Introduction
1947, when I was 13, was the first year since
1939 that my family had had a home of our own.
After two years in
Soon I was enrolled in
Our house in Edgware was small, 2-story, semi-detached, on a quiet residential street, with a view, from my bedroom window at the rear, of open country. We never had a car, but there was good bus service, and the “tube” (subway) ride into central London took about 40 minutes. My still-new American bicycle proved very useful, particularly in enabling me to do shopping errands for my mother.
For some time, my only friend was the boy who lived next-door, Colin Marshall. My parents however had a large number of relations and friends (virtually all Jewish) with whom I was necessarily involved, though I never felt really close to any of them.
My diary, as in the previous year, allowed for writing a page a day, but I rarely used a whole page, and continued to fill up space with stock phrases, although I was beginning occasionally to provide a little more detail. “Heard radio” was a very frequent phrase, but I seldom commented on what I heard. Television was just coming in, but we didn’t get our own set for another 2 years, so going to the movies was still very important.
Also important to me were reading (particularly Jules Verne, whom I declared repeatedly to be “my favorite author”) and stamp collecting, in which my main object was apparently just to acquire as many different stamps as possible.
I rarely commented on world events, exceptions
being the Royal engagement and subsequent wedding (July 10 and
Nov. 20) and the UN vote to partition Palestine (Nov. 30).
But this was a time when, because of events in
After all the turmoil of the previous year
(and despite my often labeling days “uneventful”) I
was apparently not unhappy to do very little traveling in 1947,
except for trips to
Kitty Jacobs came to visit us.
Mummy is sick.
I played with my tinkertoy set.
Helped Daddy to partly unpack one of the
two large packing cases which we have in the living room. [We had packed them in
A man from the gas company came and fitted a gas poker on to our stove.
I stayed indoors all day.
I played games with Myrna in the afternoon after we had been for a walk to Apex Corner.
Mummy is feeling better.
Walked with Mummy in the morning to
Received by mail from Aunty Gert
[in
I went to the food office in the morning to get Daddy’s ration book fixed up, but they couldn’t do anything because the name of the milk company wasn’t in the book.
I played with my tinkertoy set.
Went into Edgware with Mummy to get a haircut.
Had a bath.
We went to the Dorchester Hotel [in central
After that we went to the London Clinic to visit Mummy’s Aunt Beck who has had an operation.
Daddy is ill. When we came home Mummy called a doctor.
Sunday, January 5. 1947.
The Abramses and the Bushes came to visit us. Played with Tony Abrams.
Daddy is a little better.
I have a cold.
I helped Mummy to clean up the house.
I played games with Myrna when Mummy went out in the afternoon.
School starts again tomorrow and Mummy is
going to try to get me into
Read comics.
Mummy took me to the
Mummy got Myrna enrolled in the
In the afternoon we went to see “The Green Years”
In the evening I helped Daddy to lay some carpets.
I stayed indoors all day.
Played games.
Read books.
I helped Daddy to unpack a lot of my games and toys.
Tomorrow morning I will take the entrance
examination to
Went by myself to
Played games with Myrna.
Got into trouble at supper-time because I wouldn’t eat some celery soup.
Helped to unpack.
Had a bath.
Stayed indoors all day.
I helped Mummy to unpack the other of the two packing cases which we have had in the living room. They have been sold.
I helped Daddy to put my bike together.
[It had been bought
I opened a post office savings account.
Played “Monopoly” with Myrna.
Helped Daddy to finish putting my bicycle together. All it needs now is to have the tires blown up.
Stayed indoors all day.
The Kings came to visit us in the afternoon
Read comics.
Myrna and I started to do a jigsaw puzzle.
Tomorrow I will probably know whether or
not I passed the entrance exam to
We had word from
Completed the jigsaw puzzle which I started yesterday.
Went shopping with Mummy.
Sold a jigsaw puzzle to some people who came
to buy old clothes (6d) [sixpence.]
Went shopping for Mummy.
I started reading “The Hero of Garside School.”
Read comics.
I sold another jigsaw puzzle for sixpence.
It was a pretty uneventful day.
Sorted out my American comics.
I walked into Edgware and bought a bicycle pump and two flashlight batteries (4/6 & 8d) The pump wouldn’t fit my bike so I took it back but they wouldn’t take it back. I scrubbed the kitchen floor for Mummy & received 6d for doing it.
In the morning I sat in the garden and continued to read “The Hero of Garside School”
In the afternoon I made a Brilliant coat of arms.
This evening Myrna and I did a jigsaw puzzle together.
Read comics.
This morning we received a letter from
Gert and Tony Abrahams visited us.
I played with Myrna. We started doing another jigsaw puzzle. I had a bath.
Visited, with the family, the Rosenbaums and the Speyers. We had supper with the Bermans. I went with Dennis Berman to see “My Darling Clementine” and “Inside Job.”
Received, as a bar mitzvah present, a fountain
pen from the Norwoods. [My 13th birthday
and Bar Mitzvah had been the previous month in
Stayed indoors all day.
Fixed up my loose-leaf note book to use in school.
Finished reading “The Hero of Garside School.”
Made [i.e. completed] one jigsaw puzzle and I started another.
I attended school for the second time. I had lunch at the school meal centre. Menu: Unknown meat, potatoes, cake-pudding.
Did jigsaw puzzle.
We recieved an invitation to Lionel Berman’s birthday party.
I go to school on the [regular public]
bus free now, because bus tickets are given free to people who live outside of a three mile limit.
I finished a jigsaw puzzle.
The examinations at school are in three week’s time.
School life is very dull and tedious. The dinners are not very
good. The hours are
Read books.
I get up at
An uneventful day.
There was a games period at school today during which I played football in the midst of a snowstorm.
My bicycle tyres were pumped up by Mr. Early, the man who rents our garage. He did it with a car pump.
I played Monopoly with Myrna.
I sold some more comics at school.
As a result of yesterday’s incident in the snow, today and last night I had a bad cold. I didn’t attend school and stayed indoors all day. Daddy went to my school and had a talk with Mr. Potts, the headmaster.
Read books.
I made a birthday card for Lionel Berman whose birthday is tomorrow.
I played monopoly with Myrna.
I was better today, and was able to go to Lionel Berman’s birthday party.
It was a pretty nice party.
Uncle Leonard, who is in
It snowed today and was very cold.
[This happened to be an unusually cold winter.]
I stayed indoors all day.
I helped Daddy lay a carpet in the dining room.
I played with my tinkertoy.
Our furniture from the Norwoods
is being moved in on Wednesday. [Wally and Anita Norwood, cousins
of my father, had been storing some of our household goods ever
since my father left for
Read books.
It snowed again today and was bitterly cold.
Read books.
Sold some more of my comic books at school.
Myrna was ill today and she did not go to school.
Did homework.
It is still very cold. It snowed again today.
I bought a comic book at school for sixpence.
Our furniture from the Norwoods is being moved in here tomorrow morning.
Read books.
Last night was the coldest night for umpteen years.
There have been power cuts today because people have been using a lot of gas and electricity.
Myrna is quite ill and the doctor has been in twice.
Started reading “David Copperfield”
Myrna is still ill.
Arranged for my optional periods at school. That is, the last period every day I can choose the subject I want to take.
Did homework.
Examinations start next week at school.
Read book.
At school got 12/25 in a Geography test.
At school I got 10 out of 20 in another Geography test.
Continued reading “David Copperfield”
Myrna is better.
Read books.
Tomorrow Mummy is supposed to take me out
and buy me a school uniform. [As in many English schools, uniforms
were required.]
Went shopping for Mummy.
Mummy took me out in the afternoon. We went to “Pullens” I got a school cap, tie, shirt, blazer, and gym shorts. It was all pretty expensive.
Stacked all my toys and games in my cupboard.
It snowed again today.
Stayed indoors all day.
Played with Myrna, who, although ill, is slightly better.
Read books.
Helped Daddy and Mummy to fix up Myrna’s room.
Played games.
Went back to school in my new uniform. The shirt is itchy and Mummy is washing it.
This week I am taking my lunch to school with me.
Read books.
Did homework.
Examinations at school start on Thursday
At school, because of the approaching examinations practically all of the lessons were just revision.
I lost my fountain pen at school today.
Daddy fixed our old
I bought a pair of roller skates to give Myrna for her birthday [still a month off] (35/5)
Examinations start at school tomorrow with exams in English and French. I don’t hardly know anything of the French.
Played with blocks.
Read books.
Heard radio.
We got a new, modern electric iron.
Examinations started at school today. I had exams in English (at which I didn’t do too badly) and French (at which I did terribly.) After school I went by myself to see “Kid From Brooklyn”
Tomorrow there are going to be examinations at school in Geometry and History.
Had examinations at school in History and Geometry. I didn’t do too badly in either exam. I don’t think that there was enough time for the history exam in which we had to do four paragraphs and two essays.
We ate supper in the dining room for the first time.
Heard radio.
Had a haircut.
Had a bath.
Stayed indoors all day.
Helped to unpack some of our
Read books.
Hear radio.
Played table tennis with Myrna on the dining room table.
I have chilblains. [An affliction common
in
It snowed heavily last night. I cleared the snow from the walk in front.
Read books.
Heard radio.
Tomorrow at school there is an examination in Geography.
Looked through some of Daddy’s old papers.
Had a geography examination at school. I didn’t do too well in it, I don’t think.
The rest of the school day was private study.
Read books.
Heard radio.
Tomorrow’s exam at school is going to be in Algebra.
Had an Algebra Examination at school in which I don’t think I did very well. Also had P.T. at school.
Played games. Read books Heard Radio.
Tomorrow at school there is an examination in Physics.
Had a physics examination at school in which I missed only one question, and don’t think I did too badly in the rest.
I made a knitting spool last night, and started knitting on it. [This was not real knitting. It produced simply a long “rope” which could be sewed into various shapes, e.g a table mat.] Heard radio.
The next examination at school is in arithmetic.
At school in the Geography I got 36% (11th) [or 17th?] and in the English exam 56% (6th)
In the history examination at school I got 73%, the second highest in the class.
There was an arithmetic exam at school today. Tomorrow, the last examination will be in chemistry.
Did knitting.
Heard radio.
Had the last examination at school in Chemistry.
There was a half holiday at school to-day because of half-term and there will be no school on Monday for the same reason.
Heard radio
Did knitting.
Today is valentines day. [Not much observed
in
Walked into Edgware with Daddy and looked around. Mummy and Myrna went to visit Aunt Beck.
Heard radio.
Read old “Popular Sciences”
Heard radio.
Bought a double suction cup (4d)
Daddy showed me how to make an explosion using a key, a nail, and the scrapings from a match head.
Read my “Popular Science” Magazines.
Phyllis and Jimmy Gould came to visit us.
Stayed indoors all day.
Today there is no school because of the half term holiday.
Read magazines.
Read books.
Did experiments.
Heard Radio.
School starts tomorrow Did knitting.
Went back to school. In English class I read an extract from my English exam paper. The teacher said that she liked my “humorous without seeming to try to be” style.
Heard radio. Read books.
Today was a pretty uneventful day
At school my History master was surprised at my good mark in the history examination. He thought I had learned the period before, when I have really hardly learned any English history at all.
Helped Myrna with her homework.
Heard radio
Read books.
At school there was a library period. I took out “The Cryptogram” by Jules Verne. I started reading it at home.
Did knotting.
Heard Radio.
I am still reading “David Copperfield.”
Myrna broke my wrist-watch by hitting my wrist.
Read Books.
Heard radio.
I think that I have caught a cold, but I don’t know how.
A man came to look at some furniture that we want to have re-covered.
Another one of those uneventful days.
Stayed indoors all day because of my cold.
Finished reading “The Cryptogram” by Jules Verne.
Heard radio
Read books.
I solved a puzzle that we have in which seven pieces of cardboard have to form a square.
I have a slight cold.
The Kings came to visit us in the afternoon.
Heard radio.
Read books.
Cleared up some of my
Glued some name plates in my books. [They were a gift and
bore the name “Ashleigh Brilliant.” I hated the “Ashleigh”
so much that I cut it out and wrote in “Junior.”]
Heard radio. The weather has been extremely cold lately.
Read books.
Bought a school magazine (6d) at school.
Made a cardboard puzzle.
Another uneventful day.
Had P.T. (physical training {torture}) at school today.
Got out of school at
Went after school to see “The Outlaw”
Heard radio.
Did knitting.
Started making a book in Art class at school.
Heard radio.
Had a haircut
Had a bath.
Myrna’s birthday is in six day’s time.
Did knitting.
Read books.
Maths examination results – Arithmetic 40% Algebra 18% Geometry 66%.
Got a French text book at school.
Read books.
Did homework.
Heard radio.
Did knitting.
Myrna took the first of her scholarship examinations.
Today was another of those uneventful days.
We had some visitors in the evening –
some friends of Helen Goldsmith in
Heard radio.
Did Knitting.
Myrna took the rest of her scholarship exams today. She says she thinks she didn’t do too badly in them.
Slept late in the morning.
Went in the afternoon with the family to see “Rendezvous with Annie” and “The Secret Heart”
Started making a puppet.
Myrna’s birthday is next Tuesday.
Heard radio.
Received my allowance. I now get 3 shillings a week.
Took out my bicycle and rode it around the neighborhood.
Aunt Sadie, Uncle Alf, and Diane and Martin Norwood came for tea.
Continued making the puppet I started yesterday.
Heard Radio.
Did Knitting.
I came bottom of the class at school in the chemistry examination with 26%.
Made Myrna a birthday card at school.
Did homework.
I got into trouble because I wouldn’t eat some soup at supper time which Mummy tried to fool me into thinking it was plain soup when it wasn’t. Sad to say, my parents are becoming very hypocritical lately, and I have been decieved on numerous occasions.
Today is Myrna’s birthday. I gave her my present of the roller skates. She seemed to like them.
Did homework.
Heard radio.
Continued making the puppet I started.
Took “Karl of Erbech” out of the school library & started reading it.
Myrna received a sewing cabinet from Grandma Brilliant as a birthday present. I think that it is a wonderful present.
Continued making the puppet I started.
Heard radio.
Read books.
Parents phoned to
Wrote another “Gezuntite”
story at school today called “Gezuntite
the Knight finds a horse.” [My first Gezuntite
story had been published the previous year in the
Bought an electric heating pad for Mummy’s birthday present. It cost me £3’2s”6d.
Heard radio.
Did homework.
Read books.
Bought three tins of naval surplus rations at school for 3d each. They contain chewing gum, barley sugar and malted milk tablets.
Read books.
Heard radio.
Played with my toy gun. Abandoned reading “Karl of Erbech” because I didn’t like it.
Continued work on the puppet I am making.
Went with the family to see “The Jolson Story.”
Visited the Bermans. Had tea and supper there.
Heard radio.
Received my allowance. Read books.
Mummy and Daddy went to Carol Harris’s wedding, so Myrna and I were taken over by Ruth and Mickey Bush. We went with them in their car to the west end and saw a lot of famous buildings. Then we had tea and supper at their place. Played backgammon with Myrna.
Heard radio. Read magazines.
Got 60% in my physics examination at school. This was fourth in a class of 15.
Finished writing my newest “Gezuntite” story at school.
Heard radio.
Almost finished the puppet I am making.
Read books. Did homework.
I am not very happy at school as I have no real friends and there is noone I particularly like.
Finished making the puppet on which I have been working so long.
At school I became (with many others) a member of the Borough of Hendon Courtesy Guild.
Had a bath Heard radio
In the French examination at school I got 16%, the bottom of the class. The highest was 75%. The reason is that the work is 18 months ahead of me.
Started making a model airplane at home.
Heard radio. Today was an extremely uneventful day.
The average of all my examination marks at school was about forty one per cent.
Took “Have a new Master” out of the school library.
Continued making my model airplane.
Heard radio.
At school we had a “Balloon debate” in English class. This is a sort of game where teams are formed of about 7 people each. Each team is supposed to be up in a balloon. The balloon is too heavy and one person has to be thrown out. The players can choose their own business or profession and must give reasons why they should not be thrown out. I chose the part of a comedian, and think I did very well, if I was not best.
Continued making my model airplane which is of a “Hawker Hurricane.”
At school I am reading “Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain.
Started reading “Have a New Master” by Dacre Balsdon.
Heard radio.
Had a haircut.
Did homework.
An uneventful day.
I am still making my model airplane.
Read books.
Went with Daddy and Myrna to see “The Shop at Sly Corner” and “My Brother Talks to horses.”
Heard radio.
Looked over my stamps.
Went with the family to visit Gert and Henry Abrahms. We had lunch with them. After that we went to Neville (“Bubbles”) King’s birthday party where I had a very enjoyable ??? and happy (ha! ha!) and wonderfull (ho! ho! ho! hee! hah! hee!) time. All I did there was sit. I have made up my mind that I hate partys, especially birthday parties. In my opinion they are just a waste of time.
There was nice weather today, and it was quite warm for the first time in weeks.
Got out of school an hour early today because of a play that the school is putting on.
Bought a packet of stamp hinges [for mounting stamps in an album] for 4d & started to really organize all my stamps. I am using my old loose-leaf notebook for a stamp album.
Heard radio.
Today is Mummy’s birthday. I gave her the heating pad.
At school I bought a ticket for a play, “School for Scandal” which the upper forms are giving on Thursday evening. It cost 1/9.
At home I continued to work on my stamps.
Continued making my model airplane.
Heard radio.
Myrna was sick last night and vomited. She stayed home from school today.
Continued working on my stamps. I finished organizing the German stamps and I have started on the French. I now have added to my collection a lot of stamps which Daddy saved before we went away.
Heard radio. Had a bath.
I went by myself to see a play “School
for Scandal” by R. B. Sheridan, put on at my school,
Did homework.
I didn’t like the play very much. I couldn’t understand it, but in my opinion there was some pretty good acting.
At school we got our positions. My position was – prepare for a shock – 20th with 46 per cent. There are 33 pupils in my class (2S).
I have had a sore throat all day.
Ray and Jack King came up for supper.
Worked on my stamps. I finished doing the French and started on the Canadian.
Heard radio.
I didn’t sleep much last night. I am not very well, and have a slight cold.
Worked on my stamps. I finished working on the Canadian Stamps and started on the Italian stamps.
Mummy and Daddy went to visit cousin Queeny [Kennedy] in Isleworth, & left Myrna and I by ourselves.
Read books.
Went out for a walk.
Played games with Myrna.
Heard radio.
I was feeling better today although I have pains in my muscles which were not made less painful by the days work which included (a) Carrying a heavy carpet from the Norwoods’ to our place (b) Helping shift a heavy trunk into the attic (loft)
I rearranged all my toys and possessions.
Daddy took me around to the Edgware
shul to enroll me in the classes. I am to start next Sunday
at
We had as visitors – Mr. & Mrs. Gilman and Mr. & Mrs. Jacobs who had supper with us and Mickey & Ruth Bush.
Finished reading “Have a New Master” by Dacre Balsdon.
I played football at school.
I have a slight cold. My muscles are still hurting me.
I worked on my stamps. I finished doing the Canadian, Italian, and Dutch stamps and started working on the Belgian stamps.
Heard radio.
Easter holidays at school start next Friday and go on until April 17th.
Did P.T. (physical training) at school.
Worked on my stamps. Finished doing the Belgian stamps and started to do the Hungarian stamps.
Heard radio.
We received a parcel of candy and food from
Grandma and Grandpa [Adler] in
Took “The Sherrif of Dyke Hole” out of the school library.
There is a merit half holiday on Friday. This means that people in the school who are good get a half holiday. People who are bad get their merit half taken away.
I started working on my American postage stamps.
I started reading “The Sheriff of Dyke hole.”
Had no work at school because tomorrow is the last day of the term, but there are no lessons. Tomorrow we get our reports.
Worked on my stamps. I did Egyptian, South African, and Czeckoslovakian stamps. I tried to buy a stamp catalogue but no store has them.
Heard radio.
Today was the last day of the school term. I got my report which is in the form of a book. It was a terrible report, the worst I have ever had, I think. I am weak in Geography, Chemistry, French, and Art.
We arranged about our optional periods at school. These are periods in which the pupil can choose the subject he wants to take.
At the assembly at school an old retired
former-teacher gave a talk on his tour of the
Worked on my stamps. Heard radio.
Went on a message for Mummy.
Worked on my stamps.
Went with the family to see “Never Say Goodbye” and “Mr. District Attorney”
Heard radio.
Today was a very big sports day in
Read books.
Started to
Worked on my stamps.
Went out on my bycycle and I explored a bit of the neighborhood.
Read books. Heard radio. An uneventful day.
A man came in today to put a carpet on the stairs and to line our pelmets.
Went out for a ride on my bike.
Worked on my stamps.
I rebound an old book that I had when we lived in Kendal road, and I started to read it. I is called “Giant Gift Book for Boys and Girls”
Heard radio.
Went on some messages for Mummy on my bicicle. I also rode around a lot on my bike. It is coming in very handy.
Read books. Worked on my stamps.
Mummy & Daddy went out in the evening.
Heard radio.
I went on two errands for Mummy on my bicicle.
I finished putting all my stamps into my album and I started to organize them into alphabetical order.
Heard radio.
Helped Daddy to lay a carpet in the living room.
Read books.
Went on three errands for Mummy on my bike.
Cousins Gert and Tony Abrahams came to visit us. They stayed for lunch and tea.
Worked on my stamps.
Heard radio. Read books.
My mouth is chapped a bit.
Had a bath.
Uncle Leonard and Aunty Sylvia are in
Today is the first day of Pesach. Contrary to my hopes, we went out and had our seder with Anita and Wally Norwood.
I was supposed to have had an appointment with the doctor ([Werner] Levy) for a checkup, but it was postponed until tomorrow.
I stayed indoors all day. I started reading the book which I recieved as a bar-mitzvah gift from Uncle Al Brilliant, “Great Stories of All Nations.”
Heard radio.
Played games.
Went with Daddy to Dr. Levy to have a checkup. He said that there is nothing wrong with me.
Rode around a bit on my bike.
We had for visitors today: the Bermans, Uncle Leonard, and Aunty Sylvia. They stayed for a big tea we had.
Daddy is returning to
Daddy gave me a lot more stamps which he had, and I started to put them in my album. I now have more than 700 stamps in my stamp album.
Rode about on my bike. I rode to a house nearby because they need a garage and we are trying to rent ours.
It is a year today since we left
Recieved my allowance (3/-)
Mummy & Daddy went out and I stayed in with Myrna who is not too well. We played “Monopoly” in which she won.
Heard radio.
Today I was supposed to go to the movies, but since there is a double “U” show (“Universal,” meaning children can go in alone) and since Myrna was not so well early today and since Myrna wants to see the picture and Mummy doesn’t, and since Mummy does not want Myrna to go alone, it was postponed untill tomorrow when I can take Myrna.
Daddy went to
Did some French work for Daddy.
Played with my tinkertoy.
Heard radio.
Went shopping for Mummy on my bike.
I went with Myrna to see “Song of the South” and “In Old Sacramento”
Played with my Tinkertoy.
Heard radio.
Rode about on my bicicle.
Read books.
We had briefly for visitors, Aunty Sadie and Uncle Alf.
Played Games.
I had a haircut.
I bought a book called “Stamp Collecting for Pleasure and Prophit” It cost 3/6. I also bought a packet of stamp hinges for 6d.
Stayed home and played ball with Myrna in the garden.
Had a bath.
Heard radio.
Read books.
I did a lot of French homework for Daddy.
Did some work in the garden.
Continued reading “The Sherrif of Dyke Hole”
We had for supper, Milly Black who is getting a divorce.
Heard radio.
Rode messages for Mummy and I ordered a Stanly Gibbons stamp catalogue in H.W. [W.H.] Smith & Sons.
-
Went shopping for Mummy.
Worked on my stamps.
Mummy and Myrna went out to Madame Tussaud’s [Waxworks.] I stayed home with Daddy. Daddy helped me to blow up my football which had become soft.
Read my book.
Heard radio.
A pretty dull day.
Another very dull day. I stayed home practically all day.
The weather lately has been fine.
Read my library book.
Did some work on my stamps. I now have 733 stamps in my album.
Heard radio.
Rode about for a bit on my bicicle.
Played ball with myself.
Ronny, a nephew of Mickey Bush came here to play with me. He is 14. We swapped some stamps, played with my football, and played some games.
I had tea at the Bushs’ apartment.
Worked on my stamps.
Mummy went out for the afternoon.
Heard radio.
Read books.
I went to H.W. Smith’s this morning to get the stamp catalogue I had ordered and was told that they were out of print, so I didn’t get it after all.
I went to the movies with Mummy and Myrna to see “Of Human Bondage” and “Caravan Trail”
It was discovered by Mummy that I had not shown her my awful report and that I had written her name in it [i.e. forged her signature.] Both parents seem to think this quite serious, but I don’t.
Heard the Bruce Woodcock- Joe Baksi fight on the radio. Baksi won because the fight was stopped in the 7th round due to Woodcock’s injuries.
Finished reading “The Sheriff of Dyke Hole” by Ridgewell Cullum.
Rode some errands for Mummy on my bicicle.
A pretty uneventful day.
I rode up to Mill Hill on my bike and looked around since I had never been there before.
Read books.
Heard radio.
School starts again tomorrow.
Read books. [sic]
I went back to school today. For English homework I wrote an essay on “Springtime in the Countryside.”
Daddy went for an interview concerning the transfer he has applied for.
Worked on my stamps.
At school in the games period there was bowling practice [the cricket equivalent of “pitching” in baseball]
Heard radio. Read books.
There is a new geography teacher at school.
I swapped quite a lot of stamps at school. I now have more than 780 stamps in my collection.
Played ball with Myrna outside in the road.
Heard radio.
Worked on my stamps.
Read books.
Today’s weather was not so nice as the weather has been lately.
I cleared up my chest of drawers.
Read books.
Played ball outside in the street with Myrna.
Heard radio.
Today was another very uneventful day.
Attended classes at shul.
We had for visitors today, Jack & Ray King, Gert, Henry & Tony Rose, and Harry Rose and his fiancée.
The Roses stayed to tea and supper.
We played “Bingo” after supper.
Read books.
Heard radio.
Played with Tony Rose.
An extremely dull day.
I swapped a few stamps at school with other boys. I put these in my album. I now have 191 [sic] postage stamps in my album.
Did homework.
Heard radio.
The weather was colder than usual today.
I attended weekly hebrew
classes at the Edgware Synagogue for
the first time today. It
was very dull. All we do is learn chomash
[Bible]
We had for visitors this evening: Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Adler (Mummy’s aunt and Uncle) and their three sons, Herbert, Leonard, and Morris. They stayed for supper.
Read books.
The Hebrew class hours are from
The weather was pretty bad today. It was cold and rainy.
I traded a lot of stamps at school. These I put in my album. I now have 841 postage stamps in my album.
We had for visitors, Kitty Harris & her husband.
A pretty uneventful day.
I am in the blue house at school. [Each student was arbitrarily assigned to one of 4 supposedly competitive groups called “houses,” each “house” named for a color.] There was a house meeting today concerning the forthcoming sports day.
There was a history test at school. I got 20 out of 25, which was pretty good.
The weather was nice today although there was a gale last night.
We had bowling practice in games at school.
I swapped some stamps at school and put them in my stamp album. I now have 888 stamps in my album.
I missed hebrew classes because there was a radio program I wanted to hear.
Played ball outside with Myrna.
I had 8 out of 10 in both my Geography and
my Maths homework which was pretty good. I gave a talk on mosquitoes
in
Both of our radios are not working.
Read books.
Today, after eating lunch at home I went
on the bus by myself to Baker St. Station where I met Daddy.
We then went to the
We then came home.
I attended classes at shul.
Played ball outside with Myrna.
We had for visitors and for tea the Norwoods.
Recieved my allowance of three shillings.
Heard radio which is not working well.
Did some reading homework.
Read books.
At school in English Optional class I was in a debate. The proposal was “That homework should be abolished and an extra half hour added on to school hours.” I was on the opposing side and was the first speaker. Our side lost when a vote was taken, not because we didn’t speak or present our case well, but because the people who voted only voted for their opinion & weren’t broadminded enough.
I started reading “Oliver Twist
Heard radio.
Did homework.
My front false teeth are loose. [I had lost the 2 real ones in an accident in June 1944] Mummy has made an appointment with a dentist for Wednesday.
At school I started writing up my speech for a discussion in English Optional next week on the proposal “That children should be admitted to any film” I say yes!
I attended hebrew classes which, as usual was exceedingly dull and boring. Mummy & Daddy have been talking about me quitting because it is such a waste of time.
Did homework.
At school I finished writing up my speech for the discussion on the proposal “that children should be admitted to all films” in English Optional.
I swapped a lot of stamps at school today and put most of them in my album.
Daddy is ill he didn’t go to work and stayed in bed all day.
I went with Mummy to the dentist about my bridge which was loose. He fixed it temporarily but I have to go back again soon
I swapped a great many stamps at school today, but I didn’t have time to put them in my album owing to the fact that I attended hebrew classes at shul (at which I swapped some stamps and which is still boring and uninteresting.)
Did homework
At school in biology class we saw a dissected worm.
Heard radio.
I swapped a few stamps at school and put those and most of the ones I got yesterday into my album. I now have more than a thousand stamps in my album. This took up most of my time as there were so many.
I had a haircut.
Had a bath.
Heard radio.
I put all my remaining stamps into my album. I now have 1024 stamps in my album.
I went with Mummy and Myrna to visit the Arkuses. We had tea there. I played ball with Myrna and the two boys and looked at some stamps.
Daddy, who is still pretty ill, stayed at home.
Read books. Heard radio.
I attended Hebrew classes at the shul. I swapped a few stamps there, and I put them in my album.
I played ball with myself around the house.
I made a duplicate book to keep my stamp duplicates in.
Heard radio. Read books.
The weather was not as nice as it could have been today.
I was a speaker in a discussion at school today on “That Children Should be admitted to all films” in the English Optional Class.
I swapped a few stamps at school today & put them in my album. I now have 1049 stamps in my album.
The weather was very nice today.
Heard Radio.
I swapped some stamps at school today.
I attended Hebrew classes at shul which are becoming boringer and boringer.
I put some stamps in my album.
Heard radio
An uneventful day
My head ached a lot at school.
Played ball outside for a little while.
I took out of the school library “The beginners Book of Stamp Collecting” and I nearly finished reading it.
Heard radio.
Read books.
Did homework.
The weather was fine and hot all day.
Worked in the garden.
At school, during games period, the class went to the Hampstead swimming baths. I enjoyed myself there in 20 minutes more than I have at home for the past week.
I swapped a few stamps at school and put them in my album.
I did my homework.
I didn’t go to Hebrew classes to-day
because Mummy made me stop on account of my being bored and not
learning anything there. I think she will regret
it. [This attitude
puzzles and amazes me now.]
The weather was fine and hot all day.
I swapped a few stamps at school for some old English stamps.
I took the Stanly Gibbons 1937 [stamp
catalog of the]
Worked on my stamps at home.
Heard radio.
Played ball outside with Myrna.
I slept late this morning.
I went shopping with Mummy.
Worked on my stamps. I now have 1090 stamps in my album.
Read books.
It rained quite a lot today.
Heard radio.
A boring day.
I slept late again.
I played ball in the garden and the front by myself and with Myrna.
Mummy’s cousins, Sissy and Minny [Friedlander] came to visit us. They stayed to tea and supper.
I played darts in the garden.
Daddy, who was home all last week because of illness is going back to work tomorrow.
There was a Brains Trust in our English Optional class at school today.
Heard radio.
Played cricket with the boy next door [Colin Marshall] and some of his friends in the vacant field near our house. Didn’t enjoy it very much.
Read books.
Worked in the garden.
Bought a few stamps at school for 2d.
Today was a very hot day.
Did homework.
Worked on my stamps.
Mummy’s cousins, the Adlers, brought me some records for my gramophone.
Heard radio.
Played ball outside.
I wrote a short story at school called “The Prediction” about Hitler’s schooldays and handed it in to the school magazine committee.
At school there was a novel idea for the school magazine. This was a questionare containing such questions as “Describe the word ‘Homework’ in no more than 8 words” and “Are you in favour of abolishing capital punishment?” This questionare was to be filled in and handed in. I entered for it.
After school I went with Myrna to the Mill Hill swimming baths. The water was very cold.
In biology class at school we went to Brentbridge park to study trees.
In games period we played cricket and I sprained my thumb.
Did homework.
Heard radio.
Daddy is not well again.
In English class I got 5 ½ out of 10 in my Composition on “Countryside in spring.”
My sprained left thumb is still pretty bad and it hurts me when I move it.
In geography optional class I gave a talk
on “Termites in
We have for visitors to supper Queeny, Jack, and Lelia Kennedy, and Carl, Lelia’s fiancée. Ruth and Micky Bush came later.
Played games with Myrna.
My left thumb is slightly better. Daddy put a bandage and splint on it.
I had a sore throat all day.
Read books.
Played ball with Myrna in the garden.
Ray and Jack King came to visit us.
Heard radio.
Read books (“Oliver Twist” for homework.)
Played ball outside by myself.
My thumb is still quite bad.
Played games indoors with Daddy.
I got into trouble with parents because I (harmlessly) hit Myrna after she mocked and taunted me, and was forbidden my allowance.
I clipped part of our front hedge with the shears.
Heard radio.
I helped sort all our photographs into families.
In English optional class at school we continued our “Brains Trust” discussion.
After school I went into a music shop and bought a record of the “Waltz of the Flowers” from Tsiacofsky’s Nutcracker sweet, to give Daddy for his birthday present. It cost me 7/4.
Took “All about Stamps” out of the school library.
Heard Radio.
Did homework.
I got 20 out of 20 in a Chemistry test at school today for the first time. Only one other boy got this mark.
I submitted to my English teacher as a subject for a debate in English Optional class “That Conservatism is the fetter of progress.”
I bought 8 American pictorial and commemoratives stamps after school for 1/6. One of them was torn and I will take it back.
Read books.
Did homework.
Heard radio.
The shop I took the stamps back to was closed because today was early closing day.
Played with Myrna.
I now have more than 1100 stamps in my postage stamp album.
At school I had a pleasant surprise. I thought that the merit half day holiday was tomorrow. It wasn’t untill I had finished my lunch and gone back to the classroom to find nobody there that I found out it was today. The Whitsun holidays begin tomorrow and go on till next Tuesday. So I came home. Worked in the garden.
Played ball with Myrna.
The Whitsun holidays from school begun today.
I went on a lot of messages for Mummy on my bicicle in the morning.
Read books.
Heard radio.
Played ball outside with Myrna.
It rained quite a lot today.
The Arcuses are supposed to visit us tomorrow.
Played ball outside by myself and with Myrna in the morning.
In the afternoon Paul, Micheal
and Kitty Arcus came to visit us. We played cricket with
them in the fields over the road.
Read books.
Played darts with Paul.
Went with the family into
Then we went back to Sissy & Minny’s for tea and then we came home.
A very dull day.
I helped Daddy to fix our coal shed which had broken sides because of the weight of the coal inside.
Played French Cricket [an informal game in which the batter’s own legs, instead of the usual wooden stumps, serve as the target of the ball] and other games with Myrna in the garden.
Heard radio. Read books.
Another dull day.
Played ball with Myrna.
Went with Mummy and Myrna into Edgware but we didn’t do much there.
Read books.
Heard radio.
School starts again tomorrow and I think I will be glad to go back.
I went back to school again after the whitsun holidays.
Nothing exciting happened at school today.
Rode on my bicicle
past Edgwarebury Lane on the
Helped Daddy shift some coal in the garden.
Read books.
Heard Radio.
Another dull day.
It was very hot all day.
Played cricket at school.
Did homework.
Heard radio.
Had a bath.
I am getting very bored and tired of life. I doubt if I have ever felt so unhappy as I have for the past few weeks. I am miserable.
It was very hot again today.
It “ also very dull today.
I am “ “ miserable (as usual.)
I had a haircut.
I put some more stamps in my album. I now have 1114 stamps in my album, but some are torn or damaged.
Heard radio.
I went with Mummy and Myrna to see a television demonstration at a shop in Edgware. It was the first time I had seen television and I liked it a lot.
The rest of the day I was again thoroughly miserable. I didn’t get my allowance because I didn’t want to go swimming due to the fact that my swimming trunks are at school & Mummy wanted me to wear Daddy’s.
Rode about a bit on my bike.
It was again extremely hot today.
It was again very hot.
It “ “ “ dull.
I didn’t go past our back garden all day.
Read comics most of the day.
Heard radio.
Tilly Lipgott
from
Played by myself in the garden. An uneventful day.
I got in trouble with parents because I ran out of the house without putting on some rotten old underpants that I was told to put on.
I was appointed proposer of the motion “That the present system of Education should be reformed” for a debate in English optional class next monday at school.
I finished reading some comics that the boy next door, Colin Marshall had lent to me, returned them with some of mine for him to read, and borrowed some more from him. I also played golf with him in his back garden.
Gma & Gmpa Brilliant are coming tonight. They will stay with us for about a week. Tomorrow we are all going to Edna Ceen’s wedding.
I didn’t go to school in the afternoon because we all went to Edna Ceen’s wedding.
In the morning I got 13 out of 20 in a Chemistry test which was not too good.
The wedding was very boring. It was very hot there. We had to take a taxi both ways because of Grandpa . It was in Brixton Synagogue. I didn’t like it much.
Today was Daddy’s birthday. I was the only one to give him a present – the record of the “Waltz of the Flowers.”
Bad news – I broke the large kitchen window and am in the soup.
We had as visitors – Uncle Alf & Aunt Sadie, Uncle George, Jessie & Max Harris, Phyliss & Jimmy Gould.
Read comics.
At school we went to the Hampstead baths for swimming in games perios.
Aunt Kate visited us today, & had tea & supper here.
Did homework most of the evening.
I sent away for some stamp approvals. This cost me 5d – 2 1/2d on the letter and 2 1/2d enclosed.
Friday, June 6. 1947.
It was cold and rainy all day today.
I read comics at school and at home. Heard radio.
Mr., Mrs., and Noma Berman visited us and Ruth Bush and her baby, Jeffery.
I think my neck is sprained. It hurts a lot.
Read comics in bed this Morning.
Today was supposed to be sports day at school, but it rained heavily this morning, and when I got off the bus at Hendon Central I was told that the sports had been canceled till Monday, so I had to come back again.
“Pearl Diver” won the
Played ball outside with Myrna. Read comics.
Grandma gave me 10/-. Got my allowance (3/-)
Went with the family and grandparents to visit the Bermans where I was thoroughly bored. Played ball with Lionel in their garden. Read magazines there.
Recieved as a Bar Mitzvah gift from Marcus & Sadie King an adjustable arm lamp. It is very nice.
Today was sports day at school in place of
Saturday which was postponed.
I am in blue house. Before the last race blue
house was behind, but after it, it tied with
We had for visitors Daddy’s cousin, Rex and his wife, and Daddy’s uncle Sam.
Played ball with Myrna.
Got out of school 15 minutes early because of a staff meeting.
Studied (with the Help of Daddy & Mummy who quized me) for a history test at school tomorrow.
Ray & Jack (loudmouths) King came to visit us. Did homework Read books
Got 20 out of 25 in a history test at school today. I came 8th in the class.
I finished writing my notes for the debate in English Optional next Monday on “That the present system of Education be reformed.” I am to propose the motion. Daddy read my notes and liked them.
Played with one of my toy parachutes.
Had a bath.
Played cricket at school
I got 8 out of 10 in a geography test. This was fourth.
Got into much trouble with Mummy because I wouldn’t kiss Grandma goodbye.
I did say goodby
to Grandparents this morning.
I did not know that they were leaving for
Took my toy parachute to school & played with it in the school field. Also played with it with Myrna & played ball with her. Heard radio.
I have not received any reply, yet, to the letter I mailed last Friday, requesting some stamp approvals.
Started to give a talk on “Strange men
of
Did homework.
Played ball outside with Myrna.
Read comics.
Heard Radio.
We got our small radio back from the repair man & started using it.
Went with Daddy & Myrna to the movies. We saw “The Phantom Shot” and “The Beginning or the End” (about the Atom Bomb)
Heard radio.
It was rainy most of the day.
Read comics.
Daddy refuses to give me my allowance. (This is very unfair since when I first started getting it, Mummy promised that I would get It unconditionally every week.)
The weather was not very good again today.
I wrote a letter to the people in
Daddy opened up a box of old papers etc. of his which Wally Norwood had been keeping for him. We looked at everything and I got 2 new postage stamps for my collection from the box.
Heard radio.
Had a bath.
At school I was in a debate in English Optional class on “That the present system of education be reformed.” I was the proposer of the motion. From the point of view of statistics, our side lost, but that doesn’t worry me since half the audience didn’t vote. (We had a third form as guests) and those that did voted for their own opinions & not for who they thought gave the better arguments. Personally, our sides speeches were better (my speech was longest)
Gert Rose & Tony visited us.
I lost my gym shorts that I wear in P.T. at school.
I also lost a “zoomerang” (a toy that works like a boomerang) in the fields where I was playing with it. I spent nearly an hour looking for it. I had had it for years.
Played with my meccano set (really a “Trix” Set.)
Heard radio.
Daddy got the transfer he had applied for today. He has been transferred to the board of trade.
Played ball by myself.
I was invited by Colin Marshal, the boy next door, to go with him to the speedway tomorrow and I accepted the invitation. I also borrowed some comics from him & lent some to him.
Heard radio..
Last night Mummy & Daddy visited Ray King. She sent me back some stamps. This evening she phoned & said she had ordered a stamp catalogue as a Bar Mitzvah gift.
Played rounders at school today.
Did homework.
Went with Colin Marshal to the Wembley Stadium to see speedway [motorcycle] racing. I liked it at first & was much impressed, but after a while I got tired of it. A main drawback was the fact that we had to stand all the time. It seems to me that if you’ve seen it once, you’ve seen it every time. We went by bus & tube, but were brought home by Mr. & Mrs. Marshal in their car. [Colin Marshall “the boy next door” (whose last name I often mis-spelled) grew up to become Chairman of British Airways and is now Baron Marshall of Knightsbridge. Unfortunately I had no further contact with him beyond our childhood in Edgware.]
Played rounders again at school today.
Had a home haircut and a bath.
Heard radio. Read comics. Read books.
It was a dull day (in weather.)_
Soaked some of my stamps to take the paper off the backs & dried them.
Pretty uneventful day.
Stayed in bed late this morning.
In the afternoon I went with Daddy to the
We had as visitors Tilly & Aubry Loveguard. Heard radio.
I took my bike to a garage nearby and had the tires pumped up.
Bad news – I broke (that sounds familiar, doesn’t it?) a metal plate that fits on the chimney outside the house. It has something to do with the “Ideal” boiler. Daddy fixed it, temporarily.
In the afternoon I made a net & went fishing in the pond across the road in the fields. I caught a lot of tadpoles but when I got home, I had to throw them away.
Played golf with the boy next door in his garden.
Got 10 out of 20, a bad mark, in a chemistry test at school.
Read comics.
Played rounders at school.
Daddy started to work in his new office at the board of trade today.
Played football in the fields with Colin Marshal.
An uneventful day.
Watched a house cricket match after school in which blue house (my house) won.
Played darts and golf with Colin Marshal.
Read comics.
Played rounders at school.
The weather was fine all day today.
Played rounders again at school.
Watched a cricket game after school.
Tilly Lipgott
from
Played golf & practiced bowling with Colin Marshall in his garden.
Read comic.
Heard radio.
Got 17 out of 20 in a geography test at school Only one person got better than this (18) and nobody equaled it.
In games period we went to the Hampstead swimming baths.
Did homework.
Played golf & practiced bowling with Colin Marshall.
Read comics.
There was a storm today, and at about
Rode a message for Mummy on my bike.
Played golf & practiced bowling with the boy next door.
Read comics. Heard radio.
It was hot and rainy again today.
Slept late, got up late, had late breakfast & late lunch.
Went with family into Edgware where I used part of the book token given me by Tilly & Aubrey Loveguard. I got a book called “The Jumbo Entertainer” (12/6) which means I still have 7/6 left over to get another book.
Read comics.
Got up earlier this morning. Rode to Edgware and Mill Hill to see if there were any movies Myrna & I could go to by ourselves, but there weren’t any.
Mummy & Daddy went out after lunch & haven’t come back yet.
Had a miserable afternoon & evening reading & playing ball there being no good radio programmes.
After such a misterable weekend I am looking forward to school & dreading the summer vacation.
Got 2 good marks in Chemistry at school today – 10 out of 10 in a graph test (I haven’t heard of anyone equaling this) and 19 ½ out of 20 (only one person above this & noone equaled it.)
Rode on my bike a message for Mummy.
Did homework.
Heard radio.
Read books.
Everyone was weighed in P.T. this morning. I weigh 7 stone 9 lb (107 lb.)
Played rounders at lunch time.
Mummy & Daddy were out all afternoon & are still out.
Bought two stamps (2 1/2d)
Heard radio.
An uneventful day – It rained a lot.
Came second in a history test with 19 out of 30 at school. The highest was 21. My mark wasn’t equaled.
Did homework.
Played with Colin Marshal. He showed me his bedroom which is just like I wish mine would be. I borrowed some comics and a Stanley Gibbons simplified stamp catalogue for 1944 from him.
Bought 34 stamps from a boy at school today for 10 1/2d
Played rounders at school.
Did a lot of homework.
Found the value of some of my stamps with the aid of the stamp catalogue I borrowed from Colin Marshal.
Had a haircut.
Had a bath
At school I came 2nd in the class in history (term mark) with 83 out of 100. The top was 85. My mark was not equaled.
I recieved a detention
card at school. This
means I have to attend detention class on Monday at
Worked on my stamps. I now have 1159 stamps in my album.
Heard radio.
Worked on my stamps.
Went with the family into Edgware to see “Dual Alibi” and “Her Sister’s Secret”
Read comics.
A very windy day and a cold day too.
Stayed up pretty late
Heard radio.
Read books
Worked on my stamps & started making a list of their values (according to Gibbons 1944 Simplified catalogue)
Read comics.
I was playing ball with Daddy in the garden when the ball went over hedge at the bottom of the garden. (On the other side of this hedge is a convent garden.) I went round to look for it , but couldn’t find it. So I lost one of my best rubber balls.
We were visited by the Rosenbaum sisters.
Came bottom of the class in French at school today (term mark) I’m not surprised. (36%)
Got B+ in a chemistry graph at school.
Walked to the Hendon public library guided by a boy from school. I got a membership registration slip from it & had it filled out at home.
Heard Radio.
Did homework.
At school in chemistry I came fifth in term mark with 73% The highest was 80%. I also came top in English term mark with 70%
I became a member of the Hendon public library near my school today and took out “Captain Antifer” by Jules Verne and “What’s in a name?” by Gunby Hadath.
Did homework.
Daddy put a new window in the kitchen back door to replace the large one I broke.
No more marks at school.
The weather was cold and rainy today.
I nearly finished a map of an imaginary island in art at school today.
Did a lot of homework.
I started reading “What’s in a Name?” by Gunby Hadath.
Read comics.
In geography term mark at school I tied for 3rd place with 79%. The highest was 82 ½%.
Played a rough & tumble “no holds barred” ball game in the gym in games period. The teacher is very foolish to make boys hurt each other. I recieved a bump on the head and many minor injuries.
Continued reading my library book.
Heard radio.
Princess Elizabeth has become engaged to leuitenant Philip Mountbatten
I was one of the speakers in a discussion in English class today on the subject: “That happiness cannot be bought.” I spoke against this, but was almost the only one of this opinion in the form.
Worked on my stamps. I bought 4 American stamps at school from a boy for 9d.
Heard radio.
Read library book.
I finished reading “What’s in a Name” by Guby Hadath & started “Captain Antifer” by Jules Verne.
Went with Daddy into Edgware. Bought a packet of stamp hinges there (3d) & had an ice cream cone (my first English ice cream cone I think)
Mr. & Mrs. & Dennis Berman visited us in the evening with some friends of theirs. One of their friends, (they were a husband & wife) the woman was ill & had to go home.
Mrs. Berman gave me half a crown.
Worked a lot on my stamps. Dennis Berman gave me 3 stamps. I now have about 1170 stamps.
Continued reading “Captain Antifer”
Worked on my stamps & rearranged a lot of them.
Went with Daddy & Myrna on the bus to Elstree. We walked around there.
Heard radio.
Nice weather all day today.
Yesterday Daddy wired the adjustable arm lamp that was given me by Marcus & Sadie King & now I can use it. I like it very much.
Am still reading “Captain Antifer”
At school I got as term mark, 90 out of 200 in Maths and 75% in Physics (4th)
Worked on my stamps. Swapped some at school.
Parents were pleasantly (!?) surprised by
a visit from (Little) Johnny Lensnor
[He came about once a year, unannounced, around dinner time.
See
Played games outside with boy next door. Heard radio.
At school I came 6th in the form for the term with an average mark of 64%. I am pleased with this.
Played Danish longball in P.T. at school.
Read library book & “Oliver Twist”
Did homework. Worked on stamps.
The “Hendon County School Magazine” came out today. My name wasn’t in it, but my contribution was mentioned (at least part of it) about the questionare.
There was no school this afternoon, for today is Hendon sports day, and most of the school (including me) went to Alperton sports ground, Wembly to see our school competing in some sports. It was very hot. I didn’t stay till the end.
Worked on my stamps.
I finished reading “Captain Antifer” by Jules Verne.
I was in a debate (opposing the motion) at school in English lesson on “That Ghosts and supernatural happening are purely imaginative” The debate was not finished & will be continued tomorrow.
There was a “music festival” at school today which I enjoyed very much.
At school I nearly finished reading “Oliver Twist” by Dickens.
Returned some books to the Hendon public library, but I didn’t take any out.
Worked on stamps.
Rode a message for Mummy on my bike.
Had a bath.
Concluded the debate at school today on “That Ghosts & Supernatural happenings are pure imagination.” My side lost by 14 votes to 13, but I really don’t think you can call that a defeat. I think it was a draw.
I, with another boy, got in trouble with our P.T. Master because, a few days ago we were playing shuttlecock in the gym when we weren’t supposed to be there. I think I have lost my merit half.
Worked on stamps.
Saw some films at school in the afternoon. One was about making airscrews & all the others were biology films on “The Amoeba,” “The Thistle” “A bird family” & “The maize plant.”
Worked on my stamps.
Went to the movies in Edgware with Myrna & saw “Gallant Bess” and Laurel & Hardy in “Bonnie Scotland”
Played ball & table tennis with Colin Marshall. I showed him my room.
Read books. Rode a message for Mummy on my bike.
Worked on stamps. Reorganized my books.
Played table tennis with Myrna & Colin Marshall in the garden. I haven’t beat Colin yet, but I am learning how to play.
We had as visitors, Minnie & Sissie Friedlander and Gert, Henry, & Tony Rose.
Played “Bingo.”
Saw some more films at school on “The Face of Britain,” “How Talkies Talk,” “Electricity,” “Illumination”
Worked on stamps. Read books.
Played table tennis with Myrna & Colin Marshall & I beat Colin once.
Colin & I went to book a tennis court for tomorrow. We also went to the Mill Hill library.
Played cricket in P.T. Lesson at school.
Saw some films all about coal gas and its by-products
Hardly any work at school now because it’s the last week of the term.
Played tennis with Colin Marshall at the Mill Hill park courts. It was my first tennis game.
Also played table tennis again.
Heard radio.
Hardly any work all day at school.
I have lost my merit half at school. (see 18th July)
Saw some films on swimming, lawn tennis, P.T., and a Mickey Mouse at school.
Read comics. Heard radio. Rode on bike.
Played cricket in games period at school.
Went to the Mill Hill Library, but didn’t take any books out.
Colin Marshall gave me some stamps. Played table tennis with him in his house.
Very bad news:
I am (much to my great sorrow [and] anger going
to
School breaks up tomorrow.
Today was the last day of term at school. I got my report. Headmaster’s comment: “he is clever enough to see the folly of neglecting weak subjects.” I got “excellent” in English & History, “good” in Chemistry, “Good, intelligent work” in geography, C+ in maths, & B in Physics. In French I got “D – still hardly trying.” Form Mistress’s report – “He has done some very good work, but maths & French still require special attention. He has the ability to achieve all-round success.” This report is a great improvement on my last one – 28th March.
I attended school in the afternoon because I lost my merit half. We had to shovel & carry away ashes for a while, but then we watched some cricket.
Played table tennis at home.
We aren’t going to
Bad new:-
Daddy & I are going to
Worked on stamps.
Read books.
Today was a very hot day.
Played table tennis
Showed Colin Marshall some of my games.
Read Comics.
The worst has happened – I am in
Read comics on train.
Mummy gave me 3/- before we left.
I don’t think I slept at all last night. I have to sleep with Daddy, the weather was hot, the traffic outside made a lot of noise, & the bed was uncomfortable. I woke up (!) very sleepy!
Walked around & looked in some shops. Looked around the library. Went with Daddy to a stamp shop in the afternoon & I bought 15 stamps for 1/10.
We went to the putting green in the pleasure (?) gardens & went round twice. I won once & Daddy won once.
We went on the beach with Uncles George & Leonard, Aunty Sylvia, & Lionel Berman. We went in the water.
Slept slightly better. [I put a
small drawing showing that my father & I slept this time head
to toe.]
Woke up very early (about
Went rowing with Daddy on the ocean for an hour in the afternoon, the first time I had been in a rowboat.
Visited Uncle Leonard & Aunty Sylvia at their residence.
Walked around with Daddy.
He bought me a pair of brown plimsols
[sneakers.]
In the afternoon I went by myself to King’s park, Boscome to see the amusements which accompany “Billy Smart’s Circus,” but, because today was opening day they were still being set up & nothing was ready. I stayed for a while, then came back & went to the library.
In the evening Daddy & I went to the movies & saw “Black Angel,” and “Rookies come home” with Abbot & & Costello.
I bought 5 more stamps for 7d this morning. Then I went on the putting green in the pleasure gardens with Daddy and beat him 53-59.
In the afternoon I again went to King’s park to see the carnival, but it is still not yet open. I read comics there, then went to the Boscome shopping district & looked around after which I came home (?).
In the evening I walked with Daddy &
Uncle George around the town & along the front.
In the morning I went up to Boscombe & looked around the shops. I bought 2 stamps for a shilling in a stamp shop, the most I have paid for stamps yet, but they are very good ones & are bound to go up in value.
In the afternoon I went with Daddy on a pleasure-boat
cruise to the Isle of Wite [Wight.]
We went ashore at
Walked along the front and went putting in the pleasure gdns. With Daddy. I beat him – 53-55.
In the afternoon I went to see the carnival in King’s park, Boscome. I didn’t spend any money, but enjoyed myself watching other people do it.
Read comics.
A dull day – fine weather.
Sat on front (unwillingly) in the morning.
In the afternoon I looked around shops by myself, then I walked through the pleasure gardens & along the front. Daddy found me trying to climb the cliff. I got about half way up.
In the evening we (Daddy, George, Grandpa & I) went out in the car intending to have a nice ride, but, before we had hardly started, George met a friend who talked & talked & talked & talked etc. I have never heard a man who could talk so much without saying anything. When he left we went almost directly home.
I am going home by myself on Tuesday P.G.
[Please God!]
Went putting on the green in the pleasure gardens with Daddy. He beat me,:-- 56-57. We then walked along the front.
In the afternoon we went in the car with
Uncle George & Grandpa to
I came home to
Before I left
On the train I read, drew, and ate candy. It wasn’t a bad journey.
At home I heard the radio, & worked on my stamps.
Rode a message for Mummy on my bike this morning. Read Books.
In the afternoon we were visited by Eddie Birley* (whom I met for the first time since 1939), her daughter, Joy Gillman, and her baby grandson Graham. They had tea here.
Played ball in the garden with Myrna.
In the evening went to the movies & saw
“Child of Divorce,”
and “The Hucksters.” I went to bed very
late (about
*Mrs. Birley brought me a book called “The Wednesday Story,” a book of stories broadcast by the B.B.C.
Worked on my stamps. Read books. Played ball with Myrna in the garden.
The weather was nice.
In the evening Mummy, Myrna & I went to Kitty & Phil Jacobs” place to see a play called “Truant in Park Avenue” on their new television set, the first time I have actually seen a real television broadcast. (The last time I saw a demonstration film.) I didn’t like the play very much. I again went to bed very late.
A pretty dull day.
Got up very late this morning. In the afternoon we (Mummy, Myrna & I) went shopping in Burnt Oak & Colindale.
Played table tennis with Myrna. I also played ball with her in the garden.
Read books. Heard radio.
Had a bath this morning.
Read books.
Went to the movies in the afternoon with Myrna & say “My Pal Trigger” and “Courage of Lassie”
Played a game of “Monopoly” with Myrna. I lost.
Played ball in the garden.
Daddy came home from
In the morning Myrna & I helped Mr. Marshall (the man next door) whose family is away to pick the plums off of his 3 plum trees. We picked all together about 60 pounds. He gave Mummy 7 ½ pounds
Read books.
Mowed the lawn.
Heard radio.
I took out my fretwork set & started cutting out a “Home Sweet Home” design. In the process I have already broken 2 saw blades and 2 drill bits. I have no more bits so will have to obtain some before I can proceed.
In the afternoon Paul Arcus came by himself to play with me. We played darts & table tennis in both of which I mostly won. We also played ball in the garden & across the road in the fields.
Heard radio.
Today Mummy, Myrna & I went to
We had lunch on the palace grounds. (we brought our own lunch)
We went in the maze (a dissappointment.) And Myrna & I saw the kitchen & the wine cellars. (A greater dissappointment)
We waited in a boat queue for half an hour, and then were told we couldn’t get on, so we went home.
Heard radio.
A very dull day. (and pretty hot too).
Read books.
Heard radio.
Had a bath.
Played ball.
Cleared up my room.
Went a message for Mummy on my bike.
Weeded the garden.
Another dull day.
Bought a table tennis ball (5 ½ d)
Stayed indoors all afternoon. It was very hot. Made some cardboard soldiers. Read books.
In the evening I went with Mummy to Kitty Jacobs’ place, Mummy to get a dress fitting & I to see their television. I saw a play called “One Fine Day” The Jacobses are annoyed because many people whom they haven’t seen in a long time are coming just to see their television.
Yet another dull day.
Went shopping for Mummy in Edgware on my bike.
In the afternoon I made a pair of wooden book-ends using Daddy’s tools and some old packing-case wood. They are not very attractive, but they serve their purpose.
Rearranged some of my stamps.
Read books.
Still another dull day.
It was very hot, and quite a few new heat records have
been created including one at
Read books
Went into Edgware in the morning, and bought 3 fretsaw blades (4 ½ d) and a packet of stamp hinges (6d)
Worked on my stamps.
We were visited in the afternoon by Kitty & Phil Jacobs. They stayed for supper.
Played darts.
Heard radio.
And another dull day. (what a monotonous holiday)
Mummy & Daddy went to a wedding this afternoon & are not yet home.
Played table tennis and “Monopoly” with Myrna.
Heard radio.
The weather is still very hot.
Made a wooden knife using my jackknife & sandpaper.
Another hot day.
Rode a message for Mummy on my bike.
Played “Monopoly” with Myrna.
Read books.
Heard radio.
In the evening we visited the Fishers. Jerry Fisher, the husband
is leaving tomorrow for
Rode a message for Mummy on my bicicle.
Had a haircut in the afternoon.
I bought a book called “Fifty Years of Pictures,” the Daily Mail Jubilee book using the 7/6 d remainder of the guinea certificate given me by the Loveguards plus 1 shilling. It is a pictorial record of the fifty years, 1896-1946.
Read books.
Today Mummy, Myrna, & I came to
We arrived at about
In the afternoon we went on the beach & I went in the water.
We had lunch at a sandwich bar & supper in a restaurant.
In the evening we went along the front on
the top of an open-top bus & visited Mummys
aunt Minnie & uncle Micheal Gilbert
who live in
Had a pretty good breakfast.
Walked around and looked in some of the shops.
Sat on the front and looked around.
The weather was cloudy and cool all day although it didn’t rain.
Went in the afternoon to Mummy’s aunt Minnie & Uncle Mike again.
After that I went by myself on the palace pier. Didn’t spend any money there.
In the evening we went to visit Mummy’s aunt Gussie & saw her son, Harry & daughter, Jill. They gave me some stamps.
In the morning we met Edna Bannoff (formerly Ceen)
Went on the beach and in the water in the morning.
Went in a canoe in the boating pool with Myrna for a shilling.
Watched people fishing in the afternoon.
Went on the west pier with Myrna.
In the evening we went to visit Edna & Ronnie Bogat.
We came home from
I went on the beach and in the water this morning.
I bought 2/2d worth of stamps in a stamp shop.
In the afternoon we went to Rottingdean by bus along the front, but didn’t stay there long.
Read book at home.
A dull day.
Helped Mummy in the kitchen this morning.
Read books.
Worked on my stamps in the afternoon. I now have 1184 stamps in my album.
Heard radio.
Played darts.
Stayed home all day.
Today I went with Colin Marshall & his father (people next door) to Tilbury docks where Mr. Marshall had some business. We went in their car.
Colin & I walked & looked all around
the docks. We watched people coming
off the “Orion” from
We stayed there all morning (we left here
at
Played table tennis.
Heard radio.
I received from Uncle Marsh in
Rode messages for Mummy this morning.
Played darts.
In the afternoon I rode on my bike to Mill Hill & bought a pedal-top garbage bin [i.e. the top was lifted by a pedal at the bottom] for £1”1 for parents’ anniversary gift. I also bought seven stamps for 1/2d.
Played darts & table tennis with Colin Marshall.
Heard radio.
Played with Colin Marshall all day.
We played ball, table tennis, darts, cards, “Totopoly,” “Hockey” etc.
Worked on my stamps. I now have 1193 stamps in my album.
Heard radio.
Read books.
Made parents an anniversary card. (Their anniversary is tomorrow)
Hot weather all day.
Today was parents’ anniversary. Gave them my present of the garbage bin.
Stayed in & read books & comics all afternoon.
In the evening I went with the family to see “Sim-Sala-Bim,” a magic show with Dante, the magician at the Golders Green Hippodrome. I liked it very much, especially one trick, -- sawing a woman in half.
Tidied up my room.
Read comics & magazines.
Went with Mrs. & Colin Marshall who live next door to pick blackberries at Scratch Woods, a place about 1 mile from here. We walked there along farmland which I was surprised to see so close to where we live. I had a miserable time there what with bugs and prickles & was glad to get home.
Played table tennis with Colin.
Went on a message for Mummy.
I am reading a book I borrowed from Colin Marshall called “King of the Commandos.”
Went with Myrna to Mill Hill to see “Tom Brown’s Schooldays” and “Personality Kid”
Read books.
Heard radio.
Played putting & table tennis with Colin Marshall.
Read books.
Heard Radio.
We were visited by the Fishers in the afternoon. Jerry Fisher has just come
back from
Worked in the garden.
Went with Daddy to see some excavations of Roman pottery not far from here. There was nobody there & it was encircled by barbed wire, but I climbed under it & found embedded in the walls of one of the trench-like holes a piece of pottery. I brought this piece home with me.
A dull day.
Finished reading “King of the Commandos.”
Read comics & magazines.
Heard radio.
I went up to the excavation site again by myself & watched & dug a bit, but got bored (and dirty) after a while, so I came home.
Had as late visitors the people who rent our garage. Parents have befriended them.
Another dull day.
Rode a message for Mummy on my bike.
Read comics & magazines.
Heard radio.
Worked on my stamps.
Played ball in the garden with Myrna.
School starts again in a week’s time.
Read comics & magazines.
Helped Mummy in the kitchen.
Went to Mill Hill in the afternoon.
Spent 1/1d on stamps.
Went to the library.
Took out “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”
and “Five
Weeks in a Balloon” by Jules Verne and “Tales of Wonder”
by H.G. Wells. Started reading the former.
Heard radio.
Finished reading “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” & started “Five Weeks in a Balloon,” both by Jules Verne.
Played ball with Myrna in the garden.
Stayed home all day.
Heard radio.
The weather is still nice.
Today was a pretty uneventful day.
Finished reading “Five Weeks in a Balloon” by Jules Verne & started “Tales of Wonder” by H.G. Wells.
Spent most of the day reading.
Rode a message for Mummy on my bike.
Had a haircut.
We are all going to two weddings next Sunday: Henry Rose’s and Leilia Kennedy’s.
Heard radio.
Read books & comics.
Went to the library & took out “The English at the North Pole” and “Clipper of the Clouds” both by Jules Verne.
Bought five American stamps for 1/8.
Started reading “Clipper of the Couds”
Had a bath.
We were visited by Mummy’s aunt Minnie & Uncle Mike.
I didn’t sleep well at all last night. It was no helping factor
when I had to get up early to go to Henry Rose’s wedding.
There was a roast chicken lunch.
It was as I would imagine a typical
In the evening we went to Lelia
Kennedy’s marriage to Karl Barret. The reception was in the
I went to bed at about
A dull day. Continued reading “Clipper of the Clouds” by Jules Verne.
Intended going to the movies with Myrna, but when we go there we hadn’t enough money, so we came home again.
Played ball in the garden with Myrna. Heard radio. School starts again tomorrow.
I went back to school today after the summer holiday. Nothing has changed much. Nothing exciting happened at all.
Continued reading my library book, “Clipper of the Clouds” by Jules Verne.
Heard radio.
Did some work on the “Home Sweet home” design I am making with my fretwork set.
At school I have a new French Teacher, a woman.
I had art optional lesson today & started making a design.
Finished reading “Clipper of the Clouds” by Jules Verne. I went to the library & took out “From Earth to Moon and A trip Round” also by Jules Verne. I have read “From Earth to Moon,” but not its sequel, “A Trip Round the moon.”
Did homework. Rode a message for Mummy on my bike.
Started reading “The English at the North Pole” by Jules Verne (my favorite author).
Heard radio.
Continued reading “The English at the North Pole” by Jules Verne.
Mummy is buying me a pair of 2nd hand football boots.
Started making an abstract design in Art class & I thought it was terrible, but the teacher said it was the best in the class.
Rode my bike in the garden. Heard Radio.
Am still reading “The English at the North Pole.”
In Geography class at school we are going
to study the
Started doing Shakespeare’s play “The Merchant of Venice” in English class.
Swapped 6 stamps at school.
I am writing a short story. Heard radio.
Finished reading “The English at the North Pole” by Jules Verne & started reading “Around the Moon” by the same author.
Went with Family to Visit Ray & Jack
King. We had tea there. Then we went on to the
Bermans’ house where Aunty Sylvia
& Uncle Leonard were. They have come from
Aunty Sylvia & Uncle Leonard gave me a wonderful book called “Adventure & Discovery for Boys & Girls” They also gave Myrna a book.
Today was Rosh Hashona [Jewish New Year] .
Coninued reading “A Trip Round the Moon” by Jules Verne. Helped Daddy pruning in the garden.
Looked over the new book I got yesterday.
Went to shul with Daddy in the evening. It was a very short service.
Went to shul in the morning with Daddy, but stayed outside.
Am still reading “Around the Moon”
Gert Rose and Tony visited us all day.
Read books.
Heard radio.
Played with blocks.
For some reason today was a very miserable day for me.
There was a holiday from school because of Rosh Hashona & I will be home tomorrow also.
Another miserable day. – Parents have become unbearable – shout at me all the time – Am I glad to go back to school tomorrow!
Finished reading “Around the Moon” by Jules Verne.
Covered some of my books.
Went to the library, but took nothing out.
Heard radio.
Swapped ten stamps at school.
Hurt my leg while playing football in P.T. lesson.
Went to the library. Took out “The End of Nana Sahib” by Jules Verne.
Did a lot of homework.
Heard radio.
Very dull and uneventful day.
Parents bought me a macintosh [raincoat] & a grey shirt.
My leg is a little better.
Swapped 26 stamps at school today.
In English Optional class I am to be in a debate on “That All Forms of serious gambling be banned.” I suggested the subject.
Started reading “The End of Nana Sahib” by Jules Verne.
Did homework.
Worked on my stamps.
Heard radio.
Continued reading “The End of Nana Sahib”
Worked on my stamps
It was rainy & wet all day today.
My leg still hurts a bit.
Heard radio. Had a bath.
Started to renumber the stamps in my collection.
Read books.
A dull day.
Am still reading “The End of Nana Sahib”
Went on a message for Mummy.
Spent 1/1d for 8 stamps.
Went with Mummy & Myrna in the afternoon to see “The Yearling”
Worked on my stamps. Heard radio. Read books
It was pretty rainy all day again today.
I have a sore throat.
Read books.
Went with Daddy in the afternoon to investigate
a white building which we can see from the bottom of our road. We walked a long way to
get there. Then we went through 3
barbed-wire fences to get a closer view.
The building is on the top of a hill, and there was a magnificent
view. Then we were spotted, and
the caretaker came out. He
shouted “Damn Jews” and “Go back to
We were visited by the Kings.
Played Table Tennis with Colin Marshall.
I still have a sore throat & have been sneezing a bit.
Collected & experimented with some hydrogen in Science Optional class at school today.
Did homework.
Broke two little animal figures while playing ball in the dining room, but I managed to glue most of the pieces together.
Heard radio.
I have a slight cold, but went to school anyway.
Am still reading “The End of Nana Sahib or The Steam house” by Jules Verne.
Took “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” by Jules Verne out of the school library.
Swapped 3 stamps at school.
Tomorrow is Yom Kippur [Day of Atonement].
Heard radio.
Today is Yom Kippur. Stayed home from school. Didn’t go to shul because I had a cold.
A miserable day. Finished reading “The End of Nana Sahib – the Steam House” by Jules Verne, and started “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” by Jules Verne (my favorite author)
Heard radio.
Fasted until
In English Optional class at school I was in a debate “That all forms of serious gambling be banned.” I had suggested the subject & proposed the motion, but it wasn’t a very good debate.
Took “Dave Dawson with the Air Corps” from the library.
Read books.
Heard radio.
Bought some stamps at school for 6 ½ d.
Daddy, on holiday from his office has gone
to
I am still reading “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”
Spend 1d on stamps at school today.
Read books.
Heard radio.
Daddy’s still in
The weather is becoming much colder.
An uneventful day.
Continued reading “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” by Jules Verne.
Went with Mummy & Myrna to see “Fiesta” and “Bulldog Drummond at Bay.”
Read books.
Heard radio.
Daddy’s still in
A dull day.
Am still reading “Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea.”
Tomorrow is Sucos.
Worked on my stamps.
Stayed home all day.
Had a bath.
Did homework.
Heard radio.
Played darts.
Today was Cucos [Succoth, Jewish festival]. About half of the Jewish Pupils attended school. I was among them.
A dull day.
Played darts with Colin Marshall (the boy next door) Heard radio.
It was rainy in the morning, but it cleared up later on.
Read library book.
Played football in games period at school & scored my first-ever goal.
Played table tennis with Colin Marshall.
Continued reading “20 Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.”
Bought 3 stamps for 5d.
Heard radio. Did homework.
A pretty dull and uneventful day.
Played football again at school.
Continued reading “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” by Jules Verne.
We have discovered tracks of mice in the kitchen & I saw what I thought was one running across the floor.
We have started simultaneous equations in maths at school.
Played “Monopoly” with Colin Marshall.
Had a medical examination at school today.
Finished reading “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” by Jules Verne, my favorite author.
Went next door to Colin Marshall’s house to help set up & play with his electric train set.
Did homework.
Sold 9d worth of stamps & bought 8d worth.
Got 11 out of 20 in a History test at school today, a bad mark.
I bought 2/3 worth of stamps from a boy at school, but I sold 9d worth. When I looked in the stamp catalogue at home I found the value to be more than 6/1.
Played with Colin Marshall’s electric
train again. We arranged to go to “Radiolympia”
(a radio exhibition at
Went with Colin Marshall to “Radiolympia,”
the radio exhibition at
We played table tennis after supper.
Worked on my stamps. I now have more than 1300 stamps in my album.
Stayed up late.
Last night Myrna went to sleep out at one of her girl friends’ house. She was brought home early this morning after an attack of asthma. But it wasn’t very serious & she is better now.
Went bycicle riding with Colin Marshall. We rode to Elstree & around. Also played deck tennis & golf with him.
Heard radio.
Read books.
Had a bath.
A dull day.
It is Simchas Torah [Jewish holiday] today, but I attended school because I don’t like missing so much.
Went to the library, but took no books out.
Heard radio.
Swapped 7 stamps at school today.
The weather is cold, but dry.
Did homework.
I swapped a few stamps at school today. I also sold 6d worth of stamps to a boy.
I scored three goals while playing football in games period at school. Those were the only goals my side scored.
Played table tennis & board games with Colin Marshall.
Heard radio.
Did homework.
Swapped a few more stamps at school. Aunty Gert sent me two Trinidad & Tobago stamps one of which I already have.
I attended the first meeting of the Junior (1st 2nd & 3rd forms) Dramatic society at school. There were about a hundred people there. Everyone had to recite or act something for Auditions. Most people recited poems. I said part of “The Charge of the Light Brigade” The teacher (a woman, My French teacher) divided the people into 4 groups, Very Good, Promising, satisfactory & not good enough. I was one of the few “very good” people.
Got 2 ½ out of 20 in a punctuation test at school & 18 out of 24 in a Geography test.
Wrote a letter to Aunty Gert & Uncle Amy.
Had a haircut.
Went to the library & took out “
Worked on my stamps.
I had two tests at school today, a history & a chemistry test. I made 14 out of 20 in the history (only 3 people got above this) and 16 ½ out of 24 in the Chemistry test.
I sold 2d worth of stamps at school today.
Played table tennis with Colin Marshall in his house.
Started reading “The Ice Desert” (a sequel to “The English at the North Pole”) by Jules Verne.
Continued reading “The Ice Desert” by Jules Verne. I wrote some notes for a report if am to give in English optional class at school on Thursday on Jules Verne.
Played putting with Colin Marshall.
Went with Mummy & Colin
Heard radio.
Went with the family to visit the Gilmans & was very bored there. Met a lot of dull people.
Finished reading “The Ice Desert” by Jules Verne.
We are still having mice trouble. We have set traps every night but have caught nothing yet. Tonight I set 3 traps myself.
Heard radio.
Had science optional class at school today.
Aunty Gert sent me two more Trinidad & Tobago stamps both of which I already have.
Read some magazines. Did homework
Colin & I both got out our chemistry sets & after much improvision [sic], succeeded in making some Nitric Acid.
Had a bath.
Spent 3 ½ d on stamps at school.
Mummy & Daddy went to say goodbye to
Mummy’s Aunt Beck who is leaving for
Worked on my stamps. I now have more than 1330 stamps in my collection.
Did homework.
Played table tennis with Colin Marshall.
Continued reading “Behind the Stamp Album.”
Got 10 out of 10 for an Enlish exercise a very good mark. The next highest, I think, was 8.
Started learning about liquid pressure in Physics lesson.
Did some more chemistry with Colin Marshall. Most of it was unsuccessful.
Gave a talk on Jules Verne in English Optional class at school. I talked for about 45 minutes & haven’t nearly finished.
Got B+ on an art paper, an abstract design. There was nobody who received a higher mark than this & about 3 other people got the same mark.
Worked on stamps.
Heard radio.
Did homework.
Finished reading “Behind the Stamp Album” by T. Todd. Went to the library & took out “Adrift in the Pacific” by Jules Verne, my favorite author and “Lord of the Jungle” by James Chilton.
Played games with Colin Marshall.
Heard radio.
Had a bath.
Read in bed.
Started reading “Adrift in the Pacific” by Jules Verne.
Went with the family in the afternoon to see “Duel in the Sun.”
Played marbles & table tennis with Colin Marshall.
Heard radio.
Went on a message for Mummy on my bike.
Played games.
Continued reading “Adrift in the Pacific.”
Rode on our bikes with Colin Marshall to Stanmore in the afternoon.
We had for visitors Mr. & Mrs. & Noama Berman.
Heard radio.
Did homework.
Read books.
Am still reading “Adrift in the Pacific” by Jules Verne.
At school I got 8 out of 10 in a punctuation test in English. One person got higher than this & about two equaled it.
Did homework.
Played darts next door with the
Heard radio.
Read books.
It was very foggy & cold this morning but it cleared up later on.
At school I attended a meeting of the best (about 28) people in the Junior Dramatic society. We said poems in chorus & read parts from plays, but nothing definite was decided.
Worked on my stamps. I bought 5 for 5d at school today. I now have 1339 stamps in my album.
Finished reading “Adrift in the Pacific” by Jules Verne – a fairly good book, but too similar to “The Mysterious Island” by Verne. About 15 boys shipwrecked on an island & their adventures & rescue.
Played Table tennis with Colin Marshall.
Did homework.
Heard radio.
Spent 2/2d on stamps in a stamp shop.
Continued my talk on the works of Jules Verne in English optional class at school. I talked for about another 50 minutes, making about 100 minutes altogether & still haven’t finished.
Completed a curved flower design in art lesson which the teacher said was good.
Started reading “Lord of the Jungle” by James Chilton.
Worked on my stamps. I now have 1350 in my album.
Uncle Marsh [my mother’s brother,
Marsh Adler] who is now in
Monday is a half-term holiday, so there was a merit half day holiday today. I came home for lunch.
Worked on my stamps.
Rode some messages for Mummy on my bike. Heard radio.
Ruth & Mickey Bush & their baby Jeffrey
arrived back from their visit to
Went with Daddy & Colin Marshall to see
“The Long Night” (Henry Fonda) & “The Great
Promise” (semi-documentary propaganda about
Went bike riding with Colin Marshall & rode to Totteridge.
We were visited by Sissie & Minnie Friedlander.
Heard radio. Did homework.
Played games. Read books.
The weather was dry but cold today.
Today is half term at school so we had a holiday.
I went up west [i.e. to central
While walking around we stopped at a side-walk stamp dealer. I was buying some stamps from a book containing penny stamps. I pointed out to Daddy that there were some good bargains. Then, much to my surprise, Daddy asked the man how much he would sell the whole book. The man said £2, but Daddy said he would only pay 35s. The man refused at first, but afterwards said he’d sell it for 35s. So Daddy bought the whole book (1975 stamps) He said that, if I can sell 35s worth of the stamps & he got his money back, I could keep the rest of the stamps.
We went to Wesminster Abbey & The National Gallery.
Went back to school after the half-term holiday.
I sold 9 of the stamps we bought yesterday for 1/2 ½ d.
Did homework.
Went to the doctor with Mummy & Myrna to get an anti-chilblain injection in the backside.
Worked on stamps.
Heard radio.
At school in English class I was voted the best of three people who gave a talk on leisure.
Had a haircut.
Sold some more of the recently acquired stamps for 5d at school.
I was tried out for a part in a Shakespearean play in front of all 5th & 6th forms. I was the only 3rd former & was specially asked to try out by Miss Allen, my English teacher.
Did homework.
Worked on my stamps. Heard radio.
I again attended a tryout for school play. It has not been settled what play is to be given. (see yesterday)
I finally finished my talk on Jules Verne in English optional class. (see 16th & 23th of Oct.)
Worked on my stamps.
Played games with Colin Marshall.
Did homework. Had a bath.
Went to a meeting of the J.D.S. (Junior Dramatic Society) after School & tryed out a part for a very juvinile play, but nothing decided.
Went to the library, but took no books out.
Worked on my stamps with Colin Marshall.
Heard radio.
Read books.
Went to the dentist (Strauss) with Mummy & Daddy. He took two x-rays of my teeth, but did nothing else.
Went by myself to see “
Worked a lot on my stamps.
Heard radio.
Stayed up late to continue writing an English Composition for school.
Went on a message for Mummy.
Parents voted in municipal elections today.
Went to the doctor (Werner Levy) & had my second anti-chilblain injection.
Went with Mummy & Daddy to visit the Arcuses. Played table tennis there & swapped some stamps.
At home I stayed up till 10 to 1A.M writing an English composition for school.
Heard radio.
Handed in the English composition which I finished last night. It is a rediculous story about a man who could tell when people were telling the truth, & is called “Fact and Fiction or The Truth Will Out.”
Did homework.
Worked on my stamps.
Heard radio.
Went to bed early to make up for last night.
Did homework.
Worked a lot on my stamp collection.
Mummy & Daddy went to say goodby
to Queenie & Jack Kennedy &
family. They are leaving shortly
for
The weather was very rainy today.
Heard radio.
Read Books.
Finished an Illustration in English Optional Class at school entitled “Crash” showing a plane crashing into the sea.
Did homework.
Today was Guy Fawkes Day, but parents went out in the evening & very cruelly would not let me go out at all.
Worked on my stamps.
Heard radio.
Read books.
It was very foggy all day today.
Did homework.
Worked on my stamps.
Heard radio.
Read books.
Parents have been acting very meanly lately (I mean more than usual)
Had a bath.
Heard a talk on Dumas’ “The Count of Monte Christo” in English Optional.
It was foggy again in the morning, but cleared up later on.
I worked a lot on my stamps.
Heard radio.
Read books.
Did very poorly in a French test at school.
I have now more than 1500 stamps in my album, and there are a great many more to go in.
Went with the Marshalls (the people next door) to see “A Man About the House” and “Winter Wonderland.”
Worked on my stamps. Heard radio.
We had the company tonight of Marjory Ceen & her fiancée, Norman, Minnie Abrahms, Wally Norwood’s brother, Joy & Dennis Gilman, & Marcus & Sadie King.
Played “Monopoly” next door with
the
I went to the dentist & he took an impression of my teeth. Soon he is going to put in a new bridge in place of the one I have in now, which, as he put it, “is on its last legs.”
Went to Dr. Levy & had my 3rd anti-chilblain injection.
Read books. Worked on my stamps.
Played games with Colin Marshall (the boy next door.)
I have a bit of a cold.
I now have more than 1520 stamps in my album.
Heard on the radio the first of a series of broadcasts commemerating the 25th anniversary of the B.B.C. (British Broadcasting Corporation)
Started doing some simple analysis of chemicals in Science Optional at school.
Worked on my stamps a lot.
Heard some good radio programs.
Read books.
I still have a bit of a cold & sneezed a lot today.
Did homework.
I now have 1596 stamps in my album, & there are still many more to go in.
I got 5 out of 10 in an English composition at school – not very good.
Worked on my stamps.
Did homework.
Wached [sic] part of a net-ball game at school.
Heard radio.
Read books.
Started writing, by myself, a story to contribute to the school magazine.
Wednesday, Novcmber 12, 1947.
Started drawing a picture entitled “Buying a Hat” in art optional class at school.
Worked on my stamps.
Played penny football with Colin Marshall.
Did homework.
Heard radio.
Read books.
Continued my composition story. It is about a jail escape.
Started making a poster advertising Christmas carols in art class at school today.
Worked on my stamps.
Heard radio.
I am not going to school tomorrow because I am going to the dentist & he is going to put in a new bridge. This will be done in two installments, -- one in the morning & one in the afternoon.
Went to the dentist in the morning & in the afternoon. In the morning he took my old bridge out & took some impressions & in the afternoon he tried in the new fitting. Tomorrow he will put it in.
Worked on my stamps.
Finished writing my story.
Heard radio.
Did some homework.
Read books.
Today I went to the dentist & he put in my new fixture. It is very good in appearance, but is, as yet, quite uncomfortable. It is not cemented in & has to be taken out to clean, but I can sleep with it.
Worked on my stamps.
Started typing out my story.
Heard radio.
Had the last of my anti-chilblain injections today.
Rode around the neighborhood with Colin Marshall on our bikes.
The new dental arrangement I had put in yesterday is not a success. It is very difficult for me to eat with it in, & it is making my mouth all sore.
Heard radio.
Played “Monopoly” next door.
I got 8 out of 10 in my 14-page composition-story entitled “Fact and Fiction or The Truth Will Out.” I had to read it out in front of the class.
Went to dentist again, but didn’t have much done.
Worked on my stamps.
Heard radio.
Read books.
For the rest of the school term starting
tomorrow there will be 20 minutes less school & I will go
at
Daddy went to a stamp-sale at his office today & bought quite a number of stamps for about 3/-.
Played table tennis with Colin Marshall.
Heard radio.
Heard radio.
I was made very miserable at school today by a sore mouth.
Read books.
Worked on my stamps.
Tomorrow is the royal wedding day.
Had a haircut.
Played games with Colin Marshall in his house.
Today was the day of the Royal wedding of princess Elizabeth and Phillip Mountbatten, who are now the Duke & Duchess of Edinborough. We heard the whole procession & ceremony over the radio.
Worked on stamps.
Had a bath.
Read books.
Heard radio.
There was a holiday from school because of the wedding.
Got 7 out of 10 in a chemistry test at school. (pretty good)
I started helping to make some Christmas decorations during the lunch hour.
Worked on my stamps.
Heard radio.
Read books.
Played games.
An uneventful day.
Slept late in the morning.
In the afternoon family went out to the Birleys’. At home Colin Marshall & I decorated (with paper streamers & flags etc.) my room for my birthday & for Christmas. Parents have not yet found out.
Worked on my stamps.
Heard radio.
Read books.
A very windy day.
Did homework.
Played games.
Read books.
Heard radio.
Worked on stamps.
Played ball with Colin next door.
Played a lot of games & tricks in our dining room.
Had my hair washed.
Continued helping with Christmas decorations during the lunch hour at school.
Worked on my stamps.
Played games with Colin Marshall next door.
Heard radio.
Read books.
Did homework.
Played games.
Got 14 out of 20 in history test at school today.
Took “Greenmantle” out of the school library.
Read books.
Heard radio.
Worked on my stamps. I now have more than 2200 stamps in my album.
Played games.
Started getting term marks at school. I got 74% in Geography (2nd) and 72% in French (9th). This is good because I came bottom in French last term.
There was a Physics test at school today.
Did homework.
Heard radio.
Started reading “Greenmantle”
Continued reading “Greenmantle”
I have got most of my term marks at school – English 74 – 2nd (down from 1st) – Geography – 74 – 2nd – Art 75 – 1st. Maths 76 – 1st (of 2/3 of class, maybe more) Chemistry 65 – 9th (down from 5th) French – 72 -- 9th (up from bottom!) History 60 – 10th (down from 2nd)
Did homework.
Worked on stamps.
Played games with Colin & Myrna.
I got the last of my term marks at school today – Physics – 88 – position – 1st (up from 6th) This makes my average marks 73% & my average position about 5th.
Heard radio.
Had a bath.
Played with my plasticine
[modeling clay]
Continued reading “Greenmantle” by John Buchan
I am still reading “Greenmantle” by John Buchan.
I went with Colin Marshall by bus, tube &
train to Twickenham to see
Uncle Marsh sent me 4 10¢ packets of stamps. They weren’t much good.
Worked on my stamps. I now have more than 2300 in my album.
Heard radio.
Stayed indoors all day.
Continued reading “Greenmantle” by John Buchan.
Played games with Colin Marshall.
Worked on my stamps.
Did homework.
Heard radio.
Read books.
The U.N.O. has voted for the partition of
I am still reading “Greenmantle” by John Buchan.
Worked on my stamps. I now have nearly 2400 stamps in my album.
Heard radio.
It was very foggy all day today. It was also very cold.
Read books.
Gave a short lecture of “The United States of Europe” in English class. Everyone had to give one on some subject told them by the teacher.
We got our form positions at school today. I came 3rd. This halves my existing record.
The school has now been all decorated for Christmas.
Worked on my stamps. Heard radio.
Played card games with Colin Marshall.
It is still very cold.
Nearly finished painting a picture entitled “Buying a Hat” in art optional at school.
Continued reading “Greenmantle” by John Buchan.
Heard radio. Read books. Worked on stamps.
Helped make Christmas decorations to put up in our classroom at school in Art lesson today.
Did homework.
Read books.
Heard radio.
Had a bath.
Played games with Myrna and Colin Marshall.
Worked on stamps.
Helped to put up a lot of Christmas decorations in my form room at school.
Watched a staff v pupils netball match. The pupils won.
Read books.
We had company (the Bushes & P[illegible]) but I didn’t see them.
Started making an index for my stamp album.
Received a birthday card from Uncle Marsh.
Slept late in the morning.
Went with Myrna in the afternoon to see “The first of the Few” which I had already seen under the name of “Spitfire” (I didn’t realise this till we got there) and “Hot Water”
Took a book called “British Stamp Design” out of the Mill Hill Library.
Heard radio. Read books.
Slept late again this morning.
Did homework. Worked on my stamps. Rode a message for Mummy on my bike.
Invented & played a game with Colin Marshall & Myrna using an old curtain rod and some marbles & a muffin tin.
Heard radio.
There is no more homework at school
for the rest of the term.
Worked on my stamps.
Heard radio.
Finished reading my school-library book,
“Greenmantle”
by John Buchan.
Read books.
Tomorrow is my birthday (as if you didn’t know
but just to fill in the
regulation 10 lines. {Oops! Its 11 now})
[Apparently I was requiring myself
to write at least 10 lines a day.]
Today was my birthday.
Presents – from Parents – 2 records
of the “Overture to William Tell” by Rossini.
(Mummy told me that Daddy had to buy both records although
only one of them had the part I wanted)
-- a nice leather 3-compartment purse – a set of 3
“
From Myrna I got a “Wakowa”
dog. [Toy dog on
a platform. Dog moves
when bottom of platform is pressed]
We had my favorite dish – beef steak pie for supper.
Grandma Brilliant sent me a book token for 10/6.
Had P.T. at school.
Started writing a letter to Grandparents & Uncle George thanking them for the gift & cards.
Played darts with Colin Marshall in my room.
Heard radio.
Completed a picture called “Buying a Hat” in
Art optional class at school.
We got out of school at
I received as a birthday present a lovely wooden box of paints from Aunty Sylvia & Uncle Leonard.
Had a bath. Heard radio. Read books. Played marbles with Colin Marshall.
There was not much work at school today. Next Friday is the last day of the term.
Worked on my stamps. I am now compiling an index for them telling year of issue, what is pictured on stamp, reason for issue etc.
The plate in my mouth has split, but there is no danger because the two parts are joined by wire.
Heard radio.
Went with Colin Marshall up west to see the
big shops. We went in Gamages,
Selfridge’s & Harrods. We took sandwiches &
ate them in a
Worked on stamps. Heard radio. Stayed up late.
Slept late in the morning.
Stayed inside all day. Parents went out.
Read books. Heard radio
Started making a model plane Mummy gave me last year for my birthday.
My bar-mitzvah was a year ago today..
The third form part at school is tomorrow.
I recieved a nice
red diary from Grandma & Grandpa Adler in
Continued making my model plane.
Went to the dentist, but had nothing done. I am to go again on friday.
Heard radio. Read books. An uneventful day.
Not much work at school today because there are only 2 days till the end of term. We are having quizes & games instead of lessons.
The 3rd form party was today. It lasted from
I made & painted a birthday card for Grandma Brilliant.
No real work at all at school today. There is only a half day tomorrow, and then the Christmas holiday til January 6th.
Daddy left to visit
Mummy had been complaining of hearing peculiar noises in the garage & today she said she saw a furry tail, but when I went out to investigate I found nothing.
Later Colin & I went out again & this time after much burrowing & removing things we released a large cat that had evidently become trapped. It ran away before we could catch it. I don’t know who was more scared us – or the cat.
Played darts next door with the
Today was the last day of the term at school. There was a half day holiday. I got my report. – Form Mistress’s comments: -- “He has worked well and has shown pleasing improvement in his weaker subjects. 3rd in form” Headmaster: -- “He is now doing good work in all subjects. The next step is to learn to deal happily with other people.” Handwriting B-, Speech A English language, literature A-, A “Excellent oral work – an exceedingly good vocabulary.” History B- “Can do better” Geog. B+. French – B “Accent very fair. works well.” Maths B+ “Much improved but very untidy in written work.” Chem. B Physics – A Art – A: “Promising.”
I completed my model plane & mounted it on a stand. It looks nice, I think.
First day of the Christmas holiday. We go back on Tuesday,
Jan. 6th, but continue to go at
I went to the dentist in the morning & had my plate taken out to be repaired. In the late afternoon I went back & had it put back in, fixed.
Read books.
Heard radio.
Millie Wharman, now divorced, visited us in the morning.
A man came in & fixed our old “Singer” sewing machine.
Went with Myrna in the late afternoon to see “Borrowed Trouble” and “Tarzan and the Amazons”
Went to the Library & took out “The Mysterious Document” by Jules Verne and “The First men in the Moon” by H.G. Wells. Started reading the former.
A very dull day.
Mummy & Myrna went out leaving me behind.
I finished reading “The Mysterious Document” by Jules Verne. It had a very unsatisfying ending. I think there must be a sequal.
I wrote a letter to Aunty Gert & Uncle Amy.
Started reading “The First Men in the Moon” by H.G. Wells.
Daddy came home from
In the morning I sat outside our house & drew in about 2 hours a pretty good picture (if I say so myself) of the front of our house.
In the afternoon I went by myself into Edgware & looked in a lot of book shops etc. In Smith’s I used the 10/6 book token + 2/- that Grandma gave me to buy a book called “Adventure and Discovery –2.” It is a sort of Sequal to the book Aunty Sylvia & Uncle Leonard gave me -- “Adventure and Discovery.”
Played darts & dominoes.
A dull day.
Slept late in the morning.
Rode on a message for Mummy on my bike.
Read books & put nameplates in some of them.
Heard radio.
Played darts & dominoes again.
Drew pictures.
I repeat, a dull day.
Rode messages for Mummy on my bike.
Started with Daddy’s help (in fact he is doing most of it) to make the model Elizabethan Galleon that parents gave me for my birthday.
Continued reading “The First Men in the Moon” by H.G. Wells.
Christmas eve – hung up my stockings as according to custom.
Christmas – my stockings contained a drawing book & an illusion that makes a doll appear to dance by itself, but works by a piece of black thread.
Wally & Anita Norwood & children came for tea.
Continued making the model galleon. We are getting along well with it.
Heard radio a lot.
Didn’t go out all day.
Read books.
Went on a message for Daddy on my bike.
Continued making the model galleon. I put the masts on it & started on the spars.
Parents went out in afternoon & stayed out till late.
Played games with Myrna.
Read books. Heard radio.
Slept late in the morning.
Went with Myrna in the afternoon to see “Son of Fury” (Tyrone Power) and “Pack Up Your Troubles” (Laurel & Hardy) after which we went to join Parents who had already gone to the Bermans’. We had supper there.
I came home alone early to hear the play “Ten Little Niggers” on the radio.
It is a year today since we moved into
Stayed indoors all day today.
Uncle George here from
Finished reading “The First Men In the Moon” by H.G. Wells.
I glued the picture I drew of the front of our house on a piece of cardboard.
Phyllis & Jimmy Gould & their baby, Monica Ann came for tea.
Went with Mummy & Myrna in the afternoon to see “Gone With the Wind,” the movie classic. It lasted for 3 hrs 40 mins & must have been the longest picture I have ever seen. I liked it fairly well.
Heard radio.
Read books.
I have been feeling very sleepy lately.
Stayed up late.
Slept late in the morning.
Returned my library books to the Mill Hill library after riding up there on my bike.
Afterwards I went with Colin Marshall to
the traveling library nearby on
Continued work on my model galleon.
It snowed a little today for the first time this winter.
As I write 1948 is about 15 minutes old.
I went with Mummy & Myrna into Edgware to get me a pair of black shoes.
Played darts with the
Made 10 New-Years resolutions & pinned them on my wall.
Heard radio.
Well, 1947 was a pretty uneventful year as far as we were concerned. I would say it was a year of settling down for us.
Stayed up late to see the new year in.
My wish for the future for us – happiness and contentedness Amen.
HAPPY