Thomas Graham’s Diary – 29th September 1939
The ‘arrangement between Germany and Russia’ referred to here is the German-Soviet Frontier Treaty, signed on the 28th of September. Although Thomas states here that the terms of this agreement […]
second world war
Thomas Graham’s Diary – 14th September 1939
“What puzzles me is why Hitler did not force war a year ago, when it was quite evident to everybody that this country was not ready? It is clear now […]
Thomas Graham’s Diary – 13th September 1939
Today’s thoughts centre on the conflict of ideas between the strength of anti-German feeling in Britain and other nations, and the overwhelming desire to avoid another war at all costs. […]
Thomas Graham’s Diary – 12th September 1939
Opening this entry, Thomas refers to comments that Anthony Eden had made in Parliament the previous evening which he believes communicated clearly the intentions of both the government and nation. […]
Thomas Graham’s Diary – 11th September 1939
“Streets crammed with traffic and people, the latter mostly carrying gas masks. I saw a few 1st aid posts. Many buildings sandbagged and the police wearing their ordinary helmets but […]
80th Anniversary of the Declaration of War with Germany on the 3rd September 1939
It was officially announced at 11.15am on the 3rd September 1939, that Britain was at war with Germany. There are various records held in the Archives that show the reaction […]
Thomas Graham’s Diary – 1st & 2nd September 1939
The countdown to war began in earnest on the 1st of September when the Nazi Luftwaffe began bombing raids on Warsaw, and again, over these two days, Thomas comes back […]
Thomas Graham’s Diary – 30th & 31st August 1939
The anxiety continues for Thomas and his family with him here coming back to his diary throughout the days as the situation develops. There is a very real sense of […]
Thomas Graham’s Diary – 29th August 1939
This long and thoughtful diary entry can be summed up by a quote from within the text: “I dare say you are thinking ‘Why does this old bore write down […]
Thomas Graham’s Diary – 25th August 1939
In this entry, Thomas reflects on the loss of life in the First World War, just 25 years before this. One of the biggest factors in the support for appeasement […]