1939-40 (ix)

[9th page – October/November 1940, in ink]

got used to the Gun fire & know what it is like to hear the bombs coming that we do not waste time & run to Shelter at the warning

Oct 31st A very wet windy & miserable day but the first day I’ve felt like writing in this book  Derwent Lionel & Father has been home for their 7 days leave & Margaret has gone up to Doncaster to Der but he expects to be home so perhaps Margaret will pay Joan a visit before coming south Jerry has paid us more visits & left his card again on small civilian property.  I’ve just heard a version of a tremendous explosion that made us get out of bed quicker than we’ve ever done before & afterwards could find nothing to account for it  then some saw that it was a salvo of 5 High Explosives over the Hill other at Havant now it has been suggested to me it may have been a Jerry bomber shot down that to me sounds very reasonable for I’ve never heard or seen the like light & noise at the same time  the whole bedroom seemed a fire with forked lightning& the noise terrific  Well Dick has gone back to a new place “Storrington”  I’m still hoping he’ll be settled soon.  Lionel wrote this morning he is well & says Jerry is still trying to smash them up but we’re too good for him  the wind is so high today I dont know if Guns are being fired or now  in fact I’m not sure if I heard the Sirens alert as I’ve got the wireless on.  Lionel hopes to get 36 hours leave so may be home today or tomorrow  no news from David

Nov 1st It is worth recording we went to Bed at 10.30 last night & had a very peaceful night  today is very Bright & Sunny & quite warm. & another bright