Monday 17th January 1944

The Paddington train bumped on slowly, through dim, wet, foggy fields. The people in the carriage chatted gaily and passed newspapers around to each other.

I was free! I could get out when and where I pleased... no one was watching me...
Bumpity – bump... Bumpity – bump...
Hayes – Ealing – Royal Oak – Paddington...

The other people all alighted, saying good-bye to me and to each other.
I dragged my kit out, piled it on the platform...