9th October 1942

Friday

Fine early, but rain later, so I did not go to Boast’s to fetch my trap, as the varnish is scarcely dry.  The trap was being varnished in preparation for Rudsdale to drive to Joanna Round's wedding which was held at Birch Hall on 10th October 1942.  An account of the day of the wedding is available in E.J. Rudsdale's book.

Long statements in the “Standard” tonight about the air-raids, especially with reference to the treatment of the dead.  In the Council Minutes for last Wednesday’s meeting there was a lengthy report from the Mortuary Officer regarding the people killed at Severalls in August, and long discussions about the urgent necessity of having a large communal grave ready for the next lot.  The ARP people delight in these morbid details.

If an equal amount of care and worry was given to the protection of the living, the rescuing of furniture and the repairing of houses, it might be better for all of us.

The Civil Defence Committee Minutes now take up more space than any other Committee of the Corporation.

8th October 1942

Thursday

Cloudy but fine, with high wind.  The first thing I think about when I wake in the morning is whether or not it is going to be a cloudy day, [which might bring air raids] and I spend a good deal of time staring out of the window, hoping the weather will not get too bad.

7th October 1942

Wednesday

This morning interviewing gangers for the [War Agricultural] Committee.  Rather a poor lot, nothing suitable.

Tonight there was a small thunderstorm, with a good deal of lightening, and in the midst of it we could hear many planes going out to sea.  I felt sure that one of them at least would crash with its load of bombs.  We could hear several turn round and go back when they reached the coast.

5th October 1942

Monday

Dull all day until teatime, but no attacks.  This morning towed Joy’s trap in to Boast’s Yard, as she is bringing in the Lawford Hall phaeton [for repairs], and wants something to drive back.

4th October 1942

Sunday

Woke at 6.  Up at 8, a thick fog, very damp.  Went to the office for an hour and a half, writing letters and doing tracings.  To the stables.  Catholics going down Priory St. to Mass – they always seem to be in a hurry.  Went to Spalding, down Hythe Hill, to borrow his trap. Paxman’s Home Guard Company was parading on the Hill.  Two little choir-girls, carrying their surplices, hurried out of Artillery Street towards St. Leonards’.  Went down to Bourne Mill and had a look at Bob.  Can't make up my mind whether to drive tandem next Saturday or not [to go to Joanna Round's wedding].

Went to Watts’ to pay stable rent.  Amazed to see the Garrison Church guarded by two Bren guns on lorries, while the service was in progress, as a protection against dive-bombers. There was one near the Royal Mortar, and the other on the pavement outside Dr. Clendon’s near Albion Grove.  This is the first sign of military “preparedness” I have seen in Colchester since the Australians left.

Had to go to Holly Trees again after lunch, and walked back through the Alleys.  Most of the houses in Portugal Terrace have been vacated, but the damage is not very serious.  There was a “Special” on duty at the corner behind the Terrace, smoking a cigarette while his steel helmet hung on the railings.  I could see several overturned goods wagons on the sidings below.  Two bombs had entirely destroyed three or four allotments behind the Magdalen Almshouses.  Chatted with the “Special” and remarked how fortunate the men and horses in the coalyard had been, and how calm they were.  He said “There’s a lot of advantage in being in horse work in times like these.”

Had an early lunch at home, and then drove over to Lawford in Spalding’s trap (mine is being repainted).  This ralli used to belong to old Dan Abbott Green of Donyland.  Very pleasant drive.  All fog gone, a lovely warm, sunny, afternoon.  Ardleigh Park looked lovely, great masses of fallen leaves making a complete carpet across the road.  Just as I arrived at Sherbourne Mill, pretty Margery Watmore came down the field path with the two Parrington children, her yellow hair gleaming in the sun.

This evening writing and drawing.  Mounted some photos.

3rd October 1942

Saturday

Fog cleared, but low clouds continued.  Some Hurricanes flew over this afternoon, when it cleared a bit, but there was no alarm all day.  The town was as crowded as usual.  Immense queues waiting to go in the cinemas.  Either the people have no apprehension of attacks or else they are past caring what happens.

Saw our two Land Girls from Fingringhoe riding into town on their own horses, looking very smart.  They tie-up at The Bull. 

On duty tonight.  A thickening fog seems to promise a quiet time.  Michaelmas Horse Sale today – three entries.

1st October 1942

Thursday

Awakened at 5.30 by heavy rain.  Up at 6.45, to find dull lowering clouds, and at once felt anxious and afraid [owing to the recent air raids on Colchester on cloudy days].  The rain ceased.  Cycled to Ardleigh, and just caught the train.  All the way anxiously scanned the sky for a break in the weather, and was glad to see a little blue sky showing in the west.  Had breakfast, and was just going to the lavatory when the sirens sounded.  A plane came over from the east at once, well above the clouds.  I went into the St Mary’s Churchyard, and saw the Gas Company men preparing to go into their shelter should anything happen, but nothing did.  Went back, had another cup of tea, and cycled down to the office by the back streets, feeling very much on edge all the time.  There seemed to be several people in all the shelters, and wardens were on duty.  All clear came 10 minutes after I reached the office.

Then the clouds all blew away, and there was a lovely clear sky.  How glad I was to see it.