Wartime diary of a customs officer: Ch21 - Jul to Sep 1942

JULY 1942

1 WED Principal item of today was Clarice’s concern over the loss of her engagement ring, and joy at it’s recovery — on the skirting board of the cupboard under knife drawer (kitchenette)- ???. 800 cigarettes seized on ship today, but no culprit forthcoming: my first mobile seizure. Called Mum’s with money for our birthday gift to Mum.(see 20/6). Mum working since Monday — 9.30 till 1. 31/- a week.

2 THU Travelled to vessel in last endeavour to find owner of yesterday’s seizure noted yesterday’s entry. No good, but pleased to have achieved a result whilst on Mobile. Searched shops to find a suitable birthday card for Kay, but they are in limited supply. (paper shortage), and then, badly produced. Received electricity bill for first quarter, 30/-. Kay and Betty went to the “Holidays at Home” dancing on Cannon Hill. I listened in and guarded kids.

3 FRI Received book “The Pathetic Fallacy” (see 29/6) from a very quick reading PO! And a request for “The Evidence….” Proof of his interest in the common question of “Who and what am I”. Dad was unable to get me a reasonably priced wrist watch for Kay, so I met her on way home from Morden and we bought slippers as a part present from myself. Also a small gift to be from Betty, bless her.

4 SAT Kay’s 34th birthday. Had a little bedside gift giving and good wishing before I left home for work; for in addition to gifts mentioned (3/7) I had a rain proof shopping bag complete with ration book pocket and pouchette for harbouring them, as a present to be made from Mum. Early morning cards numbered 3 with 5 following in a later post (and a parcel of pillowslips from Myrtle). Met Kay at Morden again, bought her porcelain figure of “Pooh Bak” (from “The Mikado) 12s/11d, also promised her 3 other characters and had them put aside.

7 TUE Probably the longest day on official business since first joined the Customs 14 years ago. I got up at 7 am and reached bed at night after mid-night, being actively on duty, 9 am — 10.30 pm. This , however, only compensated for other occasions when we have done short periods of duty. Enjoyed the travelling and the Rummage. Kay poorly.

9 THU A great packing up and evacuation of "Harpy", due for a few days in dry dock. Further complication, telegram from Ipswich, for which we set off 10 am, lunching en route and arriving 2 pm. A lucky seizure made by our timely arrival falling to me. A large fish supper (2s/9d) and a short cinema show completed my evening when I returned to the “Duke of Kent” to a clean feather bed. Boys not in till 1 am.

10 FRI There was AA gunfire during night, but no general warning. Bathroom scramble, a good breakfast, and we left for office, visiting ship once more and then set off to London. Same good luncheon on way back; arrived London 4.30, and dropped from car at Oval, for home. Kay out seeing Vera’s show, children in charge, Betty packed bag for fire watching, but on returning to London, found I wasn’t needed, so returned home.

11 SAT Alternative meeting place to the "Harpy" — West India Dock has been selected. Met the car at Monument, and went down. A locker was secured between the 4 of us — normally each locker serves one man only: but as visitors, we were kindly treated. Vera and Marie were away at matinee, Kingston Empire, Betty swimming in recompense for guarding children last night.

13 MON Joined at West India Dock, Bob Elton, APO, our Mobile car owner, picking us up at Monument. There was a journey and some success during the day, and I was not home till 6.45 pm. Betty went to school at usual times, but for games under the “holidays at home” scheme. Also has her milk allowance there. All kiddies fine: Vera with us a week “out” (no work).

14 TUE Hairdressing establishments being barely open when we commence work in the morning, and closed when we finish at night, our meeting time was adjourned to allow for our monthly visit thereto. The Station Hairdresser, Morden, required 1/3d per person and tip: I therefore had it done in town where the standard price of 1 shilling plus tip prevails. (that is far too high) How gullible are the English public!

17 FRI Returned to a Medway port for one of our seizure officers to attend a court case. Result, a conviction. Hurried back to town in convoy with yet another seizure, whereafter, I left for home, meeting Kay at Morden. Bought the second of our four Gilbert and Sullivan opera figures as special treat to Kay.

18 SAT A cold, grey day with drizzling rain mostly filled with clerical work, and more pleasant, collection and distribution of seizure rewards. The "Harpy" staff have settled down in the Custom House. Room 149 seemed reasonably comfortable: Three weeks is the latest estimate of the” Harpy’s" absence: shall be glad when she is back, and I am back in my normal Boarding job. Home for the evening, I wrote a letter to George in RAF camp, Cambridge.

21 TUE A day rivalling 7/7 in duration of duty: this time: 10 am till 9.15 pm, reaching London too late to catch train connecting with last 118 bus, and therefore had to walk for 25 minutes from Morden.

22 WED Sleep from 12.45am till 6.45 am only: felt the shortage of hours in the afternoon after I had morning’s rummage. An early night in bed was not possible, as Kay went to see the gruesome film “Retreat of Germans Before Moscow” in Wimbledon and I looked after kiddies till she returned at 10.45 (not, of course, that I mind).

23 THU Blew hard almost all day: rummaging in overalls on open deck very unpleasant. In the office, perused a monthly publication “The Collector”, for connoisseurs of works of art: very engrossing; should look other copies, but 2/- each. Betty went out to “Holidays at Home” dancing at Joseph Hood’s Rec., and Kay walked that way for a fish supper.

24 FRI Whilst located at West India Dock, we use the new PLA canteen, where we get a good dinner for 10d, sweet 3½d and tea (if needed) 1½d. These meal services are a boon, but there is some question as to whether we are entitled to use them:- they are open to all dock workers and heavy manual workers. Kay visited Mum to collect rations which still have to be obtained at Raynes Park. In bed when she returned.

27 MON 2 early morning air raid warnings but over in a few minutes. Such occasions are now rare. Dull day and pouring hard with rain during morning. First overtime day whilst on Mobile and longest so far in job — almost the most needed, all savings used.

28 TUE Air raid warning at 2.45am following distant gunfire. Alert lasted until 3.30am, one plane passing over our district, and local gunfire once. Dressed myself and laid on bed in readiness till over. Kay and kiddies unperturbed. Appeared Custom House for fire watch but not required whilst on “Mobile”. 60 hours per week.

29 WED Looked after children in evening while Kay went to see her favourite, Bette Davis at Raynes Park.

30 THU Rather an unfortunate night: Beryl chose to continue to play in her bed for some time after I had retired, dropping toys at intervals, and then a 2 hours air raid warning, necessary dressing and more sleeplessness. The news that we were to go to Ipswich on official business and would thus be in a strange bed tonight did not please me, but the day was a success, and I saw “How Green Was My Valley”

31 FRI Raid at Ipswich, bombers coming in lower than I have ever known, so that gunfire included machine-gunfire. Otherwise slept reasonably well at the “Duke if Kent”, bed and breakfast coming to 4/6d as before. The day’s work was again, successful. So that we did not leave Ipswich till 5 pm. A number of stops on the road led to us not being in town till 9 pm. Called for salary at Custom House and was home 10.30.

AUGUST 1942

1 SAT No raid. First undisturbed rest for 3 days and felt better for it in the morning. A beautiful day: lunch at the West India Dock workers canteen, where a fully satisfying meal is supplied for 1s/1½d. Much clerical work due to Ipswich seizures, and month-end. Visited house agent, library and hairdresser on homeward bound.

2 SUN Rummaging in the locality of our previous residence, renewing acquaintance with that drab and dreary place, wonder how we ever existed there! (Dagenham)

4 TUE The prime job of work was in afternoon, and whilst engaged upon it, grazed my left ear upon the stokehold to ships side ash disposal cable, when emerging onto the deck. First aid (amateurish) on shipboard, Kay doing a better job, bathing the wound at home

6 THU Much Activity throughout the day, ourselves and all local crews — also with some success. Felt correspondingly tired at evening and welcomed Kay’s information she and Betty would leave me alone whilst they went to Raynes Park “Rialto” cinema. Terrible scourge of houseflies this year. No flypapers obtainable.

9 SUN Double summer time ended at 2 am, but I deprived the household of the extra hour in bed, because I did not alter clocks and they rose under a misapprehension. Dinner was therefore, ready nice and early. It was then I broke the news to Kay. Vera back in London, from Oxford: appearing at Woolwich, but unable to stay with us.

10 MON Put in a good hard day, and by evening, was justifiably tired, and found Kay’s reproaches over a delayed feminine function most unbearable and therefore we quarrelled, which led to a great boon — an early night abed

12 WED Telegram from Ipswich, a good journey by road, lunching at our usual place at Mark’s Tay. Our usual Ipswich luck held, and 4 seizures made, of which I secured one. After evening meal, others tried local refreshment houses, whilst I saw Technicolor “Reap the Wild Wind”, reaching hotel 10.40.

13 THU Our lads came to bed at 1.30 am amid much hilarity. They had made the best of their time in Ipswich. Perhaps I was the only one to hear the air raid warning at 3 am, but fortunately there was no local activity. A good breakfast and farewells and another visit to the ship, and afternoon, journey home, buying a bunch of roses, homeward bound, which Kay thought much of.

14 FRI There was a spate of clerical work in consequence of the seizures made yesterday.

15 SAT Kay’s Mum and Dad came on a visit, but being on duty, I was unable to meet them at Euston. They were met by Vera, however. My 17 year old Waterman pen broken: Dad will try to get repaired.

17 MON Dad came, unable to do anything about pen, but changed valve in radiogram — OK.

19 WED Volunteered for additional turns of fireguard at Customs House, London, as so many of the younger fellows have been conscripted into the Home Guard. I have contracted to do 3 turns in 28 days. for the moment, doing over 60 hours per week on Mobile, I am exempt. Altered position of front room radio.

20 THU A limited amount of activity caused an expenditure of energy in an engine room where the temperature resembled Sahara’s. Dad turned up again on his bicycle: this time with a fountain pen I had ordered, and a 5/- postal order and card for John.

21 FRI Getting our mid-day meals in the West India Dock workers canteen, where a larger meal at 9d + 3d is supplied by comparison with Fishmongers Hall lunches. Our usual plan is to meet Mr Elton’s private car at the Monument, and proceed to West India Dock: thereby being central for ship arrivals.

22 SAT On route home, called at the Morden curio shop and bought one of the china “Mikado” figures which we have on order there (15/6), the 3rd of the 4. Prices have advanced 50% since we had them put by. Shopping had been deferred till after a walk, and consternation reigned when it was learned that there was no bread left in shops. A half loaf was borrowed from Mum. Black-out is soon after 8.30 pm.

24 MON Occasion for interest today when the “London Mammoth” crane was employed when removing one of the West India Dock lock gates

25 TUE A very busy day starting at 5.45 till my reaching bed at 11.20 pm. Worked morning and afternoon, often in very hot conditions, and was tired when set out for home. An air-raid warning dislocated all homeward bound traffic however, and it was 1¾ hours later when I reached home.

26 WED Chaos on the "Harpy" as the waterguard took possession once again. Sudden pm orders for Thames Haven, whither we sped away by car in hot weather. Highly successful.

27 THU Seizures yesterday compelled our return to Thames Haven. Terrifically hot: was glad engine room rummaging was completed yesterday, and open decks order of the day. Our ship board friends soon finished the 10 daily lunches available at the “Haven” hotel and we semi regular customers had to have bread and cheese.

28 FRI Again, very hot, and in Grays, whither we went on a court case, the main thoroughfare was thronged with gaily coloured dresses and light suits. At close of duty, removed gear from West India Dock and were given a ‘soldier’s farewell’.

29 SAT First complete day back on "Harpy". 2 hours of purgatory as workmen used pneumatic drills to remove obstructing causeway which has been causing mud banks, and the "Harpy" to cant over thereon at low water. Their 4th day at it:. Only possible at low water. Lunches will have to be at Fishmongers Hotel again, and today’s was a contrast to West India Dock canteen lunches, but anyhow, enough to satisfy.

31 MON Said good-bye to Kay’s Mum and Dad who returned Blackpool on 1.05 pm train from Euston. Kay saw them off from Morden.

SEPTEMBER 1942

3 THU Kay and I were up in night for John and Beryl. No wonder Kay is tired out these days. Size of piece of beef at Fishmongers Hotel lunch today about 4” x
3”, and batter about 2 ½ inches square: potatoes in plenty however, and greens. Whole dinner with sweet, sufficient to fill.

5 SAT Beautiful sunny day. Clarice fancying shell fish, therefore bought her a lobster, 3 shillings, in Billingsgate market. Also bought her ½ lb chocolate creams — another fancy, and 1 lb cobnuts. Was let away early on account of leave starting, and had a last drink with the “boys” at the monument, who professed they had enjoyed my company for the two months. Rested in afternoon but had early tea, and tried to get in “Elite” for “Mrs Minnever” (Greer Garson). Queued for 1¼ hours and then gave it up.

8 TUE Varied the digging of a back garden path, with an occasional lounge in a wicker chair, reading “Everybody’s”. Kay still very sick, and oft-times, giddy (10/8).

9 WED A rushed morning, a meal being prepared and eaten before Kay left taking Beryl. There was an excursion to Mum’s after tea, where we just missed seeing George, home on a days leave for business at air ministry.

13 SUN Betty and her 2 friends (similar age) went gathering acorns at Cannon Hill, for chicken feed.

14 MON Kay and I went out. We looked at the Merton and Wimbledon shops and saw a moderately good film (“Sabotage at Sea”) at the “Regal”. Radio in evening.

18 FRI Saw the film for which I queued so long on 5/9. Greatly enjoyed it but poor supporting picture. Tommy Handley returned to Air, but show un-original.

20 SUN Doll and Sidney, home on leave came up to visit us in evening. Sid asked to store his furniture in our garage as he had to leave his flat. Came to an agreement of 15s per month. Greatly enjoyed “Far From the Madding Crowd”, radio play.

21 MON As for noise and bustle, things had little altered since 29/8 when I rejoined at the "Harpy" today: they are now grab dredging behind the place, normal boarding duties for the day only.John was first stage immunized.

28 MON Back to the "Harpy" once more. Work was mainly clerical: week-end returns in office PO’s absence. Firewatching at night, but was able to slip home to see how Kay was. At firewatch, a tour of the Custom House building was made: important points being indexed.

29 TUE Outcome of not being instructed sufficiently to take First Aid Certificate (November/ December last) is that I am placed assistant only in Custom House First Aid Post. Must remedy that. Allowed away early from Firewatch, and collected Kay’s tonic from Doctor at Raynes Park. Air raid warning (that came to nothing) sent me hurrying home in case Kay was frightened. Afternoon, saw “Gone With the Wind” in Wimbledon. Very good.

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