A focus on family history
Thursday, 1 April 1937
In the English Channel; very calm, cold and sunny. Just knock my teeth and broke two of the front ones. Bad lunch, expect to arrive in London tomorrow morning. Played bridge nearly all day. Had champagne in Mrs Webbs’ cabin before dinner, again for supper, then for bed.
Wednesday, 31 March 1937
Very cold, wet & terribly foggy – the ship is blowing her siren every few minutes. Can hardly see a few yards away. Played rummy, 6 of us in the morning, won 5° – played bridge afternoon, won 3 – still very wet and cold played bridge again at night, won 7. Had supper in Hills’ Cabin.
Tuesday, 30 March 1937
Very cold day, and no sunshine. Passed several steamers. Played bridge day & night.Too cold to sit outside. Had ale in Webb’s cabin.
Sunday, 28 March 1937
Went to 8 o’clock communion with Leonard and Gwen. Very cold today. Rested all the afternoon; too cold out on deck. Played bridge at night, won 8. Had supper in Mrs Webb’s cabin, then to bed. Very cold and swelly.
Saturday, 27 March 1937
Easter Saturday, very cold, everyone inside. No outside sports, played bridge all the morning, rested in the afternoon, then had win with Mr Webb. Played quoits and ball game; beated in both. Played bridge at night, had beer and sandwiches in Mrs Webb’s cabin. Leonard gave me an Easter egg.
Thursday, 25 March 1937
Very cold, and windy. Just played bridge in the smoke room. Had a very good concert at night.
Tuesday, 23 March 1937
Nice and cool, played bridge nearly all day, played Rummy at night. Had supper in Hills cabin. Children sports and fancy dress today.
Monday, 22 March 1937
A beautiful morning, not a ripple on the water, just like glass. Entered competition; played bridge, morning afternoon and night. Won 3 in the morning, lost 15 at night. Had supper in Mrs Webb’s cabin, gin and sandwiches. Very cool and calm all day.
Saturday, 20 March 1937
Lovely day, arrived at Suez about 4 in the afternoon. About 150 of us left by boat for Cairo, £7.10 fare. Passengers are not allowed to land. Left soon after for the Canal. A marvellous piece of work. Had game of bridge, lost 6° then stayed on deck until 12. Lovely moonlight night and very cold. Had supper in Mrs [L] Webb’s [age 65] cabin.
Pencil – Stayed at Alexandria Hotel in Cairo.Went for a ride out to the pyramids on camels, not a very pleasant trip.
Friday, 19 March 1937
We left Sudan at 4 o’clock yesterday. Lovely weather, very nice day today, calm as a mill pond. Played bridge this morning, again in the afternoon; lost 1°. Played again at night, won 1/1.
Had supper in Hills’ cabin. I shouted the drinks. Off to bed at 11.30.