ĂŰŃż´«Ă˝

MAY 1942

2 SAT Fires abolished on "Harpy", so it chose to be cold and dull: awaiting signal to start out in the Common Room, I felt it very cold about my knees. The chill of the early morning (clocks 2 hours ahead of actual (Greenwich) time), became a beautiful day, warm and sunny, so that riding in a launch, at a time when all other City workers were home on their Saturday half day, had it’s compensations. Kay told me that brother Sidney had rung up, saying he was on 48 hours leave, and at Mum’s. So after my meal, we all went down to Fairway, and awaited Mum, who was out, and surprised to see us all assembled. Sid looking fine: Kay much impressed by his appearance. Doll joyous. Kiddies kept assembly amused. Returned 9 pm.

3 SUN We reached Regent’s Canal conveniently from the "Harpy", landing from the launch at a near spot, so this outside station was not a trouble at all. At home, Beryl developed a nasty cold, but rest of family cheerful, Kay and Betty having made a commencement on the border of the back garden and planted a few seeds to their pride. Later, they went walking together to Cannon Hill.

4 MON Little John was whimpering and Beryl was barking with a graveyard cough in a most restless night. Transferred to "Harpy" Rummage instead of a less suitable Reserve Officer: work not wearying, but nevertheless, felt inordinately tired when I reached home. A ready made job of lino laying schemed by Kay to fill my evening, did not please me and made me sullen. There were, of course, words. All well later.

9 SAT Return to work: glad to be back in the old routine. One or two solicitous enquiries. Not fully well, but iniquitous system whereby a Saturday absentee is penalised by not being allowed to earn following Sunday’s overtime, forces me back to work — and maybe, pass infection on to my colleagues! Half day allowed in spite of circumstances, and I looked after Beryl and John whilst Kay and Betty went to Raynes Park and Wimbledon, shopping.

10 SUN Varying weather giving many people colds: mine progressing “favourably”. This morning, a very cold wind: and launching with wind and tide against us, not very pleasant. Afternoon somewhat better. As arranged with Mum, 6/5, relieved Kay of children so that she could go with her to Trinity Church evensong to hear Roy sing in “Prodigal Son”. Wet through on return (10 pm): rain almost all night.

11 MON A dark damp mist, so that we could hardly see the bridges from "Harpy": lights on all morning. Patrolled wharves and through some city stations unvisited since great fire “blitz” of December 1940. Unimaginable demolition! With the size of London, it is hard for a Londoner to know his London. Very tired, Kay and I treated ourselves to an “early night”, Kay taking her book. Possible to read up till 10 o’clock.

13 WED Went over to the "Harpy" for my early morning toilet, and left Custom House for home, arriving at the time of frying bacon (what a glorious smell after a night watch!) Slept until late dinner and played with children afterwards, until they were put to bed, when Kay and Betty went to cinema, and I cleared house.

14 THU A miss-statement in yesterday’s entry. Kay and Betty went to cinema and returned just after I had made my entry, being unable to get in. Returned to Rummage duties, still slack, however. Had a determined try to discipline Beryl’s table manners, and gave her a slap or two. At present, she is very badly behaved, and John, though only 9 months, has similar tantrums. Kay and Betty tried cinema again in evening, successfully, but late.

16 SAT Repeat of yesterday’s watch, 2/10, this time to some purpose. Morning did not pass so successfully as yesterday. — the fire wouldn’t light and Betty’s bike needed servicing when she was already bedecked for her dancing lesson — and so on. But the kiddies were finally dressed, fed, and washed, and a rushed dinner (but a good one, I must say), provided by 12.30, and I was on duty in ample time. Due to a dilatory arrival at the ship, we found the honours gone to the opposition (Surrey) Rummage crew, and we failed to acquit ourselves. Kay out on quick visit to Mum’s when I returned home, and Betty looking after children (in bed). She returned in excellent (fighting) spirits at 10.45.

17 SUN By having dinner at same time as on last 2/10 Rummage duty days, and also an early tea (4.30), I was able to have all meals except supper at home, in comfort, and also lighten my attaché load. Kay, Betty and I spent afternoon in front garden, Kay and Betty weeding, self, mowing lawn clipped Friday. Mower newly sharpened, it cost 10/-: goes well, but lawn uneven. Firewatching at Custom House. Spent evening on "Harpy" until 10 pm.

18 MON Hard for comrades in firewatchers dormitory. 2 watchers, who either got in and out of bed, or else were snoring loudly. In consequence, had very little rest. Tramping round the upper reaches of the Thames, owing to the absence, for domestic reasons, of the Upper Coast APO did not improve matters, and in the afternoon, both Kay and I and the children took a rest. I was left alone later whilst Kay and Betty paid weekly visit to cinema. John’s first tooth.

19 TUE Second day relieving Upper River. Occasional showers of rain, but not enough to spoil the pleasantness of renewing old associations. Very tiring work though, especially after a disturbed night with John. Laid down in afternoon: gave John and Beryl tea whilst Kay shopped. Later, helped her with domestic work whilst she baked. Net curtains in front room look fine.

21 THU Last day up-river: fairly easy day, not so much walking as on previous days, which tired me out. Spent afternoon with children. Mum came after tea: talked of Winnie Meridith’s wedding — to which she had been invited. I contribute to the present. Kindly offered to change ration books for Kay to save her the trouble.

23 SAT Either the prized orange (very scarce now) or the supper I hurriedly ate last night caused me a violent attack of sickness etc. in the night, so that I was unable to go to work.

28 THU Half day changed to today, but was able to notify Kay by phone, and met her at Morden for John’s orange juice and shopping. Then we went back to Mum’s for Beryl and John, and for dinner, but were persuaded to leave them longer still and go to cinema together (quite easily!). Saw an excellent programme (Gary Cooper, “Ball of Fire”) and back at Mum’s, finished off day there, with radio gram and in garden.

29 FRI Still rainy-cum-sunny weather. More than our share of rain this month: June should be beautiful. Paid £7 away as soon as I received my salary — for rent, on my way home from work. Library I called at yesterday:- “Spanish Farm” by K.H.Mottram (trilogy) and “ABC of Basic English” — hope to learn something from latter.

30 SAT Across the City by bus to the pay office (City Gate House, Finsbury Square.) in bright weather, but the afternoon run down in launch, was in dirty weather — it being one of the dull periods. I was relieving the river - man on his half day. I was able to concentrate on the difficult job of replacing a broken handle fitment on my every day attaché (in which my steel helmet is carried to and fro for use if necessary, either end: also food, books etc.) Did this successfully and gave case a polish.

31 SUN On duty at Shadwell, but first called "Harpy" for uniform etc., travelling with PO to station by road. Weather brightening; when I reached home, found the Sunday lawn-cutting done by Kay and Betty, and also the hedge clipped. I went into garden in evening in particular to bale and mop out Anderson shelter, having heard of last night’s gigantic raid on Cologne and expecting reprisals.

JUNE 1942

1 MON A very full day on river duties and visiting ships. Apart from joining and leaving station, was only in for an hour’s lunch. Fortunately, day lived up to it’s name — “Glorious 1st June”. At home, children were able to play in garden where Kay clipped the lawn yesterday.. I removed initial turfs for making vegetable garden, and put them as earth cover onto the shelter. Felt revival of interest in gardening.

2 TUE Now the really fine weather seems to have set in. The cruise over the River Station was pleasant, although visiting shipping, not so, when I was nearly twisted off a long rope ladder, 40 feet down a ship’s side, into the Thames mud. Kay and I spent evening in garden and, after having cultivated a patch for 2 days, I was able to do some real digging, and feel I had really achieved something.

3 WED Haze betokened very hot day, which it became later. Visited a ship on which the crew had been fighting, and saw evidence of it! A voluble engineer made vigorous protest to me about his captain’s behaviour, until pointed out, I represented Customs, not Admiralty. Part of evening in garden again, and another 1½ yards square dug.

4 THU Another hot day, Kay feeling it badly, being also seedy. Assigned to drawing launch crew’s wages from City Gate House (about £60) and thereafter went for half day and took in a few flowers to cheer her. What was more effective, perhaps, was a 6” saucepan I queued up for at Woolworth’s — 1/6d, being almost unobtainable now. Betty went on Common dancing.

8 MON Relief from the heat - the day was cloudy and a cool wind blowing. The “Wharves” station was a light job and was beneficial, principally for the walk and chance of some air. Another notification of a First Aid and Anti-Gas course on attendance sheet: I added my name.

9 TUE Sky overcast all day. Activity on "Harpy" as Hon Board of Customs went afloat in Gravsend, twin engined Quaranta launch — “Lynx”, especially brought up for purpose. Sir Sidney Lutyen’s, architect, rumoured as also present, re bomb damage to riverside government buildings. Very tired in evening, as was Kay, who was also depressed with a very good reason too. Did odd jobs about house.

10 WED Routed out old evening school book: “Masters of English Literature”. (S. Gwynn), and revived my interest in the Victorian novelists — my favourites. Will remind library of their promise to get “Villete” (C. Bronte) for me. Did some shopping in City, all things dear now: one item, ordinary toilet roll 1/3d, pre-war, about 6d. Kay still suffering physical consequences of weaning John.

11 THU The removal of "Harpy" companion whose political and social reform views have exasperated us for months, led to a welcome peace upon the pontoon. Such an associate can be a menace to one’s peace of mind. ĂŰŃż´«Ă˝ward bound, I visited library where “Villete” had been sent to Fairway for me. Betty went to public dancing in nearby recreation ground.

14 SUN Missed bus into work today and had to walk ½ hour into Morden. Not so very late for work. Spent time, when not afloat, changing civilians for brass buttons on uniform, à la mobile (tomorrow). Ron Banks honoured us by coming to tea. Vera, this week in London also with us too, so made a nice party. Went to the “Beverley” (my first visit) and had a good chat.

15 MON Attached to mobile Rummage, reporting on "Harpy". Of the activity of this crew, for war reasons, (in case I should lose this diary), I am not able to report (indeed, this applies to general work too). Purchased boots (30/-) on way home, as shoes let in coal dust, grain etc when rummaging. Did some marking, gloves and these boots in case of loss. Kay helped me with fixing of repaired hall black-out. Tired after yesterday.

16 TUE Again on tour with Mobile Rummage, seeing the country (principally Essex including Dagenham!). A long day in which I saw many stations, particularly in connection with War Effort, notifying Kay at 8 of my homecoming., but not arriving till 9.15 pm, after which there was but little time for supper and bed. I missed not seeing my children — except, of course, asleep.

17 WED In the course of today’s pleasant journeying, saw a most marvellous Kentish view, including long tracts of fruit and hop growing country. The “mobility” of our crew is certainly a delight to me, if the long hours are not! ĂŰŃż´«Ă˝ ½ hour earlier than yesterday, but time available for recreation about the same: very tired though.

18 THU Work did not necessitate so much travel: indeed, the state of business is easier. Visited Fishmonger’s Hotel for luncheon, where is run the “Londoners’ Meal Service” (I have been once or twice lately) and had: Baked ham roll, greens and potatoes = 9d: rice and sultanas = 3d. Good value for money.

19 FRI Ditto re work as 18/6. Found time to read deeply of “Villete” by Charlotte Bronte, gradually becoming interesting. A really great writer. Kiddies all very well: Kay and I spent an hour or so playing, etc. I put on gramophone, nursery rhymes for Beryl, which John liked also (i.e. music), and Kay told the story of “Three Bears” and “Red Riding Hood”. Thereafter, listened to a radio play, and “Irish Half Hour” and went to bed early.

20 SAT Half day’s not being acknowledged on the Mobile, I spent morning and afternoon on duty. Went home by way of South Wimbledon and Raynes Park, calling at the library where, Victorian novelists, being fashionable just now, I selected a work of Charles Reade’s (not “The Cricket…”). I have always enjoyed these novelists. Went on to Mum’s, where she invited me to tea, having secured a rarity — some kippers. Kay being advised by phone, I accepted, Kay and kiddies coming up later and all returning home together.

21 SUN Although up at 8 getting kiddies downstairs, and then marshalling them for dinner, took up till 1 pm., when I left for 2/10 watch. There were certain activities during this watch, (but see 15/6).

22 MON Resumption of ordinary Mobile times: more likable. Glorious day: run in car enjoyable. Employed as fire-guard in evening. Mr Maloney and I visited roof and examined fire fighting apparatus of the Custom House in this capacity. Also, we played a game of table tennis in the games-room. Filled in 3 of our ration books. Retired 11.

23 TUE A reasonable night’s rest, such as can be secured by a determined person in a strange dormitory, between blankets and subject to many interruptions during night. 6 firefighters in this dormitory. Felt better after bacon and egg breakfast, and a good wash and shave. Was allowed away a little early.

24 WED Called in Mum on way home and had tea there. My object was to collect a £3 “Ingersoll” wrist watch which Dad had for me. Mum has prospect of part-time work with the B.T.H. Is also Hon. Sec. National savings group.

26 FRI German’s 100 miles within Egypt, talk of collected colleagues today: disappointment acute. Secured at a price, gooseberries and cherries: With the gooseberries, Kay hopes to make jam, whilst the cherries gave the children some fun, hung them from ears etc. Dad called with fountain pen for Mum’s Birthday.

27 SAT Betty appeared as a gipsy in a show by Miss Strictland at the vicar of St. Saviour’s garden party at Grand Drive Vicarage this afternoon. Admission was 3d, but dancing on the lawn (to piano) and side-shows continued till 9.30 when we called at the Vicarage garden homeward bound from Mum’s. Betty’s dancing was only moderately good, owing to her short tuition with Miss S., but many pupils (ages about 4 to 14) showed promise. Went with Mum, and home with Mum to tea at Fairway — on lawn, in keeping with the outdoor afternoon. All enjoyed ourselves, Beryl on lawn and swing; Kay piano and reading, John on each person’s knee. Walk pram home about 10.

28 SUN For my regular Canal Sunday duty, joined at the "Harpy" and proceeded thence by launch. During course of duty, had a most interesting chat on a subject normally taboo in the Waterguard — Religion. My PO was like myself:- not a partisan but open to enlightenment. Exchanged notes on religious books read etc. Evening, Kay, Betty and Beryl out for a stroll; I with John.

30 TUE Heard Kay forbidding Betty’s dancing lessons this morning, ere I went out: not quite satisfied with Miss Strictland’s showing I believe. (see 27/6). May change dancing for singing. Stayed late at work: not home till 9.30, and bed straight after. Outside temperature whilst rummaging, 80 deg: perspiration dripping from caps. Weather culminating in great storm, with terrific drops of rain. Children not afraid.

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