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The diary of Joan Evelyn Daniels offers a unique glimpse into the life of a teenager during World War One.

In 1918 she came to live in Southern Hill, Reading with her family when they moved from London to escape the threat of air raids and from 1 May to 21 August 1918, Joan kept a diary of daily life. In it she records the changes brought about by war, as well as her thoughts, fears and hopes for a peaceful future.

There are daily notes about the weather, music and learning new dances, along with anecdotes such as her dismay at the difficulties of buying a new hat or shoes, observations on nature and the joy of punting on the river and spending time with friends. However the undercurrent of war is present throughout as her jottings are interspersed with news from the front line and events closer to home, such as the bombing of the family business, friends going to fight and those missing or wounded.

The diary depicts a close knit family with a wealthy background; Joan鈥檚 father ran C & A Daniels, which occupied large premises on London鈥檚 Kentish Town Road, and gives a rare insight into life during wartime as seen through the eyes of a 15-year-old girl.

Location: Southern Hill, Reading RG1 5ES
Image: Misses H and L Turquand from Southern Hill c1912 from a collection at Reading Library.
Extracts from the Diary of Joan Evelyn Daniels courtesy of Berkshire Record Office.
Voice of Joan Daniels read by Chiara Leonardi, aged 16.
Presented by Janice Hunter.

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