These are the December entries for Sheilah Doherty’s diary, from 1918. You can learn more about how I came to have this diary here.
| 1st December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning it poured & I only had one child in Sunday School, so I came home. After that I went to Church. After dinner I went to Mother’s bible class. Then I went to church this evening. My stuff came for my frock. |
| 2nd December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I went up to the forge with Tag to have him shoed. There was quite a decent soldier there too. I drove Tag to Braintree this afternoon & was fitted for my frock. Tag wasn’t done so I’ve got to take him up again tomorrow. |
| 3rd December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I heard from Elaine. Harold is in hospital with water on the knee. I can’t go there till after Christmas now. This morning I was busy & took Tag to be shod. After dinner I drove him up to Bentalls. I do hope I’ll see Perce. |
| 4th December, 1918 |
 |
| Been very bad to day because I hadn’t any pills. I had a letter from the petrol controller asking me what I wanted the petrol for. I wrote back. This afternoon I lay on my bed & went to sleep. I was very sick. I can’t think why. Bill has not written. I want my Perce so badly. |
| Note: Petrol was rationed and heavily taxed during WWI. |
| 5th December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I was busy. After dinner I just messed about. 3 cows came into the garden. This evening the soldiers & girls here had a social in the Old Schoolroom. I danced with them & played games too. How I want Perce!!! |
| 6th December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I drove into Braintree & went to have my dress tried on & also I went to the dentist & I’m having my second false tooth made. I went to an entertainment at the School to night. It was topping. It’s the first time I’ve been to the School with my hair up. I want my beloved Perce. |
| 7th December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I was very busy in the kitchen. After dinner old David Young was buried he was 91. I messed about & read Terence’s Motor Cycles. Next month I shall be able to have petrol again for joy riding. |
| 8th December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I went to Early Service, Sunday School & Church. After dinner I messed about & then I went to Mother’s Bible Class. This evening in Church there was a very small soldier called little Titch, he can’t read or write. Such a funny little chap. |
| 9th December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I didn’t do much. After dinner I motored into Braintree with Mrs Thacker. I got Daddy a Christmas present. I played on the Old Schoolroom piano this morning. I’m just longing to see Perce again. |
| 10th December, 1918 |
 |
| Anniversary of my confirmation 6 years ago. This morning I messed about. After dinner I sent my rabbits to market. I worked in the side room. This evening I went to a political meeting for the Coalition. Tomorrow I’m going to the Labour meeting. |
| Note: General election held on 14 Dec 1918 resulting in landslide victory for coalition government (comprising Conservatives and Coalition Liberals) of David Lloyd George (1863-1945), prime minister 1916-1922. |
| 11th December, 1918 |
 |
| Heavens rejoice. I can ride the motor bike again. I am going to Chelmsford on Friday. I went to Braintree on the carriers bus. My frock is perfect. Percy Rentall came too. The Germans shut him in a cattle truck for 3 days with nothing to eat. He said once he got stuck in the mud & he cried. Got my new teeth. |
| 12th December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I phoned to Chelmsford for my license. Waited hour & 1/2 to get through. I went down to the station in a motor & saw Mummy off. She has gone to London till tomorrow. Tomorrow I’m going to Chelmsford on the motor bike. I went to Dunmow this afternoon. |
| 13th December, 1918 |
 |
| I went to Chelmsford on the motor bike to day. It was glorious. Then I went to tea at the Thackers & then I went down to meet Mummy. This evening went to the School concert. With my hair up & new frock. Mackender sang. Mr Evans has come back. He sang to night. |
| 14th December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I was busy. After dinner I went for a ride on Tag. Then I went to the dress rehearsal of the village entertainment. Mackender was good & then I went again in the evening. Mackender was ripping. Mum has found out about Perce and I’m not going to think anymore about him. |
| 15th December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I went to Sunday School & Church. I sat with Jerry & Kitty. After dinner I went for a little walk & then went to Mummy’s Bible class. Arthur Willis was in Church tonight. He came over from Chelmsford. I’m going to be very good this week. |
| 16th December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I was busy mending my coat. After dinner I delivered notes for Father on his motor bike. I saw Mackender & Mant & Taylor while I was out. Mummy went to Dunmow with Tag. After Church I went in to see Miss Vaizy. Very cold now. |
| 17th December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I was busy. After dinner I went to Dunmow on Dads motor bike. The boys were all going to the station for tickets. Jack Davis was killed this morning. He fell out of an aeroplane. I saw Mackender in Lindsells, he helped me choose some velvet. |
| Note: Lindsells should perhaps be Linsells, a family shop. |
| 18th December, 1918 |
 |
| The boys went this morning. I did not see Mackender again. I was very busy this morning. After dinner I went to Braintree on Dads motor bike. Aline & Aunt Evelyn sent me presents this morning. Braintree was packed full. I bought Terence some little cards. |
| Note: Terence, her brother, is now a full lieutenant, attached to the Assistant Provost Martial Palestine Line of Command. |
| 19th December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I was very busy cooking. After dinner I drove down to Sewards Hall & got some holly for decorations. I saw Tommy at the gate. After tea I went in to see Miss Vaizy & Miss Hampshire. Mummy went to tea at Mrs Thackers. Mrs Hodges has got a son. |
| 20th December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning the land girls went home. I was very busy. Letter from Terence. He is better. After dinner I walked up to Rudkins to get holly. After tea I went to see Miss Dalby. I am going to Dunmow tomorrow afternoon. |
| 21st December, 1918 |
 |
| This afternoon I went to Jack Davis’ funeral. Kenneth was there & he wouldn’t look at me, last time I saw him he kissed me. I don’t care. I was very busy this morning. After tea I went in to Miss Vaizy. I went to 10 o’clock service this morning. |
| 22nd December, 1918 |
 |
| Went to early Service this morning. Then I went to Sunday School & Church. Mrs Morris took the organ for Mummy for a treat. I went to Mummy’s Bible class this afternoon. Then I went to Church this evening. Tenor bell broke. |
| Note: The tenor is the lowest pitched bell in a set of bells (a ring). |
| 23rd December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I was very busy. Bad day. After dinner I went into Braintree on Dads bike to do some shopping. Left the list at home of course. After tea went into see Miss Vaizy. She gave me book & butter scotch. |
| 24th December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I was very busy. I had to go to Braintree again after dinner. I saw a Punch & Judy show there. Eveleen came this morning & Uncle Willie came by the 6.13 tonight. Going to freeze to night. |
| Note: Eveleen must be Evelyn (1891-1950), her first cousin, daughter of Uncle Willie (William Pemble Doherty (1855-1938), one of her father’s younger brothers. |
| 25th December, 1918 |
 |
| Rang bells to past 7. Mummy gave me lovely hand bag & I bought dressing case. Daddy leggings & pocket book. Eveleen & Uncle Willie a book. Went for a walk this afternoon. Tres cold. |
| 26th December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I was busy. After dinner I went for a singing lesson at Mrs Coxsedges. Then I went down to the Vaizys with Daddy. Mrs Thacker came to tea & supper. I went to Miss Vaizy after Church. Uncle Willie goes tomorrow. |
| 27th December, 1918 |
 |
| I was busy this morning. After dinner I went to Dunmow on Dads motor bike. The shops I wanted were shut, but got some chocolate. I thought I might see Ken as he is at hme but I didn’t. I hope it will be fine tomorrow. |
| 28th December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I was busy. After dinner I went to Dunmow on Dads motor bike. I saw Ken at dinner time in his father’s car. Nothing much to write in to day. Hicks & Shepherd are not open yet. Eveleen is still here. |
| 29th December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I went to Sunday School & Church. After dinner Eveleen & I went for a walk up to the Council Schools. Then I went to Mummy’s Bible Class. I went & rang this evening. Got to ring the old year out. |
| 30th December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning Eveleen & I went to Chelmsford. She went by bus & I went on the motor bike. I bought a book called The Silent Rancher with the 2/- Aunt Hilda gave me. I got home long before the bus did. Eveleen goes home tomorrow. |
| Note: 1. The Silent Rancher by Gertrude Page was published in 1909. Born in England, the author moved to Rhodesia on marriage. She wrote many books on life in Africa. 2. 2/- is 2 shillings, roughly £7 today |
| 31st December, 1918 |
 |
| This morning I was busy. After dinner I went for a singinging [sic] lesson. Went down to the station with Eveleen. Sat up till ½ past 11 & then rang the old year out & the new in. Had cocoa & mince pies after. Got to bed 10 m to 1. |
Ready for some more? Sadly this is the last month of the diary and there is no more. Don’t forget to read how this diary came about or the further information page, though. Failing that, go back to January and start all over, if you like!
Seen any mistakes? Have something to add about what you have read? We’d love to know, so please send an email.