Page 1752 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1944

Friday 19th November

Lunched at Agency & then off to the Races, stormy weather, heavy clouds &
earlier on a dust storm over Mhq. The show was a great success,
literally thousands of people and no accidents except that the last race
had to be scratched owing to rain suddenly coming down. The tote was
crammed, the AVM & SNO were there & a lot of service people as well as
almost the whole European population. My mares did badly, Wadhna, who
had a good chance, refused to start. Mostly the favourites won so the
public were pleased, though they didnt pay high, one outsider won & paid
35/- to 2. Later we went to a supper party at the Phillips, rather a
tiresome affair. Altogether the races were a grand success & everyone,
even losers, seemed to be enthusiastic. We made, for the War Fund,
altogether about 8000, roughly £600. Agar & Mackenzie rode my two mares.
Bandmaster returned.

Saturday 20th November

No parade at the Fort as all on duty yesterday. Rather lame as I twisted
my knee climbing a fence at the races. Office, not a very busy day,
things seem rather slack in the office. Shs Mohd & Abdulla went off on a
hunting trip with a lot of sons & nephews to be away for a month. A row
going on between RAF & USA getting any sort of concessions in Bahrain.
Chase asked me about some land etc and then apparently told USA they
could do all sorts of things. G.P I know has a complex about Americans.
Snow came in & looked at my knee, not much wrong & later we took some
books back to the library.

Monday 22nd November

Parade 6.30 - 8.30.

Fort. Didnt go to court as I had to go to Agency. GP very cross about
the USA airforce asking for facilities here and Chase discussing
arrangements with them & with me. He has a most violent complex about