21 - 22 Dec 1941, Barbara Anslow's diary
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I went to Confession at French Mission building at top of Battery Path – a young Irish priest stopped me (and others passing) and asked if I was RC and would I like to go to Confession. Inside on ground floor a priest was hearing confessions. Because Holy Communion would not be given immediately, I left without receiving it. Olive and I had exchanged tin helmets on account of size difficulties. I now felt horribly conspicuous in a red steel one.
Marjorie Cook and I had one big row over water. There was none in the taps ((Japs had turned reservoirs off)). One day she ushered a coolie into our room carrying two kerosene tins full of water; she announced she was going to use it all herself. I called her a selfish bitch ((first time I used that noun.))
In the tunnel Peggy was always getting presents of chocolates etc. I was very jealous. Then one morning Mr Manning of ARP staff brought me one dozen 4 oz packets of Cadbury's milk chocolate – he said he had heaps in his firm's godown ((store)). I ate one on the spot, gave one each to Mrs Bebbington and Mrs Pryde in Dina House, put six aside to send to Mum. Got the 6 bars sent to Mum via Olive, who wouldn't have any of it herself.
Comments
This is all for me!
Barbara - I'm delighted that David has persuaded you tell this story of my father's (half-) cousin Marjorie Cook and 'her' water on Gwulo. I believe you originally told me that your delight in seeing the water - were there several of you sharing the room? - turned to ashes, when Marjorie announced: "This is all for me!" I'm interested to know that Marjorie had contacts in town who could send her water to the Dina Hotel. Is that how she would have obtained it? - or was she free to go out and buy it herself? I was also relieved to hear that she ended up sharing the water after all and that you made things up.
Jill
More comments from Barbara Anslow
Barbara answered my query about how Marjorie Cook obtained her water as follows:
Despite row with Marjorie, she was very kindly towards me when we had to share a cubicle - and the bed. I think she was trying to advise me not to trust men!"