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APRIL 1942

2 THU Posted letter off to Kay early morning, giving further directions for returning home. Was away early to let in electrician to house to switch on “juice” (no man obtainable after 5 pm), after a rushed meal at Mum’s, finished off living room blackout and was able to work there after dark. Sorted out electric lamps etc, and tested small radio and radiogram. No results from the latter.

3 GOODFRI Decreed an ordinary day of work, all attending duty:- overtime payable. But City and Borough, which I toured for radio requisites, had a quiet Sunday aspect:- the workers worked, but business chiefs, shop owners, etc, slacked. Same conditions prevailed at Morden, all shops closed. Quickly away from Mum’s to home, where I worked hard in the front and dining room, playing radio meanwhile.

4 EASTERSAT Rained pretty hard overnight. The ground has that dark humid look, and sunshine will bring the green sprouting through. Quite a full day: Wharves in the morning, and river additionally in the afternoon. Sent off my agreement to GPO for telephone, charges to be 20/- quarter, plus 15% war charges. Actually we have no need for an instrument, but Kay likes the idea of it. Hunted around shops for curtain wires: there seems to be a shortage. Rather late up at the house owing to all family and a friend of Roy’s, wanting attention at once at mealtime. Took in Mum, a box of chocolates; Roy a packet of sweets, for Easter gifts, no eggs obtainable this year. Mum reciprocated with box of chocolates for me.

5 EASTERSUN Clocks were put on another hour overnight, so I lost an hour’s rest. 8/4 "Harpy", the Custom House clock was an hour behind all day. Visited all ships on our station in lieu of PO — engaged in office duties, and wrote letter to Kay; Received bag sweets as surprise Easter gift from Dad. Had last bath in Fairway (for a time at least) and went to house to work.

6 EASTERMON Spent the whole day working about the house. Up at 7.30, commenced unpacking some boxes when LMS delivery man came with pram filled with bedding etc. Then Mum, Dad and Roy came, doing invaluable work in carpet and lino laying. Up to Fairway for dinner, wrote Kay, and back to clearing up and putting away, washing up and so on. Retired tired out at 10.30 pm. Rained hard.

7 TUE Day was alternately cloudy and brilliant clear, and our river run was a pleasure. Returning to "Harpy", was told Mum had phoned to say Kay and kiddies were on way home and would be at Euston 2 pm. Met them there after good journey, and took them to new house: Kay delighted. To Mum’s for dinner: whole family liked the kiddies, John being “extra”, Beryl grown up, Betty fell in mud.

8 WED Carried on my usual routine, although Kay was back and cut sandwiches, saw to breakfast etc. River patrol was a little cold, but air beneficial. A pleasing experience to get home and find the house occupied. Worked away at essential jobs until ready to drop. Phone out of order, Roy tried 4 times to get us. Dad finally brought parcel up.

9 THU A gusty and rainy day, making clambering over barges and up ships ladders a very disagreeable business, to worsen matters, there was an extra launch journey necessary. On way home, called in to see Mum. Found her with weak voice due to sore throat, and (she said) aching all over, certainly very queer.

10 FRI A gale blew strong all night, and I feared for my fence, already breaking away in two places. Agent promises to repair. On the river, spray was blown over the cabin top into the cockpit. I checked the station from inside. Between whiles there were bursts of sunshine, which later became almost continuous. Returned Thackery’s “Esmond” to the library unfinished:- dull. Mum phone up: coming tomorrow.

11 SAT Half-day. Hoped to do a lot as Mum had arranged to look after kiddies, whilst Kay and I went shopping for curtains etc. But unfortunately, Roy became queer, and Mum was obliged to stay at home and nurse him, so Kay went out on her own. I attempted to lay stair carpet, but was “ bunkered” over the turn of the stairway, and finally abandoned the job, rather than become cross over it. Kay and I made permanent, the hanging of the front room curtains, which are now light exclusive. Kay’s trunk and suitcase have now arrived, and she has an enormous amount of clothing, etc, to stow away. Betty out playing on Cannon Hill Common.

12 SUN To oblige a colleague, went 9/5 “Upper Coast” today. This is a launch patrol and visit of ships above London Bridge as far as (usually) Kingston. Today, in glorious weather, we traversed as far as Teddington, in the higher reaches, among rowing boats and towpath strollers. On way home, called in on Roy, indisposed, but brighter than yesterday.

16 THU Such a beautiful mild and sunny day, that I could not help remarking to the "Harpy" shipkeeper, “nice day for an invasion” — there being such a possibility at this season of the year. It is our 11th wedding anniversary, and I took home the customary roses, and assured Kay of my married happiness, to receive her’s also: truly blessed times. Mum came up with some of my laundry, and we had agreeable chat..

17 FRI As I was to be fire watching tonight, I took a full attaché of food (as well as steel helmet and gas mask, the usual contents) , and had a hot meal at the Londoner’s food centre at Fishmongers’ Hall, London Bridge, a reasonable 2 course dinner for 1/-, but meatless. A fine sunny day again. Passed whole evening on "Harpy" reading “Beware of Pity” by Stefan Twieg: a wonderful book.

18 SAT Spent night in firewatchers dormitory in Custom House. Slept between blankets, but in clothes at the “ready”: fortunately there was no alert. Was allowed off duty early and home for dinner; after which, Kay took Betty and Beryl by bus, whilst I wheeled John, in pram to Mum’s, where we left them to go shopping and to cinema, Mum very kindly looking after them. Had poor seat in topmost row at the “Elite” (1s/6d though), with standing people in constant movement behind us. Saw J. McDonald in “Smiling Through”, and a “Blondie” film — and preferred the latter. Called for the children and returned home as we had come. They had been quite good, Mum said.

20 MON Back in harness after good week-end off. On river duties, and weather being fine, enjoyed both trips out. During lunch hour, read Winifred Holtby’s “S. Ridg” and find it interesting. Baby disturbed our rest last night, and when I reached home, I was very tired. Did not achieve very much, but Kay and I had a romp, and many a laugh with our children, instead.

22 WED Peculiar day first thing — dull grey mist, almost like a fog. Did not prevent us going afloat, however. Received phone call from Kay asking me to meet her at Morden, where, however, we were too late to get John’s Cod Liver Oil and his Blackcurrant juice. Went to Mum’s and arranged for her to look after kiddies while Kay does job tomorrow.

23 THU Kiddies now sleeping well in small Box room on double bed mum gave us. The curtaining of this room completes our (temporary) upstairs blackouts. There was another mist as described yesterday, but river work was light. A second-hand bicycle, Betty’s size, was available from a neighbour at £3, which Kay and I purchased after deliberation. Betty delighted, cycled to Mum’s where Dad approved purchase, and gave her a pump for it.

25 SAT Nearly overdid it this morning, somehow forgot to set the alarm before retiring and became worried at 6.30 am (usual time of rising = 5.50 am) when it seemed so late. Had to “get cracking” (current Americanism), but caught my connections as usual, eating my mid-day sandwiches as breakfast at work. Some anxiety having a very conscientious PO, whether I should leave office for half day on time, but did so and looked after John and Beryl, whilst Kay and Betty shopped in Wimbledon at ease. Fed John with cows milk by bottle, of which he did not much approve: and had to do some washing of both kiddies as well as nappy changing. Kay and Betty returned at 7 pm, pleased with their purchases, considering I had acquitted myself with kiddies well.

27 MON Something to do on the stations and plenty of activity on the "Harpy", chiefly conversations on yesterday’s “events”, which I am precluded from mentioning owing to war circumstances. Beautiful weather conveyed good spirits to all our crowd. Kay was a trifle exasperated with the kiddies, but before evening was out, her good nature returned, and she sat embroidering whilst I read exerts of “S.Ridg” to her. A clever book.

29 WED High winds of last few days became a gale overnight, with consequent damage to fences etc. It was accompanied by brilliant sunshine in the day time. By time I reached home, my own fence had been righted by Agent’s men with great improvement to garden appearance. Mum had been. Kay had met an old friend (Mrs Wright):and was very cheerful.

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