31 May, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 654 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

31 May, 1944        0720

Dearest darling Wilma –

Although we had a pretty good thunderstorm yesterday p.m. – the heat wave – if you can call it that – is still with us. The highest it has been here is somewhere in the low or middle 80’s, but it rarely gets that hot here, and if it does, it doesn’t last long. We have the same humidity here that Boston has, with the complete lassitude etc. that goes with it. Yesterday – it was really quite annoying – but fortunately, I didn’t have too much to do, dear.

I got no mail yesterday, but having heard from you the day before, I really didn’t expect any.

Say – in reading about Mr. Clark’s home – I find you really enthused, darling. And to top it off you say you’d really adore a place like that. Now if you’re going to get ideas like that this early in life, maybe you’d better not go out there quite so often? It does sound nice, though, dear – and I’m glad you’re enjoying your trips out there.

You mention Rosalyn (do I know her?) graduating Holyoke and that she called and wondered how you kept from being bored. I sometimes have wondered about that too, darling. You never mention that you are, for which I’m grateful – because I hate to think of you getting tired of ‘hanging around’, dear – although sometimes it must seem just like that, I’m sure. As for you and me in the days when we first went out, sweetheart, – I, too, liked to be alone with you rather than with anyone else; you knew that. And I’d have stayed out all hours of the night, if I thought we could get away with it. I knew how your mother felt about late hours – so “why antagonize her?” I thought. After all, darling, I was trying to make a good impression. But don’t try to make me believe that I immediately opened the door of my car, dear!! Seems to me – there was usually a slight delay – you must remember. And, dearest, you shouldn’t feel surprised at the things you admit to me – for after all, if not to me, then to whom?

Today being the end of the month – means a little extra running around. In the days when we were in Camp, it was a simple thing getting the men’s pay. It’s different here; you have to hit the right finance office – in the right city – i.e. right for your outfit. Anyway – at 1030 this a.m. – the B.C.’s and I have to go to a nearby town and get the pounds, shillings and pence for the boys’ mild and bitters. And how they go through it, too!

I’ll have to stop now, sweetheart, and get going down to the dispensary. My thoughts are always with you, dear, day and night – and all I do is dream of the days when I’ll finally be with you. Remember darling that I’m very much in love with you and miss you terribly –

Love to the folks – and

All my love to you

Greg

30 May, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 654 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

30 May, 1944       0725

Dearest Sweetheart –

I just realized – in writing the date – that today was or at least used to be, a nice holiday back home. Last year – I arrived at Camp Edwards on May 29th from S. Carolina after being away for 6 months – and it sure was a thrill. I don’t know just how I would act if I were home again now – but I have a pretty good idea.

As a matter of fact the English have their holiday, too, at the end of May – but it’s not like our Memorial day. It marks the end of the whole Easter period – sort of the other end of the line from the beginning of Lent – with Easter in the middle. The Holiday is called Whitsuntide and as most holidays are celebrated – it includes Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Of course it made no difference to us.

Say that news about Betty and Les getting married on a 3 day pass was surprising. I didn’t think their folks would approve. Of course I don’t know what sort of outfit he’s with. If he thinks he’s in a semi-permanent set-up, I do believe he ought to get married; but if he’s with an infantry division – he’s bound to move out – and soon. In that case – I think he ought to wait it out, if he’s waited so long. But that’s their problem and not ours. Incidentally – I assume Betty is still at school and due to graduate soon – is that correct?

There seems to have been a delay in mail in your direction, too, dear, for which I’m sorry. It’s worse when you don’t hear from us – but remember – I’ve told you 2 or 3 times now – to expect a delay and the one you’ve already had – is not what I have in mind. You finally got the letter in which I mention Charlie and you say I sounded upset. I was – in a way – because the whole thing was rather nasty and I had to help cover up and pretend that nothing had happened. Yes – I’m on speaking terms with him – there was no trouble between the two of us at all. I suppose I might as well tell you just what the trouble was – so you’ll understand. It all hinged on Charlie’s attention to men – especially enlisted men. It had been going on for some time – I mean – over a year anyway – and the Colonel knew about it, I did – and perhaps 3 other officers. Well – on the week-end I wrote you about it – an incident blew everything wide open and he was transferred out of here in less time than it takes to write it. He is now awaiting a trip back to the States – where I believe he will be asked to resign his commission. Incidentally, dear, I’ve written to no one about this – except you. So now you know. We’ve had no replacement yet – but at least there’s no tension here now.

Sweetheart, I haven’t told you I loved you yet – this morning – and here I’m almost ready to leave – so I love you!! I hope you’re getting mail more regularly now, dear – but anyway, I’m writing every time I can. Remember that when you don’t hear regularly. So long for now, dear – love to the folks and

All my love is yours

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about Whitsuntide

CLICK ON PICTURE TO ENLARGE

Goosnargh, UK, 1893
Whit Walkers Enjoy their Picnic Tea

Whitsunday (Whit Sunday) is celebrated seven weeks (50 days) after Easter Sunday. Whit Sunday is a favourite day for baptism. It is thought that because people are often baptized dressed in white, Whit Sunday was probably originally known as "White Sunday." It is also known as Pentecost, meaning "the fiftieth day". This day is historically and symbolically related to the Jewish harvest festival of Shavuot, which commemorates God giving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai fifty days after the Exodus. Among Christians, Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus. The Pentecostal movement of Christianity derives its name from this biblical event.

The week following Whit Sunday is known as "Whitsuntide" or "Whit week". "Whit Monday" is a public holiday in many European countries including Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, and (most parts of) Switzerland. In Sweden it was also a public holiday, but Pentecost Monday (Annandag Pingst), through a government decision December 15, 2004, was abolished and replaced with the Swedish National Day on June 6th each year. In Italy and Malta, it is no longer a public holiday. It was a public holiday in Ireland until 1973. It was a bank holiday in the United Kingdom until 1967.

In the UK, the adoption of a Late Spring Bank Holiday on the last Monday in May is an attempt to deal with the fact that Whitsuntide is a moveable feast dependent on the date of Easter. Although it is no longer necessarily at the church's Whitsuntide, the general public still refers to this holiday as "Whit Monday." Two main traditions persist, particularly in the North of England - "Whit Walks" and "Whitsun Ales."

Whit Walks are now confined almost exclusively to the industrial towns of northern England although they were once much more widespread. The whole community assembles at a central point - usually a school or church - and parades around the town or village. The parades will be led by a brass band with the clergy and local dignitaries, followed by the uniformed organizations - Scouts and Guides, Boy's Brigade etc., and finally local families all in their best new clothes with the girls dressed in white, Whitsun being a corruption of White Sunday. The Whit Walkers will very likely make their way to the local green or playing field and there the "Whitsun Ale" will begin.

A "Whitsun Ale" is, despite its name, not a type of beer! Whitsun Ales are country fairs, with sports and competitions, music and of course socializing, eating and drinking, in fact a major event on the social calendar. After the Civil War (English, not American) the Puritan government banned all types of merrymaking. But after the Restoration of Charles II, Whitsun Ales became a major event - helped no doubt by the fact that Charles was born on a Whit Monday and so encouraged the celebration. The Ales are often sponsored by a pub or brewery, giving rise to the misconception that the event is named for the beer.

Another custom on Whitsunday involves cheese. In Gloucestershire, Whit Sunday is often referred to as 'Bread and Cheese Day' because of a very strange custom that takes place on this day. In St Braivels, Gloucestershire, following evensong on Whit Monday, basketfuls of bread and cheese are thrown from a wall near the old castle, to be scrambled for in a lane below. The locals of St Braivels have been hurling bread and cheese since the 13th century, when the custom began probably as a payment for the villagers' right to cut timber from a nearby wood. In Randwick, Gloucestershire, after rolling three double Gloucester cheeses around the church, one is cut up and shared amongst bystanders and the other two are rolled down a steep hill. In Stilton, Cambridgeshire, teams of four, in bizarre costumes, roll stilton cheese along a 50-yard course. They must not kick or throw the cheeses. The prize is a whole Stilton Cheese, which weighs about 16 pounds, and bottles of port — the traditional accompaniment.

Cheese rolling also takes place in other areas around England. The most outrageous event takes place in Brockworth, Gloucestershire down Cooper's Hill and is known for commonly causing injuries to those taking part, with sprains and broken bones common. In 2009, the injury toll of 18 was described as 'low' by St John Ambulance. Ten of the wounded were spectators. Six people fainted just watching the event and four other spectators suffered minor injuries. One of those had fallen out of a tree and was taken slowly down the 100ft slope on a spinal board. Three cheese-chasers were taken to hospital for treatment - two with suspected spinal injuries and one with a dislocated shoulder. The rest had cuts and bruises. The even is no longer officially sponsored. The number of competitors has mushroomed and now people come from all over the world to chase rolling cheeses in this event which is thought to go back 600 years. From Urban Pictures, UK comes this video about the 2022 event.

29 May, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 654 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

29 May, 1944        0715

My dearest darling –

The start of another week with lots of things to take care of. But one thing about being busy – the days do go by very quickly, and I like that, dear. This past week-end was gorgeous from point of view of weather – although we couldn’t partake of it too much. However – for a couple of hours – Sunday afternoon we were able to play a game of soft-ball, officers v. enlisted men (we lost 17-5!). The sun was actually very hot and I ended up with a swell burn.

Sweetheart, before I forget it, Father’s day is fast approaching and I’ve done nothing about it. I haven’t got the slightest idea about presents from way back here, but you ought to be able to figure something out. I’m enclosing a check, dear, which ought to cover a Father’s Day gift for both our dads. Send them from both of us – if you wish, but at any rate – will you take care of getting a couple of gifts and seeing that they are delivered on the appropriate day? I wouldn’t ask you to do it, darling, but you invited me some time ago. Incidentally – if you see something you’d like to get that the check won’t cover – get it – and let me know the difference.

I was interested in your statements about Stanley Berns, how he looked and how he felt about going back. I guess the Pacific assignment is no sinecure – and from what I’ve gathered from others who have been there – they’re never anxious to return. I’m sure glad they didn’t send us in that direction; it could very well have been, too, because others went there at the same time that we were coming over here.

Darling, don’t you forget for a moment that I realize how much you’re doing to help my folks forget I’m away. You shouldn’t have any doubts about that at all. I think if I hadn’t met you and become engaged to you – they’d have taken my being away very much harder than they do now. And especially are they happy in the thought that when I come home, I’ll marry you. They’ve always wanted to see me married – and I think they see now why I waited so long. Put it all together, sweetheart, you have made them very happy and given them a new interest – at a time when they needed it most – and I want you to realize that I know that and appreciate it.

Well, my pet, I’ve got to go to work again – and try to earn my pay. I hope all is well with you at home – and the family – and send my love to the folks. I love you and miss you, dearest, and if I don’t tell you that often enough – it isn’t because I’m not thinking it and feeling it.

For now, all my love, darling

Greg.

* TIDBIT *

about Stanley Berns

Mr. Berns was born in Roxbury and moved to Brookline in 1920. He was educated in Brookline and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1939.After Pearl Harbor he enlisted in the Navy was assigned to Officer Candidate School at Columbia University, where he was commissioned an ensign in 1942.

Here are four pages from Side Boy, the book published for the graduating class of Midshipman in which Stanley was trained. The first two are the title page and an excerpt from Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Navy Day speech from October 27, 1941. The last two are about the 23rd Company in which he was trained.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE
  

  

Stanley served as communications officer aboard the USS Griswold between 1942 and 1945 and saw action in the Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal and the Pacific theater. The Griswold (DE-7) was launched 28 April 1943 at the Boston Navy Yard. After shakedown in Bermuda, Griswold headed for the Pacific. Immediately pressed into service, she escorted convoys through the South Pacific. On 12 September, 1944 she conducted a 4-hour attack on a Japanese submarine off Guadalcanal but was not credited with a "kill." At 2200 on the night of 23 December, 1944, patrolling off Lunga Point, Guadalcanal, she was dispatched to investigate a periscope sighting. Alert sonar operators picked up the contact immediately, and held it for the next 5 hours as the determined DE conducted attack after attack on the elusive Japanese raider. Oil slicks and air bubbles after the sixth and seventh attacks told Griswold that her quarry was hit—this was confirmed shortly before 0300 on 24 December when a periscope poked out of the water. Griswold charged in for her eighth attack, laying a lethal pattern of twelve depth charges. A heavy oil slick dotted with debris rose to the surface, and the tenacious ship and crew were credited with sinking I-39.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

U.S.S. Griswold

After overhaul at Mare Island, the escort ship returned to the Pacific theater on 3 June 1944 to escort convoys and participate in training exercises out of Pearl Harbor well into 1945. Reaching Okinawa on 27 May 1945, Griswold was shortly rewarded with two kamikaze kills, 31 May and 5 June. The second of those would-be kamikazes dived on Griswold; but she evaded him and the marauder exploded into the ocean so close that fragments of the Japanese plane showered over her. That same day two other American ships were seriously damaged by kamikazes as Japan made her desperate, and futile, effort to reverse the tide of war. At war's end she sailed triumphantly into Japanese waters, anchoring in Tokyo Bay on 10 September, 1945. Embarking passengers for stateside, Griswold cleared Tokyo 6 days later and arrived in San Pedro, California on 8 October, 1945.

After the war Stanley returned to Boston. He and his brother co-founded Pullman Vacuum Cleaner Corp., which went on to become the world's largest manufacturer of commercial vacuum cleaners. In 1960 he developed an interest in horticulture and bought a 76-acre parcel in Sandwich, Massachusetts known as the Dexter Estate. He rehabilitated the grounds and grew and sold rhododendrons and azaleas throughout the East Coast. Later, he sold the estate to the Lilly Foundation and it became Heritage Plantation, now named Heritage Museums and Gardens.

Stanley Berns died on July 28, 2005, leaving two sons, a daughter, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren as well as a brother and a sister.

28 May, 1944

V-MAIL

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 654 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

28 May, 1944        1235

Dear sweetheart –

Just got back from a rather long bike ride – on business; there was no other transportation available and the matter had to be taken care of. It was warm and I’m pretty tired. We’ll be eating soon and then I think I’ll soak in a tub. Later there are more details to take care of and I’ll be busy. I’m writing this now because I may not be able to write later, dear.

Gosh these past couple of days have been like summer and it makes me recall with nostalgia the first days when we first went out together. I thought the Spring would be tough, darling, but I guess Summer, Fall and Winter – will all be the same. I shall not be truly happy until I am close to you once again – Love to the folks.

All my love

Greg.

27 May, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 654 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

27 May, 1944        0730

Dearest sweetheart –

Even at this hour – which is actually 0530, the sun is out bright and shining, and from the stillness of the air and the trees, it seems certain to be a hot day today. The natives say that even in this part of England – and I always think of Tennessee or the Western Part of New England – when I look around me – it really gets hot – except for about 4 or 5 days in the whole summer.

I got an old letter from you, yesterday, dear – from May 8 – but nonetheless welcome. I don’t know why it was delayed – but it must have gotten side-tracked one way or another. At any rate it was interesting – I mean your farming and your energy darling. I worked on a farm for a day once and I was sure it wasn’t for me. Incidentally, I never realized that Mr. Clark’s farm is where it is, or if I had been told, it didn’t stick. I found that very interesting too, very interesting. All you have to do is add an “E”.

And your story about the mailman was most amazing, sweetheart. That is what I’d call personalized service. We don’t get that in the Army, I can assure you. He certainly sounds most sympathetic and next time you see him, dear, thank him for me, will you? If he wants to come to the ceremony, it’s all right with me, too.

I also got a letter from a friend of mine in another AA outfit in Italy. He used to be with us long ago – our first time at Edwards – and he certainly has been through a lot of action.

Last night we were supposed to have a meeting, staff, at 1730 – in the Colonel’s room. That seemed unusual because we generally have them in his office. We were sure something big was going to pop. Well we went in and he was with another Colonel whom he introduced and said he had a few words to tell us. So we took out our notebooks and waited. This other Col. said “I won’t talk much”, and he didn’t. He opened a suitcase and brought out a bottle of Bourbon, and darling when that was gone, another bottle and another appeared. Well – they held the dinner bell off until 1830 and we were all feeling fine by then. The Col. was a classmate of our Col. and is AA liaison officer in London. It could very well be that our present set-up and fine location were a result of his direction – because the Army can work that way. He just felt like meeting the Staff and saying “Hello”.

Well, Sweetheart, it’s Dispensary time and I have to run along. I hope all is well at home, dear, and that you still love me and miss me the way I do you. If so – I’m happy, darling.

Love, for now, to the folks and

All my love to you for always

Greg

[Note from FourthChild: Mr. Clark’s farm was in Sherborn, Massachusetts, USA – hence "add an E” told Wilma where he was...]

26 May, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 654 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

26 May, 1944        0730

My dearest darling –

I rather like the idea of writing you so early in the day. It puts me in the right mood. I felt so good all day yesterday – I was certain it was due to that. Although I didn’t hear from you, dear, I did get a letter from my father – as I expected – telling me about the Sunday spent at your house; also as I expected, the folks had a grand time, enjoyed meeting more of the relatives and thought everyone was very friendly to them. But best of all, darling, was what my father had to say about you, namely – that you are the loveliest, sweetest girl a guy could possibly pick for a wife and that he insisted, as did my mother, that I’d hurry up and come home – so that I could marry you. You know, sweetheart, it’s so wonderful to be in love and realize that you’re a lucky fellow to have the girl you’ve always wanted – but what makes me feel particularly content is the fact that my folks love you as much as they do. And I know – and I’m sure you do too – that they are as sincere as two people could possibly be. If you don’t know it – you will. I’ve never known them to be otherwise – and that’s why I love to read my father’s letter and see how much they love you and want you to be one of their children. Incidentally – my dad writes that you tried on the house-coat – or whatever you call it – and that you looked lovely.

The enclosed negatives and prints are all I was able to get back. There are 5 of the negatives and only 4 pictures – for some reason or another, dear, but you can do what you want with them. My folks will probably want 1 or 2 – but you can take care of that I guess. It’s an awful chore getting pictures censored here – and this is the first roll I’ve had any luck with at all.

I’m glad that knocker arrived, dear. It’s really a rare one and an antique. The house from which is was removed has been standing for 200 years and is the present cite of our Dispensary. The rest of the stuff was junk – but I had to get it out of the way. Incidentally you mention that you’re anxious to see the prints. Have I referred to them in any other terms than print? What I mean is that if I just mentioned the word print – I wonder if you think I’m referring to some cloth. If I didn’t make myself clear – I meant etchings. I just don’t want you to be disappointed, darling, although I think you’ll like these anyway. And while I’m on the subject – Silverware is practically non-existent here and even in London. What they had was gobbled up by the 1st troops to arrive here. The same goes for china, too, although I wouldn’t have been interested in that anyway.

Well well – sweetheart – it’s time I should be on my way, so I’ll close now. Remember that I love you and only you, darling – and that goes for always.

Love to the folks –

All my love

Greg

The following photos were taken outside
Sherborne Castle, UK:

CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE

Greg on the back lawn


Greg on the left railing by front entrance


Greg in casual dress


Greg in Dress Uniform


Part of the 438th AAA AW BN Medical Detachment


Greg looking out his bedroom window

25 May, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 654 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

25 May, 1944        0730

Dearest Sweetheart –

Starting today’s letter at this time in the morning again reminds me of the days when I first started writing you back at Camp Edwards and used to write early so that my ambulance driver could mail the letter on his routine run to the hospital. When I realize how easy it was to be in the Army and be in the United States at the same time, I can’t help but wince – a little bit, but I guess I could be in much worse places than I am now, dear.

In case I haven’t already mentioned it, darling, I got some mail yesterday p.m. and you just can’t imagine how much better I felt after reading 3 of your letters. The fact is I had been feeling kind of in the dumps all week for various reasons – and not hearing from you, darling, wasn’t helping one bit. Incidentally – from your 3 letters I gathered that there was some delay in my mail too. I hope it wasn’t too long, dear, but again I must caution you that one of these days there will probably be a break in the continuity of the service – and you mustn’t worry when that happens. Furthermore, sweetheart, you’ll have to help Mother A and B not to worry. I know how futile that sounds – but reassurance is about the only medicine for worry – and that’s what you’ll have to give them; your dose – you’ll have to get from me.

Your letters, dear, were postmarked the 13th, 16th and 17th – so that I was able to get a running account of what went on the week-end of the 14th. It sounds as if everything went off very well and I’m sure I’ll hear a report on it from my folks. The gifts you mention sound useful, darling, and I sure would love to see them – on. I can just picture Grammy Bernstein and my dad. I’ll bet they ended in a dead heat – because – at the very least – my father is a champion along those lines. But he always means well – and that’s what counts, I guess.

You really aroused my interest darling in your account of Lawrence’s going out 3-4 times with the same girl. I don’t care who she is as long as he goes out, but I notice you said ‘winter’. The point is, if he’d go out often enough, he would create a desire to continue and he’d soon find out for himself whether the girl was the right type for him at all. But if he did get out – he’s certainly been very uncommunicative about it. But that’s what you’d expect from him.

I enjoyed Bea’s appendix to one of your letters, dear, and she certainly sounds like a friendly, regular sort – and I know I’ll like her and Frank. I’ve made a note of Major Flaschner’s APO – but off-hand, I don’t know where it is – although I’d say London as first choice. But someday I may be able to run into him. Incidentally – there was a reunion of all Harvard men in the ETO yesterday at the Grosvenor House in London – but I couldn’t go – unfortunately. Well – I’ll go after the war – and you’ll be able to go with me. And think of the games we’ll see together! Of course – dear – I’ll go to your reunions too.

Darling – I’ve got to leave for the Dispensary now. Remember, dear, I love you very strongly, miss you, want you – and won’t rest easy until I’m home again and married to you.

Love to the folks and

All my love for now

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about the Legacy of Major "Frank" Flaschner

From the Flaschner Judicial Institute web site comes this:

The Flaschner Judicial Institute (FJI) was established in 1978 as a memorial to the late Chief Justice Franklin N. Flaschner, a man beloved by many and admired by all. During his career, Chief Justice Flaschner was known as a progressive court reformer. In the 1970s, for example, he led the successful efforts to end part-time judgeships, and he was one of the first and most forceful advocates for the creation of the Judicial Conduct Commission.

First among the Chief Justice’s priorities, however, was his insistence on the importance of judicial education. “Apart from the judicial selection process, the most meaningful factor in improving professionalism is commitment to judicial education,” Chief Justice Flaschner once said. He believed that judges who are accomplished in the law would gain the confidence of not only the bar, but also of the greater public. He understood that judges who conduct their courtrooms with competence and courtesy would better administer justice and avoid complaint and criticism.

The Flaschner Institute works to assist both new and experienced Massachusetts judges throughout their judicial careers in their continuing education and professional development. The Institute seeks to advance the administration of justice by promoting the highest possible standards of judicial professionalism.

Each year, the Flaschner Institute collaborates with local, state, and national organizations to produce a wide, well-balanced array of educational programs and publications to impart knowledge of the law, improve skills, identify best practices, and sensitize judges to an understanding of their responsibilities to the public and the judicial system. The Institute’s core curriculum includes educational offerings in Judicial Orientation, Substantive Law, Skills Training, Sensitivity Awareness, Judicial Ethics, and Community Relations.

Judges team up with attorneys, academics, medical professionals, authors, and others to plan, prepare materials, and instruct their colleagues on a full range of topics related to their work. Frequently characterized as a “self-help judges’ organization,” the Flaschner Institute enjoys the enthusiastic support and participation of the Massachusetts judiciary. Approximately 80 percent of the bench voluntarily participates each year in Flaschner programs and activities.

In our 30+ years of service, the Flaschner Institute has won numerous local and national awards, including the American Bar Association’s coveted “State Judicial Education Award” given nationally to the most outstanding educational organization serving a state judiciary.

The Flaschner Judicial Institute is affiliated with the Social Law Library, and receives major funding from the Massachusetts Bar Foundation.

24 May, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 654 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

24 May, 1944       0900

My dearest sweetheart –

Another month that I know you, dear, and time seems to have lost its significance for me. To have already been away from you for a longer time that I knew you when I left – doesn’t seem as strange to me now as it did just a couple of months ago. I think becoming engaged to you had as much to do with it as anything else – and I can hardly believe that we’ve been engaged for almost two months, dear. I still startle myself at times when I realize it and get the same kick out of realizing that I in fact do have a fiancée, who is waiting for me and who wants me as much as I want her. It’s a swell feeling, sweetheart, and it will always make me feel right on top of the world.

Again yesterday, as I wrote you already, there was no mail from you or home. I got one from Irv Fine – congratulating me and complimenting me upon my choice – all of which I love to hear, darling. He mentioned Stan’s going in Washington and running around with some Wave or other named Lt. Wilcoff. He assumed I knew her – but I don’t remember the name at all. Do you know who she is? Anyway – he’s probably having a grand time and impressing his companion with his usual charm. It’s too bad he hasn’t developed more substance to his personality, more depth. Irv mentioned that Verna was running around arranging for post-war jobs – so I assume she’s doing rehabilitation work of some sort – a lot of hooey, as far as I’m concerned. As you wrote, I agree – she ought to be at home raising a family and learning how to cook – but that’s their business after all.

We finally got our Medical detachment pictures back, dear, and I’ve already had 2 of them packed and sent out. Will you give one to my folks? After I had them mailed – I wondered whether I should have sent 3 of them – but your folks probably don’t want one of their own. It’s just a group picture of our men and not as if it were a photograph of me alone. Only 15 of our 17 men were present, but we did get the 3 officers in it – so it will serve as a remembrance. I wonder if you’ve received the box of junk I sent and also the prints. I’m particularly interested in the latter and hope they arrive safely.

CLICK ON PICTURE TO ENLARGE

438th AAA AW BN Medical Detachment - May, 1944
In front of Sherborne Castle, England
Greg is seated in the center

Last night we saw “Reunion in France” which was fair – or a little better than fair – at best. We actually had 2 showings of it if you can imagine it – for so small an audience. If nothing more – we’re learning to be exclusive. Some of us wanted to play ball after supper – so they ran the thing off at 1900 and 2100. At the 2100 showing – there was an audience of 8 officers and 2 enlisted men.

Well, darling, that’s all again for this morning. It’s time to go over to teach the men something about bandaging – or rather to watch them while they do it. Everything is still just about the same here – and it’s O.K. with me – on that score. I miss you sweetheart and love you and think of you constantly no matter where I go or what I do. Always remember that!

Best love to the folks and

All my love to you, dearest

Greg

Route of the Question Mark

A continuation of Page 20-21 from The Route of the Question Mark is transcribed below, telling a little more about life in Sherborne.

page 20

The problem on Salisbury Plain, when all the crows made life miserable for us... The early morning drilling on Dancing Hill... The day we had our picture taken... Bill Smith's wedding in the Abbey, and we all marched down to attend it... The classes in map-reading and air-craft identification... The girl that Capt Peterson used to bring to the dances... The two mangy sheep-dogs at the castle...

23 May, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 654 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

23 May, 1944      1305

Dearest darling –

I just got up from my bed with a start – to answer the phone. I lay down on it after dinner about 1230 presumably for a couple of minutes and fell sound asleep. It’s a good thing the phone rang. I was going to write you dear – before I went down to the Dispensary but I guess I was too drowsy. Anyway – I’ll get off a few lines.

Last night we had a very long Officers’ Class which didn’t break up until about 2130 (started 1830). A movie had been scheduled and we all decided to see it. Well – after getting set and comfortable – it was discovered that something was wrong with the projector – and that took about an hour to get straightened out. The pay-off darling was that when we finally got going – we saw a sterling production – “Tarzan and the Desert Mystery”. By this time everyone was in a rare mood and it wouldn’t have made any difference what was being shown. In this particular picture there was ample room for dialogue for the audience – and as a result we had the horses, elephants and everything else talking. We didn’t get upstairs to bed until after midnight – but it was a lot of fun. We needed something like that, sweetheart, to cheer us up, because for some reason or other, it was a sort of Blue Monday, myself included.

Today is cloudy and moist – but I feel O.K. I lectured to my boys all morning on physiology and pathology and this p.m. we’re doing splinting – for fractured arms and legs. The boys are pretty good at it but you can’t do too much of it.

Darling – I didn’t hear from you or anyone yesterday. There’s several letters due me now. I do miss you more, dear, when I don’t hear from you – but that’s natural, I guess. Well – maybe tonight – for now, though, I better run along – because my class is waiting. So long for awhile, dear, I’ll finish this later.

1700

Hello Sweetheart –

Just got back and finished another full day’s work. I looked for mail – but dammit there was none from you. I got one letter and it’s apparently from the Fines because it has a Cambridge post-mark. I haven’t read it yet. Gee I’d like to get one of your letters, darling; it would give me a big lift.

Right now – while I’m writing you – I’m waiting for a call I’ve put in to Frank Morse. I haven’t written him for some time and decided it was better to call him. I know just where he is and should be able to contact him without too much difficulty.

Tonite, dear, we have another movie, I was told a little while ago – an old picture, I believe – “Reunion in France” – with J. Crawford and J. Wayne. Good or bad, we go to them all – it’s so convenient to just go downstairs.

Well, sweetheart, that’s about all for tonite, except to remind you that I love you dearly and miss you more than I can describe. Be well, darling, and send my love to the folks.

All my love for always,

Greg

22 May, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 654 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

22 May, 1944       0915

Dearest darling Wilma –

Well I’m going to start this letter now – but I don’t know whether I’ll be able to finish it. It seems, dear, as if I’ve been rushing about – the past 2-3 days – and the rush is still on. In particular, for this week, I’m giving my men a comprehensive review of everything they’ve had in their line. I plan to spend a week or 10 days doing it and when I’m through I think each and every one of them will be aid men worthy of the name. In addition – there’s the damned old report on this and on that, a trip here or there on business – and all in all, I’ve been earning my pay of late.

Saturday night, sweetheart, the party did not materialize for the reason I’ve already implied – namely that there was no liquor. The beer was dissipated long before evening came and that was that.

Gee, dear, it certainly made me envious to read that Les was home for 8 days. Of course if I were in Pennsylvania it would practically be like home – that’s how comparative distances affect you, because I know the fellow I write to in Hawaii feels that I am practically home – compared to him. Anyway – I’m glad for their sake – Betty’s and Les’s that they are able to see each other. He got a sort of raw deal when his Specialized training was cut short; on the other hand, though, they are doing the same with officers and complete outfits. A good deal of AA in the States – I read in the papers recently – is being converted en bloc to the infantry and that’s no fun – after having been trained in anti-aircraft tactics.

Well, darling, I didn’t get too far this sitting, but I have to stop now and go down to the mens' barracks and start lecturing. I’ll pick up later on – so for now – darling – so long.

1330

Hello again, dear –

Just arrived at the Dispensary from the Castle and after cleaning up a few details, I’ll start teaching again for the rest of the p.m. We had a class in anatomy this morning and I think the boys got something out of it.

Say I never did answer your question or Mary’s about Pete’s name. His full name is Henry George Peterson and I must remember to tell him his name will be used for a good cause. He ought to get a kick out of that. And incidentally don’t forget to thank Mary on my behalf, because I consider that a signal honor – or so tell her,

Tonight there’s an officers’ meeting and then supposedly a movie – but the latter already has an advance booking as being rank – something about being in ‘Old Cheyenne’ – or some such place. I really should write some letters. I have quite a few to answer that are getting old – Lil Z, Barbara T, Pereira etc. etc. But what usually happens is that as long as I’ve written you and my folks, I don’t have very much ambition these days. I like to lie down on my bed, close my eyes and just dream about you and home, sweetheart. Won’t it be wonderful when I don’t have to dream and actually can live it!

Darling, I’ve got to go along now. I hope I hear from you today, dear. My best love to the folks and my deepest love to you sweetheart.

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about Pre-Invasion Bombing of German Airfields
in Occupied Countries

Meanwhile, the bombing of airfields and trains continues in Belgium and France. Here is a video clip dated 22 May, 1944 showing aerial footage showing an air assault over German-occupied Liege, Belgium, including planes at an airfield shot and blown up on the ground. Apologies for the quality of the clip.

21 May, 1944

V-MAIL

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 654 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

21 May, 1944      2230

Hello Darling –

Well I almost skipped today altogether – but I thought I’d at least jot down a few lines before going to bed. Today was a long, long day for various reasons, dear, and I’m quite tired now. I’m going to climb into bed as soon as I’m through writing you sweetheart.

Had no mail today or yesterday – but the mail has been running light recently. Got a V-mail from Lawrence telling me about living in town. Seems like a good idea from here.

Will write more tomorrow, darling, and will stop for now. Love to the folks – and for now –

All my love

Greg

20 May, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 654 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

20 May, 1944       1030

Dearest sweetheart –

I’m back at the Castle waiting for another in the long series of B.C.’s meetings. I got an early start this morning, saw a few sick soldiers, checked the kitchens, inspected my own men – and barring emergencies – I should be able to take it easy for the rest of the day. We’re supposed to have a binge tonight – but there’s a very important draw-back: up to and including this moment, our expected supply of liquor has not arrived! We have six dozen quart bottles of some tolerable ale, and one six-gallon keg of some intolerable beer – and how far that will go towards making us noisy etc. I don’t know, darling. The past few nights, after the movies – last night we had “Thank Your Lucky Stars” which I had seen in the States – one of the Officers and I have had some jam sessions, if you can call it that. He’s pretty good at the piano, having played in an orchestra some years back and he plays loud enough to drown out my mistakes. But the boys gather around, sing, prance, tap dance etc. – and we have had some fun.

Late yesterday p.m. I received one letter from you, postmarked the 12th. There were only about 4 letters for all the officers – and I was one of the lucky ones, dear. Thanks!

You know, darling, a strange thing occurred in your letter written the tenth; for no apparent reason you mention the subject of psycho-neurosis, mental breakdowns and associated diseases. It was just at that time that we were taking up the matter of Charlie. Although his case was somewhat different – it did come under the heading of mental rather than physical factors and this makes several times now that some sort of telepathic connection has occurred between us. It’s two weeks now that he’s gone.

By the way – you mention reading in a bath. I can’t say, sweetheart, that I’ve ever done that – maybe because I haven’t had time in the past. As a matter of fact – up to recently – I’ve never liked taking baths, always preferring a shower, but since hitting here – I’ve been having baths more frequently and they truly are relaxing. Hell, dear, if you want to read in a bath – it’s all right with me; I’ll wait!

As for my “pep” – sweetheart, I do seem to have more than most of the other fellows – and I see no reason now – why I shouldn’t continue to have. I just don’t want to get logey merely because I’m in the Army, and believe it or not – an officer in the AA outfit – can get just that.

I can just picture Shirley as you write about her. She really must love that sort of life, but like you – that’s not for me. I like the fundamental, the plain, the honest-to-goodness things in life, sweetheart, and I think the both of us can find that and enjoy it. I think that you feel the same way.

Darling I’ll stop now. How I wish I were home to start life with you as we both want it. But it will surely come one day and we’ll enjoy it then. As long as we love each other – the rest will be all right. Love to the folks, dearest – and

All my love for now –

Greg

P.S. Pete sent his special regards last nite
         and asked me to include two extra xx’s.

Love

G.

* TIDBIT *

about Thank Your Lucky Stars

From Wikipedia comes this description of Thank Your Lucky Stars:

Thank Your Lucky Stars is a 1943 film made by Warner Brothers as a World War II fundraiser. The film was a musical with a slim plot, involving theater producers (Horton and Sakall) staging a wartime charity program, only to have the production taken over by their egotistical star (Eddie Cantor, playing himself). Meanwhile, an aspiring singer (Morgan) and his songwriter girlfriend (Leslie) conspire to get into the charity program by replacing Cantor with their look-alike friend, tour bus driver Joe Simpson (also played by Cantor, in a dual role).

Many of Warner Brothers stars performed in musical numbers, including several who were not known as singers. The film features the only screen musical numbers ever done by Bette Davis, Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, and Ida Lupino. Each of the cast members was paid a $50,000 fee for their appearance which was then donated to the Hollywood Canteen.

The film was popular with audiences, and the critic James Agee called it "the loudest and most vulgar of the current musicals. It is also the most fun." Ticket sales combined with the donated salaries of the performers raised more than two million dollars for the Hollywood Canteen.

Here is the movie finale:

19 May, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 654 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

19 May, 1944        0900

Dearest darling –

It’s early in the morning but I thought I’d start writing now, because something always seems to turn up later in the day. Yesterday I finally got some mail, dear, three nice letters from you postmarked May 9, 10, 11 – and I felt better again.

In your first letter, sweetheart, you were very apologetic about not working, staying around the house – and half a dozen other things. When I wrote about finances, darling, I had no secondary implications at all. The idea never entered my head, and the thought of you working and saving money is the bunk, dear, as far as I’m concerned. The fact is that we won’t live long on the money you might have saved or the money I’ve saved. Saved money is good while it stays saved. We’re going to live on what money I make, darling.

About my salary: a single captain draws $200 per month, plus 10% for overseas. The 10% is absorbed by insurance fees which is a little higher for me because I changed my insurance from the “term” type which the Army encourages – to 20 year endowment. In other words – term insurance ends when the war is over and you have nothing to show for your premium. The plan I have enables me to continue my insurance. Anyway I get about $200. I had arranged to send $100 to my bank and $100 to myself. Due to faulty or rather delayed book-keeping on the part of the Army, they send the bank $100 and me – $50. So for seven months – the Army now owes me a back-log of $350.00 Were I married to you, darling, I would be drawing $340.00 per month – so we’re really missing out, darling – in more ways than one – but I don’t care – as long as you’ll marry me after the war.

As for doing something to keep you busy, that’s another story altogether. I really think it’s a good idea doing some type of part-time work. There’s more fun in getting paid – but that shouldn’t be essential, as I see it.

I laughed about your account of the smelly fish. I don’t see how you can tell whether fresh fish is rotten or not – because it seems to me – they all smell rotten before being cooked or fried. And you tell Mary to save her sympathy, darling, because I’m not the least bit worried about your ability to prepare meals. I seem to have a great deal of confidence in you on that.

I was sorry to read about the “run-in” between you and your mother but I’m glad you managed to get over it before too long. I told you what I thought in a previous letter, dear, so I won’t go into it again. However – it is not unusual and I wouldn’t worry about it.

I don’t know why you shouldn’t have received the ‘Yank’ regularly – because I’ve sent it out every week. They’ll probably all catch up with you one of these days, dear. I get real satisfaction, sweetheart, out of your reaction to my mother’s concern over you. You reacted correctly when you say you really felt like one of her children. When my mother starts worrying about you, darling, then you are a part of the family; and when she says she worries, believe me, she does so sincerely – as you probably know by now.

Darling – it’s time to stop now. I’m amazed in that I’ve been able to write this far without any major interruption. It irritates me so to start writing you and being interrupted, putting the letter down and having to start up again. It occurs more often then I tell you about. Sweetheart – I love you and miss you and when I start writing you and thinking concentratedly about you and us, I don’t like to be stopped in the middle of it. That’s all for now, dear, except love to the folks and from me,

All my deepest love to you

Greg

18 May, 1944

V-MAIL

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 654 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

18 May, 1944

Dear Sweetheart –

Here goes another V-mail which I know you don’t like, darling, but this is another busy day and if I don’t get this off I might not have time to write later.

Right now I’m working on a lecture which I’m to give to the Battalion this p.m. – pep talk, safety talk and general blarney. Do I hear you say there’s no need for me to have to prepare a talk on the subject?

Yesterday, dear, was quiet. We had a movie for the officers – an oldie – “Somewhere I’ll Find You” with Clark Gable and L. Turner. I had seen it before. Tonight we’re having “Flesh and Fantasy” which I also saw – but it does help pass the time.

No mail again yesterday, darling, but we’re really overdue now and I should be hearing from you soon. Anyway – I know you’re writing and that’s a solace. Hope my mail is still coming through in decent time. Will have to close now, dear, but I do miss you like all get-out! Love to the folks. So long for now, dear.

All my love

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about Somewhere I'll Find You

This plot summary of Somewhere I'll Find You, released in September of 1942, was taken from a movie review by The New York Times and Turner Classic Movies:

War correspondents and brothers Jonny and Kirk Davis (Clark Gable and Robert Sterling) return to New York in early October 1941 after being thrown out of Germany. Their New York Chronicle editor, George L. Stafford (Charles Dingle), is angry with them for writing anti-Nazi stories and refuses to print their latest about a Japanese-German alliance. By using a ruse with a dictating machine and enlisting the aid of Stafford's masseur, Charlie, Jonny tricks Stafford into relating the story to the composition room, and when it winds up on the front page, he and Kirk are fired. Back in the USA, Johnny inaugurates a rogue-ish flirtation with Paula Lane (Lana Turner), an aspiring reporter who has harbored a long-standing crush on Johnny. Even so, Paula enters into a romantic relationship with Kirk, prompting Johnny to break up the affair - for Kirk's own good, of course.

Paula's hopes for a lasting romance with Johnny are crushed when he refuses to discourage her from accepting an assignment in Indochina. Later on, both Johnny and Kirk are sent off to cover the war in the Far East, where they are reunited with Paula, now busily shepherding Chinese war orphans to safety. The action moves to Bataan, where Kirk is killed in service of his country, leaving Johnny to write a passionate tribute to his brother-and, by extension, everyone else who has lain down his or her life for the cause of Democracy. When Paula hears that Kirk is dead, she runs to Jonny, and, despite her grief, sits down and types what Jonny dictates about the fall of Bataan, a story that he says is not finished yet--"there is more to come."

During production of Somewhere I'll Find You, Clark Gable's actress-wife Carole Lombard was killed in a plane crash while participating in a war-loan drive; the impact of the tragedy is painfully obvious in Gable's performance, which becomes abruptly less playful and more somber in the final reels. New MGM recruits Van Johnson and Keenan Wynn make impressive appearances in uncredited roles. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Here is the trailer:

17 May, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 654 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

17 May, 1944        1035

Dearest sweetheart –

It was just about this time in the morning a certain amount of months ago that I stood on the deck of a ship and looked back at the land that was quickly becoming more and more difficult to see. I don’t remember exactly how I felt that morning, dear; the excitement inside everyone was too great to allow an evaluation of emotions. But I can think back to it now with some sort of comprehension, and it seems to me my reactions must have been a mixture of adventure on the one hand – and a terribly strong desire to be back on land with those I loved and whom I knew I wouldn’t see for a long long time. I must have thought about you – and very hard, too, for as I remember it you were constantly in my mind – as I’m sure my letter to you, written on the ship, must have implied. I must have wondered, darling, what would happen to our affair, because I admit that at that time I felt that I just hadn’t quite had enough time to win you. How glad I am that I was wrong!

The trip, as I wrote you afterward, was uneventful – but everyone was artificially keyed up. We needn’t have been, as matters turned out, but the combination of moving pictures, newspaper stories and radio reports in the months preceding couldn’t help but have some effect on all of us. I remember visiting the men of our outfit and giving them short talks on various subjects with a view towards relaxing the mind, where my own, dearest, wasn’t entirely relaxed itself.

It’s interesting to think back on things and analyze one’s feelings of the past. In the months to come, sweetheart, I hope to be able to look back on this particular interlude just as calmly. With God’s help, I know I will.

Well, well, well – how did I get around to reminiscing like that? It’s not the past I should be thinking about – but the future. I do plenty of that though – and as I wrote you before – I skip the details of the immediate future in my mind’s eye, and I find myself back home with all those I love, either getting ready to marry you, sweetheart, or when I really splurge – already married to you. Heavenly days! and that’s just what it will be, too. I knew I loved you when I left, darling, but my love has matured immeasurably since then. Your constancy and sincerity have made me love you more than I thought possible considering I’ve been away. Just think how much I’ll be able to love you when I get back!

Darling, I’ll have to stop now. I’m in a pleasant mood right now – and when I finish this I’m just going to sit back and dream awhile. There’s been no mail for 3 days now but I expect there ought to be some soon. My love to the folks, sweetheart – and remember, dear that I love you very strongly and that I’ll continue to love you forever.

All my love for now

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about the United States Maritime Service

The purpose of the United States Maritime Service was to enlist and train those who would serve in the U.S. Merchant Marine and the U.S. Army Transport Service. The following document was issued on 17 May, 1944, lowering the age of those training for the Merchant Marine to 16 with parents' consent:

WAR SHIPPING ADMINISTRATION
Washington

Cleared and Issued Through Facilities of the Office of War Information

The War Shipping Administration announces that, effective immediately, the United States Maritime Service will enlist young men between the ages of 16 and 17 1/2 years for training for service in the Merchant Marine of the United States, with their parents' consent. Six weeks training is required for service as messmen and utility men in the stewards department, and 13 weeks training for service in the deck and engine departments. Upon completion of training, men will be assigned to merchant vessels within a few weeks. No men are being enrolled between the ages of 18 and 26 except those classified by Selective Service in any F or L classification or in 1-C, but all qualified men over the age of 26 and less than 35 1/2 for the deck and. engine departments, or less than 50 1/2 for the stewards department, are eligible for enlistment for training.

A career at sea has always been attractive to young men. The Merchant Marine is playing a vital part in winning the war. Without it, supplies, equipment, and troops could not be transported to our battlefronts. Gen. Eisenhower, Gen. McArthur, Gen. Montgomery, Admiral King, and Admiral Nimitz have recognized the merchant seamen as part of our fighting team.

Here is a way young men can volunteer for a part in the winning of the war, before they reach the age of registration under Selective Service.

Recruiting Poster

In 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, realizing that winning the war would require many ships to carry war supplies to the fronts, ordered mass-production of Liberty ships. He also established the U.S. Maritime Service (USMS) to enlist and train the men of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the U.S. Army Transport Service needed to operate these ships and troop ships. The USMS was first established under the Coast Guard and later supervised by U.S. Navy. Many of its first recruits were from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and many others were sent to the USMS by U.S. Navy and Coast Guard recruiters. The USMS was the only racially integrated service of the time.

The USMS took over 250,000 raw recruits and turned them into fighting mariners. They taught them operation of anti-aircraft guns and cannon. They taught navigation, engine operation and maintenance, and deck operations aboard training vessels that operated in hazardous waters subject to mines and attack by submarines. Men at the fronts depended on the trained mariners for bombs, gasoline, shells, ammunition, food, guns, vehicles, planes, medicine, and other materials for warfare. In fact, 1 in 25 mariners serving aboard merchant ships died in the line of duty, suffering a greater percentage of war-related deaths than all other U.S. services. Casualties were kept secret during the war to keep information from the enemy and to attract and keep mariners at sea.

Thousands of active and retired mariners, Navy, and Coast Guardsmen were pressed into duty to serve as administrators and instructors in the U.S. Maritime Service. They believed then, and still believe today, they joined a uniformed, armed service. However, many of these were cheated out of service and retirement time. The USMS Training Bases were disbanded in 1954, the servicemen sent home with a "release from duty" to be all but forgotten by the country they served. Merchant Seamen returned without veteran status. They received no travel pay expenses, mustering out pay, state and/or federal pensions, disability benefits, or other federal veterans benefits. They did not receive home loans at a reduced interest rate, G. I. Loans, on the job training with journeymen's wage scale, paid college education with living expenses, or medical and dental payments which other veterans received.

16 May, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 654 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

May 16, 1944      1120

My dearest sweetheart –

I’m back at the Castle again after a moderate morning’s work. Everything is going along smoothly, dear, although I haven’t heard from you in a couple of days. But as you wrote, with the mail coming through so swiftly in recent weeks, we’re bound to strike a snag now and then. The other night I got to thinking of the first couple of weeks after our arrival here – with the cold and the fog and no mail. Gosh those were blue days, sweetheart, and I must have sounded awfully discouraging in my letters. Then we ran into another long delay around Christmas time – that was rather hard to take. Other than that, though, considering the distance, it hasn’t been too bad at all. Again, darling, I must caution you not to be worried if you don’t hear from me every day or for awhile. There’s bound to be delays for one reason or another – and when there are – remember that if I’m not writing, I’m nevertheless thinking of you just as hard – and in those instances – probably harder.

Yesterday was quiet and restful again and we had a movie for the Officers up here at the Castle. It stank – but was side-edited by various remarks from the audience, as you can well imagine. The picture was ‘Alaskan Highway’ with Richard Arlen as the “hero”. We got our money’s worth in fun, anyway.

Tomorrow or the day after, I’ve planned to give a lecture on various subjects to the Battalion as a whole – so I’ll have to prepare it today I guess. Other than that – there’s nothing much on my social calendar, darling, although it is rumored we have may have another brawl this Saturday night – if we can get some liquor. I’ll let you know.

DINNER BELL!

1305

Hello – darling –

Just got back from lunch and the only piece of news is that our new APO number is 654. Apparently it has no special significance – and from what was said by the adjutant – we should have had it some time ago, and not 578. Anyway – it’s easy to remember – and you can start using it right away.

In re-reading one of your letters of several days ago. I had to laugh again at Jeannette’s calling you at 0300. That sure was a whacky thing to do – and yet – you’ve warned me. I suppose you can’t blame her though – after such a long time. Is he getting a chance to come home? You amused me when you said you thought it was a call for the doctor, and that you had been dreaming of such things. Boy, it will be no dream when it actually happens, darling, I can assure you. Certain it is that you’ll have to get used to some plain and fancy swearing. I’m afraid I’ve gotten a little rusty (not in the swearing!)

Well – sweetheart – I’d better get back to the Dispensary and do a little work. I hope all is well at home, darling, and that you’re taking good care of yourself for me. My love to the folks, dear – and

My sincerest love is yours for always

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about Alaska Highway

From IMDb comes this plot summary:

Pop Ormsby wins the contract from the Army Engineer Corps for the construction of the Alaska Highway connecting Alaska to Canada. The elder of his two sons, Woody Ormseby, decides he had rather fight with bullets than bulldozers but is assigned by the Army to work on the project. Woody and his younger brother Steve are both rivals for the affection of Ann Caswell, the daughter of Road Engineer Blair Caswell.

Wikipedia gives more detailed information:

The movie begins with the attack on Pearl Harbor. Alaska at the time was weakly defended. Canada had already built the northwest staging route; a series of airfields spread across northwestern Canada. The decision is made to build a highway to Alaska.

The workers are divided into three starting camps, Fort Nelson BC., Skagway Alaska, and Valdez Alaska. The workers from Fort Nelson BC begin building a highway north. The workers in Skagway are transported by the White Pass and Yukon Route railway to Whitehorse. From Whitehorse they begin building a road north and south. The workers in Valdez Alaska move to a point inland and begin building a road towards Fairbanks and Whitehorse. The movie goes on to show some amazing footage of bulldozers building the highway. The black troops arrive and all work hard building the highway.

The highway is opened to traffic. The truck drivers find that the road is better to drive than expected. However, Some of the highway is not correctly built and becomes impassable in rain. Flooded rivers wash away some bridges and they have to be rebuilt. Some of the highway is not properly drained and ice builds up on the road. Trucks sink into the mud and are frozen into the mud. Some grades are too steep and accidents happen. Civilian contractors are hired to improve the highway. New bridges are built and telephone lines are added to the route.

Skagway is given a new life by all the troops stationed there. The port is expanded. The White Pass and Yukon Route railway is leased by the army. Supplies flow from Skagway to Whitehorse. One train engineer is given the soldiers medal for risking his life to save his train.

CLICK ON MAP TO ENLARGE

Places mentioned: A=Valdez, AK; B=Whitehorse,
Yukon; C=Fort Nelson, BC; D=Fairbanks, AK; E=Skagway
Haines, AK is about 1 hour SE of Skagway

The decision is made to build a highway from Haines, near Skagway to connect to the Alaska highway. The Indians living in remote Alaska are now connected with the rest of the world by the highways. The airports are upgraded, planes and supplies flow to Russia.The peace river bridge is dedicated. Politicos and Army brass from the US and Canada make speeches. The highway contractors finish their rebuilding of the highway. This allows supplies to flow into Alaska.

The film ends with scenes of massive convoys of trucks headed north into Alaska. "Now we can press home the attack. This is the road through the brooding wilderness. This is the wedge that has pried open the last great frontier of America. The key which has unlocked the treasure chest of Alaska and the Canadian northwest."

The Alaska Highway (also known as the Alcan Highway) has come a long way from the treacherous military supply route it once was. Today, nearly all of the two-lane highway is paved with asphalt and serves as a site for pleasurable road trips. It begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and comes to an end in Delta Junction, Alaska, though Fairbanks, Alaska is the destination for most traveling the highway. Those continuing on to Fairbanks do so by traveling 98 miles north on the Richardson highway.

The total length of the Alaska Highway is 1,390, with the highest summit reaching 4,250 feet. According to Out West Newspaper, travelers should allow seven to 10 days to travel the length of the highway.

15 May, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 578 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

15 May, 1944      1045

Good morning, darling –

First of all – I love you! I always believe in putting first things – first – and in case you don’t know it, dear, that thought is above all – first in my mind. I’ve just returned from the Dispensary and have to attend a B.C.’s meeting at 1130. Other than that, things are on a routine schedule – i.e. – as far as I know.

Yesterday was a very quiet and uneventful day. I hardly moved out of my room. I spent the day reading a couple of back copies of Stars and Stripes, Yank and Time Magazine – as well as listening to the radio . It was all quite restful – but I needed it after running around for the previous two days. I wrote you, my folks, Shirley Feldberg – who had written me a very friendly and sincere letter, and finally to a Major, friend of mine at Pearl Harbor. I don’t know if I mentioned to you dear, that I had heard from Col. Pereira in California. He wished us luck, by the way.

Say, darling, when you ask me if I love Borscht – you have to be more specific. Now – as a doctor’s wife – you’ll find that details are very important. As everyone knows there are several kinds of borscht – beet borscht, spinach borscht – and I suppose – just plain borscht. I lean towards the spinach type, for some reason or other, but if you make it, I’m inclined to think I’ll eat any type.

Oh – and before I forget it – you mentioned something about a souvenir of some sort from the Cathedral here. I had already looked around for something – before – but all they have are postcards. But from Mary’s point of view – a relic wouldn’t mean too much, anyway, for this reason: the Cathedrals in England are Protestant, chiefly, all belonging to the Church of England – which is strictly Episcopalian. Will you explain that to her, dear?

I remember well the night we went to D. Moore’s and waited for our table. As I recall it – we didn’t get our steak, either – but oh those Martinis! Darling, I do hope you learn how to make a good Martini – as if that were all I had to think about! It was interesting your running into Stan. I haven’t heard from him about the Zippo – but I’m glad it arrived, anyway. He’s apparently started up again where he left off – in reference to the women, I mean. I hope he gets someone and settles down. I believe that will make him again the fellow he used to be and whose company I enjoyed.

Yes, darling, as many kids as you want. I love them too and I hope we can afford to have a few of them anyway. Gosh it will be nice to have a late snack with you. I used to go alone and was always very lonely. It will be swell – the two of us – and I’m willing to arbitrate on the onions, sweetheart – say – one thick slice instead of two?

Dearest – that’s all for now. My best love to the folks and from me, darling, my deepest and sincerest love for always

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about Dinty Moore's

The popular comic strip Bringing Up Father, started in 1913 by cartoonist George McManus, told the story of an Irish-American, a former bricklayer named Jiggs, and his wife Maggie, an ex-laundress, who achieved sudden wealth, supposedly by means of a lucky ticket in the Irish Sweepstakes (though McManus was a bit vague about their means of wealth in the strip, and the Irish Sweepstakes didn't come into being until 1930). While the snobbish Maggie and beautiful daughter Nora constantly try to "bring up" Father to his new social position, Jiggs can think of nothing finer than sitting down at Dinty Moore's restaurant to finish off several dishes of corned beef and cabbage, followed by a night out with the boys from the old neighborhood. The clash of wills that ensued often resulted in flying rolling-pins, smashed crockery, and broken vases, all aimed in the general direction of Jiggs's skull.

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"Bringing Up Father" strip from 1928

Because George McManus favored a restaurant on West 46th Street in Manhattan owned by a Mr. James H. Moore at that time, James Moore soon claimed he was the inspiration for the character Dinty Moore. He changed his restaurant's name to "Dinty Moore's" and made a fortune from the Bringing Up Father connection. In fact, Bringing up Father was so popular that many Irish men at the time named Moore were nicknamed Dinty.

According to the blog A Week in New York April 1946, posted about the original Dinty Moore's in New York City, written by Bill Bence, strangely enough, on May 15th, 2010:

James Moore, who changed his name to Dinty after opening the restaurant, was notorious in the 1920s for his flagrant disregard of Prohibition which endeared him with the hard-drinking celebrity set. Corned beef and cabbage, which is not a traditional dish in Ireland where Irish bacon and greens was the usual holiday fare, was the signature dish. The restaurant also served an Irish stew made from kosher beef and lamb and an array of steaks and chops. Its chopped steak was a favorite as was rice pudding, a dessert that was popular throughout New York at the time. Many patrons ordered sandwiches to go with their beers. In Arthur Schwartz's New York City Food, Schwartz took note of a menu from the establishment in the 1940s that offered gefilte fish, a sign of the importance of the New York City's sizable Jewish community, even to an ostensibly Irish restaurant.

In his 1930 restaurant guide, Dining in New York, Rian James reported the high prices of the establishment but added that the "food is wholesome, the portions large, the waiters quarrelsome and slow, and inclined to argue with you if you attempt to speed them up; but the quality of the food that is set before you --when it is set before you--has no equal." In a magazine short story from the '30s, "The Grasshoppers and the Aunt," collected in the anthology Beacon Light of Literature, the heroine is taken to Dinty Moore's to experience sophisticated Manhattan life and is astonished to discover linoleum on the floor and the only decoration "a lot of black-and-gold signs hung around with a portrait of an oyster on them." The menu seemed mundane but to her astonishment the place actually was full of celebrities. On the other hand, in Ghost Light: A Memoir, Frank Rich remembers the place on his first visit some decades later as "exotic as everything else I'd seen in my few hours in the city. The warm glow of brass gleamed from every nook; a long wooden bar with bottles and gold spigots aligned behind it ran the length of a wall." Crisp white cloths covered the tables and the attentive waiter wore a black suit, starched white shirt and bow tie. But Rich was just a kid and easily impressed.

In 1940 Life magazine called Dinty Moore's a favored establishment of West Side cafe society made up of "semi-solvent actors, sportsmen and Louis Sobol." By sportsman the magazine meant the horse racing set and Damon Runyon and friends. Sobol was a Broadway columnist for the Journal-American. This crowd, the magazine said, was distinct from the Easy Side cafe society of "semi-solvent refugees, parvenus and Lucius Beebe." Beebe was the snooty society columnist of the Herald Tribune. In 1946 it was known to be a favorite hang-out place for the theater crowd. The restaurant had nothing to do with Hormel's canned Dinty Moore beef stew, which was introduced in 1935.

Eventually other Dinty Moore's were opened in cities around the country. By 1952 when Dinty Moore passed at the age of 83, the American had become known as the "Corned Beef and Cabbage King." Here are some memorablia collected on the internet from the Dinty Moore's in Boston.

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Menu from 1948


Menu from 1956


Postcard of the inside


Matchbook

The address of Dinty Moore's, 611 Rear Washington Street, no longer exists in Boston. The alley below is now part of the Millenium Place Garage for the Ritz Carlton Residences.

The Boston restaurant in 1976