December
Monday 1st
… Nice news, a Russian victory has recaptured Rostov, and the Germans have fled right back to Mariupol—about 100 miles. We’ve cut the Tripoli road in Libya (Tripoli-Benghazi) and we’re just out to destroy the armoured forces of the enemy first. … zru zlb zwf
Max talk in evening, telling me that I ought to write an article for some paper, as I hold definite views on things (I’d thought of it but never dared). He said that he’d type them for me—jolly decent of him. ztc znw zpn zwt
Saturday 6th
Wet and windy. The house match was v. Howsons … The ground was four inches deep in liquid mud, which made fast running impossible. … In the first half I banged my chin on someone’s head, and loosened two teeth, breaking part off one. It was quite painful for a bit, and I got re-hit once or twice … It was cool if one stopped at all, because you were always coated in liquid evaporating mud. We won 12-0, thanks to the weather. Tiring. … zwr zsp zac
Max has typed out my article, for the New Statesman—it’s on the future and Russia. znw ztc zru zwt zpn
Monday 8th
Japan has bombed American islands, heavy casualties [this was Pearl Harbour, Hawaii]. Big naval battle, Japan v. America, they’ve (USA) lost an aircraft carrier, but are doing well. [Japanese] landing in Malaya—thin bit. We are bloody fools to sit and watch their convoys pass, and now this. At any rate it will jip up America. … Frank with all sorts of bloody but optimistic prophecies. Libyan battle not going too well. Russians doing fine. … zws zar znb ztc zwf zru
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