In the early days of World War II, Bermudian teenager Pauline Malloy kept a diary documenting her school days, adolescence and the war time build up on the island. Her entries begin in January and end in August when she was sent to school in the States, in part, for safety reasons. In her own words, with only an occasional change from the English spelling, ‘Polly’ captures life both the mundane and the global impact of war on this British colony. Here, in honor Memorial Day are excerpts from her unpublished diary. I am grateful to my Aunt Polly for sharing her dairy with me and permitting me to print these entries. Deborah Levine, Editor of the American Diversity Report

January 1941

1/1 Thurs. Norma [Gibbons] called this afternoon to say she is going tomorrow. Audrey Van Hasslin is leaving Sunday. Went to the Ace of Clubs with Lois [Gibbons], Norma & Harold as a farewell party for Norma. Then we went to say good-by to her grandfather & on the way back talked about life. Oh yes! I met the cutest ensign to-day who is on the Ranger. I wish I were a few years older. He was awfully nice and was even polite about my new gloves.

1-2 Fri. What a day! Up early in the morning to see Norma off on the plane (which was delayed 24 hours) then off to Eileen Gutridge’s wedding. She looked pretty and very pleased with life. From there to the post-office where I got four packages, two Christmas cards & a letter. Then found mummy after hunting all over and went with her to pop’s office where I met Mr. & Mrs. Sentinech who are awfully nice. Then (thrill! Thrill!) lunch at the Ace of Clubs where I met a lot of Americans leaving on to-day’s boat, including a little girl and boy called India and Wayne who have been everywhere from here to Manila. Wish Daddy was in the navy! V for Victory!

1-3 Sat. Another rainy Saturday! I spent an hour at daddy’s office watching the navy launches coming and going. Some of those officers are so cute! That new American lady seems awfully nice. Understands the flag situation, too. The blackout is getting much better. I can’t seem to think of it as anything more than an exciting idea. Every program on the radio tonight has asked people to buy defense bonds. We can’t do that here (only certificates) but am going to knit for the Red Cross [Her knitting was later rejected by the Red Cross].

1-4 Sun. Lois came over this afternoon. As usual we ate, talked and giggled. Girls are so silly! Last night after I wrote in this, Kate Smith sang “God Bless America” and dedicated it to the marines at Wake and Midway. It gave me a funny feeling at the bottom of my stomach. If I were a man I would fly a plane on an aircraft carrier. Walter Winchell proposed a good toast for the Jap navy – “Bottoms Up!”

1-5 Mon. Looked at a beautiful coat for me this morning and hope daddy will let me get it. Betty Covell started work for him to-day. She spent most of the afternoon crying because the flying school boys went across to-day. Went shopping in the afternoon with Mummy & Mrs. Brewer. Donald Brewer is so cute. A lot of the English people are going home. I hope they get across all right. V for Victory.

1-6 Tues. Went with Lois this morning to have my coat fitted. I am going to get it! If I get to Choate next year it will be wonderful. Went to the E & V with Mummy to get some knitting while she served for the Red Cross. Imagine –no knitting! Most of the American women sew for Red Cross up there. Bought a War Savings certificate from Mrs. Gibbons. It seemed like so little but “every little bit counts.” Stayed home and listened to the radio to-night. It is my last night of freedom as school starts tomorrow. V . . . – we sent for an application to Wellesley College. Here’s hoping!

1-7 Wed. Nothing much happened to-day. Back to school again, but it isn’t a bad as I thought. Exams on the 19^th . And some people want to be young again! Two more engagements to-day. It seems quite fashionable. V for Victory!

1-8 Thurs. It poured this afternoon and stayed home and studied and knitted. I wish I knew who was going to get it so when I finish. I sure hope he appreciates it. Mrs. Satinoff brought Patricia over. Hers is the first English accent that I have really liked. Another boring day at school . . .

1-9  Fri. Spent the afternoon at school studying on the balcony in the sun. Then Mr. Gibbons bought Lois and me a coke at Medical Hall, but our little hungry man wasn’t there. Bought two adorable dresses at Winifred Penniston’s [dress shop]. Went to the movies to-night. I get a thrill every time I go out in the blackout. V for victory!

1/11 Sun. Daylight Savings started to-day. Jack Benny at nine and Walter Winchell at eleven! And he always has a good crack at the Japs. Went for a carriage ride to Southampton this afternoon. I never knew there was so much undeveloped land in Bermuda. Exams a week from tomorrow! I should be studying now. Maybe Sister will let me study in the garden tomorrow . . .

1/12 Mon. School again! Another fight with Lois. She sure gets some embarrassing moods! Mrs. Bennicke came to lunch and invited me out Sunday. Heard a program with air cadets to-night. Oh me! They sure look cute in those uniforms. I wonder what Dick will look like in his. No mail again to-day. When it finally comes it will probably take me a couple of days to wade through it. V for Victory.

1/13 Tues. My new coat came to-day. It sure is beautiful. Everybody thinks my knitting is good, even up at the E. S. U. I finished a ball to-day. Bought five more with savings stamps from Mrs. Gibbons. She gave me a “thumbs up” pin. Went to the movies to-night and saw “the Howards of Virginia.” Richard Carlson [actor] sure is handsome. A big freighter came in to-day. I hope it brought some mail. “Thumbs up!”

1/14 Wed. Lois & I went to Medical Hall twice to-day. But the second time, there were some awful base workers there that tried to take pictures of us etc. It was terribly embarrassing and it seemed as though everybody I knew was there. Edith bought us a cake. Then we went to Lois’, then my house and stand in front of my gate and talked for about an hour about everything from hair styles and sailing to men. And a very intellectual talk with Mr. Levine [Moses Levine was a kosher, Orthodox Jew and a British linguist/censorship officer] to-night. Poor man! I feel so sorry for him. Lanny Ross sang “Daydreaming” Ah me!!! “Thumbs Up”

1/15 Thurs. I saw Winston Churchill! Imagine!! Little me!! I’ve never been so excited in all my life! He spoke at the House of Parliament and I was right there at the gate. You could hear them cheering at his speech right down in the street! He had on his black bowler and was waving it away! Daddy was in there and heard him speak. They sang “God save the King” at the end of his speech and the whole crowd waiting outside stood at attention. I’ll never forget that as long as I live!! “Thumbs Up” “V for VICTORY!”

1/16 Fri. What a party! I never saw so many drinks & cigarette ashes. Mr. Mays seems nice & Mrs. Tierny, too. I don’t think I like Mr. Tierny. Mr. Saltysack is awfully sweet though, and as I Mrs. Frink. Well, Churchill left this morning, and still no boat or plan in to bring mail. What a life! Exams Monday and I’ve done hardly any studying. Well, it’s 20 to twelve now, and I’ve got a lot of dreaming to do.

1/17 Sat. Spent most of the day trying not to freeze! Wore my heavy coat, gloves, etc. Even Mrs. Frink was cold. Went to town with Mom and bought a new pair of spectator pumps so if I go up to school next year I sure will have nice clothes. Boat came in to-day with mail! Two more days till we get it though Oh me! I wish the magazines would come in. I feel like reading a nice mushy story. V for Victory.

1/18 Sun. Took a carriage out to the Weirs, and spent the day. I am going to definitely have a home near the sea. It is just beautiful! Every room has a view of the water. And Mrs. Weir’s boudoir! – Whew! I can see where after living there anyone would feel shut in almost anywhere else. Up there so high with the sea all around. That’s the life . . .

1/19 Mon. Exams started to-day. Latin was a cinch. I’m hoping for a 90. I certainly will need it to make up for algebra. I’ll be lucky with a 75 for that. Lois and I spent most of the afternoon at Medical Hall. Oh how I miss Howie Johnson! Saw a boy today that looked exactly like Sonny Platton. But Sonny isn’t an ensign. Damn it! Lois thought he was so cute but she wouldn’t have believed me if I told her about Sonny. Spent the evening studying for a change.

1/20 Tues. Today we had English and science. Science wasn’t so hot, maybe an 80, but I’m hoping for a 90 if she marks easy. It simply poured and Louis & I got soaked. Oh, I almost forgot! Mail to-day!! Mother got ten. It was wonderful. Dick Mintz [son of prominent lawyer] is leaving Harvard to finish his air training. Marty joined the Marines. Elliott [Cousin Elliott Kapstein] wants to join the aviation corps. That’s what I would do if I were a man. “Thumbs Up.”

1/21 Wed. French & Geometry to-day. They were both pretty good – I hope! Stayed to lunch at school so I could study, but Ernest kept me talking so that I didn’t get a thing done. I think I’ll come home for lunch tomorrow. I get more done. I just realized Gloria King is awfully nice.

1/24 Sat. We had a real blackout to-night for the first time. But real! No flashlights or anything. People loomed up out of nowhere and altogether it was very exciting. The Phoenix [drugstore/ice cream parlor] was like a Singapore dive and even the Ace of Clubs was so crowded we couldn’t get in. All the magazines came in to-day. I hope that means that the Evangeline [ship] finally came in.

1/25 Sun. Mrs. Satinoff and Patricia spent the day. Has she got beautiful clothes! We took a carriage ride to the Wilsons. Her wedding sure is going to be something – I hope! Dennis Day sang “The White Cliffs of Dover" to-night. Those dirty slimy Japs!!! Oh, how I wish I were a man sometimes. I would join the aviation corps. “Thumbs Up”

1/28 Wed. Lee hasn’t come back yet, so we had lunch out again to-day. Mrs. Deggs came too. She is nice once you know her. Deb Mahoney is so funny. She can’t understand why I won’t let that boy buy me a sundae. I’d rather let Mr. Gibbons buy it for me like he did to-day. Three thousand marines are due here soon. It would be funny if Marty was one of them. It would be a pleasure to see a boy from home around here.

1/29 Thurs. Had a debate on Gladstone & Disraeli in History this morning. I was for Gladstone & we won. It was fun. Mail again to-day. That is the third time this week. Daddy didn’t feel well so we didn’t go to the Ace of Clubs. I hope we go tomorrow night. The Lady Hawkins [supply ship] was sunk. That sure brings it close to home [Germans who survived were imprisoned on the island]. Daddy says I can go up to school [Choate in the US] now, if I want, but I think I’ll wait till fall anyway.

1/30 Fri. Went to the Ace of Clubs for supper and wore my new coat. My, it looked nice! Spent most of the afternoon up at Daddy’s talking to Betty. She sure gets around. She is a nice girl. Brought the Choate [School] booklet to sister. She was more interested in Churchill vote of confidence at the moment. Whew, we nearly froze all day. I sure am getting prepared if I got to school next year. Those dam Japs!!! If they get Singapore I hope they have an earthquake!! “Thumbs up”

1/31 Sat. I don’t think I’ve ever done so much shopping. I bought angora gloves to send Marilyn Springer. I hope she likes them. I’m having a skull cap out of the extra material from my coat. I wasn’t crazy about it at first, but it was all she could do with it. It’ll probably be cute. Finally got “The Keys to the Kingdom” personally I’m sort of disappointed in it. Life is rather boring at the moment.

February 1941

2/1 Sun. Caught up on everything to-day. Wrote to Sally; cleaned my shoes; washed my hair; read; did some knitting, and in general did everything that I’ve been putting off for about a week. Poor mummy had one of her headaches. It must be interesting to study to find out what causes migraines and things like that. They sure are awful. It was one of those days when you want to walk and walk. Met the “Una Merkell” girl from M.O.B (military base) tonite. She knows everyone at M.O.B. [Military Operating Base]

2/2 Mon. Started the first-aid course to-day. I think it will be fun although that instructor sure is a character. But then, something about him makes me think of the Scotch doctor in “The Citadel.” Got a letter from Marilyn. The poor kid broke her leg skiing. She seems to be having a good time anyway. I wish Sister Superior would come out of hibernation long enough to give us our report cards.

2/5 Thurs. Finally got our report cards to-day. I got 91.3 and came first in my grade. Tonight we went to the Ace of Clubs for supper. George Lott [tennis pro] was there with a new woman. He always had a bevy out at the tennis stadium. I love going there! Went to the movies afterwards. That blackout sure is black without the moon. I can’t get our over getting 96 for Latin. Imagine me! The Wellesley booklet came. It sure looks nice.

2/6 Fri. Went to the movies with the Gibbons to-night, and almost got knocked over in the blackout. Glenn Miller’s band sure is smooth! Sister finally gave me my prize from last year. She surely wrote the inscription in beautifully. My, she is sweet! Lois and I went to Medical Hall [drugstore hangout] for a change. Nobody interesting was there except Hungry Man. Life sure is fun though. “Thumbs Up!” Daddy doesn’t feel well but he seems better tonight.

2/7 Sat. What a day! It’s the kind of day the travel folders dream of. Everybody (including Lois & me) was in town to-day. Went up to Lois’ to listen to records this afternoon. Daddy is still home but full of heck. He & Donald were on the floor playing all evening. Mrs. Satinoff and Mrs. Strom [English Jewish women sent to Bermuda by families for safety] are leaving for England tomorrow. We sure will miss Patricia. I wish them luck! My hat to go with my coat came to-day. It is sort of cute.

2/8 Sun. “Mary go” spent the day today and we took pictures of her and mother riding bikes. Mr. Satinack came over later. He is so nice. We all (Mr. Frink came later) sat around the fire and listened to the radio in the evening. Mummy was so upset about Mrs. Satinoff & Mrs. Strom and their families making the dangerous trip to England. “Thumbs Up” V for Victory, and to hell with Hitler!

2/9 Mon. Well, I finally got a cold. Spent the day knitting & knitting and knitting. I did catch up on my mail though. Leonie [the maid] came back to-day. Gee, I didn’t realize she was such a good maid! It must be awful to spend all your time cleaning up someone else’s house. Mummy and her “gang” rode out to Tuckers Town to-day. They are like a bunch of kids let out of school. I wonder what it would feel like to be my mother. Exasperating, I suppose.

2/10 Another day in bed! I had poor Leonie nearly nuts running back and forth. Golly, but it’s boring staying in bed. The States is on “War Time” now. We sure do need something. The news is all bad to-day. Gosh, it’s awful hating so many people at once. Those darn Japs!!!! They’re almost as bad as Hitler.

2/11 Wed. Back to school to-day. I forgot it was so boring. In fact too boring to write in here about it.

2/13 Fri. They let the refugees from that boat from Lisbon came into town to-day. They just stood and stared at the food in the stores. They said that some of them hadn’t seen an egg in months. They were wealthy people, too. I think that is worse than if you are used to it. One girl had on a pair of men’s shoes someone had given her and her own fur coat from before the war. It must have been awful for her to accept charity. Made laughing gas in the lab. What fun!

2/14 Sat. My, but I had a good time to-day! Spent the morning shopping and talking to Betty [Dad’s secretary]. The poor girl has such a crush on Bryan. Wore my new suit with my red coat etc. and everybody remarked on it all. Had my hair done at Betty’s. It came out nicely thank goodness! Mrs. Ede & Darci came over to-night. She is one of the most wonderful women I’ve ever met. It’s too bad they’re not more people like her. All set for the wedding Mon. night!

2/16 Mon. Well, tonight was Gloria’s [Wilson] wedding and it sure was something! Thirty carriages in the bridal procession went through town, etc. They had the reception in the big ball room overlooking the water. A smooth band, real bar, ten turkey, etc. They had a beautiful bower of calla lilies for Gloria & Tommy to receive under. They were taking pictures for the paper & Bermudian all evening. Even Colonel Dill got happy & made a speech.

2/17 Tues. Spent the afternoon searching the town for Mummy. I have never seen anyone who could do a disappearing act like she can. I even had Peggy helping me. But of course we get everywhere just after she left. A boat finally came in to-day with mail, flour, magazine and gas. It’s funny how wonderful it is to see it all being unloaded.

2/18 Wed. Had lunch at the Ace of Clubs to-day. We sure do have fun! It even cured my headache. Lois and I had to go to the Phoenix because we couldn’t get Medical Hall. I still like Medical Hall. Went to a Red Cross lecture by Dr. Masters. Our woman at school is much more fun. I don’t wish anyone any harm but I wish I had someone to practice on. Preferably a Jap!!!

2/19 Thurs. Two more boats & a plane came in to-day. That means more mail. Daddy booked my passage for the end of August. I wonder when & if I will really go up. The war news is better tonight though I often wonder what they read for news before the war was here or coming. It sure must have been boring. Although, I remember how talk about the last war [World War I] bored me.

2/20 Fri. If it doesn’t stop raining soon, I will turn into a water-baby sure as anything. Saw the most wonderful movie to-night “Arise My Love” Ah, me – Ray Milland! I would like to be a war correspondent. The Good Housekeeping finally came in. The Wellesley application, too. I wonder if I will ever get there.