Thursday 13th
Africa cleared!! Hurray for that anyway. Europe—when? zlb zwg
The day cleared up to warm afternoon and clear lovely evening. In Leagues [non-serious cricket] I excelled myself, bowling [Mr.] Dodd (satisfaction!) and two others, and making 41! … I almost enjoy leagues, but I don’t think cricket matters, and it’s inclined to be a bore, so I couldn’t do it seriously (speak above in excited whisper for correct effect). zwr zsp
Friday 14th
Two big bomber raids last two nights. 1,000 tons type. 35 [planes lost] each time about. What a hellish but necessary business. … zar zwg
JTC was lamp signalling on the headland—good fun, practice and interesting. … zct zsg
Saturday 15th
… ‘Wings for victory week’ parade [part of a national fund-raising campaign]. March down to games ground, where long wait, then the procession through the town. Grand sunny day, rather sweaty and a bruised left collar bone, but not too bad. zct zwr zil
Remarks from the crowd and other soldiers varied from “Coo! The Norfolks!” (two tones of voice—pleased surprise and contempt) [coming from Norfolk, the school Training Corps wore their regimental cap badge] to “Garn, they’re only kids”, and, mostly “‘Ome Guard”, with an occasional “Greshams”. … zct zso zds
After tea to Baker’s Folly, where we got talking to two soldiers—who’d been in the parade—brencarriers—Northants Regiment. One was keen on and knew a lot about birds—he was collecting eggs (leaving one per nest) for eating purposes at the time. We talked for some time and gave him an address so that he could write for an NHS report. zwk zso zwp zwl zcb
… a fairly OK rehearsal—Macbeth, recovered from measles, arrives next week. zth
