Diary of Edward Lloyd Fleming, January- September 1945 - Part 4

Conflict:
Second World War, 1939–45
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Open to contributions
Accession number:
AWM2019.22.128
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 10

r we faund int aed beie puees to 500 Opde int days at Ml Killingtolme Had an intervicu with the C1 but te are mait affeniie & dauled us up for not having estuted him Bpointed out tere were more than 3 bot In tos evening pcks Ren& I weat to te by push church at Newark Cautful coee and very good speake went for a delightful walk rlong the river Fient after it and then care lask to camp 2545 (Mea) s get up and finished off the clearances and at 125a truk took as to the stativn lead Affwat in their Qusten 7 we arrived at about 1700 and ccdated bedding had te there was no resm for us in our allitted but so we spent the night in th beds of some fillas on lave we went lada stawse and I mt th buthe who arrives to days ago then all seight be went to the pictures to see boe of St Mark A yank was fele but quite good we saw a large red glante t now a wieked over to it found a larp ev around two bling laystacks supposed to have be lit by a a lt let i evillug tut fire tand & NS were there Couysne who drand was aght cas Lyve pretty wel amumet victory PEACE(IN EUROPD TEOAY 29 (luss) Hadotall by te syd bom the peae t beg work but in for leave and got bdys alth wire laving a day carly wathes to East latter got a train to New Hlland be assived at 1Packe & put a he train stopped, we heard the blare af serens from ships - PEACE. Its an atmoghhere bet is imnewing and as I write &in tumbling with, Iquess its enation Ansu the Humbe the chuc sells are pealing and seax bught ofee is blusting out on his ships ptistt te wh when when of the well mine weepes simes out over t relat times and all i while the chuck licl ring out ovr the aus seens the a must across the river he with is dirty beaun but now de news has come it seems tihe sulliaat cunshire on a digght blu thank the hard I ve been abl to live to this day Ito 1526 & tegis still blaring for Io really enciou to get over the rises into shill now to see de t erowol has taken it as in welled al to read every hause had its flegs & beunting out pert to kell the sd were terrfie especally in the tl gades are where a tiacude & varou other weapois were on display A manne band was playing will hang ont the wasting Derill always be an England ste and ten to herd Maysr gava
rathe fore specck we wondered arcind loking at the seorations and then had the Decided to hitll a de train ment a wait of 12 his let a busont of teen tena esfe as ith Cae Overy howe stll had duntay atteaed t the we led to waek to sanctor where we got a dus into Market weightr put on oid iy sect of tae but all feature cngst It has tumed out a beautiful evening anith road here is defestfully raral English wl wisd a syble of mile with an pckshis motter & Loygate who sere explis for here very intresting diatet we stopped at the Bay Horse Tom at Market Weegt and after a shave and alower John & I went to a dance in the paint hall It was quite good & start will but breame tiresl eowd so at about midught we pasted in Blad& daughte wit whom we walles ter were at it & daughte was sesed as a ppey- it was a Bey drss ten out lubs elaled at 2300 hene to retter duntenness we wolled backd had a sunt ter het te hay 93 (wea) Stet o doliday At os we were case ra had a wesh its the went to buakfact & it was becon egg said aue 716 es & started on the road at og00 at wacked about a mile before a food truel picted a yr Buill an intusting filter at Bekongth t stepped for a white & tn a caried an with a siael ant fut who I mused to pact Ho depped us enteede it aty wad w waked there plag sedded strats to the Minctes whch we went in and stayed to a dalguing service etafu rigang I was catte encsed at te lads taking op the cllectin the p we wented to moe on before his males were al tholder ane sicnled & waved him bask wid hi aq John I were in a spot of bodes over the clletion + Ipet in a penny & be a halppen Hat was all the clange we had the thou did stann foll mea well + this maid out singing was the sad a dunied lost at the mnitee then weat to th se then the garden son ruin gst Marys abby on the rsad again and after welking forle faudistance an ermy tial teak us to basing wold isles we had a mack organzes a lt with atent transpacts I wide pushed up on the ranl & to toes slea, we saw weything laned the thual & had to left sear of the flags to allow the taal to get by they dipped us at a beautiful spot past Itude Cattuck we walled a littl way ther an enbulenae camestiol a to Exlinatin this isa by teen with a beautiful approaa along to side
of thel tee bery gaytes onart nor san memanc officies of fltter Tet a bas out a bitthe piked p big traspaet heading tor Weaclt had slips ancder o cham in be sacls this newr was & tndr t took as rght to within 22 wils of Durham and wid fust got out wher a lee stope we wer drave in to tan by telleas & Eeyn shis wife, tr & Hs deliff they invited us to stay with tem to night to we left tem at the tall ddial where the were visiting sone friends, and as had a showse + shave at the three fee hall went to the by thangm service in the allded as th polissie to mayse cleateoan seds times up end the cxcedial was partolan in had to stand they had a beais bend pith lyrons it was a w impresave service wl see to setaffs again then raned abod uatel 200 when t he ear the cattedial lacked wandefe from te nle aday & devesildt, i cleas are bee we same hac aul to penos & sut a chap ealed til faull who is te organce of a tate far it mals It was a nex classiall suffer withfull lighting iffeets etc they do all the sim ont te nyil e ne outtal on society le th t forarege whee we not b auas loffey &had a you wilh him then we had a tills supper thit to hay 10645 (un) Totacled at 0745 and had breapfed it 0850 us tock the bus to Newcastl oue stay at the oicary onr muet interesting and we heard a bit of aal ge n behand the cases teied thcastle on and ofter much muching arcund Iwent to see lat wadt ther we set out again for the worth and an veg man teak us to tsforth from de we washed a slat distrnce a wvy dave in ths oe very pietly suaty to Moypeth we withed around a little & a laste tr to kepp us gave us an insitation & call or ter d e puib at the 1MCA and ten we hitched with some army filles out alond the Atburn Ed Juss get out of thei truch when two ares gave us a lift to ther dreme free fwish b when we walted almost into whatter te last mile or to being in a we with a lady from the we waited the nul to belay we had a littl bet of feed there and den rated out to get a left with a truck drive going to atabim we wisld out of tewn about two miles where as nother to a efea while the an Auny Coryteel as to Hersley the county was gitting propectively more wild and after gltte hall at t Adissat arm the Casthotel in England as dcide to starl walking + rish it a privat cartool usall
fou miles bast Bockte thes we walked about four miks to the rescastle wate leavou by pietty but a sumding country is savon I saw a seaver Jach had a stare and I went to abouse to beg pall you tere wastt anyine thes were we staited to well ladit gone for when an army convey arrived and gave in a wonderful aft t Geslburgh as eessed buts Istland at Carkis bar and fiom there could look aver imls a miles of colentey & was a serpetday s th segst grices He dave into Gedburgh was tose delightly along a vally th wha wey I gentle, whoold hills on either side: saw the last tapen tres &f the old Jes forest and as we approached to tan the rens of a sterman abby spleaud dueet, shead the inwo stopped & we pt out & went to the sreed bagl hill wherae gt accomodation we had a beautiful tea & becon reges and then wrote a little Isllaved int weat f a cleet will bac along to road by which we acwed the u to te other end then stimbed on of th kills the tewn is in a selly and to guenness of the twes makes an asseth glrous feeture there are a laye nuner & Blesde & ouh one evsure ruslances shad a bach gt off to be sawa notice speayto te Clackys Stenl te4e Friday) We late very mee bualfert in the hobel and the at off to bay a few poslands and I sent a Mother Day tlgram we stanted off again and walked abuset out of town when a contiaal picked as ys and tob us about 10 miles thre pretty cunty past andum and the by time to the nemory of willington we also pessed near Drgburgh Abbey Had only feet got out when another a going all the way to Colinburgh we abeted to ride on do backs asn was warm t lp was delightful there the handrock and Dalbiell In Edobuiph we had a l to eat den cought th i tean t Eorstopphar & started walking Presenty in ouggen truch gave in a left right to Blesgu the all the cast distrects betaen t two sitees and the industrial submles of Hasgon e made for the sseas Clut and sought doclitately wshill wating we saught the pround to S Georges& where shey pressed sur pants then we were given our address and came out to barkeke by teain to see thes Pribble He met as steck us home. ae met a Hs lattley a Hs Eoberts and nattured for a while then went for a bus tide and wall will misPrebble saw sime very pretty country and the got in as lgst was fallng about neas Had supper and got off to 1254 (Daty We didn't bast secalees to get up and
the came dimt brekfed as ut out tor teyn at about wse and cought to bus in Ihad a look for sen books & drw out a bet of cash ten we went toa entel bus statid and took a dus to Beslack thes same foel shum ares we had lunch and started to wall to huss as te bes was full a Moan picked us yf toal as de whole way digpping off maild snell parch in route we had a sl around hach hemo was beautiful with a sright ble shy and bluatee Then Remend & te kids clear beland we walked a let of the way back part Sir Jan Colguhuans sstall and spike to a bloke whad been 2oyes at Wanting then we got a left in a proate car all the way to Hargue saw the very attactur & wasten t to sabobs sad te at a contens hus to get in an early party at the Oxes cht but maled up at to laper theate at a evy causbill tet Keney or de Rly Ster scame out wilh her but the has weat yo so we had to welk quit a distance tattered white at lome then we but thehay 13E4 Bun) D stayed in Old until 1sookes then came dewn for duer Seat teatteroon citter writing or tacking & shll ass o pancer mate came tolex Iwended Kins pincti and tee tol went for a short walk tack t Heles place and then heard the Chucket speak as went to the little weal church (of Seotland/ at wohes + it was a redy service & thy had t caslt tir 4245 Mon) lst af about ors and pacted and said gu Axe to Hence lubbles tis tobet we caughts bust Wilshill and warked quite a dist before a chap tct us to the ring of the bartile 14220 Edinburh (1) heads welledo but further sanother piet c u 04 miles & anothes heave int Sadgate from ter we took a bes into Edinte rebent to a cat to have our lunch taal a Revenhalfwe 2) team aut of tawn on to the Et het load & eed walked quit a distruce ere a bt Col his wife peesusus uf 113 deaoe ealmost to Haddington where he porated out in old letler seal ground & we san the dian ty & Ein sgre ladealy just pteat when a Bleck dg picked us it i his ary H came frath of a isfaty bad ben at a preson senp in Arany Hhe bleke but no lexe pr to laven be drapped us pmles from seiet and afteraalert wall another chappiches is if Trace or te last Daw Agten castleres beautiful and were dropped in berwish wher we wasked daw the
man shoppirs streett get to the dateo hut the scital read was beautifu and we could see yest Lony to cifls alo nolias a pranged thusican be hes to will out of Serwick for quitt a ditanent site to rain, but present & s tuel wsking for Bellord pioled us ip the shap alewed us tggist Sitt athe Brdheylanslivee & Dambrough Eastle Hed Mastrong we al sea Holy to on which reton landed in the pd century we had to wecl te casped and will dos to before a shap in a privat ear gave un a lift to Alswes we had a bite herd Ihad again will an Asie 240 Daw the old tawan gatady, the we went ys to the Market square & at 2000 get the bus to Maypett: gail a nl run past ped disine ae lft o t a to 1r0 and started acking for bateria lavene oftee uary eerquires we saim it wth s ris Stewart & was deligted & begges us to sty ou cilected ane bet and mold in a nut te two manus daughters Ellar lita and Ella tel in of to tee bwn at Kerey Cout farmerly a seaching hause vry casy to & qute resury an a beautiful drew of the re we came sack to supper and hadeed tll about 0100 thee turned in tltte tues) we sleft in with about no then led a slave& beekfest his Stewart wouled us to in the tewn a bit so we decided to stay out for lunc & tex I afte suple of filous at the Elemiels racon) we beswsed arsund the shops all the mining then we got a hot dine at Martins in te apteion walked down bast te old church wa a day all budg to bastiale Bt named after lady Carcile & appostl to by geal &o to guiden isa fin bowing ren and temes courts its we set down abong the preminade witl two decenttrn and I repaied my camers te fetn & which ther out in the letter of Marshalls chimish rlrd tell about 1600& & versdelightfus outue wid de wild ducks flosting ersely & t buids suying bt yet Misstavet & watsed to becy le wid t ad she pusuaded us to come to tee o e amied tch abouts0 b wce mea litte was hame we met tan, a daughtee i law & herwnt son ticholas went ham audber litte & seent to meet him alen ae reved back Elle had got hime to we deaded to take e waek rar first up to clock towe wher the Rylea is reing it 2000 each mest one of three in England say the bed igus action got the o up
then we withed down to stret paet to Concervation But in which as the pollowing inscuption a i mo mray or vcn se0 cno s con at e re see we ree cane mor rnce, max you 127 t0 or may Nor, 17 mgn cay ye ove i were Ie h mo mee ruow counowan mrs 20 IN went o delightfer wall uf te rever o sufere Aote, Chucch& begp and Instued on the evey the strong unel of t ould gartie which lasa nice whil ceand ses of te ber fort the casle is in ruins an de t of a kill a hield but the church still stand Came back by a t eilleg soe on o drinking Countain & passed the hame of i By he a spiciales cance al pened an all wasing will bact hame we notheed shad subbet e p quit early and we said gradlye to mis Slewarl at out on the roed we had to waik a bit before our fust left in an anny truck to Tesforth army camp then a faid office truch taok as wer de Sysay Bridgs in mreit Agan we waitd a while tel a chap came in a see fadden truely stool is to Clea t that Juso ut when a bloke picked us up & disore to rear si mos then in wased a bit swer picked of by b feet straight from a parting live at Pateshead & toring te tal us 79 ot to the Sadeacter Road then a truel took us into Rustlingly + finall an a truc dros in to Danedales we booked in at the saet + I went to lost for books & se the te Iohn wrott we had tea then bocked for a vaudeve stew sad a wack about tewn & al3rr to slew startal Gule good &aftle it we waited at the stepe dear to so the actors raducces bached about to had a bob at the Pauch such pearkic) and its bautilu stained glacs windows a masing we into a sun partoue & also had a leat att dance t went to be station a wait for smthingto at the m at 2200 beautiful ibation, very madke turned in about 2342 15.4 (Thurs we got ap putty early and hade a chare and then ealight the tain t Habrough o no were got out dan a trch came along so we hopped in the brought us to the cunt we had linch then started the beg erwd besines I saoked in with mast reations It was a slor
fet but Igrt mast of it done the boys crawled in in the eoeat and were full of wanderfu stories Alf, Hat John I weat to the peetures to see laticats Amos and a couple of other feling Get off te be ver 25. (Fre) we reported at ages but they did nt went us for pacade so we waited adout & coentirally get an interview with t g been who gave wso petal & much the came from th f come went to conted + they had lunh In the afternaon we cleared the Roep & then the boys knocked off 2 to evening I had a shave and went to the mess then wrote & bet that te hay 14.E4 (Bat) found we were seleduted to fly at lcabful safte a priad, w were bused Hhe went to 30 & they are finding out what is his trouble hots of chasing arcind because we were a bit imprepared foe it all Dt off oh Combed the did saine fering Dropfeel to disgue at woft ever the disme& pen sdie two plapless landings at Carnable remways an to long that we landed & on word from cocted took off again 11t Ded a three engine landingfer much to the amagenent of the lecclsr Ex had exp for tes and ter Ihad a shawee cearst a tel ald a bex for a while 205UC (Bay) we went an pacade & waited adout for church paied which was sembbed we Idoda few odd sols so t mea the was a meteg at 1300 but it was jut a chambles beat 6 sp brifing but flyng was soubed so we sseat the time in the mees Hlad suffer then Act the hay 21545 (Mon) up as usual & on paiade teaw were buifed we get away at 1115 to Teundase N. Cels Oben Heyo Jab Seiethorpe Carlicle hipool codveramton base twahay ho a ise aloy ten ple for Lihes & su a lt of Rarge Saw Fll & Hyde a Franek & what lessed like te Aquitania sais got te aps ccte scares on de redes Had an egg s went to se to Belan boro picture Soldwy folloes Had suppe & shuuse gwent to be 22.545 (Lues) we went on paiade theref gaseus onr instruction for changing sillets. It was an all morning ot 28 in devey from the oree, in a le put asid for wea spples had dumer and creat to the flights again but thre was nothing cooking a Ineed about with my beke tth had ta John Hn Eddy I went to a variety concert in the
evenia given by al.4 crews the sart playee th band belonged to Pualdes nct & we langer but the pohes were very ude & te oscaliste had te newe to ring, It had to be y to a vesiting tn Commodore we supped arcid shad supper then bt the tray 2254e Wed) Aday of remiours some have is that were bound far Sinbrook (se) & thence bast o others that it is to be a desil for repatuated Ang has were leasing hex, is all dussies Canichs bat leading who husues thes was a spece sucise plaimed but duff weather cound its cancellation I did some tin then had tch in the eftemoon wasn't required to bludged of to t het Ben & Iesde to we ten St Kellighosae quest of food toot buaches & eycle palts tad to a sholvle & get a new saddle for the bike Irusu about wid te sil a while then we all went to see hrele + lujudic outstanding wit read bet then turned in 14 245. (shues I got up early s went to the flight but nothing was doing I just messed about all morning In the aftenion the w/ called for Vif. Bildts to vollentiee to serve in the te bst Johnr Bddly were against ta i for to an Jo Ber, but aff, lass are undeciated spent the afternson in the billt & the rode to id Kilbighilan where I bougst some passes stren sake wrappida parit missed tx went to suppe will te boys & had a showes late the came lack to bed HCM Fred Ryparades Spot Sretter wall ss thuse about sid but be porspenes it al to resuse to be could get a bet yea sot te day off went to Framby wed John vea Implan docks & the funy little wexteam doe the was Had lunch loked thus town & a gulcolo was looking for an Ausie &6 came if rachal wi a tas him seed be to find him without foy but as u wee leaving we san his aceived or walked out as far as Lt Caates other sel deven frea while in a muount English bend y the road let a lift to the eass had tend we seaided to go to the show take it or lase 21 was funy but fantasle and Ladiesg wasteys was good intertaiment At some orangess ppiciale at the resstongst and the came back to the sillet & wrols then hit the Ray 26 E.45. Bat) I went down to the flight but there was nothing rooking ceept a standly for iwsh
be called for this sex busnies Dithad to kap t lays from going to Bull to by afternasn I tatted wil on lass model haneaile rgt all carving done lot to bed quite tall after writing No 27542 Eu) Speat the whole day with the boys at work on the model + then get off to bed faily late head a little stuned a 22545 (Man) A very queet morning spent in has 04 and ix went to dinner steaight after it Jack I took a waek to Thousten Abbey which was suill in 1889 and was in occupation untl 1547 Keng Kenyin dessoloed it in 1507 we saw te mamgatiay + tanqueting hall aerawled three lots of narrow hll palsages most of the origine woodee faal door still standing and there ar the slits fora portentles the gatt faces west sasa defince nsure runum is de Barbecan some fir masory on the front of the Holy Limity & beneath It Augustyo Mary Et John the Eaplest thees elso the fegare of a little man helding a pat of beer in his afthan raubliong his belly with his yest. She shard in longer stands but runn of to chapter hause are still to be seen we nattered by a brook for a little while then walked back thu East Hatten we had tee and then I wrote a bet then we had supper & got off to bed 0E4 (said) Agan a very qual morning & read for a whil in the sun then I had dinner we had to waet around for a muit phote to be taken It was a leet of a bind, and there was toto of posr reganization we got word today that Munay Chalmes had been killed & was bured yesteday at Cambridge s We all went over to Clalam in heis ear to get the gu bas trake dawn io we had to wall an bit of the way and a we had to argaing a battery as the station apparently they went in tow plying on a/ fung & Mursay Chalmers & Bdoore were the only shaps allose badies were recovered the preng asseed fust about 5 miles off coase to Jones syfhey had been doing a gat of lon flying lath we got a left to the cas put in the hew batter then drave ham hen went for a side well an 40 a prospective busser and the weer bought dold Austirfr f we had suppers Affct was drmld in a fighting nosd sluesto reconcile him but is us so came back to bed 254 (wed I sat in the sum for a short while ths maring reading then phony + I beiled Heald

11.30 we found out we'd been posted to 550 Sqdn in 1 Group
at Nth Killingholme. Had an interview with the C.I. but

he was most offensive and hauled us up for not having

saluted him. I pointed out there were more than 

3 bods. In the evening Jack & Ken & I went to the big

parish church at Newark. Beautiful choir and a 
very good speaker. Went for a delightful walk
along the river Trent after it and then came  
back  to camp.

7.5.45 (Mon)

I got up and finished off the clearances and at
1215 a truck took us to the station. Len & Alf went
in their Austin 7. We arrived at about 1700 and

collected bedding & had tea.  There was no room for

us on our allotted hut so we spent the night in the

beds of some fellas on leave. We went & had a 
shower and I met Ron Buthe who arrived two days
ago. Then all except Len went to the pictures
to see "Eve of St Mark." A yank war film but
quite good.  We saw a large red glow to the

north so walked over to it & found a large crowd

around two blazing haystacks.  Supposed to have
been lit by a WAAF & a Sgt. but no evidence.  The unit
fire tender & N.F.S. were there.  Everyone who drank 
was tight cos they've pretty well announced victory
VE DAY PEACE (IN EUROPE)

8.5.45 (Tues) Had a talk by the Sqdn. Comm. & he praised

the boys' work. Put in for leave and got 6dys altho
we're leaving a day early. Walked to East Halton & 
got a train to New Holland.  We arrived at 1500 hrs

& just as the train stopped, we heard the blare of '

sirens from ships - P E A C E. Its an atmosphere

that is unnerving and as I write I'm trembling

with, - I guess its emotion. Across the Humber 
the church bells are pealing and some bright spec.
is blurting out ... - on his ships [[whistle??]]. The 

whir, whir, whir of the small mine sweepers

comes out over the rest at times and all the while the

church bells ring out over the raucous sirens. There's 
a mist across the river & the water is dirty brown

but now the news has come it seems like brilliant

sunshine on a bright blue. Thank the Lord I've been
able to live to this day.  Its 1526 & they're still blaring forth.

I'm really anxious to get over the river into Hull now

to see how the crowd had taken it. As we walked along
the road, every house had its' flags & bunting out in

front. In Hull the crowds were terrific especially in the
central gardens over where a Baracuda & various other

weapons were on display.  A marine band was

playing "We'll hang out the washing". "there'll always be

an England' etc and then the Lord Mayor gave a 

 

rather fine speech. We wandered around looking at the

decorations and then had tea.  Decided to hitch as the train
meant a wait of 1½ hrs. Got a bus out of town then a

car as far as Sth Cave. Every house still had bunting
all over it. From there we had to walk to Sancton where
we got a bus into Market Weighton. Just an ordinary                             
sort of town but all festive tonight. It has
turned out a beautiful evening and the road here 
is delightfully rural English. We walked a couple

of miles with an Yorkshire mother & daughter
who were cycling for here.  Very interesting dialect.
We stopped at the Bay Horse Inn at Market Weighton
and after a shave and a shower John & I went to

a dance in the parish hall. It was quite good to      

start with but became terribly crowded so at
about midnight we packed in. The lady &
daughter with whom we walked here were at it

& daughter was dressed as a gypsy - it was a

fancy dress turn-out.  Pubs closed at 2330 hence
the rotten drunkenness. We walked back & had a 
drink then hit the hay.

9.5.45 (Wed) Still a holiday. At 0800 we were called

& we had a wash etc then went to breakfast & it was

bacon & egg. Paid our 7/6 ea. & started on the road at
0900. We walked about a mile before a food truck

 

picked us up. Quite an interesting fellow & at Pockington
he stopped for a while & then we carried on with a
small little girl who I [[nursed??]] to York. He dropped us

outside the city wall & we walked those flag bedecked

streets to the Minster which we went in and stayed to
a thanksgiving service.  Beautiful organ & I was rather
amused at the lads taking up the collection. The younger
one wanted to move on before his mates were ready
& the older one scowled & waved him back with his
 bag! John & I were in a spot of bother over the

collection & I put in a penny & he a halfpenny as

that was all the change we had! The choir did Staines

7 fold Amen well & their march out singing was

[[?]]. Had a hurried look at the minster then went to

the river & then the gardens & saw the ruins of St
Mary's Abby. On the road again and after walking

for a fair distance, an army truck took us to Easingwold

where we had a snack. Organised a lift with
a tank transport & I rode pushed up on the tank & tho
it was slow, we saw everything. Passed thru thick &

had to lift some of the flags to allow the tank to get
by. They dropped us at a beautiful spot just
outside Gatwick.  We walked a little way then an

ambulance came & took us to Darlington.  This is a
big town with a beautiful approach along the side

 

of the R. Tees. Very gay too over victory & we saw
numerous effigies of Hitler. Got a bus out a bit & then

picked up a big transport heading for N'castle . He
had ships anchors & chains on the back & his M.U.W. was

7 tons!! He took us right to within 2½ miles of
Durham and we'd just got out when a car stopped
& we were driven in to town by the Vicar of Spennymoor
& his wife, Mr & Mrs Schiff. They invited us to stay

with them the night so we left them at the cathedral

where they were visiting some friends , and 
we had a shower & shave at the "Three Trees" Hotel.

Went to the big thanksgiving service in the Cathedral. All

the police force, the mayor & corporation & various odd
bods turned up and the cathedral was packed out -

we had to stand. They had a brass band for the

hymns & it was a most impressive service.  We saw
the Schiffs again then roamed about until 2100 when
we returned to the car.  The cathedral looked wonderful 
from the river today & the visibility is clear as a bell.

We came back out to Spennymoor & met a chap
called Bill Farrell who is the organiser of a theatre for
the mines.  It was a most elaborate outfit with full
lighting effects etc & they do all the fine arts there to
improve the miners outlook on society . We went to the
vicarage where we met the curate Geoffrey & had a
 yarn with him. Then we had a little supper & hit the hay.

10.5.45 (Thurs) Got called at 0745 and had breakfast &

at 0850 we took the bus to Newcastle. Our stay at the vicarage
was most interesting and we heard a bit of what goes
on behind the scenes. Arrived Newcastle O.K. and after
much mucking around, I went to see Pat Wade. Then
we set out again for the north and an N.F.S. man
took us to Gosforth. From there we walked a short
distance & a civvy drove us thru some very pretty
country to Morpeth. We walked around a little & a lady
tried to help us & gave us an invitation to call on her.

Had some grub at the Y.M.C.A. and then we hitched 
with some Army fellas out about the Otterburn Rd, Just
got out of their truck when two WAAFs gave us a lift
to their home - Free French - from which we walked
almost into Whalton. the last mile or so being in 
a car with a lady.  From there we walked three miles to
Belsay. We had a little bit of food there and then
raced out to get a lift with a truck- driver going to
Otterburn. We walked out of town about two miles

where we nattered to an R.A.C. cop for a while, then an
Army lorry took us to Horsley. The country was getting
progressively more wild and after quite a halt at
the Redesdale Arms, the last hotel in England, we decided
to start walking & risk it.  A private car took us about

 

four miles past Rochester then we walked about  four
miles to the Newcastle Water Reservoir. Very pretty but the
surrounding country is barren. I saw a beaver, Jack
had a shave and I went to a house to beg food(!!) but
there wasn't anyone there so once more we started
to walk. Hadn't gone far when an army convoy
arrived and gave us a wonderful lift to Jedburgh
We crossed into Scotland at Carter's Bar and from
there could look over miles & miles of country. It
was a perfect day & the sight glorious. The drive into
Jedburgh was most delightful along a valley the
whole way & gentle, wooded hills on either side. I
saw the last Capon tree of the old Jed forest and
as we approached the town, the ruins of a Norman
Abbey appeared directly ahead, The convoy stopped &
we got out & went to the Spread Eagle hotel where we
got accommodation. We had a beautiful tea of bacon
& eggs and then wrote a little. I shaved & we went
for a short walk back along the road by which we
arrived then up to the other end, then climbed one
of the hills. The town is in a valley and the
greenness of the trees makes an absolutely glorious
picture. There are a large number of [[??]] and only
one cinema & no dances. I had a bath & got off to bed.
Saw a notice referring to the Blaikup Stone???
11.5.45 (Friday) We had a very nice breakfast in the hotel
and then set off to buy a few postcards and I sent a Mother's
Day telegram. We started off again and walked almost
out of town when a contractor picked us up and took
us about 10 miles thru pretty country past Ancrum and
the big town to the memory of Wellington. We also passed near
Dryburgh Abbey. Had only just got out when another truck
going all the way to Edinburgh came. We elected to ride on the
back & as it was warm, the trip was delightful thru the
Laudervale and Dalkeith. In Edinburgh we had a little
to eat then caught the No1 train to Corstorphine & started
walking. Presently an oxygen truck gave us a lift
right in to Glasgow thru all the coal districts between
the two cities and the industrial suburbs of Glasgow.
We made for the O'seas Club and sought hospitaility.
While waiting we caught the U/ground to St Georges X
where they pressed our pants. Then we were given one
address and came out to Carluke by train to see Wes
Pribble. He met us & took us home. We met a Mrs Rattley &
a Mrs Roberts and nattered for a while then went
for a bus ride and walk with Mrs Pribble. Saw
some very pretty country and then got in as light
was failing about 2300. Had supper and got off to
bed.
12.5.45 (Sat). We didn't bust ourselves to get up and
 

 

then came down to breakfast We set out for Glasgow at
about 1030 and caught the bus in. I had a look for
some books and drew out a bit of each then we went to the
Central bus station and took a bus to Balloch thru some
forest strewn areas. We had lunch and started to walk
to Luss as the bus was full. A G.P.O. van pick us up &
took us the whole way - dropping off mail & small
parcels on route. We had a look around & Loch Lomond
was beautiful with a bright blue sky and blue waters
& Ben Lomond & the hills clear behind. We walked a 
bit of the way back past Sir Ian Colquhuons estate
and spoke to a bloke who'd been 20 yrs at [[Wontina??]].
Then we got a lift in a private car all the way to
Glasgow. Saw the very attractive Gt. Western Rd & the
W. Suburbs. Had tea out in canteen & tried to get in re
an early party at the O'seas club but instead up at
the Empire Theatre at a corny audibille that Nancy on
the Rly Stn & came out with her but the bus went US
so we had to walk quite a distance. Nattered for a
while at home then we hit the hay.
13.5.45. (Sun) We stayed in ned until 1300 hrs then
came down for dinner. Spent the afternoon either
writing or [[?bing?]] & [[??]], one of [[?]] mates

came to tea. I mended Ken's puncture and then had
tea. We went for a shot walk back to Helen's place
and then heard Mr Churchill speak, we went to the little
local church (of Scotland) at 1800 hrs & it was a wedding
service & they had the cadets there. 
14.5.45. (Mon)
Got up about 0845 and packed and said goodbye
to Hance Rubble & Mrs Roberts. We caught a bus to
Bellshill and walked quite a dist. before a chap
took us to the King of the Carlisle (A73) & Edinburgh
(A9) Roads. Walked a bit further & another private car
took us 8.4 miles & another drove us into
Bathgate. From there we took a bus into Edinburgh
& went to a cafe to have our lunch. Took a
Ravenhall (NR21) train out of town on to the
Gr. Nth. Road & we'd walked quite a distance
before a Lieut. Col & his wife picked us up!! & drove
us almost to Haddington where he pointed out
an old Celtic Burial ground & we saw the dean
of No3 (City of [[??]]) sqdn. We had only just got out
when a Polish chap picked us up in his lorry. He came
from Nth of Warsaw & his father had been at a prison
camp in Germany. The bloke lost no love for the Russians
He dropped us 7 miles from Berwick and after a short
walk, another chap picked us up, I rode on the
back. Saw Ayton castle - red & beautiful - and were
dropped in Berwick where we walked down the
 

 

main shopping street to the Salvo hut. The coastal
road was beautiful and we could see right along
the cliffs. Also noticed a pranged Hurricane. We had to
walk out of Berwick for quite a distance & it started
to rain, but presently a G.P.O. truck making for
Belford picked us up. The chap showed us [[Kagg??]]
Castle where Lord Leyland lived & Bamburgh castle of
Lord Armstrong. We also saw holy Is on which St
Aiton landed in the 7th century. We had to walk
thru Belford and well down A1 before a chap in a
private car gave us a lift to Alnwick. We had a
bite here & I had a yarn with an Aussie L.A.C. Saw the
old town gateway, then we went up to the Market
Square & at 2005 got the bus to Morpeth. 'Quite a
nice run past Byford drome. We left our kit at
the YMCA and started looking for Rutoria Avenue. After
many enquiries we found it & went to see Mrs
Stewart. She was delighted & begged us to stay & we
collected our kit and move in. We met the two
married daughters Ella & Rita and Ella took us
up to her house at Percy Court - formerly a
coaching house. Very cosy to & quite roomy with 
a beautiful view of the river. We came back
to supper and nattered till about 0100 then
turned in.
15.5.45. (Tues) We slept in until about 1000 then
had a shave & breakfast Mrs Stewart wanted us to
see the town a bit so we decided to stay out for
lunch & tea. I left a couple of films at the chemists
(Wasons) & we browsed around the shops all the
morning. Then we got a hot dinner at Martins &
in the afternoon walked down past the old church &
over a very old bridge to Carlisle Park, named after
Lady Carlisle & opposite the big gaol. In the gardens
is a fine bowling green and tennis courts etc. We
sat down along the promenade with two decent WAAF
and I repaired my camera, the film of which I'd
taken out in the cellar of Marchalls, Chemists!!!
Nattered till about 1600 & it was delightful outside
with the wild ducks floating around & the birds
singing. We met Mrs Stewart & walked to Percy
House with her and she persuaded us to come to tea
So we arrived back about 600. Very nice meal &
Rita was home. We met Han, a daughter in law &
her 10 mth. son Nicholas. John went home with her &
Rita & I went to meet him. When we arrived bac
Ella had got home so we decided to take a walk & went
first up the clock tower where the [[few??]] is sung
at 2000 each night - one of three in England.
Saw the bell ringers in action & got the odd tip.

 

Then we walked down the street past the Conservative
Club on which is the following inscription"-
HERE LIVED THE FAMILY OF VICE-ADMIRAL LORD
COLLINGWOOD AND HERE HE SPENT THE FEW SHORT
PERIODS OF REPOSE SNATCHED FROM LONG AND ARDUOUS
SERVICE AFLOAT.
"WHENEVER i THINK HOW I AM TO BE HAPPY
AGAIN, MY THOUGHTS CARRY ME BACK TO Mt RPETH"
"SEE HOW THAT NOBLE FELLOW COLLINGWOOD TAKES HIS
SHIP INTO ACTION"
Went a delightful walk up the river to Hurlford
Castle, church & keep and I noticed on the way the
strong smell of the wild garlic which has a nice white
flowers, and scores of blue bells & forget-met-nots.
The Castle in in ruins on the top of a hill in a
field but the church still stands. Came back by 
road thru the village, & saw an old drinking
fountain & passed the home of Dr Grey-[[??]], a
specialist in cancer. Also found an old weaving mill.
Back home we nattered & had supper.
16.5.45. (Wed) up quote early and we said
goodbye to Mrs Stawert, set out on the road. We
had to walk a bit before our first lift in an
army truck to Gosforth army camp. Then a Food
office truck took us over the "Sydney Bridge" 
Newcastle. Again we waited a while till a chap came in a
new Fordson truck & took us to Chester-le-street. Just got
out when a bloke picked us up & drove us to near Spring
moor. Then we walked a bit & were picked up by a
Jeep - straight from a packing box at Gateshead that
morning He took us 79 miles, to the Tadcaster Road.
Then a truck took us into Knotlingly & finally
an army truck drove us to Doncaster. We booked
in at the YMCA & I went to look for books & tell the [[??]]
& John estate. We had tea then booked for a vaudeville
show. Had a walk about town & at 2015 the show
started. Quite good & after it we waited at the stage-door
to see the actors & actresses!! Walked about town
had a look at the Parish church /castle) with its
beautiful stained glass windows & masonry. Went
into a fun parlour & also had a look at a dance
then went to the station to wait for something to eat
at the YM at 2300. Beautiful station, very modern.
Turned in about 2345.
17.5.45. (Thurs) We got up pretty early and had
a shave and then caught the train to Habrough.
We no sooner got out than a truck came along
so we hopped in & he brought us to the unit. We
had lunch then started the big arrival bussiness
& I booked in with most sections. It was a slow
 

 

job but I got most of it done The boys crawled 
in in the evening and were full of wonderful
stories Alf, Hal, John & I went to the pictures to
see [[Sali??]] [[??]] and a couple of other films.
Got off to bed then.
18.5.45 (Fri) We reported at [[oqoo??]] but they
didn't want us for parade so we waited about
& eventually got an interview with the Sqdn. Comm.
who gave us a pep talk & much the same from the
Flt. Comm. Went to Control & then had lunch.
In the afternoon we cleared the hosp. & then the
boys knocked off. In the evening, I had a
shower and went to the mess then wrote a bit
& hit the hay.
19:5:45 (Sat) found we were scheduled to fly
at breakfast & after a parade, we were briefed
that went to S.S.Q. & they are finding out whast is
his trouble. Lots of chasing around because we
were a bit unprepared for it all. Got off O.K. &
bombed then did some A/A firing. Dropped
the [[disque??]] at 400ft over the drome & then I did
two flapless landings at [[Gamably??]]. Runways are
so long that we landed & on word from controls,
took off again!!! Did a three engine landing here
much to the amazement of the locals!! We had
egg for tea and then I had a shower & wrote a letter.
Read in bed for a while.
20.5.45. (Sun) We went on parade & waited about
for church parade which was scrubbed. We I did a
few odd jobs. In the mess there was a meeting at
1300 but it was just a shambles. Went to N/F
briefing but flying was scrubbed so we spent the
time in the mess. Had supper then hit the hay.
21.5.45. (Mon) Up as usual & on parade then we
were briefed. We got away at 1115 to Scunthorpe -
N. Wales - Oban - Glasgow - Jack - Sculthorpe - Carlisle -
Liverpool - Wolverhampton base. I we & a half hour
& rather cloudy. Ken flew for 2½ hrs & I used a lot
of "[[Lea??]]." Saw Lord of Hyde & Frannck & what
looked like the "Aquitania". Last got the xxx cricket
scores on the radio. Had an egg & went to see the
Belsen Lossor picture & "Goldwyn Follies." Had supper
& a shower & went to bed.
22.5.45 (Tues) We went on parade & the w/c gave us
our instructions for changing billets. It was an
all morning job & I'm away from the crew, in a list
put aside for N.C.O. skippers. Had dinner and went
to the flights again but there was nothing cooking
so I messed about with my bike then had [[??]]
John, Ken, Eddy & I went to a variety concert in the
 

 

cinema give by a R.A.F. crowd. The clarinet player
in the band belonged to Feraldo's orch & was
bang on but the jokes were very crude & the
vocalist had the nerve to sing.. It had to be you"
to a visiting Air Commander. We nipped around
& had supper then hit the hay.
23.5.45. (Wed) A day of rumours - some have it
that we're bound for Binbrok (460) & thence East
& others that it is to be a depot for repatriation. Any
how we're leaving here, i.e. all Aussies & Canucks
but heading - who knows? There was a special
service planned but duff weather earned its
cancellation. I did some link then had lunch &
in the afternoon wasn't required so bludged off to
the hut. Ken & I rode to Nth [[??]] Sth Killingholme
in quest of food, tooth brushes & cycle parts. Had tea
& shower & got a new saddle for the bike. I messed
about with the bike awhile then we all went to see
"Pride & Prejudice" - outstanding. Wrote & read a 
bit then turned in.
24.5.45. (Thurs) I got up early & went to the
flight but nothing was doig I just messed
about al morning In the afternoon the W/C
called for V.L.R. pilots to volunteer to serve in the
Far East. John & Eddy were against. Hal is
for, so am I & Ken, but Alf & Lass are undecided.
Spent the afternoon in the billet & then rode to [[??]]
Killingholme where I bought some paper & string &
cake. Wrapped a parcel & missed tea. Went to supper
with the boys & had a shower later then came
back to bed.
25.5.45. (Fri) Pay parade & I got FILL then went to
see the W/C about V.L.R. but he postponed it till
tomorrow so he could get a bit of gin. Got the day off &
went to Grimsby with John via Immingham
docks & the funny little LNER train down the coast.
Had lunch & looked thru town & a girl who was
looking for an Aussie A.G. came up asked us if
we knew him. Helped her to find him without [[??]]
but as we were leaving we saw he'd arrived. O.K.
Walked out as far as Gt. Coates & then sat down
for a while in a quaint "English" bend of the
road. Got a lift to the camp & had tea & we
decided to go to the show. "Take it or leave it" was
funny but fantastic and "Ladies of Washington"
was good entertainment. Got some oranges &
Pepsicola at the mess tonight and then came back
to the billet & wrote then hit the hay.
26.5.45. (Sat) I went down to the flight but there
was nothing working except a standby for [[??]] to
 

 

be called for this VLR business. Jed had to keep the
boys from going to 








   



 



















                                                                   

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