1943______________________________________________________________

Tues. Jan.26

Down to recruiting centre to see about getting in the air force. I had my IQ. test. Jack Gamble gave me the test. Have to come back tomorrow.

Wed. Jan.27

Back to recruiting centre, had interview and medical examination then up to Christie Street Hospital for X-ray. I guess I'm in the air force now. I didn't tell anybody at home that I'm joining up.

Thurs. Jan.28

I've quit school now, and I think everyone in town knows I joined up.

Fri. Jan.29 - Thurs. Feb.11

[no entry]

Fri. Feb.12

Down to recruiting centre and sworn in to No.1 'M' depot. In at 12 noon. Had dinner, 10 days C.B., had a haircut, and what a cut. Up to dentist. St. Valentine's dance here. Good orchestra and Rochester[?] was here. I didn't dance at all. Just looked.

[He's in No.1 Manning depot on the Can. Nat. Exhibition grounds. The Coliseum building is the barracks. CB: confined to barracks after receiving inoculations]

Sat. Feb.13

Gump Anderson, Charlie Clap----[?] and Bob Smith are here. Out for a march, haven't got our uniforms yet. Nothing much in afternoon. Whent to free show at night.

Sun. Feb.14

The Sergeant Major is really a card. And the language he uses. Church parade in the sheep ring. Nothing else much.

Mon. Feb.15

Had three skin tests, a vaccination, T.A.B.T. and some blood taken out. Jack Benny show here tonight. My gosh it was good. Some of the fellows sick from the inoculations. Didn't bother me at all. Got our uniforms this afternoon.

Tues. Feb.16

Same old stuff, getting everything settled.

Wed. Feb.17

Still getting settled.

Thurs. Feb.18

Doing trade tests over in the ----- building. Then playing ping pong at the Sally Anne. [the depot's canteen] Its really a great life, good food and there is lots to do in the depot.

[A typical routine: Up at 0600, two hrs to dress, make bunk, polish boots & brass & eat. Bunk inspection at 0800 hrs., drill & lectures etc. to 1100 hrs. Lunch until 1300. Drill etc. to 1600 hrs. Dinner to 1800 hrs. The lounge had many overstuffed chairs, writing desks and card tables. There was a branch of the Toronto Public Library and a "Mother's Corner": Mothers with sons in the service donating their time to darn socks & sew buttons etc. There was a radio in the lounge & one in each of the barracks.]

Fri. Feb.19

Reception ----

Sat. Feb.20

Reception ----

Sun. Feb.21

Church parade in the morning. We are the senior flight. Marched up to West End 'Y' for party, ever fun, in swimming, supper and a program after, took street car back, others whent on route march to Sunnyside.

Mon. Feb.22

Had our inspection and were moved into training wing. I sleep north east corner of blue room. Bunk 2075. Dan Gibson [T15] came in the other --- but he's got mumps, now not C.B. anymore but I didn't go out.

[Dan Gibson went to Camp Ahmek.]

Tues. Feb.23

We have four periods of drill a day, one period of P.T. and one lecture period. A smart N.C.O. Corporal Pringle. I'm in flight 337 in No. 4 squadron.

Wed. Feb.24

The same drill and guff. I went out tonight for first time to see Bill. Not much doing. He started to show me how to play chess but I was tired so back to barracks.

Thurs. Feb.25

Had C.O.'s sports day today. I entered the wrestling. First bout beat a professional champion from Hamilton, then I beat a French man and I was beat in the finals by a decision. Got a silver spoon for wrestling.

Fri. Feb.26

Pay day today, got twenty-two dollars and ten cents. That's more than I thought I would get. Up for a meal at Chicken Galore[?] with Dan Dempsey, then to Army -Air Force hockey game.

Sat. Feb.27

Drill. Out at 4:30 and hitchhiked home, got the car and whent up to Norman's, had fun, then drove back to the barracks.

Sun. Feb.28

Off at twelve. Drove Gump Anderson and Charlie Chapman to Brampton and took Dan Dempsey to our house, saw Ken then back by 12 o'clock on the bus.

Mon. Mar.1

Drill and stuff. I'm the leader in P.T. class. Since the wrestling a few officers come over and talk to me about it. Mr. Stephens is a Flying Officer in command of No.3 squadron.

Tues. - Fri.

[no entry]

Sat. Mar.6

Terrific snow storm and blizzard but I was bound to get home. Made it 50 minutes a la thumb. Surprised to see me at home. Up to Norman's with Alice. Stuck at Cloverleaf, then 15 min. to Princess Gates along Lakeshore. 8 min. Late. Okay. other fellows were two and three hours late.

Sun. Mar.7

No church parade for me, just bummed around all morning. Out to home at noon. Horsed around. Got in civilian clothes. Then back on 10 o'clock bus.

Mon. Mar.10

[no entry]

Tues. Mar. 9

Out drilling in front of [Grand Stand bldg?] by the Lakeshore Drive. Fairchild Cornel made forced landing right in front of us. Plane nosed up but nobody was hurt.

Wed. Mar.10

Took Gwen to the show.

Thurs. Mar.11

[no entry]

Fri. Mar.12

Had our flight picture taken in front of Coliseum.

Sat. Mar.13

Drill, afternoon a big parade up to hockey game. I left after first period and thumbed my way home. Decided to go A.W.L. till Mon. morning. Up to Norman's and had good time. Smart to sleep in bed with springs. Ken bet Alice that I would have a commission a year from today.

Sun. Mar.14

Whent to church with uniform. Everyone was giving me the eye. Its great to be back home again. Pretty bad if I get caught but I don't think I will. Horsed around at night.

Mon. Mar.15

Drove Ed Robinson to city in morning (Tom's car). I lined up on parade at quarter to eight. Nobody missed me. Got paid twenty dollars this morning, drill is postponed till tomorrow. Uptown with Dan in car.

Tues. Mar.16

Has drill test in the morning and failed. Is Cpl. Pringle ever mad. First to fail on him. Had another one in the afternoon and passed it in fifteen minutes. Really raining out but I'm off on my seventy-two.

Wed. Mar.17

Mom's birthday. Gave her chocolates. Her and Dad drive to Toronto till tomorrow. I'm keeping the house. Alice up after supper, had a tete a tete up in the attic. I think I like Alice quite a bit.

Thurs. Mar.18

Sat in at classes at school. Down to Toronto with Dunc ---- and P---y McLean to Museum then to the Casino.

Fri. Mar.19

Had my tunic altered. It fits a little better now. Down to Casa Loma with gang. Raining and freezing out, roads are awful bad. Smart time then right into barracks, don't have to be in till 0715 but may as well--- in ----.

Sat. Mar.20

They put us on duty watch, so we are confined to barracks. Answer four roll calls just to know we are around. Served in kitchen for two hours at night 10:30 to 12:30.

Sun. Mar.21

Still on duty watch. I whent out for walk at 9 o'clock and again at 11. Full moon tonight, really smart.

Mon. Mar.22

Swept at N.C.O.'s duty watch quarters then off duty watch. Smart day out, warm and sunny, hitchhiked home, then out to show with Alice and just got the 10 o'clock bus on time.

Tues. Mar.23

No.6 Squadron now. Not a heck of a lot to do. P.T. period and a walk down to Sunnyside. Smitty and I went to Central Y.W. dance. Not a very good time for me.

Wed. Mar.24

P.T. in the morning and a route march with 6 and 7 squadron to Yonge Street in the afternoon. Uptown for supper. bowling then to Masonic Temple dancing. I had good time but didn't get me a girl. I advanced Smitty $3.00. Wonder if I'll ever see it again.

Thurs. Mar.25

Another C.O.'s sports day but I got my draft notice. I think almost all 6 squadron got a notice. Up to Dan Gibson's for supper and East Y.W. to dance had a smart time. Met Vi Rey[?], no belle but lots of fun. Saw -------------------.

Fri. Mar.26

I was planning to go home for weekend but they sending us to Camp Borden today. Got paid 11 dollars. Got on train at 4:30 and went off. Got here about 9:30. Had a meal and to bed in some fellow's bunk who is out on a 72 hour pass.

Sat. Mar.27

Really smart barracks, fellows have radios and can smoke at bunks. Mess hall and theatre right beside us. We are in flying personnel's barracks. I had to clean out shower room today and slept in same fellows bed again.

Sun. Mar.28

Church parade, in theatre afternoon, washing planes at maintenance hangar, sitting in barracks trying to learn instruments. Got my own bunk now in another section of barracks.

Mon. Mar.29

I was at equipment depot in morning bringing in clothing, airplane wings and motors etc. Afternoon back to maintenance hangar. Cranked up a Harvard to start it. My gosh but its hard. I know a lot more instruments now.

Tues. Mar.30

Sweeping out drill hall. Raining out like a son of a gun. Mopping floors and I set up pins in bowling alley. Made 65 cents.

Wed. Mar.31

In Sergeant's Mess, upstairs sweeping out rooms and looking at pictures on wall. (wow). Taking stock afternoon and bringing in new supplies for the canteen. It is hot and still out, in fact, awful hot. To show '-----' and dance in the airmen's mess.

Thurs. Apr.1

Smart day out. Maintenance hangar for five minutes then back to Officers quarters to clean the grounds. Wings parade in afternoon. A.C. McGill here. 72 hour passes for tomorrow, guess I'll go home.

Fri. Apr.2

Snowing like heck out and quite a fit last night. Took our 72 away and put us on security guard. Go on duty tomorrow at 8am. I don't know whether to be mad or glad. To show to see 'Once Upon a Honeymoon'. It was darn fun.

Sat. Apr.3

Clear, blue day, colder than old heck and a terrific wind. Duty at eight this in a little tower at the south end of the field, two 2 hour shifts. This is the two to four o'clock where I'm writing this. Just back to new barracks getting my stuff all settled.

Sun. Apr.4

Overcast and windy. Slept in till 8:30, had big breakfast. Back to tower at 10 till 12. Write letter then back for 2 to four. Sat in lounge listening to radio. Got book on instrumentation. My gosh is it ever deep.

Mon. Apr.5

Windy and cold, a terrific blizzard. Out in the tower again. Whent to show to see 'Flying Fortress'. Kinda corny. Camp Borden is darn nice station but I would like to get up for a flip in a Harvard.

Tues. Apr.6

Out in the tower again. Windy and cold. A Hudson came in today and a Yale nosed over in the runway today. I could have had a flip but I had to go to hospital to get my last inoculation.

Wed. Apr.7

Snowing out. All over the ground. Moved again. Taken off security guard, back to barracks by the mess hall. Up to canteen, mopping and waxing floors. Free all afternoon. Got a toothache and headache, took some aspirin but no good. I was told this was not my permanent job.

Thurs. Apr.8

Mild out. All the snow melted. At canteen again, cleaning up generally. Its my permanent job (dag nab it).

Two airplanes cracked up this afternoon. One propeller ate the other plane to pieces. A young officer was mangled by the propeller. Still got a toothache. Vi wants me to go to Toronto and Alice wants me to go home.

Fri. Apr.9

Looks like rain but fairly warm. Flipped for weekend with Ken and won. Took bus to Barrie at noon then thumbed home. Arrived about 3:30. Up to school, down bowling, to see Doug. Uniform off. Up to Norman's with Alice. This was the first night. Turned out real smart.

Sat. Apr.10

Really a smart, sunny , bright day. Up at ten. Downtown with Ken. Helped with dinner dishes. Down to Dickson's. Judy, Dale and Robin have mumps. Dave just got over them. Sid D------ home from B.C. talking in Lantern [restaurant]. To show 'Bambi' then up to Norman's. Danced with Marjorie all night. She's beginning to grow up a bit.

Sun. Apr.11

Smart day, clear and warm. Was going flying with Ted Robinson at Malton with an Anson flight but didn't get up in time. Up at ten. Out driving with dad. Out in car with Alice up to the gravel pits then down second line and out at Golf Links. Left for Barrie with Ted Jones at 7. Took bus into camp at 10. Straightening my kit out.

Mon. Apr.12

Back at canteen mopping. It is snowing out all day. Brought my camera back with me. Another fellow killed in a power dive today. Stayed in writing letters. Have to move to other end of barracks. This moving is getting me down. I've slept in 6 different beds.

Tues. Apr.13

Overcast and thawing out but snow is covering all the ground. Took pictures of Ed and Ken at back of barracks. To show 'Immortal Sergeant[?]'. Good March of Time on about war in Russia. Got a good used 2nd uniform almost as good as my new one.

Wed. Apr.14

Really cold out today and a nippy wind. Snow a bit out now and then. Down to canteen washing out shit pots and piss grooves, also garbage cans. Jack and L---- really drunk last night.

Thurs. Apr.15

Fairly nice day out. Scrapping dirty wax off the floor in the crappers all day. Up for a short flip in a Harvard. Really smart. Hardly wait until I fly. Into lounge writing letters.

Fri. Apr.16

Snowing again and all day. Rain for an hour at supper then snow. Wore a brown shirt through attention area. Probably catch heck for it. Maybe only warned. I hope not busy at canteen. Sit around all time. Ruth Draper on in theatre. She is really darned good.

[Ruth Draper: American, author of 36 monologues, ranging from farce to tragedy, she played all the characters within each sketch with only a change of costume and props.]

Sat. Apr.17

Bright, sunny day. Most of snow going. Worked 15 minutes all day at canteen. Played solitaire rest of time. Out to hangar to see about a flip. Was all ready to go up then officer changed his mind and took another fellow up. Dag-nab it. To show 'Black Swan'.

Sun. Apr.18

Smart day. Nothing to do, did work for today last night. Up at hangar looking for ride. Up in an Anson flight afternoon over town to Hamilton then to London. Missed a draft for W.E.T.P. at Toronto. Whent to the show.

Mon. Apr.19

Miserable day out. Working at canteen. Off at 3 o'clock, into Barrie with sergeant, thumb home on a reveille pass. Up to Norman's. Walked out to Woodhill on way back. Snowing and wet out. Didn't sleep all night.

Tues. Apr.20

Dirty day. 20 minutes late working at canteen. Tired cause no sleep last night. Whent to bed at 7 o'clock and slept right through.

Wed. Apr.21

Back to canteen and regular routine. I think I'm getting in a rut. I got a 48 coming up this weekend. I'll be glad to get home.

Thurs. Apr.22

Same old grind, mopping floors at the canteen. My pass has been canceled. I'm on draft. I don't know where in heck I'm going to be posted.

Fri. Apr.23

Good Friday. Working at canteen in morning, getting clearance papers in afternoon. Going to Ottawa for refresher course. Got reveille pass. Thumbed home. Smart time at Norman's. Surprised to see me. Darn smart day. Back at 4:30.

Sat. Apr.24

Signing clearance papers. Carl sent his movie films. Up to look for ride at hangars. No go so I sneaked home. Surprise party for Ken and I at Lilly's. Gave us each bracelets. Had a smart time. Ken drove me to Thornhill in about 4:30. Last time I saw Mom, kissed her goodbye.

Sun. Apr.25

Easter Sunday. Clearance papers all finished. I'm all packed. Got on train at 10 o'clock. Down to Toronto then out to Ottawa. Slept a bit on the way.

Mon. Apr.26

Arrived about 8am. Up to Ottawa Technical School. Breakfast in a restaurant then to Laurie's. They are surprised. To show with Carl, 'Star Spangled Rhythm'. It was real good. Going to stay at Laurier's.

Tues. Apr.27

To classes in morning. Call from home. Phoned back. Mom died last night. Got 6 days leave. Missed afternoon train so took 11 P.M. My gosh I can't believe it. Feel awful bad if I think too much.

[Ethel Brydon was baby sitting at her son Bill's house in Toronto when she died]

Wed. Apr.28

Dad met me at station in Brampton. He is taking it pretty hard. Out for a big, long walk with Tom in afternoon, up C.P.R. tracks. Ken in to the airforce today.

Thurs. Apr.29

Smart day. Stayed around the house. Mom was buried in the afternoon, lots of people sent flowers. Gee but I really miss Mom and I feel sorry for Dad. Its kind of hard on him, this is the wedding anniversary. Up to Meredith's.

Fri. Apr.30

Miserable day, in all morning then in talking to Katie at McKillop's in the afternoon. Up to Meredith's for supper. Stayed there pretty late.

Sat. May 1

Smart day. Up rather late in morning. Playing pool in afternoon and bowling. Alice down town, came up to our place and listened to records. Whent up to Norman's after supper then back of Dale's chimney. I'm no good.

Sun. May 2

Up around the house then everyone over to the farm in the afternoon. Dale was afraid of the cows at first but got used to them. Back for 9:30 train to Toronto with Tom. Alice saw me to the station but I didn't kiss her, then on to the Ottawa train.

Mon. May 3

Arrived Ottawa about 7 AM. Raining out. To Laurier's for breakfast then bed until 2 pm. Up and dressed and back to school at 4 pm. until 11 then back to Laurier's. Awful funny going back to school. I'm feeling awful blue and discouraged.

Tues. May 4

Slept in. Out looking for a place to stay and walking along the Ottawa River. Ottawa is a pretty place. Back to classes at 4. Six hours of classes a day. 3 math, 2 science, 1english.

Wed. May 5

Slept in again. Out with Madame Laurier for house. Found one on Chapel Street. I'll move in next Monday. Fourth victory bonds is on. They've got a Spitfire on display in the plaza. Catalina flew over today. In classes at 4.

Thurs. May 6

Slept in till noon. To ----- building to see about my ration coupons. Got map of Ottawa. Back to classes at 4. Feeling quite a bit better, not near so blue or discouraged as last Monday. To bed now. Good night.

Fri. May 7

Got two films out with Hank getting pictures. Met Gordon Graydon. Dinner on Tuesday with him at Parl. Buildings. Took time exposure of myself in school, won't turn out though. Through for the week.

[Gordon Graydon: Conservative M.P. for Peel County]

Sat. May 8

Up fairly early, out to Uplands, Dunc's brother out on a forty eight, stayed for dinner, bummed around a bit, back to show, 'Mummy's Tomb' then to 'Hangman Also Die' with Carl, whent to bed about 8:30, I was tired.

Sun. May 9

Smartest day, ---- ---- day. Out driving all over Ottawa with Jerry and Carl. Lots of people out walking, biking, driving and horseback riding. Stayed in at night. Tried a little homework. Write to Dad. I've got a stiff neck.

Mon. May 10

Getting all my stuff together. Bike arrived from [home?], bought license, moving things over to Mrs. Balek's on Chapel Street. Back to classes at 4 with same old routine. Worst fellows teachers ever had in our class.

[bike maybe means the Indian motorcycle Ted had [T16] . Ken Jackson owned one as well]

Tues. May 11

Sort of a dirty day out. Got things all packed away in new room. To Parl. Bldgs for dinner with Gordon Graydon and all through buildings then bumming around stores, back to classes. Raining all night. I got soaked. Herbert Marshall is at school tonight for Victory program.

[ Herbert Marshall: movie actor.]

Wed. May 12

Overcast until late afternoon, did some work in morning then to show 'Air Force'. Darn smart picture. Back to Laurie's , saw pictures I took last week. (They stink). Back to school. Weekend canceled, have to go to classes on Sat. Morning.

Thurs. May 13

Sunny day but windy and cool. Out riding on the bike in the morning in fatigue clothes. Dinner then back to classes early to study for math test. Aircraft recognition I got 100% (only one in class).

Fri. May 14

Smart day out. Pay day, got 45 dollars and 20 dollars from Dad. I've got $81 altogether. Up in tower again, smart view of the city. To show 'Saludos Amigos'. It was darn good. Got 78 on test I wrote last night. 3 fellows sent back to 'M' depot, Toronto for misbehaviour. (home early)

Sat. May 15

Had classes this morning, a science test. Dinner at Laurier's. They gave me a cake and the smartest leather case. They are really darn nice couple. In fatigue clothes, out on bike, swimming at 'Y', smart sunny day. Laurier's, had fun with Hank and Carl. To show 'I Married a Witch'.

Sun. May 16

Rainy all day, really coming down. Slept till 11 am. I caught a cold last night. To Laurier's for dinner, drops up my nose, slept all afternoon till 7pm. Cold a bit better, supper, talking with Carl, back to my room at Belec's on Chapel Street, packing things to go home next weekend.

Mon. May 17

Up at 8, sort of cold out. I've got a cold, seems pretty bad. Doing homework and review, writing letter. Libs and Alice over to Laurier's for 5 min., going to dinner on Wed. 86% on science test. Mrs. Belec is darn nice, did my washing and pressed my uniform. Getting along better at school.

Tues. May 18

Overcast. Homework in morning, got presents from, toothbrush: Robin, sun glasses: Judy, Big Little Book: Dave. They bought them themselves. Got a haircut, met Bob Kilpatrick and saw Sunny Barron. To classes then back to room. Getting along better in Ottawa now.

Wed. May 19

Did homework and getting cleared up. To Laurier's for dinner. Mr. Fraser was there, he's darn nice. We were talking about the trip we had last September. Final exam in maths. I didn't get a couple of the questions. Saw Sunny Barron again.

Thurs. May 20

Warmest day so far, out on front verandah in sun with shoes and socks off and shirt open, writing letters, down to library and into 'Y' for shower and a swim. Final exam in science. I got 78% in maths. Bought presents for kids. To show 'Meanest Man in the World', funny. Saw newsreel of helicopter. I'll fly one someday.

Fri. May 21

Drizzly day, classes at 8:30. English exam off at 10 am. Finished packing, bought two records. Had dinner then over to Laurier's. Last train at 3 o'clock. Toronto at 10 to Manning Depot to see Ken, he's sick from T.A.B.T. Left kit bag there, thumbed home at 12.

Sat. May 22

Smart day, up at 6:30, drove Doug to Toronto at 8, bummed around in Eaton's, Simpson's, and Woolworths, (civilian clothes next day at 11:30). To see Topsy, Bill Flanagan. into Manning again, down to Sunnyside. Ken out at 5, stopped in to see Fraser's, to dance at Huttonville, everybody home for weekend (Pat, Gus, Darby etc.)

Sun. May 23

Ken slept all night. I was in at quarter to 5, up at 6, thumbed to Malton, no flying, home again at 9:30. Malton again p.m. Ed Robinson, Ken and I up for an Anson flight, over town to London. Up to Meredith's till 1:15 am then home to bed.

Mon. May 24

Pretty nice day, up at 10. Drove down for Doug at 11am, into Fraser's. Doug's car pm. Got some gas for him, playing cards with Dorothy Lilly. To Meredith's, letting fireworks off backyard, about 30 kids there. To canteen dance, Mary Pickford here. To Toronto with Al Humble, 11:30 train to Ottawa.

Tues. May 25

Dirty day. Train was late, in at 8:45 instead of 7. Brought lot of clothes down with me. Teacher tired so let us off at ten. Still raining out, steady all day. Feel awful moody and homesick. Doug is a Flight Lieutenant.

Wed. May 26

Started out awful, turned out pretty nice in afternoon. Wearing civvies to Laurier's then to the show 'More the Merrier', to classes. Tearing around on bike at supper hour, back to room at 11:45. Looking in at a dance at Embassy. Clothing parade tomorrow.

Thurs. May 27

Overcast. Got two summer uniforms, no albatross on shoulders, two buttons missing. Swim and shower at the 'Y'. Got extra buttons, took shoes in to be fixed and got a haircut. Shaved right off except for bit on top. Kids making fun of it, everybody stops and looks on the street.

[Ted got a Mohawk haircut]

Fri. May 28

Can't make up its mind to rain or be nice. Over to Laurier's with negatives. They laughed at my haircut. Doing homework, been moved to senior class, 3 more weeks of classes instead of 7. Have to work hard to cover the course. Out at 10 cause there is classes tomorrow.

Just filling in space here, but I've been wondering what in heck am I going to do after the war. Or what will I make my life's work? Its going to have something to do with flying, I know, but what? I've just got my mind set on aviation in general, and that's a pretty broad field to choose from. I guess I'll have to go back and get my senior and junior matric. At least. But where from there I don't know.

Sat. May 29

Pretty nice day. Classes until 3:30 so can't catch afternoon train. Took T.C.A. at 10:30, supper at Laurier's then to show, 'Five Graves to Cairo'. $28 for plane ticket. Almost missed it. Into Malton at 12, home on train and up to Norman's for 20 min. Great night.

Sun. May 30

Dad surprised, laughed at my haircut. Whent to church in civilian clothes, left uniform in Ottawa. Up to Meredith's, for a drive in Tom's car, Mom's car is sold. Had to wear old uniform to catch 9:30 train, no tie and no cap. S.P.'s almost caught me. What a weekend, one thing into another.

Mon. May 31

Nice all day, kinda warm and sticky. Day parade, got $48.60, sent 10 to Dad, got my watch out of hock and paid my board. Swimming at Y. To show to see 'Ecstasy'. It was a flop. Kinda tired at classes. Train was in at 6:45 and I haven't slept all day. I'm in a mood, I want to go dancing and have a good time. But its bed.

Tues. Jun.1

Looked like it was going to rain all day, but only spit a couple of times in the afternoon. Worked all morning at homework, kinda tough in senior class. Bought a new strap for my watch (.75). Wrote to Alice. Wore civvies to class. I want to go dancing and have a good time but I'm scared to ask any girls. I'm just the bashful type.

Wed. Jun.2

Darn hot day, sunny and windy with big clouds. Homework all morning, over to see Hank and Carl, got pictures, took in uniform to be altered and got my ------ back from repair, still in civvies. Out in sun in backyard for ¾ hour with shirt off, got a little red. Weekend is canceled, and I've got a ticket, maybe I'll go home in the afternoon.

Thurs. Jun.3

Hasn't rained yet but sure looked like it was all day, not as hot as yesterday. In all morning doing homework. Wrote a letter to Dad and played around with Belec kids. Went swimming to smart pool: 'Plant Baths', 4 other fellows from school there, had a darn good time fooling around. Air awful close and heavy, hard to work at class.

Fri. Jun.4

Sunny, hot, very humid day. Did homework. Cy Sommerville reported killed. Still in civvies. Went to show, 'Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman'. Met Bob Kirkpatrick again. To classes, told us we write final exam next Thurs. Had two tests tonight. I phoned for reservation on T.C.A. (I hope to heck I get it) Terrific rain from 5 to 6 then all clear, still hot as hell.

Sat. Jun.5 - Sun. Sept.12

[no entry]

Mon. Sept.13

Smart day, sunny, cool, no clouds. I carin' around town and up to bank to get form 'H' to get across border for the United States. Playing golf with Dunk Smith in afternoon. Put on battle dress and to show by myself. Reveille with Beverly plane two hours late. To canteen and dance and took Marj Simpson home. Said what the hell, so kissed her. Back home, changed and packed and down to Malton to catch plane at 1:45. Great trip down, full moon, sort of foggy on the ground but clear otherwise. Mrs. Norris met me at La Guardia. Got to bed at 6am. So far just the same, but big airport.

Tues. Sept 14

Got up at nine o'clock. Only three hours sleep. Went over to LaGuardia Field. Pretty big place. Plane coming in every 5 min. Then up to where the world's fair was. Some of the buildings were still there. Afternoon took bus up Hudson River to George Washington Bridge. Got into Stage Door Canteen. Didn't stay long. Had supper at Hotel Astor with Tommy Tucker's Orchestra then to Radio City Music Hall, Minstrel Show and 'So Proudly We Hail' I've seen so many pictures and read so much about it that it is not a heck of a lot of thrill. All subways do is make noise. Not as nice as our street cars. Mrs. Norris is nice.

Wed. Sept.15

Slept till 11:30. Downtown (5 miles) up in Empire State Building. Its really high. Get a darn good look at New York. Over to Macy's (largest store in world) did a bit of shopping. Down to Coney Island, it really is ----, pretty cold today so not many people around, went on a few amusements. Mrs. Norris to old to go around with but she tries hard. Came back and saw a stage show 'Life With Father'. Its played 4 years. I couldn't see in myself. Saw two smart CWAC's but Mrs. Norris dragged me away, dag nab it. Dorothy Norris is a darned nice girl. Only 11 years old.

[T15] from Dan Gibson via Et Dale in Dec2002: Dan and Ted were good friends. Dan left the air force because he caught rheumatic fever. From 1946 to 1986 he produced nature films. Since then he has been producing CD's that combine music with sounds of nature

[T16] Ted and Ken Jackson had Indian motorcycles…from Don Beatty