D +148 Wednesday 1.11.44
Reveille 6.0am, but that mattress was so comfortable: we got up at 7.25am - and our orders were to be ready to move by 8.0am! Bit of a flap, but we made it - and thanks to a late start, we also had breakfast. Drove vehicle to Roosendaal - no trouble, apart from losing a bogey.
Found unit billeted in schools etc. Besieged by civvys when we arrived with our little column of 8 battered tanks. Much excitement caused by two gaping holes in side of my vehicle. Signed several autographs for benefit of youngsters.
Did a little work on vehicle in preparation for welding and patching. Am re-joining troop tomorrow. Mr. Francis now has another vehicle, Dicky Hall's has been un-ditched, so am taking back my "Ironside". Pedder being relieved by Hopkins - don't know why. Sleeping tonight with troop in school.
D +149 Thursday 2.11.44
Slept in "sergeants room" last night, on wooden floor. Not bad billets, but no water or lavatories: Troops sleeping on second floor in enormous "loft".
Reveille 7.0am - but in bed until nearly eight. Good breakfast - and then a spot of work on the vehicle. It has been cleaned up very nicely in my absence. 13 troop temporarily disbanded owing to shortage of vehicles etc. Hopkins now my operator. Pedder back with B. echelon. Ceased work mid-morning, and sorted kit etc. Am hoping for a chance to do some clothes washing now that we appear to be settled down for a bit. Longing for a bath: must be three weeks since I had one - or changed my clothes.
Later. Had a shower this afternoon: rather draughty "bathroom" in a marquee, but a godsend under the circumstances. Ensa concert this evening: quite a good show.
D +150 Friday 3.11.44
Same routine as yesterday. About an hour's work on vehicle this morning. Lecture by major on demob. scheme at 11.0am. Football match this afternoon. Wrote to Jess - and a little reading.
Weather fairly cold - very draughty in this windowless school, but palatial by comparison with bivvys. There was a little commotion in the town last evening - and evening before. Civvys and "Maquis" rounding up more "collaborators" - especially women. Saw a batch of about 50 male collaborators carrying spades and being marched under armed escort this morning. Presume they were members of the local Nazi party. Probably being forced to do excavating and repair work.
This town is still fairly lifeless. There is very little food, no gas or electricity or water supply, and all cafes and bars are closed. But believe there are one or two shops open. Some of the lads have managed to buy a few cosmetics.
My crew prepared our tea meal in the main street by the vehicle on Wed. evening. A large crowd of civilians gathered round and the whole business became very embarrassing. Our white bread caused much comment, and one lady with two little boys asked me to let them each have half a slice of bread and butter. And then she wanted to buy some butter from us! Another lady howled with amazement when she saw Pestell using butter to fry sausages. I didn't enjoy that meal: there were too many hungry eyes upon us. Believe there will be a limited electricity supply by this evening....
Later. Went to an army cinema show - saw "Melody Inn." Electricity supply is on this evening, but not in our room, altho the ground floor is lit up.
Very heavy artillery barrage all last night. Our guns are only a few miles north and their noise literally shakes this high building. Also much A.A. to the east last evening. It seemed a long way off, and may have been our heavy raid on Duisberg. It was a beautiful moonlit night: cold and clear. Enjoyed gazing at the moon through binocs.
A dull day today: some rain, and fairly cold.