Personal diary of Denis Bates. During the war period he devotes his diary to discussing the effects of the war at home and the progress being made by the Forces abroad. He pays particular attention to the role of the merchant navy. After the war he briefly discusses the political situation i.e. the election of the Labour Party under Clement Atlee. The rest of the diary details personal and family matters, especially the death of Percy Bates.

Inserted inside were news clippings covering the progress of the war with particular regard to maritime events, the subsequent economic recovery of Britain and later events such as the Suez crisis and Britain's withdrawal from India and Persia. Themes also include the King and Queen's addresses and some obituaries of Percy Bates.

Includes three small black and white photographs of a Spanish chestnut tree at Kidnall, that were inserted in page dated 23 February 1952.