Z1606/4

Personal diary labelled 'vol. 2'

19 July 1943 - 1st of June 1944 (part), 1962, 1977

From: 1943 To: 1977

Volume focuses primarily on domestic life during the Second World War in Bedford at 66 Marlborough Road, with her father and brother Jim. The volume follows the form of Z1606/3, and is treated as both a diary and ongoing letter to 'Winnie' in Canada. The volume makes occasional references to the whereabouts of Leah's brother, Jim, as he trains in the military. It also includes: Italian prisoners of war (23/7 and 11/10 1943) Work at Igranic, including a 'sit down strike' (13/8/1943) and her promotion to the role of secretary to the chief engineer (6/4/1944) A visit to Worthing (3/9/1943) A car crash on Bromham Bridge (8/9/1943) Problems exchanging mail with Canada Ongoing air raids in the UK, France and Germany (particularly Sunderland and London) gardening, including produce A description of Russell Park in autumn (6/10/1943) Food and rationing Attending lectures as part of an adult school, with subjects including America Her Father's illness Christmas Changes in society in Bedford (17/1/1944) Deliveries of oranges (9/2/1944) (1/3/1944) Making carrot jam (18/2/1944) Hearing London's defence guns (25/2/1944) Equipment for the hearing impaired (15/3/1944) Alleged Irish sabotage (27/4/1944) Local children (15/5/1944) Attending a folk dance party at Ickwell Bury, hosted by the Wells family, of Wells the brewers (1/6/1944). This entry is continued in volume 3 (Z1606/5). The volume also includes two inserted photographs, one of Bedford Bridge and one of Bedford Suspension Bridge. There are some later annotations dated 1962 and 1977. The back of the volume contains a list of books 'enjoyed' by Aynsley during 1944, with short descriptions.

Published in Bedfordshire Historical Record Society volume 96 edited by Patricia and Robert Malcolmson.

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