page 30 — March 1940

Tuesday 26^th

… In prayers  the headmaster announced that as a war measure, straw hats and stiff collars would be abolished. I think we should have a bonfire. zsr

[See note]

Saturday 30^th

… Freiter’s french period, and [we] tried to sing the Marseillaise, everyone ragged about. I’m afraid I haven’t been behaving very well this term with him—it’s very difficult to, he’s so hopeless. He is quite nice really, but just can’t keep order. … ztc zop

Sunday 31^st

… After lunch B, B, H and I all went for a bike ride. We went eleven miles altogether. Jolly good fun. While we were having a rest, some yokels offered to take our bikes for a spin and then began throwing stones at us. H and B replied with fir cones, and somehow or other a man who looked like a retired colonel was hit. After a lively lecture, he went away with the words ‘You damn scum of the earth’. I think and hope he was addressing the yokels. … zfr zcy zfg

to Cambridge

April

Tuesday 2^nd

Got up at the horribly early time of 6 o’clock and after a cup of tea I bicycled to the station. Home by train for Easter holidays. Lovely to get home again. Everyone very well, but Martin working almost continuously. … ztv zfl

Wednesday 3^rd

… After tea I put a 60 bulb in the dark room and printed my three best pictures yet. I am very pleased. zph