Page 1251 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1940

Clayton, "Tubby" & a young man called Peter Le Mesieuser, arrived before breakfast from India on up mail.
He is not what I expected, very round & pink, looks over 60 but is only 53, evidently very navy, has lately

been ill, & very free as to time etc. Took him to call on the Troughs in the afternoon, & then to hospital &
for a drive & after dinner he gave an address about Tor N at the camp - spoke very well & most interesting,
a big audience who seemed interested in his talk, he had a few hymns & prayers afterwards but not a
service. Then went to the Dames for refreshments. He found several of his men there. Steele re Camps
etc. for tattoo.

Thursday 6th April

Fort, then went to the celebrations at the Mission, Clayton took the service very well, about eight people
present. Busy morning in the office preparing programme for the King's visit. Clayton went to Jufair & had

a service on one of the sloops.

A long talk with Thornburg about various matters - pearl publicity, their "Rest House", company interior
policy etc etc. Wills came in for a few minutes before lunch, talk about landing Company. Fort in
afternoon, Bush was up there riding.

Friday 7th April

Got up very late. Clayton & Le Meseurier went to the fort & had a service. Left after lunch for Basra by air,
It was difficult to get him off in time, I have rarely met a man with such disregard for time, the young man
had a difficult job keeping him up to his engagements.

We went to Budeya in morning & cinema in afternoon - bad film - cocktail party at Packers, and then the
Forkers & Bush to diner, very bright little party, they got on well. Rain in evening. Wills came in before
lunch.

Saturday 8th April