GF Diary Part I

GEORGE’S WARTIME DIARIES PART ONE – JANUARY 1940 TO JUNE 3rd 1941 Edited by George's nephew Robin Freeston This part corresponds more or less to the end of the ‘Phoney war’, the Blitzkrieg and the Blitz months, the last great fire raid on London being on the night of May 10^th/11^th 1941. George “Joined Up” on June 3^rd 1941. Abridged to matters of wartime life especially in Blisworth, family matters being mostly omitted. The original punctuation and style has been followed but standardised for ease of reading. Explanatory notes are added in square brackets. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download here an MSWord version of this document for printing purposes. There might be a format bug in this web document, see below, the downloaded file should be fine.
January 1940
Monday 1^st	^{Saw the New Year in quietly – and so for work for 1940.}
^{Tuesday 2nd}	^{Had half-day and went to Exchange [Later Gaumont cinema] in afternoon, then tea and supper at Black Boy.}
^{Wednesday 3rd}	^{Still freezing. Busy day at Seals [George worked for Russel Seal’s in Northampton].}
^{Thursday 4th}	^{Scouts in evening, quite a good gathering now altho’ rather small in numbers.}
^{Friday 5th}	^{Library in evening. Uneventful day.}
^{Saturday 6th}	^{Work all day owing to ½ day on Tuesday.}
^{Sunday 7th}	^{Lazy day. Pheasant for dinner, very nice and of course Burgundy.}
^{Monday 8th}	^{Usual day at work.}
^{Tuesday 9th}	^{I am not sure whether I’m sorry or not at having missed conscription up to 28’s [year olds] now.}
^{Wednesday 10th}	^{Am trying to remember what happened today – but general talk is war and rationing.}
^{Thursday 11th}	^{Scouting at night.}
^{Friday 12th}	^{Usual Friday at work. Library in evening.}
^{Saturday 13th}	^{Very cold so unable to do much in garden. Tidied up instead. Did a bit more to bedroom.}
^{Sunday 14th}	^{Cold and Frosty. Frost in ground about 8". Went up to “Stone Steps” for tea [Bill’s house]. Quite a nice change.}
^{Monday 15th}	^{Still very cold and no rain for weeks now.}
^{Tuesday 16th}	^{Snow and frost. Roads very bad. Went to Exchange with Stuart [Woolacott] in evening. Enjoyed ride home.}
^{Wednesday 17th}	^{Very cold. Went to Rectory in the evening. Poor attendance but pleasant evening.}
^{Thursday 18th}	^{Snow and frost continues. Scouts in evening, but hurt my ankle during outdoor run.}
^{Friday 19th}	^{Foot very painfull during night. Went down to Doctors in morning. Am to stay in bed for day or two.}
^{Saturday 20th}	^{Very cold, freezing very hard. Stayed in bed all day. Foot rather painfull.}
^{Sunday 21st}	^{Extreme frost. Coldest day for 35 years according to Mr. Westley. Got up in evening.}
^{Monday 22nd}	^{Snowed during the morning. Foot improving. Very cold still.}
^{Tuesday 23rd}	^{Freezing all the time. Foot improving but am rather enjoying holiday at home.}
^{Wednesday 24th}	^{Very cold. Everywhere still frozen up. Went out for little walk. Had letter from Ray Carter.}
^{Thursday 25th}	^{Slight thaw. Did a little more in bedroom. Chapel sale of work. Had pork-pie tea in spite of Rationing.}
^{Friday 26th}	^{Nice morning. Terrific snowstorm in afternoon. Pipe burst at home. Library in evening.}
^{Saturday 27th}	^{Still snowing. This is the worst we have had for many years. Went to doc’s in morning and “got off club”. Worked in bedroom in morning. Went to Mr. Woodmans 60th party.}
^{Sunday 28th}	^{Snowed during the night, also on and off during the day. Now about 12" of snow. Went to church in afternoon. Had wild duck for dinner. O.K.}
^{Monday 29th}	^{Everywhere completely snowed up. Worst for 45 years. Very busy hire day at home [Taxi]. Managed to get to work – not too bad – but not very busy which was O.K.}
^{Tuesday 30th}	^{Everywhere is still snowed up. Buses not running. Finland has had rough day with air raids. Bought some new shoes.}
^{Wednesday 31st}	^{Still no change. Roads very bad. Am still getting to work about 9.30. Went to Rectory in evening. Very enjoyable. Dorothy went first time.}
^{February 1940}
^{Thursday 1st}	^{Slight thaw during day but roads still very bad. Business very bad. Scouts in evening.}
^{Friday 2nd}	^{Frost during night. Snow still holds. Library and Church meeting in evening. Dispute over W.D. [Window?]}
^{Saturday 3rd}	^{Thawing very gradually. Worked all day. Frank shot another pheasant. 2 German planes down in England. Came home on bus.}
^{Sunday 4th}	^{Still Thawing. Frank went out with gun. Went to church in morning. Had new suit on. Had illicit pork for dinner. Busy evening with hire work.}
^{Monday 5th}	^{Still thawing. Road very bad. Snow brought spouting down. Worked all day.}
^{Tuesday 6th}	^{Snow still going. Removed blind in Church and dusted walls. Tidied up greenhouse etc.}
^{Wednesday 7th}	^{Cold but thawing still. Choral in evening. Ran through the Crucifixion in the hopes of doing it at Easter.}
^{Thursday 8th}	^{Cold but thawing still. Scouting in evening. Late in going to bed. Why the devil I don’t go to bed earlier I don’t know.}
^{Friday 9th}	^{Cold still. River flooding [Northampton]. Went with Cecil to New Theatre in evening. Afterwards to Black Boy for supper. Slept at his house. Very enjoyable evening.}
^{Saturday 10th}	^{Cold day. Worked all day. Had invitation to party in evening but did’nt turn out.}
^{Sunday 11th}	^{Sharp Frost last night. Cold but dry day. 2 Pheasants and K/Beans and Burgundy for dinner (and wartime). Stayed at home all day. Wrote to Fred Digby.}
^{Monday 12th}	^{Bitterly cold wind. Sharp frost. Freezing again in the evening. Took a party over to Roade in the evening to a whist drive. The cold is evidently coming back with the new moon (Friday).}
^{Tuesday 13th}	^{Snow looks as if it must come through. Still very cold.}
^{Wednesday 14th}	^{Bitterly cold still. Snowed most of morning. Choral in evening.}
^{Thursday 15th}	^{Snow still hanging around. Bitterly cold wind. Half day. Church in afternoon. Confirmations. Nice service. Scouting in evening. Had letter from Cecil.}
^{Friday 16th}	^{A busy day at Seals. Mrs. Basford died yesterday. Library in evening. Still very cold. Bill brought Amos Burges [Burgess’?] letter down. Shall have to join him someday.}
^{Saturday 17th}	^{Snowed again during night. Difficult going on roads during day. Mrs. Chapman died. Early to bed.}
^{Sunday 18th}	Went to 8^o/c communion. Did various odd jobs in morning. Church again in afternoon. Enjoyable evening at home.
^{_{Monday 19th}}	^{_{Dull and mild. Snow quickly going. Busy day at work. Shall soon have to think about working in bedroom again.}}
^{_{Tuesday 20th}}	^{_{Dull but very mild. Went to Towcester cinema in the evening, took Stewart and his Pa. Very good picture.}}
^{_{Wednesday 21st}}	^{_{Very mild. Dull. Snow still going. Trouble brewing in Turkey. Germany windy. Choral in evening.}}
^{_{Thursday 22nd}}	^{_{Mild, still thawing. Good scout meeting in evening.}}
^{_{Friday 23rd}}	^{_{Library in evening, called all books in. Choral afterwards, but afraid the “Crucifixion” is’nt going too well.}}
^{_{Saturday 24th}}	^{_{Lovely day. Halfday off. Stocked the elder up in the hedge. Frost has come out of ground well. Looking forward to next month so we can do some gardening.}}
^{_{Sunday 25th}}	^{_{Clocks put back last night. Frank has slight Flu so stayed in all day. Mother went to Nook [George’s brother Ralph lived here] for tea. ARP practice in afternoon.}}
^{_{Monday 26th}}	^{_{Ye Gods just like getting up in the middle of the night and ‘tis called SUMMERTIME. Mild but rather dull. Frank stayed in all day. Renting in evening.}}
^{_{Tuesday 27th}}	^{_{Dull day. Mild. Franks cold slighly better. Did a few minutes work in garden on coming home. Had busy evening fixing up artistes in readiness for concert turn.}}
^{_{Wednesday 28th}}	^{_{Colder. Have rather a cold. Choral in evening but poor attendance.}}
^{_{Thursday 29th}}	^{_{Turning much colder. Cancelled Scout’s as I have a rotten cold and the old back pain is returning again. Busy in evening on “Save paper” stunt and concert items. Ron went to ARP dinner at Gayton.}}
March 1940
^{_{Friday 1st}}	^{_{Dull and cold. Library in evening.}}
^{_{Saturday 2nd}}	^{_{Lovely day. Spent afternoon in garden clearing up. Afterwards delivered church notices around village. Stayed indoors during evening.}}
^{_{Sunday 3rd}}	^{_{Sharp frost during night, but turned out to be a lovely day altho’ the wind is rather cold. Mabel Henny came over. Wrote to Cecil. Church in morning and Scout parade in evening to Church.}}
^{_{Monday 4th}}	^{_{Bright day but cold. Would have liked to go to X’change [cinema] but came home early instead.}}
^{_{Tuesday 5th}}	^{_{Frosty during night. Cold. Minor outbreaks on western front. Worked for short time in garden in evening.}}
^{_{Wednesday 6th}}	^{_{Very cold. Sharp frost again. Started pruning the red currants in the evening. Choral practice in evening. Back ache rather badly. Dorothy develops a cold.}}
^{_{Thursday 7th}}	^{_{Sharp frost last night. Dorothy’s cold a bit better. Scouting in evening, good meeting. Tooth still wants to ache.}}
^{_{Friday 8th}}	^{_{Nice day. Had letter from Henry. Busy day. Dorothy developed measles. Library in evening.}}
^{_{Saturday 9th}}	^{_{Lovely day. Busy in morning. Worked in garden in afternoon. Then went to Scout meeting in Northampton, afterwards going to the X’change to see “The Rains came.”}}
_{^{Sunday 10th}}	^{_{Lovely day. Dorothy little better. Worked in garden all morning. Cleared hedge bits up and pruned Loganberries. Church practice in the afternoon. Service in evening. Wrote to Henry and Cecil in evening.}}
^{_{Monday 11th}}	^{_{Lovely day. Errand boy sent home ill. Renting in evening. Went up to Greens for “Crucifixion” in evening, doing better now.}}
^{_{Tuesday 12th}}	^{_{Dull day. Rain hanging around. Errand boy still ill. Busy day. Rain in evening. Finland peace movement. Started on practice for “Snow White” business.}}
^{_{Wednesday 13th}}	^{_{“FINNISH PEACE SIGNED”. Busy day.}}
^{_{Thursday 14th}}	^{_{Snow fell considerably during night and during morning. Went down to Chapel concert in evening, very good. No Scouts.}}
^{_{Friday 15th}}	^{_{Nice day. Busy Library in evening followed by “Crucifixion” practice. Not too good.}}
^{_{Saturday 16th}}	^{_{Halfday. Busy in garden. Shifted various shrubs in the Iris border. Practice in evening in church, enjoyed it very much.}}
^{_{Sunday 17th}}	^{_{Rained like fury all morning and on and off during the day. Did the “Crucifixion” in the church in afternoon. Very good. Went to church in evening.}}
^{_{Monday 18th}}	^{_{Rain and rough. Too wet for any gardening. Busy with “Snow White” practice at Mrs. Clinch’s in evening.}}
^{_{Tuesday 19th}}	^{_{Busy evening on SW. stunt again. Am looking forward to this coming off. Hope it goes off all right. Hepatica out lovely.}}
^{_{Wednesday 20th}}	Mothers Birthday^_. Practice at Mrs. Clinches in evening. Am now Dopey.
^{_{Thursday 21st}}	^{_{Nice day. Scouting in evening. Boys busy with National Service Badge.}}
^{_{Friday 22nd}}	^{_{Busy day. Worked all day. GOOD FRIDAY. Went to Lantern Lecture in Church in evening after Library.}}
^{_{Saturday 23rd}}	^{_{Busy day at work. Inclined to rain. No half day this week. Pink Hepatica now out.}}
^{_{Sunday 24th}}	EASTER SUNDAY. Nice day. Church at 8^o/c and morning service. Record Communions. Daffs and Snowdrops in church. Gardened in afternoon. Very enjoyable day.
^{_{Monday 25th}}	EASTER MONDAY. Glorious day. Frank and I spent all day in garden. Mowed lawn and did general tidying up. No Towcester races.
^{_{Tuesday 26th}}	^{_{Busy day at work. Finished at 5^o/c in evening much to our surprise. Started on village paper collection scheme.}}
^{_{Wednesday 27th}}	^{_{Busy day. Waste paper collecting in the evening.}}
^{_{Thursday 28th}}	^{_{Waste paper collecting in evening, getting on well. Practice in evening.}}
^{_{Friday 29th}}	^{_{Busy day. Library in evening. Church Vestry meeting afterwards. Stormy meeting.}}
^{_{Saturday 30th}}	^{_{Glorious afternoon. Started digging rose bed up. Commenced work on scenery for concert.}}
^{_{Sunday 31st}}	^{_{Went to 8^o/c communion. Worked on scenery during morning and afternoon. Church in evening. Scilla’s out full. Daffs just starting.}}
^{April 1940}
^{_{Monday 1st}}	^{_{Nice day. Collected waste paper in evening.}}
^{_{Tuesday 2nd}}	^{_{Nice day. Reliant in dock. Cycled to work. Finished village paper collecting. Good practice at Mrs.Clinch’s later.}}
^{_{Wednesday 3rd}}	^{_{April showers. Busy day. Sorted paper in evening.}}
^{_{Thursday 4th}}	^{_{Grand day. Busy in evening sorting paper then dress rehearsal later. Hope this goes off well.}}
^{_{Friday 5th}}	^{_{Nice day. No library. Grand concert in evening. Went off very well. Lady Henley was very kind and praising in her criticisms. Very pleased.}}
^{_{Saturday 6th}}	^{_{Glorious day. Busy at work. Good half day in garden. Worked on churchyard paths in evening.}}
^{_{Sunday 7th}}	^{_{Rather dull and cold wind. Went to church in morning. Gardened rest of day. Finished digging Rose garden up. Frank put a few potatoes in. Had general tidy up.}}
^{_{Monday 8th}}	^{_{Worked all evening in churchyard, hope to get finished by Friday.}}
^{_{Tuesday 9th}}	^{_{Dull and rather cold. Busy day. Busy evening sorting paper. GERMANY INVADED DENMARK & SWEDEN [Denmark & Norway].}}
^{_{Wednesday 10th}}	^{_{Had busy night on churchyard paths. Shall have to propose at meeting that we pay some one to regularly do it.}}
^{_{Thursday 11th}}	^{_{Worked at night sorting paper, Have already sold 2½cwt. So that is 12/6d towards the funds.}}
^{_{Friday 12th}}	^{_{Busy at work. Library in evening followed by Church Council meeting at which Mr. Lunn presented the drawings of the new proposed stained glass window in memory of Mrs. Griffith.}}
^{_{Saturday 13th}}	^{_{Lovely day. Worked rather late. Weeded horseradish bed. Dorothy finished strawberry bed. Wireless announced sinking of 7 German destroyers. GREAT WORK !!!!!}}
^{_{Sunday 14th}}	^{_{Rather cold west wind. Church at 8^o/c . Worked in garden during day. Mowed lawns. Dug scillas up, so that finished the poor old rose garden.}}
^{_{Monday 15th}}	^{_{Cold. Very stormy. Snow and hail. Cycled to work. Worked on paper sorting in evening, then renting. Allied troops landed in Sweden [Norway].}}
^{_{Tuesday 16th}}	^{_{Dorothy busy on spring cleaning. Did my bedroom. Certainly looks very nice and clean.}}
^{_{Wednesday 17th}}	^{_{Still cold northerly wind. Garden stuff not growing at all. Weeded asparagus bed in evening.}}
^{_{Thursday 18th}}	^{_{Cold and stormy. Finished waste paper sorting and tying. It is rather too much to attempt every month.}}
^{_{Friday 19th}}	^{_{Cold and stormy. Library in evening. (Dreaming of garden entrance etc.) Cecil came home on leave again.}}
^{_{Saturday 20th}}	^{_{Busy morning. Half day. Weeded asparagus beds (this is now coming up). Inclined to rain. Believed that Reg Floyd has gone to Norway.}}
^{_{Sunday 21st}}	^{_{SPRING IS HERE. Glorious day. Worked all day in garden. Mowed lawns etc. Daffs coming out nicely. Saw first swallows (very excited) found Blackbirds nest with young.}}
^{_{Monday 22nd}}	^{_{Usual Monday. Worked in garden in evening, also went Renting.}}
^{_{Tuesday 23rd}}	^{_{Busy day. Went to Exchange to see “Freedom” naval River Plate picture. Went to Black Boy for supper. Went to dance at Salon afterwards. Very good.}}
^{_{Wednesday 24th}}	Heard Cuckoo_{^{. Rather tired after last nights dance.}}
^{_{Thursday 25th}}	^{_{Mild but dull. Scouting in evening. Started outside programme. Fighting continues in Norway.}}
^{_{Friday 26th}}	^{_{Lovely day. Busy day. Library in evening. Finished weeding asparagus beds in evening, also watered the paths with weed killer. Peas up.}}
^{_{Saturday 27th}}	^{_{Warm but Heavy. Rained heavily during evening. Mowed lawns etc. and had good tidy up. Tulips are out lovely now, also “Wanda’s” and plum blossom.}}
^{_{Sunday 28th}}	^{_{Warm inclined to be thundery. Rained during afternoon. Finished pillar near greenhouse. Went to communion in morning. Garden looks grand.}}
^{_{Monday 29th}}	^{_{Dull day inclined to be thundery. Renting and gardened in evening.}}
^{_{Tuesday 30th}}	^{_{Stormy day. Thundery. Went to Exchange in evening. “Escape to happiness”.}}
^{May 1940}
^{_{Wednesday 1st}}	^{_{Everyone rather disappointed over Norway at having to withdraw our troops from the south. Wish this war was all over.}}
^{_{Thursday 2nd}}
^{_{Friday 3rd}}	^{_{Busy day. Library in evening. Gardened in evening. Hope to start on garden gate soon.}}
^{_{Saturday 4th}}	^{_{Nice day. Mowed lawns and dressed them with lawn sand. The tulips are still out lovely. First potatoes are coming up. Doctor Griffith called in.}}
^{_{Sunday 5th}}	^{_{Glorious day. Went for walk with Stuart up to the woods in morning. Doctor Griffith came to dinner. Gardened in afternoon. Church in evening. Wrote to Cecil. “Thank God for this day.”}}
_{^{Monday 6th}}	^{_{[No entry]}}
^{_{Tuesday 7th}}	^{_{Busy evening in the garden. Shifted chickens on the lawn. They are getting on very well now.}}
^{_{Wednesday 8th}}	^{_{Nice day. Busy at work. Had letter from Henry he is in France now. Parliament kicking up for a change.}}
^{_{Thursday 9th}}	^{_{Nice day. Royal Proclamation embracing 28 to 36 [year olds] so shall have to register next month. Scouting in evening.}}
^{_{Friday 10th}}	^{_{Nice day. Library in evening. GERMANS INVADED [FRANCE] HOLLAND & BELGIUM DURING NIGHT. Now for fireworks.}}
^{_{Saturday 11th}}	^{_{Half day. Grand day. Mowed lawns etc. Although proclamation cancelling Bank Holiday we are still having ours. Dutch and Belgians still holding well. Good RAF bag.}}
^{_{Sunday 12th}}	WHITSUNDAY Lovely day. Church at 7^o/c and evening service. Tulips out lovely. Potatoes coming up. Wrote to Henry in France.
^{_{Monday 13th}}	^{_{Grand day. German advance still goes on. Worked in garden and prepared the timbers for garden arch. Thankful for enjoyable day.}}
^{_{Tuesday 14th}}	^{_{Grand day. Work again. Went to Rep. Theatre with Stuart in evening to see “On the Spot”. Started to walk home but took a Nortax instead. “Oh my poor feet”.}}
^{_{Wednesday 15th}}	^{_{Weather OK. Busy day. The Woolacott’s came to Supper. Enjoyable time. (Stuarts farewell supper).}}
^{_{Thursday 16th}}	^{_{Grand day. Scouting in evening. Stuart went off today. Wish this war was over. German thrust still continues.}}
^{_{Friday 17th}}	^{_{Weather still lovely altho’ evenings are cold. Busy day. Library in evening.}}
^{_{Saturday 18th}}	^{_{Grand day. Worked during afternoon. ARP practice during afternoon. Busy on garden arch in evening.}}
^{_{Sunday 19th}}	^{_{Glorious day. Worked in garden most of morning. Lazy afternoon. Church in evening. War news not too good.}}
^{_{Monday 20th}}	^{_{Glorious day. Renting in evening followed by first tennis. Enjoyable game. Germany continues her thrust. Serious.}}
^{_{Tuesday 21st}}	^{_{Lovely day. Not too busy at work. Situation in France very grave. Worked in garden in evening. Am trying to decide whether to volunteer for munitions work. Wrote to Cecil.}}
^{_{Wednesday 22nd}}	^{_{Heavy rain during night. Very welcome. The china cabinet at home crashed on Aunt Kate. Few specials broken. Worked in garden in evening. Germans held somewhat.}}
^{_{Thursday 23rd}}	^{_{Dull morning but thundery intervals during the day. German advance now at Bolougne. Scouting at night. Air force boys doing very well. German planes over 1,500 down.}}
^{_{Friday 24th}}	^{_{Business slacking off. Thinking of leaving and doing something of more National importance. Library in evening. Shall have to go to Doctor about my back. German thrust still continues.}}
^{_{Saturday 25th}}	^{_{Heavy day. Rain in evening. Dug up the old spring flower beds, mowed lawns etc.}}
^{_{Sunday 26th}}	Day of National Prayer^_. Communion in morning then went to 10.45 service. Good crowd. Rained during afternoon. Spent enjoyable evening at home.
^{_{Monday 27th}}	^{_{Show’ry but nice evening. Enjoyed good game of tennis in evening. News grave with regard to B.E.F. German push still continues.}}
^{_{Tuesday 28th}}	^{_{“King of Belgians gives up the fight”. Cloudy but nice evening. Started cutting the hedges in evening. Parashotts [?] are now commencing duties.}}
^{_{Wednesday 29th}}	^{_{Dull and Heavy Rain. Thundery. Planted out beds in evening with Tagetes and Ageratum etc. News very grave. All signposts have been removed. Trying to decide whether to volunteer.}}
^{_{Thursday 30th}}	^{_{Nice day. Bernard arrested and detained. Aggie etc. very upset but it is his own fault. First batch of BEF from Dunkirk arrived in town. They were weary and worn but still with a smile. Scouting in evening.}}
^{_{Friday 31st}}	^{_{Dull morning but nice afterwards. Not very busy at work. Bernard has been allowed to come out. Cecil home. Library in evening. BEF home coming.}}
^{June 1940}
^{_{Saturday 1st}}	^{_{Heavy day. Canadian troops still continue to come thro’ day and night. The children are having a lovely time cheering them on. Hedge cutting etc. in afternoon. Planted Fathers grave in evening. Frank Young married.}}
^{_{Sunday 2nd}}	^{_{Most glorious day. Canadian troops started coming thro’ again early. Had exciting day cheering them on and giving them refreshments. Mr. Payler home. Went to communion and evening service. Busy day in garden. Hedge clipping and busy tidying up.}}
^{_{Monday 3rd}}	^{_{Glorious day. BERNARD again arrested for internment. Had very enjoyable game of tennis in evening. Toothache again shall really have to go and have it out.}}
^{_{Tuesday 4th}}	^{_{Glorious day again. Busy evening on hedge cutting. Evacuation of Dunkirk now complete. Bernard still away.}}
^{_{Wednesday 5th}}	^{_{Glorious day. Not too busy. Germans commenced new offensive against France. Finished hedge clipping at home. Garden looks lovely. Iris out full. Mowed lawns. Had tooth out.}}
^{_{Thursday 6th}}	^{_{Lovely day. Air raids have been going on during week. Scouting in evening. Four evacuees came along.}}
^{_{Friday 7th}}	^{_{Nice day. Do hope the French can hold out against terrible German thrust. Library in evening. Shall have to look around for new librarian.}}
^{_{Saturday 8th}}	^{_{Nice day. Thundery. No rain. Busy ½ day in garden. Jackie finished with us [Russell Seal]. The chickens are getting on well now. German thrust for Paris continues.}}
^{_{Sunday 9th}}	^{_{Thundery and heavy. No rain. Went to Communion and evening service. Caroline Testour coming out lovely. Iris going over quickly.}}
^{_{Monday 10th}}	^{_{Heavy day but no rain. Busy without Jackie. Tennis in evening. ITALY DECLARES war against us. Germany still pushing slowly towards Paris.}}
^{_{Tuesday 11th}}	^{_{Lovely day. German thrust still goes on. Worked in garden in evening. Wish it would rain.}}
^{_{Wednesday 12th}}	^{_{Busy day at work. Caroline Testour and other roses out beautifully. Worked in garden in evening.}}
^{_{Thursday 13th}}	^{_{Nice day. Busy in shop. Wish they would get another boy [Russell Seal]. Scouting in evening.}}
^{_{Friday 14th}}	^{_{Grand day. Busy. Went to volunteer for Air Force but was refused on grounds of reserved occupation. Disappointed but they were pleased at shop.}}
^{_{Saturday 15th}}	^{_{Lovely day. Had bad cold coming on. GERMANS TAKE PARIS. Had to register and was surprised when they told me I was not reserved.}}
^{_{Sunday 16th}}	^{_{Dull day but no rain. Fighting continues. Germans still thrusting onwards. Had lazy day. Went to Church at 8^o/c and evening. Frank dug first potatoes.}}
^{_{Monday 17th}}	^{_{Lovely day. Still no rain. FRANCE CEASED FIGHTING WE NOW FIGHT ALONE. Had good game of tennis in evening.}}
^{_{Tuesday 18th}}	^{_{Nice day. Busy. Went up to Labour Exchange and they tell me that I am not reserved. Worked in garden during evening. France STILL fights on.}}
^{_{Wednesday 19th}}	^{_{Lovely day. AIR RAID DURING NIGHT. 12 killed. Some on Northamptonshire. Hitler and Musso negotiating. We shall have now to look out for ourselves. Hitler prepares Peace terms for France.}}
^{_{Thursday 20th}}	^{_{First Dull day for weeks. LARGEST AIR RAID YET DURING NIGHT. 7 killed. Nursing Association Fete at Rectory. Was in the tennis finals, but lost. Very enjoyable.}}
^{_{Friday 21st}}	^{_{Lovely day. Another air raid last night. Wondering when our turn will come. Library in evening. France still fighting but waiting for peace terms.}}
^{_{Saturday 22nd}}	^{_{Dull day. Rained during morning and part afternoon. FRANCE signs PEACE terms with GERMANY. Air Raid again last night. Took all the children and their mothers to Towcester pictures.}}
^{_{Sunday 23rd}}	^{_{Rained quite a lot during day. Very pleased. Lazy day. Took scouts to Chapel in evening.}}
^{_{Monday 24th}}	^{_{Woke up during the night at 2^o/c to hear the first air raid warning going. Absolutely an ungodly noise, last[ed] about 30 mins. Rugby damaged. Northampton rather excited about it.}}
^{_{Tuesday 25th}}	^{_{Another air raid warning sounded at 3^o/c [am] but it only lasted 20 mins. Nice day. Mother has not yet heard the sirens. Very pleased she did’nt.}}
^{_{Wednesday 26th}}	^{_{Grand day. No air raid warning last night. Very pleased. We are now awaiting Hitler’s bang at us. Gathered Red Currants in evening.}}
^{_{Thursday 27th}}	^{_{Lovely day. Busy. Scouting. Frank on L.D.V. at 10^o/c and all through the night. Shall really have to join and give them a hand. [ L.D.V. is the 'Local Defence Volunteers' which were renamed 'Home Guard' by Churchill shortly afterwards].}}
^{_{Friday 28th}}	^{_{Still very hot and dry. Wish it would rain. No library. Marshall Balbo killed. Went to Whist Drive in Mrs. Roper’s garden in aid of Red Cross.}}
^{_{Saturday 29th}}	^{_{Nice Day. Mowed lawns etc. and spent very enjoyable hour with mother preparing and arranging the flowers on the Altar in church.}}
^{_{Sunday 30th}}	^{_{Grand day. Went to Communion. FEAST SUNDAY. Tidied up Flower border in morning. Frank on Paratroops.. INCENDIARY BOMB demonstration in afternoon. Scout Parade in church in evening.}}
^{July 1940}
^{_{Monday 1st}}	^{_{Very hot. Busy. Tennis in evening. Italian troops in Libya etc. are falling to our men. Air raids last night again but not in this district. 12 killed.}}
^{_{Tuesday 2nd}}	^{_{Lovely day. Very hot. Busy day. Tank corps dashing about village – also barricade preparations are going on at speed. Busy evening in garden watering etc, altho’ it looks very like rain.}}
^{_{Wednesday 3rd}}	^{_{We have collared the French Fleet at Oran and elsewhere. Had enjoyable game of tennis in Mrs. Clinch’s garden in evening. Do not know whether I am doing right in this.}}
^{_{Thursday 4th}}	^{_{Nice day altho’ inclined to be stormy. Scouting in evening. Busy day at work. Hope when my medical comes that I can pass sufficient to get in.}}
^{_{Friday 5th}}	^{_{Nice day. Fairly busy. Wish I could get my backache better and feel safe about my medical examination. Library in evening.}}
^{_{Saturday 6th}}	^{_{Rainy morning but cleared up. Misty during afternoon. Frank registered. Made a new top for the well and mowed lawns etc. My head aches rather too much for my liking.}}
^{_{Sunday 7th.}}	^{_{Stormy day. Rain fell nicely at intervals. Misty at intervals. Went to church in morning. Frank and Ron took part in field exercises.}}
^{_{Monday 8th}}	^{_{Hot day. Noel had his medical papers. Am sure that by the feel of my heart when I do get mine I shall be C6. Busy day. Had good game of tennis in evening. Tea to be rationed.}}
^{_{Tuesday 9th}}	^{_{Nice day. Rather tired. Naval action still goes on against French ships. Worked in garden in evening.}}
^{_{Wednesday 10th}}	^{_{Thundery. Very stormy day. Very pleased with the rain. R.A.F. still busy against raiders. Went to Towcester Cinema with Ralph and Ron. Good picture.}}
^{_{Thursday 11th}}	^{_{Stormy day. Thundery. Large air raid last night, but our R.A.F. took heavy toll of them. Short scouting in evening. Wrote to Cecil. Will get to bed early tonight.}}
^{_{Friday 12th}}	^{_{Busy day again. Still no medical call up paper. Library in evening.}}
^{_{Saturday 13th}}
^{_{Sunday 14th}}
^{_{Monday 15th}}
^{_{Tuesday 16th}}
^{_{Wednesday 17th}}	^{_{Stormy - hoping for fine spell again. Intended to join L.D.V. but have given myself another day. Did a little work in garden but everywhere too wet. Shifted the chickens.}}
^{_{Thursday 18th}}	^{_{Stormy day. We shall soon want it dry again. No scouting as it was too wet.}}
^{_{Friday 19th}}	^{_{Stormy day. Rain at intervals. Busy day. Library in evening. Church Council meeting afterwards. Suggested that we have sheep in churchyard. The organ is to be repaired at cost of £90, also Window Faculty came up again.}}
^{_{Saturday 20th}}	^{_{Busy morning as usual. Mowed lawns etc. and tidied up the Iris border. The plums are coming on well. Not many apples. Potatoes too look excellent.}}
^{_{Sunday 21st}}	^{_{Show’ry day. Communion in morning at 8^o/c . Worked in garden in morning. Slept during afternoon. Went to church evening service, and very enjoyable walk afterwards.}}
^{_{Monday 22nd}}	^{_{Nice day. Collected rents etc. in evening. Worked in garden a little then visited tennis players at the Rectory.}}
^{_{Tuesday 23rd}}	^{_{Nice day. Air raids each night somewhere, but we have’nt had any warnings lately. Joined L.D.V. in evening. OK.}}
^{_{Wednesday 24th}}	^{_{Show’ry day. Busy. Met with other members of committee to inspect the churchyard and tower etc. Spent enjoyable evening with them and the Rector and Mr. Eden [builder from Tiffield] inspecting, etc. Pleased.}}
^{_{Thursday 25th}}	^{_{Had letter from Stuart. Hellishly busy at work. Feeling lot better. Went to rifle practice in evening, quite enjoy handling the guns.}}
^{_{Friday 26th}}	^{_{Stormy. Wish the rain would clear off. Heavy storms in evening. Busy Library. Intended to go to bed early, but went on a hire job after 10^o/c .}}
^{_{Saturday 27th}}	^{_{Stormy day. Rained very heavily in afternoon so unable to do much in garden, so worked in the church instead – removed seat front to show off tomb more and fixed carving to the wall. Would like to do lots more.}}
^{_{Sunday 28th}}	^{_{Intended to go to Communion but overslept. Lovely day. Went on L.D.V. Parade in morning. Very enjoyable. Had lazy afternoon in garden and evening. Wrote to Cecil, also photographed the “kids” in front of “Snow White” background.}}
^{_{Monday 29th}}	^{_{North westerly wind, Dull. But lovely evening. Busy as usual. Went to tennis in evening. Good crowd. Only had one set as evenings are falling in now.}}
^{_{Tuesday 30th}}	^{_{Could do with some holiday – but nothing mentioned yet. Show’ry, worked in churchyard in evening and watered the paths with weed killer.}}
^{_{Wednesday 31st}}	^{_{Grand day. Cycled to work again. Busy day. L.D.V. inspection in evening. Think I am going to enjoy L.D.V.}}
^{August 1940}
^{_{Thursday 1st}}	^{_{Grand day. Busy. Wish they would get more staff. Apples 1/- per pound. Plums are ripening well. L.D.V. practice in evening. Corn is ripening quickly.}}
^{_{Friday 2nd}}	^{_{Grand day. Very busy. Doc gave me an extra £1. Feel very disgusted with the firm. Library in evening, with first L.D.V. guard duty 8 to10 afterwards. Enjoyed the rounds very much.}}
^{_{Saturday 3rd}}	^{_{Late half-day. Grand day. Mowed lawns etc. and tidied up garden. Mothers cockerels are beginning to crow so their lives will soon be cut off. Feel rather peeved with Seals.}}
^{_{Sunday 4th}}	^{_{Glorious day. Church at 8^o/c . On duty at home during the morning. Frank L.D.V. Took the eaters after dinner to Althorpe. Spent enjoyable afternoon walking. Afterwards went to Brington Church. Enjoyed this rather unusual service. Home at 9.30.}}
^{_{Monday 5th}}	^{_{Grand day but rather more heavy than yesterday. Worked on garden entrance and in garden in morning [BANK HOLIDAY]. Enjoyable game of tennis in afternoon. Then went to Northampton barracks for shooting in evening. Rather disappointed in my shooting. (Chapel garden party).}}
^{_{Tuesday 6th}}	^{_{Grand day. Fairly busy at work. Rather dull. Left Reliant at home for repairs. L.D.V. in evening. Rifle drill very enjoyable. R.A.F. Padre stranded with car. Great man. His hero is still Robin Hood.}}
^{_{Wednesday 7th.}}	^{_{Hot day. Busy at Seals. Hoed in garden in evening, then played enjoyable game of tennis at Mrs. Clinch’s until dark. They are thrilled with the Padre at home.}}
^{_{Thursday 8th}}	^{_{Grand day. Had letter from Cecil. Busy at work. Busy in garden in evening. Lovely lot of plums. Have forgotten to pinch the Chrysanthemums for the 2nd time but shall leave them now.}}
^{_{Friday 9th}}	^{_{Grand day. Felt rather peeved with having to do errand boys work. Scouting cooking Tests in evening. 60 German planes brought down in yesterdays raid.}}
^{_{Saturday 10th}}	^{_{Stormy day. Showers. Worked all day. Felt rather peeved. Hurried home. Went to the Flower show for few minutes – then on L.D.V. duty till 10.30. Grand night.}}
^{_{Sunday 11th}}	^{_{Went to church with mother. Had one of the fattened chickens for dinner. Very nice. 56 German planes fetched down.}}
^{_{Monday 12th}}	^{_{Grand day. 60 German planes fetched down. Great work. Roger had day off, very busy. L.D.V. shooting practice at Northampton. Had letter from W. Judkins.}}
^{_{Tuesday 13th}}	^{_{Duller today. Very busy. Roger and Aggie had good row. L.D.V. Parade at night. Watched new R.D.C. Fire engine at work. Extensive Air Raids again. About 78 German planes down. We lost 13. Chicken for supper. “Hurray”.}}
^{_{Wednesday 14th}}	^{_{Grand day. Very Busy. Wish Seals would wake up to the fact of short staff. Good game of tennis in evening. 15 Gerry planes down today. Italy has been well bombed.}}
^{_{Thursday 15th}}	^{_{Grand day. Busy. Left Reliant at home. Big end gone. Fierce fighting in Somaliland. Our men retreating. L.D.V. in evening. 88 “B – Y” German planes down today. “Hurrah”.}}
^{_{Friday 16th}}	^{_{Grand day. 169 planes down yesterday. New errand boy started [Seal’s]. Library in evening. Frank on all night patrol. Ticker felt rather tight today.}}
^{_{Saturday 17th}}	^{_{Grand day. Mary Hollis and family came over to tea so we had a Great picnic on the lawn. Mowed lawns etc. later. Started cutting hedges again. Tomatoes ripening nicely, also plums.}}
^{_{Sunday 18th}}
^{_{Monday 19th}}	^{_{Rather heavy day. 140 planes down yesterday. Went to tennis in evening but owing to bad light and damping was unable to play. Wrote to Walt. Judkins. Gave donation to Spitfire fund. Ron, Edith, Mic and Maggie went to Theatre.}}
^{_{Tuesday 20th}}	^{_{Great excitement in village. Hole in path outside school supposed to be made by unexploded bomb. Dull day. Worked in garden in evening instead of going to L.D.V. Mrs. W. informed me confidentially that a party of Germans had landed in England.}}
^{_{Wednesday 21st}}	^{_{Rough wind but we are pleased with this as it will hamper enemy movements. Bomb still wont go off. Air activity not so much again. Did a little hoeing in the garden. Wind is knocking the fruit about. Browns came.}}
^{_{Thursday 22nd}}	^{_{Full wind Rather chilly. Not much activity last night. Bomb still refuses to go off. Shipping heavily bombarded in channel from French coast. N.B.G. L.D.V. during evening.}}
^{_{Friday 23rd}}	^{_{Cloudy but nice day. Great excitement at home again. A German plane came over low, and machine gunned the station and rather surprised everyone. Library in evening. They have finished decorating church schools. Bomb still silent.}}
^{_{Saturday 24th}}	^{_{Nice day. Pruned rambler roses in afternoon. Was called on duty at 7.30 together with all L.D.V. and A.R.P. to evacuate people and sandbag the bomb in. Worked feverishly till 12 midnight. R.A.F. are coming to do the rest of the work.}}
^{_{Sunday 25th}}	^{_{Ron, Edith & Trevor slept at home [Garage]. Got up at 4.30. R.A.F. boys commenced operations. Removed bomb safely by 8.30 then took it up to the pits and exploded it at 9.20. Everyone very thankful. Frank went shooting. Worked on sandbags in morning. Church in evening. Organ down.}}
^{_{Monday 26th}}	^{_{Grand day. Everyone thankful for bomb clearing up yesterday. On L.D.V. duty till 10^o/c. Then watched the Gerry’s firework display till midnight. Heard and felt lots of bombs.}}
^{_{Tuesday 27th}}	^{_{Heard in morning that bombs were nearer than we thought. 7 at Duston, 3 bungalows demolished, also some fell round about Towcester district. Hope they don’t come any nearer. L.D.V. evening preparing range.}}
^{_{Wednesday 28th}}	^{_{Grand day. Had good nights rest Thank God. Busy day at work. Cut hedges in evening. Frank digging potatoes. Flares and planes started again at 10^o/c prompt.}}
^{_{Thursday 29th}}	^{_{Stuart Woollacott went back. Nice day. L.D.V. preparing shooting range in evening. Fairly quite night again for which we are very thankful.}}
^{_{Friday 30th}}	^{_{Busy at work. Quiet night again altho’ raids have been round about at Birmingham etc. Library in evening. New books issue. 52 planes down today. “Hurrah”}}
^{_{Saturday 31st}}	^{_{Nice day. Very hot. Intensive raids towards London. Our fighters doing wonderfully well. Worked in garden during afternoon. Hedge clipping. 85 planes down (German) today.}}
^{September 1940}
^{_{Sunday 1st}}	^{_{Lovely Sunday again. “How I do love them”. Glorious day. Went to morning service. Piano still in use. Open air Thanksgiving Service in afternoon. Collected for Spitfire Fund, £5. Painted in evening.}}
^{_{Monday 2nd}}	^{_{Grand day after a peaceful night. Had good game of tennis in evening. Just got to bed when 5 bombs were dropped near Collingtree, so we all got up till midnight. Busy aircraft evening. Bombs all around.}}
^{_{Tuesday 3rd}}	^{_{50 German planes down yesterday. Lovely hot day. Do not feel too tired after yesterdays night up. Very busy day at work. Took Sheila to Dr. Burgess in evening. Dorothy, Robin and Sheila came round to sleep at home [Ralphs family at the Nook].}}
^{_{Wednesday 4th}}	^{_{Very hot and dry. Peaceful night again. The Nook people came along at night again. L.D.V. at night.}}
^{_{Thursday 5th}}	^{_{Grand day. Last night was a very quite night. Slept along at Stoneacre [Ron in hospital]. Raiders very busy. 48 German planes down today.}}
^{_{Friday 6th}}	^{_{Peaceful night again. Grand day. Slept at Stoneacre again. Nook party slept at home again.}}
^{_{Saturday 7th}}	^{_{Grand day. 46 planes down yesterday. We lost 6 pilots. Bigger raid on London today. Worked late. Slept at Stoneacre again.}}
^{_{Sunday 8th}}	^{_{Grand day. 103 enemy planes down yesterday but the ones that got through did London a good piece of damage. Good joint church parade in afternoon. National day of prayer. Organ ready for use. Enjoyable church service in evening.}}
^{_{Monday 9th}}	^{_{Great day again. London again had an extensive raid. Must pray for all the Londoners and ourselves. Very enjoyable evening organ recital by Mr. Chapman at Church. Nook slept at home again.}}
^{_{Tuesday 10th}}	^{_{Peaceful night. London has had another raid and is getting quite knocked about again. Frank is getting on with potato digging. Mothers institute potatoes are 56 lbs from 3 potatoes.}}
^{_{Wednesday 11th}}	^{_{Quiet night. Poor old London had another good Raid again. Bomb drops on Buckingham Palace, also Madame Tussauds etc. We have given Berlin a jolly good tanking too.}}
^{_{Thursday 12th}}	^{_{89 Enemy planes down yesterday. Grand day after quiet night. On Home Guard duty ‘till midnight. East coast area being evacuated in preparation for the invasion.}}
^{_{Friday 13th}}	^{_{Peaceful night again. Grand day. Showers at night. Everywhere very dry. No evacuees turned up yet. No library on account of Troops Fund Whist drive.}}
^{_{Saturday 14th}}	^{_{Westerly wind but grand day. Cycled with Scouts to Sulgrave in afternoon. Had very enjoyable time. London raided again last night. Buckingham Palace bombed.}}
^{_{Sunday 15th}}	_{^{Change of weather. Showery. 8^o/c Communion. L.D.V. Shooting in morning. Chicken for dinner. Took part in Home Guard parade to Milton in evening. Very enjoyable service. Busy R.A.F. day. [After war “Battle of Britain Day”]}}
^{_{Monday 16th}}	^{_{185 Gerry planes down yesterday. Best ever. We lost 25 – and 13 pilots. Showery most of day. Felt rather tired.}}
^{_{Tuesday 17th}}	^{_{Very rough wind. Hope it blows all Hitler’s boats about. Frank on all night Home Guard. Poor old London still has heavy bombing. Nice peaceful night again.}}
^{_{Wednesday 18th}}	^{_{Dull morning but cleared up later. R.A.F. have busy day. London bombed again during night. Home Guard in evening. Drew 3/- for helping with the bomb extraction. Dorothy got a nice plaice and chips supper.}}
^{_{Thursday 19th}}	^{_{Cloudy but nice day. London has again been visited. Evacuees coming out of London. Duty night for me on Home guard, quite enjoyable, but uneventful. 8 – 6.}}
^{_{Friday 20th}}	^{_{Grand day. Poor old London has had another fierce night. We were lucky again. Feel rather tired after last night. Library in evening. Have got slight cold.}}
^{_{Saturday 21st}}	^{_{Grand day. Very busy at Depot. Hurried home for shooting practice. Not too pleased with myself. Mowed lawns etc. afterwards. Helped decorate church and polished the wall brasses. Very enjoyable.}}
^{_{Sunday 22nd}}	^{_{Show’ry day. HARVEST FESTIVAL. Church In morning. Grand service. Lazy afternoon. Scout parade to church in evening. Rain in evening. Grand day altogether.}}
^{_{Monday 23rd}}	_{^{Grand day. Very busy at work. Wish we hadn’t got the old konk. Rent collecting in evening. London again had raids last night. Children evacuee ship sunk [“City of Benares”, 7 children saved out of 90 on board.].}}
^{_{Tuesday 24th}}	^{_{Grand day. Gen. De Gaulle and Co. go to Dakar. Hope they succeed. London evacuees have been rolling through in buses. Had half-day. Removed plants from church.}}
^{_{Wednesday 25th}}	^{_{Grand day. Gerry had busy night again on London etc. Went to Towcester in evening to start on Lewis Gun course.}}
^{_{Thursday 26th}}	^{_{Grand day. Very busy. Dakar stunt fails. Towcester again in evening. Gerry planes around again during evening – dropping a few eggs around. Pury End bombed [landmine, heard as a very loud bang at Blisworth].}}
^{_{Friday 27th}}	^{_{Grand day. Hellishly busy at work. They are suggesting rise increase. Library in evening. Home Guard in evening 10 – 5. Looks like being a wet night. Back aches rather. Must go down to Doctor first moment I get.}}
^{_{Saturday 28th}}	^{_{124 planes down yesterday. Good old R.A.F. Busy day but felt rather tired. Worked all day. Cold wind but nice day.}}
^{_{Sunday 29th}}	^{_{Frank went to London. Nice day but cold wind. Spent lazy day. Went with scouts to Chapel in evening. Altogether a grand day but much too short.}}
^{_{Monday 30th}}	^{_{Nice day but still cold wind. London raids still continue but we keep giving Gerry ports smashing blows. Intended going down to the Doctor in evening but got out of it again.}}
^{October 1940}
^{_{Tuesday 1st}}	^{_{Poor old London still getting heavy raids, evacuation goes on. Nights are now dropping in sharply.}}
^{_{Wednesday 2nd}}	^{_{Nice day. Homeguard in evening.}}
^{_{Thursday 3rd}}	^{_{Cloudy day. Lone raiders did quite a bit of damage around. Rushden had a visit – 7 children and others killed. Busy day. Spent quiet evening at home.}}
^{_{Friday 4th}}	^{_{Dull and stormy. Much welcome rain. Enjoyable library in evening.}}
^{_{Saturday 5th}}	^{_{Windy and dull day. Ron went to London again. Altogether a very busy day. Commenced getting plants into greenhouse. The Azaleas are looking very well. No bulbs can be bought so we shall have to make old ones do.}}
^{_{Sunday 6th}}	^{_{Dull, Windy and Rain. Busy morning at Garage. Went to church in morning. Short ride in afternoon. Worked on home guard competition in evening.}}
^{_{Monday 7th}}
^{_{Tuesday 8th}}	^{_{High wind and stormy. Bombs at Finedon. Trains all running late.}}
^{_{Wednesday 9th}}	^{_{Strong rain in high wind. Managed to get 1lb of margarine 9d. Butter ration now only 2 ozs per head. Home Guard lecture in evening.}}
^{_{Thursday 10th}}	^{_{Nice day, high wind. London’s raid longest of the war. St. Pauls receives direct hit. Went to Home Guard. Active in evening again.}}
^{_{Friday 11th}}	^{_{Stormy day. Navy bombarded Cherbourg. Library in evening. Home Guard afterwards and good chicken supper later, then bed.}}
^{_{Saturday 12th}}	^{_{Grand day. Sharp frost last night but have got more of the stuff in G/house. Finished getting Chrysanthemums in. Quite an enjoyable day.}}
^{_{Sunday 13th}}	^{_{Grand day. Went to Wootton Home Guard in morning on Lewis Gun Firing. Spent quiet afternoon. Church in evening. Princess Elizabeth spoke on Radio for first time.}}
^{_{Monday 14th}}	^{_{On Duty 3½ [hrs] during night. All quiet. Grand night altho’ rain is imminent.}}
^{_{Tuesday 15th}}	^{_{Bombers around in evening. Nothing too alarming. Home Guard in evening. Issued with spats.}}
^{_{Wednesday 16th}}	^{_{Nice day but wet evening. Cycled home. Quiet evening at home preparing for scouting tomorrow.}}
^{_{Thursday 17th}}	^{_{Wet day again. No scouting yet so spent the at evening at home, writing etc. London gets the raiders still.}}
^{_{Friday 18th}}	^{_{Stormy and rainy. Busy at Seals owing to purchase tax coming on Goods next week. Library in evening. Aggie, Roger & Eddie had “glorious” row [Russell Seals}.}}
^{_{Saturday 19th}}	^{_{Nice day. Very busy at Seals. Worked all day to enable Eddie to fetch Noel home. Bought a pheasant, also some new shoes 16/6.}}
^{_{Sunday 20th}}	^{_{Grand day after quiet night altho’ London suffered bad raids. Home Guard field exercises in morning. Frank went to London. Quiet evening as Church evening service is in afternoon [presumably because of blackout].}}
^{_{Monday 21st}}	^{_{Wet morning but cleared later. Feel almost like saying “Wish we were’nt so Bloody Busy at work” but must stick it. Wish they were not so busy at home too. Rent night. Coventry looks as tho’ she is having it badly tonight. The siren went at dinner time in Northampton today.}}
^{_{Tuesday 22nd}}	^{_{Dull, foggy evening. Busy at work preparing blackout. Had a bomber visit us at 9.10 [p.m.]. Few H.E.’s dropped at the Arm, also a whole lot (dozens) of incendiary ones scattered on Mill end of the fields. No damage.}}
^{_{Wednesday 23rd}}	^{_{Dull day but brighter evening. Foggy. Ron fetched Aunt Loue and Edna and “Coco” down [From London, “Coco’ was the parrot]. Have all swopped bedrooms. Do hope all things go well for them.}}
^{_{Thursday 24th}}	^{_{Grand day after rude awakening. H.E. bombs dropped at 5 mins to seven on the Milton-Blisworth boundary [One a little way to left of main road just before the short hill into Milton]. Very thankful nothing worse. Commenced scouting again.}}
^{_{Friday 25th}}	^{_{Grand day. Library in evening. Good batch of parachute flares in evening. Rather put the wind up us all, but nothing worse happened.}}
^{_{Saturday 26th}}	^{_{Grand day but blasted well had to work all day, for Eddie fetched Noel back again. Had hair cut in evening. Cycled home for a change.}}
^{_{Sunday 27th}}	^{_{Had disturbed night with hire job. Evacuee, Italian, no where to go. Did a little gardening in morning. Went down to Andover in afternoon to take Noel back. Very enjoyable run. Enjoyable evening at home.}}
^{_{Monday 28th}}	_{^{Fair day. Italy and Greece have started offensives. Do hope we can give Italy a darned good hiding this time. A few bumps in the evening but nothing too near.}}
^{_{Tuesday 29th}}