LATEST BLOG POST:
- May 29. Sat. 9.45. p.m. [1943]
# HOME GUARD EXERCISE AMUSES
# ANOTHER LATE WEDDING PRESENT FOR RENE
# NEPHEW KEITH’S BABY TWINS DIE WITHIN DAYS
# SPITFIRE ACE PROMOTED TO WING COMMANDER
Chas. Parish and another member of the H.G. have been for pails of water. They have a “Stunt” on tonight. Told them they could have what they wanted until 10 o’ clock, so if they want more they will soon be here. Father is on watch until 2. a.m. I asked t... - May 27. 8.15 a.m. [1943]
# RENE CONTINUING HOUSE DECORATION
# PRESERVING EGGS FOR WINTER
# MORE LETTERS FROM RON
# VISIT FROM EX NEIGHBOUR AND TODDLER SON
# NEPHEW KEITH’S WIFE HAS TWINS
# NEWS OF NEPHEW DENNIS IN RAF
Dull, warm and moist, the sort of weather that I don’t like, at least it doesn’t suit me. Rene had to give her sitting room a second coat of dis. It had probably not been decorated since first being put up at Chapel so it was not to be wondered at... - Mon May 24. 10.30. p.m. [1943]
# LETTERS FROM AND TO RON IN NORTH AFRICA
# RON PRAISES NORTH AFRICAN SCENERY
# NEWS OF NEPHEW RAYMOND
# ENJOYING RABBIT PIE
# HELPING RENE WITH HOUSE DECORATION
Wrote an Air Mail Letter to Ron after Father had gone on watch so as it was getting late when I had finished doc Jean’s psoriasis I came to bed after a cup of Horlicks and a slice of new bread and farm butter. Hope I don’t get indigestion. We had ... - May 19. Wed. 8.10 a.m. [1943]
# POTATO PLANTING BEGUN
# DAMBUSTER RAIDS REPORTED
# POW REPORTS FROM TUNISIA
# RETURNING AIRCRAFT SIGHTED
It is decidedly cooler this morning, wind E or S.S.E. but bright. Yesterday was warm but the wind was cool. Father planted nearly half allotment with potatoes. Today D.O. comes at 11 o’c and Father is on watch at 2. p.m. so will get no ... - May 17. Mon. 9.30. p.m. [1943]
# ASTHMA MEDICINE DELAYED
# NIECE AND BABY DAUGHTER VISIT
# LATE WEDDING PRESENTS FOR RON AND RENE
# PREPARING STUFFED CHINE
# MORE GLOVES AND SOCKS KNITTED
Wrote to Ron yesterday and Jean posted it to-day. Sent a note by yesterday’s post to Dr M but he did not get it by this morning’s post as he should have done so have not got my medicine. Fortunately my asthma settled this morning and my bronc. is much bet...
NEW VISITOR? – Please read here FIRST:
Welcome to MAY HILL’S AMAZING WWII DIARIES AND POETRY – LOST, FORGOTTEN AND FOUND…
A personal story of lives and losses of loved ones of serving men and women…
A special welcome to followers of the WWI blog of Harry Lamin who has given great inspiration for this blog…
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May Hill’s previously quiet English seaside village became an unwitting target for enemy aircraft, her only son a young volunteer in the RAF, her husband a Coastguard, and close family members early casualties. In rare moments of peace from ‘her own old enemy’ she became devoted to writing.
Decades later, a fading old school exercise book, found hidden away in a forgotten drawer, began a family project of search and research. When, after several more years, the final cache of ‘missing’ diaries unexpectedly came to light, so did a wonderful surprise collection of May’s original poetry.
The publication in 2009 of ‘The Casualties Were Small’, a compilation of May’s poetry with a related selection of diary extracts, attracted many enthusiastic responses from a wide readership, from junior school students to ninety-plus retired seniors, in Britain and worldwide … ‘Truly a living history, life of the times as it unfolded … a very emotional journey for me personally … a remarkable woman, very brave and sensitive … May’s poems are touching, nostalgic, angry at times … her deep faith shines through in all her writing … completely engrossing and I have to admit to shedding a tear when I came to the end’.
Now, we, the children and grandchildren of May Hill, are delighted to present online the whole sequence of May’s wartime diaries ‘seventy years on’ commencing with the first preserved entry on 27th November 1940. We are sure this will fascinate you. Your comments will be most welcome. Please read an introduction to May Hill & family before you begin – and then the first blog posting.
Launched on 27th NOVEMBER 2010 (for 1940)!
