Collins Diamond Diary

1944

Thursday 1 June 1944

Moved to LST 384

No entries Friday 2 June 1944 to Monday 5 June 1944

Tuesday 6 June 1944

D Day – arrived off Ouistreham at 12 noon.  Nothing very much happening.  Waited about for rhino ferry – 3MEs bombed us at 2.15.  no hits – Gliders thousands of them in at 9 pm.  left ship and got on shore at 11.50 pm.  rhino doors wouldn’t open.  Bombed on beaches – phos bombs near.

Wednesday 7 June 1944  D + 1

Arrived 3 Br 0500 at Colville-Sur-Mere met Charles.  Visited 6 Airborne HQ road to Corps not yet cleared of enemy.  George in command.  Hutch wounded.

Thursday 8 June 1944 D + 2

Visited Corps + 6 Airborne. 

Not a good night – but nothing v close.

Friday 9 June 1944 D + 3

Visited Corps & 6 Airborne HQ.

Bloody awful night incl AP bombs v close.  Roger & Robert killed.

Saturday 10 June 1944 D + 4

Visit 6 Airborne Div and then over to Corps – on duty from 10 ocl until 8 pm, long day.

Good night’s sleep in Stephen Garratts tent.

Sunday 11 June 1944 D + 5

Camembert for Dinner!   Made pig of myself – Duty 0600 – 1500 hrs – Dug hole established

4 letters for A – 1 for L & G.  Wrote L & A

Monday 12 June 1944 D + 6

Quiet am.  Wrote A, L, G and B –

Duty 1400

Tuesday 13 June 1944 D + 7

Village in morning bought odd trinkets and some stamps –

Duty 2200 – 0600.

Wednesday 14 June 1944 D + 8

Morning in Town – bought more stamps – haircut – after lunch sleep from 1400 – 1815!

Dinner – soup, bully & new spuds, strawberries, camembert tea and vin rouge – Letter card to A – received ECS – morning with Rice.

Thursday 15 June 1944 D + 9

Duty 0600 – 1400

Mail up – letters from A (3), L and G (2) – Bill & ECS – Visited 3 Br, 6 Airborne, 4 Agra – long chat with Bill H.  After dinner walk with Owen Hunt.

Friday 16 June 1944 D + 10

Duty 1400 – 2200

AM spent letter writing to A & G – otherwise lazy time.

Saturday 17 June 1944 D + 11

PCB Birthday.

Duty 22 – 0600 Letters from L & G.  Read most of day ‘Bride of Bernadette’ wrote A & L.  bath?

Sunday 18 June 1944 D + 12

Brian Birthday.  Slept from 9.30 to 6.15!  Then wrote letters & read Song of Bernadette – excellent.

Monday 19 June 1944 D + 13

In pm went over to Bayeux bought scent for Eileen & a cheese for myself – letter from L dated 14^th but nothing from A – Saw Ian – in fair form.

Tuesday 20 June 1944 D + 14

Poor sweet Eileen and now I know why she hasn’t written these last few days – how grim for her and how very bitter is the pill to swallow but thank God she is alright – blast & damn the bloody WAAFs.

Date                Time   Location         Damage

04/06/1944    20.30  Canvey          A Naval barrage balloon grounded in a field at

                                    Island             Clenton Road.

05/06/1944    16.30  Rochford       An electric supply cable at Warden’s Post ‘P.3’ was

carried away by a target being towed by an aircraft from Rochford Aerodrome.

07/06/1944    18.00  Hockley          2 – cylindrical objects (believed auxiliary petrol

                                                            tanks) fell in River Crouch.  Not recovered.

08/06/1944    20.15  Ramsden       Prior to crashing i.e. at 20.15 16 Ux.H.E. were

Heath             jettisoned and fell in fields at rear of Jackson’s Farm, Ramsden Park Road, Ramsden Heath and were later disposed of by BDS.

08/06/1944    20.25  Herongate     An American Marauder (B.26) No. 296-196 from

Station 168 Rivenhall crashed in flames 200 yards SE of Park Farm and was completely destroyed.  1 member of crew was killed and 5 slightly injured.

09/06/1944    19.00  Bulphan         A kite with damaged balloon attached was found 1

mile E of Bulphan.  Date and time of falling unknown.

13/06/1944    16.00  South             A kite with balloon attached was found at South

                                    Benfleet         Benfleet Camp.  Date and time of falling unknown.

15/06/1944    23.40  Billericay        1 – A.A. Shell exploded in garden causing slight

                                                            damage to 2 bungalows.  N.C.

15/06/1944                Brentwood     1 – ‘Fly’ exploded in Hill Road causing the following

damage: Cat ‘A’ – 2 houses: Cat.’B’ – 2 houses : Cat. ‘C’ – 25 houses approx. : Cat. ‘D’ – 200 houses approx and 2 serious casualties and 8 slight casualties.  Superficial damage was also caused to County property at Brentwood Police Station.

15/06/1944    23.45  Great              1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field 150 yards NE of

Stambridge    Stewart’s Farm.  Slight damage to Canewdon Police house.  N.C.

15/06/1944    23.45  Wickford        1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field 250 yards W of

Hampton Barn Farm killing 1 horse and 4 sheep.  No other casualties or damage.

16/06/1944    01.26  Nevendon     1 – ‘Fly’ exploded in mid-Air over Does Hill Farm. 

                                                            Damage to property.  N.C.

16/06/1944    01.40  Nevendon     1 – ‘Fly’ exploded on Friern Farm.  Slight damage.  N.C.

16/06/1944    02.15  Pilgrims          A.A. Shell fragments caused damage to rood of

                                    Hatch             “Tanberat” Coxtie Green Road.  N.C.

16/06/1944    Unknown  Brentwood         1 – Ux.A.A. Shell fell on outbuildings of

                                                            Telephone Exchange.

17/06/1944    02.40  Wickford        1 ‘Fly’ exploded in Ramsden View Road causing

23 casualties 3 fatal (2 male and 1 female) 4 serious (2m 2f) and 16 slight.  2 houses demolished, 10 seriously damaged and 12 superficially, rendering 70 people homeless.  Also damage to gas main.

17/06/1944    03.00  South             1 – A.A. Shell penetrated the roof of 193 Tyrrell

Benfleet         Road and exploded causing slight damage to property.  N.C.

17/06/1944    03.00  South             Damage was caused to the roof of 430 Wallington

                                    Benfleet         Road by shrapnel.  N.C.

17/06/1944    21.00  Basildon        1 – Ux.A.A. Shell fell in cornfield at West end of

                                                            Cleveland Road.  N.D.C.

19/06/1944    18.18  Canvey          2 American ‘Flying Fortresses’ (Nos. unknown)

Island and     belonging to the 535th Squadron, 379th Bomber Allhallows             Group Kimbolton Hunts. Collided in the air over

Kent                2 killed 2 injured.  Kent Canvey Island.  1 machine    crashed in flames and was totally destroyed at Canvey Point, the other crashed at All Hallows Kent.  12 members of crew accounted for:- At Canvey 2 killed, 6 injured : At Kent 2 killed 2 injured.

20/06/1944    20.51  South             1 – ‘Fly’ exploded 200 yards NE of Fambridge Hall.

Fambridge     Superficial damage to farmhouse and buildings.  N.C.

22/06/1944    04.50  Hockley          1 – ‘Fly’ exploded in cornfield on Home Farm, 1/4

mile E of the  S end of Mortimer Road, and 200 yards S of main L.N.E.R. line.  Slight damage.  N.C.

23/06/1944    05.35  Crays Hill       A bungalow and shed at The Nurseries, Oak Lane,

Oak Road were completely destroyed by a fire which is thought to have been caused by a tracer bullet.  N.C.

25/06/1944    01.55  Mountnessing          1 – ‘Fly’ exploded in Blackmore Road 200

yards NW of Woodlands Farm, Swallows Cross.  Damage to property and telephone wires.  N.C.

25/06/1944    20.54  Stambridge    1 – ‘Fly’ exploded in middle of River Roach 200

yards due S of Walden’s Farm.  2 slight casualties and slight damage to 4 houses.

25/06/1944    Unknown  Hockley  An emergency transmitter and an oxygen bottle

dropped from a British aircraft were found on Beckney Farm.  Date and time of falling unknown.

27/06/1944    02.40  Ingrave           1 – ‘Fly’ exploded on allotments between Middle

and Rectory Roads causing 1 serious and 1 slight casualty and extensive damage to property.

27/06/1944    12.15  North              A Barrage balloon grounded at N Benfleet Hall in

                                    Benfleet         field.  N.D.C.

27/06/1944    13.45  Great              A Barrage balloon grounded in field.  N.D.C.

Wakering

27/06/1944    14.35  Thundersley A barrage balloon grounded at Claydon Road. 

                                                            N.D.C.

27/06/1944    15.30  Langdon        1 – A.A. Shell exploded in garden of Bank Ridges,

Hills                Coronation Road demolishing a small shed and causing slight damage to bungalow.  N.C.

27/06/1944    15.30  Canewdon    A barrage balloon grounded at Apton Hall.  N.D.C.

27/06/1944    15.30  Langdon        1 – A.A. Shell evidently fired at a low elevation

Hills                passed through an outhouse and a lock-up garage near Wardens’ Post ‘F.8’ causing damage to both buildings.  N.C.

27/06/1944    Unknown  Ingrave   1 – A.A. Shell exploded on greensward adjoining

main road, 300 yards NW of Dairy Farm, causing damage to boundary wall of Thorndon Park and military telephone wires.  N.C.

28/06/1944    02.50  Brentwood     1 – A.A. Shell exploded rear of 127 King’s Road. 

                                                            Slight damage to 3 houses.  N.C.

28/06/1944    03.00  Laindon         1 – A.A. Shell exploded in Bullen Road causing

superficial damage to 1 bungalow and 2 sheds.  N.C.

28/06/1944    03.35  Laindon         1 – A.A. Shell exploded at West View Basil Drive. 

                                                            Damage to 3 bungalows.  6 slight casualties.

28/06/1944    17.20  Hadleigh        A Barrage balloon (No. K.B.Mk.7 S.2-22310)

grounded on Hadleigh Marshes, 1 mile SW of Hadleigh Castle ruins.

28/06/1944    21.13  South Weald 1 – ‘Fly’ exploded at Gilstead Hall.  Damage to

                                                            property.  N.C.  Later confirmed as WT/Fly.       

G Branch

HQ I Corps

B.W.E.F.

Please note change of address – official!

Saturday 24 June 44

My dearest Maz,

I’m afraid lack of time today forbids a long letter but I just have time to thank you so very much for your lovely long letter of the 18^th – I was thrilled to hear from you and was delighted to hear at last that my letters are reaching you – again so many thanks for your birthday wishes – please, too, thank Pari for his two letters received today (both of the 18^th) – I think it would be wiser for you to keep my presents.  I long to receive them at your hands.  I had three letters from Eileen and was terribly relieved to hear that she is up and really better.  Yes, the news is excellent, may it remain so.  I didn’t see the King or Churchill – I believe they looked for me but I was out!!  I met Francis yesterday, he was summoned over in a hurry when I see him again I’ll tell him his brother has been to see you – I shall be off duty tomorrow morning and will write a longer and more newsy letter – this is just to let you know that I’m fit and well, that I think so much about you all, and long to be seeing Colchester out of the carriage window again – many thanks again for your letter –  love to you and to Pari and Elli – in haste –

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

In envelope headed ‘On Active Service’ addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road Colchester Essex.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 439 dated 25 JU 44.  Passed by censor No 15487 and signed P.C. Benham Capt.

On back of envelope Written June 24^th 1944 rec July 8^th 1944.          (9)

G Branch

HQ I Corps

APO England

Thurs 22 June 44

My dearest Maz,

This will not be a very long letter as I shall have to go and feed myself in about a quarter of an hour’s time, do I shall miss me lunch.

Now, Maz dear, the reason for my lack of news from Eileen is apparent – poor child.  I had a letter from her on Tuesday written from some wretched RAF hospital on the 13^th – she must have been feeling pretty miserable, though in her letter she showed no trace of the bitter disappointment which I know she felt and I was more thankful than I can say that she’s recovering well and is really better – it must all have been a nightmare for her – oh how I wish I could have been there with her it’s awful to be so far away and to feel so powerless to do anything – never have I hated this war so much as I did that afternoon – there seemed no justice in the world – there are so many thousands of unwanted babies born every day, even to people who call themselves happily married – it’s so very easy to say – ah well there will be plenty of time but when one has said that for years, it gets a bit irksome – sorry to sound so childish about it all but that afternoon was the nearest thing to hell I’ve yet to know – but with the knowledge that Eileen is OK that is all that matters – I think it’s the feeling of inability to help that makes things seem worse.

I have led a very sombre existence since my last letter and now have definite hours of work each day from 4 pm – midnight so I have nothing to complain of – no mail has arrived these last two days and there’s no immediate sign of any on its way – I do so look forward to a letter from you soon.  I had such a nice birthday letter from Elli, please thank him very much for it and tell him I’ll be writing soon – I’m sorry this is such a dull gloomy affair – I don’t feel too bad and am in good health and am still as optimistic as ever that we haven’t much longer to wait now before we shall be coming home – much love to you Maz dear, I think of you so much and long to see you again – God bless, my love to Pari and Elli.

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

In envelope headed ‘On Active Service’ addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road Colchester Essex.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 439 dated 23 JU 44.  Passed by censor No 15487 and signed P.C. Benham Capt.

On back of envelope Written  June 22^nd 1944 rec July 14^th 1944.      (10)

Kriegsgefangenenpost

Postkarte                                                                   Stamp Mil Luftpost Par Avion

                                                                                    Stamp GEPRUFT 22

                                                                                    Stamp. Postmark date 21.6.44.

An                   Mrs. E. Wilkinson                            Stamp PASSED P.W. 5858

Gebuhrenfrei!

                        Empfangsort: Little Lever Nr BOLTON

                        Strasse:          84 Settle Street

                        Land;              LANCASHIRE ENGLAND.

Absender:

Vor-und Zuname:

Ernest Wilkinson Sgt.

Gefangennummer: 211329

Lager-Bezeichnung

DULAG-LUFT

Deutschland (Germany)

Kriegsgefangenenlager.                                                                             Datum: 10.6.44

Dearest.  Alive and well.  I hope you are alright.  I am a prisoner of war.  Will write letter from permanent address.  My regards to all.  Give my love to your mother.  All my love darling.  Yours ever.  Ernest.

G Branch

HQ I Corps

APO England

20 June 44

My dearest Maz,

I was so delighted last night when someone handed me a letter from you and the ECS so very many thanks for your birthday greetings, you timed it magnificently – may I belated though this is but none the less sincere for that, wish you and Pari very many happy returns of your wedding anniversary and may we all next year and it’s wizard to think that then there will be another little Benham with us, may we all be able to celebrate this double anniversary as we would wish to, the nightmare a thing forgotten, a family which is a real family in every sense of the word, together.

You will be sorry to hear that I had no luck with the Derby, I didn’t even draw a horse so took no interest in the race or winner!  Next Derby I hope once again to organise the office sweep and, as was my wont to draw the favourite!

Having very little to do yesterday afternoon I accompanied my G2, a very nice chap named Morris on a trip round the countryside meeting on our travels none other than Ian who was in ‘fairly’ good form – looking I thought a trifle tired and pre-occupied.  He has only been here a few days I think.  He told me that Diana had had a girl at the beginning of the month, a fact which I think caused him a certain amount of disappointment.  Maz dear how very sweet of you to have got me a present for the 17^th – very very many thanks – I really think with the posts as they are at the moment that it would be better for it to be kept for a bit until things become fairly normal.  I have had no letter from Eileen since the 5^th June (your last one was dated 13^th) so it just shows how cock-eyed the posts are at present though it’s amazing that we get anything at all.  I was very interested to hear of Francis’ brothers visit to you – Francis is out here now – he was summoned over very urgently and suddenly to replace a casualty – I haven’t seen him as yet.  I do so hope some of my letters have reached you by now – I landed on the 6^th and on the 7^th sent you and Eileen each a Field Service PC, I had of course no time to write a letter, but wanted to put your mind at rest – I hope when next I hear from you my mail will have started to arrive.  The weather changed very suddenly yesterday though it’s improved again today, every thing got soaked through but thanks to the tent which I have scrounged I kept comparatively dry.  Maz dear I must close – so very many thanks for your letter of good wishes, much love to you and God bless you – my love to Pari and Elli, I think so very much about you all

            Yours as always

Very affectionately

                        Peter

In envelope headed ‘On Active Service’ addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road Colchester Essex.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 439 dated 21 JU 44.  Passed by censor No 15487 and signed P.C. Benham Capt.

On back of envelope Dated June 20^th rec June 29^th 1944.      (7)

Second Lieutenant Fred S. Kaufman, who as co-pilot of a Flying Fortress completed three missions on D-Day, was killed in action on June 19 while flying his 29^th mission over Nazi-occupied Europe, the War Department has notified his family.

Lieutenant Kaufman was the husband of the former Lucille Colante, 30 Division Street, New Jersey, and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Kaufman, 626 Melrose Avenue.  He also is survived by a brother, Corporal Milton S. Kaufman, stationed in England with the army signal corps, and a sister, Miss Mildred Kaufman.

The 23-year old flier’s wife received a telegram from the War Department on June 29 notifying her that her husband was missing in action on June 19.  The formal announcement that he was “missing” is contained in a War Department news release today from Washington.  In the meanwhile, however, Mrs. Kaufman received another telegram bearing the news her husband was killed in action on June 19.

Lieutenant Kaufman was the recipient of the Air Medal, plus three oak leaf clusters and two bronze stars.  He entered the army air force on February 23, 1943, and has been overseas since April 8, last.  He trained at Maxwell Field, Ala; Shaw Field, S.C.; George Field, III., taking his operational training at Sioux City, la., receiving his wings on December 5, last.  Lieutenant Kaufman attended Central High School and the School of Industrial Arts and prior to entering the armed forces he was an assistant manager of the fur department of Dunham’s.

Among the missions flown by Lieutenant Kaufman were hitting such vital targets as Berlin, Hamm, Frankfurt, Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, the Pas-de-Calais area, and other important industrial targets in Nazi-occupied territory.

Sunday

Dear Fred,

            I suppose you’re a very busy man these days.  From all indications I would say you are.

            I tried to call you Friday evening but was unable to get you.  I will try again this Friday around 10 P.M.  If you can manage it stick around.  I do hope we can get together soon and will discuss old times and family.

            I have been receiving mail regularly from home and all is well.

            Be careful – hope to be seeing you soon.

                                    Yours

                                                Milton.

In cover addressed Lt. Fred S. Kauffman, ASN # 0-818878, 525 Bo. Sq. 379 Bo. Gr. A.P.O. 557 U.S. Army England.

Sender: Cpl. Milton S. Kaufman # 12133293 Co. “B” 3103^rd Sig. Serv. Bn. A.P.O. # 308, U.S. Army England.

Censor mark: PASSED BY U S 30968 rest unreadable.

.

G Branch

HQ I Corps

APO England

Monday 12 June 44

My dearest Maz,

It’s a lovely day here, a trifle noisy at times but I’m writing this very peacefully in the mess tent – I’m not on duty until 2 ocl and then am off again at 10 pm.  Bill Hambleton I hear is fairly near at hand so I must try and get over to see him – possibly tomorrow morning, all being well.  Do you remember Owen Hunt, a great friend of mine at Uppingham with whom I played at Queens?  I met him last night, in great form, and we had a long chat about old times over a tot of whiskey – otherwise I’ve not met many people I know, the only other ‘outsider’ I’ve met was Jack Saddleton, with whom I shared a cabin coming back from Africa.

I was so very sorry about the letter which I wrote to you on the ship and then never posted, a most regrettable occurrence, I hope it arrives safely though.  Our Air Force has been and is being, splendid, quite invaluable.  I listened to the news this morning which seemed very good – good from Russia from Italy and from here – I’m convinced that I shall win that bet I have with you!  I do hope you are getting some good tennis.  I would give so much to be joining in but this time next year you and I will be approaching the finals of those cups we hold!  Sorry to hear about Nora King, I hope she’s soon up and about again and feeling fitter.  This isn’t a very exciting letter I’m afraid but there’s no news from here, at least nothing which I can say, so one’s style is a trifle cramped – I must away now for a spot of lunch and then on duty.  Much love to you, Maz dear, am thinking so much about you and longing so much to be back again in the bosom of the family

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

In envelope headed ‘On Active Service’ addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road Colchester Essex.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 735 dated 12 JU 44.  Signed P.C. Benham Capt.

On back of envelope Rec June 17^th 1944 dated June 12^th.     (5)

LETTER FORM.

Capt P.C. Benham

Address for use at present                                      G Branch H.Q. I Corps

APO England

Sunday 11 June 44

10.30 pm

My dearest Maz,

Thrill of thrills about 30 minutes ago when a super mail arrived – 4 from Eileen and a wizard one from you – so very many thanks.  Maz dear, I was so delighted to hear all your ‘gen’ – there’s not a lot from this end – I’m now sitting outside my tent complete with sleeping trench, dug myself, inside and the light is going a bit, hence rather hurried writing – Pari will tell you what time I came in on this party not too early but early enough.  I’m not on duty again ‘til lunch time tomorrow so will write at greater length tomorrow – I so loved your letter – yes the thought of the coming event is rather thrilling  – it makes me so very happy – by the way your letter was dated 2 June and this is the first received since I saw you last – Others must be on their way – they’ve done well to get anything across to us so quickly – please thank Pabird for his letter – Much love

            Yours v affectionately

                        Peter

Addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road Colchester Essex.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 738 dated 13 JU 44.  Passed by censor No 15487 and signed P.C. Benham Capt. Annotated in pencil Rec June 17^th 1944, dated June 11^th 44.  Senders name and address Capt P.C. Benham, G Branch, H.Q. I Corps APO England.     (3)