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15 October 2014
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WW2 Diary of Winifred Sarah Elizabeth Middleton (part four)

by nottinghamcsv

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Archive List > United Kingdom > London

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
A5738349
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"

March 14th 1941 Wednesday
Edwin is expected home on 7 days. I am going to have three or four days off too. We don't go to the Shelter now ever since Mother's illness. Dr says that .it would be unwise because that undoubtedly was the cause of it She is looking more her old self again now but Dr Wyers says we should get her away for a change. London has been badly 'Blitzed' - Guildhall burnt out, and lots of London's famous churches. We go to bed every night and trust to luck. When we think of all the times we used to dash to the Shelter!

March 20th 1941 Thursday
Edwin and I became engaged! I have a marvellous ring - twin diamonds semi-crossover style. We hope to be married soon, maybe this year! We had the worst raid for a long time last night (March 19th) Jerry dropped a landmine - completely demolished four houses and a bungalow right opposite Parsonage Rd, several killed.

March 21st 1941 Friday
We went up to Town to celebrate. Saw the show at the Palladium "Apple Sauce" with Max Millar, Vera Lynn, Florence Desmond. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

March 22nd 1941 Saturday
Went down to Stanford for the day. Auntie Em and Uncle Tom very pleased to hear the news. Arrived home about 7.15 pm The weather was very wet and quite cold so welcomed a large fire at home and some supper. Marvellous evening discussing our future plans. Its terribly thrilling.

March 23rd 1941 Sunday
Went out visiting in the morning. Horrid weather again. Came back to a lovely dinner. Had a rest in the afternoon then Mr & Mrs Sharp came and took us for a run in the car. Turned out quite a nice afternoon. Mother had a lovely tea waiting when we arrived back.

March 24th 1941 Tuesday
Went to East Ham Co-op shopping and had lunch there - very enjoyable. Then on to Aunt Eliza's, had a lovely cup of tea with Auntie Gert. She is very jolly I like her very much indeed..

March 25th 1941 Tuesday
I started work to-day, feel terribly thrilled, incidentally I haven't done much, everyone loves my ring. Edwin is going to meet me at Rainham station to-night. Then we are popping in to Mrs Cookes for tea.

March 26th 1941 Wednesday
Edwins 7 days are at an end. I saw him on Barking Stn for about five minutes! What wonderful time we have had — went all too quickly.

March 27th 1941 Thursday
Edwin telephoned me this morning to say he arrived back quite safely.

March 28th 1941 Friday
Bought some gorgeous peach ‘unmentionables’. Shall have to get one or two things ready. Oh! It’s marvelous buying lovely undies — ones you dream about.

March 29th 1941 Saturday
Went to Maude's for lunch which was beautifully cooked as usual, fried skate and chips, rice pudding and whole apricots (S&W) - lovely

March 30th 1941 Sunday
Very cold to-day but sun very bright. After much persuasion I eventually got Mother out in the chair about 5 pm !! wrapped her up well. I threatened I wouldn't offer to take her out again. She has always got some excuse.

March 31st 1941 Monday
Bitterly cold to-day. Had a lovely surprise visit from Mr Lewis with wonderful bonus. Its our War Weapons Week at home so must get a couple of Certificates to help swell the funds. It is a funny place, you'd never know they were holding a W.W.W. ! I wrote to Ivy, Nelly's Mother to-day its two years ago. Also Doris, Auntie Nan, Auntie Tillie & Gladys.

April 1st 1941 Tuesday
Pouring with rain and blowing a gale. Am catching a later train to-night. I want to do some shopping.

April 5th 1941 Saturday
Met Mother at Barking 12.30 pm and took her to the Co-op for a surprise luncheon with Miss W and her two sisters. We had a lovely lunch, filletted plaice and chips, pastries and coffee. Mother thoroughly enjoyed herself. We then had a look round the shop and went on to see Aunt Eliza, who was very pleased indeed to see us, especially Mother. Mr Forsyth called in whilst we were there. We caught the Green Line home and arrived at "Delamere" approx 8 pm.

April 6th 1941 Sunday
Father in an arrogant mood! We can't say anything right! Least said the better!

April 7th 1941 Monday
Went to tea with Miss W after dashing around Ilford to try and get a coat for her, but we were unsuccessful. Wants my idea on dress! Caught the 8.39 pm Arrived home 9.30 pm Budget declared to-day 10/- in the L Income Tax ! Also compulsory saving! Very heavy raid - many bombs. We brought five down.

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