Went out to Boxted this evening to see the Roses, who were just going off to do their turn at firewatching. I went along with them, getting there just at nine. They were anxious to hear the News, and had brought their radio with them. As it was so near time, they switched it on in the school yard, and standing there under the stars, with searchlights waving far away to the south, I heard the chimes of Big Ben, as clearly as if I had been on the Embankment, followed by the information that the United States is now at war with both Germany and Italy. So another chapter of misery and death begins.
It is strange how I have before heard momentous news over the radio in the most unlikely places. Five years ago tonight, I was standing outside North Station with Hervey Benham, waiting for his sister, when I heard King Edward VIII’s farewell speech coming from a radio in an empty car just outside the station.
Cycled back at 10, by the light of dozens of searchlight beams.
10th December 1941
News today that the “Prince of Wales” and the “Repulse” have been sunk in the China Seas by Japanese planes. Quite incredible. Apparently these huge ships were sent out without air escort into a region infested with Japanese air-craft carriers. There was a large notice in the “County Telegraph” window at lunch time, headed “Naval Losses”. Hervey Benham was at lunch, full of gloom and misery.
My photographs are going well. Got another lot from Mason’s today and paid them a bill of £2-10-0.
EJR's collection of historic photos of Colchester, entitled 'The Prospect of Colchester' was assembled as a record of historic buildings and streets in Colchester in case they were destroyed by bomb damage.
My photographs are going well. Got another lot from Mason’s today and paid them a bill of £2-10-0.
EJR's collection of historic photos of Colchester, entitled 'The Prospect of Colchester' was assembled as a record of historic buildings and streets in Colchester in case they were destroyed by bomb damage.
E.J. Rudsdale Book Signing at Colchester Castle Museum - 14th December 2011
I will be signing copies of E.J. Rudsdale's Journals of Wartime Colchester at Colchester Castle Museum's Christmas Open Evening on Wednesday 14th December 2011 from 3pm-8.30pm.
The Castle will be open for free and there will be festive entertainment for the whole family and a Christmas market.
I hope you can join us and I look forward to meeting you.
Best wishes, Catherine Pearson
The Castle will be open for free and there will be festive entertainment for the whole family and a Christmas market.
I hope you can join us and I look forward to meeting you.
Best wishes, Catherine Pearson
6th December 1941 - Civil Defence Exercise
Capt. Folkard saw Thurgood yesterday, and he says our deferments are all practically certain, which cheered me a good deal.
Great manoeuvres today. The town was “attacked” by “invaders”, and the whole of the Civil Defence Organisation was on duty to deal with the various “incidents” which were to occur.
At 9.30 I went out for some supper, and just as I crossed the street by All Saints Church, a car drove up, two men got out, and threw a lighted cracker into the road, where it exploded with a tremendous report. Immediately an ARP ambulance, coming up East Hill, ran clear over the imaginary “crater”. The two firework throwers waited a few moments for wardens to come and take charge of the incident, but nobody came, so they got in the car and drove away. It was only when I had eaten my supper that I realised that as a special-constable I ought to have taken charge until a warden appeared.
Bourne Mill was broken open by Canadian soldiers early this afternoon, as they were instructed to hold the place and search for “parachute-troops”. So far as I know nothing was stolen.
Great manoeuvres today. The town was “attacked” by “invaders”, and the whole of the Civil Defence Organisation was on duty to deal with the various “incidents” which were to occur.
At 9.30 I went out for some supper, and just as I crossed the street by All Saints Church, a car drove up, two men got out, and threw a lighted cracker into the road, where it exploded with a tremendous report. Immediately an ARP ambulance, coming up East Hill, ran clear over the imaginary “crater”. The two firework throwers waited a few moments for wardens to come and take charge of the incident, but nobody came, so they got in the car and drove away. It was only when I had eaten my supper that I realised that as a special-constable I ought to have taken charge until a warden appeared.
Bourne Mill was broken open by Canadian soldiers early this afternoon, as they were instructed to hold the place and search for “parachute-troops”. So far as I know nothing was stolen.
5th December 1941
To Writtle today. Took cycle on train to Chelmsford, called at the Market. Fair lot of horses there, and quite a number of traps. Could not wait to see any sold. At Writtle, various business, and tried to see Thurgood about my deferment, but could not. However, Capt. Folkard was there today, and promised he would help.
2nd December 1941
Much telephoning to and from Writtle [ie: Writtle Agricultural Institute near Chelmsford where the Essex War Agricultural Executive was based] all day today. Their telephone account must be enormous. Late this afternoon there was a call from Mr. Thurgood, the National Service Officer, for me, to enquire my age, registration number, military service number, etc., as an application was to be made to the Ministry for my deferment. This sounds rather grim and alarming, so I rushed home to find my cards and telephoned the information at once. He also wants the details concerning Nott and Spencer [EJR's work colleagues at the War Agricultural Committee]. I have a feeling that if one of us is to be taken it will be me. Fine and cold, then thick fog this evening.
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