8th December 1941

It is 18 months since I arrived in England, in London and hugged my parents. On the 20 June 1942 I must be in the Celle St Cloud, Seine & Oise, France

Wife’s Note

You were nearly a year late, my dear love. The 31/5/43. I was in your arms very briefly. When will I be again?

10th December 1941

Wednesday: Bad news these last few days and even worse today. The Japs have sunk the Prince of Wales. It’s a bad knock for the Navy. The Americans have a sleeping pill and the Japanese are nearly in Alaska. New York has had air raid sirens and they have been taken entirely by surprise. I think this attack will wake them up. Thank God, the Russians are resisting admirably and are even attacking in the main sector. Our troops in Libya are fighting equally well. I am more and more tied up – I love you dearest and miss you terribly. I try to get messages to you, but unfortunately I do not receive any.

On Friday I intend to go out with Pearl, Jean and Miss Dunlop. Miss Dunlop is a young woman of 21, with a French mother and English father. She arrived in England about 2 months ago and has been in the ministry since Monday. She escaped from France with her parents, but unfortunately, her boat was sunk at night off the coast of Portugal and after being on a raft for about 4 hours, she was recovered and brought to England. The only person she knows is an uncle in Hendon.

11th December 1941

Thursday: Today appears to be calm and extremely joyous. Last night when I got here, there was a message from you dated 7th July. What joy my darling, to know my old uncle is still alive. I thought he had been dead for a while. I am looking forward to hear from you. I want to get a long, long letter! Quite frequently I send you letters by cooks, but you do not seem to receive them. The other day I was able to get a letter to Mrs Regnier and am trying by direct mail via Lisbon. Maybe one day I’ll be able to communicate with you more easily.

12th December 1941

Friday: Little to do yesterday or the day before and today is looking calm. In half-an-hour, I’m going to collect my pay and I have finally heard that my request from about 6 months ago for an allowance in your name has been approved. Therefore about 700 francs will be sent over each month, in order to supplement the payments you have received from the US embassy with British pounds.

31st December 1941

Wednesday: Last day of 1941, the year has been a very hard one, my lady, for me, for you and for thousands and thousands of others. But on Balance? It is Better, much better than last year. We are stronger and the Boches are less so. The Russians are admirable and thank god they are on our side. I am homesick and very low, another Christmas spent without you and another New Year.

With the New Year approaching, the War from an Allied perspective was becoming less arduous. Thus far, nearly everything that had happened had been the Allies reacting to the Axis advance. Britain had fought a major defensive War, Russia the same. If 1942 was the year the war turned in favour of the allies, 1941 was the year it was held down long enough for this to be a possibility. The Allies would now enter the New Year with American help; they would also enter it with the initiative in Russia and North Africa.

Maurice Southgate’s words
Translated by Parade Antiques

The post Southgate’s Diary, Part 15 – 7th December – 31st December 1941 appeared first on Parade Antiques Blog.

6th December 1941

How I would like to disembark in France with the boys and to go and hug you. But courage and patience, that day will come – I have received via the Red Cross, an answer to one of my messages. You tell me that you have given notice on our flat and that Gerard has slip up with Robert. Both bits of news are hard. I wonder, were you able to save any of the furniture. I hope so, but I understand that you had to get rid of it. What is Gerard up to? Still a decorator? Angry with Robert, may be for political reasons or maybe there wasn’t enough work for two. During the holidays, I went to see Jack Starr, his wife Mimi and their daughter in Oxford. All three are well, but his wife has had no news from her parents for 18 months.

Just finished a letter to Miss Regnier de Pau, with the hope that she will receive it. Yesterday, I went back to work and felt proud, as everyone, officers included looked happy to see me and the typists and PA’s gave me a real welcome. “It’s grand to see you again Sgt”. At the moment I am listening to Radio Lyon and The Mascot.

We have been unable to find out what The Mascot (Le Mascote) was.

We captured Bardia and are throwing the Italyos and boches (sic) out the door. I have stuck precious pages, some photos of Scotland and Hereford. Souvenirs of a stay, but nothing compare to the Capital and the smell of the bus fumes. With your permission, little girl, I’m going to the kitchen to get a bite to eat. Until later, maybe. I’m on duty (Firewatcher) from 3am to 6am tomorrow.

The Battle for Bardia was an important event in World history. Bardia, in modern-day Libya and was the site of an important battle at the beginning of 1941. A British and Australian force defeated an Italian force in Bardia, taking 36,000 prisoners. This created an Allied foothold in Libya and changed the dynamics of the North African conflict, leading to German intervention. It was also a needed confidence-boost, which encouraged the wider world that an Allied Victory was possible and even lead to the Lend-Lease act being passed in the USA – an act which would reinvigorate the allied struggle with much needed American materials.

7th December 1941

Sunday morning 9:40. I don’t have much time to write to you at the moment. However said that you don’t work in a Ministry. From morning till night without stop, under pressure and in the evening after dinner it is about 9:15 and I go to bed. Today, a lazy day. Last Sunday I went to the Club in London, for lunch, and hired to play the piano all afternoon. Tea and then dinner. In the evening we went out and had lots of fun at “Chez Yvonne”, where we met Jean. The Russians are hitting back and the Boches (sic) are in retreat in the South. I would not be surprised if the Americans and the Japs (sic) don’t declare war on each other at any moment.

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour happened in the morning of this exact day. Fascinatingly, Southgate although prophetic about Japan and America’s inevitable clash, seems unaware of this event. Presumably the news hadn’t filtered through to Europe?

Maurice Southgate’s words
Translated by Parade Antiques

The post Southgate’s Diary, Part 14 – 6th December – 7th December 1941 appeared first on Parade Antiques Blog.

28th October 1941

18 days since I wrote to you. I am now in a new building. Turnstill House, High Holborn. The building was damaged last winter, but has been repaired. I am on the 6th floor with long views. All around us are ruins, houses destroyed by fire and bombs.

[News cutout: “Germany does not intend France to rise again”]

30th October 1941

Dear love, just a few lines to tell you that I’m always thinking of you. I am trying to get a letter to you by a semi direct route. But it is impossible to tell you how. Am in the office with P/o Hardy and Miss Sherwood. Cold outside, but not as cold as the Russian Steppe. They’re still holding out, our allies, and are really pounding the Germans. About 4 million casualties up to now.

[Personal Stuff].

3rd November 1941

Yesterday evening I took Ray to the cinema andt to “Chez Yvonne” a nightclub in a basement off Regents Street. Lots of French in the club and unsurprisingly, lots of young woman. Had lunch with Jean in a Milk Bar. This evening I am going out again with Jean to swap ideas. There are a lot of rumblings.

22nd November 1941

Just came back from a few days holiday. I apologise it has been 3 weeks since I wrote.

23rd November 1941

Last week we beat an Italian Convoy and sunk 10 large ships, 3 cruisers and damaged others, and this with only 4 small British Naval Boats, without any losses on our side. A really good victory – as you probably know, we have begun a large assault in Africa. I am hopeful of this campaign and if we manage to kick out the huns (sic) and macaronis (sic) from Libya, we will have achieved a great military and moral victory. The Russians are holding out admirably and the Germans have their work cut out. Between 4-5 million boches (sic) have been put out of action in 6 months. If the Russians can do the same in the next 5-6 months, The War cannot last much longer.

At this point in the war, with the date approaching 1942, things were delicately poised. The Eastern front was swiftly cementing its place as the most destructive war in the history of the world, whilst the battle for the Mediterranean, though less horrendous was of similar historic importance. Up to this point the war had been a collection of Axis victories, the Battle of Britain being the exception. Invading Russia proved there were limits to Germany’s power, the troubles in the Mediterranean likewise. From here it was Allied ascendancy up until 1945, with a few desperate gambles hindering it here and there.

Maurice Southgate’s words
Translated by Parade Antiques

The post Southgate’s Diary, Part 13 – 28th October – 23rd November 1941 appeared first on Parade Antiques Blog.

8th October 1941

Wed morning, loads of work from morning to evening. I am now in a large office with Squadron Leader Green, Petit Officer Hardy, Miss Sherwood and myself (still Sergeant.). A lot more room and my work has been simplified. Wing Commander Wells and Biles are in the next office. Had lunch with Jean. I am now part of the Free French Clique and can eat at their club/mess. You can eat very well for 2 shillings and a litre of wine costs 1 shilling instead of 4 or 5 shillings in the shops. The atmosphere is very nice and you can eat with the Officers. General Valin, Admiral Muselier, Capt. Bouderie, Charles, Muselier and others.

9th October 1941

It was raining a bit this morning, but the visibility has improved these last days and our aerial activity should resume. The Germans seem to be making a big push and I am fearful for the Russians. I wonder, when will this massacre finish? Is it our political agenda to let the Germans and Russians annihilate each other and when they are both on their knees, we will enter the fray and dictate terms to both Communist and Fascists. I may be ahead of myself, but I would not be surprised if it pans out that way. Why we do not try and land somewhere in Europe is a mystery. Our air force is growing all the time for those who know and the time our High Command decides to attack on mass, nothing will resist the RAF. That day cannot come too soon.

10th October 1941

The news today is full of the Russian campaign, and demands as to why the British Government is not getting involved in order to help the USSR. Everyone asks how things stand and whether the Russians will hold against the invaders. Russians and Germans are being bled white. The carnage is enormous, such as the world has never seen and hopefully will not see again.

Maurice Southgate’s words
Translated by Parade Antiques

The post Southgate’s Diary, Part 12 – 8th October – 10th October 1941 appeared first on Parade Antiques Blog.

26th September 1941

“What is this Nation of shopkeepers which have not forgotten that to remain free, you must know how to be a soldier?”

I cannot stop myself writing about the ardour in the ‘Battle of Britain’. We must not forget all those in auxiliary roles. Their job of servicing the Air Force and maintaining communications at all cost. The bases of fighter squadrons in the East, South East, and South of London, the fitters, mechanics, signalers, telephone operators, messengers and the others who endure the massive bombardment and continue day and night. For the first time since William The Conqueror set foot on these shores the men and women of England, including the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force have been placed in the middle of battle. And the list of their achievements is testament to their bravery and endurance. Without concern for their rest, not taking precaution of the bombing and carrying out their duty day. They made it possible for the fighter squadrons to face the enemy, day after day, until they were beaten.

Saturday: Yesterday was a very quiet day, the calmest for months. I managed to write 7 letters, one to you, by the intermediary of Mille Requier and one for Guy as I have had no news from him.

28th September 1941

Watched a couple of films, (1 about enemy agents). Heard the news. The Russians are resisting magnificently and our strategy of not setting up a BEF, must be hiding a greater plan.

The BEF stands for the British Expeditionary Force. At this point in the War, the Eastern Front was bearing the brunt of the conflict and the Russians were hoping for the opening of a western front to relieve some of the pressure. Understandably the postponements of this until 1944 caused tension between the Eastern and Western Allies.

Tomorrow we descend the 5th floor and should have a lot more room.

Maurice Southgate’s words
Translated by Parade Antiques

The post Southgate’s Diary, Part 11 – 26th September – 28th September 1941 appeared first on Parade Antiques Blog.

Midday news: bulk of Italians taking another pounding in the Med.

Wing Commander Wells is back. At present in meeting with Squadron leader Green and F/O Gardner. I’ve managed to catch up on my work.

24th September 1941

This morning we had a visit from General Vallin, Chief of Staff of the Free French Air Force. He has just come back from an inspection tour in Africa and Syria.

The Syria-Lebanon campaign or Operation Export, was the allied invasion of the Vichy-French-controlled Syria and Lebanon in June and July of 1941. The conflict was a curious one, because it was one of the few where British and Free French forces were fighting Vichy French forces.

The Russian front is still holding and becoming tough. In France disorder and sabotage are becoming reasonably well organised. The other day in Toulouse, they were showing an American film in a cinema and there was a scene where the British anthem gets played. The whole cinema stood up for the anthem. Some German officers, who were present, called for the lights to be turned on and the cinema to be cleared. In all of France, people are resisting. I’ve learnt that we are moving on Monday, going down to the 5th floor in two rooms. We will have a lot more space. What joy, darling, that I have received news from you. One via the Red Cross, the other by a friend of mine, Lorieux. Unfortunately in order for the latter to get it from Occupied to Vichy France, it had to be torn and reconstructed, so he could send it me. Unfortunately, it wasn’t in your writing and so half the charm was lost.

26th September 1941

[Some comments regarding book: “Looking for Trouble – Virginia Cowles” (regarding the Blitz spirit)]:

‘There is not a man or woman in Britain, writes Quentin Reynolds, that doesn’t firmly believe that this country will win the war.” I recently read some newspaper article for New York and the answer to this sentiment was highlighted in “The English are either very brave or very stupid, I think that they are very brave.” – “God has been very good to the English. He has given each of them a good dose of stupidity. An Englishman is stupid enough to believe that he can beat up a dozen Germans. The boys in the RAF are not showoffs, but each of them is stupid enough to believe that they in their Spitfire can beat a dozen Messerschmitts. The women and the old men are sufficiently stupid to believe that they can defend their villages in case of invasion.

Maurice Southgate’s words
Translated by Parade Antiques

The post Southgate’s Diary, Part 10 – 6th September – 26th September 1941 appeared first on Parade Antiques Blog.

When it happens, I’ll share it, before this world of Facebook and Twitter scare away eccentricity for good, though that could just be the rain? Eccentrics hate rain. Also judging by other antique dealers, it’s possible that I’ll be sanitised to the madness within a decade; existing in a cosy land of tweed blazers and bow ties.

The other day, Rob and I were speculating over what horn a walking stick was made from. Commenting on its ivory inlay, an old chap of around 60 appeared, peeking his head around the corner.

In the most husky of voices, the most intense of manner, he leaned over the table, looked Rob in the eye and said:

“The ONLY, animal, that should be wearing ivory… is the Elephant!”

The first thought that came to me after this line was what amount of warm gravel this man had eaten to have such a voice. I agreed with him, though the situation and caffeine had given me an awkward smirk. Trying to hide it, I nodded sincerely. This didn’t seem to be adequate; another story was needed and with more intensity.

“When I was in Africa, I was a traveling man, you see… there were two baby, orphan Elephants, their mother hunted for ivory. All the while the rich folks sitting on the veranda, drinking tea – one of the elephants escaped the pen, went over to a lady and rested its trunk on her arm… on her arm, an Ivory bracelet!”

Every story he told (and there were many) ended with the phrase: true as I stand here. And cracking phrase that it was, it got me thinking, could I pull it off?

Imagine the stories I could tell, armed with that phrase and the voice to match. I could elevate the most mundane of stories, the most average of antiques, with the worldly gravitas of a pirate. “Geoff bought some stamps the other day… true as I stand here!”

Another interesting tactic of his was to let his left-eye do most of the work. The right eye was there to balance the aim of his anecdotes.

The funniest thing about all of this was I had greeted him a moment earlier, on his entry, noticing no peculiarity. The usual Good morning prompting the usual reply. “Hello, yeah, not bad, thanks” the voice of this reply differed from his storytelling voice. I guess it’s hard to maintain.

Cracking fellow, he didn’t buy anything, but I bloody hope he returns.

Dominic Sanchez-Cabello