page 34 — April 1940

Monday 15^th

When I woke up (I was sleeping in my house) it was pouring with rain. It cleared up quite soon. After Margaret had drawn the fungus she found yesterday we went down to Sutton and bought lots of things. There was a hunt, and they were all outside the pub. Even the Armstrong’s were there—disgusting. … zwr zsa zsh zhu

[See note (a)]

Tuesday 16^th

… 2^nd Lieutenant David Nash (Ex-Bombardier) came in time for tea. He is going to stay for a few days. He was all dressed up in his uniform. [He had joined up in the ranks and then got a commission.] zhy zso

I have a chicken which lays just outside my house. I so far have two of its eggs and I leave one in the nest so that it will go on laying. It is very convenient. … zpt

Wednesday 17^th

An absolutely marvellous day. I was so warm in my house that I didn’t wake up until about 4 mins to eight. We have bombed Trondheim aerodrome for the 8^th time, and bombarded it from the sea. zwr zam znb

We all went for a long walk in the morning. I climbed two trees to investigate squirrels’ nests. … Going down the path from the willow herb patch I got the surprise of my life to see a Hawker Hurricane just through the trees! There were 12 or 15 planes altogether, the aerodrome stretched right to Gumber Farm! I had never seen a real fighter before—they are lovely little things! They are making an enormous road there too. zwk zpp zmf

[See note (b)]

We saw the first swallow … by the sign post. Mommy came to supper in my house. Soup and omelette, quite successful. B.E.F. [British Expeditionary Force] in Norway. zwl zhy zfl zfd zlb

[See note (c)]