Sunday 1st October 1939

Post, sick, canteen and defaulters orderly today. No post, no sick, two defaulters.

I stood stiffly on the parade ground whilst the Battery, turned right, into column of route and marched off to Church. I was now alone except for Sergt. Major Essler. He lit a cigarette. “All right, Dawson,” he said with his usual quick curtness. “Report to BHQ now”.

I have spent most of the day hanging around the little-frequented canteen (where this is being written). Ah well! I might have had to do this yesterday, instead!
It is nine o’clock now, the place is empty and about to close for the night.