diary of oscar kirk june 1919

8/9/2019 Diary of Oscar Kirk June 1919

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The Diary of Oscar Kirk, PLA Messenger Boy, extracts for June 1919

This document contains the transcribed diary entries from June 1919 of Oscar Kirk

who was 14 when he started to work in the West and East India Docks in 1918ferrying messages and mail between different docks and Port of London Authorityoffices.

Oscar's diary for the first half of 1919 has survived and is currently part of themuseum's collection. The diary is currently on display in the Sainsbury's StudyCentre at the museum.

Who was Oscar Kirk?

Oscar was born in May 1904 in Poplar, London close to the West India Docks. At the

age of 14, on the 23 October 1918, just a few days before the end of World War I,Oscar started to work for the Port of London Authority and began to keep a diary full


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of delightful and illuminating detail about the life of a young working man in EastLondon at this time.

Oscar went on to become a Clerical Assistant in the West India Dock, took part in theGeneral Strike in 1926 and by the time he retired in 1968 was a Senior Foreman atthe North Quay Warehouse (where the Museum of London Docklands is nowhoused).

Oscar died in 1980.

Diary extracts and personal biographical details reproduced with the kind permissionof Oscar's family.

Sunday 1 June 1919,I took my new PLA boots to be stretched yesterday because they were to tight roundmy corn. Nana came yesterday and gave me 3d. Dad is going to have his holidayfrom the Hippodrome this week.*

I read some of my library today. I painted the babys pram wheels, spokes and axlesand back: I also painted an old pair of lamp wick scissors** which I unearthed butscraped them clean again as they were sticky and wouldnt get dry.Weather: Hot all day. Some clouds about. No rain.

* Oscars father worked at the Hippodrome in some capacity.** Special scissors for trimming the wick of an oil lamp. Nowadays he could take thefind to the Museum of London for identification and hopefully wouldnt try and cleanit or paint it without getting advice.

Monday 2 June 1919

I caught a lot of fishes this dinner time and morning (with the net which we made overthe fields one day last week). When I came home from work I went to Chandlers toget a tin of Lyles golden syrup* but they were shut. Opening at 6pm.I went at 5.53 and waited till they opened and Mr Chandler served me.When I came back I went to Phillips to get my boots which I took to be stretched butthey werent done. He said they would be 2d.Weather: Warm. No rain. Fleecy clouds. Coming over dull sometimes.

* The same Golden Syrup you can buy today. Oscar may have recorded thisbecause it was now available in a tin again. During the war, Golden Syrup grew inpopularity, but had to be sold in cardboard containers, to same tin for munitions.

Abraham Lyle & Son became Tate & Lyle in 1921.


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Image courtesy of Mr Ian Clark of Tate & Lyle.

Tuesday 3 June 1919I went and got my boots today from Phillips but they didnt seem to have stretchedmuch, so I put my key in my left boot and steam(ed) the place where my corn goes.I went upstairs and cleaned the windows and painted the clocks numerals andminute marks.I went in the playground after I had bought some lemon squash gums which Dadgave me the money for and I saw Mr Atkinson (who had grown a moustache) Mr

Barnes, Mr Sacker and Mr Adams who took me up in his room and jawed.*Weather: Clouds all over the sky at first but sun out later.

*Talked endlessly!

Wednesday 4 June 1919There was a holiday in the PLA yesterday and I didnt go to work.On my 2 oclock journey I went across the fields straight up to Central Granary,where I saw Lyons on his 1.30 just coming out of Central Granary. (I went round withhim).Nana came this evening and brought the Family Herald.Mrs Crow and Mum and Dad shifted the rooms back (viz. the bedroom in the parlour

and vice versa).I went over Wells and bought a ginger-beer and a 1 d sponge cake. I softened myboots today.Weather: Cold at first and Rainy. Hot and sultry in evening. No rain.

Thursday 5 June 1919Pay day tomorrow. I didnt go out this evening but stayed in and read some books.I went to West India Dock on a Special Letter [trip] for Mr Tate yesterday and camehome and saw Nana here and she gave me a half of an apple. While I was home Isaw Marjories Playtime on the bed, and when I came home at tea-time we couldntfind it.

Mrs Crow came and helped Dad and Mum to shift the furniture yesterday.Weather: Hot all day. No rain. Sunny day. No clouds.


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Friday 6 June 1919I had a horrible fright this evening for when I went to give Mum my wages, I couldntfind the 10/- note but after all I found it in the bottom of my leathern jug purse: beingmade of thin paper I couldnt feel it because it had stuck to the inside of the purse.I went down to Gradys and bought a pencil and some refills for 2d.I went to Bill White and bought my usual four papers and about 6d of ice-cream.Weather: Very hot. Sunny all day. No rain or many clouds.

Saturday 7 June 1919I had an egg and bacon for my tea this afternoon.I went to get my watch which I took to a jewellers shop next door to Burdon & Leslieslast Saturday afternoon. He charged 1/6. As I was going home through Chrisp StreetI went into the show and saw the man with four feet and no hands. (Feet where hishands should have been)

Nana gave me 6d. I bought lb of lemonade powder. I left work today at 12.5pmWeather: Hot all day. Brilliant sunshine. No rain at all.

Sunday 8 June 1919I went down to Nanas house this afternoon along with Marjorie and Mum.While I was there Nana gave me some water into which I put a small, shrivelled upflower called the Resurrection Flower or the Rose of Jericho: after putting the flowerin for a quarter-of-an-hour it slowly opened revealing an inside shaped like [hereOscar has drawn a flower looking rather like a carnation].Nana also gave me an apple and sent me for some ginger beer for Marjorie and meto drink. We had custard and rhubarb pie for tea.

Weather: Extremely hot. No rain. Sunshine. Brilliant. No clouds.

Monday 9 June 1919Appa, starting at 7am yesterday went on his bicycle to Uncle Bobs farm in thecountry and [he] is going to stop till this afternoon. Marjorie and me went to Nanashouse again today and directly we got there Nana gave us some money to get somecherry cider and later on in the evening when Mum was here she gave us two-penceeach to get some ice-cream at Greystocks so we got 2d each in a glass.Then as we were coming home I bought a 1d pineapple drink with the money I got onthe bottle.*Weather:

* It used to be common practice to give a small refund for the return or handing-in ofempty glass bottles so that they could be recycled. For many youngsters therefore,finding a bottle which someone had discarded could result in an unlooked for profit.

Tuesday 10 June 1919We went to work this morning for the first time since Saturday morning. I changedsome of my books with both the Hammonds. I went in their house to change them.I got two Rainbows, two magazines, 1 Chums, Fairy Tale book, and Sunny Wonder,and two Comic Cuts.I took 6d out of my money and bought a ball which we had a game of cricket with, Isaw Hammond for the first time in his Church Lads Brigade uniform.*Weather: Hot. Some clouds. Sunshine. All day. Brilliant.


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* The Church Lads brigade was founded in London in 1891, to encourage healthyexercise and Christian behaviour among young teenagers. It should not be confusedwith the similar Boys Brigade, which was founded in Scotland in 1883. Bothpreceded the Boy Scouts, founded in 1908. The Brigades were easily distinguishedfrom Scouts by their military style uniforms. The Church Lads Brigade becameclosely associated with the Kings Royal Rifle Corps during the First Wold War, manyof whom were former Brigade members. The regiment suffered heavy casualties atthe Battle of the Somme in 1916.

Wednesday 11 June 1919.I didnt go over Dolders today but I gave my letters to Hughes to take on his secondWest Dk.When I came home from work I went out and washed my hands & face and went outand played cricket.

I went home with Greenway and when we passed the ice-cream stall Greenwaytreated me to a 1d wafer and he bought himself 2d wafers. Nana came thisafternoon and minded the baby and also gave me a penny to pay the fine on herlibrary which she brought.Weather: very hot. Some clouds. Sunshine. All day brilliant.

Thursday 12 June 1919For the first time since I have been in the PLA I took bills to West India Dock. I gothome at 3.45. I rode in a bus down the road home for the first time since a fortnightor three weeks ago.On my 2.30 journey I went to the Shanty for the policemen on the Wool gate. They

each gave me a penny, one of which I used to ride home with.I didnt have any tea today because I didnt feel hungry.Lyons dossed his 3.30 and [I] did my 4 oclock at 3.50.Weather: Hot. Windy (very) Clouds. Sunshine:- brilliant at intervals.

Friday 13 June 1919When we got paid I went over to Wells and bought Ginger Beer and some slices ofbread and jam also a packet of BDVs extra Mild* and altogether I spent a shilling.Tomorrow I am going to Greenwich and Blackheath to play cricket against someother boys.When I got to work this morning I was with Lyons, & Hunt caught a lot more fish at Bwhse. **

Next week I am 4.15 journeys.I had a proper bath this evening at 7.45 and afterwards I went to bed.I bought my usual papers.Weather: Warm. Not very much wind. Sunshine. Warm and unclouded..

* BDV Extra Mild cigarettes. These were made by the tobacco company GodfreyPhilips, which was founded in 1844. It was one of the first to introduce cigarettecards.** He means the dock outside B Warehouse.


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Saturday 14 June 1919It was Rousells turn to stay late this afternoon and when I got home I met Antramand some other boys and we all went to Greenwich and Blackheath. When the boyshad a game I was umpire and I awarded our side two more runs for short bowling.I had two donkey rides on the heath. The two Antrams, Schumacher and someothers all had some each. I spent all my money over there. When we were on theHeath we watched the West Camp Wanderers* play cricket.Weather: Hot all day. No clouds. Sunshine. Warm. Not clouded.

* We havent identified this, but suspect he may mean Westcombe Wanderers.Westcombe is on the edge of Blackheath.

Sunday 15 June 1919.As I was having a game with my ball in the garden I threw it over Martins Wallaccidentally. I got up for it but I couldnt see it. I went to sleep until 11.30 thismorning which is a record time for me.

I wore my new boots today. I found my leather wallet and my writing tablet in thecupboard in the parlour.Last night as I was standing at the window upstairs I saw some rockets going up;they seemed to be over the Gaiety.*Weather: Hot all Day. No wind. Sunshine. Hot. No clouds over the sun.

* This seems a mistake as the Gaiety Theatre was in the West End.

Monday 16 June 1919I went to the library this evening and got as book called Wrens Wife for Nana and anaturalist book for myself.

We had Veal for dinner yesterday so I took some sandwiches for lunch and hadsome at teatime.I bought a new terra-cotta ball which Woodham mounted and also which he is goingto pay for (6 d)As I was going past the dry-dock this morning I saw a lot of big fish about a foot long.Weather: Hot and close. Sunshine. Warm and brilliant.

Tuesday 17 June 1919As it is my turn to sweep-up the Messengers dept. this week I did this and then MissGoold came in and wanted me to go down the road to Wetheys for her but asWethey;s was not open I went to Calvers and got her 2 lb of custard creams and a

tin of nestles milk. She gave me 3d.I made out a memo form for Mr Polan to enter for my 50 yards test so when I cameback from my 2.30 journey Hunt game me an entrance form to attend the IslandBaths* on Tuesday 24th June.Nana came this evening.Weather: Hot and close. No clouds. Sunshine. Warm and brilliant.

* The Island baths were opened at Glengall Street (Now Tiller Road) at Millwall in1900. They were never hugely popular for swimming, but provided laundry andprivate bath facilities.


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Wednesday 18 June 1919Yesterday when I came home from work I saw some dried fruit like there is in the 1/3warehouse [at the East India Dock] (also some custard) for my tea after I had eatenmy dinner of veal, tomatoes, lettuce and onions.All this week so far I have come across the fields to South Side & American Goodsand back, putting my Central Granary letters if any in the north side CG cage.As we were playing cricket outside No 16 Antram (Fred) broke a window at No 16and we all are going to club round and pay.Weather: No rain, a few clouds. Sunshine: warm and hot.

Thursday 19 June 1919.I had an egg for my tea today, which Dad gave me yesterday. Dad brought homeso[me] shrimps for tea but I had rice and milk and syrup.As we were playing cricket my ball went down the area of the house next to Westss[illegible]couldnt find it as the window was open and it must have gone in there.I found some quicksilver along the quay by B warehouse and I silvered my watch and

chain with it. The watch has turned a funny white colour*.Weather: Slight rainfall in evening. Sunshine, warm and brilliant.

* Quicksilver was a common name for Mercury, which is highly toxic and if ingestedorally or through the skin can lead to Mercury poisoning.

Friday 20June 1919.I didnt spend any money at all today for I saved it for tomorrow, because I am goingover the Greenwich Park with Antram (Fred and Albert) and Abraham.The Aerial Derby* is going to be held tomorrow if the weather is fine.When I came home from work I kept in a read the books called Magnet, Gem,

Popularand Newspapers which I went out and bought. While I was out I bought half-a-pound of gooseberries and a quarter of a pound of custard cream biscuits. I wentearly on my 4.15 journey.Weather: Rain all day. Dull & cloudy. No Sun.

* The Aerial Derby was an aeroplane race that followed a two-lap course round theoutskirts of London. The course varied from about 80-100 miles. It ran from 1912 1914 when war intervened. It was resumed in 1919 but was discontinued after 1923.

Saturday 21 June 1919When I came home from work I called for the Antrams & Abraham and we all went to

Greenwich and had a game of cricket. I paid 3d for a small frog & a jar to put it in.Nana came this evening.Next week we are going to cut cricket and going to Woodford which is a 1/2d returnride on a bus for about an hour and a quarter. When we were over the heath weplayed a game of cricket with Antrams bat. Fred and I against Albert and Abraham.We won.We saw the Royal Sovereign* on the pier.Weather: Showery and thundery. Cloudy. Sunny intervals.


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*The Royal Sovereign was a very popular paddle steamer, running trips regulalrlyfrom London to Margate and Ramsgate. Built in 1893, she was operated by the

Royal Soveriegn Steamship Company from 1918-1929 when she was sold to bebroken up.

Sunday 22 June 1919Dad, Marjorie and I had a game of ball in the garden today. I went to bed at 9.50 thisevening. After I washed myself I loitered about till dinner which consideted of greenpeas, new potatoes and mutton.When the time comes for writing Sundays diary, it is funny that I cant put anything init hardly, because nothing happens I suppose.

I got my paints out and started painting some lilac leaves but I made a mess of themso I didnt paint any more.Weather: No rain. Some clouds. Warm. Not much sun.

Monday 23 June 1919.When I went over Dolders Tarpaulin dept. he told me that I neednt call there when Ihadnt got any letters so I am not going to call there if I havent got any letterstomorrow afternoon. Nana came this evening. I didnt do my 1.30 or my 12.30because I was playing cricket all the time.Weather: no rain. A few clouds. Warm and not much [sun].

Tuesday 24 June 1919

I didnt go over Dolders Tarpaulin dept. this afternoon because I had no letters forhim. I went a got a policeman (who was on the north side gate) some tea and cakesthe same as I did yesterday, though not for the same policeman. Mrs Crow camethis evening and stayed till 10 oclock. I went to the Island Baths* today in GlengallRoad and did my 50 yards swimming test. Saul and Jones of American Goods andBulk & Grain Office respectively they each did their swimming test.[Weather not recorded]

*See entry for 16 June 1919.


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Wednesday 25 June 1919Nana came this evening and brought a piece of pie and the Family Herald. I broughtSchumaker in the garden to see if my tiddlers which I brought home on Tuesday andtoday.[Weather not recorded]

Thursday 26 June 1919Mrs Crow came in the evening and stayed till 10 oclock. Got up some coal thisevening for Mum. I broke Ords glass this morning when I was throwing it to Aldertonand he threw it back to me again.I bought a ball for 4 1/2d off of a little boy in Gough Street. Leonard Bradshaw whoalso lives in Gough Street, mounted it in the creeper of Thompsons wall.When I was fishing I let the net fall in.Weather: No rain, Cloudy. Not much sun.

Friday 27 June 1919

I got up at 7 Oclock having overslept and getting to work at 8.05am.I bought my books called The Childrens Newspaper, The Gem and Magnet. Ibought 4 cornets of ice-cream one for Antram, one for Marjorie, one for Harry Lyonsand one for myself. I also bought 2d of chips at Lyons for my supper.A new boy came today at 12 noon named Cooney. I had to go to Mr Cottle [at] JTVWarehouse for Mr Hoy this morning.Weather: No rain. Cloudy. Not much sun.

Saturday 28 June 1919.I got up at 6 this morning and got to work at 6.45 and then went up the quay to catchsome fish and I got about a dozen little tiny ones. At about ten to twelve I took aspecial letter to South Side and came back and waited for Hunt and ODonovan.

When I came home I went up Chrisp Street with F Antram and I bought a drink oflemonade at Pearsons. When we came back we found out that A Antram had goneto Greenwich instead of Woodford as we planned, so we followed him. The Peacewas signed at 3 oclock.*Weather: (not recorded)

* Another example of Oscar noting an important event. Here he is recording theformal signing of the Peace Treaty between Germany and the Allied powers, at thePalace of Versailles in France. The punitive terms imposed on Germany werealways controversial, and it is now generally agreed they were a major contribution tothe rise of the Nazi Party and the Second World War.

Sunday 29 June 1919Yesterday there were Maroons*, thunder flashes and many other fireworks being letoff after 3 oclcok and before 3 oclock. Today a lot of people were drunk, as a resultof the peace.Weather: (not recorded)

*Maroon a firework that was part rocket part banger.


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Firework Display National Peace Celebrations in Hyde Park1919 Charles William Wyllie c. Museum of London

Sunday 29 June 1919 marks the last diary entry the Museum holds of OscarFind out more about his thoughts and duties on our websitewww.museumoflondon.org.uk/oscarkirk
http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/oscarkirkhttp://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/oscarkirk

diary of oscar kirk june 1919

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