Monday 7th May 1945

I’m up at five thirty this morning and see Ismailia. Spend the rest of the time until 11am watching Egypt for the last time (?) We have reached Port Said in eight days less three hours which is very good. Shore leave doubtful. they still load dhows to sinking point.

Saurday 6th May 1945

I got up early this morning so that I should see Ras Jensa but somehow missed it but saw Ras Corel and Zafarana. We reached Suez in the evening. Saw many old haunts. The cold breeze persists. We start through the canal at midnight.

Saturday 5th May 1945

The wind has mercifully changed to a strong headwind and it’s cooler than we have had so far. The news continues terrific. The Germans are falling to pieces. Perhaps we won’t have to go in convoy after Gibraltar and no blackout.

Friday 4th May 1945

The Red Sea according to form, a following wind but in the evening it relented and conditions have really been pleasant. Saw a cinema show, not so bad and it relieves the monotony. Clocks back another thirty minutes.

Thursday 3rd May 1945

During the day we passed quite a lot of traffic and at evening ran into the mouth of the Red Sea for the third time in this war. Then for the first time since we left Bombay we altered course and the Pole star got into a reasonable position.

Wednesday 2nd May 1945

The North star gets lower in the horizon and we are still going South of West. I very much miss my atlas. Clocks have now been advanced three hours so the sun sets at 6pm

Tuesday 1st May 1945

We were issued with AMLC  and I wrote to: Janie, the Kilburns, Diana, my dad.

I have been unable to discover what AMLC stands for.

Sunday 29th April 1945

We set sail today. Starting at 11 we passed the gateway to India at 1pm. And then the realisation of four years of wishful thinking. India and Bombay faded away on the horizon at about 2.30. The sea is calm and the weather beautiful.