WW II, a British focus  
 
 
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1944

1st January. Work in the morning. Played football in the afternoon, not very happy, lost 6-2 with a hospital team against College boys. Dinner in town at night, then to an ENSA show at the Globe. Back early. No mail. Both knees very sore.

2nd January. Work in the morning. Watched two football games in afternoon. A marvellous Yankee concert party in the hospital at night. Knee still very sore indeed. Still hear rumours of going home in a month or two. No mail.

3rd January. Work morning and part of afternoon. Watched football in afternoon. Down to town at night to a picture show. Back fairly early. Still no mail. Still rumours of hospital moving.

4th January. Worked most of the day. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Still no mail. Tombola at night, won 2/6d. Concert in hospital pretty lousy, everyone walked out. Vaccination at 5.00pm.

5th January. Work in the morning. Down to pictures in the afternoon to see Random Harvest. Dinner at NZ YMCA. Went to Montgomery House but did not dance. A glass of beer and back early. No mail again today.

6th January. Work in the morning. Watched football in afternoon. Just hung around all evening. Still no mail. Finished long letter and wrote airgraph to Una.

7th January. Worked all morning and afternoon. Rush job. Watched boys play football. Tombola at night in NAFFI, no luck. Band in NAFFI afterwards. Turned in early. Very cold. Still no mail.

8th January. Work in the morning. Linesman in cup tie and referee in afternoon. Received air mail letter cards from Una and Nelly. Stayed in all evening. Heavy rain and very cold. Wrote air mail letter card to Una.

9th January. Work all morning. Down to town in afternoon. Dinner at NZ YMCA and then to pictures. Received newspapers. The other mechanic here is posted. Awarded Africa Star Ribbon.

10th January. Work in the morning. Buckshee job in afternoon. Watched football for a while. Reported to MI room at 5.00pm for vaccination. Took okay. Stayed in all night and turned in early.

11th January. Work in the morning, was very busy. Down to Mustapha in the afternoon. Back to hospital at night. Played tombola and then a very fine concert of light classical music. Really enjoyed it all. No mail.

12th January. Work all day today. Received air mail letter card from Una. Wrote air mail letter card and long letter back. On night stretcher party duty. Stayed around all night. Weather wet and cold. Did not get called out.

13th January. Changed duty day to today. Worked all day up to 6.00pm, very busy for a change. Air mail letter card from ma. Wrote airgraphs to Nelly and ma & pa. Wetton left today. Still wet and miserable. Just read all evening. Turned in early.

14th January. Work in the morning. Still very wet and cold. Down to Mustapha in the afternoon. Heard and saw Pushinouf the famous pianist in hospital. Pictures at night. Intensely cold. No mail today.

15th January. Work in the morning. Refereed two football matches in the afternoon. Stayed in all evening. Had a bottle of beer and turned in early. No mail today.

16th January. Work in the morning. Still very cold. Watched football in afternoon and then was a linesman in a cup tie match at 3.15pm. Stayed in all evening. Too cold and miserable to go out. No mail.

17th January. Work as usual. Still no mail today. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Started and finished a Kalodent denture for the Orderly. Worked until 9.30pm. Still intensely cold.

18th January. Work in the morning. Capt Boothroyd the DO, went to Cairo on a course. Received two air mail letter cards from Una. Down to town for dinner and then to pictures. Very cold, was pleased to get back. Judy Shirley was in hospital tonight. A gale during night with heavy rain.

19th January. Work all day. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Still very cold and wet. Finish a buckshee job for 25/-. Went to a concert in the hospital. Poured with rain most of the night.

20th January. Work in the morning. Down to Mustapha and then to a picture show. Still intensely cold and wet. No mail today.

21st January. Worked in the morning. Received air mail letter card from Gwen. Started long letter to Una. Sat around a stove all afternoon. Played tombola in NAFFI and won 19/-. Not a bad evening. Still very cold.

22nd January. Work in the morning. Watched football in the afternoon. A game I should have refereed was called off. Down to Sidi Bishr Bath Club at night to play tombola but no luck. Had supper there and walked back along the sea front.

23rd January. Work in the morning. Refereed a football match in the afternoon. Had to stay in at night on stretcher party duty. Finished long letter to Una. Just read all evening.

24th January. Work in the morning. A fair amount of work in. Watched football in afternoon. Received two air mail letter cards from Una and wrote back straight away. Down to town at night to the pictures.

25th January. Worked all day. Buckshee job in afternoon for 10/-. Another one started for 35/-. Tombola at night in the NAFFI but no luck. Shouted some numbers out in a few games. Wrote air mail letter card to Gwen. Poured with rain.

26th January. Work in the morning. Down to Mustapha in the afternoon. Back at night to see a really fine play at the hospital. No mail today.

27th January. Work in the morning. Down to town in afternoon to the pictures. Back early evening. Played darts in the NAFFI all night. Col McGeorge came in and was surprised I had not gone home.

28th January. Work in the morning. Down to Mustapha in afternoon. Cpl from lab has gone home. Tombola at night in the hospital and picked up 25/-. Shared it with Doug. A grand play later in the evening. No mail.

29th January. Work in the morning. Refereed football match in afternoon and watched another game. Stayed in all night and played darts in the NAFFI. Received some newspapers but no mail. On night stretcher party duty.

30th January. Work in the morning, was very busy. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote straight back. Tombola at Fleet Club but no luck. Had supper in town.

31st January. Worked all day until 5.00pm. Started long letter to Una and finished it. Stayed in all night and played darts in the NAFFI. No mail today.

1st February. Work in the morning. Received air mail letter card from Una that rather upset me. Wrote letter then tore it up. Refereed football match in afternoon. Concert in hospital at night.

2nd February. Work all day. Received air mail letter card from Nelly. Wrote one to Una but not quite as strong as the one I tore up yesterday. Stayed in all evening. Did a buckshee job for œ1. Darts in the NAFFI.

3rd February. Work until 3.00pm and then down to Mustapha and then to town to a show. Back fairly early.

4th February. Work all day. No mail today. Shouted numbers at tombola at night, got 10/-. Just hung around the hospital all night.

5th February. Work in the morning. Refereed two games in the afternoon. Pictures in town at night. Air raid warning.

6th February. Work in the morning. Down to stadium to see a big rugby and football game. No mail again. Wrote airgraph to Una. Feel pretty lousy. Nerves really bad. Stayed in all night and turned in early.

7th February. Work in the morning. Played football in afternoon for hospital. A very poor game for me. Shall give it up altogether. Down to town at night to a picture show. No mail.

8th February. Work all day until 6.00pm. Tombola in the NAFFI, no luck tonight. Just hung around the rest of the night. Terrific thunderstorm during the night with the heaviest rain I have ever seen.

9th February. Work all day. No mail. Concert in hospital. Very good show. Still very cold. Just a so-so day. Wrote airgraph to Una.

10th February. Work until 6.00pm. Received two air mail letter card's from Una and one from Nelly. Wrote air mail letter card back to Una. Had a walk on the sea front at night. Supper and back to hospital.

11th February. Work in the morning. Refereed two games in the afternoon. Did not see Harry Roy. Tombola at night, no luck. Received newspapers.

12th February. Work in the morning. Refereed two games in afternoon. Hospital concert party at night. Not very good. On night stretcher party duty.

13th February. Worked in the morning and for one hour in the afternoon. Refereed match in afternoon. Down to pictures at night. Back fairly early. No mail today.

14th February. Work in the morning. Walk on the sea front in the afternoon. Very nice. To Bath Club at night to play tombola. Finished up 6/- in pocket. Walked back on sea front. No mail. Capt Boothroyd is back.

15th February. Work until 4.00pm. Down to town at night to the Alhambra, a new picture house. Back by 10.00pm. Received air mail letter card from Una.

16th February. Work all day. Wrote air mail letter card to Una and finished long letter. Shouted numbers at tombola at night and made 11/-. Turned in early.

17th February. Work until 4.00pm. Down to town to Fleet Club for tea, then on to pictures with the boys. Sandstorm blowing all day, everything is covered. No mail.

18th February. Company Officers Parade. Work in the morning. Hung around all the afternoon. Shouted numbers at tombola at night. Concert in hospital. No mail.

19th February. Work in the morning. Refereed football in the afternoon. Tombola at night, no luck. Yankee concert in hospital at night.

20th February. Work in the morning. Down to town, dinner at NZ YMCA. Then on to a symphony concert. All pictures full up. No mail.

21st February. Work in the morning. Watched football in afternoon. Down to town to picture show. Still no mail.

22nd February. Worked all day. Wrote airgraph to Una. Down to Sidi Bishr to tombola and won 15/-. Had supper then back to hospital. No mail.

23rd February. Work in the morning. Refereed football match in the afternoon. Tombola at night in NAFFI, no luck. Still no mail.

24th February. Work in the morning. Down to town and straight back in afternoon. Received air mail letter card's from Una and Nelly. Wrote air mail letter card back to Una. Tombola at night, no luck.

25th February. Work in the morning, very busy. Down to Mustapha in the afternoon and played tennis. Air mail letter card from Una. Tombola at Sidi Bishr but no luck. Wrote airgraphs to Una and Nelly.

26th February. Work in the morning. Refereed two football matches in the afternoon. Down to town to a show at night.

27th February. Work in the morning. Refereed football game in afternoon. Down to pictures at night. Weather getting nice and hot during the day.

28th February. Work in the morning. Wrote long letter to Una. Down to Sidi Bishr for tombola but no luck. Back early.

29th February. Work in the morning. A walk on the sea front in the afternoon, very warm. Dance and supper at night, very nice. Tickets 5/-. Back before mid-night.

1st March. Worked all day until 6.30pm. Shouted numbers at tombola in NAFFI. Received cable form Una. Feel pretty rough today.

2nd March. Work in the morning. Feel really ill today. Tummy upset to make matters worse. Down to Mustapha in afternoon. Felt much better at night. Tombola at Sidi Bishr, no luck.

3rd March. CO's Parade today. Feel much better. Worked in the morning. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Concert in hospital. A real good show. No mail.

4th March. Work in the morning. Refereed a football match in afternoon. Down to town at night to a show. Still no mail.

5th March. Work in the morning. Received three air mail letter card's. One from Nelly and two from Una. Wrote back to Una. Started long letter. Watched football. Turned in very early.

6th March. Work in the morning. Football game in afternoon. Down to town at night to pictures then on to see a show, The Merry Widow. Was not impressed, seat not too good. Back very late.

7th March. Worked in the morning. Carol Lewis in hospital in afternoon. Shouted numbers at tombola, a very poor house. Play at night in hospital, was very good. On night stretcher party duty.

8th March. Received some cigs. Work in the morning. Watched the boys play football in afternoon. Down to Sidi Bishr to play tombola, no luck. Back early to go on night stretcher party duty again. Wrote airgraph to ma & pa.

9th March. Work in the morning. Walk on the sea front in afternoon. Sidi Bishr at night to tombola. Walk back in the moonlight on the front. Supper out and then back to the hospital. No mail today.

10th March. Work in the morning. Down to town in afternoon, tea and a picture show. Back fairly early. Wrote airgraph to Una.

11th March. Work in the morning. Refereed football in afternoon. Very hot. Sidi Bishr at night for tombola, no luck. Wrote airgraph to Nelly.

12th March. Work in the morning. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote straight back. Went to church at night in Stanley Bay. Walked back on the sea front.

13th March. Work all day. Received air mail letter card from Una. Watched the boys play football in afternoon. Down to Sidi Bishr at night to tombola, no luck. New mechanic arrived.

14th March. Work in the morning. Big shot expected around. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Down to Mustapha for tea then back to tombola at Sidi Bishr. Concert later in hospital.

15th March. Work in the morning. New Colonel from England around. Not very hopeful about going home. Refereed football in afternoon. Weather very hot. Wrote long letter to Una. Had bottle of beer in the NAFFI and then turned in early.

16th March. Work in the morning. Down to town in the afternoon. Back to Sidi Bishr at night to try to win some cash but no luck. Back fairly early. Turned in early.

17th March. Work in the morning. Watched the boys play football. Everybody confined to hospital today. Tombola in NAFFI at night, no luck. Received air mail letter card from Nelly.

18th March. Work in the morning. Down to town to buy some new glasses, 18/-. Refereed football match in afternoon. Down to pictures at night, supper and back to hospital.

19th March. Work in the morning. Watched football all afternoon. Wrote air mail letter card to Nelly. Stayed in all night reading. Turned in early.

20th March. Work in the morning. Watched the boys play football. Down to town to a picture show. Still no mail.

21st March. Worked in the morning and most of the afternoon. Watched the boys play football. Concert at night in hospital, Fol-De-Rols. A very good show. Still no mail today. Getting worried again.

22nd March. Work in the morning. Wrote airgraph to Una. Went to town to a picture show. Saw Col Blimp a very good picture. Had supper and back early. Still no mail.

23rd March. Work all day. Still no mail, getting very worried again. Sidi Bishr at night to play tombola, no luck. Walked back on the sea front.

24th March. Work in the morning. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote straight back. Down to town, dinner in Fleet Club then to pictures. Back to ATS Mess for an hour to a dance.

25th March. Work in the morning. Refereed two games in afternoon. Down to Sidi Bishr at night. No luck at tombola. Walked back on the sea front.

26th March. Work in the morning. Received air mail letter card's from Una and ma & pa. Down to town to see a football match. Fleet Club for dinner, a walk round and then back.

27th March. Work in the afternoon. Refereed Sgts cup tie in afternoon. Wrote air mail letter card to Una and airgraph to ma. Down to Sidi Bishr to tombola but no luck. Weather very stormy.

28th March. Work in the morning. Wrote long letter to Una. Played football in afternoon. Concert at night in hospital.

29th March. Went sick. Have to go into hospital next Tuesday for an operation on a rupture. Received air mail letter card from Una and lots of papers. Cinema show in hospital at night.

30th March. Work in the morning. Down to town in the afternoon to see Phantom of the Opera. Dinner in town then back to the hospital. Turned in early. Feeling pretty rough.

31st March. Work in the morning. Wrote airgraph to Una. Watched football in afternoon. Should have refereed a match at 3.00pm but did not as feeling too rough.

1st April. Work in the morning. Received air mail letter card's from Una and Nelly. Watched football in afternoon. Tea in NAFFI afterwards given by College. Down to Sidi Bishr then back to a concert in the hospital.

2nd April. Work in the morning. Hung around all afternoon. Down to town at night to a show. Back straight away. Not feeling too happy about going into "dock".

3rd April. Work in the morning. On to the beach in the afternoon. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Down to Sidi Bishr to tombola but no luck.

4th April. Admitted to hospital. Dinner, well one look at it was enough. In bed all day. 'Prep' in the afternoon with more cuts than enough. A decent nights sleep.

5th April. The day started at 4.15am. A day in bed reading. Received newspapers. Another 'prep'. Spent all evening reading. This is getting a bit deadly.

6th April. Awakened at 4.00am for final 'prep'. The first record of the morning on the radio, "I'll See You Again", our favourite! Went out very nice. Came too feeling fine at about 3.30pm. Received air mail letter card from Una. Slept most of the day.

7th April. A reaction set in today. Feel pretty rough but got through the day all right. Had plenty of visitors.

8th April. Did not feel too bad today. Got a cough that is causing trouble. Had a decent nights sleep. Still on fluids.

9th April. Feel much better. Tried first meal at dinner time. Managed the chicken but the sight of the rest made me ill. Turned pretty rough later in the day.

10th April. After a shaky start, feel pretty good. Had a decent dinner. It is getting hellish laid in bed. Must write a letter when I can sit up. Was pretty rough early evening. Had a good nights sleep.

11th April. Bad spell of coughing early in day but was okay later. Had a decent dinner. Still feeling okay. Was carried outside into the sunshine. Cakes and sweets brought round by civvy workers. Had a good night.

12th April. Chest getting much better, did not cough as much today. Feeling so much better in myself. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote straight back. The day passed very slowly. A good nights sleep.

13th April. The day began at 5.00am. Felt okay first thing. Was carried outside into the sunshine. Wound started hurting a lot. Had a decent night.

14th April. Feeling quite well today. Received air mail letter card from Nelly. Outside in the sun again. Wrote airgraph to Nelly. Felt really hungry. The food is pretty bad. A good sleep.

15th April. Still feeling pretty good. Drew 10/- wages. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote back. Doug came to see me and several of the boys dropped in.

16th April. Feeling good, had stitches out this morning. Started making a leather dog. Writing long letter to Una. Good nights sleep.

17th April. Still feeling good. Went outside all afternoon. Played cards to pass the time. Received birthday card from Jean. Played cards at night. Good nights sleep.

18th April. Wrote airgraph to Jean. Still feeling all right. Civvies around with cakes and sweets. Played cards in afternoon and night. Another good nights sleep.

19th April. Still okay. Finished off leather dog. Received newspaper. Just read all day. It is getting pretty deadly.

20th April. Two weeks today since operation. Feeling pretty good. No mail. Outside all afternoon. Doug and Mick came up to see me at night.

21st April. Still okay today. Outside all afternoon. Had first smoke for sixteen days. Still no mail. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. A good nights sleep.

22nd April. Just another day. It is getting very deadly laid reading and listening to the radio. Nothing at all to report. On the whole, pretty deadly.

23rd April. Some Greeks brought in early this morning, shot up badly, the result of mutiny. Outside all afternoon, feeling pretty good. Just read all night, not a very good sleep.

24th April. Billy Turtle, English jockey brought in. Awakened at 3.30am, some patients being evacuated. Hope I don't have to go. Moved from B Ground to Hut 6. Quite a nice change. Received cable. Had a good sleep. Shall be glad when I can get up.

25th April. Many Happy Returns My Dearest. Thankyou my darling. Today laid out in the sun. Met an ex-jockey from Wentworth called Ray Simpler. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. A good nights sleep. Received two air mail letter card's.

26th April. Feeling pretty good. Outside in sun until 7.30pm. Finished off a dog for Jean. Get up tomorrow. Getting on well with Billy Turtle.

27th April. Still okay today. Received air mail letter card's from Una and Nelly. Got up today, put in a bath chair. Went to the pictures at night. Wrote air mail letter card to Una.

28th April. Up today after dinner walking. Felt very shaky. Had a haircut and wandered around. Was glad to get into bed after tea. Hope to go to the races on Sunday.

29th April. Feeling pretty good considering still shaky. Watched cricket match in afternoon. Concert at night. Good nights sleep.

30th April. Just a so-so day. Very cold with rain now and then. Got a dose of gippy tummy. Supposed to be going out on Tuesday.

1st May. Saw the Colonel first thing, then a Major. Fixed up to go to convalescent camp then back to UDF rest home. Received air mail letter card from Una, wrote straight back.

2nd May. Left hospital for convalescent camp but on arrival was not too thrilled with it. May get used to it. Tents and sand. Received cable from ma & pa.

3rd May. Spent all morning seeing doctor and dentist. Afternoon on the beach. Picture show in the evening. It is going to take me a long time to get used to it. Too much sand for me.

4th May. Raining, cold and miserable. Sun through in afternoon but still not too warm. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Turned in early. No tombola.

5th May. On kitchen fatigues, not too bad, plenty to eat. Nothing doing at night, pretty deadly. No mail through yet.

6th May. Just a so-so day. Laid out in the sun. Met Jimmy Lamb an old pal, now with ENSA. Show at night. Air raid warning during night. Ack-ack pretty heavy.

7th May. Laid on the beach in the morning. Races in Alex' in afternoon, won œ1. Back to picture show at night. No mail.

8th May. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Sunbathing in the morning. Just rested in afternoon. Getting really fed up. Pictures in the evening. Air raid during night.

9th May. Re-graded this morning. Still Grade Four. Went fishing in afternoon, caught a few small ones. Received two air mail letter card's from Una and wrote one back.

10th May. Lecture first thing this morning. Rather a shock this afternoon, detailed to move tomorrow to No2 convalescent camp in the Canal area. Went to picture show at night.

11th May. Up at 5.30am. Left Alex' at 9.00am and arrived El Ballah at 4.00pm. Pretty deadly place. Only just managed to get a bed.

12th May. A morning of parades. Going to have special physiotherapy. Dental Officer made arrangements for me to sleep in dental centre. Went to pictures at night, a good machine and place. Had good nights sleep.

13th May. Up early soon after 5.30am. Parade at 7.15am. Dental inspection then physiotherapy. Got to go to the gym on Monday for exercises. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Slept all afternoon. A walk at night.

14th May. Only one parade today. Did some washing and ironing. Slept most of the afternoon. Wrote long letter to Una. A walk to the Lido at night, supper and then back. Some good fishing in Canal.

15th May. Started exercises in the gym. Slept all afternoon. Sandstorm after tea. Went fishing when storm finished but no luck. Supper and back to camp. Good nights sleep.

16th May. Up early and off to a good start. Gym at 10.30am. Did a spot of work in the lab. Read and slept in the afternoon. Fishing at night, no luck. Supper and then back. No mail through yet.

17th May. Exercises in the gym. Shall be glad when I get away from here. Reading and sleep in afternoon. Too hot to go out. A walk in the evening then supper and back.

18th May. Received air mail letter card from Una. Gym in the morning. Reading all afternoon. Pay after tea. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. A walk to the Lido, supper and back to camp.

19th May. Received letter from Capt Boothroyd. Exercises in Gym. Went swimming and sun bathing in afternoon. A walk to the Lido at night, supper and back to camp.

20th May. No mail today. In the gym in the morning. Asked about getting away from here. Swimming and sunbathing in afternoon. Down to Lido at night, some supper, back to camp and the day finished, just like all the others.

21st May. Received air mail letter card from Una, wrote straight back. Wrote to Doug. Went fishing after tea, caught seven fish and one crab. Had supper and back.

22nd May. In the gym at 8.00am. Read all afternoon. Weather stinking hot. Fishing after tea, caught one. Terrible night, too hot to sleep.

23rd May. Gym at 8.00am. Very hot today. The Khamsin wind blowing, it is unbearably hot. Fishing in the evening. Only caught two. Still very hot.

24th May. Received papers this morning. Sunday routine, no gym. Went swimming in the afternoon, did twenty minutes non-stop. Umpired cricket match in evening. Turned in early.

25th May. Gym in the morning. Gave Jock a hand in the lab. Pay day today. Sleep in afternoon. Fishing at night, no luck. Supper and back to camp.

26th May. Gym at 8.00am. Received air mail letter card from Nelly. Helped Jock in the lab. Rest in afternoon. Fishing at night, no luck. Very rough and cold. Supper and a good nights sleep. No mail from Una.

27th May. Wrote air mail letter card to Una and airgraph to Nelly. Helped Jock this morning. Rest in afternoon. Fishing at night but no luck. Supper and back to camp. No mail.

28th May. Dodged around all morning. Swimming in afternoon. Fishing at night, again no luck. Rather cold and rough. No mail.

29th May. Work in the morning. Got Third Grade. Sleep in afternoon. Fishing at night, no luck again. Still no mail.

30th May. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote back. Physiotherapy in the morning. Helped Jock all day. Fishing at night, plenty of fish about but could not catch them. Supper and back. Buckshee job on.

31st May. Work in the morning. Received letter from Doug in Alex'. Dodged around in afternoon. Cricket at night then down town fishing but no luck. Supper and back to camp.

1st June. Work in the morning. Sleep in afternoon. Picked up œ2 for a buckshee job. Pay after tea. Fishing at night, no luck again although plenty of fish around. No mail.

2nd June. Helped Jock in the morning. Wrote long letter to Una. Sleep in afternoon. Fishing at night, still can't catch any! Supper and back to camp. No mail.

3rd June. Work in the morning and some physiotherapy. Swimming in afternoon. Fishing at night, not even a bite. Supper and came back to camp. No mail.

4th June. ROME ENTERED. Went to Port Said for the day with Jock. Quite a nice place. A change from the camp. Back at 7.30pm. Still no mail.

5th June. FALL OF ROME? Just the same routine, physio in the morning and a spot of work. Reading and sleeping in afternoon. Fishing at night. Still no mail.

6th June. D-DAY INVASION STARTED. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Apart from being the invasion day, everything just the same. Received newspapers.

7th June. Regrading this morning. Asked to go out. Leaving here on Saturday. Got forty English Players cigs issued today. Dodged around all morning and afternoon. Fishing at night, caught three nice ones. Supper and back to camp. Still no mail.

8th June. Physiotherapy this morning. Did a buckshee job in afternoon. Fishing at night, caught two. Pay day today. Got 15/- for buckshee job. Still no mail.

9th June. To see Colonel tonight. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Helped Jock in the morning. Fishing at night, caught one. Colonel's parade okay. Received papers.

10th June. Everything packed up, off back to Unit at 8.00am. Left El Ballah at 9.00am, arrived 4.45pm. Went out for a drink.

11th June. Running about most of the morning. Went to a cricket match in Alex'. A charity show at night. Received air mail letter card from Una.

12th June. Saw Dental Officer, got seven days leave granted. Wrote air mail letter card to Una and sent parcel to Jean. Pictures at night.

13th June. On leave at St John's rest home. A grand place. Food good and good beds. 1/- a day.

14th June. Went to town in the morning. Walk on the front in afternoon. Show at night.

15th June. Wrote air mail letter card to Una and long letter. Sleep in afternoon. Doug up for dinner. Received air mail letter card from Una.

16th June. Town in the morning, Mustapha in afternoon, pictures at night.

17th June. Swim in morning. Races in afternoon, no luck. Show at night.

18th June. Advance party leave 64th today. Read all morning. Races in afternoon, no luck. Hung around in evening.

19th June. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Pictures in afternoon, dinner and back to hospital.

20th June. Air mail letter card's from Una and Nelly. Dodged around all day. Down to town to dinner and a show.

21st June. Air mail letter card from Una, wrote straight back. Dodged around all morning. Down to town. Two glasses of beer. A walk round. Started packing up.

22nd June. Hung around all day. Pictures at night.

23rd June. Received old mail and papers. Train loading today. Got job of directing lorries. Tombola at night, no luck. Supper and a bottle of beer.

24th June. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Packed kit and dodged around. Town and show with Doug in evening. Whisky and soda as goodbye drink. Air raid at night. Plenty of gunfire.

25th June. Off this morning to new place. Excellent arrangements with food and coaches. Very hot. Left hospital at 9.30am, arrived Alex' at 11.15am. Arrived Quasin (Kasasin) about 8.00pm after a quite a decent trip. Hot meal laid on. Good sleep in tents.

26th June. Parade at 9.00am. Got put on police duty. Did two hours in sisters quarters. Boys unloading train all night. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote one back.

27th June. Airgraph to Nelly. On duty from 8.00am to 10.00am. Boys working until 3.30am. Police duty 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Shall we go home or open up here? Laid down after dinner at night and slept. On early turn in morning.

28th June. On from 6.00am to 8.00am. On sisters gate 12.00pm to 2.00pm. Off until 6.00pm to 8.00pm. Had airgraph returned for putting in "sand and tents"? Walk to a canteen. Received air mail letter card's from Una and ma & pa.

29th June. Day off today. On picture house duty tonight. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Did extra turn 2.00pm to 4.00pm at sisters gate. Still in doubt about opening. Did picture house show duty, have seen film twice before. Turned in early.

30th June. On sisters gate 10.00am to 12.00pm and main gate 4.00pm to 6.00pm. Still stuff coming in but nothing about opening yet. Pictures at night buckshee. Received newspapers.

1st July. Sisters gate 8.00am to 10.00am and main gate 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Extremely hot. Went to pictures at night, nothing else to do. Wrote to Nelly and to ma & pa. No mail.

2nd July. Sisters gate 6.00am to 8.00am. Went with Dental Officer to see new department. Duty 12.00pm to 2.00pm. Sleep in afternoon. sisters gate 6.00pm to 8.00pm. Went to pictures at night.

3rd July. On duty 8.00am to 10.00am. Rest of the day off until 9.00pm then police on cinema. Read all afternoon. Duty pictures at night. Wrote to Doug. Received papers.

4th July. Hear we are to move again? Sisters gate 10.00am to 12.00pm. Sleep in afternoon. Police 4.00pm to 6.00pm. Pictures at night. No mail.

5th July. On duty 8.00am to 10.00am sisters gate. Played cricket in afternoon, lost but made 5 runs. Pictures at night. Still many rumours flying around. No mail.

6th July. On duty 6.00am to 8.00am at sisters gate. Still nothing official about moving. Things shaping up for a move. Pictures at night. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote one back.

7th July. Off duty day today. On picture house police duty at night. Informed by Dental Officer at 11.00pm at night that I was being posted with the other mechanic. Is this good or bad news? Received some newspapers.

8th July. On duty 10.00am to 12.00pm and 4.00pm to 6.00pm. Learned I was to be posted. Got issued with a beret. No further news of posting. Received air mail letter card from Una.

9th July. On duty sisters gate from 8.00am to 10.00am and main gate from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Posted to No3 Dental Lab. The usual medical inspection. Pictures at night. Will this move turn out for the best? Wrote to Jock Mein.

10th July. Left for No3 Dental Lab. Arrived there about 10.30am. Not too impressed. Food pretty decent. Just hung around all night. Wrote air mail letter card to Una.

11th July. Started work this morning. Sleep in afternoon. Renewed old friendships at night with chaps I met in 1941. Had a couple of beers. Got a lift back in a Jeep.

12th July. Not a very happy day. Nothing would go right. Had a beer at night.

13th July. Not too happy today either. Worked all day. A beer at night. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote one back.

14th July. Again the Officer seems to want a lot of pleasing. How long before I flare up?

15th July. A bit better luck today. Managed to do something right! Did a bit in the afternoon. Laid down most of the time. Had a run out in a truck at night.

16th July. Day off today. Reading and sleeping all afternoon. Stayed in all night reading. Wrote long letter to Una.

17th July. Not too happy again this morning. Had to work all day. Sat out in the cool evening breeze. What a pastime. What a deadly place. Turned in early to read. No mail.

18th July. Today must be my lucky day. Got two jobs right first time! Went to the 64th to say goodbye to the boys. Received air mail letter card from Una.

19th July. Things went a little better today. Finished soon after 3.00pm. Had a little party at night, one or two beers and a drop of sherry. Wrote air mail letter card to Una.

20th July. Things much better today. Pay day. Reading all afternoon. Pictures at night.

21st July. Settling down to things much better. Doing a lot of reading. Sleeping much better.

22nd July. Work all day today. Read all afternoon. Things not going too badly.

23rd July. Went to Ismailia and saw the boys in the lab. Played tennis in the afternoon. Very hot. Pictures in the evening. A very nice change.

24th July. Work in the morning. Read and slept all afternoon. Should be getting some mail any day now.

25th July. Work all day. Pictures at night. Extremely hot today. Wrote air mail letter card to Una and received one from her.

26th July. Working all day. Read and slept all evening. This is pretty deadly.

27th July. Work in the morning. Learned I was to go to No8 Lab. This is pretty terrible. Really fed up.

28th July. Off to Genifa early this morning. Left on post truck, got lift all the way. Arrived about 11.00am. What a big difference in the place. Had a beer and brandy at night. Did not sleep very well.

29th July. Work in the morning. A bit of cricket practice in the afternoon. Reading all evening. Turned in early. Had a decent nights sleep.

30th July. No work today. Suez in afternoon to play cricket, lost but had a good game. A really marvellous tea. Back about 9.00pm.

31st July. Work not gone down too well today. Finished long letter to Una. Just hung around all night. No mail.

1st August. Things gone much better today. Worked on steadily until about 3.00pm. Sat all evening in canteen reading. Must write to Una tomorrow. Still no mail.

2nd August. Work all day. Had interview with Col Gentleman about home. Took all particulars and advised me to put in application and also to try and get home on medical grounds. No mail.

3rd August. Work in the morning. Played cricket in afternoon, lost by 1 run. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Still no mail.

4th August. Work gone very well today. Typhus inoculation in the evening. Reading in the canteen all night. Received air mail letter card from Una.

5th August. Work in the morning went very well. Cricket in afternoon, lost again. Had a nice tea. Sat around in canteen all night.

6th August. No work today, hung around all morning. Played cricket in afternoon with RTC, lost again. Reading again all night. Wrote air mail letter card to Una.

7th August. Work went well. Finished by dinner time. Had a sleep in afternoon. Reading again all evening.

8th August. Work a bit behind this morning. Played cricket again this afternoon, lost again. Wrote long air mail letter card to Una and received one from her.

9th August. Work went well today, finished by dinner time. Reading and sleeping in afternoon. Sat in canteen all night reading. Nothing else to do.

10th August. Finished work early again by lunch time. Reading and sleeping in afternoon. In canteen again all night. A couple of beers, one with the boss. Wrote air mail letter card to Una and received one from her that took only four days.

11th August. Work gone well again, finish by lunch. Sleep again in afternoon. Pay day today, œ5. The evening was again spent in the canteen. Listening to the radio, reading and drinking pop!

12th August. Finished work by lunch time. Received some old mail, one from Jean and Nelly and two from my pal Doug. Jean had received my leather dog on 7th August. Another evening in the canteen. Wrote to Gerty, Nelly and Doug.

13th August. No work today. Just lazed around all day. Spent evening in canteen. Wrote air mail letter card to Una and received one from her.

14th August. Work okay today. Alf White arrived today from Alex'. Spent evening in canteen. Had a few beers and brandies. Felt real good. Slept in lab, a very poor night.

15th August. All behind today with work. Alf gave me a hand. Canteen at night. Received old air mail letter card from Una. Sent œ2 by registered air mail to Una.

16th August. Work went down much better. Got job finished just after dinner. Sleep in afternoon. Reading all night in the canteen. The only thing there is to do.

17th August. Finished work by dinner time. Just hung around all afternoon. Wrote air mail letter card to Una and received one from her.

18th August. Work just so-so today. Feel rather fed up today, maybe it is the place getting me down. Spent evening in the canteen. Had a good nights sleep.

19th August. Got a bit pushed today with work. Everything much the same. Just one deadly routine. Sat all evening in canteen drinking pop and reading. Best nights sleep for a long time.

20th August. Did about an hours work this morning. Just lazed around all afternoon. Sat in canteen reading all evening. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote back.

21st August. Work a little behind today. Played cricket in afternoon, made 19 not out. Went to ENSA show at night. Quite a nice change. Sent cable to Una.

22nd August. Just a so-so day. Had a terrific headache. Went off during afternoon after being on for two days. Sat in canteen reading and listening to the wireless. Had a really good nights sleep.

23rd August. PARIS FALLEN. Just so-so again. Worked all day. Canteen again all night. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote back.

24th August. Work all delayed today. Played around most of the afternoon. Sat in canteen all night and had a few bottles of beer. Quite a change.

25th August. UNA'S BIRTHDAY, 34 YEARS. How I wish I was home to wish my darling Many Happy Returns. Just a so-so day. A quiet night in the canteen.

26th August. Work went well, got finished before dinner. Went to Ismailia for the weekend. Went to the pictures at night, an open air one. Slept at the YMCA on the veranda in the fresh air.

27th August. Had breakfast early and then on the beach all morning, some swimming and fishing. Sent to the French Gardens in afternoon. Got back at 8.15pm. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote back.

28th August. Got a move on this morning with work. Cricket in afternoon, managed 5 not out. Started long letter. Turned in early, did not feel too good. Received air mail letter card from Una.

29th August. Very busy today. Finished about 4.30pm. Finished and posted long air mail letter to Una and sent a cable to her. Had a couple of beers in canteen.

30th August. Work went okay today. A bad sandstorm just around tea-time but cleared up after half an hour. Received air mail letter card from Una. Sat reading all evening. Address is now No8 Field Dental Lab.

31st August. Just a so-so day. Finished work after dinner. In canteen at night. Had a bottle of English Guiness. Wrote air mail letter card to Una.

1st September. Our wedding anniversary. Just an ordinary working day. Sleep in the afternoon. Spent a quiet night in the canteen, reading and listening to the wireless.

2nd September. Just a so-so day. Reading and sleeping in the afternoon. Evening in canteen. This is beginning to be just an existence. Received air mail letter card from Una.

3rd September. No work today. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Just hung around all morning and slept most of the afternoon. Received a letter from Harry Rusholme in Italy. Canteen all night.

4th September. Work finished just after dinner. Read most of the afternoon. Canteen at night and a few bottles of Guiness. A bit merry.

5th September. Work steady, two jobs did not come in. Just hung around all afternoon reading in canteen. Just a so-so day. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote back.

6th September. Very busy today. Did not finish until late afternoon. Reading all night. Received air mail letter card's from Una and Nelly.

7th September. Finished work by dinner time. Sleep most of the afternoon. A beer at night in the canteen. Wrote air mail letter card's to Una and Nelly.

8th September. Got finished by dinner time. Just hung around again all afternoon. Once again in the canteen at night. Wrote to Doug.

9th September. Worked steady all day, very busy. The same old routine, just hung around. All day and all night so much the same. Received air mail letter card from Una.

10th September. No work today. Just hung around. Sleep in the afternoon. Received letter from Roy. Finished long letter in evening and wrote airgraph to Roy.

11th September. Work nice and steady. Got finished after dinner. One of Mechanics posted to Alex'. Canteen at night. Doug Ducat arrived during night as a Corporal.

12th September. Work went down okay today. Pleased to have Doug working with me. A few drinks at night in the canteen. Received air mail letter card from Una and sent one back.

13th September. Work as usual today. Finished just after dinner. Reading and dodging around in afternoon. Reading most of the evening. Received newspapers.

14th September. Work okay today. Finished before dinner. Cricket in the afternoon but did not bat. Corps won for a change. A few drinks at night in the canteen. No mail.

15th September. Work very much behind today. Worked most of the afternoon. Played darts at night in the canteen and won two bottles of beer. No mail.

16th September. Must write over this weekend. Work steady most of the day. Darts at night in canteen. Received air mail letter card and newspapers from Una.

17th September. Wrote home to Una. In afternoon went down for a swim. Evening to RASC Base Depot to see a play reading, "French Without Tears." Very good and a nice change. Wrote air mail letter card to Una.

18th September. Work finished just after dinner. Just lazed around all afternoon. Darts match and party in canteen at night. Plenty to drink and eat. A really good do and a very nice change from the deadly routine.

19th September. Just an ordinary day. Plenty of work. Knocked on steadily all day. Just a so-so evening. A bottle of beer and just hung around.

20th September. Plenty of work today. Finished in afternoon. Canteen in evening. Everything pretty much the same. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote back.

21st September. Well ahead today with work. Worked all day. Darts at night in canteen. Only lost one game. Had plenty to drink. Received newspapers.

22nd September. Not too busy today. Cricket in afternoon. Just hung around in the canteen all night. Game of darts and a drink. Received air mail letter card and papers from Una. Wrote straight back.

23rd September. Just a so-so day. Finished soon after dinner. Had a sleep. Everything is so deadly and so much the same. Started long letter to Una. In canteen all night.

24th September. Just a very lazy day today. Reading most of the day and sleep in the afternoon. Finish long letter to Una in the evening.

25th September. Not so good today, had a slight mishap with a job. Got finished in afternoon. The same deadly evening. Dinner, canteen, beer, darts and bed. What a life. Received air mail letter card from Una.

26th September. Everything okay today. Just a so-so day. Canteen at night, a bottle of beer and a game of darts. Wrote air mail letter card to Una.

27th September. Got on very well today. Another buckshee job. Worked most of the afternoon. Evening just the same. Canteen, a drink, game of darts and that's that.

28th September. Just a so-so day. Spent all afternoon starting a new set of dentures for myself. Evening a game of darts and a glass of beer. Turned in early to read. No mail.

29th September. Everything okay today. Two more buckshee jobs. Messed around all afternoon. Usual evening in the canteen. Received air mail letter card from Una. Wrote back to her and sent airgraph to Nelly.

30th September. Work as usual today. A buckshee job in the afternoon. Went to the pictures at night for a change. Was pretty ghastly! Received an old, wrongly addressed air mail letter card from Nelly.

1st October. Played around all morning. Reading and sleeping in the afternoon. Went to another play reading in the evening, not too hot but made a change. No mail.

2nd October. Work as usual. Worked through the afternoon. Evening in canteen. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote straight back.

3rd October. Work went well today and finished soon after dinner. Messed around all afternoon. Evening just the same in canteen. No mail.

4th October. Just a so-so day. Finished off work in the afternoon. ENSA show at night for a change. No mail. Staff Sergeant was posted.

5th October. Work all day. Finished by dinner. Just so-so in afternoon kicking a football about. Canteen in evening, a few games of darts and a bottle of Guiness. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. No mail today.

6th October. Just a so-so day today. Pay this morning. A spot more football practice in the afternoon. TAB inoculation not so good. Canteen at night not so hot. No mail.

7th October. Don't feel so good today as a result of the inoculation. Work all behind. Worked most of the afternoon. Just a usual evening on the canteen. Still no mail again.

8th October. Played about all morning with a buckshee job. In afternoon just hung around canteen after writing to Una.

9th October. Work just so-so. Finished off about 3.00pm. Darts match in canteen at night. Three Officers were there. Plenty to eat and drink. Made a nice change. Was very late turning in. New rates of pay entered.

10th October. Work as usual during the day. Finished in afternoon. Pictures at night for a change.

11th October. Work just so-so. Finish by dinner time. Refereed a football match in afternoon. Dental Corps lost 3-1. Canteen at night. Wrote air mail letter card to Una.

12th October. Just another so-so day, finishing work in the afternoon. Usual evening in canteen, a bottle of beer and a few games of darts. Received air mail letter card from Nelly and wrote back.

13th October. Again just so-so, finished in afternoon. Mail very bad, had nothing since last Sunday. Canteen in evening. Received some newspapers but no letters.

14th October. Just an ordinary day. Finished just after dinner. Watched a football match in the afternoon. Went to pictures at night. Arabs around again during night. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote one back.

15th October. Did nothing at all today. Reading all morning and sleeping all afternoon. Making up for lost sleep. Went to a play reading at night and enjoyed it very much. Received papers.

16th October. Work as usual. Finish soon after dinner. Went to watch a six-a-side football match in afternoon. Canteen at night. Turned in early. A very poor nights sleep.

17th October. Finished work at dinner time. Refereed a football match in afternoon. Dental Corps lost again 3-1. Went to the pictures at night. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. No mail again.

18th October. Finished work today before dinner. Just hung around all afternoon. Darts in canteen at night. Started long letter to Una. Still no mail. One a week seems to be the average.

19th October. Got a bit behind today. Did not finish until 3.00pm. Had a walk in afternoon. Same routine in evening, canteen, a game of darts a drink and so another day is done. Still no mail.

20th October. Very busy day today. Meeting for Xmas Day festivities. On football committee. Canteen at night, a bottle and darts. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Still no mail.

21st October. Finish off work by dinner. Refereed football match in afternoon in Genifa. MFO drew 2-2 with BBSC. Went to pictures at night. Received newspapers but still no letters.

22nd October. Set off to go to Ismailia but after waiting for two hours could not get any transport. Slept all afternoon. Canteen all night. Still no mail. Very worried.

23rd October. Finished work by dinner time. Sleep in afternoon. Wrote a letter to Una. Darts match at night, won again. Received air mail letter card from Una. Sent Xmas cards.

24th October. Finished work by dinner time. Reading and sleeping all afternoon. Canteen at night. Just so-so. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote back.

25th October. Worked most of the day. Finished off before tea. Weather getting cold. Usual evening in canteen. All just so-so. Received papers.

26th October. Worked all day and got ahead. Darts match at night in the Sgts Mess, won again. Quite a pleasant evening.

27th October. Felt pretty rough this morning, too much to drink last night. Sleep in the afternoon. Quiet night in the canteen. Received air mail letter card's from Una and Nelly and wrote one to Una.

28th October. Work as usual today. Finished off by dinner time. Went to Ismailia with Doug and had lunch at the YMCA. Did a spot of shopping and came back by 6.00pm. Got a birthday card for Jean. Canteen at night then turned in early.

29th October. Did odd jobs this Sunday morning. In afternoon watched a good football match. In evening went to a play reading, a good show and a pleasing evening. Altogether a good day.

30th October. Finish off work just after dinner. Just hung around in the afternoon. Pictures at night. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote back.

31st October. Rain in the morning. Quite heavy for a while. Cloudy and showers for most of the day. Watched the boys play football, lost 5-1. Canteen in evening, darts and a drink. Got a new Aussie battle dress. Clocks put back one hour tonight.

1st November. Work finished just after dinner. Went to see one of the boys in hospital. Saw a good football match in afternoon. Evening spent reading most of the time. Average dull day, not much sun.

2nd November. Not so busy today. Finished before dinner. Reading and sleeping in afternoon. Pictures at night, first house. Saw part of an open air show on way back. Had a drink and turned in early. No mail.

3rd November. Finish work before dinner. Linesman at football match in afternoon. Reading and canteen at night. Drew œ5 wages. Wrote air mail letter card to Una.

4th November. Finished work just after dinner. Watched football match in afternoon. Concert at night. Started long letter to Una. Received air mail letter card from Una.

5th November. Just hung around all morning. Went to Moascar to see a football match. Pictures at night to round off a good Sunday. Wrote air mail letter card to Una and sent some money.

6th November. Finished work before dinner. Sleep in afternoon. Darts match at night. First defeat this turn. Heavy storm in evening. Received air mail letter card from Una.

7th November. Heavy rain early morning and extremely cold. Finish work just after dinner. Played football in afternoon and won 3-0. Pictures at night. Very cold during night. Wrote air mail letter card to Una.

8th November. Just so-so this morning. Refereed football match on the B...........? ground. (I am unable to read this word). May get more to do. Started long letter to Una. Canteen at night. Received air mail letter card from Una.

9th November. Finish after dinner. Much warmer today. Darts match at night in canteen, we lost. Sent long letter to Una.

10th November. Just a so-so day. Play football in afternoon, lost 3-0. Afraid I may have damaged the leg again. In canteen all night playing darts.

11th November. Finish work before dinner. Watched football match in afternoon. Leg much better but very sore. Pictures at night. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote back.

12th November. Arabs were around during night, stole one of the boys clothes and pay book. Watchmakers shop robbed at mid-day of œ300 of watches. Refereed football match in afternoon. Canteen at night.

13th November. Arabs around last night. Work finished after dinner. Pictures at night. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote back.

14th November. Stacks of work today. Watched football match in afternoon. A real feed of bacon and eggs in the lab. Big shot around again. Canteen at night. A real good nights sleep.

15th November. Bags of work today. Finished off around tea-time. ENSA show at night, was very good. On picket duty 12.00pm to 2.00am. Nothing outstanding during night.

16th November. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote back. Finished work soon after dinner. Watched football match in afternoon. Pictures at night. A good nights sleep.

17th November. Finished around 3.00pm. Just a so-so day. Darts match at night. Won again. On picket duty 12.00pm to 2.00am.

18th November. Received Xmas cards. Arabs in Doug's tent early this morning, stole his clothes and money. Did not finish work until 4.00pm. Stayed in canteen all night. New Staff Sgt was mistaken for an Arab during the night and was lucky not to be seriously hurt.

19th November. Received Xmas parcel. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Just dodged around all day. Canteen at night. Turned in early, on picket duty from 4.00am to 6.00am.

20th November. Received stacks of newspapers. No incidents last night. Just a so-so day. Work as usual. Felt pretty rough at night. Had a double brandy and turned in.

21st November. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote back. Finished work just after dinner. Busy with tents in afternoon. Canteen at night. Sent airgraph to Jean.

22nd November. Received air mail letter card from Una. Very busy today. Everything behind. Did not finish until after tea. Darts in canteen at night. On picket duty from 2.00am to 4.00am.

23rd November. Had a really bad headache today. Cleared up after tea. Pictures at night. Just so-so. Wrote air mail letter card to Una.

24th November. Picket duty 4.00am to 6.00am. No incidents but was hellish cold. Finish work in afternoon. Canteen at night. A few drinks and a game of darts.

25th November. Just a so-so day. Refereed a league game in afternoon. Caused a hell of a stink when I awarded a penalty. Went to pictures, first house. Turned in early, on picket duty at midnight.

26th November. Arabs around all night. Finished off Saturdays work. Just hung around all afternoon. Play reading at night, was very good. Slept in the lab at night owing to picket duty being off. Best nights sleep for months.

27th November. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote one straight back. Just a so-so day. Finished after dinner. Just hung around all evening.

28th November. Work as usual, knocked on all day. Everything much the same. Canteen at night. Doug is going to 19th General as Sgt.

29th November. Work All behind, just could not get going. Knocked off to watch a football match. Canteen at night. Heard I was to be promoted to Corporal.

30th November. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Knocked off work and watched the boys play football. Finished work after tea. Canteen at night. No word yet about going.

1st December. Everything okay today. Work went down well. Went to the APO to play darts. Had a really grand night. Did not get back until after midnight. Still no mail.

2nd December. Knocked on steady all day. Did not finish until after tea. Evening in canteen. Still no news of my posting. Still no mail.

3rd December. Received two air mail letter card's from Una. Worked all morning. Went to Moascar in afternoon to see a football match. Stayed there until 9.00pm. Poured with rain. Had dinner at the YMCA.

4th December. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Promotion through tomorrow. Finished work after dinner. Darts match at night in canteen. Paid for all the drinks to wet the stripes!

5th December. Officially Corporal today. Went to No5 Lab. Did not work, just wandered around getting my bearings. Just hung around all evening.

6th December. Started work today. Finished just after dinner. Not too bad a start. Went to see a really good show, How They Are Back Home. Went there and back in a Staff car. Wrote air mail letter card to Una.

7th December. Finished work about 4.00pm. Albert Elvidge arrived today, one of my pals from 1939. Went to a concert at night, then to the NAFFI for a drink and tombola, no luck.

8th December. Just a so-so day. Finished work around 4.00pm. Went to the NAFFI at night. Had a beer and played tombola. Settling down very nicely.

9th December. Received air mail letter card from Una and wrote back. Finished work at dinner time. Watched a football match in the afternoon. NAFFI at night, a drink and tombola but no luck.

10th December. Received cigs from ma & pa and two air mail letter card's from Una. Wrote back to ma & pa. Just dodged around all morning. Went to Genifa in an ambulance, a nice run out. NAFFI at night and a bottle of beer. Wrote long letter to Una.

11th December. Work as usual. Finished at tea-time. Settling down okay. NAFFI at night. Pictures in the camp are not so hot. Pretty difficult to find something to do at night.

12th December. Just a so-so day. Enough work to keep me going. Food is really grand. NAFFI at night and then to the pictures. Very hard to find something to do at night here. The town is rather a long walk.

13th December. Nice steady day. Finished soon after dinner. Played around with a gold inlay for one of the boys until 8.00pm then went to the NAFFI. In bed early. Rained very heavy.

14th December. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Again just a so-so day. Finished in afternoon. No mail thought yet, must be held up. NAFFI at night, a drink and a game of tombola but no luck again.

15th December. Received papers and air mail letter card from Nelly. Finished by dinner time. Watched football in afternoon. Tombola at night. Wrote letter to Nelly.

16th December. Received cigs from Una. Work in the morning. Refereed a football match in afternoon. NAFFI at night to play tombola but no luck. Hear that some mail has been sent on.

17th December. Messed around in the lab all morning. Watched the lads play football in afternoon. Met Doug and some more of the boys. NAFFI at night. Had one bottle and then came back. Turned in early.

18th December. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Knocked off at dinner time. Refereed football match in afternoon, a poor game, waste of time. Work again in the evening. Pictures at night.

19th December. Work until around 3.00pm. Just hung around the rest of the day. NAFFI at night, just so-so. Still no mail, am getting very worried.

20th December. Received airgraph and papers from Jean. Finished just after dinner. Had a bath and changed and then a run to Kantara in the ambulance. Still no letter from Una.

21st December. Received two air mail letter card's from Una and wrote back. Heard that my pal Doug had drawn a home leave. NAFFI at night and tombola.

22nd December. Worked all day, just so-so. NAFFI at night. Tombola a dead loss again. No mail today. Everything is going okay. Sleeping much better.

23rd December. Received Xmas airgraphs from Nelly and Gerty. The Colonel was around this morning. Worked until dinner. Watched a football match in the afternoon. Dance at night, met three people from Wickersley.

24th December. Wrote air mail letter card to Una. Just hung around all morning. Went to see the Canal Area play football. Played solo from 8.00pm until 3.30am. Won 3/-, a good evening.

25th December. Received two air mail letter card's from Una. Chasing around all morning for some beer. Got three dozen, no buckshee issue. A wonderful dinner and a good evening followed. Kept sober! Really very nice day.

26th December. Had a walk to town in the morning. Watched a football match in the afternoon. Pictures at night, not too bad. Wrote air mail letter card's to Nelly and Gerty.

27th December. Plenty of work today. Knocked off at 4.00pm. Twenty one days completed as Corporal. Started long letter to Una. Pictures later, a buckshee show on King Farouk.

28th December. Sent long letter to Una. Not too busy today. Finished before dinner. Down to Genifa in the ambulance with a patient. Tombola at night, no luck again.

29th December. Work until dinner time. My lucky day today. Got 10/- for a repair, won œ1 at tombola and 10/- at cards. So the luck has come at last!

30th December. JEAN'S BIRTHDAY 10 YEARS OLD. Received newspapers. Poured with rain all day.

31st December. Received three air mail letter card's from Una and wrote back. Poured with rain all morning. Just hugged the fire. The rain stopped about 7.00pm after forty one hours continuous downpour. Saw the old year out. Won 16/- at cards. So goodbye to 1944.

1945     Index