大象传媒

OCTOBER 1942

1 THU
It has been overcast and rainy just lately, but this morning, the down river trip was blessed with sunshine. During my lunch hour, sent off my 拢7/10s premium to Royal Exchange Assurance. Reasonable lunch at Fishmongers Hall- beef, potatoes, cabbage and Yorkshire; pudding and sauce = 9d, tea 1陆d. Doctors with Kay in evening. Kay has septic tonsils. Bill for illness: 15s.

4 SUN
Worked one of the 鈥淥utside鈥� Sunday鈥檚 today at Regent鈥檚 Canal Dock. Met a PO there who had been absent from duty with anaemia for many months, who had a most unhealthy pallor. Kay had to register for fire watching at British Restaurant, Grand Drive, but the crowd was so large, and Kay felt bad, that we went on to Fairway and visited Mum instead.

5 MON
Kay registers for firewatching at Council Office, Morden Hall this morning and arranged her priority eggs and milk supply at the food office. Scanned shop window cards for adverts for prams, but none for sale, very scarce. Took wheel off own pram and sent to be retyred.

6 TUE
River duties this week, weather bracing, but sometimes cold. Ordered out fire watching before due date, so allowed home to facilitate provision of extra food etc. Reported Custom House at 7 pm, new group of fire watchers with myself only, knowing the House, it鈥檚 gas etc mains, therefore made duty officer for the night.. Luckily, no 鈥渁lert鈥�. Contacted City Wardens office in case of emergency.

7 WED
Broken sleep in strange (ARP Officer鈥檚) bed, and due to seeing all personnel back in house before retiring, lead to overwhelming tiredness by afternoon. Kay did not improve matters by having a big fire and I was practically done up all evening. However, did the evening routine jobs 鈥� black-out etc as usual.

11 SUN
A sort of chill 鈥淚ndian summer鈥� today and the river trip was in brilliant sunshine, though fresh. George, who was to be guest of honour, had been recalled from leave, but to our surprise, turned up en route to new depot.

13 TUE
Kay is not to do any heavy work, and feeling anxious, I phoned up on my road to shipping this morning. I think it was a timely reminder. Helped her in the evening a little. Received visit from organizer road fire party wanting me to extend fire watching duties above 48 hours in City. NO!

14 WED
Called at food office and secured priority egg permit for Kay.

15 THU
A clear blue sky and a pleasant sunlight making the day quite pleasant for duty purposes. By arrangement, met Kay with Beryl at Tooting where there was some shopping to do. A quite reasonably priced jumper for Betty (now almost 11) cost 7s-8d; we want a chamber pot for bedroom, which were 6d each at Woolworths before war, now 3s-11d!

16 FRI
I left home after tea for 7 pm firewatch. Spent time in "Harpy" galley.

17 SAT
The night was uneventful, and a colleague and I spent an uneasy night in the larger of the fire fighters dormitories, alone (the majority of the fire guards were crowded into a smaller room!). Not being on duty in Room 11 till 4 pm, I was free to go home at 7.30 am, after washing and shaving on "Harpy". At home, I gave my attention to adjustments to 3 of our black-outs and felt satisfied with the improvements.

18 SUN
Finished the watch in room 11 at 8 am. Betty starts at Merton C of E Central School tomorrow, having reached the limit of age (i.e. 11) for attendance at Hillcross.

19 MON
John was rather troublesome all night, and I finally gave in and made him a third bottle 鈥� against all protestations from Kay. As a result, he wet himself from head to foot, was uncovered and caught cold. Mummies know best! Betty liked her new school. They are not a mixed class, and teachers are socialists. Kay took John to 2nd stage immunization. I left 2.30 for room eleven.

20 TUE
Can now manage the typing duties in room 11, and the 4 pm to 8 am watch becomes much pleasanter. Home by 9, Kay had breakfast ready soon after. John still stuffed with cold and Beryl getting one. Had an enjoyable 2 hours with Kay and our kiddies to gramophone etc. Happy days..

22 THU
Room 11 work was quite unbearable with this feeling and the absence of warmth. Fires are forbidden till 1/11. Kay went to Morden after plimsolls for Betty 鈥� very scarce.

24 SAT
Homeward bound from Room 11, I visited Dr Powell-Evans in connection with general debility often felt now-a-days, for which on he gave me some iron tablets.

26 MON
A very busy day indeed. Up about 5.45, as is usual for an 8/4 watch, but I went to "Harpy" to join 2 colleagues for instruction in First Aid at M of W. and P., Lambeth Bridge House, and was not on official duty till 4 pm. The 2 hour class was very interesting: I feel I will do well at the subject. Home again afterwards, for dinner. Day of pouring rain, evening of alerts firewatching, and lecture 7 pm onwards.

NOVEMBER 1942

2 MON
Debated whether I should get out my top-coat today, it was so cold. The river trip was chilly, but short, as I had to be at the second lecture of the First Aid course at Lambeth Bridge. It was on the subject of Haemorrhage, a sickening subject for 3 ladies, who left the room feeling faint. Lunch at Fishmonger's now 1/1d (1d increase).

3 TUE
Miserable weather, visiting Wharves and shipping on the river was a cold and uncomfortable job.

4 WED
Foggy and dull up to afternoon: feared for transport services, but bus was on time, and I caught "workman's". "Not prudent" to go afloat, so visited principle point of station by road: beguiled bus travel through fog by reading "Penguin" book.

5 THU
The day was either foggy or else very wet, and at night, when I came on duty for fire watching, very dark. Was home early to look after kiddies, whilst Kay went to anti-natal clinic, where doctor told her she was progressing satisfactorily, and about at 6 month stage! (we originally thought 4 months). At fire watching, Mr Prior and I did some First Aid practice.

6 FRI
An uneventful firewatch. I was the only First Aid attendant in our group, so was pleased there was no "blitz", as my knowledge on the subject is insufficient. Was allowed home early on account of loss of rest, etc, and Kay and I had a happy afternoon with Beryl and John. Both are very amusing just now. John toddles from chair to chair, or Beryl drags him around room as if dancing. Rain caused pool in lawn.

7 SAT
Rain continued: appreciated effectiveness of official mac while checking stations in cockpit of launch. Half day. Kay was cross owing to a fatty joint of meat given to Betty by the Coop butcher, after she had carefully saved the bulk of her meat ration for a Sunday's joint. This fortunately was replaced to her satisfaction, and we had a cutting for dinner.

8 SUN
Rather cold, particularly in launch. I was the only passenger waiting for the 7.13 am bus today at Cannon Hill. Studied Haemorrhage in Fist Aid manual whenever I had the chance: Another class tomorrow. Met Kay and children at Mum's, where were gathered all her sons, with wives and children, = 19! George and Sid's coinciding, Mum asked K to come up. Home by bus in black-out 9 pm.

9 MON
Swatted hard at blood circulation in preparation for First Aid class where we did internal haemorrhaging and treatment of spinal wounds. Back to "Harpy after dinner at Fishmongers Hall.

10 TUE
As yesterday, very foggy, especially on river, but early morning buses seemed unaffected. Being attached to a PO who also attends the First Aid class, received every encouragement to study, and also to practice bandaging upon him, for which I was obliged. What time there was left after tea and getting children up to bed, Kay, Betty and I spent reading. Self: "Oliver Twist".

11 WED
Thick fog prevailing all day: walked to Morden station, as bus service was of course, irregular, and arrived in time to secure a cheap ticket. No observation of Remembrance Day so for poppy sellers - a wretched job in the fog. (sic) Good journey home by taking first bus to nearest point and walked remainder. Fog gave me headache as usual, and Kay not too well. Retired early.

12 THU
Was able to do a little more First Aid study this morning. Found my progress depends upon my opportunity to study in official time; at home, it is not convenient. Having changed my eating place from the British Restaurant at Fishmonger鈥檚 to a small dockers cafeteria in Thames Street, where I get a meal unequalled in quantity, if not for quality.

13 FRI
Fog still prevalent and shipping at a standstill. Perused First Aid text book as far as watch - house talk would allow me: in such circumstances, I always find it hard to concentrate. Half day: home to dinner and as fog had lifted, Kay went to Morden.

14 SAT
Thick fog almost all day. Launch steersman did not think it prudent even to venture to opposite shore, which necessitated two double journeys on official business. A "pea-soup-er", which stung eyes and nose and caused lights to be burned all day. As there is a save fuel (= lights, gas, coal) campaign, this week of fog must have caused the organisers some worry.

16 MON
The night's firewatch was uneventful. Slept in large (= 9 beds) dormitory fairly well. Straight on duty at 8 am, did not go on morning trip in launch as I was due to leave "Harpy" for Lambeth Bridge House First Aid lecture at 9.45. Discussed fractures, practical work = artificial respiration (I was a patient for "Silvester's" method). Homeward bound, made enquiries about black-out curtains for front bed-room. Evening, reading and radio.

17 TUE
Real chilly on morning run down river, although there was a weak sunshine almost from noon onwards. Lunch at my "working man's cafe", substantial meal for a few coppers more than Fishmonger's Hall food. Bought 2 pieces of black-out material, each 1陆 yards square, cost was nearly 拢1! and prices are rising. Helped Kay with sowing the curtains for our bedroom and listened to radio.

18 WED
My riverside eating house has become an 脿 la Public Bar. A piano accordionist loudly serenaded us as we ate: his musicianship was poor too! Went to Gamages, examined meagre selection of Christmas toys, bought Betty cut-out felt sewing set, 6s/6d: pre-war about 3s/6d. Betty found rusty pair of pliers in the garden, which cleaned up were OK.

22 SUN
Brightest of moonlit nights: no torch needed to stop 7.14 bus at Cannon Hill. But very cold, even frosty; becoming foggy in river vicinity as time of H.W. (2.30) became nearer. Thereafter, a complete clearance, and sun (weak) shone. Kay had had a hard day with the kiddies, and before day was out, she and I fell out on their account also. All well at bed time. Kiddies need firmer handling.

23 MON
At the First Aid lecture, at Lambeth Bridge House (at which the usual 4 waterguard officers attended), the subject was "insensibility" and the Practical, Fractures. Regret I am getting behindhand with 1st Aid revision.

25 WED
Took half day as I was firewatching at 7 pm onwards. Betty was, of course, at school till 4.30 pm, and as Beryl went with Kay to engage matron for expected pregnancy, John was left with me, toddling about the dining room in a happy manner. Left home at 6 pm. Attended lecture in oil and phosphorous burns.

26 THU
The night as firewatchers passed uneventfully, my colleagues and I joining 6 others in one of the 2 firewatchers dormitories (the Custom House Home Guard also have dormitories). 3 blankets and 2 pillows were ample, and I had a reasonable night's sleep

27 FRI
During a normal morning's work, completed my First Aid study of fractures: still way behind however. There is talk of applying for coupons for extra rations for use on board "Harpy", as bringing from home supply detracts therefrom appreciably. In the evening, Kay and I had happy time reading our books around fire. Our supper was baked potatoes, of which we now have plenty - 1d per lb.

28 SAT
The Preventive Staff Association (the recognised union of the waterguard) "dug up" an old Oliver typewriter, and offered it to me at the price they originally paid for it - 拢5. Pre-war it would not have fetched half that sum, but currently, it is a bargain. Gave it a trial and was not greatly impressed - ribbon mechanism defective: 3 bank instead of modern 4 bank, and sundry disadvantages of an old fashioned machine. Discussed matter with Kay, who kindly urged me not to worry about the expense. Will have to decide by Monday. Think it may be to my advantage, and be of assistance in my study, shortly, of Customs Codes.

30 MON
Decided to make myself afford the typewriter and carried it home in afternoon. Spent evening alternately glorifying in working it, and cursing the mechanism, but am very satisfied on the whole. Kay also enjoyed her endeavours to type a letter to Myrtle, but it was the old adage of "trying to run before walking"! First Aid lectures by doctors finish, but classes for 2 weeks more.

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