Thursday (yesterday) we awoke about 11:00 AM and went out and had chow. At 1:30 we had an orientation lecture or two in the auditorium - sex lecture - welcome lecture - English traits - words to use and words not to use, etc. We saw a one hour film "Welcome to Britain" starring Burgess Meredith with a short by Bob Hope - very good too. After that about 2:30 we drew new gas masks. We were supposed to be restricted for 48 hours but that evening (last nite 16th) found us 4 walking 3 miles to Stone from where we took a bus to Hanley - about 10 miles distant. It was pretty dark when we arrived there and we began galavanting around town. Presently we bumped into 2 gals who directed us to a pub (beer joint). Right away Taylor and Boles took over. Fish and I followed. Taylor bought 6 beers (brau or ale) and we all drank. Even I - it wasn't too bad - not good either. Shortly I said that Fish and I would walk over to a dance which was being held nearby at the Arcade. We finally stumbled to the door and went upstairs. Admission was 9 pence (1 and 6 for 2). Upstairs things were really humming - lotsa music - pretty gals galore and lots of soldiers - of all ranks and insignia. We didn't feel like dancing after walking so much - I never feel like it anyhow - so we pulled up 2 straw chairs, sat down, crossed our legs and just watched the proceedings. We expected Taylor and Boles to show up but they never did. Everyone was having a good time. Majors, Captains, Lt. Colonels, all cavorted with the local blonde chippies and everyone was merry. We watched it all from our ringside seats. Promptly at 10:30 they played the British National Anthem, everyone rose and stood at attention. This patriotic display only lasts a few seconds as compared to the American "Star-Spangled Banner" (I am getting very groggy from this cigar). We walked over to the motor pool and got on a truck for Stone which left at 11:30 (half-hour wait). We got off and walked the 3 miles back to camp. C.E. and I.W. were in bed when we arrived. It seems they were doing OK with their women. They made dates for tonite with them as the girls had an open house tonite. Fish and I went promptly to sleep (Just put the doggone cigar out - very groggy - chewing gum - gotta rest a minute). Here I am again.

Today (Friday March 17th, 1944) we again got up at 11:00 AM, went out and ate chow. Oh I forgot to mention - back in Blackpool - Tuesday afternoon I bought 620 Brownie folding camera from some dealer who had it in his store window. It cost 55 shillings or $11.00 - I hope it proves OK. This afternoon I shot off a roll of Ish and I and Taylor in front of the barracks - Fisher wasn't around at the time. We went to the club later and read the papers.

Today after noon chow I sent 2 cablegrams home - one to Adele and one to Mom - cost 2/6 - 2 to 3 day service, so he said.

About 6:00 the other 3 guys left for town but I wanted to stay here. I cleaned up our room as it was becoming unlivable. I threw out all the papers and junk, swept and mopped the floor, put bags under the beds, made up the beds and hung away the clothing. Place looks real nice now. It is exactly 8:41 PM - I am on my bed - top bunk - I wish I hadn't smoked that damned cigar.

We have tailor service here but no laundry service because of the shortness of our stay. Tonite I did a big washing. I really can appreciate how you felt back when - poor you!

About 12:30 AM, old Ish struggles in, pulls on the light and put it off. He ate a K-ration and went to bed. Fisher came in later - no light - he ate a K-ration in the hall and then went to bed. About 7:30 AM walks in CE - fully dressed. He hops in bed too.