- Contributed byÌý
- nottinghamcsv
- People in story:Ìý
- Eric Middleton, Winifred Sarah Elizabeth Middleton, Edwin B Tomlinson, Doris Lockwood, Ann Elizabeth Middleton, George William Middleton, Sarah Jane Middleton, Robert Middleton
- Location of story:Ìý
- Rainham, Essex
- Background to story:Ìý
- Civilian
- Article ID:Ìý
- A5738501
- Contributed on:Ìý
- 14 September 2005
"This story was submitted to the People's War site by CSV/´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Nottingham on behalf of Eric Middleton with his permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions"
April 21st 1941 Monday
Hooray! Its my birthday. I had had a lovely dinner last night and cream! it was lovely. They Mother has a very nasty cough. - Dr and ever since Saturday she to take her down to Leigh this though we shall be able to go. ten cards and a telegram. We all pork, greens & potatoes, fruit thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I think she will have to see the has had a bad headache. I wanted weekend, but doesn't look as though we shall be able to go.
April 22nd 1941 Tuesday
Found a lovely bunch of flowers on my desk this morning from Mr. Lewis's garden. Wasn't that nice of him? Edwin telephoned to-day, didn't know anything about Saturday!! The Council put half the roof back yesterday. I have a nasty sore throat to-day. I am thinking of popping down to Maude's to-night to know how they are.
May 7th 1941 Wednesday
Edwin phoned 10 am He may be home on 48 hrs leave at the weekend, but won't know for certain until Friday night. Sid received his papers last night. Has to report to Warrington
Thursday 15th May.
May 8th 1941 Thursday
Very cold this morning although its nice and bright. Father developed a most terrible cold on Saturday so very wisely spent the day in bed on Sunday, consequently seems much better now. Mr Sharp took Mother and I to Romford on Saturday - Mother was horrified at the crowds and the idea of crossing the roads.
May 9th 1941 Friday
Edwin arrived 9.45 pm. I had just gone to bed but heard his footsteps coming up the path and so leapt out of bed to greet him!
May 10th 1941 Saturday
Edwin met me from the train about 1 pm. We spent the afternoon over in the 'Hut'. Edwin put the shelves back into position. It looks as good as new now. Just going to bed at 11 pm when siren went.
May 11th 1941 Sunday
Very heavy raid on London last night Dad and Edwin got up about 12.30 am AA was very heavy. I stayed in bed, felt a bit nervous so put my head under the clothes and consequently went right off to sleep!! Edwin and Mother came in to me three times but I was fast asleep!! The last time, I awoke to find Edwin bending over me with his Tin Hat on. I couldn't make out where I was! They all went back to bed about 2 am.. We brought 33 down ! It was the heaviest attack on the Capital ever made. Salvation Army Headquarters gone! Thousands out of work, no gas, water or electricity. All telephones out of order.
May 12th 1941 Monday
Maude, Ethel came yesterday afternoon. I went up to Town to see Edwin off. Mr Sharp took us in the car to Barking 6 pm. Then we had a trolley bus from there to Whitechapel, and we had to walk from there to London Bridge! It was terrible. Fire engines down every road!! Heaps of places still burning fiercely. No trains from L B but a coach for the services. I left Edwin in the queue at 8 pm and he arrived back 1.15 am !! I had to walk all the way back to Whitechapel!! Eventually arrived home 10 pm We had a marvellous weekend though. Weather was lovely too.
May 13th 1941 Tuesday
Went to the pictures and saw Deanna Durbin in "Spring Parade". It was a very good film so glad I didn't miss it. She has a lovely voice, first time I have seen her. I enjoyed it very much although it made me cry. Stayed at Barking for the night. S joins up Thursday 15th May R.A.O.C. Has to report to Warrington.
May 17th 1941 Saturday
Beautiful day. Took Mother over to the 'Hut' and I actually did some weeding!! Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, very warm. It is Greater Londons 17th - 24th War Weapons Week, including London too - they are striving for £100,000,000!! Ilford comes in that too, They are trying to get £500,000 and the very first da4y got over half, £268,000!! Isn't it marvelous. I’11 put the result when I know. £120,000,000 odd!! Isn't that wonderful.
May 18th 1941 Sunday
Mrs Crawley came out with her cousin and Charlie. We took Mother for a lovely walk. They all thoroughly enjoyed it. Weather ideal, very warm. She wants to bring her Mother soon. Went home about 8 pm They did appreciate the garden and the "Hut".
May 19th 1941 Monday
Met Mother, Mrs McLean & Will at the Rio. Saw Will Hay and Claude Hulbert in "Ghost of St Michel". Very funny indeed. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Arrived home about 8.45 pm Telephone lines still out of order.
May 20th 1941 Tuesday
I am going down the High Road lunch time to buy my Certificate. Must make it a rule to get one every 20th. I had to wait 20 minutes in the National Selling Centre, the W.W.W. is going very well indeed, they have passed a quarter of the amount in two days. Went up to Mrs McLean's last night. She is going to buy me some satin for the B.D. No letter from Edwin I do hope he is alright. Very cold to-day.
May 2lst 1941 Wednesday
Met the postman this morning and still no letter from Edwin. Its over a week now since I have heard from him. It is a lovely day — much warmer. Am going to see Mrs R tonight, hope to catch the 8.39pm train.
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