Ugh! Most of what he said was untrue, I haven’t done much for the house, but haven’t had much chance; by ‘objections to criticism’ I suppose he means looking bored (Hah! arrogant air!) when told to point my shoulder at the ball, or brush my hair. Hah! The jaw lasted about 10 minutes. ztc zsd
News—we’re advancing into Syria, with those swinish French opposing us. zlb zwf
Thursday 12th
¼ General inspection. There was a frantic polishing of uniforms … then we rushed to the Pentire [hotel] and fell in. By now the weather was clear with a good cool breeze, so it wasn’t too bad standing being inspected at attention. He [Major Hoplack, the inspecting officer] peered up at my tunic-collar and said “Ah, poor fellow—reduced to a safety pin”. Then we did battle drill and watched a very good camouflage demonstration. zct zmc zwr
Fall in at 2.15—the usual Field Day programme with modifications. We left our bikes at the chemi lab and walked to the Bay, above which we destroyed an ambush with grenades. Then it was time; Major Hoplack gave us a long, not particularly instructive or complimentary talk, and it was over. Quite fun. zct zlb
A lovely fresh evening. zwr
Saturday 14th
… [At cricket] I made one (3 according to the scorer) and was caught. I then read ‘North West Passage’ … zsp zbf
After tea went to town … I then went and was mesmerised by the sea—a lovely breeze so I felt all funny and happy inside, watched RJC, CMGS, MFW and T ring young oyster catchers, and then went back. … zem zwk
Sunday 15th
As per pre-arranged plan, H woke us up at 5.30 and, creeping silently out of the house, H, Smith ii, N, RJC, Smith iii, R, B, H and I congregated in the bike sheds and set off for St Evell. We wore games zmb zwk zmf
