page 104 — May 1941

Thursday 8^th

I was isolated in the San because my mother had German measles, but I was not ill. Teachers brought me work, and I could go out on my own. zfl zil

… PSN [the headmaster] came to see me … Pointed out that it was all very silly, but if I wasn’t isolated I’d be sure to get it. zil zmt

After lunch I went off to the buzzards nest, leaving about 3.15 to let the bird get back to the nest. I put a note on what I’d seen in a pre-arranged place for Wood or RJC. Had to [go by] ferry back as the tide was up. Miserable feeling going back into the San. 2 WEEKS! Ugh! And some people would love it. After tea I read the paper, wrote more [of a] letter etc. until 7 o’clock. Sister heard on the wireless that we got 23 last night! 23! Not, thank goodness, on London. I listened to the 9 o’clock news—24 now—20 fighters, 3 AA, 1 balloons. We attacked Brest, Scharnhorst Gneiseinau (as usual). Today we got 10 for 1 over S. Coast. 2^nd Battle of Britain? (We’ve got over 70 in 7 nights). zwl zfr zem zmt zar zam

Sunday 11^th

After tea Max [Mr. Parsons] came—stayed about 10 mins. He brought two letters—Mommy and Daddy. He said re: the AA fire put up by ships the other night, that it had been lovely fun to watch, and that they’d had a stirrup pump practice since. RJC’s version was that a trifle windy little man had rushed round with a stirrup pump and bucket on the night, saying “Hah! Hah! Don’t get excited! Hah! Only a practice! Hah! Hah!”. ztc zfl zad zop zfr

Other news: that Wood’s brother Charles is ‘Missing believed killed’. They’ve taken it jolly well. … Bad raid on London, but 33 down!! zwc zsl zfr zop zar

[See note]