10th June 1944

Saturday
Lot of ‘planes over in the night.  Rain this morning.  Rather late in, but nobody noticed.  Surprised to receive a memo: from Writtle regarding arrangements to be made in this District in event of an invasion and the evacuation of Colchester.  Seems a little unnecessary now.

Soldiers marching past in the rain, singing “My old man said ‘Follow the van’”.  Several pair-horse wagons going by.  Busy all morning.  More serious trouble with the Women's Land Army but the Writtle authorities refuse to take any action, even in the worst cases.

This afternoon to see the Repertory Company, but not a very good show.

Weather became finer and warmer about tea time.  Called on Alderman Sam Blomfield and mentioned the possibility of my returning to the Museum.  The suggestion was rather coldly received, and he was obviously embarrassed at the prospect.  He seems to prefer to have me outside the Museum, to be used as a consultant wherever he wishes, rather than to have me back and risk trouble with Hull.  All very well, but I am not going to stand for this sort of thing, and I will see that the Committee soon understand my position.

Had tea at Jacklin’s, then called at home.  Father very well.  Called at Winnock Lodge, and saw Dick Ralling from Southend.  He is now driving an old bus, converted for use as an ambulance, and was expecting to be called back at any moment.  They have been ‘standing by’ for weeks, but don't know quite what for.  All the drivers have been warned for action next week.

At 9 o’clock called at the American Red Cross Club in Priory St, with a message from Poulter to Miss Marie Wall, a delightful black lady of about 25.  Talked for an hour or so, and then to Boxted.  Clouds coming up again, and not many ‘planes about.  Hopes for yet another quiet night.