Galveston

Well we left Beaumont at 7 a.m. today. Back down the river. A fine start too. We have a million pounds cash of oil on board. High octane 1 spark and Bobs your uncle. Coming down the river we nearly upset our tug and going round a bend the ship would not answer. Instead of going starboard she went to port and scraped the side of the river and the bottom. Yes we nearly got stuck there. We got to the coast, eventually, was ordered to drop anchor pending further orders which came just as the anchor was going down. Up it had to come, proceed to sea, we did.

This is another attempt. I am so confused, mixed up backward with my diary that I must just put everything down as I can remember it. I have just finished a load of washing and have made myself two crab sandwiches and an orange and cup of tea. Now this and I hope to finish it before I go to bed.

Well, no news today. Up this morning, you know, then work, plenty of it.

What do you think they had for tea today? Kippers, steak and kidney pie, mashed spuds, cakes, grapefruit, (fresh) lettuce, beetroot, tomato and the Officers had pineapples as well. The brave Silent Service, dodges of the army I call them.

12.30. We have just finished serving dinner. Turkey again with chicken, lucky buggers eh! Why even now they are each looking at the clock working out "how long before tea time". No officials have been aboard yet, customs, immigration or anyone else. But that may be because there is another large convoy came in. My word this place is full of ships, they have a job to watch anyone. 

I am just having a break before going aloft to shift 30 bags of Yanky spuds. I suppose by now you have had my telegrams and know by now that I am ok and safe.