- Contributed by听
- Bryan Boniface
- People in story:听
- Arthur George Pollard
- Location of story:听
- London
- Background to story:听
- Civilian
- Article ID:听
- A7436289
- Contributed on:听
- 30 November 2005
MAY 1945
1 TUE
The 7/3 watch is no easy one. It was frosty, which meant very cold waiting for buses, and the work of the day was continuous, allowing little respite. At home, replaced (after nearly 2 hours work) the roller blind in the children鈥檚 room. The plaster will not firmly hold rawlplugs for the job.
2 WED
Hard day on 7/3. Alighting from bus at Cannon Hill Lane, observed queue for ice cream, a delicacy long unobtainable. Took home some for children. After tea, saw to Betty鈥檚 bicycle. Had a discussion on Purchase Tax.
3 THU
7/3. Relaxed in evening, letting Kay and Betty go to the cinema: I cleared all up and bathed, going to bed before their return.
4 FRI
5 SAT
A good night鈥檚 rest, extended to 7.30, owing to my change of watch to 10/6 to oblige a colleague. Rain had poured down over night and the airport was unserviceable. Therefore away in good time and off to meet Kay at Morden. Bad transport made me 陆 hour late for my appointment with her, but she was quite forgiving. Secured 2 good shoe bargains and some potatoes - now in short supply and issued in limited quantities. Kay also spotted a 7/6d book she wanted in W.H. Smith鈥檚, so promised to get it for her as a treat. War news very good. Continued surrender of German troops. End of war soon.
6 SUN
Trolleybus strike to end tomorrow, Trains at Wallington only 2 per hour, badly spaced. The constant activity occasioned by baggage examination, especially as we had a couple of room 11 staff as 鈥減ass鈥 鈥 i.e. not doing their fair share of work (no duty taking) tired me out. Children were all abed = quiet.
7 MON
Found myself wanting to get up, not wanting to stay abed on this, my first day of leave. Subordinated myself to Kay, assisting with kiddies and about house, and went with her to meet Beryl from Hillcross School. On the way, we heard of the complete capitulation of Germany and peace announcement at 3 tomorrow. Put myself out of temper shopping 2 hours, as all will close tomorrow.
8 TUE
Cessation of the war in Europe, arranged for 1 minute after midnight tonight and announced by Prime Minister (Mr Churchill) at 3 pm. Day started rather badly with a quarrel with Kay, but, as once previously determined on these occasions, I went straight into the garden and spent the day gardening. Put tent up, kiddies played till tired and had friends in Bonfires in street.
9 WED
Dad ceased making entries to his diary from hereon!
漏 Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.
Recommended story
Story with photo