Page 2134 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

2131

1945

Thursday 5th September

A most unpleasant day, hot, damp, south wind & heavy clouds which after midday produced quite a sharp
fall of rain, so much that there were pools of water on the streets - very unusual. Spent most of the day at the
Fort, nothing important but a good deal of local stuff. Saw Tunnicliffe who seemed less gloomy. No news
of Leigh. To Jidda after lunch, very bumpy & felt decidedly unwell on the launch. Dont think it was
altogether the sea. All well at Jidda, the trees seem to have grown in the fortnight I have been away. Walked
round the garden, my tree seeds are coming up & the tamarisks are shooting. A strong, not cool, south wind

Friday 6th September

At Jidda, queer weather, very hot & stuffy in the morning so much that everyone complaining of it - one
sweated if walking a few yards. Spent some time at the jail & the rest of the morning in the sea, then at 3.30
a terrific thunder clap followed by a violent wind & strong rain, the sea in a minute from being dead calm
became covered with white waves, most of the time the sun out as well. So unusual for the time of year. I
hope no boats are lost its the sort of sudden storm that gets them. The storm stopped as suddenly as it came
& sea at once became calm again though still heavy clouds over Bn.