2nd April 1944

Sunday

Forgot that the clocks were advanced another hour, so that when I got up at 10 it was really 11.  Had terrible stomach pains about 5a.m.  It went off though about 9, and was able to eat a decent breakfast.  Delighted to hear it raining hard in the night, and it kept on all morning.

Had a much-needed bath and went into Colchester for lunch at the old home.  Heard that Mr. Cripwell was dead, and buried on Friday.  He was one of Father’s oldest friends, and they were both teachers at Barrack Street School 50 years ago.  I remember hearing as a child how his first wife, whom my Mother knew well, was dying of cancer.  It made a great impression on me.  We lived opposite the Cripwells at 63 Wimpole Road.  Annie Ralling is apparently no better, and will see no-one.  Cannot see what I can do to help, except to get eggs.

The rain stopped, so I went over to Dedham, but was disappointed to find that the Sissons were out.  Had a cup of tea with Mathews, her brother, who ‘pumped’ me gently as to what I had seen in Wales.  Told him very little.  Also talked about the possibility of exhibiting British domestic livestock at Whipsnade, perhaps in genuine farm buildings acquired for that purpose.  He is very enthusiastic.

Went over to Lawford and bought some eggs.  Saw the Conrans in Dedham Street, cycling towards Higham.  Dodo told me last night that Louis MacNiece, the author, and his wife Hedley Anderson, are now at the cottage with the Conrans. 

Clouds thinned, but the glass remains low.  Hope for more rain.  Called at Box House, Dedham, and Homedale, Boxted, to try to settle two very complicated queries which have been worrying me for some time, but with little success.  Folkard has no idea how these stupid and apparently insolvable queries irritate me.

Stomach better tonight, but decided to have no supper. 

In the Sunday papers it is reported that the Americans yesterday bombed the Swiss town of Schaffenhausen, in broad daylight, killing 30.  Yet they are said to be able to bomb a target accurately on the blackest night, in the worst weather.  Also recorded that the RAF have shot down an American ‘plane by mistake.

The Germans claim that they destroyed 140 RAF bombers in the last raid, and we admit to losing 96.  The papers now full of excuses for the disaster.

Light until after 9 tonight, the sky clouded and birds in Sprott’s Marsh singing in the thinly falling rain, with the moon showing as a pale yellow glow.