New Years Day. I wonder what this year will bring of good or ill. We cannot tell. I feel that we must just go a step at a time, no looking forward months ahead. As I sat in the car at W[illough]by St[ation] last night taking leave of Ron, I said “If anything happens and we have to go away and we all get separated, we will all go back to the old home, and whoever gets there first wait for the others.” It just came to me without premeditation. Let’s hope we may never have to go away, as so many have already had to do.
We did not expect Ron this week as he has a week-end this week and is going to Yeadon, but as he says, yesterday was “this year, Sat. next year”. It was so nice to have him tho’ as Em. was here for the bit of leave he had at home. He was in high spirits as he had got his L.A.C. Mr A enquired if he was L.A.C 1 now. He had painstakingly tacked his prop[eller]s on his overcoat and tunic and said he was fed up with them when he got the 4th fixed and tacked. He is very particular to get them exactly in place. Rene and I sewed them on securely and showed him how to sew the others, he had used a sort of stabbing stitch in and out, so no wonder he was a long time. He was fussing because he had scratched his new ring, the one Em. gave him, they were engaged at Xmas. He gave her a very nice dainty one with 3 dia[mond] chips. which must have cost the earth. His is rather nice and cost £5.5. It isn’t a case of all take and no give with Em. She is very generous. I think it was exceedingly extravagant in war time, but it is their own money, so must spend it as they like. He is looking very fit now. They had plenty of good food Xmas Day and a good Entertainment at night. Dinner at 6 o’ clock as they were at work earlier. The officers waited on them.
The plans of the W.V.S. for the two nights entertainment for the troops, having come to nothing, they (the W.V.S.) are having a party at the Central Hall tonight presumably to consume the perishable edibles. Rene has gone, at least such was her intention when she left here. It has been damp, raw, and cold to-day but not frosty. The frost was giving as we came back from Wby. last night. Also very dull, not been really light in the house all day. Father has gone on duty at 8 p.m. instead of 2 a.m. as Paul wanted to go to the W.V.S. Party. Father says they are deducting 2/6 a week from wages for income tax this year. Think we are supposed to have it returned after the war. “I wonder, I wonder if anyone knows”. Have started to make a mat tonight on the principle of a wool rug. It is on canvas with very narrow strips of cloth put thro’ with a rug wool hook and knotted. I hope it will be a success, the cloth will have to be very smooth and closely woven so that it does not fray, the little bit (very little) I have done appears quite a success. Am afraid it will take a long time. It is time Jean and I went to bed. Jean doesn’t seem quite up to the mark yet.
We had a rabbit for dinner yesterday as a change from pork, one of our young ones, it was very good indeed. We are going to Browns’ for dinner on Sunday, Father, Jean and I. Hope it is not cold, they are not very good at keeping a good fire. I shall go in warm clothes. Father has been digging a bit of the garden to-day. The S[unday] S[chool] Prize giving is on Sat with tea at 4.30. Don’t think I shall go. It is a long cold walk home. Father will be on box, but perhaps Rene will bring Jean home. Don’t like her being out alone, as these Soldiers (the South Staffs) have not a very savoury reputation, tho’ those billeted near us seem very decent. Had a letter from Em. L. this morning, they have got the organ at last, but Jess had to fetch it on Xmas Eve. They (Jaines’) charged 7/0, I should not have paid it, as they promised to deliver it, and must have had it 3 weeks or a month. They seem very pleased with it. I do hope they take good care of it.
LAC – Leading Aircraftman was the first non-commissioned rank above Aircraftman in the RAF. LAC 1 was ‘First Class’.
The insignia for the rank of LAC was a twin-blade propeller (horizontal) worn on the upper arm of the RAF uniform.
The South Staffordshire Regiment was meant here.
Jesse Lewis, May’s sister Emily’s husband, was meant here (see 16 Apr. 1941).
Have you read an introduction to May Hill & family (includes photographs) and explored ‘The Casualties Were Small’?