Heavy rain early today. Went over to Dedham tonight to the Sissons'. There is a lot of talk about invasion, and some people are very frightened. ...
On my way out to Dedham I saw the cottages at Fox Street which were damaged by a bomb on June 28. It is the first pair after passing the “Fox and Hounds”. The bomb fell in the front garden, breaking every window, and cracking the walls badly. By a miracle nobody was hurt, but the houses had to be vacated.
Home at nearly midnight.
15th July 1940: Bombs at West Bergholt and Fordham
About 1 o’clock this morning a single German plane dropped 8 bombs at West Bergholt, 5 of which did not explode. One went off in the farmyard at Cook’s Hall, but did not do much damage. There were also incendiary bombs at Fordham, which did not harm. I dressed and turned out when I heard the explosions, and I saw the plane come right over our house, heading S.E., but no siren was sounded.
14th July 1940: Eric Rudsdale and Winston Churchill's Speech
Went out to Abberton this morning with Woods as his mare and foal had got out. It seems that the grass in Mabbitt’s pasture is sour, and she wanders seeking something better. Woods found both of them on Archer’s Ground towards Layer Road, and drove them back successfully. This evening went to see Councillor Ham about horses ARP, and he promised to put the whole matter before the Mayor.
The Prime Minister spoke on the radio today, another of his gloomy speeches, promising nothing but death and destruction to us all for years to come until the final victory which will give us FREEDOM and so on …
Went to Rose for lunch and tea.
The text of Winston Churchill's speech, given on 14th July 1940 and entitled 'War of the Unknown Warriors' can be viewed here.
The Prime Minister spoke on the radio today, another of his gloomy speeches, promising nothing but death and destruction to us all for years to come until the final victory which will give us FREEDOM and so on …
Went to Rose for lunch and tea.
The text of Winston Churchill's speech, given on 14th July 1940 and entitled 'War of the Unknown Warriors' can be viewed here.
13th July 1940
Work at North Hill Shelter now approaching its end. Spent a certain amount of time down there this morning. I understand that this is the last of the underground shelters to be made in Colchester, which seems to be a pity both from an archaeological point of view and as regards public safety. ...
12th July 1940
Quiet night last night, but the day began with an alarm at half past 8, only for 15 minutes. One woman came in, complaining she would be late for work.
This evening I went over to see Grubb – have not been over there for a long time. I drove Hampshire’s grey in my trap – rather a misfit.
Called at the Rallings and had supper.
Eilean Grubb ran a horse-riding stables where Eric had originally learnt to ride.
This evening I went over to see Grubb – have not been over there for a long time. I drove Hampshire’s grey in my trap – rather a misfit.
Called at the Rallings and had supper.
Eilean Grubb ran a horse-riding stables where Eric had originally learnt to ride.
11th July 1940: Air Raid Activity over Colchester
There was a raid alarm at 1 o’clock this morning, which lasted until 20 to 4. Half a dozen people came in. I got back home, had a couple of hours in bed, and then there was another alarm at 5 o’clock, which lasted until 7. Saw the dawn break, and melt into full daylight, people go to work, blinds pulled up, and chimneys begin to smoke. Not a plane was to be seen or heard. Coming out twice like this made me feel very bad, and when I got there the second time I had to sit down for half an hour.
When I got home I went to bed until 10 o’clock, had breakfast and got back to the Castle at 11am. As this was my half day I was only there for an hour and a half. Hull was very annoyed. However, I did not get the half day, because at 3pm, when I was dozing on my bed, there was another alarm, so back I had to go. 72 people came into the vaults, but only a few planes near the town.
Tonight the Cavalry Band played in the Park, a most pleasant diversion.
The increased air activity that Eric has described over the last few days signified the start of the Battle of Britain. CP
When I got home I went to bed until 10 o’clock, had breakfast and got back to the Castle at 11am. As this was my half day I was only there for an hour and a half. Hull was very annoyed. However, I did not get the half day, because at 3pm, when I was dozing on my bed, there was another alarm, so back I had to go. 72 people came into the vaults, but only a few planes near the town.
Tonight the Cavalry Band played in the Park, a most pleasant diversion.
The increased air activity that Eric has described over the last few days signified the start of the Battle of Britain. CP
10th July 1940: ARP for Horses
It has been obvious for some time that we are in danger of having daylight raids in this area, in which case some provision must be made for horses. The obvious scheme would be to list all stables, on the assumption that as almost every horse is working during the day, his stable would be available for any horse passing nearby during a raid. In those parts of the town where no horses are kept, disused stables and empty garages could be used. This matter is serious, not only on account of public safety but on account of the horses themselves, and their drivers.
Obviously most drivers would remain with their horses during an alarm, but they would feel much freer to look after themselves if the horses could be kept tied up under cover.
I had already approached Councillor Pye, Chairman of the ARP Committee, but obtained no sympathy from him, and was recommended to see Mr. Murphy, [the local vet] who is in sole charge of the National Air Raid Precaution for Animals. When I called [tonight] he cheerfully admitted that although he had been in communication with the Borough Police about horse standings ever since last April, nothing had been done of the slightest use. He had made out a provisional list of 12 “standings” in the town, and when I pointed out this was quite inadequate for 300 horses, he merely smiled and said he did not thing such a number existed in the town.
We finally parted with assurances that we would meet further on this matter. At any rate, I got two notices from him, and shall open Port Lane and Bourne Mill Stables at once.
Obviously most drivers would remain with their horses during an alarm, but they would feel much freer to look after themselves if the horses could be kept tied up under cover.
I had already approached Councillor Pye, Chairman of the ARP Committee, but obtained no sympathy from him, and was recommended to see Mr. Murphy, [the local vet] who is in sole charge of the National Air Raid Precaution for Animals. When I called [tonight] he cheerfully admitted that although he had been in communication with the Borough Police about horse standings ever since last April, nothing had been done of the slightest use. He had made out a provisional list of 12 “standings” in the town, and when I pointed out this was quite inadequate for 300 horses, he merely smiled and said he did not thing such a number existed in the town.
We finally parted with assurances that we would meet further on this matter. At any rate, I got two notices from him, and shall open Port Lane and Bourne Mill Stables at once.
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