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-I09-

dressed up in the complete uniform of an Italian Major of the Medical Corps, all of which uniform was far too big for him. It was the circus dwarf in military masquerade. Somewhat the worse for drink and with mouth askew, he shouted: "I want wine!" He was an Ally and as such he joined us and walked conspicuously by my side. I felt that he, myself and all else belonged to some impossible dream. "It's a joke!" he exclaimed in answer to my enquiry why he had donned the heavy greay broadcloth uniform on so hot a day. "I found it when rummaging in the ruins of a bombed house: Look at the badges!" and out of his pockets came a display of medals that had once been worn by a high grade Italian military physician, now probable dead. "A joke may cease to be a joke after a quarter of an hour", said I and to which the other soldiers fully agreed. Now was it the remark about jokes or was it the effect of the heat causing perspiration to stream down his face, that decided the little man to divert himself them and there of his masquerade. First the heavy military cap with its gold braid came off then the heavy coat and then last of all the pants. Finally my guest issued forth in the scant attire (khaki shirt and shorts) of a British Soldier.

August 6th
While in the garden I heard music coming from our neighbour's villa: an English officer playing the 'cello to the accompaniment of the daughter of the house.

One of the English soldiers to whom I had given a book