Diary extracts for Jan to February 1943

10th Jan 1943:

Crispin had adenoids and tonsils out.

17th Jan 1943:

Rommel has retreated 50 miles in Tripolitania.

Started Crispin off on learning chess.

18th Jan 1943:

The 16 month Siege of Leningrad is raised.

This must be one of the most triumphant stands in history!

21st Jan 1943:

Graham Sutherland show (at the National Gallery?)

. . . paintings of the mines which are magnificent. One of a miner coming out of a mine with another shaft underneath was astounding.

11th Feb 1943:

Churchill’s statement in the Commons with regard to the Casablanca conference. He seems to think the U-boat menace, great as it is, should not be exaggerated, can only delay the final victory.

11th Feb 1943:

Worked a bit on Revenge leaving Portsmouth. Probably finished.

Someone wants me to paint a dog like Grock. What next? kittens? [He had already painted Grock his dalmation]