19th March 1943

Friday

Cloudy all day, but the sun came through every few minutes.  Very cold.  Drove Robin over to the Little Bromley blacksmith, Kent, to have his feet pared.  He had not been in harness for two and a half months, but went very well.  Very badly behaved at the smithy, and it was all I could do to hold him.  Did not get back until 2 p.m., and so had a very late lunch.  We are right out of hay again, and I cannot get any more either here of Colchester.  Dont know what to do.  Feel like selling the cob.

This afternoon really wasted – sat by fire and read “Pickwick Papers.”  I wish I could force myself to work hard when I have time off from the office.

Clouds prevailed all day, yet no alarms.  Few RAF planes about.  Noticed today how many trains came through hauled by two engines.  Are the engines becoming old and worn-out, so that two are needed?

Extraordinary case in the papers – a colonel of a training regiment at Matlock apparently went quite mad, and issued ludicrous and insane orders, so that his men were the laughing stock of the whole town.  After a lot of trouble, and agitation by M.P.s, he was removed from his command – and given an appointment at the same rank on the Staff. 

Tonight clouds still cover the sky, the moon behind them throwing a sort of twilight over everything.