Alec’s diary continues:

Caught 8.43 a.m. arrived at office to find that Chas had brought a bag as rumour has it we go to Plymouth. Later Hill says Plymouth tomorrow. Went over to new cafe next to the Albert. John caught for 3/4d on three coffees and eight sandwiches*. Caught 4.50 p.m. to Hanwell and paid Mrs Stone. Just missed a 211 for Ealing Broadway and had to go via 55 and Hanwell Broadway. Caught 6.30 p.m. Paddington only because the engine was late. Got home at 11.0 p.m. Soldier in train gave me one of the famous “V” cigarettes.

*3/4d in 1944 would be the equivalent of £7.16 in 2018. Three coffees and eight sandwiches – albeit the definitions of both ‘coffee’ and ‘sandwich’ can be quite elastic – would probably come in at roughly £25.00 in today’s prices, so personally I reckon John got a bargain.