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Full list of locations on site

Alma Park
Anwick
Bardney
Barkston Heath
Belton Park
Binbrook
Blankney Hall
Blyton
Boston Wyberton Fen
Bottesford
Bracebridge Heath
Braceby
Buckminster
Bucknall
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Cuxwold
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East Halton
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Great Limber
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Grimsthorpe Park
Harlaxton
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Hibaldstow
Holbeach
Humberston
Immingham
Ingham
Ingoldmels
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Kirton in Lindsey
Langtoft
Leadenham
Lincoln West Common
Ludford Magna
Manby
Market Deeping
Market Stainton
Mere
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Orby
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Skellingthorpe
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South Carlton
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Spilsby
Spitalgate
Stenigot
Strubby
Sturgate
Sutton Bridge
Swinderby
Swinstead
Theddlethorpe
Tydd St Mary
Waddington
Wainfleet
Waltham (Grimsby)
Wellingore
Wickenby
Wigsley
Winterton
Woodhall Spa

Updated: 10 Apr 07

Geraldine Poulton's Journal for 1944, incorporating comments added later by her
Blankney Hall, Lincoln
Pam Traynor, WW2 People's War

The following is a transcript of my mother's journal for 1944. I have included some comments which she added many years later.

Jan 1 - Was put on a charge by S/O Murray at personal inspection for having my hair on my collar. Afternoon played classical records and made a sausage hairband.
(Later note - As I have a short neck and WAAF greatcoat collars came up very high, it was virtually impossible to keep my hair off it. A sausage hairband was a ring of stuffed cloth worn like a crown over hair with the hair tucked into it all the way round. Could look very good on people with long hair, eg Jeannette Dyer-Melville's long silky black hair made a fat sleek roll framing her face - but my short hair probably looked grim in a roll.)

Jan 2 - Afternoon went for a walk and ironed. 23 Canadian WAAF arrived.

Jan 4 - Went on my charge with Sgt Gearing, Barbara Hicks (a cine projectionist) was my escort. F/O Wilson was quite decent. Gave me 6 hours cookhouse jankers. Did 2 hours this evening, peeling carrots and onions then made tea for the girls who'd been spring-cleaning Cleveland.

Jan 5 - Morning was late on duty and got a raspberry from Pam. Evening went for a moonlight walk with Helen, about 5 miles. Had a letter from Maureen and 2 prs silk stockings and a ten shilling postal order from Peggy.

Jan 6 - Did 2 hours jankers, great piles of awful greasy washing-up this morning with no soap powder, only soda. Afternoon went into Lincoln and bought various oddments including 2 little books for Angela and a little bunch of violets. Very tired all day. Bebe and Irene were put on a charge for not doing the washbasins. Wrote to Peg.

Jan 7 - Finished my jankers this morning, the last 2 hours in the cookhouse. Pay day. Received an Air Letter Card from Dad and a letter from Mum containing 5 shilling P.O. for my birthday. Afternoon went for a 5 mile walk. Evening duty. Read and did my tapestry.

Jan 8 - Morning personal inspection. Afternoon to Lincoln with Dorothy. Had jugged hare and game chips and Christmas pud at Holden's Cafe. Bought 2 tango records and Dorothy bought me Rachmaninov's Prelude for my birthday. Had a poetry anthology from Maureen when I got back.

Jan 9 - My 19th birthday. Received a Greetings Telegram from the girls in Cleveland. Went to 'Quiet Wedding' rehearsal and prompted for them then Jeannette, Dorothy and I took the gramophone into the Canadian's room and played our records to them by the fire with the lights off.

Jan 10 - Had a card, letter and office mag from Peg. Evening ironed and got ready for my leave. 8 am to 5 duty.

Jan 11 - Came home. Arrived about 1.30. Stayed in all day and played records. Mum said I could keep 'Morgenblatter', one of hers. Grandma gave me 10/- for my birthday. The wireless' electrical condenser went U.S.

Jan 12 - Stayed in bed until lunchtime. Afternoon went into town with Mum and Angela. Had tea at Bobby's. Bought a World Atlas and 'Things Seen in the Pyrenees'. Went to see Mrs Green. Evening had dinner at the Gaiety with Mum then to the Regent and saw Barbara Stanwyck in 'Striptease Lady'.

Jan 13 - Evening to dancing class in my red frock. Tim and Jim the only males there. Margaret said Ted had left a message for me that he'd be coming up tomorrow night but I'd already made a date with Tim.

Jan 16 - Stayed in all day and read my 1940 Diary right through. Wrote to Dad.
(Later note - This diary I no longer have, which is a great pity as it would have included my last days at school, the announcement there that summer holidays were being brought forward, the evacuation from Jersey very soon afterwards, our journey to Leamington and subsequent 're-establishing' of ourselves after arriving in England with no possessions but a few clothes and very little money.)

Jan 17 - Morning had my photo taken at Walden Hammond. Very expensive. 35/- for one photo. Then to the Pump Rooms for coffee. Afternoon had my hair cut at Langridge's and enquired about trains. Read some mags - 'Britannia and Eve' and 'National Geographic' in the Library. Evening stayed in and read.

Jan 18 - Quite a good journey back. Had a meal at the Rainbow and got the 8.30 bus to Blankney. Felt awfully glad to be back. The girls had moved things around in Cleveland and were awfully sweet to me. Dorothy (Ellis) sent me to bed at quarter to one on night watch.

Jan 19 - Evening had kit inspection. Night duty 2nd half. Helen, Mary and I pinched bread, marge and jam from the Mess and made coffee on the rest room fire. Wrote to Mum as I had brought her back door key back by mistake.

Jan 20 - Afternoon had 2 inoculations at camp and collected 3rd pair of issue shoes. Then hitched to Lincoln, met Helen at the Spotted Cow, had tea and went to 'The Lamp Still Burns' with Helen, Mary and Nancy. Got the train back and had fish and chips in Metheringham. Went on duty at midnight.

Jan 21 - Went to Pay Parade at 11, were kept waiting ages and nearly fainted. Terrible sensation. Came straight back to bed and Nancy made tea and toast for lunch. Had a letter from Les and one from Peggy. Won the toss for a night in bed but had to get up at 5.15 owing to Jerries.

Jan 22 - Have a terrible cold. Stayed in bed all day. Wrote to Maureen and Les. Duty midnight to four.

Jan 23 - Felt rotten so stayed in bed all day and everyone brought me meals in bed. Went on night duty. Had to wash tables.

Jan 24 - 33 hours break. Went to bed 'til 2ish then hitched into Lincoln and had tea at Holden's. 3 Canadian RAF at my table wanted to pay for my tea but I didn't let them. Saw Judy Garland in 'Girl Crazy'. Bought a book of Masefield's poems for Maureen's birthday. A Canadian on the bus back wanted to make a date.

Jan 25 - Got up at 10.30 and did basins and bins as the others were all on S.O.P. Went into Metheringham for soap powder. Wrote to Peg and Mum. Had a letter from Tim.

Jan 28 - Evening went to see 'Quiet Wedding' in the Mess. Joan Yates was very good in the lead role.

Jan 29 - Cleveland was not called so we didn't get up until after 8. All day duty. Evening darned stockings and played classical records. Plan to buy Rachmaninov's 2nd.

Jan 30 - A real egg for breakfast! All day duty. All afternoon on N.RDF - Ellis in charge. Evening walk with Helen. Did a lot of French in the morning. Had sardine supper by the fire.

Jan 31 - Had a PC from Mum saying my photos were not ready. Also 2 letters, 5/- Postal Order and powder puff hanky for Xmas and birthday from Rosa Butler. Picked aconites in the wood opposite then did French all afternoon. Duty 5 to midnight.

Feb 1 - Got up for lunch. Had a letter from Les. Finished my 3rd French test. Afternoon went to fencing class with Helen (2nd time) 5 - 12 duty. Wrote to Captain Johns asking about jobs in Civil Aviation.

Feb 2 - We all went up to camp by transport this morning to see Battle of Britain film. Inspection cancelled. Evening wrote to thank Nurse Butler on 5 - 12 duty.

Feb 4 - Slightly better day in Ops. Evening stayed in and darned stockings. Discussion on religion and infinity - Dorothy, Jeannette and me. Jeannette mended my slipper for me.

Feb 5 - Had a long letter from Peg saying she'd had a wire and a letter saying that Ray was killed in a convoy going from Java to Japan. Dorothy said she thought it a fishy yarn, probably an atrocity. Felt worried.

Feb 11 - Mary and I made all the beds in Cleveland for people coming back from SOP, then I ironed and walked round the grounds after playing the Beethoven 'Emperor' records. Evening duty.

Feb 12 - Afternoon went to 3rd fencing lesson with Helen. Wrote to Maureen. Evening duty - very busy with Bullseyes and Huns. Morning went up to camp with Dorothy to collect gas ointment.

Feb 13 - Mary injured at hockey. Afternoon went to 4th fencing lesson. Very busy 5 to 12 duty. Lots of Huns round London. Very hectic in the Tote. Wrote to Dad.

Feb 14 - Margery Humble, Daphne and McKett posted to Coltishall and Carol to Newcastle. Went to see 'Dear Octopus' (Michael Wilding and Margaret Leighton) with Dorothy and had herring and chips in the NAAFI then a gin and lemon at the Great Northern.

Feb 15 - Daytime duty. Had an FFI. Did washing and read the sexy bits in the 'Bedside Esquire' to Cleveland, to their amusement, following a discussion on sex with Dorothy and Joan.

Feb 16 - Evening stayed at Mrs Loft's in Lincoln (first time). Went to the Assembly Rooms dance wearing civvies under my WAAF greatcoat. Met a Flight Sgt Bomb Aimer called Bob. Danced and sat out with him and had a Jamaica Rum and 2 Pimms in the Bar with him and he saw me home by 12.25. Had a wizard time.

Feb 17 - Had a late breakfast at Mrs Loft's and a light salad lunch at the Spotted Cow. Hitched back and bought lambs' wool soles and some black felt for making slippers. Evening duty. Had my French test back, got 77%. Had a letter from Dad.
Feb 18 - Afternoon ironed. Weather non-op so went to 'Me and My Girl' during 5-12 duty. Wrote to Elsie.
Feb 19 - Had the wireless. Morning big inspection by Wilson, personal and room. Did bathhouses with Pip. Afternoon went into Lincoln with Dorothy and had tea at Holden's. Missed the bus and hitched back in a jeep with 2 Yanks at terrific speed.
Feb 20 - Real eggs for breakfast! Had half Joan's as well. Had 3 helpings of trifle at lunch. Evening mended and listened to the wireless, then supper in Cleveland.
Feb 21 - Worked 8-5 then Dorothy and I went as prompters and 'noises off' at Quiet Wedding on camp. Then on midnight duty. Felt dead but came off at 4 am.
Feb 22 - Didn't get up until teatime. Had supper in Cleveland, boiled egg on toast and made pancakes as it's Shrove Tuesday and ate them with jam. Listened to a wizard play on the wireless - 'This Time it's Real'. Worked 1st half again as Dorothy and I swapped with Mary and Helen.
Feb 23 - Slept until 3.30 then did my washing. Evening hitched to Lincoln and saw 'Victory Through Air Power' by myself. Got the 8.30 bus back, tidied my drawer and started making a handbag. Had a letter from Les saying he'd be having leave on 23 March and had bought a small car. Got 4 oranges.
Feb 24 - Worked 12 to 4 again and did canteen out of turn. Wrote to Les. Letter from Maureen saying she'd enrolled for the WAAF. Had an egg supper in Cleveland. Arthur came up to fix the wireless.
Feb 25 - Went to 'Random Harvest' in the Mess with Dorothy. (Ronald Coleman and Greer Garson - thought it wonderful.) On duty 2nd half. Polished the passage.
Feb 26 - Stayed in all evening and had powdered egg on toast supper. Worked 1st half and was sent to bed at 2 as we were Non-op.
Feb 27 - Quite thick snow. Slept 14 hours and got up for tea. Finished making hogskin shoulder bag.
Feb 28 - Went into Lincoln in the morning (against rules) with Dorothy. Saw 'The Man in Grey' (Stewart Grainger, James Mason) and had lunch at Holden's and tea at the Ritz. Bought a record 'This Can't be Love' and saw 'Stage Door Canteen' in the Mess.
Feb 29 - Letter from Mum. Miserable day. All confined to camp for 4 days as an ST was found down the drain. Evening Jeannette went to dinner with Lady Londesborough. Miserable evening in Cleveland, all feeling irritable. Mum's letter said Uncle Tom had arrived in England.
Mar 1 - Stayed in bed all day and Wicks and I even made tea in Cleveland instead of getting up for tea in the Mess. Mary received a photo of Mary Hughes from her friend Myfanwy. Did my washing then to a dance in the Mess. Not bad. Jeannette got cracking with her new S/Ldr Chris Le Roux. Is going night-clubbing in Town on the long break with him.
Mar 2 - The Ellis sent me to bed all night on night duty last night and I slept 2 until 4 today. Got up for tea. Evening had dried egg on toast and listened to swing music on the wireless. Dorothy went on her 48 for her brother's wedding.
Mar 3 - Although CB went into Lincoln with Mary early afternoon. She ordered lace for her wedding dress and I had my photo taken at Harrison's. Wore civvy blouse under WAAF coat. Evening saw 'Candlelight in Algeria' - James Mason and Carla Lehmann. Very good. Caught train back and came in by the drive. Had a lovely letter from Les. Felt dead.
Mar 5 - Dorothy came back very tired from her 48 so I cleaned her buttons then got ready for long break before midnight duty.
Mar 6 - Hitched down to London with D in open lorry. Felt frozen. Arrived Marble Arch 1.10. Went and saw 'Circonstances Attennantes' at Studio One then 'Druid's Rest' at St Martin's Theatre, then went for a long walk and got the tube to Dorothy's home in Palmers Green and had a lovely supper, eggs and trifle.
Mar 7 - Mr Walesby drove us to the station. Met Joan Yates there and travelled back with her. Had lunch at Holden's and Dorothy and I bought records. Hitched back. Jeannette is on a charge for coming back late. Very busy in Ops on 5 to 12 duty but found time to write to Les. Had letter from Elsie and Janet Cambray.
Mar 8 - Morning had to do basin stooging. Afternoon went for a walk through the park.
Mar 9 - Got up for room inspection and we polished the floor. Afternoon went for a walk. 5-12 duty. Non-op. Wrote to Elsie re her proposed visit to Lincoln. Did my washing.
Mar 10 - Didn't get up in time for breakfast. 8 to 5 duty. Evening started making slippers out of moleskins.
Mar 11 - Didn't go to breakfast. Felt very tired all day. Evening ironed. Had a message through Ops from Elsie. Dorothy had a parcel from her mother which contained a Mars bar for me and we had hot lemon to drink.
Mar 12 - Real eggs for breakfast. I just made it. Only Dorothy, Joan Yates and me in Cleveland this evening. Did tons of mending. Had sardine supper, provided by Dorothy.
Mar 13 - Afternoon hitched into Lincoln with Joan and met Elsie at Holden's. First time I'd seen Elsie in 10 months. We wandered round Lincoln all afternoon and had waffles at the Spotted Cow. Saw 'You were never lovelier' in the Mess on evening duty as we were non-op.
Mar 14 - Morning stooged - cleaned the far landing and stairs. Then went up on the roof and did exercises with Jeannette and taught her the rudiments of fencing. Had a letter from Les and one from Peg saying Grandma had moved out, gone with Uncle Tom. 5 to 12 duty. Biggest Blitz ever - terrific flap. Had an FFI and got 3 weeks' back sweet rations today.
Mar 15 - Stooged in the morning - passage again. Kit inspection by S.O Murray afternoon. Pretended to have lost one pair of stockings so I could get a new pair. Wrote to Peg and Les. Quite busy 5 to 12 duty.
Mar 16 - 8-5 duty. Did my washing and sewed my pink webbing bag. Jeannette wrote a poem about me and one about the Tote.
Mar 17 - Did canteen stooge. Evening went to see 'Edge of Darkness' - Erroll Flynn - in the Mess and didn't think much of it. Evening felt a bit depressed.
Mar 18 - Morning had a set-to with Fred and the Ellis over cleaning Fenton's office. Evening went to Lincoln Assembly Rooms with Joan Yates. Had a good time in spite of having a headache. Met 2 Yanks who saw us back to Mrs Loft's. Had a sore throat.
Mar 19 - Stayed the night at Mrs Loft's. Wizard hitch back with very amusing 'airborne' Lt. Big Blitz on 5 to 12 duty. We shot one down. I have a cold threatening.
Mar 20 - Spent the afternoon mending stockings etc. 5 to 12 duty. Ellis sent me to bed at 10.30 as it was non-op. - new system. Doped myself with Ovaltine, 3 aspirins, Vick and Benzedrine.
Mar 21 - 8-5 duty. Went to Casual Pay and got my 16/- ration money. Evening went for quite a long walk with Nancy and got on with making my slippers. Cold much better but dosed myself with aspirin.
Mar 23 - Came home on leave. Left at 12 noon and arrived shortly before 8. Peg was out and there was no letter from Les so felt cheesed and went out straight away without a meal. Took the bus into Warwick and walked back via Myton. Afterwards chatted to Peg and Ted in the sitting-room. Mum very cheesed.
Mar 24 - Morning Les called for me unexpectedly while I was washing so he came back later and we went for a walk round the Jephsons. Afternoon had tea at Pattison's with Mum, Peg and Angela. Evening Les and his friend Maurice called for me in the car and we collected Les's sister, had a few drinks at the Bath, then Les and I went to the Town Hall dance. He drove me back via Guys Cliffe and we had coffee in Warwick. Alert sounded. Got home at 1.15. Mum furious.
Mar 25 - Les called for me this morning and drove me over to Stratford. He'd been to Guys Cliffe at 6.30 this morning and found the glove I'd lost last night. Went to 'Wuthering Heights' by myself this evening.
Mar 26 - Went out walking morning and afternoon, on my own, as Peg weekending in Stratford. Les called for me unexpectedly and took me to tea at his home. We went to the Boot Inn and I got home about elevenish.
Mar 27 - Morning went to the office with Peg. After lunch Les took Mary and me to Worcester. Had tea on the way back then went to a pub in Warwick with Maurice, Jim etc. Took Mary home then Les took me to Guys Cliffe again. Agreed to go back from leave with him. Got in at 12, syren was sounding.
Mar 28 - Didn't see Les all day as he'd had to go home. Morning and afternoon went into town with Peg. Afternoon had tea at Pattison's with Mum, Peg and Angela. Evening cleared up and got things organized.
Mar 29 - Got the train for Birmingham. Peg carried my kitbag to the station. Met Les at Snow Hill and came back in his little car, very scenic drive as he went via Derbyshire Peak District, Bakewell etc, places I'd never seen before and thought lovely.
Mar 30 - Les went on to Driffield, dropping me off at Leeds. Ticket collector didn't query fact that I'd apparently gone from Leamington to Lincoln via Leeds so no extra to pay on Travel Warrant.
Mar 31 - Dorothy said really pleased I was back - said they call me the 'peacemaker' and that they all have rows when I'm not here but when I am, she says, I always say something that makes them laugh when they're about to argue and it keeps the peace. Amazing - felt both flattered and a bit disillusioned as I can't imagine them ever having rows.
Apr 1 - Did a lot of washing. Went for a walk in the park before 5 to 12 duty.
Apr 2 - Very quiet duty 5 pm to 12.
Apr 3 - Cycled through the Park with Nancy and Helen. Wrote to Les. Had real egg supper, chips and coffee. Duty 4 to 8 am.
Apr 4 - Afternoon cycled into Metheringham with Nancy. After tea hitched to Lincoln with Dorothy and saw Robert Donat and Elissa Landi in 'Count of Monte Cristo'. Had a drink at the Naafi afterwards. Felt very tired on duty.
Apr 5 - Got up for lunch. Pottered and played records.
Apr 6 - Cycled up to Highfields with Nancy. Had a nice tea there.
Apr 7 - Went to church, as it's Good Friday, with Nancy, Mary, Helen and Dorothy. (Later note - I was not normally a church goer but the Hall had its own Estate Church with a gate from the grounds into the little churchyard and I thought this rather special.) Then cycled up to camp with them and collected stockings and mug. Still can't get on and off the bike alone. Evening fencing with Helen then played table tennis with her. Real egg supper in Cleveland. Letter from Peg.
Apr 8 - Did washing. Evening played records. Not feeling too good.
Apr 9 - Got up for wizard lunch. Afternoon went for a walk. Evening played table tennis with Dorothy and ironed.
Apr 10 - Were on duty all night as it was Op, except for one hour. Had an Auntie Mabel talk by the Group MO after duty. (Later note - Auntie Mabel talks were given to improve our knowledge of the 'facts of life' and to warn of the dire consequences of putting theory into practice.) Very amusing but didn't get to bed 'til after lunch. Evening went for a walk and did French in the Quiet Room.
Apr 11 - Got up for lunch. Afternoon went to Woodhall Spa with Dorothy. Hitched there, had tea and went on the swings. Came back by train to Lincoln, had a meal at the NAAFI and saw Jack Buchanan in 'The Middle Watch' - very good. Up all night as hostile activity. Three of our aircraft were lost, one of Digby's Mosquitoes and two Spitfires. No Huns shot down.
Apr 12 - Had a letter from Les and one from Mum. Evening went to the Fair in Metheringham. Went on swingboats and horses and tested our SA (Later note - SA = Sex Appeal) - mine said 'Naughty' and Dorothy's 'cautious'. Had 2 drinks in the Star and Garter with Larry. Came back with fish and chips.
Apr 13 - Didn't get up for lunch - hardboiled egg on toast in the bedroom. Did washing. Tipped out writing case and got organized on Napoleon's life for my French course.
Apr 14 - Didn't get up for lunch as we were called out twice in the night over Hostiles. Had a P.C. from Maureen saying she'd arrived at Cranwell. Evening wrote to her and started cutting out black cami-knickers.
Apr 15 - Got up for Casual Pay at 11.45. Hitched into Lincoln after lunch. Collected pink blouse and took jacket to be dyed. Went roller skating at the back of the Ritz. Hitched back part of the way with S/O Holland, on her knee. Started P.O. account with one pound. Had egg supper in Cleveland.
Apr 16 - Afternoon went into Lincoln with Jeannette and saw 'Reap the Wild Wind'. Had tea at the Naafi.
Apr 17 - Hitched down to London with Dorothy. Had lunch at Dunstable. Looked round St Paul's and had tea at Bourne and Hollingsworth. Evening saw Michael Redgrave in 'Uncle Harry' at the Garrick Theatre.
Apr 18 - Hitched back. Got a car all the way from Baldock to Lincoln and the chappy stood us lunch on the way. D rather fell for him. Letters from Les and Dad when I got back. Duty 5 to 12.
Apr 19 - Uneventful day. Posted letters in Meggy to Les and Dad. Had an FFI. 5 to 12 duty. No work as weather US. Had a letter from Maureen. Wrote to her and Peg on duty.
Apr 20 - Afternoon walked into Meggy and ironed. Morning stooged - far passage. Bags of hostile activity on 5 to 12 duty but had a fairly quiet time in the DF Room.
Apr 21 - 8 to 5 duty. Pat Lewis read short stories to us in the DF Room. NCO's were put on the plotting exercise. I was in the tote. Very tired after tea, fell asleep on my bed, then finished off my French course and went to bed. Wrote to Mum on duty.
Apr 22 - 8 to 5. Evening went into the Park with Nancy and a bike and at last learned to get on and off. Went right through and back via the road alone. Did my washing, sewed my chevron on and did some mending.
Apr 23 - Rather late lunch as big 'window' exercise on in Ops over lunchtime. Hitched into Lincoln to meet Maureen as arranged but she didn't turn up. Was told lots of people had been turned off the Cranwell bus. A sailor tried to pick me up in the Naafi. Got the 8.30 bus back.
Apr 24 - Afternoon went for quite a long cycle ride by myself, to Martin Bomber drome and the primrose bank. 5 to 12 duty. Had letters from Maureen and Les.
Apr 25 - Awful bother trying to fix 36 hr break to coincide with Les's leave, but did not succeed. Wrote to him and Maureen and posted them in Meg. Boiled egg in Cleveland this morning.
Apr 26 - Afternoon went for an hour's cycle ride by myself. Then went up and sunbathed on the roof. 5 - 12 duty.
Apr 27 - Had boiled egg for breakfast in Cleveland during our 'bedmaking' time. Fried egg and chips etc for tea and had 'real' scrambled egg for supper. Evening did washing. Pam said I could have my '36' on the 8th after all, so wrote and told Les.
Apr 28 - 8-5 duty. Evening went into Lincoln with Joan Yates and saw Robert Donat and Greer Garson in 'Goodbye Mr Chips'. Horrible crowd of French Canadians, terribly drunk, on bus. Went to Jim for gen on duty. Started getting a cough.
Apr 29 - Cough much worse. Barbara gave me some medicine. Evening went for a walk on my own and was disgusted by seeing a dead snake tied to a gate post, just where the catch of the gate had to be opened - I expect to discourage anyone from going into the field. Cleaned buttons etc.
Apr 30 - Morning cycled to Sleaford and met Maureen. Had a puncture and had to leave the bike there. We chatted in a field and had a cafe lunch. Came back on same bus as Wicks and Nancy. Sent to bed at 9.40 on 5 to 12 duty as cough much worse.
May 1 - Had 2 letters from Les arranging the break. Afternoon bussed to Sleaford, collected bike and cycled back. Bought a traycloth and transfer in Sleaford. Got terribly hot coming back and felt pretty rotten. Wrote to Les and Mum. Had egg supper.
May 2 - Letter from Mum saying Dad very surprised about the boyfriend but he'd said I had rather an old head on young shoulders and he wouldn't think I was subject to an infatuation. Am having a week in the DF Room. Did a bit of 'telling'. Started my traycloth and read 'Don John'. Evening ironed and went early to bed.
May 3 - Finished 'Don John' and mislaid it. Rather lazy day. A notice went up on D R O's about the trade of Clerk GD Computor. Rather interested. Went to bed early and started 'Helene' by Vicki Baum. Did my washing. Jeannette and Dorothy played records.
May 4 - Found 'Don John' in the DF Room - very relieved. Afternoon did potatoes and did half an hour overtime on them. Evening played the gram - swing and classical and went to bed early. Had my French Test back - 76%. Rumours of 36's being cancelled.
May 5 - Did basin stooging. Afternoon went into Lincoln - hitched in and got 4.30 bus back. Poured with rain. Bought a Cutex Coral lipstick (3/6) and 2 little books for Angela. Had a letter from Peg saying she's not going to marry Ted after all. Was sent to bed early after non-op evening in the DF Room. Played telegrams.
May 7 - Peggy Burns and Poopy posted overseas. Almost thought I'd 'had' my 36 but it was a false alarm.
May 8 - Hitched home on my 36. Met an RAF Cpl on the Newark Rd and hitched with him right to Leamington. Arrived about 6.15. No sign of Les. Walked to Warwick, met Mr Hawes and chatted. Tried to phone Les's mother but couldn't. Walked back via Guys Cliffe.
May 9 - Met Tim and hitched back with him. Arrived Lincoln about 6ish. Went to see 'Madame Curie' - Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon. Loved it. The girls were very sweet on hearing about my disappointing 36.
May 10 - Couple of new Canadian males arrived - very dim. Had both on RDF with me. 8-5 duty. Eveing Joan, Jeannette and Dorothy went to the Mess dance. They asked me to go but I stayed in and washed my hair, played classical records, mended my slippers, did some darning and read some French. About 12 Jeannette came in and told me all about her adventures with Mac and Harry, having invited Harry and spent most of the time with Mac. Joan very indignant and disillusioned.
May 11 - Did middle landing and stairs. At 1 pm phoned Les. He said he hadn't received my second letter until he returned, had called at home about 4 and had gone to Birmingham next day. Was rather shirty to him. Sunbathed on the roof. 5 to 12 duty.
May 12 - Was paid 3 pounds (10/- extra). Afternoon walked into Meggy, bought some soap and posted letters to Mum and Maureen. Went to see 'This Above All' (3rd time) on duty. Did washing.
May 13 - Did stairs and landing. We had both personal and room inspecs this morning but got up in good time for them. Afternoon walked through the fields and picked some cowslips. Ironed and tidied my drawer.
May 14 - Afternoon went to Jim for gen. (Later note - Jim was an elderly [probably about 40] Sgt, whose job was to lecture us on all matters concerning the Ops Room and to train us for out trade tests. [Very stiff - practical, written and oral]. I'd passed my LACW [came top which amazed me] on 26 October 1943.) Evening ambled across the fields, did stacks of washing, went to bed and read poetry after a natter with Jeannette.
May 15 - Read Dummy Run to George, the new Canadian as yesterday. (Later note - A dummy run was a practice - not genuine plots - to train people in plotting etc.) Came to bed in the evening prior to 12 to 8 duty. Read more poetry and had egg on toast supper in bed. Had about one and a half hours in bed on night duty. Had a long natter with Elsie on the fighter line at 12. Suggested seeing her on my break. Tried on Nancy's riding habit. Jeannette came back from her 36 and said Chris was divorcing and wanted her to marry him.
May 16 - Had letters from Mum and Dad.
May 17 - Cold wet day. Stayed in bed most of day. Wrote to Peg in bed saying I'd decided definitely now to return to Jersey as had broken with Les and how about a flat. Amused myself planning the clothes I shall need after the war.
May 18 - Came off at 8. Went for a stroll across the fields in slacks and sweater as it was a lovely morning. Then went to bed and dreamed that Les rang me up on the Pickwell line and that I was talking to him in a very sentimental way with all the DP Room listening. Woke up to find a letter from him on the dressing table. Evening went on the booze in Meg with about half the control. Had a sing-song afterwards in the Mess. George played the piano.
May 19 - Got up for tea and afterwards cycled to Coleby with Barbara. Went to bed and Jeannette played Rachmaninov records. Wrote to Les. Duty 12 to 2 am then 4.45 to 8. Canteen stooge.
May 20 - Evening Jeannette and I hitched into Lincoln all on the spur of the moment to see Barbara Stanwyck, Betty Field etc in 'Flesh and Fantasy'. Very good. Boiler was U.S. when we returned.
May 21 - Had 3 helpings of wizard trifle for lunch.
May 22 - Morning came off duty at 8 and exercised on the roof with Jeannette. Evening saw Fred MacMurray and Paulette Goddard in 'Standing Room Only' in the Mess with Jeannette. Hostiles on duty (as last night). Bed about 4.30 am.
May 24 - Changed my mind about going to Lincoln for '36' and decided to go home but lunchtime had a letter from Les saying he might be able to get to the Mecca Locarno at Leeds tonight so hitched up there. It took about 4 hours. Stayed at the YW, changed into civvies and went to the Mecca. Didn't see Les but enjoyed it and came back to the YW with a Sgt A.G. named Mickey.
May 25 - Morning ambled round Leeds. 1 pm train was cancelled at last minute. Tried to phone Les but he wasn't there. It rained and next train not 'til 5.30 so went back to YW, changed into uniform and hitched back in three and a quarter hours.
May 26 - Evening hitched into Lincoln to see 'Jane Eyre' - Joan Fontaine and Orson Welles. Saw Muriel and Joan in the queue and they asked me to join them. Wizard film. '36's' cancelled.
May 27 - Got up at 11.35 for Casual Pay. Felt tired and dispirited all day. Slept all afternoon on bed. After tea walked into Meg and bought an Air Letter Card and soap powder.
May 28 - Got up for tea. Evening cycled about 10 miles with Barbara, then did my washing. Sweltering day.
May 29 - Afternoon sunbathed on the roof and got a bit sunburnt. Evening plotted hostiles on RDF - two interceptions by Wing Co. White-Boycott - one shot down, one probable.
May 30 - Morning went round Orby Transport full of B Controlites. Afternoon went off on my own in Skegness. Had tea en masse. Waited hours for it. Evening danced at the Sun Castle and had a drink. Returned about 12.30
May 31 - Lunchtime was running full tilt up the Ops passage and fell very heavily. Smashed my mug and strained my arm. Nearly fainted in the Mess afterwards so didn't have any lunch. Arm very stiff and painful all day. Very quiet 5-12 duty. Did some French vocal and chatted to Diana Marks.
Jun 1 - Arm still stiff. The girls binded at me about reporting sick but couldn't be bothered. (Later note - We had to go up to Camp [Digby] to report sick.) Took my French into the park and was soon surrounded by a herd of bulls which came up to inspect me. Felt rather scared. Afternoon went into Lincoln. Bought 2 blue vases for Mary's wedding present and 2 records for myself - 'Tenement Symphony' and Artie Shaw, 'I Cover the Waterfront'. Dorothy gave me 'The Voyage de M. Perrichon'. Arm still stiff.
Jun 2 - 8-5 duty. Kit inspection in the morning. Did 2 plotting exercises. Evening cycled up to Camp with Muriel and Joan for gas kit inspection. Wrist hurt a bit. Evening read in bed and chatted to Jeannette and she played the gram.
Jun 3 - Mary's wedding day. Helen and Nancy got back about one and a half hours late from it this evening - said it was wonderful. Did my washing after 8-5 duty then went to bed and read. Still can't straighten elbow.
Jun 4 - Bacon and egg for breakfast as on Friday. 8 to 5 duty. Group Dummy Run around lunchtime when Section was ordered to patrol Warwick. Evening went to Church then for a cycle ride.
Jun 5 - Morning cleaned the bathhouse with Dorothy. Afternoon wrote French essay about a tour of Europe. 5 to 12 duty - went to flicks in the Mess with D - 'Hit Parade of 1943' - Susan Haywood. Jeannette says Second Front appears to be 'cooking' - much excitement on top deck.
Jun 6 - Second Front started this morning. Fighting in Caen. Evening in DF Room, we all plugged in to Pickwell and heard the News and the King's speech on their radio. Felt very stirred by the news, as we all did.
Jun 7 - A rather binding day. Afternoon hiked up to camp with Jeannette and went through the gas chamber to test our respirators. Hitched back. The papers say Germans have said British paratroopers have landed in Jersey and Guernsey but we make no claim. (Later note - False report) Felt terrible, have a cold coming on. Little hostile activity in Ops.
Jun 8 - Evening cycled to Metheringham Bomber 'drome with Mary, Barbara and Diana. Danced with some quite good dancers and enjoyed it but there was a rather cheesing auction sale at the end.
Jun 9 - Fried egg for breakfast - only just made it. 8-5 duty. Afternoon had a DR lesson with Smoky. Enjoyed it. Evening Barbara presented me with an egg which I had on toast. Had a letter from Maureen, censored. She is now at W. Beckham. Wrote to Peg. Our new 'Mrs Harris' returned from her honeymoon.
Jun 10 - Evening got an SOP. Stayed at Mrs Loft's and went to Linc. Assembly Rooms dance in civvies. My hand hurt, result of my fall still, I think. Dance terribly crowded. Danced with a Sgt AG, very good-looking and he took me 'home' to Mrs Loft's.
Jun 11 - Got the 1.30 bus back. Jeannette came back from her SOP with Mac. 5-12 duty in Ops. Had a letter from Elsie. Barbara informed me I'm in the Operational Crew, in the Tote, as Pam thinks I'm very good at it - Shucks! (Later note - Operational Crew - people chosen to specialise in certain Ops Room jobs for when there was a lot of hostile activity. The Tote was everyone's least favourite position, an awful job at busy times, almost impossible to do perfectly.)
Jun 12 - 24 hour break. Afternoon hitched into Lincoln. Met Mary at the Windmill and was introduced to new husband Reg Harris. Went to see 'The Phantom of the Opera' and had tea at the Ritz. Had a wash and brush-up then went to a dance at the Montana. Some wizard pros there. (Later note - professional dancers) Was escorted back by 2 WAC's and got 10.15 bus.
Jun 13 - Went to the Guard Room for the mail and found a letter from Les. Seems to be cooling. Probably met someone else, or doesn't want to get too 'steady', in his situation. Morning went up to camp and saw the MO about my hand at last. He says it's just badly wrenched. Had a lift back on a DR's motor bike. Evening cycled to Navenby with Barbara, had a quick one and cycled back with the wind behind us. Chatted to Allan in the sentry box and he drew me a little man in my autograph book.
Jun 14 - 8-5 duty. Pip heard that her brother is OK in France and Margery Greening heard that her husband was wounded and is now in England. Evening played Artie Shaw and Hutch and read a Somerset Maugham story 'The Human Element'.
Jun 15 - 8-5 duty. Pat Lewis asked me to go to the Meggy Bomber dance with her. Quite enjoyed it - wizard eats, jellies, trifles etc. Saw a Navigator I'd met before and had a dance with him. Had a flat tyre coming back and was cycling against the wind - rough going. Didn't get in till 12.15.
Jun 16 - Morning stooged, ST's and lavs. Twit and I had all Cleveland to do as well. Afternoon cycled up to the Feathers with Twit and helped Mary wash-up and clean her bedroom. (Later note - I think Mary was staying at Highfields, briefly -probably Reg got a bit of time off to join her there and brought Brutus, his collie dog, exactly like Lassie. Muriel agreed that Brutus could stay at the farm after Mary and Reg went, provided that he was fed, as they had big dogs of their own. Accordingly Nancy and I arranged for the Mess to give food and we cycled up with it for him.) 5-12 duty. Went to see 'Watch on the Rhine' - Bette Davis, Paul Lucas and Geraldine Fitzgerald. Had seen it before but loved it and felt keener than ever to go to France after the war.
Jun 17 - Morning we had an 'Auntie Mabel' talk and personal inspection. Afternoon dozed and listened to classical records. 5-12. Wrote to Maureen and a final note to Les. Also wrote to Mum.
Jun 18 - Got up for lunch. Afternoon went for a walk. D.F. crew - did some French.
Jun 19 - One posting came through to Biggin Hill and one to Uxbridge and Mary Harris got the one to Biggin. Helen and Nancy are away on a '24' so spent the evening in Typhoon. Joan Gray may be getting the Uxbridge posting and Bebe asked me if I'd like her bed in Typhoon, if she goes, but I'm happy in Cleveland. Mary is all organized for her departure tomorrow.
Jun 20 - Boring day in DF Room. Felt cheesed. Wicky left. Evening took Brutus's food up to the farm and