After Hird retired, he took to keeping a regular diary. The format of these diaries varied over time; sometimes Hird kept a narrative diary, particularly during the second World War, where he notes and comments on important events, and at other periods, general thoughts and ruminations on religion, morals, and politics. Typically domestic routines and the state of Hird's health are also covered in most of the diaries.
- /1 "Ship's Diary" - describes a cruise [Syrian Prince, Egypt - 1938?];includes single work related entry from 1931
- /2 Appointment diary 1940
- /3 Diary July-October 1941
- /4 Diary December 1941-April 1942
- /5 Diary May-July 1942
- /6 Diary August 1942-December 1942 (some loose leaves)
- /7 Diary December 1942-September 1943 (plus one note for 27 May 1943)
- /8 Diary January-May 1944
- /9 Diary March-May 1944
- /10 Diary May-December 1944
- /11 Appointment Diary 1945
- /12 Appointment Diary 1946
- /13 Diary June 1946-March 1947
- /14 Diary July 1948-July 1949
- /15 "Dreams and Imaginings I" September 1949-August 1950
- /16 "Dreams and Imaginings II" August 1950-May 1951
- /17 "Dreams and Imaginings III" Feb 1952-Jan 1954
- /18 Diary May 1951-May 1952
- /19 Diary Mar 1952-April 1953 ("Ideas")
- /20 Diary July-September 1952
- /21 Appointment Diary 1953
- /22 Diary April 1953-January 1954 (apparent misdating to 1951)
- /23 Diary Sep 1953-July 1955
- /24 Notebook, Aug-December 1940, April 1954-February 1956 (poor condition)
- /25 Diary June-September 1955, describes a holiday in Bournemouth
- /26 Diary July 1955-February 1956.