Click here for entry for Thursday 11th March – Sunday 14th March 1943
Monday March 15
Day 709
Moved into another tent taking place of man away on leave. Guard duty commenced at night 9-11 then supplied with supper which in reality is breakfast – retired then second shift 3-5AM.
Tuesday March 16
Day 710
Layed in bed most of morning. During afternoon played cards. Fairly easy time but believe it will be mightily monotonous after a while. Guard at night 11-1AM – 5-6AM.
Wednesday March 17
Day 711
Arose about 10AM. Did some washing of clothes. On routine parade in afternoon. Colonel inspected guard. Shifts at night 7-9 & 1-3AM.
Thursday March 18
Day 712
Usual morning spent in bed. Mess here is rather good using china plates & white table cloths. Tommy outfit around at night with pictures “Pimpernel Smith” after that on late shift.
Friday March 19
Day 713
On day duty today guarding prisoner – guard in general is really a racket. Played housie at night – no shift tonight owing to day duty. Began blowing fiercely during night.
Saturday March 20
Day 714
First free day – comes once each eight days…
Click here for entry for Saturday 20th March (cont.) – Thursday 25th March 1943
14 Weeks Worth of Socks 
[…] Click here for entry for Monday 15th March – Saturday 20th March 1943 […]
It now appears that guard duty kept him from going on leave.
yes I am guessing they needed to cover all shifts – rest assured he does get to go on leave but not for another few weeks.
Reblogged this on Windows into History (Reblogging and Links) and commented:
Suggested reading – what better way to learn about history than from a contemporary diary? A fascinating project. Reblogged on Windows into History.
thanks 🙂
As I said on Roger Pocock’s reblog, there’s nothing like an original document to bring history to life.
As for Pimpernel Smith, it’s the film that prompted my father to go on the stage! Such an untimely death for Leslie Howard.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. I highly recommend reading his entries from operation crusader and the battles at El Alamein – they are in bold on the index page – link on home page of my blog.
I’ll be reading!
Does he mean “Mightily” monotonous.” on day 710? It doesn’t really matter. The same old story just keep rolling on.
I am surprised he kept up the diary, still at least it was something to do.
Bingo, thank you!
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