- Contributed by听
- nottinghamcsv
- People in story:听
- Eric Middleton, Winifred Sarah Elizabeth Middleton, Kate Louise Matthews, Earnest Tomlinson, Bettina Edwards nee Tomlinson, Edwin Bernard Earnest Tomlinson, George William Middleton, Sarah Jane Middleton,
- Location of story:听
- Rainham Essex,
- Background to story:听
- Civilian
- Article ID:听
- A5738989
- Contributed on:听
- 14 September 2005
"This story was submitted to the People's War site by CSV/大象传媒 Radio Nottingham on behalf of Eric Middleton with his permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions"
September 3rd 1941 Wednesday
Its hard to realise the War has been on 2 yrs today! In the 2 yrs we RAF have destroyed 4,500 planes. Our losses 1,400 fighters, the pilots of over 450 being saved. Still marvelous weather - boiling hot. Wonder if I shall hear from Edwin today. Hope to spend Sunday with Den.
September 6th 1941 Saturday
Very dull to-day. Hawkey & I caught the train. She has started her holiday today. I arrived home at 1.15 pm. We had lunch then after much persuasion managed to get Mother out. We went down to Rivers and did some shopping then called in Mrs Cook and had some tea, then popped up to Mrs McLeans, eventually arrived home 8 pm. Mother slept very well, did her good.
September 7th 1941 Sunday
I caught the 8 am Green Line from home, then the 9.28 am from London to Banstead, arrived there 10.10 am to find Den waiting for me. We then caught a bus to Tattenham Corner and walked from there, all across Epsom Downs. Stopped for elevenses and lunch, it was a marvelous day, weather perfect and we walked all the way to Boxhill, arriving there 3.30 pm! Miles & miles such a lovely spot, we had tea at the Hop and came home via Reigate & Redhill. I felt as stiff as a poker the next day. words can't describe how much we both enjoyed it, its great having a friend like Den, one in a million.
September 10th 1941 Wednesday
Edwin's Father came home with me, he's up on business for two or three days. I went to Moulton's and bought a marvelous tea service, our wedding present from Din - a doz of everything.
September 11th 1941 Thursday
Edwin hopes to be home on the 21st 24 hrs. Went round to Kath's flat for night. Mr C came for a couple of hrs.
September 13th 1941 Saturday
Took a load of veg etc out to Clapham. Auntie Clara awfully pleased to see me. I had to leave about 3.15 pm as I was due at the Canteen at 4 pm. We stayed until 8.20 pm we were not terribly busy but found plenty to do.
September 14th 1941 Sunday
Feel as though I have a cold coming, body aches all over. Mr &
Mrs Sharp arrived about 3 pm I went to bed for an hour 5 pm - 6 pm Felt a bit better when I got up. Mother's leg is very painful.
September 15th 1941 Monday
Letter from Edwin. He has a new job, will hear all about it when I see him, which I hope will be Sunday next. Very busy at the office today. Am going to Hawkey's Friday night. Miss Ward is coming to tea too! What fun we'll all run riot.
September 16th 1941 Tuesday
Am going to Sid's Mother's to-night. Its freezing cold today, still "full up" in the head. Mother is nearly all right, leg very painful indeed.
September 21st 1941 Sunday
Edwin arrived today 1 pm. Marvelous weather, went for a lovely walk in the afternoon, miles and miles. I took Mother out in the chair yesterday it was so lovely. We had a lovely cup of tea at Chafford House. She thoroughly enjoyed it. Mr & Mrs Sharp came and were kind enough to take Edwin & I to Barking Stn then bring me right back home. They are very good; we did appreciate it. Have not heard from Edwin since he went back.
September 26th 1941 Friday
Went to '327' on Tuesday but didn't stay as Mother had a fearful cold. 'S' came home on 48 hrs so saw him for five minutes on Wednesday. Went and had a coffee, then caught the 6.17 pm home. Am looking forward to going to Mamies' on Tuesday next. Went 'flat hunting' lunch time today, 2 furnished rooms, use of bath and kitchen etc 25/- per week Whew ! very near the office Yorley Drive - Oh the owner ! - Mrs Kate Louis Mathews !!! Had she stepped out of a Victorian Picture or had she??!!! My! Its great fun tho: gives you an idea.
September 27th 1941 Saturday
Marvelous morning, weather perfect. We were awakened by gunfire in the night. Am off to Maidstone with 'Hawkey' for the weekend. Guns keep going this morning. Maybe its practice; lets hope so anyway. Still fierce fighting going on out in Russia.
September 29th 1941 Monday
Had a marvelous weekend with 'Hawkey'. The weather was boiling hot, so much so in fact I borrowed one of her dresses, as I went in my suit and we went out without coats all the time. Had a lovely walk all through Moke Park, on Saturday, then Sunday went to Church, then for a delightful walk by the river, then shopped - a lovely lapse !! eventually arrived back just after 1 pm. Mrs Hawkes very sweet. She made me most welcome; I enjoyed every minute.
October 18th 1941 Saturday
Edwin arrived home last night on 7 days, he stayed the night with Johnny and telephoned me this morning. Hooray! Went over to see Auntie Nance & Uncle Fred. Gran is very ill.
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