page 33 — April 1940

We went for a walk in the afternoon: through Scotchers Bottom and along towards the willow herb patch [this was in a crater, probably caused by an off-target sea mine. We called it the willow herb patch as this plant had been quick to establish itself, as in London’s bomb sites]. Just before we got to the wood saw a stag! I just got in John’s binoculars as … it leaped over a bush about three foot high. He was the most graceful creature I have ever seen. Coming back through the wood we went very quietly, and though I saw no deer, I saw a fox slinking along in the wood. … zwk zwl

Little news, except we have laid minefields in lots of places. znb

Saturday 13^th

… Wonderful news. In Narvik Fjord we sank 7 German destroyers, losing two slightly damaged! … znb

[See note]