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Auction No 420, Tag: London Blitz

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An unpublished WW2 Journal in five hardback exercise books, written by Jessica Eliot of 45 Codrington Hill, Forest Hill, London,

Lot: 38

  • Auction Date: Wed 13th Sep 2023 12:00 BST (Ended)
  • Est: £350 - £450
UNSOLD
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An unpublished WW2 Journal in five hardback exercise books, written by Jessica Eliot of 45 Codrington Hill, Forest Hill, London, with detailed description of daily life, the many air-raids, comment on the progress of the war, Flying Bombs, V2 Rockets etc. Witten in a clear hand, partly in pencil, partly in ink. Condition is very good. Examples of the entries are: “1940. Fri.29 Nov. Planes droning at 11.50. Sirens wailed at 11.55, and at 12.45 heard a loud crash, then Sirens to 1.10p.m.; at 6.20 guns began almost simultaneously with the Sirens. Left papers in the house, & in lull went in to get them. Soon the guns were appalling, shells tore through the air with great ferocity, like red hot iron hissing through steam, as well as the rattling noise of the machine guns. Every few minutes they come, & fresh outpourings of fire, by far the loudest we have had. On looking out of a creek of the door, we can see the flames to the Eastward, & parachute stars & concentration of searchlights. Next morning we heard one bomb had fallen in Sunderland Rd, & much damage in Stepney", and "1944. Oct. 31st. 6.10p.m. Heavy explosion, which must have been distant, as we did not hear reverberations. I stamped on the floor, for want of something else to do. 6.35p.m. Another – seems in docks direction again. 9.10 p.m. loud double explosion. Seven Flying Bombs today. 11.35 p.m. distant explosion. Wed,1st Nov. 2.15a.m. double explosion, nearer. 5.10 a.m. not a 'demon' but a DREADFUL demon – sounded about as loud as the New Cross bomb. Sprang up, & ran to the door, but could not see anything. Heard during the morning that several fell at & around Charlton (beyond Woolwich) during the night, & that the dreadful one was at Friern Road, Dulwich (5.10a.m.) & the 6 people were killed (not far from Peckham Rye). It is said  that the Heinkels have been so destroyed by day, they have now been obliged to fly by night. 6.30 p.m. more horrible explosion than ever. Shook me well up. Smoke drifting over the Brockley Jack, & over the Jargonelle pear tree & house. Poor South London again. Probably a rocket.". Many newscuttings are loosely inserted between the pages together with some notes made by the author and a few letters from relatives.