air raid warnings. 9 V1’s flew over, one exploded. Bomb in the Spuistraat. Irma, Coby and I played outside. I collected Coby later. I was going to collect a letter from Elly Peysel, but she didn’t have one as she had burnt her hand.
Tuesday 27
Holiday. In the evening, we had flower bulb soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Uncle Bernard had been to a conference in Bagatelle. Uncle Luuk took a crate with empty bottles (in the morning) and collected a crate of full bottles in the afternoon. 7 x air raid warnings. 9 V1’s flew over, 2 of which exploded. Syria has declared war upon Germany and Japan. Uncle Charles came and brought with him: potatoes for uncle Ben and father. For everybody one egg, bread, emergency bread (probably “zeekaken”) + crackers, flour, rye, socks for Father, meat in gravy, oats and oil. In the afternoon I went for a short while to Servaas van Dam and later also with Elly and later on with Irma and 2 other boys.
Wednesday 28
Holiday. In the evening, we had kroten (red beetroots) with carrots and onions from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. In the morning I took uncle Charles’s spectacles to be repaired and picked them up in the evening. 13 x air raid warnings. 5 V1’s flew over. In the evening Thea took a letter to uncle Charles. In the afternoon, Coby, Ima, Elly, Vera, Servaas, Pietje and a few other children played outside. No newspaper.
Thursday 1 March
Irma, Coby and I played outside.
Holiday. No confirmation classes. Uncle Charles left in the morning at 6.30. In the evening we had ???? from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 10 V1’s came over. 8 x air raid warnings. Today we received the birth announcement from A.J. v. Heusden. Mother has gone to Jo. Holiday extended till 2 April inclusive.
Friday 2 March
Holiday. In the morning Mother and I fetched bread, butter and barley from the Swedish Red Cross. In the evening we had flower bulb soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 12 x air raid warnings. 9 V1’s flew over. We are eating white bread with egg given to us by aunt Lien (wife of uncle Charles). Irma, Elly, Vera, Coby and I played outside.
Saturday 3
Holiday. In the evening, we had flower bulb! soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 2 V1’s flew over. 3 times air raid warnings. There was heavy bombing in the morning. Bezuidenhout (district in The Hague) is on fire. Also a bomb fell in the Nunspeetlaan. No water, no gas, no electricity. Rumour has it that the English are in
Den Helder. (Navy Base top North West of county North Holland).
Sunday 4
Mrs. Roeseling’s birthday. Holiday. I didn’t go to church. I wrote a letter to Mrs Roeseling. In the evening, we had Savoy cabbage from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 3 V1’s flew over, one of which exploded. Jo, Tonny and the baby (called Tonny after his dad) are here.
Monday 5
Holiday. Rieka is here. In the evening, we had ???? soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 9 x air raid warnings. No newspaper. 1 VI. Miep and Bob and Jo and Tonny’s houses burnt to the ground.
Tuesday 6
Holiday. I received a letter from Nico and Bookshop Hoonhoud. Aunt Co received a letter from Nico. Cor received a letter from Suze van Hessen. In the evening, we had pigeon bone soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 12 VI’s flew over.
Wednesday 7
Holiday. In the afternoon at 1.15 I was allowed to have a meal at Beusekom’s (the butcher) in the Nunspeetlaan 170. Coby had to be there at 1.30. We had soup with meat. In the evening, we had pigeon bone soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 11 VI’s flew over.
Thursday 8
No confirmation classes. Holiday. 11 V1’s flew over. 3 x air raid warnings. In the evening at 6.50, we had red cabbage from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Mother wrote a letter to aunt Lien. I started writing a letter to Nico.
Friday 9
Holiday. 8 x air raid warnings. 3 VI’s exploded. 13 VI’s flew over. In the evening, we had pea soup from the Swedish Red Cross in the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Bombing throughout the day. Irma, Servaas, Coby, Dickie and I had been outside. Irma has my German exercise book.
Saturday 10
In the evening, we had pea soup from the Swedish Red Cross in the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 13 air raid warnings. 5 VI’s flew over. Bombing and shooting throughout the day.
Sunday 11
Holiday. Uncle Rinus’ birthday. I didn’t go to church. 8 VI’s flew over. 10 x air raid warnings. In the evening, we had stew (stamppot) with peas from the Swedish Red Cross in the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Jo and Tonny have been. Irma, Elly and Vera have been but mother, Coby and I had gone out for a walk.
Monday 12
Holiday. In the evening, we had pea soup from the Swedish Red Cross in the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 15 VI’s flew over, of which one landed on the Kwartellaan. Irma, Elly, Coby, Vera, Servaas, Arie and Yvonne played outside in the afternoon. Bob came.
Tuesday 13
Holiday. I went fishing in the Soestdijksekade and didn’t catch anything. In the evening, we had pea soup from the Swedish Red Cross in the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Father collected it. Bob has been. Irma collected books from Coby. 1 V1 flew over. 8 x air raid warnings.
Wednesday 14
Holiday. In the evening, we had deep freeze stew (Savoy cabbage or sweetheart cabbage) from the Swedish Red Cross in the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 2 V1’s flew over.
4 x air raid warnings. The use of V3 been started. 1 V3 flew over. Co and I had pea soup at the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan. Mother visited Aunt Jet with Coby.
Thursday 15
No confirmation classes. Holiday. In the evening, we had onion soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. I went fishing in the Soestdijksekade and caught nothing. 1 x air raid warning. 3 V projectiles flew over, 1 V projectile exploded. I returned Servaas’ book to him, have given him one book and he gave me 1 book.
Friday 16
Holiday. . In the evening, we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 8 V projectiles flew over. 3 x air raid warnings.
Saturday 17
Holiday. . In the evening, we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
4 V projectiles flew over. 8 x air raid warnings. 1 V projectile exploded. Letters from aunt Lien. Rumours of Peace Conference.
Notes (Han)
H.C. van Maasdijk taken up temporary position as mayor of ’s Gravenhage (The Hague) and Rijswijk.
Sunday 18
Holiday. I went to church with Father, Mother and Coby. Frans wasn’t at the altar. In the evening, we had red beetroots from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 10 x air raid warnings. 7 V projectiles flew over, one of which exploded. Irma, Vera, Servaas and Arie played outside in the afternoon with Coby and I. Pastor v. Harderwijk is with Pastor Roeseling.
Monday 19
In the evening, we had ??????? soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
10 V projectiles flew over. 8 x air raid warnings. 2 V projectiles exploded.
(St Josef) Tuesday 20
Holiday. I brought 30 metres washing line for aunt Co. I took a letter to Thea. Aunt Cor and Stiny went to Westland and brought back endive and celery. In the evening, we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. 10 x air raid warnings.
7 V projectiles flew over. Irma fetched Coby’s book.
Wednesday 21
Holiday. We received an extra 400 gram “regeringsbrood” (government) bread from the International Red Cross in Geneva. In the evening, we had red beetroots from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 5 V projectiles flew over. 7 x air raid warnings. In the afternoon, Coby and I had vegetable soup at the butchers in the Nunspeetlaan.
Thursday 22
No confirmation classes. Holiday. Mother and I went to Westland from 8 o’clock to 3 o’clock and brought back 4 kg spinach. In the evening, we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 7 V projectiles flew over, 1 of which exploded. 10 x air raid warnings. The English have crossed the Rhine at Maine-Mannheim.
Friday 23
Holiday. In the morning Uncle Luuk and I fetched 0.8 mud anthracite from Mr Hekman in the Rutger Jan Schimmelpennincklaan. 0.8 mud. In the evening, we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 7 V projectiles flew over, 1 of which landed in “sperrgebiet” (German word), a no go area for Dutch people, occupied by the Germans.
11 x air raid warnings.
Saturday 24
Holiday. In the evening, we had rye porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
6 x air raid warnings. England has started a big offensive in The Netherlands. Irma, Coby and I played outside in the afternoon. Letters from Mr. Donia for Mr. Bakker. Mr. Donia was the headmaster of our grammar school and Mr. Bakker a teacher in Geography.
Notes (Han)
Coby wasn’t well on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, being 21, 22 and 23 March. The English crossed the Rhine at Emmerik, Rees, Wesel into Germany.
Sunday 25
Holiday. Palm Sunday. Stieny, (another spelling of Stiny). Coby and I went to church and we received palms. Frans was once again at the altar. 4 x air raid warnings. In the evening we had Savoy cabbage from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
Monday 26
Holiday. Irma, Elly, Yvonne, Servaas, Coby and I played outside in the afternoon. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 7 V projectiles flew over, 2 of which exploded. 1 x air raid warning.
Tuesday 27
Holiday. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 3 x air raid warnings. 6 V projectiles flew over, 1 of which exploded. I fetched a letter for Cor from Elly via Thea’s sister.
Wednesday 28
Holiday. We received a letter from aunt Lien. At 7 o’clock in the evening we had carrot and onion stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Coby and I had hashed meat with potatoes at the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan. Uncle Luuk is receiving extra food rations (bijvoeding). 1 V projectile flew over.
“Witte Donderdag” (“Maundy Thursday”) Thursday 29
No confirmation classes. Holiday. 10 o’clock Holy Communion Service. Stieny, Coby and I have been to church. Frans was also at the altar. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 1 x air raid warning. We received 400 gram white bread, 125 gram margarine and Coby 250 gram oatmeal from the Swedish Red Cross.
Good Friday 30
Holiday. 10 o’clock Holy Communion Service. Stieny, Coby and I have been to church. In the afternoon, aunt Co, Stieny and I went to a string quartet in our church,
J. Hayden’s “7 Kruiswoorden” In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 9 x air raid warnings.
Easter Saturday 31
Aunt Lena’s birthday. Holiday. Vera van Spanje’s birthday. No Easter Services. Stieny,
Coby and Mother have been to Westland (endive : 15 kg at f 0,70, lettuce at 20 cent each and rhubarb: 2 bunches at f 1,50). In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 3 x air raid warnings.
Notes (Han): “In the choice of love, everyone is their own boss and a fool in the eye of another”.
In 1945 606 V projectiles flew over, 69 exploded.
Easter Sunday 1 April
Holiday. 10 o’clock. Holy Communion Service. Aunt Co, Stieny ma, pa, Coby and I have been to church. Frans was also at the altar. In the evening we had carrot and onion stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Uncle Gerard’s house has been broken into again. We had a salad with our bread.
Easter Monday 2 April
Holiday. No church. We again had a salad with our bread. We also had coffee with milk. In the evening we had carrot and onion stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
4 x air raid warnings. Yesterday, Frans and I were given f 1,00 from the Pastor.
Tuesday 3
Back to school. (Laan 5). We were only at school for a short time. In future we will have school on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 o’clock to 11.30 o’clock. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 7 x air raid warnings.
I bought the book: “Sports Fisherman Pay Attention” (Sportvissers opgepast).
Wednesday 4
In the evening we had deepfreeze stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 2 x air raid warnings. Today we were allowed to go home at 11 o’clock. Eating at the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan has been postponed till Thursday 5 April 1945. I fetched 30 kg potatoes with uncle Luuk from his office.
Thursday 5
No lessons. Irma, Coby and I went to Westland (spinach 10 Kg = f 5,50, rhubard 2 Kg f 0,80, radishes 10 bunches f 1,60). It was raining very hard on the way back, Coby and I went back with the mail-coach. We had vegetable soup with meat at the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan. We received 400 gram white bread from the Swedish Red Cross. In the evening we had a thick vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. The soup at the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan was too late because there wasn’t any meat. For a few days now, there has also been low water pressure due to a shortage of electricity.
Friday 6
In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in Gaslaan. Bread rations reduced by 200 grams. There were only 4 other children in our class. Yesterday for the first time, Uncle Luuk got extra food portions (bijvoeding) (*I.K.B. Nunspeetlaan).
*I.K.B. = Inter Kerkelijk Bureau = Church Organisation.
Saturday 7
In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. 1 x air raid warning. There seem to be dahlia bulbs in the soup over the last few days. It has a bitter taste.
Sunday 8
In the evening we had endive and potato stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
Pastor Roeseling took the Service in Voorburg. Pastor van Harderwijk at ours. Frans was
also at the altar. I should have operated the organ pedals today but Paul did it.
Monday 9
We got an extra half liter buttermilk from the Central Kitchens. (Distribution point Teylerstraat) queued from 1 o’clock to 4 o’clock. In the evening we had a thin vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We made porridge with barley from the buttermilk. Letter from aunt To.
Tuesday 10
Odessa fell a year ago. Irma and I have been to Westland. 1 x air raid warning. I took uncle Luuk’s suitcase to Velpsestaat 17g. In the evening we had Savoy Cabbage stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Aunt Cor had also been to Westland.
Wednesday 11
In the evening we had Savoy cabbage deep-freeze soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Coby and I had soup with meat and minced meat from the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan. Irma, Elly Coby, Yvonne and I played outside in the afternoon. During the game, I wacked my head into Elly’s head making her fly across the street.
Thursday 12
No confirmation classes. In the evening we had porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Today or yesterday President Roosevelt died of a brain aneurism. (a cerebral haemorrhage). I became ill in the morning, severe shakes, I went to bed and had a stomach upset, diarrhoea and headache, a temperature.
Friday 13
In the evening we had porridge (gone off/turned sour) from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I didn’t go to school. I stayed in bed. I might have a light concussion. Coby has brought me homework. We received 400 grams white bread and Coby 250 grams rice from the Swiss Government Organisation.
Saturday 14
In the evening we had a thin soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We opened a pot of meat from aunt Lien, minced the meat and mixed everything into a stew. (hotch potch).
I still stayed in bed.
Bob Ruis (neighbour’s son, friend and school-mate ) fell on top of a landmine during the chopping of logs and flew into the air.
(Han underlined with red pencil about Rob Ruis plus his following notes), probably of shock and worry. Notes Han:
We were under curfew this week. When will the liberation come ???? Bread rations have been fixed at 600 gram per week !!!!!!! And then ……….???!!!
Sunday 15
In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I got up again at 5 o’clock in the afternoon. I didn’t go to church. Frans however was at the altar.
Monday 16
In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Today and tomorrow razzia’s on men up to 60 years of age.
Note Coby: Han crossed out the following: (Groningen, Friesland and Drente have been liberated. The entire Afsluitsdijk is in Allied hands (undamaged). The Allies have already crossed this. These rumours are doing the rounds). Mother has been to family Ruis. I wrote a letter.
The “Afsluitdijk” is between the county North Holland and Friesland, crossing the sea in the North of Holland, from West to East, Friesland on the border of North West Germany.
Tuesday 17
I went to the doctor’s with mother and I have to stay in bed for a few more days. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Cor and Stien have been inoculated against typhus. Stien became unwell.
Wednesday 18
Coby and I had vegetable soup from the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan. Mother fetched it for me. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I still stayed in bed.
Thursday 19
No confirmation classes. Henk Grandia’s birthday. In the evening we had swedes from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I still stayed in bed. In the evening we got carrots and onions with a tin of meat from aunt Co.
Friday 20
Hitler’s birthday. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I still stayed in bed. Father had to deliver bread for the Red Cross. He was given an extra loaf of bread. We received 400 gram white bread and Coby 125 gram rice and 125 gram oatmeal from the Swiss Government Food Organisation. Notes. Friday 20 April 1945: There was a meeting in the office in the evening from 7.16 o’clock to 7.45 at *Vlera’s (1 member per household) regarding the place and the supply of provisions, which people are given in our cellar when there are street fights. In addition, 30 to 35 able-bodied men were chosen.
* Vlera = a meeting place.
Saturday 21
I still stayed in bed. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. In the afternoon from 2.30 to 4.30 1 cubic metre sand was hoisted onto the roofs of every other 3 residential roofs. Coby went to an afternoon school in the Hemsterhuisstraat
( 2-4 o’clock). It was about Indonesia (Saidja + Adinda), a Wajang puppet show, a shadow show.
Sunday 22
In the evening we had “stoofsla stampot” (a stew of a lettuce one can cook) from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I didn’t go to church. In the afternoon we had a salad with our bread. I got up in the afternoon. Coby went to the van Spanjes in the afternoon. In the evening we had “raapstelen” (turnip tops) with a pot of minced meat from aunt Lien.
Monday 23
In the evening we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. (Swedish Red Cross). Mother went to Bob Ruis’s funeral in the morning. I stayed in bed this morning. The stove was on for the last time yesterday. How are we going to cook food from now on ??????
When will liberation come ??????????
Tuesday 24
In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan (Swedish Red Cross). In the afternoon, I went with mother to the pedicurist to pay for her support soles and after that we went for a long walk and ate “slagcreme” (made from beetroot juices). We stoked up the stove again but what will happen tomorrow ?????????????????
Wednesday 25
In the evening we had “stoofsla” stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Father had to do a bread delivery for the Red Cross and was therefore given an extra loaf of bread.
I haven’t been to school yet. Irma is ill. Food from the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan has been postponed till Friday. Coby and I have registered at the I.K.B. for extra rations (school).
Wednesday: Today the Peace Conference begins in San Francisco, attended by 44 countries. Stiny isn’t well, she’s in bed.
Thursday 26
No confirmations classes. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Father had to do a bread delivery for the Red Cross and was therefore given an extra loaf of white bread. Father was also given a parcel from the Volharding office. When we went to the Central Kitchen, we bumped into Irma and Marion. Coby and I have received a request from the I.K.B to come for a medical examination. Cor and Stiny have been inoculated for the 2nd time.
Friday 27
Coby and I didn’t go to school because we had to attend the I.K.B’s medical at
Heelsumstraat 59 at 10.15 am. At 4 o’clock in the afternoon we had soup from the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Father had to do a bread delivery for the Red Cross and was therefore given an extra loaf of white bread. He also got a loaf of white bread for preparing onions. We received 400 gram of white bread from the Swedish Red Cross, 125 gram margarine, 200 for Coby, 250 gram porridge oats and 250 grams extra cheese.
Saturday 28
Irma’s birthday. We went to Irma at half past 2 till 5 o’clock and gave her flowers. In the evening we had chick pea-vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I bought a brooch for Mother’s birthday I bought a book ‘Abridged History of Indonesia to the arrival of the Dutch’. I gave Aunt Co flowers. Rumours of peace. My watch has been repaired.
Sunday 29
I’ve been to church again. Frans was also at the altar. In the evening we had soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. In the afternoon, food parcels were dropped over Ypenburg and Valkenburg by Avro Lancaster bombers. Cor and I stood on Capitol Cinema’s roof. Rumours of peace (perhaps 1 May).
Monday 30
I’ve been to school again. Elly is ill (van Spanje). In the evening we had buttermilk porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. In the afternoon, food parcels were dropped over Ypenburg and Valkenburg airfields Den Deyl, Duindigt etc. by Avro Lancaster bombers, parcels consisting of tea, egg (in powder form), bacon, dried meat, margarine, chocolate bars, cacao, cheese, wheat flour, sugar, beans etc.
Adolf Hitler “dood” (dead). “Under “dood” was a fierce stripe, probably it meant a great relief to Han. Coby’s Note: I am sure to everybody else.
Tuesday 1 May
Mother’s birthday. In the evening we had lentil soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
For a few days some food parcels were from the Swiss Red Cross. In the mornings and afternoons food parcels with provisions were dropped on the aforementioned places by respectively Boeing Fortress and Avro Lancasters. Bob, Jo and Pastor have been. I gave mother the brooch and Coby a small “kleedje” (tablecloth or something). Father, Coby and I gave mother flowers. Big celebrations in The Hague.
Wednesday 2 May
In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Uncle Luuk was admitted to the hospital at the Zuidwal. Eating at the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan has been postponed to Thursday 3 May 1945. Mother visited uncle Luuk. In the afternoon food parcels were dropped on the aforementioned places by Avro Lancasters. Coby and I received food from the I.K.B. District Office in the Heelsumstraat 6 x per week. Father has again accompanied the Red Cross delivering bread and has therefore received 1 extra loaf of bread.
Thursday 3
No confirmation classes. Father delivered bread for the Red Cross and received 1 extra loaf of white bread. In the evening we had rye porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I fetched 10 Kg potatoes for f5,00 and half a loaf of Swedish white bread for uncle Luuk at the tax office. From today, no further bread will be baked. Mother fetched some of uncle Luuk’s things from Mrs Hulscher in the morning. Coby and I have had some soup from the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan. In the afternoon, Coby and I were again examined in the Heelsumstraat. In the afternoon food parcels were dropped on the aforementioned places by Avro Lancasters.
Friday 4
In the evening, we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Father had to deliver bread for the Red Cross and received 2 white loaves. We received 400 grams of white bread from the Swedish Red Cross. In the afternoon food parcels were dropped on the aforementioned places by Avro Lancaster bombers. In the afternoon I went with Irma to Westland. Elly van Spanje is well again. In the morning I went to the Tax Office to say that uncle Luuk has been admitted to hospital at the Zuidwal. (? was already admitted on 2 May?)
Capitulation from W.W. (must have been west) Germany, Denmark and Holland has been announced.
Saturday 5
In the evening we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. At 8 o’clock this morning, the capitulation went into effect. Gerard (son of uncle Luuk) came from visiting uncle Luuk. Mother and I have been to Binnenhof to fetch provisions for uncle Luuk. Mother went to uncle Luuk in the afternoon. In the morning food parcels were dropped on the aforementioned places by Avro Lancasters and Boeing Fortresses. On the meat coupon one can get dried meat which has been dropped by the English. Coby has fetched tickets from the I.K.B.
Note: “Binnenhof” and “Buitenhof” in the middle of The Hague are government buildings.
Sunday 6 May
Tonny’s birthday. Cor has been to church again for the first time. Frans was also there. We had rye porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Mother, father and Coby have gone to visit Jo and Tonny. Aunt Co and Stien have been to uncle Luuk. This afternoon at 4 o’clock the first Allied Troops crossed the front line. At 12 noon the red white and blue flag was hoisted on the Haagse Toren. (Tower). All N.S.B. members (N.S.B = Nationaal Socialistische Beweging) (The National Socialist Movement) were picked up. Irma, Elly, Stien, Cor, Han and Coby went into town this evening.
Monday 7 May
In the evening we had thick pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Coby and I also had thick porridge in “Vlera” from the I.K.B. In the morning and the afternoon, food parcels were dropped on the aforementioned places by Avro Lancasters and Boeing Fortress bombers. N.S.B. members are still being picked up. Mother has been to uncle Luuk. She has also been to Mrs Hulscher with Coby to fetch uncle Luuk’s possessions).
Tuesday 8
Dankstond (Thanksgiving) in all churches in Great The Hague (Groot-Den-Haag). No service in our church. In the evening we had lentil soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Uncle Luuk died at a quarter to six in the morning. Mother and aunt Co have gone across. Father had to deliver bread for the Red Cross and received 1 extra loaf of bread. In the afternoon, food parcels were dropped on the aforementioned places by Avro Lancaster bombers. Coby and I received two meal coupons from the I.K.B. on the occasion of the liberation. The Princess Irene Brigade entered The Hague at 7 o’clock in the evening.
Wednesday 9
Coby fetched two meal coupons for father and mother, on the occasion of the liberation. In the evening, we had rye porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Father and mother had pea soup from the I.K.B. Coby had broad bean soup. I had buttermilk porridge. Today no food from the butcher in the Nunspeetlaan. Postponed till next week. We received 400 gram government bread from the Red Cross, Coby 500 grams grain products and 250 gram rice.
Thursday 10
No confirmation classes. 10 o’clock Holy Communion Service. Coby and I have been to church. Frans was also there. We had pea-lentil soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan and kapucijner soup. Father, mother, Coby and I had rye porridge from the I.K.B. In the future, air drops of food supplies will no longer be done.
Friday 11
I have been standing all day with father at the Volharding Branch Office in the Terletstraat and have eaten myself silly on cream cakes. Coby is ill, she’s in bed. In the evening we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Father and mother had buttermilk porridge from the I.K.B. Coby and I broad bean soup. From now on, we will only receive “plaatbrood”. (Coby – note: Han crossed this last sentence out).
Saturday 12
In the evening, we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had rye porridge from the I.K.B. We received food provisions and articles from the Allied Forces, which were laid down by the 1st distribution of Allied Forces food provisions under insert II.
Sunday 13
Mother’s Day. We had endive stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I haven’t been to church due to diarrhoea. Gerard and Kiek (sons of uncle Luuk) came this morning.
J. Parree and Frans de Winter were at the altar. Coby has recovered. Aunt Co is better again. Stien has diarrhoea.
Monday 14
Anniversary of aunt Co and uncle Ben’s bridal days. Uncle Luuk was buried at Nieuw Eik and Duinen this morning. We all had to go to school. Coby went on her own. I went to the Volharding Branch Office in the Terletstraat. In the evening we had vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had rye porridge from the I.K.B. For allied food provisions see insert II. (No inserts 1 and 2 were there).
Tuesday 15
In the evening, we had lentil soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had broad bean soup from the I.K.B. In the afternoon I fetched the circulars at the “Haagse Courant” for father. For Allied food provisions see insert II. I delivered the circulars with father in the evening.
Wednesday 16
In the evening we had thin rye porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had thick pea soup from the I.K.B. Coby and I had vegetable and pea soup from the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan. We went to school for a short while but were turned back because the school had to be cleaned. I dropped into the Volharding Branch Office in the Terletstraat for Allied provisions, see the I.K.B’s insert II, everybody got 3 fondants.
Thursday 17
No confirmation classes. Mother and I took uncle Luuk’s things (papers?) to the Tax Office this morning. I then continued to the office and then to the Volharding Branch Office in the Terletstraat. For Allied provisions see Insert II. Uncle Luuk’s Gerard has been. In the evening we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan We each got 3 fondants from the I.K.B.
Friday 18
In the evening, we had runner beans with white bean stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had ?? from the I.K.B. Mother again fetched I.K.B. coupons for us in Salvatori. We went to school today.
Saturday 19
In the evening, we had runner beans with white bean stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had brown bean soup from the I.K.B. I spent the whole day at the Volharding Branch Office in the Terletstraat. See Insert II for Allied provisions. Holiday.
Notes: This week, stamps issue 1940 depicting the Queen have become valid again. From now on, everything which was distributed before, free of charge has to be paid for now
1ste Pinkersterdag Whit Sunday20
Holiday. In the evening we had purslane and endive stew. Mother, Father, Coby Cor and I have been to church. Frans de W. and Joop P. were there as well. We went for a walk in the afternoon and had a drink in a café on the Laan van Eik en Duinen. Food from the Central Kitchen was sour. (gone off).
2de Pinkersterdag Whit Monday 21
Holiday. Cor was “gevormd” (confirmed) a year ago. In the evening we had endive, vegetable and pea stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had thick wheat porridge from the I.K.B in “Vlera”. The Canadian Victory Parade which should have taken place this week, has been called off. The football match with the Canadians that Cor and I would have gone to is postponed because of the parade.
Together, we had 2 little fondants and 2 vitamins from the I.K.B
Tuesday 22
In the evening we had a thin porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. In the afternoon and evening, we had pea soup and 4 vitamin pralines together from the I.K.B.
I spent the whole day in the Volharding Branch Office in the Terletstraat. I saw Tom van Zijdervelt. Holiday.
Meeting.
Wednesday 23
In the evening we had pea soup stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. From the I.K.B, we had a thin pea soup, 4 oranges and 4 vitamins together. Food from the butcher’s in the Nunspeetlaan has been discontinued. We went back to school.
Thursday 24
No confirmation classes. We went to school. In the evening we had a thin vegetable soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had pea soup and 2 oranges and 2 vitamins each. We received a letter from aunt To. Cox had to deliver 4 letters for Mr Donia and myself 1. Coby took them all. No food at “Vlera”.
Friday 25
Anneke de Beer’s birthday. In the evening we had Savoy cabbage stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had vegetable soup and 2 vitamins each from the I.K.B. We have been to school. Coby and I fetched coupons from the I.K.B. I got another letter from Mr Donia and Coby delivered it. Father had to deliver bread for the Red Cross and got 1 white loaf and one government loaf.
Saturday 26
In the evening we had ___??_______ from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had
?? from he I.K.B. Charles arrived in the evening at 11 o’clock.
Sunday 27
*Rob Ruis and Mr Broekhuisen’s (teacher) birthdays. We had ?? from the Central Kitchen. Charles and I have been to church. Instead of being at the altar I sat with Charles in church because I had diarrhoea. Cor and Frans were at the altar.
*Passed away, see Exercise book 1) 14 April 1945.
Monday 28
Coby and I have not been to school or the I.K.B. Liberation party on the Apeldoornselaan. Coby and I joined in the parade dressed up as farmer and his wife. Stien was wearing a dress which had : flower bulbs, sugar beets, celery and labels of all sorts of surrogate packaging sewn onto it. Cor was wearing a suit which had all the English food tins sewn onto it. We had ?? from the Central kitchen in the Gaslaan. Anneke de Beer has been. I returned home at about 10 o’clock in the evening as I became unwell. The others continued till about 12 o’clock. Elly van Spanje also joined us till about 10 o’clock. Irma is ill.
Tuesday 29
In the evening we had red beetroot stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had pea soup and only 1 tin of rice and 2 tins green peas from the I.K.B. as Coby had lost her coupon. Coby is ill, she’s in bed.
Wednesday 30
Irma, Han and Coby have been to school again. Elly van Spanje and Mrs van Spanje are ill. We had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had porridge and lettuce stew from the I.K.B. Charles left at about 7 o’clock in the morning. We commemorated Peace at school in the afternoon. Father had to deliver bread for the Red Cross and got 1 extra white loaf. Stien and Cor have won first prize and the honorary prize at the liberation party, a small standard lamp and half a pound of sugar. Coby and I have the 6th prize, a photo album with corners.
Thursday 31
Miep’s birthday. Uncle Bernard, mother and Coby have been to Miep’s. Father had to deliver bread for the Red Cross and got 1 extra white loaf. In the evening we had cauliflower stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. The I.K.B had sour sugar beets with “kroten” (red beetroot) stew in Salvatori. Coby and I didn’t go there. We had porridge from the I.K.B.
Friday 1 June
School Sports Day last year. In the evening, we had endive stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had brown bean soup from the I.K.B. Kiek has been.
Saturday 2
Stamp Exhibition in Pulchri Studio last year. (Perforated stamps in aid of the Red Cross). In the evening we had tomato soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had pea soup from the I.K.B. Father is ill, he’s in bed. Gerard has been.
Sunday 3
Stamp Exhibition in Pulchri Studio last year. (Perforated stamps in aid of the Red Cross). In the evening we had cauliflower stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We received an extra portion in every pan. Father is still ill; he’s still in bed. In the evening, mother, Coby and I went to the liberation party in the Delftselaan which was electrically illuminated.
Monday 4
Aunt Co’s and uncle Ben’s 21st wedding anniversary. Mother gave aunt Co a bunch of Irises. In the evening we had buttermilk porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Food from the I.K.B. was declared not fit for consumption. A Fair in the Nunspeetlaan. Liberation party in the Lunterenstraat. Uncle Chiel returned at 8.30 in the evening released as a Prisoner of War. Father is well again.
Tuesday 5
Last year Rome fell. A Fair is in the Nunspeetlaan. In the evening we had red beetroot stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had eiermeelpap (dried egg powder porridge) from the I.K.B.
Wednesday 6
Invasion of France last year (Le Havre etc). Youth concert last year. We had tomato soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had dried egg powder porridge from the I.K.B. All of us went to uncle Chiel in the evening. Liberation party on the Dierenselaan which is electrically illuminated.
Thursday 7
No confirmation classes. Big demonstration by new Canadian troops with heavy weapons on the renbaan (race-course) Duindigt in the afternoon from 1 – 4 o’clock. Liberation party on the Dierenselaan. We had cauliflower stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had eiermeel pap (dried egg powder porridge) from the I.K.B.
Friday 8
In the evening, we had chickpea stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had rye porridge from the I.K.B. Big demonstration by new Canadian troops with heavy weapons on the renbaan Duindigt in the afternoon from 1 – 4 o’clock. Liberation party on the Dierenselaan.
Saturday 9
In the evening, we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Liberation party at the Dierenselaan, Noorderbeekdwarsstraat, Fultonstraat, Newtonstraat and Weimarstraat. We had rye porridge from the I.K.B.
Sunday 10
In the evening we had cauliflower stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Church Service for the English in the morning at 7.30am. (I didn’t go because I didn’t know about it), normal Service at 10 o’clock. Service for the English at 6.45 o’clock in the evening. I did go to this one.
Monday 11
In the evening, we had biscuit porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. In the evening Cor and I went to a fancy dress football match at the sports field in the Gaslaan. Uncle Gerard, aunt Lena and Joop returned home. Hooray!!!!, the tram is back in action. I treated Irma, Elly and Coby to a tram ride. Somebody on the tram gave me an English cigarette.
Notes: I got 2 cigarettes from Cor’s girlfriend and gave Father one of them. I got a new watch chain from Father. Father was on guard duty at the Volharding building from 6 o’clock in the evening till 5 o’clock in the morning. He doesn’t have to work tomorrow.
Tuesday 12
In the evening, we had cauliflower stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had porridge and 2 vitamins each from the I.K.B. In the morning, I fetched buttermilk porridge for father from the Volharding. Cor received news that he is to go to Amersfoort*. He’s been to Pastor and aunt Riek. In the morning, mother went to the doctor’s for a skin test (eczema) and after that she went to the evacuation office in the Trompstraat. Liberation party on the Loosduinseweg (Groenestraat – Mackaystraat). Some people have gas and electricity.
*Amersfoort Old-Catholic Seminary: training for priesthood.
Wednesday 13
In the evening, we had lentil soup and 3 vitamins each from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Cor left at about 8 o’clock in the morning on Stien’s bike. Mother filled in and delivered the form from the evacuation office. I got cigarettes from Cor’s girlfriend and I gave one to father. In the evening mother, Coby and Elly went to the liberation party on the Weimarstraat. We got home at 11.30. Party also on the La Reyweg.
Thursday 14
No confirmation classes. King Leopold of Belgium was taken to Germany last year. In the evening, we had beetroots from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had porridge and 2 vitamins each from the I.K.B. Liberation party on the Beeklaan and the Loosduinseweg. Uncle Luuk’s Gerard has been. Beb gave me 4 cigarettes. (Note Coby: Han had crossed this last sentence out: probably belonged to Friday 15).
Friday 15
We had endive stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had porridge and 2 vitamins and 2 small bottles of tomato juice each from the I.K.B. I got 4 cigarettes from Beb.
Saturday 16
Exhibition of works by Jan v. Heel in the Zeestraat 63, in the afternoon at 3 o’clock. We had lentil soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had porridge and 2 vitamins each from the I.K.B. Food at “Vlera” was declared unfit for consumption and after that we got half a pound of cheese.
(Jan van Heel, well known artist of paintings and art teacher).
Sunday 17
My bike was stolen last year. We had carrot stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Mother, Coby and I went to church. Frans was also at the altar.
Monday 18
We had biscuit porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had porridge from the I.K.B. Liberation party on the field of the Gaslaan.
Tuesday 19
Uncle Bernard has gone fishing again for the first time. In the evening we had carrots from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had rice flour porridge from the I.K.B. Liberation party on the field of the Gaslaan. There’s been some thunder.
Wednesday 20
In the evening we had lentil-tomato soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had rice flour porridge from the I.K.B. Liberation parties on the Princegracht and the Lijnbaan. I got 18 ounces of biscuit coupons and one bread coupon from Web. Father sold the biscuit coupons to aunt Co for f 7,00.
Thursday 21
No confirmation classes. Liberation party on the Loosduinseweg. Start of the summer. We had cauliflower stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had rice flour porridge from the I.K.B. We went home on the tram.
Friday 22
Liberation party on the Loosduinseweg. We had green pea stew from the Cenetral Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had semolina porridge from the I.K.B. We went home on the tram. The majority of Canadians have gone.
Saturday 23
Bob’s birthday. Liberation party on the Loosduinseweg. We had sour porridge (gone off) from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had rice flour porridge from the I.K.B.
Sunday 24
In the evening we had cauliflower stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I went to church on my own in the morning. Frans was also there. Mother, father + Coby went to Bob in the afternoon. Church of England 6.30 p.m. Evensong.
Monday 25
The old potatoes are without coupon. In the evening we had biscuit porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had rice flour porridge from the I.K.B. Father, mother, Coby, aunt Co (later), uncle Bernard + Stiny and I went to aunt Lena because Joop (her son) has come home. Father bought cigarette-paper from uncle Bernard.
Tuesday 26
We had porridge oats from the I.K.B. We had endive stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I went to the party in the Gallileistraat. Also party on the Valkenboslaan.
Wednesday 27
In the evening, we had pea-tomato stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had porridge oats and 2 vitamins and a letter each stating that this week was the I.K.B.’s last time Aunt Jeanne’s birthday. I went to the party in the Gallileistraat and heard the Queen’s speech. Parties also on the Valkenboslaan + the Weimarstraat.
Thursday 28
No confirmation classes. Aunt Co left on the boat to Haarlem at around 7.30 this morning. She’s going to aunt To. In the evening we had carrot stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We had porridge + 2 vitamins each from the I.K.B.
Friday 29
Prince Bernard’s birthday. We had the afternoon off school. Irma, Elly, Coby + I saw the Prince. In the evening we had a thin tomato soup from the Central Kitchen. I was given coupons for 18 ounces of biscuits from Thea. Liberation party in the Noorderbeekstraat.
Saturday 30
Liberation party in the Noorderbeekstraat. Thea gave me 2 bread coupons. We had porridge + 2 vitamins each for the last time from the I.K.B. In the evening from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan……… (note Co: Han suddenly stops here)
Sunday 1 July
Church of England 8 a.m. Holy Communion. 6.30 p.m. Evensong. I went to this. Miss Kruller (teacher in History and English) was there in the evening. Father went with me in the morning. In the evening we had carrot stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
Monday 2
Coby and I have stayed over for the first time. (probably in the house we started to live in after leaving the cellar under the café restaurant). Father is on holiday. J.M. Kruller has given me extra English lessons and she lent me a book. Aunt Co arrived home in the afternoon. We had rye flour porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
Tuesday 3
In the evening we had sour (gone off) porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
Wednesday 4
In the evening we had thick pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. We again stayed over. In the afternoon we went home by tram. I gave Miss Kruller coupons for 1800 gram biscuits + Coby a coupon for 300 gram.
Thursday 5
No confirmation classes. In the morning mother and father left for aunt To on the 9 o’clock boat. I took them to the boat. In the evening we had Savoy cabbage stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I went to the Pulchri Studio in the afternoon (Exhibition B.Z.P.C. + X.L.M).? Coby and I went to Irma in the evening.
Friday 6
The Queen entered The Hague. The Palace has been decorated for the party. There is no school. In the evening we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Coby and I helped family van Spanje to move house. Ship workers have started working again in Rotterdam. No school.
Saturday 7
Rieka’s birthday. “Take care of birds”, J.v.d. Berg Apeldoornselaan f6,50. Gedempte Burgwal between 5 and 6 o’clock. In the evening we had carrot stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I got 3 biscuit coupons from Beb. I sold them to aunt Co for f 20.
Note Coby: “Take care of Birds” was probably a book.
Notes: Barber f 0,35, Bathhouse f 0.15, Newspaper f 0,10, Organ-grinder f 0,05,
Exhibition f 0.25.
Sunday 8
In the evening we had endive stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Coby and I tried to go to Irma but we didn’t manage to get through the control-post. Church of England 8 a.m. Holy Communion at 6.30 p.m. Evensong. Nico came over in the afternoon.
Monday 9
Father’s birthday. In the evening we had carrot soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Jo is courting. Coby and I stayed over again. Father and mother returned home at about 3.30 in the afternoon. Uncle Gerard, aunt Lena, Miep and Riek came over.
Tuesday 10
We had carrot stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Liberation party in *Westeinde. Aunt Lien arrived at ours with daughter Toos (Tootje) (pronounce ToasToasje)(Toatje) at around 2.30 in the afternoon. Hooray, we got electric light at about 3.30 this afternoon.
*Westeinde is a street in the town centre.
Wednesday 11
We had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. Coby and I stayed over again.
Thursday 12
No lessons. Anniversary of Mother’s and Father’s bruidsdagen. (bridal days). Aunt Lien and Tootje left in the morning on the 9 o’clock boat. In the evening we had “spitskool” sweetheart cabbage) stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
Friday 13
Tante Lien and Tootje returned home at around 3.30 in the afternoon due to many explosions in Driehuis. (village near IJmuiden. Prince Bernhard in The Hague. Irene Brigade parade. In the evening we had sweetheart stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan. I got 3 biscuit coupons from Thea.
Saturday 14
Ans’ birthday. Forgotten
Sunday 15
Church of England 8 a.m. Holy Communion. 6.30 p.m. Evensong. In the evening we had sweetheart cabbage stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
Monday 16
Forgotten
Tuesday 17
Be at school at 9.30. Forgotten
Wednesday 18
In the evening we had buttermilk porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
Thursday 19
No confirmation classes. In the evening we had endive stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gaslaan.
Friday 20
School for the last time. In the evenings we had __??__ from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Miss Kruller has left for England.
Saturday 21
Holiday. Family Ruis dropped in this week for a short while. Aunt Lien made swimming trunks.
Notes:
Jesu (jiesoe) (Dutch Pronunciation)
Jesus (djiesus) ( the same as above )
Sunday 22
Aunt Co and uncle Ben’s 25 year wedding anniversary celebrated last year. Church of England 8 a.m. Holy Communion 6.30 p.m Evensong. In the evening we had sweetheart cabbage stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Monday 23
Holiday. In the evening we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. I went to Bep Conradi’s. Hoera (Hooray), we’ve had gas again for 2 ½ hours.
Tuesday 24
Holiday. To be at school at 09.30. Coby, Irma, Elly and I are all “over” (past to the next class). In the evening we had sweetheart stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Wednesday 25
Holiday. In the evening we had a thin endive stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Aunt Lien + Tootje + Stiny have left for Arnhem “liften”. (hitch-hiking). I took them to Voorburg. Coby and I swam in the Regentes. (Public swimming-pool).
Thursday 26
Holiday. In the evening we had flour porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Mother, Coby and I went to Mrs Ruis in the evening. I fetched a permit for Mother.
Friday 27
Holiday. Mother and father’s wedding anniversary. Aunt Co, Coby and I gave them flowers. We had buttermilk porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. I went to Mr Lijnstok and to the Zuiderpark in the afternoon.
Saturday 28
Holiday. Cor came home at half past 12. Aunt Co and uncle Bernard have gone to aunt To. To fetch Irma before 11 o’clock. In the evening we had potatoes and meat from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Sunday 29
Elly’s birthday. Holiday. 8 a.m. Church of England. Holy Communion Service at 6.30 p.m. Evensong. In the evening we had sweetheart cabbage, brown bean and red cabbage stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Monday 30
Holiday. 7 o’clock this afternoon opening of the Zuiderpark swimmingpool. At 4.45 mother went to the evacuation office. I took her there. In the evening we had bean soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Tuesday 31
Holiday. In the evening we had stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Irma has been.
Wednesday August 1
I swam in the Zuiderpark pool. American Airforce 38th anniversary. Concert on the Plaats. (Square in town). In the evening we had biscuit porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Thursday 2
No confirmation classes. We had buttermilk porridge from the Cental Kichen in the Gheinstraat. Cor, Bep and I went to “Snip en Snap” (well known cabaret/revue show) in the afternoon. Annie came by car. She was brought by a nurse.
Friday 3
In the evening we had biscuit porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Elly van Spanje came. She invited Coby to come over this coming Sunday.
Saturday 4
Holiday. Lissone-Lindeman. (well known Travel Agency). Train to Woerden, by bike what time?
Sunday 5
Holiday. English Church only at 6.30 p.m. Evensong.
Monday 6
Coby’s birthday. Holiday. K.N.A.C. (Koninklijke Nederlandse Automobile Club).1 received 1 list of traffic regulations in English + 2 long lists of technical traffic terms. Police station Alexanderveldhoek Laan Copes – caught 2 fish. Uncle Bernard has gone fishing.
Tuesday 7
Holiday. I left at 9 o’clock in the morning with Cor to Driehuis and arrived at aunt To at
3 o’clock.
Wednesday 8
Holiday.
Thursday 9
Holiday.
Friday 10
Holiday. We should have gone to The Hague again but due to the bad weather we decided to leave tomorrow. Uncle Siem came home for an hour under military escort.
Saturday 11
Holiday. We walked to Haarlem and and then took the tram to The Hague. We returned home at around 1 o’clock. In the evening we had sweet porridge from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Sunday 12
Holiday. English Church 8 a.m. Holy Communion Service, 6.30 p.m. Evensong. In the evening we had big bean stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Monday 13
Holiday. Exhibition of the The Hague school in Kunsthandel Liernur, Zeestraat. In the evening we had (Note Coby: Han didn’t finish his sentence here) …….. from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. I fetched a permit for Uncle Ben and myself. I had applied for a fishing permit for uncle Bernard and myself at the old Town Hall. I went to the
R.J. Schimmelpennincklaan for a domiciliary permit for Annie.
Tuesday 14
Holiday. Aunt Lena’s Joop’s birthday. Father and I went round to Joop in the evening. In the morning mother and Coby left on the 11.05 train to Driehuis. In the evening we had pea soup from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat.
Ascension Day of the Virgin Mary Wednesday 15
Holiday. Japan has capitulated. Open air exhibition of young artists’ works in the Lange Vijverberg in town with the Government buildings. Holy Service at half past ten. In the evening we had endive stew from the Central Kitchen in the Gheinstraat. Hoera. (Hooray). Japan has capitulated. World peace.
Thursday 16
No confirmation classes. Holiday. Daily VI exhibition in Amicitia (theatre exhibition hall in town), daily from 10 – 10 o’clock, (10am - 10pm), 50 cent per person. Uncle Bernard has to go to the electricity office. Annie has to go to pastor van Tol.
National Holiday.
Friday 17
Holiday. Local domiciliary office Trompstraat open 9 – 2 o’clock. 8.30 from The Hague, 4.00 from Rotterdam.
Saturday 18
Uncle Henk’s (neighbour) birthday. Holiday
Sunday 19
Holiday.
Monday 20
Holiday. R.A.T. Exhibition in the Bijenkorf (large department store)
Tuesday 21
Holiday.
Wednesday 22
Holiday. Mother, Coby and I left on the 12.07 train to Arnhem. We arrived at aunt Lien at around 5.30.
Thursday 23
Invasion of France (Spanish border) last year. Holiday. No confirmation classes.
Friday 24
Holiday.
Saturday 25
Holiday.
Sunday 26
Holiday. Mother, Han, Coby, Nico and To have been to Mientje.
Monday 27
Holiday. Mother Coby and I left on the 11.18 train for The Hague and returned home at 6.15.
Tuesday 28
I went to the “Spergebied” and our house is still standing empty.
Wednesday 29
Holiday. I’ve been fishing in the Soestdijksekade and didn’t catch anything.
Thursday 30
Holiday. No confirmation classes.
Friday 31
Holiday. Queen’s birthday. We received a telegram from Nico to say that he and Mientje are not coming. Aunt Lien has diphtheria.
Saturday 1 September
Holiday.
Notes: Cor has to bring along a package from Mr Bruggeman for the President. (of the Seminary).
Sunday 2
Finland capitulated last year. Holiday. Hoera (Hooray), we’re no longer eating from the Central Kitchen. Church of England 8 a.m. Holy Communion. Service. 6.30 Evensong.
Monday 3
School Day.
Tuesday 4
No absentees.
Wednesday 5 up to Saturday 8 nothing except Thursday 6 – No confirmation classes.
Sunday 9
Church of England 8 a.m. Holy Communion 6.30 p.m. Evensong.
(Coby note): nothing on Monday 10
Tuesday 11
To fetch tickets for R.A.F. demonstration at the station.
Wednesday 12
Johanna for Tom.
Thursday 13
No confirmation classes.
Friday 14
Tootje’s birthday. I sent To a card.
Saturday 15
Nico’s birthday. New stamp series. 9 stamps f5,50. Royal Air Force display at Ypenburg. I went with Jaap. I sent Nico a letter in English.
Sunday 16
Maastricht fell last year. The clocks are being put back an hour. 8am Holy Communion Service. Church of England. 6.30. p.m. Evensong.
Monday 17
Aunt Riek’s Jo’s birthday. Last year the English landed at Nijmegen, Tilburg and Eindhoven.
Tuesday 18
Last year the Dutch Railways went on strike + Valkenswaard fell. Landings also at Arnhem.
Wednesday 19
Eindhoven fell last year.
Thursday 20
Charles’ birthday. Sittard fell last year. I sent Charles a letter.
Friday 21
We received 40 English cigarettes at f1,10 per packet of 20.
Saturday 22
Nijmegen fell last year. 2 hours confirmation classes.
Sunday 23
Stolberg fell last year. English Church, 8 a.m. Holy Communion. 6.30 p.m. Evensong. We got a small package from the church. Gift from the Swiss “geloofsgenoten” (members of the Old Catholic church in Switzerland).
Monday 24
Weert fell last year. Free from school due to moving. I helped out.
Tuesday 25
Deurne fell last year. Free due to the move. I helped out.
Wednesday 26
Free due to the move. I helped out.
Thursday 27
Eddy Veldink’s birthday. To be at school at 10 o’clock. Official opening. Rest of day off.
Friday 28
Elst fell last year. Free for move, I helped out.
Saturday 29
Port of Calais fell last year. Confirmation lessons for 2 hours, lesson 19. Prayer. Free for move. I helped out.
Sunday 30
The Haagse Courant (The Hague Newspaper) was blown up last year. English Church, 8am, Holy Communion Service, 6.30 pm. Evensong.
Monday 1 October
Calais fell last year. Return to school for the first time.
Tuesday 2 October
Note Coby: nothing.
Wednesday 3
Corrie, Willy, Corri, Jopi, Rien, Wies, Martha, Grada, Joop, Marius, Maartje, Olga, Mallée, Cor, Fried, Joop, Han, Dick, Maarten, Benno, Cecil.
Thursday 4
The “zaalkachel” (the stove from the café) was placed in our lounge last year. I have asked Mr Donia if I can do the B exam. He was OK with this. There’s a letter on its way to the Trompstraat.
Friday 5
Putte, Kapelle, Witmansdank and Stabroek fell last year. I did my first work in the B Class.
Saturday 6
Alphen fell last year. 2 hours of confirmation classes, lesson 19. Prayers. Eisenhower visited The Hague and Amsterdam.
Sunday 7
Church of England 8 a.m. Holy Communion 6.30 p.m. Evensong.
Monday 8
Uncle Charles’ s birthday.
Tuesday 9
Note Coby : nothing
Wednesday 10
Uncle Luuk’s birthday. Corinth fell last year.
Thursday 11
Note Coby: nothing
Friday 12
No more gas last year. Food from the Central Kitchen.
Saturday 13
2 hours of confirmation lessons, learn lesson 20. Aunt Co has gone to Cor. English baby’s christening.
Sunday 14
Cor’s birthday. Venraay fell last year. Holy Communion Service, Church of England 8 a.m. Evensong 6.30 p.m. Harvest – home.
Monday 15
Aunt Co has returned from Cor.
Tuesday 16
Woensdrecht fell last year. An English mariner marries at 3 o’colock in the afternoon.
Wednesday 17, Thursday 18, Friday 19
(note Coby: nothing)
Saturday 20
Belgrade, Aken, Oostburg, Aardenburg fell last year. Confirmation classes at 2.15pm, lesson 10 plus half 21)
Sunday 21
Church of England 8 a.m. Holy Communion, 6.30 p.m. Evensong.
Monday 22
Breskens Dodewaard and Opheusden fell last year. Father is on holiday
Tuesday 23
Aunt To’s birthday. Canadian soldier’s wedding at 3 o’clock. Mother, father and aunt Co have gone to Aunt To. Father is on holiday.
Wednesday 24
St. Michielsgestel fell last year and Cor came home. Father is on holiday. Mother, father and aunt Co have returned.
Thursday 25
Aunt Riek’s birthday. Best, Boxtel, Esende, half of Den Bosch fell last year. Father is on holiday.
Friday 26
Father on holiday. 8 p.m. Organ music in he Remonstrantse Church of the Netherland England Society. I went there with Irma and Willy v. Delft.
Saturday 27
Den Bosch fell last year. 2.15 hour confirmation classes, lesson 21. Father is on holiday.
Sunday 28
Tilburg and Berg op Zoom fell last year. Handelingen (The Acts of the Apostles). Church of England 8 a.m. Holy Communion Service, 6.30 pm Evensong. The clergyman from before the war, was in the church too.
Monday 29
Goesen and Rosendaal fell last year. (Perhaps we are going to Hamlet, Shakespeare)
All Saints Thursday, 1 November
Holiday. 10 a.m. Holy Communion Service. Coby and I went to church. Frans was also at the altar. 8.30 am. All Saints of the Church of England.
All Souls, Friday 2
Holiday. 10 a.m. Holy Communion Service.
Saturday 3
The whole of Belgium was liberated last year. Holiday. No confirmation class. “Victor en de Gouden Bloem” (Victor and the Golden Flower). Elly van Spanje plays a role in this.
Sunday 4
Steenbergen, Terheide and Re Kreek fell last year. Confirmation English Church at ..?.. p.m. Holy Communion at 8 a.m., Bishop of Dover, Bishop of Deventer, Pastor Roeseling, Harderwijk, Wijker and v. Buren, Joop, Frans and I, v.d. Leest, + English altar boys: Hartup, Williams + 3 reserve,
Monday 5
Hens Veldink’s birthday. Vlissingen fell last year.
Tuesday 6
Baptism at 2 p.m.
Wednesday 7
Aunt Co’s birthday. We had to hand in our clothes last year. Wedding at 12.45 a.m.
Thursday 8 and Friday 9
nothing.
Saturday 10
Last year, dogs had to be inspected by the Germans. Confirmation class at 2.15 pm.
Lessons 20 and 21.
Sunday 11
“Nieuwe kerk” (name of big church in centre of The Hague), made use of for Services.
Monday 12 to Thursday 15
Nothing.
Friday 16
“Padvinderij adressen” (Scout Movement addresses).
I have been to the Youth Concert at 7.30pm in “Gebouw van Kunsten and Wetenschappen”, (Centrum of Art and Science), a well known theatre in The Hague, given by the Residential Orchestra.
Saturday 17
Horn fell last year. Confirmation classes, lesson 24, at 2.15pm.
Sunday 18
Nothing.
Monday 19
We had light for the last time last year.
Tuesday 20
Last year men between the age of 17 and 40 were taken away by the Germans.
Wednesday 21
Nothing.
Thursday 22
Food stores were looted last year.
Friday 23
Nothing.
Saturday 24
Confirmation classes at 1.45pm. Lesson 24. The priest would speak about Mattheus.
Wednesday28
Aunt Lien’s birthday
Thursday 29 to 2 December inclusive
Nothing.
Monday 3 December
Uncle Gerard’s birthday.
Tuesday 4
Nothing
Wednesday 5
Charles arrived on his bike last year.
Thursday 6 and Friday 7
Nothing.
Saturday 8
Confirmation classes at 2.15pm. Wedding+ 3 questions of the next lesson.
Sunday 9
Charles went to Amsterdam last year. There was razzia on the men in Delft a year ago.
Monday 10
Would you be so kind to send me your extensive brochure about “Free Speech, Logical Thinking and Practical Art of Living?” (Vrij spreken, logisch denken en practische levenskunst). My address is : Name, street. Send with 15 cent stamp to Dalmeyer’s Courses, Koninginneweg 182, Dept E245, Amsterdam – Z.
Wednesday 12
Nothing.
Thursday 13
Pastor Roeseling and my birthday’s.
Friday 14 to Sunday 16 inclusive.
Nothing.
Monday 17
Aunt Dien’s birthday.
Tuesday 18
Stiny’s birthday.
Wednesday 19 to Monday 24 inclusive.
Nothing.
Christmas Day Tuesday 25
Mrs Veldink’s birthday.
Nothing further to report other than New Year’s Eve, New Year and “Drie Koningen”
(Celebration of The “Three Kings”).
Various Regiments:
1 Brigade Prinses Irene
1 Royal Berkshire Division, Royal Artillery and Royal Navy
48th Highlanders of Canada
22nd Regiment
Carleton and York Regiment
Dalton H.B.S. Commander : Lieutenant – Colonel J.R. Ensor
Royal Signals Regiment
___________________________________________________________________________Note Coby: then suddenly under this:
Beautiful films: 1. White Angel (Witte Engel) 2. (??)
R.E.M.E – Royal Electric Mechanical Engineers.
Note: at start of the diary : DORA – Harzgebergte
VI’s + V2’s production
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Han's war diary (Brother of Coby van Riel)
Description
An account of the resource
Daily diary from 28 December 1944 to December 25 1945. Mentions air raid warnings, daily what food available from central kitchen, holiday days. visit from relations and other daily activities. Also comments on weather, seeing V-1's fly over and exploding, going fishing, war news, going to church, family health, family events, capitulation of Germany, school, liberation, allied forces activities, national events, and events after end of war. Throughout mentions what poor food eaten each day.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
H van Riel
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944
1945
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-12
1945
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Netherlands
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Diary
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Thirty-nine page printed document
Identifier
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YvanRielHXXXX1213v1
Conforms To
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Pending review
Rights
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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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
home front
Red Cross
V-1
V-weapon
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/2067/34225/YStimpsonMC155249v2.2.pdf
905bbb8f49dacee6741b5ccfb770511c
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Stimpson, Maurice Cecil
Description
An account of the resource
124 items. The collection concerns Flight Lieutenant Maurice Cecil Stimpson DFC (1921 - 1944, 155249 Royal Air Force) and contains his log books, photographs, documents, and pennants. He flew operations as a pilot with 156 Squadron and was killed 15 February 1944. <br /><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Tony France and catalogued by Barry Hunter. <br /><br />Additional information on Maurice Cecil Stimpson is available via the <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/226992/">IBCC Loses Database.</a>
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2019-09-22
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
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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.
Identifier
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Stimpson,
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
THE AIR FORCE DIARY
[page break]
PERSONAL MEMORANDA
Name: M. C. STIMPSON
Service No. 155249
Home Address: PARKFIELD LODGE, HEADSTONE LANE, N. HARROW, MIDDX
[page break]
JANUARY 1944
Joined R.A.F. 1-9-41
Graduated 9-10-42
P/O (back date 7-6-43) 11-9-43
P.F.F. badge 29-10-43
F/LT (back dated 29-10-43) 1-11-43
AWARDED D.F.C. 28-1-44
SATURDAY 1
Ops BERLIN.
[page break]
SUNDAY 2
Ops BERLIN
WEDNESDAY 5
Ops STETTIN.
THURSDAY 6
arrived back from Stettin 0900 hrs, on train home at 1230 hrs, good going
[page break]
THURSDAY 10
King & Queen visited 156 introduced & had lunch in the mess with them. Went home & met Marion on W. ST 20.40 hrs, took her to the club & was presented with tankard & cheque, jolly fine time.
[page break]
FEBRUARY 1944
SUNDAY 13
Heard that Ward[?] to Sampson gone for a Burton
MONDAY 14
Received Valentine?
[indecipherable word], Joe & Johny & saw "Crash Dive" Tyron Powers, quite good.
[page break]
[back cover]
SUNDAY 13
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Maurice Stimpson's 1944 Diary
Description
An account of the resource
A diary kept by Maurice. It records his operations. (Note the squadron was visited by the King & Queen on 10th February 1944 and he had lunch with them in the mess. He was killed on 15th February 1944 on an operation to Berlin)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Maurice Stimpson
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Diary
Format
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One printed diary with handwritten annotations
Identifier
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YStimpsonMC155249v2
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription. Under review
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Sue Smith
156 Squadron
aircrew
George VI, King of Great Britain (1895-1952)
Pathfinders
pilot
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/2067/34224/YStimpsonMC155249v1.2.pdf
ab8a65164385aab54f4e858d538da99c
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Stimpson, Maurice Cecil
Description
An account of the resource
124 items. The collection concerns Flight Lieutenant Maurice Cecil Stimpson DFC (1921 - 1944, 155249 Royal Air Force) and contains his log books, photographs, documents, and pennants. He flew operations as a pilot with 156 Squadron and was killed 15 February 1944. <br /><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Tony France and catalogued by Barry Hunter. <br /><br />Additional information on Maurice Cecil Stimpson is available via the <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/226992/">IBCC Loses Database.</a>
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2019-09-22
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Stimpson,
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[crest]
THE AIR FORCE DIARY
[page break]
8/4[?]
5
[page break]
Curly grips Films
[page break]
PERSONAL MEMORANDA
Name STIMPSON MAURICE CECIL
Service No. 1337721
Home Address PARKFIELD LODGE, HEADSTONE LANE, N. HARROW, MIDDX
Dates of Promotion LAC. 14-11-41
[page break]
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Prestwich 2007
Mrs Archie H.E. 1467
Nellie N/wd[?] 823
Vera Pin 162
Aunty N/wd 213
Crowthers Scar. 2882
Mrs Roseway Pin 1342
Flat [two indecipherable words]
Faded ['thereford' sign]
(G/NCO.)
Wymslow
Kit
[page break]
ADDRESSES
Pat.
Oakwood
15 ST Mary's Rd.
Prestwich
M/C
[page break]
Mr. [indecipherable word]
2. Dunholme Green
Lower Edmonton
London N.9.
Mr Cooper
4 Mcdonald Rd
Morecombe & Heasham
Lancs
[page break]
c/o Sinclair
53 Polefield Grange
Berry Old Rd.
Prestwich
Manchester.
[deleted] Pendleton 2392 [/deleted]
2271 Pendleton
[page break]
1942 JANUARY
A good oil up at Perth Oriks[?] House
THURSDAY 1
Running fit
Air Plot
Multiple wind[?] finding[?]
[page break]
TUESDAY 6
("Leave") left Perth 2030 hrs
Paid.
WEDNESDAY 7
arrived home about 3 PM. Mum quite surprised
[page break)
FRIDAY 9
Ted came home, had a good time
[page break]
SUNDAY 18
Took Dorothy to flicks not very interresting[sic], long walk home everything under control?
MONDAY 19
Made a date with Dorothy but I didn't go. Went to town with Terry instead
SATURDAY 24
Went to Coop & took Margerie[?] home long walk rained like hell, home 1.30. Met Dorothy, bit complicated about not keeping the date.
[page break]
SATURDAY 31
Went to a dance with Joan & anty[?] had a good time, slept at Joans not [underlined] with [/underlined] her, poor old Pete.
Took Pat home wanted me to write
[page break]
FEBRUARY 1942
SUNDAY 8
Water! Water, Water! NAAFI sold out
Very rough waves over front of ship, sick again. Waves 20' cheesed off to the teeth, feed[sic] up with sleeping in our stinking hold No 4
MONDAY 9
Fairly Calm, up 4.0. Made some Bovril "was it good." Very cold got rougher during day but not too bad. Pork chop for dinner, oh boy)
Past[sic] Newfoundland during day did not see it too far out
TUESDAY 10
Fairly Rough
Very misty, land was just seen for a few minutes, played card all the afternoon, saw Mickey Rooney on the screen at night.
never answer if your name is called it means a guard,
WEDNESDAY 11
Calm.
Very cold 30°f, Catalinas[?] escorted us near coast, Dodging Guards all day. found some eats where[sic] they good. met another convoy, Fire in hold trust 4 hold. Fruit & biscuits Grand.
[page break]
frozen stiff, but to see land was well worth it, Catalina's taking off. anchored ready to bearth [sic] 1100 hrs. Snow amongst fir trees ashore,
THURSDAY 12
[underlined] LAND [/underlined] 16° frost
Bloody cold, ice frozen round water line, Docked 5.30 disembarked 6.0 caught train to Moncton went mad when we saw chocolate, oranges, but only [indecipherable word] any good, arrived 2.0 FRI. Had a real good meal,
FRIDAY 13
Went to bed 6.0 clock lovely firm bed, road covered with ice.
Paid $10
[page break]
SUNDAY 22
Changed to U.S.A. money
MONDAY 23
Up 4.0, Parade 6. left Moncton 8.0. Snow every marvelous scenery. Watches back 1 hour. Crossed Moose river in U.S.A. In the morning Train very fast
TUESDAY 24
Snow gradually dissappearing[sic] lovely lakes & rivers.
Lake Ontario "took 45 mins to Pass, just like the sea. Toronto not allowed out of station had a look at engines (two) Detroit & saw skyscraper for first time
Snow gone but not too warm. Turner Field 7.30 officers look tough. Billetted then a slap up meal, plenty of sand.[?]
[page break]
24
24
12
THURSDAY 26
Woke up by band marching all round camp, be on parade in 15 mins,
[page break]
MARCH 1942
THURSDAY 5
Experienced 20 mins in [indecipherable word] trainer. not too bad.
FRIDAY 6
Paid $5
Went Albany not very exciting
[page break]
SUNDAY 15
Went out to Dinner to Poulon, we intruded to have a ride, 10 piled in the car.
[page break]
FRIDAY 20
12 dollars paid
[page break]
MONDAY 23
Paid $3
SATURDAY 28
Caught taking photos, interview by Master Sgt & Capt Davisson destroyed film have camera tomorrow
M.P. was a [two indecipherable words]?
[page break]
SUNDAY 29
Left Turner 1100 Reached Dorr 1145. Had an enjoyable swim.
MONDAY 30
Had another swim, improving gradually, no diving yet?
TUESDAY 31
Started flying Stermans got on quite well. Mr Smith instructor much better than I anticipated.
Broke my goggles, Terry did the same in the evening
APRIL 1942
WEDNESDAY 1
Started Ground Sch. not so bad
[page break]
FRIDAY 3
Paid $20
SATURDAY 4
Open Post, went to flicks, visited several night clubs, well oiled arrived in Billets next morning 4.30
[page break]
SUNDAY 5
$650 for Taxi to Shellmans[?] three nice girls Byrel, Martha, Sara,
[page break]
SATURDAY 11
1st Solo, round three times, last time did a ground loop[?]. O.K.
[page break]
FRIDAY 17
Paid $21
SATURDAY 18
Went in hospital
[page break]
SATURDAY 25
Came out of Hospital had a good time
[page break]
JUNE 1942
TUESDAY 2
Moved to Macon[?]
WEDNESDAY 3
Mother's Birthday
[page break]
SEPTEMBER 1942
MONDAY 21
My 21st
[page break]
OCTOBER 1942
TUESDAY 27
left Moncton N.B. Canada 0900. hrs
Tremendous & good quarters Easely loose[sic] your self.
WEDNESDAY 28
Food Good
Plenty of canteens short of money[?]. Lost myself about a dozen times
[page break]
THURSDAY 29
Still in port, Good breakfast, nothing to do. Took things easy
Usuall[sic] boat drill
FRIDAY 30
Set sail 1000 hrs. Bag pipes played on the way out, bags of hurries [Hurricanes?] low flying [indecipherable word]
SATURDAY 31
Slept well, lovely breakfast, Gunnery practice.
clocks[?]
[page break]
NOVEMBER 1942
SUNDAY 1
Making good speed Fairly rough but[?] stable
clocks
MONDAY 2
Not allowed on Deck, Very little to do, 50[?] cigs issued.
TUESDAY 3
Not allowed on Deck Everything quiet. Duff gen on when we were docking.
clocks
WEDNESDAY 4
Anchored. Fog quite thick, delayed disembarkation.
Panic every where
[page break]
THURSDAY 5
Plenty of tenders, Bag pipes busy. Left ship 1500 hrs. Marveleous[sic] reception by the People, Train journey, had fun throwing candy to the kidies[sic]
FRIDAY 6
Arrived
0400 hrs, good organisation, up at 0900 hrs. bloody tired,
Rang Vera,
[page break]
DECEMBER 1942
SUNDAY 27
Surry[sic] House, High St, Esher, Surry.[sic]
[page break]
FLYING LOG-BOOK
[inserted] 6.41 7.55
[underlined] 4.12
12.07
DATE AIRCRAFT CREW DEPARTURE ARRIVAL TIME IN AIR REMARKS
19-12-41 T.MOTH DUEL[sic] 65 mins
21-12 55
22-12 6856 30
23-12 9128 Mr. Smith 40 2345
31-3 P.T.17 No. 13 Duel 1415 1500 45
1-4 No. 6 [indecipherable]
stalling[?]
2-4 No. 10 stalls 49
3-4 5 " spins 53
4-4 7 " " bumps 53
6-4 [indecipherable] 4 S.S.P. circuits 52
7-4 4 S. circuits 50
landings
8-4 4 Stalls circuits 52
landings
9-4 5 circuits & Bmp
47
[page break]
Norway Oslo
Sweden Stockholm
Finland Helsinki
Yugoslavia Belgrade
Romania Buckarest
Bulgaria Sofia
Hungary Budapest
[page break]
[underlined] Subject, [/underlined] Explanation of the report, late for 1930 Pay parade 12 inst.
Report of June 13 [underlined] To [/underlined] The Commandant of flying cadets
1. The Report is correct
2
3 The offense[sic] was unintentional
[page break]
Sandiford
2 Park Lane
Hale
Cheshire
Eng
[page break]
STATIONS VISITED
1-9 - 4-10 A.C.R.C
4-10 - 15-12 Scar. 10 ITW
16-12 - 6-1 Perth 11 EFTS
14-1 - 1-2 Heaton Park A. FLT. 1 SQD[?]
2-2 - 4-2 Gourock
4-2 - 12-2 Atlantic
13-2 - 23-2 Moncton
25-2 - 29-3 Turner Field
29-3 - 2-6 [indecipherable]
2-6 - Cochran Field
[page break]
1500138 Rob[?] J.H.
1529904 EA
2 shirts
1 Pants
1 Vest
1 Pyjamas
2 prs socks
3 handkerchieves
1 Ties
4 Collars
2 Towels
1 Bag
[page break]
[underlined] 1. Infinity. 8f. 50 [/underlined]
[page break]
[newspaper cutting]
BOMB WAS BLOWN BACK INTO PLANE
When his bomber was hit by A.A. fire over Hamburg, an R.A.F. flight-sergeant saw the head of one of the bombs, with fuse still attached, blown back into the bomb-aimer's compartment.
With great coolness and regardless of the danger, he cut away the fuselage with an axe, released the fused portion and threw it out of the plane.
For this deed Flt.-Sgt. Thomas Cable, of Cleethorpes, Lincs, gains the D.F.M.
He is one of 137 officers and men of the R.A.F. decorated for gallantry and devotion to duty in air operations in many theatres-attacks on Berlin, the Ruhr, against U-boats, in the Western Desert and in Burma and Ceylon.
[page break]
C[?] 6BD, PRSD 8 6 RCXMVHPR922PACY578Q [deleted] 0 [/deleted] NMT
Chap 9
Page 131
Chap 14
[page break]
[deleted figures]
[deleted] W. N.A. [indecipherable letter] [/deleted]
OWILL YOU TELL US WHAT TIME IT IS PLEASE
[underlined] SEND SLOWER [/underlined]
[deleted] FO [/deleted]
PACK U [diagram of a little devil]
[page break]
8069
Walker F J T
Warnes C A
B Sqn
Flying Cadet Basic Training [indecipherable word]
Cochran Field
[two indecipherable words]
[page break]
[back cover of Diary]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Maurice Stimpson's 1942 Diary
Description
An account of the resource
An intermittent record of Maurice's year. It starts with some time in the UK then he travels to Perth then the US for pilot training.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Maurice Stimpson
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1942
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Harrow
England--Prestwich
England--London
England--Heysham
England--Hale (Greater Manchester)
Canada
New Brunswick--Moncton
United States
Georgia--Macon
Georgia--Albany
Georgia
New Brunswick
England--Cheshire
England--Lancashire
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
YStimpsonMC155249v1
Conforms To
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Pending text-based transcription. Under review
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Language
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eng
Type
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Text
Text. Diary
Format
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One printed diary with handwritten annotations
Contributor
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Sue Smith
aircrew
pilot
Stearman
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1857/33287/YAdderM170573v3.1.pdf
878f8add24f8248eb610ac3cdc13cd76
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Adder, Mervyn
M Adder
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-05-29
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Adder, M
Description
An account of the resource
88 items. The collection concerns Pilot Officer Mervyn Adder (1922 - 1944, 175073 Royal Air Force) and contains his diaries, correspondence and photographs. He flew operations as a navigator with 44 Squadron and was killed 15 March 1944. <br /><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Mary Sprakes and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.<br /><br /><span data-contrast="none" xml:lang="EN-GB" lang="EN-GB" class="TextRun SCXW207633627 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207633627 BCX0">Additional information on<span> Mervyn Adder</span></span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207633627 BCX0"><span> </span>is available via the</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW207633627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"> </span><a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/100101/">IBCC Losses Database.</a>
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
THE SERVICES DIARY
[Royal Air Force, Army and Navy crests]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
JANUARY 1943
1 Fri.
Stayed in at night – revision etc. wrote to Mary – still very cold here
2 Sat.
Letter from Mary – wrote to Geoff – Had Arms Exam today – result of Signals 100 percent – packed parcel for home listened to part of Music Hall in the NAAFI – met Lucas – snow & sleet falling
[page break]
3 Sun.
Went to Communion in the morning with Ernie – very cold but bright & sunny – went to see Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor Lana Turner) with the boys at night – although was compulsory study night
4 Mon.
Up early bathed – started to write to Mary – went for a walk in the afternoon with Tom Arnold – asked each other questions etc – very cold but clear & bright – finished writing to Mary at night & revised at night started snowing in the late evening
5 Tues.
Stayed in at night to swot – have a rather bad cold – a few inches fall of snow today very cold.
6 Wed.
Stayed in again at night to do the usual grind – [deleted] wrote [/deleted] cold still bad
[page break]
7 Thur.
Letter from Mary today – miserable weather still cold & damp – had Navigation Gen & Met exams today.
8 Fri.
Had Plotting Exam this morning – stinker of a plot – away early in the afternoon – Wolves – Birmingham. Leeds & so home at about 11-15.
9 Sat.
Up fairly early – went shopping with Alex in the morning – met Mary at the station in the afternoon – looked devine [sic] – brought her home to tea – later went to the ‘Good Fellowship’ at night had a marvellous time Edith Alex Ron & his girl were there. – had to walk to Telford St 1417 Leave Bridgnorth after in a very cold wind – cycled home
[page break]
10 Sun.
Up late this morning – met Mary in the town brought her home to dinner & then saw her off at the station – met Don & went to Ken’s for tea went to the Regent afterwards Bob Hope in ‘Caught in the Draft’ – wrote to Mary
11 Mon.
Don came for me in the morning – talked until dinner – both went into town in the afternoon – had a haircut found very little to do – went to a dance by myself at the Bev Rd Baths at night – did not enjoy it miss Mary very much.
12 Tues.
Went into the office this morning met most of the staff & Col Rhodes – later called in at Reg’s office – went to the Carlton in the afternoon with Alex saw ‘Tortilla Flat’ (Hedy Lamar, Spencer Tracy & John Garfield) a very good film – read at night letter from Fred
13 Wed.
Went along to see Mrs Johnson in the morning with Alex – took Mother into the town in the afternoon – later went to see Bing Crosby & Fred Astaire in ‘Holiday Inn’ at the Dorchester – called on Geoff at night
[page break]
14 Thur.
Caught 1.40 train to Doncaster arrived tea time – little before Mary – had tea & both of us cycled into Epworth to the pictures – saw Anna Neagle in ‘Amy Johnson’ – not bad –
15 Fri.
Up at ten o’clock in the morning – did little all day besides read – finished reading Sorrell & Son – we went dancing at night to the Home Guard Dance in Belton church hall – very small – very crowded & very warm did not enjoy it very much.
16 Sat.
Rained in the morning – packed & caught the 2.0 o’clock bus to Doncaster as Mary couldn’t get any time off work – went to the flicks but had to leave early to catch the 5.27 to Hull – slow journey & delayed missing Alex who went back at night – went home first then cycled to Mary’s uncles where I met her father & we talked together although I believe Mary & I were very tired – arrived home late
[page break]
17 Sun.
Up reasonably early – Fred called round but had to dash to meet Mary & bring her home to dinner – she was late – after dinner we went to see her Aunt after meeting her father then I saw her off at the statin & how I disliked saying goodbye – believe she is the only girl I could like as much – Fred came to tea at night
18 Mon.
Caught the 11.0 o’clock to Leeds then to Sheffield – B’ham – arriving at tea time so went along to the Services Club with the chaps I had travelled down with – caught 7.15 to Kidderminster & so to Bridgnorth – arrived on Camp 10.0 o’clock – the end of a perfect day?
19 Tues.
Rained a little today – stayed in at night cleaned buttons etc & wrote to Mary – read a little of my book before turning in
20 Wed.
Went to see ‘Hellzapoppin’ at the Station cinema at night – wrote to Mother – rained hard today
[page break]
21 Thur.
Letter from Mary – wrote to Alex at night – played soccer in the afternoon – grand day warm with sunshine
22 Fri.
Another letter from Mary – wrote to her at night – rained hard all night went to the NAAFI later – duty flight today spent the day skiving had an easy time.
23 Sat.
Went to Station cinema at night saw Edward G Robinson, Marlene Dietrich, George Raft in ‘Manpower’ – not too good – sports afternoon grand day but I refereered [sic] – started copying up my notes
Memo.
1910 From B’ham – Bridgnorth 18.1.43
[page break]
24 Sun.
Stayed in bed in the morning – had coffee & bread & butter brought by Ron & newspaper up before dinner for a bath – super day warm & sunny went for a walk with Johnny in the afternoon – made friends with a horse – went to see Walter Pidgeon & Rosalind Russell in Design for Scandal’ with the boys at night – super picture – wrote to Mary.
25 Mon.
Did very little today – wrote up a few notes & wrote to Mary in the afternoon – poured with rain nearly all day – some of the boys are packing ready to leave for Penross & Dumfries tonight – Ron with them Ron & the boys leave.
26 Tues.
Stayed in at night – later went into the NAAFI for supper had ham & chips – sent a parcel home to Mother & wrote to Mary
27 Wed.
Stayed in at night – went into the NAAFI to listen to ‘Dancing Club’ had a very good supper – wrote up a few more of my notes.
[page break]
28 Thur.
Stayed in at night as we were duty Flight today & I was on the Canteen wrote to Mary at night – had a letter from her today – went to the ‘Aaron Arms’ with Tommy, Steve & Bolding – played darts – rained hard on the way back
29 Fri.
Had a plotting exercise this afternoon finished fairly early so went into town with Johnny & Len – had chips & lemonade before going to the flicks to see ‘Dangerous Moonlight’ – later had very little time but managed to find some cheese sandwiches, very interesting & amusing letter from Mary
30 Sat.
Rained heavily this morning – had short cross country in the afternoon – stayed in at night & wrote to Mary – listed to Music Hall in the NAAFI – letter from Alex today Ken came in very drunk tonight – Steve was very merry as were quite a few others poured with rain – Berlin bombed in the morning & afternoon by Mosquitos to interrupt speeches by Goring & Goebbels
[page break]
31 Sun.
Up late this morning – poured with rain – cleaned up & went to the flicks in the afternoon with Harold to see ‘Mystery Ship’ – stayed in & read at night – visited the NAAFI
1 FEBRUARY Mon.
Wrote to Mary – did very little all day except have pay parade FFI etc – heavy showers today – left Bridgnorth 6.0 transport to station – had to wait a couple of hours – stopped at Shrewsbury for 1 1/2 hr had tea & sandwiches – also coach shunted into siding at Crewe for over an hour – slept occasionally –
2 Tues.
arrived Millam 8.0 o’clock this morning – had breakfast FFI etc – found quarters & tidied up did little else – wrote to Mother & Mary at night then went to an Ensa show – rained a little today
3 Wed.
Issued with instruments etc – had lectures on dinghy drill etc – one of our aircraft missing during night found later on hills – rained a lot today – went into SA Canteen & wrote to Roland at night – later went to Intelligence library with Tom
[page break]
4 Thur.
Went to Red Shield at night wrote to Mary –
5 Fri.
Went to the NAAFI at night & wrote to Geoff – fine day today – practised taking Drifts in the AMBT’s section –
6 Sat.
Had gunnery today – weather fine & clear – started to rain after tea but went into town with Tom & Jock – had fish & chips before going to the only cinema where we saw Bob Hope in ‘My Favourite Blond – which was very amusing – had stopped raining when we left there to catch a bus back to Camp – two letters from Mary today.
[page break]
7 Sun.
Late up this morning & school orderley [sic] – had instruction in gun turrets in the morning & armaments etc in the afternoon – very cold today but clear & fine – snow on Black Coomb [sic]
8 Mon.
Parcel from home today – with letters from Marian, Don & Louis & many nice things – wrote to Mother & packed parcel at night –
9 Tues.
Finished lectures early today – had another talk by Intelligence Officer on Geography enjoyed it – very interesting – had an early tea caught train into Barrow where we went swimming – had tea at the Ritz afterwards sa [sic] William Powell & Hedy Lamar in ‘Crossroads’ a very good film – arrived back in Camp about 10.30.
10 Wed.
Wretched day today – rained heavily vis. bad – our flying cancelled but four of us were going on search for Beaufighter down in the sea – but it was scrubbed at the last minute – went to library at night & wrote to Mary – two letters from Mary today
[page break]
11 Thur.
Went swimming again in the afternoon had tea at the Ritz & then went to the Coliseum at night with Tom & the boys
12 Fri.
Letter from Mary today wrote to her at night & to Fred – day off – stayed in bed in the morning – walked into Millom in the afternoon with Tom – did some shopping – felt ill at night
13 Sat.
Reported sick this morning & put into Hospital – influenza – damned nuisance as should be flying today
[page break]
14 Sun.
Feel very bad today – managed to write to Alex – high temp read a book – slept
15 Mon.
Very high temp – feel very bad wrote to Mary – letter from Mother today
16 Tues.
Letters from Mary, Geoff & Alex also papers from home – still feel very bad – cannot understand it.
17 Wed.
Tom was discharged today cough very bad today & didn’t sleep at night – had to take tablets during night
[page break]
18 Thur.
Sick nearly all day – only highlight was another letter from Mary.
19 Fri.
Letter from Mother, Mary Don & Geoff – still feel groggy with a bad cough
20 Sat.
Letter from Roy today – feel a little better
[page break]
21 Sun.
Still feel shaky – again not allowed to get up – Tom brings me a parcel from home at night
22 Mon.
Taken to Military Hospital at Conishead Priory – several very embarrassing situations – bathed in bed by nurse etc
23 Tues.
Wrote to Mary tonight – feel much better.
24 Wed.
Feel a little better
[page break]
25 Thur.
Wrote to Mother & Mary at night – very nice day – still unable to get up
26 Fri.
Two letters from Mary today one from Mother as well as papers & books – wrote to Mary & Tom today – very nice today
27 Sat.
Letter from Mary today cough worse today – listened to Soccer International on wireless very good game England beat Wales 5-3.
[page break]
28 Sun.
Wrote to Mother & Mary today cough better but a little deaf today
1 MARCH Mon.
Feel better today – still not allowed to get up – another letter from Mary & papers from home.
2 Tues.
Letters today from Tom & Mary – wrote to Mary – still not allowed to get up – slightly deaf
3 Wed.
Wrote to Mary, Mother & Ken – letters from Mother Mary & parcel from home
[page break]
4 Thur.
Feel better today – papers from home – grand day – wish I were out Jap convoy of 14 ships sunk by Americans near New Guinea – fifty aeroplanes also shot down 15,000 troops drowned
5 Fri.
Letter from Mary – wrote to Mary at night – not yet allowed to get up – but sat in front of fire in dressing gown for an hour & had tea up
6 Sat.
Glorious day – do not feel quite so well – read & slept nearly all the day.
[page break]
7 Sun.
Feel much better today – up for short while in dressing gown – read a lot today & wrote to Mary & Edith
8 Mon.
Allowed to get up for short while again today – wrote to Roy Herst – letter from Edith & papers from home.
9 Tues.
Letter from [deleted] Edith [/deleted] Mary – wrote to Mary at night – given blues allowed to get up after tea.
10 Wed.
Up after dinner today – glorious day – brilliant sunshine – letter from Alex – wrote to Louis – went to see ‘To be or not to be’ a film showing in the Priory
[page break]
11 Thur.
Went for a walk with Ridges & Hill after tea – glorious sunny day again – had a parcel of sweets from Mary – wrote to her at night
12 Fri.
Up soon after dinner – wrote to Mary & received a letter from her today very nice day again – warm & sunny – went for a walk along the beach in the afternoon with Hill also just before supper – afterwards went to concert in Priory
13 Sat.
Saw Doc this morning prospects of getting out very soon – had a pass & went into Ulverston after tea – went to the flicks to see ‘Crossroads’ which I saw at Barrow 6 weeks previously – parcel of biscuits from home – glorious day today.
[page break]
14 Sun.
Glorious day again today went for a walk round the grounds in the afternoon with Ridges – wrote to Don at night
15 Mon.
Another glorious day – papers from home – went into Millom after tea – with Hill, Gains & Gillie – first had a haircut then went to the flicks to see George Raft in some Broadway film – enjoyed it very much.
16 Tues.
Another fine day – letters from Mary & Louis – stayed in until just after tea – then went for a walk with Hill & Ridges – went to Concert in the Priory after supper.
17 Wed.
Wrote to Mary & spend most of the day making up Jig.Saw [sic] Puzzles – went for a walk with Ridges before supper – given my discharge today
[page break]
18 Thur.
Drew my kit from the stores sunbathed in the afternoon – went for a short walk after tea & wrote home – received two letters from Mary.
19 Fri.
Up early packed my things – left hospital at 9.25 – arrived back at Millom 11.15 – met the boys & spent the rest of the day straightening things out – wrote to Mary at night in the Red Shield.
20 Sat.
Given leave – spent the morning chasing passes etc. – caught 4.45 train to Carnforth – Skipton – Leeds & so home at 1.30 on Sunday morning
[page break]
21 Sun.
Up very late – glorious day so went for a walk to Anlaby with Mother in the afternoon – met Cousin Tom & Mrs Brown – tired afterwards – stayed in at night – called in to see Ken & Wriggy before tea
22 Mon.
Up late today – went into the town in the afternoon – rang Mary called to see Mr Rogson but he was ill – dropped in to see Peggy – went to the Tower at night to see Humphrey Bogart in ‘The Big Shot’ – wrote to Mary at night
23 Tues.
Not up very early today – very nice day so went for a cycle ride in the afternoon – discovered some wild violets – stayed in at night & wrote to Alex
24 Wed.
A letter from Mary today – up fairly early – changed later & went into the town – called at the office – rang Mary – went to the Regal with Mother in the afternoon to see ‘In Which I serve’ – good film – stayed in at night
[page break]
25 Thur.
Up in time to get ready & catch the 1.40 train to Doncaster arrived at Mary’s at 5.0 o’clock – Mary looks grand & we spent a very pleasant evening together –
26 Fri.
A very dismal day today – raining very hard – spent a very pleasant but quiet day – went to meet Mary at night & to the pictures together at night – saw ‘Uncensored’ a very good film – Mary cannot have Saturday morning & my hopes that we might get engaged have vanished.
27 Sat.
Up late today – very dismal day but brightened in the afternoon when Mary & I caught a bus to Doncaster – Mary did a little shopping bought shoes etc. & then we had tea before going to the Gaumont to see ‘My Sister Eileen’ a very amusing film (Brian Aherne & Rosalind Russell) also ‘Rubber Racketeers’ – caught last bus back.
[page break]
28 Sun.
Went for a walk to Temple Bar Wood in the morning – stayed in in the afternoon caught the 4.50 bus to Doncaster – Mary saw me off & so ended three very enjoyable days with dear Mary.
29 Mon.
Up late & scouted round collecting odds & ends together went into the town in the afternoon called at the Office & N.J.P’s office (paid OH’s sub) met Trevor Russell Ken came round towards supper time – I went to see Coastal Command at the Carlton beforehand.
30 Tues.
Up early caught 8.55 to Millom arrived camp 5.0 o’clock at night – went to the Red Shield at night & wrote to Mary wrote to Roland
31 Wed.
Didn’t do anything today besides write letters one to Mother, Johnny & Fred
[page break]
APRIL
1 Thur.
Went to lecture room & copied notes etc. until half past eleven – had Gas lecture – free then for the rest of the day – 25th Anniversary of RAF. played billiards in the Red Shield in the afternoon with Tom & Alan – also table tennis & darts – wrote to Mary – went to the flicks with them at night – saw ‘The Palm Beach Story’ – very funny.
2 Fri.
Down for flying today – but the weather was too bad – did plotting in the morning & very little in the afternoon – went to lecture room at night letter from Mary today
3 Sat.
[deleted] Letter [/deleted] Papers from home – wrote to Mary at night – reflighted [sic] today to 106 Course Alexander is on this Course – changed huts – very nice day today – took Stars sights at night
[page break]
4 Sun.
Had P.T. this morning – did very little in the afternoon & went onto the beach before tea with Alex & Clarke – flying tonight up at 1.15 briefing etc – time 3.15 – 6.15 – base Skerries Bardsey – base wrote to Mary at night
5 Mon.
Stayed in bed until 1’oclock [sic] – wrote to Louis in the afternoon & read in the intelligence library – wrote to Mary at night & went into the intelligence library again – played billiards with Bob Clarke in the Red Shield – papers from home
6 Tues.
Showery today – lectures in the morning – went into Barrow in the afternoon swimming – later went to the Coliseum to see Mary Martin in ‘Happy go Lucky’ – letters from Mother, Mary & Alex
7 Wed.
Stayed in at night – went into the intelligence library – and turned in early tonight
[page break]
8 Thur.
Up early – flew in the morning – BASE CARNFORTH STAFFORD – SHREWSBURY then to some Hall which we had to photograph – also took obliques of Shrewsbury – then to RHYL – BASE – weather closed down in afternoon – didn’t fly – letter from Mary – wrote to her at night – Red Shield
9 Fri.
Day off today – up late fine day walked into Millom & back packed parcel & wrote home in the afternoon – read in the Intell Library at night prepared lecture on Iceland wrote to Geoff.
10 Sat.
Had PT this morning also flew as 1ST NAV at short notice – BASE – CHICKEN ROCK – BARDSEY – ST BEES HD – BASE took photographs BASE CHICKEN R. & VALLEY AERODROME – very clear day – had gunnery in the afternoon – letter from Mary – stayed at night & wrote to Mary.
[page break]
11 Sun.
2ND NAV first detail this morning – very clear day took Sun sights & line aerlap BASE – WHITEHAVEN – PORT PATRICK SKERRIES – BASE – afternoon detail cancelled – worked out sun sights etc & also at night sea fog closes down later in evening 100 percent vis saw exciting episode of kite getting home [indecipherable word] missed flagstaff
12 Mon.
Should have been flying but weather was too bad – played soccer last period today – wrote to Mary at night
13 Tues.
Reported sick in the morning – did very little work – clothing parade in the afternoon & went swimming into Barrow – later went to the Coliseum with Prest & Welfare saw ‘Sweethearts of the Fleet’ later had a drink before catching train
14 Wed.
Day off today – up late – bathed – haircut changed my tunic – read in the Intelligence library in the afternoon & wrote to Mary – letter from Mary today – had a short walk to Haverigg at night.
[page break]
15 Thur.
Turret Manip this morning – on the 250 range in the afternoon – went swimming to Barrow – went to the Ritz afterwards saw ‘One Day of War’ (Russian film) & ‘Till We Meet Again’ – Vera Lynn
16 Fri.
A letter from Mary today – had lectures today – very fine day – had a marvellous game of soccer this afternoon – stayed in at night & took Moon sights – parcel from home letter from Louis
17 Sat.
Flying on first detail – Base Bardsey Chicken Rock – Pt Lymes – base (based Wadney) grand today – worked out Astro sights in the afternoon – wrote to Mary after tea – then went to the dance at the Palace at night
[page break]
18 Sun.
Had lectures – gunnery today rather cold & windy – wrote to Ken & Wriggy tonight – turned in early
19 Mon.
Flying 1ST NAV this morning – very bumpy – sick nearly all the way Base-Harrogate-Haddington-Whitehaven Base – Flew 2ND NAV in the afternoon – did quite well – Base-Carnforth-Harrogate-Shrewsbury Carnforth-Base – back about 8.0 o’clock – washed, shaved etc – turned in early
20 Tues.
Played touch Rugby this morning – had the afternoon off night flying 1ST NAV 8.00 – 11.45 Base-Carnforth-Stafford-Rhyl-Chicken Rock-Base – didn’t do too well – moonlight flying again 4.15 – 7.40 2ND NAV. BASE-CHICKEN ROCK-PT LYNAS-CATTERICK-BASE – wrote to Mother earlier in evening letter from Mary – papers from home
21 Wed.
Stayed in bed until dinner time – changed & caught the 4.45 train to Barrow – went to the ‘flicks’ saw Bud Abbott & Lou Costello in ‘Who Done it’ – had supper in YM – returned Camp.
[page break]
22 Thur.
Got up after dinner had a bath – walked into Haverigg to the post with Smith – had tea spent the evening in the classroom – had supper in the NAAFI – turned in fairly early.
23 Fri.
Flying on 1ST DETAIL 1ST NAV BASE-DALBEATTIE-BARDSEY-DR POSN-BASE – average trip – afternoon details scrubbed – poured with rain – letters from Edith Mary & Geoff wrote to Edith & Mary at night –
24 Sat.
Wrote to Sandy today – grand day today until this evening when we were due to fly – scrubbed & worked in the D.R trainer until midnight
[page break]
25 Sun.
Up for dinner – rained nearly all the afternoon so stayed in Huts – became brighter towards tea time & was able to go to church with a few of the boys, started writing to Mary.
26 Mon.
Letter from Mary today – wrote to her today – had gunnery all day – wind still very strong – turned in early tonight
27 Tues.
Papers from home today – flew twice 1ST NAV 1st detail BASE-RECCO OF WHITEHAVEN & ST BEES PORT ELLEN-MAUGHAN HEAD-BASE – very bad weather bumpy & heavy cloud – flew last detail BASE-CHICKEN ROCK-DR POSN-BASE arrived back to find ‘drome obscured by rain cloud – circled for 1/2 hr
28 Wed.
Day off today – up late – letter from Mother wrote to Mother same night – did a little work in the afternoon & flew on the first detail at night – wireless US had to return BASE-MAUGHAN HEAD PORT ELLEN-BASE
[page break]
29 Thur.
Up fairly early this morning – caught the 1238 train into Barrow with Caruth had tea etc in a canteen before going to see ‘Star Spangled Banner’ (Bing Crosby etc) had tea in the YM. played billiards – caught 6.15 train back to Camp – raining fairly hard – wrote to Mary
30 Fri.
Had lectures today – received a parcel from home & two letters from Mary wrote to Mother at night – very nice bright day today
MAY 1 Sat.
Did lectures today – flew at night BASE-CHICKEN ROCK-PORT ELLEN-WHITEHAVEN-BASE – [deleted] parcel from home today [/deleted] letter from Alex. – wrote to Mary
[page break]
9 Sun.
Caught the 8.45 to Leeds this morning changed here Manchester & Wigan arrived Camp 8.45 at night –
10 Mon.
Snowed heavily this morning – brightened in the afternoon early details scrubbed at night – in DR trainer at 11.00 until 12.15 when decided we should fly – flew on 4.15 detail – BASE PT LYNOS DR POSN-CHICKEN ROCK-BASE went to bed after breakfast – wrote to Mary today & Mother
11 Tues.
Woke at two o’clock – cleaned up & went to tea before going along to the Intelligence library & classroom went to the NAAFI concert later that night very good show indeed it was the first concert party formed this War
12 Wed.
Astro Exam today – wrote to Mary – received a letter from her today – rained all day so flying scrubbed
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13 Thur.
Received a letter from Bruce today – weather rather bad & night flying cancelled at night – worked in the DR trainer until half past two in the morning
14 Fri.
Day off today up before dinner – wrote to Roland & posted Bruce’s Astro book – later went into Millom with the boys to the pictures & saw Nelson Eddy & Jeanette Macdonald in ‘I Married an Angel’ – walked back straight after the show – turned in fairly early.
15 Sat.
Flew twice today BASE-CARNFORTH-CHURCH EATON-GRANTON HALL-PRESTATYN-LLANRWST-BASE – bombed up again nearly straight away – BASE-Middleton-WETHERBY-EVERINGHAM CROFT-BASE only about 10 mls from home – lovely day – feel very tired tonight – did not eat until tea time when I changed bathed & afterwards wrote to Mary
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23 Sun.
Wrote to Mary today – up late as usual rather nice day – changed early to go to church at night – met Alex & Clarke in church & afterwards went onto the beach – met two WAAFS borrowed their cycles & had a dirtrack [sic] round the swimming pool – went to the ‘Rising Sun’ before going back
24 Mon.
Flying today on the 1.15 detail – 2ND NAV for a change & enjoyed the trip – BASE-DUMFRIES-LOCHRANZA-CHICKEN ROCK BASE – saw 3 Aircraft Carriers & 2 destroyers also met a ‘Baracuda’ (same slipstream) – went to the Station Dance at night – had a jolly good time & danced with a superb dancer – Tom Varey’s bed again despoiled
25 Tues.
Fine day today – had lectures & went to Barrow to swim in the afternoon – later went to the Ritz with Joe Wesly to see ‘Me & My Gal’ with Judy Garland – quite good – had supper in the YM before going back
26 Wed.
Flying scrubbed owing to weather – had lectures & Astro-plot – had a letter from Mary today & wrote to her at night – went to ENSA show in the NAAFI before going to the Music Circle – Rossini ‘Barber of Seville’ Bach’s [indecipherable word] Suite in ‘G’ Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Swan Lake’ The Finale is terrific
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27 Thur.
Yarwood wake [sic] us at 10.30 – changed into P.T kit & played soccer until dinner time – wiz-oh day – had dinner outside – in mess tins – wrote to Mary in the afternoon – went to the show at the NAAFI after tea ‘The Glass Key’ Brian Donlevy, Alan Ladd, Veronica Lake – had to leave early as I was flying on the 10.15 detail
28 Fri.
BASE-DR POSN-TUXFORD-WHITCHURCH-HARROGATE-BASE – landed about half past two bed at 4.0 o’clock – wakened at 10.30 by Clarke dashed round caught eleven o’clock bus & train to Coniston – a glorious day – warm & sunny – had dinner at the Crown & went for a walk at the side of the lake – wrote to Mary – had tea at the Crown & so back to Camp – had to wait an hour at Fairfield had a drink at the ‘Princes Head’ – letter from Mother –
29 Sat.
Another glorious day today – went for a run instead of PT round Haverigg & 3 of us went for a swim in the sea as there wasn’t anybody about – it was glorious – volunteered to play in six a side soccer as a team was short – missed dinner & caught train to Cark. 14 teams in competition, 2 Army – 3 Millom – 2 Cark 1 Barrow Morecambe etc. our teams did fairly well – we got into the semi finals – very had work played 3 times – very warm work & had a blistered foot – finished about six o’clock & caught the 8.11 pm back to Millom – arrived 10.30 pm – letter from Mary waiting for me – very tired
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JUNE
6 Sun.
Had Met exam this morning – a stinker too – did some plotting in the afternoon – had a kit inspection & played soccer with a Rugby ball before tea & for P.T. – B Squad won 2-0 – glorious weather – went to Church with Alex & Clarke after tea
7 Mon.
On the first detail this morning – foul weather ran into a Warm front BASE-SILLOTH-P. PATRICK-BALLYQUINTON PT.-RHYL-BASE – rest of flying scrubbed for the day – had plotting exercise & basket ball in the hanger – wrote to Mary – played billiards with Caruth & Benny
8 Tues.
Day off today – stayed in bed until late – letter from Mary – idled the afternoon away – not flying at night – read in the Intelligence library & wrote to Mary – went for a cycle ride with Gibby onto the beach – had late supper & turned in
9 Wed.
Day off today – wrote to Roland – went into Millom at night with Bing & Caruth played billiards – walked back fairly early – saw the ENSO hour at the NAAFI in Camp (4 Welsh singers who were very good) called in later at the Music Circle
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10 Thur.
Had lectures today – wrote to Mary in the morning – finished early as we were flying at night very poor weather – spent 2 hours in the Astrograph room until 22.00 hrs. flew on the 1.15 detail BASE-ST BEES-PT LYNAS-DOUGLAS-SKERRIES ST BEES-BASE – poor vis. 8-10 [inserted] TO [/inserted] cloud fog patches
11 Fri.
Day off today – stayed in bed until dinner time had our Flight dinner at the West County tonight – grand time I didn’t drink too much – Bing had too much & after we had all adjourned to the dance afterwards when we left we found Bing in the Church yard – helped him home – 6 of us taken into guard room for making a row – beds were all tipped over in the huts – eventually things quietened down
12 Sat.
In the DR trainer this morning – pay parade in the afternoon – finished early – not flying tonight – started writing to Louis but Clark who also wasn’t flying persuaded me to go along with him for a drink before bedtime
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13 Sun.
Generally clearing up today – stayed in at night – packed & read most of the night
14 Mon.
Passing out parade today – talk by Groupy – very decent chap – caught the 7.45 train with some of the boys after a farewell at the Station Hotel – had to change about 5 times & our luggage was a nuisance – had to wait at Preston for the London train to return some of Lindleys kit
15 Tues.
Arrived home 5.30 this morning letters from Mary & Roland waiting for me – Met Mary’s train & dear Mary before lunch – saw ‘Orchestra Wives’ at the Regal in the afternoon & had a short walk to Anlaby in the evening.
16 Wed.
Called for Mary in the morning – late as usual – had a look round the town & saw Peggy before lunch – lunch at Jacksons – we chose an engagement ring this afternoon & are really engaged – saw ‘The Belle of New York at the New & danced at the YPT later
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17 Thur.
Had to rush to catch the 13.40 train to Doncaster today – arrived Belton at 1700 hrs – cycled to the flicks after tea – saw Carmen Miranda & Alice Faye in “A Weekend in Havana’
18 Fri.
A very bad day today rained nearly all the time – stayed in and read – I felt very restless & was glad of a short walk just before bedtime but I don’t think Mary was thrilled with the walk.
19 Sat.
Up fairly early this morning caught the 11 o’clock bus into Doncaster – had drinks at ‘Davies’ walked round the market afterwards – Mary wanted me to have my photo taken but we couldnt [sic] find the shop – went to the Gaumont & saw Bud Abbott & Lou Costello in ‘Money for Jam’ & a murder film ‘Quiet Please’ – had tea & caught the 8 o’clock bus back – jumped off at Epworth to go to the pictures – saw one of the best films I have seen for a long time ‘Hudsons Bay’ – had to walk home – a beautiful night & enjoyed it but Mary’s feet hurt
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20 Sun.
Received a telegram yesterday extending my leave but am going home today – had a short cycle ride before dinner – Mary saw me to the bus & so home.
21 Mon.
Wrote to Mary today – a very warm & sunny day – it would be – up late as usual – went to the office in the afternoon later met Johnny Bygett & a boy I had flown with at Millom – went to see Ken & Wriggy after tea – Ken is still farming – went to the Carlton with W. saw Micky Rooney in Andy Hardy’s Double Life – had a [indecipherable word] afterwards to beloved Mary & a walk –
22 Tues.
Another very warm day – went for a cycle ride before lunch – called to see Mrs Johnson – had my photo taken in the afternoon & strolled round the town – missed Mary more than ever tonight – went to the Regal by myself – saw ‘Random Harvest’ Greer Garson Ronald Colman – a very good film – letter from Don today
23 Wed.
Up none too early again – went out with Mother in the afternoon – had a walk round the town & to the Pier – booked to see Chu Chin Chow at the New – a very good show
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24 Thur.
Letter from Mary today – raid in the early hours of the morning – damage by fire bombs tonight the 1.40 to Belton – arrived just before Mary came home for tea – very nice to see her again went to the flicks in Epworth ‘Flying Fortress’
25 Fri.
Very nice day today spent part of the morning & afternoon mending a puncture – Mary was home early for tea but had to go to Crowle to work – took Mrs B. to a Whist drive – we did not go to the dance afterwards as Mary was very tired.
26 Sat.
Up early this morning – another fine day Mary & I went to Scunthorpe in the afternoon – very little doing had a look round & had tea – queued for the Variety show at the Savoy (Jack Warner etc – not very good) home fairly early Mary’s father had come for the weekend – talked & Mary & I stayed up until Florrie & Norman came from the dance – telegram to report to Bruntingthorpe on Tuesday wherever that may be – sounds rather wild
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27 Sun.
Not up very early today – glorious day very warm & sunny – cycled to Miss Browns & Mary & I picked red currants in the orchard – had late dinner & sunbathed afterwards – had a hectic journey to Doncaster on the bus – Edith & Rollo met me at Paragon – Ron & Alex who was home – came in later
28 Mon.
Up late again found out the times of the trains for tomorrow & went to the Dorchester to see Hedy Lamar & Walter Pidgeon in ‘White Cargo wrote to Mary after tea – went to see Ken & Wriggy Don was in town but was out with Mary so didn’t see him –
29 Tues.
Don called for me this morning & we went to the station together – caught the 9.15 to Rugby – met F/O Glen on the train – he is instructing near Oxford – met nearly all the boys at Rugby & we eventually reached a small village called Welford by 5.0 o’clock – waited 2 hrs for transport – wrote to Mary
30 Wed.
Very dispersed drome – spent all the day getting arrival matters settled – a very warm & sunny day – wrote to Mother at night & spent a short time in the Mess – am sharing a Hut with 9 of the boys – have to walk a mile to the Mess
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JULY 1 Thur.
Another very warm day today – sunbathed after tea & wrote to Mary – had lectures today by the Groupy, Sports Officer & SWO also had drill & P.T.
2 Fri.
Another broiling day – had the usual P.T & drill & lectures finished early this afternoon so we hurriedly changed & ‘Ger’ Smith & Harold Boardly & I hitch hiked to Leicester – went to the flicks saw ‘Shadow of a Doubt’ at the Odeon – a very good film – caught 10.33 to Lutterworth & had to walk 5 mls back to Camp
3 Sat.
Stayed in at night sunbathed & afterwards had a shower before going into the Mess to write to Mary & to have supper – later listened to the wireless – another very warm & sunny day –
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4 Sun.
On lectures today – had church parade – talk by M.O. on the usual topic VD etc. – spent the evening in the Mess again – wrote to Sandy & Mother.
5 Mon.
Had clothing parade etc today – very warm again – left Camp with Doug & Bing at 4.30 – walked to Bruntingthorpe given lift to Leicester & then to Sheffield – missed connection by 20 mins – tram car to Rotherham & bus to Doncaster – caught train for Hull as unable to reach Belton that night arrived 12 o’clock
6 Tues.
Up fairly early & called to see Edith at the office before catching the 1.40 for Doncaster – Mary looks adorable – very brown – went to the flicks at night – saw a couple of films which werent [sic] very good ‘Murder will Out’ & ‘Singapore Woman’ – stayed up with Mary until Midnight letter from Fred – one waiting from Louis
7 Wed.
Left Mary at 8.30 – caught the 10.42 from Doncaster – met Edna (Marians friend) on the train – travelled up to Leicester together – went to the flicks saw ‘I Married a Witch’ & ‘Manilla Calling’ – train to Lutterworth arrived back 8.30 in the evening
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8 Thur.
Had lectures all the day – much colder today – started writing to Mary but didn’t feel in the mood – turned in fairly early
9 Fri.
Up early again at 6.30 – had to be for roll call – lectures again today bit of a ‘bind’ – no letters for me today – rained quite a lot – wrote to Roland at night in the Mess.
10 Sat.
Had lectures again & all the day – miserable weather – fine rain nearly all the day – only bright spot was a letter from Mary – arrived back at the Hut rather wet – our forces invade Sicily this morning – wrote to Mary in the Mess at night
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11 Sun.
Lectures again all the day – but finished at 4.0 o’clock – seven of us went to church after tea to [indecipherable word] Doug Bing Gerry ‘Happy’, Frank Joe & myself – three of us went back to Camp for supper & turned in early – the rest came in late – Dick went drinking again
12 Mon.
Had lectures all the day & had to go to a ‘discussion group’ after tea – subject Should the Colonies have Home Rule at the End of the War’ – interesting but a ‘bind’ – papers from home today
13 Tues.
A letter from Mary today – wrote to Louis at night – lectures as usual today – confined to Camp for the Site being dirty – more like I.T.W this place – had a shower before supper and about the first time I have had time for a few days.
14 Wed.
Usual lectures again today & had a talk after tea by a visiting Wing Co. on Tactics – wrote to Mother & Mary in the Mess after this – another letter from dear Mary today
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15 Thur.
Lectures again today – rained heavily after lunch caught the liberty bus into Leicester – Harold Gerry & I went to the Savoy saw James Cagney in ‘Yankee Doodle Dandy’ – fair had supper & short walk before catching bus back – crashed just before Gilmorton – nobody hurt – just missed turning over-ploughed hedge & roadside up.
16 Fri.
Glorious day today – very warm – letters from Mother & Mary – hitch hiked to Lutterworth but just missed train – hitched a lorry to Leicester – reached there at 7.15 – booked a room at the Midland Hotel – went to the De Montfort Hall to an AA dance – met a very nice girl & a very good dancer – (widow – husband killed in RAF) saw both her & her sister home – arrived hotel just before Gerry who had seen a girl home
17 Sat.
Up fairly early – had a glorious breakfast – did some shopping, had haircut etc – Gerry rang his girl up & we are going to mee them this afternoon – met Dick Caruth & had dinner together – the three of us went to see the girls – went to a wedding & then into the park – had tea at their place & caught the 6.55 back to Ashby Magna – they came to see us off – had to walk 4 mls back to Camp – arrived very tired had Guinness & chocolate for supper –
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18 Sun.
Lectures again today – felt very sleepy all day – spent the evening writing to Mary.
19 Mon.
Letter from dear Mary – parcel & papers from home – usual lectures – the Discussion Group after tea – subject a poor one ‘Cooperation’ – wrote to Mother afterwards.
20 Tues.
Another talk tonight after tea – this time by a Naval liaison officer on mine-laying etc – wrote to Mary afterwards
21 Wed.
Lectures again today – with a Signals Exam in the morning – stayed in at night & wrote to Fred before going down to the Mess for supper & a shower
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22 Thur.
Didn’t do very much today – had to give a talk on Dinghy & Parachute Drill for Instructor test – read in the Intelligence Library most of the day – went into Leicester with Happy & Gerry after tea saw ‘The Black Swan’ (Tyrone Power Maureen O Hara George Sanders) very good film.
23 Fri.
Did very little again [deleted] tonight [/deleted] today – letter & photograph received from Mary today – wrote to Mary after supper – very warm this afternoon when the sun broke through & I sunbathed after tea – Americans capture Pallermo. [sic]
24 Sat.
Stayed in at night & wrote to Mother after tea in the Mess also wrote up a few of my notes – very warm again today – sunbathed a short time after tea – letter from Mother today
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25 Sun.
Very warm day again today – flew this afternoon – 4 hr trip N. Sea Scarboro’ etc – late when we landed – wrote to Mary just before I turned in tonight Mussolini resigns
26 Mon.
Another warm day today & we were on lectures all the day, letter from Roland & papers from home – had to fly again at night but none of us wanted to do – BASE-GOOLE-PICKERING-FILEY-DR POSN (N. SEA) DR POSN MABLETHORPE-BASE – went to bed at 4.30.
27 Tues.
Stayed in bed until dinner time changed & went into Lutterworth with Joe & Gerry – borrowed Happy’s bike – nothing doing here so hitch hiked to Leicester – went to the flicks saw ‘Air Force’ – a very good film had supper & caught the last train back – letter from Roland today
28 Wed.
Still no news of Mary today – very warm again – had lectures all day – wrote to Mary & Alex – had to fly at night (6 1/2 hrs) BASE FAKENHAM-DISS-NEWBURY-NORTHAMPTON-MABLETHORPE etc – took Astro sights & wrote to Mary – glorious night & very nice trip
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29 Thur.
Landed at 5.30 this morning – had breakfast & then to bed at 7.30 – slept until four o’clock in the afternoon – had a letter from Mary today – caught the liberty bus into Leicester – had a walk round – visited the ‘Swan with Two Necks’ & then the Opera House where we saw Turner Layton, Nellie Wallace & Billy Russell very good show –
30 Fri.
Another scorching day – on lectures another letter from Mary – not flying tonight – sunbathed after tea – had a shave & after supper in the Mess wrote to Don & Geoff – also received a letter from Edith today
31 Sat.
No flying today on ‘CDI in the morning & had plotting Exam in the afternoon – stayed in at night & wrote to Mary – also copied up a few notes – not very exciting for a Saturday night – but hellishly warm & was too hot & lazy to walk the 5 mls into Lutterworth
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AUGUST
1 Sun.
In lectures again today – had the ‘G’ Exam – flying scrubbed tonight – stayed in.
2 Mon.
[deleted] Lectures today [/deleted] (G.I’s in the morning did some swotting in the afternoon – went into Leicester with Gerry & Happy on the Liberty Bus – saw the Andrew Sisters in ‘How’s About It & ‘Desperadoes’ both quite good pictures – went to the Fair afterward
3 Tues.
Lectures today – finished early Dick Bing Gerry & I went into Leicester – called at the Milk Bar then the ‘Board’ where we met Gibby’s Pilot & W.O.P and went with these to a dance at the Palais – had a wizard time - - - - - - censored
4 Wed.
Letter from Mary today – stayed in at night – listened to Victor Sylvester on the radio – wrote to Mary & Mother this morning after GDI’s
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5 Thur.
Had Intelligence lecture in the morning & exam in the afternoon – packed our kit after tea & moved to our satellite Bitteswell – even more dispersed than the other which means bags of walking – wrote to Mary before I went to bed – a very nice parcel from Mother today.
6 Fri.
Didn’t do anything in the morning & after dinner wangled a ‘48’ – walked to Lutterworth – hitch hiked to Leicester & caught the 5.20 to Nottingham – then to Grantham, Doncaster but reached here too late to go out to Mary – met Mr Seymour’s Son – had a drink in the ‘Elephant’ & caught the 10.15 to Hull arrived at midnight to find Alex at home.
7 Sat.
Up fairly early – Alex & I went to see Stan & young Noble who were also on leave – went for a short walk but had to be back early to catch the 1.40 to Doncaster – Mary met me she looked adorable – we couldn’t get in at the ‘flicks’ so had a walk round & caught the 4.30 bus to Belton – it started raining after tea but we cycled to Miss Browns & went along to the dance in Epworth – very warm at the dance & it rained like hell on the way back – but I had a good time.
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8 Sun.
Up fairly early in the morning – went for a cycle ride with Mary to Owston Ferry before dinner – called at Miss Brown’s for some apples etc. – caught the usual bus to Doncaster after tea – the 6.15 from there to Sheffield – walked round here for a few hours met Dick & Bing – 11.55 to Leicester was very crowded – struggled in to the YM at 3.30 for a couple of hours sleep caught the 6.20 to Ullesworth & reached Camp at a little after seven.
9 Mon.
Very tired today – did a plotting exercise & walking in the afternoon – papers from Mother & letter from Mary, Alex & Louis – wrote to Mary
10 Tues.
Didn’t do any work all day – but wrote to Mother in the morning & packed up early in the afternoon so I could get away early to Leicester – Gerry & I went to the Palais and I had a very good time indeed.
11 Wed.
Stayed in at night – listened to the radio in the Mess & went along to the Cinema show on the Camp. Letter from Don today – wrote to Mary today.
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12 Thur.
Wrote to Roland & packed a parcel to Mother – after tea walked into Lutterworth with Happy – hitch hiked to Leicester went to the Palais – met Gerry’s Peggy and her friends – danced with them all the evening & had a very jolly evening – Peggy & Bessie saw us off at the Station
13 Fri.
Letter from Mary today – did a little plotting etc today – caught the 7.40 Ullesthorpe to Migston & Alex, Happy, Joe Frank & Ted & myself went to an ATS Sergeants dance at the Barracks store – had a wizard time – arrived back in Camp at about 1.15.
14 Sat.
Was going to fly this morning but it was cancelled at the last minute – stayed in at night & wrote to Mary in the Mess – listened to the wireless – turned in early & read in bed.
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15 Sun.
Did very little today – took a few Sun sights – wrote to Don – went to Church in Lutterworth with Dick after tea.
16 Mon.
Had to stay in tonight as we were flying at night bombing – letter from Mary & Birthday Cards from home – had a fairly decent trip tonight.
17 Tues.
Stayed in bed until dinner time – sunbathed in the afternoon – had to fly tonight so couldn’t go out to celebrate my birthday – what a way to celebrate! – letter & Card from Mary – took off at 9 o’clock but came back too late to go to the dance at night
18 Wed.
Had to stay in again today as we were flying at night – wrote to Mary & played Cards until 2 o’clock in the morning – after which we tried to sleep – called at 3 o’clock but was recalled before we could do much bombing
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19 Thur.
Went to bed at 6 o’clock this morning but had to be up again before twelve o’clock to get cleared etc ready to go back to Brunt. – reached there before tea dashed straight out & caught the 6.10 from Lutterworth to Leicester – had a meal & then onto the ‘Saracens Head’ from there to the dance at the Corn Exchange – slept the night on a sofa in the YM. – letter from Mother today
20 Fri.
Caught the 6.20 from Leicester this morning after a very uncomfortable night – walked to Camp from Ashby Magna – tried to get organised today –
21 Sat.
Did not Fly this morning – scrubbed – made out a few charts etc. – stayed in at night & wrote to Mother & Mary – letter from Mary today & also one from Sandy
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22 Sun.
Flew this morning – 4 hrs – very bumpy conditions – had a late dinner & had very little time to do anything before tea – after which Arthur, Johnny & myself walked into Welton where we had supper & met Joe.
23 Mon.
Flew again today landed late again – washed etc & spent the evening in the Mess wrote to Mary – letter from Geoff today
24 Tues.
Letter from Roland today – duty plotter & did very little until 4.30 when we were briefed for flying that night – took off at 9.0 o’clock & landed again at 12 o’clock
25 Wed.
Letter from Mary today – no time to write myself as we didn’t get up until dinner time & were flying again at night – late getting back owing to late start due to burst tyre.
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26 Thur.
Didnt [sic] get up until dinner time – then did dinghy drill etc with the crew – weren’t flying at night but couldn’t get transport to Leicester so went to the Canteen in Welton with the crew – then to a sing song in the Dog & Gun.
27 Fri.
Did our War Load this morning & enjoyed the trip very much – didn’t land until after 3 o’clock & had to dash around to get away on my ‘48’ – hitch hiked to Leicester & home soon after twelve o’clock.
28 Sat.
Up fairly early – pouring with rain but went for a haircut & to ring Mary – caught the 1.40 to Doncaster & met dear Mary – she looked very sweet & after a short look round & tea we went along to the Gaumont where we saw the Andrew Sisters in ‘Hows About It’ – I had already seen it & Thunderbirds – we afterwards caught the 8.20 to Belton
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29 Sun.
Felt very tired this morning – for some unknown reason as I didn’t get up until late & was ill after dinner – had been eating too many nice things – Mary travelled to Doncaster with me – had quite a time to wait here & proceeded to miss connections right & left.
30 Mon.
I arrived at Leicester at 3 o’clock this morning – met Arthur & Johnny on the Station & were fortunate enough to secure beds at the YM. – reached Camp 9 o’clock & have felt washed out all today
31 Tues.
Not flying tonight – did very little during the day – wrote to Mother & Mary – letter from Mary – went to the Ensa Show in Camp tonight – very good indeed – turned in late
1 SEPTEMBER Wed.
Stayed in & wrote to Sandy & Mary in the Mess as it was raining – later went down to the Canteen in Welton with the boys.
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2 Thur.
Went into Leicester at night on the Liberty bus with Gerry – went to the Odeon & saw ‘We Dive at Dawn’ also [deleted] We [/deleted] ‘They Live Alone’ quite a good show
3 Fri.
Did very little today – flew at night – very poor trip – several things went U.S & it was very cold no heat – letter from Mary today
4 Sat.
Didn’t get up until 3.0 o’clock in the afternoon – found we were flying so had to go along to the briefing room straight away – six hour trip – good trip – Italy invaded Russians breaking through – went to bed about six o’clock again.
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5 Sun.
Up late again today – three o’clock not flying again tonight so spent the evening in the Mess & wrote to Mary – still no news from home or a letter from Mary
6 Mon.
On CDI’s this morning – the crew had to go to SSQ this afternoon for decompression chamber test – Joe was ‘Joe’ – in other words the guinea pig went to Leicester on the Liberty bus with Gerry to make a four up at the theatre – Chris, Peggy, Gerry & I – saw Joe Loss – very good played Jealousy – Mary’s favourite
7 Tues.
Thought we were flying tonight but it was scrubbed at the last minute – wrote to Mother at night & went to the Canteen in Welton with the boys – Bing killed tonight
8 Wed.
Letter from Mary today – wrote to her [deleted] tonight [/deleted] this afternoon – had an early briefing as we were on an ‘op’ trip – quite a good trip bombed just South of Boulogne – heavy flak – not accurate ITALY CAPITULATES
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9 Thur.
Up late again today – flew in the afternoon to take Sun sights as we have finished here now – stayed in at night & worked
10 Fri.
Still cannot get away on leave – the whole crew went on the binge to Leicester tonight – hitch hiked to Leicester – went to the Picture house – saw Alice Faye Jack Oakie & John Payne in Hello ‘Frisco Hello – a very good musical & we enjoyed it very much had half an hour to reach the ‘White Swan’ where we became very merry on Port Rum, beer etc. – set off in search of a dance making a terrific row over it – but all very happy walked into the private dance at the Palais – had a jolly time – afterwards hot dogs at the Coffee stall & back to the YM letter from Mary today wrote to Mary.
[underlined] SAT [/underlined] 11TH.
Did very little today – very tired after yesterday – wrote to Louis at night & went along to the Canteen in Welton [inserted] Italy capitulates 8.9.43 [/inserted] where we played table tennis – no letter from home yet.
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12 Sun.
Stayed in at night & played Squash with Arthur – still standing by but believe we will get away in a few days time.
13 Mon.
Given 36 hr pass & are leaving on Thursday – poured with rain all the morning – wrote home & packed a parcel wrote to Mary & received the much looked for parcel from home – hitch hiked to Leicester with the boys – went to see Judy Garland in ‘Presenting Lily Mars
14 Tues.
Slept at the YM. up fairly early breakfasted at Lewis’s – shaved, brush up & met the other boys at the Tower Hotel felt very gay when the time came to have dinner (at Lewis’s) – rained in the afternoon – couldn’t go to swimming – played billiards & went to the flicks – had tea & went to the Palais by myself as Arthur & Johnny had dates – rang Mary today.
15 Wed.
Busy getting cleared today – really off tomorrow – went to the Canteen at night with Arthur & Johnnie
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16 Thur.
Finished packing this morning – had difficulty with a hell of a lot of kit but reached Leicester at 7 o’clock with Arthur & Johnnie – had a few beers together & then I caught the 10.30 to Sheffield
17 Fri.
Arrived home this morning at 5 o’clock – didn’t get up until lunch time – saw the people at the office & Les & Peggy at their office in the afternoon – called on Geoff who was also on leave
18 Sat.
Met Mary at the station this afternoon – went to the Goodfellowship [sic] at night & had a jolly time – lousy day rained a lot went to the Dorchester in the afternoon
MARY EPWORTH 77.
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19 Sun.
Up fairly early (10.30. [deleted] I had [/deleted]) went for a short walk with Mary & Rollo – went to see Mary’s father this afternoon & from there to the Dorchester where we saw ‘Joan of Paris’ – quite a good film
20 Mon.
Went into the town this morning walked round the shops – had dinner & then took a bus to Hessle where we sat on the foreshore – went to the Dorchester after tea & saw Deanna Durbin in ‘The Amazing Mrs Holliday’ – a good film
21 Tues.
Up very early this morning to catch the bus to Scarborough – had lunch at Lewis’s as soon as we reached there – then went onto the beach – it was a glorious day but windy & not too warm – but we had a very good time together & enjoyed the day immensely air raid warning tonight.
22 Wed.
[deleted] Stayed [/deleted] lunched at home today after spending the morning in the town – took a bus to Beverley & spent the afternoon on the Westwood – went to the theatre after tea to see the play ‘As You Like It
[page break]
23 Thur.
Spent the morning getting ready to leave for Belton this afternoon – arrived tea time & afterwards Mary & I cycled to the pictures where we saw ‘Mr Foreman goes to France’ a very good film which I had seen before.
24 Fri.
Up early this morning to accompany Mary to Scunthorpe where she was to have her hair set – but couldn’t so spent the morning walking round the town & the afternoon at the pictures – Mickey Rooney in ‘Human Comedy’ & caught an early bus back to Belton – stayed in at night – Mary knitted
25 Sat.
Went to Scunthorpe again this afternoon Mary went to have her hair set & I went to a soccer match – saw Grimsby Town beat Barnsley 1-0 & enjoyed the game very much after tea we went along to the theatre where we saw the play ‘Damaged Goods’ & then back to Belton
another 2 air raid warnings tonight
[page break]
26 Sun.
Went brambling this morning with Mary & Jean – had a very jolly time together & collected loads of brambles – had to go back this afternoon & travelled back to Hull with Mary’s father who had come home for the weekend
27 Mon.
Stayed in bed until late – wrote to Mary & Ken this afternoon – Wriggy wasn’t at home when I called this evening – went to the Carlton by myself saw Arthur Askey in ‘Miss London Ltd’ – fairly dull day – nothing much to do
28 Tues.
Was again up late this morning – went to see Mrs Gatman this afternoon – Sheila was home on leave & Harry’s wife was there – stayed tea – then came home for Edith & we went to the flicks together – to the Regent – it was ‘The Silk Queen’ George Brent etc & quite good
29 Wed.
[deleted] Cycled [/deleted] [inserted] Went [/inserted] to the office this morning to see NJP. but he was out – Mother & I went into the town this afternoon – our expedition wasn’t too successful – Wriggy & I went to the Mayfair tonight – saw No time for Love
[page break]
30 Thur.
Cycled into the office this morning caught the 1.40 pm to Doncaster this afternoon & met Mary at tea time after several days of boredom by myself in Hull it was grand – went to the flicks in Epworth saw Bette Davis, George Brent in Mary & I stayed up late tonight – I love Mary very much.
OCTOBER 1 Fri.
Up early this morning & Norman & I went for a walk as it was such a grand day – read in the afternoon & went with Mary & Miss Brown to the library after tea – had a drink together which made dear Mary very happy
2 Sat.
Up early this morning – read & sat in the garden as it was such a nice day – Mary & I went into Doncaster in the afternoon – walked round the shops with Miss Brown & Mr Hasler – couldn’t find Mary a handbag – had tea at the Gaumont & spent an hour at the flicks before we had to part – my train was late – reached home 11 o’clock a very amusing film Claudette Colbert & had a few drinks together in the Manchester after catching the bus into town
[page break]
3 Sun.
Up early to pack – caught the 12.25 to Doncaster – met Edna & travelled with her reached Newark & met Joe & Arthur soon after 3 o’clock – no transport so had tea in town later taken out to Morton Hall – slept in tents – wrote to Mary
4 Mon.
Went to Swinderby in the morning for FFI etc & had PT & games in the afternoon – didn’t go out tonight but stayed in the Mess & wrote home.
5 Tues.
Had bayonet practise with pikes this morning – route march after break – called at a pub & stopped there quite a while – took short cut across fields coming back – had to jump ditches etc – talk by Air Commodore this afternoon – followed by games & PT went into Newark with the boys went to the flicks [indecipherable word]
6 Wed.
Had unarmed combat – bayonet fighting & boxing this morning – boxing more unarmed combat & a cross country run after dinner – we were last off on this & took a short cut – wrote to Mary at night [indecipherable word]
[page break]
7 Thur.
Had a cross country march this morning – again called at the Regal Pub – had the assault course this afternoon & our crew mad the best time played soccer afterwards – scored 3 & we won 5-0 again the crew shone – went into Nottingham with the boys after tea – drank Port at Yates Wine Lodge – then on to a dance at the Palais – had a wizard time – plenty of nice girls there.
8 Fri.
Had another route today – PT & games etc. – stayed in at night & spent the evening in the Mess with the boys wrote to Roland
9 Sat.
Still no letter from Mary or home – stayed in at night wrote to Mary & listened to the wireless – had the assault course today – scared the new Engineers with a thunderflash tonight
[page break]
10 Sun.
Had to do the assault course again today – had the afternoon off – so changed & went into Nottingham after tea with the boys – went to the Premier Club – danced & drank there – were going on to another Club after this one closed but it was very foggy & we lost our guide
11 Mon.
Did very little today – had clothing parade etc – stayed in at night & wrote to Mary & Mother – roasted chestnuts on the stove – packed – raided the Engineers again & generally messed about letter from Mary today.
12 Tues.
Left Morton Hall this morning & came to WINTHORPE – a new ‘drome & very like Bruntingthorpe – had the usual arrival talks – went into Newark after tea with Arthur & Johnny – had haircut meal etc then went to a dance – I reached home at 12.30 o’clock –
13 Wed.
Were on lectures today – miserable day – foggy & flying held up – did some binding in the Mess – Denis the Engineer joined the crew today
[page break]
14 Thur.
Weather still very bad – on lectures all day – stayed in at night & wrote to Mary – received 3 letters from Mary today.
15 Fri.
Weather still too bad for flying spent the evening in the Mess listened to the wireless & wrote to Fred – letter from Mother today.
16 Sat.
Stayed in tonight & wrote to Mary Had lectures as usual today –
[page break]
17 Sun.
Reported sick this morning – rained all the morning but the weather improved for me to go into town after tea – intended going to church but couldn’t find one – went to the flicks & met Johnny – saw ‘Woman of the Year’ Katherine Hepburn & Spencer Tracy
18 Mon.
Were supposed to be flying today but weren’t needed so had quite an easy day – went into town after tea with Denis & Johnny – saw ‘I Married a Witch’ at the Kinema – had seen it before but they hadn’t – later went to a dance
19 Tues.
Had the usual lectures today & P.T after tea – stayed in & wrote to Mary.
20 Wed.
Finished lectures early & went along to collect my pass with Johnny – we were fortunate to catch a lorry at the gates – caught the 4.6 to Doncaster from Newark & the 5.30 to Hull – reached home at seven o’clock
[page break]
21 Thur.
Up fairly early this morning sent telegram to Mary & cycled to the Station to find out train times – met young Nob. who was also home on leave – went to Mary this afternoon – went to see ‘Ships with Wings’ after tea – turned in fairly early as Mary was tired.
22 Fri.
Said goodbye to Mary this morning & caught the 11.0 o’clock bus to Doncaster walked about the town – had lunch – a haircut etc & then caught the 4.3 to Newark where I had tea & then went to the Savoy – saw ‘Arabian Nights’ – rained a lot tonight the boys didn’t come back until later
23 Sat.
On the usual lectures today – stayed in the Mess tonight & wrote to Mary.
[page break]
24 Sun.
Had to be up early this morning – went to Cranwell for wet dinghy drill – wrote to Mother after dinner – went into town with the boys after tea – had quite a binge & a very pleasant time together
X 25 Mon.
Still very misty here most of the day & we didn’t fly again – stayed in at night & wrote to Mary.
26 Tues.
Still no flying – weather bad – went into Newark with Ron after tea – we went to the Kinema & saw ‘Sin City’ Broderick Crawford Constance Bennett & a Will Hay film – which was quite amusing – letter from Mary today
27 Wed.
Again foggy today & again no flying – stayed in the Mess tonight – wrote to Sandy & listened to the wireless
[page break]
28 Thur.
Very foggy again today – no flying again so ‘genned’ up on each others subjects – letter from Mary today – wrote myself at dinner time to try to make up the apparent rift in our affections – waiting anxiously for reply – packed a parcel for home – went to the flicks tonight with the boys – saw ‘Silent Village’ & Dinner at the Ritz
29 Fri.
Still no flying today although the weather is improving – so might get off tomorrow stayed in at night
30 Sat.
Flew this morning – we were all sick doing steep turns in the Lanc – a wizard kite – got away soon after tea today & went to Nottingham with Arthur Johnny & Dennis – first went to Yate’s then to a dance at the Victoria Ballroom had a super time – slept as well as was able to on the platform caught the 4.16 & went to bed at 6 o’clock this morning – Monday
[page break]
31 Sun.
Felt very tired today – should have been flying but the weather was too bad – stayed in the Mess at night & wrote to Mary – no letter from Mary today.
1 NOVEMBER Mon.
Still wet & miserable today – were on lectures – had to go to the Sick Quarters at Swinderby this afternoon – wrote to Ken in the Mess after tea – letter from Roland today – he is getting married soon
2 Tues.
Stayed in again tonight – filthy weather again today – letter from Mary today – but we are still estranged – went to the cinema show in Camp tonight – Arthur Askey in Miss London Ltd
3 Wed.
Weather has improved today – but we were on lectures – stayed in the Mess & wrote to Mary tonight
[page break]
4 Thur.
Went into town with Arthur, Dennis Jock & Johnny – had tea at the Savoy & went to see ‘Silent Village’ & ‘Hi Buddy’ there
5 Fri.
Didnt [sic] fly today – weather bad – went into town early with Arthur – joined later by Johnny & we spent the night in the local – I kept to shandies – letter from Mary today
6 Sat.
No flying today – although quite a decent day – very pleased too as I had planned to meet Mary in Doncaster – caught the 4.3 pm train & met Mary – had tea at the Gaumont & later went to the flicks there – talked over certain things & I feel much better & things have straightened out a little – Mary caught the 9.0 o’clock bus – I went for a Sherry then to a dance – caught the 11.25 back met Arthur in the bus
[page break]
7 Sun.
Very cold & windy today – with bright sunshine – still no flying as most of the kites were pranged or U.S – stayed in at night & wrote to Mary.
8 Mon.
Very nice day today – but still no flying as kites were U.S. – wrote to Mother tonight – had a parcel from home to acknowledge
9 Tues.
Very misty today – therefore no flying again – did a little work in the morning later played Crown & Anchor & won quite a bit – played again in the afternoon – letter from Mary
10 Wed.
Flew both in the morning and afternoon – went out tonight with all of the boys – we went to the Kinema where we saw Lupino Lane & Sally Gray in ‘The Lambeth Walk’ – all went round to the Rem afterwards
[page break]
11 Thur.
Stayed in tonight & read in the Mess – flew this morning & Arthur went solo – letter from Louis today
12 Fri.
Letter from Mary today stayed in & wrote to M. tonight – flew again today – only for an hour
13 Sat.
On early flying this morning – weather was rather bad – we did corkscrew practise – flew again after lunch on cross country – weather very bad – had to come down to 2000’ due to icing – wanted to go to Doncaster today to see Mary but flying interfered – went to an ENSA show in Camp after tea as it was pouring with rain, very cold & windy – it was very amusing & Johnny Dennis & I enjoyed it very much indeed
[page break]
14 Sun.
Absolutely foul day today – rained nearly all the day & there was a very strong wind – stayed in the Mess at night & wrote to Louis
15 Mon.
Papers from home – flew this morning & weren’t needed in the afternoon so Arthur, Johnny, Dennis, Jock & myself went into Newark for tea – afterwards went to the Savoy saw ‘The Gentle Sex’ – had supper & came back – wrote to Mary
16 Tues.
Letters from Mary, Edith & Roland – still very cold today – didn’t fly – did a little dinghy drill etc today – wrote to Roland & went to the cinema show in Camp Chester Morris in ‘After Midnight’
17 Wed.
Didn’t fly again today & were given the afternoon off Arthur, Dennis, Johnny & myself went into Nottingham – had tea – the other two went to the flicks – Arthur & I went to the Wine Lodge & then to the Palais – I met Pat & had a jolly time – letter from Alex today.
[page break]
18 Thur.
Not flying today & again had the afternoon off – the boys went home – it was such a grand afternoon that I decided upon a walk & went to Newark & along the Trent – came back for tea & wrote to Mary – turned in early – letter from Mary today.
19 Fri.
Up early this morning as we were on early briefing – took off at 9.30 & landed again at 1500 hrs – very cold & frosty today – letter from Ken today – stayed in the Mess after tea.
20 Sat.
Very foggy today – wanted to get away this afternoon to go to Doncaster but were on night flying which was scrubbed until late – too late to go – was I annoyed – changed & went into Newark with Arthur, Dennis & Jock – saw ‘My Sister Eileen’ at the Kinema afterwards had supper in the W.VS & a drink – letter from Roland today – who was married this afternoon
[page break]
21 Sun.
Very foggy today – didnt [sic] fly – stayed in at night & wrote to Mother received a parcel from home – wrote to Edith & Mary
22 Mon.
Down for night flying tonight – had to stand by in the Mess from 8.30 until four o’clock in the morning – didn’t fly – played cards with the boys.
23 Tues.
Didn’t get up until dinner time – on night flying & again didn’t get to bed until four o’clock in the morning – flew again tonight – wrote to Mary today.
24 Wed.
Up again at dinner time – briefing in the afternoon – had to wait for a kite to be made serviceable – hellish night – rained hard – took off at 3.30 in the morning & landed again at 8.30 – lousy trip – letter from Mary today
[page break]
25 Thur.
Went to bed at 10.30 this morning – up again for tea & then went into Newark to post a parcel home – went along to the flicks & saw a very good film ‘A Night to Remember’ Loretta Young & Brian Aherne- received a piece of Rolands Christmas cake today
26 Fri.
Down for flying again tonight but the kite was U.S. so had to hang about for an hour before it was scrubbed – wrote to Mary
27 Sat.
Again down for flying tonight but the weather interfered again & it was scrubbed so was able to go to the concert in Camp ‘Time for Rhythms’ a very good show indeed & I enjoyed it very much – very much above the standard of the shows we usually get here
[page break]
28 Sun.
We made it at last tonight – the weather has cleared – landed at one o’clock in the morning which was fairly early.
29 Mon.
Up at dinner time today – had to fly in the afternoon on Fighter Affil but it was too late & had to land again without doing it – went into town tonight with Arthur, Jock, Dennis & Joe saw Lloyd Nolan in ‘Time to Kill’
30 Tues.
Wrote to Mary today as received a letter from her to – flew tonight – landed about two o’clock but didn’t go to bed until after four o’clock in the morning – wrote to Alex & Fred
1 DECEMBER Wed.
Didn’t get up until tea time received a photo of Mary today – went into Newark with Denis & Gerry – had intended going to Nottingham but missed train – went to the flicks
[page break]
2 Thur.
Didn’t get up very early today – busy getting clearance chits signed today – stayed in at night & wrote to Mother & Mary – [deleted] Letter [/deleted]
3 Fri.
Up fairly early today, packed & left Winthorpe at 1.15 – arrived at our Squadron 5.0 o’clock – found billets etc & then went along to the Mess – wrote to Mother & Mary – letter from home
4 Sat.
Spent most of today getting settled in – had talk by Intelligence Officer & at 4.0 o’clock were told that we were on a bullseye & had to take off at 6.0 o’clock – had a fairly decent trip – landed at 1.30 o’clock
[page break]
5 Sun.
Spent today settling down – had to change billets & are on an even muddier site (if possible) – the looked for Squadron comfort is lacking on this ‘drome – wrote to Don in the Mess tonight
6 Mon.
Very foggy today & didn’t do any bombing although we were down for it – went into Lincoln after tea with Johnny, Denis, Gerry – saw ‘The Four Feathers’ – missed the last bus – came home via Scampton.
7 Tues.
Again very foggy today – no activity – spent the night in the Mess – didn’t write but felt unusually tired & slept near the fire.
8 Wed.
Another wet miserable day – however received a letter from dear Mary & parcel from home ferryed [sic] a kite to Swinderby & came back via road.
[page break]
9 Thur.
Flew this morning but couldn’t do any bombing as the weather was too bad – went out to sea for air firing – stayed in tonight & wrote to Don – [deleted] received [/deleted]
10 Fri.
Did very little today – had to fly tonight on short cross country & did J.L.B got off fairly early & were in bed by midnight – received a letter from Mary & wrote before we took off
11 Sat.
Stayed in tonight as I have a cold – listened to the wireless in the Mess & wrote to Geoff – very cold today
[page break]
12 Sun.
No ‘ops again today – as we are in a moon period – cold still bad & can only speak in a whisper – flew this afternoon – short cross country to Harrogate in formation – wrote to Mary tonight.
13 Mon.
Received two letters from Mary which had been forwarded from Winthorpe – had to clean our kite this afternoon – bags of bull on the station went into Lincoln with Arthur after tea to do some shopping – went to the flicks
14 Tues.
A thick mist & frost blanketed the ‘drome today – did quite a lot of marching to & fro – too much – had talk by base commander – spent the evening in the Mess & wrote to Ken
15 Wed.
Still very foggy & frosty – reported sick this morning – didn’t go down to the section this afternoon but played dominoes in the Mess with the boys – letter from Mary – wrote home & to Mary
[page break]
16 Thur.
Flew tonight – target Berlin – fairly quite [sic] but long trip – Arthur is missing – letter from Mary.
17 Fri.
Didn’t get up very early – our future is not certain yet but there is a chance that we shall get a spare pilot here – wrote to [deleted] Rol [/deleted] Mary in the Mess tonight
18 Sat.
Met our new pilot a Rhodesian & F.O. – seems to be a decent chap went for a short flip together to get to know each other in the air stayed in the Mess this evening – addressed & sent my Christmas cards – wrote to Alex & started writing to Arthur’s people
[page break]
19 Sun.
Met our new Pilot today & we flew on a bullseye tonight – he is a very good pilot & think we will get on very well together –
20 Mon.
Didn’t get up until late today - & did very little in the afternoon – we all went into Lincoln after tea but I missed the bus – went to the Savoy saw Charles Laughton in ‘The Man from Down Under’ – met the boys afterwards in a hotel – letter from Mary today.
XX 21 Tues.
Johnny has gone into hospital so that we are now minus a W.O.P. – stayed in the Mess tonight & finished writing to Arthur’s Mother & also wrote to Mary.
22 Wed.
Flew today – did a little fighter affil. – stayed in the Mess again tonight & read the book Mary has sent me for Christmas – parcel from home & card from Edith
[page break]
23 Thur.
On ops tonight – target Berlin – had a good trip – hit by flak N. of Osnabruck damaged elevator & Oil tank – did no noticeable damage – had to stand by for take of [sic] which was late so wrote to Mary & went to an ENSA show in Camp – received cards from Mother & Mary.
24 Fri.
Landed this morning – rang Mary & said I would cycle over – went to bed for a couple of hours & overslept – set off at 3.30 pm & after a very long ride reached Belton at 7.30 – it was grand meeting Mary again – after tea we went to a dance until midnight but I was very tired.
25 Sat.
Didn’t get up until ten o’clock played darts etc before dinner – had a wizard Christmas dinner – Mary’s father was home & Peter – had a short walk in the afternoon & walked to the flicks after tea – saw Rosalind Russell in ‘Married but Single’ – had seen it before enjoyed the walk home with Mary & we didn’t go to bed until 1.30.
[page break]
26 Sun.
bathed at 4.40 this morning after Mary’s Mother had very kindly made me breakfast set off – reached Camp at 9.30 – didn’t do anything this morning – as we had our Christmas dinner today – didn’t have to go down to the Flights – wizard dinner – had lots to eat – went to bed at 8.0 o’clock as I was very tired
27 Mon.
Flew this morning – couldn’t bomb due to bad weather – stayed in the Mess tonight & wrote to Mary, Mother & to Edith.
28 Tues.
Did very little today – went into Lincoln after tea with Denis & Jock – went to the flicks saw Flanagan & Allan in ‘Theatre Royal’
29 Wed.
Didn’t have time to do an N.F.T this morning – made us late for dinner – bombed Berlin tonight quite a good trip
[page break]
30 Thur.
Stayed in the Mess tonight & wrote to Mary – did very little today couldn’t fly as they were working on our kite
31 Fri.
Letters from Edith & Mother today – briefed for raid but scrubbed so we were all able to go out & to celebrate the New Year – we all had dinner at the Saracen’s Head Hotel & then went along to a dance – it was very crowded – we had a taxi back at 1 o’clock & after something to eat in the Mess on our return – managed to get to bed by 2 o’clock
[page break]
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Name. – ‘Phone Numbers.
P. Usher. – 58318
Pat – 41915
[page break]
[deleted] 4 Oct CORRECT 2100 [/deleted]
9 Oct CORRECT 2100
11 Oct 25 secs fast 1700
13 Oct 54 “ “ 1230
14 Oct 25 secs slow 1800
15 Oct 9 secs fast 1300
16 Oct 22 secs fast 2100
[page break]
Aug 11 – 1300 hrs watch 12 secs slow
“ 12 1300 “ 20 “ fast 32 gain
“ 13 1300 “ 48 “ 28 gain
“ 14 1300 “ 81 33 gain
“ 20 1300 “ 2 min 5 secs fast
“21 1300 “ 6 secs slow
2100 3 secs fast
“ 23 2100 16 secs fast
1 Sept 12 secs slow at 1300
2 “ 29 “ “ “ “
5 “ 15 secs slow at 1800
(Correct 1700 – 4 Sept.
[page break]
[underlined] 40 hrs [/underlined]
Look up ‘gen’ on Iceland
Visit office – re income tax
Refill needed for Loose leaf book
Drawing pins Rate watch
Rubber
Box for instruments
NB.
Sign bombing order book before going on bombing detail
52 05 N Woodbridge
01 24 E
Emergency
[symbol] OCCULT
X PUNDIT
[page break]
Rubber
Tooth brush
Air graph from.
anti clockwise
BST 2208 34
ARCT. 24 44
2159.5310 1/2 0024W
161 O/S
Fr 153
24 Oct Watch 5 secs slow at 1300
27 “ “ 3 40 slow 1300
3 55 1800
U Track 044 (T) Dist 13.8 mils. N
Make note of Ex 7, 9, 16, 20
Early flying – ring for approved route whether (9 A, B or C etc
Time & Dist mins. made between Lincoln Cathedral & Watch office
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] Give Pilot Course
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] Pilot weaves & flys [sic] on instruments BA. has bomb sight vertical – gives me directions.
3. Nav checks repeater rdgs. every 20 secs & records the [indecipherable word] on a slip of paper
[underlined] 4 [/underlined] Take fix [deleted] with [/deleted] at the correct spin of taking photograph NOTE WAG
[page break]
[underlined] Lining up the Inner frame with the GYRO [/underlined]
Use reversing mate in the top of the instrument
[diagram]
Energise one coil & it will turn in one direction energise the other & it will turn the other. If A strip is energised then the A coil will be energised & it will turn
[page break]
With.
Mr. & Mrs. R.W. Northedge.
Compliments.
8, Council Houses.
Owmby – by – Spital.
[underlined] Lincoln [/underlined]
[page break]
Scampton 274.
[page break]
DR Compass – a magnetically controlling gyro
[underlined] Lining up the GYRO with the magnet [/underlined]
[diagram]
As the gyro is out of line The short contact on A strip then this contact strip will energise the A pat magnet and so turn gyro the correct way.
[page break]
Altering Co. in 1 min
[diagram]
Only use if the one alteration is [indecipherable word]
[page break]
[underlined] Rate of Pay [/underlined] 13/6 a day Sgt
14/- Flt Sgt
17/6 W.O.
13/6 a day £44.18.0 tax liability
Family allowance 21/6 Sgt. to wife
& your “ 3/6 a day compulsory allowance
[underlined] Income tax [/underlined] – deduct 1/10 & £86 & taxed at 6/6 in the £1 on the first £165.
Special subsist allowance Sgt 5/- a day free of Income Tax & this for [deleted] a [/deleted] 40 days a year – only on an ops. station (PO’s 10/- a day)
Paid July 8 £6.16.0
“ July 22 £6.16.0.
“ Sept 2 £12.0.0.
16 £9.10.0.
[page break]
EFFECT OF POT MAGNET
[symbol]
[diagram]
Inner frame held up & lined up by the gyro.
[deleted] Inner fr [/deleted] Magnets line up outer frame & therefore the scale
[page break]
NIGHT TRIP
W/V 129/12K
[underlined] Astronomical Wander or Drift [/underlined]
When axis of the gyro is not in line with axis of the earth
[diagram]
[page break]
[underlined] Precession [/underlined] is the turning of a force through 90 degrees and will act against the line of force
[two diagrams]
Apparent topple – or [deleted] precession [/deleted] (a) Pointing to Star away from earth – then Pointing to Star towards earth
[page break]
[underlined] Plotting – Nav Gen – Met – A/C Rec [/underlined]
(300) 8 – (200) – (100) – (50)
235 – 147 – 70 – 36
Total percentage 75.3 degrees [underlined] Signals [/underlined] 100 percent
[underlined] Armaments [/underlined] 75 percent
82
[page break]
?
4.45 Carnforth 7-8
Leeds 9-48
22, Butler Ave
Harrow on the Hill
Mddsex
[page break]
[underlined] By Analysis [/underlined]
[underlined] Wind Change error [/underlined] – Dist between end of used Wind Vectors & actual Wind Vectors
[underlined] Calculation Error [/underlined] Distance between the used Wind Vectors & base.
[underlined] Other Error [/underlined] Dist between actual Wind Vector & base
[underlined] Cumulative Error [/underlined] is the total errors in relation to the air distances
[underlined] Final Error [/underlined] is the dist between actual finishing point & base – all taken as percentages of total air distances
[page break]
[diagram]
Say off courses & air distances put the [deleted] actual [/deleted] [inserted] used [/inserted] Vectors used during this time – put in actual Wind Vector for this line
125-140
[diagram]
[page break]
[various calculations]
[page break]
[various calculations]
[page break]
[set of calculations]
31 Oct 16 secs fast at 2100
1 Nov 55 secs slow at 2100
3 Nov 227 “ “ “ 1230
3 Nov 253 2100
8 Nov 7 secs slow 12.30
“ 30 secs 2100
9 50 slow 1230
98 2100
10 “ 123 2100
11 “ 148 0800
“ 4 slow 2100
[page break]
Aircraft Rec. Copy 124
Air Almanac 25 24.11.42
ANT’s 144
AP1234 210A
Q Short step to side with L.F
Q Half close R. foot to LF
S Side L.F
Cross R.F well over in front
S of L.F.
S Point L.F. forward keeping weight on R.F
S Point L.F back keeping weight on R.F
[page break]
AFC 137. Evasion in Air Fighting. New Method of Bombing
120K. G/S.
Set 120 against 36 a time scale on computer if dist from landmark to target is 6 mls then read off time against this which will give you your time to [deleted] meet [/deleted] reach target after nuliffying [sic] by 10 in secs.
Give bomb aim Wind height & TAS
When bomb aimer has landmark in sight he shouts [indecipherable word] & you time from then when only 30 secs to go you start giving the time to BA 25 20 15 10 etc.
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Mervyn Adder diary 1943
Description
An account of the resource
Daily entries for activities in 1943. Covers, films seen, weather, training and exams, leaves, training at Bridgnorth, medical issues, war news. Posted to RAF Millom, mentions activities, leave, aircrew flying training, navigation training routes, social and entertainment events. Posted Bruntingthorpe for more training in July. Describes training and activities, weather, flying navigation training routes, social activities, leave. Posted to RAF Winthorpe, describes training and activities, flying and not flying due to weather. Posted to operational squadron in December 1943. Mentions operation to Berlin on 16 December 1943, reports Arthur (their original pilot) was missing and new pilot arriving. Target Berlin on 23 December 1943. Concludes with various notes.
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Shropshire
England--Cumbria
England--Leicestershire
England--Nottinghamshire
England--Lincolnshire
Germany
Germany--Berlin
England--Lincoln
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943
1943-07
1943-12
1943-12-16
1943-12-23
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
M Adder
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1943
Format
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Sixty-five pages of handwritten diary entries
Language
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eng
Type
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Text
Text. Diary
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
YAdderM170573v3
Coverage
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Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Conforms To
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Pending review
Pending text-based transcription. Under review
Rights
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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.
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tricia Marshall
aircrew
entertainment
military living conditions
military service conditions
missing in action
navigator
RAF Bridgnorth
RAF Bruntingthorpe
RAF Millom
RAF Winthorpe
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1857/33286/YAdderM170573v2.1.pdf
716fe7532dec4c7427830ca2572059db
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Adder, Mervyn
M Adder
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-05-29
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Adder, M
Description
An account of the resource
88 items. The collection concerns Pilot Officer Mervyn Adder (1922 - 1944, 175073 Royal Air Force) and contains his diaries, correspondence and photographs. He flew operations as a navigator with 44 Squadron and was killed 15 March 1944. <br /><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Mary Sprakes and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.<br /><br /><span data-contrast="none" xml:lang="EN-GB" lang="EN-GB" class="TextRun SCXW207633627 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207633627 BCX0">Additional information on<span> Mervyn Adder</span></span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207633627 BCX0"><span> </span>is available via the</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW207633627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"> </span><a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/100101/">IBCC Losses Database.</a>
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
M. Adder.
153, Albert Ave.
Anlaby Rd
Hull.
Those mighty periods of years
Which seem to us so vast,
Appear no more before Thy sight,
Than yesterday that’s past
90 [deleted] Psalmm [/deleted] [inserted] Psalm [/inserted]
[page break]
Friends are the end & reward of life. They keep us worthy of ourselves & when we are alone we are only nearer to the absent
Stevenson
I count myself in nothing else so happy.
As in a soul remembering my good friends.
Shakespeare
Like threads of silver seen through crystal beads.
Let love through good deeds show.
Arnold.
[page break]
Mr J. Heath
38, Oxford St.
East Kirkby
Nottingham
Mr. J. Crowe.
12, Empress Ave.
Ilford.
Essex.
[page break]
A.N.T. C191
Nav. Inst. Manual C4/10
Almanac 24
Met. D9/4
Comp. D9/2
Protractor D9/49
Rule D9/32.
[page break]
[underlined] JANUARY [/underlined]
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
[underlined] 1st:- [/underlined] Stayed in at night as it was snowing – gunfire heard here early in night – 500 people discovered on Pacific island – abandoned by German raider who had sunk their ships – R.A.F raid invasion ports
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
[underlined] 2nd:- [/underlined] Went to see ‘My Two Husbands’ at the Tower by myself – very little action in the film – was not impressed very cold at night – freezing – Bremen attacked & about 20,000 incendiaries dropped – fires seen over 100 mls away
[underlined] FRI. [/underlined]
[underlined] 3rd [/underlined] Bremen again raided – H.M.Sub.
[page break]
Thunderbolt (late ill-fated Thelis) sinks Italian submarine – Aussies launch attack on Bardia & secure positions – went to Rolands at night & listened to his new records – later went for a walk – still freezing.
[underlined] Sat [/underlined]
[underlined] 4th [/underlined] Played R.E’s lost 7-5 good game 5” of snow on top – soft underneath very hard going – went to Newington at night – had a very good time – met Mary Boatyman (very nice – dark & slim very pretty) saw her home – she was staying the night with Mary Glansford – more prisoners taken at Bardia received a Christmas Card from Marian in America
[page break]
Sun.
[underlined] 5th [/underlined] Very nice morning – freezing but fresh – went to Cadets with Don & Gee – paraded on Corp. Field – went a walk in the afternoon with Roland Ken Gee & Wriggy – went to Wriggy’s at night – Gee’s gramophone broke – mended it – took nearly all night –
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
6th Bardia taken – also over 30,000 prisoners – our casualties about 400 Italians show little fight – have a cold stayed in at night
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
7th Went to see ‘The Boys from
[page break]
Syracuse’ with Mary – a very funny picture & very American – Amy Johnson missing over Thames Estuary – acting as ferry pilot
WED.
8TH Stayed in at night & cleaned part of my bicycle – our western forces pushing on to Tobruk Roland receives his papers – is going to Helmsall [sic] – (between Brigg & Scunthorpe) – N.W Germany bombed
THUR
[underlined] 9TH [/underlined] Went to Cadets at night intruction [sic] in Navigation & Theory of Flight –
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
FRI
[underlined] 10TH [/underlined] Daylight raid on invasion ports by our bombers escorted by fighters – a very successful raid – 3 enemy fighters shot down – we suffer no losses – Milan & Naples attacked & a 35,000 ton battleship damaged – our forces are pushing on to the West of Tobruk – stayed in at night
SAT
[underlined] 11TH [/underlined] Played the R.E’s again lost 2-1 played a wrotten [sic] game – went to Newington at night had a good time saw Mary to the bus station
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
[underlined] 12TH [/underlined] Went to Cadets in the morning
[page break]
with Gee & a walk in the afternoon to the Golf Course with Don & Gee & a walk at night with Wriggy & Gee later we went in Wriggy’s house
MON
[underlined] 13TH [/underlined] Channel ports raided by RAF & fighters machine gun German troop emplacements – stayed in at night & cleaned my bicycle – met Mary in the town after work.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
14TH. German & Italian aircraft attack convoy in Med. area 12 shot down. HMS Illustrious damaged & HMS Gallant (Des.) HMS Southampton (Cruiser) was also damaged & later had to be sunk
[page break]
- went to see ‘Andy Hardy Meets Debutante’ with Mary at the Cecil – a very good film & we both enjoyed it.
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
[underlined] 15th [/underlined] Stayed in at night – dive bombers dropped 1000’s of bombs in recent attack in Med. – gunfire heard here tonight – wrote to Fred –
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
16TH:- Wilhelmshaven heavily raided by R.A.F as reprisal for Med. attack – very cold today went to Cadets at night
[page break]
FRI.
[underlined] 17TH:- [/underlined] Very cold temp 23 degrees this morning – stayed in at night – wrote to Edith – stated that 40 aircraft were destroyed in raid on Catania (Sicily) – Greeks capture 1000 prisoners & sink two supply ships.
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
18TH:- Played at Kilnsea won 5-0 9 degrees below cold piercing wind & blowing snow – went dancing at night & had a moderate time as I was tired – 20 dive bombers brought down in raid on Malta – (several German planes) snowing tonight
[page break]
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
19TH:- Over 1’ of snow on the ground large drifts due to wind – another 19 planes brought down in raid on Malta – went for a walk in the afternoon with Don & Gee & also at night with Ken, Wriggy & Gee later went to Wriggy’s – Edith came home for the weekend – Olaf also was here.
[underlined] MON. [/underlined]
20TH Snow melting – very dirty underfoot – our troops have taken Kassala in the Sudan region Abysinnians revolting under the leadership of our military mission
[page break]
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
[underlined] 21ST:- [/underlined] Rained today & also at night – snow has melted & left a dirty mess – went to see Bing Crosby in ‘If I had my way’ at the Tower with Mary – saw Mary & Bob there – enjoyed the picture very much – our forces start the attack on Tobruk
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
22ND:- Tobruk captured – Australians again lead the way – went to the Newington at night with Don & Gee Sirens sounded 3 times today luckily not at night as I was on fire duty.
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
23RD:- Stayed in at night as
[page break]
it was a very dark & wet night – fighters piloted by Poles carry out offensive sweep of Channel ports & German occupied territory – they went unchallenged
[underlined] F.RI. [sic] [/underlined]
24TH. Rang Mary she is staying in tonight & so I also stayed in – Tobruk prisoners excede [sic] 14,000 Hailie Selaissie is back in Abyssinia
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
25TH:- Played an Army team at Pocklington lost 2-1 (had to get washed under a tap – no tea – proper Army do) returned 6.30 & went to Newington at night – had a good time with Mary & the gang
[page break]
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
26TH. Went to the Cadets in the morning with Gee & went for a walk with Don, Gee Ken & Wriggy in the afternoon Gee came to our house at night – reported rioting in N. Italy – (Germans take over post office, stations etc) – our forces in Africa attack Lybia, [sic] St Som. Eritrea simultaneously – Greeks still do well
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
27TH:- Met Mary from work – somebody rang her up & asked for a date – believe it has something to do with Don or Spillers – went to see ‘Gentlemen of Venture’ with Gee at the West Park –
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
28TH Met Mary from work – rained & snowed all day – went
[page break]
to Cadets at night & had gunnery instruction with the Lewis gun – no raiding again today
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
29TH Stayed in at night – our forces capture Derna Greeks repulse Italian counter attack – Roland goes back after leave
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
30TH. Having a couple of days leave – stayed in bed in the morning & went to see the ‘Dead End Kids’ & ‘La Conga Nights’ at the Tower with Mary in the afternoon – stayed in at night.
FRI
31ST. Stayed in bed again in the morning & took Rollo for a walk in the afternoon – stayed in at night – our forces pushing on to Benghazi
[page break]
[underlined] FEBRUARY [/underlined]
[underlined] SAT [/underlined
1 Feb:- Played army team at the gun position in Costello playing field lost 6-1 – went to the Newington at night & had a very good time Mary was very affectionate & was introduced to Miss Pettman – our force pushing on to Benghazi & also on the other 3 fronts
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
2nd:- Went to Cadets in the morning for a rehearsal – started to snow & continued for our inspection by C.O from Leconfield & presentation of the band – later dedicated at church stayed in at night.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
3rd:- More snow today – met Mary from work & went to collect her photo’s [sic] from Cecil Studios however
[page break]
they weren’t ready – she was going to the dressmakers tonight – so we didn’t go out together.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
4TH Met Mary from work & called for her photograph at the Cecil studios – went to Cadets at night – bombs dropped in Goddard Ave., at night – 4 killed several injured – our forces pushing on in Africa – Cyrene captured
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
5TH Bombers escorted by layers of fighters attack Channel Invasion Ports both at night & during the day 5 German planes shot down – 7 of ours are missing – arranged to meet Mary at night but she didn’t turn up – went to see ‘Crooks Tour’ at the Central (Basil Radford & Naughton Wayne) – snowing heavily
[page break]
tonight – many warnings today
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
6TH: About 8” of snow has fallen which melts very quickly – rang Mary this morning & she is sorry she didn’t come last night – promises me a photograph – [deleted] received letters [/deleted]
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
[underlined] 7TH [/underlined] Met Mary from work – gave me photo, she can’t come out tonight – stayed in Benghazi captured – armoured division leaves coast road at Derna – covers 130 mls in 30 hrs & surprises Italians leaving Benghazi to the south – received letters from Roland & Fred.
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
8TH. Played Balloon Barage won 5-1 very muddy – hurt my ancle [sic] – offer to sign for City – went to the Newington at night – saw Mary to the bus
[page break]
& had to walk home – buzzers go on duty for about 20 mins fire-watching – Genoa shelled by Navy
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
9TH. Went to Cadets in the morning & went for a walk with Mary in the afternoon – rained a bit so went to the Art Gallery & the museum – stayed in at night – our forces pushing on on all fronts in Africa.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
10TH:- Went to a dance at the ‘Sacred Heart’ with Mary at night wasn’t thrilled – a bit common & band was not up to scratch – reported over 300 tons of shells were fired into Genoa during recent raid – HMS Renown, Ark Royal & the cruiser Sheffield took
[page break]
part accompanied by light forces.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
11th Stayed in at night – after training at City – met Mary from work earlier – reported German infiltration in Bulgaria our ambassador leaves – our forces in Africa still push on
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
12th Stayed in again at night & wrote to Marian – Greek air force shoot down 8 Italians & we account for 5
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
13TH. Mary rang up today to say that she might be working late on Friday night – met her leaving work to give her her ticket – Miss Pittman also rang up to ask me to get her tickets for
[page break]
the dance – stayed in at night
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
[underlined] 14TH [/underlined] Went to the dance tonight had a very good time – heavy gunfire all the night however – saw Mary home – walked from Preston Rd. – got home 1.50 –
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
[underlined] 15TH [/underlined] Stayed in bed in the morning & went to watch our boys team in the afternoon – could not play myself as I had a bad ankle – went to the Newington at night & later saw Mary to the bus – Parachute troops land in Italy to destroy an important dam – Italians say all captured after doing slight damage we say very little – Germans still filter into Bulgaria – Roland is home – he also went to Newington
[page break]
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
16TH Went to Cadets in the morning on Church parade & later a walk round the town – went to see Roland in the afternoon & went for a walk afterwards with the gang – went to Ken’s at night – played dominoes & listened to gramophone records – Edith is also home this weekend – have a nasty cold coming on
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
17TH. Have a terrible cold – met Mary from work & went with her & Joyce to Jerome’s to collect some photo’s [sic] – 4 German planes shot down today – Turkey signs a friendship alliance with threatened Bulgaria
[page break]
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
18TH. Firewatching tonight had a quiet night & slept nearly all the time – cold very bad today – our troops still advance in Africa
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
19TH. Cold has improved considerably met Mary from work at night
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
20TH Met Mary from work at lunch time & she has a cold so she wasn’t able to come to the pictures with me at night – arranged to meet Don & Gee but they didn’t turn up so I went to see Robert Montgomery in ‘Busmans Honeymoon’ at the Cecil it was a very good film being taken from the novel by Agatha Christie. – snowed during the night but it soon disappeared
[page break]
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
[underlined] 21ST. [/underlined] Rang Mary this morning but she was away ill – stayed in at night – Germans still mass on Bulgarian border – our troops land at Singapore to counter Japanese threats
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
[underlined] 22ND [/underlined] Went into the town to choose the material for a new suit walked through Hammonds but Mary wasn’t at work – went to the Newington at night but did not enjoy it as Mary wasn’t there – heavy gunfire during the night & bombs dropped in Hawthorne Ave (unexploded). Preston Rd & other districts several people killed
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
23rd Went to Cadets but did not stay long – went for a walk in the afternoon with Don & Gee & went in the town at night with Wriggy &
[page break]
Gee – met two girls & danced in a shelter as there was heavy gunfire & plenty of shrapnel flying about – bombs dropped in De-La-Pole Ave about 100 yds from home – a few people killed – mothers cold still bad Alex & I cooked our own dinner
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
[underlined] 24TH [/underlined] A quiet night for a change met Mary from work & she didn’t want to come out as she was going to bed early – very tantalising [deleted] stayed [/deleted] went to the pictures with Ken & Gee to the Carlton to see ‘When the Daltons Rode’ which was a typical western –
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
25TH. Rang Mary in the morning but she won’t come out until Friday more gunfire and enemy activity here tonight
[page break]
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
[underlined] 26TH. [/underlined] Stayed in at night – Cologne & invasion ports heavily bombed – our forces capture capital of Italian Somaliland & push on on all African fronts
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
[inserted] 27TH [/inserted] Rang Mary this morning & arranged to go to the Regal tomorrow fire watched tonight & had no Air Raid Warnings – wrote to Fred during the night & had a very pleasant time with the other firewatchers
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
28TH Indo China dispute still unsettled – Japan introduce pressure – about 38 Italian planes shot down in the last two days on the Albanian front – Mary rang this morning to say that my Mum was ill & unable to go to the pictures at night
[page break]
[underlined] SAT [/underlined] Played the balloon Barrage at Sutton in a strong wind & drew 1-1 my ankle has not quite recovered – went to the Newington at night & had a good time – Mary was there although she had a slight cold – bombs dropped meanwhile & 6 people were killed in James Reckett’s Ave. – Bulgaria signs pact with Germany & becomes a member of the Axis – troops move into Bulgaria HMS. destroyer sunk –
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
[underlined] 2ND MARCH [/underlined] Went for a walk with Don & Gee in the morning as it was such a nice day & with Don Gee Ken & Wriggy in the afternoon – we walked round the golf course & I fell in the drain with my best clothes on – went for a walk at night with Ken Gee & Wriggy who left us later on & went with Audrey Gladstone –
[page break]
I was fire watching tonight but we luckily had a quite [sic] night
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
3RD. Met Mary from work & arranged to go to the Regal tomorrow – Roland is home on 7 days leave – went to see ‘Viva the Frisco Kid’ & ‘The Girl in Room 313’ at the West Park with Ken & Gee.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
4TH Went to the Regal with Mary & Elsie & Roland to see Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland in ‘Strike up the Band’ which we enjoyed very much – went to train after work – a very nice day again
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
5TH Met Roland after work & went to see Mary & Elsie at Hammonds – later met them from work went to the Newington at night with them – Don Madge & Gee were there
[page break]
had a good time – we break off diplomatic relations with Bulgaria 2 German bombers shot down in night raid on Cardiff – we land troops on Lofaten Isles & capture a few Germans & several Norwegian fishermen – 9 Italian planes shot down – Abyssinian patriots capture important position, our forces push on in Italian Somaliland
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
6TH. Went to Rolands to tea with Elsie Ken & Gee – listened to gramophone records – over 200 Germans captured in Lofaten raid – several Quislingites & 300 loyal Norwegians brought off – oil factories etc destroyed several enemy ships sunk including armed trawler – we suffer no casualties Short Sunderland attacked over Atlantic by two enemy bombers – one was shot down & the other severely damaged
[page break]
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
7TH met Mary from work & stayed in at night – Italian cruiser sunk in Med.
SAT
[underlined] 8TH [/underlined] Played RAFVR in pouring rain & on a very muddy ground won 6-1 had to go to work to firewatch all the night – Mother went to Grantham this morning to see Edith
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
9TH I stayed in until the night when I went to the Regal with Mary to a concert with Billy Scott Coomber & his Grenadiers & a good dance band on the programme – we enjoyed it very much
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
10TH Met Mary from work – stayed in at night & read
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
11TH Mary rang up to say
[page break]
that she wasn’t going to the Newington & so we went to see ‘Tom Browns School Days’ at the Cecil & we enjoyed it – 9 German planes brought down today
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
12TH Met Mary from work & talked over the dance arrangements stayed in at night – gunfire heard here nearly all the night – raiders were over Mersey side – 49 of them were brought down – we carry out the largest raid ever on Germany (Berlin & Bremen visited) – 2 more planes destroyed at dawn & 1 ME shot down whilst trying to intercept our bombers – German destroyer put out of action by torpedo from one of our planes – we lose 5 planes in both day & night raids.
[page break]
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
13TH Went for a walk with Don & Gee at night – a very nice sunny day – heavy raid here at night – (incendiaries dropped in the Avenue but soon put out [deleted] [underlined] FRI [/underlined] [/deleted] 13 German planes brought 141 down during raids – Sissons receives a hit & burns for a while many people killed in Hull
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
14TH Another raid tonight bombs dropped down Bean St. – 6 German planes brought down – met Mary from work Blackburn’s dance at the City Hall has been cancelled stayed in at night.
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
15TH Played Mersey St. O.B. & lost 2-1 (after leading 1-0 the greater part of the time) very good game & it was an ideal [deleted] game [/deleted]
[page break]
day for football – was very tired afterwards – went to the City Hall dancing at night with Mary, Elsie & Gee – had a moderate time – the band was poor –
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
16TH Went to the Cadets in the morning with Gee & went for a walk nearly to Anlaby in the afternoon with the gang – as it was a very nice day – went to the Regal at night with Mary Elsie & Gee to a concert with Issy Bonn & a broadcasting dance band did not enjoy it as much as last week – saw Mary home – Edith came home yesterday for the weekend.
[underlined] MON [/underlined] [inserted] 17TH [/inserted] Firewatched at work tonight & had a short warning at 5.15 AM Berbera retaken in Br Somaliland
[page break]
& we push on on all fronts Jugoslavia [sic] is ready to fight if invaded.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
18TH. A very heavy raid here tonight lasting from 9 o’clock until 4.0 o’clock in the morning – gunfire all the time & Jerry over continuously – bombs dropped on Anlaby Rd, Beverley Rd & many more districts – I stayed in at night – rang Mary in the morning – we lost 25 ships approx 98,000 tons last week
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
19TH Went to the Stellag Boxing Club & did a little training – very nice day met Mary from work – London receives a very heavy raid
THUR
20TH Went to see Tommy Trinder – Jack Hulbert
[page break]
[underlined] MARCH [/underlined]
in ‘Sailors Three’ at the Central with Don & Gee – a very funny picture – Lorient sub. base raided by R.A.F
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
21ST. Met Mary from work at night & stayed in Lorient sub. base again raided along with other objectives – the Bremen has been severely damaged by either the RAF or sabotage
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
22ND. Played the Queens Reg & lost 4-2 – went to the Cecil with Mary at night to see Ronald Colman & Ginger Rogers in ‘Lucky Partners’ had a good time & went right home with Mary afterwards walked home arrived about 11.30
[page break]
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
23RD. Stayed in bed in the morning & went for a walk in the afternoon with the gang – arranged to meet Mary at night but she didn’t turn up so took a Preston Rd bus & walked down Hedon Rd into the town – YugoSlavia [sic] still resist attempts by Germany to make them sign a pact
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
24TH Met Mary from work – stayed in at night & wrote to Edith & Roland –
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
25TH Stayed in again at night – rained very hard – Yugo-Slavia signs pact with Nazi Russia & Turkey agree to remain neutral if one or the other is attacked
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
26TH Fire-watched at work all the night & luckily had nothing to do – growing unrest
[page break]
[underlined] MARCH [/underlined]
in Yugo-Slavia
[underlined] 27TH [/underlined]
[underlined] THUR [/underlined] Stayed in at night – riots in Yugo-Slavia – Prince Paul the Regent flees & King Peter takes over – ministers who signed pact are imprisoned – Keren the well defended strategic town in Abys. captured – raid by German dive bombers on Malta repulsed with heavy losses to the enemy
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
28TH Went to the Cecil at night with Mary to see ‘Hired Wife’ – Dunkirk & other Channel Ports bombed Roland is home
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
29TH Played the Hampshires with a short team – a very nice day & enjoyed the match very much lost 7-0 – went to the Regal at night with Mary – Elsie & Roland
[page break]
[underlined] MARCH [/underlined]
to see ‘Tin Pan Alley’ (Alice Faye) at the Regal – enjoyed it very much – it had such tunes in as ‘Katie’ You say the Cutest Things Baby’ ‘On Moonlight Bay’ [symbol] A.R.W & had to leave Mary after the show as I was fire-watching [inserted] (Honeysuckle Rose) [/inserted]
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
[underlined] 30TH [/underlined] Went to the Cadets in the morning & did a little Morse – a very nice day but fairly cold out of the sun – went for a walk with the gang in the afternoon Roland went back – stayed in at night.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
31ST Met Mary from work new boy starts at work – blitz here tonight from 8.0 – 11.30 heavy gunfire & many bombs dropped Shell Mex Office Infirmary ARP [indecipherable word]
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in Ferensway down – many places in town (Prospect St) severely damaged bombs in Beverley Rd, Hessle, Liverpool St & many other places – 4 Cruisers 3 Destroyers of the Italians sunk in night Med. action off Cape Palermo – one of our Cruisers acts as decoy when Italian force suspected & allows ‘Warspite’ ‘Formidable’ & other ships to make contact & shatter the ‘Wops’ with their broadsides – F.A.A does well – Italian warship 35000 tons reported torpedoed & unlikely to reach port – 2 of our aircraft lost are the only casualties – 2 German dive bombers shot down – stayed in at night.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
[underlined] 1st APRIL [/underlined] German destroyer sunk by our bombers – Bremen raided – Asmara (capital of
[page break]
Eritrea) captured – new type of bomb used on Emden last night smaller but has great destructive force – shipping losses are down this week (10 Br 6 Allied & 1 Neutral lost) 6 Germans brought down during today.
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
2ND Rang Mary but she isn’t going dancing tonight – went to the Newington & had a good time an Italian destroyer sunk –
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
3RD 2 more Italian destroyers sunk by our aircraft in the Red Sea – went to the Tower at night with Mary to see Brian Aherne in ‘The Lady in Question’ enjoyed it French family – juror adopts acquitted woman & takes her home – domestic love affairs & squabbles – humorous – half way home with Mary when
[page break]
buzzers go – made me leave her & walked home – she promised to go on Sat – gunfire just before I reach home – incendiaries dropped.
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
4TH Benghazi again evacuated by our troops as Italo-German force move – Brest with Gneisenau & Scharnhorst raiders in the docks raided by R.A.F – firewatched at work at night warnings & gunfire 9.15-10.0 & 1.0-2.40 – rang Mary this morning arranging to go out with her on Sunday with Edna & possible Wriggy.
[underlined] SAT. [/underlined]
5TH Played an Army team & lost 4-2 went to the Newington at night & had a good time – saw Mary home missed the bus & had to walk home arrived 11.40 – Addis Ababa taken
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
6TH Stayed in bed in the morning went for a walk to
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[underlined] APRIL [/underlined]
the golf course in the afternoon with the gang – went with Mary to the Regal to see the concert (Don Carlos – Alf Collins & Manchester Hip band etc) it was very good – met Mary & Bob inside – saw Don & Ken who later went with Joyce & Audrey who were also there – Germany declares war on Yugoslavia & Greece Russia signs no aggression pact with the former –
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
7TH German destroyer torpedoed & sunk by Coastal Command aircraft – Brest & other ports bombed – bombs dropped here at night (Spring Bank Kirklands Rd) – met Mary from work – 5 German planes brought down in widespread raids
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
8TH Firewatched at home & had long warnings 10.0
[page break]
[underlined] APRIL [/underlined]
2.0 & 2.15-4.00 went to bed at 1.30 – Kiel raided & over 30000 incendiaries dropped – warehouses gutted & destroyed in dock area – 1 sq mile of fire in centre of city – A.A defence gradually worn down & smoke envelopes town – largest raid ever – Yugo-Slavs retreat from Greek-Bulgarian border & Germans are therefore on the Greeks left flank – Slavs take Fiume & other towns in Albania
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
[inserted] [underlined] (9TH) [/underlined] [/inserted] Stayed in at night many more German planes brought down during raids on this country – Coventry & Birmingham raided – Berlin heavily raided – Germans take Salonica Yugo-Slavs advance into Albania
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
10TH Went with Don & Gee to the Criterion to see ‘Sky Murder’ fantastic & did not
[page break]
enjoy it – more German planes brought down in raids on this country.
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
11TH. Went for a walk with Don & Ken in the morning & went on the Pier with Ken in the afternoon – saw the two Mary’s – met Edith at the station – went with Alex Ken & Gee to the Langham to see ‘Charlie Chan on a Murder Cruise’ & enjoyed it very much
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
12TH. Went to Leconfield with the Cadets to play Rugby won 19-13 – I scored a try & had a good time – went to the Newington at night & had a good time although it was crowded – Edith & Peggy were there introduced them to Mary – 43 German planes have been brought down in recent
[page break]
moonlight raids
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
13TH Met Mary in the town on Sunday afternoon – went for a little walk but it started to rain so we went home – firewatched at work at night & had a clear night.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
14TH Stayed in bed in the morning & was going rowing in the afternoon but it rained all day up to tea time so we tried to get in the pictures but were unlucky – Don Gee & Joyce went dancing & I went to Ken’s – went to the Newington at night but Mary wasn’t there – Germans advancing in Lybia [sic]
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
15TH 27 German planes & 15 tanks 300 killed or wounded – destroyed in attack on Tobruk – went to work but had very little to do – went
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home at 3.30 – saw Mary in the town at lunch time – went to see ‘North West Mounted Police’ at the Cecil by myself as Mary was staying in to wash her hair (a fairly good picture with Gary Cooper Cary Grant & Preston Foster) – Air raid lasting from 9.30 until 5-0 in the morning – bombs dropped
[underlined] 16TH [/underlined]
WED. Rang Mary in the morning but she is staying in – stayed in & cleaned my bike – Don & Gee go to the Newington – Alex off work with cold – nice day – Yugo-Slavs have no unified command – are having to use guerrilla tactics – 165 German planes brought down by Y-S over Belgrade – bombers unescorted over 300 planes destroyed by their air force in 2 days (consists of Hurricanes
[page break]
[underlined] APRIL [/underlined]
& other British planes) our forces hold German thrusts – heavy casualties inflicted on enemy on raid on Tobruk
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
[underlined] 17TH [/underlined] Went to see ‘I Want a Divorce’ with Mary to the Cecil & thought it fairly flat – saw Mary home & walked home – London has worst raid yet – Germans attacking strongly in Greece – our forces retreating to form a straighter front –
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
18TH Berlin heavily bombed last night our new bombs & bombers used – stayed in at night
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
19TH Played Boulevard E.I & lost 3-2 went to the Newington at night & had a good time – saw Mary into the town – our forces at Tobruk repulse German attack – a few tanks destroyed & casualties
[page break]
inflicted – Roland is home on leave –
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
20TH Went for a walk with the gang in the morning when was warm & sunny – went for a cycle ride with Don Ken Gee & Wriggy left them & went by myself to Melton – gathered some wild violets went for a walk by myself at night up Hedon Rd, Preston Rd. – as Mary was unable to come out – Germans attacking strongly in Greece & losing many men – Anzacs in rear guard action cut them to pieces 15 German planes shot down in battle over Athens – 7 of ours (3 pilots safe.) more shot down or destroyed in Lybia [sic]
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
21ST Stayed in at night – Mary’s brother was married
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[underlined] APRIL [/underlined]
at our church this afternoon – supply ship torpedoed by H.M.S. Tetrarch (Sub) on way to Lybia [sic]
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
22ND. Fire-watched at work at night & had a quiet night wrote to Edith – met Mary from work – our forces in Greece take up defence line from Larissa stretching west to the opp. coast – Tripoli bombarded by the Navy & severe damage inflicted on port installations power station & many ships sunk in the harbour – F.AA planes shoot 4 out of 5 enemy transport planes down
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
23RD Went to the Tower at night with Mary to see Judy Canova in ‘Scatterbrain’ & Jene [sic] Autry in ‘Gaucho Serenade – both were very good flics
[page break]
and we laughed very much over the first – Greek Army in Epinea area of Albania has to surrender being cut off – King of Greece & Gov. go to Crete –
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
24TH Had the afternoon off went to the East Park with Mary Elsie, Joyce & Gee & had a good time – skipped, played a ball game went on the swings – went to the Langham at night with Gee to see ‘The Saint Strikes Back’ and enjoyed it very much.
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
25TH Stayed in at night, - bombs dropped here at night
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
26TH Went into the town in the afternoon with Don Wriggy & Gee went in Lyons & had ice cream & coffee & biscuits – later went with Wriggy to get a sports coat & Ken bought some trousers – Alex
[page break]
went to Grantham to see Edith, who rang me up earlier in the morning went to the Newington & had a good time – sirens go as we go into town Athens reported occupied by the Germans
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
27TH Went to Cadets in the morning – went for a walk in the afternoon with Mary, Elsie, Joyce Don & Gee – took a bus to Hessle – walked along the foreshore – across fields to Ferriby & took a bus home – met at night & all went to the Regal to see ’21 Days’ which was not very exciting – had a walk round the town after & then I saw Mary home – missed the last bus & had to walk home – arrived 11.30.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
28TH Cycled to Melton at night & found some primroses
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our troops are evacuated from Greece – Dessie taken along with 2,000 prisoners & material
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
29TH Went to see ‘Argentina Nights’ with Mary Joyce & Gee & enjoyed it (Ritz Bros & the Andrew Sisters starring) – saw Mary home & missed the last bus & had to walk home arrived 11.20
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
30TH Stated that at least 48,000 troops out of 60000 have been safely evacuated from Greece – heavy material left behind Greeks told us to evacuate to avoid needless bloodshed – which was very heroic of them – many Germans have been killed – stayed in at night – went to bed early – Plymouth raided last night – 5 planes shot down by A.A &
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[underlined] MAY [/underlined]
3 by fighters –
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
1 MAY Firewatched at work at night & had a quiet night – have a bad cold – 1 German plane shot down at night – raid on Merseyside –
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
2 MAY Rang Mary but she is going to Edna’s at night – stayed in as cold is a nuisance – evacuation of Greece completed – about 43,000 men escape – 500 lost at sea – Iraquian troops open fire on our men who have entered Iraq under our treaty – 4 German planes shot down in raid on Merseyside at night
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
3 MAY Played for Cadets against Lee. at Rugby lost 26-0 had a good time – went to the Newington at night but only had a fair time – enemy aircraft
[page break]
over tonight – dropped a couple of mines on Hedon Rd. – S.W also raided – Merseyside – 14 enemy planes brought down by fighters & 2 by A.A our forces attack Brest & other objectives
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
4TH Went to Cadets in the morning – very warm day – went for a walk round Cottingham in the afternoon with Mary & along Anlaby Rd & Holderness Rd. at night – had a good time – German planes pass over tonight heavy A.A fire – our bombers attack Iraqui troops & cause shelling of RAF aerodrome to cease – fighting continues – led by fanatic who has ceased [sic] power from loyal forces
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
5TH Rang Mary this morning & had a row somebody had been telling her a pack of lies about Sunday – stayed in at
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[underlined] MAY ]/underlined]
night & wrote to Fred 8 German planes brought down during last night & this morning – heavy gun fire here tonight – German Cruisers at Brest bombed 4 hit
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
6TH. Stayed in at night & wrote to Roland – received a letter this morning from Edith – rang Mary but she is staying in & believe that our going out together is all washed up 9 German aircraft brought down last night
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
7TH Blitz here tonight Hammond Thorntons & nearly all large buildings hit in the city – stayed in at night – 24 enemy planes brought down during night
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[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
8TH Another blitz at night & more buildings hit – including Ranks, Reckitts & nearly all the dock area – office damaged went to see Crazy Gang in ‘Gasbags’ at the Cecil – which was later destroyed by bombs 15 enemy aircraft brought down
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
9TH We carry out heaviest raid on Germany yet (Hamburg Emden & [deleted] Ger [/deleted] Berlin as a subsidary [sic] target – went for a cycle ride to Preston Rd. at night & saw 1000’s of refugees leaving the city later went to Wriggys with the gang
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
10TH 33 German planes brought down in heavy raid (on London) by our night fighters (2 by A.A)
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[underlined] MAY [/underlined]
Played tennis in the afternoon with Don & Ken – fire watched at work at night – still blowing buildings up in the town
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
11TH Went for a walk in the afternoon with the gang – took a bus to Cottingham – cut across fields & walked to Willerby – caught bus home – went for a walk by myself at night – gunfire again tonight here
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
12TH Went to see John Garfield & Pat O Brien [sic] in ‘Flowing Gold’ at the Tower & enjoyed it very much
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
13TH Rudolph Hess (Hitler’s Deputy) has landed in Scotland by aeroplane & unaccompanied – stayed in at night – Roland is home on leave
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[underlined] MAY [/underlined]
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
14TH Mary rang up this morning & she was going back to Belton in the afternoon so that I met her in the town & saw her off – went to ‘Fighter Command’ at the Regal with Don & Gee – was not impressed
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
15TH Stayed in at night & wrote to Mary – German forces allowed passage in & through Syria by Vichy Gov. – 7 German fighters brought down today – 2 of ours losts [sic] – 1 pilot safe.
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
16TH Wrote to Edith today stayed in at night later went for a walk with Ken & Gee
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
17TH Played tennis at the Park with Ken & Don – went to St Johns to a dance at night.
[page break]
with Gee – did not enjoy it (J.F’s band – but a wrotten [sic] floor & rotten crowd) left early went for a walk went to firewatch at work but couldn’t get in – so went home – our troops advance in Gyrenaica [sic] take German prisoners & destroy material – reported surrender of Duke of Aosta from last defended position – terms asked for.
SUN
18TH A very warm day – went to Cadets in the morning – took a bus to Willerby in the afternoon with Wriggy Ken Don & Gee had a nice time – went to church at night – later met Ken Don & Gee coming from pictures – 22 enemy aircraft shot down in Med area since Sat. ([deleted] 1 or 2 [/deleted] Germans over Iraq) etc.
[page break]
[underlined] MAY [/underlined]
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
19TH. Went for a walk with the dog at night – Duke of Aosta surrenders & campaign therefore nearly over – our forces capture important position in Iraq – 5 German fighters brought down without loss many destroyed on ground in Syria
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
20TH Parachute troops land in Crete but are all killed or rounded up – went to Cadets at night – about 18,000 Italians have surrendered
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
21ST. Went for a short walk at night with Ken & Gee & wrote to Mary – [deleted] saw [/deleted] received a letter from her this morning – Germans try to land sea forces on Crete but convoy intercepted – 2 transports & 1 destroyer sunk – more parachutists land & battle continues – more successes round Tobruk
[page break]
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
22ND Went to a Red Cross dance at the Wenlock Barracks with the gang – very crowded & very warm visited the bar – went to Cadets earlier but lessons were too late – we carry out daylight raids on Germany & northern France & destroy Power plant etc. 2 bombers & 6 fighters lost – 5 German fighters shot down
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
23RD Went for a little walk at night – battle in Crete still severe
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
24TH Played tennis with Ken, Don & Wriggy in the afternoon started to rain – went to the Regal at night with Gee to see ‘Arizona’ enjoyed it. – HM.S Hood sunk near Greenland in battle against Nazi cruiser Bismarck which was
[page break]
damaged – but escaped – lucky shot in magazine blew ship up & very few men were saved.
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
25TH Went to Cadets in the morning & drilled Cadets for a few minutes – had arms drill & navigation from Capt Beare – played records & darts in Wriggy’s shed in the afternoon – rained at night so stayed in – H.M.S Hood sunk by lucky shot in mag by the Bismarck – blew up & very few saved – B. pursued & reported damaged by torpedoes – wrote to Mary
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
26TH Stayed in at night & wrote to Fred – still after Bismarck heavy fighting in Crete – Germans break through in one area & man drowned in attempts to land by
[page break]
[underlined] MAY [/underlined]
sea
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
[inserted] 27TH [/inserted] Bismarck has been sunk by torpedoes – two cruisers & 5 destroyers sunk during naval fights against Nazis bombers off Crete German patrols reach Egypt in recent action in Libya – went to Cadets at night & learnt morse have about 5 words a min.
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
28TH Went for a walk with Wriggy, Ken & Gee – later played darts in W’s shed – wrote to Alex our forces withdraw in Crete & also from Hell fire pass in Libia [sic] – A.R.W from 1.15 – 5.0 at night & was firewatching – gunfire & bombs heard went to bed at 3.15.
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
(29TH) Went to navigation lecture at Cadets & later went to Wriggys H.M.S York which was under repair
[page break]
in Suda Bay has been sunk only 3 survivors from the Hood we retreat in Crete in face of reinforced German troops
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
30TH Went to Wriggy’s at night – our forces push on in Iraq & Abysinia [sic] – but retreat in Crete – 100 survivors from the Bismarck landed (2000 on board) – but a destroyer was sunk by aircraft after the battle
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
31ST A very nice day today – played tennis at the Park with D. W & K went to see Fred at night (home for weekend) met Alan his friend & had a walk round the town.
SUN
[underlined] 1ST [/underlined] Up early & went to Sewerby with D.W.K & Gee – went for a walk to Flamborough in the afternoon & played football – called
[page break]
at the Ship Inn on the way & went in café there – went into Brid at night to the amusements – played cards until 3.30 (I went to bed early) – Crete evacuated 15,000 taken off – clothes rationed
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
2ND Went into Brid in the morning & had dinner at the Regal – went for a walk round the shops in the afternoon bought Mary a [deleted] brace [/deleted] necklace – had tea in a café in Sewerby – arrived home 8.0.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
3RD Bombs dropped here early this morning (after OK signal) did not hear them awok [sic] 8.45 too late to go to work – so stayed at home – wrote to Mary Kiel Canal bombed & shipping in daylight raid yesterday & the Ruhr & Berlin visited at night.
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[underlined] JUNE [/underlined]
WED
4TH Played tennis with Ken & Wriggy at the Park met 2 nice girls & arranged to play them on Friday – our forces in Iraq occupy Mosul important oil town
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
5TH Went to Nav. lecture at Cadets – we carry daylight raids on Germany – 5 bombers destroyed in last nights fairly intensive raids
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
6TH 2 supply ships & 1 armed trawler connected with the Bismarck were sunk during the action – played tennis with Wriggy at the Park – Don & Gee were also there
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
7TH Went to see the Marx Bros in ‘The M.B. – Go West’ & also the Farmers Daughter, both were very good films, with Don Louis Ken & Roland
[page break]
[underlined] JUNE [/underlined]
at the Regal – stayed in at night.
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
8TH Our troops march into Syria – went to Cadets in the morning a very warm sunny day – went for a walk in the afternoon & at night with Wriggy Ken & Gee
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
9TH Stayed in at night – 2 more Bismarck supply ships sunk – our forces in Syria push on – very slight opposition – Derna & Benghazi bombed 15 aircraft destroyed on the ground & explosions reported at various spots.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
10TH Went to Cadets at night for Morse instruction
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
11TH Went to see ‘The Mark of Zoro’ at the Dorchester with Ken, Wriggy & Gee (Tyrone Power, Basil Rathbone & Linda Darnell) enjoyed it very much – had a letter from Mary this morning
[page break]
[underlined] JUNE [/underlined]
our forces push on in Syria
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
12TH Went to Nav. lecture at Cadets – our forces carry out largest raid ever on Ruhr area – 6 aircraft lost. – our forces push on in Syria
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
13TH Stayed in – mended a puncture & cleaned by bike – a German pocket battleship torpedoed by Beaufort off Norway – retire at reduced speed with escort.
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
14TH Played the School at cricket (won 124 for 4 – 113) scored 4 took 2 wickets for 14. – went for a walk at night with Gee – 14 enemy aircraft shot down on all fronts – Ruhr district again heavily raided
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
15TH Stayed in bed in the morning & went for a walk in the afternoon & at night when I met Edith at the station
[page break]
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
16TH Played for OH’s against Hull lost 78 to 79 for 7. (scored 2 – caught 1) very warm & sunny today
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
17TH RAF daylight raid on Cologne 11 German fighters shot down & night raid on Ruhr – more enemy shipping sunk by Coastal Command – 14 planes shot down in Med. area – navy helps land forces in Syria – were [sic] there is heavy fighting – we launch new attack in Lybia [sic] – by our armoured divisions – fire watching at home tonight & had to get up – went to Morse at night
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
18TH We have invented a new device – Radio Location for detection of enemy aircraft etc – our troops are now a few miles from Damascus – our forces in Lybia [sic] retire to advance positions & capture many prisoners & destroy enemy tanks etc
[page break]
[underlined] JUNE [/underlined]
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
19TH Went to Nav. lecture at Cadets at night – more daylight raids by our fighters & bombers in daylight – many enemy fighters destroyed Turkey signs pact with Germany but it must in no way interfer [sic] with English Agreements
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
20TH Went to Cadets sports field to practise running.
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
21ST Went to Lec. to run & did very well in the Relay race after being cut off – drew with winner of the 100 yards sprint – had to hitch hike home – picked up by Wing Commander - & taken into Beverley caught another car into Hull – wrote to Mary at night – our bombers supported by later fighters carry out daylight sweep – 28 German fighters shot down 5 of ours lost
[page break]
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
22ND Went to Cadets in the morning & have transfered [sic] to Grammar School flight – very hot & sunny – played cricket for the officers in the afternoon & lost – played in my trousers – went for a walk with Wriggy & Ken at night into the town – another R.AF. daylight sweep & 30 Germans brought down to 2 of ours (1 Pilot safe) Germany declares war on Russia
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
23RD. Went to Nav lecture at Cadets – very little to report on Russian front – we advance in Syria another R.AF daylight sweep – less opposition encountered 7 planes shot down – 2 of ours lost
[underlined] TUES [/underlined] Went to Morse lecture at Cadets later went to Wriggy’s – Russians inflict losses on Germans both in tanks & men
[page break]
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
25TH Went for a walk with Don Ken, Tony Gowland & Gee – Russia hold Germans & destroy about 200 aeroplanes on the ground also 100 shot down – Russians lose about 300 nearly all on the ground.
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
26TH Went to Nav lecture at Cadets – Alex came home this dinner time – another daylight sweep by RAF 9-3 in our favour.
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
27TH Went to see ‘Argentine Night’ at the Regal (Don Ameche & Betty Grable) & enjoyed it also the supporting film ‘Private Detective’ – Russians hold Germans & inflict heavy losses – retreat to prepared positions in the North. – Finland is going to fight Russia – Sweden allowing German troops through her territory
[page break]
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
28TH Received a letter from Mary – went to C.C Assoc. meeting at Doncaster with Misses Clayton, Sandham & Geoff – had a moderate time – walked round Doncaster afterwards – more sweeps & bombing raids by RAF.
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
29TH Stayed in bed in the morning & sunbathed in the afternoon went to see Ronald Colman in ’Under Two Flags’ at the Carlton with Wriggy later went for a walk
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
30TH Played for O.H’s against Town Clerks lost 128-61 (scored 2 L.B.W. – stumped) Germans push on – Russians claim to be holding a line from Sweden to the Black Sea
[underlined] TUES:- [/underlined]
1ST Went to Morse at night
[page break]
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
2ND R.A.F attack German occupied aerodrome in daylight bomb buildings & dispersed aircraft 7 fighters & 2 bombers lost – 18 enemies shot down – went for a walk to Pickering Park with Gee & Ken at night
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
3RD Went to a Nav. lecture at Cadets stiff fighting on Russo-German front – our forces push on in Syria more daylight raids on Germany
[underlined] FRI. [/underlined]
4TH Essen Bremen bombed in daylight – 7 bombers lost – daylight sweep 16 enemy fighters shot down & 4 of ours lost – played tennis with Ken at night – wrote to Mary yesterday
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
5TH Played cricket for Cadets – went to a dance at night with Edith to Hessle also Sandy
[page break]
Nicky, Les & Clarie met Dick Burrell who was on leave – had to walk home
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
6TH Church parade this morning – boxed & trained in the afternoon at St Mary’s B.C – went for a walk later at night – still very warm –
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
7TH Played R.AMC lost 176 for 4 – 60 (scored 10 not out) – fighting breaks out between Ecuador & Peru Western Germany heavily attacked by RAF both during day & night – Russian peasants carry out Stalin’s order to destroy everything & Russians counter attack & take offensive – 2 German destroyers reported sunk by them in Baltic – our Med Subs. Sink Italian Cruiser – Indian forces push on in Syria – met Elsie as I was leaving work she is on holiday
[page break]
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
8TH Went to Morse lecture Russians are holding the Germans – R.A.F carry out extensive operations both by day & night
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
9TH Went to Wriggy’s at night Russians push German-Rumanian troops back
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
10TH Went to Cadets but there was no lecture – armistice in Syria asked for by Gen Denty – terms given – 16 Germans shot down in day light sweep we lose 9 – (2 Pilots safe) fairly heavy raid here tonight – Russians gain more victories
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
11TH Went to P.T instruction at the Training College – very good Russians obtain another victory over 3000 Germans killed & 2000 captured Naples bombed
[page break]
[underlined] JULY [/underlined]
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
12TH Wrote to Mary in the afternoon went to the pictures at night with Ken & Wriggy to see Bing Crosby in ‘Rhythmn [sic] on the River’ very warm – German thrust halted – fighting has stopped in Syria –
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
13TH Thunderstorm in the morning stayed in bed – went for a walk to the Pier in the afternoon very warm & went with Wriggy & Ken at night for a walk round Anlaby – we sign pact with Russia
MON
14TH Played Driffield lost – out first ball – bombs dropped here at night German attack has not started again more bombing raids by R.A.F
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
15TH Went to Cadets at night to Morse lecture – am improving – rained a lot today
[page break]
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
16TH Went to the Regal with Ken & Gee to see Will Hay & Claude Hulbert in ‘Ghost at St Mich Germans still held on Russian front
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
17TH A heavy raid here at night fires started Ricketts General Post Office, Smith & Stephens & Spillers damaged by fire – daylight raid on Rotterdam by Blenheims – 22 ships (145,000 tons) sunk in harbour & another 5 outside we lose 4 planes – Russians still do well – went to Nav. class at night
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
18TH Went to P.T at night had a good time later played crocquet [sic] at Wriggy’s – heavy fighting on Russian front heavy losses on both sides – battle of 700 tanks Russians do well
[page break]
SAT
19TH Went boxing at Leeds & lost on points – had a good time – went in Mr Smith’s car with his wife & [underlined] daughter [/underlined] – came back with Mr Johnson – boxed at Headingly football ground – Hull won championship
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
20TH Wrote to Mary – stayed in bed in the morning & stayed in in the afternoon & went for a walk with Wriggy at night met Irene & Ada Irene works with Don at Spillers
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
21ST. Played Sutton lost – I did well scored 13 & caught one – Moscow bombed at night – little damage done 22 Germans brought down by AA & night fighters – heavy fighting on Russian front had a letter from Mary.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
22ND Went to see Gene Autrey in ‘Melody Range’ at the Tower
[page break]
with Ken & Gee enjoyed it – saw Mary & Peggy when we were walking home –
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
23RD Went for a walk to Pickering Park with Ken & Gee
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
24TH Went to Nav lecture at night played croquet at Wriggy’s afternoon
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
25TH Daylight attacks on German battleships (Greisenau Scharnhorst) during day & night – by our big bombers Boeing Fortresses, Halifax, Stirling – Boeings operate at fantastic heights & score hits on battleship with armour piercing bombs – during operations since Wed. we lose 15 bombers & 7 fighters (shoot down 33 enemy fighters) H.M.S Fearless destroyer sunk in Med. during attack on convoy which get through unscathed – Russians destroy whole German division
[page break]
[underlined] JULY [/underlined]
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
26TH. Stayed in as it rained all the afternoon & night – read a book ‘Farthing Hall’ by Hugh Walpole E boats tried to raid harbour at Malta all sunk by shore batteries & our aircraft shoot down 3 planes which tried to cover their retreat
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
27TH Went to Cadets in the morning & also in the afternoon to a proficiency exam in morse, drill & P.T. – went to the New Theatre at night with Gee & Ken to see the Lanc Fusiliers Dance Orchestra enjoyed both the military & dance band
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
28TH Stayed in at night & swotted some navigation & maths
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
29TH Stayed in at night poured with rain all the day – later went to Wriggy’s & played
[page break]
cards at Wriggys – our planes carry out daylight sweep on Sicily 34 enemy planes destroyed – none of ours lost – Russians still holding the front & report 106 German planes shot down to 36 of their own.
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
30TH Went to Cadets at night but there was no Exam – so I went to see the lads later at night – Roland & Elsie came up later – Roland is on 48 hrs leave
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
31ST Went to a dance at the Wenlock Barracks at night had a moderate time – saw Joan home afterwards – small fair worked at Marcus’s lived top of St Georges Rd., - Don Madge & Gee were also there
[underlined] 1ST AUG [/underlined]
FRI. Went to a lecture on baseball RAF Proficiency Exam was on but
[page break]
AUGUST
did not take it – rained heavily today
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
2ND Went dancing at Hessle with Gee met Dickie Burrell & his girl had a good time met Judy Westoby & also Daphne Wells – walked home – R.A.F carry out heaviest bombing raid ever on Berlin – a flying fortress on reconnaissance bombs Wilhelmshaven from prodigous [sic] height unheard & unseen –
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
3RD Stayed in bed in the morning went for a walk with Ken Gee & Wriggy in the afternoon & to the pictures at night to see ‘Stagecoach’ at the Carlton – gunfire here at night – Russians destroy German 131 division which was rushed up to reinforce attack around Smolensk but was cut to pieces before it could form up to attack
[page break]
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
[underlined] 4TH [/underlined] [deleted] Went [/deleted] Cycled to Withernsea with Ken & Gee had a good time but it rained a lot so after having dinner on the sands we went to the pictures to see James Stewart in ‘No Time for Comedy’
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
5TH Went for a walk with Ken at night – our bombers carry out night raid on Hamburg etc in strong wind – heavy damage & extensive fires reported.
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
6TH Japan threatens Thai after occupation of Indo China is nearly complete – stayed in at night & wrote to Fred – had a letter from Roland.
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
7TH [deleted] Went for a walk at night with Ken [/deleted] – Gee has gone to Brid for the day – went
[page break]
[deleted] [underlined] FRI [/underlined] [/deleted]
8TH Went to the West Park at night to see ‘Old Bill & Son’
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
8TH Went to the dentist – went to see Wriggy later who is going to Scarborough tomorrow with Ken – Russians claim heavy German losses during the 7 weeks fighting
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
9TH Russians bombed Berlin the other night – Germans reported earlier, raid by RAF but we refute claim – went into the town with Edith in the afternoon to choose Alex’s present went to Hessle at night with Gee – had a moderate time Elsie was there – had to walk home in the pouring rain
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
10TH Stayed in bed in the morning went for a walk with Gee in the afternoon & to see George Formby in ‘No Limit’ at the Criterion at night
[page break]
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
11TH Went for a walk in the morning read in the Park afternoon – at night played Cricket did not bad wrotten [sic] game – R.A.F raid Cologne & Ruhr all return Russians again at Beken – heavy fighting all along the front
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
12TH Wrote to Roland – had a letter from Mary asking me to go over for the weekend – wrote accepting – morning walked into the town & also in the afternoon – went to see ‘The Saints Vacation’ at the West Park with Gee – bombers including flying fortresses at great height & roof top flying Blenheims escorted by fighters raid Western Germany in daylight hits on power plants. [inserted] Ediths [/inserted] Dennis has come for the weekend
[page break]
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
13TH Alex came home at night – is going abroad – went to the Priory with Gee to see ‘Angels with Wings’ met Mary there & we saw her home afterwards – went for a walk in the afternoon in between rain showers
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
14TH Went to Mrs Johnson’s in the morning with Alex – went for a walk with Gee in the afternoon & at night – Churchill has met Roosevelt in the Atlantic & peace aims formed
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
15TH A letter from Fred & postcard from Mary telling me about Sat. arrangements – went to the West Park at night to see Conrad Veidt in ‘The Spy in Black’ – enjoyed it very much Alex had a party at night & Sheila Wilf & his girl & Ron Crew were there
SAT
16TH Caught the 9.20 train with Edith & Alex – I went to Doncaster
[page break]
[underlined] AUG [/underlined]
Edith to Sheffield & Alex to Liverpool on his way to Canada missed the bus at Doncaster but caught one to Haxey & then on to Belton – met Mary who looked very nice – is getting fatter – had dinner & then went to Scunthorpe – looked round the shops & then went to the pictures to see ‘Seven Sinners’ Marlene Dietrich stayed in at night & talked – Mr Boatyman came over for the weekend
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
17TH Stayed in in the morning started to walk along the river but Mary wanted to go back – caught the 4.40 bus from Belton – called to see Mr & Mrs Axe – Mr Boatyman came back with me – air raid at night several people killed including Don Birkbeck’s father & sister Brenda
[page break]
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
18TH Went to the West Park with Ken & Gee to see ‘ A Night at Earl Carrolls’ enjoyed the singing we carry out heavy raids on Germany Germans advance in Ukraine Nickolieu captured (port on Black Sea) but Odessa further East is holding out.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
19TH Went to the dentists at night & stayed in later – R.AF carry out daylight sweeps & night offensive – wrote to Mary at night
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
20TH Stayed in at night & later went for a walk to Springhead I register on Sept 6th – Russians claim that 1 1/2 million Germans have been killed in the fighting up to now
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
21ST Went to the West Park at night to see ‘The Penalty’ a gangster film which I enjoyed
[page break]
[underlined] AUG [/underlined]
[inserted] FRI [/inserted] [underlined] 22ND [/underlined] Went to PT. at night & practised forward rolls, somersault etc. – ARW at night went to see the lads who were on duty – wrote for permission to volunteer.
[underlined] 23RD [/underlined]
SAT Nasty day raining – went to Wriggys in the afternoon & to the Danse de Laxe at night with Gee but did not enjoy it very much as the people were fairly common – although the band was good & also the dance floor.
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
24TH Went to Cadets in the morning but did not stay long a nice warm sunny day & a nice change – went for a walk by myself in the afternoon as the lads stayed in – went to the pictures with Wriggy Ken & Gee to see David Niven, Richard Green in ‘Four Men & a Prayer’ at the Carlton
[page break]
I enjoyed it very much it being one of the best I have seen recently Russians have inflicted heavy losses on Germans in counter attacks.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
25TH Went to the dentists at night later went to a Nav. lecture at Cadets 2 AR.W’s during day believed bombs dropped at Hornsea – British & Russian forces cross frontier into Iran – slight resistance offered to our forces.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
26TH Went to Cadets at night later went for a walk with the gang & raided Gee’s orchard at night – I have permission from the Dept. to join up.
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
27TH Again went to Cadets at night for reference – went for a walk by myself.
[page break]
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
28TH Volunteered for R.A.F. today – went to the Priory at night to see ‘Freedom Radio’ (Clive Brook) – Laval & Deat shot & wounded
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
29TH Stayed in at night & did some navigation – later went to Wriggys – warning sounded & so had to firewatch – had a letter from Mary this morning Duisburg heavily raided by Sterlings [sic] last night – Russians blow up Dnieper Dam (Took 6 yrs to construct) – went to dentists at night
SAT
30TH Went to bed in the afternoon – tired after last night – went to Hessle at night did not enjoy it as by myself
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
31ST A nice warm sunny day went to Wriggy in the afternoon later went for a walk by myself & met Louis & Jessie – went to
[page break]
Fred’s at night he was home for the weekend – sat in Pickering Park for an hour as he was out – had a talk later & was on my way home when bombs & gunfire started – a few people killed in raid.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
1 SEPT Went to Cadets (Nav.) at night – wrote to Mary today – warnings & gunfire again tonight
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
2ND Went to the Dorchester with Ken & Gee to see Artie Shaw in ‘Second Chorus’ battle of Leningrad expected soon – warnings & gunfire again
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
3RD Stayed in at night – Berlin bombed last night –
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
4TH Stayed in again at night battle still raging on Russian front – heavy fighting near Leningrad
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
5TH Went for a walk with Ken at night – later went
[page break]
to Wriggys – raided Gee’s orchard with Wriggy – U.S.A destroyer attacked by sub. on way to Iceland – depth charges dropped & sub. is now being hunted – passed my medical exam for R.A.F – over 70 German planes shot down over Leningrad & 100 over the Baltic – German sub. sunk in the Baltic – Italian sub. rammed & cut in half by HMS Hermione (Cruiser) in the Med – Italian Cruiser & large liner torpedoed by our sub in Med 10 enemy to 2 of ours shot down in this area
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
6TH I registered today – one more Italianian [sic] liner sunk – went to the Priory at night to see James Cagney in ‘The Fighting 69TH enjoyed the picture.
[page break]
[underlined] SEPT [/underlined]
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
[underlined] 7TH [/underlined] Got up late – went to Wriggys in the afternoon & practised with Gee’s air pistol – went to the ‘Rampant Horse’ at night
[underlined MON [/underlined]
8TH Went to see ‘Goodbye Mr Chips at the Carlton with Ken & Gee about 300 planes raided Berlin & did a lot of good – 20 missing – 2 Fortresses lost on reconnaisance [sic] U Boat captured by aeroplane – bomb it – comes to surface – machine gunned surrenders – guarded by Hudson until destroyer arrives – too rough to board – later boarded towed to port – Russians also capture one in Baltic
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
9TH Russians cut up 8 German divisions in counter attack went to dentists at night later
[page break]
[underlined] SEPT [/underlined]
cleaned my bike – received letter from Roland today – Spitsbergen occupied by our forces
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
10TH Stayed in mended my puncture & cleaned my bike – wrote to Fred today – Russians do well in central section counter attacks – kill about 7000 Germans
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
11TH Played football at night in practise match on Ella St. –
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
12TH Went for a cycle ride with Ken at night who went to sign in for night class later went to Wriggys
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
13TH Played Earles & won 4-0 on their ground played on hockey pitch – went dancing to Hessle at night by myself had a fairly decent time
[page break]
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
14TH Had to sign on this morning for fire-watching later went for a little walk with Ken & Gee went to Wriggys in the afternoon played cards & listened to gramo. records in their shed – went for a walk into the town together at night – they went drinking but I came home & went to bed early
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
15TH Gee has got his motor bike – we tried it out in the Avenue – Turin bombed by our long distance planes – three German transports sunk in the Baltic – received a letter from Mary
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
16TH Went to see ‘Men are not Gods’ at the Carlton with Gee – enjoyed it – based on the Play Othello (Rex Harrison Sebastian Shaw) attempted German landing
[page break]
[underlined] SEPT [/underlined]
[underlined] 16TH [/underlined] CONT on the island of Qesel – 2 more transports sunk by Russians along with motor launch etc. – Hamburg heavily raided by our planes – Shah of Persia abdicates through the trouble caused by difficulty over rounding up the 5th columnists
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
17TH Went to the dentists & had a couple of teeth out – Karlsruhe heavily raided by our bombers all return – Blenheims escorted by fighters attack power plant at Bethune – 1 Blenheim & 7 fighters IPS lost – 7 enemy fighters shot down 3 Swedish destroyers blow up & sink at moorings –
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
18TH Went to see ‘The Trail of the Vigilantes’ at the West Park with Roland & Gee (Broderick Crawford
[page break]
Franchot Tone Mischa Auer) – a tough western – a change –
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
19TH Wrote to Mary – Germans on the outskirts of Kiev – assaults on Leningrad beaten off – went to see ‘Target for Tonight’ & ‘City for Conquest’ (James Cagney Ann Rutherford) at the Regal with Roland – enjoyed the latter – sentimental – but a good story & good film.
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
20TH Should have played the RAF but they didn’t turn up – went to see ‘The Philadelphia Story’ at the Carlton with Roland & Ken enjoyed the film (Cary Grant Kath Hepburn, Ruth Hussey James Stewart later went to the ‘Rampant’ & [deleted] Palais de [/deleted] Danse de Luxe) for 15 mins
[page break]
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
21ST Went for a walk in the morning with the gang to see a motor [inserted] bike [/inserted] for Ken – went for a walk in the afternoon went to the pictures at night to see ‘Algiers’ (Hedy Lamar) – met a couple of girls – made a date which Gee is keeping for me – went to Roland’s for supper – gunfire here tonight
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
22ND Went to Cadets at night 2 large Italian transports sunk in Med – Kiev evacuated by Russians – another American ship sunk
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
23RD Firewatched at work at night
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
24TH Went for a short walk at night & then stayed in 5 more Italian ships sunk in
[page break]
the Med. by our subs. or aeroplanes
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
25TH Went for a walk at night & then stayed in & read until bed-time – still fighting hard on Russian front
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
26TH Went for a walk with the dog at night –
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
27TH Played the battery at Costello & won 2-1 – enjoyed the game although it was a bad pitch – went to the pictures with Trevor Russell but could not get in so we went dancing at ‘Chestnut Ave’ enjoyed it – only a radiogram – nice place RAF carry out sweep over N. France
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
28TH Stayed in all the day & did some navigation – another R.A.F sweep all our planes return still heavy fighting on the Russian front
[page break]
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
29TH Went to Cadets at night very interesting – RAF raid Turin, Genoa etc & targets in Sicily also Hamburg – I go for my medical on Friday – wrote to Roland
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
30TH Firewatched at work at night warning & slight gunfire 8.40 – 11.10 – wrote to Mary Stettin & Hamburg again raided – Convoy attack going through Med. 14 enemy planes shot down by fleet fighters (3 lost 2 crews safe) & gunfire H.M.S Nelson struck by torpedo nobody killed only causes reduction in speed – heavy shooting in Czech by new tyrant.
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
1 OCT Stayed in at night & more RAF raids – slight gunfire here tonight
[page break]
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
2 OCT Stayed in at night
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
3 OCT Went to Cardington today set off 11-00 arrived 5-20 – had a look round the camp at night
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
4 Oct Up at 6.30 & had small written test, medical etc sworn in photographs taken finished at 5.30 left the camp – went into Bedford with my two friends from Hull Tom Stacey & a boy from Bev. left our cases at the station – had tea at a restaurant – went back to the station & had a pint – caught the 9.30 train to Kettering – waited 30 mins there & caught the Edinburgh express to Leeds arrived 3.0 (We had a good wash & shave on the train) – caught a train to Hull arrived 5.30 & so to bed
[page break]
[underlined] OCT [/underlined]
SUN
[underlined] 5TH [/underlined] Got up at about half past twelve went for a walk in the afternoon & went to the Carlton at night with Ken & Gee to see Rosalind Russell & Cary Grant in ‘That Man Friday’
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
6TH Received a letter from Fred went to Gee’s & Wriggy’s at night exchange of sick prisoners held up by German attitude – heavy new German onslaught on the Russian front
[underlined] 7TH [/underlined]
TUES Received a letter from Mary this morning – firewatched at work at night – Germans launch big offensive – railway between Kharkov & Moscow reported cut
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
8TH Wrote to Mary at night Russians evacuate certain towns but retreat in orderly
[page break]
manner.
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
9TH Stayed in at night – Hull trawler captures a sub. in Med. – depth charges bring sub to surface – machine guns & large gun make crew surrender – sub sinks 40 survivors picked up (trawler was less heavily armed than the sub) rained all day today
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
10TH Wrote to Don – went to the VR. Class (Nav.) tonight warning & gunfire here tonight – Russian counter attack & are holding the Germans
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
11TH Played North Hull Amateurs won 11-0 with ten men – went to a dance at Chestnut Ave. with Trev & Ali (on leave) had a good time we all got to know somebody – met Jean – warning at night
[page break]
[underlined] OCT [/underlined]
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
12TH Stayed in bed in the morning – went for a walk in the afternoon with the lads – a very nice day warm, clear & fresh stayed in at night – warnings & gunfire tonight
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
13TH About 300 planes raid places in the Ruhr, Bevariatte & do well – fighters in daylight sweep destroy 20 enemy fighters lose 12 two pilots safe – heavy fighting on Russian front – went to the dentists at night – firewatched at work slept through one warning
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
14TH Took the dog for a walk after tea – stayed in at night – another heavy raid on Germany last night – SW. Germany again visited by our bombers
[page break]
[underlined] OCT [/underlined]
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
15TH Stayed in at night wrote to Alex
[underlined THUR [/underlined]
16TH Went to an RAFVR lecture in Morse & Maths taken by Mr Colbert [deleted] as [/deleted] Germans very near Moscow – heavy fighting
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
17TH Went to the dance at Chestnut Ave with Ali Mason & Trev. had a very good time Jean & Eileen were there – saw them home – given a lift from Willerby to Carew St arrived home 11.15
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
18TH Played East Hull Amts. won 6-0 in a very strong wind walked to Langham at night but could not get in – so walked home & listened to the wireless – Russians slow up German advance on Moscow which is now nearly at a standstill
[page break]
[underlined] OCT [/underlined]
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
19TH Stayed in bed in the morning – went for a short in the afternoon as it was very wet & it rained a little – improved after tea walked round to town could not get into the pictures so stayed in at night
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
20TH Went to see Judy Canova Bob Crosby & his wild Cats in ‘Sis Hopkins’ with Carbyon – warning & gunfire early tonight – received a letter from Mary
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
21ST Received a letter from Roland – stayed in at night – went with Edith to buy Mary’s birthday present after dinner – bought a powder compact
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
22ND Firewatched at work at night – gunfire but went to bed – wrote to Mary – Naples
[page break]
heavily raided last night - & also targets in Holland etc.
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
23RD Went to Morse & Nav. lectures –
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
24TH Went to a dance at Chestnut Ave. & had a very good time danced with Jean nearly all the time – had to walk home – warning at dinner & tea time –
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
25TH Played R.AFVR & won 3-2 went dancing again to Chestnut Ave as I couldn’t get into the pictures had to walk most of the way there & all of the way back – had a moderate time – Jean danced with somebody else most of the time & I would have socked the kid only she appeared to prefer his company or dancing to mine & I did not wish to appear ridiculous although
[page break]
[underlined] OCT [/underlined]
I felt like a fight
[underlined] 26TH [/underlined]
SUN Stayed in bed in the morning & went for a walk in the afternoon – went to see Jack Buchanan in ‘Middle Watch at the Priory at night.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
27TH Went to see James Cagney & Olivia de Haviland in ‘Strawberry Blonde’ at the Tower with Ken & Gee enjoyed it very much – Hamburg was the main target for our bombers reported frontier clash between Russian & Jap soldiers – Germans held near Moscow, but make progress in the Crimea.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
28TH Had a letter from Mary this morning – stayed in at night
[page break]
[underlined] OCT [/underlined]
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
29TH Wrote to Don at the night & stayed in – have a slight cold – Russians hold Moscow front but have to fall back in the Crimea – snowed today & was very cold.
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
30TH Stayed in again at night wrote to Roland – Coastal Command Hudsons raid Aalsund sink 4 transport ships – machine gun in oil factory – put out of action defence posts & guns – all return safely.
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
31ST Went to Nav. lecture at night also to the dentists for my teeth
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
1 NOV Played Endike Lane OB & won 3.0 in pouring rain & sleet stayed in at night & wrote to Mary firewatching at home & had to go
[page break]
[underlined] NOV [/underlined]
petrol & bad weather
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
9TH Up fairly early today – went for a walk in the afternoon with Ken, Wriggy & Gee – very cold but dry – firewatched at work at night – talked all night in bed about 1.0 & did not get up until 8.0 o’clock.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
1OTH Stayed in at night & wrote to Roland at the Office – Hamburg raided last night – HMS Aurora, Penelope & two destroyers attack convoy in Med & sink 10 ships, 2 destroyers & damage another we suffer no casualties – famous destroyer HM.S Cossack sunk
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
11TH Stayed in at night – do not feel very well still having trouble with – wrote to Mary had a couple of letters from
[page break]
[underlined] NOV [/underlined]
Alex today –
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
12TH Went to the Regal at night with Geoff to see ‘Married but Single’ Rosalind Russell & also a Dr Kildare film
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
13TH Stayed in at night received a letter from Roland.
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
14TH Went to VR class at night but Capt. Beere did not turn up so we did morse & Byrne gave us a lecture – HMS Ark Royal sunk
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
15TH Went for a walk round the town in the afternoon as I couldn’t get in at the Dorchester went dancing to the YU at night with Edith – had moderate time band was lousy – 1 casualty in Ark Royal
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
16TH Went to PT (VR) in the morning – played football
[page break]
[underlined] NOV [/underlined]
& did a little drill – went for a short walk in the afternoon but it started to rain so we played ‘Monopoly’ at Wriggys went to see ‘Oh Mr Porter’ at the Carlton with the gang at night.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
17TH Went to Court in the morning & afternoon nice change – stayed in at night – (Ark Royal hit by torpedo & after being towed sunk only 20 miles from Gib.)
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
18TH Went to Court again in the morning – very nice day firewatched at work at night had a quiet night.
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
19TH Very foggy tonight went to Sheila’s 21st & Wilf was also married in the afternoon Mary & Bob were at the party
[page break]
[underlined] NOV [/underlined]
arrived home 1.0
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
20TH Went to see ‘Andy Hardy’s Secretary’ with Mickey Rooney etc also ‘The Black Parrot’ at the Regal with Geoff and enjoyed it very much – Russians evacuate Kirsch in the Crimea – went to [deleted] [underlined] FRI [/underlined] [/deleted] Rolands after pictures until 11.30
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
21ST We start an offensive in Libya & are already 50 mls into the country – went to Nav. lecture at VR.
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
22ND Stayed in both at night & in the afternoon read most of the time – we do well in Libya – capture Fort Capuzzo.
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
23RD Went to P.T & drill in the morning & went for
[page break]
[underlined] NOV [/underlined]
a walk with Wriggy & Gee in the afternoon – played Monopoly at Wriggy’s at night.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
24TH Went to see ‘That Night in Rio’ (Don Ameche Alice Faye & Carmen Miranda) with Gee at the Carlton – tank battle in Libya continues – heavy fighting again near Moscow
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
25TH Stayed in & read at night – later went for a short walk – Russians are holding the Germans near Moscow& counter attacks gain ground.
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
26TH Received a letter from Mary this morning – stayed in at night – battle still raging in Libya –
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
27TH N.W Germany raided by RA.F wrote to Mary
[page break]
[underlined] NOV [/underlined]
our forces join up with Tobruk tank battle resumed both forces bringing up reserves went to VR class at night & later firewatched at work.
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
28TH [inserted] Received letter from Fred [/inserted] N.W Germany again raided – went dancing with Gee & his friend who was home on leave – had a fair night
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
29TH Rostov retaken by the Russians – Germans retreat still heavy fighting in Libya – played Tarraneans won 3-1 stayed in at night & read.
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
30TH Rolled downstairs about 11.0 wrote to Roland went for a walk with Wriggy, Ken & Gee – later went to Wriggy’s to tea (his birthday yesterday) & then went to see ‘Juarez’ Bette
[page break]
Davis, Paul Muni at the Carlton – then played monopoly at Wriggys
[underlined] DEC [/underlined]
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
1ST. Went to the pictures with Ken & Gee to see Barbara Stanwyck & Henry Fonda in ‘Lady Eve’ enjoyed it – later went for a walk.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
2ND Stayed in at night & wrote to Fred & Louis – received a letter from Louis this morning – Germans cut the corridor between Tobruk & our forces – 18 1/2 – 50 men to be called up – boys & girls between 16 – 18 to register for youth organisations A T.C etc. H.M S. Sydney (Cruiser) sunk after sinked [sic] large armed merchantman (HM.S Dorchester sank an armed merchantman but did not
[page break]
pick up survivors as there was a sub. in the vicinity)
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
3RD Went to [deleted] Roland [/deleted] work fire-watching & read all the night [inserted] received a letter from Mary. [/inserted]
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
4TH Russians pushing on to Taganrog - & hold Germans round Moscow went to Morse lecture at night later went to Rolands
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
5TH Went to a party at Rolands all the lads were there Doreen Jarvis, Doreen & Doreen Tadman Mary & Elsie didn’t turn up had a good time – arrived home 2.30
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
6TH Played Reckitts boys with 10 men lost 2-0 cold & started to rain near the end stayed in at night & wrote to Mary
SUN (7TH) Stayed in bed in
[page break]
[underlined] DEC [/underlined]
the morning & went for a walk in the afternoon with Roland, Gee, Ken & Wriggy – stayed in at night AR.W for a few hours – Japan raids Phillipine Isles Hawaii & American Naval Bases – heavy casualties inflicted – invade Thailand & N. Malay.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
8TH Went to Court today – Thailand stops resistance – more raids by Japs on American bases – Hong Kong attacked but our forces repell [sic] invaders. America declares war on Japan we, all our Dominions, Holland etc (we declared war on Finland Rumania & Hungary on Sat. 6TH)
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
9TH Went to Court in the morning – went to see ‘Dogs of the Air’ James Cagney Pat O’Brien
[page break]
[underlined] DEC [/underlined]
etc with Geoff – wrotten [sic] picture. Japs make very little ground in N. Malaya against our forces
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
10TH H.M.S Prince of Wales (new ship 35000 tons) & HMS Repulse sunk off Singapore – Russians retake Tikhvin – our forces in Hong Kong repulse attacks & inflict heavy losses – wrote to the RA.F. went to Maths lecture & later played billiards
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
11TH Stayed in & read – over 2300 men saved from Repulse & Prince of Wales: Admiral Sir Tom Phillips among the missing – the Japanese battleship Hamura 29000 tons has been sunk by aircraft.
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
12TH Went to Nav lecture at night – very interesting
[page break]
[underlined] DEC [/underlined]
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
13TH Played City Engineers & won 6-0 with 8 men – rotten game – firewatched at work at night – had a letter from Louis
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
14TH Stayed in bed & listened to the wireless in the morning – arrived home about 12.0 – played Monopoly at Wriggy’s in the afternoon & finished writing to Mary at night our forces in Med – sink Italian cruiser & seriously damage another
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
15TH Went to see Errol Flynn in ‘The Sea Hawk’ at the Carlton & enjoyed it very much Brest & Ostend raided – our forces push on in Libya – stated that 1 battleship & 5 other
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
16TH Stayed in at night Russians retake Kaunin
[page break]
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
17TH Received a letter from Mary – H.MS Dunedin (Cr. sunk in the Atlantic – stayed in at night.
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
18TH Stayed in at night – German & Italians in full retreat in Libya – Russians push on –
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
19TH Received a card from Mary this morning & rang her up – Japs make landing in Hong Kong – [deleted] Duchess of Gloucester [/deleted] – went to library & bought Christmas Cards – stayed in at [underlined] night [/underlined]
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
20TH Up early caught 9.20 train to Doncaster & bus to Epworth met Mary from work – arrived cottage 2.15 caught bus to Epworth 5.50 & saw ‘Keeping Company’ Ann Rutherford – enjoyed it – arrived
[page break]
home 9.30 & talked until bed time.
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
21ST Went for a walk after breakfast – called to see Mary’s aunt & then called for the milk, - had tea left at 4.0 to catch 5 o’clock bus from Belton – 6.50 train to Hull arrived 8.30 went home – changed & went to work to firewatch.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
22ND Very tired today – wrote to Mary at night – R.AF raid Brest etc Hong Kong still holds out.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
23RD Bought Mary’s present a bracelet – it had to be altered – went to see ‘Cottage to Let’ at the Dorchester & enjoyed it very much – Russians still push on – left off for Christmas
[page break]
[underlined] DEC [/underlined]
tonight
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
24TH Don came for me this morning – he is on embarkation leave – went a short walk – went for my bracelet but wasn’t ready – met Geoff in the town in the afternoon – went on the pier etc – collected our goose from Mrs Johnson – also called again for bracelet still not ready – went back later on my bike – eventually collected at 6.15 on my way to the dance at the Bev. Baths – enjoyed it very much Jean was there also Joyce (Les’s friend) finished at 11.0 – Denis has come for a few days – talked had a drink went to bed about 2.0 o’clock.
[page break]
[underlined] DEC [/underlined]
[deleted] [underlined] THUR [/underlined] [/deleted] [inserted] FRI [/inserted]
26TH [sic] Benghazi captured by 8TH Army stayed in at night – have toothache – posted Mary’s present this morning – went to see ‘Ziegfeld Girl’ at the Carlton in the afternoon – (James Stewart, Hedy Lamarr, [sic] Lana Turner & Judy Garland) Russians probe straightened German line.
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
25TH Stayed in bed in the morning – went to see Hull beat York 26-20 in the afternoon – stayed in at night played cards with dad & drank rum.
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
27TH Stayed in all day – teeth still bad – received a letter from R.A.F saying that I shall be called up in March
[page break]
[underlined] DEC [/underlined]
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
28TH Went for a walk with Wriggy & Ken in the afternoon – very cold but fresh went to see Sonja Henje [sic] at the Carlton with them at night in ‘My Lucky Star’ – later played Monopoly at Wriggy’s
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
29TH Firewatching at work – went to the Tivoli – rotten show – Norman Long etc. (Edna Squire-Brown in ‘Dance of the Doves’ good & also Kusharney) – in action in Libya 22 tanks destroyed & 20 damaged we make a small landing in Norway kill or capture whole German garrison & set fire to Oil stores etc & sink 5 ships – 2 armed trawlers & 1 armed tug – great cooperation by 3 Services Uncle Tom died yesterday
[page break]
[underlined] DEC [/underlined]
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
30TH Received a [inserted] Christmas [/inserted] letter from Marian & also from Alex – stayed in at night & wrote to Louis – our forces withdraw from Sarawak – Americans being pushed back in Phillipines – Russians capture important towns.
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
31ST Received a letter from Mary – stayed in at night – Russians make landing in Crimea & our forces push on in Libya –
[underlined] JAN [/underlined]
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
1ST Stayed in at night & wrote to Bert – we make another landing in Norway in Lofoten Isles – destroy communications sink a few ships – capture many Germans & Quislings – take back many Norwegians & destroy
[page break]
[underlined] JAN [/underlined]
oil plants etc we suffer no casualties –
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
2ND Went to see ’Sorochintse [sic] Fair’ at the New (Russian Ballet & Opera) & with Geoff & enjoyed it very much – Russians push on.
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
3RD Played for Constable St O.B. against R.AFVR & won 13-1 rained most of the time – Frodin is home on leave – went to work at night to firewatch – wrote to Mary – H.M.S. Neptune sunk by mine in Med – survivors taken prisoner – also destroyer HM.S Kandahar sunk when going to assist her – convoy of 30 ships also attacked for 4 days – only 3 ships sunk & our forces destroy 3 subs & a Konder raider
[page break]
[underlined] JAN [/underlined]
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
4TH Russians push on past Kaluga – Japs push on in Malaya & Philippines [sic] – went for a short walk in the afternoon with Ken & Gee it rained slightly – the lads came to our house at night & we played Monopoly.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
5TH Stayed in at night as Frod & Peggy came to supper – very cold today – very bad weather experienced in Libya
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
6TH Went to see ‘The Golden Hour’ at the Carlton with Geoff (James Stuart & Paulette Goddard) enjoyed it very much funny & witty – snowed during the night – very dirty underfoot Japs capture an aerodrome in Malaya – Americans sink destroyer & damage battleship
[page break]
[underlined] JAN [/underlined]
in raid on Jap convoy.
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
7TH Stayed in at night & read Russians still advance – we retreat in Malaya – still cold
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
8TH Went to Morse lecture at night – our forces in Libya force Rommels men to retreat from Jabanihal? – stated that 7 Jap naval craft were sunk in previous engagement – still cold & freezing
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
9TH Firewatched at work at night went to see ‘Footsteps in the Dark’ at the Tower with Geoff & Lucas (Errol Flynn) enjoyed it very much – Brest raided for the 5th night in succession
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
10TH Have a bad cold – curse it played Army Eleven – lost 8-3 went to the Bev Rd Baths at
[page break]
[underlined] JAN [/underlined]
night with Gee – thin time because of cold – freezing & foggy at night – letter from Mary.
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
11TH Stayed in all day as I have a cold – still very cold wrote to Marian.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
12TH Went to Court today – cold a little better – still very cold – wrote to Mary at night we retreat further in Malaya – evacuate Kualar [sic] Lumpur – received a letter from Roland.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
13TH We take Sollum – American in Philip. Stop Japs advance wrote to Alex at night – went to Court today – still very cold.
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
14TH Snowed hard this morning – wrote to Fred at work – went to the Regal at night with Geoff to see ‘Billy the Kid’ (Robert
[page break]
[underlined] JAN [/underlined]
Taylor & Brian Donbery) & ‘Elsie & Doris’s Weekend (Elsie & Doris Waters) Russians push on
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
15TH Hamburg & Emdin raided by the RAF – went to Morse lecture later firewatching at work – still very cold.
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
16TH Felt very ill & weak today believe cold – or perhaps the soup consumed other night – Hamburg again raided – stayed in at night
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
17TH Cleaned part of my bike in the afternoon danced at the Bev Rd at night & had a very good time Halfaya surrenders & many prisoners taken
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
18TH Stayed in bed in the morning – short walk in the afternoon with the lads – went
[page break]
[underlined] JAN [/underlined]
to Ken’s at night & played Monopoly – his sister also played – snowed a little at night – Von Reichenau – Nazie [sic] General reported dead of a seizure on way back from front after being dismissed – Churchill arrived back from America yesterday by aeroplane.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
19TH Went to George Hotel with Louis for lunch – went for haircut after work with Gee – made us very late – went with Gee & Ken to the Carlton to see ‘The Woman’s Face’ very good picture, - sat next to a very nice girl – wish the lads hadn’t been with me
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
20TH Went to the Tower with Fred who is
[page break]
[underlined] JAN [/underlined]
over on leave it was ‘Flight from Destiny’ also ‘The Dog in the Garden’ & was a very good picture – Mozaisk [sic] retaken from Germans – very cold today – received a letter from Mary
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
21ST Had a telegram from Alex this morning – he is back in England – went dancing with Gee to the Bev. Baths Russians push on in the Moscow sector – worst weather experienced for 10 years in Lybia [sic] – still very cold here
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
22ND Stayed in at night & wrote to Mary – very cold today – Japs. land in islands very near to Australia & our forces again retreat in Malaya
[page break]
[underlined] JAN [/underlined]
our bombers raid Emden, Hamburg etc & enemy aerodrome in Holland
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
23RD Very cold today – rained & froze when it fell in the morning – later rained heavily – Rommel’s forces take Jedabya – Russians push on stayed in at night
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
24TH Axis convoy attacked in the Med & several transp. sank also a destroyer & Cruiser played Endike Lane OB (4-4) very dirty game in both senses scored from pen. went to Bev Rd at night with Gee – pouring with rain so took an umbrella Joan who works with John was there with a friend Edith away for weekend
[page break]
[underlined] JAN [/underlined]
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
20TH Snowed heavily this morning – stayed in bed – went to Wriggys in the afternoon – pouring with rain also went at night & listened to the gramo. W’s friend Joan was also there
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
26TH Went to the Tower with Ken to see ‘A Night in the Tropics’ – more ships sunk by Americans in raid on Jap Convoy in Macassar Straits
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
27TH R.AF raid Brest – stayed in at night & read – wrote to Bert today – still very cold & more snow Rommels forces push on in Libya
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
28TH Firewatched at work at night – RAF
[page break]
[underlined] JAN [/underlined]
again raid Brest & other targets – Rommels push said to be held & slowered [sic] down Russians still advance
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
29TH Went to Morse lecture at night – reported H.M.S Barham (31,000) sunk in November Alex arrived home in the early hours of the morning – received a letter from Mary – rang Mary
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
30TH Received a letter from Roland Japs 18 mls from Singapore we evacuate Benghazi again – Russians push on – went to see Tauber in Schubert’s ‘Blossom Time’ with Geoff & Lucas at the New Theatre – snow gone.
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
31ST Stayed in & wrote to Mary in the afternoon danced at Bev Rd at night with
[page break]
[underlined] JAN [/underlined]
Gee – our forces evacuate Malaya & return into Singapore Island.
[underlined] FEB [/underlined]
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
1ST Went to Wriggys in the afternoon & to the Carlton with Ken, Wriggy & Gee at night to see George Formby in ‘Let George do it’ snowed at night – had a snowball fight after pictures
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
2ND Went to see ‘Love Crazy’ (Myrna Loy & Wm Powell) at the Carlton – very funny & amusing US. Navy sinks many ships by means of aircraft etc in raid on Jap occupied base in the Atlantic & 1 ft of snow at night
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
3RD Went to the dance at Bev Rd – had a fairly good time met Miss Clayton (works in Edith’s office – Esther & Mary
[page break]
[underlined] FEB [/underlined]
Vise were there – arrived work 11.50 – firewatching – snow is melting making seas of slush
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
4TH Alex comes back from Leeds & has to return to Bournemouth at night – saw him off at the station
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
5TH On holiday – finished cleaning my bike in morning – helped dad chop wood in the afternoon & also read – went to Morse lecture at night – had a letter from Mary she is coming over for the weekend
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
6TH Cleaned dance shoes, football boots, cycle bag – very busy this morning – went to work near dinner time to receive telephone
[page break]
[underlined] FEB [/underlined]
call from Mary – went to the pictures in the afternoon to the Dorchester to see Walter Pidgeon, Joan Bennett & George Sandys in ‘Man Hunt’ a very good picture – rang Mary again afterwards & stayed in & read at night
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
7TH Went to meet Mary in the afternoon – didn’t arrive telegram to say had missed connection – met 6.31 London train but didn’t arrive until 7.15 – dashed to Marys Uncle’s (Telford St) – then to the dance at the Baths – arrived 8.45 – took taxi home – talked & had supper until 12.10 walked home – arrived 1.15.
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
8TH Up early called for Mary later went to Edna’s & then saw Mary off in the
[page break]
[underlined] FEB [/underlined]
afternoon on the 4.25 train went to the pictures at night to see John Garfield & Priscilla Lane in ‘Dust be my Destiny’
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
9TH Firewatched at work at night & wrote to Mary – Japs make landing on Singapore Island – counter measures being taken fighting near Gezala in Libya –
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
10TH Court again this morning – went to see Arthur Askey etc in ‘I Thank you’ at the Dorchester – Japs take aerodrome on Singapore Island – only 10 mls from the town itself – wrote to Roland
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
11TH Stayed in at night – very nice day (for a change) – Japs approach Singapore City believe it is all up there
[page break]
[underlined] FEB [/underlined]
Bert came into the office this morning
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
12TH Bert came back from Scarborough tonight – had tea together went to Morse Exam a V.R. (100 per cent on 6 wp.m) whilst Bert went for Margaret – went to the Regimental Dance at the Bev. Rd Baths – not too crowded had a fair time – arrived home 12.30 still hanging on in Singapore
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
13TH Schamhorst, Prince Eugen & Greisenau move from Brest to Heligoland Bight & up the Channel – our air force (torpedo planes bombers & fighter bombers & escorts) attack supporting E boats, trawlers, destroyers & the 3 ships & also our destroyers & MTB take part – stated several hits
[page break]
[underlined] FEB [/underlined]
made which slowed their speed down to 18 Knots – we lost 6 Swordfish, 20 bombers & 16 fighters in the [deleted] ta [/deleted] attack – destroy 18 of their fighters – Japs capture Singapore’s City reservoir – report of successful American naval raid on Gilbert Isles – 18000 ton aircraft carrier sunk – many Jap planes destroyed & bases very severely damaged
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
14TH Played Hessle Amateurs lost 10-0 with 8 men – went to the Wenlock Barracks at night with Gee – not a very good dance too crowded – not a nice crowd – left early – our American fighters in Libya meet 30 enemy planes destroy 20 & damage the rest.
[page break]
[underlined] FEB [/underlined]
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
15TH Stayed in bed in the morning – went to Wriggy’s in the afternoon – firewatched at work at night – short warning – aeroplane over & machine gunned – later shot down – Singapore has surrendered
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
16TH Received a letter from Mary & Roland – stayed in at night & swotted some navigation – warning again tonight
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
17TH Received a letter from Louis – 2 Italian Cruisers & 1 Destroyer torpedoed in Med. stayed in at night & wrote to Mary
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
18TH Had another letter from Mary – finished writing to her at work today went to the Tower at night to see ‘The Tower of Terror’ a terrible film – ridiculous
[page break]
[underlined] FEB [/underlined]
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
19TH Went to Morse lecture at night – RAF raid Bremen etc. Japs raid Port Darwin in Australia
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
20TH Received a letter from Fred stayed at work for tea then went to the Regal with Geoff & Lucas to see ‘International Squadron’ which was a very good flying picture – also Robert Young & Jane Hussey in ‘Bachelors Honeymoon’
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
21ST Japs attack island of ‘Bali’ in preparation for invasion of Jurva – allied naval forces blow up 1 Cruiser sink 2 destroyers for one of our own & also several transports played for Grammar School ATC Squadron in the afternoon
[page break]
[underlined] FEB [/underlined]
in heavy snow – lose 6-0 with only 7 men – later went to work to firewatch & read part of the night – had a roaring fire kettle boiled on the hearth
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
22ND Arrived home 12.0 o’clock went for a walk in the afternoon – snowed a little – went to Wriggy’s at night played cards & dominoes
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
23RD Went to see Tommy Dorsey & his band in ‘The Gay City’ at the Tower with Ken & Gee – fair picture – more snow here today
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
24TH Stayed in at night & wrote to Roland – Japs take aerodrome on isle of Bali
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
25TH On holiday – wrote to Mary in the morning – a walk into town in the afternoon
[page break]
by Navy to effect the withdrawal Rangoon position serious – [inserted] FEB [/inserted] Convoy of troops approaching Java dispersed by allied Naval action.
[underlined] MARCH [/underlined]
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
1ST Took the Nav & Maths Exam at the Cadets in the afternoon – short walk at night with Ken & Gee – later went to Wriggy’s & played Austin’s Rummy – had to leave early as Fred was over on leave
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
2ND Stayed in at night & wrote to Roland – Japs make landings in Java.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
3RD Received a letter from Mary & wrote to her at night – she also rang me up this afternoon to see if I would go over to a dance – Japs held in Java but
[page break]
[underlined] MCH [/underlined]
Dutch Gov. leave Batavia & say they will not be able to hold Java
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
4TH Jap bombers attack U.S fleet in Pacific – 16 out of 18 shot down – no damage to Fleet – RAF raid Renaud works near Paris which is working for the Germans – Vichy say heavy damage & about 600 people killed over 1000 injured – started to snow at night went to the Bev Rd Baths had a moderate time
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
5TH Snowed all today went to V.R class later to work to firewatch – Japs infiltrate throughout Java – Russians push on.
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
6TH Stayed in at night have a rotten cold – communications with Java cease – Dutch
[page break]
say will fight to the end.
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
7TH Played City Engineers with 9 men lost 6-2 – thick snow enjoyed it really although cold was a nuisance – Trev. Russell home on leave – he played – stayed in at night – Russians push on
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
8TH Very nice day for a change up late – played cards at Wriggys in the afternoon – stayed in again at night – cold still bad wrote to Alex.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
9TH Japs make landings on New Guinea – Rangoon evacuated scorched earth policy taken – stayed in at night cold still bad received a letter from Roland
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
10TH Convoy attacked in Med – 1 Cruiser & 1 destroyer set on fire also a transport
[page break]
[underlined] MAR [/underlined]
details given of Japanese atrocities in Hong Kong – Rangoon evacuated – more landing on New Guinea – RAF again raid Essen
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
11TH Cold still bad went to the Tower at night to see ‘Moon Over Burma’ (Dorothy Lamour, Robert Preston, Preston Foster) enjoyed it – Tirpitz attacked off Norwegian Coast – escapes from our planes under a smoke screen
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
12TH Les & Peggy came round at night – received a letter from Mary & wrote to her at night
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
13TH Stated that 3 Subs were sunk in attack on our convoy last Dec. (in which one of our destroyers was sunk after sinking one of the U boats the day before – this sub was one of those sunk
[page break]
[underlined] MAR [/underlined]
Australian bombers attack Japs in New Guinea & prevent further landings being made – went dancing with Gee to a late dance at the Bev Rd Baths
SAT
14TH Very nice day warm & sunny played Earles lost 7-2 short team but a very good game – Roland is over on leave – went to late dance at Bev Rd Baths – very warm but had a very good time – Allied Naval forces lost in battles near Java – including H.M.S Exeter about 13 ships lost – several Jap ships sunk incl. 2 Cruisers – 10 German planes shot down over Channel area this week none of ours lost
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
15TH Went for a walk with Roland in the morning
[page break]
[underlined] MAR [/underlined]
a very nice day – listened to Roland’s records at Gee’s in the afternoon – went to Wriggy’s at night & played cards Dolcy Rogers was there.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
16TH At Court this morning went to see Errol Flynn in ‘Santa Fe Trail’ at the Tower with Roland Gee & Ken enjoyed it – had a drink after to celebrate my going away –
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
17TH At Court again this morning went to the Monica at night with Gee & Roland to see ‘The Road to Zanzibar’ – E. boats attack North Sea convoy – several accounted for by destroyers – also our aircraft encounter them later & sink or damage more – one of our destroyers lost
[page break]
MAR
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
18TH 25 Jap ships incl 10 battleships sunk or damaged off New Guinea – firewatched at work at night – received a letter from Mary & wrote to her & Fred at night
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
19TH Went to Morse class at night –
20TH
[underlined] FRI [/underlined] Stayed in at night –
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
21ST Stayed in bed in morning met Mary in Doncaster in the afternoon – had a walk round the town went to the Gaumont to see Sonja Henie & Glen Miller in ‘Sun Valley Serenade’ also ‘Badmen from Dakota’ enjoyed it very much – only had time for snack afterwards caught 9.0 o’clock bus to Belton – had a very nice journey.
[page break]
MCH
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
22ND Went out after breakfast called at Mary’s Aunts Eileen & Maisie’s and so back to The Turbay caught the 4.50 bus to Doncaster travelled home with Mary’s uncle.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
23RD Very busy at work today – left late – wrote to Mary at night received a letter from Bert & Fred
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
24TH Firewatched at work at night – wrote to Bert – Italian battleship & Cruisers attack our Med Convoy beaten off by light Cruisers & the battleship hit by torpedo
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
25TH Cleaned my bike – went to Cadets – R.A.F carry out heavy raid on the Ruhr area
THUR 26TH. Went dancing to the Blind with Edith
[page break]
[underlined] MAR [/underlined]
had a moderate time – gunfire here tonight – fighter escorted bombers raid Cologne – 8 enemy fighters destroyed – 2 of ours lost Chinese reported surrounded in area in Burma – fighting back & repulsing Japs.
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
26TH Went to the pictures with Geoff and Lucas at night
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
27TH Said goodbye at the Office – gave me 25/- to spend – very good of them – saw Mrs Johnson gave me eggs & oranges – met Mary at the Station in the afternoon – bought her a locket – saw the other Mary at Hammonds – brought Mary home to tea – later went to the YPI to dance – crowded not very nice – caught last bus walked home – our naval
[page break]
land & air forces attack St Nazaire
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
28TH Very nice day – went for Mary in the afternoon – said goodbye – travelled up to Doncaster with Mary – sorry to leave her – arrived London 9.35 – cup of tea at Salvation Army Canteen – directed to their Hostel in Russell Squ, very nice place – modern – many amenities ie billiards etc – nice bedroom
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
29TH Went to Lords – saw Alex – collected kit wrote to Mother & Mary at night Alex came round
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
30TH Had a dental exam & Maths lecture – did a lot of marching rained a little today – wrote to Roland at night – took uniform back to tailors.
[page break]
APRIL
[underlined] 1ST [/underlined]
WED. Morse lecture at Lords – night vision test & radiography – wrote to Mary at night
[underlined] 2ND [/underlined]
THUR Took Morse Exam (100 per cent) another Maths lecture collected uniform – C.O. paraded us at 17.15 & asked if anybody didn’t want to go overseas at the end of the month – looks promising – packed my civvies up and put a letter in
[underlined] 3RD [/underlined]
FRI Went to the Odeon to a lecture by C.O – Maths at the Zoo in the afternoon – wrote to Mary at night
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
4TH Morse in the morning – had a haircut in the afternoon went into town with Eric Bob & Harry – had a look round the Westminster Abbey
[page break]
[underlined] APRIL [/underlined]
saw Houses of Parliament – went to the YMCA for tea – went to see ‘Dumbo’ down Edgeware Rd. – went back to the YMCA for supper – back to billet by 23.57 (two mins to spare)
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
5TH Helped in Canteen in the morning – missed Church Parade – had a ball – polished buttons etc. went round the Zoo in the afternoon – on guard at night – wrote to Mother & Fred. (Guard 18.00 – 2000: 2400 – 2.00: 6.00 – 8.00)
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
6TH Late at the Odeon for sea lecture – (very sleepy this morning) also lecture by M.O – drill in afternoon – gas lecture – then P.T. stayed in at night.
[page break]
[underlined] APRIL [/underlined]
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
7TH Had inocculations [sic] & vaccinated today – do not feel too good but better than the rest – had a fairly quiet day – had flight photograph taken – wrote to Mary & the office at night – turned in early
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
8TH Had a quiet day – security lecture – went to London Pavilion at night with Bob & Frank – had a letter from Edith
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
9TH Rained nearly all day – had pay parade – cinema show on Careless Talk – aircraft rec etc – went into gas chamber – had to clean canteen up for the WAAF dance as the whole flight was on fatigue – wrote to Mary
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
10TH Went with Norman to
[page break]
[underlined] APRIL [/underlined]
have my photograph taken did very little today – went to another cinema show – had full kit parade on roof.
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
11TH Received a letter from Mary – our vaccination was inspected in the morning – later were issued with flying kit – vol. to help clean the Zoo canteen ready for the dance – got a free ticket & late pass – not very good dance – Alex was there
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
12TH Wrote to Mary – Church Parade – went into town with Frank & Bob – had a great time – saw Hyde Park went into Church Army Canteen there – then onto the Beaver Club – caught a lot of buses then went to YM in Tottenham Ct Rd & back to billets
[page break]
[underlined] APRIL [/underlined]
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
13TH Had a full kit parade before the C.O. today – lecture on Organisation in the morning – wrote to mother at night – Alex came round [inserted] (letter from Mary) [/inserted]
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
14TH Another lecture this morning on Law etc – went into centre of London to studio to hear dance [inserted] RAF [/inserted] band recording & also heard Pat Kirkwood & Elizabeth Welsh – wrote to Louis & the lads.
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
15TH Did very little today – flat orderly C.O. inspected billets – wrote to Mary at night – went to the Tottenham Ct Rd YW but there wasn’t a dance – went to Baker St for my photo
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
16TH Not posted today although part of our flight was including
[page break]
[underlined] APRIL [/underlined]
Bob, Eric, Harry & Norman – very disappointed – went to the Odeon at night with Frank to see ‘You’ll never get Rich’ Fred Astaire
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
17TH Did very little today – some drill & retired to YM in the afternoon for an hour or two – wrote to Mary at night – stayed in, received a letter from mother & Mary
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
18TH Received a letter from Fred Eric, Bob Norman & Harry left us – I was a runner this morning – went into the town in the afternoon also went to Beaver Club to tea later rowed on Regents Park with Frank.
SUN
19TH Church parade in the morning wrote to Mother – went into Regents Park in the afternoon – then Beaver Club for tea – came back to our
[page break]
[underlined] APRIL [/underlined]
[underlined] 19TH [/underlined] YM at night & went to bed early.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
20TH Wrote to Mary – did very little today – Alex came round at night – he is going to Blackpool tomorrow.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
21ST Had a letter from Edith & Mother wrote to Roland – then went to see ‘Appointment For Love’ (Charles Boyer) & ‘Paris Calling’ (Basil Rathbone, Eliza Bergner & Randolph Scott) at the Odeon rather late leaving had to run back to billets – did arms drill today
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
22ND Went dental sick in the morning – had one filled – wrote to Mary & Mother – had P.T in the afternoon – very nice – went to the New Victoria Cinema at night to take collection for RAF Benevolent Fund – saw Arthur Askey in
[page break]
‘The Boy from the Back Room’ & also ‘Texas’ – had a decent time went with 7 others from our flight – had a drink after arrived back 11.45.
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
23RD Had posting parade in the morning – posted to Scarborough pay parade & did very little in the afternoon – went with Frank & Ron to the London Pavilion at night to see ‘The Foreman went to France’ which was a super picture & also ‘Hay Foot’
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
24TH Had to stay in barracks at night – went for supper, a drink & more to eat – Group Captains inspection in the morning & FFI in the afternoon wrote to Mary
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
25TH Up early caught 10.0 train to York & so on to Scarborough arrived about 5.0 o’clock – went for
[page break]
[underlined] APRIL [/underlined]
a look round the town at night
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
26TH Did very little today – had FFI etc. & lecture by C.O. stayed in at night & wrote to Mother, Mary & Bert – food good here & having a good time
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
27TH Wrote to Fred at night stayed in – had aircraft rec. & P.T this morning -, drill & dental in the afternoon – very nice day.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
28TH Had P.T & drill Maths & Hygiene today – wrote to Mary at night very nice day but very windy – A.RW at night
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
29TH Had a letter from Sandy Alex, Mother & Mary – wrote to Mother & Alex – had Maths Morse & kit inspection in the afternoon.
THUR 30TH Had 2 letters from
[page break]
[underlined] APRIL [/underlined]
Mary & one from Mother – wrote to Mary at night – had Maths, Morse, Gas & aircraft rec as well as drill today – another air raid warning at night.
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
1ST MAY Went to the dance at the Royal at night – moderate time – had Morse Maths (100 per cent in yesterdays test) Hygiene Gas etc. – Paid today 34/-
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
2ND MAY Had Maths & march past the C.O went to the Odeon in the afternoon with Fred & Mike saw Tyrone Power in ‘Blood & Sand’ later went to the YM & wrote to Mary – received a letter from Louis & parcel from home.
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
3RD Went to early communion – sewed buttons on etc in the morning – went for a walk on the cliffs & sands with Mike & Fred in the afternoon
[page break]
[underlined] MAY [/underlined]
climbed cliffs explored wreckage on the shore.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
4TH Had a letter from Edith today wrote to Mary, Mother & Sandy at night – mine washing about under out hotel – went for a 5 ml cross country run in the afternoon came 15th out of 38
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
5TH Wrote up my notes at night played table tennis
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
6TH Wrote to Mary – at night did some aircraft rec. – sports day went to play golf but they hadn’t any balls – took a canoe out on Peasholme Park –
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
7TH Stayed in at night – wrote up some Gas notes – had letters from Fred and Mother
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
8TH Went to look up train & bus times at night – not very good to
[page break]
[underlined] MAY [/underlined]
Hull – wrote home at night received a letter from Mary.
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
9TH Acted as marker for cross country run – unable to run – stayed in at night – wrote to Mary.
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
10TH Went to Communion in the morning – Mother & Father came over for the day & we had a grand time dinner at the Victoria Hotel & tea at the Odeon – walked round by Olive’s Mount & down the front – had to catch 6.15 bus back.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
11TH Received a letter from Alex & Mary – wrote to Mary at night ran about 4 mls in the pouring rain up Olive’s Mount this afternoon – had Maths afterwards.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
12TH Wrote Louis at night another cross country run today
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
13TH Wrote to Fred at night
[page break]
[underlined] MAY [/underlined]
had our Maths today which was very easy received a letter from Mary & Sandy – wrote to Mary & sent her the photograph – played baseball this afternoon.
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
14TH Had Gas Exam today – parcel of food from mother
[deleted] [underlined] FRI [/underlined]
15TH [/deleted] Had a letter from Mary slight cold – paid today wrote to Mother & Mary – stayed in at night.
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
16TH Rained in the morning – nice day later on – did very little today Gas practise – inoculated again – went shopping in the afternoon stayed in at night – wrote to Alex went to bed early didn’t feel too grand
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
17TH Didn’t get up until 12 o’clock felt rotten – went onto the
[page break]
front in the afternoon & felt a little better – bed early.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
18TH Felt very unfit today with cold went sick but put on M & D on guard at night 10.0 – 12.0 wrote to Mary – played tennis in afternoon
[underlined] TUES. [/underlined]
19TH Letter from Edith – stayed in at night.
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
20TH Wrote to Edith – bathed in the sea & played football on sands in the afternoon – stayed in at night felt rotten
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
21ST Received a letter from Mother & Mary – wrote to Mary – had practise invasion parade with full kit & goodness knows what – in the afternoon – called out again for same thing at 10.45 at night
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
[deleted] 21ST [/deleted] Still feel far from fit on guard at night
[page break]
[underlined] MAY [/underlined]
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
23RD Very nice day received a letter from Alex – desk duties in afternoon – walked round town with Mac. – went to Futurist with Hobby & Mike at night to see Meet John Doe.
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
24TH Communion in the morning – wrote to Mary – Edith & Peg came over for the day had a grand time – saw Jean Thorley –
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
25TH [underlined] Whit-Mon [/underlined] – Rained in the afternoon – went ‘skeet’ shooting
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
26TH Wrote to Mary & Sandy at night
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
27TH Had medical in the afternoon navigation 4.0 – 6.0 – received a letter from Geoff
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
28TH Had a letter from Mother & Mary wrote to Mother at night – on
[page break]
[underlined] MAY [/underlined]
guard – had short Nav & Aircraft Rec exams.
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
29TH Went to dance at night – had a good time – pay parade
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
30TH Raining this morning only had CO march past – wrote to Mary – went to see ‘Each Dawn I Die’ with Mac at the Odeon – stayed in at night
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
31ST Went to Holy Communion at 7.0 & later wrote to Alex & Geoff – read in the Italian gardens in the afternoon went to the concert at night.
[underlined] MON [/underlined]
JUNE March past in the afternoon – also played tennis stayed in at night wrote to Mary.
[underlined] TUES [/underlined]
2ND Had a letter from Edith & heard that Don has had a serious accident another march past – wrote to
[page break]
Gee at night
[underlined] WED [/underlined]
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] RD Another march past which I missed by spending the afternoon in the NAAFI after dentists – very very [sic] warm today – wrote to Edith & Mary – on Guard at night.
[underlined] THUR [/underlined]
4TH Had march past AOC today & had a letter from Mary very very [sic] warm here today.
[underlined] FRI [/underlined]
5TH Had a letter from Mother went to the dance at night met Doris who worked in the Timber Control at Hull – bathed in the sea this morning – still very hot
[underlined] SAT [/underlined]
6TH Went bathing again this morning – into town in the afternoon – on guard at night
[underlined] SUN [/underlined]
7TH Wrote to Mary – went to bed until dinner after church – went for a walk in the afternoon &
[page break]
[underlined] 4/9 [/underlined]
Bear not false witness
slander not nor lie
Truth is the speech
of inward purity
Edward Arnold
[indecipherable words] MC95275
Letter, 10 Mch 1941 from dept re calling up
JL
19, Estcourt Ave
Headingly
Leeds 6
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
WALKER’S
DIARY
FOR
1942
Summer Time used from April 19 to October 4
[page break]
Give all thou canst: high Heaven rejects the lore
Of nicely calculated less or more.
Wordsworth.
[page break]
[details of memorable dates in 1942]
[page break]
Mr FD Cronin
48 Benhill Wood Rd.
Sutton
Surrey
Don Wakeling:- Home address
‘Windyridge’
Marton Corner
Sewerby
nr Bridlington
[page break]
Maths:- 97 per cent
Armaments 81 per cent
Gas. 83 per cent
Morse Sending 100 per cent Receiving 100 per cent
Aldis “ 90 per cent “ 100 per cent
Aircraft Rec 96 per cent
Law & Hygiene 67 per cent
Navigation 74 per cent
[page break]
JUNE 1942
Sunday 7
met Doris – went with Mac at night to the Odeon to see the Missing Million – poor film
Monday 8
Played tennis in the afternoon had a letter from Mary – did some swot at night
Tuesday 9
Received a parcel from Mother wrote to Mary & Fred Cronin at night
Wednesday 10
Stayed in at night – wrote to Mother & did some Arms revision
Thursday 11
Stayed in at night – did some Arms – bathed etc. – received a letter from Mary.
Friday 12
Went to the dance at night Arms Exam today – farce had own Corporal – letter from Bert & parcel from Mother
Saturday 13
Kit inspection 0730 rained rest of day – wrote to Mary, Roland & Fred
[page break]
Sunday 14
Church in morning – concert at night Doreen Howard & Paddy were also there after meeting in afternoon – wrote to Louis rained all day
XX Monday 15
Still raining hard – played table tennis at Yorks. Club – letter from Edith & Ken D.
Tuesday 16
Went to see ‘The Lady has Plans’ with Mac. – kitting parade
Wednesday 17
Stayed in at night & did some swot – went shooting on the Ranges in the afternoon
Thursday 18
On Guard at Marsden’s – wrote to Mary
Friday 19
Received letters from Mother, Mary & Roland – stayed in at night – prepared by route march.
Saturday 20
Route march from 0800 – 1700 17 mls – very warm with full pack & rifle – up Forge Valley & met Edith & Dennis after tea – sat & talked
[page break]
Sunday 21
Church in morning – wrote to Mother & Mary – saw Edith in the afternoon went to the concert at night with Mac & Mike
Monday 22
Stayed in – did Aldis & revised at night – went sick on 2 days light duties – glorious day today
Tuesday 23
Received a letter from Geoff & Mary – dental in afternoon very warm & sunny – aldis at night
Wednesday 24
Swam in the morning & on guard at night – wrote to Mary received a letter from Mary
Thursday 25
Did aldis & a little swot at night – wrote to Roland – received a letter from Fred Cronin
Friday 26
Received letters from Joan Burton Fred & Louis – saw Edith at night
Saturday 27
Drill pass out practise – round town in the afternoon – listened to wireless in the Bay Room at night – letter from Mother & Alex.
[page break]
Sunday 28
Church twice in morning – took Aldis later – stayed in in afternoon wrote to Mother did some swot with Mike at night
Monday 29
Stayed in at night – CO.’s interview – have a rotten cold
Tuesday 30
Had Morse, Aldis & Drill pass out today – letter from Mary – wrote to her Mrs Wakeling – bathed in the afternoon
Wednesday 1 July
Stayed in at night & swotted – had Flight Photo. taken – cold still bad
Thursday 2
Had Aircraft Rec. & Law & Hygiene in the morning – bathed in the afternoon lovely day – letter from Mary
Friday 3
Nav. Exam – pay, dentist taylor [sic] etc in the afternoon – dance at night plenty of beer – P.O Williams treats D Flight
Saturday 4
Arrived home 10.00 hrs – pictures in afternoon – met Mary at night & went again to the pictures – Alex came home & went for a walk with him
[page break]
Sunday 5
Geoff called early – went for a walk met Mary in the afternoon – came to tea Ron also came saw Mary to bus at night
Monday 6
Called in at the office – later went shopping with Mary – went into town again tin afternoon – pictures at night with Mary [inserted] ‘Weekend in Havana’ [/inserted]
Tuesday 7
Met Mary in the town in the morning – caught the afternoon train to Doncaster –
Wednesday 8
Walked to Epworth in morning [inserted] took short cut [/inserted] lost way stayed in in the afternoon – [symbol] went to see Andy Hardy picture at night – supper with Miss Brown
Thursday 9
Helped Mary with potatoes in the morning went into Doncaster to the pictures after dinner said goodbye & wrote to Mary when I arrived home
Friday 10
Went to Office in morning & to see Mrs Johnson – OB’s dance at night had great time – saw Dorothy – home
Saturday 11
Stayed in bed in the morning back to Scarboro’ in the afternoon letter from Roland
[page break]
Sunday 12
Church parade – walk with Mac Mike to Castle – ice cream hot day wrote to Fred, Don & Fred on guard at night
Monday 13
Played squash in the afternoon stayed in at night & wrote to Mary.
Tuesday 14
Had a letter from Mary – wrote to Louis went to see Gene Tierney in Sundown with Mike
Wednesday 15
Sunbathed & had dinghy drill in morning – good fun – wrote to Mary at night
Thursday 16
Stayed in at night & wrote to Mother
Friday 17
Birthday card from Mary – wrote to Bert & night went to the pictures with Mac – poured with rain
Saturday 18
Still raining – went into town sewed V.R’s on uniform – wrote to Roland.
[page break]
Sunday 19
Went home for day – 10.00 train arrived 12.10 left by bus 5.25 – arrived 8.10 went to church canteen for supper wrote to Mary
Monday 20
On OD’s at night – had to polish floors etc for Air Chief Marshals visit tomorrow
Tuesday 21
Went to see Robertson Hare & Alfred Drayton in Banana Ridge at Londests’ with Mike Wrote to Mother.
Wednesday 22
Stayed in at night & wrote to Mary – rained a lot today
Thursday 23
Went to Church Canteen at night raining again
Friday 24
Took train home on 48 hrs leave – arrived 8.15.
Saturday 25
Library in morning – saw King Solomons Mine at Tower with Ken in the afternoon danced at ‘Good Fellowship Inn’ at night with Ken – very enjoyable
[page break]
Sunday 26
Walk in morning with Ken [inserted] letter from Mary [/inserted] & into the park in the afternoon – went back by bus at night – saw Stan & Mr Noble before I went
Monday 27
Went to Peasholme to the bathing pool in afternoon – warm & sunny grand time Wrote to Mary & went to Pay Accounts at night
Tuesday 28
Went to the Odeon with Mike to see ‘Reap the Wild Wind’ a very fine sea story – wrote to Mother
Wednesday 29
Hamburg again heavily raided 32 missing – letter & photo from Mary on guard at night – wrote to Mary.
Thursday 30
Stayed in at night & wrote to Joan – beach in morning – very warm & sunny slept during Nav. in afternoon
Friday 31
Went gardening all afternoon had binge in town at night with Mac Mike Don, Priest Machin & Baxter
Saturday 1 August
Short run by ourselves in morning had invasion exercise in afternoon very warm Home Guard took part & ambush etc. gas bomb – stayed in at night
[page break]
Sunday 2
[indecipherable word] early morning wrote to Mary Geoff in the Bay Room after – had a walk Don & Mike in afternoon – Church canteen at night with Mike
Monday 3
FIFF etc for posting tomorrow went with Mike to Odeon see Green Eyed Lady [indecipherable word] of £32 wrote to Mary
Tuesday 4
[indecipherable words] Brough – stayed 2 hrs in Hull saw Mother & Edith – wrote to Mary at night
Wednesday 5
[indecipherable word] 75 mins today – grand fun wrote to Father
Thursday 6
[indecipherable word] straight & level in morning [three indecipherable words] in afternoon – wrote to [indecipherable word]
Friday 7
Another 65 mins today – spins & stalls 90 mins on [indecipherable word] training over Goole saw [indecipherable words] – wrote to Fred – Don arrived today
Saturday 8
Wrote to Roland – letter from Mary & Father [indecipherable words] today & raining – went home with [indecipherable words] – went to see ‘Next of Kin’ [indecipherable words]
[page break]
Sunday 9
Home in morning with Don – walk with Ken & Wriggy in the afternoon stayed in at night – Peggy came to tea took 9.00 train back
Monday 10
No flying today afternoon off went to office – haircut – saw Babes on Broadway [indecipherable words] with Geoff – wrote to Father & John – letter from Mary
Tuesday 11
No flying today letter from Mary wrote to Mary – half day went home –
Wednesday 12
No flying again – sports in afternoon – wrote to Mike.
Thursday 13
Did landings & take off today – had a grand time – letter from Mary & Father – wrote to Mary & Alex – saw Firebrand [indecipherable word]
Friday 14
Wrote to Louis – no flying church parade – walked 5 mls through Ellington at night.
Saturday 15
65 mins landing & taking off this morning flying stopped in afternoon – went home – letter from Don
[page break]
Sunday 16
Flying today landings & take offs 65 mins with F.O. Lamont – a very nice chap – wrote to Don & Mary
XX Monday 17
Birthday today – cards from Sandy Mother Dad Edith letter from Roland & Fred – 90 mins today – spins circuits & bumps
Tuesday 18
More circuits & bumps & 7 hrs test – did fairly well – letter from Alex
Wednesday 19
Letter from Louis – circuits & bumps in the afternoon still bad & have done 10 1/2 hrs – went to canteen at night – Dieppe area invaded –
Thursday 20
Went solo today & finished the Course – packed in the afternoon wrote to Mary & went to dance at night
Friday 21
Paid – medical in morning – home in afternoon went to see Wriggy & Gee’s people at night.
Saturday 22
Gee is home – went into the town in the morning & in the afternoon with Ken – went to the Good Fellowship at night – wrote to Don
[page break]
Sunday 23
Walk in morning with Gee & Ken & Wriggy came in the afternoon – Gee went back at night & I went to Communist meeting with Ken & W
Monday 24
Went to the office in morning – wrote to Roland & Mary – saw Bob Hope in Louisiana Purchase at Dorchester with Geoff at night
Tuesday 25
Wrang [sic] Mary today – went with Geoff to see ‘The Lady has Plans’ at Criterion at night
Wednesday 26
Went into town in afternoon called to see Mr Blocker & Margaret – chose a ring – went to dance at YPI at night – Wriggy was there
Thursday 27
Rang Mary & wrote at night – might come over at weekend
Friday 28
Went to see Grasson’s at Preston in afternoon – might go next week – Alex came home tonight
Saturday 29
Went into town in morning & in afternoon with Geoff – went to Good Fellowship at night with Alex – Ken & his girl Phil were there later came round to our place after dance
[page break]
Sunday 30
Stayed in all day – saw Alex off at night – wrote to Fred.
Monday 31
Went to Preston & helped Arthur on the farm all day – stooked & [two indecipherable words] – sulphate from Hedon –
Tuesday 1 SEPTEMBER
Louis home on leave called in morning went into office later – coffee at Miss Thompsons Drink at ‘George’ with Mr W & Phil etc went to Criterion with Geoff at night Bride came COD
Wednesday 2
Louis came home this morning had dinner with Mr Grasson in town later went to Criterion & to the Tivoli at night with Geoff
Thursday 3
Louis came over – played tennis in morning – rang Mary – went to Criterion to see Look how’s [sic] Laughing & Tivoli at night with Geoff
Friday 4
Went into town with Mother – had dinner out & went to Belton later in afternoon went to dance in village with Mary at night
Saturday 5
Up late – went into Doncaster with Mary in afternoon – had grand time saw One of our Aircraft is Missing & Brooklyn Orchid both very good pictures
[page break]
Sunday 6
Stayed in until after tea when Mary & I went for a walk – came back & played cards with Mary’s Mother & Father
Monday 7
Went to Scunthorpe with Mr & Mrs Boatyman & Mary – did some shopping in the morning & went to pictures in the afternoon saw ‘They Died with their [inserted] Boots on’ (Errol Flynn) [/inserted] & at night went to see Briggs Family & ‘Murder in the Air’ with Mary
Tuesday 8
Went for short walk at night with Mary & then spent rest of evening in doors.
Wednesday 9
Spent day in the garden & playing cards with Mary’s Mother & Father – went to see High Sierra with Mary at night – Mary accepts offer of engagement when I return from Canada
Thursday 10
Reached home dinner time – went in town in afternoon to the office
Friday 11
Went to office in morning & to see Miss Johnson – rang Mary – met Louis in town in the afternoon & stayed in at night
Saturday 12
Met Mary & brought her home to lunch – went shopping in the afternoon bought her a watch for her 21st – went to Good Fellowship at night & had a good time – took taxi home then cycled back.
[page break]
Sunday 13
Brought Mary home to dinner & talked etc until it was time to see her off – went to see The Ghost Breakers’ at Regal at night
Monday 14
Wrote to Mary – went to see Mrs Gateman Ken Wriggy & one or two more people – Ken came in at night.
Tuesday 15
Took 9 0 train to Manchester & travelled with 3 Sergeants – arrived dinner time wrote to Mary & Mother at night – letter from Bert
Wednesday 16
Church parade – FFI – CO’s lecture – today went into town at night with Brow Heath & Evan for haircut – didn’t succeed
Thursday 17
Told I am to be a Navigator – disappointed had a haircut in town at night & later wrote to Mary at the Y.M.
Friday 18
Letter from Mother & Fred – went to see Arthur Askey at the Palace with Johnny Jack Stanley & Evan – good show – did a little rowing this afternoon
Saturday 19
Letter from Mary – wrote to Mary & Mother had morning off – went into town with 3 lads had a look round – went to see Jungle Book at the Gaumont after tea
[page break]
Sunday 20
Read my book in the morning after parade on cookhouse duties in afternoon with Johnny & Jed from 2.0 to 6.0 – had shower afterwards.
Monday 21
In Canteen in morning – had afternoon off & went into Manchester – had tea & went to the Gaiety to see Bud Abbott & Lou Costello in ‘Rio Rita’ had a drink & returned early – wrote to Mary.
Tuesday 22
Raining again today – went to a lecture on Music in the morning – letter from Edith & Mary – stayed in at night.
Wednesday 23
Wrote to Mary – rained nearly all the morning [indecipherable word] the afternoon off so I went into Manchester with Jack & Johnny – ate in the Y.M. went to see Du Barry was a Lady at the Palace at night
Thursday 24
Rained again today – stayed in at night & wrote to Edith – had lectures today.
Friday 25
Went to the YM at night – wrote to Mary – letter from Alex – rained again today.
Saturday 26
Went swimming in the morning – went into Manchester after dinner with Johnny & Jack – went to Belle Vue – had chips & pie at a small café – drinks in the Zoo – went to the wrestling – met 3 girls etc. letter from Mary
[page break]
Sunday 27
Stayed in bed in the morning – after parade – went rowing in the afternoon & wrote to Don – went for a walk at night with the lads & met Sylvia, Betty, Doreen & Rona
Monday 28
Went to see ‘Next of Kin’ in morning – wrote to Alex, Fred & Mary – stayed in at night.
Tuesday 29
Had the morning free – on canteen duty in afternoon & until late at night
Wednesday 30
On duty until 2.0 o’clock – off in afternoon had shower – wrote to Mary went to see The Saint in Palm Springs & Dot Lamour in Beyond the Blue Horizon [inserted] with Roy & Jack [/inserted]
Thursday 1 October
had a letter from Mary & Mother Went to the ‘Ostrich Hotel with Jack & Roy played darts & dominoes
Friday 2
Wrang [sic] Mary – unable to come over for weekend left Manchester 6.30 arrived home 11.0 o’clock spent an hour in Leeds – had a letter from Sandy
Saturday 3
Up late – wrote to Mary had a bath – took Mother to a football match (Polish XI v Red Army XI) in the afternoon – went to the Langham at night to see Douglas Fairbanks Jnr in The Corsican Brothers – a very good film
[page break]
Sunday 4
Up late walked to the station to find out the times of trains – wrote to Sandy in the afternoon & caught the 4.25 to Manchester – arrived 8.30 – letters from Mary & Don waiting for me.
Monday 5
Stayed in at night – wrote to Mary & Roland – had P.T today
Tuesday 6
Went to the Odeon at night with Johnny & Jack to see ‘The First of the Few’ dealing with the birth of the Spitfire) – later went to the Long Bow & [indecipherable word] to celebrate Jack’s birthday became quite merry
Wednesday 7
Stayed in at night & wrote to Mary & Geoff – letter from Mary
Thursday 8
Rained a lot today – on assault course in the afternoon – Air Marshal Babbington here – haircut at night – letter from Mary wrote to Mary & Mother
Friday 9
Received parcel from home & letter from Bert & Roland – rained a lot today had talk on Canada & at night went to Long Bow with Jack & Johnny (they are posted) met Joan.
Saturday 10
Went into town & Belle Vue in the afternoon with Johnny & Jack – went to wrestling match in evening – missed the last bus (had to walk to Vic) – rained again
[page break]
Sunday 11
Stayed in bed until 12.0 o’clock – changed etc & wrote to Mary in the afternoon – went to the Ostrich at night with Johnny & Jack – nice warm sunny day.
Monday 12
J & J have gone today – I am posted went into town to meet Joan but she didn’t turn up – pleased really & went to see Red Skelton in ‘Ship Ahoy’ – very funny enjoyed it
Tuesday 13
FFI, Pay Parade – etc today – very foggy in morning – later cleared & sun shined wrote to Mary & had a letter from Mother
Wednesday 14
Up early – troop train right to Bridgnorth arrived 2.10 – on guard at night – after F.FI etc. very nice district, hilly wooded with a very pleasant river
Thursday 15
Had afternoon off went into town with Ron – to the Falcon had tea at the Crown & returned early – wrote Mother & Mary
Friday 16
Went for a ramble in the afternoon with Ron & to the camp pictures at night to see Bette Davis in ‘The Three Forces’ – wrote Mary
Saturday 17
Went into town in the afternoon with Jack & Johnny, Beaton & Drewery – ate apples & then went to the Swan & the Crown & then to the dance – didn’t dance – came back with Jubbs
[page break]
Sunday 18
Wrote to Roland, Don & Joan B – went for a walk with Jack in the afternoon – lovely day – were invited out to tea – spent rest of evening in N.A.A.F.I
Monday 19
Warm sunny day – had 3 hrs Navvy – drill & P.T. stayed in at night & wrote to Mary & Ken at night in the NAAFI.
Tuesday 20
Had a letter from Mary & paper from Mother today – wrote to Bert at night – rained heavily after tea – more Navvy drill & P.T. today
Wednesday 21
Letter from Mary – wrote to Alex – went to see ‘Dive Bomber’ at the Station Cinema with Johnny Jack & Ray – not very good true American
Thursday 22
Stayed in at night – wrote to Mother & Mary – Genoa & Turin bombed
Friday 23
Played a scratch game of soccer in afternoon – enjoyed it – [deleted] stayed in at night [/deleted] wrote to Louis – went to Station Cinema at night to see ‘They Met in Bombay’ – Clark Gable
Saturday 24
Went into town after tea with Jack – went to the Majestic to see Robert Young in ‘Meet Mr Jordan’ & Fred McMurray in another film – had fish & chip supper
[page break]
[inserted] [underlined] SAT [/underlined] (CONT) walked home – grand night full moon. [/inserted]
Saturday [circled 25] XXX
Up fairly early – wired Mary (her 21st birthday today) & then went into Bridgnorth to church – rained all afternoon stayed in & wrote to Mary
Monday 26
Offensive started by us in Egypt – parcel from Mother & Joan & Lilian – also letters from Alex, Mary, Sandy Fred Mother – stayed in – wrote home
Tuesday 27
Letter from Edith – wrote to Mary Joan & Miss Clayton – went boxing again and well-hurt my thumb – stayed in at night
Wednesday 28
Letter from Edith – wrote to Sandy at night very misty earlier this morning – went to NAAFI at night & [deleted] wrot [/deleted] letter from Mary
Thursday 29
Went to Camp pictures at night & saw ‘Sergeant York’ – Gary Cooper – very good film – wrote to Mary
Friday 30
Played Soccer today – rained & didn’t play very well won 5-2 – did very little work today letter from Geoff.
Saturday 31
Learned that I was posted – informed Mother & Mary – didn’t do any work & finished at 4 o’clock went into town after tea with Johnny & Jack – saw ‘Hot Spot’ at the Majestic
[page break]
NOVEMBER 1942
Sunday 1
Clothing parade in the morning – rained went for a walk with Bill Kelly in the afternoon collected chestnuts – went into the NAAFI at night after reading in front of the fire
Monday 2
Received letters from Louis, Roland & Don wrote to Fred – didn’t do any work all day – had pay parade & FFI – packed at night went to see Les.
Tuesday 3
Up early left Bridgnorth 8.30 & arrived Manchester 4.30 – thick fog today & had difficulty in finding my Hut – wrote to Mary at night
Wednesday 4
Did nothing but stand about all day – finished writing to Mary at night
Thursday 5
Feel far from well today – headache etc. – went to a lecture in the morning (Dutchman – reporter -) & to a Review Flying High in the afternoon.
Friday 6
On Camp Co-ops in morning & had talk by Padre in the afternoon – had bath at YM at night – wrote to Mary.
Saturday 7
In the Canteen in afternoon after Camp Co-ops in morning – went to Assembly Rooms (Cheatham Hill) with Johnny to a dance there – Rommel beaten
[page break]
Sunday 8
Canteen duty until after midday – went to the YM for tea & wrote to Edith later went to Premier to see ‘Third Finger L. hand’ had seen it – US Army lands in N.W Africa
Monday 9
Posted today – did very little besides hang about – stayed in at night & wrote to Mother & Mary – letter from Edith
Tuesday 10
Letter from Mary – packed etc at night later went to Heaton Park Cinema with Johnny & Roy – saw 3 Smart Girls – had a drink & chips after
Wednesday 11
Travelled to Bridgnorth today – on a Course at last – letter from Mary there – wrote to Mary & Edith
Thursday 12
Wrote to Don – did very little besides be equipped with books etc. – spent night in the NAAFI – met Lucas & Welborn – OH’s
Friday 13
Domestic night – stayed in read Met. notes – bed early – did very little today.
Saturday 14
Lectures all morning – soccer in the afternoon – lost 3-2 enjoyed the game fine day – went to see Bette Davis in The Great Lie at Station Cinema [inserted] (wrote to Mary [/inserted]
[page break]
Sunday 15
Wrote to Mother – church parade in the morning slept during the afternoon & went to the Station Cinema at night with Joe to see ‘Tall Dark & Handsome’ (Cesar Romero) very good
Monday 16
Stayed in at night – later went to boxing match & exhibition in the Gym – very good – enjoyed it.
Tuesday 17
Letter & paper from Mother – compulsory study tonight so wrote to Mary
Wednesday 18
Letter from Mary today – wrote again to her at night after compulsory study. – chose soccer team
Thursday 19
Played soccer in afternoon lost 5-3 we had most of the play – bath, shave collected laundry & wrote to Mother
Friday 20
Compulsory study at night – went to the pictures to see Bing Crosby in ‘Birth of the Blues.
Saturday 21
[deleted] [underlined] XXX [/underlined] [/deleted] Letter from Mary & parcel from home – wrote to Mary & Louis stayed in at night. – very cold today
[page break]
Those mighty periods of years
Which seem to us so vast,
Appear no more before Thy sight,
Than yesterday that’s past.
The Ninetieth Psalm.
[page break]
Sunday 22
Worked all day – compulsory study at night – very cold again today freezing in fact
Monday 23
Wrote home sent parcel – took special bus into Wolves with Johnny & Ron – had photo taken went to see Henry Fonda & Gene Tierney in ‘Rings on her Fingers’ – letter from Mary waiting for me when I came back
Tuesday 24
Stayed in last night & wrote to Mary – paper from Mother – domestic night. –
Wednesday 25
Stayed in at night – compulsory study – very cold
Thursday 26
Soccer this afternoon – drew 3-3 good game – stayed in at night & did nav. – wrote to Sandy
Friday 27
Letter from Edith – stayed in at night compulsory study – had a good game of rugger today for P.T
Saturday 28
Went to Station Cinema to see ‘Tess in a Taxi” later wrote to Mary – letter from Mary today
[page break]
Sunday 29
Went to church in the morning – had dinner at the Swan – came back to Camp & wrote to Fred – went to the pictures after tea saw ‘Hatters Castle’ Robert Newton Deborah Kerr Emlyn Williams – plotted at night
Monday 30
Compulsory study at night
Tuesday 1 December
Letter from Mary – wrote at night rained nearly all night – also letter from Alex.
Wednesday 2
Paid today – letter from Roland – took star sights at night – compulsory study.
Thursday 3
[deleted] Letter [/deleted] Rained this morning – sports in the afternoon & won 3-2 good game stayed in at night sent parcel home
Friday 4
Compulsory study at night – letter from Mary – boxed this afternoon did quite well
Saturday 5
Stayed in at night – worked astro-sights out & wrote to Mary
[page break]
Sunday 6
Working today – also compulsory study at night
Monday 7
Wrote to Alex – hitch hiked to Wolves bought a couple of present & went to see ‘All Through the Night’ – at flicks before coming back.
Tuesday 8
Domestic night wrote to Mary – papers from home & letter from Sandy
Wednesday 9
Compulsory study at night – letter from Mary.
Thursday 10
Stayed in at night – played soccer in pouring rain & icy wind lost 3-0 parcel from home – wrote home
Friday 11
Compulsory study – stayed in & did some revision
Saturday 12
Exam today – letter from Mary & stayed in at night to write to her – plotted a few Star sights etc. – listened to the wireless in the NAAFI
[page break]
Sunday 13
Up early went to Holy Communion – had a bath – wrote to Roland – took Sun sights & went for a walk in the afternoon worked sights out at night
Monday 14
Stayed in at night & swotted boxed in the afternoon – wrote to Mary.
Tuesday 15
Boxing match postponed – swotted Met nearly all the night
Wednesday 16
Met exam today – rained quite a lot – letter from Mary and wrote to her at night – swotted again at night – parcel from home.
Thursday 17
Stayed in at night & swotted – posted Christmas cards & parcel home
Friday 18
Letter from Mary & Don today wrote to Don at night – had Met [indecipherable word] Nav. Theory today.
Saturday 19
Plotting Exam – wrote to Mary at night & went to see HM Pulham Esq with Ernie – very good picture – Johnny & Ron go on the beer – Card from Sandy
[page break]
Sunday 20
Stayed in at night & worked out Astro sights. – went to Communion in the morning
Monday 21
[underlined] XXX [/underlined] Mothers birthday – sent telegram went into Bridgnorth with Jock in the afternoon – stayed in at night – parcel from home
Tuesday 22
Stayed in at night took Astro sights – wrote to Sandy – Christmas Card from Don
Wednesday 23
Went to the flicks at night with Johnny Ron Harry & Harold – saw ‘The Ball of Fire’ Barbara Stanwyck Gary Cooper [inserted] very good [/inserted] – wrote to Mary
Thursday 24
Cross country in the afternoon – 6 mls took it easy – a book photographs & Card from Mary – went to the ‘Ash’ at night with the boys met Pete bad show
Friday 25
Had superb meals all day – wrote to Mary – Card from home – went to see A Gentleman After Dark with Collins and Colm at night – YM afterwards enjoyed it
Saturday 26
Stayed in at night – wrote home – listened to the Music Hall in the NAAFI
[page break]
Sunday 27
Went to Communion this morning – wrote to Fred – did a little swot in the afternoon – on guard at night letter from Mary.
Monday 28
Felt very tired today turned in early – letter from Edith
Tuesday 29
Did more revision at night – wrote to Mary – letter from Mother – very cold today
Wednesday 30
Compulsory study at night – letter from Geoff – wrote to Mother at night – icy North wind.
Thursday 31
Stayed in at night to revise letter from Alex. – listened to wireless in NAAFI for a short time Johnnie comes back with cut nose after revelry
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
Auxiliary Hospital
Aske Hall,
Etwall
nr Derby.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
For nothing this wide universe I call,
Save thou, my rose: in it thou art my all.
W. Shakespeare.
[page break]
5.8.42
Flying 30 mins morning 11A2 [inserted] ? [/inserted]
“ 45 “ afternoon 2,3
[page break]
Size ‘9 1/2’ stockings
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Mervyn Adder diary 1941 and 1942
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending review
Description
An account of the resource
Day by day description of events and activities for 1941 and 1942. Records films seen, war news including RAF operations, football matches played, weather, going to cadets, air raids, dates with Mary, social events, meeting friends, fire watching duties, playing tennis and cricket, lectures at cadets, presents for Mary, invention of radar, German operations in Russia, medical issues. On 2 October went to Cardington for medical and photographs then returned home. Mentions his work, meting friends and mail from family members and Mary. Covers Japanese operations and war news,. Goes to London for aircrew reception centre 28 March 1942, describes activities and training. Posted to Scarborough 25 April 1942 and goes on to describe activities and training. Continues with daily activities, leaves, medical issues, Carries on to Manchester for more training September 1942. describes daily activities and training. Continued to Bridgnorth for training. Describes activities and training.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
M Adder
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1941
1942
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One hundred and twenty-seven handwritten diary entries
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Diary
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
YAdderM170573v2
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Yorkshire
England--Bedfordshire
England--Hull
England--London
England--Scarborough
England--Manchester
England--Shropshire
England--Lancashire
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942-02-28
1942-04-25
1942-09
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tricia Marshall
bombing
entertainment
military living conditions
military service conditions
RAF Bridgnorth
RAF Cardington
recruitment
sport
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1857/33285/YAdderM170573v1.1.pdf
eefd7d6644224e33eac1f90f78d56794
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Adder, Mervyn
M Adder
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-05-29
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Adder, M
Description
An account of the resource
88 items. The collection concerns Pilot Officer Mervyn Adder (1922 - 1944, 175073 Royal Air Force) and contains his diaries, correspondence and photographs. He flew operations as a navigator with 44 Squadron and was killed 15 March 1944. <br /><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Mary Sprakes and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.<br /><br /><span data-contrast="none" xml:lang="EN-GB" lang="EN-GB" class="TextRun SCXW207633627 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207633627 BCX0">Additional information on<span> Mervyn Adder</span></span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207633627 BCX0"><span> </span>is available via the</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW207633627 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"> </span><a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/100101/">IBCC Losses Database.</a>
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
COLLINS GEM DIARY NO. 364 1/2
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[United States 5 cent postage stamp]
[page break]
M. Adder
153, Albert Avenue,
Anlaby Road,
Hull.
[page break]
COLLINS GEM DIARY
for
1940
(Leap Year)
SUMMER TIME ALLOWED FOR
To order this Diary give number stamped on Cover
LONDON AND GLASGOW
COLLINS
CLEAR-TYPE PRESS
[page break]
Friends are the end and reward of life. They keep us worthy of ourselves: and when we are alone we are only nearer to the absent.
Stevenson.
[page break]
There is glad spring bustle in the air, perhaps, and the lilacs are all in flower, and the creepers green about the broken balustrade.
Stevenson.
[page break]
I count myself in nothing else so happy
As in a soul remembering my good friends.
Shakespeare.
[page break]
[symbol] Jean 6.15 Wed. (Regal)
No 4 C.A.
1077390 AC2 Adder A.
c/o School Orderly Room
RAF Station
Cranage
Byley
Cheshire.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
Size in Collars …. 15 1/2
Size in Boots … 8 1/2
Weight 9st 1 3/4lbs
Height 5ft 6ins
Name and Address M Adder 153 Albert Ave Anlaby Rd
[page break]
TELEPHONE NUMBERS.
NAME. – Number.
Jean – 14397
Priestman Bros – 31777
County Court – 35585
Don Wakeling – 36901
H – 37495
Hammonds (Mary) – 36951
Roland – 32302
Frank Stephenson – 15872
Louis – 35488
25 Oct [deleted] 1941 [/deleted] Mary’s birthday
N J. P – (35601
(15232 Private
Mary. Epworth – [deleted] 3 [/deleted] 854
[page break]
Wed April 17 [symbol] Pick up Dickinson at Horsley Smiths
Nancy Cappleman
17, The Beach,
Filey
NEW RATE £23.14.2 quarter
1.19.6 week
£30
Wage increase Bonus 1/-to 2/6.
New Bonus March 41 5/- a wk
£13.2.0. a year
[deleted] 6 Englewood Rd
6, Clapham Common,
South Side
SW 17 [/deleted]
[deleted] 1062106 Northedge AC.2
61, Squadron,
‘A’ Flight
RAF Hemswell
Lincoln [/deleted]
[page break]
Marian Morse
Box 511,
George School.
Pennsylvania U.S.A.
5ft 3 1/4ins 176 lbs, dark [deleted] eyes [/deleted] hair & hazel eyes. 14
6 & 1/- 1d
1/6 – 5/- 1 1/2
6/- - 21/- 2d
[deleted] No 1062106
AC.2 Northedge R W
“F” Squadron
Hut 31
No 3 Wing
RAF Station
Kirkham
Lancs. [/deleted]
Defaults (C & F in ‘F’ Book)
When E.P served
C for conditional (monthly)
F. forthwith
does not apply with c/a
[page break]
JANUARY, 1940.
Tues. 2
Phoned Jean – going to pictures together tomorrow. Minor air battle over North Sea.
Wed. 3
Little fighting in Finland due to blizzards – ditto Western front.
Thur. 4
Phoned Jean – meet tonight Saw ‘Dodge City’ & ‘Spies in the Air,’ at the Regal. Finns fighting on Soviet territory.
[page break]
FRI. 5
Finns about 15 mls in Russia – large patrol action
Sat. 6
Hore Belisha has resigned Oliver Stanley new War Chief. Lost 5-1 to Kingston Recs (man Short) hard ground
Sun. 7
Attended Soccer meeting – paid Sub for 1940
[page break]
Mon. 8
Finns win large battle Lord Gort & General Ironside [deleted] receive Croise de Guerre [/deleted] decorated by French.
Tues. 9
Went to the pictures with Jean to see ‘Spring Fever’ (Hardy family)
Wed. 10
Large air battle over Island of Sult. Another large battle on the Finnish Front taking place.
Thur. 11
German planes over S. Shields & Humber district also Thames estuary – beaten off by our fighters – one Heinkel shot down
[page break]
Fri. 12
German planes again cross the coast & are again driven off – about 100 Russian planes bomb Finland from the G. of Finland to Lapland – little damage.
Sat. 13
Given out that RAF carried out reconnaissance flights over Austria & Moravea (leaflets dropped) also N.W. Germany all returned safely. Beat Nomads 3-2.
Sun. 14
Russians carry out another large bombing raid over Finland. Belgium mobilises – Holland cancels Army leave.
Memo. Meet J. outside the Cecil at 6.0 o’clock. Tues. 9th.
[page break]
Mon. 15
Large bombing raids on Finland – not quite so cold – thawing. B.E.F. & R.A.F. leave cancelled
Tues. 16
Snow today 3 British Submarines reported missing during patrol near Heligol and Bight (Undene, Seahorse & Starfish)
Wed. 17
More snow – very cold – Russians retreating – 78 degrees of frost in Moscow – Estonia 88 degrees unable to register temp. on mercury thermometer.
Thur. 18
Still very cold – ice in North Sea – little fighting anywhere – Russians withdrawing through intense cold. Explosion in London factory – felt over 20 mls radius.
[page break]
Fri. 19
More snow – Helsinki bombed – all quiet on the Western front – Russians retreat & also try to outflank Finns attack repulsed.
Sat. 20
Still cold – Russian division reported cut off after battle on Salla front N. of Finnish waistline Sharp encounter on German soil – 1 German fighter brought down.
Sun. 21
Snowing fairly hard Little fighting on western front – H.M.S. Grenville sunk by mine or torpedo (81 men missing)
Memo. [underlined] Sat 20: [/underlined] Beat Ellerman’s 5-3
[page break]
Mon. 22
Snow about 1 ft thick here Finns bomb Russian air bases in Estonia
Tues. 23
Russians largest attack against Manneheim Line fails – Casualties inflicted on German patrol by French.
Wed. 24
Still freezing today – British Destroyer H.M.S. Exmouth either mined or torpedoed – no survivors. Finland again bombed.
Thur. 25
20 – 23 age group to register Feb 17 – Fins roll back desperate Russian onslaught.
[page break]
Fri. 26
Snowed from 4-0 o’clock onwards about 1ft of snow Western front – nothing to report Russians & Finns still fighting desperately
Sat. 27
Snow thawing – Winston Churchill spoke from Manchester – Nearly all football matches postponed.
Sun. 28
Snowing a little this morning – reported that in [underlined] recent [/underlined] cold spell temp. in London fell to 27 degrees F – 8 mls stretch of Thames frozen over.
[page break]
Mon. 29
Rang Jean, will not see me again – largest bombing raids on Finland yet – German planes over Shetlands & N.E Coast – driven off but sink lightship.
Tues. 30
Further attacks on ships near coast – 1 German plane shot down. Russians again bomb Finland. Went to Langham & saw a very uninteresting film.
Wed. 31
More snow this morning 2 big battles taking place in Finland’s waistline. – saw ‘Dark Eyes of London’ at Regent.
Thur. 1 FEB.
Still a little snow about – more bombing raids on Finland.
[page break]
Fri. 2
20 raids on Finland today.
Sat. 3
Two Nazi bombers brought down – one nr. Whitby the other over Tyne – one other damaged by our fighters escapes with smoke streaming from engine
Sun. 4
Thawing at last snow nearly disappeared – attended football meeting Leo’s birthday.
[page break]
Mon. 5
Finns claim that another division of Russians has been wiped out – nothing to report on western front.
Tues. 6
Snow has nearly gone – wet, miserable day
Wed. 7
German mine damages East Coast pier, two others washed up on coast. Went to see ‘Flying ‘55”
Thur. 8
Went to Central to see ’39 Steps’ a very good film – patrol action on western front mass executions in Poland still continuing
[page break]
Fri. 9
German planes attack fishing vessels – one plane shot down nr Firth of Forth. Went to Tivoli with Don, Ken & Roland
Sat. 10
Match with R.N. (from H.M.S Jersey under repair in Hull docks) cancelled – went for walk round town with gang in afternoon – saw ‘Shipyard Sally’ at Langham at night
Sun. 11
Went to church this morning with the gang – went for a walk in afternoon & to Roland’s house at night – very cold today – pond frozen
[page break]
Mon. 12
A few inches of snow has fallen over night – Russians attack strongly on wide front – suffer heavy losses
Tues. 13
Went to T. Fosters dance class with Harry & his sister Chris – Heinkel driven off Thames Estuary by Spitfires – another German ship scuttled.
Wed. 14
2 more German submarines sunk – Russians have occupied some front positions in Mannerheim Line – Russians lose about 3,000 men a day.
Thur. 15
Very low temps registered in Holland Denmark (able to walk from Denmark to Sweden) also in Switzerland.
[page break]
Fri. 16
Aeroplane attacks submarine &, although not definite, may have sunk it – Finns ask Sweden for military assistance – refused – Finns fall back fighting (went to dance practice [indecipherable word] Wilsons)
Sat. 17
Altmarck [sic] (German ‘Hell ship’ with Graf Spee prisoners on board) boarded & English prisoners rescued (Lost 7-6 to Brunswick)
Sun. 18
Went to church in morning – long walk along foreshore – snows heavily.
Memo. The British destroyer offered to put British & Norwegian guard (escorting Altmark) on board German Ship – refused – when dark B. destroyed with searchlights
[page break]
Mon. 19
Snow again today – French patrol ambushed on western front – whole Russian division destroyed – H.M.S. Daring (destroyer) torpedoed.
Tues. 20
Raining – went to Tommy Fosters at night – enjoyed it – 2 lorries of french [sic] soldiers on moving up to front took wrong turn & went straight in the German lines – fought to the end
Wed. 21
Rumour from S. America states that another Pocket Battleship is in Pacific – 2 Trawlers, it is reported, have driven off a German Heinkel with machine guns.
Thur. 22
2 German raiders shot down – went to West Park to see ‘Tell no Tales’ & ‘ 2 Days to Live’.
[page break]
Fri. 23
Wrote to Marian – stayed in at night 3 bombed by RAF 6 German U boats sunk this week & 2 by French one rammed by us
Sat. 24
RAF planes have been over N.W. Germany – also leaflet raids over Bohemia last night – played Nomads won 4-3.
Sun. 25
Went to church this morning
Memo. blazing outs in between Altmark & Norwegian gunboat – boarding party captures Altmark.
[page break]
Mon. 26
Nothing much to report. 1 RAF plane had its rudder put out of action & it flew right from Norway through a storm back to England – could not find see MEMO.
Tues. 27
Went to Tommy Fosters at night – 2 German Heinkels shot down over the coast
Wed. 28
Another flight over Berlin & other parts by R.A.F. – 5th of such flights in 6 days – 2 Heinkels attack Trawler driven off by Lewis gun – one hit.
Thur. 29
Russians advancing to Vipurie Finns retreating in orderly fashion.
[page break]
MARCH, 1940.
Fri. 1
Went to the Tivoli at night to see Turner Layton – another flight over Berlin by R.A.F.
Sat. 2
Played an army team ‘Green Howards’ and won 13-1 – went to the pictures with my friends – English planes again over Berlin
Sun. 3
Went to church in the morning – went for a cycle ride to Brantingham Dale in the afternoon with my friends.
Memo. position because wireless was out of action which was eventually mended – found they had flown right over blacked-out England & were between England & Ireland – reached
[page break]
Mon. 4
More attacks on shipping by German planes – nice warm sunny day – Vepuri still holding out.
Tues. 5
Went to Tommy’s at night with the gang – another nice day – German raid on English trenches – 2 British killed – 1 wounded & 15 missing prisoners
Wed. 6
Cool bright day – Vipuri still holding out – Italian ships with German coal seized by us as they leave Germany – went to Ken’s listened to gramaphone [sic]
Thur. 7
Heinkel shot down of [sic] Scottish Coast by Spitfires at height of over 5 mls above the sea – Queen Elizabeth has sailed to America on her Maiden Voyage – our
[page break]
Fri. 8
Went to pictures at the night to the Carlton – fine day – patrol clashes on the western front.
Sat. 9
Fine morning – started to rain at lunch time – played Ranks in rain & won 11-3 – 2 Heinkels shot down in last 2 days off Scotland
Sun. 10
Went to a football meeting in the morning – walked to Hanry Croft with my friends – went to Roland’s at night & later went for a walk
Memo. planes again over Germany averaged 10,000 mls.
[page break]
Mon. 11
Peace talks between Russia & Finland continue – we will send aid to Finland – Italian coal ships released – Italy will buy coal from us in future
Tues. 12
Very strong peace proposal by Russians may be accepted – went to Tommy’s at night – another U boat bombed & sunk in German base yesterday
Wed. 13
The war in Finland has ended – Finns yield because Norway & Sweden would not allow the passing of our troops through their country – played table-tennis at Roland’s [deleted] last [/deleted]
Thur. 14
Sir Michael C Dwyer assassinated at London meeting last night – Lord Zetland, Lamington & Sir Louis Dane injured
[page break]
Fri. 15
Went to the pictures at night to see “Five Came Back.”
Sat. 16
Played City Engraving drew 2-2 – good game – went to Don’s house at night – 14 German planes raid Shetlands 1 warship slightly damaged – 50 bombs [symbol]
Sun. 17
Went to Church in morning rained all day – went to the Langham theatre to a concert [deleted] last [/deleted] at the night.
Memo. [underlined] (From Sat.) [/underlined] were dropped – cottages destroyed – one man killed whilst watching, several injured – 1 German plane shot down & several damaged.
[page break]
Mon. 18
Stayed in at night – Duce & Hitler meet on border travel in bullet proof trains
Tues. 19
Went to Tommy’s at night – more German thrusts pushed back – large raid on Sylt which was bombed from 8 o’clock for 7 hrs.
Wed. 20
Sylt photographed after raid – very little happening on the western front – Convoy attacked yesterday – one or two neutrals damaged
Thur. 21
Met at Roland’s at night & discussed our holidays.
[page break]
Fri. 22
Up early caught 9.25 bus to Filey with the gang – went on Brigg after dinner – Don got wet twice – went for a walk at night met Ethel Watkinson
Sat. 23
A fine, sunny day, played football & paddled in the morning ice cream & lemonade afterwards went on the Brigg in the afternoon and had a walk at night
Sun. 24
Played football in the morning & had ice cream & horlicks – went on the Brigg in afternoon & climbed the rocks & cliffs – got wet – Don hurt his leg slightly more aeroplanes seen – climbed round Brigg at high tide – went out with Nancy Coppleman at night with Don & Joan Haxeby
[page break]
Mon. 25
Fine sunny morning Ken went home had a walk – we all went on the Brigg together in the afternoon. Roland Doris & Don & Joan. Gee Joan, Nancy & myself left Filey at 6.40
Tues. 26
Stayed in bed until 12 o’clock & then went to Tommy’s at night with the gang – cold but bright today
Wed. 27
Still fairly cool – went for a walk with the gang at night – British planes bring down 50 M.E.109’s on Western front – two others destroyed
Thur. 28
Stayed in at night – have a cold which is a nuisance
[page break]
Fri. 29
Two Messerschmitts [sic] brought down in flames on western front French ambush Germans several of whom were killed – went to see George Formby in ‘Come on George’ at Regent
Sat. 30
Played Ellerman’s & won 5-3 – very hot day – went to Roland’s at night – German plane shot down off Northumberland coast 49th –
Sun. 31
Stayed in this morning – went for a long walk with Roland & Gee to Swanland Ken & Don at Withernsea for the week-end – stayed in at night
Memo. WED:- 1 Hurricane brought down but pilot escapes Get check lists signed by manager
[page break]
APRIL, 1940.
Mon. 1
Went for a walk with the gang at night – Don has heard from American correspondent & mine has written at the same time – activity on western front diminishing
Tues. 2
Went to Tommy’s at night – German planes over Scapa Flow at [indecipherable word] no damage done – a [indecipherable words] with Blenheims – former disappears with smoke coming from engine
Wed. 3
Received a letter from Nancy – wrote at night – Heinkel brought down off Scarborogh – several Messerschmittes [sic] shot down on western front – Convoy attacked no damage
Thur. 4
Went for a cycle ride with Roland & Gee to Hessle – Sunderland flying back on patrol attacked by 6 J.U. 88’s – one or two shot down [three indecipherable words] Norway – rear gunner
[page break]
Fri. 5
Went for a walk to Anlaby & saw 39 Steps with the gang at night – activity on the Western front – French [indecipherable word] break up German attack
Sat. 6
A fine warm day played Malet Lambert & won 4-0 went to see ‘Thunder Afloat’ at the Carlton with Gee & Roland – Don & Ken go to Withernsea
Sun. 7
Went for a cycle ride to Skipton with Roland & Gee started to rain so returned early for tea – Took a 6d ticket & went to Sutton [indecipherable word] with Roland at night
[indecipherable words]
[page break]
Mon. 8
Several of our minefields layed in Norwegian waters Norway objects – several German ships sunk – German troop ship torpedoed 2 Blenheims lost over Sylt – 6 Nazi planes brought down on western front
Tues. 9
Germany captures Denmark and invades Norway early this morning Oslo bombed – Norwegian batteries sink German battleship – Allied warships V Germans in sea battle off Norway tonight
Wed. 10
5 of our destroyers enter Norvik harbour & engage 6 larger German destroyers 1 German sunk & 3 listing badly when we withdrew with one sunk & 1 aground 2 more damaged & 1 untouched 6 German
Thur. 11
Battle in Shagarak – several German ships sunk – Fleet Air Arm attack & sink cruiser 1 plane lost – HMS Renown attacks & damages Scharnhorst – heavy bomb hits Rodney but doesn’t go through deck see MEMO
[page break]
Fri. 12
6 of our planes lost in battle with German fighters several of which were brought – successful raid on German occupied aerodrome in Norway – machines & petrol dump destroyed.
Sat. 13
H.M.S. Warspite & destroyers enter Norvik harbour again & silence shore guns sink 4 of the damaged German destroyers & pursue & sink 3 more further up the estuary – Played RAF at Leconfield 2-6 lost
Sun. 14
We have laid mines right through Skagerak & along Danish Coast up to Memel – went for walk in afternoon with the gang & took a bus ticket at night
Memo. merchant men sunk in battle 1 [inserted] German [/inserted] ammunition ship blown up as we leave harbour – 2 cruisers bombed by R.A.F. one believed sunk – 6 German planes brought down over the coast today
[page break]
Mon. 15
RAF raid Stavanger German occupied aerodrome for 6th time – considerable damage done – British troops land in Norway Norvik under our control – Western front activity
Tues. 16
Stavanger again raided sea fight in the Skagerak reported went to Tommy’s with the gang at night received a letter from Nancy – (saw Paddy home from dance)
Wed. 17
[indecipherable word] bombards Stavanger as 1 [indecipherable words] aircraft [three indecipherable words] Air Force raid [indecipherable words] played [indecipherable words] won 3-1 H.M.S. Thistle overdue & feared lost
Thur. 18
Not much news from Norway – Germans raid on [indecipherable words] outpost on Western front [indecipherable word] – went for walk with Roland at night.
[page break]
Fri. 19
Went to see ‘5th Ave Girl’ Ginger Rogers with Paddy & Dorothy [indecipherable word] 2 German planes brought down on Western front
Sat. 20
Played Malet Lambert O.B Won 6-2 – went to Roland’s at night – 9 German planes shot down today and French [indecipherable words] forced landing – 2 transport ships [indecipherable words]
Sun. 21
Went for a walk in the afternoon with Roland Got a bike [indecipherable words] and Ken hitch-hiked to [indecipherable word]
Memo. [indecipherable words] Fiord damaged by short batteries – hit [indecipherable words] & sinks. Karlsruhe sunk by shore batteries also
[page break]
Mon. 22
Don, [deleted] Roland [/deleted] Gee & myself joined the R.A.F Cadets – Aalborg aerodrome raided & heavy damage to machines & planes reported – Stavanger raided – Gunfire heard here at 10.45 at night
Tues. 23
British planes raid German bases in Norway went to Tommys [sic] at night Paddy & Dorothy were there took Paddy home –
Wed. 24
British planes raid German bases in Norway, Denmark & Germany (Sylt) heavy damage done to aerodrome, runways & planes – went to Kens [sic] at night – raining
Thur. 25
Very quiet on western front – fighting in Norway – played RAF team from Leconfield drew 2-2 – had medical for RAF Cadets
[page break]
Fri. 26
Went to a dance at the Y.P.I didnt [sic] enjoy it – arrived home 1.45
Sat. 27
Played City Engraving won 7-3 went to Dons at night & wrote to Nancy
Sun. 28
Cleaned my bicycle in the morning - & went for a ride to Beverley Westwood in the afternoon with the boys & went for a walk at night
Memo. APRIL. 11. H.M.S. Gloworm lost in battle with heavier vessels. H.M.S. Gurkha also sunk – H.M.S. Zulu sinks submarine in Shetlands – H.M.S. Hardy which ran aground in Norvik battle form B.E.F [indecipherable words]
[page break]
Mon. 29
Three German transports sunk – B.E.F in Norway inflict heavy losses on Germans – went to see ‘The Night of the Fire’ with Paddy, Dorothy & Roland – poor picture nice walk home.
Tues. 30
Two British submarines missing HMS Tarpon H.MS Sterlet – Messerschmitt 110 shot down by Blenheim others encounter Junkers JU88 & damage it (seen losing height with smoke coming from engines)
Wed. 1 MAY
Another raid on Stavanger many planes hit and aerodrome damaged – 3 German fighters shot down – 7 of our bombers didn’t return – Heinkel hits S. coast town - houses blown up – 6 killed [inserted] including crew of plane [/inserted]
Thur. 2
stayed in at night & wrote to Marian Fornebu, Aalborg & Stavanger again raided all planes return – our troops withdraw at Dombais H.M.S. Bittern sunk by aircraft no casualties
[page break]
Fri. 3
Went for a walk at night with the gang – called at Cadets for Dons order for uniform – may in time get a commission – our troops withdraw successfully
Sat. 4
A warm, sunny day – went to the baths in the afternoon with Don, Roland & Ken – crowded – went to a dance at Tommys with Roland, Dorothy & Paddy – Don came later.
Sun. 5
Another warm day went to Cadets in morning – paraded on Grammar School quad for inspection – played football in the afternoon – went for a little walk at night with Roland, Don, Ken & Gee – later went in Rolands house to listen to wireless. (Flanagan & Allen, Gracie Fields, Vic Oliver, Frances Day, Arthur Askey, Florence Desmond)
[page break]
Mon. 6
H.M.S Afridi (destroyer) sunk by aircraft several of which were brought down – also 1 French & 1 Polish destroyer sunk – played in practise match on Hull City’s ground
Tues. 7
Went to Cadets at night for Morse instruction – very interesting –
Wed. 8
Went to Cadets for Navigation instruction – activity on Western front – Unrest in Government due to Norwegian action
Thur. 9
2 German planes shot down over Scottish Coast – 10 German transports sunk by our subs. in Norway campaign – proclamation calling up from 19-36. Went to the Regal to see ‘Just William’ & Devil on Wheels
[page break]
Fri. 10
Germany invades Holland & Belgium – we go to their help & land troops in Iceland – Antwerp Brussels & other towns bombed – all German parachute troops mopped up – went to baths at night
Sat. 11
More towns bombed including some in France many casualties – over 100 German planes brought down so far – Belgian Army holds Germans played football for Cadets won 15-1 went for walk at night
Sun. 12
Don & Ken at With. for weekend so stayed in in morning & went for a walk in afternoon with Gee - Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain resigned yesterday - Winston Churchill succeeds him - H.M.S. Seal reported overdue & feared lost - heavy fighting in Belgium - it is claimed that 400 German planes have been brought down in the last 3 days
[page break]
Mon. 13
Went to see Arthur Askey in ‘Band Wagon’ at the Cecil with Gee – heavy fighting in Belgium & Holland
Tues. 14
Went to “morse” instruction but instructor wasn’t there – heavy fighting on western front – Dutch yield after 1/4 of army 100,000 men & all airforce destroyed
Wed. 15
Went to navigation lesson very interesting – Germans form salient near Sedan held by French Liege cut off – forts still holding out German air force losses mounting
Thur. 16
Liege still holding out – Biggest raid by RAF last night on road & rail communications E. of Rhine –
[page break]
Fri. 17
Heavy fighting in France – a nice warm day like the rest of the week – went for a walk at night. General Gamelin succeeded by General Weygand as C.I.C.
Sat. 18
Stayed in & read in the garden in the afternoon & went to the Central at night to see ‘The Crazy Gang’ – 9 Hurricanes shoot down 10 out of 20 JU87’s in one battle – Spitfire attacks – see memo
Sun. 19
Went to Cadets & paraded in the morning & went for a long walk to Sutton Golf Course in the afternoon with Roland & Gee – went to Rolands at night & read in the garden
Memo. a JU 88 which dived from 12,000 ft to 30 ft – Spitfire glided after it & put both its engines out of action – JU87 hit break water at 200 mph & was smashed to smithereens
[page break]
Mon. 20
Germans still advancing but not so quickly – expect to stop push shortly – stayed in & cleaned my bicycle at night
Tues. 21
Went to Morse lesson at night – Germans at Arras (75 mls from Paris) advance due to French commander’s error in not blowing up bridges over Meuse
Wed. 22
Went to Navigation class & did very well – went for a walk with Roland & Gee afterwards – French recapture Arras – British fight like Hell near Cambrai – RAF bomb communication
Thur. 23
Went to see the ‘Oklahoma Kid’ at the West Park with Gee – Germans in Boulogne & up to the Coast – our fighters bringing 40 down a day.
[page break]
Fri. 24
R.A.F. bomb oil tanks at Rotterdam & also German tanks & communications – went to see ‘Ninotchka’ Greta Garbo with the gang, at the Cecil
Sat. 25
Bombs fall in N.R & around Fens – 8 casualties little damage done – went rowing at East Park with Roland Don & Ken stayed in at night
Sun. 26
Went to Cadets in the morning & went to Church cycled to Aldborough in the afternoon & got wet – stayed in at night & played Lexicon with Alex.
Memo. General Ironside becomes C.I.C. of the Home Defences
[page break]
Mon. 27
Went to the Baths with Roland Ken & Gee at night – Don had a date with Rosie – 15 bombs dropped nr Preston – General Sir John Dill succeeds General Ironside as C.I.C.S.
Tues. 28
King of Belgians surrenders against Government’s wish & without informing the Allies – we fight on – epic withdrawal from Boulogne yesterday – many German planes shot down
Wed. 29
Went to navigation at night & later went for a ride on our bicycles – Norvik has been captured
Thur. 30
Went to see ‘Angels With Dirty Faces’ at the West Park with Gee – one squadron of Defiants brings down 37 German planes – Flanders battle still raging
[page break]
Fri. 31
Went to see ‘For Freedom’ at the Carlton with Roland, Don & Ken – steady stream of troops returning from Belgium
Sat. 1 JUNE
Played cricket at Hornsea for Newington Won 57-54 I scored 1 – our troops fighting a great battle in Flanders – evacuation of BEF still going on –
Sun. 2
Went to Cadets in the morning & went for a ride past Brough in the afternoon with the gang & sun bathed with just our trousers on – stayed in at night 113 German planes brought down in last 2 days.
[page break]
Mon. 3
Paris bombed 45 killed 200 injured – played Cricket for O.H’s & beat LNER Clerks – German aerodromes bombed & French will reply to Paris raid.
Tues. [circled 4]
Went to Morse lesson & have improved – Le Havre bombed Paris death roll over 200 killed & about 800 injured – little to report – evacuation of Dunkirk nearly finished
Wed. 5
R.A.F attack oil tanks in Germany & destroy B.M.W. engine factory – Dunkirk completely evacuated – Germans attack on Western front – Gunfire heard here just after 12-0
Thur. 6
Air Raid Alarm from 1-10 to 3.00 early this morning – German onslaught held many enemy tanks destroyed.
[page break]
Fri. 7
Rang Jean at night went for a walk with the gang – another alarm tonight from 12.00 to about 12.30 – R.A.F raid roads, transport & oil tanks
Sat. 8
Went to watch cricket on Grammar School ground in afternoon – went to the Cecil with Jean Good & Don & Madge –
Sun. 9
Went to Cadets in the morning – went for a ride on our bicycles (Don Madge Wriggy Jean Parkes & Jean & myself) went for a walk at night with the boys
Memo. 335,900 men evacuated from Dunkirk 30,000 killed
[page break]
Mon. 10
Played Town Clerks & beat them – did not bat but caught one – Italy declares war on Allies at 6.0 a.m. begin at 12 midnight – H.M.S. Glories aircraft carrier sunk HMS Acasta see Memo
Tues. 11
Airports in Lybia [sic] bombed by R.A.F. – military objectives bombed in N Italy – Germans about 30 mls from Paris – went to Morse at night
Wed. 12
Went to navigation & later went to Ginger’s for some shooting practice – further air raids on Malta several planes brought down – Germans about 30 mls from Paris
Thur. 13
A few men & material (Italian) captured near border of Egyptian [inserted] Lybia [sic] [/inserted] went to Open Air Baths in the morning at 7.0 Germans about 17 mls from Paris
[page break]
Fri. 14
German battleship ‘Scharnhorst’ hit by bombs off Norway – Italian town bombarded by Navy Italian aerodromes bombed & destroyed by S.A. R.AF. Germans enter Paris.
Sat. 15
Went to Filey with Don – 2 Italian forts captured in Lybia [sic] – one of our Cruisers sunk by Italian submarine – 4 Italian submarines sunk.
Sun. 16
Went for a walk on the Brigg in morning played football Roland Ken & Gee came for the day & we went on the Brigg in the afternoon
Memo. & another ship sunk off) Norway) & a walk at night the boys went back to Hull
[page break]
Mon. 17
The French have asked for peace terms – sunbathed on the sands in the morning & went on the Brigg in afternoon, sunbathed & paddled.
Tues. 18
Sunbathed again today & feel very uncomfortable – had a bad night & also air raid warning for 3 hrs – did not get up – French still fighting.
Wed. 19
100 Planes took part in raid last night 7 people killed & 7 German planes brought down – another fine day & am suffering from sunburn
Thur. 20
Air raid alarm here from 11.00 – 3.40. – got up at 12.45 & went on the Brigg in the afternoon – played golf at night – 8 people killed in last night’s raid – 4 German planes
[page break]
Fri. 21
Went for a walk on the Prom with Mr Porter in the morning & walked along the sands to Spedon in the afternoon sat on cliff nr Crescent at night
Sat. 22
Another air raid alarm last night lasting 2 1/2 hrs (did not get up) raining all morning – walked to submarine 14 mls in afternoon – saw anti tank gun practise – sat on seat in Crescent at night
Sun. 23
French agree to German demands – Trawler in MED captures Italian submarine – German battleship Scharnhorst shadowed by Coastal Command aircraft for 9 hrs – attacked & damaged by several hits – destroyer also sunk – 5 of our planes lost – left Filey arrived home at 4.0 went for a walk with gang at night.
Memo. brought down)
[page break]
Mon. 24
Another Italian sub. sunk bringing total to 7. – French agree to Italian demands – cease fire 12.35 to-night we support French National Gov. for continued fighting
Tues. 25
Went to Morse at night – air raid at 12.30 to night lasting about 3 hrs – gunfire moderate – many aeroplanes over both Germans & our fighters – bombs dropped in Holderness Rd district no casualties houses wrecked
Wed. 26
We land a raiding party in Germany & inflict losses – valuable information obtained – withdraw without losses – had an examination at Cadets for navigation 5 aeroplanes brought down in last nights raid over England
Thur. 27
Russia demands return of Bessarabia from Rumania – went for a ride on our bicycles at night aeroplanes over at night but no warning
[page break]
Fri. 28
Russians march into Bessarabia & Bakovina – H.M.S. submarine sinks Nazi troop ship – went to see ‘Babes in Arms’ Mickey Rooney & ‘Lone Wolf strikes Again’ at the Regal – Italian destroyer sunk by Navy
Sat. 29
Went to see Earl of Chicago at Tower with Roland & Gee – 2 light tanks rout 1200 Italian cavalry – [deleted] G [/deleted] Marshal Balbo mysteriously killed in air battle
Sun. 30
Went to Parade in morning & went for a cycle ride in the afternoon & walk at night with Don, Roland & Gee
Memo. Germans occupy Channel Isles
[page break]
JULY, 1940.
Mon. 1
German planes fired on here this morning also at about 6.0 o’clock at night – air raid warning from 11.0 – 11.30 – 3 planes brought down today – 17 ME101 attacked by Hurricanes 5 shot down 1 damaged all our planes returned
Tues. 2
4 more Italian Subs. sunk bringing total to 13 – Oil tanks destroyed in Sicily – Italians mistake a party of native soldiers for our troops – open fire – natives retaliate many killed on both sides see MEMO
Wed. 3
Arandora Star torpedoed by German sub 800 Germans & Italians perish as they fight for boats – 100 British soldiers perish while their captives fight for boats – 6 German planes brought down in raids over N.E. towns [symbol]
Thur. 4
A large portion of French ships taken by us French force at Gran refuse to accept terms 1 Battleship 1 Cruiser 2 destroyers sunk & one or two beached – Large Italian fleet did not intervene – no damage to our squadron
[page break]
Fri. 5
Spitfire squadron attacks 9 Italian planes shoots down 7 – several others brought down – air raid warning 5.00 – 6.30 (just arrived home) & at night 1.00 – 1.10 several bombers have been shot down over our coast in last [indecipherable words]
Sat. 6
Went to P.T. & drill on E.R. RUFC Ground in afternoon & then went to see ‘The Housekeeper’s Daughter’ Joan Bennett at the Tower with Roland & Gee another French cruiser sunk
Sun. 7
3 Italian submarines sunk – a few more German planes shot down over our coast – went to Cadets in morning – walk in afternoon & also at night with gang
Memo. TUES. Kiel raided Scharnhorst bombed in dry dock – 4 of our planes missing
[underlined] WED [/underlined] – (Newcastle bombed 18 killed over 100 injured
THUR. Went to see Eddie Canter in Roman Scandals with Roland & Gee – Air raid from 11.00 – 11.30 12.00 – 1.00
[page break]
Mon. 8
Went to see ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ at the Regal with Roland & Gee – good film, funny – 6 more German planes brought down – H.M.S. Whirlwind (Destroyer) torpedoed RAF carry out raids in Germany Holland [inserted] Norway & France [/inserted]
Tues. 9
18 German planes brought down over England little damage done – went to Morse class at night Frances super battleship Richelieu damaged by depth charges dropped [symbol] MEMO
Wed. 10
14 German planes brought down & 23 damaged by our fighters over England – 2 of our planes missing – 1 Italian destroyer & 1 submarine sunk by Navy in engagement before Italians fled – Air Raid warning [inserted] MEMO [/inserted]
Thur. 11
22 German planes brough [sic] down over England today – A.R.W from 11-0 – 11.40 this morning – another Italian destroyer bombed & sunk
[page break]
Fri. 12
11 more German planes down – went to parade at night with Cadets –
Sat. 13
12 more German planes brought down – raids on N.W. Germany by our aircraft which destroy warehouse oil tanks etc – fighting in Med. area one of our posts attacked – AR.W 1230 – 1345
Sun. 14
Raining in morning did not go to Cadets – went for a walk in afternoon with Roland, Ken & Gee & another walk at night with all the lads – more German planes shot down
Memo. TUES by speed boat from our battleship – engine breaks down when retreating picks up – escape – Fleet Air Arm then torpedo Richelieu
WED From 11.45 – 12.10: 5-30 – 6.30: 7.30 – 8.30 Thursday morning
[page break]
Mon. 15
H.M Submarine ‘Shark’ feared lost H.M.S Grampus torpedoed & sunk in Med. – Italian battleships, cruisers & destroyers pursued by our cruisers – escape – Fleet Air Arm bomb a cruiser – AR.W tonight 11.10 – 2.30
Tues. 16
Went to Cadets for Morse at night – given out that 20 Italian planes were brought down on July 9 by Navy & fighters – R.A.F again raided docks aerodromes etc. A.RW 12.0 – 1-15 – MEMO
Wed. 17
ARW from 9-0 – 9.45 this morning went to baths at night with Gee & Ken – one of our cruisers damaged by aeroplanes in slight engagement with Italians on MON (reported) – able to continue
Thur. 18
ARW 7-0 – 7.40 this morning raining for last 3 days now – rain stopped at night went for walk – Roosevelt accepts nomination for 3rd term
[page break]
Fri. 19
2 Italian Cruisers engaged by H.M.S Sydney (Cruiser) & destroyer force Crack Italian Cruisers sunk – 11 German planes brought down today – 5 of our fighters missing A.R.W. 11.40 – 1.15
Sat. 20
Went with Ken & Don appleing [sic] in the afternoon & went to see ‘Every Other Inch a Lady’ (Lana Turner, Ann Rutherford) with Ken & Roland at the West Park – many more German planes brought down
Sun. 24
Went for a route march with Cadets round town – went for a walk in the afternoon with the gang & at night walked to recruiting depot Roland joined R.A.F. A.R.W. 11.45 – 1.15
Memo. [underlined] TUES. [/underlined] :- 3 German planes 2 JU88’s 1 Heinkel brough [sic] down.
THUR Destroyer sunk in collision
[page break]
Mon. 22
H.M.S. Brazen (destroyer) shoots down 3 planes later is sunk while being towed no casualties – H.M.Sub Salmon feared lost (sub spared Bremen – later sunk 2 Cruisers) – more German planes shot down – went to baths with [inserted] MEMO [/inserted]
Tues. 23
Went to Morse lesson at night Budget day today – beer & tobacco income tax all going up
Wed. 24
8 German planes brought down today. R.A.F. carry out raids over Germany etc – should have played [indecipherable word] fields at cricket but they didn’t turn up – Roland down for a Medical [inserted] MEMO [/inserted]
Thur. 25
Went to see ‘The Big Guy’ at the Tower with Gee – Roland has passed his medical – 23 German planes brought down – 5 of ours missing –
[page break]
Fri. 26
Played cricket for O.H against Kings Hall – won 92 – 87 I was out first ball, L.B.W – Italian aerodrome in Lybia [sic] bombed & several machines destroyed.
Sat. 27
Played cards at Ken’s in the afternoon & went to pictures at night with Roland, Ken & Wriggy – couldn’t get in – [deleted] had [/deleted] [inserted] went for [/inserted] a walk round the town – 5 German planes brought down
Sun. 28
Went to Cadets in the morning – stayed in Wriggy’s garden in the afternoon & went for a walk at night – aerodromes, bridges canals factories etc bombed in Germany
Memo. [underlined] MON [/underlined] Ken & Gee – RAF destroyed [indecipherable words] – aerodrome left in flames A.R.W. 1.15 – 2.45 Bombs dropped at Willerby
[page break]
Mon. 29
20 German planes brought down today – went to Gee’s at night & messed about later went in Wriggy’s & played Monopoly. H.M.S. Wren (Destroyer) sunk by enemy aircraft
Tues. 30
About 12 Britons arrested in Japan – armed merchantman atacks [sic] S. Atlantic raider – inflicts damage on raider which escapes under smoke screen
Wed. 31
More Raids on Germany – went to see ‘Sherlock Holmes’ Basil Rathbone at the Langham with the gang – S. African force increasing in Med area.
Thur. 1 AUG.
Little air activity one enemy plane shot down – Italian concentration bombed by R.A.F & heavy damage done
[page break]
Fri. 2
A.R.W 2.55 – 3.50 this morning Went to Cadets with Don – did not go on Parade as we had to strip walls of Headquarters – Badia bombed & heavy damage done – Roland goes to Padgate
Sat. 3
Went to Wriggy’s and played cards in the afternoon – went in the town with Ken & Gee at night couldn’t get in at the pictures so walked round the town
Sun. 4
Went to Brough & helped to get planes into the air A.R.W. distributed planes over field – saw Roc’s, Blenheim Miles Master Mew Gull – went for a walk at night
Memo. [underlined] MON [/underlined] Bombs dropped in Porter St – some damage done no casualties
[page break]
Mon. 5
4 German planes brought down – Japanese subjects arrested by us in Singapore Hong Kong went to Wriggy’s at night played cards
Tues. 6
Went to Wriggy’s again very little war news now – Italian allowed to advance over desert areas – Camel Corps inflict heavy casualties on Italian force.
Wed. 7
Italians capture town on Gulf of Aden & two towns in Br. Somaliland area not worth defending Italians greatly outnumber our forces [indecipherable words]
Thur. 8
Convoy attacked in [indecipherable word] several coastal steamers sunk – 60 Germain aircraft brought down [indecipherable word] ours missing A.R.W. for 40 mins around midnight – Went to Wriggy’s at night
[page break]
Fri. 9
Went to Wriggy’s at night – Ken went to pictures with his sister – received a letter from Roland – raided orchard – 15 Italian planes shot down over Lybia [sic] – 2 of our Gladiators missing SEE MEMO
Sat. 10
Went to Wriggy’s in the afternoon & went to see “Blind Alley” at the Priory with Ken, Wriggy & Gee – good picture – original – H.M.Submarine Odin feared lost
Sun. 11
61 German plane brought down – 24 of ours missing went to Cadets – inspected by Army officer – went to Church – walk in afternoon by myself – walk with gang at night
Memo. FRIDAY – H.M.S. Oswald (Sub.) overdue & feared lost in Mediterranean
SUN A.R.W 10.30 – 11.00 & 2.0 – 3.0
[page break]
Mon. 12
Played Leconfield at cricket won – 62 Germans brougt [sic] down – 9 of ours missing – Italians come up to our troops in Br. Somaliland – no further advance AR.W tonight 11.30 – 1.0 & 2.0 – 3.0
Tues. 13
57 German planes brought down in another Channel battle – 13 of ours lost 10 Pilots saved – 10 of our bombers lost in daylight & 4 in night raids – 4 AR.W tonight between 11.0 & 3.0 – went to morse
Wed. 14
31 more Germans down today played Earles at cricket – won – later went to Wriggys & enjoyed ourselves – rang Jean who has got a new job at the National Bank –
Thur. 15
180 Germans today 34 of ours lost 17 Pilots safe – Br troops in Somaliland fall back against strong Italian force (2 divisions) – went to Navigation class
[page break]
Fri. 16
Went to Wriggy’s at night – more aerial activity 75 Germans brought down – 22 of ours lost – 14 Pilots safe
Sat. 17
My birthday – fine sunny day – went to open air baths in afternoon – went to see ‘Raffles’ at the Regal with Ken & Wriggy at night – a fort occupied by Italians (Capuzza) troops bombarded by Navy Italians cave
Sun. 18
Badia bombarded by Navy with 15” guns for 30 Italians attack fleet with aeroplanes lose 11 planes – went to Cadets – demonstrated P.T with Don
Memo. [underlined] THUR [/underlined] A.R.W this afternoon 1.15 – 2.30 & 5.10 – 5.20 also at night 11.10 – 2.30
[underlined] SUN [/underlined] A.R.W 11.30 – 1.30 gunfire heard – 144 German planes – 22 of ours 12 Pilots safe
[page break]
Mon. 19
Played UAB won 74 for 1 UAB 29 all out (loss 6 for 6) – Br Somaliland successfully evacuated A.R.W tonight from 10.30 – 3.00
Tues. 20
11 Planes brought down today – raining nearly all day – went to library at night & rang Jean
Wed. 21
Went to Beverley today went to pictures at night & saw ‘Slightly Honourable’ Pat O’Brien – quite good –
Thur. 22
Saw Jean this morning did not stop – Dover attacked by gunfire from across Channel – 2 air raid gun positions – about 10 German planes shot down today
[page break]
Fri. 23
Played for Hull v U.A.B won went to Beverley again – we fire across channel – 4 A.R.W’s last night – about 12 German planes shot down today.
Sat. 24
50 German planes shot down today 19 of ours lost (12 Crews safe) – went for a walk into the town in afternoon & also at night with Ken & Wriggy – in town when warning [inserted] sounded 10.45 – [/inserted] 11.00
Sun. 25
A.R.W early this morning from about 1.45 – 4.30 bombs dropped down Hawthorn Ave Holderness Rd Chanterlands Ave. – 6 people killed several injured – went to Cadets in the morning – a walk with the lads in the afternoon & also at night later went in Wriggy’s A.R.W. 9.15 – 10.30 – A.R. nearby this morning – 55 German planes shot down today. London bombed fires started
[page break]
Mon. 26
H.M.S. Hostile (destroyer) sunk by mine – A.R.W from 9.0 – 4.30 46 German planes shot down – 15 of ours lost (11 pilots safe) – Italian factories bombed & destroyed
Tues. 27
Submarine Spearfish overdue & feared lost – Navy attacks concentration at Badia & also enters harbour to destroy them – very successful – AR.W’s 8.20 – 8.30 & 9.0 – 4.30 – went to Morse
Wed. 28
Went to [deleted] Wriggy’s [/deleted] [inserted] a dance [/inserted] at night A.R.W. 8.45 – 3.45 this morning – Berlin bombed – 28 German plane brought down today – 14 of ours lost (7 Pilots safe)
Thur. 29
Went to see Arthur Askey in ‘Charlie’s Aunt’ at the Carlton – A.R.W. 10.0 – 11.0 & 2.0 – 3.0 bombs dropped in Williamson St & Docks
[page break]
Fri. 30
63 German planes brought down today 25 of ours lost (15 Pilots safe) – A.R.W 9.20 – 11.00 & 11.50 – 2.50 – went to Wriggy’s at night
Sat. 31
Went to see ‘Strange Cargoes’ at the Regal with Wriggy & Ken good picture – A.R.W 10.0 – 10.30 & 11.50 – 3.0 – very warm & sunny day – stayed in in the afternoon
Sun. 1 SEPT.
Stayed in bed in morning – went to Wriggy’s in the afternoon & went for a walk at night A.R.W 2.30 – 3.30 25 Germans 15 Ours 9 Pilots safe
Memo. THUR – 11 German planes brought down today 9 of ours lost (7 Pilots safe)
[page break]
Mon. 2
A warm, sunny day – stayed in bed in the morning and went to Wriggy’s in the afternoon – listened to gramophone records in the garden – went to see ‘Day Time Wife’ at the Carlton A.R.W [indecipherable word] [inserted] during [/inserted] night
Tues. 3
Another warm day – went to library in morning & went for a walk with Pete, Gowie & Wriggy in afternoon – went to Wriggy’s at night – everybody turned up & raided orchard A.R.W 9.30 – 10.30
Wed. 4
Stayed in bed in the morning – went in the town in the afternoon – & baths at night A.R.W 9.20 – 4.30 German troopship sunk – 3000 soldiers due for Norway drowned [inserted] 54 Germans 17 Ours [/inserted] 12 Pilots safe
Thur. 5
Went skating in the afternoon & went to the Priory with Gee to see “Angels Wash their Faces’ ARW. 9.0 – 1.0 & 5.0 – 6.0 bombs dropped (incendiaries) Lees Walk etc
[page break]
Fri. 6
Went to Wriggys in the morning & afternoon – very nice day – a little cooler though – went a walk at night A.R.W 9.20 - & 2 more at night 46 Germans 19 Ours 12 Pilots safe
Sat. 7
Played 1 B & R won 7-1 scored 1 (Pen.) went to see ‘Roaring Twenties’ James Cagney at the Regal – A.R.W 9.0 – 10.45 & 11.50 – 12.30 – London bombed over 400 killed [inserted] (99 Germans 22 Ours [/inserted] 8 Pilots safe
Sun. 8
Went to Cadets in the morning & a walk at night A.R.W again – London again bombed at night – hospitals – flats museums etc destroyed (11 Germans 3 Br. 1 Pilot safe)
Memo.
[underlined] SAT [/underlined] London bombed 306 killed over 1000 seriously injured
[underlined] MON [/underlined] 55 Germans 20 Ours 12 Pilots safe
[underlined] TUES [/underlined] 25 “ 15 “ 8 “
THUR 39 “ 20 “ 9 “
[page break]
Mon. 9
Went to Wriggys at night – London again bombed 1400 injured & 306 killed – AR.W in morning 10.25 – 10.35 – 52 German planes 13 Br 6 Pilots safe
Tues. 10
Went to Wriggys at night all the lads were down – went for a walk A.R.W. 1.0 – 2.0 – saw 2 German planes brought down today – we have no losses
Wed. 11
Went to see Bing Crosby Dor Lamour & Bob Hope in ‘Road to Singapore’ – at the Cecil with Ken, Pete & Gee – very good picture saw Jean this morning – A.R.W at night 10.0 – 11.0 & 12.30 – 1.0 (89 Germans 24 Br 7 Pilots safe)
Thur. 12
AR.W from 12.0 noon – 1.20 – London again raided but terrific barrage using new methods keeps them off – rained nearly all today. 3 German planes no losses
[page break]
Fri. 13
Went to Wriggys at night – bought some new football boots A.R.W at night 2.30 – 3.45 Buckingham Palace bombed – chapel damaged (2 German planes brought down – no losses in RAF)
Sat. 14
Played Amos & Smith’s won 8-1 went for a walk at night with Wriggy the rest went to the Tivoli – met Betty & Norah. 3 A R W’s (18 Germans 9 Br & 6 Pilots safe)
Sun. 15
Went to Cadets in the morning & went for a walk round the golf course in afternoon by myself went for a walk with the gang at night London again bombed – 185 German planes brought down (130 Bombers) 95 of ours lost 14 Pilots safe
[page break]
Mon. 16
Went to see ‘Contraband’ at the Carlton with Gee – A.R.W 8.30 – 9.0 also this morning 10.45 – 11.30 & again at night 4.5 – 4.30 (7 German planes brought down – we suffer no losses)
Tues. 17
Went to the pictures to see ‘Typhoon’ Dorothy Lamour & enjoyed it very much. A.R.W’s 10.10 – 10.15 & 12.45 – 1.2 in the morning also A.R.W at night (12 Germans 3 Br 2 Pilots safe)
Wed. 18
Went to Wriggys at night – rang Brenda Smith up & hope to get a date London heavily bombed – Italians harassed & casualties inflicted on them march into Egypt (48 Germans 12 Br 9 Pilots safe)
Thur. 19
Walked to Cottingham & back tonight with Wriggy & Don 3 A.R.W’s last night – Italian forces bombarded by Navy along Egyptian coast road (6 German planes we suffer no losses)
[page break]
Fri. 20
Went to Wriggy’s at night – H.M.S. Sturgeon (sub) sunk large troop carrier on Sept 2.
Sat. 21
Played Hall Rd Athletic & won 1-0 – went to the Regent at night with Wriggy & friends
Sun. 22
Went a walk with Fred (on holiday from London) in the morning Cadets in afternoon (Morse, Maths, PT & drill) went for a walk at night with the gang 5 AR.W’s tonight & during the early morning
[page break]
Mon. 23
Ship carrying child evacuees torpedoed in heavy seas 600 mls from land 83 out of 90 drowned over 200 lost in all – went to see ‘North West Frontier’ with Fred & Gee 4 ARW’s at night
Tues. 24
Stayed in at night – raining Berlin heavily bombed last night & many other places visited – General De Gaulle lands at Dakar in Africa – unable to occupy peacefully – withdraws
Wed. 25
Mothers Silver Wedding Day – had a nice night all quite merry – A R W 9.0 – 9.45 & 10.30 – 12.30 Berlin again bombed (26 Germans down 4 of ours 3 Pilots safe)
Thur. 26
Berlin heavily bombed & Channel Ports heavily strafed – 3 A.R.W’s during tonight & [inserted] early [/inserted] morning (Friday) – 34 German planes 8 of ours 5 Pilots safe
[page break]
Fri. 27
Stayed in – rang Jean – cleaned my bicycle – Japan makes 10 year plan with Axis – 133 German planes 34 of ours 16 Pilots safe
Sat. 28
Went to see ‘Amazing Mr Williams’ at the Tower with Wriggy & Ken – funny & entertaining – played Kingston Recs lost 6-3 (10 men) 6 German planes 7 of ours 7 Pilots safe
Sun. 29
Went for a walk with Don & Ginger in the afternoon & also at night with Ken, Wriggy & Gee later played cards at ‘W’s 6 AR.W’s today & during early morning 10 Germans 4 Ours [inserted] 2 Pilots [/inserted] safe
Memo. [underlined] MON [/underlined] 13 German planes 11 of ours 3 Pilots safe
[underlined] TUES [/underlined] 8 Germans 4 of ours 2 pilots safe
[page break]
Mon. 30
Went to see ‘The Spider’ with Gee fight coming home – out on my feet not dirty – wrestling & not able to fight lost memory 50 German planes 22 of ours & 12 Pilots safe.
Tues. 1 OCT.
Walked to Dons at night with Gee & then went in to listen to the wirless [sic] A.R.W at night 4 German planes 3 of ours 3 Pilots safe
Wed. 2
Stayed in at night – played cards & read with Gee 8 Germans planes 1 of ours.
Thur. 3
Went to see ‘Another Thin Man’ at the Carlton with Gee – 2 A.R.W’s during the day one just before lunch – other at 5 o’clock
[page break]
Fri. 4
Saw Jean this morning – stayed in at night & read a book – about 7 submarines sunk by Navy recently – an Italian destroyer sunk by our sub
Sat. 5
Saw Jean again this morning did not stop to chat – went to see ‘Break for Freedom’ & ‘One Hour to Live’ at the Regent with Ken – played RAF team lost 3-2 2 ARW’s at night
Sun. 6
Went for a walk with Roland in morning – started to rain at lunch time continued all day – went to Roland’s in the afternoon & Wriggy’s at night – played cards Roland went back
[page break]
Mon. 7
Stayed in at night & read a book
Tues. 8
Went to City’s ground & did a bit of training
Wed. 9
Stayed in at night – very strong wind blowing.
Thur. 10
Went to train at City’s ground Cherbourg harbour bombarded by Navy – heavy damage inflicted
[page break]
Fri. 11
Stayed in again at night – Germans still march in Rumania
Sat. 12
Went to see ‘The Invisible Man Returns’ at the Carlton with Wriggy & Gee – played Constable St. O.B & lost 4-1 a very nice day – ideal for football
Sun. 13
Stayed in bed in the morning – went to Cadets in the afternoon & a walk at night bombs dropped nr. Stoneferry whilst we were out – 2 A.R.W’s.
[page break]
Mon. 14
Stayed in at night & listened to the wireless
Tues. 15
Went to train at City – weigh 9st 1 3/4lbs – H.M.S. Ajax – sink 2 Italian destroyers & damages another which later sinks
Wed. 16
Stayed in again at night
Thur. 17
Went to train on City’s Ground & later went to the pictures with Don & Gee to see ‘Mutiny on the Black Hawk’ at the West Park
[page break]
Fri. 18
Stayed in at night – went to the Library rang Jean twice but she hadn’t come home from work
Sat. 19
Played Bev. Barracks lost 3.0 – had tea & nice shower there – went to see ‘Pinochio’ [sic] at the Cecil with Trevor afterwards
Sun. 20
Went for a walk in the morning with Don & Gee – paraded in afternoon & marched all the time – went for a walk at night with the gang
[page break]
Mon. 21
Went to see Deana Durbin in ‘It’s a Date’ at the Cecil with Don & Gee – quite good (not up to usual standard) Bombs dropped in Silverdale Rd, Bev. Rd – 1 killed 1 seriously injured – many houses wrecked
Tues. 22
Went to train on City’s ground 2 Italian destroyers attack convoy in Red Sea our destroyers pursue – lose contact – HMS Kimberley makes contact in morning – attacks – Italian destroyer runs ashore MEMO
Wed. 23
Went to the Newington Hall to dance with Don & Gee – quite good A.R.W lasting 5 hrs at night
Thur. 24
Stayed in at night & wrote to Fred.
[page break]
Fri. 25
HMS Swordfish (Sub) sinks German torpedo boat HMS Regent (Sub) sinks Italian supply ship – stayed in at night – raining
Sat. 26
Played an Army team won 6-4 went to see Ann Sheridan in ‘I take this Woman’ with Don & Gee 3 A.R.W’s
Sun. 27
Stayed in in the morning – went to Cadets in the afternoon & went for a walk altogether at night later went to Wriggys & played cards 4 A.R.W’s
Memo. TUES blown up by torpedo – 3 shore batteries open fire on destroyer – steam pipe damaged – 3 injured – 2 shore batteries silenced
[page break]
Mon. 28
Went to Cadets to box -Italy declares war on Greece early this morning – we will help Greece ‘Empress of Britain’ sunk 598 people out of 645 saved.
Tues. 29
Went to Cadets & went to the gunnery class where we studied the Browning
Wed. 30
Went to the Cadets & boxed Len Harvey came down to instruct us.
Thur. 31
Stayed in at night – raining heavily – Italians only a few miles in Greece – frontier fighting
[page break]
NOVEMBER, 1940.
Fri. 1
Stayed in at night as it was raining – Gunfire again this morning also at night
Sat. 2
Played Beverley Barracks lost 3-1 – raining during match – went dancing at the Newington Hall with Don & Gee
Sun. 3
Went for a walk with Don & Gee in the morning up Hessle Rd & went to Sutton East Park in the afternoon – played cards at Wriggys at night
[page break]
Mon. 4
British troops land in Crete – German forces concentrated in Rumania – Greece capture another hill in Albania – went to the Tivoli with Ken Gee & Wriggy – rained today
Tues. 5
Went to the Bev. Rd Baths to train & improved my boxing a great deal
Wed. 6
Went to see ‘The Spider’s Web’ & ‘Konga’ at the Regent with Gee
Thur. 7
Went to Cadets at night did not box – hurt my thumb
[page break]
Fri. 8
Stayed in at night bombs dropped in Fairfax Ave. & district at about 6.15.
Sat. 9
Went to Leconfield at 6.30 arrived 7.0 – boxed at 8.10 (2nd Bout) & won – had supper there – nice girl at ringside – arrived home 12.45 – 6 ARW’s today – won a silver pencil
Sun. 10
Stayed in bed & read in morning went for a walk in the afternoon with Don & Gee – went to Wriggys at night.
[page break]
Mon. 11
13 Italian planes brought down today. 12 German planes 2 of our fighters lost – Greeks rout Italian division capture men & material Bomber command again very active
Tues. 12
Went to keep fit class at night with Don & Gee – only 9 out of convoy of 38 sunk by Atlantic raid. H.M.S. Jarvis Bay (armed merchantman) [indecipherable word] attack raider & after fierce fight is sunk – enables convoy to escape
Wed. 13
went for a walk with Gee at night – half Italy’s battle fleet sunk in Toronto Bay by F.A.A (listing & part under water)
Thur. 14
Received a letter from Marian in America – unable to join up –
[page break]
Fri. 15
Stayed in at night & cleaned my football boots – 6 more ships attacked convoy safe captain of Jarvis Bay receives V.C. Coventry severely bombed – many casualties
Sat. 16
Played Driffield Aerodrome at Driffield – lost 7-2 – much damage done to aerodrome – had tea there went to see ‘Gaslight’ at the Cecil with Trev when we arrived back
Sun. 17
Stayed in bed in the morning – raining hard went to Cadets in the afternoon marched in the rain – stayed in at night & wrote to Marian
Memo. MON – saw Jean in the morning – rained nearly all day
[page break]
Mon. 18
Stayed in at night
Tues. 19
On holiday for 2 days – stayed in bed in morning – went into the town in the afternoon with Ken – went in the Art Gallery & saw the painting The King of Kings in Hammonds – went to see MEMO
Wed. 20
Greeks shoot down 11 Italian planes without loss & we shoot down 9 also without loss – Hungary joins the axis – went to a dance at the Newington Hall at night – stayed in bed in morning
Thur. 21
Went to Ken’s at night & played cards – Air Marshal taking up new command in East – forced down in Sicily & taken prisoner
[page break]
Fri. 22
Stayed in at night – Don came down & we did some trig – later finished writing my letter to Marian – Koritza taken by Greeks
Sat. 23
Played an Army team at Sunk Island won 5-2 had a good time – arrived home at about 7.30 so couldn’t go to the pictures – B’ham bombed for 12 hrs
Sun. 24
Went to Cadets in the morning & went for a walk in the afternoon with Don & Gee – went to Ken’s at night & read a book
Memo. WED. – wrote part of letter to Marian in afternoon – had my photograph taken
TUES: The Door with the Seven Locks at the Tower with Gee & Don
[page break]
Mon. 25
Went to see ‘The Last Train to Munich’ at the Central – a very good film with Naughton & ‘Wayne’ two travellers who also featured in a similar film ‘The Lady Vanishes’
Tues. 26
Went to P.T at night with Don & Gee – had a good time – scored 2 goals & Don scored the other for our side – 4 German planes brought down today slight bombing – Greeks still do well.
Wed. 27
Went to a dance at the Newington Hall with Don & Gee – had a good time met – hope to get a date next week – very nice day walked to work in the morning
Thur. 28
Went to P.T. again with Don & Gee – had a good time – bombs heard during the early evening some distance away.
[page break]
Fri. 29
Stayed in at night & read also cleaned football boots Contact made with Italian fleet – which ran away – hits on battleship cruiser & 2 destroyers
Sat. 30
Played Driffield & won 2-1 – went to the Priory with Gee at night to see ‘Espionage Agent’ – Edith came home from york [sic] for the weekend
Sun. 1 DEC.
Went to Cadets in the morning & a walk with Gee in the afternoon to the golf course stayed in at night & wrote to Fred
[page break]
Mon. 2
Stayed in at night & wrote to Roland – Edith went to Grantham to work this morning
Tues. 3
Went to P.T at night with Don & Gee – Greeks still advancing
Wed. 4
Went to a dance at the Newington with Don & Gee – saw – did not get on too well – try next week –
Thur. 5
Went to see ‘Convoy’ at the Carlton with Alex – a very good film Greeks still advancing
[page break]
Fri. 6
Stayed in at night & read – Greeks still advancing – armed merchantman ‘Caernarvon Castle’ attacks & damages Atlantic Raider – which runs away –
Sat. 7
Played A.A Cat. at Welton won 4-2 – went to a dance at the Newington with Ken & Gee – rather crowded –
Sun. 8
Caernarvon Castle puts into Montevideo – only superficial damage – H.M.S Warspite reported to be steaming North at full speed in search of raider – went to the Cadets & paraded with band – Tarran (Sheriff) takes the salute at the march past – had dinner at Tarrans & a concert – marched home – stayed in at night
[page break]
Mon. 9
Went to see ‘Adventures of Robin Hood’ at the Tower with Gee – a very good film – I enjoyed it – Greeks still advancing – HMS Enterprise (Cruiser) reported in action against raider. H.MS Diomede takes
Tues. 10
Ours [sic] forces in the desert attack Italians capture outposts & take about 4000 prisoners – our light armoured forces do well – Greeks still advancing – stayed in at night
Wed. 11
Sidi Barani captured – more prisoners taken – navy shell Italian coastal positions – RAF bomb supplies & communications – went to Newington – saw – did not do too well
Thur. 12
Stayed in at night – we captured about 20,000 prisoners mopping up operations continuing – more gunfire tonight
[page break]
Fri. 13
Stayed in wrote to Edith – Italians routed further prisoners taken HMS Sunfish (Sub) sinks 4000 ton supply ship – damages another – Greeks still advance –
Sat. 14
Should have played Leconfield – didn’t turn up – played scratch game in pouring rain – stayed in at night raining hard – about 26,000 prisoners taken in action in desert.
Sun. 15
Went to Cadets with Gee in the morning – marched – went for a walk with Don & Gee in the afternoon – went to Wriggys at night met Peggy Myers listened to gramaphone [sic] records – gunfire
Memo. MON. Idarwald German supply ship – attempt to scuttle thwarted (Later report states ship sank)
[page break]
Mon. 16
Went to the Tower by myself to see ‘Opened by Mistake’ & ‘Showdown’ have got a bad cold – the first picture was a mystery & was also humorous & very entertaining.
Tues. 17
Went to see ‘My Little Chickadee’ at the West Park with Gee – not very good – Fort Capuzzo & Sollum captured –
Wed. 18
Stayed in at night because of cold – Don & Gee went to a dance at Newington
Thur. 19
Stayed in at night – sent my Christmas Cards – Bardia encircle 31,000 Italian prisoners taken up to now – our casualties about 1000 killed
[page break]
Fri. 20
Valona bombarded by our battleships over 100 tons of shells fired into it – light forces carry out protective sweep of Adriatic – no opposition encountered – HMS Truant (Sub) sinks 3 supply ships MEMO
Sat. 21
Played 512 Reg lost 5-0 (only had 8 men) went to the Newington at night with Roland & Gee – had a good time – gunfire again here at night – Edith came home
Sun. 22
Went to the Cadets in the morning by myself – went to church & sang Carols in the afternoon with Roland, Don & Gee – went for a walk with Rol & Gee at night & later listened to records at Rols
Memo. [underlined] FRI [/underlined] – Greeks still advance – Bardia also bombarded – stayed in at night – heavy gunfire here tonight.
[page break]
Mon. 23
Gunfire again heard tonight – Greece advance & capture battalion of blackshirts – our fighters (8 of them) encounter 50 Italians shoot down 8 & damage 3 more – 2 of ours lost – Liverpool & Manchester bombed
Tues. 24
Big fire 100 yds from our office this morning – went to Bills at night to a party had a good time – met ‘Jackie’ Doreen Tadman – also Doreen Jarvis, Joyce Fowles, Edith & Madge – saw MEMO
Wed. 25
Played football in the morning – tired after last night – lost 3-2 – listened to records at home in afternoon & in Roland’s at night.
Thur. 26
Called for Jackie nobody in in the morning – went to see ‘Down Went McGinty’ with Roland & Gee in the afternoon & went to Gee’s party at night
[page break]
Fri. 27
Went for a walk in the town with Roland in the afternoon bought a book about aeroplanes – stayed in at night
Sat. 28
No football today – went in the town this afternoon again with Roland walked through Hammonds – went to the Newington Hall at night with Gee
Sun. 29
Went for a walk in the morning with Gee & Roland & Don came along in the afternoon – called for Jackie wouldn’t answer the door went to Alexandra at night with Don & Gee
Memo. [underlined] TUES [/underlined] Doreen J home to Hessle) fairly good orchestra wrotten [sic] company saw Roland & Elsie as we were waiting for the bus
SUN – Fire bombs rain on London – heavy damage
[page break]
Mon. 30
Rang Mary at Hammonds didn’t get a date – went to see Gordon Harker in ‘Saloon Bar’ at the West Park with Gee – raining all day
Tues. 31
Went to the Newington Hall with Roland & Gee – very crowded a few hundred there – did not enjoy it – Elsie was there & I met Mary who seemed very nice although I think she is going out with somebody – no raids tonight – celebrations in London as usual – Greeks capture about 1000 prisoners & equipment
[underlined] SUN [/underlined] – Fires started by large raid of fire bombs
[page break]
Ex Fees 1/6 in the £1 max £1.1.0
L.R. Cert for a farmer
Sol Costs £10-20 = 2/-
over £20 = 4/5
J.S. Fee 6d for 1st 10/-
& then 1/- up to £2.
then 1/- for every £1
Naval Airman D. Wakeling
Mess No 2E
HM.S St. Vincent,
Gosport,
Hants
[page break]
200, New Bridge Rd.,
Perkins?
Miss J. Burton
Sandfield Farm
Holme Rd.
Market Weighton
[page break]
Fire watching duties at the office:-
Feb 18
“ 26
Mch 6.
Mr F. Fisher
80, North Park Ave.,
Leeds 8.
/NA. D Wakeling FX 88617
No 31 SFTS
Kingston Ontario
Canada
Gn. Edwards J. B, 1155900
‘A’ 10 Squad ‘A” Battery
51st A/T TRN RGT RA
Gaze Lines
Catterick Camps
Yorks.
[page break]
[underlined] Marian Morse [/underlined]
Box 522 George School.
Bucks Co. Renna USA.
[underlined] F. FISHER. [/underlined]
71, Clarendon Rd. Leeds 2
L.A. Grassam O/S
C/JX 316124 Mess 29
HMS London c/o GPO London.
1062106 LAC Northedge
Block 115, Room 7
‘B’ Flight C. Unit
RAF Waddington
Lincoln.
[deleted] O/S H D Brown
D/JX 286777
Mess 36 HMS Froserpine
c/o GPO London [/deleted]
[page break]
1077390 L.A.C. Adder A.
3, P.R.C. RAF
B. Squadron
Bournemouth
[underlined] Gee [/underlined] 89 Albert Ave
Wriggy 75, Albert Ave
[deleted] 1077390 LAC Adder A
c/o 40, Erdington Rd
Blackpool. [/deleted]
OS HD. Brown
D/JX 286777
3 Mess
HMS Glen Avon
c/o GPO London
[page break]
[underlined] 1941 [/underlined]
31st Wages 8 8 6
[underlined] 1942 [/underlined]
31st Wages 10 8 10
[page break]
28TH Wages 8 8 10
28TH Wages 10 8 10
[page break]
31st Wages 9 6 5
11 2
[page break]
[underlined] 1941 [/underlined]
5th OH’s Sub 2 6
30th Wages 8 18 10
[page break]
[underlined] 1941 [/underlined]
May 31 Wages 8 8 7
[page break]
& 9U £ 7 6 4
30. Wages 9 17 7
[page break]
5th Subscription 5-
31 Wages 7 8 10
[underlined] 1941 [/underlined]
31 Wages 8 18 6
[page break]
31 Wages 7 8 10
31 Wages 8 18 10
[page break]
Now spring has clad the grove in green,
And strewed the lea wi’ flowers;
The furrowed waving corn is seen
Rejoice in fostering showers.
Burns.
[page break]
A valiant and brave soldier seeks rather to preserve one citizen than destroy a thousand enemies.
Scipio.
[page break]
30th Wages 8 12 8
[underlined] 1941 [/underlined]
30th Wages 11 2 –
[page break]
31 Wages 8 8 10
31 Wages 10 8 10
[page break]
30th Wages 8 8 10
29th Wages 10 8 10
[page break]
31st Wages 9 6 2
31st Wages 10 17 4
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
Sus: 2/6. 7/- 9/-
[calculation]
Ledgers. – Accountancy General
W.C.A. Returns & Applications
Funds Receipt & Bundle Infanery
Bank Sheets
[missing word] M paying in book Cheque
General Summary
Admiralty & Equity Suitors & papers.
Book G & Tithe
By storing at 22 & Supp
APRIL 4
General Cash Daily Cash
Insurance Cards
Attendance Register
[page break]
M. Sus
Daily Cash General Cash Summary
Cheques etc
Ex debt & Creditor Cash not in use
F. FISHER
c/o MRS R.E HILDRETH
80, NORTH PARK AVE.,
ROUNDHAY
LEEDS 8
[page break]
Mary Bootyman
c/o Mrs Axe
The Stores
[inserted] Grey Green [/inserted]
Belton
nr Doncaster
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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Mervyn Adder diary 1940
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription. Under review
Description
An account of the resource
Day by day description of activities for 1940. Mentions sport, air battles and air raids, war news, weather, social life, RAF and navy operations. going to cadets, films seen, Morse and navigation lessons, battle of France, playing football and cricket, German operations, air raid warden duties, Battle of Britain numbers of aircraft shot down daily on each side. Continues with some descriptions of holidays and various visits as well as war news. Contains memos, addresses and finances.
Creator
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M Adder
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1940
Format
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Seventy four pages of diary handwritten entries
Language
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eng
Type
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Text
Text. Diary
Identifier
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YAdderM170573v1
Coverage
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Civilian
Spatial Coverage
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Great Britain
England--Yorkshire
England--Hull
Temporal Coverage
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1940
Rights
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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.
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
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Tricia Marshall
bombing
home front
sport
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1835/33177/YProbynEA1896412v2.1.pdf
a1d55fe6fa9a98fc8237aca4c7d03741
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Probyn, Ernest Arthur
E A Probyn
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Date
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2017-04-23
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Probyn, EA
Description
An account of the resource
61 items. The collection concerns Ernest Arthur Probyn (Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, documents, photographs, diary and a scrapbook. He flew operations as a rear gunner with 61 Squadron.<br /><br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2044">Probyn, Ernest. Scrapbook</a> <br /><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by P Probyn and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Transcribed document
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Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[Royal Air Force crest]
THE AIR FORCE DIARY
[page break]
[black and white photograph of RAF emblem]
2/2
THE AIR FORCE DIARY 1945
With sections on the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and the Air Training Corps
[page break]
PERSONAL MEMORANDA
Name Ernest Arthur Probyn
Service No 1896412.
Home Address 7 Ichnield Rd
Longwick
Aylesbury, Bucks
Dates of Promotion W/O. due on 28.10.45.
Home Phone No. AYLESBURY 213
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
1945 JANUARY
1 MONDAY
Went to Lincoln to tea & pictures.
2 TUESDAY
Late morning, went to Lincoln.
3 WEDNESDAY
Very windy, also snow, cold.
4 THURSDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Royen, [/underlined] what a trip nearly bought it.
5 FRIDAY
Very cold day, very nearly went on spare bad trip.
6 SATURDAY
Rather a quiet day spent in Billet. Wrote to Mother & Gladys.
7 SUNDAY
Weather pretty duff.
[page break]
8 MONDAY
Practise flying.
9 TUESDAY
Quite [sic] day spent in billet, snowing, all day
10 WEDNESDAY
Still more snow.
11 THURSDAY
Started to pack early for leave.
12 FRIDAY
Up very early to start leave home by 3 p.m. Saw Glad in evening.
13 SATURDAY
Went to Wycombe with Gladys.
14 SUNDAY
Tea at Glads.
[page break]
15 MONDAY
Spent day at home
16 TUESDAY
Carlton with Gladys
17 WEDNESDAY
Went to Aylesbury with Mother
18 THURSDAY
Spent day in Oxford with Gladys
19 FRIDAY
Spent day at home.
20 SATURDAY
Went to Wycombe with Gladys.
21 SUNDAY
Back to Camp
[page break]
22 MONDAY
Went on a low level Cross country took photos from rear turret.
26 FRIDAY
Low level cross country again.
27 SATURDAY
Up on a 20 [indecipherable word] check.
[page break]
1 FEBRUARY THURSDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Seigen [/underlined] SE of Cologne. S. Ldr. Horsley pranged & blew up on drome.
2 FRIDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Karlsruhe [/underlined] had bust up with JU88 he lost. 1 M.
3 SATURDAY
Day in the clear.
4 SUNDAY
Fighter affill
[page break]
5 MONDAY
Pretty cold day, heavy frost in the morning.
6 TUESDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Magdaburg [/underlined]. Flak hot, caught a burst Landed near Brussels.
7 WEDNESDAY
Spent most of day in bed. Went into Brussels in evening, went to the 21 Club.
8 THURSDAY
Pretty late getting up. Went for walk to a village called “Geovise.” Had tea at the local Mayors.
9 FRIDAY
Flew back by Dacota [sic] boys glad to see us again Wish I had kept part of ‘chute.
10 SATURDAY
Bruce came over for the weekend.
11 SUNDAY
Had to stay in camp raining all day.
[page break]
12 MONDAY
Went to Lincoln this evening.
13 TUESDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Dresden [/underlined]
14 WEDNESDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Rosetz [/underlined]
15 THURSDAY
Went to Lincoln for evening, with Mac.
16 FRIDAY
Fairly quite [sic] day spent in camp.
17 SATURDAY
Another day spent in camp.
18 SUNDAY
Went to camp cinema saw “Phantom of the Opera.”
[page break]
19 MONDAY
Busy during day. Spent evening packing Duty Crew.
20 TUESDAY
Started leave today arrived home at 3 pm.
21 WEDNESDAY
Went to Aylesbury with Mother, saw “Casanova Brown” at the Odeon.
22 THURSDAY
Took Gladys to Carlton to see “Christmas Holiday.”
23 FRIDAY
Went to Aylesbury with mother to see “Dangerous Moonlight.
24 SATURDAY
Wycombe with Gladys saw “Casanova Brown” again, good film though
25 SUNDAY
Saw Uncle Will in morning. Glad came round in evening.
[page break]
26 MONDAY
Spent morning in garden. Went to Risbrough in evening with Glad saw “Fanny by gaslight
27 TUESDAY
A day in the garden planted the shallots parsnips, peas & beans.
28 WEDNESDAY
Spent last evening with Gladys. Told her just how I felt about her.
1 MARCH THURSDAY
Back to camp again dont [sic] feel like going.
2 FRIDAY
Started D.I. again feel pretty cheesed off.
3 SATURDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Dortmund-Ems Canal [/underlined]. Slight flac. [sic] 1 M.
4 SUNDAY
Pretty quiet day.
[page break]
5 MONDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Boland [/underlined] south of Leipzig. Hot place. 2.M.
6 TUESDAY
Went to Lincoln with Mac. Had tea & went to films.
7 WEDNESDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Hamburg [/underlined]. Flack heavy. Lost our hut mates on trip also 2 more kites. 3.M.
8 THURSDAY
Quiet day spent in camp. Went to Cinema in evening. Weather just like spring
9 FRIDAY
Another day of peace went to Caister in evening. Glads.
10 SATURDAY
Spent day in Lincoln saw D. Lamour in “Paradise Island.”
11 SUNDAY
Daylight raid on [underlined] Essen [/underlined].
[page break]
12 MONDAY
Daylight raid on [underlined] Dortmund [/underlined]. Passed right over home. 1.M.
13 TUESDAY
Rather a quiet day.
14 WEDNESDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Landsdorf [/underlined]. Flak pretty hot.. Took Groupy. 2.M.
15 THURSDAY
Flew back to Base from Grandowne Lodge
16 FRIDAY
Spent morning getting a pass. Arrived home about 10 pm.
17 SATURDAY
Spent most of day in the garden.
18 SUNDAY
Saw Gladys today. Started back to camp.
[page break]
19 MONDAY
Started work. Wish I was still on leave.
20 TUESDAY
Night raid on [underlined] Bolan [/underlined]. Took the G.C. Quite a lot of rocket flack. 3.M.
21 WEDNESDAY
Spent day in bed
22 THURSDAY
Day raid in [underlined] Bremen. [/underlined]
23 FRIDAY
Wizard day. Spent it sunbathing.
24 SATURDAY
Went to Rauseby Hos. Saw Hodgy & Dan Solly.
25 SUNDAY
Wizard head today.
[page break]
26 MONDAY
Went to town with Jack. In evening we saw “This Happy Breed” at the Theatre Royal.
27 TUESDAY
Spent day in camp.
28 WEDNESDAY
Went to Town with Pop & Mac. A good time was had by all. Saw A. Planes at the Ritz.
29 THURSDAY
Spent day in camp Cinema in evening, saw “Dearest Song.”
30 FRIDAY
Stayed in camp all day. No [indecipherable word].
31 SATURDAY
Bags of mail. Quiet day as usual.
1 APRIL SUNDAY
Spent the whole day in the Hut
[page break]
2 MONDAY
Another clear day. No opps. Went to Caister in evening.
3 TUESDAY
Still nothing doing
4 WEDNESDAY
Daylight raid on [underlined] Northanger [/underlined] very quite [sic] no flak.
5 THURSDAY
Started filling in our passes today
6 FRIDAY
Leave at last I was home by four.
7 SATURDAY
Went with Glad to Aylesbury.
8 SUNDAY
Spent today at home.
[page break]
9 MONDAY
Rather a warm day for gardening. Glad & I went to Carlton in the evening
10 TUESDAY
Went for a walk with Gladys in the evening
11 WEDNESDAY
[inserted] DADS. [/inserted]
Spent the day in the garden with Mother.
12 THURSDAY
Aylesbury with Gladys.
13 FRIDAY
Went to Aylesbury with Mother, went to films.
14 SATURDAY
Saw the film “Wilson at Wycombe Odeon.
15 SUNDAY
Started off back to camp found [underlined] tour [/underlined] was ended.
[page break]
16 MONDAY
Off on leave again. I arrived home about ten at night.
17 TUESDAY
Spent the day in the garden. Saw Glad in evening.
18 WEDNESDAY
Went to Carlton this evening with Glad. Saw “Follow the Boys”
19 THURSDAY
Finished off odd bit of digging. Went for a pretty long walk in the evening across the fields.
20 FRIDAY
Went to Carlton this evening with Gladys.
21 SATURDAY
Glad came over to tea. I started off to camp.
22 SUNDAY
I got back to camp at 5.30 this morning.
[page break]
23 MONDAY
Had our photo taken at the kite today with the ground staff.
24 TUESDAY
Went to Brussels to pick up prisoners, landed at Westcott, flew over home. X
25 WEDNESDAY
Day spent in the Billet. Weather pretty bad.
26 THURSDAY
Went to Brussels again for more prisoners Had a prang. Shaken up a bit. X
27 FRIDAY
What a cold day. I spent most of it in bed.
28 SATURDAY
Had quite a lot of snow today
29 SUNDAY
I spent all morning in bed.
[page break]
30 MONDAY
Spent day getting cleared.
1 MAY TUESDAY
Filled in my leave pass spent day in town with Mac. Met Dan in evening, had our last few hours together.
2 WEDNESDAY
Up at six & off on leave.
3 THURSDAY
Spent all day in doors I feel pretty rotten.
4 FRIDAY
Most of today at home fixed up a date in evening.
5 SATURDAY
Raining most of today went to Carlton in evening with Glad.
6 SUNDAY
Went for a long walk with Glad in the evening
[page break]
7 MONDAY
Glad was taken to hospital with appendicitis today.
8 TUESDAY
V.E. day war over in Europe. Everyone going mad. I have been thinking today of some of my pals who were not so lucky as myself, in getting through
10 THURSDAY
Recalled. Back to camp.
11 FRIDAY
Spent today getting cleared. Went to Lincoln in the evening
12 SATURDAY
Started off for A.C.A.C. today arrived about 6 pm.
13 SUNDAY
Nothing doing today
[page break]
14 MONDAY
Started day well by filling in stacks of forms.
15 TUESDAY
Had a medical today passed ok.
16 WEDNESDAY
Spent day in billet nothing to do.
17 THURSDAY
Kit inspection. It’s a long time since I had one of these.
18 FRIDAY
I had my first interveiw [sic] today.
19 SATURDAY
Had a trade test today. Hope to get to Halton.
20 SUNDAY
Whit Sunday nothing doing today.
[page break]
21 MONDAY
Whit Monday spent morning in bed, went for walk in evening.
22 TUESDAY
Saw the E.O. today he put me down for E.V.T. & matric.
23 WEDNESDAY
Had my second interview today.
24 THURSDAY
Nothing doing only P.T.
25 FRIDAY
Saw final Board, still hope to get same job. Pay day.
26 SATURDAY
Clearing Board Started home.
27 SUNDAY
Arrived home in time for lunch
[page break]
28 MONDAY
Saw Glad this evening but she cant [sic] go out.
29 TUESDAY
Spent day in garden weeding & dodging showers.
30 WEDNESDAY
Rather a wet day for gardening. Saw Glad in evening.
31 THURSDAY
Most of day spent in doors, to [sic] wet to go out.
1 JUNE FRIDAY
Did a spot of gardening, went to Aylesbury.
2 SATURDAY
Planted summer beans this morning. Spent evening with Glad.
3 SUNDAY
Rained all day. To [sic] wet to do anything.
[page break]
4 MONDAY
Went to Aylesbury with Mum to Hospital. Went out with Glad in evening 6.th.
5 TUESDAY
Saw Gladys this evening
6 WEDNESDAY
Mother went to Hospital today for Xrays.
7 THURSDAY
Went into Risbrough to Carlton with Glad.
8 FRIDAY
Just pottered about in the garden today.
9 SATURDAY
[inserted] MUM [/inserted]
Mothers Birthday today spent day at home.
10 SUNDAY
Went to Glads for tea, & a walk round after.
[page break]
11 MONDAY
Gave mother a hand
12 TUESDAY
Went into Risbrough this evening with Gladys to Carlton.
13 WEDNESDAY
Not a lot doing today
14 THURSDAY
Did a spot of work in garden. Glad & I went into Risbrough in the evening
15 FRIDAY
Mother went into Hospital again today. Has to go in when there is room for two months.
16 SATURDAY
Wycombe today with Glad, the first time for quite a while.
17 SUNDAY
Glad came over for tea today went for walk after
[page break]
18 MONDAY
Glad started work today, so I did not see her.
19 TUESDAY
Quite a warm day. Did a spot of gardening Went with Gladys to Carlton in evening.
20 WEDNESDAY
Spent most of day in garden. Went to Wycombe in the afternoon.
21 THURSDAY
Went to Wycombe again this afternoon & pictures in evening with Glad.
22 FRIDAY
put in quite a bit of time in the garden today.
23 SATURDAY
Spent a wizard day in Wycombe with Gladys. Had my recall.
24 SUNDAY
Saw Aunt Louie in morning. Went out with Glad in evening.
[page break]
25 MONDAY
Spent quite a lot of today getting pass. Went to pictures for last time with Gladys
26 TUESDAY
Started off to Tangmere. Arrived in time for tea. Billeted in an old mansion miles from camp.
27 WEDNESDAY
Spent most of the day in the camp waiting for my posting
28 THURSDAY
Started off for Cosford. Arrived pretty late got fixed up for the night.
29 FRIDAY
Started off well today new billet is about 2 mls from the mess.
30 SATURDAY
[underlined] FEEL DOWN IN THE DUMPS. [/underlined]
Spent Most of the day in the Mess. Weather foul poured with rain most day HAD IT.
1 JULY SUNDAY
[inserted] Put in for W.O. [/inserted]
Had a late morning, feel pretty cheesed off.
[page break]
2 MONDAY
Very cheesed off
3 TUESDAY
[underlined] DITTO [/underlined] !!!!!!!
4 WEDNESDAY
Went into Shiftnall [sic] today. Not a bad place bit better than camp.
5 THURSDAY
Went to a Gang Show in the Camp Theatre.
6 FRIDAY
Started work today. It makes a change from more hanging about.
7 SATURDAY
Worked in the morning spent most of the afternoon in the Mess.
8 SUNDAY
Should have been on Church parade but did not make it.
[page break]
9 MONDAY
Saw a show called “Alfredo & his Gipsy Band”
10 TUESDAY
Went to a show in the camp theatre called “Aircrews.” An all R.C.A.F. show.
11 WEDNESDAY
Still hard at it only wish I could get posted away from here.
12 THURSDAY
Finished my job today only wish I could get off till next week.
13 FRIDAY
Saw Mr Cousins today only hope he can do something for me.
14 SATURDAY
Went to Wolverhampton this evening & to films saw “None but the Lonely Heart.”
15 SUNDAY
SPENT MOST OF MORNING IN BED WROTE HOME & TO GLADYS IN AFTERNOON.
[page break]
16 MONDAY
Started [indecipherable word] engines today. Mostly lectures.
17 TUESDAY
More engines, pulled a Gipsey [sic] Miner to pieces.
18 WEDNESDAY
Still stripping the engine down. Cleaning it.
19 THURSDAY
Went into Wolves this evening took some collars.
20 FRIDAY
Still on engine. Saw a show in camp called Desert Dog.
21 SATURDAY
Had a letter from Gladys today.
22 SUNDAY
Had a ride round this evening
[page break]
23 MONDAY
Back to work started putting the engine back together.
24 TUESDAY
Went into Wolverhampton this evening to collect my collars.
25 WEDNESDAY
Had an engine runup today it was pretty good
26 THURSDAY
Nipped into Shiftnall [sic] with Geo this evening.
27 FRIDAY
Had exam [indecipherable word] engine. I think I passed ok.
28 SATURDAY
Went into Wellington to a dance. Not much else to do.
29 SUNDAY
Spent day in camp, feel pretty cheesed off.
[page break]
30 MONDAY
Started on phase C. Mags & Carbs today. Skipped off of G.S.T. Film this evening saw “Love Story”
31 TUESDAY
Still on Mags & Carbs. Had letter from home today.
1 AUGUST WEDNESDAY
Pay Day. Had a letter from Glad. V.V. today.
2 THURSDAY
Started work on Carburetters [sic] today.
3 FRIDAY
Still on carbs. Filled in my pass for bank holiday.
4 SATURDAY
Work in morning. Off home in the afternoon. Saw Glad in evening.
5 SUNDAY
Spent most of day at home. Went out with Glad in evening
[page break]
6 MONDAY
Spent the day at Bonnie End with Gladys Had a wizard time.
7 TUESDAY
Off to camp again.
8 WEDNESDAY
Started on Hercules XI today.
9 THURSDAY
Went into Wolverhampton this evening.
10 FRIDAY
Spent day in workshops. Went to cinema in evening Saw “Love Story”
11 SATURDAY
Went down to Boskaville this evening.
12 SUNDAY
Spent most of the day in the billet.
[page break]
13 MONDAY
Started work again. Went to pictures with the corp this evening. Saw “And Now tomorrow.”
14 TUESDAY
Payday. Just about time as down on my last few bob.
15 WEDNESDAY
V.J. day, some of the chaps went home I went to Boskaville to a party & stayed all night. [symbol]
16 THURSDAY
Arrived back at camp in time for dinner spent afternoon in workshops asleep.
17 FRIDAY
Started off home today arrived about 7 oclock. [sic]
18 SATURDAY
Did a bit of work in the garden went to pictures in the evening saw “Champagne Charlie.”
19 SUNDAY
Stayed at home all day. Started of [sic] to camp in evening.
[page break]
20 MONDAY
Back in the workshops still playing with Hercs
21 TUESDAY
Went to an Ensa show on camp this evening.
22 WEDNESDAY
Had the morning of [sic] from work. All the boys on G.S.T.
23 THURSDAY
Day on engines. Went to cinema in the evening. Saw, “Murder in Thornton Square”
24 FRIDAY
Had a letter from home & one from Gladys today.
25 SATURDAY
Spent morning in the workshop. Was invited to a party in No. 1. Sgts Mess in the evening
26 SUNDAY
Went for my usual Sunday ride to Boskaville
[page break]
27 MONDAY
Started on Merlins today. Went to cinema. Saw “A Guy Named Joe”
28 TUESDAY
Had a letter & parcel from home today. Spent evening in the mess playing snooker
29 WEDNESDAY
Day off, stayed in the billet as it rained all day.
30 THURSDAY
Back in the workshops. Went into Shiftnal [sic] in evening.
[page break]
7 SEPTEMBER FRIDAY
Started off for Credenhill what a place. Pulled up in first 5 mins
8 SATURDAY
Quite a lot of the boys arrived back at camp, the four of us turned in early.
9 SUNDAY
Up pretty early. Spent most of day in billet rest of lads arrived.
[page break]
15 SATURDAY
Battle of Britain Day. Camp was thrown open to civies.
16 SUNDAY
Church parade
[page break]
21 FRIDAY
Workshops today. Started off home in evening.
22 SATURDAY
Spent morning in garden. Went to Carlton
23 SUNDAY
Pretty nice day. Started off for camp in the evening.
[page break]
24 MONDAY
Feel pretty tired today. Started work over in the airfield.
25 TUESDAY
On Lectures today. Had all the gen on running up an engine
26 WEDNESDAY
Spent day on airfield running up Hurricanes.
27 THURSDAY
Back to workshops started taking an engine out of a kite.
[page break]
4 OCTOBER THURSDAY
Finished packing in morning. Started off for Credenhill.
5 FRIDAY
Spent the day in Hereford.
6 SATURDAY
First day in camp none of the other boys turned up yet.
[page break]
13 SATURDAY
Went into Hereford today, had tea & went to Cinema.
14 SUNDAY
Spent all morning in bed, dont [sic] feel too good
[page break]
19 FRIDAY
W.O.
20 SATURDAY
Stayed in the billet most of the day raining most of the time
21 SUNDAY
Went to Church in the village this morning
[page break]
22 MONDAY
Started a new phase today. I went to pictures in evening
23 TUESDAY
Lectures most of the day on [indecipherable word] starter, & organisation.
24 WEDNESDAY
Hand swinging props on the magister poured with rain most of the time.
25 THURSDAY
Still stacks of rain [indecipherable word] up the Oxford. Pay day.
26 FRIDAY
Morning in the class Running up the Typhoon in afternoon.
27 SATURDAY
Got off work early spent afternoon in the billet.
28 SUNDAY
Went to Village Church in morning
[page break]
29 MONDAY
On second week of instalation, [sic] could not do much as it is raining
30 TUESDAY
Weather has broken. Things warming up round camp a new wingo has arrived. 74 in 4 hrs.
[page break]
7 WEDNESDAY
WARD MASTERS OFFICE 11.00
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
9 DECEMBER SUNDAY
SHOULD BE ON LEAVE? I HOPE!!!!
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
3 JANUARY 1945 THURSDAY
CTG 8.30
[page break]
[advertisement for James Booth & Company]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ernest Probyn 1945 Diary
Description
An account of the resource
A diary kept by Ernest up to October 1945
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ernest Probyn
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945
Format
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One printed book with handwritten annotations
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
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Text
Text. Diary
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
YProbynEA1896412v2
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Aylesbury
England--Lincoln
France--Royan
England--Oxford
Germany--Magdeburg
Belgium--Brussels
Germany--Dresden
Germany--Leipzig
Germany--Hamburg
Germany--Essen
Germany--Dortmund
England--Wolverhampton
England--Hereford
France
Germany
Belgium
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
England--Herefordshire
England--Staffordshire
England--Lincolnshire
England--Oxfordshire
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Conforms To
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Pending text-based transcription. Under review
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tricia Marshall
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1945
bombing
Ju 88
RAF Gransden Lodge
RAF Westcott
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1835/33176/YProbynEA1896412v1.1.pdf
53276a645055b106ec8b27d621b4d3c4
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Probyn, Ernest Arthur
E A Probyn
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-04-23
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Probyn, EA
Description
An account of the resource
61 items. The collection concerns Ernest Arthur Probyn (Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, documents, photographs, diary and a scrapbook. He flew operations as a rear gunner with 61 Squadron.<br /><br /><a href="https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/show/2044">Probyn, Ernest. Scrapbook</a> <br /><br />The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by P Probyn and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[blank page]
[page break]
[calendars for 1943, 1944 and 1945]
[page break]
[calendars for 1943, 1944 and 1945]
[page break]
From. Mum
To. Ernie
[page break]
ZODIAC DIARY 1944
This Diary is the property of
1896412. Sgt PROBYN.
[deleted] Nat. RegistNo. [/deleted] [inserted] 1250 [/inserted] No.
Address
Phone
In case of accident please communicate with
[page break]
PERSONAL MEMORANDA
F/LT. KEN BANKS.
MARCH 15.
DOREEN.
JUNE. 1ST
[page break]
[Weights and measures table]
[page break]
[Calendar notes detailing bank holidays etc. for 1944, and weather forecasting table]
[page break]
DEC., 1943 – JAN. 1944
1 JANUARY, 1944 SAT
Went to Swansea saw Dorreen [sic] Went for flip in Martinette [sic] in afternoon.
[page break]
JANUARY 2 SUN
SPENT DAY AT WORK, HAD PARACHUTE INSTRUCTION
3 MON
HAD A LETTER FROM DOREEN. WENT FOR TWO FLIGHTS IN ANSONS IN AFTERNOON. AIR TO SEA FIRING.
4 TUE
ANSWERED DOREENS LETTER. SPENT ALL DAY IN SCHOOL.
5 WED
WENT ON CIIVE CAMERA 2. K.G.1.o. & 1 K.G.2.
6 THU
DAY OFF WENT TO SWANSEA IN MORNING, SWIMING. [sic] WENT TO KIDWELLY IN EVENING
7 FRI
WENT TO LLANELLY IN EVENING MET DOREEN COMING OFF LEAVE.
8 SAT
School all day Spent evening in hut genning
[page break]
9 SUN
School all day.
10 MON
Turrets all day.
11 TUE
Exams to day.
12 WED
Day off. Went to Slash in evening “DOCTOR TAKES A WIFE”
13 THU
Weather bad. No flying. Cheesed off
14 FRI
89 flight passing out parade.
15 SAT
Flying to day Weather bad.
[page break]
16 SUN
School alday. [sic] Went to Kidwellay [sic] in evening
17 MON
Spent most of day on turrets & armaments.
18 TUE
Went to pictures in evening.
19 WED
Whole hut confined for being noisy.
20 THU
Had letter from home Went to pictures in evening D.
21 FRI
Flying today Went on three K.G.2.
22 SAT
Went to Swansea on pass, to Doreens [sic] home.
[page break]
23 SUN
Back at school. Pictures in evening D.
24 MON
Flying allday 3. flights
25 TUE
Camp cinema in evening with Doreen.
26 WED
Day off, went to Slash with Doreen in evening. Pictures at Regal.
27 THU
Intermediate exam today, passed O.K. Camp cinema with D.
28 FRI
Spent evening genning
29 SAT
Flying alday. [sic] Spent evening home.
[page break]
30 SUN
Went to kidwelly [sic] with Doreen in evening
31 MON
Rather a good day for the kitty. I lost 1/1.
1 FEBRUARY TUE
WENT OVER TO CAMP CINEMA IN EVENING WITH D.
2 WED
Day off.
4 FRI
Flying today W 1,200.rounds.
5 SAT
Flying alday. [sic] 1,200 rounds
[page break]
6 SUN
Flying alday [sic] 300 Went to a show at the camp cinema, with Doreen a very good show.
7 MON
Last day of genning up. Had aircraft & range exams
8 TUE
[underlined] Board [/underlined]?
9 WED
PASSING OUT SUPPER. WENT TO ODEON WITH DOREEN
10 THU
WENT TO CAMP CINEMA FOR LAST TIME WITH DOREEN.
11 FRI
PASSING OUT PARADE. [symbol] GLAD ITS OVER
12 SAT
SPENT LAST DAY WITH DOREEN. WENT TO SWANSEA IN AFTERNOON.
[page break]
13 SUN
ARRIVED HOME.
14 MON
WEATHER NONE TO [sic] GOOD TODAY
15 TUE
WENT TO RISBROUGH
17 THU
WENT TO SEE CHAPS DOWN AT FIRM
18 FRI
RECEIVED A LETTER FROM DONALD
[page break]
22 TUE
WENT TO PICTURES
24 THU
SAW “WHITE CAPTIVE” AT CARLTON.
25 FRI
HAD A LETTER FROM DONALD TODAY
[page break]
27 SUN
HAD RIDE TO KIMBLE HAD TEA AT AUNT LOUIES.
28 MON
WEATHER FINE BUT COLD. WENT FOR RIDE.
29 TUE
WENT TO WYCOMBE WALKED HOME. MY FEET.
1 MARCH WED
WENT TO PICTURES IN AYLESBURY.
2 THU
Planted a few rows of beans.
3 FRI
Planted shallots.
4 SAT
Went to Sanden to meet Donald “SAW FILM “ENDS THE DAY WELL.”
[page break]
5 SUN
Went for walks with Donald.
6 MON
Last day of leave. Went to Wycombe
7 TUE
Saw Donald for last time. Started of [sic] to Silverstone.
8 WED
Started to meet some of my mates.
9 THU
Got crewed up.
10 FRI
Bags of work.
11 SAT
Turrets. Giros. & Shadowgraphs.
[page break]
12 SUN
WENT TO NORTHAMPTON FOR EVENING. PAYED FOR FIRST TIME HERE
13 MON
ATTENDED TWO LECTURES TURRETS, GUNNERY & AIRCRAFT RECOGNITION
14 TUE
HAD LETTER FROM HOME. SCROUNGED OFF FROM P.T. IN AFTERNOON.
15 WED
GUNNERY, AIRCRAFT REC. SPOTLIGHT.
16 THU
HAD LETTER FROM HOME.
17 FRI
WENT TO NORTHAMPTON.
18 SAT
SPENT DAY AT WORK.
[page break]
19 SUN
SPENT DAY IN NORTHAMPTON.
20 MON
CHEESED OFF
21 TUE
CHEESED OFF
22 WED
AIRCRAFT RECOGNITION. SPOTLIGHT TRAINER. ARMAMENT.
23 THU
SPENT DAY WORKING FOR WORK AND BRICKS.
24 FRI
SKIPPED WORK. WENT TO NORTHAMPTON.
25 SAT
MOVED TO SATALITE DROME AT TOWESTON.
[page break]
26 SUN
STARTED WORK.
27 MON
DAY ON FLYING.
28 TUE
GUNNERY AND AIRCRAFT REC.
29 WED
FLYING.
30 THU
Bags of work today.
31 FRI
WENT ON CIRCUIT & BUMPS.
1 APRIL SAT
SCHOOL ALDAY [sic] WENT HOME AT NIGHT. ARRIVED HOME AT 1-30
[page break]
2 SUN
SPENT DAY AT HOME
3 MON
BAGS OF FLYING. CIRCUIT & BUMPS.
4 TUE
SCHOOL.
5 WED
WENT ON SOLO FLIGHTS WITH DANNY. TILL 8.00. AT NIGHT.
6 THU
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL.
7 FRI
WENT FOR CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT
8 SAT
SPENT DAY WAITING TO FLY.
[page break]
9 SUN
FLYING. FLEW OVER LONGWICK.
10 MON
FLYING.
11 TUE
Dads
DADS BIRTHDAY. SPENT DAY FLYING.
12 WED
WENT ON BOMBING TRIP.
13 THU
DAY OFF SPENT DAY AT HOME
14 FRI
WENT ON CINE. TRIP.
15 SAT
NOTHING DOING ALL DAY.
[page break]
16 SUN
FLYING ALDAY. [sic]
17 MON
NIGHT FLYING.
18 TUE
H.L.B. I HAD A BURST OIL PIPE IN THE TURRET
19 WED
NIGHT FLYING WEATHER BAD.
20 THU
COMBAT MANOUVERS. WITH DANNY.
21 FRI
AIR FIRING. AND NIGHT FLYING. HAD A PRANG TODAY.
22 SAT
[deleted] MOVED BACK [/deleted] NIGHT FLYING
[page break]
23 SUN
NIGHT FLYING MOVED BACK TO SILVERSTONE.
24 MON
NIGHT FLYING.
25 TUE
DAY CROSS COUNTRY
26 WED
DAY CROSS COUNTRY.
27 THU
DAY OFF. BUSY IN THE GARDEN
28 FRI
NIGHT CROSS COUNTRY. SPENT DAY IN BANBURY.
29 SAT
DAY CROSS COUNTRY. WENT TO CINEMA IN EVENING. SAW “ENDS THE DAY WELL” “FOR EVER & A DAY”
[page break]
30 SUN
NIGHT FLYING.
1 MAY MON
NIGHT FLYING.
2 TUE
WENT ONB DIVERTION [sic] RAID ON JERRY COAST.
3 WED
NOTHING DOING ALL DAY.
4 THU
WENT ON BOMBING TRIP.
5 FRI
SPENT DAY SLEEPING.
6 SAT
WENT TO CAMP CINEMA SAW “LIFE & DEATH OF CORNAEL [sic] BLIMP.”
[page break]
7 SUN
EXAMS TODAY.
8 MON
EXAMS AGAIN TODAY.
9 TUE
DAY OFF. CAME HOME.
10 WED
ARRIVED BACK AT CAMP ABOUT LUNCH TIME. FLYING AT NIGHT.
11 THU
SLEEP ALL DAY. NIGHT FLYING.
12 FRI
NOTHING DOING ALL DAY
13 SAT
WENT TO CAMP CINEMA SAW DEANNA DURBIN IN “HER’S TO HOLD”
[page break]
14 SUN
WENT ON CINE FLIGHTS FIRED 150 ft of FILM.
15 MON
GETTING PACKED READY FOR LEAVE.
16 TUE
RAINING ALL DAY. SPENT DAY IN HUT.
17 WED
STILL RAINING. SPENT ANOTHER DAY IN HUT.
18 THU
SPENT DAY PACKING WENT ON NIGHT. FLIGHT.
19 FRI
FINISHED WORK TODAY. ARRIVED HOME TEATIME
20 SAT
WENT TO LONDON.
[page break]
21 SUN
WAS BEST MAN AT POPS WEDDING. HAD GOOD TIME.
22 MON
ARRIVED HOME AT LUNCH TIME. SPENT EVENING OVERHAULING BIKE.
23 TUE
SPENT DAY IN GARDEN.
24 WED
SPENT DAY IN GARDEN.
25 THU
WENT TO SEE CHAPS AT THE MILL TODAY
26 FRI
WYCOMBE. PALACE. TO SEE. “£100 WINDOW.”
27 SAT
‘CARLTON’ RISBRO. TO SEE “CAVALCADE OF NAVY.” &
[page break]
28 SUN
SPENT MOST OF TODAY TAXING TO KEEP COOL. WENT TO HADDENHAM AERODROME
29 MON
WENT OUT FOR DAY.
30 TUE
CARLTON. RISBROGH [sic] TO SEE. JOE. E. BROWN IN. “CHATTER BOX”
31 WED
AYLESBURY. TO ODEON. TO SEE “AND THE ANGLES [sic] SING.”
1 JUNE THU
SPENT DAY IN GARDEN WENT OUT IN EVENING.
2 FRI
WENT TO WYCOMBE. SAW. TOMMY HANDLEY IN “TIME FLYS” AND SHERLOCK HOMES IN “SPIDER WOMAN.
3 SAT
CARLTON RISBRO.
[page break]
4 SUN
WENT TO WYCOMBE SAW ‘THE GLASS KEY’
5 MON
ARTHUR ASKEY IN ‘MISS LONDON LTD.’ AT CARLTON
6 TUE
STARTED OF [sic] FOR SCAMPTON.
7 WED
SPENT DAY IN LINCOLN.
8 THU
STARTED WORK.
9 FRI
[inserted] MUM [/inserted]
DAY OF P.T.
10 SAT
DAY OFF.
[page break]
11 SUN
WORK AGAIN. LECTURES.
12 MON
DAY OF P.T.
13 TUE
WENT TO LINCOLN. WITH ANDY SAW “PHANTOM OF THE OPERA”
14 WED
CAMP CINEMA TO SEE “NIGHT INVADER”
15 THU
WENT TO LINCOLN WITH TAFFY SAW “A GUY NAMED JOE.”
16 FRI
WENT TO CAMP CINEMA IN EVENING.
17 SAT
DAY OFF. SPENT IT IN LINCOLN.
[page break]
18 SUN
SCHOOL ALDAY. [sic] WENT FOR WALK IN EVENING.
19 MON
WENT TO CAMP CINEMA IN EVENING
20 TUE
LINCOLN THIS EVENING TO SEE “PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.
21 WED
DAY ON LECTURES.
22 THU
FREE DAY.
23 FRI
SPENT DAY IN LINCOLN WITH ANDY
24 SAT
SPEND DAY PACKING WENT TO PICTURES IN EVENING
[page break]
25 SUN
MOVED TO SWINDERBY.
26 MON
SPENT THE DAY ON LECTURES.
27 TUE
SCHOOL ALDAY. [sic]
28 WED
DAY ON GROUND TRAINING.
29 THU
LECTURES.
30 FRI
LECTURES.
1 JULY SAT
FIRST DAY ON FLYING
[page break]
2 SUN
FLEW FOR FIRST TIME IN STIRLING.
3 MON
Flew on fighter affil.
4 TUE
Flying day, but didn’t.
5 WED
Lecture day.
6 THU
More Lectures.
7 FRI
Still more lectures.
8 SAT
Early morning flying Went to Lincoln in evening
[page break]
9 SUN
Day in Lectures.
10 MON
Further day in lectures.
11 TUE
Two flights today.
12 WED
Another flying day.
13 THU
Lecture day.
14 FRI
Height exercise.
15 SAT
Day flying.
[page break]
16 SUN
Day flying.
17 MON
Lectures.
18 TUE
Day on lectures.
19 WED
Fighter affill.
20 THU
Went to Lincoln saw Waggsy. (?) Went to Savoy.
21 FRI
Fighter affill.
22 SAT
Night flying.
[page break]
23 SUN
Last day of lectures.
24 MON
Day spent trying to fly.
25 TUE
Night flying, but kite U.S.
26 WED
Night flying.
27 THU
Day off.
28 FRI
Went on divertion [sic] at night.
29 SAT
Spent today getting cleared. Saw Noel Cowards ‘This Happy Breed”
[page break]
30 SUN
Spent morning getting cleared. Started home dinner time
31 MON
Arrived home after spending night in London.
1 AUGUST TUE
Went down to firm this morning to see chaps. Found Scot was ill.
2 WED
Spent most of day in garden. Boy is it warm.
3 THU
Spent day in bed with a bad head.
4 FRI
Head a bit better still a bit muggy.
5 SAT
Pictures in evening. Saw ‘Batchelor Mother.’
[page break]
6 SUN
Went to Kimble & saw Aunt Louie & Frank.
7 MON
Went to fete in Village. Saw Gladys. Had some luck on ‘Aunt Sally’.
8 TUE
Back from leave moved to Syerston.
9 WED
Spent most of day in billets. Went to flicks in evening. Saw “Above suspiction.” [sic]
10 THU
Spent day in lectures.
11 FRI
Lecture day.
12 SAT
Day in lectures. Went to Nottingham in evening. “Higher & higher
[page break]
13 SUN
Exams. ?
14 MON
Passed Exams O.K.
15 TUE
Went to Nottingham with Bruce.
16 WED
Wrote to Gladys today.
17 THU
Went to Nottingham saw David Nivin [sic] in “The way ahead”
18 FRI
Saw Ensa show in camp.
19 SAT
Pay day received £12.
[page break]
20 SUN
Went out with Jack.
21 MON
Cheesed off
22 TUE
Moved to 61 Squad.
23 WED
Starting to settle in.
24 THU
Went on Night Cross Country
25 FRI
Raid on Koningsburg [sic]
26 SAT
Day spent in Lincoln.
[page break]
27 SUN
Fighter Affill
28 MON
H.L.B. Cheesed off
29 TUE
[underlined] Ditto [/underlined]!!!!!!?
30 WED
Dan had toothake [sic] missed a good trip
31 THU
Night Cross Country.
1 SEPTEMBER FRI
Air Sea Firing.
2 SAT
Usual day
[page break]
3 SUN
Daylight on Brest.
4 MON
Fighter affill.
5 TUE
Night flying
6 WED
Air-sea firing
7 THU
Pictures in Lincoln.
8 FRI
Busy day on D.I.s.
9 SAT
Stayed in camp packing for leave.
[page break]
10 SUN
Started leave today.
11 MON
Spent day in garden.
[circled 12] TUE
WAR SHOULD END.? But didn’t. !?!?
13 WED
Saw film in Aylesbury “The way ahead”
14 THU
Spent day in garden
15 FRI
Went to Wycombe. saw “Death stalks Sherlock Holmes.
16 SAT
Film at Aylesbury “Lifeboat”
[page break]
17 SUN
Went to Kimble.
18 MON
Saw Gladys this evening
19 TUE
Spent morning in garden back to camp in afternoon.
20 WED
Not a lot doing.
21 THU
[underlined] Cheesed off. [/underlined]
22 FRI
Spent afternoon in Lincoln with Bruce.
23 SAT
Raid on Dortmund-Emms [sic] Canal. Got shot up bad Bruce hit in legs.
[page break]
24 SUN
Spent day at Woodbridge crash drome
25 MON
N.F.T. got back to camp
26 TUE
High level bombing.
27 WED
Night attack on Karlsruhe.
28 THU
Night attack on Kaiserlautien. [sic] Attacked by two M.E. 410.s
29 FRI
Spent day in bed
30 SAT
Went on air-sea firing
[page break]
1 OCTOBER SUN
Clay pigeon shooting.
2 MON
Went to Lincoln Saw Betty Grable in “Pin up girl.
3 TUE
Low level cross country
7 SAT
Night raid on Bremen
[page break]
10 TUE
Daylight on Wilhelmshaven. Bags of flak.
14 SAT
Night raid on Brunswick.
[page break]
15 SUN
Started of [sic] home on leave arrived home at 9.00.
16 MON
Spent all morning in bed, collected bike pass station in afternoon.
17 TUE
Went to see the boys at the firm today saw Gladys in evening.
18 WED
Went to Aylesbury met Gladys from work & went to watch “Marie Curie”
19 THU
Carlton cinema with Gladys to see “Thousands Cheer”
20 FRI
Stopped at home most of the day.
21 SAT
Spent afternoon & evening in Wycombe with Gladys. “Song of B.”
[page break]
22 SUN
Went to Kimble. Saw Doug in evening.
23 MON
Rather bad weather today.
24 TUE
Spent last night of leave with Gladys.
25 WED
Back to old routine
26 THU
Spent day dodging work.
27 FRI
Went for trip today
28 SAT
Night attack on Bergen.
[page break]
29 SUN
Stayed in bed till 12.00 went out in evening.
30 MON
Spent Day in Nottingham.
31 TUE
Went to Lincoln with Pop.
1 NOVEMBER WED
DAY RAID ON HAMBURG IN THE RUHR. SHOT UP.
2 THU
NIGHT RAID ON DUSSELDORF
3 FRI
Day spent in hut.
4 SAT
NIGHT ATTACK ON DORTMUND-EMMS CANAL.
[page break]
5 SUN
Went to Lincoln saw “Tyson takes a trip.”
6 MON
Air test.
7 TUE
High level bombing.
8 WED
Not much doing today.
9 THU
Went to camp cinema in evening.
10 FRI
Rain, rain, & still more rain.
11 SAT
Night attack on Hamburg.
[page break]
12 SUN
Spent evening in Lincoln at the Savoy.
13 MON
High level bombing.
14 TUE
Air-Sea firing Dortmund-Ems Canal at Night.
15 WED
Went to Lincoln with Harry saw “White Cliffs of Dover.”
16 THU
Most of day spent in billet. Daylight on ‘[indecipherable word]’
17 FRI
Spent evening in camp.
18 SAT
Went to camp cinema saw “Destruction [indecipherable word]”.
[page break]
19 SUN
Lincoln in evening.
20 MON
Not much doing in camp today.
21 TUE
Fighter affill.
22 WED
Night raid on [indecipherable word]
23 THU
Went to camp cinema in evening
24 FRI
Rain, rain, rain & still more rain.
25 SAT
Same old routine.
[page break]
26 SUN
Night raid on Munich. Attacked by J.U.88.
27 MON
Spent day packing & getting paid
28 TUE
Started off on leave Saw “English without Tears” in Nottingham.
29 WED
Went to Aylesbury saw “the Purple Heart.”
30 THU
Saw Gladys this evening
1 DECEMBER FRI
Had an invitation to the H.G. stand down supper. Met a lot of my old pals.
2 SAT
Gladys & I went to Wycombe for the afternoon.
[page break]
3 SUN
Had Gladys round to tea today.
4 MON
Saw “Claudia” at the Carlton with Gladys this evening.
5 TUE
Had day at home.
6 WED
Last evening with Glad went to Aylesbury
[circled 7] THU
Back to Camp. Cheesed off
8 FRI
[underlined] DITTO. [/underlined]
9 SAT
“The Dodge” “DER TAG.” NIGHT RAID ON URFT DAN & MY 21ST BIRTHDAY.
[page break]
10 SUN
Drome fog bound.
11 MON
Weather still bad not able to fly.
12 TUE
Ditto
15 FRI
Went into Lincoln today did a spot of shopping.
16 SAT
Night raid on Munich quite a nice do.
[page break]
17 SUN
Night raid on Munich.
18 MON
Night raid on Galysnia.
19 TUE
Spent whole day in bed.
21 THU
Night raid on [underlined] Stetten [/underlined].
22 FRI
Landed at Dallochy
23 SAT
Still at [symbol]
[page break]
24 SUN
Back to Camp from Dallochy.
25 MON
Quite a good day Was invited out in the evening.
26 TUE
Spent day in camp
27 WED
Most of day spent in billet to [sic] cold to go out.
28 THU
Attack on shipping in Oslo Fjord.
29 FRI
Usual day in bed.
30 SAT
Opps Houffalize, in France
[page break]
31 SUN
Quiet day spent writing letters.
5 JANUARY 1945 FRI
19.8.44.
Case 594356 Cast 594357 Case 594358 Case 594359 Case 594360
[page break]
BROWNING – A/C. – SIGHT – TURRET – PYRO
40 – 30 – 60 – 40 – 30
32 – 22 – 36 – 20 – 21
65.5
DORE HARNESS. NO. 109.
G.16.
46. + 3.
BRUGE
COLINDALE 8154
[page break]
A.G. BARRELL
FFOULLYNGE. F/LT.
A.C.W. D. Peacock.
KEN
[series of numbers]
[page break]
DOREEN JUNE. 1st
[table of names and numbers]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ernest Probyn 1944 Diary
Description
An account of the resource
A diary kept by Ernest throughout 1944.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ernest Probyn
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One printed book with handwritten annotations
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Diary
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
YProbynEA1896412v1
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
Wales--Swansea
Wales--Kidwelly
Wales--Llanelli
England--Aylesbury
England--London
England--Northampton
England--Banbury (Oxfordshire)
England--High Wycombe
England--Lincoln
England--Nottingham
France--Brest
Germany--Braunschweig
Norway--Bergen
Germany--Hamburg
Germany--Düsseldorf
Germany--Dortmund-Ems Canal
Germany--Munich
Poland--Gdynia
Poland--Szczecin
Poland
France
Germany
Norway
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
England--Northamptonshire
England--Oxfordshire
England--Lincolnshire
England--Nottinghamshire
Germany--Stetten im Remstal
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription. Under review
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tricia Marshall
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944
air gunner
aircrew
Anson
bombing
Ju 88
Me 410
RAF Scampton
RAF Silverstone
RAF Swinderby
RAF Turweston
Stirling
training