31 March, 2011

31 March, 1944

438th AAA AW BN
APO 578 % Postmaster, N.Y.
England
31 March, 1944         1000
Good Morning, darling –

It’s been a long time it seems since I’ve been able to write you this early in the day. Every new station has a different set-up and therefore a different routine. I haven’t been able to figure this one out as yet, but this morning I’m plunked down on a medical chest in the Dispensary – and for a change – it’s reasonably quiet.

Yesterday afternoon Charlie and I started out towards where our own men are billeted to give them a couple of classes in first aid. We passed a shop with some men's ties in the window – nice English plaids – so we went in. I thought I’d like to buy a couple for your Dad and mine – but you need coupons of course. After a little dickering with the salesgirl – she told us that the best thing would be to go the ration board. We did and they referred us to the Civilians Enquiry Dept and there we met a very charming Englishwoman. We told her we wanted to buy something for Mother’s Day and she said she’d try to help us. Meanwhile it developed she traveled through the States last summer with her son (16 yrs.) He had been there for a year – at The Rivers School in Brookline and lived with Dr. Tracy Mallory – the pathologist at the M.G.H. She had visited Salem, Maine etc. and we had a nice chat. When we left her – she was going to write to the Board of Trade and we’re to see her in a week. We killed over an hour, dear, and lost all desire to teach, so we walked along up the one main street of this town – looking at windows. We went into an old antique shop but didn’t see anything worth sending home. We passed a sporting goods store and went in to look at some squash rackets. I got to talking with the owner and before we were through he was going to arrange to have me meet and play one of the men connected with the school in this town. I’m going back to see him this p.m.

Well, darling, all that took the greater part of the afternoon and before you knew it, it was time to eat again. Of course – my pay still goes on. In the evening – I listened to a re-broadcast of a Boston Symphony program and helped Charlie keep our fireplace going. We talked about our college days and things at home, and what we were going to do after the war and a hundred other things. There was no mail again last night – and that, sweetheart, has been really the hardest thing to take. We’ve only had mail one day since we’ve been here. I don’t think it has anything to do with our move – but rather with the amount of space they’re allotting to mail on planes and ships these days. I do hope that in your direction the mail is coming through better – because I know it’s tough on those at home – wondering what’s going on. I can assure you, dearest, that all is well.

I loved your letter of March 6th in which you tell me you love me and it’s not because it flatters my ego, either, darling. I’m just happy to know that my own love for you is being returned. I don’t want you ever to feel though that we’re wasting any bit of our life. This is a definite part of it, and what’s more – a valuable part of it, too. If I were home I’d never have had the chance of writing you so frequently and exchanging ideas. I’d be too apt to be making love to you all the time. And don’t think we’re not getting to know a whole lot about each other. I know you infinitely more than I did when I left – and I hope you feel the same about me. That’s why I’m so confident that when I return it will be the most natural thing in the world to get married to you without any delay.

I also loved your mentioning rings. I don’t know where my father will get a ring, darling, but I do hope he gets a good one – and hang the cost. I told him to and hope he takes me at my word. He has full access to my checking and saving accounts and I don’t care how much tax there is on rings right now. I know you’re practical dear – and I like you for it. I am too – but not about things sentimental. Gosh I wish I knew what was going on back home darling. I want to call you my fiancĂ©e and I can’t officially until we’re engaged – damn it. Well – anyway I love you and want you and I’m going to have you! I ought to hear something soon – but engaged or not – sweetheart – in my heart you’re mine and that makes me happy. Best regards home, dear and so long for now.

All my love
Greg.

* TIDBIT *

about The Rivers School

CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE

Rivers School 1943 Varsity Football Team

Greg mentioned that a woman he met had a son at the Rivers School in Brookline for the past year. Perhaps he was one of the varsity football players in this picture of the 1943 team.

The Rivers School was founded as a school for boys in 1915 by educator Robert W. Rivers at the suggestion of a group of Boston-area physicians who believed that the rugged environment of an open-air school would promote good health in days when many young people fell victim to life-threatening, contagious illnesses.  Even in the winter, classroom windows were thrown open.


Students are bundled up in warm clothing in the Winter of 1917.

Twenty-five years and one new campus later, The Country Day School for Boys of Boston merged with Rivers. The school continued to grow in popularity and size and moved its location twice more to satisfy increasing demands for classrooms and playing fields. The latter of these moves was in 1960, when Rivers settled on the sprawling Loker Farm acreage bordering Nonesuch Pond in Weston.

After 50 years in Weston, The Rivers School has evolved into a place where student opportunities for personal growth are numerous throughout the year. In addition to a diverse academic, athletic and artistic program, Rivers offers its students -- as well as other youths in the community -- enrichment opportunities through its acclaimed Rivers School Conservatory, Rivers Day Camp and Camp Nonesuch.

As Rivers approaches its 100th anniversary, one fact remains constant. Inspired by an outstanding faculty, Rivers students are encouraged to find their passions and pursue them vigorously. Students continually reach new heights of excellence thanks to a faculty that provides an environment of creativity, challenge and caring.

The Rivers School describes itself as a community that upholds the values expressed in the Rivers seal: “Integritas et Sedulitas.”

Integritas: Integrity. We value responsibility, honesty, compassion, diversity, and respect, acknowledging that our actions have a profound impact on ourselves, on others, on the environment, and on the community as a whole.

Sedulitas: Perseverance. We acknowledge that the diligent pursuit of intellectual, creative, physical, and moral excellence is essential to one’s strength of character.

30 March, 2011

30 March, 1944

438th AAA AW BN
APO 578 % Postmaster, N.Y.
England
30 March, 1944        1100
Dearest Sweetheart –

It’s a cold gray day today – the first in over 10 days – a good day to stay in and read. I’ve been out most of the morning and have just returned to the Dispensary. Having signed my name to several more papers, I’m now ready to write you, darling.

Yesterday, again, was just another day, with routine duties, dinner – or supper at 1800, practice on the clarinet after supper – read Time magazine and listen to the radio program until bedtime. A nice quiet routine, sweetheart, but perfectly all right as far as I’m concerned.

After receiving mail the day before yesterday, the battalion was again short changed and there was no mail at all yesterday. I haven’t heard from my folks in some time now – although I don’t doubt there’s some on the way. There’s so many things I crave to know about what’s going on – and all I can do is wonder. I don’t know yet how your folks reacted to my letter – or letters, and I don’t know what my father has accomplished in getting a ring. You see I told him to get one – even before I heard from your folks – because as far as I’m concerned, dearest, the ring is for you, sooner or later, anyway. So I’m still waiting.

I read a letter of yours written the 29th of February. I meant to mention it before – but missed it somehow. You told me about the package you tried to send me which turned out to be too large. Although I know it must have been aggravating to you – excuse me, sweetheart, if I say it sounded funny. And by the way – you say you got me some candy you know I liked. I can’t imagine which kind that is, because I don’t recall ever mentioning anything like that to you. I’m looking forward to it, though, darling, and thanks for the trouble.

You mention a Jewish proverb – which is good, by the way. What interested me was your statement about what the Rabbi would say to us. Do they always say something, darling? I don’t know much about weddings, but I hope he doesn’t take too long saying it. I’ll want to hit the high road as soon as possible – and how about you, dear?

I’m not worrying very much about your weakness when you see blood. Actually very few emergencies are bloody and very few come to your office. After awhile, darling, when I’ve had time to tell you a lot about medicine etc. – when we’re alone and are talking about various cases that occur – I believe you’ll find the whole subject fascinating. I assume, of course, that you will want to discuss such things with me, dear.

Your statement about my folks not calling you, darling, interested me because of your reaction to it. I understand how you must feel – but I’m also glad that you’re thoughtful enough to realize that fundamentally they love you. You must understand my mother completely though to see why she doesn’t call you much. She’s so darned sensitive that she probably doesn’t call for fear that she’ll be disturbing you – or bothering you. That’s a fact, because she’s like that with my sister Ruth. I can remember my sister complaining that my mother didn’t call her often enough and my mother answering that she was afraid she’d be interfering with her work or anything else – and mind you, dear, – that was her own daughter. I’m not trying to excuse her, darling, just to explain her. I know you’re fond of my mother and that’s what counts – because I know how much she thinks of you.

I like to read your thoughts about us sitting around together of an evening – doing anything, but the point being that we’ll be together, just you and I. It’s so nice to think about and ponder over – and I’m so glad you really feel I love you. I feel that way about you and it gives me an indescribable satisfaction. You really didn’t get too much courting from me, darling, but as far as being on my “best behavior” is concerned – I don’t believe in that. I do think we got to know enough of each other to see thru the usual superficialities of new acquaintances and once that was done – we saw each other as real people and fell in love with each other on that basis. I know that we have lots to learn about each others' characteristics, but dear – I think you’ll find I’m just about the same as you already know me. If you love me that way – then I know you won’t change your mind.

I’m going back to the Castle now and get my lunch. I’m a little late – but when I start writing you – I hate to stop. I hope I hear from you, your folks and mine today or mighty soon. I love you, darling, and miss you and I can’t remind you of that fact often enough. Be well, dear, and send my love to your folks. I’ll write tomorrow. For now – so long and

All my love
Greg.

29 March, 2011

29 March, 1944

438th AAA AW BN
APO 578 % Postmaster, N.Y.
England
29 March, 1944        1100
Wilma, my darling –

At last we got some mail yesterday, and mine included four letters from you between March 5th and 7th. There must be quite a few more on the way. Gosh it was a wonderful feeling to hear from you. When I don’t hear, you seem so far away; when I do – you’re just sort of out of my sight temporarily. Your letters dealt with interesting subjects, sweetheart and I’ll try to discuss some of them with you.

The “Stan” incident, first of all, is closed as far as I’m concerned, dear. I suspected what was going on and honestly I think you handled it very discreetly. I never did write Stan what I felt like writing because it was hard for me to believe what he was trying to do. Why he’s so desperate is beyond me, dear, but I know that from my talks with him this past summer – his one goal is to tie himself onto some girl who can eventually make things comfortable for him – and it doesn’t make any difference who the girl is – to wit – Shirley, for whom I’m sure he didn’t have any love at all. Of course, darling, I don’t mean that as disparagingly as regards to you. I know he felt I had by far the better of the two girls when we went out together – but I never dreamed that he would operate like that. We’ll be friends, no doubt, but my estimation of him as a man will forever be low. That he would go so far as to try to weaken you by telling you that from what he knows of me I’m running around – was certainly hitting below the belt – especially when I wasn’t around. Sweetheart – you have only to read my letters to find out how much of that I’ve been doing. He apparently doesn’t understand that I’m in love with you for what you yourself are and that’s all that matters to me. He doesn’t understand that I was self-supporting before – and expect to be that – and more when I’m married to you. His own view of marriage – is parasitic, believe me, and he interprets everything from his own point of view. I’ll say this much for Shirley – she’s a very smart girl, because I believe she saw through him. He was an attractive man to be taking her out – and the temptation to have it continue – must have been great.

I always remembered your Mother’s warning to me when I first met you and Stan had been over to see you. She didn’t tell me much – but it was enough to let me know that I couldn’t trust him – much as I hated to believe it. I believe – before that – that your father had implied something about his character, too. They were apparently both quite right.

As for Irv and Verna feeling that you and I weren’t as suitable for each other – as was Stan for you – if it’s true, I’m sorry they felt that way. The fact is – they’re not in a position to talk because as I told you – they didn’t exactly hit it off themselves. Furthermore – I don’t know what they think Stan could offer you in life. Take it from me – and you know yourself – his worldliness is skin deep and what he has picked up from association with fellows like Irv, myself and others. I think you know what I mean.


The gang before the soldiers shipped out
Back row (l to r): Greg, Irv, Stan, unnamed soldier
Front row (l to r): Wilma, unnamed soldier's girl, Verna, Shirley

Anyway, sweetheart, it took a lot of courage for you to write as you did – and I appreciate it. The more I know you dear, the more you grow in stature in my eyes. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders and I’m glad. I keep feeling more and more that my wife is going to be the sort of woman I dreamed I’d marry and darling – you’ll be my wife!

Don’t worry about Stan and me. I’ve written a couple of times now – consolation in a way – for his breakup with Shirley, and more recently to tell him about the Zippo which I’ve already mailed out to him. So we’re still friends as far as that goes. I’ll never let him know what I know. It’s just you and I – and no doubt, your folks.

I’ve got to go eat now, my darling. It was wonderful hearing from you – and I can only say that each time I do – I love you more and more. By intent – or otherwise Sweetheart – you are showing me various sides of your character and I love them all. I hope I would get to know you by mail and I am – which means only one thing – it will take us no time to do what we want to do when I get back – Get Married!! Best regards, darling – I love you very deeply and always will.

My sincerest love
Greg.

28 March, 2011

28 March, 1944

438th AAA AW BN
APO 578 % Postmaster, N.Y.
England
28 March, 1944     1420
My dearest darling –

I am now at the Dispensary with some more spare time so I thought I’d at least get started. This morning was a fairly busy one. I had to go to the Hospital on some official business and I visited a couple of batteries to check sleep conditions etc. Later this p.m. I have an appointment with the Enquirer of the Water Department of this town – to discuss the water supply and check its drinking quality etc. These are some of the routine duties of the battalion surgeon when an outfit reaches a new spot.

Last night, dear, was quiet. After supper I played the clarinet for awhile, alone, and then I was joined by the violinist and between the two of us we managed to kill about an hour and one-half playing some old songs. Practicing on the clarinet has become a daily occurrence and I certainly am glad I got one when I did because it has helped me pass away some pleasant hours – that would ordinarily have been dull.

After the “concert” – Charlie and I gabbed for awhile about things in general – the battalion, intern days, Med. School experiences and so on and then we read our old papers – of which we both have a stack. Tiring of that after awhile – I decided to answer a few letters. I wrote to both Mrs. Kerrs in Salem, to Barney Weinstein in Hawaii and to Barbara Tucker and then sweetheart, it was bedtime – and my time to concentrate on you and you alone. I really do concentrate, too, dear. It’s now over a full week since anyone in the battalion has received any air-mail – and why it should suddenly have clamped down – is unknown. It will probably start coming thru again soon. Meanwhile – just when I’ve been most anxious to have mail come thru – I’m left waiting. That’s the hardest part of the war – right now, I guess. I’ve been so anxious to hear from you and your folks – because there are rather momentous decisions kicking around on some boat or plane or post office depot – I believe. Well, maybe today, darling.

Anyway I keep re-reading the old letters and I find that I enjoy them more and more each time I read them. They sure do help my spirits, sweetheart, believe me – and I don’t know what I’d do without them. I like your style of writing. It’s straightforward and sincere and sounds as if you were saying words instead of writing them. And there’s nothing artificial about it either – which is what I particularly like.

You mention having seen “Lady in the Dark”. I’ll bet it was good – although it must be superb if it outdoes the stage-play. I saw it on a New Year’s Eve a couple of years back with Gertrude Lawrence – and Danny Kaye – and I’ll never forget it. Who took Danny Kaye’s place in the movie?

We haven’t seen any movie in our present set-up and the one movie in town shows some weird class B British films. I don’t know exactly what a class A film is like – but they don’t have any – at any rate. I don’t mind though, because we manage to have some fun just hanging around the Castle nights.

I’ll have to stop now, darling. I guess you’re up to date in my activities. I wish I knew what was what – but regardless, dear – we love each other and that’s really what matters fundamentally – in the last analysis. And that thought gives me a wonderful feeling, Sweetheart.

Until tomorrow, then, so long for now and remember, you have

All my love
Greg
P.S. Regards to the folks,
Love
G.

* TIDBIT *

about the Lady in the Dark


The answer to Greg's question, "Who took Danny Kaye's place in the movie?" is Misha Auer, as described in the moviediva web site:

Lady in the Dark (1944) Directed by Mitchell Leisen. Ginger Rogers, Ray Milland, Warner Baxter.

Lady in the Dark was the peak of both Ginger Rogers and director Mitchell Leisen's career. Neither of them would ever make as successful a film again. Ira Gershwin, who did the song lyrics, had not collaborated with anyone since his brother George's death two years before. And Kurt Weill had been in the US for nearly a decade. He needed a hit and was ready to compromise some of his compositional austerity to get it.

Playwright Moss Hart had been going through a long psychoanalysis with Dr. Gregory Zilboorg, who had analyzed George Gershwin and many other prominent show business figures. The result was a desire to end his successful playwriting partnership with George S. Kaufman and strike out on his own. Hart had been boring all his friends with stories about his analysis, and he finally decided to write about it. One critic was to remark jokingly after the show became a Broadway smash that it was one way of getting back all the money Hart had given to Dr. Zilboorg.

Gertrude Lawrence dazzled in the Broadway version as Liza Elliott, but was nearly upstaged by Danny Kaye as gay fashion photographer Russell Paxton, played (somewhat) straighter in the film by Misha Auer. In the circus dream, Kaye sang a patter song which became one of his trademarks, "Tschaikowsky and Other Russians" in which he speedily recites the names of 49 Russian composers. At the preview, thunderous applause greeted the conclusion of the song, and the authors worried that their star, about to sing "The Saga of Jenny" couldn't top him. But, Lawrence rose to the challenge, bumping and grinding it to the complete devastation of the audience. In the film, "Jenny" is the only song to survive translation to the screen.

Here's a version of Danny Kaye's song with lyrics:

27 March, 2011

27 March, 1944

438th AAA AW BN
APO 578 % Postmaster, N.Y.
England
27 March, 1944        1500
Dearest sweetheart –

The weather is almost intolerable in its fairness – as paradoxical as that may seem, dear. As usual – wherever this outfit has been – we’ve always struck “unusual weather” or so the natives tell us. I thought this was the usual thing for England right now, but we’re assured it’s not. At any rate – it has been lovely down here, darling, and if I never had Spring Fever before, I sure have it now. I suppose it’s a good thing I don’t have much to do these days, because I’m sure I’d never get it done. Balmy – is the best way to describe the days we’ve been having, just like those we get in early May at home. The cherry blossoms, daffodils and early Spring flowers are all out – and all in all dear I miss you terribly. We’re always going to enjoy the Spring together, I know. It would be so wonderful to walk hand in hand with you through this lovely town and its suburbs, only I wonder how long we’d be just hand in hand. Well Salem has it suburbs, too, and we’ll be able to walk there.

Sweetheart I’ve missed you so these past couple of weeks. I just can’t explain it to you. It isn’t merely a feeling of wanting to be with you, being married, being together, and so on. All that goes almost without saying. It’s more a feeling as if I had already spent part of my life with you and had to be separated from you because of the war. In other words, darling, I miss you more acutely because in my mind – we’ve been together for a long time and now we are not. I don’t know how clear I’m making myself, but the plain fact is, dear, that I love you so deeply and truly that being away from you all these months is punishment. I would so love to be with you getting started on life – but then, you know how I feel, dear.

The moon was new last night, and that didn’t help either. It used to be that I minded the full moon, but now it’s any moon; and when there’s no moon, it’s the myriad of stars that fascinate me and make me transcend miles of space to be near you – even for a few fleeting moments of unnatural realism. Wilma, darling, I could go on for hours telling you how I feel about you and how I miss you and how you’ve changed my life and made it something with a real, tangible, purpose and goal. I’ve never felt like this before, dear. I’ve been moderately ambitious in the past, but I often used to wonder just what I was heading for. I was really a lonesome fellow inwardly, although to my friends I know I seemed the opposite. It was when I was alone that I did my thinking and wondering. My meeting you and knowing you – our love for each other filled a space which I alone knew existed. Had I not gotten to meet you, that emptiness would still have existed. For your love and sincerity; for your thoughtfulness, good cheer, for your hope and patience – sweetheart – I thank the Lord daily – you, not often enough, I guess. But you must know that I do feel that way, darling. As I wrote before – I don’t see how I can possibly really show you until after the war, when we’re married. Then, dear, I hope to make your life forever happy with me – as you are making mine now – at a time when it would have been so easy to be unhappy and disillusioned.

I’m afraid I rambled today, sweetheart, but facts and things were not on my mind. I just felt like telling you what you mean to me. If you get the slightest inkling – then I’m satisfied. I’ll write again tomorrow, dear. Meanwhile so long and remember – my love is yours for always –

Greg
Regards to the family
Love
G.

26 March, 2011

26 March, 1944

438th AAA AW BN
APO 578 % Postmaster, N.Y.
England
26 March, 1944 1100
Sunday Morning
Dearest Girl –

Most of the fellows have gone down town to church. I was alone up in my room at about 1000 and so I took out my clarinet and played it until a short time ago. I was joined by a fellow – one of the officers – who bought a violin some time ago and between the two of us – Walter Raleigh must have had a tough time in his grave. Likewise for whoever occupied our room in the past. The name over our door by the way is “The Chintz Dressing Room”. I’m not sure what Chintz is – but I don’t think I find any in the room. All the rooms, by the way, are named.
CLICK ON PICTURE TO ENLARGE

This oil painting of Sir William Strickland
and his Family by Charles Phillips
once hung in the Chintz Dressing Room

When we have a piano available – Charlie Wright plays – and one of the boys plays the guitar and you should hear that ensemble! It stinks! But the boys sing loud and cheer us on – so everything ends up well, dear. After the war – when we end up having our own house (as soon as I can earn enough money to get one) we’ll have a piano in it, darling, and whether you like it or not – we’ll play together. Do you think that child psychology would frown on the effect upon growing children, dear?

Last night – when I finished writing you, sweetheart, I wrote my folks and also Bea. I thanked her for her letter and asked her to continue to write. I hope she does. It was about 2020 when I got thru and just then my driver came up to my room to tell me there was a patient for me to see at the Dispensary. So I went down and sent the fellow in with a possible diagnosis of Measles. It was too early to say definitively, but you can’t take chances in the Army when so many men sleep in the same barracks. I’ll drop up to the hospital later today and see if the rash is developing or disappearing. Neither would surprise me.

While I was looking the fellow over – half a dozen fellows dropped in and wanted to know if I were going to have a couple of beers. Pete was there, and a fellow named Hughes, Poirier, Davey, Ray – and a couple of others. So we all went off to the Half Moon and had a few beers. No hard liquor (which is called “bitters” here) was available. We got back early – the pubs close at 2200 – hung around the room, listened to the radio – and went to bed.

  
Half Moon Pub Outside and Inside

Breakfast this morning was between 0800 and 0900. I got downstairs at 0845. We eat at a very long table – long enough to seat 38 officers around it and we have a lot of fun at meal times. It’s the first time in a long while all the officers have been together – and it’s enjoyable. This p.m. as I wrote yesterday, I believe – Lord Digby is going to take us around the Castle and estate and point out things of interest. That’s as far as our plans go at present.

This morning I was alone for awhile and re-read a very nice letter of yours written February 28th. It’s a sweet, thoughtful letter in which you talk of us being married and confiding in each other and sharing our problems. I’m glad that you do think of marriage as being a serious business. So many girls these days don’t. It has responsibilities for both husband and wife that are more than most people realize. I found that to be true when I was practicing and various married people came to the office with problems of all sorts. In addition, darling, being a doctor’s wife is no sinecure, believe me, and yet I have so much confidence in your ability to make a good wife. But there are compensations, too, and I know you’ll be happy too. Most important of all to start out with – is a good reputation, sweetheart, and I’m sure we already have that to start out with. I’m sure also that we will have the respect of the community, and that gives you a sense of responsibility and bearing that makes life worth living – and together, darling – we will make such a life. You have made me happy already, dear, don’t fear about that – and you will always keep me so.

I’ve got to get dressed and ready for dinner – so I’ll stop now dearest. I feel so fortunate in having you love me that the thought never leaves me and whenever I’m blue, dear, I think of you and me and the future – and I feel better immediately – because this separation is temporary – an interlude before we are together forever.

All my love for now, darling
Greg
Regards to the family
Love
G.

Route of the Question Mark


Page 19 and some of page 20 from The Route of the Question Mark are transcribed below, describing part of the life at Sherborne.

"Sherborne and Sherborne Castle... The pond with the lilies and the swans... The magnificent lawns and the elegant landscape... The deer on Jerusalem Hill... The rabbits... The colt... "Time Please!"... "Sorry, No Beer!"... The Coach and Horses... Mitre... Plume of Feathers... Digby Tap... Castle... Cross Keys... Swan... Queen's Head.. White Hart... Antelope... The George... Half Moon... and The Mermaid... The sweet English beer... "Any gum, chum?..."

Every pub visited by these soldiers is still serving beers as of this blog posting. Here are photos of them all:

CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE

The Coach and Horses


The Mitre Inn


The Plume of Feathers


The Digby Tap


The Castle Inn


The Cross Keys


The Swan Inn


The Queen's Head


The White Hart


The Antelope Inn


The George


The Mermaid

25 March, 2011

25 March, 1944

438th AAA AW BN
APO 578 % Postmaster, N.Y.
England
25 March, 1944      1900
My dearest darling –

This is a real Saturday evening if ever I saw one. The boys have all gotten dressed and walked down town to go pubbing. I didn’t get around to dressing and besides I hadn’t the opportunity to write you earlier today. So I’m in my room where it’s nice and quiet and I feel close to you again.

Gee I had a swell dream about you last night darling; no plot, no story – all I was doing was kissing you and boy! was I kissing you! I’m sure it lasted several hours because I was even tired in my dream. Oh well – it won’t always be thus, Sweetheart. It’s bound to be real, one of these days.

There was no mail again today and the boys are kind of put out about it. There’s a good reason, no doubt – and soon we’ll get a bunch of it. There would be one of those periodic delays – just when I’m most anxious to receive my mail promptly. Maybe tomorrow.

Today, dear, Saturday – was the routine inspection day and Charlie and I inspected all the kitchens. We walked – because it was so nice out and spent the whole morning doing it too. It was a kind of busy day in town, today. A very famous boy’s school is situated here, the equivalent of one of our better prep schools. The boys – anywhere from 12-17, I should say, wear wide brimmed hard straw hats with colored bands, and neckties to match – and every one of them wears the inevitable gray flannel suit. The school ranks next to Eton and Harrow in exclusiveness, was founded in the year 705 and was attended by King Alfred the First – so you can gather something about the age and background of this whole area.

Saturday is a half day now, for us, but I went back to our Dispensary and finished my map board. It came out fine and now I can get lost by the map – instead of asking my way. When I returned here to the Castle it was about 1500 and I was going to write you. But the fellows had rigged up a Volley Ball court on one of the lawns and I was called on to fill in one of the spots. We played until 1730 and then I had time just to bathe and dress. The bath-tubs in this place, by the way, are big enough to hold about 3 people and deep enough to sail. When I got into one of them today I yelled “man overboard!”, and 3 fellows ran to my rescue. The result was that we all got wet.

When I get through writing you and my folks, darling, I may dress and walk down town to meet the boys. The town has about 30 pubs – two of which are for officers only – so I know I’ll find them in one of the two places. That’s the height of excitement to be expected – but we sing and manage to have a little fun. The names of the pubs are “The Plume and Feathers” and “The Half Moon”. All thru England you see very quaint names of pubs – usually with a fancy painting of the title on the sign. There are names like “The Green Man”, “The Proud Peacock”, “The White Horse”, “The Bird Dog” – and a million others.

I’ve received several Boston Heralds recently and Charlie gets the Philadelphia Inquirer – so we have plenty of old reading material. In addition – I’m now getting my New Eng. Journal of Medicine – and that keeps me up to date somewhat.

So, darling, there you are again – up to date with my activities – but unfortunately – not so with my love. Boy is that mounting up too, dear! My love for you, sweetheart, just keeps going up and up – and since yours I know must be doing the same – well, we’ll be up in the clouds when we meet once again. And what’s more – we’ll stay there – because if ever I was sure of anything, I’m sure of our love for each other and therefore of everything that goes with it. And to think, darling, I once was considered almost too practical to be able to love! Just you wait and see! Fondest regards to the folks, Mary and everyone else you see. So long for now, dear and

All my deepest love
Greg

* TIDBIT *

about Sherborne School

Postcards of Sherborne School Enclosed in Letter

CLICK ON POSTCARDS TO ENLARGE


Some historians have speculated that a school must have existed in Sherborne since the 3rd century AD, but that is mere speculation. The school's definite origins date back to 705, when a tradition of education in Sherborne was begun by St. Aldhelm at the Benedictine Abbey. According to legend, Alfred the Great was one of the school's early pupils. The earliest headmaster known was Thomas Copeland in 1437. After the Dissolution of the monasteries, Edward VI refounded the School in 1550 as King Edward's school, a free grammar school for local boys. The present School, which has gone through various changes of fortune since the Protestant Reformation (and no doubt before), stands on land which once belonged to the Monastery. The Library, Chapel and Headmaster's rooms, which adjoin the Abbey Church, are modifications of its original monastic buildings.

The school stood in for Brookfield School in the 1969 film Goodbye, Mr. Chips. Here is a more current photo of Sherborne School, with the Abbey in the background.

24 March, 2011

24 March, 1944

438th AAA AW BN
APO 578 % Postmaster, N.Y.
England
24 March, 1944          1715
Dearest sweetheart –

Another beautiful Spring day, darling, and what I wouldn’t give to be with you these days! It’s so beautiful and mild here, dear, that it’s very hard to concentrate on anything except you and me and the future. I walk to and from the Dispensary – a distance of perhaps 3/4 miles – merely to get the exercise and see the view. As you leave the Castle – there’s a large driveway to the right which skirts the pond.

CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE

This photo shows the "new" castle and its driveway skirting the
pond in the foreground, the "old" castle remains across the pond,
and the town of Sherborne beyond.

After a while you pass out the main gate and walk along a road which leads down a hill to the town.


Sherborne Castle - Restored Main Gate

While on the hill you overlook a good bit of the countryside, darling, and it’s a pretty picture to see. It’s really prettier than most of New England – with the possible exception of some parts of Vermont. It’s a good deal like Upstate New York and Tennessee.


A view of the countryside around the castle

I’ve just returned from a busy afternoon, dear, and one I didn’t enjoy. You remember I once wrote you I was going to prefer charges on one of my men. Well – I never followed it through and let it drop. I must prefer charges now on another one of my men, because I’ve warned him about different things before, but he has persisted in getting into trouble. Now I’m going to have him court-martialed. Maybe if he’s fined some money and confined for a few months – he’ll really learn. This will be the first charge I’ve followed through since I’ve been with the outfit – but I think it will help some of the other boys toe the mark, too. This particular fellow was supposed to be on duty and came in 2 hours late – and drunk – really a disgrace to the medical detachment. Nevertheless I spoke with him, warned him and told him to go back to quarters and sleep it off. In the evening he asked my sergeant for a pass and was told to see me – Instead – he went off and didn’t show up until early morning. He must be disciplined or all the men will get ideas. He’s now under arrest awaiting trial.

Other than that, Sweetheart, I’m fine – but terribly lonesome. No mail from you today. No Air-mail seems to have come through – for some time now – to all the fellows. Every now and then they do that. I got an announcement of a marriage of a girl – non Jewish – that I once knew, just a good friend. She married a Lt. In the Navy – and in Oregon, for some reason or other. The announcement was mailed from Boston. Also I got a Salem News Letter from the Salem Police. I don’t know why I didn’t get one before – but apparently I’m now on their list. I haven’t read it yet – but it’s a one page printed affair and I suppose I’ll get one weekly now.

But, darling, it’s you I want to hear from more than anything else and my day isn’t a complete one – unless I have heard from you. You know, I’m sure, how I feel and particularly the past couple of weeks have been so long and stretched out. There must be some mail on the way for me from your folks and mine, too, and that’s what I’m anxiously awaiting. The upshot of it is that I love you and now that everyone knows it – especially you and I – I’m impatient – but no doubt you too, are – so I guess I’m not much help – am I, dear? Well anyway, you know how I feel – don’t you?

That’s all for now, darling. Take good care of yourself for me, have your Dad give you a terrific hug for me and best regards to the family. All my love for now, dear.

Greg
P.S. Happy Passover
Love,
G.

23 March, 2011

23 March, 1944

438th AAA AW BN
APO 578 % Postmaster, N.Y.
England
23 March, 1944        1725
My dearest sweetheart –

Gosh I love you, darling, and my being away from you seems like terrible punishment. I desire so much to be with you, close to you – all the time – that I know I will never be satisfied, content or relaxed, mentally or physically, until that day when our wishes are really fulfilled. In that connection, dearest, I guess I don’t tell you often enough just how much you mean to me. By that I mean I want you to know how much you really hold me. I want you to be sure you understand that no one ever can possibly mean anything to me except you. You must always tell yourself that, darling, and if it makes you more happy – then I’m glad. It’s just that I’ve come to feel that you are mine alone, waiting for me and wanting me only; you must feel that way about me and get the same satisfaction I get. Do you, darling?

Well – we’re getting settled here – and things are really comfortable. Today I did a lot of inspecting, running around – etc. In the p.m. I bought some heavy celluloid and spent a few hours making a permanent type mapboard. I really don’t know why – because up to now I’ve always merely asked where I was supposed to go – and managed to get there – while others with elaborate maps and colored pencils, got lost. Nonetheless – it looks nice if you have one – and it’s something to fool around with anyway.

I’ve just returned to the Castle and am waiting for supper. We eat at 1800 now and it gives me a little time more. I found some mail for me – but none from you, darling. I got one from my father, Part I from Stan (I had received Part II of a V-mail a few days ago), also a second V-mail from Stan, a letter from Bea, one from Barbara Tucker and one from a Major M.C. friend of mine – stationed in Hawaii. He practiced in Peabody and when he went into the Army, I took over his practice part time (or did I tell you already?)

My father’s letter didn’t contain any information about a ring, dammit, but he hadn’t received my letter about it I guess. He told me he hoped to have you over the house – some part of Passover – if not for the Seder and again reminded me how much my mother and he loved you, dear. You really fit with them, darling, and I’m glad.

Part I of Stan’s letter told me about his breakup with Shirley. He made it sound casual and said they were still good friends. He gave no reason. He also said he was going out with about 8-10 different girls now and was having fun. His other letter was to ask me if I could get a Zippo lighter for Y.D. Markson. He heard they were easy to get in the PX’s here and were unattainable in the States. Why Markson should want a Zippo is beyond me. The fact is – they’re not easy to get – as you know. They allow 7% of an outfit to get them and I waited 4 mos for the one I have. I just wrote Lawrence the other day that I’d send him the one I got – but I’ll tell him I can’t and send it to Stan, instead. The Lord knows he did enough for me in the past and if he can do Markson a favor – it won’t do him any harm. I’ll write him later.

I enjoyed Bea’s letter – tremendously, sweetheart – and it was swell of her to write so friendly and warm a letter to me. I know I’m really going to like her a lot. I’ll write her soon too. Barbara T’s letter was news about Mrs. Tucker and Salem – and there you are, darling.

I’m going to eat now, dear, so I’ll stop. I’m still sitting tight waiting for important news and I do hope it comes soon and is what I want to hear. It must be! Until later, Sweetheart, my sincerest love is yours and will be so forever. I love you, darling, and mean to tell you that over and over again – Do you mind? So long for now, dear

Yours – for always
Greg.
Regards to everyone
Love G

* TIDBIT *

about The Secret Kept about Company "C"

Greg took up lodging at the "new" Sherborne Castle on the 21st of March, 1944. Just a day earlier, an incident occurred which was kept secret for many years. He may never have known of it. Here the story is told by Joe Izzillo, a member of the 294th Combat Engineers, Company "B".

We did all of our training with mines and bridges on the property formerly owned by Sir Walter Raleigh, and now owned by the Digby family. Raleigh's castle was in ruins and on a large lake and that is where we did our training, building and blowing up static and floating bridges and working with mines. The Digby family were living in the relatively new castle at the time. One of the daughters, Pamela Digby later married Randolph Churchill, Winston's son. Later, they were divorced and she had a series of lovers and, at one time, became America's ambassador to France. Late in life she married Averill Harriman. She dissipated his fortune and after he died, she was sued by his children.

On the grounds of the Digby estate was the 228th Station Hospital, which consisted of a bunch of Quonset huts. The winter of 1943 was brutal. One day I woke up in my foxhole covered with frost and I realized that I had lost most of my hearing. This was not surprising since we were constantly working with explosives. I was taken to the 228th for treatment.

On March 20, 1944, I was lying in bed when there was a huge explosion and I was blown off my bed. The other patients and I raced outside and we saw the carnage. Company "C" had just finished an exercise with mine laying and then picked up the anti-tank mines and placed them alongside a truck to be taken to a safe area until the next exercise. The truck accidentally back up over some mines and about 90 mines exploded. The truck disappeared and 29 men were torn apart and their bodies were scattered through the trees. It was horrendous. Naturally, we were warned by security to keep quiet or we would end up being taken to Leavenworth Penitentiary in Kansas. The story was put out that two German saboteurs had set off an explosion. I understand that this was done because placing a hospital near explosives was a violation of the Geneva Convention.

It was many years after the war that a local reporter, using the Freedom of Information Act, wrote the true story.

The 228th American Hospital was built in Haydon Park in 1943 and treated over 22,000 patients both Allied and POW before it was disbanded in 1945 when its equipment and medical supplies were donated to local hospitals. Here is a picture of the Entrance Gate of the 228th Station Hospital in March of 1944:


Entrance to the 228th Station Hospital,
Sherborne, Dorset, UK

22 March, 2011

22 March, 1944 (2nd letter)

438th AAA AW BN
APO 578 % Postmaster, N.Y.
England
22 March, 1944     1930
Dearest darling –

First and foremost – I received your letter this p.m. of March 9 in which you accept my proposal, sweetheart, and although I knew you would – it made me very happy to read it. I’m surprised your folks hadn’t heard from me by that date – but they certainly must have by this time and I hope to hear from them soon. So they’re going up to 20% tax on jewels, are they? Well, darling – I don’t care as long as I can manage to get a ring you like on the correct finger. I don’t know what’s been happening back in Newton these past few weeks, dear, because the mail has been spotty – but I know I’m going around as if I were already engaged and I just hope everything is going along towards that goal.

I wrote you a V mail earlier today, sweetheart, in which I told you our official APO number is 578 and not 230, although anything you wrote with 230 will get to me – as will the 527’s of course. As I wrote you – it should be obvious that we’ve moved. You’ve probably gathered as much already. Whenever we move – we don’t know what the next set-up will be. In all the moves we’ve made – including those in the States – we have never been more amazed on arrival than we were when we got here. We are occupying a 17,000 acre estate that goes with a Castle. The officers are living in the Castle. Charlie Wright and I are sharing a room together – although the Lord knows there are enough rooms for everybody. There are actually 90 rooms in this Castle and believe it or not – in recent years it was fixed for central heating, although most of the rooms have enormous fireplaces. But let me start at the beginning – and this is all authentic, darling. This castle is one of the finest in this part of England. It is 400 years old – and believe it or not – was built or at least lived in by Sir Walter Raleigh when he was in Queen Elizabeths’ favor. She is supposed to have visited him here. When he was beheaded – the Earl of Bristol took over the Castle. He was the Lord Digby and the present Lord Digby owns the estate. It has been rented to the British gov’t for the duration and how we happened to get here – is beyond me.

There’s a large pond or lake behind the castle. It has courts, towers, a tremendous dining room – just like you’d expect in a Castle. (We have our meals there.) There are supposed to be 200 deer on the grounds and all in all it’s certainly the most beautiful place I’ve ever lived in. All along the corridors and stairways – there are beautiful oil paintings. One wing has all the furniture in it and it’s the most exquisite furniture I’ve ever seen, with gold leaf and fine handwork. The nearby town is extremely old and its Cathedral is 700 years old. I say again – it’s the most amazing set-up you could imagine. The post-card I’m enclosing gives the back view of the castle. I bought it in the town this morning. I’ll try to take some snaps of the place. Incidentally, darling, I tried having some snaps taken some time ago – when I was in London on my first visit and I had trouble getting the roll developed. When I finally did – they told me the roll was spoiled. But I have another plan now and will try again.

Well – Sweetheart – that’s all the raving now – but really it’s all that I say it is. Still I’m more interested in our own Castle that we’re building – darling – and I just am waiting for the day we can start on it. I’ll write tomorrow, dear. Charlie sends his regards. Best to your folks – for now

All my love
Greg

CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE

Postcard of the castle
with "Sherborne" crossed out for censors.
The postcard was sent in an envelope with the letter.
Greg writes, "My room is on the second floor and
overlooks the pond you see in the foreground."

* TIDBIT *

about Sherborne Castle


Sherborne Castle across the "pond" in 2007

The following was copied exactly from the Sherborne Castle web site, maintained by John K. Wingfield Digby, whose family has owned the castle since 1617.

Sherborne has had a castle since the 12th Century. Roger Bishop of Salisbury built a castle to the east of the Town to administer the western part of his large diocese. In early Tudor times the Bishops built a small Hunting Lodge in the deer park attached to the Old Castle from which to observe the chase. Sir Walter Raleigh acquired the Old Castle in 1592. At first he tried to modernize it, but then he built a new house in 1594 in the deer park. It was on the site of the Hunting Lodge which he incorporated into the foundations. His house was rectangular and four stories high, with large square-headed windows filled with diamond pane glass. In 1600 he added hexagonal turrets to the four corners of his house, topped with heraldic beasts. The house was rendered from the outset, in the latest fashion.

In 1617 the diplomat Sir John Digby acquired Sherborne Castle and he added four wings to Raleigh’s building, giving the house its present H-shape. He copied the style adopted by Raleigh, of square-headed windows, and balustraded roofs with heraldic beasts, and added hexagonal turrets at the end of each wing, so the house looks of one piece.

In the Civil War the Digbys fought for the Royalist cause and the Old Castle was garrisoned and suffered two sieges. After the second siege in 1645 Col Fairfax and his Parliamentarian army systematically demolished the Old Castle. Thus the name ‘Sherborne Castle’ came to be applied to the new house in the park. In the 18th century later generations of the Digby family modernized the Tudor house, adding Georgian sash windows, paneled doors and white marble fireplaces and filling the house with fine furniture. In 1787 an extension was added to the west side of the house which provided more bedrooms and improved staff accommodation and kitchens.

The Victorian period saw only one major re-modelling, in the Solarium (Raleigh’s Parlour), reflecting the respect the Wingfield Digby owners held for the antiquity and historical associations of the house. In the First World War the Castle was used as a Red Cross Hospital and it was requisitioned by the Army in the Second World War.

22 March, 1944

V-MAIL

438th AAA AW BN
APO 578 % Postmaster, N.Y.
England
22 March, 1944      830
Darling –

By now you must know we’ve moved. This is a busy day but I wanted to let you know that our number is 578 (five, seven, eight) and not 230. If you used the latter already – it will reach us though.

Wilma, dear – I’ll write you a letter later in the day and tell you as much as I can about our new set-up. I just wanted to get this off so that you can get my new APO as soon as possible.

Everything is fine, darling, and if I thought I had a good set-up before – listen to this – we are now occupying a tremendous Castle – as living quarters for the officers! It defies the imagination – actually – but I’ll write in more detail tonite.

For now –
All my love
Greg
Regards!

21 March, 2011

21 March, 1944

No letter today. Just this:

* TIDBIT *

about the 1944 Eruption of Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius last erupted between March 18-23, 1944. At the time of the eruption, the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) 340th Bombardment Group was based at Pompeii Airfield near Terzigno, Italy, just a few kilometers from the eastern base of the mountain. The tephra and hot ash damaged the fabric control surfaces, the engines, the Plexiglass windshields and the gun turrets of the 340th's B-25 Mitchell medium bombers. Estimates ranged from 78 to 88 aircraft destroyed.

Dr. Leander K. Powers served in Italy during World War II and his diary provides an interesting chronology of the March 1944 eruption:

Saturday, March 17, 1944
"While we were just finishing supper, someone called to say there were huge red streams of lava flowing down the sides of Mount Vesuvius. It was a sight to behold. Never had we seen such at night — usually a faint red glow at the most. As we watched the streams, like giant fingers flowing down the sides, we could see a glow in the sky. All during the night and Sunday there were quakes of the earth with tremendous roars - similar to thunder - from Vesuvius. The windows rattled, and the entire building vibrated."

Sunday, March 18, 1944
"On Sunday night, the roars became more frequent and grumbled like a lion’s roar. Streams of fire were shooting thousands of feet into the air, and the countryside was lit up for miles around. Oft times the entire top of the mountain looked as if it were a blazing inferno. It’s really uncanny, yet amazing to look at this phenomenon. The vibrations of the building were truly uncomfortable."

Monday, March 19, 1944
"I learned that a stream of lava was flowing down the side toward Naples, so we rode over to see it. It was the most phenomenal thing I have ever witnessed. A huge mass of fiery coals some 20 feet high and 200 yards wide destroying everything in its path. There were many people evacuating their homes, which we saw destroyed as the lava pressed on. At night, the sky and countryside was bright for miles around. Flames were shooting into the sky for thousands of feet."

Tuesday, March 20, 1944
"Tuesday night, the entire town vibrated, and there was a roar almost unexplainable. Lava rocks could be seen all over the mountainside."

Wednesday, March 21, 1944
"Wednesday morning, we could see smoke boiling from the crater for miles into the sky. This continued all the afternoon. We heard that the road to Salerno was covered with cinders and traffic was greatly impeded."

Dana Craig from the 486th Bombardment Squadron of the 340th Bombardment Group experienced the eruption of Mount Vesuvius first-hand:

"I'm assuming that your March 22nd date for the eruption is right. On the day prior, Vesuvius was belching smoke. It was an overcast sky with the threat of rain. About midnight, I went out of my billet to answer the call of nature. While outside, in a mild drizzle, I was hit on the head by what I thought was a small rock. Suspecting some sort of joke, I went inside for a flashlight. When I returned, the light revealed a layer of damp cinders on the ground. We knew at that time that Vesuvius was erupting. We began to feel the earth shake as though a bomb had gone off. After each quake, a few minutes would pass before the debris blown out of the crater would start to hit the ground. About daylight, the rear of our building started to cave in. We then began to see the larger rocks coming down. By this time everyone was wearing his steel helmet and heavy sheepskin jacket for protection from the falling material. I can't recall ever having breakfast that morning. It wasn't very long before we were loaded into trucks and evacuated to Naples."

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

These B-25s from the 447th Squadron
of the 321st Bombardment Group
passed very near the erupting volcano
on their way to bomb targets.


Three different perspectives
of Mount Vesuvius erupting in March of 1944
(Photos from NARA in College Park, MD)

20 March, 2011

20 March, 1944

438th AAA AW BN
APO 527 % Postmaster, N.Y.
England
20 March, 1944        1830
Dearest sweetheart –

Today has been a helluva long busy day – as was anticipated – with a busier one due tomorrow. As a matter of fact, darling, I won’t be able to write tomorrow but I will the day after, and I’ll be able to write a letter less mysteriously – not that there is anything particularly different – but I realize I’ve been sounding a little bit obscure. If so, dear, it’s because I’m trying to stay within the censorship rules.

Anyway – this morning we went up to battalion for another one of those meetings. We got back at noon and have been tearing around ever since. Our lights are out of order and it’s fast getting dark – so I’m writing more swiftly than usual, dear. Gosh darling, I love you so much and miss you so these days! I’m awaiting eagerly hearing from you and your folks in reply to my letters of over a week or so ago. The damn delay in time is so aggravating – and yet there isn’t a thing we can do about it – but wait. I haven’t heard from you now for 5 days, the longest stretch in some time. I should be getting a fairly recent letter soon. The last letter I got was written March 4th, but there are several before that that are still missing.

Last night George and I went into town – presumably to go to a movie – but the shows were terrible. On Sunday – all the theaters have a special program, one day only – and they show pictures that are years old, like “The Garden of Allah”, and George Brent in “Till We Meet Again.” I saw them both some time ago. So instead we went over to the Red Cross Club – for officers which opened in this town – quite recently. You know – most places have R.C. Clubs – only for enlisted men. It’s a relief to have a place to come to – just to lounge around. They serve meals and snacks all day – until 2400; there’s a large lounging room, with a Victrola and fairly new records; a ping-pong table and a lot of papers from the U.S. We stayed around until about 2230 and headed back for camp – really a couple of playboys.

It’s strange, sweetheart, how not hearing from you for several days makes me wonder what you’re doing and thinking. Despite the fact that letters get here about 2 weeks after they’re written, when you keep getting them – you feel you’re up to date. It’s just that I love to know just what your days are like – from day to day, and I feel cheated when I don’t hear. So I usually end up re-reading your older letters. Today I rounded up a stack of your letters and decided to put them into my trunk. You know, dearest, you’d be surprised what a dent they make in the space – but I don’t want to destroy them – because I love every one of them.

It’s getting very dark out now sweetheart and this kerosene lamp is blinking terribly – so I’ll stop here – not before reminding you, darling, that I’m very very much in love with you – or did I say that? It’s true, though, dear – wonderfully true – and I’m lucky to feel the way I do.

Send my best regards to your folks, sweetheart. I hope all is well at home and I hope to hear from you all – soon.

All my love is yours – dear
Greg.

19 March, 2011

19 March, 1944

438th AAA AW BN
APO 527 % Postmaster, N.Y.
England
19 March, 1944       1100
Dearest darling Wilma –

If you’ve already noticed the new A.P.O. – don’t be alarmed. It’s just another change, with no particular significance, dear. The Army is always changing things around probably to confuse the enemy. I guess they end up confusing the home folk. Anyway, darling, at the present time we’re still in the exact position as we’ve been
right along and until you hear otherwise – that’s where we’ll be. Anyway – at the present – 230 is the APO for us. As before dear, your previous letters addressed 527 will reach me without delay.

You remember, Sweetheart, I wrote you yesterday that is was going to be a busy day. It was – and so is today – even though it is a beautiful Sunday morning. Gosh this is getting to be a more and more beautiful country with each passing day, sweetheart. I was always more or less susceptible to Spring – but I’ve never been in love, darling, and gee – it’s a hard combination to take – with you so far away. We’ve had a remarkable run of clean, fresh air. And the countryside is as picturesque as anything I’ve seen in the States. The whole trouble is that you can’t be here with me to complete the empty feeling I get when I look out to the horizon – when I’m standing by myself. It’s then that I feel like walking side by side with you, talking with you, planning with you and embracing you – and the fact that you are not here is compensated only by the thought that you must be thinking the same things, feeling the way I do and wishing you were with me too. I knew that Spring would be hard to take – even before I realized how swiftly our love was developing. But we’ll have other Springs, darling, when we’ll walk along together and think back to these days – and I know it will make us appreciate each other all the more.

Well, darling, I didn’t mean to sound blue at all. Just let us say sentimental – I guess there’s no doubt that I am that.

I finally got a letter from Stan, yesterday. Unfortunately is was a two part V-mail – and as usual part II came and page I did not. But what he did write was friendly and the first sentence of page II is “I know she’ll be waiting”. I know he was referring to you, darling, and it makes me feel so happy that you are waiting for me. The rest of page II tells about his traveling around in his work and that’s all. I’ll probably get page one soon and then I’ll answer. I also got a letter from an M.D. friend of mine in an AA outfit now in Italy. He writes that when they’re up front – there’s some interest in things – but when they pull them back to the rear – it’s just as if they were back in Africa or England – that’s how far away the war can seem when you’re only a few miles behind the front lines. I thought it an interesting observation.

Darling I enjoyed your clipping about ‘A Kiss Across the Seas’ and was glad to note that you were keeping the actual figures. You erred only – in assuming you still owed me 5199. The up to date figure is now 5972 – so please, dearest, change it in your account book.

Well, Sweetheart, I’ve got to go have lunch now and then get started on my work. I love you and miss you every moment of the day, darling; yet despite that feeling of distance – I am satisfied and happy in knowing that you love me too. It makes problems here seem easy to take in stride and in general is the best up-lift in the world. There ought to be more love around; then everyone would be happy. Anyway – I’m glad that we have it – because I can see I’ve missed a lot up to now. So long, then, until tomorrow, darling, and you have

My sincerest love,
Greg
Regards to all
Love,
G.

* TIDBIT *

about London Weather, January-March, 1944

Although described as "very dry and cold with below average sunshine," Greg no doubt noticed that the amount of sun doubled from February to March and there was much less rain than the previous months. 


January - Dull, mild and rather dry.

 Mean Temperature  6.6°C   (43.9°F)

 Monthly Highest 12.9°C  (55.2°F)Total Rain39 mm
 Monthly Lowest -1.2°C   (29.8°F)Total Sun31 hrs

There was a cloudy, mild and changeable start to this snow-free January. During the second week it became fine with frosty nights, but after a sunny day on the 14th, the following 2 days were very foggy with visibilities of less than 10m.  The maximum temperatures on the 15th and 16th were only 2°C. During the third week it became milder and the weather remained unsettled until the end of the month. On the 23rd over 8mm of rain was recorded.

February - Dry and rather cold with below average sunshine.

 Mean Temperature  3.9°C   (39.0°F)
 Monthly Highest 13.1°C  (55.6°F) Total Rain 17 mm
 Monthly Lowest -3.0°C   (26.6°F) Total Sun 55 hrs

There was some mild weather early in the month and on the 2nd the temperature rose above 13°C. Thereafter, although a few mild days occurred, it was generally rather cold, often breezy and fairly cloudy. On the 16th, nearly 10mm of rain wa measured, and during the latter half of the month there was occasional sleet or snow. However, amounts were small and there were several more dry days. On the 19th, the maximum temperature only reached 2.5°C.

March - Very dry and cold with below average sunshine.

 Mean Temperature  5.5°C   (41.9°F)
 Monthly Highest 20.0°C  (68.0°F) Total Rain  2 mm
 Monthly Lowest -2.8°C   (27.0°F) Total Sun 101 hrs

This was a quiet month dominated by areas of high pressure, although weak fronts gave a little rain, and there were also a few wintry showers. Nevertheless, measurable rain only fell on 5 days, with the wettest days, the 14th and 30th, only having 0.5mm each. The coldest weather, with several frosty nights, occurred early in the month, and on the 4th the maximum temperature was only 3.8°C. During the last week it was warm for a while with a high of 20°C on the 26th.