Alec’s diary continues:

John and I caught bus out to Saltash Passage. Challenged for identity card by Yank sailor as we were watching Royal Albert Bridge. Chatted for some time with W[ar] R[eserve] policeman who had some connections with the Railway Coy. Parted best of pals. Dinner in cafe next to Riza’s. Went on Hoe in afternoon, read book in sun and watched the Flying Boat* take off on the Sound. To Goodbody’s Cafe for tea at 2.30 p.m. then back to Hotel and out to Friary for duty at 4.0 p.m. Work much heavier than at first thought. Three trains still to write up when John arrived at 10.0 p.m. Left them as shunter gave me a lift to Mutley Plain in his car. Chas asleep when I arrived. Chatted until 11.0 p.m. then bed.

*The Sunderland Flying Boats of Plymouth

Alec’s diary continues:

Caught 9.10 a.m. for Plymouth, arrived 22 minutes late so waited for Limited. Latter arrived to time, John in company with WAAF, Mr Hill with Army officer. Took bags to hotel then quick tea. Mr Hill again at Plymouth Friary Goods Yard. Introduced to Mr Still, Assistant Div. Supt. for the Exeter Area LRly [?]. Latter took us to tea at local cafe. John Chas and myself back to Hotel for dinner at 6.30 p.m. Played solo and nap in hotel from 7.0 p.m. to 11.0 p.m. finished 3d up. And so to bed.

Alec’s diary continues:

Monday

Caught 9.10 a.m. for Bristol. Met Kay on Clevedon platform with same until Nailsea. Had coffee on No. 7 then caught 10.25 a.m. Nothing startling on trip. Train arrived 3.20 p.m. Dumped bag and went for meal. Limited in when I returned to station so went over to hotel. John left note saying gone to Millbay. Followed on next bus and met Mr Rendle who is taking record at Laira and Mr Harding. Had trip back to hotel to see if Chas had arrived. Picked John up outside Theatre at 5.30 p.m. then went to Gaumont to see Sweet Rosie O’Grady with Betty Grable. Had supper in the Lord John Malcolm*. Returned to Hotel at 9.30 p.m. No Chas. Turned in at 10.45 p.m.

*I’ve done a bit of Googling but so far failed to turn up any establishment in Plymouth by this or a similar name. I’ll keep searching.

*

Tuesday

Got up at 7.0 a.m. not ready for me so no breakfast till 7.40 a.m. Left at 8.0 a.m. arrived Laira at 8.15 a.m. in time to take 8.20 a.m. Launceston. (Chas arrived 12.30 a.m. missed connection at Bristol Midland train 2 hours late.) Chas and John took walk out to Laira in morning to get lie of the land. Not much doing. Went up to Bakery at 12.30 p.m. got some good pies and buns and returned to Yard. Inspector Ede gave us a cup of tea as big as a bucket. John turned up at 3.50 p.m.

Back to Hotel for a wash and shave then to lounge to write. Chas agitating for a meal so took him to the Lord John Malcolm. Meal cost 4/6d each. Mixed grill, lamb chop, sausage chips and beans. Back to hotel at 7.30 p.m. talked till 8.45 p.m. Hustled Chas out to Laira and waited for John to turn up. He arrived at 9.15 p.m. Bed at 10.30 p.m. No siren.