大象传媒

NOVEMBER 1943

2 TUE
Took up duty again: a very heavy day after the 2 days break. Left home at 8 am: returned 10.15 pm, after having been to Ipswich. There were no digs to be had, so our temporary driver (vice Mr B. 鈥� sick) had his first experience of night driving, which he accomplished well. Found Pop at home guarding house as Betty had intercepted a prowler around garage and Kay phoned Fairway. Police also called.

3 WED
A beautiful sunny morning: seemed like an 鈥淚ndian summer鈥�. Offered Kay the chance of going to the pictures, but declined, owing to the likelihood of an 鈥榓lert鈥� during performance.

5 FRI
Air raid with heavy barrage and 2 big thuds. Kay very tired and unwell.

6 SAT
One of last night鈥檚 鈥渢huds鈥� made tragic headlines in press today. Frequent raids making me look to my shelter, although fear illness to children from colds etc, if it has to be used. Vera appearing at Streatham. Jack booked seats and saw the show and escorted her home here, where she is spending weekend. Another alert, but they were safely home.

7 SUN
Today, found that short time attendance could be made and seizures also. I have always resented 10 or more hour attendances on a Sunday, particularly when we are only paid for 8. Our temporary boss is more considerate to us in respect of hours than our normal one (returning in 2 weeks time). 鈥淎lert鈥�, 1 bomb near.

8 MON
Duties today included attendance at a police court (see 7/11), most depressing of places. An hour or 2 of light left when I got home, so was able to bank some earth on the bare side of the shelter. Bombs in locality have caused me concern. Shelter is now lightly earthed and dry inside, but has no door and is not over deep. Comforting to have one, though.

9 TUE
Winter fogs have made their appearance and are thickest on the river. On fire watch in evening, had an interesting lecture on the new inter-com telephone system, Phoned Kay on it and she gave me news of day. Piano tuning done today.

10 WED
Fortunately, no 鈥榓lert鈥� during fire watch, but spent an uncomfortable night as usual. Had an early breakfast by arrangement, as our mobile crew was leaving early for south coast. Whole day away, covering well nigh 200 miles, and not returning till 7 pm. Home to a much needed meal.

11 THU
There was not much of remembrance day today. Flanders poppies were being sold as usual, and our department went by car to Cenotaph to lay wreath. Sent off a Christmas airgraph to George. Received a child鈥檚 highchair from Mr Blake PO.

12 FRI
Fortunately quite warm for November as we are still without fire in APO鈥檚 room downstairs. One PO found his greatcoat covered with mildew: others spoke of clothes becoming damp. Ship keepers dislike of cleaning stove, etc, is cause of trouble, under guise of 鈥渇uel economy鈥�.

13 SAT
Probably the happiest times in my life just now, are the two 鈥渙ff duty鈥� Sundays per month, and the few hours we get off early on Saturday 鈥渋f the exigencies of the service permit鈥�. I know in the future, I shall look back with astonishment to think that of the 30 days, only 2 were given 鈥榦ff鈥�. That being a family man and being needed badly at home meant just nothing to the Crown. No credit is given to the man and woman who do their duty to society, in this and most other ways. We spent a pleasant evening together. We admired the twins and listened to the radio.

16 TUE
Took law into own hands regarding fire in common room and 3 of us combined to get the stove going. We added to this comfort by having hot cocoa, instead of the inevitable tea. Babies now brought into the dining room, as the kw fire is insufficient to warm front room; we put one either side of fire: they are very good and quite well. A day to the Crown, out 8 am, home 9 pm, supper, bed.

17 WED
Bought National Fire Service drill book today, which gave a number of useful knots, from which Betty and I picked the 6 for her 鈥淭enderfoot鈥�. Also, therein, fire drill as already taught at fire watching.

18 THU
A short 鈥渁lert鈥� with coloured flames, sent us scurrying around, but only resulted in getting cleared up earlier.

20 SAT I was tired from lack of sleep on the fire watch although there was no 鈥榓lert鈥�; and Kay had had a rushed day getting ahead for a proposed visit to Vera at Golders Green theatre intending to bring her back home for the week end. Kay and Betty were already to go out shopping, when siren sounded, 鈥渁lert鈥� lasting for 1 hour, and poor Kay was deprived of her pleasure.

23 TUE
Vera, appearing at Kingston Empire, staying with us all this week: in spite of restricted transport services, able to get home by 10.40 pm. She is endeavouring to get a couple of free tickets for show, for Kay and Betty 鈥� sleeps in single bed with Betty 鈥� rather a crush

24 WED
Up at the abnormal time of 5.30 am for an early start on our run to the east coast. One port gave us a 鈥渄isappointment鈥�, so we went on 23 miles to the river mouth port, and there, a rum vessel in harbour. Icy blast across water, and cold journey returning. Home just about in time for supper and bed.

25 THU
Frosty first thing and very cold all day: went out on our travels, and to my satisfaction, were not late in returning to office (although this meant going without lunch for the 2nd day running). I wished to be home to look after kiddies while Kay and Betty went to see Vera鈥檚 show at Kingston Empire. They enjoyed it.

26 FRI
Cold day, we got the "Harpy" stove steadily drawing and made the most of it, cocoa is our favourite drink, piping hot. Worst part of journey homeward bound, is waiting in open square at Morden station for bus: cold winds whip round ears and face. Had an easy sort of evening; listened to radio, only to find when switching off, a raid in full swing!

28 SUN
Vera left us for Blackburn.

29 MON
Another long trip to the east coast, and the whole day sacrificed to the Crown. Up at 5 to commence at 7, returning to "Harpy" at 6.30 pm, after a speedy journey and an uneventful day. Straight on to fire watching duties, supper at 8.30 being excellent as usual. Read up another copy of the Firewatchers News Sheet, 鈥渢he midnight watch鈥�,

30 TUE
Usual hackneyed night on firewatch: Awake and up at 2.30 am, and heard 5 and 6 o鈥檆lock toll of city clocks.

DECEMBER 1943

1 WED
Cold, misty with weak sunshine. Went on another long journey in black Essex and had a perilous ride back in the fog and black-out. Not home till 8.15.

2 THU
Once again, another long day in the Crown鈥檚 service. I left home at 8 as usual, and returned to it at 9.30 pm. This time, even the twins had had their final bottle and could not be seen.

3 FRI
Thick fog, but buses appeared to be running on time. Out on the job in the Royal Docks, the fog shut out visibility to about 12 yards, even turning the car around in the roadway, was a hazard. Home safely however, and saw Beryl and John for the first time since Sunday: received a wonderful welcome 鈥� the great privilege of fatherhood 鈥� kids love.

4 SAT
On duty a little later today. Kay preparing for a Christmas shopping expedition to Wimbledon. She took Beryl with her, who was delighted with Kennards Christmas attraction 鈥� Father Christmas (no gifts of course), a fire eating witch doctor, and dancing Hula girls 鈥� quite an event. Shopping for Christmas most difficult, says Kay 鈥� there is nothing much to buy, and all prices are exorbitant. What gifts the children receive this year depend on the manual dexterity of their parents.

6 MON
All the family anticipated I would stop away from work today with flu鈥�, but, surprisingly, today I felt better and went into work as usual, affect of flu鈥� was with me all day, but it was comforting to know the worst was over 鈥� another cold passed.

7 TUE
Weather being foggy on river did not help a cough I had developed after the cold. Debated First Aid with Tom Prior.

9 THU
Left Kay 鈥渂unged up鈥� with cold: a great handicap on top of her manifold duties, and a great danger to the kiddies due to risk of infection. A heavy day at work, arriving at fire watch late, but a considerate leader had saved a supper for me. Phoned home, and found things as I feared 鈥� all children save Pauline (even little 8 months old Peter) suffering with cold.

10 FRI
Betty was the worst sufferer from flu today.Peter, I found, looking only a little the worst, John and Beryl almost better. As we are going to Mum鈥檚 for Christmas celebrations (being held in advance in Sidney鈥檚 honour), I am glad there is a chance of all our flu鈥� being over by then. Work up till late.

12 SUN
Received an eleventh hour invitation to Christmas dinner, by phone, from Mum, who at first thought accommodation insufficient for my large family (reason for early Christmas, see 10/12). Terrific rush am, but all in time for dinner. Children greatly enjoyed themselves: twins admired; Mum and Dad made party excellent.

13 MON
Having only arrived home just before midnight, not finally in bed until 1 am! Kay had difficulty in waking Beryl and John up, whilst Betty and I got up reluctantly. Had day at work and not home till 8 pm. Betty to Girl Guides.

14 TUE
Grey and misty day. All on tip-toes for publication of station minute. Rumours I am assigned to Surrey Dock 鈥� to be confirmed! Kay paid 10s for a Christmas tree yesterday 鈥� 2/6d advance on last years price. Had to keep Betty off school today. She appears to have an attack of gastric 鈥榝lu.

15 WED
Whilst assisting in the Surrey Dock office, confirmatory news came by phone I was assigned to Surrey Dock The next speculation is what duty I shall do 鈥� Rummage, Boarding or Creek. There are more skilful officers for Rummaging, Boarding means night and evening duty, Creek is an old man's job. Late home from duty, took it easy.

16 THU
Was required for interview by the W.S. himself today over confidential matter, he put me at my ease and incurred my respect for him. Betty better.

17 FRI
Was allowed time off to go to Girl Guides Association, Buckingham Palace Road, and there, bought several Girl Guide items not obtainable locally, including 2 map reading compasses, 1 being intended for Mr Boalch鈥檚 girl, also, a Girl Guide. Met Kay at Tooting and did shopping for Christmas, but shops now close soon after 5 pm. Betty now well enough to take charge of twins. Kay thinks chill on kidneys. Peter very queer.

18 SAT
The teaspoonful of brandy put in Peters bottle last night, made him sleep well and he appeared somewhat better when I took a look at him before leaving for work. Heard today, I am attached to Mr Matthews PO, on boarding duties, although Creek APO will ask me to exchange for his 8/4 job it is thought, so duties for year not yet decided. Kay says she has diagnosed Betty鈥檚 complaint as jaundice (mild), but to me, she appears to have flu only. Beryl coughed herself sick. Peter really poorly.

19 SUN
After the day鈥檚 duty, I remained at Custom House for fire watching duties. Phoned Kay (as I usually do on fire watch) and enquired 鈥� Betty still bringing her food up, and having other jaundice symptoms: and enquired Peter: still very queer.

20 MON
Air raid warning got the firewatchers up twice for an hour during the night, so that I felt the effects of it all day. But far worse off was Kay who had had a late night yesterday, and been up during night with Beryl, who coughed herself sick again. Ref to jaundice in medical book and agree with Kay now Betty has all symptoms. Peter very poorly: fancy he has bronchitis.

21 TUE
Kay and I had a good night with only one alert to disturb us, for which, thank heaven, I did not have to get up. Home after a day鈥檚 work, to an evening of waiting on the kiddies, Betty away from school and not stirring from the fire (almost), because Kay sympathises with her condition. This made it very hard for us, and kept us continually busy.

22 WED
A long day today, and a trip in car. Discussed family life with Smith APO, who expressed surprise at my large family. The PO of our crew saying we would visit a certain ship 鈥渇or a 陆 hour鈥� invited trouble 鈥� and we got it 鈥� a big seizure. Peter still bad.

23 THU
Police formalities re yesterday鈥檚 seizure were gone through, whilst further rummage produced no results worth mentioning. Kiddies all pretty queer, mostly coughing. Kay did not like the look of Peter; his skin was pale and clammy and elected to stay up nursing him. In spite of pallor, I thought Peter slightly improved.

24 FRI
Kay came to bed at 2.30. Self up for work, and gave look (in front room) at twins before leaving for work. Peter obviously requiring doctor, I told Kay. Reaching "Harpy" was told (phone) Peter was dead. Returned, finding Kay distraught with Mum. Tried artificial respiration, no avail. Doctor arrived at 11, called at 8! Coroners officer came to interview: said don鈥檛 worry. Dad came up to help transfer Christmas decorations from Peter鈥檚 room.

25 SAT
Up till 1.30 am decorating Christmas tree and filling stockings, as other children cannot appreciate extent of loss of Peter, and anyway, had to have their Christmas. Peter was removed by undertaker, yesterday, for post mortem, so was not in house. Kay had moments of grief, I myself, gradually coming to realise how much I was going to miss Peter. Kay bravely went about Christmas meals: we even raised a cheer for the pudding. All her meals excellent. Beryl and John to bed early, (Beryl requesting it 鈥� a sign of illness), whilst Betty and I played card games, with Kay joining us as not to spoil Betty鈥檚 Christmas. Played 鈥淢imics鈥�. THE SHOW MUST GO ON.

26 SUN
Re-organising of sleeping and of various pieces of furniture contemplated to dis-connect painful association of these things with Peter鈥檚 memory but his empty cot cannot but recall his little presence. Kay had bouts of grief, I did much housework to relieve her. Kay could not bear to leave Pauline downstairs, so all slept in large bed: Beryl, of course, wetting.

27 MON
This day, Betty and I did much removals. I was evacuated to a room of my own (back). Betty likewise to small front. Now Kay has Beryl and Pauline sleeping with her, with John in the cot along side. I was on duty, but short day. Kiddies played with toys, of which they have many. Betty and I played cards. Food was again good.

28 TUE
Doctor came and found Beryl with bloodshot eyes and a runny nose, to be poorly with 鈥榝lu (i.e.in particular). Kay gave me this news by phone, as well as coroners result of post mortem = death from natural causes. Scheduled Morden for Commissioner of Oaths, to witness Peter鈥檚 cremation application 鈥� no good. Home to Kay and to give help. !0/- each from Fairway for funeral expenses.

29 WED
Found Commissioner of Oaths in City: charge 2 shillings. Spent up Peter鈥檚 sweet and clothing coupons. Wrote to Kay鈥檚 mum after deferring the news till Christmas was over. Was allowed away to catch registrar at Morden (hours 2 鈥� 4 only) and registered Peter鈥檚 death to same man with whom I had registered birth. Back to Custom House for fire watch. John very bad in night. Kay nursed devotedly.

30 THU
It had been arranged by the PO rummaging crew, that tonight should be fixed for his 鈥渙uting鈥�, kindly given to celebrate a successful year as a mobile crew under his leadership. Although Peter鈥檚 cremation is fixed for tomorrow, I did not think it justified abandoning the 鈥渢reat鈥�. Enjoyable evening, tea at Strand Centre House, walk through West End, and fairly good show: Arthur Askey in 鈥� The Love Racket鈥�.

31 FRI
Peter鈥檚 funeral today. At 10.30 am, Mum, Elsie, and I witnessed his tiny (2鈥�) white coffin move slowly towards the crematorium door and pass through it. Then we chose a rose-tree to be fertilised by his ashes; and indeed, all our ashes as we pass on. This was 拢5/10/0d: the funeral 拢7/10/0d, the crematorium, 拢2/10/0d, to which many relatives have made grants. Home from Streatham, with Mum, by bus, and agreed a family gathering on Jan 10th (when Peter would be 9 months old) for the scattering of the ashes ceremony. Rest of day, helped Kay. Was very tired after day鈥檚 excitement and this will account for the sketchiness of entries round about, and including the day of Peter鈥檚 death. So now we commence a new year of fresh hope and better expectations, with, we hope, lessened family troubles, and end of the war.

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