19 Feb 1945, Barbara Anslow's diary

Paper says Manila in flames and ruins, and fighting at Mackinley ((where we were billetted when in Manila in July 1940)).

Much bombing of Japan by a powerful task force.  The Japs claim 187 planes shot down.

9,000 planes supposed to be over Dresden.

Rumour that East Prussia has surendered, and that our oil ration here ceases at the end of March.

Henry puss is getting loads to eat - people bringing him remains of some of the stunned fish. ((We acquired Henry when one of the few camp cats had kittens; we 4 each gave him about a teaspoonful of our rice & stew each day.  Can't remember now how the fish came to be stunned!))

My week off.  Olive back at work.

Catholic Action meeting at 3pm, then Sheila and I went to St Stephens for rehearsal of Her First Dance which Concannon has brushed up tremendously. We have invited him and others to tea on Sunday.

Joyce Wilkinson is engaged to John Wall.

Yesterday Mrs June Cheape had some food stolen.  ((Her billet was on one of our landings.))

Had a card from Auntie dated June 1944.

Had a long chat with Ivy Batley who is in hospital again.