29th October 1940

Did not get up until 9 this morning. Very pleasant riding in. Alarms today at 4.10pm, 4.30, and from half past 6 until 10.40. Just after the last alarm was sounded I heard a few explosions, but nothing more. Slept at the Castle as usual. A very cold, dark night. Hull came in for a few minutes today, but was away all yesterday.

28th October 1940

Shelters are begining to be excavated on the lawn in front of the Hospital. Raid alarm at a quarter to three, and another at 5 o’clock. A lot of planes came over the first time. Saw Grubb in the town, and had a cup of tea with her. This evening cycled to Dedham, and spent the night at Sissons. Another alarm at a quarter to 9. The night thick and cloudy. Sisson was very gloomy, and had been to London this week. The damage is colossal.

27th October 1940

To Mill all a.m., chopping firewood. Alarm – 4pm-7pm. Tea at Rose’s. Hampshire took my dogcart phaeton over to Hadleigh today. Was sorry to see it go, but what’s the good of keeping it if I don't drive it? Beautiful night, but no more alarms. Went to Seymour’s.

26th October 1940

An alarm at 12.30. When I was in my yard this pm, about 3.30, with Bob carting straw, I heard a plane diving, and was just in time to see a big Dornier appear out of cloud to the South. A man next me cried “Look, he’s dropping bombs!” and at once there were explosions, and I could see smoke. This man actually saw the bombs fall. At first I thought they might be near Bourne Road, and after hastily putting Bob inside I cycled down there and made enquiries but it was obviously a long way off. This evening I heard there were four bombs, and they fell on Berechurch Road, near the new camp, one right on the road, doing no damage or injuries. About half an hour after this the alarm blew, but nothing else happened. Bought half a ton of straw for 35/-. Cheap.

25th October 1940

Began washing the Horkesley figures. No siren all day. Got two suppers tonight, at Rose’s and the Rallings. Beautiful fine day.

24th October 1940

Heard today of a serious disaster at Braintree. Two land mines fell the other evening on the East Road – St Mary’s Road area, and caused great damage, though only about 27 houses were rendered useless. Thousands of windows were smashed, but by a merciful miracle nobody was killed and only a very few hurt badly enough to go to hospital.

No siren all day, though lots of planes over. Two loud explosions to E. at 9.15 tonight.

23rd October 1940

I heard today that a Colchester man, who lives in Wellington St., and is a conscientious objector, has been put in an army prison in the Isle of Man, and has been badly hurt for refusing to obey military orders. May the Gods protect him.