[2002] SID’S WAR

0013 - Sidney Lane War Diary 11

[this is an extract of the war diary, 'An Ordinary War', by my uncle (Sid Lane, my mother's brother) which covers an update on the war in general] 

3/9/41 

A third year in khaki?

It looks like it. I know it's a waste of time speculating but I can't help wondering. 

What will happen? 

30/9/41 

A year ago I made the same remark. A year ago we were in a hell of a mess. We still are. Two years of war have brought only defeat in all parts of the world. The German's men and materials have always been present in such numbers and quantity in every theatre of war that our outlook has always been very murky. But during this two years in which we alone have held the enemy successfully we have been building up our resources. very soon now the tide will turn. At the moment the Nazis are engaged in a mighty struggle with U.S.S.R. They have been successful in penetrating deep into Russia but the price they have paid for their advance has been colossal. 

23/10/41 

Now the position is very much worse: Nazi supply of men and materials appear to be inexhaustible. Their losses have been enormous (they themselves admit it) and yet they have pressed on, throwing the Russians back by sheer weight of men and metal. The Russians have fought and are still fighting with fanatical bravery. They are fighting for their lives, I think they will prevail. I hope and pray they do. 

24/10/41 

I know a lot of this will sound utter tripe and sentimental rot when read later - but I don't care - I want this to be a true record not only of what I do but how I feel about different events. 

Now for a comment on moon charts. Last winter these charts were carefully studied by people because on moonlit nights the raiders were over. This is the first to be published now the dark nights are with us again. Up to two nights ago the enemy left us alone and so September's chart wasn't used. The last two nights we've had raids.I do hope it doesn't mean these will be as extensively used this winter as last. 

20/11/41 

It is some time since anything really interesting happened to me. No, that's not quite true. I had the privilege of acting as best man at Brian's wedding in September.

All the best to you Brian and Peggy. Things are now moving fast. I am at Tycroes firing camp, Anglesey, acting as a guide, tutor and father-confessor to 50 A.T.S. It shook me badly when I knew I must leave Meols and this for a number of reasons. Gould having gone as T.I. I had been in charge for some time and was confidently expecting to get my guns. With Boydell as my No.2 and with Reggie and Bill as Bdrs. and a good crowd of lads I was very comfortable. Leave was easy to get and with the motorbike on the side I was well organised. However I'll be going back to it. I came here to train G.L. operators for the 481 Bty. and when the training is finished I will accompany them to a gun site and help them settle down. It is very interesting this training of girls and very amusing too. What will happen in action I am not yet in a position to judge. They are all keen and that is a great help. They are not really interested in the technical side and that's a help too. 

The camp itself, like all other big camps, is rotten. Grub bad and organisation putrid. There is garrison theatre in which there is one show a week. Otherwise there are no amusements and people get bored stiff. I am fortunate in bunking with a couple of decent chaps. T.I.s, one of whom is of the 70th. Regt. and we manage to laugh and live comfortably. It's God help a chap in the army if he is devoid of humour.

[back] [home]

hits