1945-48

[27th page – June 1945, April 1948, in ink]

June 6th 45
What ought to have been written, one year ago was D Day invasion of Europe & now we have finished Jerry May the 8th was Victory in Europe Day.  all the boys are safe   David home in England  Lionel just been home from Germany on 10 days leave and expecting Der home for good the End of month.  nearly all the big time Nazi’s have committed (suercide) dont know how to spell that word too early in the day to think straight.  4.30 Am.  been up all night with “Jill” who is having puppies but is a long time about it  Father expects his discharge soon this month if he’s lucky  at Southampton now. & can get home practically every night  the kids have had a decent time  every street in Portsmouth had it’s own Street party.  tea games and entertainment for them & Dance Band in Evening till midnight for the grown ups  what a treat to see.  Bon Fires at night & Fireworks but the Animals hate the bangs. they can’t get over the other bangs.  Margaret trying to get a house but the housing problem is vast.  nearly 4,000 people on waiting list in Portsmouth.

April 21st 1948.  approx: 3 years of peace or is it  things are not too good.  every thing is in short supply  we are still rationed 2 oz butter 4 oz marg 1 oz Cheese 2 oz tea 2 oz Bacon an egg when allocated ½ lb Sugar 1-2 worth meat (about ½ to ¾ lb) per week.  Bread & milk not too bad also Cakes & Flour  ¾ lb sweets per month.  1lb Jam or marm: or sugar in place.  cereals (dried Fruit which is very rare.)  Biscuit & most tin stuff except soups on Points  24 to 30 points per month so they dont go far.  unemployment great in Portsmouth