1939 – 40 (i)

[1st page – September 1939 – August 19th 1940, in ink]

All Reservists called up. Dick being one, he was sent to Didcot & I was left entirely alone.  Sept. 3rd: War declared.  Sept.10. Dick sent to NANTES. France.  The Period between this date & Dec: 28th the most miserable time for me.  Dick came on 10 days leave.  Derwent & Lionel , Derwent Returned to his Unit on the 5th Jan 1940.  Lionel & Dick on the 8th.  Derwent met Margaret on Wed 2nd at a party to which we we all invited.  she came to Southampton with me to see Dick off & from then I have had her company, for which I am thankful.  Derwent went overseas April 8th.  Belgium needed help & his Unit was one to proceed into Belgium Territory. 

King Leopold Capitulated either the 20th or 21st & Derwent was wounded with machine gun in the back & after he & all the other British Troops had a most gruelling time got back to England. from Dunkirk May 27th was sent to Shotley Bridge Emergency Hosp. Co Durham he was discharged from Hosp. July 31st Came home on 10 days sick leave Aug 2nd & was married to Margaret on the 3rd a quiet day free from Raids  In June France made peace with Germany making the terms & the British Troops were once more harassed. & Bombarded in getting back to England.  Dick was lucky in just missing the Troopship that was sunk. & now is in England.  This day 19th August we have had 71 Air Raids. Warning the surrounding districts being hurt more than we until 2nd week in July on a Thurs. we we Bombed,  15 killed & about 60 injured. then fairly quiet till Aug 12th the biggest raid