Diary extracts for Jun to July 1943

1st Jun 1943:

Elected a member of the New English Art Club

I hope this club will improve its standards and encourage the younger generation.

9th Jul 1943:

Started painting of German merchant vessel on fire off Dutch coast (30x40)

It may prove rather exciting.

13th Jul 1943:

I made bases for puppet heads to be fixed to for the show being organised at Harpenden of work by past and present Georgians [Richard's old boarding school].

17th Jul 1943:

Harpenden show opened by Sir Kenneth Clark

A good crowd there . . . a chap called Heron with his CO [consciencious objector] son, a painter, watching the cricket match. [The son was the painter Patrick Heron]

19th Jul 1943:

Travelled to Harwich and joined Lt Keddie on board the Cattistock. To Sheerness. HMS Nigeria arrived there. Later sailed to join as escort a convoy of 20 ships. Arrived at Portsmouth where he joined a coaster and back on land caught the train home.