[Continued from previous page] London is a much bombed city, and my first actual contact with the horror of war. Many people, still sleep in subways and air raid shelters.
Monday, 23 October [1944] Littlecote
Lady and Sir Ernest Wills have returned from Scotland.1 Lady Caroline Fanny Maude de Winton (c.1872-1953) and Sir Ernest Salter Wills, 3rd Baronet (1869-1958) owned several English properties, including Littlecote, where the Allied Forces maintained a headquarters during the war. “Sir Ernest Salter Wills, (3rd) Baronet of Hazelwood.” Accessed April 23, 2014. The Thompsons, Shipbuilders of Sunderland. He looks exactly like you would expect him to. He is 76 years of age.
There are 45 servants on the place (now) there were many more before the war (over 300). I received 10 letters today, all of them old, am going to answer some of them tonight.
Tuesday, 24 October [1944] Littlecote
Just another day. Went on a long hike to become oriented with the surrounding country. Saw several deer and had a good time. The country side is beautiful but I am impatient to visit France.
Wednesday, 25 October [1944] Littlecote
What a life, absolutely nothing to do. One feels rather useless, played a little football today, but couldn’t see how I was furthering the war effort any. I’ll probably be stiff in the morning.
Thursday, 26 October [1944] Littlecote
Had some good news today. Expect to be in France within a month. Went on a long hike today, wrote a few letters and hit the sack.