L E T T E R S F R O M K A YD i a r y o f T h o m a s F B e n s o n

1 9 4 4 - 1 9 4 6

C O N T E N T S

december

JANUArY

FebrUArY

mArcH

APrIL

mAY

JUNe

JULY

AUGUST

SePTember

OcTOber

NOVember

december

JANUArY

THe SILVer crOSS

1

5

19

33

43

55

69

81

93

107

119

139

145

157

167

Away Fr om Home

New Year

Jodhpur To Lahor e

Rus s ians

The End

Death o f Hi t l e r

Hot t e r & Hot t e r

Kara ch i

Japane s e Sur r ende r

The Atomi c Bomb

Demob?

Hosp i ta l

Chr i s tmas

New Year Anni v e r sa r y

By T F Benson

my Great Grandfather, Thomas Frank benson, was an engineer in the r.A.F. during WWII, he was stationed all around the UK and then in 1944 he was told to go to India. It was at this time he wrote a diary and took a vast amount of photos, showing every day life in India from the end of 1944 to the start of 1946. In a time where travelling around the world was extremely difficult and very uncommon, he got the chance to see and experience a country completely alien to 40s Britain and this book uncovers the experiences and emotions he had.

L E T T E R S F R O M K A YD i a r y o f T h o m a s F B e n s o n

They had two children, David and Maureen. Thomas met Kathleen Sivier at a dance and they then went on to get married in 1934.

He was then recruited by the R.A.F. when the war began, where he was an Engineer.He had a job as a Linotype Operator, working for The Daily Mail.

AWAY FrOm HOme2december

D E C E M B E RA w a y F r o m H o m e

1

This diary opens after my diary about 3 months away from home, 2 of which I have spent here in India, the other month on a boat on the way over. I made a separate of that month’s journey.

Sent parcel of things home to Kay, handbag, wallet, football, bracelet, pyjama material, Indian money. Pray they get home O.K.

New years night, met Kay 11 years ago at a dance, happy memories tonight.

To 31st d E C 1945TH

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43december AWAY FrOm HOme

NeW YeAr6JANUArY

J A N U A R YN e w Ye a r

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To 7th J a N 1945TH

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Went to hospital and was examined by the surgeon, an Indian one, he said “No appendicitis” but I had to have a blood test etc. On getting back I was admitted to station sick quarters with Malaria.

Had fever and sickness. What a life.

10

First day in hospital, pretty bad.

From 1 s t J a N 1945W

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Went to M.O’s with pinches and pains in stomach. He suspects appendicitis so have to go to hospital tomorrow. Feeling pretty grim and off my food.

Went to hospital and was examined by the surgeon, an Indian one, he said “No appendicitis” but I had to have a blood test etc. On getting back I was admitted to station sick quarters with Malaria.

9

managed to write a letter but it looked so bad I tore it up – might make Kay think I am really ill as my hand shakes as I write and it might disturb her. Go out today for two days then back again.

My head is cleared today thank heaven and I have eaten. Have had plenty of time to think and have nearly finished my story “The Silver Cross”.

In between sleeping and writing my story, I remember it is my birthday today. 30 years of age and still in the mob, in India and blimey! I’m in hospital again. Indeed, as I said before, “what a life”.

To 14th J a N 1945TH

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The treatment given to me seems to be sending me deaf. All I do is sleep. The food in here is grand but I am on a light diet and don’t want it anyway.

Deaf as a post – can’t even hear myself speak – what a change (quiet). Still feeling pretty rotten but have learnt that they got hold of it in time and I shall be over the worse.

Only a slight attack, thank heaven, for most of the chaps in here are really terribly ill, poor devils.

From 8 t h J a N 1945W

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Jack and Charlie have been visiting me while I have been here. Doctor said I could go this afternoon and get away to Mount Abu tomorrow for 10 days sick leave. Whoopee!

Got all ready and caught the 7:30pm train for Mawa Junction where I changed at 12pm. I have treated like a Lord since leaving camp not having to carry even my overcoat.

14

Arrived by car from Abu station to the camp at 9am. Went into a buffet and the on to breakfast.

This is a lovely spot: 5800ft up mount Abu. The native village is a very interesting one. Things are a little cheaper here.

To 21st J a N 1945TH

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Feeling much better now. I found that when I went out of hospital on Thursday and Friday I couldn’t do as much as I wanted to do. Was glad to get to bed. Anyhow I am eating well again now.

The M.O P.O Wright is a very nice chap, he was with a civilian today, teaching him about his bedside manner. I am almost finished in my story. I have had a lovely long letter from Kay today. Air mail it was nice to hear from her this way.

13

Thought I was going out today but my blood slides are still positive so have to stay in until Friday. Got up and arranged a game of monopoly with three other chaps – boy we has some fun.

From 15 t h J a N 1945W

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Went to Dilwara Temples. What a sight. I have never seen such carving in marble like there was there. Bought some photos to keep of this wondrous sight. Had to go in bare foot as the ground is holy and you must not wear any leather, even your watchstrap must be removed.

Today we went for a 20-mile hike to ‘Gora Giro’ the highest peak in the range. The view from the summit was worth the climb, hundreds of miles of the Sindh desert can be seen, a marvellous place.

16

Time is going fast but I am having a nice time. Dance tonight, many white Anglo-Indians there. Good dancers.

Went to the village and fed the apes which come down from their trees and eat nuts out of your hand.

To 28th J a N 1945TH

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Went to village in morning. Ordered a white shirt and shorts to be made for me. Also bought some sweets for Kay and a couple of bedspreads. Had a game of tennis in the afternoon. The air here is fresh and exhilarating.

Have managed to borrow a typewriter to type out my story in the evenings. Have learnt the keyboard for this purpose. Went to tombola in the evening and won 7 chips.

15

Went to the village again and bought a pair of shoes made for me in brown suede leather. Also bought a photo album. Spotted some hairgrips so got some to send home for Kay.

From 22n d J a N 1945W

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The “Whimpey” has taken off. Had to put “Bofors” on to take engines out. This is a change from airframes. Find the time is going quickly.

Getting settles down nicely again now. Must take my story to send away to get it checked, also a parcel to make up and send home, which I posted today.

18

Went to maharatma’s party at his palace, what a party! Chicken, turkey, bacon, ham, salad, eggs, fish, soup, trifle, fruit, ice cream, whisky, beer, rum, cocktails, punch, minerals, dance, tombola and a film show which I saw from 1.30am to 4am.

To 4T H F E B 1945TH

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returned to Jodhpur after an uneventful journey from Abu. met a chap on the train who had been 11 years in Shanghai, very interesting fellow. Tasted Indian food for the first time – offered by Indian officers travelling with me – boy it is hot it burns your throat up.

Found 12 letters waiting for me, plenty of writing in front of me now. There are still no signs of returning to Lahore.

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Started working on another “Whimpey”, weather getting warmer. Went to dehli House for a tad and wrote some more letters.

From 29 t h J a N 1945W

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The food here is awful, all we do is spend money on canteen food, which is very dear here. Went to get my story but found out it had been posted to a senior officer, whom I have to see tomorrow.

Can’t send my story home as I have to get it censored, such a pain. Want Kay to read it, it could cheer her up.

24

Camp cinema opened, very good show! makes a lot of difference on camp.

Went to have a drink in the camp hall. Had an enjoyable evening and a nice rest from the heat of the day.

To 1 1 th FE B 1945TH

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Started new job, taking engines out of Bofors, quite a change to airframe work. It is a crime to see to see how much material is wasted on this camp. Just heard Russians are 35 miles from Berlin.

Sent letters this morning and some more this afternoon, wrote one in Deoli House after eating eggs, toast, chips, tomatoes, trifle and milk. News is still good, Americans retaken Manila.

23

Took my story for sensor, will collect it tomorrow. Fed up with this camp.

From 5 t h F E B 1945W

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Only 25 of us returning thank goodness I am picked as one and both Jack and Charlie are coming too. Went to Jodhpur town (?) for a last look round. What a depressing it is, filth everywhere with the illiteracy, which goes with it. Sent my razor for repair. Finished work today, went to camp pictures in the evening. Had some food in the Deoli House and a dance – quite good and the girls there were english too.

26

Spent the day packing and getting ready to go, as we leave soon. Went to Jodpur station and left on train at 11.30, played cards until 12pm.

To 18th FE B 1945TH

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It is getting rather hot these day, we work in shorts and nothing else. I am getting brown and feeling well, thanks to the food we buy; certainly no thanks are due to the camp grub. Many chaps have tried to complain and get it altered but the answer is always the same. Rumours going round that we are going back to Lahore, hope this is true.

25

We are going back to Lahore on Saturday or Sunday – good. Oh are we pleased. Jack and Charlie say they don’t mind either way, but they will when they get back.

From 12t h F E B 1945W

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It already seems like I have been back here for weeks and I am glad. I like the new work it makes it interesting to be on something new. Wrote a letter to Kay. Have sent my story to her.

Pay day. Received two letters. One is a beauty from Kay, which really hit home. They are fairly happy at home it seems, as it was full of laughs. I’m still very busy on Hurricane for Burma front. Stayed in this evening to write to Kay.

28

busy today, took story to education officer for sensor. Will get it home via Kay. Left it with him, stayed in and had a read.

Went to church in the morning, read in afternoon, went to the pictures in evening. No sleep at night was horrible. boy what a row, drums and singing all night.

To 25 th FE B 1945TH

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On train with journey nearly finished. I notice I had made a mistake in this diary. We left on Saturday at 11am, stopped and changed at dehli on Sunday night. Went to visit the town but only for 1½ hour, lovely canteen there with swimming pool etc. Arrived at camp today at 4pm.

27

Started work in my old hangar with Jack. We are on major repairs on Hurricanes. I am on the undercarriage – boy is it in a mess but never fear, I’ll soon fix that.

From 19 t h F E B 1945W

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On taking my story back to sensor he cut more out and I didn’t get a chance to substitute for it, which means he has spoilt it. Anyway it is finally on its way home at last.

Still busy on majors on Hurricanes, nothing very much happened today. In the evening I went to the pictures (again) with Jack, Paddy and charlie.

30

demob number put in my pay book (28). Saw cup final, our unit won it, biggest silver cup I’ve ever seen, 3ft high.

Church in the morning was a nice service. Had a read and game of snooker in afternoon, pictures in the evening and supper in the canteen later on.

To 4th MaR 1945TH

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Received 11-page letter from Sybil. Very nice letter also received letter from Kit. Stayed in to reply to them after seeing cup semi-final. Made enquiries about male voice choir. Stayed up writing letters until 12 as the boys were still keeping their row up.

Went to an officer about my story but he was out so must wait another day. Visited sickbay to see if vaccination looked ok. Wrote to Kit and then went to last house pictures, had to pay R2 to get in.

29

Managed to finally get my story back. Stayed in to rectify the parts he cut out and get it ready for post. Had a letter from Kay dated 16th. Had a lovely hot bath in camp – amazing luxury this. Stayed in and wrote to Kay.

From 26t h F E B 1945W

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Blighty leave starting on this camp, 3 men going every month – giving too much away aren’t they. Went to flicks in evening. Felling awfully blue, miss Kay terribly lately – can’t talk myself out of it anyhow.

36

Busy on Hurricane, I finished early, then stayed in and wrote a letter to Kay although I was disappointed at not hearing from her today.

Went to church in the morning. In khaki all day – getting very hot. Had a rest in the afternoon, went to flicks in the evening, no letter from Kay.

To 1 1 th MaR 1945TH

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Received a letter from Kay about David’s future school. So many facts are needed for this decision but thank heaven I can trust her solid judgement and common sense. Stayed in the answer her letter and get other mail away. Heard that the Jerry’s bombing again.

Still very busy on the Hurricane, shifting to another hangar temporarily, Sgt Humphreys in same hangar. Went to flicks again in evening to watch “Panama Hattie” – deadly film. Went to bed thinking how much I miss Kay. How I love her!!

35

Nothing much happened today, it is still very cold at night. Went to flicks in the evening. Sgt Lt Manston told us he is leaving now to go “on the boat” – wonder when I will be able to say that. What a day that will be.

From 5 t h M a R 1945W

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Finishing kite in the open, very hot, ended up stripping off. Stayed in to write diary and a letter. News is good, allies all ready for last push. Russians ready to go for Berlin, wont be long now before finish.

Churchill in today’s paper said the war should soon be over – hope he’s right. Had a letter from Sybil saying Paddy had not returned from leave when posted overseas again. Wrote letters in the evening.

38

Getting hot now, worked outside today with only shorts on, nice cool breeze blowing. No mail today, no news of Kay since Tuesday.

Could not go to church as it poured with rain and had a thunderstorm. Went to flicks in evening. News still good, rest of boys back from Jodhpur.

To 18th MaR 1945TH

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So hot that I changed into shorts in afternoon, visited a few shops again – some really lovely furs there, wish I had enough cash to send Kay one. No letter from Kay since last Monday. Charlie’s wife received her parcel, no word of Kay having got hers.

Received letter from Kay, my fears that something had happened at home were well forgotten. Kay has been ill but says she is better thank god. Stayed in and answered her letter in which she says she received her parcel and was very pleased with it.

37

Still busy on the Hurricane – about finished – working on a kite for the first time - it’s almost brand new. Went to pictures in evening. The weather is hotter now – 85 degrees and am in khaki. Couldn’t sleep due to heat.

From 12 t h M a R 1945W

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Hurricane finished – worked late again watching test flight. Came clean and pilot’s report was “perfect”. Had board today for LAC fitter, 2¾ hours. Feel confident I passed hope so anyway. Received letter from Sybil - her pal posted it (Peggy). Went to flicks in evening, swarm of hornets came in – everyone went out pretty quick – I’ll say.

Back in hangar, working on American Harvards, nice plane to work on. Had a letter from Sybil, who is going on leave. Went to pictures in evening and getting very hot these days.

40

Nothing much to report today, no mail, decided to go to Hill Party.

Very hot indeed, went to church in shorts and white shirt. Had a lovely letter from Kay with photo of children - very good.

To 25 th MaR 1945TH

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Still outside but a gale blew today making it cold, warmer in afternoon. Had some wonderful letters from david and maureen. None from Kay – maybe I will hear from her tomorrow but I heard she is well which is everything. Staying in to write and study for LAC board.

Working overtime on Hurricanes, 30 to get out by the end of the month, wanted in the front. Received lovely letter from Kay in which she says she has received my story and likes it. Went to an astral show, was quite good, came back at 10.30 and was very tired.

39

Still working overtime, stayed in afterwards to write to Kay. Hardest days work since being in India. Today kite will fly, or hopefully tomorrow, then on to smack the Japs – one thing that kite will stand up to everything expected of it.

From 19 t h MaR 1945W

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On crash tender all day with temperature at 99 degrees in the shade – really getting warm now – you can feel the sun burning you if you get out in it. Kay sent letter-containing results of sending off my story – no luck. Replied to her and wrote to Edgar, asking him if he can help me.

This morning’s paper was a treat for sore eyes. German troops on western front have retreated. Our boys and the Americans have linked up and are only approximately 200 miles from berlin. Joe has started offensive to get to Berlin – only 35 miles to go. Temperature today was 100 degrees in the shade.

42

There was news today of blackout on western front. Then went to “Bert” to a dance and tombola, received letter from Kay – very nice. Had an enjoyable evening.

I feel that this is the month that will see the end of Nazism and German domination, still very little news. Went to church and communion. Wrote letters in billet, a few spots of rain today.

To 1 s t aP R 1945TH

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On fire piquet this week so am confined to camp. Bicycle blew a tire – must take it back. The heat plays havoc with tyres here; the weather is getting to that pitch of heat when you sweat all day, at the least exertion. It’s so cruel at work and tires you unbelievably.

On crash tender today out on aerodrome, no shade, boy it is getting hot, 96 degrees in the shade. Managed to get out to the pictures in the evening to watch “Chip off the Old Block”, very good laugh. War doing well – our boys are over the Rhine in several places.

41

Monty starting the last offensive and it is going fine. Don’t think my forecast for middle-April, as the end of the war will be far off. Received a letter from Sid’s wife.

From 2 6t h M a R 1945W

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News today says allied spearheads are 137 miles from Berlin and will link with Russian troops in a week. Went to tailors today for fitting of khaki suit.

On guard tonight with a chap who met me at Blackpool 1 ½ years ago, quite an interesting guy. Talking over old things and friends. It rained today, as I have never seen it before in all my life, a thunderstorm started and it rained all night long. Turned colder.

48

Was very busy in hangar today, packed up at 4.45pm. Got my new suit from tailor after coming from pictures.

Went to church and communion, and then wrote letter to Sybil. Went to bert Club for first time as a new member, very nice company, very select. Had a nice time.

To 8th aP R 1945TH

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Day off went shopping to send another parcel home: bought vests for maureen, hats for david, undies for Kay and a few ornaments. Still no new information of Monty’s movements, but the American’s are pushing on. Went to the pictures in town on my own, feel a lot brighter for getting out a bit.

Red army is getting near Vienna capital of Austria. Holland is being freed too as the Germans try to get out. cities are slowly being taken back thank heaven. Just didn’t feel like writing tonight so went to pictures although it wasn’t a good programme.

47

Still very busy on Harvards, D6s came in for mod – plenty of work – chaps had to work all night on them, as the were wanted urgently. Went to Bert to a dance, those Indian girls got my goat boy! Do they love themselves!!

From 2n d a P R 1945W

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Tonight I went to Lahore Gymkhana and I have never seen anything like it. What lovely dresses and such a cosmopolitan crowd.

Moved into new billet and it’s very nice. Received lovely letter from Kay today, which brightened me up a lot. Went for swim with the boys in the pool. Stayed in and answered Kay’s letter and met a fellow who lives in the next road to me at home, a small world eh!!

50

News through that President roosevelt died yesterday. Went to flicks in the evening.

Went to church and had a swim later with charlie, very refreshing. rested in the afternoon as weather very hot and depressing.

To 15 th aP R 1945TH

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Very hard day today, was only Jack and I on kite going well though. Stayed in this evening! No papers today, so news is scarce. Weather has turned a little warmer and the mosquitos are about.

S.R.Os today proved that I have at last got my L.A.C with 82-99 – so that’s that. Went for a swim in the evening – very nice. Stayed in for a rest in the evening, as I was very tired. Allies are closing in on Jerry.

49

The boys are 6 ½ miles from berlin, everything seems to be doing fine. Our Harvard flew perfectly today.

From 9 t h a P R 1945W

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By orders today it has been requested that the first 20 groups of the demob plan to volunteer for further service – what a hope. Still this means they are getting out when war finishes anyway.

Received letters from Kay and children, also had one from Sybil. Paddy O’Laughlin is ill at home so has not deserted after all. Our kite is getting near completed now and should be ready for test shortly. News very good but can’t find out too much.

52

Last day of winter hours, had half a day off, was very hot. Went to bert in the evening.

Went to church in the morning, had a sleep in the afternoon as it was very hot. cooled down in evening and I wrote some letters.

To 22nd aP R 1945TH

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No papers in camp on Mondays so only heard news second hand that the Russians are 25 miles from Berlin. No letters today. Not very hot today as it rained last night. Stayed in this evening and read up on English grammar, had a lazy night.

Yes Russians nearing the city of Berlin – still no sign of German surrender but thousands of prisons being taken every day. r.A.F bombing night and day, berlin must be a shambles by now.

51

The weather is now getting really warm again. rumour says we may start summer hour’s next week – 6.30am – 1.30pm. Went to bert in the evening, was a nice cool night, enjoyed the break.

From 16t h a P R 1945W

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Link up with Russians in Berlin – Germans cut in half. News very good all round, may finish at any time now. No further mail from home – if only they knew how much mail means – suppose Kay’s busy.

Kite ready for spraying but no one could get spray working – I took it to pieces and got it going nicely so as a reward I got the damn job to do the spraying – got it in my hair, clothes and lungs – felt rough. Still received no mail, what a life. Good job news is good.

54

Unconditional surrender offered to britain and U.S. only – reply send that it will only be accepted to all the allies.

rumour has it that surrender has been sent to all allies. Still not heard from home – terrible. Wrote to Kay.

To 29th aP R 1945TH

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Had to get up at 5.30am to start summer hours. Awful drag but will get used to it I suppose. Posted a letter to Kay and also one to Sybil. Packed up work at 1.30am, slept all afternoon, laid around all evening and tidied up.

Has my first flight in a kite and the Harvard took off nicely at 11.30am, it climbed 7000 ft. and took it well and then did aerobatics. Everything okay except from the window locks. Went to Bert in the evening. Heard the russians are in berlin with 16 suburbs taken. It can’t be long now. Getting some parcels sent off.

53

Went up again on the second test, boy did he fling it about in aerobatics; loops, rolls, dives and turns and kite is flying okay. Russians reached Berlin’s centre – fighting in underground railway. Jerry can’t last long now.

From 2 3s t a P R 1945W

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Heard today that I am on first hill party, which goes next Monday. Just right time, as it is getting really hot here. Went to pictures with Jack in the evening and wrote to Kay, letting her know the news. German forces in the north have surrendered.

German southern forces surrendered, which only leaves the Russian front, Norway and the submarine fleet. Peace likely to be any time now.

60

No official news of surrender yet. Went to bert, had a good time and talked of Kay and family, they were very interested.

Wrote to Kay, went to sing in Lahore church choir. Afterwards we went to someone’s house for a cup of tea and some music. First civilian home I have been in over here. No wallpaper, much different to Blighty.

To 6 th MaY 1945TH

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Still no news from Kay, today makes it 10 days since I heard, hope everything is okay at home, very worried. No papers today and have not heard anything. Too hot to walk to the canteen – temperature is 110 degrees. Wrote four letters but oh what an effort. rumour of surrender denied.

Italian and German forces have today surrendered to the allies due to pressure of Partisans. This looks like the start of surrender all round. Russians have taken Berlin, only isolated resistance now there.

59

Germans report that Hitler is dead. died a natural death – oh yeh! Believe that when we have proof of it from an allied source. Reckon he skipped it.

From 30t h a P R 1945W

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celebrations were almost non-existent up here, had one bottle of beer each. Wrote to Kay yesterday and again today. All I can think about is her and the children and how they are feeling with peace at home at last. Lets hope we will soon get some mail to hear the news.

No mail today but must soon get some now. Poured with rain – how lovely and fresh afterwards. Played a game of football – was I stiff; first game for years. We drew – no goals. Dance in camp, very nice homely spirit just like a camp dance back in Blighty.

62

Played second round of football league, another draw. Received 4 letters, 2 from Kay, 13 & 17 days old. Stayed in and wrote 4 letters.

Can’t find out where the nearest church is – think it is in Murree so can’t go this week. Wrote more letters, received more letters from Kay and Kit, then went for an 8-mile walk in the evening.

To 13th MaY 1945TH

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Got packed and ready to move off on hill party. Left at 2pm, arrived at the station and unloaded, only to have to load up again as it was the wrong station. Finally got away at 4pm. Journey was bad, food was bad, slept on the train after finishing game of ‘Solo’ with Jack, Harry and a canadian.

We arrived at Rawalpindi at 7am, where breakfast was waiting. News came through to us from a Sgt that unconditional surrender had been signed. Is it true? We started our ride up the hills about 7.45 in lorries. What a ride – twisting and turning, climbing and climbing with a skew drop on one side.

61

Climbed to Jhika Gali and then dropped to camp Jopa. First night was awful as billet was bug-ridden. Had to get out in the night to make up the bed on the floor as I was bitten to pieces, a bad start. Cleared wooden charpoys out today, then lounged around in camp. VE day officially announced by Churchill today, whoopee – the folks at home have peace at last.

From 7t h M aY 1945W

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Not a very nice day – cloudy. Read in afternoon, no mail again today: I don’t know what has happened but I am getting fed up of forever writing and only getting a few every few weeks in return. I shall pack up writing if this delay is because people aren’t writing.

Went for walk and did some hill climbing to the point overlooking Jhika Gali. Weather very overcast and we were in a cloud all day. Went to football match at Murree – R.A.F v Army, R.A.F won 3-2. Went to the pictures in the evening to see “Song of Russia” – was very good. Walked back in lovely evening moonlight. No letters today.

64

First horse-ride, rode for 3 hours to pinnacle point – a lovely view. cantered, trotted and galloped but didn’t like the gallop – not bad.

Still no news from home or anyone in Blighty, which means I have had one letter in almost a month. Something’s happened with our mail. Am I fed up?

To 20 th MaY 1945TH

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Had a Peace Dinner tonight, it was very nice and a lovely iced cake. Following this was a ‘barbeque’. Two pigs roasted on open fire, carved and eaten with rolls, plenty of beer and a singsong into the early hours of the morning. A nice celebration must get letter from Kay answered.

Played another game of football, walked 7 miles in the morning, then walked to Murree in the evening and back, where we went to the flicks. Really tired out on returning and slept like a log. No mail today but wrote to Kit.

63

We are getting longer than 3 weeks as we are not returning until the 30th. Played football in the morning and afternoon and went to Victory dance in the evening. Wrote to Kay, Mother and Uncle. Victory dance very good – had plenty of dances, packed up at 12. No mail today for me – what’s happened?

From 14t h M aY 1945W

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No mail, wrote to Rolls about my razor. Went for a walk in the morning, had a read in the afternoon and to the camp dance in the evening – this was better than others was there were 24 girls there. Had plenty of dances but didn’t feel very happy – no mail makes me feel depressed.

New batch of WAAFs arrived on camp, quite nice girls, but with no news from Kay, I don’t feel the will to chatter with everyone. Been told today that if the newly elected government is not a conservative one – Churchill will resign. Reaction at home is that they need to feed starving people. Wrote to Kay.

66

Still no mail, boy isn’t it awful not to have news from home. Went to Sandy’s home for food in evening.

rained in morning but went to church in Murree, nice church – choir etc. Walked to Murree to flicks in the evening and had food in Jhika Gali. Wrote to Kay.

To 27th MaY 1945TH

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Went for a walk in the morning to Sandy’s home in Jhika Gali. Had our photos taken last week, came out well. No mail today again. Stayed in until 3pm then went to a dance in the camp – not bad. In the evening Pop, Frank and I talked of London and turned it into quiz questions – very enjoyable.

Poured with rain so sat and wrote letters in the morning – don’t know why as I still haven’t heard from anyone. Went for walk in afternoon and to Sandy’s home in evening. There is talk of a general election in Blighty sometime in July.

65

Still no news from england, wrote to Sybil – something had gone haywire with the mail, as I have only had one letter in a month. makes me feel terrible without mail. Went to Murree for a walk and flicks.

From 2 1s t MaY 1945W

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Went for a walk in the morning, went to get my pay at 2.30. Wrote another letter to Kay and feel much better having had mail from her. News of demob not so good – looks as if I will be in for another 9 months yet.

Rose at 7.30 and got away on hike toward Kohlu by 8.30. Walked 15 miles and then waited for transport, lovely scenery all the way. Visited the bridge over Jhelum river – very fast flowing, approx 30mph. We went over two frontiers: Punjab – N.W. Frontier and Kasmir - N.W. Frontier. Went to murree in the evening, rode horse back. Lovely day.

68

Left lowe Jopa at 10am, spent day at buralghindi – not much of a town so went to the pictures. Train pulled out at 8.10pm. Wrote to Kay on the train and had a sleep.

Arrived at Lahore at 9.30am and then went on to camp. It is very hot here and very noticeable after being in Jopa. Went to bert in the evening. Received ten letters, five from Kay, answered letters in the afternoon.

To 3rd JUN 1945TH

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Walked to Sandy’s home in the morning and wrote to Kay. No mail yet and wont get any now as we are returning on Wednesday. Went to Murree to flicks in evening. Lovely night, the full moon lit up the hills – lovely scene. Bus journey to Murree an experience - stopped by police, as bus was dangerous.

Wrote letters to Sybil, david and maureen, then went to see bobby Hines ensa show. best show I have seen in the r.A.F. Have given up hopes of mail until I return.

67

Went for walk in the morning, lovely surprise on returning – three letters. Had two from Kay and one from Mother and Uncle. Replied to Kay in afternoon – long letter. Went to camp dance in evening – not bad, lovely night when we came out. Outside fire – what a night.

From 2 8 t h MaY 1945W

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A scorpion spider got into the billet today – most chaps got out but we found it and killed it. While I was on leave a silver krait snake was found in our billet and killed. They are only small but have a fatal bite. One of the beauties of India – oh yeh!

Received a letter from Mother and Uncle today – they are fine thank heaven. Marie started a business in Fleet – what a shock! Noticed I have a little ‘prickly heat’ – very irritating – suppose I must put up with this additional curve on India, my god what a country.

74

Pop heard today about his repat so left me in charge of the gang – looks as if I will get it for some time. Went to bert with the mudians, very nice people.

Went to choir in morning – very hot. No damned air to breathe it seems. Slightly cooler in evening so went to climb, but was too hot to do much climbing. Pop was there and very happy about going home.

To 10 th JUN 1945TH

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Oh boy how hot it is – 110 degrees today. Started work at 6.30am – quite a drag having to get up so early. Started on another Harvard. Received three letters, one from Sybil who has been to hospital. Stayed in to write letters in the evening, received a nice letter from David and another from Maureen. Kay and the children are fine. I feel tired after today’s heat and slept for 6 hours in the afternoon.

Wrote some more mail, which is coming in nicely now. Another from Alan – very pitiful letter telling me in confidence that he is dying slowly but surely and would do away with himself if it weren’t for Gemma. Wish I could help. Went to choir but no one turned up so went for a drink.

73

110.8 degrees today – well it never stops climbing – every day I say “it won’t get much hotter”. Have been having a massage for my hair but it doesn’t seem to be getting any thicker – no wonder with this damned heat. One of the chaps caught a parrot today and caged it. There are plenty flying around.

From 4t h JUN 1945W

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boy oh boy this heat is getting to me – 116 degrees today – just didn’t know what to do to keep cool – in fact we couldn’t. Drank quarts of liquid only to sweat it straight out again. Made a terrible effort and finished Kay’s letter. Received one from Sid and Derek who are both having a wizard time.

Still very hot, over 116 degrees – too hot to do much but rot. even this makes you sweat and very weak. Went to see a play in the evening called “Lifetime” – very good. Intended to write in afternoon but just couldn’t get the energy to concentrate. Hope the folks at home understand.

76

No mail today. Getting on with some work now. Went to matherson’s for dinner – home themed – first English food since leaving home – lovely. Went to bert after and finally got in at 3.30am.

Went to choir in the morning, slept in afternoon and then when to a Waltz competition in the evening at bert. Got as far as the last five couples, didn’t have a bad partner – Jess mendes. Wrote to Kay.

To 17th JUN 1945TH

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Started another weeks work in charge of the gang. Don’t like giving orders but the boys don’t have to be ordered about, just asked. didn’t go out far, just for a stroll to put some photos in for prints. Temperature climbing 113 degrees today: what I wouldn’t give for a nice London shower and an armchair.

Went to work feeling cheesed off. The boys whom I am in charge of are working well with me – we all get on fine, but 114 degrees in the shade doesn’t help your spirits. I went to choir practice and was singing until 9pm. Came back and got to bed but was lying awake for hours thinking of Kay.

75

Received two letters from Kay today. Poor kid – she is fed up with this terrible separation. Started to write a cheery letter to try and help her but as there is no news giving us much hope am afraid it wont help much. Had a chat with an educated Indian about India – very enlightening.

From 1 1 t h JUN 1945W

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Reported to orderly room to find out if I am going to Karachi on Friday or monday. Saw Pop Hurman and he tells me he is to leave for the boat on Saturday instead on Tuesday. I got cleared and went and got Kay new shoes from ‘Muchi’ – he has made a nice job of them. Stayed in and wrote to Kay about posting.

Went to orderly room and was told I am not going until monday. Everyone says it is a nice station in a nice climate – I wonder! Went out with Pop and Frank for Pop to say goodbye to the mundes and Mathesons. Said goodbye to Pop, was 12.30am when we got back! Wrote to Kay.

78

bought stamps for david and an autograph album for maureen, those with towels and shoes made a good parcel. Sent it today! Went to bert in evening.

Went to bert for the last time, said goodbye to everyone but had to promise to write to mathesons and mundes. Had a lovely evening, drank and danced, was nice to get this acknowledgement.

To 24th JUN 1945TH

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Kite coming on nicely – hope to have it finished by end of the month. It has at last become cooler after terrific thunderstorm and torrential rain for the last 14 hours. Went to baths in the evening and started to learn front crawl. Like learning to swim all over again.

Wrote some more letters today. It is still cooler – round about the 100 degrees mark. Went to bert club meeting until late. Wrote to Kay until 1.30am in the morning, as it was too sticky to sleep until really tired. Answered two letters from her.

77

Room orderly today so had a nice rest. Went to Matheson’s in evening. A very quiet but homely time and it was wizard fun. When to boys came in from work they told me I am going to be posted to Karachi. Thought they were pulling my leg but they weren’t.

From 18 t h JUN 1945W

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Got up and went to breakfast, the meals seem very good. Got arrived chit finished and I went to Western Assembly Section, which is a section on its own about 2 miles out of the main camp under canvas. Wrote to Kay – bless her, it is much cooler here.

Started work in hangar on mustangs. building them up straight from factory. Also got to work on one kite per day so there is no time to waste. Very tired after first day, had work at 8.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30 – 5.30pm. Stayed in to get tent etc. organised to write some letters. Hope it won’t be long before we go home.

80

Half day today so went with a party to manora – a lagoon on the Arabian Sea coast. What a lovely cool time we had. Went to Karachi in the evening.

Full day today, started to get some furniture organised for tent. Wrote to Sybil, had no mail from home.

To 1 s t JUL 1945TH

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Said goodbye to boys in hangar, left Lahore station at 5pm. Stopped at “Montgomery” for four course dinner but after that things were grim. The journey across Sindh desert was very bad. Tucked in at 11.30pm.

Woke up with sand all over the place – dust inches thick on everything, never been so filthy in my life. Bribed a guard to open a first class compartment to have a shower – a godsend. Lost a wonky tooth, but had a good laugh as Jack lost his too. Arrived at Karachi at 10am, then got transport to P.r. centre. Stayed the night in a tent.

79

Went round with arrival chit today but couldn’t finish so stayed another night in tent in tent in P.R.C – no writing kit so couldn’t write to Kay. Went to camp cinema – very nice place. I think I will like the camp.

From 25 t h JUN 1945W

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read a report that mustangs are doing there stuff on the Japanese – which makes you feel good to think one of your planes may be helping to finish them off. It’s hard work but I don’t mind. Went to flicks in main camp in the evening, a very good cinema. The weather is still 85 degrees but the prickly heat is worse than Lahore – don’t know why.

Still very busy at work with Jack as my partner – a very good worker, we get on well. Played cricket in the evening after a shower and later on rain almost stopped play. No more mail yet from Kay but got one from Sybil – she is in Ireland now – poor kid, she’s fed up. Wrote to try and cheer her up.

86

Half day so had another trip to manora. Spent some time on a boat where fish eat out of your hand while they’re still in the water – thousands of them!

Played cricket after work, was a good game. Wrote to the mundians and am finally catching up with my mail.

To 8th JUL 1945TH

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I like the work – a real job to help the war. “A kite a day sends the Japs away”. I was asked to play cricket in a section team tonight and had my first game in India and thoroughly enjoyed it. Wrote letters afterwards. The canteen here is not too good unfortunately.

Blasted prickly heat is coming out worse here, irrespective of it being cooler – can’t understand it at all. Played cricket in the evening and wrote to Kay in answer to her first letter posted on June 23rd. my mail is gone all haywire again.

85

Half day so went to Karachi to have a look round. It is a nice town with four cinemas there. We got a hitchhike and went to the pictures to see “Song to Remember” and a very nice film it was. They have horse gharries in this town. Went to dance later and met Heather’s cousin, what a coincidence. People here are quite friendly.

From 2 n d JUL 1945W

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Waiting for new shipment of kites to arrive so worked has fallen off. My prickly heat is a little better after using powder from M.O. Stayed in to write letters. Received one from Kay at last – direct in 5 days. She says others have most probably gone astray, they will turn up later I suppose. david had an oral test – hope he passed.

Nothing much to report today, work is rather slack while waiting for more kites, so organised our phase which Jack and I are on. Arranged for leave on August 10th to Manora – a rest camp. Stayed in in evening and wrote to Sybil. She is very fed up with where she is.

88

Had a nice swim then went to town to pictures after having a look around the shops, plenty of American women in town so it was worth going.

Can’t get to church here – no church near and we have to work a full day. Some mustangs have arrived at Karachi docks so we are to collect them tomorrow. Played cricket in the evening, scored 12 and caught 2 out.

To 15 th JUL 1945TH

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Working on the last kite on the assembly line. Expecting a new batch any time now. Played another game of cricket – won by 1 wicket and 9 runs. Went back and finished table that I’m making for tent – not a bad job either. Still no more mail from home – what could have happened? Today was voting day – received my voting papers.

Work is almost finished until fresh consignment of kites comes in, helped Reg with some hydraulic snags. Went to Ensa show in evening called “Ensa Pie” – quite good show, a real treat to see some English girls acting. Wrote to Kay. Have not had any mail from home other than three letters – one from Kay.

87

Went into main camp in morning to get prickly heat powder for myself, as I just couldn’t stand the irritation any longer – my whole body is covered. Went to Karachi and took Ben and Reg over to the Karachi newspaper office – set some news on lino for tomorrow’s paper. The lino – ops wages here are 150R per month, not really sure how much that is. Went to pictures later on.

From 9 t h JUL 1945W

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Getting new kites in hangar for building. We will start the assembly line tomorrow – have our stage nicely organised to obviate any unnecessary looking for tools etc. Went to pictures on my own again in evening. everyone talks of the new demob. A rumour is going around that orderly room has received instructions for 25 by Xmas.

Started work on new mustangs and there are now more men in our phase. Received a letter from Kay saying David is going to John Rushden Grammar School – out of 3200 entrants for scholarship there were only 300 vacancies and yet David passed and got in – boy am I proud of him. Stayed in in evening and replied to Kay’s letter.

90

Works going well, the kites are moving up the line nicely. Went to Sundepit in the afternoon and pictures in evening.

Can’t get to church on this camp for we are too busy – I simply can’t push the work on to my pals – that’s not christianity! but Sunday seems strange without church service somehow.

To 22th JUL 1945TH

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Today we went to Karachi docks to bring back new Mustangs from America. On way through Karachi a tail wheel burst and blocked the street while I changed the wheel – officer congratulated me on the fastest tail-wheel change he had ever seen “three minutes” he said. I didn’t notice, but I felt pleased that something I had done was noticed. Wrote to Kay in evening, replied to 2 letters.

Went to docks this morning and brought 5 more Mustangs back. The Yanks were there to take some so we went through Karachi with them – a convoy of 22 kites cleared the streets, un-liked by locals. Played practice game of cricket in the evening and hurt my foot – nothing serious, I survived and scored 22 runs.

89

Been told release groups 6-18 are off in September – official news. Half day today so after towing another 5 kites from the docks, I had a nice rest and wrote to Kay again. Went to pictures on camp later in evening. Have come out in blisters – heaven knows what caused that but will wait a day or so to see if they go away – very sore.

From 16t h JUL 1945W

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Pay day today thank heaven. New cinema on Western assembly – the lads, who have made a good job of it, built it. Very busy at work but don’t mind a bit as it is nice to read in the papers that Mustangs are doing such good work and that our kites are helping to finish off the Japs. Letter from Harold, tells me he is release group 20.

Results of general election out today, what a surprise – a sweeping majority for Labour – the folks didn’t let us down after all as we first thought they would. Churchill resigned and Attlee and Bevin went to Berlin for talks instead – good luck to them. Peace terms offered by Japs. Played cricket.

92

Snag on the 18th Mustang (wheels and brakes), U.S. renewed them go them out and away. Stayed in and wrote letters, then went to flicks in the evening.

More kites at docks to be towed to camp, we prepared towing gear. Received a letter from Kay from 21st – a delay somewhere and Jack’s still waiting to go.

To 29th JUL 1945TH

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corporal tried to tell me I didn’t know what I was doing so I very calmly gave him my tools to finish the job and had to go and obtain a new rubber brake when I got back from having a smoke, which he had broken – he was really maddening but has since been very nice: guess he will leave me to do my job now. Played cricket.

Boy, what a day, pouring hard, and tent under water – rather the floor is – have to wear gumboots to move to and from my charpoy – what rain. Wrote to Kay.

91

It rained heavily but cleared up later on so Jack, Ed and I went to Karachi and sent food parcels off. The other two went to flicks but I back to camp being broke after sending that parcel, had an early night. Met Jack Burton – was I surprised? He has a baby girl now.

From 23rd JUL 1945W

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Very busy hangar, they were waiting for me this morning to put a mag right on the brakes of third in line – no one knew what it was but I’d had it before. Had a lovely letter from Kay today –just in time for I am or was getting really bored. Spent evening on duty writing a reply to it.

Chap reported sick to me last night – wanted to know what to do, as it was 12.30pm. I noticed he looked all hot and cold so suspecting Malaria, phoned for ambulance – doctor said “nice work” and whipped him straight to hospital. blimey what a blooming duty this is – ruddy male nurse now.

98

boys have another half day while we have to look after kites. Made another picture frame in hangar to pass the time. reg had to work over time on kite, helped him get it finished.

This is the last day of this cussed fire piquet – thank heaven. It was fairly quiet; got a good night sleep but boy oh boy is it the worst time I have spent in the r.A.F.

To 5 th aUG 1945TH

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Today I start on fire piquet. Jack’s posting orders came through and he leaves at 3.30am by plane. Up nearly all night giving early calls. More Mustangs are ready from the docks – boy, are we busy. Doing this fire piquet so I am confined to camp for a week – looks like it’s going to be a bind.

Orders came through to stand by for panic posting, waited till 12pm but it never came – looks like something is getting ready to go – could it be the defeat of Japan – the Americans are certainly softening them up anyway. London docks taken over by army – Dockers are still on strike – the buggers – they should try being out here!

97

Well here’s to another month. This duty is darn fatiguing, on duty 24 hours a day for 7 days. You just can’t do it on the food here, it’s a dead loss; even the canteen is deadly, I can barely eat most of the stuff they serve.

From 30t h JUL 1945W

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The allies dropped another atomic bomb on Japan, Russia invade Japan’s most northerly island and get further into Manchuria. If Japan doesn’t give in they will be smashed to smithereens. We aren’t easing up anyway; another two mustangs went on their way today.

Finished kite before I head off for leave tomorrow. In tent while packing and swatting flies when someone came with news that war is finished. Couldn’t believe it but wireless says Japan has offered surrender to Potsdam convention, providing the Mikado is left at the head of Japan – the allies are discussing their reply. Why give them any condition???

100

Arrived at manora leave camp, very healthy spot by Arabian Sea. The blue devil fish prevent us from going in. It’s all very quiet.

Allies have accepted Japan’s offer subject to the mikado taking orders from allied supreme command. everyone is awaiting Japan’s reply to this. Nothing has come through and it is now 11.30. Wrote to Kay. It will all be over tomorrow I should think.

To 12th aUG 1945TH

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Today’s papers give me one of the biggest shocks of the war. Even though it may end the war in Japan, which is wonderful – it is also ghastly. The nuclear bomb, which releases the forces of atoms, only 5lb in weight yet equal to 20,000 tonnes of TNT. My god – what has man discovered now? Dropped one bomb on Japanese army station: results not known.

Results of atomic bomb believed to be that one bomb had wiped out 60% of a Japanese city – devastation of about 7 square miles. Ultimatum sent to Japan to surrender or to be smashed for all time. News in now that the Germans nearly got to this secret bomb first – thank god it has gone into the right hands.

99

Russia declares war on Japan and invades Manchuria getting in 6 miles already. What with the atomic bomb and now this, well Japs better turn it in. This new bomb is gigantic in its devastation.

From 6t h aUG 1945W

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Spent the day doing nothing on camp – how absolutely dull. Had to buy our own supper as cookhouse was busy – a shameful show. Went to the pool for a swim – no mail from Kay, expect it has got held up again. Played tennis in the evening – beginning to feel a lot better for this rest.

Went into town at 1pm for lunch. Booked bed in Y.M.C.A. then went to new club and joined. The Contact Club is a very comfortable place. Bathe lounge, radiogram, and a reading & writing room. Went to a dance at Y.M.C.A. in the evening – a V.J. dance until 1am. Met three airmen just arrived in India on Ferry command – talked of england and home.

102

Took them shopping in the morning, they were glad of someone who knew the ropes. ray promised to phone Kay and take some tea etc. home for her. Received letter from Kay when reg came back from town.

Wrote nice long letter to Kay and sent her a birthday verse. News says that 32 groups will be out by Xmas, which means I should be away by early November.

To 19th aUG 1945TH

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Still waiting for Japan’s reply – no news of it all day. We went into Karachi in case peace was declared. Had a good feed at Allies Club and went to the pictures. Bought some hankies and made some enquiries about a bag for Kay, will have to get one made. Wrote a letter for Alf and went for a run along the beach in the morning.

Awoke early so went for a stroll along the beach. Still no news of Japs surrender officially but report from Switzerland Radio reckons that the Japs have accepted our terms. This is the end of the war – we are only waiting now for the official announcement. Stayed in after playing tennis and had a quiet game of chess.

101

Got up early again and went to R.C. Church which is a very neat one on this camp, it was filled by Indians, mainly the R.I.N. Went to Karachi later for the day. PEACE officially declared in evening. V.J. day tomorrow, holidays Thursday and Friday, will soon be home now. No mail from Kay.

From 13t h aUG 1945W

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Today is Coconut day in India: lots of celebrations going. The papers are full of atomic bomb possibilities. Opposition Winston Churchill praised the Labour party’s foreign policy, which is a good one. demob is to be reviewed and a statement will be issued soon. A chap who is E21 has had his medical.

Went out in Ganda boat fishing for the day with a rod and line. Caught 27 fish between four of us, had them fried on bread with cheese and peaches to follow. Went to Sandspit afterwards for a swim, got back to camp at 6pm in time to pack ready to go back tomorrow, a very nice last day.

104

Leave finished – tent was in such a state that we spent all day putting it back in shape again. boy were we tired and did I sleep? Had a letter from Kay.

Wrote letters to Kay and Kit. Went to flicks in the evening. America is stopping leave without telling anyone about it. Bad policy, this is almost like a stab in the back for britain.

To 26 th aUG 1945TH

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Went for a walk along the beach again in the morning. This camp is a dead loss though – even tennis is off now as chaps have lost the only three balls. Have just realised that this is August – yet I have sent birthday wishes to Kay thinking is was September. dear me – what a fool the climate must be affecting me or something. The sooner I’m home the better.

rather dull morning so stayed in and wrote letters. Two of the boys came in from camp with the mail. A nice letter from Kay also received one from Mum and Sybil. Stayed in and answered letters after showing our pals the beach and how many crabs and turtles there are over there. There are Japs still fighting in Burma, refusing to accept surrender.

103

Went to town to the club and had a good comfortable time – what a treat to sit in a real nice armchair – the food was typically English too. Played the radiogram all afternoon and then went to the Allies for dinner and on to the pictures.

From 20t h aUG 1945W

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Officer was under misapprehension that we had not been in the cookhouse and having a parade resulted in a meeting. He promised to investigate the food situation, this improved the last meal – lets hope it has done good, riot or no riot. News reached us that the government has stated only 23G will be out by Xmas but I think this is only the official mind being careful.

Working on stripping Hurricanes and Spitfires to salvage. The drome looks deserted – very little activity in comparison to what it has been. Played cricket yesterday and tonight, we won 144 to 86, bowled for a change. Went to cinema in evening and had a community sing – very enjoyable. No mail from Kay today.

106

Had a letter from Kay continuing bad news that Uncle has had an argument with mother through marie’s usual interference. If only I were home to see that wicked troublemaker, she would have a different man to deal with now.

Sent parcels of food home and ordered Kay’s bag. Stayed in after church on Sunday morning and wrote letters all day long. Went to concert in evening.

To 2nd SE P 1945TH

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Still no news of demob, but then I can see that they wont give anything definite until after Japan’s surrender is signed on Thursday. Played cricket in evening and finished up in camp cinema. Was recommended for A.I.D. inspector with opportunity of promotion to corp. But because of demob why would I do it.

Started working on uncasing Harvards, been inside all day – rather warm. No mail from home. Went to main camp and played cricket: also saw Jack Burton from W.F. We had a chat about old times. Food on camp today was terrible; I can see some trouble coming soon over it.

105

The boys went to dinner tonight but had tea only. Parade was called later and we read the riot act and the C.O. got the Welfare Officer down. I spoke up for the lads.

From 2 7t h aUG 1945W

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Lots of talk today on last night’s news, we may now tell in letters the location of this camp. Went to canteen and wrote letters. Found a frog in the tent – we put him outside but he keeps coming back again. Also had a “praying mantus” – a lovely specimen about 3 inches long. Heard news in the evening that aircraft carriers are taking Australian forces home - 3000 each.

No mail today, very little work to do. Got the outstanding mustangs into line for last building – most of them need Indian colbars put on. Visited Welfare Officer and received forms to put in for a house with Croydon Borough Council with Service men receiving preference.

112

First peacetime Saturday off, went shopping in Karachi. Obtained Kay’s shopping bag, which I had made for her, very nice indeed. Then bought a tennis racket to take home. Very satisfied. Sent food parcel.

Went to church in the morning, in the afternoon and evening we went to Karachi to take photos in Frere Hall gardens. Had a feed in café Grand – lovely. Came back to camp early and went to the pictures.

To 9th SE P 1945TH

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Allies say news will shortly be out on demob. The allies entered Japan without trouble today and signed surrender terms. Now we may here soon on demob – now that the Japs have been invaded without trouble, the government have no fear of sudden demand for extra men.

Today is the anniversary of being posted overseas. Starting new hours tomorrow, half a day off on Wednesdays with Saturday and Sunday off. Need to go to main camp and sort out a hydraulic snag on a Mustang. Changed a jack and so made it okay. Went to pictures in camp, not bad.

111

Wrote in the canteen and while writing we heard the new minister for Labour give some information on demob. 5,000,000 men needed for volunteering so there is no fear of unemployment. Transport is the trouble but the government is going to assess the situation and report again on it at the end of the month. 150,000 prisoners of war are the first preference to go home – good show.

From 3rd SEP 1945W

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12 months today since I left Kay. 12 months without a kiss or a wife’s kind word – god how much longer do I have to stand this awful waiting. Letters, letters only letters. Went to pictures in the evening as I felt a bit cheesed off but news came later that Isaacs spoke on the radio to T.U.c. saying the same as before but adding that definitely demob would increase.

Very little work needs doing, so stayed in camp and played chess. Went to the pictures in the evening in main camp. Censorship was taken off early this week but today it has gone on again – what organisation. don’t know what they’re doing.

114

Went to town today, had a feed of steak, eggs and tomatoes and went to flicks. battle of britain parade on camp, looked good.

Went to Sandspit for a swim – very nice. Came back and had a game of chess in the tent. No further demob news yet.

To 16 th SE P 1945TH

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Made a picture frame during the day – no work – only need to take a kite to main camp. Played tennis in evening to keep us fit – feeling pretty good – but have had no mail. News came out that 240,000 Japs have been killed through the atomic bomb out of a 250,000 population.

Censorship lifted – wizard. Wrote a nice letter to Kay with all the latest news in it. Still waiting for news of demob. chaps are getting impatient but I say have faith this government will see us right. Played tennis in the evening.

113

Half day today, wrote letters as I received a letter today – from Alan, Kit, Sybil and charlie. In the afternoon reg and I played tennis, then had a shower and went to the pictures in camp. “V.J. Peace Celebrations” on the news: what a time they had in London.

From 10t h SEP 1945W

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Finished court and had a game in hangar – taught Bill, Ben and Reg the game – they picked it up well. Had a lovely letter from Kay and answered it straight away. I am worried about mother – everything seems to have gone wrong for her and Uncle because of Marie – what can I do?

We have started a new line in the hangar and are working on our court. I started with Reg on wheels and brakes. Went to a football match in Karachi is the evening; professional team played a Sindh eleven. The pros were Curtis (Arsenal), Morney (Celtic), Rothwell (Southport) and others – good football. Sindh lost 3-1.

116

Had to go into work today as a full working day but we were surprised with a half-day off at lunchtime. Went into town to do some shopping for Kay’s parcel and also sent food.

Went to Sandspit for the day, had a lovely day but it was very hot and clammy – a treat to be in the water. Wrote letter in the evening as we were already back by 5pm.

To 23rd SE P 1945TH

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David had received news that his posting to A.I.S. had come through. Played tennis in the evening and went to the flicks as usual – “Sunday Dinner For A Soldier” very good.

Got permission to start a badminton club on camp and to mark out a court in the hangar. Had another snag to fix – not much work needed doing. Group 22 is to be officially released by 1st October. Will I get out by Xmas – 6 groups to go??

115

Worked out court in hangar as we had half a day off. Played last game of cricket – caught one out and carried my bat through from 7th wicket. Stayed down main camp and went to the pictures there after to have some food. No news from home or any of demob either.

From 17t h SEP 1945W

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Finished another kite in hangar and got the Xmas parcel away. Received and answered a letter from Kay, a lovely letter that cheered me up no end. Went to pictures in the evening and saw “Desert Victory” – a good historical film indeed.

12 months since I left Blackpool for overseas. Played badminton in hangar in the evening and wrote two letters afterwards. I feel awful tonight, missing Kay terribly these days. Am trying to keep my spirits up but D.R.O. says 24s only by Xmas – from Air Ministry.

118

Lots of discussion on the new demob news, but I am staying open-minded until I head Isaacs’ speech.

day off so went to Sandspit and had a nice day in the sea. No further mail from home, wrote letters when I returned.

To 30 th SE P 1945TH

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It was the anniversary of me joining the R.A.F five years today, five years of poor food. I am losing weight badly; having to buy food outside to try and keep healthy, food is terrible in this camp. A terrific thunderstorm came in the night – thought tent was coming down and a lot of water came in.

Reg had to go off sick with terrific pains in his stomach – Dysentery suspected. Nearly finished working on the wheels and will finish hydraulics tomorrow. Received letter from Uncle explaining trouble over marie, she has got £400 out of mother somehow; and the thing she has been doing to part Mother and Uncle – don’t know what to do except to try for leave.

117

Kay’s birthday today, another that I shall be away from her, thank god this will be the last. Made up a parcel to send home for Xmas. Oh how I have thought about how wonderful it would be if I could be home to see it arrive. So far we have no news officially.

From 24t h SEP 1945W

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Anyway I am going to listen to Isaacs himself tonight. Have just returned from listening to wireless; 45s out of Navy, 32s out of Army and 28s out of R.A.F out by next June. This is terrible news, another 8 months out here. Poor Kay – I can’t help but think of her.

It appears that Isaacs has pleased the majority of servicemen. The service chaps are saying they are demanding more men than they need to, to stay here. There is now no hope for I am going back in 8 months and I have all that waiting to do again. How am I supposed to write this to Kay? I’ll try my best.

124

We had a pep talk today from the c.O. It appears they want 80 Spitfires a month now to replace American aircrafts, which is being done, to knock down our debt with them.

With this news we just haven’t got the heart for the job. All I can think of is Kay and how she must be feeling about it.

To 7th OCT 1945TH

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Another month finished and still no definite news on getting out. Had a lovely letter from Kay but she tells me david is ill and on top of this bad news, she says he is to have glasses. I answered the letter in evening after a game of badminton. Sent some photos home.

We are now on the last of the mustangs – only four more to do. After this we don’t know what we will be on. Went to canteen to hear news that Isaacs is to speak tomorrow evening at 20.15 G.M.T. but as we wont be awake for that as it will be about 2.30am I.S.T. they are to broadcast his speech again on Thursday at 13.15. I.S.T.

123

We should soon know our fate, lets hope the government do something for the lads this time – at least to give us some sort of knowledge on what is happening re demob. On coming back from town I was told that a preview of Isaacs’ speech had been broadcast saying 3 million will be back by June but that depends on the different services.

From 1 s t OCT 1945W

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drafted a letter to a number of people in parliament on our dissatisfaction of demob, which I am getting as many names appended to as I can before posting. It states clearly and frankly and honest criticism with definite reasons to cause them. Have not had a letter from home yet but had one from Jack and one from Chas.

A letter arrived from bob Hodder today – what a lad he is. Things in newspapers are still very critical. Showed my MPs letter to the lads – they are delighted with it and all want to sign it but I must wait for some more facts and figures to check mine before sending it.

126

Kay’s letter arrived, poor kid I could read between the lines and could see how brave she was appearing to be for my sake. A marvellous letter from a very lovely, brave wife.

How she is suffering – only she and I know. She sent a daily Herald with all the news, just in time too. Played football later on.

To 14th OCT 1945TH

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Started working on fire piquet again but saw officer and managed to get some help so the duty is made easier for all concerned. Wrote to Kay and managed to somehow get my true feelings on paper. I wonder what she will do – I wouldn’t blame her if she gave up hope but hope to god she doesn’t.

Had a good sleep last night and helped get the first Spitfire in hangar this morning. Negotiated for us to keep on playing badminton in there. Wrote more mail in the evening. This fire piquet isn’t quite so bad as last time. The main talk on the camp is still demob and the injustice of the government’s proposals as forces are concerned.

125

Had snags on a Mustang to do – will be a long job as it is a hydraulic component. Received permission to take a team to main camp to play a match next Wednesday. There were a few reports on the parliamentary debates in the paper but nothing about demob yet.

From 8 t h OCT 1945W

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Our rackets arrived today having been restrung. One of the chaps, david, is playing in the football team tonight. He stood down in the end due to a lack of confidence – I played instead. Wrote a letter for a fellow who had sprained his wrist a few days ago and wanted to let his wife know. Went to flicks later, no letters.

The weather has changed to very damp oppressive heat. The wind is flowing from the desert making it very uncomfortable indeed. Took the side of the tent down which made it better. The weather’s getting very dangerous and it’s attracting the mosquitos.

128

Worked all day today and changed hangars. My ankle is getting better at last but must still keep it strapped. Was very hot today.

Was going to Sandspit but no transport turned up so had a day in camp. Finished up in main camp and then went to the pictures. Had a letter from Kay.

To 21st OCT 1945TH

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Had a job to get up as I had sprained my right ankle but I did not complain. A chap posted something up on the notice board saying that chaps in the R.A.F. at home are creating a fuss about demob. Went to pictures in camp in the evening. Saw “I’ll Walk Beside You” – very nice singing in it. Fire piquet is finished thank heaven.

Went sick because of my ankle – had x-ray but it was okay, had it strapped up and rested it for 24 hours. my team of learners play badminton tomorrow at the main camp. Said I shall go along and play to give them some support.

127

Had to report sick again with ankle but it is now okay and Doc says I can play badminton tonight if I go easy. We had a very enjoyable evening, although we lost but the other team had 3 months constant practice. My partner and I won 2 sets out of 3.

From 15 t h OCT 1945W

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Went to American camp to swim in competition but I was not needed. Very tired when I returned but stayed up writing to Kay – miss her.

Lots of snags today so had a very busy day. Played badminton in the evening, Reg, whom I taught the game beat me in competition. Went to canteen in the evening to write letters, did not receive any today though. I am feeling very fit but must not forget it might change in this climate. It has changed to hot winds from the Sindh.

130

Still very busy in hangar but we had a parade in the morning – makes me sick. Had to work in afternoon but went to Karachi with David in the evening. Jack and charlie have now returned.

Went to manora in the morning. The r.c.s of Karachi had a procession throught the town: 10,000 of them, black, white and mixed – very, very nice procession.

To 28th OCT 1945TH

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Sent a letter to Kay, poor darling, she feels the same dreadful helplessness that I do. I will send it off tomorrow. Very busy still in the hangar but I have no heart for it.

Sent a letter to J Haire the M.P. for West Wycombe complaining about demob. Later in the day news went round that demob had been speeded up to 32 group by June instead of the disgusting 28. If this is true the government have proved they will try to please but I shall never forgive them for the stress and worry they have caused.

129

Half-day today, received a smashing letter from Kay – encouraging beyond words, I wonder if she knows all about the current demob news, she seems very hopeful. Went to Karachi in the afternoon and sent two food parcels and bought vest, pants and socks to send home.

From 2 2n d OCT 1945W

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We are told today that if we finish our kite early we can go to billet – this applies to any day but we have too much to do anyway. Group 27 have their medical today and still no official news about the rumour of 21s at Bombay by the 25th November.

Took a team down to main camp for badminton comp. We lost against chaps who play immaculately but gave them a good game and enjoyed a very friendly evening. No news of Kay, I am longing for the time when I can get home; am fed up with MEN, MEN, and MEN. Oh for Kay’s sweet voice.

132

managed to get the half-day today as we caught up on work! Went to town for a feed – eggs, steak, tomatoes, chips, ice cream and tea – wizard!!!

Organised Sandspit run and had a good day swimming and bathing. The weather has cooled down to 85 degrees in the shade and drops to 70 degrees at night. We have to have two blankets at night.

To 4th N OV 1945TH

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First line of kites came through today, we have been very busy working on wheels and brakes but we are just about keeping up. Played badminton in the evening and then went to flicks and wrote to Kay. I am down to play in the football team tomorrow. No mail today – bad weather at home is holding it up.

Heard some news today that group 21 has to be in Bombay by 25th of next month – hope it is true for I will be away in a fortnight or three weeks. I can hardly believe it and am determined not to rely on it. Played a half in the football team for W.A. we drew 1-1. Had a quiet night in canteen.

131

No mail from home today. Still busy in hangar but was a half-day today so went on a shopping expedition for David’s watch but couldn’t get one ordered for next Wednesday. Taking a badminton team down to main camp on Friday.

From 2 9 t h OCT 1945W

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Went to hangar in the evening to loosen my arm. Went to flicks and a kite was in trouble over the drome this evening but made a good belly landing.

Had a row today with the A.I.D. over a servicing instruction – proved my point and they were gentlemanly enough to apologize. Stayed in later to write letters but arm played me up. Went to bed early but could not sleep.

138

managed to get our kite finished today and had a half-day off but did not go out. Arm getting better but getting headaches, which are making me, tired.

did not go out today, stayed in camp to write letters. Wrote to the children who had sent me two lovely letters. How they are growing, I wont know them when I get back. I think we will all be very happy.

To 1 1 th N OV 1945TH

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Had a general meeting of the badminton club this evening, they elected me official badminton representative for Western Dispersal and also captain on the committee. No mail today, but know that bad weather is delaying it at home. Hope to have one tomorrow as it is 10 days since I heard from home.

News on demob came out today, no release this month. This buries the rumour of 21s out of this camp by end of the month. Wrote to Kay in answer to a wizard letter from her today. They feel much better about the news of 32s out by June.

137

Received a letter from Kay again today and two letters from the children. Went into town and bought a nice wristwatch for David which is shock proof with heavy glass – just the job for a boy David’s age. Kay has received her first food parcel.

From 5 t h NOV 1945W

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Getting on with the work nicely in hangar. Another kite finished today early so got away. Stayed in and wrote letters in evening. Heard news again about 28s out of India by Jan 6th. They have to be in Bombay by Dec 24th. I wonder? Anyway we will soon see.

Went to work, finished another ‘Spit’ then packed up early. Went and watched a game of football before going to badminton committee meeting in main camp. No more demob news, 26s leave for bombay tomorrow.

140

during a game of football for our section I fell and hurt my ankle so badly that I was taken by ambulance to Karachi hospital. The lads came to see me.

This is a lovely hospital; the nurse and sisters are wonderful. Food is really good, very comfortable bed. Wrote to Kay letting her know all the latest.

To 18th N OV 1945TH

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Took a badminton team to main camp to play but it turned into a case of play anyone, an interesting evening was had by all. No word from home had a letter from Kit and one from Sybil whose fiancé has his release coming up this month.

Rumour came out today that 28s have to be out of India by Jan 6th: dare not repeat it until some official news comes out. Stayed in to write but committee meeting came of suggesting to invite WACI’s to match at Western one Sunday. Got permission for this. Still haven’t received a letter from Kay.

139

Managed to scrounge enough parts to make another Spitfire serviceable today, spares are very short these days. Did not go into today as I am short of cash and I must try and get some money together to buy all the things I want to take home.

From 12 t h NOV 1945W

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Saw the M.O. and he strapped my ankle up and said that I could go to camp Saturday on discharge. The news on demob is that 27s are to be home by Dec. 21s to have medical next week and to report to orderly room by 29th of this month. Must check up on this and get back. Wrote to Mother and Kay.

Allowed to have a walk about today so got up and went up to the hospital roof. Wrote more letters including another to Kay. Everyone is very nice in here – the nurses and sisters help all the time and are lovely to look at, it’s a treat for sore eyes to see some english girls.

142

Got up early and was ready to go by 8.30. Left the hospital by 10 and got to camp by 11am. The chaps seemed very pleased to see me.

Had to take it easy, as my foot is not strong yet. The lads are good and help all they can. No more news of Kay yet – perhaps tomorrow will bring news.

To 25 th N OV 1945TH

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Still in suspense, had an x-ray today but don’t know the result yet. I don’t think it is broken or fractured though or the M.O. would have put it in plaster. Wrote to Kay. I feel that everything will be okay and have only slight pain occasionally. Had a lovely nights sleep – best in India.

X-ray results came through. Wizard – no breaks or fractures but torn tendons and badly sprained ankle. The strapping I had on at the time saved the ankle. Wrote to Kay as soon as I heard to let her know the good news. No fear of missing the boat now. Hope to be out in 10 days with any luck.

141

Doctor saw me today and gave me news that it would be okay definitely. Wrote to Kay. Jack came to see me and Elsie and Doris Walters came and gave a show in the hospital theatre. They carried me in to see them – wizard. No more demob news yet.

From 19 t h NOV 1945W

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Foot is getting stronger now so that I can put my full weight on it now without having to limp. It is still strapped up. Worked out my pay ready for going home some day. I have been played almost up to date so wont have any corrections to come. Have to rest my foot, can’t take advantage of it.

Received letters from Kay in reply to mine letting her know of my accident. She certainly was nice about it – I deserved to be told off for taking such a risk so close to going home. Bless her but she wont have to worry about me from now on – NO mOre FOOTBALL definitely.

144

News that 27s will soon be going whoopee – soon be away now.

Went to Sandspit for the day with the lads, had a lovely day in the sun – did the world of good. Came back and I wrote letters.

To 2nd d EC 1945TH

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did not go to work as when I saw the m.O. this morning, he told me to keep off my foot – officially giving me 21 days light duty. HAD MY MEDICAL for release this afternoon, perfect apart from my foot of course. That is the first step homeward anyway.

My foot is coming on nicely now, although I have to watch where I am walking. It seems that the news I got in hospital re demob was a duff, for the 27s are not getting cleared until next week. Lots of repats are flying home now, wonder how long it will be before I am on my way.

143

Started a competition for the badminton club. Couldn’t play myself of course but have organised it. Entered two teams in the station league. They play against one another – worse luck – on Friday. Went to pictures in evening after writing to Kay. No mail from home today.

From 26t h NOV 1945W

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News came today that 27s will have to be in Bombay by Dec 26th. I reckon I will be here for Xmas after all. Anyway, with any luck I should be home early next year. Stayed in and wrote Xmas mail to folks at home. Had a letter from Maureen. Saw a football match at main camp.

Received a letter from Kay, a real smashing letter – it bucked me up no end. I wonder if she realises when she writes, what her letters mean to me. Gee, I would die if she stopped writing. How impatient I get when there is a delay in mail.

150

Work all day today, was asked to build a servery for the cookhouse, said I would start it monday.

Stayed in camp today. Free to run on my foot – not too much pain but still some in places. Went to flicks in the evening with Smudger.

To 9th d EC 1945TH

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Had a general meeting of the badminton club, a very good attendance. I was voted into the chair as chairman. Went to watch lads play over in the hangar earlier in evening. Received a letter from Kay, it was a real beauty – boy oh boy can she write a smashing letter.

News of demob seems to be very scarce these days. 27s are still here and work is STILL out for me. I am resting my foot as much as possible. The lads are very good to me and help me all they can. No mail from home. Went to flicks in the evening after writing home.

149

Half-day today, so trained for the badminton match against WACI this afternoon. Was quite good but very strange. Went into Karachi with ‘Smudger’ afterwards. Had a look round the shops for this to take home, got a good idea of prices etc.

From 3rd d EC 1945W

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Received a nice letter from Kay this morning, she is content to know that I will be home sometime in January. Gee I was disappointed when I realised that I would not be home for Xmas. Kay and the children have received my Xmas parcel but aren’t opening until Xmas day: and I once thought I would see them open it.

Worked in hangar clearing up the snags on the last few Spitfires we are building. Wrote a few more Xmas mails in evening. Darn cold during the night – living in tents in this weather, 60 degrees, the lowest since I have been here.

152

Worked all day on server in cookhouse. Gee it is getting cold at night. Have to have long trousers in morning and evening.

Went to cookhouse and did a bit more to the server. Packed up in time to go to mauripur to see our station soccer team beat them 4-0, a really good game.

To 16 th d EC 1945TH

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Started new job for Xmas, making a servery for the cookhouse. The 27s have to go by the 24th. Wizard – now maybe I will be away by the end of the month. Stayed in in the evening and wrote Xmas cards.

Had terrible row with Sgt Gorton this morning, told him what the lads thought of him – did he go red. The lads said afterwards that he couldn’t get a word in and was so shaken that when he could he didn’t. He was much nicer to everyone afterwards. Went to flicks in the evening with the lads.

151

Had another half day on the server – it will look okay when finished. No mail from home. Arranged another game with WAcIs for the afternoon. 10 girls turned up and we all had a good game. Stayed in during the evening and wrote letters.

From 10t h d EC 1945W

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Well I thought I would be leaving Karachi at least by today and yet here I am still here and haven’t even warned to get cleared. I don’t think I will be away by this next month. Still working on severy – we will be pushed to finished by Xmas. No mail today.

No mail again, but was very busy today. We were taken off servery to do a job in hangar. They released an administrative instruction that 21s won’t be out today. Others not mentioned – this means I will not be out in January. I am really terribly fed up with everything. It is very cold here these days; need three blankets at night, pullovers and long slacks in the mornings.

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Worked all day on servery in cookhouse. It looks very nice now and it is almost done. congratulated on it by officer. Stayed in to write in the evening. No mail.

Worked all day on server, until 11.30pm. boy – was I tired: it looks very nice but will have to work hard tomorrow to finish. No mail from home, what has happened?

To 23rd d EC 1945TH

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22 23

Received a letter from John Haire M.P. in answer to my letter of complaint on demob from the fellows of W.D. A very nice letter we received telling us that everything is being done to please us all. Received a nice letter from Sybil. The demob seems to be at a standstill these days. I shall still be in India when this diary expires.

Had to work in hangar to finish kite and then went back on cookhouse servery. We are getting no help at all – having to do our full work in hangar and the other in our own spare time. We are sent for to do the smallest job – even on one occasion to lock up and lock out.

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Half day today but went up to cookhouse to continue working on servery. Expected a letter from Kay today but did not receive one. Wrote to the children and to Kay. Played badminton: found my ankle holds up perfectly. Wrote to Doc tonight. Received a letter from Sybil, very nice one.

From 17t h d EC 1945W

EDTU

ESM

ON

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Well I thought I would be leaving Karachi at least by today and yet here I am still here and haven’t even warned to get cleared. I don’t think I will be away by this next month. Still working on severy – we will be pushed to finished by Xmas. No mail today.

No mail again, but was very busy today. We were taken off servery to do a job in hangar. They released an administrative instruction that 21s won’t be out today. Others not mentioned – this means I will not be out in January. I am really terribly fed up with everything. It is very cold here these days; need three blankets at night, pullovers and long slacks in the mornings.

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Worked all day on servery in cookhouse. It looks very nice now and it is almost done. congratulated on it by officer. Stayed in to write in the evening. No mail.

Worked all day on server, until 11.30pm. boy – was I tired: it looks very nice but will have to work hard tomorrow to finish. No mail from home, what has happened?

To 30 th d EC 1945TH

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29 30

Received a letter from John Haire M.P. in answer to my letter of complaint on demob from the fellows of W.D. A very nice letter we received telling us that everything is being done to please us all. Received a nice letter from Sybil. The demob seems to be at a standstill these days. I shall still be in India when this diary expires.

Had to work in hangar to finish kite and then went back on cookhouse servery. We are getting no help at all – having to do our full work in hangar and the other in our own spare time. We are sent for to do the smallest job – even on one occasion to lock up and lock out.

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Half day today but went up to cookhouse to continue working on servery. Expected a letter from Kay today but did not receive one. Wrote to the children and to Kay. Played badminton: found my ankle holds up perfectly. Wrote to Doc tonight. Received a letter from Sybil, very nice one.

From 24t h d EC 1945W

EDTU

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158 NeW YeAr ANNIVerSArYJANUArY

J A N U A R YN e w Ye a r A n n i v e r s a r y

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Went to hangar as some rubbers had arrived from england to complete the seven Spitfires we had left. We managed to do three today. The bon Voyage opened tonight for New Year’s eve, It was very quiet indeed compared to Christmas but there was still plenty of drunkenness. Won’t it be lovely to get home away from this?

This is the New Year, had a good time with four pals until 1am, and drank the health of all our friends back home. I missed Kay’s company last night, which was our 14th anniversary of meeting and my thoughts were often with her last night wondering if she too had thoughts similar to mine and if she has any regrets.

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This is the last day of this diary. I have still had no official news of going home but have great hopes of it coming this week. This diary leaves me quite happy in that thought: very fit and still as madly in love with my darling Kay as I ever was. Good luck to 1946.

To 3rd JaN 1946TH

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159 NeW YeAr ANNIVerSArYJANUArY

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Thomas returned home later that January, he enjoyed time with Kay, his children and his friends in the coming years and even got to meet his Grandchildren.

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c H A P T e r O N e

The sun was shining with all its summer brilliance and glowing upon a group of men gathered together on a glorious day to hear sad news from a tall, handsome young priest dressed in the garb of a monk. Father Francis Smythe was standing on the steps of the Abbey of St. Columbus which is situated in a beautiful setting of Scottish scenery. Its tall trees, distant hills and green fields were typical of the lovely isle of Iona off the Scottish coast. It was with a heavy heart that he commenced to relate to the men gathered around him the news that the work on the restoration of the Abbey had now to cease. “I will not,” he said “Bore you all with the intricate details concerned with the cessation of this wonderful work. Now that the country is at war, building materials are needed to assist in its vital progress so it must be obvious to you all why we cannot continue. What I wish to dwell upon is the way in which you have all faithfully carried out the tasks allotted to you and more than that, the wonderful way in which you have helped to make life together such a pleasant one. It has not been easy; living, as we have had to do, away from all the pleasures and amusements which you have been used to all your lives. I cannot help but praise and thank you for the patience and understanding which you have shown during your two years here. You will no doubt all be joining the forces shortly to travel over great distances in dangers and trials to get to grips with our enemies, which brings me to the major reason for requesting your presence here today. I would like you to accept a small gift from me, a silver cross, one which I hope you will carry with you wherever you go to help inspire courage and confidence during any trial or suffering which you may have to encounter. There is only one condition which I would like you to keep regarding this symbol of trust in God. do not keep it for more than twelve months. before this period expires I want you to pass it on to one whom you think needs it more than yourself.”

c H A P T e r T W O

“Enemy Aircraft approaching--------------Scramble”. The tannoy calmly announced this brief but all important message to the men sitting down trying to snatch a few minutes rest from the constant round of furious activity which had denies them any real sleep for the past few weeks. Unquestioningly they obeyed its summons and were soon roaring over the south of england aerodrome in pursuit of what had recently become an almost automatic duty, the relentless hunting of the invading aircraft to fight and destroy them, and so

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petrol tank and for the next few minutes he had his work cut out controlling his own machine which had received some of the resultant blast, threatening to put him into an uncontrolled spin. He at last regained control and managed to turn on a level keel and only just had time to notice that he had bagged a ‘kill’ when he spotted one of his pals in trouble, trying to get away with his engine cut and a bomber on his tail. He opened up his throttles and shortened the intervening distance between him and the German machine and, using the same action as before, got in a burst which this time found its mark. As the machine started to dive, due to the pilot falling forward on his controls, the German rear-gunner sent a stream of bullets into the nose of Sid’s machine as he banked for a fresh attack; this smashed his control panel. To his horror his oil pressure started to drop and his machine started to turn in circles. Realising that his rudder and fin had been damaged also, he knew he was out of the fight and must find a suitable landing space before he lost control altogether. He managed to adjust with his areolons, to counteract the pull on the damaged rudder and so went slowly down looking ahead for a suitable landing. The engine was slowly giving out as he did this and little time for choice was left. Spotting a ploughed field he was about to turn for it when the sun reflected on some water about two miles away on his port side. He had to make a quick decision as to which would make the safer landing. If he landed on a field there was the danger of an unlucky blow knocking him out and trapping him in a fire; on the other hand, if he didn’t land on the water correctly, and it was deep, he might never get out. He decided to chance the water anyway and, being in a position for a good approach, he just glided toward it hoping that he could make it. His engine, by this time, had petered out and he could not expect any help from that. He manoeuvred the plane down fairly well, but was rather dubious of reaching the water for it seemed he was too low, yet he dare not lift the nose for fear of stalling at such slow speed and crashing heavily. Just as he looked like succeeding, he hit the top of one of the trees which bordered this small lake. This turned his machine sideways and it hit the water with its port wing down. Sid had automatically opened his cockpit hood early so that he could get out quickly when the time came. Although the machine was travelling slow as far as flying speed was concerned it was plenty fast enough to give terrific thrust on hitting the water, and this added to the weight of its engine, submerged it very quickly. Owing to the water being shallow the wing hit the bottom and turned the machine on to its nose with the tail coming out of the water which movement threw Sid out of the cockpit and clear of the machine. As he took an inelegant header

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prevent them reaching England’s capital city with their death dealing loads. Sid Lynn was the first to take off but was soon contented to see the rest of his formation taking up their positions as he streaked across the sky toward that part of the south coast which had been communicated to him through his headset from ‘Base Control’ to which the enemy formation had been reported to be making for. Sid was an architect before joining the RAF and had seen more than the average amount of air fighting during this war, so far all of it had been over Britain. Many times he had returned to his unit with a plane shot up to such an extent that it was a nightmare to the hard working ground crews whose untiring efforts it was to make it serviceable again. He was dog tired and when on the ‘deck’ often wondered how he would ever muster sufficient energy to take off again. Yet, when the call came, he always ‘just found himself airborne’ as he would put it; tiredness and fatigue departed in a fresh attempt to prevent disaster. As he flew through the sky the sun was reflected on a silver cross, which he had sewn on his flying helmet so that it would always be in the air with him; he had thought it a source of comfort and additional strength on more than one occasion. The fellows whom he commanded all liked him for his jovial spirits and willingness to help anyone whenever he could, and he was always admired for his daring and untiring determination in battle. Calling his squadron on his intercom he warned them that they would be sighting the approaching enemy formation at any time, but as he was speaking he saw faint specks ahead and below gradually materialising into the bombers that they were seeking. calling their attention to the position, he told his squadron to split formation and attach individual targets carefully. “See you all back in the mess, Good Hunting”. With these words he switched over to base, reported contact, and switching off, got down to the desperate job in hand. As he dived on the leading bomber of the enemy formation he felt for the cross on his helmet as he had so often done before, just to satisfy himself that his ‘mascot’ was still with him. His luck was with him on this occasion even better than he had hoped; he managed to get his guns into action before the ‘Jerry’ spotted him, but missed the pilot to whom he had aimed. He saw the ‘kite’ dive into some nearby cloud cover seeking evasive action, but with a swift climbing turn he found that he had premeditated the pilot’s move and saw him come out of the cloud which was by this time below him. He was soon on his tail and, taking careful aim at the back of the port wing, near the engine, he dealt out the destruction to which his guns were tuned. The enemy plane exploded as his bullets hit the

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never finished as a shout went up that Sid was wanted by the C.O.Owing to the previous conversation the whole mess started to sing “Life on the Ocean Waves”, and “They Say There’s a Troopship” etc., and with ‘Serve you right you shouldn’t have mentioned it’ from the fellow who hated the idea of a sea voyage. Sid, throwing a cushion at him, departed for the C.O.’s office. He came back about fifteen minutes later and after lots of shouts of ‘Give us the gen-Ben’ and ‘ What’s the news-Sue’ he marched to the centre of the room and, raising his hands for silence said, “My dear cut throats, your psychic qualities amaze me, lots of you will be able to go in for palm reading after the war. can’t you imagine George there sitting in a little box on brighton front yelling ‘Read your ‘and sir.’ He neatly ducked a cap thrown at him amid the laughter. “Joking aside though chaps, I’m on the boat, but before you start your beastly leg pulling, let me remind you of the parting words of the c.O. “And you won’t be the only one either”, he said.

c H A P T e r F O U r

The troop ship which had been Sid Lyn’s home for the past three weeks had been making very good progress, keeping up a steady speed during the day and increasing it at night.Sid had met a Roman Catholic Padre on board and they had become very friendly in spite of very different opinions. The Padre had found Sid to be a very pleasant conversationalist, and the many chats they had enjoyed helped to while away the numerous hours which the inactive life on board presented. “I think you said you were born in London, Sid”. The Padre was opening a conversation with his friend as they were leaning over the ship’s rail while passing through an eastern port. They had learned that they were en route for the East and though neither of them liked the idea very much, they had settled down to make the best of it and to enjoy the unfamiliar scenes as much as possible. “Yes, Sid replied, “I was born in Earlsfield, that’s on the Waterloo – Wimbledon Line, do you know it?”.“I should say I do. I was brought up in Wimbledon and studied for the cloth at the Jesuit college on edgehill. So we were neighbours too, eh! That reminds me. Do you remember when we first met that we both had a feeling we had met before, perhaps that may be the answer. We may have met casually somewhere at home, and yet I can’t help thinking it was more recent than that. Never mind, perhaps it will come to one of us some time.”“Yes, it’s bound to come to light eventually, I suppose”, said Sid and left that subject to reminisce on the days of his youth. “Good old days those”, he went

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he noticed he was not far from the edge, and on coming to the surface he managed to struggle to the verge of the lake before his clothing became heavy enough to be dangerous.He was assisted out of the water by a crowd of people who had run from the nearby trees under which they had been sheltering. He was handed a cigarette by an RAF Padre who happened to be among his rescuers and who congratulated him on his fortunate escape. Looking himself over for any injury, he was surprised to find that, apart from a cut on his eye he had escaped serious damage. He learnt from the crowd that the bomber he had attacked had crashed. His fellow pilot had seemed to make a landing a few miles away, and he wondered whether he had got away with it as fortunately as himself. As he walked to a nearby house to dry his clothes and contact his squadron base, he removed his helmet and felt the cross which was still there as he did so, wondering at the same time if the others who had received them were experiencing similar luck. It was six months since he had received it from an instructor at one of his training schools who told him he had been given it from a member of London’s Fire brigade nine months previously. He had all their names and addresses in a book which had been passed along with the cross and had made a mental note to take a copy, so that, if he survived to the end of the war, he could arrange to meet them to swop experiences and to see if the symbol which had brought him such good luck had done the same for them.

c H A P T e r T H r e e

A month after this episode in the life of the fair haired, well-built officer, Sid Lyn, found him “Things have quietened down considerably lately” he was saying I suppose before long we will be on our way to Burma or China.” His pal, who rather dreaded leaving his wife and children to go to some far remote land, looked at him reproachfully. “Turn it in, Sid, blimey! We have only just had a short rest, from a terrific strain you know, besides I don’t like the thought of a long sea voyage. I should most probably die of loosing my stomach before reaching the other side.”“Well, they won’t keep us all here idle for long you know. Churchill has already told Roosevelt that he will send as much resistance as Britain can spare, the old Bulldog.”“It’s all reet the noo”, began a Scots lad sitting opposite, but his opinion was

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sight of a native riding a camel on the side of the canal. “I shouldn’t like to be jolted about like that would you?” The Padre laughed as he watched the native being jerked up and down as if he would take off at any moment. “He seems to be enjoying it anyway doesn’t he”, was Sid’s comment on the native’s excited efforts to get in front of the ship. The native managed to get in the lead and a roar of applause came from the decks below which were crowded with troops. The native turned and waved his arms in acknowledgement, almost falling off in the process. As the two men walked below the Padre noticed Sid give very interested glances at all the young ladies they passed. “I’ll bet you’re a bit of a lad”, he thought as he jokingly said “Eyes off there”.“Just because you’re out of the running don’t go cramping my style. I’ll bet you could be a terror, without that collar, if you wanted to be.” Sid ducked away from the Padre as he pretended to go for him. They both laughed pleasantly and went to make their way below for tea.This friendship which had developed between the two men was very remarkable. Here was Sid, young and handsome who loved dancing, drinking, and all the good things of life; could swear with the rest of the boys when it pleased him, and yet he was enjoying the friendship of the tall, well built young priest who “couldn’t settle down with women, who drank only moderately, and who would remonstrate with him if he heard some of the vocabulary he used when he was upset. In moments when he was given over to more serious thought he often wondered why he found himself liking the Padre’s company. “But still,” he would say if asked, “Men are men whatever their opinions or differing schools of thought. It takes all sorts to make a world.” Another thing that amazed Sid about the Padre was the absolute confidence he had in himself. The many conversations he had with him, made him admire and envy the seeming lack of fear of any danger and his impartiality to death. Whereas Sid, although he would never let any human being on earth know it, was scared out of his life at times especially when facing what seemed like certain disaster. Only one thing scared him more and that was the thought of anyone noticing his timidity or fright. As it was only during combat that he felt it, and always being alone during such times, he satisfied himself that he wouldn’t be found out so long as it didn’t affect his fighting ability. How different men are, some liked one thing or were scared of another, and yet they all seemed to jog along fairly happily: and it has all been accentuated during this time of war when men have had to live, eat, drink, and sleep as one family.

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on. “Did you ever go to the Central Hall, Southfields when you were a kid? boy, that was always good fun, sitting there thrilled by the adventures of some cowboy hero and sucking sweets to our hearts content.” “I do seem to remember going there occasionally but, I was always on Wimbledon common as a child, playing about in the woods at the back of the windmill, and finding my way to Ceasar’s Well. That always held an interest for me in those days. What school did you go to?”“Oh, to start with I went to a local school in Tranmere Road, just an ordinary board school, as my parents were not wealthy by any means. Later on I passed a scholarship high enough to take me to Wandsworth Tec.”The Padre watched the amused smile on Sid’s face as he related his story, turning as he did so to a more comfortable position with his back resting on the ship’s rail. Taking out his cigarettes he offered one to Sid. He could see that he was enjoying the thoughts of his boyhood days. “Did you finish up at the Tec., or did you go to another school?”“Well, my father was in printing in those days and when it came to my choosing a career he asked me what I wished to do. I told him that if I could follow in his footsteps I would be happy, but if not I wished to become a jockey, I was exceptionally small at that time. I suppose you wouldn’t agree with that as a calling.” “Well of course, it isn’t the jockey’s fault that so much trouble comes of horse racing and I am broad minded on that subject. Like drinking, it is harmless enough if done in moderation. As you know, I like a glass of beer the same as you, and there are lots of worse habits than going to a race meeting. You evidently, didn’t take up that career anyway.”“No. I started in print but couldn’t stick it and later on changed to architecture and finally settled down in a reasonably good job until this lot started. If you don’t mind my asking, what made you decide on taking religion as your life’s work?”“I don’t mind talking about it in the least. I was the eldest of two children my brother, who was twelve months my junior, was always winning all the girls, even those I brought home fell for him. I couldn’t settle down at all. Then I went to a monastery for what in the R.C. church is called a retreat, I liked the life so much that I later found myself in a college, studying for the church: and that is about all there is to it, I suppose. When the war started I applied for a commission, was accepted, and her I am on my to Burma.”“Well, it’s about time we went below for some eats, my tummy is yelling for satisfaction, shall we go?” Sid enquired. They turned towards the companionway but stopped on the way to enjoy the

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George’s reply. And so the discourse altered from Sid’s giving voice to a happy memory back to the normal subject between men, when one of George’s type is within hearing. George went into a long story of his “affairs” and how he enjoyed them, and as he spoke Sid was thinking to himself, funny how one meets different types of men all making up the world: depicting the sorrow or happiness, joviality or seriousness, the love, the hate or the indifference of life.“There’s a girl now” George was rambling on, “Bloody drink me under the table, often wonder what she’s day if she were over here with beer at four and six a pint. Say! That reminds me, I ain’t had a cursed drink since I left Blighty. Flicking ‘ell, I’ll be packing up smoking soon and wearing a ruddy halo before I get to heaven yet.”“Jumping to conclusions about the heaven part aren’t you George,” said Sid. “Well, listen to angel face talking. You didn’t look so perishing holy when I met you, and helped you out of the Royal Oak to stagger back to your billet in Blackpool a few months ago.”

C H A P T E R S I X

“my God, this heat is killing. How long have you all been in this state of affairs?”Sid was talking to some of the men of a landing strip in burma some weeks after he had been posted to a unit near the Burma front in India. You couldn’t call it an aerodrome really for it was only a clearing cut in the forest and had a metal runway laid down. The Japs had surrounded it some weeks previously and up to now the small group of ground staff and air crew had been holding on desperately hoping that the army would fight through to them very shortly.As Sid helped himself to some “bully” and a mug of tea he was recounting the experience which had caused him to get into this mess with the others. “I was operating from an aerodrome further back and was given the job of flying out supplies to you chaps as soon as we got your wireless message. How was it you could not let us know before?”A burly Welshman, sitting opposite Sid took up the conversation. “Well, I could stay here all day telling you the story but we have to go and relieve some of the other fellows in about ten minutes, but to give you the most important part, it is sufficient to say that the first thing those artful buggers did was to damage our wireless and it has taken five days to get it going again, during which time those dirty swine have tried again and again to rub us all out. You were a fool to land, why didn’t you drop the stuff and get out with the

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c H A P T e r F I V e

“Lovely night tonight Sid, just look at the beauty of that sky, never quite the same in Blighty, is it? Sooner be there than in this bloody country, though.”Sid and George, a roommate, were walking down the road of the rest camp to which they had been sent to get their land legs after the voyage, before Bing posted to their squadron. The change also helped them to become acclimatized to the terrific heat of that tropical country.His pal on this occasion was vastly different from his Padre friend who had left him a week previously after being posted to his burma Unit. George was the type of chap who used adjectives incessantly in his conversation, quite unnecessarily, but born of habit. “Oh, I don’t know George. I have seen some lovely skies in britain. Why only this year, about a month before I came overseas, I can remember one especially. I had been down to Stranraer in Scotland, the town nearest West Freugh where I was stationed, and coming back into camp a Waaf friend of mine came up to me, and being an evening such as this and neither of us feeling like sleep we went for a walk round the aerodrome and a smoke before turning in.”“Oh yes”, said George, very knowingly “you need not say any more; I was in Blighty myself once, remember!”.“Oh no, you don’t know, George, you wouldn’t appreciate that type of girl. She was ginger haired, very sensible in conversation, a wizard dancer and she had an unusual trait in a woman, she was a patient listener. We were great pals, and I often used to think that she would make a lovely wife for some lucky guy; suit me fin anyway, just my type, but wife hunting is not fair in my opinion when you are air crew. Getting back to the original subject though, I think.........“Blimey, that’s a pity. I was just beginning to get interested” interrupted George. “Stop butting in for heaven’s sake, you wouldn’t look at that girl twice. It would bore you to tears to stroll round an aerodrome on a lovely night such as this; clear, light blue sky, millions of stars dotted all over the heavens, with the moon throwing everything into relief against the shadowy trees on the horizon; cows grazing or lying down as dark shadows in the fields; the air still and warm yet fresh and exhilarating. Just strolling and singing songs, or pulling one another’s legs as we did on that night. A smashing girl that, and a real genuine friend, I still hear from her. You could trust her anywhere and be honoured to introduce her to your folk or even your wife if you had one.”“Yes, I reckon you’re trying to pull my ruddy leg now too. Expect me to believe all than moonshine. Here, have a fag and pull the other one, it’ll ring,” was

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his capacity as a pilot, but as the boys were having a rough time of it on the Northern end of the strip, he asked him to go and give a hand on a machine gun. So, of course, Sid went right away, having no time to go the Padre again. When he arrived at the post Sid realised how really grave the situation was. Many of the fellows had not had any sleep for days and consequently were nearly all in, their clothes were torn, dirty and soaking wet from the swamps in which they had been fighting. The stench and terribly oppressive heat was heartbreaking and the insects a constant trial to everyone’s patience. While Sid was settling down to the grim job which had been allotted to him a scene was being enacted back at headquarters which was to have a far reaching affect on the whole situation.Sqd.Ldr. Turner had received a wireless message from RAF Command with instructions which, while constituting the finest news he had received since being hemmed in, was causing him much consideration and terrible doubts as to his method of carrying them out. He read again the important message: “A squadron of bombers, with fighter cover will be over your position in 24 hours. Try and get all men away from the aerodrome area before noon as we will attack at that time. If you can get the enemy to take the aerodrome and entice them into the open before that time, it may save your position and help us to finish them. The Army is only four miles away and as reports show that the enemy strength against you is only local they should reach you soon after our attack. Hang on somehow and Good Luck.”How could he get his men away into safety? He must do it somehow or they would all perish from the bombing of our own planes. “I wonder if Lynn could help. He knows more about their likely method of attach than I do and may be useful to us with his extra knowledge.”With these thoughts he sent a man to bring Sid in from the line. While this was being done he studied the latest reports of casualties and the strength of men left. A plan was forming in his mind of gradually giving ground from now until the time of the attack, and so entice the enemy into the open as requested, with the false impression of complete victory in sight. He was glad of the news that the enemy strength was weaker than he had been led to believe. “That is one consolation anyway”, he thought, but how to get the men away after drawing back was his chief worry. Sid came into the shack looking very battle begrimed and serious. “You sent for me, Sir? The lads are having it hellish tough out there and can do with all the help they can get. What did you want me for, Sir?” He felt rather rebellious against coming and leaving the lads when they were in such a spot.

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others.”“I had a petrol pipe hit and had lost too much petrol to expect to get back, so landed here thinking it safer than risking a crash somewhere in the jungle on the way back.”He didn’t dare ask the question in his mind, and the one which appeared to be on everyone’s lips. How long could this small band of a few hundred men hold out against constant attacks by experienced Japanese soldiers with all the modern machinery of jungle warfare at their disposal. They had done exceptionally well in holding them off so long, but things were now coming fast to a crisis when they would either be annihilated or else have to use some means of getting away to the army lines. “I had better go and make my presence known to the C.O. where can I find him?” Sid had finished his snack and was smoking a cigarette as he spoke.“The C.O. was killed two days ago, chum,” Sid was told “but you had better see the Padre; he will know who is in charge. I think it is Sqd. Ldr. Turner at the moment but I don’t know if any change has had to be made since he took over.” Sid made his way over to the sick bay and saw the Padre, who was administering the last Sacraments to a chap who was lying swathed in bandages. On first glance Sid was more interested in the fellow who was looking so helpless, but on looking up at the Padre Sid could only gape in amazement for it was his former friend whom he had met on the boat, and as Sid stood there looking at him the Padre glanced his way. He gave Sid the impression that he was seeing an apparition or something just as phenomenal, but when he realised it really was his old travelling companion he came over to him and shook him warmly by the hand. “What in heavens name brings you here, Sid”, he said. “Oh, that’s a long story which I will have to tell you later. You are fully occupied, and I must see whoever is in charge, that is why I was advised to contact you to get that information.”The Padre took Sid by the shoulder and they strolled outside where he told Sid the directions to take for finding Sqd. Ldr. Turner who was still in charge.“When you have finished with him come back, and by that time I shall have finished here. The patient whom I was with will not last long, I’m afraid. The death rate here has been terrible.”He was about to talk further on the situation when an orderly appeared and asked him if he would go inside. “Well, I expect I will see you later, Sid. Cheerio for now and the best of luck.”Sid interviewed Sqd. Ldr. Turner and found there was nothing he could do in

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“I overheard Lynn as I came in, and agree with him that something very subtle would be the best bet.” Blair was speaking in between mouthfuls of sandwich and tea as time was precious.While this conversation was in progress the airman was deep in though with an idea he had formed, but he was rather reticent of advancing suggestions to his superiors. After a few minutes silence while they were all deep in individual thought of the difficult problem, he took the bull by the horns and spoke his opinion. “I hope I’m not butting in Sir, but how about this for an idea: I seem to remember reading once of a party in much the same plight as we are in, only it was in the desert. They dug themselves in the sand, those that were left, and when the enemy closed in, thinking they had finished everyone off, they came out of hiding and with the help of complete surprise managed to save themselves. Could we do anything like that Sir?”Turner was an exceptionally reasonable man, very unlike many pig-headed men in command of men, and he realised that any suggestion from whatever source was worth consideration. Sid was first to break the silence. “That’s not a bad idea either. We can’t bury everyone in sand of course, but how about trying a bluff in feigning dead. If it was done realistically enough it might work. Can’t do that in the positions the men are in at the north end but the rest are in the bush all around. How about it Sir?”“Wouldn’t the enemy smell a rat if men were spread around without any apparent injury. Someone would be bound to investigate and on finding a man in full possession of fighting ability the scheme would at once collapse. Then there are the wounded to consider”, was the C.O.’s answer. everyone was again silent for a while and blair, lighting a fag, suddenly spoke out as an idea materialised.“How about if all the men up to the north end were to circle round in small sections after gradually ceasing to fire at a given time; reinforce the men at the north end to force that section of the enemy into the bush and then the firing all round to gradually die out as if everyone was finished. The men would then be laying ‘doggo’, the Japs would come in thinking all was over and we could time it to coincide with the arrival of the bombing squadron”.“That’s the ticket Sir,” said Sid. “Some of the men on south side could do the same at the back of sick bay and we could get the injured out and spread them around too. It would be an awful experience for those men I know, but it is better than being killed in their beds. The Japs would not show any mercy as you know”.

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“I know how you feel Lynn, it’s awful out there I know, but you can be of more help here at the moment. Here, read this.” Sid read the news and felt like whooping for joy at its prospects. “Can I go and tell the lads, Sir? This news is just what they need to buck up their morale, they’re all pretty low, Sir”.“All in good time, Lynn” was the Commander’s steadying reply. “With your experience of flying you can give me some valuable information and perhaps help with the problem of carrying out those orders. You realise how difficult, in fact, almost impossible it will be to get the men out, don’t you?”“Sorry I was so hasty Sir, I hadn’t thought of that”. Sid felt rather foolish for not having realised the position in its true light.“They would probably bomb at a fairly high altitude I suppose, first of all, and ground staff afterwards. That’s what they usually do in such cases, isn’t it? I have always been on the technical side and don’t know much about the flying problem. What do you think? Sqd. Ldr. Turner offered Sid a seat and a cigarette while ordering an orderly to bring in a stiff drink as he asked him the question.“Thanks Sir! Yes that is most probably the form of sortie they would be likely to adopt. You will have to get the men clear or it will play havoc among them.”I thought of letting the men slowly withdraw this way, and at the same time put up hard fighting this side to drive the enemy into the bush where the men could consolidate. What do you think of that idea?” Sid did not answer for some time as he weighed up the situation. After taking the drink which had been brought to him down in one swig, he said, “Boy, I needed that Sir. There’s no need for me to enlarge on the damn cunning of these Japs to you Sir, I know, but as I see it something more drastic would be most likely to succeed. They would twig that idea pretty soon and we would then meet with a tough reception before we got far and might never get out; it’s too obvious.”While he was speaking two more fellows came in, another officer who was almost exhausted and one of the ground crew runners. “They will soon have to give ground on the northern side Sir, the men are finding it too heavy and have suffered many casualties.” The officer reported this fact to the C.O. as he helped himself to a drink and gave one to the airman who jumped at the chance of a stiff one, and helped himself to a sandwich. The C.O. showed the message to the newcomer and introduced him to Sid as P.O. blair. blair was reading the message as the c.O. turned to the airman saying, “You may as well be in this too. Everyone is concerned and four heads are better than three.”

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soon understood that there was no alternative, and then entered into the work with as much enthusiasm as the others. Strict orders were given to enlighten all personnel as to what was expected of them with the nerve racking risks involved. The men naturally grumbled but their grumbles soon dissolved in to a jovial spirit that was enhanced by the relief that they felt now something was at last going to be done to bring the whole situation to a conclusion one way or another.The work involved was tremendous and had to be done with as much speed as possible, but by 4am the next morning everything was set to start an hour later. The Padre and Sid were by this time once more well acquainted and decided to stick together unless their services were individually needed in any other quarter. All except the wounded and stretcher parties were given arms to help in the fighting. When the time came the firing began to diminish in intensity everywhere except at the section in the North, and of that behind the sick bay, which was intensified so as to get the wounded out into the bush as far as possible. The C.O. went the rounds just prior to zero hour to find that the men had used considerable initiative in the use of the dope supplied, even to mixing earth with it to represent gaping wounds. The whole thing was a terrific gamble but the men had so far played their parts even better than he had hoped and certainly looked a defeated and bloody lot. He returned with a feeling that unless something untoward happened there was every chance of bluffing it out, and as the men at the north end were already on the advance extra men forthcoming would enable them to reach the bush in time. He then went to superintend the laying of the wounded. This represented taking a dangerous risk to the future possibility of their recovery. They had to be laid in swamps, in positions of considerable discomfort: the more serious cases were hidden in the bush and covered with as much foliage as possible; in most of these cases the men knew very little about it as they were in an unconscious state. The only satisfying thought the C.O. had was the fact, grim though it was, that the enemy would lose no time in achieving their object, the aerodrome itself, so that the terrible conditions of the wounded men might only last two or three hours. The loss of some of them was, of course, part of the risk of such a daring bluff ,but with any luck the large majority would, he hoped, with careful attention afterwards, be nursed back to health. Yes, the risk involved was certainly worth it.The Padre and Sid went forward with the fighting men to give as much assistance as they could by using machine guns. Even the Padre saw that to

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“That is alright so far, but how about the first problem. It would mean about three hundred men scattered about without a mark on them.” The C.O. seemed to have an uncanny knack of hitting on the weak spots.“Once more I wonder if I dare give voice to what might sound a ridiculous suggestion Sir.” The airman was very timid this time and the other three wondered what was coming since he had previously contributed so constructively to the plan.“Speak up lad for heaven’s sake”, said Turner “we can’t waste time on personal feelings now. You have already helped considerably, what is it this time.”“Well Sir,” the airman went on a bit more encouraged. “As you know we use red ‘dope’ in servicing aircraft, to tighten the new fabric prior to camouflage. Many times when I first joined up it was mistaken for blood with plenty of laughs when we found out what it really was. It might help if it was thinned down and put on carefully on begrimed faces or limbs, or on clothes, and as the Japs, being army men are not likely to know much about the existence of dope it might help to mislead them”.As he was speaking another runner appeared, breathless and excited. “Good news Sir,” he burst out as soon as he could without interrupting. “The men at the north end have found resistance lighter. Some of the enemy must have left to help out this end which seems to be holding fine”.“That settles it then”, said the C.O. “I’ll get cracking with the time schedule”. He turned to the airman and said, “Good work son. You run along and get all the dope you can, get help to take it round, and don’t spare it. I will give you orders to take out when you get back. Now get going”.The airman dashed out, relieved that at last there was something doing which gave him a chance of getting home some day to his wife and children who had naturally been a constant source of worry to him these last weeks.by this time it was 13.30 hours and they had now less than 24 hours to get a great deal of organising done. Orders were despatched giving the plan to section commanders with details of the times of cease firing and explaining the direction of movement of men with the required strength. Not so many need be moved to the North end now that pressure in that section had slackened. They were also informed of the expected air attach. The officer who had taken part in the discussion, with Sid, was sent to sick bay to explain the position and help with getting the wounded sorted out. Those who could limp or walk in any way were told they would have to do so and the stretcher cases were made ready. There was a bit of trouble with the M.O. in charge who said he could not hold himself responsible for the patients, but he

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mosquito ridden water. Others had even climbed trees and got into positions as if they had been stopped by branches in their fall to the ground. Many others had slumped over their guns or apparently dead comrades, not daring to move their cramped and soaking bodies. They had played their parts unerringly and with the greatest devotion to duty and now it looked as if all was to no avail, for the bluff seemed to have been given away. Not that the poor devil was to be blamed, for the strain was almost unbearable to all of them.The enemy had gone to ground immediately the firing started and it was only a matter of seconds before the airman had been riddled with bullets. When all was quiet once more, the enemy took what seemed an interminable time to the waiting men before they gradually resumed their now even more cautious advance. They inspected the body of the riddled airman, but the unfortunate fellow had been so riddled that he was spattered with real blood so that it camouflaged the dope which he had put on his arms and face. He had fallen across two comrades and it was nothing short of a miracle that they managed to fight down the desire to die rather than suffer the agonising suspense which the scrutiny of the body which lay across them entailed. Had they so much as gasped, the show would have been given away a second time when the enemy would then surely have bayoneted every body to be seen, to make sure there was no more deception. The Padre, who was already in a terrible state before this outburst, was by this time in a torment, frightened it seemed to the last degree of endurance.Sid felt him move as if to get up and grab his rifle but, risking the movement involved, Sid placed the cross, which he had been clutching feverishly, into the Padre’s hand, but as he did so in an attempt to console the Padre’s rash move, he thought that all was finished and that the cross in the Padre’s hand would not have any effect on him. Sid now received a shock, for the Padre went suddenly rigid as he felt the cross and realised what it was. Sid could do nothing but thank God as he laid there that he had not previously passed the cross on to someone else. Once more it seemed this cross had assisted in saving the situation.After this the enemy advance began to quicken and they only glanced occasionally at the bodies around them, being more intent on the likelihood of an ambush further on. It seemed years before the jungle once more became devoid of movement, but the realisation and relief which that silence portrayed, made the period of waiting as child’s play to what they had gone through.They still dare not get to their feet until either after or during the bombing attack, when the enemy would be too occupied to even think of anything other

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claim religious grounds for not taking part would almost amount to a sin worse than sacrilege, when even his own life was at stake as well as the lives of so many other men who had already fought bravely and long to save every one, including himself, some of them giving their lives in the process. Everything seemed to be going according to plan and even smoother than the C.O. could have expected. Sid and the Padre were fighting hard side by side, but as they progressed deeper into the bush Sid noticed that the Padre was constantly urging Sid that this would surely be far enough. “Could he be losing his nerve”, was the first thought which entered Sid’s head, but he dismissed it with a feeling of disgust at his apparent unfaithfulness to his friend, but he stuck rigidly to his pal to make sure they were not separated. Their time came eventually to gradually cease fire, and when it came to Sid’s turn he fell in a heap across the Padre’s legs, feeling as he did so for the little silver cross which was still attached to his flying helmet which he had tucked into his battledress top when he first donned a tin hat. He pulled the cross from the helmet and held it in his hand feeling a little more comforted by its presence, which had already steadied his shattered nerves on other occasions. He had never before felt quite the same as this when facing large odds in the air, but somehow that was different to the present position which would need far more courage, and nerves of steel, to lay down in full possession of every faculty of mind and body knowing that eventually the enemy would be walking up to them with crafty, unearthly observance with guns and bayonets ready to do their deathly job at the very least movement. “I will never stand it”. The Padre’s nerves had gone and he was literally shaking with fright. Sid could see that this man, who had always seemed so unafraid of any danger or even death itself, now that the time had come, was in an absolute panic and at the same time he realised that if the Padre were to do anything foolish at this stage, it would most probably destroy all the carefully laid plans. By now, the enemy could already be heard coming through with the greatest caution and all alert for a trap which the sudden silence had warned them must be the intention of the defending force. Three small, evil looking Japs were already only twenty yards from them when one of the men, unable to stand the terrific nerve strain any longer got to his feet and was firing a machine gun at the advancing enemy, giving frenzied relief to his nerve racked body. Every one of the men, by this time, was acting dead with the use of every deception he could possibly adopt in the circumstances. Some had fallen into swamps and lain there with only their heads above the slimy, evil smelling,

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survive the exposure at such a critical stage in their treatment. As soon as the bombing was over and the planes had gone, the men all around the aerodrome rose and organised themselves once more into fighting units. They soon mopped up the remaining enemy who had managed to escape into the fringe of the bush where they too had lain until it was safe to venture about again. Soon after this the hospital which had carefully been left undamaged by our bombing squadron was once more occupied and the injured given the careful and sympathetic treatment which was their right. The army by this time were heard approaching, but many of the already weary men had to be sent to hold a defensive position on the south side of the aerodrome to either kill or head off any enemy coming that way. Shortly afterwards the army were united with the airmen and the aerodrome was relieved at last after weeks of trial, hazards, death and utter fatigue. Many of the men would live to receive awards for their unselfish devotion, but at that time the most any of them could think of even before food, was sleep, perfect, undisturbed and body satisfying slumber.Sid, who had rigged up a ‘shake down’ in the open with the Padre was about to drop off to sleep when he was surprised by an exclamation from his friend which made him sit up, anxiously wondering what had happened. “I have it!” shouted Father Smythe. “You were the fellow I helped fish out of the lake at Esher in Surrey, some time ago, weren’t you?”Sid’s enthusiasm, in spite of being dead beat was as sincere as his friend’s as he said “Why, of course. You lit a cig. For me and helped me to contact my squadron after being shot down by that falling Jerry kite. Now we know why we had that feeling on the boat that we had met before.”They chatted about it until exhaustion claimed them in dreamless rest.

C H A P T E R 7

A few weeks later the Padre and Sid were on their way back to rest camps in India. In ending this story I only wish to add that the Silver Cross which found its way back to its original source with such surprising results, is at the present moment in the hands of one of the fighting soldiers who had been left to carry on their relentless and never sickening pursuit of the crafty, devilishly cunning Japanese Armies. Perhaps someday we may once more read a chronicle of the further saving of other God fearing and faithful men of battle.

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than their own safety. At last the sound of planes told them that soon hell would be let loose not far away, and not until then did any one move. They could hardly believe the fact that they were, so far, safe. It seemed that they had all passed through death itself. Some burst into a torrent of uncontrollable tears, unashamed in this expression of their intense relief. This soon passed and the first to get to his feet was the C.O. had an apparent gaping would in his back. He moved round and collected a few men, all of whose faces seemed to have grown older and more haggard as they gathered around him to receive further orders.He quickly despatched half a dozen men to collect information as to what was going on, and to report back immediately.Sid rose to his feet and helped the Padre who was still terribly shaken, the result of shattered nerves. He quickly lit a cigarette for him, handing it to his as he said 2Take this pal, it will steady you up a little.” The Padre took it and after inhaling the soothing smoke seemed to at last find his voice. “Tell me, Sid, where did you get this cross?” As there was nothing to be done until the bombing was over Sid explained how he had come to possess it from a friend and also of the story attached to it. Owing to the habit of every one to call a priest “Father”, Sid had never enquired as to his friend’s real name, and it was only at this moment that he learned it. “Does it mean anything to you when I tell you that my name is Father Francis Smythe, Sid?”Sid could not believe his ears for this was the name written in the book giving the history of The Silver cross. This priest was none other than the original one who had given out the crosses on that Scottish Island, some years ago. He realised at the same time that this was the answer to his surprise at the cross having such a seemingly miraculous effect upon the priest. He must have recognised it as one which he himself had distributed, and remembered the day he spoke of “courage and confidence”, to the men gathered before him. The complete surprise at receiving one of them at such a moment had the effect of paralysing him into immobility.The Silver Cross had once more proved that faith in God was stronger than the weakness and fear of men, whatever their class or religious belief.The next job in hand was to give as much attention as circumstances allowed to the wounded and more serious cases. The majority of them had passed into the oblivion of unconsciousness and so had been saved the extra turmoil of fear and apprehension. Much was still to be done if any of them were to

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Designed & Curated by Jack Kurland

L E T T E R S F R O M K A YD i a r y o f T h o m a s F B e n s o n

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my Great Grandfather, Thomas Frank benson, was an engineer in the r.A.F. during WWII, he was stationed all around the UK and then in 1944 he was told to go to India. It was at this time he wrote a diary and took a vast amount of photos, showing every day life in India from the end of 1944 to the start of 1946. In a time where travelling around the world was extremely difficult and very uncommon, he got the chance to see and experience a country completely alien to 40s Britain and this book uncovers the experiences and emotions he had.