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World War II Naval Diary (1945), Recording News of the Atomic Bomb and Japan’s Surrender
World War II naval diary, hardcover, 6.25 x 9.25, containing 41 pages of handwritten entries dating from June 22 through September 16, 1945. Apparently kept by a British naval serviceman whose name is not identified, the diary records shipboard life and news of the war’s conclusion, highlighted by references to the atomic bomb and Japan’s surrender. Selected entries include:
August 7: “New ‘Atomic’ Bomb dropped for first time by Yanks on Japan. State of damage unknown but believed to be terrific.”
August 10: “Japan announces her acceptance of Potsdam surrender terms, providing we leave the Emperor alone. The Atomic Bomb seems to have shaken the little rats up.”
August 15: “Fell in to the blare of sirens and hooters. Japan surrendered officially at Midnight. This is indeed good news.”
The August 15 entry also records a thanksgiving service, celebrations in Malta, and preparations to leave for Sicily the following morning. Other entries describe the writer’s return from home leave, departure from Portsmouth, passage through Gibraltar, and arrival at Malta, alongside daily duties in the engine and boiler rooms, electrical maintenance, shore leave, swimming, meals, and correspondence with “Nellie.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered wear and stains to the covers and spine.
