Cynthia’s Diary – August 4 – 17, 1940

Sun Aug 4

Went to Auntie Pat’s in evening with Marnie??  and Mummy.  Did not do much today.  Had Ice and fruits for tea.

Mon Aug 5

Went to pictures.  Saw Edith Fellows in “The five little Peppers”, also James Cagney in “The Pluck of the Irish”.   Were going swimming, closed.

Tues Aug 6

Mummy bought me new dance dress and lovely shoes.  Went to Locarno in afternoon.  Also Mummy, Mrs. Smail, Pamela and Renee.  Had fun.  Went played tennis in evening.

Wed Aug 7

Caught boy stealing pears.  Stayed in bed till late.  Saw Mary.  Went walk.

Thurs Aug 8

Had letter from Mr. Brettell with haymaking money.  Bought some more cards.  Mummy and Pam went to whist-drive across road.  Saw Doug and friend, also spoke to Ronnie several times.

Fri Aug 9

Mummy went to Alfold.  Pam went swimming.  I went to pictures.  Saw “Old Mother Riley in Society” also “Two Thoroughbreds”.  Good.  Had two eggs for supper.  Had dinner at restaurant.

Sat Aug 10

Went shopping with Mummy.  Saw Auntie Pat, Mr. Grieves, Mrs. Arnold and Jean.  Bought Wendy’s present also Mrs. Kirby came and saw flat.  Went to South Side ___  with her.

Sun Aug 11

Got dinner.  Mummy was going to Whist drive, but too late.  Had ices and fruit for tea etc.

Mon Aug 12

Wendy’s Birthday today.  Went to her party.  Lovely tea.  She had 5 cards, cot off Mummy, doll off Auntie Pat etc., beads off Pamela, Brick truck off me.  Played tennis.  Had ices.  Saw Jean Johnson.  Wendy was very excited about her birthday.

Tues Aug13

Went to shop several times, tooth came out, at last.  Mummy did not go out but yes she went to whist drive with Pam??

Wed Aug 14

Saw Ronnie Wood, Doug and Boys.  All or most of shops shut, so did not do much.

Thurs Aug 15

Went to pictures.  Saw “Swanee River” and “City of Chance”.  Air-raid, stayed in cinema.  Wandsworth factory burning.  Guess it was sabotage!

Fri Aug 16

Had air-raid in morning and one in evening.  Just going to cinema.  Bombs dropped loudly.   Went to pictures.  Saw “I Take this Woman”, also “Just William”.  Mummy liked them.

Sat Aug 17

Did not have any raids today.  Went Clapham Junction.  Had ice.  Saw Mary and Jean and Ronnie.

Cynthia’s Diary – July 21 – August 3, 1940

Sun July 21

Donald is rather nice.  Had hay fight. Boys chased us.  June does not like to go out with Don.

Mon July 22

Boys made gunpowder.  Shot it in gun.  I played piano.  Went out with boys!

Tues July 23

Went walks today.  Pamela had her tooth out Friday.  Saw tanks and soldiers.

Wed July 24

Found some mushrooms.  Had them for tea.  Saw a plane doing some stunts.  Fell in river.  Went to Stovold’s Hill.

Thur July 25

I go home tomorrow.  Did some packing went to secret meeting with Dennis, Donald and June.  Don bought us Ginger shandy.

Fri July 26

Went home to London!  Uncle Hugh took us to pictures saw Ronald Coleman in “The Masquerader”.  Also another good film!

Sat July 27

Went shopping had photo taken.  Saw Auntie Pat, also saw Dennis Young.

Don also bought block of choc each.  Had some fun.

Sun  July 28

Did not do much today.  Burnt potatoes.  Went  to meet Mummy.  Went walk on common with Mummy, Auntie Pat etc., etc.

Mon July 29

Went to labour exchange.  Am going to have job  in West-End.  Went  swimming.  Saw Doug.  Had dinner in restaurant.   Got off with boys.  Went in park with Mummy.

Tues July 30

Wrote after job.  Went to pictures.  Saw Gordon Marker, Bonnie Hale in “Hyde Park Corner”.  Also Billie Burke, Frank Morgan in “The Ghost Comes Home”.

Wed July 31

Saw Mary.  Went to dance, but full, so came back home.  ________ was Tuesday.  Have not had any letter from June or Roy???

Thurs Aug 1

Went out to Garret Lane.  Saw Mary, Doug, spoke.  Mummy had letter about technical school.

Fri Aug 2

Went to pictures.  Saw George Raft and Joan Bennet in “the House Across the Bay”.  Also East Side Kids in “ditto.  Saw R. W. and friend in evening.  They smiled.

Sat Aug 3

Saw R. W.   Went shopping.  Had dinner in restaurant.  Met Mummy.

Cynthia’s Diary – July 7 – 20, 1940

Sun July 7

Had letter & pocket money!  Went strawberrying.  Got place ready for Mummy.

Mon July 8

Went to school today.  Saw lots of tanks go by.  Renee may not go to Canada.  I may go to school tomorrow morning.

Tues July 9

Mummy came in afternoon from Cranleigh station with Wendy.  Did not go out in evening anywhere much, just went to station to get case.  Got off with soldiers & boys.  Saw Spikey etc!!!!

Wed July 10

Went to village.  Called in at Jack’s.  He gave Mummy glass wine!  Arranged to go Friday.  Did shopping.  Had dinner at Gibb’s Hatch.  Ices etc. 8/-.  Called at school!  Saw Tanks!!!

Thurs July 11

Went to Horsham.  Had dinner at “The Cotswold” 7/-.  Went to flicks.  Saw “Sons of the Sea” & “Jungle”.  Had ices etc.

Fri July 12

Went Cranleigh.  Had tea at The Singing Kettle Café.  5/-.  Went to flicks, as it rained.  Saw Madeline Carroll in “Husbands or Lovers” also “I Was a Convict”.  Jolly good, had ices and _____ 2d each apples.  Got film and shopping.  Had lift in Jack’s lorry back!  Appologized for not going to house.  Regret not going.  Got off with College boy.  Please turn next page….

Sat July 13

Went to village took girls with us.  Bought sweets.  Went up Rosemary Lane!  Saw Miss Grose.  Boy did we laugh.  I drove car.  Took snaps.

Sun July 14

We played tennis, also made hay.  Mr. & Mrs. Lever came.  Mummy went & had drink.  A: did not come.  Fed pigs each day, also collected eggs.  Mummy nearly missed train.  Got off with soldiers.  Also boys.  Soldier got hold of bike.  Wendy forgot doll.  Mummy went home.  They charged 6d for case!  What a rush.

Mon July 15

It teemed with rain.  Had lift in Lorry.  Saw army.  Had to knit socks all day.  Got soaked dinner time.  Gee it’s lonely without mummy.

Tues July 16

Still raining.  Guess it’s going to rain 40 days,40 nights!

Wed July 17

Have still to knit socks.  Going home week on Friday.

Thurs July 18

Did not do much today.  School is closing for good.  Saw lots of tanks.  Had lift in lorry.

Fri July 19

Took Pamela to dentist.  School closed.  Had photo taken.  Saw soldiers, spoke.  Plane crashed.  Real machine guns fired.  Saw German.  I was not scared, everybody else was.

Sat July 20

Went to flicks, saw Ronald Coleman in “the Light that failed”, also Bob Burns in “I’m from Missouri”.  Got off with Jimmy.  Saw soldiers.

 

Cynthia’s Diary – June 23 – July 6, 1940

Sun Jun 23

Had breakfast in bed!  Did not do much in the morning.  Feathers gave me piece of German plane.

Mon Jun 24

Went to flicks.  Saw Otto Kreuger and Mary Maguire in “Black Eyes”.  Also Jack Buchannan, Bruce Seton, Kathy Walsh in “Middle Watch”.  Met Boys, nice.  Saw Ken, few soldiers.

Tues Jun 25

Air Raid Warning in night. 3rd.  Lasted 2 hrs.  Made Pamela pair knickers.  Altered dress.  Paul gave me bullet.

Wed Jun 26

Saw Flood, came to school on cross-bar.  Had Raid warning, but did not have it.

Thurs Jun 27

Went to school.  Ball match, singles, won.  Saw Bob, Patrick, Don etc., all said “Hello”.  Had quite nice time!

Fri Jun 28

Had spelling and puzzles.  Mary won.  Saw lorries of soldiers.  Mummy says can’t go to U.S.A.

Sat Jun29

Did washing and work.  Meant to meet June to lake.  Went to Auntie Jessie’s.  Had cider.  Saw Millie, and boys, badies.  Went to top of hills.  Had fish and chips by —–.  Soldiers said “Hello sweetie”.  Saw Boys and few others on way back.  Saw Phyllis.

Sun Jun 30

Saw Roy with girl friend ride past.  Had rides on Feather’s and Morris’ bikes.  Also sat on motor bike.  Girls had strawberries!

Mon July1

Went to flicks.  Saw Tommy Founder in “Laugh it off” also “Trunk Case”.  June met Eddie from Cranleigh College, we had cigarette.  I got off with few boys.

Tues July 2

Told Renee about pen-pal.  She was not annoyed!  Mummie’s coming on Tuesday.

Wed July 3

Saw some soldiers, they all waved.  I have a lift in the milk lorry every morning now.

Thurs July 4

Saw tons of tanks.  There was a soldier in the lorry this morning.  Boy! Was he nice!  Mummy is staying in Bham.

Fri July 5

Did not get letter.  Very disappointed.  Had spelling bee.  Our team won!  Saw soldiers.

Sat July 6

Went to flicks.  Saw ”Just William” & ”Hell’s Cargo” with Walter Pigeon etc.  Saw Feo, Ben, Joan, etc. Tons of soldiers.

Cynthia’s Diary – Jun 9 – 22, 1940

Sun Jun 9

Went swimming this morning with Renee etc., had spectators.  Sunbathed.

Mon Jun 10

Got off with (flirted with) soldier from France, he wanted to know the way to Painsville Farm.  Went to flicks with June ssaw “The Chinese Biengolo” and “Should Husbands work”.  Borrowed Basil’s Bike.  Saw Roy.

Tues Jun 11

Saw visitors.  Impersonated!  Saw boys etc.  Heard planes.

Wed Jun 12

Got off with (flirted with) soldier, spoke.  Went haymaking.  Saw several people.  Borrowed Joan’s bike.  Saw soldier with .  Got off with boys, also 2 in car and 1 on bike.  Fred left for America.

Thurs Jun 13

Played slow-ball against village team we won, saw Sable.  Two soldiers in car asked way to Horsham.  Did haymaking.

Fri Jun 14

Man in car asked way to Horsham.  No haymaking. Saw boys. Basil etc.  Did not go flick.

Sat Jun 15

Washington sailed for U.S.A.  Went to flicks saw Roy.  Also Colorado Ranch with Gene A. and Dark Journey Conrad Veidt and  Vivian Lee.

Sun Jun 16

Had fun today, wrote letters.  Did some ironing.  Had a bath.  Saw boys, Basil etc., had 2 yolks??

Mon Jun 17

FRANCE gave in at 12 midnight.  We may go to U.S.A. etc.  Went play slow-ball with girls, saw soldiers.  None of our girls showed up.  Had letters from Daddy with 10/- each.

Tues Jun 18

Miss Baker was accused of being a spy because she drew picture of church.  Bought Pamela dress??

Wed Jun 19

Pam’s birthday.  She had parcel, 16 presents.  I played tennis with Joan Flood, Renee, also Molly and Bob!  Had some sweets, dress and bathing costume etc.

Thurs Jun 20

I am going to ask Mummy if I can go to U.S.A. as they have granted it now.

Fri Jun 21

Had letter from Mummy.  Went to the pictures saw Dorothy Lamour in ——- Journey and another film spy one.  Saw some gypsies and soldiers, asked way to Cranleigh.  Had cigs.  Had lift in Bertie’s car.

Sat Jun 22

Went ride on bike, saw Mrs. Rose and Robertson, Don.  Tons of cars packed with luggage leaving Brighton.

Cynthia’s Diary – May 26 – June 8, 1940

Sun May 26

It was national day of prayer.  Had two shots with Feather’s gun.  Tried to find secret doors.

Mon May 27

Got Fred Hartley’s,  Molly Hartley’s autographs.  Saw Fred.  Saw Feathers.  Posted Mummy’s letter.  Found spider in bedroom.

Tues May 28

Teemed with rain.  Did not do much at all.  Today just played around.

Wed May 29

Went a ride with June.  Got off (flirted) with two police in car.  Also about 5 lorries of soldiers.  They held us up.  Made date.  Also lots more.

Thurs May 30

Played tennis with Phyl, Renee, Joan, Joan Ellard, Pamela and John.  Also Bertie, etc.  Had fun, saw Feathers and fellow who waved.  Other evening saw Fred.  He gave girl a lift.

Fri May 31

Had general knowledge test.  Saw a few people.  Saw Fred, John, etc.

Sat Jun 1

Washed my hair.  Went to flicks.  Saw Wallace Beery in “Thunder Afloat” and “Daughter of the Tong”.  Had lift in Mrs. Hill’s car going and in her husband’s car back.

Sun Jun 2

Had a bath.  Wrote letter to Mummy.  Had a nice lazy day.  Enjoyed myself.  They think Will Farley has been killed.

Mon Jun 3

Saw Bob.  Said Hello.  Went a walk in evening.  Saw Jimmie and Billy, fished with them and Jean.  Saw Basil etc.

Tues Jun 4

It was a glorious day today, good to be alive.  The Beans have got measles.  R and P  say there’s a rumour someone does not like me.

Wed Jun 5

War is getting worse.  My lucky day!  Had chance to go to flicks in Cosery, but went played tennis with Flood, Joan, Pamela, etc.  Had lift in Sonja’s Uncle’s car to school.  When I went to tennis had lift on Boys Motorbike.

Thurs Jun 6

Did not do much today.  Bought a T.1d, and also put 1d toward Navy.

Fri Jun 7

Air raid.  Had a spelling bee.  Our team won.  Mr. Brettell says I make a fine team captain.  Fred passed us in car.  Had ride lorry.

Sat Jun 8

Boiling hot day.  Sun-bathed. Also swam in river, rescued a bucket.  Renee got soaked.  On Friday a letter from Ray and Mummy.

Cynthia’s Diary – May 12, 1940

Sun May 12

Mommy’s day off.  We were going to play tennis but it was too cold. So stayed home.

Mon May 13

Went to Phyllis’ to tea.  Went walk, saw Stuart.  Got free ride in bus coming home.  Saw Doug and Eric.  Went walk had cig.  Talked a lot.  They said they were going to take me boating.

Tuesday May 14

Played tennis with Foo, Pat, Maisie and Billie.  Had fun, took snaps with my camera.  Went to dance RAF in evening.  Jolly good.  Doug’s band playing.  Not many partners, Phyllis came to tea.

Wednesday May 15

First aid volunteer.  Also Auntie Pat, Pam, Pat and Wendy, went on stretcher, in cars and ambulances.  Good fun.

Thursday May 16

Renee, Joan, Barbara, came.  Renee said she called for me to go to dance.  Went to the flicks Wednesday evening saw

Friday May 17

Went to Granada.  Went on stage in disappearing act with the famous Jasper Magee.

Sat May 18

Had chance to go to pictures with Ronnie Wood, a friend made date.  Shipyard Sally a cowboy film.

Sun May 19

Saw several people

Mon May 20

Came back to Alfold.  Came Horsham Way.  Paid about 2/6 extra.  Saw F.  Boy was my case heavy.

Tues May 21

Went to school.  Did not get lift in her car.  Saw postman.  Had chicken for dinner.

Wed May 22

It rained, girls turned back and went home, Miss Grose moaned Feathers shot rabbit.

Thursday May 23

Got letter from Horace.  We have found out Fred goes Boy a Donkey way.  I have an idea, someone likes me.

Friday May 24

Went  and watched celebration at village school.  Also took autograph book to Fred Hartleys.  Saw his wife.

Saturday  May 25

Went to flicks.  Saw Gulliver’s Travels and I Belong to the Desert.  Saw Fred.  Boy did he stare.  Saw “Under Two Flags” and “Charlie Chan in Reno”.

Cynthia’s Diary – Apr 28, 1940

Sun Apr 28

Did not go to church, but went walks with Joan etc.  Saw Mrs. Brettell and Mr.

Mon Apr 29

We shall be going home soon and also to new billet, maybe.

Tues Apr 30

We go to our new billet tomorrow.  Have packed most of our things and boy have we got a lot of luggage!

Wed May 1, 1940

Went to new billet.  House over 600 years old.  Seems jolly nice.  Went in Mrs. Robertson’s car.

Thurs May 2

Boy is it a long way to school.  We went a ramble today.  Went to Cranleigh with Phyllis, got of with boys.

Fri May 3

A week today and we go home.  We stay to dinner at school now.

Sat May 4

Went to flicks.  Saw Carroll Levis and his discovers, also Jackie Cooper in News boys chorus ??  Seen it before.. …jolly good.

Sun May 5

It was hot today.  Went down village saw John, Bill.

Saw Luise and Mother, father, brother and friends at Gibbs Hatch.

Mon May 6

Went ramble.  Did not get home till  late, picked flowers, saw rabbit.  Went ride with June.  Got letter from Louise.

Tues May 7

Went to flicks with June.  Saw Roy, gave us cig.  June bought ices, lost my torch, road bikes, borrowed towel??

Wed May 8

June’s brothers are trying to find out who boy is.  June and I went ride saw Pests.  Stopped us.

Thurs May 9

Joan sprained Spikey’s wrist. ___     Had to stay home from work.  Gee we go home tomorrow.  Boy oh boy!

Friday May 10

Went to school in morning had afternoon off.  Went home.  Saw Auntie Pat, Pat and Wendy.  Got off with R.A.F fellow on train.  Took lots of blue-bells home

Sat May 11

Phyllis came round with her little sister.  Went to library, Saw tons of people I know on Friday morning and F. he waved and stopped car but drove on.  Threw cig out of window.

Cynthia’s Diary – April 14, 1940

Sun Apr 14, 1940

I did not go out much today, just saw a few friends.  Pamela and I were left alone and had tea by ourselves.

Fri Apr 19

Team won.  I got four words out of four right, had parcel off Mummy and letters.  Went for Mrs. Newbury, but it teemed rain.  Went to flicks with Joan, Pamela, Lois, Renee.  Saw Robert Donat in Goodbye Mr. Chips.  Also Our Gang in a crime doesn’t pay film.  We went in village saw Ken, and Phyllis.  Got home 7:15.

Mon Apr 22

Weazle hanging out.  We wore our shorts in evening played with Luise,   osker   Had ride on Phylis’s bike.

Tues Apr 23

Nurse came to school to test our eyes.  Towser killed one baby rabbit and brought one back alive.  Very tiny about 2 days old.  Teemed with rain…..Luise

Thurs  Apr 25

Phyllis and I went walk, could not find friends …also Joan.  Luise said I am her best friend   she missed me

Renee, Barbara, Cicely, Peggy, Cynthia, Margaret, Wendy, Dorothy at the Rectory

Fri Apr 26

Were examined today.  Our school one of healthiest.  Played with Luise and twins and Joan.  Picked primroses for her mother.   Vast Bridge.  Had ride on bike.

Sat Apr 27

Went to the pictures, saw “Band Wagon” and : Code of the ops”  We saw Luise, her brother and mother.  Girl in film called Cynthia.  Rabbit died this morning.  Renee got German Measles.