July 31 Friday

Going over Troy, with Laura. Checked first section.
Bombs in Palma: five planes. The bombs are 'cannisters' like the sort the Germans used at Fricourt filled with scrap metal; great moral effect, kill many, do little harm to property. After nine o'clock all shops shut except chemists shops.[RG]
F [Fascist]'s guarding the coast at night: from Soller.
We have thought of leaving the island because of interrupted communications; decided to wait a week & get Troy & Epilogue done. Palma is a dangerous gauntlet to run.
British radio has a F. [Fascist] tinge. Govt [Government] threat to bombard Palma from sea and air until it yields.
Bartolome finishing the path: will conclude tomorrow, tidying up and all.
Village very quiet.
Grapes nearly ripe.
Another class called up: 5 boys from the village must go.
Pancho is the life and soul of his barracks, where Francisca1 visits him daily.

Editorial Notes

1Francisca the cook from Pollensa? Or could be a Francisca from Palma. Certainly not Francisca Messiana or Francisquita. WG