Diary of

Warrant Officer,

Cyril Augustine Walsh

Bomb Aimer

on The

Lanchaster EE138

1942-1943

On Aug 3rd 1942 camp was closed at Bradfield Park, Sydney and sentries increased. Pictures in gym that evening, followed by supper, George Notman, Skipton and I shared a bed.

Awakened at 4 a.m. handed in bedding, followed by coffee and biscuits supplied by WAAFS. After roll call we boarded buses which landed us at Pyrmont before dawn. So on Aug 24th we climbed the gangways of Dutch ship SS Westernlands, 16000 tons. Met boys from 1ED on board and after breakfast, swung our hammocks. Found a most cosmopolitan crew, deck hands and stokers being lascers and Goanese, Dutch officers and men chiefly with Belgians and British. 800 fully trained aircrew on board, few passengers and internees. About 10 a.m. raised anchor and got under way. Convoy consisted of Felix Roussel, a new French motor ship, Ekna [an armed merchant [cruiser] the Manoora, Ansons of RAAF zoomed overhead and later in the evening p.m. escorted by Bostons.

27th Aug we sighted the southern mountains of Tasmania.

28th Aug, at 2pm Adelaide of the RAN joined us. From here to Fremantle the sea was very rough, waves breaking over the fordeck, and showering. Parade each morning followed by lifeboat drill. Carried life belts day and night. The three meals each day had an oriental flavoured cocktail jam, Indian butter, pounds of which were cast out the porthole after each meal. When chief steward gave us Australian butter, he was amazed to find less of this consumed than distasteful Indian butter. Powdered milk was repulsive, cereal seemed to be the packing used for eggs. One particular choco pudding was like lumps of rubber.

Was permitted to grow a beard have snap of the bearded monstrosity. Received 2 ration tickets one for wet and one for dry canteen.

Canteens well stocked and cheap. Each flight was detailed for duties because of skeleton crew aboard. I volunteered as brewery labour i.e. hauled beer up the hatchway and carried it to the various bars. Owing to wet and rough weather had often to work on 1st deck where Lascars were preparing meals - one would be praying on a cloth spread on deck, bowing and kissing the floor, others would be sitting on their haunches in a circle around a large dish of rice and curry, eating with their hands. One used to teach me his language in return for a cigarette. They wore a shirt outside a type of loose pyjama pants and any old type of sandal. Footwear - clothes did not appear to be washed, only changed when worn out. A cleaner type and lighter built nigger worked in our mess “Chica Chica boom chick”.

Atmosphere below deck at night was thick due to excessive smoking and no vents because of blackout. Not permitted to smoke on deck after blackout. Gambling was rife - I used to indulge in Usta, a card game.

About once a week, the 5 members of 15 course, including Shine Forsyth of Mackay used have a party on deck - beer, cake, biscuits and sing song- drank health of chaps behind. During the day Carmody, twin brothers, run the 2 up ring. Had to roll and stow bunks each A.M.

4th Sept. at daybreak we sighted land, past Rock Nest and Garden Is. Near mouth of Harbour and berthed at Fremantle about 10 a.m. alongside 3 A.I.F. transport ships. Two Yank subs were opposite George Notman and myself stayed with Mrs.-- her husband a railway official talked and played cards that evening. Next a.m. we went shopping and were invited out to -- but did not go. Went to a dance in evening and met Joyce Heald 5 Mary St, Como Street, Perth who proved a charming English lass. Mac -- took us for a car drive up into the hills on Sunday p.m. through beautiful scenery - bought oranges. Met Joyce later and we went for a lovely walk across golf links along the banks of Swan river, to her home and after tea spent the evening chatting brother Lieut. In A.I.F. Went back to the ship that night. M.O. tried to condemn ship as unhealthy.

7th Sept we departed and dropped anchor in outer harbour till 3 p.m. As we sailed out in line astern [sea snap] a man was seen swimming about 200 yards off our ship - a Corvette was signaled and picked him up. Note : Convoy must not stop to rescue man overboard because of submarine danger. Convoy comprised of 10 ships - same three, with three A.I.F. transports, Destroyers Adelaide and Tromph [Dutch] and an armed merchantmen Kanimbla and Manoora.

11th Adelaide and Tromph returned as we were joined by their cruiser Devonshire.

14th Convoy broke formation - small cruiser, three A.I.F. transports and Kanimbla headed north, presumably for India or Suez. Westernland, Ekna, Felix and Devonshire continued westwards while Manoora returned. During these days sea was often calm, so Walrus used to go for a flip - catapulted off Devonshire, and after landing would taxi alongside and be raised up without the cruiser stopping. It used to dive bomb targets towed behind the cruiser - sometimes each ship would carry out gunnery practice, a resounding noise 1000’s miles from land.

23rd Sept at dawn peaks of Mts. Could be seen silhouetted against the skyline. Later in the day we passed into the large harbour of Durban [SA] secluded by a hill, thickly clustered with dark green timber. The weather here was extremely warm - blues were dress for the day, later shorts permitted. As we left the ship we were greeted by Zulu’s and their rickshaws, one of the chief attractions of the city. These lean, muscular men had developed a long gliding step, which they maintained for the two miles into the centre of the city.

Must have been a most enervating task running in b are feet along hot asphalt streets, pulling two men - it is said they lived for approx. 15 years - the fare is 9 pence a mile but with visitors they tried to increase prices. Not only do they dress up in attractive regalia and blow trumpets for business but also prance about like blood horses. We were advised not to engage these after dark. The snap is taken with a princely chap who has retired from active work, but poses for 6 pence tip, in the native quarters of the city.

The Indians who were brought over as cheap labour for the whites, are migrating in large numbers. They now control most of the business of the natives and are menacing the whites through buying houses in the whites area and as more of them are becoming educated, are demanding a voice in the government - later it may develop into a critical situation. The African native does not appear to have the intelligence of the Indian. In the native markets are sold everything bar brassieres curios are exhorbently dear but bargains can be arrived at. While in this area Paul Miller and myself witnessed a Mohammed funeral [Turks] men only accompanied the bier, which was carried shoulder high on poles - Snap shown. To preserve the prestige of Europeans in SA one must conform strictly to the colour bar - five years imprisonment for zooming on native girls; must not enter bars, picture houses, or dances marked for Non Europeans - natives travel in rear portions of trams, buses and special carriages on trains. The policemen, some of whom are natives, put the fear of God into natives, especially when they cudgel them with their knobbed sticks [baton], as we witnessed at the wharf. Natives are brought down from the country to work as wharf labourers for some months and then are replaced by a new gang. In their scramble for pennies they tear each other to pieces. An Indian laundry has monopolised business with ships - a very prompt service.

Durban possesses some magnificent buildings, especially along Marine Parade where luxurious hotels surrounded by spacious green lawns are equal to any in the world. It is said the Jews flourish in this city. The Jewish club in which I met a Melbourne lady, is magnificent. There did not appear to be much entertainment at night such as dances.

The South African cities are modern like Australian cities. I met Miss Campbell who is the principal hostess to Australians both in 1914 -1918 and today, she is also chaperone to Australian cricket team and toured Australia as guest of our government.

A most charming lady with seemingly unlimited capital and who has some influence in the country. Not thinking there would be another war she went to live 100 miles inland, with her Mother and called her place Little Australia, also constructed a 2up ring in her garden for the boys.

Six of us she took for a drive out into the country - first we went to Lady Campbell’s home - Snap taken in garden.

As we travelled through the wild country she told us many of the customs of the natives - one mud hut [Kraal] is built by the husband for each wife, unattached girls where loin clothes only, engaged girls plait their hair, and wear coloured beads conveying love messages; the groom must pay for the bride with cows, the more robust the girl, the more cows demanded; married women are fully clothed and roll their hair in a bun.

In the valley of 1000 hills, we visited a Kraal where we were welcomed inside by the husband, who spread broom mats on the floor for us to sit on. No furniture was seen; fireplace was a small hole dug in the centre of the hut but no chimney for smoke; hens cackling in the corner; innumerable kids of all ages and two women suckling babies.

After we took their photos, one young damsel, threw her arms around me and led me back into the Kraal, and after she offered me a drink of Tamil, [native - brewed beer and sour smelling], she wanted a ticky, 3 pence. They all beg for money.

Square miles of this land is a native reserve. On the way home, Miss Campbell taught us some Aussie songs she had composed - we had tea on the beach: beautiful sponge cakes, tea or beer, the latter she brought especially for us.

Certainly the most charming personality and most hospitable person I have met; a lady who gets a grand thrill out of treating Aussie Fighting Forces. Why we could not discover. Her only reply “Australian are grand boys”.

Civic centre of Durban is spacious - trolley buses are chief means of travel - free to us except between 4 and 6 p.m. Hotels remain open to 10 p.m.

Native women carry everything upon their heads - it certainly develops an upright carriage and babies are carried in a shawl on the mothers back - why they are not all bandy is natures mystery and how twins ride always intrigued me.

On 30th Sept after a hectic week in Durban we pulled up our anchor at 8 a.m. and accompanied by the cruiser Shropshire headed out to sea.

1st Oct we were both attacked by 16 Ansons Bombers of S.A. airforce - they zoomed in mast high and one almost took our funnels - a grand show - one wondered whether Ansons were fully aerobatic.

3rd Oct Mountain tops were again visible through the fog and in the distance could be heard the fog siren at Capetown.

The most gorgeous spectacle was revealed to us as the fog rose to the top of Table Mountain and rested thereon like a huge tablecloth and along the edge of the sea and up the foot of the Mt. Lay the whole city of Capetown. The most brilliant sight we experienced on our cruise, surpassed only by Sydney. We packed and boarded a train for Retreat, where we marched to Polsmoor Imperial Transit Camp, during the march, my Dutch East Indies steel helmet caused much amusement amongst native boys. We were greeted by huge Zulu soldiers who were on sentry duty and armed with huge pikes. We were placed in tents and slept on the ground with more blankets underneath than on top. Blankets were definitely unhygienic but so heavy that the sand fleas could not run off with them during slumber time. One sometime shared his bunk with a scorpion or snake. Chum Johnson cut the innerflap from top of tent and as it slid down the centre pole we stretched it out to give us a clean floor, at least for a few hours. Then the famished men to tea did rush to receive two huge slices of bread and as one pound of mutton was dropped you clamped them on it, a green tomato and roasted spud still clothed - no drinking utensils. Later mess a big open air place with hessian overhead to screen off the sun, became organised - tons of fresh milk, jam and bread, porridge, dried fruits and stew and more stew, never varied.

Beer was plentiful and cheap. I had to shell peas one whole a.m. Natives drilling was fun, and were they keen.

For a while great difficulty was encountered at night when one had to find his tent among the myriads and then possibly find someone had run off with your hurricane lamp. Leave was granted each day from 1 p.m. till 1 a.m., but we found it convenient to stay in Capetown. Some days we did not return so each signed his own leave pass. One day camp was closed so the boys began to hire RAF and SA uniforms and leave passes for five shillings but SP’s becoming suspicious began to question the boys in Africaan and were politely told where to go. Still we were very subdued compared with Diggers who passed through earlier, in fact some people were disappointed because we did not blitz the city. These people treated us as heroes - the girls were most charming. I had the pleasure of meeting Clarice Eckstein, 7 High Level Road, Greenpoint, Capetown. Who’s parents took me for a wonderful drive through, Mts. and bush scenery as good as the Otway District, Victoria. We visited Rhodes Memorial overlooking Roundebosh and from which we could see the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. At the Catholic Club I met Joyce - who took me around to meet an Australian and did we have a grand old chat.

The town is most cosmopolitan natives dress in European clothes and frequent the streets more.

The Cape people are difficult to distinguish - they have dark fingernails - they are a mixture of half casts. Two languages are spoken, and all notices and papers appear in both languages - Unaemic Spu Nie - do not spit - is on all buses and trains. Rickshaws are not seen. Shebuns like our sly grog shops are prevalent. One must be wary about discussing politics as the country is about equally divided. District 6 was forbidden area and we were warned not to drink Cape Brandy. Del Monies was a fine hotel. Restaurant common practice to tip native waiters.

9th Oct we packed and went to wharf only to discover our ship was filled with oranges so happily we retreated to Retreat,

19th Oct we went aboard the Highland Brigade - British ship with Diesel Engines and leave was granted that night.

20th Oct we got under way at 1415 hrs, accompanied by 4 merchant ships, 2 destroyers, 1 cruiser as naval repair ship Hecla. With a heavy heart I said farewell to this beautiful city, so clean, so bright and sunny, and so full of life, the only city where the blackout does not operate. An important port and always will be.

27th Oct 2 destroyers and 2 corvettes joined the convoy. It was around this area where the U Boats began to operate with great success while we were in Retreat. During these days I spent many hours at the 2up ring and finally won about 2 pounds.

29th Oct two destroyers rejoined us at 1600 hrs. For some days as we passed through Equatorial zone, the sea had not a ripple on it, flying fish were in large flocks - about the size of a swallow they shoot into the air and flap along for 50 yards. It was an offence to become sunburned and for treatment one would be put on fatigue duty. One would be reprimanded for not wearing hat, shirt and pants - the heat of the sun was terrific. Discipline was more strict on this boat. I was among those who slept in the mess consequently we had to arise early in the a.m. so the tables could be arranged for breakfast. Cakes and tea could be bought in the a.m. and p.m. Except for SA cigs about 2000 of which I bought ashore [1/- for 50] canteen prices were excessive.

2nd Nov we anchored in the tropical port of Freetown - the hills were green and were dotted with palms. This harbour extended for miles. In it were French ships surrounded by nets. We anchored about 1 mile off shore - a safeguard from the malaria infected mosquitoes that zoom out after dusk and strange to say they seldom fly higher than 10 feet, hence the 2 storied house. We were each given ointment to rub on hands and face before retiring. One could not smoke on deck after dark and strict blackout was observed but one was temporarily relieved of waterwings and bottle, tin of rations, large oil and water tanks came alongside to replenish our supplies.

Natives used to row alongside in their coracles and dive for coins and did they use Aussie expletives when Australian coins were tossed over. Each a.m. 100’s of these would row out to fish and dive for shells. One a.m. as far as the eyes could see were large boats laden with natives and their fruit, blowing down on us using one large sail only. Evidently big sales day for them in Freetown. I believe they wait for the wind to change, to drive them home. Each a.m. a large flat bottomed barge used to pass by, carrying 50 - 80 natives and rowed by 6 niggers in an antiquated style - short oars and men used to stand up place oars in water and pull as they fell back into their seats - enervating work I guess! And a slow ferry service.

4th Nov we steamed out with the convoy now comprised of 5 merchantmen, 2 naval repair [flak] ships, Shropshire, 2 destroyers H42 and H14 and sloop U61.

So often did we see kippers for breakfast that we have cut them off the menu.

A peaceful voyage we had for next few days.

9th Nov Hecla and Vindictive left at 1200 hrs. heading in an Easterly Direction, presumably to Gibraltar or Oram.

Note: We learned later Hecla and a destroyer were sunk about dusk.

11th Nov Two destroyers met us and 2 with us departed. At 5 p.m. land could be seen on our port [left] side - Azores.

12th Nov again we sighted land at 1000 hrs - Bonny Is. At 1700 hrs. we drew into Belfast and took on a barrage balloon. The convoy left us at 1200 for t he Clyde.

We hugged the English and Welsh coasts as we sailed down a large fishing fleet flying numerous balloons passed us. The Irish coast could be seen through the haze. The days were sunny and believe me the English landscapes looked beautiful.

17th Nov we dropped anchor off Avonmouth, Bristol channel, at dusk.

18th Nov. When we arose we were beside a wharf and as we had unknowingly passed thru a lock momentarily we wondered where the entrance was. After lowering our kit bags to the Wharf by ropes, we left our ship at 1100 hrs. hoping soon we will embark for good old Australia. After a ‘welcome’ speech we boarded a train for Bournemouth where we arrived at 4.30 p.m. to the accompaniment of Canadian Air Force Band. We marched to Bath Hill Court, a large modern flat, hot and cold water to each room, central heating, sheets on beds - a grand welcome to England. The mess at the bowling Green is the most efficient I have been in, and in addition to a varied menu, the meals are well cooked. Bournemouth in peacetime a holiday resort is one of the most modern cities in England, possesses a mild winter climate, beautiful gardens, and clear air - because there are no factories around. Plenty of entertainment’s but all close at 9.45 p.m. Hotels are open till 10.00 p.m. - women drink in bars. Throughout the town are numerous supply water tanks and pipes to cope with fires. Trolley buses are the only means of transport. Much superior to t rams. So far it has been free from raids - we noticed how damaged were Bath and Bristol as we passed through.

30th Nov I went on 10 days leave to London where I met J. Walsh who later introduced me to Mr. and Mrs. Furness L.H. C/- 69 Gower Street, London. W.C.1. and they took us thru Soho - the “Kings Cross” of London but we found no excitement, Jack and I visited St Paul’s, saw the bomb crater, visited the Whispering Gallery and climbed to the top of the dome where we could see how the area surrounding St Pails was erased. We Also visited Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and cathedral. Madame Thussaud’s Wax Works in which is Menzies, old Bailey. Twice to Covent Garden at night. We had a shave and trim which cost moneyed Aussies 2/3d each.

3rd Dec. I left for York and caught glimpse of the landscape occasionally thru a thick fog, which extended from London to York 190 miles. At York the ground was white - with frost. Stayed with Mrs. Dronfield, wife of the headmaster. St Peter’s School is like a Grammar School - portion demolished by Jerry - It is reputed to be the oldest public School in Europe [666?] A very old building typical of York which is a quaint old city. Surrounded by walls and thru which are forts built by Normans, etc -

Note: walls are about 10 feet thick and one may still walk along top of these. Streets are narrow and winding, also an example of upper story of houses overlapping - all as an obstacle to impede enemies in the days of archery.

Air is keen and cold but clear because no factories exist here. The town lives on its tradition, arch example is Minister Abbey - but really it is a magnificent edifice. Met Dr Northcott, an Australian - he in on staff of Rowntrees Chocolate Factory and took me along to a special luncheon of Directors and Staff given in honour of Archbishop of York.

Met Irene Williams, sister of Mrs. Dronfield, a product of Eire and Dublin University, a real colleen possessing the most interesting and vivacious personality I have ever met. Also meet Muriel Queltrough and Sambo Hawthorn [North Ireland and Isle of Man], members of the staff with whom I had a jolly fine time, the brightest company I’ve ever been among. Mr. Rhodes a grand fellow. Treated like a prince at Dronfields - breakfast in bed, shoes polished etc.

8th Dec. returned to London.

9th Dec. Paul Miller and myself went to Denham’s film producing Studios where we saw them shooting scenes in 3 films being made - ‘Flemish Farm’ ‘ Paradise’ and ‘Murder on the Convoy’ The stages reminded me of big wool barns - untidy and dirty, except for small area where the scene was. Went thru studios to see cutting rooms, developing rooms, theatre etc. - noticed that smart pretty girls are engaged everywhere. Examiners have to watch two films, one sounding at same time. Art of deception is marvellous - haystack, bikes, cranes and clouds. Each scene is repeated ad infinitum. Dined with staff as the restaurant. Was asked if we were fair dinkum Aussies or dressed for a scene! Whacko!

10th Dec. returned to Bournemouth. Shared room with J. Walsh, S. Burke and ‘mother’ J. Carey. Walshe introduced me to Alice the and coupon girl.

Christmas night we met WAAFS who wanted to go merry se we checked finances and had 8/- between us. Steve disappeared in black-out and left me with handful of girls and plenty of explaining - bought them a cup of coffee and took them home.

25th Dec. Midnight Mass celebrated at 4 p.m. on 24h Dec.

26th dec. Steve and I invited to dinner at ‘Girls Own Club’ collection plate came round and rested between us and as we were financially wrecked, situation became embarrassing. Escorted 2 girls home who were anxious to travel by taxi, but neccetive circumstances forced us to walk 4 miles with them and 4 miles back.

1st Jan. 43 rather quiet - lucky tickets distributed for dance but I missed same.

2nd Jan. 43 received ACF parcel which was very welcome, also pullovers and socks, gloves etc.

6th Jan. granted 4 days leave and I proceeded to London with Paul Miller.

7th Jan. London raided and we went out to Surrey docks to see the ARP workers on the job - efficient organisation. Bodies were being extricated from rubble. This w as one of the slum areas, consequently poverty stricken --the appearance of 2 Aussie aircrew was something new to these people. Much damage was seen in this area - whole streets of flats being deserted.

8th Jan. at Australia House in Boomerang club which is a bonza rendezvous for all Aussies in London and frequented by WAAFS for meals and has Aust. Papers, periodicals, comforts, billiards, etc. I met Claude Austin and Jim Allen. We went to Old Bailey to see the murder trial of Compton Lane, fascinating but sad.

9th Jan, went to the Forum Club, a Ladies Club, as their guests at dinner and later were taken to the imperial Exhibition, where Empire products etc. are shown and later saw a film on Australian industry at War. Our exhibits are meagre but Australia does not contribute towards upkeep of same, nor even the products.

10th Jan. walked over London Bridge. In t he p.m. I received an invitation to buffet p.m. tea party at the Lord Mayor’s Mansion House, Sir Samuel and Lady Joseph. Very informal and was attended by members of all the Allied Countries. After visiting the room in which was displayed golden cups and swords etc. we retires to the Egyptian Room [Reception Hall] where we indulged in dancing, picture cartoons, items by George Formby. Cinematographers were busy during the whole p.m. was called upon by Harry Budman to help carry on a conversation by two French girls. P.m. tea was delightful and helped by 3 Canadian WAAFS - given cigarettes and writing paper, endorsed by Sir Samuel Joseph. At first everyone was on pins and needles but soon relaxed, making a very happy atmosphere. Had to rush away to catch a train back to Bournemouth where we arrived at 1 a.m.

11th Jan. met Joyce O’Hara went to the Pavilion and to Bobby’s Restaurant for supper.

Max Mase and I went to the Pavilion which I left early to board a troop train for Whitley Bay at 10.00 p.m. Officers tried to call roll in dark but were hopelessly drowned. Arrived at York at 6 a.m. frozen and managed a cup of coffee plus sandwiches [rations] On arrival at Whitley Bay Station we marched to the Priory - Canadians obliged to carry their kits. After a terrific dinner, we were issued with boots hobnail toe plated, commando for the use of, rifle and bayonet, webbing, overalls [battle dress] and my tin helmet. On receipt of blankets we were split into small parties and billeted in houses. Mc Quade, Mc Eachern, and myself shared a room.

This was the day’s routine: Reveille 6 a.m. breakfast 7 a.m. rush back to make up beds and give instructions to house orderly, don webbing tin helmets, rifle and bayonet, roll call, then march and slide along the icy streets to the beach front, where we stood shivering while Corporal lectured us on rifles, bayonet practice, grenade throwing, camouflage and concealment. We began to carry out such manouvers - charging along with fixed bayonets, crashing into some cover, loading and firing - then to find muddy water seeping through your clothes. Biting winds whipping up from the North Seas would cut into ones bones. No rest for the wicked! Famished by 1 p.m. one would have dinner. At 2.15 p.m. we marched out onto the golf links and camouflaged ourselves cosily in bunkers while one watched for the approach of officers. Encircling movements carried out - “follow me” etc. and when I looked around no one was following. Return at 5.30 p.m. To a rationed tea and rest of the evening off except for firewatchers. Raid [slight] one night but no bombs dropped - people next door invited us in to supper. Five of us raced along the beach one a.m. for tea but were accosted by a Home Guard with Tommy Gun.

Spent one day on ranges firing rifles, tommy guns and hurling grenades. Every Saturday evening went to Newcastle to Oxford Galleries wonderful dancing floor. Met Mrs. Clark and went there for tea one evening.

No. Of ships plying too and fro was astounding - mine sweepers operating continuously. Bridge in Newcastle is replica of Sydney Bridge. Whitley Bay has a large wall to prevent erosion and is a holiday resort for North England. But has been badly damaged by Jerry because he often unloads there when he is prevented from reaching Newcastle. FFI were a humbug - necessitating one stripping them then MO would run all over you with a torch.

Heavy boots soon rubbed the skin off my heels and to add to my afflictions, I fell down the staircase skinning my toes so next a.m. to the MO but dourly he said wear the damn boots from breakfast till bedtime and he’ll look after my feet. After inquiries among sick parade I tried a new ruse - complaints; have great difficulty in opening my eyes of a a.m. and can see spots. MO cure return for treatment after SD Ci never returned.

Won the sweep of 1/- allowance. So with Ray Watts, barged into bars in Newcastle Station after closing times to be confronted by policeman and timid barmaid. Order 8 bottles of beer which I handed back to Westy which she pleaded “your not taking them away boys” we had to change trains again at York about midnight, arrived in Bournemouth on a frosty a.m. and billeted in Durley Dean.

Two bombs dropped near the beach causing my window to rattle more than was comfortable. Back on the usual parades on car park. Chaps answering the roll call from their windows overlooking parade ground, while the not too late comers furtively camouflaged themselves and descended the ivory bank while terrified squirrels dashed to and fro on the trees. After parades we would be marched 200 yards up a back street and dismissed - Paul Miller and myself used to buy a paper, retire to a little café for morning tea. tea and later work out the cross-words. The waitress used to light a gasfire for us. About 11 a.m. we trekked back to the mess for dinner.

Was posted to 2 FTS Cambridge Marshall’s Flying School Civvies did the maintenance and a civvy waitresses in the mess and they also had their own police Each a.m. at 7.30 we used to catch a bus to Caseton Gibbet [satellite] for flying. I with 2 RAF flew formation in Tigers to the wash, landed for morning and at Whipstones we shot up a girl’s place, going down around the trees in her garden, became temporarily lost on the way home. Later Bluey Fletcher RAAF was my pilot and he began to teach me to fly the Tiger Moth.

Recalled to Bournemouth. Passed thru London on the day of the shelter disaster when 176 people were crushed to death.

Posted to 6 AFU Slaverton Gloucester - called at unearthly hour of 5 a.m. and away we went - “Farewell to Bournemouth”

Received a grand reception because Aussies had not been seen for a considerable time besides the RCAF Course preceding us kicked over the traces a little. Sergant S.P. walked up and down the hut, thumping his chest and proclaiming that he was not afraid of undisciplined Aussies. Here I did 50 hrs. day flying with Poles, Yanks and RAF in Ansons. The Poles were keen and conscientious and dreaded the Yank when he formatted on them. One could not digress from the A/c patter, otherwise the Pole would throw a fit. Found myself off track one day so gave Pole A/c 195? And after looking around the sky in bewilderment said he could not identify this aircraft! “That’s the way we do it in Aussie” was the explanation.

The Yank thought the ideal evasive action was to know the musical program before we became airborne, then to get the WOP to tune in to some jazz to which he swung the crate up and over in and out of clouds. With Norm Wulff I got hopelessly lost around Kitterring one day.

RAF 25th birthday 3 Canucks and 2 New Zealand’s joined us to make a team for softball - 20 of us and 2 NZ joined forces with 4 WAAFS and we fought our way into 2 finals but lost both. Had a very nice dance that evening and won a lucky prize with Yvonne. Went to Morton Vallence [satellite] for night flying. One of the prettiest spots I’ve been in - trees, copses, big green hedges all over the landscapes, beautiful weather, Conies playing around in the green grass about sundown.

One had to walk 300 yards to the mess and ablution huts, another ¼ mile to the Tarmac and briefing room. Late [extra] suppers provided at 7.30 p.m. briefing commenced at 8.30 p.m. - we had an IR on each trip - pundits and occults helped navigation considerably.

Land about 1 a.m. - supper wagon waiting - tea, cakes and sandwiches - airborne about 2 a.m. and land 5.30 p.m. Twice after sunset - one night we became hopelessly lost and at dawn found ourselves again - friction was high between skipper and myself - he turned off the heating to help keep ourselves awake.

Went to Mass in Gloucester and met Flgt Lt. Lombard, Records officer and one week later got my flight. Went to breakfast with a NZ [eggs, bacon and sausages] and hitch hiked home with a Corp WAAF who was on her way to Bristol.

Returned to Staverton - Social life was excellent. Saturday was our day off so we used to patronize Cheltenham, one of the modern cities of England, wide streets, and presumably very wealthy. Two Saturday evenings I spent at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stacey - ex-teacher from Perth. His idea is to return to Australia to spread the money there - I was to take the daughter, a WREN, to a dance, but she did not arrive home in time. Took a WAAF from Gloucester but she missed train home, became hysterical much to my discomfort. I took her back to the boys and went to Staverton in taxi and she and I went on - “18 bob Ci” they called us.

Posted to 27 O.U.T. Lichfield where we crewed up F/O Forrester, F/St Carthew, Sgt. Howie, Sgt. Coombes, RAF and self. After 2 weeks ground lectures, we went to the satellite drome at Church Broughton, Derbyshire where we began flying in Wellingtons. Had a very pleasant time, no bulsh on parades each issued with a bicycle which led to much formating as we rode from tarmac to the mess. Had some very successful trips into the North Sea, North Scotland, Isle of Man and North Ireland.

27th June we went on a Nickel raid into France when about to cross the French Coast after flying over 10/10 cloud at 1500 ft down into English Channel, searchlights and ack-ack fired up - a crafty circuit and by-passed in safety. Later on we saw the Loire River, found * which we photographed with a flash flew on to Tours where we dropped innumerable leaflets containing articles from the daily papers. When stooging back, I saw the reflection of lights on the nose, told skipper we were caught in a searchlight - much avoiding action but then discovered our nose light was on. Daybreak came as we crossed the French Coast where a searchlight from Le Havre picked us up. Flew above 10/10 cloud to base and as we broke cloud we saw Joe Goodwins plane burning in which none seriously injured. Photo was excellent, being plotted on the Aiming point - much jubilation among the crew.

Had 48 hrs, leave which I spent in York at St Peters School. Sgts. Mess Dance was good, but really a drunken orgy.

Two of our planes missing in North Sea, Vic Mc Quade, Charlie - and - Mc Donald were on board. Returned to Lichfield for posting. Recommended for Pathfinders and posted to Lindholm. Went on a weeks leave. Left York for Edinborough where I arrived at and spent the rest of the evening in company of a young commando cadet, listening to gullible soapbox orators which reminded me of Yarra Bank.

Received invitation to Inland Revenue Girls Supper Dance - 50 girls and 50 boys. For supper partners, a shoe from each lassie was placed in the centre and Ci selected a dainty shoe which would honour any Cinderella - but “woe is me’ it fitted a big buxom girl. It was a jolly time spent with bright girls.

Went out to stay with Mrs. Mac Kinnon at morningside an Aussie. Lady whose husband a prisoner of war since Dunkirk. How I did sleep! Never woke before 10.30 a.m. supper waiting for me when I returned home after my nocturnal frivolities. It did not get dark till 1 a.m. Kiddies danced in the park each a.m. from 10..0 till noon - adults from 3 - 5 p.m. and 7 . 9.30 p.m. overlooking this Park was a * walled castle erected on a pinnacle - an amazing sight. Went to a dance each evening - once with Ron Neal

Went by bus to the Forth, crossed under the bridge by ferry, travelled to Drumfirlines where WRENS were numerous, came back by train. Met Sid and Ross Deer at a dance.