26 May – 12 July 1944              

Notebook supplied for the Public Service.

26 May.  

Here begins Chapter 11 and may it end in the same perfect note that Ch 1 ended.  This has been a hectic day – Mess phone out of order so dashed down to Panishill where I managed to contact A, after a super chat we got cut off – at the next attempt I got through but only heard her voice and then cut off again – domage but our first chat was lovely while it lasted.  Packed my Jeep very hurriedly then set off with Lambe, Jack Bindley, and a sigs off to our marshalling camp – on arrival met Woodrow W who suggested I came to 3 Br HQ for a day or two – fetched up here at 7 ocl and had dinner with Charles – good to see all the old faces again – seems incredible that this time last week I never even knew that I was ‘in the party’ – it all seems like a dream.  Put my bed and kit in tent and then went over to Charles’ hut where we had a long chat and then back to bed – wish I had been going from the East Coast – still never mind –

27 May

Very quiet day with not very much doing – long talks with Stanley Duncan and Francis Lodge who goes off shortly to Sussex District.  Wrote A in morning and evening and read a very good novel ‘Faces in a dusty picture’ by Gerald Kersh – still no letters can’t think what can have happened to them – simply must hear from A before I embark.  Otherwise today nothing of any importance to note, so I won’t waffle on.

28 May

Still no news from A – nothing of any interest occurred on my front today – read ‘Death in a white Tie’ – good.

29 May

Still at Denmead – finished Death in a White Tie – nothing further.

30 May

Packed my kit up and left for marshalling camp A 14 – there I arrived just before dinner and met dear old George – he lands at H +25 minutes – and Bates who was on the Nea Hellas with me.  Chat and glass of ale with Shillinglaugh before retiring to bed down on a palliasse at 45^o!

31 May

Lamb arrived from Horndean (Tac HQ 1 Corps) at 5 pm – no sign of mail so I fear I’ve had it.  Watch arrived OK.  Spent from 5 pm – 12.30 pm without a break marshalling the craft load.