16 Dec 1941, Barbara Anslow's diary

Mr Garton and W. Skinner and Mr Bendall – family friends - were in and out of the tunnel re their war work. One day Mr Garton appeared and said he'd got someone to see me, and there was Sid, in khaki shorts and tin helmet.  I went into corridor and we sat on chair frames ((still no seats on them)) with his mate Cooper.  He said he was feeling more confident now, and appeared completely recovered. Cooper had been in hospital with foot trouble.  Of Mabel, Sid said 'You'll find her much older in the head.' ((Then both went off to war again.))  I gave Sid a note for Arthur in case he saw him.

The P. Grill was dark and tiffin generally soup, then some hash, and maybe a potato or macaroni or spaghetti; and tea. If no soup, there was generally salad.  One day a delicious hot cake.  Enjoyed the meals until those who fed at Cafe Wiseman started saying what they were having – whole oranges, and bread and jam in addition to other rations.  But I was scared to change because it was a longer walk to Cafe Wiseman, and by this time shells were bursting all over the place spasmodically.  After eating at P.G. I usually went to see Olive in her office in Holland House.  One afternoon I arrived too late at P.G. For tiffin, so got a cup of tea at Hong Kong Hotel, then waited in a queue at Lane Crawfords, bought half a pound of bread, 2 oz butter, a jar of paste and a jar of jam. Had to carry the bread in my fist, no bags.  Went to Olive's office for a knife.  There an unknown lady gave me some lettuce with which I made a delicious sandwich.