R.A.O.C.
Saturday 14th April 1945
It’s reasonably cool today. The water in the baths has been changed and as I feel much better I have a couple of swims. A thunderstorm, it might get cooler.
Monday 9th April 1945
We spend another lazy day, charpoy bashing and bathing. More and more arrive. Basha 3 are a cheerful crowd and we get along well together.
A charpoy is a bed used especially in India consisting of a frame strung with tapes or light rope. John’s comment means he spent all day resting.
Sunday 8th April 1945
Arrived Caya at 6.30 am and went to the rest camp. This is a very good place. Very hot but every effort is made for our comfort. There is a grand swimming pool.
Saturday 7th April 1945
We left the Grand at 6pm. It cost 64 chips. I had dinner at Howrah and took the 8pm train for Caya. A second class compartment but comfortable.
Friday 6th April 1945
We spent the morning shopping with Diana and Tony. She went to her place for tiffin. Did a bit more shopping in the afternoon. Material 28/-Hair clips etc. Saw Benny Goodman film at the Globe.
Goodman’s band appeared as a specialty act in major musical features, including The Big Broadcast of 1937; Hollywood Hotel (1938); Syncopation (1942); The Powers Girl (1942); Stage Door Canteen (1943); The Gang’s All Here (1943); Sweet and Low-Down (1944), Goodman’s only starring feature; and A Song Is Born (1948).
Benny Goodman in Stage Door canteen (1943)
Wednesday 4th April 1945
Had a note from Diana to meet her at Great Eastern. Had tiffin there as she wanted me to come to tea. I collected Tony. Diana’s marriage seems to be going on the rocks.
Diana Franklin
Tuesday 3rd April 1945
We were at the movies, Bing Crosby. Saw Diana a few rows in front. Saw her after the show and arranged to meet. Couldn’t get into swimming club.
Diana Franklin
Monday 2nd April 1945
Start some shopping:
Housecoat 72/-
Undies set 50/-
Table cloths 20/-
Handbag 34/-
Football 10/-
Sunday 1st April 2018
We reach Santahar at 6am and Calcutta at 12.30. We battle to get separate rooms but share with others. See the major and get the latest information from him: we are going to miss some fun. Have tea, bath and a grand dinner.
Note: The Africa Star was awarded for a minimum of one day’s service in an operational area of North Africa between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943.
Letter 1st April 1945
Nowhere in particular
1st April 1945
Darling Janie
Just another short note my sweet to say that I’m on my way to you and have covered the first part of my journeying across India.
I’m now staying at my first swank hotel since I left Bombay over three years ago. I don’t go for these places at all but we have time to kill before getting to the next place.
You’ll notice I said ‘we’. Tony Yarwood is my companion. He’s from the Regiment. He’s a grand lad but is going to be a little difficult to keep out of mischief. He’s a trifle high-spirited if you see what I mean.
The programme is: swimming pool, sleeping under the fan and movies in the evening.
We intend to leave on Saturday and go elsewhere.
Be certain of one thing sweet, this business is going to take time/
We have met other lads on the same racket and all have three or four months more in than we have. One and all seem to boast the Nortb Africa Stars, I’ll be shamed into wearing mine soon.
On the two days preceding my departure I received jolly letters from you sweetheart. I’d love to see your face when you start getting my letters.
All my love is yours my sweetheart.
Take great care of both of you.
Your own,
Johnnie xxxx