My Dad's Diary : Thurs 6th February 1947

"Rufus found - out all night.

Registered baby - Henry Robert!

Got 2 cwt p.m. extra coal up to 7 April.

1 day A.L."

Some explanation of the third line may be necessary for ignorant foreigners and those too young to remember: We were being allocated an extra coal ration of two hundredweight per month until 7 April. A hundredweight is equal to 112 pounds in weight.

A.L. = Annual Leave.

My Dad's Diary : Wed 5th February 1947

"Rufus lost in snow.

Went to Hospital. Doris and baby O.K.

Looked all night for Rufus."

Rufus was our ginger cat who joined the family in 1947. He and I grew up together.