10th May 1943

Monday

Dreadful day, violent S.W. wind, quite a gale, rain at times. 

Was told this morning that Butcher, the Museum Attendant, was set on by two soldiers in Land Lane last night, about 10 o’clock.  They cut his head with a large stone, but he beat them off with his stick and they ran away.  I asked if he had reported it to the police, but he said it was not worth bothering about, as the police never take any action.  This happened when it was still quite light.  

Heavy, low clouds swept over all day, but for some reason I did not feel nervous.  Went home to lunch, and made Father laugh by reading some pieces out of Wentworth Day’s book, Farming Adventure.  [James Wentworth Day was a journalist and critic of the War Agricultural Committees].

Back to Lawford by 5.15 bus.  Very full.  Spent evening writing archaeological notes, the gale still howling outside.  Throat much better, and had a very good night last night.

I have now been here [at Sherebourne Mill, Lawford] a whole year, and in that time have not spent more than 40 nights in Colchester.  I love this place, and have been very happy here.