7th December 1940

Went down to Pulford’s this afternoon for a quarter ton of hay. No alarm all day, or this evening. So pleasant to have a day quite free of alarms.

6th December 1940

Short alarm this morning, but nothing at night. I had intended to go to the pictures again, to see the rest of last night’s film, but thought better of it.

5th December 1940

Decided to risk going to a cinema this evening, but had not been inside more than half an hour when there was an alarm. Went down to the Castle. Nothing happened, but a plane went over S. of the town, very low, and apparently only one engine working. Whether it was enemy or friendly I do not know.

4th December 1940

Alarm from 8.15 to 11.45. Heard a few distant explosions but nothing else.

3rd December 1940

Matheson, Secretary of the National Trust, came with Sisson today to inspect Bourne Mill. He seemed to me to be quite well satisfied, although the whole place is in a terrible condition. I do not think he realises how bad it is, and how much it is likely to cost to get the pond properly cleaned. He seemed a rather pleasant man, but inclined to be a little vague.

2nd December 1940

Quiet day. A big plane flew over at lunch time, but was apparently English. Maura came in, and I went to Horkesley with her sister and mother in their car, to see the ruins. We found a few more pieces of the figures, and brought them back to Colchester. I do not expect much else will be found now, as the whole interior of the church has now been cleared. There are still three men working there. The church chest has been taken out, rather badly crushed. It has not been opened yet, but appears to contain some books.

No alarm tonight.

1st December 1940

Had tea at Rose’s flat. Alarm from a quarter to ten until midnight. Few planes came over, low above scudding clouds, but nothing happened.

The “state of alarm” of a few weeks ago seems to have died away, and most of the sentries on the tank blocks and barriers have now been withdrawn.