Wednesday 29 February 2012

Bill, Doris, Lyn and Kala

As there wasn't a '29th' in 1942, here is a picture probably taken around the same time as the diaries were written, although clearly later in the year when the weather was warmer!

From left to right, Kala the Afghan Hound, Doris, Lyn and Bill in uniform.


Tuesday 28 February 2012

Saturday 28th February

Bill

Up about 6.45, had breakfast and it was bacon, porridge, coffee. I started work, painted some barns and cleaned up. Had a nasty shock, I was put in charge of one post Yates. It shook me somewhat as I had planned to go out. Well, it cannot be helped. I cleaned up rifle and over hauled kit. Went to dinner and had meat, raw in places and onions and potatoes, sultana pudding with custard. Rang Doris up and told her I won't be coming. it shook her a bit as well. I got ready and on parade marched to C Flt and dismissed, took over from Kelly and checked on equipment. Found all correct and read a yarn on *** and brought this diary up to date. Had tea, it was a mixture of butter and cheese and jam and cake. Then went over to post office. They were closed till quarter to five, so went back to gun post and told Gates to go to tea. Saw Bob ***, he had just come off water guard. Went back to the post and did the stand to, then went to supper. I helped myself to *** on fried bread and some cake.I saw Stan *** and chatted with him. he was going to live out and was in the dental surgery. Very cold over ***. No fire.

Doris.

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs, chiefly my own room. Tim came home for the day about 11. Bill rang up 12.40 - on No. 1 post Yatesbury. Was I disappointed, like a pricked balloon - very flat day indeed. Knitted after dinner. Got Lyn up after three and took her round the fields, then she played out in the garden until tea time with the others. Tim and Mrs S went at 5. Jill put Phil to bed, but very troublesome. Bridgit bathed Lyn. I cut her hair. Finished Lyn's bodice for her skirt but oh I have missed Bill so very very much. Bed now 10.00 pm, hour earlier.

Monday 27 February 2012

Friday 27th February

Bill

Up about 7.15, had breakfast, porridge and  sausage and beans. Started making a barn and painted in roofs on houses. Helped Bill Gates with his models. made a gable ended Barn then went to dinner. had meat, swedes and potatoes and*** pudding. The pudding tasted funny and unsweetened. Started work on some more models. It was much warmer and my feet and hands had thawed a bit. I carried on till 4 then got ready to go out. Doris and Lyn met me. She had a doll and very pleased with it. I gave her a ride on the bike. we had tea and washed up, put Lyn to bed and then read her some stories out of her book. I went down and sat by the fire reading. Had supper and got ready to go out. Cycled back. Put new battery in rear light and changed the one in the front. Got back about 11.10 and sat by fire with Furnen having a smoke. I gave him some bread for toast. Got in bed and goodnight.

Doris

Anne's Birthday. Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. No post. Finished by 2.15 and sewed up Lyn's jumper and tried it on her when I got her up at 3.15 - very, very pleased with it. Bill C. got the sack today for throwing a clod at Percy and cutting his mouth. Got tea and then took Lyn to meet Bill. She took her doll. Put Lyn to bed and Bill read nursery rhymes, then Bill and I round the fire together. Bill read and I started to make a top for Lyn's skirt. Bill's remustering form has gone through to seconds. Up to the top with Bill, still a bit disappointed. bed now 10.50 pm.

Sunday 26 February 2012

Thursday 26th February

Bill

Got up about 7, shaved and went to breakfast. It eas fish so I declined. Ate my porridge and took bread back to hut and made some toast. Started work, painted up some houses. They look very nice now. had dinner, meat, swedes and potatoes, also date pudding. Went back to work on models, then went over and had a cup of tea and a piece of Swiss roll. Cycled over to Rodwell and had tea. Put Lyn to bed and read her some nursery rhymes. They met me along the road. Sat by the fire and read till supper time. Doris rang Ivy up and I spoke to her and Mum. Had supper and washed up, then got ready to go back. Got back about eleven ten, sat by fire talking to Kelly, then went to bed. (Ivy's birthday)

Doris

Ivy's birthday. Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Lyn quite well again but very defiant. Finished by 2.30, knitted till 3.30 then had a nice hot bath. Got Lyn up and got the tea, then we went to meet Bill. Put Lyn to bed, Bill read to her. sat round the fire, I finished all the knitting part of Lyn's jumper. Bill read. We ranh Ivy up to wish her Many happy returns, and both spoke to Dad, Mum and ivy. it was lovely to hear their voices. Up to the top with Bill, I feel that I disappointed him tonight and I feel very mean and miserable about it. To bed now, tired, 10.30pm.

Saturday 25 February 2012

Wednesday 25th February

Bill

Up at 7.22. made bed, shaved, took some hot water out to do so. Cleaned up, went to breakfast, had tomato and English bacon. It was lovely. I ate two slices of bread and butter, the first time in six months. Went back to hut to get ready for work. Made some houses with gable ends. Painted them with first coat. Went to dinner, had meat, swedes and potatoes, bread pudding with custard. Went back to work, got some bottles, shaped up some houses, started on armadillo. Packed up and went and had three cups of tea. Cycled over to Rodwell. Fed pigs ducks and calves. Collected the eggs and had tea. It was very nice. Put Lyn to bed. It was cold but before she went we went and had a look at the sheep. They were alright, but it was very cold. Mr and Mrs Smeaton and the children enjoyed the snow. I read to Lyn, then sat by fire reading while Doris knitted. I biked home and got in about 11.15.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time. They all went to Peter Pan at Oxford at 10.30 this morning. I had Philip all day. Lyn very queer all the morning and went to bed dinner time. Had a royal turn out and was better at once. Slept till 3.45 and Phil too. I ironed my own and Mrs S's from 1.30 to 4.45!!! Bill came 5.15 and fed calves, ducks etc. had tea on our own. Took Lyn and went to look at the sheep for Mfr S. Bill read to Lyn in bed while Mr S and I washed up. Round the fire. Bill read, I wrote to Mother and then knitted Lyn's other sleeve. Scrambled eggs on toast. Up to the top and now bed 10.43 pm.

Friday 24 February 2012

Tuesday 24th February

Bill

Up about 7.15 then breakfast, fried egg on fried bread, porridge and coffee, then back to work. Made vickers guns, *** and hay stacks. Had dinner, roast beef, carrots, potatoes and pudding with custard. It is still very cold and some of the lads have touch of flue. Carried on after dinner. Mended pipe. Shaped some wood for Bill Gale. Got ready to go out. Went over and had two cups of tea and a piece of Swiss roll, beans on toast. Biked over to Rodwell and met Doris and Lyn. Lyn was thrilled because all the ducks flew in to the water. We walked home. Lyn had a ride on the saddle. There were visitors for tea so we cleaned away and had ours on our own. It was very nice honey, jam scones, tea cakes, buns and coffee sandwich. Very nice. I helped to clear away. Put Lyn to bed and read to her. Sat by fire. Had supper. Promised to feed stock.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs and drawing room. Finished 2.30 then did a terrific packet of washing. Not finished till past four, got Lyn up then. Mrs Doble, Pe** D, Mrs Godwin and Barry came to tea. Lyn and I went to meet Bill then we had tea on our own so never saw the visitors at all. Put Lyn to bed, and Bill read her nursery rhymes out of her book. I knitted all the evening and Bill read and slept. Up to the top gate and now going to sew up half of Lyn's jumper and then bed now 10.40 - shan't be long. G. Night.


Thursday 23 February 2012

Monday 23rd February

Bill

Up about 7 am then breakfast, sausage and bacon. Then back to work. made some Vickers guns and Levis. Had a cup of cocoa. it was very cold and freezing. Went to dinner, had meat, swedes and potatoes, and stewed figs. Carried on with some more work. Got cleaned up, went over and had a cup of tea then biked over to Rodwell. met Doris and Lyn. It was very cold out. Several army lorries about. had tea then put Lyn to bed. Read her a story and then went down stairs to  write to Mother. It took me nearly all the evening. The had a short rest and a warm. Had supper and biked home. Doris warmed up my battery. Kelly was sitting by the fire. I got in bed.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Finished about half past two, got Lyn up about three as she wasn't asleep. Did a little knitting. Mrs S went to Calne and took Philip so I did all her washing. Got tea and took Lyn to meet Bill. Lots of soldiers in Compton Bassett. Lyn was thrilled. Put Lyn to bed and Bill 'acted' nursery rhymes for her. I knitted all the evening and Bill wrote to Mrs Lucock. Supper and went up to the top gate with Bill. Came back and ironed my blue frock and Lyn's sleeping suit and talked to Mrs S. Bed now 11.15 pm.

Wednesday 22 February 2012

Sunday 22nd February

Bill

Got up 8.545, went to breakfast, had rancid bacon, porridge, coffee. Read The People. Cleaned up, shaved, no hot water, had a hair cut and filled lighter. It is very cold and snowing slightly. Read paper and made up bed, then to dinner. had beef stew, pudding, then got ready to go out. Got on bike and went to Rodwell. Got Lyn up and sat by fire. I was picked up by Mr Smeaton and put bike on grid. Chatted to Mr Ganton on China and travels relating to Japan and other countries, also about salmon fishing. had tea and then sat round fire. It was too cold to go out. We brought Lyn down by the fire and I read to her. it was nice and warm. Then put her to bed. I sat by the fire reading with Doris till supper time, then has supper and biked back to camp. Had a warm, made fire up and got in bed. Goodnight.

Doris

Rodwell. Up 8.30 and Lyn the same time. Washed up, Grannie helping, did potatoes, made beds. They all went to Church excapt Baikie. Wrote to Mother and supervised dinner. Put Lyn to bed, Grannie helped with dinner things so finished by 2.15. Jill and Brigit out to tea. Bill here by 2.45, talked to Baikie till they went at 3.30. Went to bed for half hour, got Lyn up. Washed up tea things by 6.15 so brought Lyn into the dining room in her dressing gown and Bill read lots to her. We sat round the fire all the evening, I knitted, Bill read and slept. Up to the top. bed now 10.35 pm so G. Night.

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Saturday 21st February

Bill

Up at 10 past 7 then cleaned up and went to breakfast. had All Bran and rissoles, tea. Came back and wrote up this diary. They are just calling outside, must be nearly 9 am. At work on models, painting administration quarters and garage, fire station, power house, sergeants bunks. Went over to canteen and bought bottle of ginger beer and a bar of Lux soap for Doris. Went on with models and finished off painting. it was snowy outside and very cold going over to dinner. Had dinner, meat, boiled onions, potatoes, sago. had two helpings of sago. Came back and got ready to go out. Took some models to show Mr Ganton. I got there, Doris was just coming to meet me. I went indoors and helped to get the tea ready, then got Lyn up. Gave Doris her soap and toothbrush. She was pleased with them. Went up to the post office. It was bitterly cold. We cam back and had tea. I helped to wash up and read a story to Lyn. Listened to exploits of Mt Ganton. He showed us his scarf he was making on a frame. Sat by fire and read the Country Mart. Then had supper, sausage and onions. Yarned over fishing, then got ready to go.Lamp came off. Got in 11.20, sat by fire and read a story. Goodnight.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time, all more or less usual jobs. 11.30 Grannie and Baikie arrived for the weekend/ Grannie helped to wash up so finished by 2.20. Bill here by 2.45. We got the tea, got Lyn up and went up to the village. Started a P.O. account for Lyn with 10/- (7/- Bill, 3/- me). All had tea. Bill and Baikie yarned afterwards. Oh, put Lyn up directly after tea and I read to her and then Bill did. Bill read this evening and I knitted. We had the dining room to ourselves. Supper 9.00 pm, sausages and onions. Bill and Baikie yarned. Laid breakfast. Up to the top with Bill and now bed 10.45 pm so Good Night.

Monday 20 February 2012

Friday 20th February

Bill

Up about 7 and cleaned up. Went to breakfast and had fried egg on fried bread and coffee and porridge. Went on with the models and made some more of the fire station *** and garage. Went on pay parade, drew £2.00, then back to work till dinner. Had dinner, stew, beans, potatoes and pudding and custard. Bought a bottle of ginger beer, then rang Doris up, said I was coming over. Had letter from Mother, she had a cold. Henry had been down, Bobby was back to school. Dad had a cold and was going fishing. Also Frank Theobald had gone to Dorset. Got ready to go out and cycled over to Rodwell. Met Doris and Lyn, they were pleased to see me. Lyn gave me a straw, I gave her a ride on the bike. Had tea then put Lyn to bed. Mended her car. Read her three little pigs, then sat in front of the fire. Read the Countryman. Mrs Smeaton had my *** to measure by. Had supper and then biked home to camp. Made fires up, had a smoke then in bed.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Still perishing cold. Finished by 1.45 today (Mr S out to market) so knitted hard and almost finished Lyn's skirt. Got Lyn up at 3.40, dressed myself etc. Got tea then took Lyn to meet Bill. he rang up dinner time and all was ok. Put Lyn to bed and Bill read 3 pigs while I darned his clean socks. Bill read this evening and read bits to me too, and I knitted, finished the skirt and half one front of the jumper. Up to the top gate, tonight just like a 'just engaged' night - happy. Bed now 10.55. G. Night.

Sunday 19 February 2012

Thursday 19th February

Bill

Got up about 6.30, washed and dressed, had breakfast. It was fish, so I had my porridge and then toasted some bread. Started on some more models. Painted a church and hostel. Had dinner, meat, swede, potatoes, rice pudding. After that I bought a bar of chocolate. Rang up Doris. She was OK, also Lyn, and arranged to meet them. I carried, on with some more work, drew a rifle lock on the blackboard for Flt Sg Prickard. Drew lines of telephone communications for George Doughty. Got dressed and biked over to Rodwell. I met Doris and Lyn. Lyn was thrilled to see some boys *** ice on the pond. We walked back and had tea. After that we put Lyn to bed. I read three stories to her, then went down in front of fire. Made myself very comfortable, then I held the wool for Doris. She read me her Mother's letter. They were pleased with Lyn's drawings.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and usual jobs until 11, and then ironed the rest of the morning and some of my own too. After dinner, finished my ironing and then knitted until 3.45 pm. Got Lyn up then got tea, and Lyn and I went to the duck's pond to meet Bill. He rang up dinner time and all was OK. he brought some models, church, monument, tank and a barn. Put Lyn to bed and read her Black Sambo and 3 Bears. Bill read and I wrote about Lyn's N.S.P.'s and to Mother, and then I knitted. Supper early 9.10, up to the top with Bill and now to bed a little earlier than usual - 10.10 pm. G. Night.


Saturday 18 February 2012

Wednesday 18th February

Up about 6.45 then breakfast. Hard boiled egg and porridge, coffee. Painted a few models then over to the education officer to get him to sign my papers. It was done and I came back again about eleven, then did some more modelling. Had dinner, meat, swede and currant pudding. I  rang Doris up, she was ok. In the afternoon I did some painting and then got ready to go out. I met Doris, she said third time lucky. I showed her some of my models, she was pleased. We walked back, Lyn walking on the grass bank. She looked very sweet in her woolen hood and cape. We had tea and put Lyn to bed. I read her some stories and then went into the dining room and made a good fire. I read some stories out of Not at Night, a bit gruesome. After that we had supper. I had a pint of cold milk. It was refreshing. The weather is cold and frosty, freezing practically all day. I got back about half past eleven, sat by fire and had a warm. Good night.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Mrs Slade is not coming any more. Bill rang up at dinner time, he'd passed his education exam - no questions asked at all!!! Did my washing this afternoon, then got Lyn up, did a few rows of knitting, then got tea and Lyn and I went to meet Bill - did so. he brought an *** and house to show me that he had made - perfect. Bill read Lyn 3 Little Pigs. Sat round the fire together. Bill read, I knitted, quite happy. Mr S went to bed after tea for a good sleep. Up to the top gate with Bill, bed now 10.50 pm, so Good Night.

Friday 17 February 2012

Tuesday 17th February

Bill

Got up about 7 then had breakfast, bacon and fried bread. Started work on models, painted a few on and made a house. Had dinner, *** and currant pudding. In afternoon took  remustering papers to get signed, went to MO after dinner and waited all the afternoon for MO. he came about 5. It was half past when we got examined. We were alright. I did not stop over there for tea but straight back to camp and got one of the lads to make me a piece of toast while I changed. I was soon on the road and arrived about 20 past seven. Lyn was just going to bed so I read her a story and gave her a sweet, then went down and had some tea. I took some little houses to show Doris, she was pleased with them. Had a read by the fire. It was freezing outside, cold bitter wind that went right through one. Had supper and back to camp. Kelly was sitting by fire. Goodnight.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Lyn ok but mischevious. Finished 2..30, knitted till 3, then had a bath, got Lyn up, then Philip, Knitted a little while, weighed some dog biscuit for Kala, got tea and got Lyn and me ready, and we went to meet Bill as soon as Mrs S came in. Stayed out till six but no luck. Had tea, washed up and put Lyn to bed and then Bill came. He'd passed medical for remuster. He rang up dinner time too. Read little to Lyn. Sat round fire together. I got him some tea on a tray and we had coffee. Read with him all the evening in his parlour. Went up to the top with him, bed now 10.50 pm. Tired.

Thursday 16 February 2012

Monday 16th February

Bill.

Got up 7.40, dressed and shaved. Went to breakfast, had porridge with coffee, then got ready for work. Cut out a *** gun trypod and houses. Put gable on one. Made a hay stack. It was cold and frosty. Went to dinner, minced up meat and *** pudding with custard. After dinner, had a go at my lighter - wheel was clogged up. Did some more work on my houses, painted the roofs red and blacked in for tiles. It looked ok, I felt very pleased with them. Worked till 4 then went to tea, pilchards and jam. After that I made my bed. Was going out by 5 but stand by had started so save any bother I stopped in, much to my regret. Went to the lecture and took gun to bits. Then to supper and then had cheese on toast with a lump of cheese. I had two helpings. Came back to hut and met Fa**, he said he would play a game of draughts. Then I had a warm by fire. Rang up Doris. She had been down the road to meet me. Lyn was anxious about her sweet, she thought I might eat it. Went back and got to bed early. Goodnight.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Nearly three before finished then did some of Lyn's washing. Got Philip up, then Lyn - did some knitting first. Dressed myself, hot the tea, and got Lyn and I both ready to go out by 4.45, but Mrs S not back till 5.10 pm. Then we went to meet Bill, stayed out till six, Lyn thoroughly enjoyed herself but he didn't come. Put her to bed and then knitted, finished 1 half of Lyn's skirt. Bill rang up, he was quite alright but stayed in as a stand by. Going to get his medical' and education officer's signatures tomorrow for remuster. So glad he's all right, I was worried. Bed now 10.40 pm.

Wednesday 15 February 2012

Sunday 15th February

Bill

Got up 8.30, it was nice to be in bed. I got up and dressed, washed, and then went down to breakfast. It smelt good from the landing. I sat down to porridge and egg and bacon, very nice too. After then, we washed up and I helped Kidlet to make the beds, then took some ideas from Jill's doll house. After then, I helped to peel the potatoes, then had a read. Waited till Mrs Smeaton and children came back from Church and then all of us went for a walk round the farm. It was frosty but lovely and sunny. The sun was warm. Jess came down with us, she put up a rabbit, a pity I had no gun. We walked back and got in about one. Had dinner, a very nice piece of roast beef, potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and a large boiled onion. Blancmange and prunes and tarts. After dinner I helped with the washing up then put Lyn to bed and had a read and a rest, then laid the tea and had it early. Put Lyn to bed and read her three stories.After that I sat in the chair by a nice log fire and read a book. After that, supper, and listened to Mr Churchill's speech and Singapore loss. Got ready to go back, grateful for a nice time. Got back about 10 to 11 and Butch had made my bed. Goodnight.

Doris

Rodwell. Lovely lie in together till 9.0 am - all got up together. Did usual Sunday jobs together then Bill read and I knitted and wrote to Mother while they were at Church, then us three went for a walk over the fields before dinner. Put Lyn to bed, washed up, then we went too, read for a little while then lay and slept till 4.45. Got tea, washed up, put Lyn to up, Bill read 3 pigs and Lazy Jack. Sitting round the fire knitting and reading. I do wish Bill hadn't got to go back tonight. I'm needy, I want him all the time!! Churchill spoke 9.00 pm. Depressing. Singapore has fallen. Feel miserable now Bill has gone. Bed now 10.05 pm.

Tuesday 14 February 2012

Saturday 14th February

Bill

Got up about 1/4 past seven, went to breakfast, had boiled cod. I refrained from any such breakfast. Made two pieces of toast and had  two cups of coffee, then went on with the painting of the models. Finished them off and made a leg for a tripod for Laye's gun, then went to dinner, had mutton stew and bread pudding and custard, then sat by fire and read paper. Got ready to go out, put things away, got my pass and scooted out of the gate. Had a warm and then went up to the village with Doris and Lyn. She bought me some plasters, tobacco and marzipan. We walked slowly back and then had tea. We put Lyn to bed and read her a story, then helped to wash up and sat by fire. Showed Doris my tank, she thought it was very good. Finished off book and had supper. It was very frosty and cold. Went to bed, glad I did not have to bike home. It was nice to get in bed after two cups of cocoa. We talked of various things then. Good night.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Mary Matthews came yesterday to stay till Monday. After dinner, did my ironing and Bill was here by 2.45. Sat in the dining room for a little while then got Lyn and went up to the shop. Got some marzipan. Put Lyn to bed, and stories Moocow and James! Sat around the fire, knitted and Bill read, very content for Bill is staying the night - great! Laid breakfast things, S's off to bed before ten so we're off too, 10.00 pm. Lyn will be surprised to wake up in the morning and find her Daddy here. She took him for a nice walk while I was in the shop today and I got her some sweets - 6 all for herself.

Monday 13 February 2012

Friday 13th February

Bill

Got up 7.10, had breakfast of boiled egg and I made some toast. Read about Scharnhorst getting away. I did not feel enthused over the morning news. Started work and finished painting off one batch. Squd L Fish had a look at them and asked if there were enough to start building up. I carried on painting tanks. I had dinner, meat, greens, potatoes and currant pudding and custard. Sat by fire and had a warm, then *** on small models again, painting till 4 o'clock, then got ready to go out. Also bought my soap ration. Cycled over to Hillmarton and met Doris and Lyn. They were very pleased and Lyn had a big hug for me. We walked slowly back. Doris had a letter from Mother saying they would be pleased to have the goat. We had tea and then put Lyn to bed. Mr Smeaton had been threshing. Lyn accepted no story as she had been naughty. She had a lovely colour. I sat by fire and finished Moonraking. Enjoyed it very much. Then had supper and Doris walked up to the gate with me and I hope to see her tomorrow. I got in about quarter past eleven. Good night.

Doris

Up usual time and all usual jobs. Threshing tackle came today so Lyn very busy watching. Dinner fairly early and all cleared up before two. Did my washing this afternoon. Got Philip up and then Lyn. Got the tea all ready and ourselves dressed and as soon as Mrs S came back, took Lyn and Kala to meet Bill. Put Lyn to bed, no story as she was naughty when I put her to be after dinner. Sat round the fire with Bill. Knitted, finished my sock and Bill read. Went up to the top gate with him. Nice to think he will be here again tomorrow. bed now 10..45 pm, so Good Night.









Sunday 12 February 2012

Thursday 12th February

Bill

Up at 7.15, had bacon and sausage for breakfast and porridge, then got ready for work. I did some more models and painted some of them, also fixed a few up. Had a cup of tea for lunch and then on again. I went to dinner, meat, swedes and potatoes, rice pudding. Had a phone to Kidlet, they were all well. Lyn as full of beans. I carried on again. Got some *** to thin down my paint and got on very well. Had tea and cake and roll. Did some more work after tea till too dark, then played a game of darts with Kelly. I won two, he also won two. I made up my bed. I felt very tired. Went to supper, it was tinned herring.I had some cocoa but nothing to eat. It was very dark and cold out. I played a few more games of darts then rang up Doris, she was well, also Lyn was tip top full of beans. I feel very pleased that she is so well. I went back and got into bed early and read a story. Stayed awake till about half past ten then dropped off to sleep.

Doris

Rodwell.  Up usual time and most of usual jobs. Mr and Mrs S went to Swindon so I had Philip. Mrs Slade here so finished by 1.30!!! Mrs S went to the village this afternoon so I had to get Philip up again and look after him. Knitted all the afternoon. No walk  today. Lyn very well so terribly mischevious. Knitted this evening and  wrote to D Neals about Lyn's sandals as sample sent today was too small. Heard from Mum today - ok. Bill rang up dinner time and this evening - busy painting his models today. Supper and now bed 10.10 and very ready for it. G. Night.

Saturday 11 February 2012

Wednesday 11th February

Bill

Got up 7 am, dressed and had breakfast. Had bacon and porridge, then came back and started work on models.Cut thumb so had it done up as it bled quite a lot, then carried on till dinner. Went to dinner, had meat, turnips and potatoes and currant pudding with custard, then back to hut after buying a bar of Kit Kat and a pad for Doris. Started work and then in the afternoon did a drawing on blackboard of a grenade and discharger cup for Fl  Sg Prickard to lecture to the goons. Watched demonstration on asault course then got ready to go out. Cycled over to Rodwell. Doris was going back along the road, given me up. Lyn was walking along the grass, she was ever so sweet. Doris told me Bill got kicked in the face by a cow. Had tea and then put Lyn to bed, read her two stories. She was very *** and gave me some of her crisps. She had been saving them for me, the dear little mite. She also asked how my finger was. I had Mr Smeaton's book and read some more horror stories. They were ***, I enjoyed them very much. Had supper and biked home. Got in about half past eleven and Kilgour was there. I had some cocoa and chatted to Kelly, then to bed.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Mrs Slade here so finished by 2. Bill CV. came in about two pouring with blood, been kicked on the nose by a cow but was all right. Knitted all the afternoon, got tea ready then took Lyn to meet Bill so got a nice walk in. Put Lyn to bed after tea and Bill read the 'usuals' - Lyn found them herself. I wrote to Mother, then knitted all the evening. Bill read horror stories. Supper, went up to the top with Bill, lovely night. Tired now and so to bed, 11.10pm - Good Night.


Friday 10 February 2012

Tuesday 10th February

Bill

Up at 7 and then cleaned up.Went to breakfast, bacon, porridge. Started work, made some more tanks, fitted up a wireless mast. Had a warm during break time, then carried on again till dinner. Had some dinner and it was roast meat and swede, potatoes, and currant pudding with custard. Bought a packet of lemsips for Doris, then back. Came back to hut, read book and then went on with the job. Made a lorry and monument and did several other little things and packed up about ten past four. Went over to see  what they had for tea, then had *** and cream and jam sandwich. I *** mine. Got ready to go out and put cape on bike. It had been fine practically all day but one never knows. I got to Rodwell. Doris met me, was better and she looked better too. I had tea and washed up, put Lyn to bed and read her a story, 3 Bears and Chicken Licken. Went down and sat by fire and read Mr Smeaton's Book of Horrors, then we had supper and I got ready to go out and asked Mr and Mrs Smeaton if I could stop on Saturday. They kindly let me. I got back about half past eleven. Heard news about the ** paying married mans allowances by *** half.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Mrs Slade here so finished by two. Knitted and snoozed until 3..15, then had a bath, got Lyn up. Bill arrived just as we were going to have tea. Put Lyn to bed afterwards, and Bill read her Chicken Licken and 3 Bears. Darned Bill's socks then knitted hard at my sock the whole evening and have got to the shaping. Bill is going to try for a sleeping out pass this weekend. Pouring with rain when I went up to the top with him. How I wish he hadn't got that awful ride - one night less though. bed now and I feel sicky tired - 11.11 pm.


Thursday 9 February 2012

Monday 9th February

Bill

Got up about ten to seven, had a shave, cold water turned, pump broken. Had breakfast, bacon and sausage. I did not enjoy it but the porridge wasn't too bad. Started work on huts. Made a few, also a wireless mast. Watched demonstration by our lads assault course to show ***, then had dinner. Beans ** and spuds, ground rice.Had a ginger beer and rang up Kidlet. She still had her cold, but Lyn was alright,but naughty. Went over to hut and had a warm. After dinner, started work again. Made some more models of tanks, they were ok. I worked till it was too dark, then cut my finger. Had knife and chisels *** in the hanger. Went to tea, had meat, tinned and cream and jam sandwich.Came back to hut, had a smoke and a yarn, and then put tools away and went to supper. Had Welsh Rarebit, then came back to hut, wrote up some of this diary and sat by fire.The hut is being used as a guard hut. Two LAC posted here from *** and I am going over to get a drink. No water in taps. Rang up Doris and she still had a slight cold. Lyn was alright but naughty. Came back and got book to read, then made ready to get in bed. Had a read and then got down for a sleep. Goodnight.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and usual day. Lyn very mischievous today - that is quite well. Did a bit of Lyn's blanket this afternoon, then got Philip and Lyn up and did some of my sock till tea time. Got Lyn to bed by 6.45 and few nursery rhymes, then finished her blanket. Darned 2 pairs of my socks, then did some more sock. Bill rang up at dinner time, quite OK and he rang up again this evening and we had a nice little chat. I've got a beastly cold and so am going to  try Sir Charlie's cure, hope it will be successful. Bed now 10.30 pm.

Wednesday 8 February 2012

Sunday 8th February

Bill

Got up at ten to eight and hurried over to breakfast. Had a faggot of some mysterious make and coffee, then cleaned up, shaved and cleaned up buttons. Then did some more work, made a few more models after, then had a warm by the fire. Cleaned up my pipe and had a smoke. Went to dinner, had meat, greens, spuds, prunes and custard. Got cycle ready, then cycled over to Hillmarton. Doris came out to the yard very pleased I had come over. We had a rest then got Lyn up and went for a nice long walk. It was lovely and bright. The sun was out all the time. We had quite a long walk and chatted on various subjects. We got back to tea and then put Lyn to bed. We sat by the fire. Doris had a bad cold in the head, poor old kid. She wasn't too comfortable. I read some more of Moonraking and thoroughly enjoyed it. Also I sat and smoked by the fire and felt very comfortable and warm. It was nice to sit in the old chair and rest. We had supper, baked onions, they were lovely. I enjoyed them for a change. I helped to wash up and then got ready to go back.I would not let Kidlet come out with me as her cold was worse. I walked up the drive and put my lights on so that if she looked out of the window she would see me. I got back to the guard room 11.15 and then had a warm by the fire and a smoke. Talked with Kelly on shooting and birds and their habits.Got in to bed and settled down to sleep. Goodnight.

Doris

Rodwell. Up 8.45 and got Lyn up at the same time. After breakfast, washed up, did potatoes, then wrote to Mother, and did all my ironing. Bill arrived at 2.45 so we went to bed!!! Got up about four with Lyn, laid tea, then went for a long walk up the Bushton Road and got back 5.45. Had tea, put Lyn to bed, she didn't get a story as she disobeyed me when I told her to go into the bedroom. We sat round the fire, got a fiendish cold and was very glad of Bill's parlour. Had roast onions for supper. BIll wouldn't let me go out with me so - to bed - 10.30 pm.

Tuesday 7 February 2012

Saturday 7th February

Bill

Up at 6.30, cleaned up and had breakfast, salt rancid bacon and coffee. Started on models. Went down to Flt Lt Ball, they were ok, and have to make guns, masts, chimney stacks. Had to measure for frame. Carried on with work till 12.15 then went to dinner. Had meat, greens, potatoes, sultana pudding with custard. Went and did some more work then got dressed and made bed ready for tonight. Cycle over to Rodwell. It was a bitterly cold east wind, snowing slightly. Doris was then going back, she had been up the road to meet me. She was pleased to see me. I went in and we got Lyn up. She was well. I dressed her while Doris got tea tray ready. We were going up to the village, Doris had left her pay  book up there. We were in a hurry as Mrs Smeaton was showing films on the screen. Doris found her book. It was at the post office. We had some toffees and a bar of Kit Kat. Kidlet gave me an ounce of Airmens tobacco and 40 Players. Had tea, honey, jam, scones, buns and ginger bread. After tea, helped to wash up, then saw films. Thoroughly enjoyed them. Put Lyn to bed, read her one story as it was so cold. Went down and  sat by fire. Had a good warm, then had supper. Gave Lyn her 16/-. Doris bought certificate. Pickled onions and cheese for supper. It was very cold. I biked home.Not too bad. Got back to camp twenty past eleven. Sat by fire and a smoke and a warm, then got in to bed. it was cold, but soon got warm. Good night.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Lyn quite all right today. Cleared up after dinner and went an met Bill 3.00 pm. Got Lyn up and went to the shop. Bill bought Lyn a certificate with his L.A.C. pay. Had tea, Sylvia and Jasnet Heal to tea. Mrs S showed us some of her films afterwards til 7.15. Put Lyn to bed with short story, round the fire by 8.00 pm. Knitted. Up to the top with Bill. I've got the hot water bottle tonight as I forgot to give it to Lyn - treat! I got Lyn another N.S.C. with money she had. 10.50 pm now so Good Night.

Monday 6 February 2012

Friday 6th February

Bill

Up 6.45, washed, dressed, made bed, cleaned buttons, rifle. Went to breakfast, had good home cured bacon and fried bread, coffee. I made a piece of toast and put Beetox on. I twas very nice. I put my tools and wood in drying room and started work. Half past ten, pay parade. Drew £2.10.0. 16/- shillings back pay. It will be Lyn's. Came back and wrote up some of this diary. Carried on with job. Went down to sketch Rapier Hanger. Went over to office and consulted P/O Mostermon and ** Ball. Made models smaller, then took them down again for alterations. Had dinner. Corned beef, greens and potatoes, sultana pudding with custard. Carried on with work and finished off some more models. Went to tea and had meat minced with vegetables, and cake. Toasted a pieces and had some Beetox on it. Played Kelly with draughts, won odd games, then went to supper. Had a pie and got some ginger beer. Sat round fire. Watched the lads playing poker. Saw kitty go 40/- - 27/- and *** *** *** ones. The rang up Doris. Lyn was all right but not too good tempered, and she had written to my Mother. Came back and scrubbed gum boots and watched card players. Toasted some more bread and got ready for bed and then put things away. Good night.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Lyn all right but very cross and grizzly. Mr S at market so Lyn, Mrs S, Phil and me had dinner. Bill rang up dinner time. he'd been busy on his model. Got cleared by 2.00 and did a large packet of washing for us three. Got Lyn up and took her for a walk just round the garden etc. Wrote to Mrs Lucock this evening and knitted. Onions and white sauce for supper. Bill rang up 8.45. All right and just going to bed. Another day nearer us going home for good together. I HATE other people's houses. Bed now 10.45 pm.

Sunday 5 February 2012

Thursday 5th February

Bill

Got up about 6.45, washed and shaved. It was snowing slightly and had been all night. Very cold wind from the north. Had breakfast, egg on toast. On parade, then bayonette drill and disarming. 10.30 break, went over to office to see P/O Mostermon. he wasn't there so went back after break. Saw Flt Lt Ball and Sq Ld Fish. They wanted me to make models for a sand tray of the drome. P/O Mostermon went with me to get some wood. Found some and then borrowed tools from George Daughty, two chisels and a plane. Borrowed a saw over the armoury then started work. Had dinner, meat, greens and currant pudding with custard. Made a hanger in the afternoon. Rang up Doris. Lyn had been in bed with a bad head. Poor Lyn. Got dressed ready to go out. Had a cup of tea first, then cycled over to Hillmarton. It was freezing. Saw Doris and Lyn, she was up to tea. She hadn't much colour but feeling better. I had tea then put Lyn to bed and  read Three Bears and Chicken Licken. Went down and helped to wash up. Sat by fire and drew ducks on Lyn's blanket. Had supper, spam sandwiches. Cycled back to camp. It was freezing and dark. Got back 11.20. Changed clothes on ***. Got in bed. Good night. Doris bought me Beetox.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Lyn said her head hurt and asked to go to bed at 11. She slept till 2, no dinner. Got up and cuddled her in the dining room the whole afternoon. She slept and so did I. Bill rang up dinner time. He's making a scale model of B.F.S. He came at 5.30. Nice to have him. Lyn ate a little tea, went to bed directly after. Bill read 2 stories and me while he changed. Gave her 1/2 aspirin. Wrote to Mum and Mrs Thrower. Bill drew ducks on Lyn's blankets and I started embroidering them. Up to the top gate with him, bed now 10.45. G. Night.



Saturday 4 February 2012

Wednesday 4th February

Bill

Got up at 7 am, dressed and cleaned up, then went to breakfast. Boiled cod and porridge. Toasted some bread then on parade. Got praised for clean rifle, then detailed to report to LAC Hamilton. I sent men round to get working and booked it. Took washing and exchanges over to Yatesbury in ***. Had dinner, took boats over and tried to get exchange but no voucher so had to leave it as Waaf parade on. Came back and went to tea. Had beans on toast, cake and currant bread. Got changed and cycled over to Hillmarton. Rang up Doris at 1 o'clock. Saw Squ Ld Fish about remustering. He said he would put it through. Went out with Mr Smeaton to see if we could shoot some ducks but they were not there. Read to Lyn and then read papers and Kidlet read to me out of Mum's letter. She had been queer. Sat and read book, then had supper, cycled back to camp. It was very cold. Got back 11.10, cleaned up for morning. Got in bed. God night.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Mrs Slade here again so finished by 2.00 pm. Knitted at my sock, got Philip (Mrs S out) and Lyn up (Lyn hadn't been asleep) and they played ever so well together all the afternoon. Jill upset Lyn as soon as she came in as per. Bill rang up dinner time and arrived unexpectedly at 6 pm. It was so nice to see him. We put Lyn to bed and Bill read 3 Bears then sat round the fire. Bill saw Fish today and he signed Bill's remustering and sent it through. Knitted all the evening and talked. Went to top gate, now 10.45 - bed.


Friday 3 February 2012

Tuesday 3rd February

Bill

Got up 6.50, washed and shaved.It was snowing and the paths were very slippery. Started the day without collars, very cold round the neck. Went on blue *** but could not get hat changed. Came back and went down hanger then joined class on Vickers gun for half hour. Duty Cpl told me I was excused guards because I was going to *** stoppage chart. Had dinner meat, greens and potato, currant pudding and custard. Got ready for bath parade over Yatesbury, then had bath. Came back, dismissed for tea. Had currant bread and *** jam. Bottom fell out of mug so had to borrow mug. Came back, cleaned up locker, took socks and pants for exchange, then went over to rec room.Played draughts with Kelly.Played three games, won two. Then attended lecture, dismantled feed block. Went through *** ***. Went to supper. It was stew. Got two slices of currant bread. Bought a bottle of Raspberry fizz and toasted my bread. Read paper and generally messed about. 1.00 rang Doris up, all OK. Am ringing her up half past eight. Played draughts with Kelly, beat him a few games, then made bed and got in early. Read paper and then went to sleep.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and did all usual jobs. Mrs Slade here so finished by 2.15. Sent my shoes to I. Neals to be repaired. Knitted at my ankle sock. Mrs S out so got Philip up, bad tempered. Jess smashed some of Mrs S's dolls' services. Got Lyn up, she hadn't been to sleep, and she played with P. After tea, put Lyn to bed, read 3 Bears to her. Mr and Mrs S went to C. Bassett camp to 'George and Margaret'. Rather lonely as Bill C. in bed. Read and finished Random Harvest. Bill rang up dinner time and 9.00pm. Lovely to hear his voice tonight as it it's lonely. Had a piece of toast and now in bed - 9.45 pm so Good Night.

Thursday 2 February 2012

Monday 2nd February

Bill

Got up 7.50 and went over to get my Irons and mug. Could not find key. Hunted in guard *** so had to borrow mug. Luckily I had knife and fork in my pocket. Had porridge and bacon with sausage. Too late to have a wash, so took blankets back and  went on to post at 9.00. Cleaned guns which were wet, so took a long time. Came off 11.00 so washed, shaved and polished up, then to dinner. Minced meat, *** and potatoes, rice with currants in. Back to guard hut so read by fire and then dismissed guard. Packed up. Back drew ***. and hopped on cycle. Met Kidlet top of drive with Kala. Sat by fire then got Lyn up. Went up to village. Doris gave me ounce of *** tobacco, also ** and two twenty Players. Then back, Lyn walked most of the way. Got back, had tea, put Lyn to bed and read Moon Raking. Wrote up some of this diary, listened to play on radio. Lovely fire going, nice and warm, cold and windy outside. Guns going somewhere. Had supper, beans on toast, then cycled home to camp. Got in 11.20. Put things away and as I thought Kelly was sitting in front of fire the lads were back from leave. Goodnight.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time, all usual jobs. Vac. went wrong but Mrs S. mended it. Cl;eared up after a late dinner and went to meet Bill at top gate 2.45. He had a narrow shave about being posted abroad yesterday. I do hope he never has to go. Went up to the shop for usuals, got back and had late tea on our own. Put Lyn to bed and Bill read Chicken Licken and 3 Bears to her. Sat round the fire together. Bill read and I read and knitted. Happy. My 2 pairs of shoes came from D. Neals. Very nice indeed. Went to top gate with Bill and so to bed 10.53. G. Night.

Wednesday 1 February 2012

Sunday 1st February

Bill

Got up early in the morning and made fire up, then put over coat on bed and snuggled down. Woke up and got up ten past eight. Washed, shaved and went to breakfast. Porridge was good bu the bacon was rancid so could not eat it. Made a piece of toast and out on parade 9.15 for snow clearing. It was raining like the devil so had capes and gum boots on. Finished early and came in. Read paper and cleaned rifle and kit. Went to dinner, had stewed meat, beans and sago and dried apples. Phoned up Kidlet. She was well, also Lyn. Wanted ten more men for overseas, so many LAC, AC1, AC2, not very healthy. Came back and had a smoke. Got ready to go on guard parade on 7 post. It is raining. I won the toss so went on first. Sat inside, read paper. Relieved 3 o'clock. Came up to guard hut. Made up fire and got my book to read. Flt Sg *** said not *** too tonight. Had tea, meat, cake. Went down to post, took a pail and got water out of pumps. Took guns in.Came back to hut. Look bit * *** drawings of grenades and had the gen about them. Filled pail up and I am going to supper. Had tinned herring in tomato sauce then back to hut. Made up bed. Watched the lads playing Brag and read a bit out of the papers. Then took off collar and coats and popped in bed. Goodnight.

Doris

Up 8.45 am and got Lyn up at the same time. Washed up, made beds and did potatoes. They all went to church. Wrote to Mother, darned my tennis socks, gave Lyn her dinner and put her to bed. Bill rang up, quite ok on No. 7 post. Good, he will get a night in bed. Went to bed this afternoon and read 'Random Harvest' but fell asleep until 3.45. Got Lyn and read to her till tea time. Read her 2 full length stories in bed. 'Chicken Licken' and 'Three Bears'. She enjoyed them. Mended Bill's socks, did a bit of Lyn's vest, then started tennis socks for me in Bill's A.7. wool. bath and then bed 9.45.