Saturday 30 June 2012

Tuesday 30th June

Bill

Up 8.20, feeling that we have got to go back. I went down the town to buy some D**, two Gilette blades, a washer for pump and a chain for Doris. I called for the chicken and got a strap for the watch that I am selling for Harold. Paid 10s for it. Went down the fields with Doris. We sat under the shade of the old oak tree, we talked and schemed about the place, then we walked back to dinner. saw Mrs Brown and Elizabeth. She walked back with us to see Lyn. I got the skin out and changed and packed. Had dinner, said good bye t the lads on the shop. The car came round and I let Lyn take her horse as she wanted to have it. Mother came with us so we picked up Ivy at the school. It was 3.30 when we started and got to the station 4.05. Lyn howled at leaving her Grandma. We had a fast journey arriving Chippenham 6.30. Mr Bridges met us at the station. We had some food and milk. Put Lyn to bed and I walked up the garden with Doris. She wasn't feeling happy about leaving. I got back and LAC Ford had made my bed. I let him have the watch for 29/-.

Doris

Rodwell. Back again - oh dear. Up about 8.30, packed straight away while Bill went down the town, then we went over the fields and sat and talked and felt very miserable to think we had to come back. Home to dinner and Lizbeth to see Lyn but Lyn didn't like her! Sat and talked after dinner and just waited for the car at 3.15. Mother came, not Dad, collected Ivy at school, caught the train easily and very comfortable journey. Lyn wanted Grandma terribly and was awful when we got back here. Bill and I had a meal, went up the garden then I went up to the top with him and now to bed 9.27 pm. G. Night.

Friday 29 June 2012

Monday 29th June

Bill

Up about 8, had breakfast, then rubbed some oatmeal in the skin. I went over to see G. Dyer with Doris at Potters Bar and found he wasn't in the garden. We saw someone cutting grass but could not be sure of him. We walked round the outskirts of the place and back again. We saw his cows, one of them very chased by flies. We saw a young lad coming in the field so Doris asked him and told us he was in the next field with a rake so we went in with him. We saw Dyer and he was pleased to see us. We thought the rake looked very nice. We told him about the farm. He said it was worth taking. said goodbye and walked back. it was very hot. I was  glad to get back. Ethel came and Rose, Anne, Nettie. We had tea and Mrs Brown, Hilda and Elizabeth came. Had supper and Harold and Rose went.

Doris

Barnet. Up about 8.15 and after breakfast walked to Potters Bar (didn't take Lyn). We eventually found Dyer on a hay rake in a field. He was so very pleased to see us, but we didn't have long with him. Home 2.45, had our dinner. Ethel and Lawrence arrived, then Rose and Anne. Tea time, Nettie came with Ivy and Lyn loved Nettie. Later in the evening when the others had gone, Hilda, Mrs B and Liza came and stayed talking til 10.30, very nice really. Last night, oh dear, tomorrow I shall be at Rodwell, how I hate it. 11.15 and so to bed; I shall miss Bill.

Thursday 28 June 2012

Sunday 28th June

Bill

Up about 9.30 and read the papers. Did some work in skin softening. Went in to the greenhouse with Dad and looked at the grapes. They are about the size of peas, and then got on the shelter roof and looked at the pears and also the nectarines. There is plenty of them. I felt full up after dinner so we sat and read about fruit. Went for a walk down the fields with Dad, Mum, Doris, Lyn. Harold and Rose, Anne were down there. Harold had a stye.

Doris

Barnet. Up about 9.30. Did a big packet of washing all the morning. Bill messed about outside with Dad. Very full up after dinner so Bill and I shared the settee and read all the afternoon. After tea we, Mum, Dad and Lyn went down the fields, met Rosie, harold and Anne down there. Sat and talked etc. Ivy and Jean came and joined us. Lyn threw a camp stool at Harold, burst an awful stye he had and hurt his face. Home about 8.30. Put Lyn to bed and read. Bill and dad played draughts. Very tired so went to bed about 10 mins before Bill - 10.45 pm.


Wednesday 27 June 2012

Saturday 27th June

Bill

Awake at 8, had breakfast in bed and talked of plans about the holding. Rubbed the skin to get it soft. Went down the town to see if I could get a book. Had another go at the skin. Played draughts, had a walk over the fields and a lie down on the grass. Ivy and Jean went to a PT display. Read all about  fruit. Played draughts and won about 5 games.

Doris

Barnet. Up about 8.30. Ivy and Jean took Lyn to Miss Farm's to have her coat altered, but Lyn was a bit troublesome! I messed about all the morning, talking chiefly with dad and Bill about the place. Read all the afternoon on the settee, took things very easily, nice afternoon. After tea, Mum, Dad, Bill and I went down the fields, we called for Anne but she had a bad cold so we went down without her, laid on the grass, Lyn was very good girl and sat on Mother's lap. We had breakfast in bed this morning - liver, porridge etc. Bed about 11.15.


Tuesday 26 June 2012

Friday 26th June

Bill

Up about eight, had breakfast and we got ready for the journey to Great Hallingbury, Essex. We caught a coach at Williams Bros. Doris, Lyn, Dad, Mum, and it was a nice journey to Hertford. We got on a bus there and went to Stortford, then got a taxi out to Wood View. We had a look at the house and field. It wasn't a bad house, could be made nice, the garden was over grown and the field was also in a bad state. The oats were choked up with weeds of all kinds and growth was patchy. We had a look round the boundary then ** over ** dinner, then had the taxi back to Stortford. Had a grapefruit drink there. Caught the coach to Hertford and then to Barnet. We had a nice tea waiting for us.

Doris

Barnet. Up just after 8.00 am. Caught the 9.38 bus to Hertford, there to B. Stortford, then taxi to Wood View, Great Hallingbury. Bill and I liked the place very much, it's a typically 'small holding' house. Had a picnic dinner in the 'garden'. Left at 2.15 and got home here about 5.30 and had a lovely tea. Rosie, Anne, Jean were here. Lyn was pretty good all day and not sick. Mum and Dad came too. Spent all the evening talking about the place. Bill and Dad played draughts. Tried to instill faith in goats into Dad. Went to bed about 10.30, tired after a nice but very hot day.


Monday 25 June 2012

Thursday 25th June

Bill

Up about 9, had breakfast, read the papers, thorough look, things **, and then went down the town with Dad. Bought a bottle of syrup of figs and a packet of *** for Lyn's shoes, and two rubber heel pads for Doris. Then back home. Doris wanted to go over to Potters Bar but I felt tired so I had a rest and we went down on the Manor ground and sat and talked, planned our farm. It was a lovely day and we got quite excited about it. We had tea and I played draughts with Dad, then took a message from Hilda down Mrs Brown. We had some strawberries and I picked some pinks. Killed two kittens.

Doris

Barnet. Up about 8.30. Bill went down the town shopping with Dad, I messed about, talking chiefly. Wanted to go to Dyers but Bill was tired so we sat in and read til about 3.30 then went over the Manor Grounds and lay out on the grass and talked and talked and talked. Bill was ever so enthusiastic and excited. Home latish to tea. Took a message from Hilda to Mrs B. 7.30 stayed awhile and talked. Had a few strawberries from the garden. Back, Bill played draughts with dad. To bed about 11.00 pm. It's lovely to be together each night.


Sunday 24 June 2012

Wednesday 24th June

Bill

Up about 8 o'clock. Had breakfast and went into the workshop and then went down to the market with Dad. We watched the cattle coming in but saw no goats. We went home to lunch and I thought it would be nice to see them sold so I asked Dad to go down again. We saw a nice horse fetch 26 guineas and a ** 8 trap fetch 33 guineas, quarter grown pullets fetched 6/- and hens and pullets 15/6. then went back home. Called for some cats meat but could not get any. We had a game of draughts, he also showed me the tools that he had bought for the holding. We had tea and went down the fields and played ball with Lyn and **, then strolled back round by the allotments, then played draughts and read books.

Doris

Barnet. Up at 8.15 am, awake at 7.00. Lyn went into Ivy. Helped Mother chiefly this morning, and talked and talked. Bill and Dad went to the market from 11 to 1, then after dinner again  from 2 to 3.30!! Read while they were gone, then talked all the afternoon (Bill snoozed) so much that I got a headache. After tea, collected Rose and Anne and went and sat down the fields - very nice. Back by 8.30, Ivy bathed Lyn and got her ready for bed 9.10. I read, Bill and Dad played draughts. To bed now I hope 10.40, I'm tired. G. Night.


Saturday 23 June 2012

Tuesday 23rd June

Bill

00.30 had a bath and then put my things and got to bed. Up at 7.10 and dressed, shaved, feeling very excited over my new holiday. Had breakfast, sausage meat, but did feel very hungry. On parade, marched down to the village and back, then Vickers gun drill. 10.154 took rifle in to armoury and got dressed and cycled over to Rodwell. Doris was all ready. I was there by half past eleven. The car came, Mr Bridges driving it. We got down to the station and I paid 11/6 for car. Doris bought a ticket and paid 19/- for it. She forgot to show her card. We had a nice journey and arrived at Paddington station 3 o'clock. Harold met us with his car. We got home quite early and had a nice long evening, talking and reading. Hilda came in about half past ten, then we had a talk on general things, cleaned and salted the kid skin.

Doris

Barnet. Up usual time, bath, breakfast, washed up, then collected together all my rations and packed etc for HOME. Bill came 11.50, car at 12.10 and we were off to Chippenham. Quite nice journey and Haold met us at Paddington, 2.55. Lyn all right all the way. Home by 3.45. Talk, talk talk all the time, chiefly about a place for us all. What a lovely jaw it was, lovely to talk and a home tea. Fluffy's got four male kittens. We did our kid skin most of the evening. Lyn played with Anne and Kathleen in the yard. Went to bed good. To bed about 11.20.

Thursday 21 June 2012

Monday 22nd June

Bill

Had a lie down about 2 am. Had egg and bacon for breakfast. Cleared away some rubbish and watched the girls laying out the flax on the race course. Had a nice layout in the sun and ** had a wash and shave and cooked dinner of *** as Duffy said. We washed up and were relieved. I changed and cycled down to the office. Drew my warrant and pass, then went over to pay accounts and drew £3.10.0. I forgot to take my respirator so had to go all the way back again for it. Went down to Calne station, changed my warrant and cycled over to Rodwell. Doris had been busy getting ready. She had a letter from Hilda. I went on the hay stack while Doris phoned up Dad. It was very hot. I worked till about half past nine, then watered greenhouse. Had supper and cycled back. Had to mend a puncture so took the wheel off and did it in the guard room.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs but chiefly my own bedroom, really tidy up. Finished about 2.40, finished my petticoat, and shortening a frock for Lyun. Did some washing, ironed it, got tea, and then at 5.00 pm Bill came. He'd been to Calne to cash his warrant etc. Talked, tea, cleared up, washed up while Bill did a puncture. Rang Dad, Harold will meet us tomorrow. D.V. Read all the evening while Bill helped with the haymaking. Supper on our own, up yo the top and talk at the gate, and to bed 10.50, excited. G. Night.


Sunday 21st June

Bill

Up at 8.20, went to breakfast, had egg and bacon, porridge, then cleaned up my rifle and went to see Rolf if I would have any chance in getting away early, and he said he would see what he could do. I was told I was in charge of two A. Got ready for that and changed the valve rubber in the bike ** ** as I lost mine. Went to dinner and had cold beef, greens, potatoes and apricots, then rang Doris up and told her I would be on guard. Mounted guard and cut out ** from her snap. Polished it and then lit the fire and had a few pot shots at rabbits with my catapult. Had bully beef for tea and fruit tart. Read a magazine, had a cup of tea. It was very hot outside. Watched people going along the road. had bacon and fried bread for supper. It was lovely bacon. Visited by orderly officer 23.20 and then read a short book.

Doris

Rodwell. Up 8.00 am and cooked the breakfast as Mrs S at Church. Washed up, potatoes and beds, then did some washing and then sewed all the morning. Tim came at 12. Lyn had a bathing suit of Jill's on all day and looked so sweet. Finished about 2.45 and sewed all the afternoon. Lyn played happily with Bridget. tea in the garden, bathed and put Lyn to bed directly afterwards then washed up, cleared up etc. and sewed. My cami-knickers are fine and ever so successful. Bill rang up 12.30, he's on 2A. Hopes to be here by 12 on Tuesday. bed now 10.25 pm, so G. Night.


Wednesday 20 June 2012

Saturday 20th June

Bill

Up at 7, had breakfast, porridge, bacon, sausage, then on parade. Went over to the big range. Marched round by the road, it was sweltering hot. Then had five shots snap shooting. Got four hits at 200 yds and then fired the Vickers. Packed up at 20 to twelve. Marched back over the fields. Had dinner, stew and pudding. I rang Doris up and told her I should be over at 2 or 5 and said I would go with her to fetch the chicken. Prickard came in and asked me to mark out the bay for the Hillman, so I got some paint and brush and got Duffy to help me. It was 20 to four when I finished so I cycled over to Rodwell. Doris wasn't very pleased because I did not go to fetch the hen. She biked over and Lyn howled so we had tea and went to meet her. She was very pleased with her kid. She had a skin and I plucked the hen and helped her with the kid skin then biked back. Had a bath and got in to bed. Haggerty had made it for me.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Letter from Mother but no special news. Finished about 2.30, Lyn asleep, so did my cami-knickers til 4.15. Got Lyn up, got tea and met Bill in the field 5.15. Talk etc. Bill gave me a little kid jumping - a dear. Talked til nearly six then I cycled alone to *** to fetch our hen to take with us. Bill and Lyn met me top of the drive. Bill did the hen, while I washed up, cleared up and put Lyn to bed, cuddle only, then did my kid skin. Supper, Bill cut my hair, stayed up there a while, up to the top and now to bed 11.15 pm so G. Night.



Tuesday 19 June 2012

Friday 19th June

Bill

Up at 7 and cleaned up. Went to breakfast, had cornflakes and herring. On parade, had a full pack parade. The took our bag pack in the huts and ran up and down the fields three of four times in W formation. The nhad dinner, stew and rhubarb and custard. I rang Doris up and told her I was making something for her. She was pleased and excited. I went back to hut then digging all the afternoon. Packed up at four. Had tea and pie and cake. I also had a plate of rhubarb. The I cut a kid out of perspex and carved it out then polished it up. Also painted Lyn's house ready for her. I had a game of darts and went on with the job. Had supper, cheese and herring in tomato sauce. Rang Doris up and then got ready for bed.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. No letters. Tim came home at 12 and went back 6.30. Finished 2.40, put Lyn to bed but she wouldn't sleep so stayed up there and sewed and she played about till 4.45. Got tea, we all had it, put Lyn to bed after and she went straight to sleep. Washed up, cleared up and did my cami-knickers all the evening plus my goat for company!! Bill rang up dinner time and 8.30, stand by. The darling as made me something else, I wonder what it is! To bed now to sew 9.45 so G. Night.


Monday 18 June 2012

Thursday 18th June

Bill

1.30, up on to the post with Doug Bloomfield, then went to call Duffy and he came on. It was chilly so I put the blanket round my shoulders. Came off 3.30 and got to bed. Went on again 7 am and came off 9.15. Had breakfast, cold beef as someone had taken mine. Had a game of darts. Washed, shaved and polished up the goat. Had dinner, meat, greens and pudding and custard. The relieved and got ready to go to Hillmarton, and I cycled over and it started to rain. I met Doris and we went back. I gave her the goat. She was pleased with it and very excited. We got Lyn up and I played with her in the garden while Doris got the tea ready. Then we went up to the shop and Doris gave me some tobacco. We went to the Church and back then home to tea. Had tea, put Lyn to bed. I read her a  story and got a book to read. We also finished off the puzzle. I put some seggs in Lyn's shoes and I did Kala's ear out with the lotion. Doris had a letter from Hilda. Had supper and I cycled back.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Letter from Hilda about a girl in trouble. Finished by 2.30, Lyn in bed so went to meet Bill and did so 2.45. he gave me a most lovely model of a goat made out of ** windscreen - bless him, the darling. Finished our puzzle this afternoon, got Lyn up 4.15, Bill played with her while I got tea. We three went up to the village at 5.00 pm - no chocolate! tea, cleared up, put Lyn to bed, did Kala's ears then wrote to Hilda and gave her my advice. Up to the top and now to bed 10.45 pm. I do love my goat ever so much. G. Night.



Sunday 17 June 2012

Wednesday 17th June

Bill

Up at 7 am and shaved, cleaned up then went to breakfast. Gad egg on fried bread, porridge, then on parade and square bashing. Of course Prickard had to mention one or two things to me. We marched down to the village and had a rest, then came back 8 am. On 11 post today. We had Tommy gun lecture and after break, sighting on moving targets. The gun crew then had to get the guns from the armoury and clean them. We took them on the post and brought the others back, then we went to dinner. I had roast beef, roast potatoes, greens, then prunes and custard. I rang Doris up and told her I should see her about half past two, then on parade. Dismissed to the guard hut and I got a piece of perspex to make a goat with for Doris. Then I had a game of darts with Bill Gradys. he won, then we played in teams. I won a tanner then lost it. Started on a model goat for Doris. Went to supper, had pies and cheese then rang Doris up. Went on guard 19.30. Made my model on the post. Came off 22.30, had a cup of cocoa and booked the lads in.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. No letters. Bill rang up dinner tiome, he's on 11 so will be here 2.30 tomorrow. Finished about 2.30 and did a large packet of washing, hung it out. Lyn played about as I didn't put her to bed. Got tea, took Lyn and Kala the usual walk. Tea, put Lyn straight to bed and she went straight to sleep. Washed up, cleared up, did all my ironing. Bill rang up, he is making something for me, I don't know what. Wrote to Mother. Altered a petticoat, tried frocks on and now bed 10.17 pm so Good Night.


Saturday 16 June 2012

Tuesday 16th June

Bill

Up at 7, put things ready to go out, had breakfast, cornflakes and bacon, beans. On parade and a march down to the village, then battle dress parade and maneuvers and cover from *** then went to dinner. had mutton, mint sauce, cabbage, potatoes, bread pudding, custard. Rang Doris up and told her I would be over and to tea. I went digging all the afternoon til four o'clock, then I went over for a cup of tea. it was fish cake and jam. I got dressed and cycled over to Rodwell. Doris met me and Lyn in the push chair. Lyn had her duck. We walked back to tea. After tea, put Lyn to bed and I read her a story, then while Doris washed up I went up the garden and started to finish off the celery trench. Mr Smeaton came up and put the manure in then I planted out the celery. I finished  off the green house and went down, washed my boots and got a book to read called Animals I have Known. After then I had supper and got ready to cycle back. Mrs Smeaton had been to the funeral.

Doris

Up usual time and all usual jobs. Letter from Mother but all about Alma's wedding. Bill rang up dinner time. Leave on 23rd - Barnet I expect. Finished by 2.00 pm, sat upstairs and sewed til 3.45 and Lyn played. Then Lyn went in the garden while I read and got tea. Went and met Bill plus Lyn at 5.15, tea, put Lyn to bed at once afterwards, stayed up there a while; I washed up and cleared up while Bill put celery plants in, then sewed in the armchair and Bill read. Up to the top, read a chapter of my book and now to bed 11.00pm so Good Night.


Friday 15 June 2012

Monday 15th June

Bill

Up at 7.20 so hurriedly got shaved and cleaned up, then went to breakfast, porridge and sausages. On parade and square bashing then had a lecture on sighting. Then break and afterwards a lecture on firing orders. Went to dinner, had minced meat and greens, potatoes then bread pudding and custard. Went back to hut, rang up Doris and she said Mrs Smeaton gave Lyn a nice doll. I promised to ring up tonight. I had a read and a nap til two o'clock, then we put our ** on and went digging till four o'clock, then packed up for tea. had cold beef and a piece of cake, then I felt hungry so I took over a piece of bread and asked Godfrey for a piece of cheese he brought back from 2A. I ate that and felt very much better. Then had a read and a rest then went to see Milway and listen to the news. Cut out a piece of wood and made a house for Lyn, also put a chimney on it. Bill Hill and Bill Gradwell played on the drum. I went to supper and had herrings in tomato sauce and cheese, then rang Doris up. Did some more carving and then to bed.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Horrible to go back to the routine. No post. Jill ill again, sick 16 times during the afternoon. Put Lyn to bed for a little while after dinner. Finished 2.30 and did a bit of my cam-knickers til 3.30. Got Lyn up and played with her til 4.45. Got tea and we had it. Cleared up etc. put Lyn to bed ready to go, did my cami-knickers all the evening. Bill rang up dinner time and this evening, standby, he's quite all right. Mrds S gave lyn a large rubber duck, she's ever so pleased with it. bed now to read 9.20 pm so Good Night.


Thursday 14 June 2012

Sunday 14th June

Bill

3.45 awakened by Millway who had got a stiff neck lying up against some boxes. I told him to call Jack and he got in his bed. Jack called me about 5.30 so I got up, made fire up and put the saucepan on for tea. I had a few shots at rabbits then at 6.340 called Godfey who made a cup of tea and did the breakfast, egg on fried bread. I had another nap and then had a walk round. 10.45, the sun is shining lovely. What would I give to be home again and packing up our dinner to go down to Shingle Street and sit by the sea with the line out and bask in the sun. I had a shave and wash then put the chops in the pan ready for dinner. We had a cup of tea waiting then had dinner. It was very nice. We were relieved and I got ready to go out. Cycled over to Rodwell and Doris and Lyn met me. We walked back and I did some digging out the celery trench. Watered tomatoes and then went indoors. I got a book to read and Doris did a jig saw puzzle. Mr Smeaton was at home guard firing party. Mrs Smeaton came home from Newbury. We had supper, then I got ready to go out again. We walked up the drive. it was very cold and it felt like another frost. made bed.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and cooked the breakfast. Cleared up, did potatoes, made beds etc. then wrote to Mother and to Mrs Lucock. Cleared up after dinner then got myself and Lyn ready and  went to meet Bill, did so about 3.10. Sat down for a little while in the kitchen then went up the garden. Bill dug the celery trench while I knitted Harold's socks. Got tea and we had it plus Mr S cleared up etc. Put Lyn to bed but she went to sleep before she had a story. Bill finished the trench while I knitted, then he read, and helped me too with a jig saw. Supper on our own, up to the top and now bed 10.50 pm so Good Night.


Wednesday 13 June 2012

Saturday 13th June

Bill

Up at 7, went to breakfast, egg and bacon. Said goodbye to Jack Canning. Went to Hull with Hamilton and Turner. On parade, went down the village and then on the range, firing Tommy gun from the hips, then put some greens out and went to dinner. had stew and rhubarb and custard. Rang up Doris and told her I was on, also had a letter from Mother. She said Clifford Downy had been killed in action ** air gunner. On Two A with **, Godfey and Smith. I drew gold ** in ** sweep. Watling Street won it. Godfrey sold it for a bob to ***. We drew rations and took blankets up. Made a cup of teas and potted at rabbits with my catapult. Orderly Officer came up about 4 o'clock. I sat on the bank and read magazines. I had toast and melted cheese for tea then Godfrey went down for some fat to fry the fish in. he brought back a box full so I cut the fish into joints and filleted it then fried iut. It was very nice but would have been better dropped in some batter. i did not feel like eating after frying it so gave my share away. I then put salt and water in pan to get the fishy smell out ot it.I waited in pit till Orderly Officer came and I was on at 4.

Doris

Rodwell. Nice comfortable day. Did usual necessary jobs, got the dinner, casserole rabbit (Mr S 2nd helping!) then made the butter. Lyn made a tiny bit too. After dinner, made up the butter (it cam in 10 mins) then cut out a pair of cami-knickers. Got tea and we had it, cleared up etc. Cut Lyn's hair, bathed her and put her to bed. Sat in the kitchen with my cami-knickers, did quite a bit and very pleased with them, so far. Bill rang up dinner tiome, he's on 2A, will be here tomorrow I hope. Bath, now 10.36 bed. G. Night.

Tuesday 12 June 2012

Friday 12th June

Bill

Up at 7 and had breakfast, porridge, jam. On parade. Went down fields with ground sheet and had aiming disks till it rained, then we went in drying and had the Sten gun. Got ready pay parade and drew £2.8.0. then took chairs down hanger and then went to dinner. Had beef and pudding, custard. Went to ring up Doris. She was pleased I was coming to see her. I made another house for Lyn. Finished clearing up the huts and then had tea, pies, jam. Cycled over to Rodwell in the pouring rain. It was too wet to go up to the village. I did the separating,  had tea and put Lyn to bed, read her a story, and then got a book to read and helped Doris with a jig saw puzzle. Had supper. We talked about the home guard chap that got killed by a bakalight ***. Then cycled back to camp. it wasn't raining quite so hard. The boys were singing round the fire so I had a song or two then made my bed and went to sleep.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. B.G.S. Year Book arrived - good but very small. Finished 2.45, messed about with Lyn and read B.G.S. Mrs S and Philip departed 3.30 until Monday. Bill rang up dinner time, off so came 5.00 pm. Too wet to go and meet him. Got tea and had it. Cleared up, washed up, put Lyn to bed plus story. Read together in chair in the kitchen then did a jig saw. Up to the top with Bill, came back and Bill C. and I finished the jig saw. Seems funny without Mrs S and family. Now 11.05 so Good Night.





Monday 11 June 2012

Thursday 11th June

Bill

Up at 7 and cleaned up. It was very cold during the night and needed all the clothes on. Had sausage and bacon for breakfast. On parade, then marched down to parade ground, then three of us told to go round and collect up all paper in huts as there was a Group Captain coming round to look at salvage. We cleaned up round the rubbish heap til dinner time. The others went on a full pack drill and route march. Had dinner, stew and prunes, custard. I rang up Doris and told her I was coming over. After then, I finished off a house for Lyn. Went digging after dinner. Had tea. Then cycled over to Rodwell. Met Doris. We went to see the goat but it wasn't out so we looked in Rodwell pond to see if the ducks were there. They were gone. I saw Mr and Mrs Garton. They took Jill back with them. I did the separating and dug a trench for the celery. Lyn was asleep so she did not get her story. She was pleased with her house. Helped Doris with a jig saw puzzle and read a book. Had supper and cycled back. The dance was in full swing.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Letter from Mother but no special news. Bill rang up that he was comning tea time. Did a bit of washing this am. Hung it out after dinner. Finished 2.30, wrote to Alma and home then did my ironing. Got tea, dressed Lyn and we went and met Bill. had tea, Grannie and Barkie and Jill went off. Cleared up etc, put Lyn to bed, stayed up there a while; went up the garden a little while then read 'Farmer's Weekly' in the chair together. Up to the top and now to bed 10.55 pm so G. Night.



Sunday 10 June 2012

Wednesday 10th June

Bill

Up at 7.20 and had breakfast, liver and bacon, coffee. I enjoyed it. On parade, a bit of drill and a march down the village and sat down on the bank. At ten 5 we were dismissed to get our full pack on and squared up by eleven. We had an inspection. I was the only one who passed without any comment. Dismissed and on gun drill. After then dinner. I had dinner, cold beef, greens, potatoes and bread pudding, custard. Rang up Doris, she was alright. 6 lads ** being posted near Slough. Digging all the afternoon. Saw several crates and barrels of beer got ready for dance. Had tea, herrings in tomato sauce, jam, then went back to hut. Painted Ron **'s Spitfire and shaped and polished a few houses for Lyn. Then read a magazine. Got some petrol off A. Smith to fill my lighter. Had pies for supper. Rang up Doris, she told me Lyn had fallen off the chair and bumped her head.

Doris

Rodwell. Yp usual time and all usual jobs. Grannie and Barkie 11.30 to stay til tomorrow evening. Finished by 2.30 aqs Grannie wiped and Mrs S helped too. Played with Lyn in the hammock and in the dining room most of the afternoon. Lyn fell off the rocking chair before tea and made a big bump on her head. Washed up. Grannie wiped, cleared up and put Lyn to bed. Then started to knit a pair of Air Force blue socks for Harold's birthday. Bill rang up dinner time and again this evening, standby but he may be over tomorrow. Took Kala up the field and back and now to bed to read 9.10. G. Night.

Saturday 9 June 2012

Tuesday 9th June

Bill

Up at 7.15. I cooked eggs and made some fried bread. gave the others theirs in bed. I cleared up and the men went to get water, oil and coil. I cleaned the guns and gave Parmenter a run over, then got the place cleaned up. Had a read and wash, then cooked some steak and potatoes. Relieved and then I got shaved, dresed and cycled over to Rodwell. Met Doris and Lyn. We went down to the fields and then came back to tea. Put Lyn to bed and then read a book and we made a picture of the Queen Mary in a jig saw puzzle. After then we had a walk up the garden and looked at the tomatoes. I also did the separating early in the evening. We had supper and then I pumped up my bike and it was half past  ten when I left. Reached camp 11.05 which wasn't bad. Went to bed.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Finished about 2.30, spruced Lyn up a little then went to meet Bill. (Didn't put Lyn to bed) Talked a bit in the bedroom. Then went down the fields plus Lyn and sat down for a little while and played with Lyn. Got tea, we all had it, cleared up and washed up, put Lyn to bed plus story, went for a stroll up the garden, then sat in the chair in the dining room, finished the puzzle we were doing the other evening and did 'Queen Mary' too. Read 'Fox Hunting' together. Up to the top and now to bed. Two long days before I see Bill again I suppose. 10.43 and to bed so G. Night.

Friday 8 June 2012

Monday 8th June

Bill

Up at 7.05 and dressed. had breakfast, sausage, porridge and on parade. Went and got all pickets lying about and I volunteered for a job which was helping to clean the dining hall up, then bought my 35 fags. Sold the last ten of last week's. Told I was on eleven post, then I got ready for dinner which was pie and greens, potatoes and rice pudding. Rang Doris up. I told her I should be seeing her tomorrow. I packed up bag and on parade. They started 7 post again. Found I was on Two A and had to get my ** **. LAC Parmenter in charge, called rations and then on post. orderly WO came just as we got there. Lazed out in the sun and had tea then read books and generally messed around. I copied some Gen out then watched out for Orderly Officer. He came and then we got down to bed.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. No letters. Didn't put Lyn to bed after dinner. Did some washing and hung it out then sewed or rather unpicked a frock of Ivy's for me til tea time. Lyn slept in the hammock til 4.30. Got tea, took Lyn and Kala for the usual walk and played imaginary balls. Tea, washed up, cleared up etc, then did all my ironing, put Lyn to bed then wrote to Mrs Thrower and Hilda. Bill rang up dinner time but not this evening, I don't know why. Much cooler today, quite cold. Missed Bill badly today, he's on in the camp. 9.57 pm now and so to bed to read. G. Night.


Thursday 7 June 2012

Sunday 7th June

Bill

Up at 8.30 after a good sleep. Had a nice breakfast, porridge with cream and two ducks eggs and bacon, then washed up, peeled potatoes and then got ready to go for a walk. We sat in the sun till half past twelve and came back to dinner. We had a nice joint of beef, cauliflower and blackberry tart, blancmange and jam. After dinner I tied tomatoes. Mr Smeaton's team won the cup for *** against RAFR army ***. We sat under the trees. Doris in the hammock and then had tea and washed up. I put Lyn to bed then oiled bike, did Kala's ears and then found a warm spot in the garden as the wind had turned to the North. Then helped Doris with a jig saw puzzle. Had supper and cycled back after a nice weekend. LAC Ford caught me up.

Doris

Rodwell. Up about 8.20 all together. Bill washed Lyn. Did all the Sunday jobs together, then got ready and went for a walk. Sat down in the sun out of the wind, Lyn played with a ladybird. Home to dinner. Cleared up by 2.15, tied all the tomatoes up plus Lyn then sat in the garden. I wrote home and Bill read. Lyn played with the children til bed time. Cleared up after tea, put Lyn to bed plus story, then sat in the garden and read and snoozed til 8.30. Then half did a jig-saw together in the drawing room. Up to the top, I feel very lonely now 10.55 and to bed. G. Night.


Wednesday 6 June 2012

Saturday 6th June

Bill

Up at 7.20, had breakfast, porridge and sausages. On parade then Tommy gun shooting on range, then digging till past twelve. Packed up, had dinner, stew, prunes, custard. Got my pass and then dressed and cycled over to Rodwell. Went down to woods with a book and sat under a shady tree. Mr Smeaton was hoeing swedes and we stayed there till tea time, then had tea and out in the garden. We went in the car to Clevancy with Mr Smeaton, saw a goat and kid. Sat indoors and under the trees and then supper. Took Kala out for a walk, then came back and went to bed.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usal time and all usual jobs. A very hot day. Letter from Mother but no news. Kept Lyn up all day. Bill came 2.15!!! to stay the night. We went down the fields and sat under a tree. Lyn found a caterpillar and played with it. Came back and Lyn stayed about in her birthday suit then Bridget bathed and dressed her. After tea, cleared up etc then put Lyn to bed plus story. Then sat in the garden and read, Bill in a deck chair, me in the hammock. Jess found a big hedgehog, I watched it walk away. Up to the top with Kala, oh the joy to have Bill come back with me. 10.45 and now to bed together. G. Night. Went to Clevancy with Mr S pm by car, saw a goat and a kid.


Tuesday 5 June 2012

Friday 5th June

Bill

On duty at 00.30 hrs to 02.30 hrs. It was a lovely night with some bombing practice on. had a sleep and on again at 06.30. 08.30 had breakfast, bacon, liver, cornflakes. Had a rest and Ken Plant came in, he said he was going on parade next week so I showed him the new bayonette drill and bullet went off in the floor. Lucky I was pointing correctly. Gardiner had left the round in. Nobody heard anything and those that did we told them it was a car backfired. Cleaned up, saw Rolf, he said my pass is ok but I had signed it 13.14 instead of 6th 8th. It is very hot again. Went to dinner, had stew and apple tarts. Came off guard and got dressed and cycled over to Rodwell. Doris met me, then we went down to the wood and sat down, then went up to the village. Doris bought me some tobacco. we walked back, had tea and put Lyn to bed. Boxed up tomatoes with Mr Smeaton, then had supper and biked back to camp.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Finished about 2.30, went by myself and met Bill, then back and sat in the garden. Got Lyn up 3.30 and we played with the hammock. Got tea, then went up to the village. Back to tea, washed up, cleared up, out Lyn to bed then mended a frock in the garden while Mr S and Bill replanted tomatoes. Lyn wouldn't go to sleep and played about til 9.30 and was thoroughly naughty. Up to the top with Bill and now to bed, tired and still hot. Bill should be here tomorrow! 10.45 and so G. Night.

Monday 4 June 2012

Thursday 4th June

Bill

Up at 7 and dressed and cleared up. The lads were getting ready to go to Grantham, then I said goodbye and had breakfast, egg, bacon and porridge. On parade, marched to the village and had a rest, then back to camp for a Tommy gun lecture. Had break. I had a soft drink, sold a packet of fags. Went on with lecture till twelve. Had dinner, mutton, mint sauce and bread pudding, custard. Got ready for guard, put overcoat in pack, it was a blazing hot day. Pack with overcoat, ammunition, cape, gas respirator and tin hat. I nearly melted under the heat. I got ticked off by WO Vickery for not cleaning my boots and we all got threatened with reprisals if we do not get some cardboard and put in our packs. We felt there was a war on but they didn't realise it. Played a game of darts. I won two out of three 3d. Had prunes, cake for tea, sausage, cheese for supper. Went on again, came off 11.30 and putting things away again. Hrs of duty 16.30, 18.30, 21.30, 23.30.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs.Another very, very hot day. Finished 2.30 and did a packet of washing and hung it out. Wrote to Mother and Dad. Got Lyn up 4.15 and sat in the garden with her til 5. Got all my washing in. Tea, washed up and cleared up then did all my ironing. Bill rang up, he did dinner time too. He's in camp gun post. Put Lyn to bed, then took Kala for the usual walk. Sat and read for a little while. Tried on all my summer frocks - they're hopeless. Now to bed 9.30 pm. I wish we were at home in this lovely weather. G. Night.


Sunday 3 June 2012

Wednesday 3rd June

Bill

Up at 4.30 and on the post. Did it in shifts so managed to get a few more hours sleep. made bed and sat in the sun. Main cleaned all guns before 7 o'clock. Went to breakfast, had liver and cornflakes. Had a wash and shave. Went to post office and put £5.0.0 in for Doris and two in for myself, then bought a paper and went to the post to read. Cleaned up the post and put the blankets in the sun to air. Went to dinner and had stew and suet pudding and syrup and rice pudding. The plates in SHQ could have been cleaner. Went back to have a nap and packed things up. Relieved and back to camp. Had to draw *** webbing, then cycled over to Hillmarton. Doris met me with Lyn. They were very hot. The sun was beating down. We sat indoors then laid the tea and went for a walk down the woods and sat in the shade talking. The had tea, put Lyn to bed and I had a bath and changed my clothes. I hoed the garden and watered the greenhouse, then had supper, egg in milk. Cycled back, saw Shelly and ***.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Letter from Mother but no real news. Jill a little better, Dr only came once. Finished by 2.30, dressed myself nicely. I dressed Lyn in her new *** frock and went to meet Bill. Did so 3.55. Sat about til 5, I got tea then we went and sat down the fields. Came back to tea, cleared up, put Lyn to bed. Bill bathed and changed his clothes. Hoed in the kitchen garden and watered the greenhouse. Up to the top and now to bed. It's sweltering hot day. 11.02pm so G. Night.

Saturday 2 June 2012

Tuesday 2nd June

Bill

Up at 6.40, shaved, cleaned up and went to breakfast. Cornflakes and egg and bacon. Read *** the *** on Cologne by 1500 planes. Then on parade. A bit of rifle drill and then un drill till break. had break and on gun drill again. Watched Waaf on range. Had dinner, mutton stew and prunes and custard. Got stuff ready for guards. Rang up Doris. Jill was still queer. The doctor had been several times. On parade. I put in a pro forma for sleeping out on Saturday. On 1 post, it is lovely and hot. Made two model houses for Lyn, then had a read and went to SHG for tea, It was herrings in tomato sauce, lettuce, water cress and jam. After tea, went back to post, saw Ranger and Osbourne as posting of 11 men to Grantham is in the wind. Had a read. J Moore and Godfrey came over to the post and left their respirators as they were going to *** ***. Had cheese and rice pudding for supper. Rang up Doris and went to post. Did the stand to 10.40 - 11.40. Went to BHQ and got in to bed.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. Dr came to Jill 4 am, 8.30 and 6.30 but she's better. Finished by 2.45. Did my ironing. 3.30 got Lyn up and sat in the garden and sewed. Got tea ready and had it with them all as Lyn was playing very happily with Bridget. Washed up, cleared up and put Lyn to bed. Altered Ivy's blue frock with the red stitching. OK, another frock. Bill rang up dinner time and 8.30. Quite all right. He's on No. 1 Yatesbury. No letters today. Got a rotten headache, sitting in the sun I expect. To bed now 9.40 pm, might as well! So Good Night.


Friday 1 June 2012

Monday 1st June

Bill

Up about 7 am, had breakfast, bacon, tomatoes, porridge. Then went on parade. We had square bashing then gun drill and bayonette drill. Had dinner, meat, greens, potatoes and stewed rhubarb and custard. Rang Doris up. She said Jill was queer. Went on parade. Told to get *** on, then told to go over to armoury for lecture on *** gun drill from PO Killpatrick. We had lecture two corporals and three LACs. After that we fired a few rounds, cleaned guns and packed up for tea which was stewed rhubarb and custard and jam. Had to go digging at 5 pm. Packed up at 6.30 to get supper of pie, potatoes. We got cocoa up so had a plate of rhubarb and custard. Started work. I rang Doris up before that. She had been sick. Continued work till 9 pm then had a cup of tea. I bought 25 fags at cheap rate. I made bed and settled down at that with a book till lights out. It was very much  warmer and fine.

Doris

Rodwell. Up usual time and all usual jobs. No letters at all. Finished about 2.30, did some washing and boiling. 3.30 got Lyn and Philip up (dirty). Hung mine and Mrs S's washing out, then 4.30 Mrs S brought Jill home, been ill in San all day, doctor came 6.45, probably acidosis!!! Put Lyn to bed then read. Lyn and I went for our usual walk after an early tea plus Kala. Bill rang up dinner time and at 7.00 pm. Standby. Got to dig the whole evening. He sounded pretty cheerful though. I wish we could hear some good news from Barnet. Now to bed to read 9.22 pm, so G. Night.