ĂŰŃż´«Ă˝

MARCH 1941

1 SAT Almost all staff took half days today and I remained “on call” for CPO’s and telephone. Arrived home to find two letters, one from Kay and an unexpected demand for 5s/1d gas charge, owing to a defective meter at the house I left over two months ago! Wrote to them questioning the basis of their assessment. One or two short raids. Jack came in from skating at Streatham, having been part organiser of an affair there, and had a successful evening.

2 SUN 8/4 Surrey Dock. Travelling difficulties: walked in pouring rain (and wind, lost hat on way) to Wimbledon Chase and then travelled in 152 bus which had come from Grand Drive! Arrived in fairly reasonable time, anyway. Dad, in ĂŰŃż´«Ă˝ Guard, out in rain in exposed position. Mum to church to see Roy in choir.

3 MON Dad’s turn guard overnight: coming so soon on top of yesterday’s manoeuvres he has had very little spare time or rest: quite cheerful in morning, though. Attached to London Dock officer for today and tomorrow = a little fresh air and exercise. George stayed evening and overnight. Wrote letter to Kay.

4 TUE The air was hardly “fresh” as I walked to and from Shadwell office, if anything it was foggy. Met water guard surveyor there: with contractors re surface shelter, already wrongly sited he told me. Into Wimbledon shopping, there by accident, met Mum, Roy, Doll and Sid in uniform looking fit and well.

5 WED Posted off to Beryl coat set which we finally bought at Morden yesterday. The day had ended with card playing etc. and a promise from Sid to come again before his leave ends Monday. Sid and Doll stayed overnight and went with Mum and Roy in afternoon to see “Great Dictator”, Shannon Corner. Mum and Roy not greatly impressed.

8 SAT My little girl’s birthday. My wishes were sent by card yesterday, but I have repeatedly thought of her throughout the day. In particular, I have imagined her trying on the bonnet, coat and leggings (in green cloth) from the parcel I sent Wednesday marked “not to be opened till March 8th”. It cost me 29s/11d, Mum putting her usual half crown towards. The Coop dividend, (at a scandalously low rate of 6d in the pound) due to us on Kay’s purchases when at Elm Walk will all help. Mum had gratification of having all her six sons together today — family gathering in Sid’s honour, much to satisfy; and evenings diversion.

9 SUN Off duty as I rather expected at the present rate of Sunday duty allocations to Reserve. Dad was away on duty at Crown House and Roy away at church morning and evening. All our visitors enjoyed themselves — Billiards, books, chess, radio and records. Hearty good-bye to Sid who returns to camp tomorrow.

10 MON Almost like summer weather, after a dull beginning sun shone brilliantly, my PO boldly leaving off his overcoat in afternoon! A very busy day, on go from early morning till 3.15 pm — then clerical. Passed by (unexploded) bomb. Hole with merely board warning — no roped off area at all — the British way of doing things.

12 WED The busy period in Surrey Dock continues. In the afternoon, at 3 pm to be precise, the first intimation of the unexploded bomb referred to above was given us. In interim, might have been blown to bits! Night raids almost every night.

14 FRI Weather conditions were as yesterday and walking round the dock was almost pleasurable. My PO and I were out on the job at 8.45 till 3.45 pm, with a ¾ hour break for lunch mid-day. Great jubilation over recorded number of night raiders shot down last night — 13 in all.

15 SAT Did the 8 hours working day in 5 hours and had leisurely half day. Chose one of Dad’s encyclopaedias (now banished to the shed) and spent a couple of hours perusing it. It brought home to me how encyclopaedias become dated. This was published in 1906 and some of it’s statements and pictures are amusing in their antiquity. I hope I shall be satisfied with referring to library “Encyclopaedia Britannica” and not buy a set in the future. Raid was on, and our AA guns let out violent salvoes at intervals.

19 WED Foggy and cold this morning, like yesterday, only I did not record it. Workmen busy concreting the shelter which will shortly be ready for habitation. This is relieving, for the recent raids on Clyde and Merseyside have caused hundreds of deaths and casualties. Passed the morning profitably, Roy came home for half day at 1 pm and I was left from 1.30 — 2.30 pm, when I wrote Kay.

20 THU Intense air raid in Surrey Dock and environs last night, - 2 this
morning. On board “Aircrest” fit up by Montroues Victualling Yol and Furness Shed fires target for bombs which 3 or 4 times straddled Dock and sank mine sweeper, ex paddle-steamers, immediately opposite us. Contrast: to Wimbledon Regal “Dr Kildare (Lew Ayers) Goes ĂŰŃż´«Ă˝â€ť — moderate.

22 SAT The Depford Creek part of the Surrey Dock night station causes some trouble and the PO had to make a second visit there early this morning. At home, found anxious letter from Kay awaiting me: worried re my safety Wednesday night, as in a letter sent Wednesday morning I had inadvertently mentioned being on night duty that evening. Sorry to have frightened her in her condition (baby expected August). Wrote back assurance by return. Roy sat for special part of “Special place exam” having yesterday informed us of his success in first part. Worked his arithmetic paper for him later. Mum and Roy — “Rialto”, Jack ice skating, Dad, ĂŰŃż´«Ă˝ Guard, I, alone.

23 SUN Cold damp (some snow) and dull day. Dad working to extend electrical current to newly finished shelter found it extremely so -, and had a tot of rum to warm him up. For first time, went to cinema on a Sunday, the recommended film being “Fr without tears”. Went with Jack, moderate entertainment. Roy and Mum to church.

24 MON Blessed with “Monday morning feeling”, clear headed and energetic: I’m thankful I often feel that way nowadays. Joined Civil Service War Distress Fund, 1/- per month, to help the unfortunate (maybe self too). Official “Receiver of Wreck” for the day, replacing APO at the B’nn’g Gd. Journey to Custom House on official business.

27 THU Crown require 2 passport photographs from each of us in order that we shall have proper dock passports. Went to the Morden photographers for the purpose and had it done - 3 copies for one shilling. Spent rest of morning making refs. in Dad’s encyclopaedias. Work 4 — mid-night. Quiet.

28 FRI The sixth night passed without any raid on Britain. As I resume day watch tomorrow (to allow the proper man to do his night watch and Sunday duty) I was glad it was so. Slept mid-day. George came evening, Visiting Elsie by night train; from London 1.30 am to Ilfracombe. Dad now painting shelter interior.

29 SAT Back to getting up at 5.45 am and not displeased about it either. The job for which I was intended — the receiver of “Wreck”, was taken over by the proper “Receiver of Wrecks”, who returned from sick leave. Was allowed away from Surrey Dock early to collect my passport photo’s from Morden. On Monday, I am to return to my base — the "Harpy". Had a leisurely evening in which I read some more of Bertrand Russell’s book “The Conquest of Happiness”. Roy had a couple of pals in, so reading was done with difficulty! They played “Monopoly” with Mum after tea. Jack and I spent about one hour doing chess problem.

30 SUN Gusty wind and rain showers in night, which probably accounted for our eighth raid free night. Dad went off for practice “invasion” at 9.30 am, Roy to choir at Wimbledon Trinity, I busied myself preserving furniture upstairs, and as Jack — as usual — remained abed till 1.30 pm. Again chess, (Mum & Roy) in evening.

31 MON Short “alert” in night. Thick frost when I set out for "Harpy". Conditions there much the same as when I went to Surrey on 7th (e.g. ?? etc.). Assisted in the office as the office PO was sick. Sent off Kay’s money, now have the pleasure of hearing in reply.

APRIL 1941

1 TUE Replaced a colleague who felt queer, and unfit to battle against the cold wind and rain. This unfortunate fellow would have reported sick, but previous sicknesses put him on ÂĽ pay in such a case. Secured a spare locker on the "Harpy". Dad ĂŰŃż´«Ă˝ Guard, Reading SR magazines. Round fire evening.

4 FRI Assisting in office again up till noon. George Edney visited us during the morning and confided in me some of his married life history. To “Elite” in afternoon. Saw an engrossing sentimental drama with Bette Davis and Charles Boyer “All This and Heaven Too” Jack to rink, rest home round fire. Wrote (part) Kay.

5 SAT I was fire watching during the night so had an awakening at 2 and 4 am. There was no “alert” so that conditions for the watching were only “be about”. The office PO returning to duty I once again became the London Dock APO, an outdoor job, but took over telephone in afternoon. Sid came home, surprisingly for a weekend. Mum and Roy visited all Raynes Park tobacconists for cigarettes of which there is a shortage in Sid’s camp. Sid due back mid-night tomorrow.

6 SUN 8/4 London Dock. Worked the absentee’s Sunday for him, though sorry to do it as he loses the overtime and is only getting ¼ weekday pay (see 1/4/41). Dull and foggy. Saw river magnetic mine sweepers at work. Cannot record herein dropped mine effects unfortunately (unwise). Mum and Roy to church.

7 MON London Dock APO. Passed through the dock and on to Shadwell pier head. What a sight! Back by riverside road to St. Kitt’s: dull and depressing walk. Sent off 12 shilling postal order to Kay: 2 shillings from Mum, and 5 shillings + 2 shillings and six pence + 2 shillings and six pence from myself, for Easter. Dad, ĂŰŃż´«Ă˝ Guard all night, George came and stayed overnight.

8 TUE Not much sleep early morning, air raid up till 5 am, distant and local gunfire. Jack with severe cold, but slept right through it. Much speculation about income tax payable, at office. Budget increased it from 8 shillings and 6 pence to 10 shillings in the pound last night. Patrolled London Dock and wharves. Bought eggs for Mum and Roy.

9 WED Repetition of yesterday’s experience — aircraft passing over all night with constant AA fire. Although shipping is not brisk, managed to keep pretty busy during turn off duty. Called at Morden Co-op on way home re roses for Kay on 16th, our 10th wedding anniversary, Price to be 10 shillings a dozen! Evening listening in and making references.

11 GOODFRI Decreed an ordinary working day by government, but those whose income is adversely affected, by decree, continue to earn overtime as usual. Out in launch a couple of times, visited shipping, Afternoon sun was glorious. Completed first volume “Mrs Fitz…” (see 10/4) Made usual references at night. Roy and Mum decorated birthday cake.

12 EASTERSAT Only half day’s work and my holiday commenced. Off duty till Tuesday morning. A vessel from Portugal had wine on which duty had to be taken and afterwards, paid in at Adelaide House (near end of London Bridge), the Custom House long room being unused since House received it’s bomb last December. Afternoon, did some shopping and took 2nd volume of “Mrs Fitz…” from library. Dad hard at work concreting earth air raid shelter, which itself is now painted green and white inside and provided with shelf (and clock), bed-chair and seats. Fred paid us a surprise visit at 9.30 pm to collect Mum’s Easter gifts to Keith and Pam.

13 EASTERSUN Deep impression on my mind this morning on the happiness of giving, which I mean to introduce more into my own family. Roy’s genuine excitement at two packages at my breakfast place, containing sweetmeats, was exquisite. Went for stroll this morning, to Wimbledon Odeon in afternoon to see “The Woman”. Dad to ĂŰŃż´«Ă˝ Guard, already had a hard day at work.

16 WED Broken sleep through AA fire intermittently throughout night: common observation “somebody got it!” London dock duties are tiring; although weather was fine. The walk from (and sometimes to and from) Shadwell office, visiting shipping en route is unpleasant in distance and surroundings. 10th wedding anniversary, received letter from Kay assuring me of love and regard.

17 THU Well, we “got it” (see 16/4) early this morning! 4 bombs dropped so close at 2.30 that I got up from bed in case attack was developing here. Everybody seemed to have bombs nearby, and the "Harpy" night watch had a hot time. There were land mines at Morden and sea mines in river. Traffic disorganised.

18 FRI Dad was the first person about this morning having been on ĂŰŃż´«Ă˝ Guard. There was a warning overnight but no activity over London. Not a great deal of work about. Almost finished “Mrs Fitzh…” (see 10/4), have learned much about her and her times. Have now a longing for “fact” as against “fiction” reading. Letter from Kay, received roses.

20 SUN Fierce air raid all night again, but nothing dropped locally as on Thursday morning. Dad gave me best part of his day repairing and scraping our tea wagon, which returned to the furniture room in good condition and ready to be painted to Kay’s taste. Mum and Roy to church. I wrote Kay.

21 MON As there was business in the London Dock, I was designated the lesser business, St Kitt’s Dock and wharves, by the PO. Office windows and frames blown in and part ceiling down, due effects of land mine meant for Tower Bridge, but our work goes on! Saw Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland in “Start up the Band” Rialto.

23 WED Dad was on ĂŰŃż´«Ă˝ Guard all night, there was no London raid, but two “alerts”. Posted off to Sid, nearly ÂŁ3 - worth of cigarettes, as the boys at his camp are unable to obtain any. My own PO absent sick. Visited shipping with St Kitt’s PO. Weather low cloud and very cold, felt loss of overcoat (see 22/4). Doll spent evening with us. Revised for promotion.

27 SUN 8/4 London Dock (=”Shadwell”). Attached to an old friend, Mr Tom Bell, with whom I spent a pleasant day. He had to admit the damage to our dock surpassed that lower river. Dad in garden, Jack and George went to see Fred, Roy and Mum to church.

28 MON George and Jack reported Fred now has motorbike, an allotment as well as his long garden: well, save children have coughs. Picked up the lesser liked pair of PO’s for work in the dock, and had a full day’s work there. Arrived home tired, but wrote a letter to Kay before going up. Informed Sid received cigarettes (23/4), and uncle George’s bungalow at Southend, damaged.

29 TUE Spent day on, and walking to and from our ships in London Dock. Altogether a full day amid all the ugliness and desolation, the state to which this dock is now reduced: would wish for employment in more beautiful surroundings. Received 2 long letters from Kay; added a note to yesterday’s letter not yet posted.

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