14th November 1942

Saturday

Had to go to [the Essex War Agricultural Executive Committee offices at] Writtle today, for a staff-meeting.  We all went in Butterworth’s car.  The London Road did not seem to have changed very much since I last came along it, about 6 months ago.  The autumn colours on the trees were very lovely.  Crix Park, embowered in vast trees, all gold and brown and yellow, looked most striking.  

Chelmsford was packed with people, the balloons all up, shining in the sun.  The meeting was long and weary.  The Executive Officer talked for two hours, the gist of the matter being to make it quite clear to us that we are employed by the Executive Committee at Writtle, and that our allegiance is to them and not to our District Committees.

Got away at 4.30, and did not wait for tea.  Glorious sunset behind us, and a fog coming up.  Went down to Bourne Mill, and then home to tea. 

On duty tonight.  Only one of the other men turned up.  Spent the evening reading old Essex newspapers, early 19^th century.  An alarm at 10 o’clock, with distant gunfire to the east.  All-clear came in half an hour.  Very cold tonight.  Moon rising among clouds.