Category: 1944/03
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March 26th 1944 – Bombay
Morton and I have a last brandy session until they throw us out and he tells me of his experiences with mothers and angry husbands in 2 1/2 years in India. On the 24th I embark on “Orontes”. Grindlays have all my luggage ready, and today I even find some of it in the Baggage […]
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March 23rd 1944 – Bombay
Morton and I have a “debauch” on Cyprus brandy with 1/2 a dozen wing commanders and squadron leaders straight out from the UK. Some retire sick and all have fearful heads the next day, so perhaps the linings in our stomachs are hardened against this rot gut liquor. This is the worst Indian hooch I […]
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March 22nd 1944 – Bombay
I leave Bangalore 8.30am on the 19th. The night before, Saturday, is whisky night and I have quite a party with Pete Lewer, Smith and some naval F.A.A. type from Ceylon. I am in good form shouting “Fall out all Brigadiers” at old Brigadier Ayles who is propping up the bar as usual and keeping […]
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March 21st 1944 – Bangalore
Conditions for 1939/43 and Africa Stars are out. As opposed to the Army, you cannot get Africa Star if qualified for 39/43 Star. The Army is the other way round. Aircrew after two months in an operational squadron and one operation. Ground crew six months, aggregate, in an Army command: Qualifying dates: France 3/9/39 – […]
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March 20th 1944 – Bangalore
AOC says he will consult SASO on my report when he comes in, so I put in a minute to SASO which he says is “bloody rude”. However, he gets it changed and tells me I shall not have too initial it. Half an hour later the AOC sends for me, gives me the report […]
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March 8th 1944
The AOC gives me an adverse report! Says I lack initiative and made a poor show of 2 squadron! Eventually he says he will wait until SASO returns and consult him – because Macworth (AOC) does not know me and cannot even spell my name. A signal in this morning that I have to report […]
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March 6th 1944
A damn great cyclone off Madras and a good drop of rain here. We lose a Catalina in it at sea. Another convoy sails from Bombay which I miss. S/L Ramsey lets me have his greatcoat for £8, in condition that I take a box home for his wife. My pay is a complete muddle […]
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March 3rd 1944 – “What, You Still Here?”
Still here doing nothing hard. A signal from A.C. Sea today asking for confirmation that I am available for embarkation, whatever that means. It never happened with anyone else before. I meet one W/C Phillips just out from the UK who gives me the lowdown – dry ships. There’s far too many sinkings in the […]
A Story of War 