Tuesday January 12th 1943

I had to go to the lav as soon as I got up this morning. Same as I always used to and ever since I have had my pain return. I am lying in bed now at 2.30 and have just woke up from a dream. A ship wreck, me on it and hundreds of kids, Margo and Art were there too. I was jumping off the ship onto the shore trying to save them. Perhaps it is because I was thinking of Margo and hoping she will not take to smoking as I have seen her try it once or twice. I am asking her not to in my letter home. I do not know what is happening to our convoy, it keeps on messing about and we keep on changing position. One side, then the other, the only thing I can think of is that the Halifax ships are leaving us.

Evening, I still got my pain, it's horrible, nothing will ease me. To make matters worse, preparing tea the Cook nearly cut his thumb off. As the A10 he had to dash to mid ships and get it done up. That meant Les had to do the tea. Make two bread and everything for 47 men all on his lonesome. American dry hash, and Irish stew, 40 loaves, salad, and cold meats. Believe me it nearly killed me, with my pain as well, no wonder I do not shave and go to bed dirty.