The following are just a very few excerpts from a diary of Rosamond Leeds, who was born in Rangoon Dec 15^th 1900. The diary covers 1907 to 1914 but several years are missing.

1907

31-8-07

We are staying at a Burmese town called Kyaukse. Yesterday Mr Pennell deputy commissioner of Kyaukse gave me a big fairy book called The Blue fairy book because its Blue. We have been going to the club for the last two days to watch or play tennis, on the last two days I picked up balls for tennis. Mr Pennell thought I had better write a diary so I am doing so at once. I have come to Kyaukse without my nurse Tessa so mother has to dress me and I have to fasten her blouses. Tessa is left behind to look after our sweet cat Sir Thomas Toodle, a blue persian from England

September 12 Thursday

Mother has made up her mind to have no nurse after all, as they are more trouble than I am. This evening some people are going to play tennis and I am going to pick up balls. Soon after that Daddy, Mother were going to the club and I begged them to let me go, at first they would not but at last they let me come.

Friday 13-9-07

This evening Daddy and Mother and I went for a ride to the new polo ground which is very far away, to see the polo, then very tired we rode to the club where I had one small soda. It was very late when Daddy Mother and I very sleepy went home, on the way we met one of our servants coming to fetch us with a lantern.

September 29th

This morning Daddy went by steamer to Pagan for the day and soon after eleven o’clock Mother and I got into a gharry and drove to the station, and the duriwan in very clean clothes rode in front to clear the way on a white pony with pink eyes and a very long tail. The roads were very bumpy and mother and I did nothing but knock each others heads. The train was a very long time starting because it had to wait for the station master of the next village, some dacoite or robbers had broken his head last night and he had come to Myragyan to have it bound up. Mother and I ate sausages

October 5^th

This morning I rode Brat my pony and Daddy walked first to Mrs Entrican where he took some photos off his camera of me on Brat and Mrs Entrican standing just by Brats head. The it was settled Mrs Entrican should come to tea this afternoon and tell Daddy a little of photographing as he can't remember what Mr Newcombe told him as it was sometime ago. Then he went to the race course where we intended to have a canter round but as soon as we got there we found there was some nasty prickly jumps here and there.

Thursday October 24^th 1907

This morning our chokra and Mahli and another burman and mothers punkah man and Dad’s clerk brought a very very great lot of coloured tissue paper, white, purple and reddish brown yellow too and made two enormously big fire balloons. One was sent up in the morning after breakfast and the other in the evening at seven o’clock. When they were ready a thick stick with a tremendous lot of fire on it was put in through a big hole at the bottom of the balloon and waited till the fire fell off the stick about the balloon but how it didn’t set the whole balloon on fire I’m sure I don’t know. Both the balloons took a very long time in making. The first one went ever so high up and we all lost sight of it. But bad luck for us all and for our servants just when the balloon was going to be sent up a terrible nasty icy cold wind sprang up which we wanted rather badly in the morning. And the chokra who stood near the balloon and was trying to do something to it was always jumping away from it because he was awfully frightened in case it would burn his fingers off, At last everything was ready and it set off, but here comes the hard luck for us all, the wind was too much , it blew the balloon on to the other side of the tennis court and very nearly onto the grass but our servants ran after it and caught it by something but alas after all the hard work it took to make it at last all the tissue paper was burned and only the wire left. I forgot to say that as the first balloon was nearly out of sight we heard a faint noise and Dad asked the Mahli ,which in English means gardener, what it was, he said they had put some burmese crackers in the balloon and they caught fire and made a loud noise, but it seemed so faint so far away. In the evening balloon there were a awful lot of crackers which we saw when the balloon burned up it had a enormous amount of fire.

October 25^th 1907

…Dad passed a little burman boy following his uncle or father, not his Grandfather I know because he was not at all old. As soon as the little boy saw Dad he began to cry and scream and yell and his father began to laugh as he beckoned the boy to come away laughing all the time but the boy didn’t care as he stood still and cryed. As soon as we had passed him Dad said he must have thought Dad was a Belu which means Devil. You see Dad looks so big on Baby as he is big and so is Baby the Horse. Later we saw a woman in a bullock cart just in front of us about a yard or more in front. Dad told her to get out of the way, but she was so long in doing so that the 2 bullocks who were terribly afraid of Dad ran away, broke something and flew into the jungle instead of going straight on in front. The burmese woman looked so cross she didn’t see the joke at all.

November 28^th 1907 Thursday

Yesterday Daddy Mother and Ayah and I all went to Mandalay for the arrival of the Viceroy and Lady Minto, and several other things. It was terribly hot the whole time. Mrs Gayer and Mr Gayer went there too, and they were in the next carriage near the door of our carriage so we could talk to each other when we wanted to. The Ayah didn’t come in our carriage, she went third class…

Mr Rigg and Mother , Mr Gayer and Dad played bridge as the Gayers had got pack of cards. This morning Ayah and I went either for a walk or played in the garden in a tall haystack. In the evening Daddy Mother and I went to the arrival of the Viceroy and Lady Minto. It was in the railway station. The people of Mandalay had built up a beautiful Pandal, all gold and other pretty colours. It looked just like a fairy palace. Mother and I had Very good seats right in front just at the bottom of the dais for the Viceroy and Lady Minto. We were told afterwards in the Photograph after we had waited for some time there were loud cannons fired. Mother and I were quite surprised they were so loud. The Viceroy had a grey frock coat and trousers. At the top of the coat was a gold mark. Lady Minto had a straw hat with a lot of green and white feathers on it. Sir Herbert Thirbel White was there on the dais but not Miss White, two pretty ladies were on the dais too. The Dais was all covered with a bright red cloth. Sir Herbert saw me too, I know him very well . The last time I saw him was in Maymyo, but in Maymyo my hair was cut short so I expect he little wondered who I was. When The Viceroy and Lady Minto had gone all the band people marched away playing beautiful music.

1907 December 8^th Sunday

This morning I had GREAT fun . I thought I would go and see Baby and Bayleaf who are in the paddock. So I put on my topee and ran off to the paddock which is at the bottom of the garden. As I couldn’t see them so I opened the gate and went in, and at last I saw them but as they looked as if they were in water. I thought better coax them to come near with 2 lumps of sugar I had brought for them so I went nearer them and held up the sugar. Baby looked at it hard for a moment, then put her his head down and ate some grass till Bayleaf saw it then I turned round for the horses to walk up to the end of paddock where I would give them the sugar but instead of that I heard them both trotting after. Of course I wasn’t frightened of Bayleaf, he is so good, but I was dreadfully frightened of Baby, as you may imagine, he is so big. So I ran for my life till I got to the end of the paddock where I heard them stop, as I jumped through the railing. Safe at last I dropped for Baby to eat and then I dropped Bayleafs as he had such a dirty nose.. After Bayleaf ate grass contentedly enough but Baby couldn’t take his eyes off me if I went somewhere near the railings he would be sure to follow inside the railing. He let me pat his nose and pat him on top of his leg and his stomach too but only through the railings he never lets Ma or Dad pat his nose. As for Bayleaf he went all over the place but Baby kept near the railings for a long time.

Summary 1908-9

In April 1908 we went to England and I forgot all about this diary and left it in Burmah ! and today when Tessa came and showed it to me, I can tell you I was surprised. The date is 1909 Nov 19^th. On September 23 we left Cheltenham to Liverpool to get on board ship. "Leicestershire" was the name of the boat. On October 24^th Sunday we arrived at Rangoon, such a relief, we were all rather tired of the voyage, we stayed at the "Minto Mansion". About three days later we went up to "Lagain". A very small and rather jungly place with about 9 English people in. I shall keep up my diary now so here goes.

Mother and I were looking out of the drawing room window, when we heard a noise like a steam engine, puffing and we saw the duriwan, and a few other servants with lights, the we shouted to Dad to ask what on earth was the beastly row, he said it was a snake, and 5 minutes after we saw a snake glide out of the hedge in a sort of loop and the Durwan who had just fetched a stick aimed a blow right at its head, and luckily for him, killed it.

My ninth birthday was spent at Kindat. The deputy commissioner held a dinner party for it.

On the night of 13^th December 1909 there was a great fire, some burmans had burnt the court house down.

On 18^th March 1911 Mum and I left for England, Dad and Helen saw us off from Amarpura. We stayed in Rangoon in the Royal Hotel for a few days before leaving. The boat was the Chindwin. At Liverpool we got a telegram saying that Mr Hudson was engaged to Helen and that Dad was leaving on May 20^th

On September 23^rd 1911 Geoffrey Hugh Anthony Leeds our baby was born! At least he wasn’t born that but he was christened later! I forgot to say Tessa came with us. She said she'd stay for 6 months but eventually stayed several years.

In July 1913 I won a scholarship at St Pauls

1914

Saturday 7 March

Beastly wet day. Didn’t go out this morn except just to Auntie Nan’s. She and Pom arrived on Friday from Ceylon & came to tea then. Pom is 8 years old now. Today he left for school somewhere near Cheltenham. This noon we went to the cinematograph exhibition of Captains Scotts’ expedition. It was very good indeed. The penguins, dogs, ponies & seals were ripping- also iceberg. One of the party, called Ponting, explained it as the films were showing. We came back about 5.30 & had tea at home.

Thursday 12^th

Had music lesson. Cooking – made a jam sandwich (not bread and jam kind !) When came home had hasty tea, then went with Dad to a dentist somewhere near Oxford circus. Had one second tooth out, have got to have another out on Wednesday. Went to Withers afterwards & changed violin case and bow. For a orange coloured wood case, instead of papier-mache , or "mashed paper" case. Dad gave me some champagne at dinner

Friday 13

Had Fiddle lesson. Miss Walem objected to the case and bow. As usual, because she hadn’t got them. I think I shall get an A week, have had 4A+’s and 3 A-‘s 1A !! Afternoon times have been changed, we now have play till 2.30, prep, then play at 4. I rather like this because I get a full ½ hr at 4. For my lesson does’nt come just before it, and take away some time from it. Played rounders

Monday 16

Got A week. Brilliant !!! Was exactly and precisely A having got A- for drawing. Music lesson, and singing. Learnt the St Patricks Hymn for tomorrow. Rather pretty; uncommon tune. Am going to be Daisy Garbetts’ bridesmaid in April. Also am going with family to Baddow to Miss Ethel Mac Vicars’ wedding. Topping.

Friday 24

We were going to have a river party to day, but it was cold and windy so we decided to go to a cinema with the Ellisons. This noon we went to the New Gallery. Then we had tea at the Criterion 1s a head teas and you eat what you like . Eclairs etc. Hot chocolate with cream. Ripping . Afterwards at home we had a handicap Ping Pong tournament. I won the prize !

Saturday 25

Mum went to an At Home. Nothing happened.

Sunday 26

All of us went to Battersea Park this morn. Rex boated in the lakes for about an hour. This eve we went to church with Mr Macfarlane. Awful sermon. The worst we’ve ever had. He went out just before the end of it. We went out before the last hymn.

(from Dartmouth where Rex was in college)

Sunday 31

Dad drove us in a hired dog cart to Slapton ( about 6 miles off) We meant, but couldn’t get to, Torcross. We had tea which was fearfully expensive. 1/3 a head, for bread butter, jam, cream. It got colder and about 5 we started back. The harness was all put on wrong , & we had great trouble. The poor horse had walk a lot ( because of hills) We got back about 7.

Tuesday 28 June

Started about 2.10 for Speech day at school. I had to play after the squits had sung; the first piano solo! Felt beastly waiting, but Mum vowed I looked cool as a cucumber. For one awful moment I forgot a chord at the end of the piece! I just whirled inside, but remembered it after a slight, almost imperceptible pause! Bobbed and retired! Sang in ‘Scots Wha hae’, and ‘It was a maid of my country’, latter was ripping top-hole. Got 2 Honour certificates ! First time I have ever had honours. Buffie only got 1 hon and 1 pass!! Dad afterwards took us tickets for the Coliseum, Friday night. Jolly decent. I was fagged.

Wednesday 29 July

Dad and Mum went to dinner and theatre with Mr Lloyd. At least they were supposed to be going to the theatre but being on the Stock Exchange he said he was ruined by the war and could only just give them dinner !

Saturday August 1

About 11 Mum got a telegram from Rex saying that there was General mobilization, and that he as embarked on a ship. H.M.S Amphitrite. Jolly exciting !!

Sunday 2

Mum told me about last nights telegram. The paper was very exciting. Last night Germany declared war on Russia, and her ally France. The German ambassador handed in the declaration at 7.30 and left afterwards. Mr. Asquith was with the King at 2am yesterday and the King has sent messages to the Czar and Kaiser. This morn we saw some territorials come in a wagon to No.14, and take out a lot of kit. I asked whether it was true that there was English mobilization, and he said they’d had no order but it was pretty certain. Went to church. Weather warm & windy, with occasional rain. Rex sent another telegram saying his probable destination was the Mediterranean, and would we send money.

Tuesday 4 August

The Banks were shut but ordinary shops were open. We shopped. Mum was in an awful hole because she was going to get money from the bank today. She and Dad have £3 between them to get down to St Ives with !Harrods and other shops wouldn’t cash a cheque, they were all in the same hole the said !! But we borrowed from the servants, and Coles the butcher promised to lend £3 , so we shall manage ! Mum and Dad are going to give Rex £2 or £3 when they see him tomorrow on H.M.S Amphitrite, the cruiser he is on! I began another pair of blue & white socks. In his letter yesterday Rex said that they were getting "middies" pay 1s9d a day, but wouldn’t be paid till the end of the war.

Wednesday 5

Railway bus came for us at 9.30. Caught Cornish Riviera express at 10.30. Mum & Dad got out at Plymouth about 3 & Mrs Rowley attracted their attention to Rex who was on the platform. They stayed on with him, Pudge & I went on to St Ives. They had great fun in the dockyard and ship, & had tea in the captains cabin. After this they were nearly taken up for German spies ! An Official inquired what they were doing in the dockyard &n was going to turn them out, till he heard where they’d had tea! And Rex greatly excited the suspicion of some officials by photographing ( or trying to) in the dockyard. However they escaped by being very humble & of course Rex was obviously in the Navy.

Sunday 30

Lovely day. After breakfast I went down town to order a Victoria to go to Zennor this noon. A nice postman conducted me in a fatherly way to the place, where I enquired. It was 8/- to Zennor, and 10/- to Gurnards Head. We bathed this morning it was lovely. At 3 the carriage came and we all (5) set out. I was on the box. It was a ripping drive. When there Dad and I stalked off to a heathery part of the coast, Mum etc. coming slowly behind. We had teas at a place there, and got crams of gorgeous blackberries. Dad picking as hard as anyone, also Pudge, who would try to eat green and red ones! Once I saw some scrumptious ones hanging over a little stream, with some largish stones in the middle. I scrambled through the thorns on one side & clasping hold of Dad’s stick I let myself down to a precarious position on the stones holding a well filled basket in one hand, and picking vigorously with the other as it was nearly time to go. What would have happened if I’d tipped myself & the basket into the stream , I scarcely dare to think. Coming home Pudge sat on the box with me for a bit, while I anxiously tried to get sunburnt by holding my hat in my hand, (incidentally letting it fall into the road!!) We had a top-hole time

Saturday 12 September

Mum and I shopped and went to Tudors and Harrods in hopes of getting me a winter jersey and coat but alas, in vain. We had lunch at 1 and were going to Roehampton after, but it turned out rainy and horrid, so Mum and I went to the Kings road cinema. It wasn’t bad, one film called "The unseen witness" was about the best. About 5 we went to Barbellions for tea, but it was shut, so we went to Scheberger, (which by the way has changed it’s name to Stewart because it said the Germanish name caused unpleasantness!!) and had tea there.

Saturday 10 October

Antwerp has fallen. Pretty rotten. I stayed in bed for breakfast but got up afterwards. Knitted my sock till 11 when Dr Eadie came & took ( or tried to) 3 corns out of my foot. Hope they’ll be all right. Mr Green came to tea. I knitted a lot.

Friday 16

I practised in the gym court a thing we did in gym yesterday, you press your shoulders against the ribstraws & kick your legs violently up so that you get like this! It was rather fun but I couldn’t quite do it.