18th March 1943

Thursday

Just as it became light, the sirens wailed out.  I was still in bed, and lay there dozing until the all-clear just after 7.  No sound of planes or bombs.

Lovely fine day, blazing sun, but two more alarms this afternoon.  A few Spitfires flew round, but nothing happened.  Heard that it was on the radio that five girls were killed during the alarm this morning, in “an East Anglian town.”

Mr. and Mrs. Sisson called to see Poulter, and I came back with them in their car.  Sisson had been to Exeter to report on damage to the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.  Said a great deal of wanton damage had been done by the demolition squads.  He promised to give me full details later. 

Frank Girling came to supper tonight.  He seemed to think that RAF raids on Germany were a very good thing, and must have a very wonderful effect.

Another alarm just after tea, and for a few minutes there was heavy gunfire towards the N.E.  Two or three planes flew about, but they seemed to be English.  Then there was silence, although there was no all-clear until 11.30.  I think the long-drawn note of the all-clear is the finest sound in the world, especially when it comes wailing through the cold night air.

Clouds came up this afternoon, about 4 o’clock, but now the moon is shining in a clear cold sky.  Feel very pleased that I have a day off tomorrow.