In 1941, Edward is 65 years old, Kate is 62 years old and Alys is 57 years old. Eva is 32 years old and Philip is 28 years old (Alys and Dennis’ daughter and son). James is 3 years old (Eva and Teddy’s son) and Eve (Eva and Teddy’s’ daughter) is 1 years old.
Personal Memoranda
Name: Katharine Boyd
Private Address: Layton Manor, West Layton, Richmond, Yorks
Telephone No: East Layton 10
Wednesday 1st January 1941
Fine. Very cold. Thick snow.
Nannie and Peggy out at Eppleby dance. Phil a cold, in bed all day and took M&B (began last night). Eva and James out in deep snow. Mrs Hird cleaned sitting room a.m. and nursery p.m. Alys and I rests in p.m. Eva very difficult all day. Paint box with James after tea. Listened-in in Phil’s room 6 News and Grisewood. Alys up to Phil’s room after supper. Eva a bath 5.30.G
Besieging Bardia.
Thursday 2nd January 1941
Snowing mostly. 13° frost. Very cold.
Phil about same. In bed and M&B. Mrs Hird for kitchens. Housework and out in snow, birds and beehives. About 8 inches of snow on their roofs. Wrote Poz. Alys, Eva and I rested in p.m. I woke James 3.15. Got tea laid and coffee made. Out with dogs. Wonderful snow still thick on everything. 6 p.m. News in Phil’s room. News and Sir Walter Kirke commentary.
Friday 3rd January 1941
Snow. Very cold.
Phil in bed all day. Began to feel sick and stopped M&B. Out in snow, to orchard chickens. Eva out with both children. Eva worried about Nurse nearly dropping Eve. Rested in p.m. and watched nuthatch. Alys got James up and coffee. In Phil’s room after tea and to road-end with dogs. Bathed eye with camomile tea.
Saturday 4th January 1941
Very, very hard frost and hot sun. 11° above zero. 21° frost.
Phil had bath about 11.45 and out to hut till tea-time. Very hot sun 20° of frost! Very Swiss. Eva out with children 30 minutes. Alys took Eve out 30 minutes p.m. in sun. I got James up 4.15. Made coffee earlier. To road-end with dogs for parcels. Nannie and Mrs Barber to Darlington by busses. Did our supper (beans and cheese) and filled hot bottles. In Phil’s room for Western Brothers – good. Eva unwell. Phil to bed at 5.45.
Memo:
Nuthatch and blue and great tits on my window nuts.
Bardia surrendered.
Sunday 5th January 1941
Lovely sun and hard frost. 28° frost.
Stye in eye. (Dennis came in EYT). Phil much better. Out in hut. I brought toboggan down and James on it, and Phil tobogganed before tea! At 5.40 Dennis arrived (from Oxford, Oriel). Tea and news by fire. Lord Bolton phoned. Smokeroom fire lighted and Phil lit Hall Cosy Stove to warm house. I tobogganed with Phil after tea, and Eva too. Dennis to bed 9.25 Cold and tired.
Monday 6th January 1941
Grey, warmer.
All getting fires. Lord Bolton at 11.45 and Dennis saw him in nursery. Warmer. Eva and James tobogganed. Dennis and Alys rested in alcove room. I in my room, after housework. Stye very horrid, aching. Out with dogs. Zeus got back and ate cake. Dennis and Eva and Phil did house-building for James. “Are you sure” in evening.
Tuesday 7th January 1941
Snow. Sleet. Grey.
Alys and Dennis to Richmond in EYT. Housework. Mrs Hird cleaned night nursery and Eva’s room. Alys, Dennis and I rested p.m. Phil in hut. Stye very nasty and red (washed mess in hut). Lieutenant Hill in at 8, talk and bath at 9. Colin Coote on Italians.
Wednesday 8th January 1941
Thawing, frost in night.
Mrs Hird cleaned Phil’s room and mine. I washed windowsill. Bird-table. With James – pheasants from Lord Bolton for lunch. Rested in p.m. Stye very sore. Dr Warren at 3 and to tea. Took dogs out. Thawing. To bed 10.15.
Thursday 9th January 1941
Very cold again. 10° frost.
Bath water cold! Eva, Phil and James to Richmond. Car licenses. Alys and Dennis out a walk, huts. Sent application for my car licence £10. Wrote Amy Steel. Stye forming scab – better. Phil cold all day and had hot bath in evening. Home Defence commentary by Earl of Dudley. Good.
Friday 10th January 1941
Slight thaw. Very grey. Slippery.
Down at 7. Zeus. Gave Kimbo worm pill. Housework. Dennis and Phil all a.m. sitting and writing letters together. Harry Brown to lunch – ducks, gooseberry fool. I rested after (slept). Out with dogs. Dennis and Phil trying water-divining. Knitting. News, talk. To bed 10.
Saturday 11th January 1941
Thaw. Grass again by p.m.
Housework, most of a.m. Dennis and Phil out. After lunch, Alys, Dennis and James to get petrol in EYT. I darned Phil’s stockings. All rested. Eva took Eve out in rain. (Nannie’s day off). Tea. Dogs out and Kimbo got into rabbit snare. Sara Churchill and Vic Oliver (married), did Idiot’s Delight scene. Alistair Cooke – U.S.A. Commentary. To bed 10.30.
Memo:
9th Thanked Steel’s for tea 10lbs of it! 4/6 to pay!
Sunday 12th January 1941
Milder. Grey.
Breakfast 8.30 (Nicotonic to Kimbo). Dennis away at 9.30 to Ashridge. Housework and bee-hive cushions. Rested in p.m. (all). Eva took James out in pram later. Beehives after tea. All green and milder. P.S. by Emlyn Williams. R.A.F. party and expectant mothers.
Monday 13th January 1941
Dull. Mildish.
Alys to Richmond. Housework and washed carpet by fire. Washed Zeus with shampoo after dinner. Rested 30 minutes. Got James up. Took car to garage. Assessor about Rental for Army requisition. De-requisitioned. Phil and Eva baths. Eva cried. No bath for me. Too cold.
Tuesday 14th January 1941
Snow all day.
Zeus 12.30. 8.30 breakfast. Eva and Phil off to Newcastle in snowstorm. Mrs Hird cleaned bathrooms and sitting room. James played piano. Not out. Nor Alys or I all day. Eva and Phil back at 5. They bought chains in Newcastle – roads so bad. Looked at wedding presents for Olive Ireland which they got in Newcastle. Hill in for bath.
Wednesday 15th January 1941
22° frost. Fine.
Housework. Mr Booth (land agent) to lunch. Elinor from Scotch Corner. Phil took him back at 3.30. Rest. Then got James up. Nannie to Blain’s for ping-pong. Alys bathed James. I sewed leather on Phil’s coat and mended lining.
Thursday 16th January 1941
Very, very cold. Sunny.
Eva sent cable Teddy as no news for over three weeks. Eva in snow with children. James ran under toboggan! Phil out with Elgy and Barnes. Alys sore throat. Slept in p.m. Filled in ration books. Wrote Doz. Made coffee and hot milk. Out with dogs. Phil hot sun in hut! News and War Commentary by a Group Captain about the Fighter Command.
Friday 17th January 1941
Perfect. Very, very frosty and sun.
Housework and out with James, tobogganed in kitchen garden. Phil had wash out. James did jobbies in his cot, while resting and “wee-wee on top”. Eva bathed him then, and I to Ireland’s with wedding presents for Olive (after resting). Phil to bed at 8.25 (stiff shoulder reaction and quick pulse!)
Saturday 18th January 1941
Very cold. Grey. Snow in evening.
Birds very hungry. Water cold (coke too large). Alys and Phil down in dressing gowns. I out with James 20 minutes on the ponds – thick ice. Alys to Olive’s wedding at Forcett at 2 in Phil’s car. Blain’s in my car! Nannie out. Eva took Eve out. I got James up. Fireworks after tea (indoor). Phil to rest 5.15 (on his bed and in p.m. and a.m.) and to bed. Hut very cold. 9.30 talk by Canadian trapper and Dr Thomas Wood, Tonbridge Music Master.
Memo:
16th Wrote Doz with mortgage letters
14th Phil to Dr Dickinson for refill
(carvers and sharpener for Olive Ireland 21/-).
Alys and Dennis gave canteen 3.10.
12th Kimbo’s back bare patches – glycerol jelly and nicotinic.
Sunday 19th January 1941
Snowing all day. Not very cold.
Blizzard all night and continued all day. Thick snow again. Phil’s room all snowy.
Out to orchard. Phil out but rested indoors all day. Eva out with James. Eve slept in James’ bedroom in a.m. James did mess in cot in p.m. Fed birds a lot on sill and nuts!!! No newspapers. No “Are you sure”.
Monday 20th January 1941
Dull. Snowing.
Phil stayed in bed all day (stiff). Blain trying to mend W.C. tank. Out in snow with Eva and children. Fed birds (and hurt blackbird). Short rest in p.m. Got coffee and milk for tea. All in Phil’s room. Roosevelt’s inaugural 3rd Term. David Copperfield and News at 9 (Eva’s fuss re. sugar with Mrs Barber).
Tuesday 21st January 1941
Thaw. Dull. Fog.
Phil in bed all day. Fed birds. Out with Eva and children. Dug paths in snow. In p.m. Eva and I walked to Ireland’s to see Olive’s presents. Olive and husband, Tom Smith R.A.F. returned. Cake and wine. News at 8 in Phil’s room. Mrs Hird cleaning. At 9 all in Phil’s room. Attack of Tobruk.
Wednesday 22nd January 1941
Rain. Slushy ice.
Up 3. Zeus. And at 8 again. Mrs Hird cleaned my room. I plucked pigeon in nursery. Phil down to breakfast. Wrote letters in his bedroom (fire there). Paxton all day doing W.C. I made kettle-lid top and kettle-holder. Eva out with children, in rain and slush. Snow still deep, except on paths. Phil to bed after supper. News in his room and knitting.
Capture of Tobruk – 22nd/23rd
Thursday 23rd January 1941
Semi-thaw. Dull. Slippery. Snowy.
Out for hens. Housework, bathroom. Soldiers in to ‘phone. Phil up but rested in room. Damp in hut. Rests in p.m. (war comment; General Collins). Lieutenant Hill in and had supper (toad in hole and semolina) with us and bath and stayed till 10. Brought photos of new aircraft.
Friday 24th January 1941
Dull. Damp.
Alys and I to Richmond. Puncture on way back. I phoned from “The Little Green”. Blain came for us, but Alys (and I) had changed wheel. Lunch 2.15. Work and very little rests. Snow everywhere stil. Very, very slow thaw. Alys cleaned bath before supper. News and Trades Union man. W. Brown talk.
Saturday 25th January 1941
Dull. Snowy.
Alys tired. Housework. Nurse away for 24 hours at 3. I took Eve out in pram 45 minutes. Alys and Eva resting. Alys got tea. I bathed James who slept in my room. Raymond Gram Swing after News.
Memo:
19th Phil still feeling reaction. Stiff shoulder, quick pulse.
21st Eva had cable from Teddy at last (about Mitch’s caravan).
22nd “Lightening” in left eye.
Advances on fronts Eritrea, Soudan, Somaliland, Abyssinia and towards Derna. Italians retreating.
Sunday 26th January 1941
Dull, cold.
I took James and Eve out in garden. Fed chickens. Rests in p.m. I a long one. With dogs out after tea in snowy field. Nurse missed bus, so not back. James slept with me again. News and P.S. by Priestley. To barnyard with dogs.
Monday 27th January 1941
Dull. Very cold.
Alys and Phil to Darlington. Dentist, wireless and my tire vulcanised. Paxton here. Did washing. Paxton took bathroom hot pipes away. My wireless set back and new 2nd hand tyre bought 10/- (Alys paid for it). Tired. Snowing when took dogs out 8.15. David Copperfield. Snowed in night.
Tuesday 28th January 1941
Dull. Foggy. Snowy.
Housework. Mrs Hird bathroom, sitting room. To orchard. Eva out with James and Eve in snow. Phil rested in hut 1st time since 17th. I rested all p.m. Out with dogs. Alys and Phil to road-end after tea. Kippers. Paper. News. Snowing.
Wednesday 29th January 1941
Dull. Damp.
Out with Eva. James difficult all day. Dug steps. Snow off. Mrs Hird cleaned Eva’s room and nursery. Making box for Phil’s clothes parcel. Rested. Got coffee. Out with dogs. Phil to Lieutenant Hill in a.m. then wash-out. To see about field-drain with Blain after tea. Darned in evening. Mataxas death in News (69).
Deana captured 29th?
Air raid on London – 1st for 9 nights.
Thursday 30th January 1941
Dull, snow and still frost.
Busy doing box for Phil’s suit – canvas over corrugated paper. In p.m. Alys and I did up parcels. Eva took James and Eve out in a.m. Eve cut front tooth 6th. I got coffee. Out with dogs. Alys and Phil to Ravensworth post with parcels. Read paper. Knitted. War commentary by Ferraby (Naval correspondent) Phil mended car side screen.
Friday 31st January 1941
Dull. Thaw.
James not eating breakfast and felt sick. In his cot in nursery all day till 5.30. Housework, birds. Alys posted 3rd box for Phil by our mail-man. 10lbs of tea arrived from Steel’s, U.S.A. Had to pay 3/6 this time. 4/6 on 6th. Talk after news by Colin Brook on “lull” and gas masks.
Saturday 1st February 1941
Some sunshine! Frost again.
1st sunshine since January 17th. Housework and bee cushions and papers. James out with Eva and Eve. Nurse out p.m. So I took Eve in pram, road-end. Wrote Pickin with cheque. Phil doing clocks chimes. Dried bee-newspapers. News and talk by New Zealand Timberman.
Memo:
“I’m a Whitehall Warrier”.
30th Pickin.
Joe McKechnie = Flotsam
31st Worm pill to Kimbo
Pickin cheque to March 27th
S.19 for Italian News in England.
Agordat and Barentu taken (Eritrea).
Sunday 2nd February 1941
Fine a.m. Dull and snow later.
Eva another cable about caravan. Made bee-candy; having very stupidly made syrup first; but ok for spring. Rests in p.m. All of us, James not out all day. Phil in hut. Phil and Alys for walk in evening in snow. I took Zeus out and with Eva and children.
Monday 3rd February 1941
Fine, then dull. Thaw.
Out with Eva and children. We tobogganed on road, from letter-box. Alys and Phil to Richmond. Read paper on sofa in p.m. Alys and Phil got bee-cushions out, and gave candy to hives. Alys and Phil to Jackson’s and then did Tailing with sled in Collier Lane. Ken too. I out with dogs in snow. Last of “David Copperfield”.
Tuesday 4th February 1941
Fine. Sunny. Frost.
Breakfast 8.30. Alys, Eva and Phil to Darlington in Phil’s car. Phil away 10.47 train to Peterboro’ where Dennis met him 2.45. I out with children, pram and sled. Alys and I put bee coverings in hives. Rest, tea. Out with dogs. Alys rested in Phil’s hut in sun. Lieutenant Hill in for bath 7.15 till 9.15 (not supper). I slept in Phil’s bedroom.
Wednesday 5th February 1941
Very cold and snowing. Blizzardy.
About housework. Very dull and snowing. Children not out all day. Fed birds. Rested in p.m., own bed. Alys got coffee. Out with dogs in snow and very cold wind after tea, and blizzard after supper. Slept in Phil’s room. Alys woke me for Zeus in early morning.
Cyrene taken (Libya). Benghazi taken 7th.
Thursday 6th February 1941
Perfect. Sunshine. Snow melting.
Up with Zeus 5.30. James wet bed – 1st time for weeks. Out a lot in a.m. With Eva, James and Eve. Then on seat mending Zeus’ basket with James in pram there, till 12.55. Housework in p.m. got coffee (Eva had tea). Took dogs out in snowy field, opened beehives. News and good commentary by Air Marshal Goddard. Dogs slept in “no-man’s-land”.
Friday 7th February 1941
Mild, fine on whole.
Letters from Dennis and Phil. Alys and Eva to Richmond. I took children out and James learnt to balance on icy surface. Washed clothes. Rested in p.m. Alys to call on Brown’s. I with James. Took dogs out. Bees very lively. Opened roofs and kept doors shut, as snow still very thick. Out with dogs, moonlight and snow – 8.30 p.m.
Saturday 8th February 1941
Mild. Windy.
Eva and James to Richmond in my car. I out with Eve in pram. Then Alys took her. I cleaning snow from front bee-hives and netting round plants. Rested and housework. Nurse out. Alys took Eve and bathed James. I took dogs out, across field and beehives snow melting. Raymond ground duty.
Memo:
4th Phil to Ashridge
6th Phil dances (1st time since 1935).
Sunday 9th February 1941
Mild. Dullish. Gleams of sun.
Snow melted so I could open hives – 6 hives. Let bees out. (like swarms – 2 hives!) Snowdrops and aconites everywhere. James delighted. Dennis and Phil phoned from Ashridge. Housework and rests. Eva took James out in pram at 3.30. Did paths with springbok where snowplough upset stones. Mr Churchill spoke at 9 p.m. till 9.35.
Monday 10th February 1941
Perfect day. Cold wind.
Letter from Kitty. I to Richmond alone; Food office for Bee colony coupons (spring syrup sugar – 60lbs). Hair-cut. Rest in p.m. Got tea ready (warmed up coffee). Out with dogs. Compost. Began re-soling Dennis’ stocking. New play on wireless. News. Eva very tired.
Tuesday 11th February 1941
Frost. Milder. Fine later.
Housework and then all sat in hut in sun. Alys had 2 letters from Dennis about Phil’s visit. Nannie out. Alys took Baby out. I rested, then got James up; to post my letter to Amy Steel with James. After tea, with James in nursery. Took dogs out. Put James to bed. Talk Colin Coote about Germany’s finance.
Wednesday 12th February 1941
Foggy. Damp. Mild.
Eva had letter from Teddy. Housework. Did bank passbook account till balanced. Rested, and got tea (coffee). Played with James; out with dogs across field. “The World goes by” Toy-mender. Lieutenant Hill in at 8, talk and bath. News. Wall fell down, breaking plum tree about 6.30 a.m. Wrote Kitty.
(our parachutists in South Italy).
Thursday 13th February 1941
Mild and rainy.
Out in rain. Housework. Out with James at 11.15, hoeing path, rainy. Darned stockings. Rest in p.m. Out with dogs and put stones on path to hut and spring-boked. Alys read us Phil’s letter. Alys rang up Mrs Woodsend. News, knitting and War Commentary by A. Kimmins R.N. about merchant seamen badge M.N. silver gilt. Very, very good.
Friday 14th February 1941
Dull. Rainy.
Letters Dennis and Phil (saying Dennis had cold). Took James out, and stones on path. Patched Phil’s coat with leather. Alys cut out navy blue skirt. Housework. I got tea. Alys wrote Dennis and Phil all p.m. Alys felt sickish or indigestion in evening. P.S. by W. Brown, after News.
Saturday 15th February 1941
Dull, then perfect in p.m.
Nurse gave notice! A few bees flying. Eva with Alys to Richmond. I out with children in wood and garden. Housework after 11.30. In p.m. I took Eve 2.25 – 3.15, orchard. In, and read paper. Alys to “warehouse” with James then in garden with me. With dogs round by field. Lieutenant Hill to supper (scrambled eggs, sausages and rice and raspberry fool). News. He had bath later. Mrs Bentley pioneer flying across Africa.
Memo:
19th George Buchanan’s letter about Bomb Disposal
11th Edward Ward described Entry into Benghazi.
15th Nannie (Pamela Johnson) gave notice.
12th Letter from Teddy to Eva.
Heard bombs and gun-fire (ack-ack) between 2 and 3 a.m. No more “Goosey”. Killed.
Sunday 16th February 1941
Dull east wind gale.
Barber and Mrs Barber gave notice! Alys phoned Dennis. Housework and washing. Rests in p.m. I got tea ready. Out with dogs. Ironed things in Phil’s room. “Are you sure” and News and Priestley (in trains P.S.) Eva very tired.
Monday 17th February 1941
Cold sleet all day then snow.
Sewing Phil’s coat and writing out advertisements for gardener, cook, nurse (Eve and James). Rested in Alys’ room. Out with dogs (sleet). James a pain and jobbies in cot at 10. News, knitting and composing Eva’s cable to Teddy about everyone leaving “gosh”.
Tuesday 18th February 1941
Snowing all day. Not cold.
Thick snow. Out to bee-hives and took James in pram to Road-end. Wrote Kit, enclosing George’s Bomb disposal letter. Alys to Richmond taking Eva’s cable, she got marmalade!!! I rested and got tea. Took dogs out. Talk by Alexander (Navy). James did jobbies again in cot.
Wednesday 19th February 1941
Snowed all day. Not cold.
Eva a cable from Teddy. Thick snow. None of us out in a.m. Housework. Sewed Phil’s coat. Fed birds. Dogs out, and got very wet, snow over Wellington boot-tops. Eva slept in Nannie’s room. James in Alys’ (to give Eva more sleep). Play in evening. Fay Compton. Finished sea-boot stockings.
We crossed Juba River (Italian Somaliland).
Thursday 20th February 1941
Snowing.
Has snowed 78 hours – 6 p.m. No post. Alys’ back ricked? Painful. Some big branches brought down by snow. Out shovelling very deep snow. James and Eva (James very difficult, screamed and in still room). Rested in p.m. and fed birds. Out with dogs to orchard. Queer effects of snow on glass-house. Icicles, crooked. News and War commentary by Major General Collins. Libya.
Friday 21st February 1941
Sunny. Lovely.
(no post through). Out to shut beehives and hen’s porridge. Took James out along tracks. Alys and Eva took Eve in basket on sled. I to Road-End for bus to Richmond, but bus couldn’t get there. Pringle on it. 8 till 12. In p.m. took photos in snow. At 5.30 with Blain and Ken in car to East Layton (by Street) to fetch 2 days’ letters and papers for West Layton. No road through to East Layton yet. Hill in for bath and going on leave.
Saturday 22nd February 1941
18° frost in night. Perfect day.
Alys and I to Richmond and fetched play-pen from station. Deep snow, so back via Caterrick; single track. Took snow off fruit trees. Very deep, over knee-high in garden. Nannie to Darlington with Barber’s, as no busses for Leyburn. James wet at 10 and screaming.
Memo:
16th the Barber’s gave notice
17th Eva a cable from Teddy “Fitsat”?
18th nose clear in evening and 19th and 20th
20th Blain and Ken took snow off arcade glass-roof.
Mogadishu taken – capital Italian-Somaliland
Sunday 23rd February 1941
22° frost 22 – 23rd. Lovely sun.
Out to shut hives. Housework. Then in hut and brushed dogs. Nuts to birds. Read paper by fire p.m. Alys in hut, in sun. Wrote Phil. Out with dogs in garden and by garage with shovel in deep snow. Eve in playpen 1st time. Alys not feeling right inside. Priestley again.
Monday 24th February 1941
Some snow and very little sun.
Letter from Doz. Alys, Eva and James to Darlington, shoes for James. I took Eve in pram along snow trenches. Fed birds. They back 1.35. Rested. Out with dogs. Snowing, and then fine in evening. Cold. Wrote Doz. Finished “Public School Murder” – Woodthorpe. News, knitting, sewing,
Tuesday 25th February 1941
Hot sun. Cold in shade.
Shut hives. Housework. Out with James (Eva with Eve). James in deep snow. Rested in my old bedroom, as sunny. Took Eve in garden 3.10 – 4. Alys got tea. With James a bit. Out with dogs (eating icicles). Lieutenant Hill in to tea with puppy Labrador (weak legs). Searchlights bright as moon.
Wednesday 26th February 1941
Sunny. Very cold.
Closed hives. Eva and James to Barnard Castle in Phil’s car. Alys with children out and in hut. Mrs Hird cleaning nursery and sitting-room. I cleaned coconut mats (Kim’s mess). Got tea. Fed birds. Out with dogs. Lieutenant Hill to supper (fishcakes and chips, semolina pudding) and had bath at 9 and stayed till 10.10.
1st Bulgaria signed Axis Pact.
Thursday 27th February 1941
Fog and thaw. Fine in evening.
Lighted stove. Housework and sewed Phil’s coat cuff with leather. Rested and read General Worrall’s lectures on Generalship. Out with dogs and great thaw going on. Icicles all pouring. Dennis phoned from Ashridge at 7. War Commentary. Air-Commodore Goddard. Very delightful.
Friday 28th February 1941
Gale and sun. Thaw.
Lighted stove. Closed hive. Alys and Eva to Darlington (hair’s done) and to lunch there. I out with James and Eve – very windy, sunny. Wrote Mrs Harvey and Adrian. Out to hives at 3 (bees out at side). Showed book to James (Good dog Trusty). Out with dogs – snow and ice still by potting shed. Ethel Miles phoned from Sunderland (nurse). Talk by Vernon Bartlett on Balkans.
Saturday 1st March 1941
Dull, windy. Some hail.
Alys and I to Richmond. Bought stove 65/-. No dog biscuits. Nannie away (for 24 hours) after lunch. I out with Eve in pram 20 minutes. Dr Warren came; tea and till 6.10. Began new white mitts for Eve. Dennis phoned 10.20, that Phil returning tomorrow till Wednesday.
Memo:
28th Alys put advertisements in Northern Echo and Darlington and Stockton Times.
26th Letters from Dennis and Phil re Phil staying and studying for 2nd M.B. at Ashridge.
24th Wrote Doz.
Nose clear 23rd – evening
26th Sent Burberry to Huntley’s.
Sent Seaboot stockings to Dewsbury.
Broke (Rendel) off Diplomatic Relations with Bulgaria.
Sunday 2nd March 1941
Fine, but fine showers.
I slept with Alys, Eve with Eva (woke 6.30). Out with children in pram in garden (still some snow). In 11.30. Changed my bed and helped Alys with Phil’s mattress. Out with Eve in p.m. after Eva. To post. R.S.P.C.A. letter. Alys in Phil’s car to Darlington to meet Phil at 5 (from Ashridge – King’s Cross). Painting with James. Out to hives 3 times. Phil rested after high tea of dripping. I slept with Eva.
Monday 3rd March 1941
Fine. Dullish in p.m. Milder.
Housework and out to see bees (who flying). Phil slept on and bath after breakfast. He collecting medical books. Finished mending Phil’s coat. Eve screaming (bath?). (Scrambled eggs, sausage and kidney supper) “Are you Sure in evening.
Tuesday 4th March 1941
Fineish. Cold.
Mrs Hird cleaned my room. I to Richmond with Phil. He had hair cut and exchanged gun. We called on Mrs Brown. Her sister there (Ramsgate). Darned stockings for Phil. Answered 2 advertisements. Alys and Phil packing. D. Brown called. Took waste paper. Brought petrol. Lieutenant Hill in at 7. Stayed supper (cod and eggs, Queen of pudding). Showed his new Irish setter and photographs till 10! Had bath.
Wednesday 5th March 1941
Fine. Frost in a.m.
Breakfast 8.15. Busy packing Phil’s car with medical books, skeleton. Alys and Phil away 9.45 to Ashridge. I out with children. Eva washed up. Blain fixing aerial and gutters with 2 soldiers. Eva and I read. Dr Dalrymple Smith to see Mrs Barber! David and Peter. James said “Haven’t you any gloves, don’t you think?” Talked Mrs Barber a little. Wrote Alys.
We raided Lofoten Isles (oil for Nazis))
Thursday 6th March 1941
Perfect a.m. Snowy and hail p.m.
Atkinson to sweep kitchen chimney. Eva out with children. I cleaned cosy stove and lighted it, and other housework. Mrs Hird doing kitchen after sweep. Blain fixing aerial. Watched things (snow in p.m.) Dennis phoned. Alys staying till Monday. Wrote Kent and Brydon about gardeners. Eve’s teeth hurting. Screaming. My wireless wrong. Failed to get News and only War Commentary. Poorly Admiral. Heard sirens 8.30 p.m. Little ships.
Friday 7th March 1941
Fineish. Cold.
Eva and James to Richmond. I took Eve in pram, garden, to site to ask Sargeant Graham about men and dance. Wrote Lois. Nannie to Spitfire Dance. James painted in painting-book. Out with dogs. Field all ploughed now (Elgy). Talk about Justice O.W. Holmes. Laski.
Saturday 8th March 1941
Very dark. Some drizzle.
Eva took children out, dark and damp. I housework and wrote Kent and Brydon again. I took Eve out in p.m., drizzly. Got James up. Tea. (Nannie out). Finished Eve’s mittens in evening. Lovely searchlights on mist when out with dogs at 8.15.
Memo:
Butcher never came this week though ration still ½ per person.
(Nose very clear all week).
4th letter from Amy Steel U.S.A.
6th Wrote Doz
7th Wrote Lois
7th Spitfire Dance in our hall (Granary).
Sunday 9th March 1941
Very dark and cold. Rain in a.m.
Housework; then with James and Eve in nursery till 11.15 when Eva and I to Darlington station to meet Ethel Miller 12. Finally met at coach-stop 12.40. Eva interviewed her station buffet. Back 2 to lunch. I out with James and dogs 3.45 – 4.5. “Are you sure” (soused herrings, rice and whipped cream skimmed off milk). Soup.
Monday 10th March 1941
Dark. Dull.
Slept till 8.45. Housework, washed carpet, pantry. Eva out with children. In p.m. more cleaning after Paxton, who brought back radiator. At 4.30 to Darlington with Eva and James to meet Alys from King’s Cross and Ashridge. 5.37. Lieutenant Hill in at 8 and had apple pudding and bath. I slept in Phil’s room.
Tuesday 11th March 1941
Dullish. Mildish.
Not out in a.m. Housework and Mrs Hird cleaned bathroom (old) and Phil’s bedroom. Nannie out. I rested 30 minutes in p.m. then took Eve in pram and dogs till 4. 148,000 tons shipping losses. 3rd worst week of war.
Wednesday 12th March 1941
Dull, cold. Then fine evening and p.m.
Housework and took children out while Eva wrote Teddy. Wrote Dennis for his birthday. Rested in p.m. Blain and Atkinson in my car to Branca’s with cement. I got tea ready. Eve pulled herself up in pen to standing. Lovely walk with dogs all round in fields. Alys had talk to Barber about leaving. Full moon. James and stone head – “very, very old and dead long time ago”.
Many Nazi planes over in night.
Thursday 13th March 1941
Very fine. Perfect full moon.
Eva had letter from matron about Ethel Miller. I took children out in garden, orchard, wood. Eva with Alys to Richmond. I with James in hut till lunch, doing peanuts. Alys doing Wardle bills; and to Mrs Brown’s with sausages. Lieutenant Hill in to tea and greenhouses for camellias and mimosa for his fiancé. I out, James with me watching bees on aconite. Wireless bad for General Collins’ War Commentary – 2 bombs 2.10. News.
Rook Machine gun a.m.
Friday 14th March 1941
Very fine. Perfect.
Alys and I to Wardle’s – pay bill and on to see where bomb dropped (14 dropped near Ravensworth). All p.m. in garden, sewing on seat, Zeus’ bed. Out with James. Blain got horse-flesh for Zeus. Alys and Eva to dance-hall to say about car lights. Wireless bad (no news). Bombs 9.30. Nazi planes over for hours (to Clydeside?) Bomb at 5.45 a.m.
Saturday 15th March 1941
Very fine. Perfect.
Cable from Teddy. Eva out with children. I choped sticks. Nanny out. I out with Eve in p.m. (after sweeping bathroom). Dr Warren to tea and in garden, peach blossom out. Crocuses lovely. Alys cooked oat biscuits and chicken soup and cold mince and leeks (with oil and vinegar). I bathed James. James did “jobwee” in his cot. No Nazis all night here.
Memo:
10th £2.0.0 for board this week.
11th “Lend and Lease” Bill signed by Roosevelt.
Tuesday. Shipping Losses 148,000 tons
Alys arrives 5.37 Monday.
Dennis’ 60th birthday
Home Guard Dance 14th
Berbera retaken.
Sunday 16th March 1941
Warm. Perfect. Frost at night.
Washed things. Housework and out in garden, sewing and reading papers. Bevin’s speech about registering women for war work and ship-building men at 1 o’clock News. James to see lamb with Eunice. Mended gloves (for fire-lighting). Knitting. News (not much) and J.B. Priestley.
Monday 17th March 1941
Dull. Cool.
Alys had letter from Phil about Cambridge and Dennis’ birthday. Alys and I went into garden, talk to Barber about seeds, hot-houses. I wrote advertisement to Northern Echo for gardener 8/6/ Got James up (Eva and Alys to Barningham to send cable Teddy). Got tea. Alys with Eva and James to show him caravan. Godfrey Hill came in, and away to a dance. James did jobwee in cot.
Tuesday 18th March 1941
Dull then better.
Eve’s 1st birthday. Housework and mending Zeus’ basket; and in attic. Out to talk to Barber about his leaving. After 6 Alys, Eva and I to Ravensworth to see bomb-craters (12 and 2 unexploded) (36ft across 12 deep) and ask about stirrup pumps. Largest. Dennis’ letter to Alys (enclosing copy of one to Barber). Herbert Morrison talk on Invasion.
Wednesday 19th March 1941
Dullish? Then very early, sunny.
Dennis’ letter to Barbers came. Housework; out by ponds with James till lunch. Mended gloves; wrote letter to H. Brown (Oates’ friend), gardener). James rather naughty all day. Eve crawled quite 3 yards and very pleased with herself. Read Churchill’s speech at Pilgrim’s to welcome Winant, new U.S. Ambassador.
Thursday 20th March 1941
Perfect day.
Alys and I to Richmond, Bank – got 30/- of War Savings Certificates for Eve’s birthday. In p.m. I walked to Layton Fields to tell Blain (there with Atkinson mending roof) to bring car back at 4. Alys to tea at Brown’s. Hill in for bath, and long talk about plotting. War Commentary Air Commander Goddard.
Friday 21st March 1941
Mildish. Dull.
Housework; Alys out talking to Barber about tomatoes, potatoes. Darning. Tried doing apple rings, but apples too bad. Alys and Eva to Ravensworth at 6.30. Bought stirrup pump for incendiary bombs £1.0.0. I wrote Amy Steel (out with James seeing hens and Zeus fed).
Saturday 22nd March 1941
Dull. Mildish. Some drizzle.
3 answer to advertisement in Echo!!! Alys and I off to Stanhope, via Barnard Castle – petrol there. To Frosterley, saw couple Raine (duodenal ulcer). Across moors, back by 1.30. Nannie out. Eva took Eve out. I got James up and in car to post. After tea, James and I by ponds cutting down bulrushes and reeds. Barber’s to see Mrs Beckwith Jr, and cinema.
Memo:
21st Wrote Amy Steel
18th Eve one year old. Began to crawl.
Shipping losses 93
James “Is standing still, swinging”.
24th British Somliland again in our hands.
25th Jugo-Slavia signed Axis Pact.
Sunday 23rd March 1941
Snow on ground early. Perfect day.
Eva’s boil much better under eye. Alys, Eva and I all to Durham and on in car to East Rainton, 57 School Road. Interview George Bewley and wife (gardener-handyman and cook-general). Engaged them at £2.10 a week. Home at 1.15. Wrote to him and Alys to Dennis. Iron burnt and smelt. Out with James seeing Zeus fed and in garden. “Are you sure” and News and Priestley in evening (Bewley discharged army for testicle accident).
Monday 24th March 1941
Cold, raw, dull. Sleet at times.
Housework. Up to top floor with Alys re beds and bedroom for Bewley’s. In p.m. to the Brown’s to take petrol tin back. Rainy sleet. Cold. Looked at engine book with James. Alys to Hodgson’s about sausages and took camellias. Alys not feeling ok but better later.
Tuesday 25th March 1941
Coldish. Snow in evening.
(Coal came). Letter from Dennis to Alys about Phil’s reaction. Housework. Alys and I out to gardens to learn from Barber about vegs. Took notes. Nannie out. Eva took Eve out in rain. I got James up, in drawing-room, piano. Alys made gingerbread with Mrs Brown (to learn). Snowing hard when I out with dogs 8.30.
Wednesday 26th March 1941
About 3 inches snow. Mildish.
Everything white a.m. Mrs Hird cleaned my room. Talked Barber about hot-house stove. Wrote labels for keys and fertilizers. Alys and Eva learnt to make bread from Mrs Barber. Mr Booth at 3.45 to talk re economy. Tea and Blain drove him to Scotch Corner. Out with dogs in white fog, on snow. Solider in to phone his wife. Wire from Dennis – “Report satisfactory. Engage.” (Bewley).
27th Keren taken (Eritrea). Harar (Abyssinia) taken.
Jugo-Slavian Revolution and coup d’etat (against Axis).
King Peter (aged 17) takes charge.
Thursday 27th March 1941
Mild. Dull. Showers.
Eva to Darlington by bus. I drove her to Scotch Corner, James came (missed 10.45 through error). Alys and I fixing about beds, carpets. Barber and Mrs Hird moved beds. Alys met Eva at Scotch Corner 4 o’clock. I mended Zeus’ basket, got tea. Spitfires dive bombing practise. Lovely. War Commentary by Admiral Sir Michael Hodges. Zeus slept in Phil’s engine room.
Friday 28th March 1941
Mild. Dull. Cooler in p.m.
I took children out, as Eva and Alys cooking lesson (fish-cakes and pastry). At 11.45 took James to see circular saw working. Horse meet came. Painted sill in Bewley’s bedroom. Alys doing their light and curtains. Sach’s came (with Mrs Jones). Zeus salivary trouble. Phoned Hill (vet). Letter to Mr Booth about letting Layton or requisition.
Saturday 29th March 1941
Mildish. Dull. Snow at times.
Out to Orchard; out to glasshouses. Barber telling me about ventilators, seeds. Nurse out. Eva out with Eve. Then Barber’s said goodbye (weeping). I took Eve to peach-house. Lieutenant Hill came, had tea and bath. We had supper (macaroni cheese and apple pie cooked by Mrs Barber). Up till 10.45 with coke water heater, which went out. No bath, cold water.
Memo:
27th Postcard to Doz.
Pickin/March 27th
£5.12.0 77 King Henry’s Road.
25th Phil in bed Friday and Saturday with reaction
Barber’s leave 29th
28th Mrs Hird extra day.
Naval Victory in East Mediterrarean 29th.
Asmara taken.
Sunday 30th March 1941
Hard frost.
Got up at 7.10 (no hot water). Up first. Nurse lighted nursery fire. Alys cooked sausages on stove but it wouldn’t work so paraffin ones. Breakfast 8.15.James out with Eunice. Alys cooked hot beef, Yorkshire pudding on kitchen stove and we ate dinner there. Very good. Opened glasshouses. Walter Sachs to tea and supper (Vienna Jew in Pioneer Corps). Showed him around. News and P.S. By A.P. Herbert.
Monday 31st March 1941
Very cold. Some sun. Mostly dull.
Alys cooked breakfast. Housework and the glasshouses, chickens with James. Mrs Hird cleaned sitting room, nursery. Alys cooked salmon fish-pie. Very good I took tins to dump, in car. Alys and I rested in p.m. James wetted cot while resting and out in house-keeper’s room. No tea. Labelled kitchen tins. Eva cooked eggs and kidneys. Incendiary bombs on West Layton. Elgey came round.
Tuesday 1st April 1941
Very cold. Dull.
Busy all a.m. (Alys cooking and preparing for Bewley’s). I with James to get petrol. Eva then to Darlington for shops, lunch and met the Bewley’s. They came back by 3.30. I got James up at 2.45. Dr Warren came to tea!!! I showed Bewley the gardens. Alys interior to Mrs Bewley. Took dogs out. News. No baths – too cold water.
Wednesday 2nd April 1941
Cold sleet. Very dark and very cold.
Gladys (Mrs Bewley) lit both fires (our’s and nursery) so not up till 8.45. Breakast. Out to ask G. Bewley for turnips and leeks. Mrs Hird cleaned Phil’s room. Made kettle holder. James played with C.H.W.’s toys. He only had 30 minutes rest upstairs. Took dogs out and tidied garden. News of 3d postcards to Middle East.
Benghazi re taken by Axis 3dr (they took 3 Lieutenant Generals and 2,000 British prisoners).
Thursday 3rd April 1941
Very dark and rainy.
Letter from Teddy to Eva (1st for 7 weeks). Letter from Phil to Alys. Out with James to get apples, and see George Bewley. Took Eve in pram, while Alys, Eva and James to Richmond to sell rabbits. Wrote Kit and Pickin with rent. Out gardening, after tea. With James in top room. Dark at 6.30!!! News and War Commentary by General Collins (Gladys made delicious bread and rolls).
Friday 4th April 1941
Dark. Thunder and rain later.
With James to take garden plan to George, and then to brush Zeus at garage. Blain gave bees sugar. I wrote Dennis (Barber and George Bewley) in p.m. Eva and James and I to caravan to bring things down. Thunder. Out to greenhouses in heavy rain with dogs. “Old familiar thing” Paris pre war on wireless and News and Talk by Parachute Officer, who had taken parachutists to Italy.
Saturday 5th April 1941
Dull. Some rain. Very cold.
Housewor; out to orchard with James. Blains picking own veg! Nannie out. I took Eve out 3 – 3.45. Sach’s came (late to tea) and had bath. Alys made gingerbreads. Bewley’s to Richmond. News and Raymond, sewing.
Memo:
Letter from Teddy 3rd
(1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th – nose so clear, no Benzedrine at all.
1st George Bewley and wife come – gardener and cook.
31st 18 fire-bombs round here, 2 in Dennis’ field.
Asmara capital of Eritrea taken April 1st
3rd – wrote Kitty and Pickin.
Hitler begins war on Yugo-Slavia and Greece – 6th
We enter Addis Abbaba 6th
R.A.F. bomb.
Germans in Struma Valley
Sunday 6th April 1941
Very cold. Snow at times. 3 minutes of sun.
Snow! Ground white. Very cold. Not out in a.m. Wrote Doz. Eva out very short time with children. Alys and Eva cleaned pram room. I mended fishing-net and Zeus’ basket. Out with James. Zeus killed rabbit. Bewley’s in houses and garden. News and P.S. by A.P. Herbert on Flags – white ensign.
Monday 7th April 1941
Cold. Dulll. 10 minutes sun.
Housework. Took Eva and James out as Eva off at 12 to Darlington to meet Ethel Miller, new Nannie. Cable from Teddy. Pamela Johnson left at 2.30. I took Eve out in p.m., garden. Phoned Dr Woodsend and put oil in car. Eva busy showing E.M. her duties. Alys and I with children. Deaf in right ear. Lieutenant Holmes in to phone – sherry. Eve slept with Eva. James with Alys.
Tuesday 8th April 1941
Cold. Dull.
Dr Woodsend came, syringed wax out of my ears and gave Eva manganese injection for boils. Out to get apples. I slept all p.m. on bed. Mended Zeus’ basket. Lieutenant Harwood and 2nd Lieutenant Holmes called. Felt I had got Nannie’s cold. Took rhinitis and cinnamon. News and talk by Amery on Indian troops in Eritrea.
Wednesday 9th April 1941
Cold. Dull.
Housework. Forked and weeded asparagus bed for 1 hour. Rest in p.m. Harry Brown called. Eva out with Nurse, Eve and James. James screamed and was finally put to bed, smacked. I did another hours work on asparagus bed. Summary of Churchill’s speech to Commons in News. Eve slept with Eva, James slept with Alys again.
9th Germans enter Salonika. We take Massawa.
Thursday 10th April 1941
Cold but snow in a.m.
Heard bombs a lot all through night. 11 raiders brought down. Birmingham and North East Sunderland. Housework with James. Out to orchard with Eva and children. Then weeding asparagus bed. Rested in p.m. Out after tea with James, weeding. Gladys in garden. Eva’s chin boil opened. James good all day; slept in Alys’ room. (Toad in hole). Very good talk by Goddard. Coventry bombed badly.
Friday 11th April 1941
Dull. Milder.
Out weeding asparagus bed. Eggs in water glass, porridge to chickens. Rested in p.m. Mrs Stott came and stayed tea and til 6. Also Reverend Booth came to tea. Did asparagus bed again 6.20 – 7.20. Sweetbreads. News of first British contact with Germans in Greece. P.S. by Chinese ambassador. Bristol bombed.
Saturday 12th April 1941
Warmer. Finer but still dullish.
Awake most of night with throbbing giner. Hot water and iodine on it in a.m. and did some weeding. Bewley out, lost bus and went later. I rested and got tea ready. To Ravenswroth for bread, with Eva and children in car. Weeding 6.15 – 7.15. Eggs away (27). Alys cooked sausages and colcannon for supper. P.S. by a W.A.A.F. (Women’s Auxiliary Air Force) about bombed aerodrome.
Memo:
7th Nannie (Pamela Johnson) leaves.
7th Nannie, Ethel Miller came
7th cable from Teddy.
Axis entered Bardia 13th
We holding Tobruk.
Sunday 13th April 1941
Dullish. Milder. Cool with wind.
Out weeding asparagus bed a lot a.m. and agin 5.30 – 7. Bewley’s out with Mrs Hird p.m. and till 10.40. Lieutenant Hill to tea (been at Washington, near Newcastle) and until 7.20. I wrote Doz about “The White Cliffs” Alice Duer Miler. Alys got supper – soup and boiled eggs and cold sausages. A.P.H verse. Kimmins take on convoy/mutton.
Monday 14th April 1941
Mild. Fine in p.m.
About with James, then out to orchard and weeding till 12.30. James and Rona out together. In p.m. Eva walked with Nannie and Eve to Ravensworth. Eve cried (diarrhoea). I weeded. Alys in hut. Spilt paraffin at teatime. Out with James and dogs till 6. Lieutenant Holmes in at 7.45.
Tuesday 15th April 1941
Mild. Fine at times.
Sent letters to E.V.M. and Bank, re Income Tax. Alys to Richmond and took Nannie (day out), in p.m. Eva took Eve to Ravensworth. I got James up and then Malcolm arrived! From Alloa. Got tea. Took James and Eve out in garden. Took car back and dogs out. Weeded 20 minutes (cable from Teddy). Malcolm on to London at 5.30. Nazi bombers going over to Ulster all night.
Wednesday 16th April 1941
Finer. Some sun.
Housework. Nurse poisoned finger. Eve cut a double tooth. Out to orchard and weeding. Alys did mess-room chimney with Mrs Hird; and to see Gell’s greenhouse site (Mrs Cliff and right of way). Weeding in p.m. and again 6.15 – 7.20. With James by ponds. Caught goldfish for him to hold. Alys, Eva and I to Gell’s in evening with dogs. News “Serious”.
Terrific Nazi offensive in Greece on British and Imperial Army and Greeks.
Heaviest night raid on London
Thursday 17th April 1941
Dull. Cool wind.
Out with James for apples (big) and to orchard. Weeded. Carved chicken for casserole. Rested (slept) in p.m. James and Rona out far together. Electric light failed but put right by Blain. War Commentary by Admiral Drier (very dull).
Friday 18th April 1941
Warmer. Finer.
Took both children out, as Eva doing washing (Annie’s finger pus). Then weeding. Coates put up looking-glasses. Weeded. Alice took Gladys over house. Finished asparagus bed at 7. Lieutenant Holmes in at 8. News and Downing Street Proclamation about bombing Rome if Axis bombs Athens or Cairo.
Saturday 19th April 1941
Warmish. Dull.
Eva to Barnard Castle by bus. I took James and Eve out in garden and later James to pick daffodils, but he very difficult about them. Put eggs away and rested 45 minutes. Dr Warren came to tea, and Lieutenant Holmes too. Out looking at orchards. Blain to get Zeus’ horse meat. Had water-glass eggs and tasted nasty. One bad? Very severe raid on London
Memo:
15th Cable from Teddy.
British Imperial Troops in Greece, retreating. King George, Hellenes to Crete.
Sunday 20th April 1941
Perfect day.
Wrote Elsa. Polished brass. In p.m. cleaned gun-room porch out, and picked squills. Alys cleaned big hall. Lieutenant Harwood (very nice, regular Sergeant Major) and Lieutenant Holms and Walter Sachs to tea. In garden, croquet balls out, though grass very long. Walter stayed to supper and had a bath.
Monday 21st April 1941
Fine, warm, showers 5.15.
Out “scarifying” round raspberry canes. Hot! Alys to Barnard Castle by bus 1.15. I did Income Tax reclaim in p.m. Rona came and she and James played indoors, upstairs. Alys back 5.45. I met her. Marjorie Brown came with trout! For supper! George pricking out onions at 7.20.
Tuesday 22nd April 1941
Foggy, cold. Dull but clear later.
Letter from Phil to Alys with petrol coupon! Housework and painted curtain on bathroom window. Sewed. In p.m. Eva, James and I in car to Richmond, getting petrol first at Smallway’s. Got cake – Fullers!!! Fire back for Dimmock’s. Rona after tea. James great screams when she left. Forked weeds a little at 6.30. Alys and Eva very depressed about war and Turkey. Lieutenant Holmes had bath and stayed tea.
Wednesday 23rd April 1941
Very cold. East wind. Dull.
Housework and chickens. James very naughty – spoilt daffodils. Dug raspberry beds. Slept in p.m. Lieutenant Harwood had bath and to tea and with children and till 6.50. Bee-sugar came (60lb in all for 6 hives). Forked raspberries again after tea. Finished “And tell of Time” by Laura Krey.
Serious News from Greece.
Thursday 24th April 1941
Fine, but very cold North East wind. James had Rona to play but wouldn’t take her home. Out with James in garden. Raspberries. Both weeding. Alys a cold. She in hut in p.m. I got tea. Turned on waterfall. Weeded rock garden. George and Gladys down there at 7. Lieutenant Harwood and Holmes in (to phone) at supper time. War Commentary by General Collins. Zeus not seeming well. Alys cold heavy. Eva letter from Teddy February 22nd.
Friday 25th April 1941
Fine. Cold, still sun warm.
Out with James and did raspberry bed. Alys to Richmond to Banks. In p.m. Alys and Eva to E.N.S.A. concert in granary. James and I to Dunsa Bank to get Calomel dust for onions. Mrs and Harry Brown there, violets. Garden. Holmes in to phone.
Saturday 26th April 1941
Fine but North East wind. Very, very cold.
Alys starting boil on neck. Phil’s letter about Pam. Out with James to see chicks hatching out. Hoe-ing weeds. Rested in p.m. Bewley’s to Darlington. Walter Sachs to tea and bath and supper. Alys cooked fish-cakes (Zeus ate a piece). Out with James and hoed weeds on path. Lieutenants Harwood and Holmes in at 8.10. Port. Harwood stayed till 10.55. I stoked hot-house stove at 9.10.
Memo:
26th Alys boil began
2 letters from Teddy this week Feb 1st
Never had so man been entertained by so little for so long.
Germans enter Athens. We evaluate Greece,
Sunday 27th April 1941
Cold. Some sun.
Liver-chill all day. Did a lot of hoeing. James too in garden. Mr Harwood (Sidney Rodis) in at 3.15 and till 7! Mrs Craddock at 6 about Mitch’s things (for Army, Navy, Air Force Families’ Association). I with James with garden. On sofa after supper. Fine speech by Churchill at 9 p.m.
Monday 28th April 1941
Dull, wind dropped.
Felt all right. Out hoeing 10.30 – 12. Holmes came about marrows and bagatelle table. Rested in p.m. Harwood in 3.30 for bath and stayed till 6.15. Rona in and played “board”. Eve too. James pinched her. James very naughty in garden about Rona going. Harwood carried him in. Eva smacked him. Hoed till 7. Dandelions for veg.
Tuesday 29th April 1941
Dull. Cold (Sun at 9 a.m.)
I to Richmond for hair to be done; Miss Taylor 4/6 trim, shampoo, set. Back 1.15. Nannie off duty. Alys out with Eve. I got tea, after doing bathroom, washing brushes, hairnet. Out with James in garden, hoeing strawberry beds. Put James to bed. Soup, eggs and colcannon. Read Kit’s letter aloud (or 28th).
Wednesday 30th April 1941
Dull. Very cold.
James wet in bed. In garden with James, hoeing and with Eva and Eve and James by ponds. Alys’ cold heavy again. She wrote to Mr Booth about Green. I did bathroom and slept 40 minutes in p.m. Made bee syrup after tea. Out weeding in lower border. Churchill told of evacuating Greece; casualties 3,000, 30,000 landed there. 48,000 later. 45,000 already away.
2nd Iraq war breaks out.
Thursday 1st May 1941
Cold. Dull till p.m. then sunny.
Letter from Elsa. Letter to Eva from Teddy (March 11th). The wet on mat. Out hoe-ing nearly all a.m. James too. Rested in p.m. Alys’ cold still but doing heavy housework. Hoe-ing again after tea, and James out too. He naughty about going to bed so I up to say Eva and Alys not coming up. War Commentary by Air Commander Goddard – very good. Toad in hole.
Friday 2nd May 1941
Dull. Cold. Wind.
In garden hoe-ing ground elm under apple trees and other strawberry bed. James did “job-wee”. In p.m. all to Barnard Castle. James too. Mr Harwood to bath and tea and conquer Eve. James seems colded. Alys and I to Wardle’s for milk and I to Barnes’ for milk earlier. Got 3 gallons petrol on Barnes’ coupon. Sardines on toast.
Saturday 3rd May 1941
Sunny all day.
James with heavy cold, so put to bed in nursery. Mr Holmes in all a.m. to phone wife. Weeded. Picked daffodils. With James a little Nannie away for her weekend at 5.30 (to Sunderland). Bewley’s out to Richmond. Alys cooked sausages. I did mashed potatoes in kitchen. Soup warmed. Clocks put forward 1 hour (an extra hour on summer time). To Mrs Blain’s with tea and sausages.
Memo:
28th Alys sent chocolate to Dennis and Phil.
Actually 6 oranges from Cherry 29th very secretly.
The first for weeks or months.
30th bees fed
Division = 15,000 (British and French), German 18,000, 48,000 later.
16 planes brought down night 3rd/4th 13 by night – fighters
Sunday 4th May 1941
Fine on whole. Not very cold.
Nannie at 1st aid post in bad raid – Sunderland. James slept in my room on camp bed. Heard bombs in night, several times. Got up to James at 4.30 a.m. He slept on till 9 a.m. He in nursery (in bed) all day with cold. Lieutenant and Mrs Holmes at 11.50 – 12.40, I took Eve out in garden. Then with James. He dinner on sofa in sitting-room. Alys and Eva out with Eve and rests. To orchard with porridge at 6. “Are you sure” and News. Good news in a mild way all round.
Monday 5th May 1941
Dull. Fine in evening.
Planes and bombs in night (Belfast and Merseyside. Up for Zeus. Got James up 8.45. Breakfast with us. Took Eve out. Lieutenant Holmes and wife to see garden. Took Eve out in p.m. 45 minutes. James difficult all day. Changed beds back. Alys and Eva to meet Nannie, Scotch Corner 8.30. I showed banana photos to Bewley’s.
Tuesday 6th May 1941
Dull. Cold. Some sun later.
With Alys and James to Richmond to see 5 tap bits to Cheery ( 9.11). In p.m. tidying, dusting. Mrs Craddock at 2.45 with lorry for crate and packed Mitch’s engine, took and things from caravan. Soldiers to lift it. Walter Sachs came 7.30 to say going to Peebles. Stayed supper. News and asked to be taken towards Richmond. Alys and Eva took him.
Wednesday 7th May 1941
Cold. Dull some sunny intervals.
Out with James, seeing chicks and in garden. Very cold. Wrote Doz about Income Tax claim. Sent 5/- and form for renewal of driving license. Alys to East Layton to post Phil’s evening dress suit and studs and links. In garden weeding with dogs. Reports on Eden’s and Churchill’s speeches in House of Commons in News. 8° frost at night.
90 bombers down in 9 days of May (night).
24 Nazi bombers down in night (record) – 13 in day (37)
Thursday 8th May 1941
Dull, cold. Some sun.
Out with James to get apples and then picking nettles (for vet all a.m.) but washed clothes too. Swept Zeus’ room, did bathroom. Out to lower border weeding with James after tea. Lieutenant Holmes and Dorothy Simpson in after supper. War Commentary on Economic War (Simpsons’ gave us 1lb butter!!!)
Friday 9th May 1941
Fine day on whole.
Out with James getting nettles, which we had for dinner; with “toad in hole”. Hoeing strawberry bed. In p.m. tried rest but phone (booth) twice. Dennis phoned about John. Out with James to see car which 2 leaves of spring broken. To lower border and then hoe’d again. Blain’s doing hen fence in orchard. News and man spoke on women’s registering (alas Nannie!)
Saturday 10th May 1941
Fineish day.
Out with James hoeing (chrysanthemums). Rested in p.m. Dr Warren came. Bewley’s out. With James among nettles and to ponds. Lieutenant Harwood in at 7 (from P.T. course at York). Eva cooked kidneys and scrambled eggs. Stove went out, so no bath. Queen Wilhelmina broadcast – anniversary invasion for Holland.
Memo:
5th Letter from Teddy (cable 4th). Eva cabled 10th.
5th Benzedrine first time since March 31st (only 5th)
9th Dennis coming. Postponed till Tuesday.
6th 9° frost at night 7th – 8° frost. Wrote Doz 7th
7th Heard John Willis missing “Bomber command”.
Rudolph Hess (Hitler’s Deputy) landed in Scotland (parachuted).
Bad raid on London, Westminster Abbey and Hall and House of Commons (hit) and British Museum.
Sunday 11th May 1941
Fine. Warm.
Out with Eva, Eve and James. Turned on waterfall. With James in garden till he threw reed about. Lieutenant Haywood and snapshots of Eve on lawn. He had bath. Miss D. Brown in at 3.50 with fly in eye, stayed tea. Bewley’s to Hird. I had James in garden (screamed first then very good). Changed goldfish. P.S by Duff Cooper. Joan of Arc. Did “Are you Sure? “
Monday 12th May 1941
Dullish – not so cold.
Tidied up potato sacks and washed Kimbo’s marks in arcade. Alys, Eva and Eve to Barnard Castle at 3. Nannie’s day off. But took James for walk at 3.15. I made bee syrup and got tea. With James in arcade, Alys put him to bed. Cut nettles by hives. Soaked Elastoplast off Alys’ neck with petrol. Eva bandaged it. Boil nearly finished. News about Hess.
Tuesday 13th May 1941
Very fine. Warm.
Indoors changing beds over. Washing stockings. Then out with James by ponds. Hoeing all p.m. (tree strawberries). Blain to see Mr Hardy in car. Lieutenant Holmes to bath and tea. At 6.15 or so Dennis arrived in EYT from Ashridge. Tea and talk and he and Alys in garden. Lord Bolton rang up. Supper and News (Hess again).
Wednesday 14th May 1941
Some rain early. Cold.
Housework and weeding parsley seedlings. Dennis out with Eva and children. In p.m. Dennis rested. Eva asleep (with pains and diarrhoea). I got James up and in nursery with him as cold. Got tea. Engineer Officers to get Dennis permission to use water in Search Light site. Simpson’s to shoot rooks in evening. Zeus two tails and restless.
Sollum retaken by us. Nazis land in Syria.
Thursday 15th May 1941
Very cold. Some sun.
Up at 2 a.m. to let Zeus out. Fetched apples for baking. Dennis took James to get car, and later Alys, Eva, James and Dennis to get new battery at Jackson’s (£3.). I wrote Phil. Picked daffodils and primulas in p.m for Morell. Hoed and cleared up lower border in vegetable garden. Dennis talked to George. Eve very shy and screamy with Dennis. Alys’ neck still very sore and irritating. Boil well. “Collins” War commentary.
Friday 16th May 1941
Sun and showers. Cold wind. West.
Up at 7 to Zeus. Housework. Lord Bolton and Dr Edison? At 11 – 11.30 – till lunchtime with Dennis in smoke-room. I with Eva, James and Eve to give Rona Blain birthday presents (4 years). Dennis wrote letter and to post and called to Site for solider with bayonetted hand. Rona in at 5 till 6. Fuss at end. Hoeing and Dennis pruned roses. Alys watered seedlings. Lieutenant Holmes in at 8.40 till nearly 11.
Saturday 17th May1 941
Fine. Warmer.
Up at 2 a.m. and at 6.55 for Zeus! Dennis, Alys, Eva and James to Richmond in my car. I with Eve in garden till 11.30. Relighted fire. In p.m. D. Simpson brought rook-pie (we had stewed rooks for lunch). Eva’s rugs from Cairo came. Dr Warren to tea and supper. Dennis short rest. To road-end to fetch sausages and brown. Got eggs from cellar. American commentary by A.Warner. – “A Mell of a Hess”.
Memo:
12th Letter from Teddy (February).
14th Simpson’s shooting rooks.
12th Bees fed and 17th again
17th Mrs Blain has 1.8 in hand for Zeus. Bread for 2 weeks. 2/- for horse-meat to Blain.
16th Corona Blain’s birthday (Rona).
19th Duc D’Aosta surrendered.
20th Nazis land 1500 in Crete, parachute. New Zealand uniforms.
Sunday 18th May 1941
Fine day. Mild.
In garden. Mr Harwood in – beer. In p.m. Dennis wrote letters and rested. Lieutenant Hill and Lieutenant Hudson in at 3.30 and stayed tea. All in garden. James naughty. They all to concert party at Recreation Hut on Site. I had Eve on lawn and James till 6.15. Washed up tea things, laid supper. Very good cold rook pie (Simpson’s). Cut nettles. “Are you sure”.
Monday 19th May 1941
Dullish. Milder.
Teddy cabled – coming home. Water cold again. Out with James. Nettles. Zeus and Kimbo caught baby rabbits. Dennis rested p.m. After tea, Dennis, Alys, Eva all to call on Simpson’s; and send cable too. I fetched bookcase from warehouse. Dennis pruned roses. I hoed. With James by pond. Tadpoles. Sent Income Tax reclaim off, wrote E.V.M.
Tuesday 20th May 1941
Fine and warm.
Out hoeing and weeding including furthest flower border all a.m.. Gave out chick feed for chicks. Dennis with James to start Lincoln Zephyr. Alys to collect rents in p.m. Dennis pruned roses. Washed cloths, mended clothes. Re-lighted fire. Hoeing an dpicking up rose wood and about with Dennis in garden (cotoneaster).
Wednesday 21st May 1941
Mild. Dull Rain in p.m.
Hoeing, and weeding. Dennis to meet Mr Booth and he to lunch (shepherd’s pie and apple pudding). Eve had diphtheria inoculation. Sewed up Eve’s coatee in bedroom. Denis and Alys and Mr Booth discussed finances of Layton and Dennis and Mr Booth to quarry to meet new lessees. Away at 4.15. Cine show for James: gingerbread man and train on lawn and wedding and Pardigon. Dennis felt his chest uncomfortable. Quarry lease 20 years signed £50 plus 6d per …
Fierce fighting in Crete. Many troops landed by air (Germany).
24th H.M.S. Hood sun by shell hit in magazine.
Thursday 22nd May 1941
Dull, some rain.
Gathered gentiana acaulis for Dennis to take. He away in EYT at 10.45. James emptied cold cream and Vaseline. Sewed up Eve’s coat and washed it and later ironed it. Out to get sausages at road-end and with James in garden. News of Crete invasion intensified. Grim. War Commentary by Goddard. James emptied powder and lotion. Slept next Alys again.
Friday 23rd May 1941
Dull, windy.
Alys to Richmond. I with James for apples. Wrote Agatha Shore and C.B. Davey. Sewed buttons on Eve’s coatee. Out with James to nettles after tea. Met Rona. Dennis phoned at 8. Phil in bed with reaction. Sewed in evening. News good on whole. James gooder all day.
Saturday 24th May 1941
Rainy, sunny, windy.
James did jobbies under Eva’s rug. Would get of bed 5 times. Weeding groundsel in large far bed. Alys tried scones in p.m. but stove went out. I wrote Kit, returning letters. With James to fetch sausages and then to cut lettuce. Mr Harwood and Mr Hudson in at 6 until 8.25!!! I to ask Peggy Blain about Red Cross collecting. Stoked stoves – officers helped. James difficult all day.
Memo:
23rd Letter from Kit with Handy’s and George’s.
Wrote Agatha and C.B.D.
19th Teddy cabled “Coming Home”. Eva cabled him.
21st Mr Booth to lunch.
22nd Rent – Pickin, March 27th to 22nd May
22nd Dennis back to Ashridge.
Phil’s refill 21st
(sailors and soldiers – pulmonaria).
Battle in Crete, hand to hand. Terrific. King George to Egypt.
27th Bismarck sunk.
Sunday 25th May 1941
Dullish, coolish. Some sun.
With James (big pencil) till 10.45. Lieutenant Harwood and Lieutenant Hudson in 11.30, later had bath. They left at 12.55 after beer. Eve cried a lot. Wrote Miss Pease and sent off cards for Ration Books. Harwood in to tea and bath. Musical box and then top-room to measure James; and all on roof. Eve feverish 102° but at 10 p.m. 100.4°. Coke stoves went out 3 times. Stoked tomato house one.
Monday 26th May 1941
Rain a.m. Fine p.m.
Out in rain with James. Put goldfish in salt bath. Wrote Marjorie Leggett about David’s confirmation. Eve in cot all day, but better and downstairs (query reaction diphtheria inoculation. Got James up and out with him till tea. Alys and Blain doing stove (Florence) all p.m. Out with dogs and met Ireland. Simpson’s rook-shooting.
Tuesday 27th May 1941
Sun and showers.
Kippers! First for months, I think. Eve 100° at 8 a.m. Down, on our laps during breakfast. Out for apples with James. Eva took Nannie and James to Barnard Castle in p.m. (Nannie’s Day out)). Alys and Blain doing stove and Alys looking after Eve all p.m. Eve normal at 1. I with James to Brown’s after tea taking asparagus which I cut in p.m. Cut more for our supper later.
Wednesday 28th May 1941
Fine. Mild.
Out with James to hens; after 11.30 to garage and played with James in car. Eve 99.8°. James had dinner with us. Eve still not well; in cot or arms, and very cryie but took milk. Eva rang up Dr Woodsend. Nannie took James out. He screamed and in smoke-room before tea and tea alone when we’d done. Blain, Ken, Arnold and Alys, Eva and I cutting lawn with motor-mower. 5.45 – 8 about. Only ½ done.
Crete – withdrawals to eastward. Serious situation.
Raschid Ali fled (Iraq). Armistice asked for. Anniversary of Dunkirk (B.B.C.).
Thursday 29th May 1941
Mild day.
Eve normal a.m. but rash (in bath). Harwood in for 20 minutes, very tired. Out in rain with James. Nannie took him out in p.m. (he did “wee-wee” in his bed at 2.30 and “jobbies” in shorts at 6). Harwood said cold would come for bath but didn’t. Darned. Mr Tallow came and looked at granary for agricultural requisition. Blain’s tried to mow lawn, 6 – 9. Weeded frames. Eva 98.8°. War Commentary Admiral Preston. Very good.
Friday 30th May 1941
Dull, fine day.
Out with James springbok and hoe. Wrote postcard to Doz about furniture and to Pickin with rent. Blain trying to do mower all day. Nannie took James out. Eve with us. Alys had her asleep in her arms. Motor-mower all evening;; very bad and wouldn’t start. I chipping long bits on lawn (James jobbies on Eva’s floor in rest).
Saturday 31st May 1941
Perfect day.
James in bed all a.m. and to dinner, as punishment. I cut asparagus for all for dinner. Bewley’s to Barnard Castle. James and I for sausages. Ken cutting lawn and trying to start mower. Then hand-mower. I did it after tea, with James. Alys put James to bed in her room. Nannie away for weekend. Took sausages to Mrs Blain.
Memo:
Tits still coming for nuts.
Garden pheasant sitting on lower border.
28th Mowed lawn 1st time this year.
27th Began Nicotinic (Kippers!)
27th Blain and Peggy put supers in hives
Phil in bed 4 days with reaction.
Wrote Pickin with cheque 30th.
Pay Mrs Blain for Zeus 31st
27th Roosevelt’s Fireside talk.
Evacuated Crete – 1,500 men (June 1st told).
Sunday 1st June 1941
Perfect day.
Clothes rationing announced – 66 coupons. Clipped lawn with James and wheelbarrow. Eve out there a little. Eva took Eve all p.m. in pram and James too after rest. He good all day. Hoed peas and potatoes short time. I put James to bed in Alys’ room. News of Crete evacuation. “Are you sure”.
Monday 2nd June 1941
Cold. Dull.
Eva 2 lettercards from Teddy. Cold. In at 11.30. In p.m. Ken and Arnold cutting lawns with hand and then after tea, motor mower! Eva to fetch Nannie and May from Scotch Corner 6.20. Alys bathed James. Mended rubber apron. Out cutting nettles after supper.
Tuesday 3rd June 1941
Cold. Dull.
Received Red Cross message from Aunt Bella, Brussels. Alys, Eva and James to Richmond for clothes for James. I took Eve out. Lieutenant Holmes came for marrows. Picked asparagus for Woodland’s. Made syrup for bees. Alys and I to Richmond and on to Old Catterick to tea with Dr and Mrs Woodsend. Alys had manganese injection. Lieutenant Harwood and Holmes to baths and tea with Eva. Kippers for supper. To East Layton for Dennis.
Wednesday 4th June 1941
Perfect p.m. hot. Dull till about 11.
Housework; Zeus’ room. Wrote to Menie and to Aunt Bella through Red Cross. Washed socks and stockings. Picked up stones off lawn. Hoed a little but too hot at 5 p.m. Mrs Pringle and Mrs Whitehouse in with Brian in rock garden. Dr Warren to tea. Miss Margery Brown brought 5 trout she had caught for our supper! We de-budded peach trees.
Germans infiltrating Syria as tourists.
Thursday 5th June 1941
Dull, then fine and warm.
James 4th birthday. He came in and we gave present (battledress). Alys had frank talk with Gladys and air cleared. I picked asparagus and weeded and then tulips. Alys doing some peach de-budding. Eve on grass. I hoed large strawberry bed. Alys and Eva to East Layton for letters about Phil. “All right” blood from nose (Bedford Russell). War Commentary by Venning. Q.M.G. (Quarter Master General).
Friday 6th June 1941
Dull. Warm and cool wind.
Out hoeing spinach and pea rows. Alys in peach-house 2 hours de-budding. In p.m. I weeding and hoeing strawberry bed. Alys cut rhubarb flowers off. James and Rona long time together and late tea. I took her home 545. Alys wrote Kit. Out with dogs and brushed them after supper. Alys rang up Stoddart about plants.
Saturday 7th June 1941
Dull but mild.
James jobbies in bed. Little chicks moved out to hut on grass. Out watering oleander and in 1st greenhouse. Cleared away rhubarb flowers, to orchard weeding. Alys made gingerbread and cooked rice (Bewley’s out). Stove went out. Alys relit it. I cut down wild raspberry canes among rhododendrons. Cut nettles to after supper. Alastair Cook on America. Letter about Phil, as wire came. “Phil quite alright”.
Memo:
Red Cross Message Aunt Bella received 3rd, sent January
Sent her 4th June ’41.
2nd Alys starting boil
3rd David Leggett’s Confirmation (my godson)
3rd Took asparagus to Woodsend’s
5th James 4th birthday
Arnold 14 on May 17
3rd Fed bees.
8th Free French and British entered Syria
Sunday 8th June 1941
Dull but warm.
Nannie toothache and headache. Housework and weeding. In p.m. rested on bed. Then cleaned my window and did bath taps. Bewleys’ out and stove went out as usual. I with May and James in hot houses and garden. Alys and I pruned peach trees and nectarines. James very good all day. Rona in a.m. “Are you Sure” after News. No fire after 2 p.m.
Monday 9th June 1941
Dull and cold. Misty.
Eve dressed early. De-budding peaches and pruning vines. Rona with James. Blain scythed nettles by bees. Eva took Nannie to Badcock (3 teeth out). I with Eva and May Miller to quarry. Alys with James. James did wee-wee all about on carpet. Jobbies too. I picked gooseberries (first ones) after tea and after supper. To Ravensworth with Alys to get mason for stove (cigarettes 1.5). Eve in Eva’s room. James with Alys.
Tuesday 10th June 1941
Dull and cold. Fine after 7 p.m,
Nannie bleeding in night and very faint, so sent to bed for day. Atkinson here to clean stove chimney. Awful soot and Mrs Hird cleaned sitting-room. I picked gooseberries (4lb in all) for Morell and asparagus for us; and we all had lunch in nursery. May too. And I took Eve out all p.m. Tea in nursery. Thinned grapes on young vines (James wee-ing everywhere). He slept in Alys’ room.
Wednesday 11th June 1941
Dull. Showers. Some sun.
Eva, James and I to Richmond for K.L.G. plug for mower and hair cut. Fish, coat for Eve. Washed cloths (Nannie’s bloody one) in p.m. Alys in hut writing. James had Rona at 3.15 till 4.45 in garden. Showery. I did some peach de-budding and watering with George. Ken cut lawn with motor-mower till 10.15. Alys boil burst. Hot fomentation.
Thursday 12th June 1941
Fine, heavy showers.
Letters from Dennis to Bewley and Alys about his case. Heard John Willis’ body washed up. Picked tulips. Wrote Dolly. Cleared up camellias. I out cutting nettles with James. Out cutting nettles with James after tea and then pruning vines. George mulching raspberries with grass-cuttings. Recorded speech by Churchill to meeting at St James’ Palace on Resolution to go on till victory. Alys’ boil – hot fomentation.
Friday 13th June 1941
Fine and warm. Cool wind.
Cleaned up Alys’ boil, who better. But pruning vines and then Alys and I cut asparagus. Read paper and in p.m. Harwood (late) to tea and Holmes after; both had baths. I cut lonicera (new) hedge. The Blain’s mowed the front lawn. Cut nettles with James and to top room. Lord Wootton spoke cheeringly about food.
Saturday 14th June 1941
Dull. Rain at 10. Some wind.
Breakfast 8.15 as George and Glady’s away by 8.30 bus. I to Barnard Castle by 10.15 bus to buy bread (5 loaves). Lysol, Flit. Flour. Bus 12.10 back. Eva met me with pram. Out with James to hot houses after tea. Watered. Hoed strawberries at 8.15. Alys to meet Gladys at Scotch Corner at 10. Only back at 10.45. George staying in hospital (Newcastle) for operation . Letter from Dennis and Phil about Cambridge.
Memo:
12th Heard John Willis’ body had been washed up
8th – 9th 4 a.m. Heard plane (who asked for beam to Catterick but too light). Bomber who had been to Germany. Lost in mist. Crashed and 5 killed – petrol all gone.
14th Pay Mrs Blain for Zeus.
Sunday 15th June 1941
Fine, hot. Windy.
Down at 6.45 to skim cream and Alys to see about stove. Told Alys decision about Zeus – miserable. Out with James and Alys and Gladys in glass-houses. Watering tomatoes and peaches. Lieutenant Hill and Lieutenant Hudson in 3.10. Latter with me clipping camellia and pruning vines. Found pheasant chick, Lieutenant Hogg came after tea and they all away 8.30 (Piercebridge). Wire saying Phil coming Tuesday. Bees swarmed.
Monday 16th June 1941
Very fine and hot.
Housework. Blain put swarm into top of hive. Picked gooseberries, James and May too. Alys doing tomatoes, watering. In p.m., picked gooseberries again. Gladys too and James with wheelbarrow. Also after tea, James, May and I (and Alys a little) – picked 22lbs in all. Marjorie Brown came. Watered after supper and after News. Churchill’s speech to Rochester, U.S.A.
Tuesday 17th June 1941
Fine and hot.
Dick Burley accepted post. Picked pyrethrum and iris and lupins for Morell. Men came about quarters for agricultural help. Mr and Mrs South had lunch with us! (surveyor). Alys to Darlington and met Phil. Back to tea. In garden with 2 children. Picked asparagus for Phil’s supper. He rested on lawn. I topped and tailed gooseberries. Phil to see Blain 8.30 – 9. Watered garden.
Wednesday 18th June 1941
Fine, showers. Warm.
Eva, Phil and I to Richmond. I took Eve in pram with May. Pansies. Did gooseberries. Nannie’s mother and brother (R.A.F.) and grand-parents to dinner. James in with us for dinner. Did gooseberries for George to bottle. Tied up pyrethrum and larkspur with James and May. Watered in evening. Dobbinson came to garden. Put beans on. Blain to Dr Ward at Barnard Castle.
Thursday 19th June 1941
Fine and hot.
Put off strawberry runners (very hot). Phil and Blain doing mower. Rona in. Washed mouldy tin. Mrs Thompson to see bailiff’s house. Washed shawl and socks. Blain (K) mowed lawns and Phil too a bit. Tied up pyrethrums and watered in evening. War Commentary. Ferraby (went out to garden and watered).
Friday 20th June 1941
Dull, then sunny. Warm (sandals).
Letter from Amy Steel posted 5th – airmail. Pruned vines. Very hot there. Washed clothes. Alys and Phil to Richmond. Peggy and Nancy pick gooseberries for them. I to Blain’s to talk about Red Cross Day. Did a little gardening. Eva to Epplebly to send £3 by wire for Dick Bewley’s fare.
Saturday 21st June 1941
Very hot. Windy.
Phil took Gladys to Scotch Corner (she to see George in Newcastle Infirmary). I did some strawberry runners. Alys cooked dinner. Eva did cabbage. Dr Warren to tea and supper. Dr Woodsend gave Eve a diphtheria inoculation and Alys a manganese. All watered plants. Phil too and pumping and Dr Warren helped. Gladys back at 9.15 or so. Eva gave Alys’ boil a hot fomentation (Alys to Mrs Hird’s at 5.30). Sent letter to Elsa. Blain registered with 41’s.
Memo:
16th cotton dresses first time this year! (Alys, Eva and I)
17th Gooseberry prices controlled 5d – retail a lb.
on 16th 1/9 or 2/- a lb.
Germany invaded Russia 5.30 a.m. – 22nd.
Sunday 22nd June 1941
Very hot. 86°. Thunder. Rain after 6.30.
Alys beginning another boil? Cable from Teddy from East London. Picked gooseberries for dinner. Bees swarmed on high branch. Phil and Blain cut branch. Stove out. Re-lighted. In garden with Gladys (her day out). Phil fixed hose for watering and it rained. James to Rona’s garden. Good. Churchill spoke at 9 p.m. 4th climacteric.
Monday 23rd June 1941
Hot but cooler. Fine all day.
Got apples in. Stove out, lighted it. Alys and Gladys putting Dick’s room ready. They to meet him at Darlington after tea. Out with James in greenhouses and garden. Eva cleared tea and washed up. Out watering with hose. Phil and Ken put swarm into hive at 9.30 – 10.45. We watched.
Tuesday 24th June 1941
Very fine and warm. Breeze too.
Picked lupins and pyrethrums for Morell. Dick cut rhubarb. Picked gooseberries for dinner. May helped. May and Nannie to Darlington, back to supper. Phil’s eye swollen from bee-sting. I made bread for tea. Ken and Dick for a walk to quarry. Eve cried long before going to sleep. Zeus cried 10.45. Took him out. Eva lost brooch and found it.
Wednesday 25th June 1941
Fine and warm.
Poor Phil’s face badly swollen and only just able to see out of one eye. In hut all day (except meals). I pruned vine and ladder fell over; fell but no injury. Eve walked for 1st time. (George operated on, and doing well). Out with Zeus 10.45 or so again.
R.A.F. offensive on West Germany – day and night.
Thursday 26th June 1941
Hot and fine.
Phil’s face still swollen. Eva to Darlington (bus). Phil took her to Scotch Corner. I with Eve and May in garden. Rona with James. Hoed beets. Wrote Ella and Doz (postcard) in p.m. Alys out with James. After tea, with Eve by swing. Alys with James and May to fetch Eve from Scotch Corner. Commentary by General Collins. Out with dogs till 10, then Zeus at 10.45 again (4 times by 12).
Friday 27th June 1941
Fine, cooler.
Got Dick to pump while I hosed peach and nectarines and camellias. Cut Alys hair (another boil coming). Alys made scones. Phil and Blain got swarm from yew tree. Phil got first honey extracted. I washed jars. James watched. Ken mowed lawn. After supper and News and Kimmins on Navy off Crete, Phil and Ken got swarm into end hive.
Saturday 28th June 1941
Warm. Dullish.
Gladys and Dick away about 10. Alys made fish-pie (tinned salmon). I mashed potatoes, Eva did cabbage for Eve. Lettuce, gooseberries. In p.m. 2.45 bus to Richmond to get bread for Zeus (as no horsemeat). Chocolate 4/- broken and 1/3 packet! 3.45 bus from Richmond. Alys met me road end. Nannie and May away. Did hive things with Phil. David Pinckney came in at 6.5. Eva cooked eggs and kidneys and bathed both children. James slept in my room.
Memo:
23rd car away for new clutch lining?
25th Eve walked alone first time – 15 months
Write Poz 27th
Wrote Ella and Doz (postcard) 26th
Fierce fighting from White Sea to Black Sea.
Sunday 29th June 1941
Dull ,then hot and fine.
James poisoned finger – pinch. Took Eve out in garden. I out with James. Eunice, Nancy and Rona to play with James. Two swarms! Wrote David Leggett and Poz. Took Eve in pram. Tomato house – very, very, very hot. Dick hadn’t opened it. In wood with Eve. Godfrey Hill to tea. Phil got honey out. News and P.S. by Quentin Reynolds v.s. Journalist to Dr Goebbels.
Monday 30th June 1941
Fine, dull early. Thundery, hot.
Letter from Dennis. Took Eve out, and James and Rona on lawn. Helped Phil with brood-frames. Laid lunch. Took Eve from 2.45 and James came, by garage. James brushed Zeus. Two more swarms! Phil tired. Planted Dennis’ rock-plant. With Phil. Cut and pressed 7 geranium specimens for Dennis. Swarm put in hive at 8.30. Nannie back.
Tuesday 1st July 1941
Fine. Very hot and very stuffy.
Did up pressed geraniums for Dennis. Alys and I to Richmond. Bread for Zeus. Blain and Dick netting strawberry beds. Nora Ireland and the evacuee, Wilf, and Mrs Collingwood and Mrs Mosty to pick gooseberries at 3½ lbs. Total 6 – 6 ½. We weighed them 15¾ lbs and 7/6. News and talk by Harold Nicholson on the French. Out with dogs till 10.
Wednesday 2nd July 1941
Hot and fine.
Out sawing off beech hedge arch. Rona with James. Blain and Dick netting strawberries. Alys helped Phil with swarm of bees and made cold mince for dinner. Watching Ireland mow his field with James, and Blain finishing beech arch. Took snapshots of Eve on lawn. Got wire netting from rock-garden. Blain, Arnold and Dick, Eva, Phil and Ken hive swarm. Out with dogs till 10.
Palmyra surrendered 3rd.
Thursday 3rd July 1941
Rain a.m. Fair later.
Housework; and weeding shepherd’s purse. Mr Ireland mowed lawns with pair of mares (Polly and Peggy) in p.m. I picked strawberries. Cleared up oak leaves by pond; coal came. 5 tons (just before rationing). Alys and I in garden after supper. Eva and Phil to quarry.
Friday 4th July 1941
Fine and warm.
Alys and Phil away (to Berkhamsted – Ashridge. Cambridge later.). Morell came 12/-. Mrs Hird (10 eggs). Eva to Darlington with them. I took Eve out in pram and James and Rona played, here and at Blain’s. Ireland and Nora’s fiancé scythed banks all p.m. Harwood for bath and tea and greenhouses. Eve walked a long way – 6 yards? Raymond Gram Swing in London.
Saturday 5th July 1941
Dull, cool, warm later.
Mrs Hird 1 ½ hours. Picked gooseberries and topped and tailed. Gladys to see George in Newcastle Infirmary. Eva cooked potatoes and cabbage and warmed up fish-pie and rice pudding. Dick to Richmond with Ken (swarm first). Forked hay and talked to Mrs Ireland on hay rake in field. Gladys came back about 9. Ken and Dick put swarm in hive at 10.
Memo:
3rd picked 1st strawberries
Coal rationed 4th
Apples lasted till this week
5th – wages. Alys pays this time.
Alys and Phil away 4th
Red Cross collecting week – Peggy Blain.
Wrote Poz and David Leggett – 29th
Americans (U.S.A.) occupy Iceland! (80,000 of our troops there, can now come home).
Sunday 6th July 1941
Windy. Warm.
Eva’s 32nd birthday. Alys gave 7 coupons (I gave cigarettes). Washed up. Rona all a.m. Wrote letter-card to Alys. Weeded and tossed some hay. Eva and I picked strawberries and roses. (Horse meat for Zeus again after 10 days none). Gladys’ day off. We warmed soup, opened sardines. Eve on lawn in p.m. though very windy. “Are you sure”.
Monday 7th July 1941
Fine on whole. Rain early, little.
Eva and James to Richmond to take Nannie to be interviewed (she was told she must go back to Nursing). I looked after Eve. Helped Blain with extracting honey in p.m. After tea, Eva, Gladys, Dick and I picked strawberries for jam and we put net over best bed.
Tuesday 8th July 1941
Hot. Muggy. Tiring.
Washed clothes and picked gooseberries. Helped Blain with honey in p.m. extracting. Norah Ireland and friend came to pick gooseberries 13lb, and strawberries. Thinned grapes and had cherries. Dick and Ken watered peaches. Mr Ireland made our hay in pykes with Wilf, and Ken and Dick till 10 p.m.
Wednesday 9th July 1941
Very hot and muggy.
Out most of a.m. (and Gladys later) picking gooseberries off top bushes for bottling. Topped and tailed them. Eva with James, Rona and Eve. Wrote letter card to Alys and did up parcel of 12 hard boiled eggs; porridge oats and Phil’s dissecting coat and took to post. Mrs Elgey came for gooseberries and strawberries. Eva and I mended strawberry net after supper. Churchill on U.S.A. in Iceland and “White Cliffs”.
Thursday 10th July 1941
Fine and hot.
Eva wrote Alys. Eva with James, Eve and Rona. Picked gooseberries and topped and tailed them. Washed Phil’s white pullover. Wrote Mr Booth about Legge’s paint. Worried about James query button up nose. Eva phoned Woodsend and Fothergill. Weeded. Fetched sausages with James. War Commentary: Goddard. Zeus in sun-room porch.
Friday 11th July 1941
Fine and very hot.
Eva out with James, Eva and Rona. I did honey (covers) and carrying up. Morell came. 15lbs gooseberries. Bed down for George. Nannie to Darlington – teeth and out with Henderson. I wrote Alys. Enclosed billeting orders. Got James up. Read to him and to post. Washed tea things. Eva put Eva and James to bed. After supper the strawberry bed and ate some.
Saturday 12th July 1941
Fine and very hot.
Breakfast 8.15. Gladys away by early bus to go to Newcastle. Letter from Alys – Phil sick. Mrs Hird 9.30 till 2.30 5/-. Eva to Darlington to have hair set at 1. I with James weeding. Mrs Atkinson (Legge’s daughter) picked gooseberries (19lbs) and Nora and fiancé picked strawberries 5lbs. Eva back 4 with Gladys and George. I to Pringle’s for rent and Gell (by mistake). Ration-cards filling in in evening.
Memo:
6th Eva’s 32nd birthday.
7th Nannie to be interviewed by Government lady.
8th Teddy’s 35th birthday
12th Pringle’s rent.
14th Cliffe and Gell.
Syria: Armistice signed.
Sunday 13th July 1941
Dark. Cool.
George slept downstairs; in bed till 11 a.m. Dull, cooler. Did washing up till 11. Mrs Elgey strawberries. Thinned grapes. Out thinning grapes 2.45 till 4. Cut grass border. Children and Eva in garden. Ironed green silk frock and table-cloth. Mrs Hird came to pick her strawberries – 5lbs after supper at 11d.
Monday 14th July 1941
Fine. Hot but breeze.
Dr Fothergill phoned Eva about James nose. Phoned Dr Dalrymple Smith about George. Thinned grapes. At 2 Eva took Gladys and George to Richmond to see Dr D-S. I wrote Alys. Got James up. We posted letter and saw Alan and Rona. I fetched Rona after tea. I to Mrs Cliff for rent (no good). Thinned grapes. Ken cutting long grass.
Tuesday 15th July 1941
Rain. Fair at 6.30.
Long time finding bottles and frocks to send Alys. Washed her blue silk frock and coat. At 1.15 Nannie’s parents, grand-parents and May arrived. Eva made tea for them and took James and Eve out. Ironed Alys’s dress and did up parcel 8d. Miller’s all stayed tea. Mrs Holmes with Mrs Elgey for gooseberries. Boys mowed lawns.
Wednesday 16th July 1941
Dull. Windy.
Housework. Weeding in chrysanthemum bed. Alys in p.m. with James helping, and picked strawberries for jam with Gladys and George, before tea. Eva wrote Alys. I send cherries to Paxton and Walton. Walter Sachs rang up, from Scotland, asking to be put up for 2 nights. Nora in for gooseberries.
9,000,000 men fighting in Russian-German battles.
R.A.F. offensive on West Germany continues
Thursday 17th July 1941
Fine. Perfect.
Covered honey and took upstairs. Sent £2.10.0 of Mine Sweeper fund to Lonely Sailors. Weeded. Wrote Amy Steel. In garden with Eva, James and Eve. Then Eva and I picked gooseberries for bottling. Filled in new Ration Book. Topped and tailed gooseberries. War Commentary. Admiral “Battle of Atlantic”. Preston.
Friday 18th July 1941
Dull and shower a.m. Very fine after.
Looked over bills and wrote Alys and for cheque-books to Dennis’ and my banks. In p.m. Harwood came for bath and tea. All on lawn after with car and wheelbarrow and picked strawberries when Eve to bed. Out with dogs at 8.30 and cut border a little. To Mrs Elgey’s at 7 about bread (for Zeus).
Saturday 19th July 1941
Rain at times. Cooler.
Paid wages. Sewed. Indoors doing all sorts of odd jobs. In p.m. turned out chest of drawers in Mess Room. To get old paper. Picked 1st raspberries. Gladys and George to Richmond (bus) to see Dr Smith. James very difficult. In drawing room, piano and rock-garden.
Memo:
17th Wrote Amy Steel.
Sent 14th.
George back 12th
16th Telegram from Teddy.
14th Gill and Cliffs
Teddy?
19th Wages due
Pickin 8 weeks to July 17th
16th Phil’s refill.
Sunday 20th July 1941
Cool. Some sun. Breeze.
I took Eve out in pram. James and Rona played on drive. Eva washed up. I weeded and then thinned grapes. Eva wrote Alys. Tidied up expecting Sachs or Hudson but no one to tea or sup. (Soup, sausage, salad, raspberries). With children on lawn. James swallowed pyjama button and silk.
Monday 21st July 1941
Dull. Warm.
Blain in Honeypot wood all day. I by 11.45 bus to Richmond. Bread, cleaners, Bank. 12.45 bus back. Washed up after dinner. Did up marmite for Alys. Posted it. Cyril Cooper here. Thinned grapes. Eve lost 7 3/4oz. Teething, heat? Picked red currants till 9 news. Eva picked blackcurrants. Bewley’s strawberries. Eden’s speech to Belgians on Independence Day.
Tuesday 22nd July 1941
Dull, mild.
Out picking blackcurrants. James too. Thinned grapes. Eva sewed on seat. Nannie “out” but took James a walk till teatime. Eva on lawn with both, after tea but difficult. James with me weeding. Screams because not allowed jobbies outside. Lovely kipper for supper. Group Captain spoke on day light sweeps.
Wednesday 23rd July 1941
Perfect day.
Phoned Spence’s for wire nails (fences). Picked red currants, Eva picked raspberries for dinner. Wrote Alys, E.V.M. (with receipt). Pickin with rent. Clark with bills. Rona in a.m. Good. Out with Eva and children after tea and at 6 thinned grapes. Bewley’s picking raspberries. James good (Elgey’s sister came for fruit).
Thursday 24th July 1941
Perfect.
Eve played in hay. Saw Government man about storing food for cattle. Showed round with Meynell. Got box and packed 6 eggs (hardboiled) and tomatoes for Alys. Blain extracting honey in p.m. Helped and James watched. Miss Peacock came (raspberries) Thinned grapes. Blains picked their raspberries. Picked strawberries (jam). Browns called. Ireland took hay away. Collingwood’s and Mostyn. Collins War Commentary.
Friday 25th July 1941
Hot. Thunder.
Picked strawberries for jam. Eva later very hot work. Rona with James. Washed honey knives, jug in p.m. Gladys picking strawberries. Thunderstorm after tea, but out with children on stones. Mended Zeus’ basket. Very tired. In garden 8.30 with Eve. Fresh after rain. James did jobbies in bed then. Eva tried on knickers blouse.
Saturday 26th July 1941
Fine. Warm.
Nannie had letter. Out picking redcurrants and raspberries (Eva too later) for dinner. Wrote Alys (Mrs Hird plucked cockerel). Picked roses. Split marrow-bone for Zeus. Picked raspberries for Nannie after tea, Eva too (Nannie away home but bus time changed). Eve long walk in garden. George to see Dr Smith. Gladys to Richmond later. We got supper. Dorothy Thompson’s. James slept in my room. American Commentary. Good from London.
Memo:
Teddy 20th or later
Germans seem unable to advance in Russia.
Sunday 27th July 1941
Perfect. Hot.
James woke 6.30 (Eve 6.40). Very good. Breakfast at 8.30. Took children out. Eva washed up. Hemmed green frock up. Washed up dinner. Got James up, read to him on lawn. Cut grass for “nest” on tennis lawn after tea. Took honey up. Supper and just began “Are you sure” when phone from Teddy at Liverpool. Just arrived from Cairo 8.45. Eva wired Alys and Dennis.
Monday 28th July 1941
Fine. Hot. Rain at 6.30.
James woke 7.15. Breakfast 8.40. Took children out on lawn. Gave out sugars and for jam. Raspberries in bottles packed. Washed up lunch. Did up chicken and Phil’s clothes and sent off 11d. Miss Peacock and Eric B. Eva to meet Teddy, Darlington 8.47. They back 9.20. Nannie back. Wrote Doz and posted it – card.
Tuesday 29th July 1941
Rain, clear later and shower in evening.
James woke 8.35. Too shy to go in to Teddy. All walked round garden to show Teddy. Then he and James at ponds. I washed green cotton dress. In p.m. Eva and Teddy washed up. I packed and sent 6 hard boiled eggs to Alys. Got James up. Eva and Teddy unpacked and rested. Wrote Kit. Eva wrote Alys after supper. Posted letters.
Wednesday 30th July 1941
Fine. Thunder. Shower 6 – 7.
Eva rheumatism. Out with children. Then Teddy and Eva came. I picked black-currants for jam all a.m. Teddy took masses of weed and reed from pond. Got James up and he and I picked blackcurrants till teatime. Eva had very acute rheumatism in hip. Teddy to cellar for wine. Tinned ham supper (brought by Teddy from South Africa). Out after News, met Barnes. Wrote Alys at 4 o’clock. Posted.
Thursday 31st July 1941
Dull and good deal of mild rain.
Eva better. Teddy with Eva nd James to Catterick for his petrol ration (8 gallons). I out with Eve in pram. Then wrote Alys and Ella. Laid cloth. 1st row between Teddy and James. Got out sugar 5lbs for blackcurrant jam. Got James up. Covered honey. Tea. In billiard room with musical box. All, Eve and Teddy to quarry. I with dogs and Goddard did War Commentary.
Friday 1st August 1941
Dull.
Out with Eve and James, Teddy and Eva to Darlington to look for tricycle for James (none). Got James up and out with him. Lower lavatory blocked. Blain working at it. Teddy clearing ponds. Eve walking alone everywhere in garden. Wrote Alys with cheques, snapshots of children though not sent off. Teddy clearing blocked air-gun.
Saturday 2nd August 1941
Dull then fine and very, very warm.
Wrote Doz (not posted yet). Paid wages. (Blain, George, Dick and Gladys). Teddy clearing pond. Rona with James. Dick home for weekend. Eva and Teddy rested. I got James up, we brushed Zeus and cut lupin seeds off. Eve running up and down bank of croquet lawn! Picked strawberries (last?) many mildewed. U.S.A speaker Elmer Davis.
Memo:
Eve really walking alone this week.
2nd Wages due
Teddy back to Cairo 28th
Sunday 3rd August 1941
Perfect. Hot.
James naughty at 7.20 a.m. (Teddy saw 10 fish). Teddy washed up and at bout 10.30. took Eva, James, Eve and me in my car to Tees Whorlton Bridge. Teddy and James paddled to mid-stream. Back 11.45. Wrote Alys (with letter of 1st) and Dorothy about invitation to Oxford. Got James up. Arwood and Jean McGregor (girlfriend). To tea. Garden supper. News. “Are you sure”. Bewley’s picked raspberries for 2 hours.
Monday 4th August 1941
Cooler, dull. Rain in evening.
James very good 7 – 7.35. Put sugars out, and for raspberry jam. Picked red-currants. James too till 12.30. Teddy washed trousers, Eva shirt. Got James up and to the Hodgson’s with James taking 4lbs raspberries – 3/-. All out lawn and ponds. I picked red-currants again 5.35 – 7. News. Belgian minister on anniversary of 1914 war.
Tuesday 5th August 1941
Dull. Some sun and showers.
Mended fishing net. Housework in a.m. Mrs Hird cleaned Eva’s room and plucked 3 cockerels. Teddy out with both children. Teddy and Eva to Darlington: to Badcock 2.30 (Teddy’s plate). I wrote Alys in nursery. Mrs Hird cleaned sitting-room. With James to post. In hay with Eva and children on tennis-lawn. Fun. Began picking black-currants. Took up photos from tin trunk but Ken mowed lawn so stopped. Wet! To road-end. Nothing there.
Wednesday 6th August 1941
Windy. Dull and sun.
Picked black-currants for jam. Stopped Eunice. Soldiers helped Blain with water stoppage and fence round rock-garden. Got James and Teddy’s crates arrived L.N.E.R. from Liverpool. I to see over Hodgson’s house. Teddy unpacking. Got stores from garden. Man came to see house for agricultural workers. Teddy got food sherry up from cellar.
Double Summer Time ended 9th/10th.
Thursday 7th August 1941
Showers – changeable.
Eva and Teddy to Richmond, banks. I with Eve and James in orchard. Looked for letter about exam to send Phil. In p.m. Nannie to Darlington. Wrote Phil. Got James up and did up chicken, eggs, tomatoes for Alys. Eva with Eve. Picked red-currants. Teddy vimmed corned beef tins. Rusted through 3 tins! Rang up Dr Woodsend. Cook it? Or dogs? (3 tins 6lbs in each).
Friday 8th August 1941
Dull and showers.
Out picked red-currants (stripping last 1 ½ hours) Wrote Alys and a copy of Teddy’s letter about Nurse Miller. Out with James. Eva sewing blouse from knickers. All in garden with dogs. Eve running up and down banks (croquet lawn). Wrote Poz, and sent off bills and to Clark with two bills. St Trinian’s and Wappat. Zeus had corned-beef, query bad? (not harmful to him or Kimbo).
Saturday 9th August 1941
Dull. Mild. Rain in evening.
Eva and Teddy off to London then Ashridge, at 10.48 Darlington. Blain to drive car back. I with children in garden. Then with James. Flowers for nursery and ripe gooseberries. Out with James in p.m. too. Nannie with us after tea. At 6.30 to the Pringle’s for rent, and stayed till 7. Took sausages to Blain’s. Put clocks back an hour, watch.
Memo:
2nd Gladys Bewley registered.
9th Teddy and Eva away.
Heard of Stanley Warren’s marriage on the 8th
Summer time ends
9th Pringle’s rent due – collected.
11th Gell and Cliff.
Sunday 10th August 1941
Cool. Hair.
James woke 7.30 which was now 6.30 but very good till Nannie came at 7.45. Out with Eve in pram and James on lawn. Housework and wrote Alys and in garden. James with Gladys, shelling broad-beans. Boiled and ironed mats. Got James up. Gave corned beef to chickens. Children after tea by seat. Cool. Wrote Lois. Queen broadcast to American women. P.S. by Quentin Reynolds to Schicklgruber.
Monday 11th August 1941
Fair. Warm. Showers a.m.
Out with Eve in pram and James to orchard and then Blain and soldiers put gate back. Gave out sugars. James and I weeded path in p.m. After tea, with Eve and James down to “hay” and swing. Collected rent at the Gell’s. Enid aged 7 there. Out with dogs and again after supper. Listened in “Chinese Puzzle” Leon Lion.
Tuesday 12th August 1941
Fine. Mild.
Out with Eve in pram to “hay”. James indoors a bit. Then weeding path with James and chickens. Wrote Alys (James watching). Got James up and picked gooseberries. Mrs Hird cleaned both nurseries. Picked gooseberries: after tea again with James and hay with Eve. Called for rent at Mrs Cliff’s. Lovely beans and scrambled egg supper.
Wednesday 13th August 1941
Rain. Fine later. Gale in p.m.
James work up. With both children in garden in rain. Meat to hens, weeded, cut roses. James wouldn’t have hands washed and very late over dinner – fuss. Cleaned 2 tins. One had holes (Stores rust) Wire from Eva, staying on 2 days if all well here with children. James naughty and Nannie took him to bed at 5.40. Picked black-currants with Gladys. 9.20 – “Thirty years is a long time” play.
14th Atlee’s Announcement: Roosevelt and Churchill Peace Plans Proclamation (later called “The Atlantic Charter”.
Thursday 14th August 1941
Fine. Warmish.
James’ bed wet. Out with children in garden. Picked up apples. Housework. Listened-in at 3 p.m. to Attlee’s announcement of historic meeting. Got James up. Wrote Alys (note). Out with children – apples again. James very good. Cleaned up tins (rusty stores) in evening. War Commentary by Collins (Russia).
Friday 15th August 1941
Dullish, showery.
James’ bed wet and again at breakfast. Out to orchard with children. Did laundry and washed towels and clothes. Wrote Alys and Eva (wire from Eva and sent her one). Posted them with James. Simpson came flag selling. With James to get kippers at road-end. Arthur Askey in Big’s Broadcast 8.30 so took dogs out in dusk and rain after. News. James jobbies in pyjamas and at bedside!! Bathed.
Saturday 16th August 1941
Fine. Cool wind.
With children in garden and orchard. Paid wages. Garden-book from George. Dinner 12.30. Read to James on bed “Frou and Capucine”. Out by lower border and “hay”. Put wire netting on pinks. Fetched sausages. Took to Blains. Cooked kippers and warmed soup for Nannie and self. Out with dogs.
Memo:
11th Teddy’s 2 weeks leave ends.
13th Ate the 1st peach
16th wages
16th Cambridge Long Vac ends?
Sunday 17th August 1941
Very changeable. Thunderstorm.
Betty Bewley here. Out with children in garden (wet pram). Then washed up, made bed. Buried tins (bad). Thunderstorm, so to Eve and took her up to James (resting). Books. Read “Wind in the Willows” to Eve. Mr Hill came at 5.45. piano. Took Betty over house. Out with dogs. Wire from Eva. Sent her one to Gaddesden. News and P.S. by D. Thomas.
Monday 18th August 1941
Showers. Fine in p.m.
James very good all day. Out with children. Housework. Sugars. Betty Bewley away. George and Gladys to Richmond with her. Wrote Alys. Read to James. Out with him to post. Eve and James on lawn after tea. Eve gained 10oz. (Blain to Darlington for Army Medical examination). Wrote Kitty.
Tuesday 19th August 1941
Showers. Fine in p.m.
James bed wet. Out with both children in rain. Yew tree. Picked last black-currants, gooseberries stolen. Mrs Hird cleaned sitting-room, Eva’s room, my room. Got James up. Read to him. Wrote Alys about agricultural workers letter. Washed and ironed nightie. Talk by Herbert Alvar – U.S.A. good. In hay with James and Eve 5.30.
Wednesday 20th August 1941
Fine. Warmish.
Wire from Eva, arriving 5.37. Out with James and Eva in garden. Weeding lower border. Out again with James. Wrote Alys. James watching. He helped put away silver, after rest and to post with letters – Alys and Kit. I to Darlington and met Eva, train in at 6. (Teddy gone to Torquay to R.A.F. Hospital). Golliwog for James. Kitten for Eve. (George to Newcastle Pensions Board).
Thursday 21st August 1941
Mild, fair. Very slight shower.
Letter from Labour Bureau about Gladys Bewley. Wrote answer and sent it to Alys. Eva out with children. In p.m. writing Alys, Eva to Teddy re Marion. UP to James and read to him. Gladys made gooseberry jam. Out after tea in garden and peach house. Rain occasionally. Goddard’s last War Commentary. James slept in Eva’s room.
Friday 22nd August 1941
Fine day. Lovely in p.m.
Took children in garden. Then Eva, James and I to Richmond and got mobiloi and acid (battery). Got James up in p.m. Read to him. In garden on lawn and hay and James hit Eve on head with soldier, so to bed 5.35. Got mixed bunch; and set carnations in lower border. Herrings and peach!
Saturday 23rd August 1941
Dullish.
Added up money spent at desk.
Weeding rose bed. Nannie away 6.15 for 48 hours. Ken mowed lawn. Eve slept in my room.
Memo:
23rd 7.15 Red Cross competition
Teddy a Wing Commander from June 1st
Register for milk before 23rd
18th Alys and Dennis to the Bridport Arm Hotel. Bridport, Dorset.
25th British, Indian and Russians enter Iran.
Sunday 24th August 1941
Perfect day.
Eve woke 7. Played with toys in cot. Breakfast 8.30. Eva dressed both children. I out with them in pram. James pains, during day and before breakfast. Eva and I washed up and took Eve out as best we could, in turns. Search for little drawer on tennis-lawn. Churchill’s talk on meeting with U.S. President Roosevelt.
Monday 25th August 1941
Rain. Fine at 4.30.
(N.B. I think Greenland). James bad pains all day. Ate nothing. Sofa and bed. Eve woke 6.30. Took her in garden in rain in a.m. Gave out sugars. With James a little; took Eve in p.m. Talked to Mrs Gell. Then with James and Eva out. Nannie phoned “alert” at Sunderland, no busses but phones. Later o.k. and Eva met her Scotch Corner 6.40. I with Eve round garden. Very fine evening. Slept alone.
Tuesday 26th August 1941
Fine. Mild.
James in bed all day, sleeping mostly. Did some washing and sewing. Mrs Hird cleaned nursery and sitting-room. I wrote Alys at the Heanley’s. Slept for 35 minutes on bed! Cut bushes, holly and weeded by lower gate. Put new ribbon in watch (wrist). James had milk of magnesia.
Wednesday 27th August 1941
Windy. Cooler.
James in bed all day. I with him; read rabbit story then he slept all p.m. I tidied desk drawer and wrote Bank and Dumb Friends League. Took Eve in vine-house after tea and lawn. Very windy. Later picked roses. Eva with James, who only ate 1 egg and some Brands’ Essence and potato. Eva lit cosy-stove in evening; 1st time since June 8th.
Laval shot – not killed 27th.
Thursday 28th August 1941
Fine, some heavy. Showers. Fine.
Telegram from Teddy (phone) arriving 5.37. James in bed till dinner, then on sofa. I to Richmond at 10.15. Got sausages, pork pies, herrings and fillets. Hair-cut 1/- petrol. In p.m. washed honey-extractor. James walked down to tea. Eva to Darlington to meet Teddy. James with games on sofa and drawing book .Teddy back 6.30. Out with dogs. Posted letter to Booth. News and talk on Iran. Kenneth Williams.
Friday 29th August 1941
Fine but showers.
Housework and in garden. James up after breakfast and out. Thinned grapes a bit at odd times. Teddy uprooted gorse overgrowing gentians and tried ½ bottles in cellar. Mended bed (Kimbo tore it). Big Broadcast.
Saturday 30th August 1941
Fine. Mild. Some showers.
Paid wages. Blain took 2 ½ gallons out of car and put 3 in at Smallway’s. Teddy and James in top-room running steam-engine. I cut and made pillowcase from old sheet. Wrote Alys. Got James up (from Yattie’s room). To post. To fetch sausages. Melted honey for James. Ironed pillowcase. News and Warner’s. U.S.A. talk (dull).
Memo:
27th Cosy Stove alight, 1st time. Not again till September 24th
30th wages due
25th Alys and Dennis to M.S. and then Kitley’s.
Sunday 31st August 1941
Perfect day. Hot.
(Bewley’s away at 1.30 for 30 hours). In garden with Eve, while Teddy, Eva and James walked to pond near Square Wood and sailed boats. Made pillowcase (2nd). Wire from Alys. Got James up and weeded. Lower border corner and path. In garden. Eva made rabbit curry. Lovely. Teddy got big onion (whiskey liqueur).
Monday 1st September 1941
Fine.
Teddy out with Eve. Housework and pillowcases. Mrs Hird all day. Eva up at 8 to cook nursery breakfast and ours later. I at 7.45 and made coffee. Eva, Teddy and James to Darlington to tea and to meet Alys 5.37. I with Mrs Hird changed beds, cleaned and boiled and ironed mats. Sherries and big supper; soup sardines, cold meats, salad, peaches. Gunfire at 11. Bewley’s walked from Darlington. Arrived 2 a.m.
Tuesday 2nd September 1941
Fine and warm.
Seed tomatoes. Housework. To Blain’s to see Sergeant-pilot (fighter) brother-in-law from Canada. Alys and I took him and Peggy to Richmond at 11.15. To Food Office about lost ration-books. In p.m. Stanwyk came to sign papers. In garden with children. Put sour milk to make cheeses. News and very dull talks from Ulster.
Wednesday 3rd September 1941
Perfect. Hot. Still.
Alys, Eva, Teddy and both children to Aldborough to get meat from Hutchinson and signature to forms. Housework; wrote Hunter with forms for new ration books, mended Zeus’ carpet in garden with James. Rested in p.m. for hour. Alys got James up. In jam room and garden. Teddy took snaps of children. Eve on Zeus. Mrs C. concert after news.
Thursday 4th September 1941
Perfect. Hot.
Alys to Barnard Castle for her butter ration by 9.30 (from Richmond). Bus. 10 here. I made cottage cheese; put away honey combs in wine-bin. Teddy caught 11 fish in pond. Blain making bee-feeder. Alys packed large box of honey, tomatoes, nectarines and sent off to Ashridge.
Friday 5th September 1941
Misty. Mild. Dull.
Housework and getting beeswax off honey. Went over cash drawer with Alys. Got James up, and cleaned bathroom shelf with him. To Hodgson’s with Alys and Alys to Mrs Blain’s. Darned socks and “Big’s Broadcast” in evening (Teddy in top-room with James in a.m.).
Saturday 6th September 1941
Fine on whole. Mild.
Eve down at 8.10 to take children as Nannie away. Housework. Wrote Food Office that Ration Books found. Wrote Ella might go on 26th or 27th. Took Eve out in pram in p.m. till 3. Alys made gingerbread and fish-pie and hoovered mess-room. Cycled for sausages. Zeus queer. He slept under Phil’s room. Eva in Nannie’s room with Eva for night.
Memo:
5th Our 3 ration books found (at Mrs Nelson’s).
1st Slept in Phil’s room to be next to Alys
6th Rent (Pringle)
Reading Life on Henry Tonks by Hone.
Spitzbergen raid to destroy mines and bring Norwegian back.
Sunday 7th September 1941
Mild. Dull.
Eve woke 6.15. Poor Eva! We all had breakfast at 8.30. Teddy washed up. I dried. Teddy in garden with both children. James took Eve in pram in p.m. till 3.15 Then Alys took both. James fell on back of head; very pale. Eva and Eve in nursery for tea. Got wax from honey. Picked oats for chickens. Teddy and Eva to Scotch Corner for Nannie at 8.10. Blackout 8.15. Bomb at 11.15. Loud.
Monday 8th September 1941
Dull. Coldish.
Eva and Teddy to Barnard Castle for cigarettes and corks. By bus. Only got 40 cigarettes. I got oats for hens and took Eve and James out till 11. Then oats. In p.m. tried on dress and sewed (or Edinburgh visit). Alys gave George his 10% (£5) on the garden money, and got rents – Pringle and Gill.
Tuesday 9th September 1941
Perfect. Hot. Cotton dress.
Housework. Looked out shoes. Alys making nectarine jam; 3lbs fruit. 3lbs jam. Less than ½ pint water, 2½ sugar. Teddy caught tiny brown fish (Phil’s pond). Oats to chickens, with James. Rudbeckia. Bewley’s filling up celery trench. Eve cried so down, on Teddy’s; knee at 9.50. Digest questions.
Wednesday 10th September 1941
Dull. Windy. Cotton dress. Mild.
Eva, Teddy and James to Darlington; sandals for James, cigs, beer, corks, bread, fish. I took Eve out then Alys took her. Got James up and read to him and out by jut. He did up his own sandy buckles. Harwood in. Weeded a cut path, border. Teddy taught Alys new fan patience after supper (washed and ironed clothes).
Roosevelt’s speech 12th – Freedom of Seas “of major importance” (announced as).
Thursday 11th September 1941
Mild. Fair.
Alys picked nectarines for jam. Godfrey Hill in. We cut them up and stoned them. Gladys made 15lbs. Teddy helped Blain clear out stables for Food Storage. I got James up. Out weeding path with him. Harwood to bath and tea. Told him of plums disappearing. Teddy and Eva and James to see Homes’; car. I did beeswax. Group Captain Helmsley – good war commentary.
Friday 12th September 1941
Dull. Not cold.
Finished cleaning up beeswax and honey. Gave 2lb pot to kitchen. Teddy – corking sherry and port. Got James up and we doing lower path. Got down suitcase and rearranged clothes. Alys did new patience again. Teddy shot 3 rabbits for dinner Saturday.
Saturday 13th September 1941
Dull. Mild.
My 62nd birthday. 1lb marmalade from Phil (Fro Christ’s College). Weeded rose-bed. Oats to hens. Slept an hour in p.m. Wrote Kit (George leaves for Overseas Service today). Wrote Phil. Eva made curry (eggs) for supper. Oxtail and lentil soup mixed.
Memo:
10th Phil’s refill. Sent Hunter’s 3/-
10th Wrote Ella, suggesting 3rd, 4th, 6th or 7th
13th Wages
13th Last eggs put in waterglass.
1941 total: 550
Sunday 14th September 1941
Dull. Cool.
Got peaches (doors all locked and George and Dick out). And prepared for Alys making peach marmalade in p.m. Berry’s to Warehouse. Got James up in p.m. To greenhouses with him. Teddy shot rabbit in garden. Kimbo no supper. Fell down and cut knee. Fledermaus. P.S. Leningrad by editor of Evening Standard.
Monday 15th September 1941
Cold. Fine in p.m. and evening.
Took Eve 15 minutes while others to Richmond. Wrote Doz. Gave out sugar rations. After dinner Alys and I to Richmond. Saw “Target for Tonight”. Wonderful. To Forcett to see Norman about coke and coal. Kim killed 2 mice. Brushed dogs. Dick there. News and then did “Are you sure”. Teddy hiccoughs.
Tuesday 16th September 1941
Warmer, dull.
Got wax melted down and cleaner. ALys and I searched for Dennis’ case sheets and files. Raymond Morgan (Mrs and Mr Donaldson). Alys to tea at Phyllis Simpson’s. Harwood here to bath and tea. Missed postman. Teddy drove me to East Layton, caught him. Teddy upset butters in cellar. Blain’s to see “Target’ But no matinee. Sad. Washed and ironed mats. Alys did Teddy’s patience.
Wednesday 17th September 1941
Warm. Dull.
Housework. Looked out and put away hats and got out winter ones. Teddy making lines for James. Labels on plum jam and nectarine jam. James “I terribly want to go to Daddy”. Butcher brought marrow-bone and we sawed it and cooked it. I weeded rose-bed. “War Correspondent” after News. Russell in Crimea. Rubbed Alys’ shoulder and exercised it.
Germans claim in Kiev – 20th
Thursday 18th September 1941
Dull. Mild.
Weeded rose-bed. George said tissue-paper had gone. Miss Clegg for tomatoes. Teddy tired (Eva “arguments”). Alys hurt. Got James up and weeded rose-bed. Wrote Pickin. Took oats in car to hens. Alys’ shoulder heat. War Commentary by Feriby about submarine strategy. Did Alys’ shoulder. “Wolf Pack”.
Friday 19th September 1941
Warm. Fair.
Housework. Weeding rose-bed in hot sun. Dowson about Simpson and water. Mess Secretary about peaches. Nannie sore heel. I took Eve out all p.m. Teddy emptied water glass eggs out! Eva took Nannie to Doctor in Barningham. He oened heel pus. Cod-fish and anchovy sauce. Gladys annoyed about fish-pie.
Saturday 20th September 1941
Warm. Dull.
Teddy, James and I in car at 9.12 taking Nannie to catch 9.30 bus (for her weekend). Queued for cigarettes. Got paraffin, chocolate! Alys took Eve a.m. and p.m. I took her and James at 3.30 – 4.10. Orchard. Holt cutting field. Alys bathed James. Teddy and Eva to Morritt Hotel to dine and dance, 17/6 for all. Alys and I bottled peaches with Camden tablets.
Memo:
Teddy and Eva in at 10.
(Mess Secretary at Scotch Corner called for peaches (1/- each) and grapes (at 4/- lb).
17th Began exercising Alys shoulder
18th she gave it heat treatment
17th Waterkyne came.
20th Glayds picked walnuts.
Syrup for bees this week.
4lb tomatoes to Harwood at 1/3 a lb.
Sunday 21st September 1941
Fine, lovely day.
Breakfast 8.30. Children too. News 9. Housework. Eva in garden with children. Put honey crates away. Mended hot bottle. Alys and I in garden with Eve and James after 3. Alys wrote Kit. James naughty and Teddy out and got him in and put him to bed. Eve choked at tea, and bit Eva. Out with oats to hens and got straw. “Are you sure”.
Monday 22nd September 1941
Phil’s exam at 8.45 a.m. in London. Teddy with James and Eve to meet. Nannie at Scotch Corner at 10.30. Made beds. Brushed dogs at garage with James and cut grass by hut. James difficult. Took Eve out in p.m. Alys did syrup for bees. 5 pints. 10lb sugar.
Tuesday 23rd September 1941
Dull. Mild.
Mrs Hird cleaned Alcove Room; Alys cleaned Phil’s room. Helped move beds. James very screamy and rested in Alys’ room. And slept all p.m. Alys woke him at tea-time. I cut grass borders. Knitted on old green and grey pullover. Out with Alys to orchard. Alys worrying a lot about Phil and exam. Washed stockings.
Letter from Phil about exam over and from Dennis to Alys.
Thursday 25th September 1941
Very sultry.
Eva and Teddy off to Darlington for Teddy to go by 10.48 to King’s Cross (and Torquay tomorrow). Took children in garden and orchard. Then Alys took them. Syrup for bees, 10lb and 4 pints. Gardened. Primroses by Phil’s hut and cut grass border by seat. Worried by James being so disobedient to Nannie. Warm Commentary. Fire Commander service.
Friday 26th September 1941
Very warm. Dull.
Changed bedding. Cleaned up lathe room. Captain Bolton to requisition quarters for R.A.S.C. (Royal Army Service Corps) Alys to Darlingotn to meet Phil and “Pam Kendal 2.42.” Eva and I washed up. They all arrived 3.50. Tea. In garden. Then Pam in hut till 7.20. Eva rheumatism in hip and Nannie gave notice (no, not quite)! Phil telling us about exam, in his bedroom.
Saturday 27th September 1941
Very warm. Put on cotton dress.
Alys about with Captain Bolton re parking for lorries. All on tenterhooks all day awaiting result of exam. Weeded wood path with James. In p.m. took armchair to my room. Knitted. James with me, while Eva rang up Teddy at Torquay re Nannie. Pam out on my bicycle. Blain to get horseflesh but none. Dennis rang up at 8 to hear about exam (no news yet). Eva had phone talk with Teddy at 9 about Nannie leaving. Alys cooked marrow-bone and brawn for supper (Gladys out).
Memo:
26th Teddy’s leave ends.
September 22nd – Phil’s exam and 24th
27th Wages Sunday. Glady’s day out.
Sunday 28th September 1941
Very mild and dull, dark p.m. Grey silk dress.
Phil’s 28th birthday.
Housework. Alys to Searchlight. Out with James and fed goldfish. Talked to Nannie about her father and Newcastle post. Phil and Pam for drive. Abbey Bridge. Planning Eva’s talk with Mr Miller (Nannie’s father). Out with James and Eve. Phil did their noses. Mr Miller called up. Eva and Nannie talked. I cooked buttered eggs. Phil and Eva toast. P.S. By Rev. U.S.A. “Are you Sure”.
Monday 29th September 1941
Warm. Sunny. Cotton dress.
Letter (certificate) that Phil had PASSED. (1st part of Conjoint – Anatomy and Physiology). Alys, Eva and Pam to Richmond by bus. I with James and with Phil in hut. Did beeswax all p.m. Pam resting and “writing” James very good all day. Phil to ponds after tea, and then resting (feeling of a cold and very tired). Champagne at supper (port in kitchen). Teddy phoned at 9.10.
Tuesday 30th September 1941
Rain and times. Cooler.
Housework. Then 11.45 bus to Richmond taking Phil’s and Pam’s ration-books to Food Office and beeswax to Clarkson’s. Nannie to Pringle’s. Alys took Eve (after Eva) and I took James to quarry. Man from Ministry of Food about out-buildings. Report on Churchill’s speech in House of Commons. Air-raid during News. (gunfire). Elgey in. Phil no worse – resting.
Wednesday 1st October 1941
Milder. Duller.
L.C. to Ella 9.15. Housework. Shortened tweed skirt. Phil took Pam above Washton. I cycled to Stanwix about kettle and pail. With Eve and then James. Did bathroom with him and to post, and saw Rona and Alan on sand heap. Cut grass border after tea, and with Eve a little with Zeus to get straw in field. Wrote Doz. Phil and Pam did nose replacement in evening.
Thursday 2nd October 1941
Warm. Fine.
Housework and out with James in orchard. Did some sorting for packing in p.m. With Eve in garden, hay. Eva showed caravan. Phil and Pam on seat and about – oil in Phil’s car. “I’ve got your number”, books. George wasp nesting so Phil and Blain couldn’t meet about ping-pong. Air-raid on, at 8.30. Replacements. Teddy phoned. Collins War Commentary.
Friday 3rd October 1941
Warm. Fine.
Phil’s cold heavier in nose. I packing. Hill came in. Out to orchard with James. Took Eve 3.15 – 4. To garage. Brushed Zeus. Alys made scones. Gladys to Richmond, also Nannie took James to Richmond in bus. His first bus. Phil and Pam walk, but Phil’s cold worse and no appetite at supper. Wonderful moonlight night.
Edinburgh
Saturday 4th October 1941
Misty. Warm and fine.
Phil in bed and cold on chest. Alys, Pam and I to Darlington; I by 9.58 to Edinburgh. Arrived 1.47 (for 1.44). Taxi (2/2 with 4d tip) to 17 Warriston Crescent. Ella. Dinner. Hot beef and Maggie. Talk till throats gave out. Walked to Botanic Gardens. Met Louie Bell and Mrs Gordon. Supper 7.30. News and Gram Swing.
Memo:
29th Letter and wire that Phil Passed in both Anatomy and Physiology (1st part of “Conjoint”) – next comes Pharmacopeia and Materia Medica, then in 2 years, Final for M.R.C.S. and L.R.C.P.
4th Rents – To Edinburgh 9.58 – 1.44. Ticket Return 3rd – 33.9.
Sunday 5th October 1941
Dull. Mild.
Ella breakfast in bed. I at 9. Both to Meeting. Starting 10.30. tram. William Sandeman “preached” (exhortation). Gerrard there and Major Campbell in uniform. Walked back with Winnie Waterston. Dinner alone. Wrote Alys and posted. Rested on bed. Mary Bell to tea. News. Maggie up for it. P.S. Merchant seaman.
Monday 6th October 1941
Dull. Mild.
Sat and knitted. At 12 Ella and I tram to Princes Street (1d). Walked along. Bought rusks at Gibson’s. Sent to Alys. Back 1.15. Dinner. Rests. Louie Bell to tea (British Israelites) Listened into “Mr Polly”. Maggie too. Ella and I did crossword (Scotsman) all evening (all but one word). To bed 10 o’clock.
Tuesday 7th October 1941
Dull. Very mild.
Knitting and till 12. Then I to Princes Street by car. Bought 2 hot bottles 3/- each (soiled). Had box mixed biscuits sent to Layton 5 1/2d. Rest in p.m. After supper Jane and Dennis Sandeman in. Talk and knitting till 10. (Jane a daughter of Michael Barnard and Louisa Miller).
Wednesday 8th October 1941
Dull. Very mild.
Heard Phil better. Out at 10, tram 2d to Food Office. Got Emergency Ration for week. Shopped in Princes Street – chocolates, crossword book for Ella, zips. Back at 12.30. Rested after dinner but wrote and posted letter-card to Alys at 2.30. Winnie Waterston to tea. (her son George a prisoner (Crete)). Other son, Maclolm on leave. Crossword in evening. Grieve’s apple.
Thursday 9th October 1941
Damp. Colder.
Sat with Ella and out to nearby shops. Rest in p.m. I alone to tea at Mary Bell’s, 25 Inverleith Row. Louie there (listened Brains Trust at 1.15).
Friday 10th October 1941
Fine
Letter from Eva about colds. Lettercard from Alys. To Princes Street. Stockings and apron, 3 cards. Posted parcel and sent wire to Layton. Rests. Both to tea at Louie’s. Patty Appleby and Mrs Gordon there. 17 Inverleith Row.
Richmond
Saturday 11th October 1941
Fine. Cool.
Taxi 9.20 to Waverley Station. Christina Barnard there to talk. Train suppose leave 10.10 but not till 10.30. Soldiers from Orkney arrived. Darlington at 2.15. Ate lunch at station. Train 4.10 to Winston. Phil met me 4.35. Coffee at Layton. Eva in bed with cold, but supper in dressing-gown. Unpacked. Cooked scrambled eggs. To bed 10. Very tired. Alys looking very pull down by cold.
Memo:
Mr Polly Monday 6.40.
George Waterston, friend of Alsatian, Sutherland, Ripon.
Fanny’s nephew’s son.
Major Baxter Commandant of Castle
8th/9th R.A.S.C may come in.
11th Wages. Greive’s apple very good.
Germans nearing Moscow. Grave situation.
Sunday 12th October 1941
Fine. Cooler.
Housework. Wrote Ella. Took children out in garden, first and to orchard. Got James up at 3. He helped me to clean taps and to post. Listened-in. Brains Trust “Blind Man in dark room looking for black coat which isn’t there”. Phil and Alys billiards. News. Talk by Bevin.
Monday 13th October 1941
Dullish. Showers in evening.
Did sugars. Bee sugar came. Alys told me about fear of spread of T.B. in Phil. She telegraphed Dennis. Got car down, but wouldn’t start for Eva. Bewley’s pushed it. Eva, Phil and James to Winston 4.35 to meet Teddy, but he not there. They back to tea. Phil did tumbler 6d and 2 matches and plate trick in evening and told of match along hand.
Tuesday 14th October 1941
Fine on whole.
Alys told Eva about Phil and query, and anxiety. Unpicked Alys’ black skirt hem, sewed it up and ironed it later. Eva and Phil and James to meet Teddy at Winston 4.35. Tea. Godfrey Hill in. I walked through oat field with Phil. Then he talked with Hill. “Are you sure” after supper. News. Teddy and Phil talked about engines.
Wednesday 15th October 1941
Dullish.
Alys and Phil to Darlington for 10.48. Teddy and Eva with them. I took children out 10.10 till 11.30. Sewed Zeus’ basket. Phones (3) from Eva and Phil about my car broken down, so they not back till 9.30. Captain Wood and agent to see Officers’ rooms. Children after tea. Dog out. Listened in The World Goes By. Wrote Major Storey. News and then Eva and Teddy back, tired and cold. Bewley’s and Nannie badminton.
Thursday 16th October 1941
Fine day.
Housework. Out and talk to Blain in yard. Mrs Hird took my shoes for cobbler. James with me in garden. Wild strawberries. Cleared up Phil’s room. Washed things. Wrote Byfield for gloves. Alys phoned at 9.15. Crocheting neck of grey-grey jersey. Jigsaw, Teddy and Eva.
Friday 17th October 1941
Fine a.m. Very wet p.m.
Busy all a.m. cleaning Alys’ and Phil’s room. Mrs Hird swept. Phil’s Nissen hut parts arrived in yard. At 2 I to Richmond. Shops and Post Office and at 3.49 at station but Alys and Phil not there and so at 4.45 again, and they arrived (engine broke down on London train). Back to tea. Phil and Teddy did jigsaw in evening. Wolcott (U.S.A.) P.S. to News. Good.
Saturday 18th October 1941
Fine, but heavy showers. Very windy.
Phil and Teddy shooting. Housework and sewing, and Pringle’s puppy with James (asleep in wheelbarrow). Nannie took it home with her. She left 12.30 we all had lunch then. Bewley’s out too. Out with Eva and James 1 ¼ hours. Eva and Alys also in. Raked path after tea. Phil and Teddy ran engine. Blain’s brought mushrooms. We peeled and cooked. News and play (fake spiritualist and murder).
Memo:
14th flues cleaned as water had been cold
16th Back to Layton
18th Nannie’s weekend.
Sunday 19th October 1941
Windy, changeable, mild.
Breakfast 8.30. Eve woke at 5 a.m. Children in. I took them out and we scraped the lower paths. Housework later. Wrote Ella for birthday. Took Eve out 2.30 – 3.10. Met Majory Brown. Then Alys took both children. Eva slept. Phil and Teddy ran engines after tea. To post with Phil at 8.30. “Are you sure” and jigsaw. Eve slept in Nannie’s room.
Monday 20th October 1941
Fine. Mild. Lovely.
Phil and Teddy out shooting all a.m. Eve woke 6.30. I took children out to orchard. Eve cried all the time. Did up tea in tin and sent Ella. Took Eve out in p.m. 3.15 till 4. Sewed zips on jumpers. Nannie back at 4.15. Out with dogs, men putting up Nissen huts. Phil and Teddy snooker till 9
Tuesday 21st October 1941
Fine. Lovely.
Mrs Hird helping Gladys. Alys washed up. Eve crying a good deal (tooth?) Phil to meet Mr Booth (with James) at Scotch Corner. Booth to lunch and to White Farm with Phil in car. I got James up and we clearing path till 4. George and Phil cutting out wilder raspberry canes. Phil to bed at 8.30. Trafalgar Day B.B.C.
Wednesday 22nd October 1941
Lovely. Hot sun. Cold wind.
Phil up but a cold. I clipped lonicera hedges. James out too. Phil in hut, sun hot. Rested 45 minutes in p.m. Got James up and did bathroom and out scraping lower path with him. Teddy and Phil soldering engine. Wrote Lois. With dogs in oat field. Phil to bed after supper. Eugene Onegin, Tchaikovsky.
Thursday 23rd October 1941
Perfect day.
Phil up, but a cold still. Washed clothes, then path by ash with James. Teddy and Phil mending engine, lathe-room. With Eve till 2.30 then rested. Out with dogs getting oats for chickens. Clipped hedge till dark. Mended bath towels. After supper with dogs to see Nissen sites, Phil and Teddy working and to bed only at 10.
Friday 24th October 1941
Dull. Cold. Showers.
Phil in bed all day. Cold on chest. Captain Hill came, saw his room. I walked to Wardle’s about milk. Alys and Eva prepared Hill’s room. I with Phil, then got James up and to Blain’s and blocked up windows in “Cambridge Gate”. Met 3 lorries with soldiers. R.A.S.C. arriving here. Out with Zeus. Mended book and fur gloves. Teddy played Casino with Phil till 9.45. Heard pheasants and bombs at 8.35.
Saturday 25th October 1941
Fine on whole. Milder.
Phil in bed all day. Cough in p.m. On rock-garden with James and in vine house. Alys and Teddy (taking Bewley’s) to Richmond 2.15. I got James up and got flowers with him. Car back at 5.20 with Dennis (met at 4.45). Tea. With Dennis in garden. Captain Hill came to stay. Slept here. Gladys out. Mushrooms and kippers.
Memo:
20th Sent Ella tea in her tin
22nd Wrote Lois. Letter from E.M. Miles
21st Mr Booth meet Scotch Corner 10.45.
24th Phil’s month up for ration wages.
24th R.A.S.C. arrives
Sunday 26th October 1941
Sun but very cold in wind.
Phil down to breakfast in dressing gown. Housework. With James in garden. Dennis in garden with Eva and children. Phil in hut. I in garden reading in p.m. but too cold when sun in. Phil in bedroom. Alys and Dennis and Teddy rests. Eva with James. Out with dogs in oat field. Phil to bed after supper. News (very bad reception). Engines run. Alys up with Phil. Gladys up.
Monday 27th October 1941
Sun and wind.
Dennis in bed with cold. Smoke-room fire and clean brasses front door – Mrs Hird – for Lord Bolton who came at 3. Dennis up then and also opened Nannie’s poisoned finger. Out with James to see George about grapes and apples. Phil all day in lathe room, but rested in hut, He and Teddy cusy about engines. “Are you sure” in evening – all 6 of us!
Tuesday 28th October 1941
Cold. Sunny.
Dennis in bed all day, with cold and feeling very tired. Grouse (from Lord Bolton) for dinner. Housework and wrote Ella, and posted it. Salvage men called and took loads of books I’d looked out. Springbok on paths. Phil and Teddy making boat (motor) and slosh in evening.
Wednesday 29th October 1941
Snow showers and sun. Cold.
Greek minister English, marvellous. Dennis in bed till 7.30. Phil and Teddy doing boat. Major Braithwaite and Captain Hill in. Dennis looked at old photo albums. I out with Eva and Eve in snow. James in top-room, Eva shivery and joints aching in evening. James did jobbies in bed. Dennis, Phil and Alys looking over old album. Phil did “6d and water on plate with bent match and glass” trick.
Thursday 30th October 1941
Rainy. Damp.
Brains Trust at 1.15. Dennis up about 11.30. Eva to Barnard Castle so I took children out. Dennis in nursery with us later. Wrote Doz for 2nd. Got James up at 3. To post and Ashes pond. Captain from B. Mess, Scotch Corner for grapes. Sold him 3lb at 4/- (12/-) Ireland and Collingswood to see Dennis at 8.30. General Collins’ War Commentary. Ran engines at 5 – 6.
Friday 31st October 1941
Fine and showery.
I to Richmond by 11.45 bus. Bank, bread, Steradent and search for tinned meat (no good). Dennis met me at Road-end. Major Braithwaite and other men to see rooms. Got James up. Alys cycled to Ravensworth in a.m. Phil to bed after tea, felt sick and diarrhoea. Ham toasts!!! For supper. Eva and Teddy jigsaw. Onlooker, Normal Birkett. P.S. to News.
Saturday 1st November 1941
Rain. Not vey cold. Phil in bed but down to supper in dressing-gown. Teddy, James and Dennis in top-room. Siding. Dennis didn’t rest. Bewley’s out 12.45. Alys made a gingerbread. I got James up. To road-end and posted Eva’s letter to Rene accepting invitation for her and James!!! 7th. Put James in room after tea. Eva bathed him. Nannie out at 5.45.
Memo:
1st of celery 27th – parcel Ella
Last of muscatels this week. Others (black) split or unripe.
Rents
Sunday 2nd November 1941
Dull. Cold.
Housework. R.A.S.C. left. Also Captain Hill. Threw away old books and Dennis looking over them. In p.m. engineer to see about electric engine. I got James up. Men in top-room after tea. Brain’s Trust 5.15 bad reception gramophone. News. No time for “Are you sure”.
Monday 3rd November 1941
Rain, dark.
At 10 Dennis, Alys, Phil and I to Darlington. Dennis and Phil off by 10.48 (for Ashridge). Alys and I shopped. I to Badcock 12.30. Nothing done. Lunch at Binns’. Back 2.40. My bedding in Phil’s room. Crab for supper. Teddy prepared it. James had tea with us. “Are you sure”, jigsaw of North America.
Tuesday 4th November 1941
Fair, cold. Sun in p.m.
Teddy, Eva and James to Richmond; haircut. Alys with them, sent Phil’s shoes. Off. I took Eve in garden with dogs till 11.30. Did housework. With Eve after lunch. Teddy in snow boots cleaned out tank for goldfish. Major Braithwaite, Captain Hewitt, Lieutenant Moss called. Changed oats from old flower-room. Woolcott on Benedict Arnold. (Talleyrand and introductions in U.S.A. Winant’s story and Duer Miller’s new poem on B.A. Appeaser).
Wednesday 5th November 1941
Fine. Perfect.
Housework. Out to feed chickens both groups. Got lupin seeds with Teddy. Put 8 goldfish and 2 brown in tank. Got James up and to post and to see three Nissen huts in wood. Also tidied path with springbok. James tea with us again. Worried about him. Ironed Eve’s frock. Sewed leather in James shoe heels. Play about drunk car-driver in evening.
Thursday 6th November 1941
Fair.
I took Eve and James out – orchard and ferrets.. Took Teddy’s R.A.F. overcoat to Blain’s. Eva and Teddy packing. Alys to Richmond, did up parcels, Phil and Eva at Rene’s address. Got James up. Bathrooms and changed my tweed bag. Tried him at counting to three or four! (five impossible). Roosevelt speech at 9 (internal labour). Alys took lettuces and honey to Mrs Barnes. No Pye accumulation.
Friday 7th November 1941
Perfect.
Teddy, Eva and James in car with Alys to Darlington. Berry’s off 10.45 (train 40 minutes late though) to London. I in garden with Eve. Sewed Zeus’ carpet. Officer in with Requistion of Rooms in house to be signed. Out with dogs. Wrote Ethel Miles, Pickin and U.F.A.W. Blain put in Pye with accumulator for Barnes.
Saturday 8th November 1941
Perfect. 11° frost.
Nannie took Eve out. I to hens. Alys talked to George about Dick. Bewley’s away p.m. for weekend Blain to Gainford for interview. I washed rug for Zeus in garden. Mended gloves in hut p.m. Alys sent off Eva’s coat and made gingerbread. Eve slept 45 minutes in p.m. (cried a lot after dinner) Nannie to Pringle’s.
Memo:
3rd Badcock 12.30 Dennis and Phil to Ashridge
5th Phil to Chandler
7th Eva and James to Rene’s, Loughton. Teddy for Torquay.
Nov 6th Pickin (paid to) to Jan 1st.
Larger Convoys sunk by us in Mediterranean. Ark Royal sunk 14th.
Sunday 9th November 1941
Dull. Cold.
Alys did coffee. Dick lighted fires. I toast; ham. I took Eve on 10.45 – 11.15. (Nannie earlier). Fed chickens. Alys cooked potatoes, sprouts, custard. Both of us read papers in p.m. Eve out with hot bottle in pram. I wrote Kit. Out with dogs, hoed path. Perfect gingerbread (Alys’).
Monday 10th November 1941
Rain all day.
Lettercard from Eva about journey. James good. Nannie only out 20 minutes with Eve. Very wet. Mrs Hird stayed to dinner. Treacle tart. I made candy for bees in p.m. – 5lb sugar. Alys made colcannon and I did liaison for soup for supper. Alys sent off Eva’s bed jacket and James’ identity card. Churchill’s speech at Lord Mayor’s Banquet recorded. (Bewley’s back).
Tuesday 11th November 1941
Perfect. Milder.
Took Eve out 11 – 11.30. Fed hens. Alys and I in 11.45 bus to Richmond. To Food Office for pink ration books. Cherry’s (oranges for children’s books). Tidied flower room. Alys writing all p.m. Sewed Zeus’ carpet.
Wednesday 12th November 1941
Fair. Mild.
Cleaned porch, gunroom door, and finished flower-room. Captain Hewitt and Lieutenant Mash came in, their batman too. Godfrey Hill and Lieutenant Leitch (Ulster) in, and tea. We supped 7. Alys took Nannie to search light huts. E.N.S.A. concert. Eva rang up from Loughton. Teddy there. George and Dick clipped beech hedge.
Thursday 13th November 1941
Rain, mild, dark.
Busy cleaning sideboard in garden lobby. Soldiers in with Captain Hewitt at 2.30 to move it to ping-pong room. They moved huge garden “chest” of drawers over too. Eve in after tea. “Ook at zis Nannie”. At 7.30 Captain Hewitt and Mr Mash to supper, bringing sherry! (tomato soup, ham toast and potato and cheese and biscuits, coffee, port (beer).
Friday 14th November 1941
Fine, hot.
Busy with laundry and Mrs Mash’s room (Yatty’s room). Helping Alys. Also sweeping up myriads of flies from windows. Alys’ old bedroom. Mended Zeus’ basket. To orchard to feed hens and shambles. 8 or 6 dead or dying. Fünf (Captain Hewitt’s dachshund) had killed them! Mrs Mash arrived and had tea and both officers, also, later. Turned sheet sides to middle.
Saturday 15th November 1941
Fair. Fine. Cold.
Finished sheets. Alys writing letters to Land? about wall-damage and Leitch about shooting. Mrs Mash in (as Colonel coming). I cleared flies away from front bedroom. P.m. Leitch to tea and a bath. Eve very sweet and good and lively. Nannie to Pringle’s at 6.30. Alys cooked ham and eggs (pullets!) Ham from Barnes (Mrs Mash managed to get a room at Legge’s so will leave here).
Memo:
10th First candy for bees
10th 5.45 Oliver Twist.
15th Nannie’s weekend.
Ordered diary 11th
14th 9 hens killed by Fünf.
Coal strikes in U.S. Serious Advance into Libya. News on 20th.
Sunday 16th November 1941
Dull, cold. Rain in evening.
To hens and pullets. Sewed cloth and yellow tablecloth hem. Wrote Phil re the Orchard Murders. Alys took Eve out in a.m. Alys drove Nannie to Scotch Corner. Eve and I too at 3. (Nannie to Whitehouse of Catterick). Alys, Eve and I tea in nursery. Changed drawers desk. Teddy phoned from Loughton. James by himself going extraordinarily well”. Car into pit when I took it to garage. Soldiers got it out.
Monday 17th November 1941
Dull. Milder.
Alys read me letters from Dennis, Phil and Eva. (Alys worried about Phil). Busy tidying drawers and still-room . Not out till after tea with dogs. Mrs Mash in to say fixed up at East Layton. We put roses in old sitting-room and tidied there. Got splints divided. P.C. Brown phoned about them from Eppleby
Tuesday 18th November 1941
Perfect day. Mild.
Brown called for splints. All a.m. housework and washing and tidying. Electrician to see Alys (and Blain) in p.m. about electricity for troops. I clipped lonicera. And in orchard – fed the 12 hens that are left. Took Pringle splints back. Eve lovely and lively saying her name, address and age “one and a half”.
Wednesday 19th November 1941
Fineish. Mild.
Washed nighties. Made Kimbo’s mattress. Out to hens. Funf attacked a cockerel. Mrs Hird saved it. Put things away from still-room and tidied it a good bit. Mrs Mash in, as Colonel came. Tidied leaves on lawn. Dennis phoned. Phil’s cold better. 2 Batmen for ping-pong.
Thursday 20th November 1941
Foggy. Dark.
Sewed red carpet for Zeus. Housework. Alys busy with letters and Bank Manager phoned. In p.m. Mrs Mash came and Alys, Nannie, Eve and I – all 4 went in car to Richmond. Got chocolates. Paid for Teddy’s watch, left clock there (in Teddy’s name). Back to tea. Out doing path; ironed 2 nightgowns. Soldiers in evening for darks and ping-pong. Eva phoned at 7.30. Teddy not posted yet!
Friday 21st November 1941
Dark. Rain in p.m.
Indoors, doing laundry (clean and dirty) in housekeeper’s room. Turned collar of Phil’s flannel shirt. Out in p.m. in rain. Met Nannie and Eve in greenhouse. Eve on “kiddy-car” bike in sitting-room. Out doing path in rain at 5. Broadcasts from “Women of the Occupied Countries” – Greece starving children, terrible stories.
Saturday 22nd November 194
Dull, foggy, mild.
I took Eve in pram 11 to 11.30; orchard. Mended yellow tablecloth. Dinner 12.30. Bewley’s to Darlington. Dick, East Rainton. Alys and I made Ella’s vinegar cake and Alys made marmalade (from Eve’s orange-skins!) To Road-end for sausages with dogs. Nannie to Pringle’s. Alys and I had lovely celery soup, 2 poached eggs each! And mince pie made by Mrs Hird.
Memo:
18th Blue Tit asked for nut at bedroom window. His wife came too and the “hedge sparrow” also arrived.
16th Nannie weekend
Fierce fighting in Libya – Tanks, guns, infantry.
Sunday 23rd November 1941
Dark. Mild.
Legge’s notice. Out with Eve to chickens and hens. Made other sock for Wellingtons and mended table-cloth. Read papers in p.m. Alys wrote Booth about Legge’s notice. We got tin of tinned foods in from garden wall (Saturday) and opened it today. Out doing path with dogs till dark 5.40. Alys cooked fried eggs and sausage and Mrs Hird’s mince pie. Dick went home. “Are you sure”.
Monday 24th November 1941
Lighter. Windy. Very mild.
Took Eve out to orchard and moo-cows. Washed clothes, and hung out. Wrote Kitty about Charlie Archer’s death, also to Jim. And Miss Pease about Russia Red Cross. Id a week. Took things to top-room. Atkinson here for chimney and electric light fusing (vine-house lights blown up and broken by gale). Eve lost 3½oz. Mended gloves in evening. Eva phoned 9 p.m.
Tuesday 25th November 1941
Perfect day. Mild.
Took Eve out till 11.30. Dick came back. Tea and “Sun Ray” came from Amy Steel. Did some hedge-clipping and paths and leaves clearing. Mrs Mash in after 6. Men to ping-pong and from searchlights. (Blain to Wardle’s about dripping tap?).
Wednesday 26th November 1941
Windy. Dull.
Out with Eve to orchard. Eva wired James unwell, phoning in evening. I stuck hot bottle rubber soles on slippers. Alys and I both did a lot of tidying still-room. Moved the two big chests (paper and linen) and got shelf thing in from laundry. Wrote Amy Steel. Alys made lovely soda bread (Kit’s) for tea. Play “The Painted Veil” Somerset Maugham after News. China and cholera.
Tobruk forces joined New Zealand troops 27th
28th Fall of Gondar (Abyssinia)
Thursday 27th November 1941
Dull. Windy. Cold.
Peach-house lights blown off. Mrs Hird helped me with waterglass for eggs. Alys out with Eve. Atkinson here about hothouses. Alys and I still clearing up still-room all day more or less. Mr Leitch to bath and tea, and until 5.40. Finished mending yellow cloth. Alys wrote to Dennis about greenhouses. Wire from Eva saying she and James coming 3.30 Friday. War Commentary by Collins. Libya and Moscow.
Friday 28th November 1941
Mild. Grey. Sun in p.m.
Did laundry. Took Eve out. At 12.35 Alys and I in car to Darlington. Picnic lunch in car. Got 3 gallons petrol. Shopped. I had hair trim at Mortimer’s 1/6 (3d tip). To station and met Eva and James at 3.30. Back and great joy of Eve at James coming back. Tea. Out with dogs. Water cold. (Mash with cold, no bath). I no bath.
Saturday 29th November 1941
Dark. Mild.
Very dark. Mild. Eva took children out, but in at 11.20 as raining. Mrs Hird didn’t come. Nannie away 12.15. Bewley’s out after dinner. I got James up and then out with Eve (Eva had her out earlier) and James in his car. Mrs Mash in to tea and teacakes. After Eve with us, and James in nursery, till Eve to bed. Put up campbed for James in Alys’ room. Dick in and did hot water stove. No sausages – stolen! Also on Thursday none.
Memo:
Finished “Stealthy Terror” Ferguson – good.
24th Vinery window, top blown up and broken.
25th Tit came on railing and took nut from path.
26th Wrote Amy Steel
26th Peach house light broken
Rents – 28th Tit came by steps for nut.
Terrific fighting for Sidi Rezegh and Tobruk corridor.
Sunday 30th November 1941
Dull. Mildish.
Breakfast 8.30. Out with Eve and James (wheelbarrow and Teddy in it). His feet cold. Nannie phoned – hand swollen and to be x-rayed on Tuesday (cactus poison?) With children – Eve very good about eating. Polished furniture. Gladys in. Soup and baked beans. P.S. by Eric Linklater. St Andrew’s Day programme. “Power of Attorney” came for Alys.
Monday 1st December 1941
Colder. Drier. Light.
Took Eve and James out to orchard and ferrets. Men called for waste paper (books). Got feather out of old pillow (in wood). Alys for rents. Eve with me in nursery till nearly 3. “Hi” game, then Eva took both out. Nannie phoned at 6 to say not coming till Saturday. Hand bruised. “Not to be X-rayed” Treatment. James cried a lot when lifted at 10.
Tuesday 2nd December 1941
Perfect. Sunny.
Eve woke 6.30. I took both children out. Perfect day. White frost. Mended Zeus’ basket, sacking on floor, on front steps. Warm. At 2, Alys, Eva and James in car to Darlington. Eva to Badcock (tooth broken). I with Eve nursery and then in pram to Corners. Mrs Hird did Eva’s wash and washed up dinner. Teddy phoned from Reynold’s Close at 8. Sewed carpet for Zeus.
Wednesday 3rd December 1941
Perfect. Warm.
Eve woke 6! Eva had letter from Nannie giving notice!!! I took children out. Washed things, cushion cover and gloves. James had pain after lunch, and jobbies after rest. Alys took Eve out (from me, I took her till 3) and put her to sleep. Eva wrote Teddy and Nannie. Alys had runaway horse on road!
Russian successes at Rostov 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
Thursday 4th December 1941
Perfect. Mild.
Eve woke 6. Took children out in pram. Orchard. James out again after milk and we on top path, weeding. Leaves in baskets. James very difficult during dinner. Took Eve out till 3. Alys cycled to East Layton to register parcels and then took Eve and put her to sleep. Eva very worried and tired. Group Captain Helmore commentary.
Friday 5th December 1941
Perfect day.
Took children orchard. Saw Ireland, Shep. Then James and I doing leaves and sitting in sun on seat till 1. Put James to rest then out with Eve (and dressed her), till 3.50. Eva had a rest as very tired. Wire from Teddy. Posted to Hereford. Out with dogs. Showed James “Boys Own paper”. Nannie phoned. Returning 4.15. Teddy phoned 9.45 about posting.
Saturday 6th December 1941
Gale and rain.
Eve woke 5.30. Took out children in gale and rain for 30 minutes, sewed red carpet (Zeus). Bewley’s away 11. Mrs Hird stayed till 3 (3/-). Eva wrote Dennis and took Eve out. I with Eve earlier, tea things. Nannie back at 4.30. Dick Bewley left. Stove went out. Lighted it after the news. Teddy phoned from Hereford 8.50. (Captain Hewitt in to phone; had port).
Memo:
1st Lease-lend food from U.S.A. begins to be on sale for Points ration book coupons.
1st Put 2 eggs in waterglass.
5th 6 floated and from now onwards
30th Tit took nut from hand.
Wages.
At war with Finland, Hungary, Romania.
7th Japanese bombed U.S. Bases Hawaii and “Hong Kong”, Singapore, Philipines.
Sunday 7th December 1941
Very cold. Fine.
Took Eve to orchard, then Eva took her. James up in bed – punishment as coal all out in nursery. Wrote Doz, about Hereford and Miss Hunt. Zeus got paw hurt by lorries in drive. Nannie took Eve out in p.m. and out to Pringle’s in evening. Bewley’s out. We had soup, tongue and eggs. P.S. by Vernon Bartlett. M.P.
Monday 8th December 1941
Cool. Fine a.m. 7° frost. Dull p.m.
Did sugars and filled in Points Ration books. Out with James Eve to ponds (ice) and orchard. Alys to Barnard Castle by bus 1.15. Dinner 12.40. Eve very good alone. Met Alys at 2.45. Altering Alys’ blue shirt waist and length. Roosevelt’s speech to Congress at 6.30. War with Japan (clear). Churchill to Parliament p.m. and broadcast speech at 9. Gunfire at 11.10 ack-ack.
Tuesday 9th December 1941
Mild. Fine on whole. Dullish.
Out to orchard. Eva with children, then all to pullets. Saw wreaths, holly, Bewley’s made. In p.m. Alys, Eve, James and I to Richmond to Banks before 2. Bought chocolates. Mrs Hird cleaned nursery and sitting-room. Wrote Edith Bache and card to W.B.D. Alys got sock wool with Dennis’ ration coupons. Teddy phoned – may leave Hereford.
Wednesday 10th December 1941
Mild. Lovely sunrise.
Out to see George about greens and holly. With Eve and James to orchard and ferrets. Did some alteration to Alys’ skirt. In p.m. Alys and I made candy for bees – 10lbs sugar, 2 pints water in 2 saucepans. Alys made fudge – Wade’s recipe after. Ironed skirt. News of 2 battleships sunk by Japanese, or 1 battleship and cruiser by Mr Churchill to Parliament. Russian successes.
10th H.M.S. Prince of Wales and H.M.S. Repulse sunk off Malaya.
11th Germany and Italy declared War on US.A. and U.S.A. on Germany and Italy.
Thursday 11th December 1941
Mild. Sun in a.m.
Out and sat on seat with Eva and children in sun. To orchard. Washed combs and hair. Wrote Miss Pease. Alys to Hodgson’s. James difficult all day. 6 p.m. News. Germany and Italy declare War on U.S.A. Relays of Hitler’s and Mussolini’s speeches. At 8.30. Alys, Eva and I to Officers and Mrs Mash and played Race-game, Totopoly, beer and sandwiches till 11 or later. Teddy phoned – good.
Friday 12th December 1941
Mild. Sunny. Windy.
Took children out till 11, then Alys took them (Eva had felt sick in night). Sat and read paper all p.m. Chocolate dog and another chasing rabbits in a.m. Corporal in from site. Took our dogs walk by field after tea. Captain Hewitt in at 9.30 till 10.45. D. Brown phoned and asked me to judge some school posters.
Saturday 13th December 1941
Windy, dullish.
Out with children to chickens, ferrets. New hens (from Legge) shut up. Read Mirror and Express from officers. Took James out to help with wire netting, and carried it to pinks border. Cycled for sausages. G&G to Barnard Castle. Nannie out at 5.40. News at 6. Read paper in nursery before. Alys made curry. Teddy phoned. Eva to go Hereford Monday.
Memo:
7th At War with Japan
7th U.S also
9th Wrote Edith Bache with Xmas card.
Xmas card to W.B. Davis.
6th or 7th Top knocked off front gatepost.
Russian successes continue and German retreat. Japs invading Malaya and North Borneo.
Sunday 14th December 1941
Dull. Windy.
Eva phoned Darlington; arranged trains. Gladys angry about porridge and gave notice “from next week”. Jan 3rd? I took children out 11.5 – 11.30. Read papers. Slight sore throat all day. Leitch in to say goodbye and tea. James very naughty. Alys and I carried him upstairs, undressed him. Ken in for books. “Are you sure”. Eva made salad.
Monday 15th December 1941
Fine. Mildish.
Talk to Gladys. Breakfast 7.30. Alys, Eva and James to Darlington. Eva off by 8.50 to York, Birmingham, Worcester, Hereford. I took Eve out. Then Alys back and took her. I slept on bed in p.m. (sore throat). With Alys and children later. James tea with us, and dinner. Captain Hewitt in after supper for phone. Binks’ sister in to ping-pong and see Captain Hewitt about band.
Tuesday 16th December 1941
Very fine. Mild.
I took Eve and James out at 10.30 – 11.30. Orchard and ferrets. With James in sitting-room, knitting needles. Eve “jobbies” again in pen. Out with James after his rest and we put wire round pinks. Paper salvage came. Alys wrote Kitty and Harwood. Eva phoned from Hereford.
Wednesday 17th December 1941
Colder. Fine.
Took children out, then Alys took them. We packed honey, blackcurrant jam, Nestlé and peach jam to Kitty. Phil to stay there. I watched and cut corrugated. Took James in garden at 3, talked George and cut phlox down. Alys wrote Eva, Phil, Kitty (again) but lost post as earlier. Children played with tea-things. To post at 8.15 with dogs. Bombs and guns(?) Flashes over N.E. coast.
Penang evacuated 19th. We advance in Libya.
Thursday 18th December 1941
Frost. Very lovely day.
Letter from Eva to Alys. Mrs Hird doing geese at home. Out with children and saw George and bonfire of our sticks. Cut some more of border and George (out on bonfire). Alys took Eve till 11. We out till 12.45. Alys, James and I to Richmond in car; Got petrol and tried for presents, no toys at all to be got. Trains and tea-things with James and Eva. Eve wet and woke up at 10.15. Nannie at ping-pong. Water cold. Angry. Chilblain very painful on toe. Captain Jones in at 9.30!
Friday 19th December 1941
Mild. Dull.
Took Eve out. James naughty; joined us later. ALys and I did washing. She mostly. Wrote Teeds, Sissie with 2/6 stamp books each. Cards Nell, Minnie. Letter Phil with £1. Freer’s ditto. Boys’ Own with James after tea. Alys took dogs out (very lame with chilblains). Captain Hewitt in to phone for Dr Chance for corporal.
Saturday 20th December 1941
Frosty, dull.
Very lame still with chilblains. Talked George about kitten. Took children to orchard. Mended “Anyone” book (James’) and sewed. With Eve p.m. She had pains but slept in pram with Nannie. Got James up and to post. Alys made soda bread. Both children excited after tea. Nannie out 5.45. Eva phoned found house; coming 24th and Teddy in car!
Memo:
15th – 16th all Search Light hut men away. Alys gave settee and chairs and bagatelle.
Russian still re-taking ground from Germans. Japs invading Phillipines – Luzon. Churchill 23rd to U.S.A.
Sunday 21st December 1941
Fine day.
I took children out. Mild. Nannie’s father came. I very angry at her going off, and scolded. Wrote Lucy with lettercards. Wrote Dennis and Doz. Mr Brown called at 3. To post. Out with James after tea, found 8 eggs in bushes, and one broken. Captain Hewitt in about Latham (Cook)’s bus. Mashes in to say goodbye.
Monday 22nd December 1941
Very fine. Mild.
Eve awake and pains and jobbies in night. In her cot in nursery all day. I out with James. Alys phoned for Dr Woodsend who came at 4. Eve 100.4° but better later. ‘Tummy prick” Nannie’s bed in nursery – she slept there. Saw kitten and Kimbo on George’s knees. Wrote Poz and posted same time as Doz’s. Nannie and Eve slept in nursery.
Tuesday 23rd December 1941
Mild. Duller.
Eve didn’t do wee-wee from 9 p.m. (22nd) and Alys rang up Dr Woodsend. I out with James and again at 12.30. With Eve on and off. She didn’t pass water for nearly 20 hours! Alys rang up Dennis and Dr Woodsend again. Mr Booth called at 3.30 (Reverend). At teatime Nannie told us Eve had used potty. Great relief, as all very worried. Wire from Eva Coming with trailer 24th.
Wednesday 24th December 1941
Mild. Windy.
With Eve, in nursery. She in cot. Alys, James and I to Richmond in car 11.30. With Eve after lunch. She up and about and sitting on Nannie’s bed. Nannie took James out at 3.15. Alys and I did up parcels for Blains’. Both children in after tea. At 5.40 Eve to bed, and Eva and Teddy arrived in their Austin 10 2-seater with trailer (from Hereford). Supper and Teddy and Eva packing tin trunks.
Hong Kong fell 25th. Terrible raid on Manila (Frank Sayre High Commissioner).
Thursday 25th December 1941
Fine. Colder.
Hectic day. Teddy and Eva packing and searching packing-cases and in p.m. packing the trailer, George helping. I took Eve out in pram 20 minutes in a.m. Nannie took her in p.m. I got apples. Alys packed stores, tins. Mrs Blain and Rona to Xmas tree at 5.30. Teddy emptied radiator (Alys drove Austin 10 to try it, James too – East Layton). Teddy rang up Marion and asked her to help at Hereford settling.
Friday 26th December 1941
Fineish. Getting milder.
Up at 4.45 a.m. Breakfast got by Alys and me at 5.30. Teddy and Eva off at 6.15 in dark. We sat and talked, and Alys got James up at 8. Another breakfast with ham! 8.30. Took James and Eva out; ice on ponds. With Eve in nursery in p.m. and then out with James. Made “Kninkers” for Eve of flannel. Wires from Great Western Hotel reserving rooms and from Marion saying could go to Hereford. Alys sent wire to Dennis saying hoped got Ashridge 30th.
Saturday 27th December 1941
Cold. Fine. Not frosty.
Out with James and Eva orchard, “pushies”. Then cutting out and machining top for blue serge skirt which Alys made for Eve. Laundry counted. With Eve after dinner. Alys got James up. Nannie bathed James and did him at 10. Didn’t go out. Alys rang up Phil at Kitty’s to tell about 30th plans. Teddy rang up saying arrived safely 6 o’clock.
Russians still driving Germany back.
Sunday 28th December 1941
Very hard white frost all day.
Only took James out as too cold for Eve, Cut out and made lining knickers for Eve. Captain Hewitt and soldiers back again. Nannie took Eve out in p.m., 30 minutes. James and I to Blain’s for suitcase and James to pond and got leg wet. Alys packing and machined Eve’s knickers. James to bed in dark room, 1st time. Cut Alys hair.
Monday 29th December 1941
Milder, fineish.
Out with Eva and James orchard, pushies. Ice on pond still. Alys packing all day, on and off. Got car down to rehearse suitcases. Made 2nd pair linings for Eve. Captain Butcher to see about damage to walls. Stayed tea. I in nursery “Eve runnin’” after tea. Out with dogs 8.30 and heard siren and then planes and bombs and Bewley’s in at 8.45. Told about coke saving.
Tuesday 30th December 1941
Very fine.
Up at 6.10. Breakfast 6.50. Suitcases in car by torch-light. Alys drove Nannie, James, Eva and me to Darlington in dark. They all off 8.50 (or 9). 1st class to King’s Cross. I to Kent & Brydon, Binn’s, got petrol. Sent wire from Barton about ticket prices. Cleared up rooms. Mrs Hird cleaned. Did up parcel for Eva. Stanwyx took it. Wrote Kit. Ella, Eva. No wireless. Alys phoned 6.30 from Paddington. Dennis, Phil and Eva there.
Wednesday 31st December 1941
Fine.
Did up parcel. To Richmond in car. To Walton’s (ordered 1lb less sausage Thursday 1.15). To pay Meynell’s £30 in bank. Tidying up. Mr Mash in about damage at Corner gate. Found 9 eggs under cypress. Round garden with dogs. Wrote lettercard to Alys. Captain Hewitt in with bulbs and asked me in. Stayed 9.15 – 10.30. Beer. (No diaries ‘42 in yet).
The Diaries of my Great-Great-Aunt Kate 