The Richard Burton Diaries

by Richard Burton

  25 Tuesday This morning at 2.30 I had experienced and survived my first air raid. Fortunately the plane did not come over P. Talbot at all. We all went into Mrs Jackson's cellar where space was a bit cramped. I did not hear anything.

  26 Wednesday Found out that I was captain of the Town Team to play against Neath schoolboys on Friday. We have never beaten Neath and it would be a great honour if we could pull it off this year.

  27 Thursday It is rumoured that German planes flew over Port Talbot but owing to a muddle the siren was not used. We had a practice (school team) tonight and members of the Town Team also turned up for a knock.

  28 Friday Sis's Birthday – After looking forward to playing against Neath I found that when I got down there it was too late for me to play. The Town lost by about 6 wickets. It was a time limit match. The sec did well.

  29 Saturday I went up the Ynys cricket ground to play Trefelin but rain stopped it.157 Last night saw the biggest air raid in South Wales and the 1st in Port Talbot. Franchis and a house on Tydraw Hill are in a mess.158 Others too.

  30 Sunday Iona Gwen and Thomas Henry and Graham were down here. We are playing Trevelin tomorrow. Elfed is not going to work because he disagrees with pay for it.159

  JULY

  1 Monday We had our first exams today and 1 this afternoon because there was an air raid in here and 9 bombs were dropped. One just missed the gasometer and another some munitions trucks.160

  2 Tuesday We won our match with Trefelin yesterday and we are now in the semi-final for the shield. It is rumoured that we are playing Neath on Saturday in Neath and Cardiff the following Friday.

  3 Wednesday I am sleeping in Mrs Jackson's tonight with Bill.161 I have slept all the week up the Side. Marian and Rhian are staying in Ponty and Sis is staying in Cwm while Elfed is working nights.

  4 Thursday We played Central and lost by about 10 runs. We could have won easily if we had only played carefully but we all went in to have a knock and so failed. I scored 2 caught very well.

  5 Friday Played Neath in the Ferry today and as usual we lost but we did not do wholly bad.162 I scored my usual but I can [be] sure that I could have done better if I had only taken my time.

  6 Saturday Did all my errands and went up Cwm in the morn where I met Ivor and T. Henry. A very serious thing has happened. Money has been stolen by someone from T. Henry to the extent of £5–0–0.

  7 Sunday Went to chapel as usual and had 6d off Edie who came down with Graham to tea.

  8 Monday Everything has been very quiet lately but another air raid is not far off. We had our last exam this morning. It was trigonom and it was alright. I went up Cwmafan to see TH after going up Pont.

  9 Tuesday We had an air raid warning last night and we could distinctly hear the plane. It was for this reason that I did not go to school, as I slept late. I went to see I am the law with E. G. Robinson.163 [...]

  10 Wednesday Put up cardboard all morn in school to stop blast. There was an aerial battle over here today which was very one sided. 3 Spitfires and 1 German.164 I don't know the result of the battle yet.

  11 Thursday No exams or anything in school today and we just muck about. We have had a quiet time lately regarding air raids but not for long I suppose – I must remember to take Dai's clothes to Llantwit Major.

  12 Friday Had an air raid today or should I say tonight and we were in the shelters for 3/4 of hour. When we went to bed it was quarter to one. Don Parr and I helped to nail up blast stoppers in Form II.

  13 Saturday I am writing this during an air raid warning. Sis is down the cellar with Mrs Jackson and Olive Rees. Did all my errands etc. and went down the road to fetch papers during the raid. Longest raid yet.

  14 Sunday Gerwyn is down again this weekend and can he talk. Went to chapel morn noon and night as usual.

  15 Monday We had 3 air raid warnings today. Two of them during school hours. Played cricket tonight with Wherle. I had a scrap with Dai Lodwig. I thought I was going up Cwm. I had 73 in arith.

  16 Tuesday Today after clamouring for History marks Mr Davies unbent so far as to tell me I was top which is good enough.165 I think I have done well in Trig also as Tom Lane saw 22 marks on the 1st two pages.166

  17 Wednesday I found out that though I was top in History I only had 53 marks. Playing football and cricket anagrams with Parkhouse. Played with the boys and scored 19. Central are playing County tomorrow.

  18 Thursday Have not had any more marks. We are only having 3 weeks hols. County beat Central by 100 odd runs. Helped ‘Happy’ and Bobby to erect blast stoppers.167 Had air raid last night.

  19 Friday Have had Trig marks. I had 56 which makes my average for five exams 55.6. With luck I might have a final average of about 50. The reason for drop in average is 39 in Phys. But even that was more than expected.

  20 Saturday Did my errands quickly this morning as the Town played Aberdare this afternoon. When we reached Aberdare I had the shock of my life when I found I was not picked but it learned me not to be too cocksure.168

  21 Sunday Went to chapel all day. Today there are three balloons up in Taibach and one down Margam.169 [...]

  22 Monday Went to school as usual I had 67 in Chemistry and I must truly say that I was disappointed. I expected more. My average is now about 57.5. I played tennis with John Beynon tonight. [...]

  23 Tuesday We had yet another air raid yesterday or should I say last night. This was the longest on record and the 4th air raid in successive nights.170 Went to the Cach to see I lost a Million.171

  24 Wednesday Went to school per usual. Another air raid last night. Breaking up tomorrow for 3 weeks. Played cricket for Wherle's team against Bonehead's team. We are going to play the 2nd inns tomorrow.

  25 Thursday Had my report this morning and it was very good compared with last term's report. I realized an average of 56.5. We have broken up for 3 weeks. No air raid Went to play down shelter with Jake.

  26 Friday When Jake and I went walking over the Brombil valley we found a delightful little tributary valley which was very beautiful.172 It was made of all hidden waterfalls [...]

  27 Saturday We had a two hour air raid last night. 11–1 o'clock. Only 5 people were down there. Three Jacksons and Sis and Elfed. I stayed in bed. Went [to] the Regent to see Naughty Marrietta.173

  28 Sunday Did not go to Chapel this morning – the 1st time for ages. During my walk down Margam I ripped my leg and my trousers.

  29 Monday Ivor's Birthday. Played another of those Colin v Arthur matches. We won easily. I took 5 wickets for 9 runs and I scored 22. I was top in both cases. It is a job to find something to do in these days.

  30 Tuesday Went up mountain to help Jake carry and cut grass clotches for the top of his air raid shelter.174 I was offered 6d but I refused it. Went to Cach to see D. Wakefield and J. Benny.175

  31 Wednesday This morning Dillwyn came up and told that there was a job down the Coop for me. When I went down I was detailed for a boy to shout ‘Baker’ in the Streets.176

  AUGUST

  1 Thursday Dug up the spare patch in the garden and stoned it. Went down Margam park to see Eastern play Central. Found that I and Phillip and Wherle had game.177 I scored 1 not out.

  2 Friday Went up the Colliery to fetch Elfed's pay. He gave me 6d and Verdun gave me a 1/-.178 As soon as I came home I had a haircut in Sandies. Later on I had 6d off Dad James. Went to Cach to see Arsenal St.179

  3 Saturday Had a lot more money again today. 6d off Charles and 6d off Mam James. Went to Regent to see The Flying Deuces.180 I spent 2/7 in the night's entertainment. Air raids every night.

  4 Sunday We had a new preacher in Chapel today. His name was A. E. Lewis. I have his autograph. He was good.

  5 Monday I had 1/5 off Sis today and I spent it all. Went to Regent to see

  Q Planes.181 Roy Palmer came with me and afterwards we went up the park to muck around.

  6 Tuesday Holiday – Went to baths with Brin Phillips and Chas Hockin.182 There weren't many there [...] Had much fun. Went
up the park to play cricket scored 6 and 11 not out.

  7 Wednesday Went to the bath with Brin Phillips and his cousin. We had a fine time there. I had an argument with Mr Bragg the manager.183 Went to fetch blackberries with Elfed. We filled his work box.

  8 Thursday Went down the Coop for Sis and met Susie Preece down there.184 Went down Glen Parkhouse's this afternoon to play billiards. I won 2d then lost a 1d again Went to Cach. Davey came down.185

  9 Friday Went down Glen Parkhouse's all day today and I had a deficiency of 2d at the end of the pool play. Sis went up Cwm. When I got home there was a terrible smell of tar all over Taibach.

  10 Saturday Did all my errands etc. and I went to the baths this afternoon with Charlie Hockin. In the evening I went to the Regent. I contemplated giving up my job with Auntie Ede because I cannot get enough papers.

  11 Sunday Had a new preacher who gave us a very long winded sermon but which was quite nice.

  12 Monday Went down the Coop for Sis and changed my library book the same time. Cleaned the windows also. Went to Cach to see Will Hay in Where's That Fire?186

  13 Tuesday I was supposed to fit for a suit but I came home too late from Glen Parkhouse's. Did a lot of work today for Sis. Helped Peter Dan to push his cart up the hill. I won 2d off Eddie Miles and 2d off ‘Bonehead’ Jenkins.

  14 Wednesday Went down Parkhouse's again this morn. Played Monopoly with Palmer, Plum and Parkhouse, Parkhouse won. We have been having many raids. We had 4 last night and at least one every night previous to it for 4 or 5 weeks.

  15 Thursday This morning I had a letter off Davey asking me to take his bag and kit down to Llantwit Major for him. So I decided to go down there tomorrow. He sent 3/- for expenses. Went down Glen Parkhouse's practically all day. I came away all square with everyone.

  16 Friday Caught the 11.30 bus to Bridgend and the 1.52 from Bridgend to Llantwit. Went to Police Station and met Davey and his pals – They are a jolly lot.187 Inspected the Town and the new cinema. Davey gave 10/- to Sis and 1/2 crown to me – I took it all.

  17 Saturday Last night I walked up to Ponty with Hilda all the way, during which walk, which was at the dead of night, there was an air raid. Will and Cassie came home [...]188 I had some fine ties this week off Dai and Ivor. Pair of shoes too.

  18 Sunday Dr Rees back today. He gave us a decent sermon but not very enjoyable. Will came to Chapel. He is home on leave. Cassie came too.

  19 Monday Started school.189 I am in Form Vm.190 Gerwyn Williams has stayed on and the prospects of a good rugby team are much brighter.191 At least ten of last year's team are eligible, while there are some good youngsters who might fill in the gaps. Brin Phillips etc.

  20 Tuesday Met the new Gym master who is the Tout's brother. His name is of course Mr Davies but most of the boys call him the second Tout.192 Had a decent day. Voted for Gerwyn Williams for Captain but Clifford Owen was picked. He is alright but not so good as Gin.

  21 Wednesday Cliff Owen has arranged a football practice for tomorrow night. The team is up on the board. If Archie Davies comes back to school we should have a very strong team this season. I have had a new or practically new pair of shoes off Ivor (once Will's).

  22 Thursday Had the football practice on the Plough – formerly destined for the Island (Margam) because there is a balloon in the Park. The Gym master picked me as leader of the pack. I have my best shoes a fortnight now. This is in case of arguments.

  23 Friday Had training in the Gym after school. We had about 3/4 hr of Post-ball.193 We won 15–13. Form Vt won't play us in Post-ball. Had the steel frame of an incendiary bomb which was dropped in Llantwit Major. Cassie went to see Dai and brought it back.

  24 Saturday Went to Pictures – Saved 2/- to put in the fund for Co-op Clearance. Met Eric Nelson and we went to the shelter in the Park when the Siren went. There was much fun there. There were many bombs dropped. There were six air raids today.

  25 Sunday Went to chapel as usual. I am going to put 2/- in the penny bank tomorrow if all goes well. Started Chocolate club with Auntie Win. Gave 6d.

  26 Monday Had football practice with the new gym master. He has put me leader of the pack. Put 2/- in the bank. Went to the Regent with Will to see Juarez.194 It was an enjoyable picture. Bette Davis and Paul Muni were the stars. John Garfield was also in it.

  27 Tuesday We had Gym today and it was very enjoyable. Will went back today. He went at 9.20. He has left his overcoat here probably for me. Later Thomas Henry came and told Sis [...] that Will had said that I was to have the coat.

  28 Wednesday School as usual. Life and work in Vm is much the same as usual. I have been flaunting different ties every day. I have about 40 ties all different.195 My suit will be ready a fortnight Saturday. I picked a blue striped one double breast.

  29 Thursday Just as we were going to go out for football practice after school the air raid warning went and we had to stop practice. Was I angry? Went down Parkhouse's to play Monopoly. We played 3 games. I won two.

  30 Friday Sis, Elfed and I went to fetch blackberries. We collected about 91/2; pints all together. I went by myself and I had nearly 3 pints. Sis and Elfed are supposed to have found a fine spot somewhere in the Goytre Valley.196 I'm thinking of going up tomorrow.

  31 Saturday At first I did not intend going to the pictures as it would alter my budget but as Hilda and Edie contributed 9d to me and my fund and [I] went. I did not go to fetch blackberries as I thought. [...]

  SEPTEMBER

  1 Sunday Did not go to Chapel as usual in the morning but went and read a psalm to start school in the noon.

  2 Monday Last night we had the worst air raid of the war. Over 200 people were killed in Swansea, and Ben Evans, the market and Marks and Spencers were hit while Swansea Station was completely wrecked.197

  3 Tuesday I am going to try hard in school this year. We are having continued air raids. Skewen oil works is still burning and there is a black pall of smoke over the sky.198 There are now 42 barrage balloons within sight.199

  4 Wednesday Oil works still burning. Final trial on school field tomorrow. [...] Mr Burton has not come back yet. We had chem practical today. It was jolly interesting too. Had an excellent result.

  5 Thursday We had films in school describing the production of oil. In parts interesting. In other parts it was dry. Had games. I think that it is going to be a massacre Saturday for the Old Boys. Let's hope not.

  6 Friday Argument in school whether to play Cochlin or Parkhouse on the wing Saturday. I voted for Parkhouse but Cochlin played.200 Mitched school and went with Sis to fetch blackberries.201 Had 91/2 pints. Farmer warned us off.

  7 Saturday Led the pack against the Old Boys. They much too heavy for us. We lost 22–3. It was a good game but Elwyn Bowen stand off half for the other team simply tore through our Team.202 Colin Eynon scored our try [...]

  8 Sunday Did not go to chapel all day because Sis said I was not fit to go until I have my new suit next Sunday.

  9 Monday Played football at blind side wing forward.203 I am wondering whether he intends keeping me in that position. I hope so. Tom Mainwaring is back in school again.204 Played football with us. Pretty good too.

  10 Tuesday I intended stopping in and doing homework but Phillips came and sent a little boy up later, so I went with him. Papers did not come in until 6 o'clock tonight. It is very annoying. London bombed fiercely from end to end.

  11 Wednesday School as usual except that we are having films by Gas companies and Ford motors etc. which are not very interesting but offer a relief from the monotony of school life. Mr Burton says there's a long new film coming.

  12 Thursday This morning Stanley Jones gave me a letter from Edie.205 Inside it was another letter from Will. It contained half a crown. That night I went to the Cach and did not tell Sis. It was quite a good show starring Richard Green and Dix.206

  13 Friday This morning the milkboy told Sis that he had seen me in the Cach eating chocolates etc. but I denied it and she believed me – at least I think s
o – although it was no crime. We had Burton today – very interesting talk on Essays.

  14 Saturday Fetched 6 pints of blackberries this morning and I sold them all. The sale realized 1/6 each for Sis and I. Went to Regent in the night – it was pretty good. Uncle Charles gave me 6d. I am not going to get papers for Aunt Ede again.

  15 Sunday Determined to work hard at school and break all records by passing matric 1st time.207 Very few Vm boys have ever done it.

  16 23rd Monday208 I am practically certain of being in the school play. We had football down Margam. It was a jolly game. Mr Sanderson was there and his remarks were not complimentary.209

  17 Tuesday We are supposed to play Cardiff Saturday. In the play I am the American ambassador, Mr Vanhattan, to London.210 [...]

  18 Wednesday Mr Burton had the rest of the people there but he didn't want me as I am only in one act that is the last one.

  19 Thursday Supposed to play football but went to Burton instead. Had a nice time. He told me to modulate my voice a little more as I sounded like a gangster not an American who has been educated.211

  20 Friday Whitchurch cancelled their match. – Very disappointed but as they are a lot of Swanks it is not so important.212

  21 Saturday Edie came down today and gave me a 1/- which was very acceptable under the circumstances in which I was in. She asked me if I had the letter from Will.

  22 Sunday Went to Chapel as usual. Gave a 1/- to Peggy from Mrs Rees which I had last Sunday.

  23 16th Monday213 I am writing now just to fill up space as I haven't written for a fortnight and it is very difficult to fill up space. We are playing against Tonyrefail home on Saturday. They have a poor team this year.

  24 Tuesday Had Chem and other lessons as usual. All the boys are going to put up the football posts tomorrow night down Eastern Ground. Ginger is persuading me to help.214

  25 Wednesday We all went down and you should have seen the try lines they were more like a briar stick than a straight line. We made a miscalculation by making the top try line 67 yards long and the bottom 70 yards.215

  26 Thursday Most of the boys went down again to ‘dig for victory’. I am not sure but I think I went to the pictures. Simeon Jones is a great support.216 He'll turn up anywhere.