Wartime diary of a customs officer: Ch 30 - Jan and Feb 1944

JANUARY 1944
1 SAT After a normal day rummaging, left work for home via Raynes Park, as my first concession on receiving my month’s money (today, is to visit Brown — house agent and pay month’s rent = £7-1-0d. Other immediate debts paid were season ticket (Morden — Moorgate) = £1-5-6d, and electricity bill for quarter = £3-3-0d. Then on to Mum’s, to thank all for their monitory help with Peter’s memorial rose tree, which has amounted to 32s/6d. Stayed tea and received phone call from Kay, saying news of our loss had reached Aurea and that she was on her way. She arrived 10.30.
2 SUN Aurea soon gave practical demonstration of her sympathy by giving Kay all aid possible. Kay was too busy, and so intent with Aurea’s company that she had no time to grieve much over Peter, except one occasion when she was resting in evening.
3 MON First Monday in year:- the PO’s changed stations. No new faces at the "Harpy". The PO in charge of the Mobile crew, brought along his new Ford car so there was very little difference in travelling, to last year.
4 TUE My bedmate of the last 2 nights rebelled, Betty saying she would rather sleep on mattress on floor in large bedroom with others, than be cramped with me in single bed. A beautiful day of wintry sunshine: did many jobs for self on the "Harpy". Found Beryl and John down from sick-bed, which gave me happiness to see them bright and sparkling after recent troubles.
5 WED A full day with some success. At home, found Aurea busy covering Pouffe with discarded knitted (by Mum) dressing gown: looks well, but fear stitching will run.
6 THU During the kiddies illness, I have risen a little earlier, and left a good fire burning in the dining room. This has given Kay and Aurea a start off in the morning. Doctor came, all progressing well, Pauline teething, I think. Beryl and John are definitely ‘up’. Removing gear from "Harpy" locker to home, for transfer to Surrey on Tuesday. The girls went for moonlight walk.
7 FRI Aurea was up 5.30 making a bottle for Pauline. She also gets up in night for fire, which they still continue to have in bedroom overnight. Again, left them a brightly burning fire to start off day with. At work, much packing and clearing of lockers, prep for removing. Half my effects are at home (6/1). Aurea’s last evening with us.
8 SAT Final clearance of all effects on the "Harpy": cleared up my mobile clerical accounts and handed all over in perfect order. On fire watching duties in evening, but found time to fly home to Kay and the children who are now quite well. Had a cheery fire watchers supper under our splendid leader, Mr Strong, feeling rather regretful that it will be my last for at least a year, should the war last that long. Aurea returned home to Crew.
9 SUN Was up once in the night, and a 6 am rising for fire watchers breakfast. Shook hands in parting with leader and principal members of the fire watch team, and was home by 9 am. Talked over inscription plate for Peter’s rose tree.
10 MON A day’s leave for the especial purpose of Roy and I attending Streatham Park cemetery (2.15) for the scattering of Peter’s Ashes. The crematorium chaplain said a few prayers, and Peter’s Ashes were poured around foot of a pink rose tree selected. Kay was affected — a sad moment.
11 TUE Joined Surrey Docks Water-guard station as a boarding officer, my PO to be Mr Jack Matthews, with whom, I think I shall co-operate well. For the first day, at least, all went splendidly. Fares 1/5d, travel time 2½ hours — not so good.
12 WED Took balance of my ‘gear’ to Surrey and am now ‘settled in’. The day’s work came more easily, although whilst I remain an APO I fear it will never be exactly pleasant. Had a sorrowful period when “Mighty like a rose” was played on radio — Peter’s remembrance song.
13 THU Falling into habit of catching on certain train in morning, which proves I shall be able to travel workman’s when present season is out. Spent part of lunch time calling on bulk of Surrey Docks news-paper shops to get a “Daily Mirror”, Kay’s favourite paper — but of no avail — must be reserved. 14 FRI A beautiful mild sunshine nearly all day. The doctor came and “cleared” us; i.e., said all were fit again. His bill is £2-6-0d.
15 SAT Very cold and foggy. Buses, Grand Drive end running reasonably: but at London Bridge, not so good — made for tram and waited about 15 minutes before boarding one. Quick run round station in order to leave for ½ day. First to canteen in dock and home 2.50! Beryl to her first party, quite enjoyed it, and behaved well. So foggy, I had to fetch her.
17 MON Not on till 4 pm and then on till 8 am Tuesday continuously. Helped Kay with housework and children: left home at 2.40 pm. Quite an occupied evening patrolling and doing clerical. Almost enjoyable.
18 TUE First combined 4/11 and 11/8 watch passed satisfactorily. If all night watches are as first, shall be quite happy. Home 9.15.
19 WED Since Peter’s death, Kay has insisted in sleeping in big front bedroom with all her children around her. Betty and Beryl in bed with her; John in cot by side, Pauline in wicker cot at foot. I was on at 4/11, and had a quiet evening.
20 THU Prompt relief from night-watch, and home to Kay and children by 9.15. Made fire and took up tea and bottles, and then went to bed till dinner time. Kay went shopping in afternoon, and cashed her own and Betty’s war savings certificates in order to pay undertakers bill (£8-10s gross) tomorrow. Kay and Betty went to cinema.
21 FRI Kay and I slept in my single bed as Pauline deprives Kay of sleep. Rather a tight fit, but both had reasonable sleep. Kay took Beryl and John out shopping with her in morning. Withdrew Peter’s, Kay’s, Betty’s and Beryl’s war savings certificates to pay undertakers bill = £8, Doctor = £3.
22 SAT 4 pm yesterday — 8 am this morning’s watch passed normally except for an hour’s air raid, with (almost) incessant gun and rocket fire, and a second raid am, both heavier than usual.
24 MON A night with a PO of note from a north convoy port: he had many interesting stories to tell. Prompt relief, and home by 9.30: Did not go to bed till after dinner and slept soundly for 3 hours, which put me right for the evening.
25 TUE Only pleasure of the morning rush round to get me off to work on time was a short relaxation period after breakfast when I nursed Pauline and had Beryl and John at my knee: the greatest happiness of these days. “Don’t go to work, Daddy” they say. At work: the busiest we have been so far.
26 WED Away promptly after the night watch. Met Betty with 3 little friends, bound for school. “Here’s my Daddy” Betty said, and I felt quite proud of her. She and Kay went to Raynes Park cinema in evening.
27 THU . Kay bustled to get me off to 4 pm duty. Listened to Tommy Handley whilst there.
28 FRI Left for home 8 am. Have now a settled return on the night watch, after much trial and error. Talked over February budget — things look grim, Kay inclined to worry
29 SAT Good night’s rest, but Kay had another bad night. I blamed her for not turning in with me after giving Pauline her night bottle. Received steel loft ladder from Bentalls, 7/6d, useful but extremely dangerous finger trap. Examined loft and cleaned up a little. Much excitement on evening watch, another escape from death, and a night of activity as a result of bombing.
30 SUN The hectic night watch was over at 8, but owing to late relief and bad transport, I did not get home until nearly 10 am. Kay left the house with Betty, Beryl and John, for a visit to Streatham cemetery — 3 pm. It was the children’s first visit; Beryl was greatly impressed and wanted to be left in the garden “with God”
31 MON Back to the 8/4 again: by far the best of all watches, although no overtime earned. The short 8 hour watch soon passed and I was off to Raynes Park on various business. Learned from agent as I paid rent, our land lady desirous of selling our house — to us if possible.
FEBRUARY 1944
1 TUE Experimenting with new proposed route to work from South Merton Station as fares via Morden and London Bridge work out 1s/4d daily — too dear. A (seemingly) short 8/4, and home via Raynes Park again, this time, there after enamel pans — no good however.
2 WED Made the experiment today. A success outward but a failure homeward bound. Did not get home till 5.30 pm.
3 THU Pauline has caught John’s cold and Kay had disturbed night. We called Doctor immediately, not wanting a repetition of Peter’s case. Kay not entirely satisfied with Doctor Powell-Evans and desired a change, so had a doctor Kramer, who pleased her. Pauline is in no danger. Better travelling homeward bound by South Merton — South Bermondsey route today. Air raid in evening but soon over.
4 FRI A very busy day with much walking about the bleak open spaces of Surrey Docks in the intensely cold wind: snow expected any time. At home, found John better, Pauline improved, but Beryl with a shocking cold. Kay worried and not too good herself. Bright spot: received £12 seizure money.
5 SAT Still a very cold wind, but only ½ day’s work at Surrey Dock. Lunch in the dock canteen where we get the best meal ever, for 11d, sweet 3d. Estimate the value of the dinner at, say, “Alf’s”, the café at which we ate last year, as with 1s-6d. Home to Kay and children, Beryl very poorly, but improving. Missed our chance of orange allowance (1lb per head) at Co-op, but may obtain it elsewhere. Mum lent us 1 lb and John and Beryl danced for joy when they saw them. How we wish the war was ended!
6 SUN Health news today (and how we watch the children’s health since we lost little Pete!). Kay a little improved, Beryl still bad, others OK An 8/4 Sunday, busy and in pleasant company. Home 5.30.
7 MON Kay very bad in night, came in to me for consolation at about 5 am. Rather crushed in a single bed but we did manage to get a little more sleep before getting up. On at 4 pm: assisted with the kiddies and Kay went shopping am and was better for the outing. Co-op had 2nd orange allocation and Kay secured 6 lb after waiting 2 ½ hours (children in pram).
8 TUE First night watch of the fortnight passed with no air raid — a circumstance whilst at Surrey Dock of which to be grateful.
9 WED There was a great deal of hurry owing to Kay having to get to clinic for food, and then do shopping. She took Beryl and John who enjoyed it. I left usual time; and had an evening fully occupied on shipping.
10 THU “Fully occupied” (9/2) were the words to describe the early morning’s activities, too, and I reached home very tired. After dinner, assisted Kay generally as she wished to go to cinema with Betty. They enjoyed the show.
11 FRI Kay for dental treatment 10 am. Up before Betty left for school and had Kay off punctually for appointment. She took advantage of being out early and had a ‘hair-do’. I was at work on time. Short ‘alert’ in evening. Kiddies all well now.
12 SAT Away from Surrey at 8 and home before those at home were stirring, Betty not having to wake others up by getting up for school. Betty went to cinema with her friends after dinner. She took Beryl with her, who had much to tell us about the film on her return — in her childish, innocent manner. The children could not obtain 1s seats in Wimbledon, and finally went to Raynes Park “Rialto”, where Betty saw the film again! They got home in darkness.
13 SUN After good night’s sleep in my own bed, at the proper time for sleeping — night-time, I felt quite well. At work, we commenced a busy night right away.
14 MON After another very busy night, arrived home only fit for bed. But Beryl, John and Pauline made so much noise in the living room below, and our next door neighbour have their radio on so loud that I was unable to get more than a couple of hours.
15 TUE Kay’s dental appointment, therefore up with Betty when she got up for school. Work at 2.30.
16 WED Bought a copy of the womenfolk’s favourite newspaper — Daily Mirror; not often seen on news stands these days. Early closing, so I could not go to bed till after dinner, as Kay went shopping am. Both she and Betty went to Raynes Park cinema in evening.
17 THU Kay’s final visit to Grand Drive dentist: cost this time: 10/6d, but I am glad she is persuaded to have them done at last. A delicacy for dinner — at least, for Kay and the children, fish and chips! Very scarce these days. Turned very cold, flakes of snow falling: not so pleasant walking about docks till nightfall. Anthracite-stoves well attended.
18 FRI The snow continued the flake dry, though it did not settle, fear of water pipes. Kay and Betty to the cinema in evening.
19 SAT Had one of the biggest air raids of recent months at 1.30 am: the AA barrage was terrific. At times, it seemed concentrated overhead, and I feared Jerry might drop his “eggs” and beat it. Apart from shrapnel, heard nothing fall. Impossible to tell bomb explosions from gun fire, anyway. Kay very upset all day, mostly on topic of Peter and the responsibility for his death. We all come in for censure, particularly members of my family. Kay a little distraught: I make light of her occasional ravings. A pleasant 4/midnight watch.
20 SUN Very cold still, but the PO and I have mastered the art of stoking the anthracite stoves, and kept the office quite warm. Coldest part of homeward journey = waiting for Raynes Park bus in the forecourt of Morden station. Worst air raid yet at 9.30 pm.
21 MON We were both tired owing to the raid keeping us up late yesterday to a 2nd alert at 4 am, and with Pauline keeping us awake with her strident crying until 8 am. Met Mr Matthews at Trinity Road Station for my overtime. Much evidence of bomb damage.
22 SHROVETUE We had lemons for our pancakes! A supply from conquered Sicily was distributed in London — 1lb per head. Went down to see Mum for the evening. Talk at Fairway, as everywhere, of renewed bombing of London. Dad on Fire watch.
23 WED A day which simply flew by, with nothing important seeming to be done! Another air raid, with biggest AA fire since start of war (according to radio news), took place in early hours. U.X.B. 200 yards away. Received visit from school official re Beryl at same school as Betty — No good. Kay and Betty went to Raynes Park cinema. Visit by Station First aid post leader.
24 THU Short “alert” as children were going to school. Betty came tearing back home. Air raid in evening.
25 FRI Unrestful night due to worry about necessity of early rising (6 am), and to worry re nearby U.X.B. which as it fell, seemed on our doorstep. Raids once again, a nightly occurrence, but my South Merton to South Bermondsey route to work O.K. Hard day, tired when I walk the 20 minute journey to station. Have concluded this route to work not worth the money saved. Quiet evening: no raid this time.
26 SAT The relief from the sequence of air raids meant I had the best night’s sleep of the week. Half day, which finished at noon, but had lunch in dock canteen and reached home at 2.15 pm. Betty at cinema with some of her little pals. We had a “high supper” of cold beef (next week’s joint) and green salad. Kay talked of penetrative power of new incendiaries, arranged for kids removal downstairs.
27 SUN Worked from 8.30 am — 9.30 pm with only stops for meals. Reason: Re-organising bedrooms (see 6/2). Children now on bed settee, John and Pauline in their cots alongside. Kay with them, or sometimes with me in large bedroom.
28 MON Undisturbed night (Air raids). Usual rush around to get my dinner on time! I left at 2.45 pm. Evening duties were un-hurried and had good read over meals.
29 TUE No worries during night. Prompt relief, and home (hoar frost; very cold waiting in Morden station fore-court) by 9.20. John Paul and Beryl all have colds, and gave Kay a bad night.

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