Posted by: notsofancynancy | July 25, 2013

World War II, chapter 74, Forward Ho!

World War II

Forward Ho!

Forward Ho!

Forward Ho!

Chapter 74

It looks like the Quartermaster is on the move once again only this time they are moving around Germany. The 4 March letter is written in a forest green color on regular lined paper. Dad mentions the pen he is using is German but I wonder what the story is of how the pen was acquired.

1 March 1945 Quartermaster moved to Huchelhoven, Germany

2 March 1945 Quartermaster moved to Bruggen, Germany

4 March 1945 Quartermaster moved to Straelan, Germany

4 March, Straelan, Germany

My Darling Wife & Daughter, Hello honey have you ever been the neglected wife for the past two weeks. I think I have missed writing 11 days in that time. Boy have I been traveling though. Details were coming hard and fast. And I just haven’t been around to write. What do you think of this ink. Its [sic] German. So is the pen I’m writing with. It isn’t worth a tinkers damn though. Gosh honey I got the pictures you sent. Sure aren’t bad either. Mary sure looked small. But just give her time. She is probably grown up now. I sure liked them anyway. Boy in that one you didn’t look so darn small yourself. Guess I’m the runt of the family. I read your letters in an awful hurry last night. Sure was tired and had to get up early this morning. It was late when I got in. Then had to talk over what happened and that took awhile. Guess I should have written but man was I played out. It sure is chilly out tonight of course it isn’t cold but one can sure be uncomfortable outside kinda rains once in a while too. You aren’t kidding. I sure feel an old man. Even if you have only been married a year. Boy it seems 20 to me. Guess that’s because I haven’t been around for some time. Be sure and let me know what happened about the allotment for Mary Lynn. I kind of let you down on that. I should have had those papers filled out and sent to you. I’m just not on the ball I guess. Gee honey I’m having a hard time writing tonight. Here it is almost 10 and I haven’t even started. I was sure I could at least get a dozen pages after not writing for 4 days. I have to go on guard again at 12:45 so I must get to sleep. I’ll try to be in the mood tomorrow night. Sure hope Mary is over the colic by now. Of course it isn’t really time though. She has at least 6 months to go yet. I love you my darling. I love you so much. Gee honey I’m sure in the mood for seeing Mary now. Boy she looks good to me. Darling I love you so much. Bob had some pictures and I talked him out of one for you. It isn’t so good huh. I love you so much Honey I love you. All my love Darlings, Lefty

I have no idea what pictures he is talking about. It seems as though most of the pictures of my sister when she was real small are missing or I just did not find them yet. I did find of few of her and Mom though.

Vi and Mary Lynn

Vi and Mary Lynn

5 March, Straelan, Germany

My Darling Wife & Daughter, Well honey here is two nights in a row I’ve gotten to write you. Boy am I getting good now. Had a terrific headache though and had to go to sleep and am only about half here now so don’t mind what happens. Hows [sic] my baby tonight. I have been neglected by the mail man the last couple days. Sure hope she is getting over the stomach ache. Boy that’s sure rough to have. Boy I just looked over the letters I have to answer and I guess I have to get on the ball. I know what I’m going to do though. I have one of those small tablets and I’m going to answer on it.  Won’t take so much writing. You’re the only one I enjoy writing to. And sometimes have a hard time getting anything said to you. Boy Mary is sure getting the things. Man I guess you are going to have the writing. In every letter she has gotten to [sic] or three more presents and I thought she had a house full. I don’t know about her. Here I am stumped again. Can’t think of a damn thing to write. Have been reading some of your letters and about all I want to do then is read them again so I can read what you said about Mary and where you loved me and then that’s all I get done Sure hope I get some new ones soon cause I’ve about gotten these read enough. Dad said some time ago he had some pictures taken off the one I sent. Guess he thought I neglected you. Huh! Oh no I couldn’t do that. He better worry about himself getting neglected. He is one I have to write to and darn soon too. Say I had to laugh when you asked about the rubber pants. I imagine they do have. They have about everything we can’t get there.  But wouldn’t it look kinda silly for a GI to go up and make with the sign language for a pair of them. What signs would you use? Its [sic] to [sic] late now Mommie. I don’t imagine we’ll be able to buy anything for a while. I’ll bet Mary Lynn is changing honey. Sure wish I were home to see you. Boy seems like 90 years since I’ve seen you. And just think I haven’t seen Mary. I love you my Darling. I love you sweetheart. I love you so much. I love you I love you honey. All my love Darlings, Lefty

That is the hardest thing for me to read. How he did not get to see my sister for many months after she was born just breaks my heart.

Harvey Bennett

Harvey Bennett Courtesy of the Cain Family

6 March, Straelan, Germany

My Darling Wife and Daughter, Gee here it comes again. I’m able to write but here is the catch. The lights are about to go out and I’m going to have to rush. I got our anniversary card today honey. Sure was nice. And I kinda like the verse. But as usual the note you wrote was best. And the letter much better. Yes honey I think we had a wonderful time the two months we had together and at least the other 10 we have had our thoughts and one another to waite [sic] for. Hard yes. But worth it. And I know we will be so much happier when we do get together. I love you so much my Darling. Sounds like Mary has really grown up. Talking or [unreadable] and laughing. Didn’t know they did anything like that so young. She sure is gaining huh! Got a letter from Bob. Guess they are moving. I thought they had that place for awhile but guess the boss didn’t like him so well. Of course he didn’t say that. But I can think can’t I. I answered some letters tonight. I laid them all out and the ones I had most from I answered. So I could have more room for the rest. Sure am a long ways behind yet. If I keep on in a couple of months I’ll have it done. I’ve been trying to make a bracelet. Have some German coins and am putting them together. As yet haven’t had much luck. I once had some English coins that way but lost them. I love you so much my Darling. Gee honey I don’t know what I would do without you. Now both of you. The more I look at yours & Mary’s picture the more I realize she is mine. I love you honey. I love you so much. I love you I love you I love you. All my love Darlings, Lefty

This next letter was in the 8 March letter from Dad. It seems Bob Winter wrote another letter to my mother. How fun is this?

7 March, Straelan, Germany

My Darling Wife & Daughter, In behalf of Papa I will write to you tonight for him. He’s so busy laying on the bed studying his carpenter lesson that I’ll write for him. How is my happy little family today. The little miss is growing I hope. Don’t let her stay out to [sic] late at night. 6:30 is late enough. Now I’ll come back to Bob again. Got a letter I mean four letters from Madeline today. She said she has a letter from you. She is fine and busy. Oh how I’d like to see her. Lefty is making me & him some coffee now. So we’ll have a cup before we go to bed. We sleep side by side on our little cots. Give my regards to Pop & Mom. Tell Pop to put an extra rivet in them tubs cause we may have to ride one home and we sure want her to get there. Today we have been busy. Always something to do. Well I’ll let Pa write a bit now. Maybe I’ll let him. I don’t know. Hope you are all fine Vi. Love always Bob

Letter written by Robert Winter

Letter written by Robert Winter

8 March, Straelan, Germany

Bob wrote for me last night so here it comes too.

My Darling Wife & Daughter Didn’t write last night. Only this time I haven’t an excuse. Didn’t get any mail from you and there sure wasn’t a darn thing to write about. Didn’t do anything. Not much today either. Got a letter from Lucille. She didn’t have much to say. Said Mike was buying cattle and about ready to start buying hogs. Says he would have a summer job doing that. The last year I helped buy we got over 1000 head and I imagine he’ll get the same the same this year. Said she would sure like to see Mary Lynn. Well so would I. Just to show you what a mood I’m in for writing I have all the pictures I have of you here to inspire me. This mail situation is sure rough. Can’t depend on it at all anymore. Perhaps we have better days coming. Sure had some good popcorn tonight. Got Bob on the ball and he popped some. Then we tried to make some caramel corn and that didn’t work so quit. Had a couple of buckets anyway. You know the more I look at the picture of you and Mary the more I love it. Gee honey I’d like it anyway but its [sic] hard getting use [sic] to being a Papa this far away.  Guess it isn’t the right floor to walk. I love you so much my Darling. I feel as you said. Don’t know what I’ll do without you now. Boy the whole world just seems to be wrapped around you now. Every time I do something I wonder what you would say. Or if you would like it. Guess that’s what its [sic] suppose [sic] to be huh? I love you my Darling. I love you so much honey. And Mary is sure taking her place with me too. Just think honey. Someday the three of us can be together and perhaps then can make up what we lost. Or at least not lose any more. I love you Darling I love you so much honey. All my love Darlings, Lefty

9 March, Straelan, Germany

My Darling Wife & Daughter, Two letters from you today honey and one picture. Boy now we’re getting someplace. Sure could see her this time. Its [sic] the one taken when a month old. They make me so homesick but sure like them. Everyone says she is quite a girl. I sure think so too honey. Next picture I think I’ll have to order a new hat. A couple of sizes larger. Sounds like Calif had a cool spell huh! Well something had to cool it off. Bet the snow on the mountains does look pretty nice.  We haven’t had snow for some time now. And I imagine it over with now if the rain only quits. You know Mommie I can just see Mary when she laughs. Of course I don’t know what she really looks like. But I can dream can’t I. Anyway from what you say she must be pretty nice. You said you should write v-mail. Don’t you dare. They are always as late or later than Air Mail and not half so good. And as you say you wouldn’t be able to say much especially how much you love me and that’s what I want to hear. Everytime[sic] I read it its [sic]  like having you say so and I do like that. I’m sure glad Mary’s allotment went through. I think perhaps I’ll have to drop at least $5 on the $30 allotment your [sic] getting. It won’t be just yet and maybe not at all, but if the changes take place I’ll tell you then. Now I’ve gotten your ego up and you want to know why now. Sorry the Censor you know??? Sounds and smells like we are having some more popcorn tonight. Lucille sent me a big can and we are trying it tonight. Bob isn’t here. He transferred to the mechanic section and lives down there. Sure miss having him around. Of course we are together most of the time anyway. But at night he is down there. Only a couple houses down. But it is awful dark. Sure hope Pop’s back is ok. Have been having some back trouble around here. But have been lucky. I’m all in one piece. No we can’t get film. Sure wish you could find some to send. In case you do please send me some film. I have sent some pictures. Have some more to send and I have my own to be developed. Should be back in a month or so. Then I’ll send them Yes Mommie send some candy. Try out that mixes idea. I have a good can opener. Mrs Johnson wanted to know if I wanted the Readers Digest renewed and I said no. Guess I don’t. Have lots of reading material. 12 books left. My schooling. I love you so much my Darling, I love you sweethearts. I love you I love you honey. I love you both so much. All my love Darlings, Lefty

Bob Winter Courtesy of the Winter Family

Bob Winter Courtesy of the Winter Family

What a sad time for Dad having Bob move even if it is a couple of doors down. They have been together since they were in Camp Robinson and that was back in 1941. They spent the evening talking before sleep would come, foraged and prepared food, spent time in fox holes, and wrote their nightly letters to the loves of their lives together. They both must seem a little lost. I know I feel a little sad hearing the news.

© 2013 notsofancynancy

Robert “Bob” Winter, Harvey L. Bennett

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Posted by: notsofancynancy | July 18, 2013

World War II, chapter 73, The Really Big Letter

World War II

The Really Big Letter

Chapter 73

Courtesy of The Cain Family

Courtesy of The Cain Family

Dad and his division are still in Buzz-Bomb Alley. As I discussed in an earlier chapter the buzz bomb was a remote controlled bomb with wings. The bombs were best known for the sound they made, however, soldiers found that the bombs were highly inaccurate in finding their targets. What would happen was they would get to their end of their remote range and they would crash once that range was reached. The soldiers never knew what to expect from these flying bombs.

I found this great old news clip about the Buzz-Bomb and its history. The clip is about seven minutes long but you are able to hear exactly what our soldiers heard and what they were up against. It had to be scary to know how inaccurate they were and to not know where they would hit or when.

18 February, Buzz-Bomb Alley, Stahe, Germany

My Darling Wife & Daughter, Well honey this is a little earlier than the last time. It’s just a little after nine now. Gee got a letter dated the 10 today. Sure is good to get some early mail again. Also got a letter from Ruth. She said for me to thank Mom for writing Dad while you were sick. Guess she broke her hand. Couldn’t write mom herself. I was only kidding she didn’t brake  [sic] anything. Guess the girls & Fred are doing ok. Said Fred was about out again. Kinda hate to see that. He is better off then] where he’ll be. You know Bob has been on working where that lunch Cloth and Napkin went. Guess Madeline bought them some time ago and didn’t send them. Every once in a while he asks about it. Mommie remember the stripes you asked me about. They are overseas stripes. You get one every 6 months overseas. You know I was in hopes Mary would look like you. Couldn’t wish a face like mine on anyone. But don’t go saying she has all your bad faults. Guess I have some too. To [sic] damn many. And [I] am afraid [I] am going to have more before this war is over. I have been wanting to say. Be sure and tell me as soon as you hear from Mary’s allotment. Or any dope you have on it. I’m sure anxious to know as soon as it comes. Boy am I interested in that school course. I have been reading in all the spare time I find. I didn’t know all the things one could learn from a book like that. I have almost finished lesson one. Have a lot more reading to do, but as for the lesson it was fairly easy. Of course some of them won’t [unreadable] that way. I’ll send some more pictures tonight. This makes 12 altogether I have sent. Only have 4 more now. But have ordered lots more. They haven’t come yet. Well Mommie I hope our offspring isn’t causing you to [sic] much trouble. If so wrap her up and send her over here. I’ll do my best of taking care of her and then send her back. Its [sic] almost time for the lights to go out so I better stop. I love you so much my Darling. Gee honey I love you lots. If I were home I could prove it. I love you Darling, I love you both. All my love Darling, Lefty

23 February 1945 was my parent’s first wedding anniversary. Dad was spending it in Germany and Mom in Pasadena, California with their first born. You can tell how bad Dad wishes he could be home. I wish he could have been home too after all Dad still has not even seen his firstborn yet.

Marvin Cain, Shirley Wood, William Price

Marvin Cain, Shirley Wood, William Price

24 February, Buzz-Bomb Alley, Stahe, Germany

My Darling Wife & Daughter, Hello my Darling. Gee here its [sic] been five days since I have written you. But first let me wish you a happy Anniversary.  Oh yes I know it was yesterday but I just couldn’t write. Wasn’t where I could. But did do a little celebrating even [though] you weren’t there. Just in a little town down in France. We had passes until eleven and four of us drank a few beers and some Cognac. No one ever got to feeling good though. You see we had been drinking all day and were damn tired and besides that those truck and rough roads really beat one up. We had a fair trip though and not much trouble. It was fun to get away from it all for awhile. I was going to get something to send you but we never did get to a town where the stores were open. Guess I could have gotten a card but none were any good. I got your Valentine today. It was sure nice even if it were late I kinda like that homey feeling you get from it. I also got two packages from Lucille and a letter from Rosa. Guess they haven’t heard from me for a long time. Wonder why unless my wife has been getting all the letters I have been writing.  Well I haven’t written to [sic] many others and I guess I have neglected them. Have to get on the ball. Huh! Rosa wishes us luck with Mary Lynn. They should be writing and telling you those things. What am I doing toward the rearing of our daughter? About all I do is hope I get home before she has grown up. Dad says he has twins. One in Lexington and one in Cali. Oh say have to tell you a good one. On the way I got a couple quarts of Champagne. Well when I got ready to get out of the truck to go in to the place we slept. I had a little bedroll and one quart wrapped in it. The damn thing slipped out and feel on my toe. Broke the toe and bottle both. So I just left the other in the truck and brought it home to Bob. We all had a sip of it. You know I’m so overflowing with news I just can’t finish one thing until I start another. I also get three letters from you. And boy did I ever over read them I love the part about Mary pulling her ear. In Lucille’s packages was a whole can of pop corn. It was a big one too. Boy am I going to have some as soon as I get rested and caught up on some work around here. In the other was two undershirts I told about some time ago. Also a box of raisins and two cans of soup, some soap and some candy. Yours by far were the best though. Thought maybe there would be some pictures but I guess you haven’t gotten them completed as yet. Sure hope they get here soon. Say Mommie the lights just went out and I have to go on guard so if you don’t mind I’m going to have to postpone this for a couple hours. Then I’ll see what I can cook up. Well I am back again. I have a couple of candles going and am now trying to think of something to write. Have I told you the race we have with the M.P’s.  Well we were coming home one day and I guess driving a little too fast. Anyway they wanted us to stop and couldn’t get around the trucks. Well it finally ended up here and they had fired 5 times at us on the way. We heard them shooting but thought it was some Jiggs. There was plenty of them around and they are usually shooting anyway.  Nothing was done about it I guess. Chuck explained the situation and it all helped. Of course they didn’t shoot to hit us just to stop us. Say I saw just the thing you need to get you up when the alarm goes off. I think it was in the funnies. A big spring attached to it so the bed will upset and then look where you would be. Remind me I’ll fix it up when I get home. You can come over and wash my hair. Its [sic] only been five days or it gets so thick with oil I can’t do anything with it. Then I have a slight touch of dandruff too. And it always does it good to wash that old stuff out. Honey the night is almost gone and before it clear passes I have 2 more hrs on guard to stand. I’m awful tired so I’ll just have to quit with this. What do you think of my new stationary? Good Huh? I love you my Darling. I love you so much. I hope you had a good anniversary and get my letter soon. I did send some money and hope you like that. All my love Darling, Lefty

Dad not writing for five days is a big deal, but five days of not washing his hair is a clue to them not being in a camp and having been out on a convoy. This is one of the longest periods he went without writing her since they got engaged in July of 1943. It seems he always found the time whether it was while he was sitting in the cab of the truck while on convoy or at night before the lights went out. It really makes me wonder why.

Really Big Letter 21x15 inches

The Really Big Letter 21 x 18 inches

That last letter is a really big and I wonder where Dad got such a big sheet of paper. I am not sure why it is so big but it is fun, even if it was hard to transcribe.

26 February, Buzz-Bomb Alley, Stahe, Germany

My Darling Wife & Daughter, Here’s that man? Again. Boy did I do some sleeping after I got to bed this morning. Sure was tired. But I expected that. I told you all about the trip I could. Hows [sic] Mary? Got a letter from you written the 13th and it sounded like the colic was getting you and her both. Sure hope she gets over it soon and you both get some rest. I know about how that colic is from the experience I’ve had from nieces and nephews and they had lots of it. But I do wish I were home to help you. In one of your letters you asked where and why I slept in a court room. Well it was while we were visiting Arlon, Belgium. We slept there over night and had breakfast there the next morning. Just another place we had to sleep. But at that time was a lot warmer than outside. So you see it was a necessity instead of being in any trouble or anything. Oh I got a Christmas card from the church today. It was signed by Nita Boggs. I don’t know her but the card was nice and had a swell verse in it. Also I got another letter from it. I’m going to have to answer one someday. Lets see I had plenty to tell you when I started this now let me see what was it. I love you and my daughter very much. I’m sure glad Gerald got home. Now if Dick gets back with him maybe Grandma will come along. Now if the operation is a success everything will be swell won’t it. Now I know about the pictures. I sure hope you get some sent soon. Sure would like to have some. You know about 5 days ago you wrote she had received presents from 22 and since gotten about 22 more huh! Now what are you doing with all of those? I sure would like to see all of those? I sure would like to see the arrangement of the house now. Bet the sides are bulging. You know I have to get up at 4 in the morning. So perhaps I should kinda finish this and get it off to you. Boy honey I sure do like to write you but you know there just isn’t anything to say. The toe I told you about is getting on ok so don’t think anything about it. Should have had better sense in the first place. I love you so much my Darlings. I guess if it weren’t for you this war would be about over as far as I’m concerned. I’m about fed up with the whole of it. I love you honey. I love you I love you. All my love, Lefty

The Arlon Courthouse 1944-45

Dad Wrote “This is the court house I slept in in Arlon Belgium”

27 February, Buzz-Bomb Alley, Stahe, Germany

My Darling Wife & Daughter, Hello honey hows [sic] the daughter tonight. Sure hope you are getting some of my mail. I haven’t been writing to [sic] much lately. Have been gone and busy and not able to get it done. I didn’t write last night. Yesterday I went to Brussels, Belgium on a pass. You know that’s quite a place. Bob and I went together. Of course we didn’t see half the town. We had quite a time though. When I come home I will tell you all about it. I got a letter from you, Mom and Rose today. The best part of it was they were from the 15th. Late mail around here is good anytime. I wish I could have heard Mary when you had her at the Drs. Mommie I guess I wish more than ever this was over so I could get home to you two. I love you both so much. The weather has been damp here for over 6 months. I sure wish it would dry up so I could leave my overshoes at home once in a while. Rose says everyone is ok. I guess they have scarlet fever now. Norma told that in a later letter. Boy I still haven’t written them. And I’m having a hard time getting this written to you. Hope you have been writing them. I don’t blame you if you haven’t. I probably have more time than you. Guess no one makes a difference to me except you. From what Mom and you say Mary Lynn must have inherited your looks. She couldn’t be that good looking and have anything like me about her. I’m sure glad she is that way though. Gee I’m so proud of you both. I have been reading some more in the books from the school. Boy the more I read the better I like it. I think its [sic] going to be interesting. I sure like it. I love you so much going to have a lot to do honey. We’re going to have a lot to do when we get together.  I love you so much sweet. Guess you know that by now but I sure like to tell you. I love you so much I love you I love you Mommie. All my love Darling, Lefty Take good care of Mary.

I am curious as to what is going on around Dad right now. I wish he could tell us but the bit he did was interesting.  It sounds like the whole convoy was driving too fast when those MP’s shot at them. But it is interesting that they did not stop when they were shot at. Are these men getting so used to being shot at that they did not notice? My dad and his division have been overseas for eight months now and that is a long time to be cold, wet, and have someone trying to kill you. I wonder how much longer Dad will have to stay and how old will my sister be when he finally gets home? I mean theoretically the war ends on 9 May 1945 and that is not so far in Dad’s future.

© 2013 notsofancynancy

Robert “Bob” Winter, Charles “Chuck” Lance, Raymond Linden, Judson Haviland, Marvin Cain, Shirley Wood, William Price

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Posted by: notsofancynancy | July 11, 2013

World War II, chapter 72, Cold and Tired of the Whole Damn Thing

World War II

Sick and Tired of the Whole Damn Thing

Chapter 72

Still hunkered down in Buzz-Bomb Alley the Quartermaster did what they did best drove, hauling things up and down that “alley.” In the research I have done most of the Buzz-Bombs were dropped starting in July of 1944. I wonder if our men encountered any of these remote controlled bombs with wings. How could they not have?

Mom and Mary Lynn

Mom and Mary Lynn

12 February, Buzz-Bomb Alley, Stahe, Germany

Darling Wife & Daughter, Well honey I’m not sure I should write tonight. I’m in an awful mood and feeling about half sick. Seems everything happens at once. Well almost at once. Its [sic] been coming for a long time. I don’t mean that about me. About all that’s wrong with me is I’m sick and tired of the whole damn thing. Oh yes the dog came in again. In fact he has been around all the time. I just got mad at him and kicked him out of here so he went to another room and went to bed. I went after him just after I finished your letter last night. We made up and now awful good friends.  In fact he is here on my lap. So if you see a few footprints on the paper you’ll know what happened. He just couldn’t sleep when I started moaning around. He is about 2 hands high and nearly all black. He has brown on the legs and just a little around the mouth. Part rat terrier and part flea carrier. I think the most is flea. I got three of the best letters from you today Feb 2-3-5 boy they came right through. I sure needed my morale built up too. I also got one from Mom. I think I’m only going to answer these one at a time because I’ve lost faith in the mail and they are fairly new. Just to tell you how good the mail is. Lucille sent me a package with one of those gummed paper tags on. Well the tag got wet came off and stuck to someone’s newspaper and I got the damn paper. The best part of it was the paper was from New York and about the same as some people from here. We finally got paid the other day so I’ll send you some money as soon as I get around to it. It will be late so I haven’t hurried much. Anyway I love you so much my Darling. And even if I can’t buy and send you something I think about you an awful lot. The last time I was in town was when I sent the last package to you. Since I haven’t been any place to buy anything. As a matter of fact honey in the last four months I haven’t spent over $1.00 besides stamps and that went for PX Rations. Oh yes I lied I have around a hundred pictures coming if they ever get here. I have had some coming for about 3 month[s] and have nearly lost hope of getting them. Sounds like Mary is getting all the new clothes. How she should be as proud of you as you are of her. I’m sure looking forward to getting home to see the two of you. Sure sounds like the kitchen is being misused but to a good cause. Well honey the lights will go out any time now. I sure hope Mom is on par again. I sure hope you don’t think I’m going to get tired of listening to you tell of Mary Lynn. Gosh I’m sweating these letters out just to hear about her and you. Boy honey I love you and if it weren’t for you telling me about her what would I be. I love you my Darling. The lights just went out so I’ll have to end this. I love you Darling. I love you so much. I love you I love you I love you both honey. Tell me more about the baby. All my love Darling, Lefty

13 February, Buzz-Bomb Alley, Stahe, Germany

My Darling Wife & Daughter, Gosh tomorrow is Valentines [sic] Day and only my heart to send you and have to write that. I got some of the pictures I had ordered but they aren’t just what I wanted. Got them from Ben and he had them enlarged. They don’t look just right to me. I got another letter from you and one from Mom today. They were Jan 25 & 26. A little later than the ones yesterday but awful good. You asked if it would be ok to have her baptized. I think it would be a very good idea honey. In fact I didn’t think you had to ask me something like that. But I’m glad you did made me feel important. Tell me all about it huh!  Say Mommie why don’t you turn in Mary’s laundry to that outfit to be done. After all you better take advantage of something while you can. I imagine the one I have to help take care of you all have to do the laundry after you come home from work. I’m going to be lazy to do anything like work. I finally got a money order. Now if I haven’t lost it I’ll send it and about three pictures that should make almost a package. The money order isn’t to [sic] much but all I had. One kid didn’t pay me so I didn’t have all I wanted. I told Bob about the report you wanted to hear of him on Jan 16. He laughed and said I guess I should write one.  Well Darling I’m just going to stop this now. I love you so much my Darling. Hope Mary has gotten over the gas now. I love you both Darling I love you so much I love you. All my love Darling, Lefty Tell me the pictures you get they are numbered on the back.

15 February, 1945 Quartermaster received Meritorious Service Unit Plaque by G.O. No. 12 Hg. 35th Infantry Division

Meritorious Service patch Courtesy of Wikipedia

Meritorious Service patch
Courtesy of Wikipedia

According to the Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of the Army:

The Meritorious Service Unit Plaque was established by War Department Circular No. 345, dated 23 August 1944. The circular provided that military personnel assigned or attached to an organization were entitled to wear the Meritorious Service Unit Insignia on the outside half of the right sleeve of the service coat and shirt, four inches above the end of the sleeve. Additional awards were to be indicated by a gold star to be placed on the plaque. War Department Circular No. 54, 1946, provided that additional awards would be indicated by placing a golden numeral inside the wreath. 15 February, Buzz-Bomb Alley, Stahe, Germany

15 February, Buzz-Bomb Alley, Stahe, Germany

My Darling Wife & Daughter, Hello honey hows [sic] the daughter. In the letter I got from you today you sounded pretty disgusted. It was written Jan. 23 So you know what was happening along when you didn’t get to go home when you should have. I’ll bet things were all missed up when you didn’t get there.  Mom being sick and all. I’m glad you liked the comb and brush set. I sure couldn’t by [sic] anything like that here and send it. Nor could I buy anything. I sent a money order the other day for something for our anniversary so I hope you get that someday. I’ll send some more pictures tonight. Hope you get all I send. I must have sprouted off in my letter about the paper George sends. Sure would. I read it and like most of it and perhaps if I knew someone around there it would be better. I have forgotten what I said but whatever it was I must have said the wrong thing. Mommie do you remember some time ago I said we went on a blackout drive and stated it was the mother of them all. Well what really happened that night two of us started up the line about 50 miles for a load and didn’t even get a dry run. Didn’t think they had them here but they do. We started about 6:30 and picked up another man and took off. Even before we left there was a plane over head and the A.A. [Anti -Aircraft] Boys were giving him a good time. He seemed to have a couple friends before the night was over. They were firing Ack Ack Alt.

Thanks to my fellow blogger, Mustang Koji  the definition

“Ack-Ack is for anti-aircraft fire.  Ground crews would fire shells in the air with fuses timed for the ordnance to explode at a specific altitude…like the altitude enemy bombers would be at. Ack-Ack came from WWI British encoding where “A” was “Ack”.  Therefore, “ack-ack” was the acronym, per se, for “Anti-Aircraft”, or AA.”

They were up and of course a few bombs dropped but I believe one of the planes exploded in the air. When I looked out I could see fire and big black smoke off to the left. It was all up in the air and all around it just sounded like hail on the tin roof. Of course it wasn’t hail but had the same effect. We wasn’t keeping quite within the limit of speed for blackout of course and had a couple of narrow escapes between the two ditches and after we got there a bunch of Jiggs [African-American soldiers] wouldn’t tell us they didn’t have what we wanted we had to set out and waite [sic] about 3 hrs. Then to top it all off it started to rain on the way back. By the time we got back at 6 next morning the extra man setting between us was shaking like he had St. Vitas Dance. He even had a hard time talking. I haven’t heard of him ever going out with any of us since.

You have to love Dad’s description of this frightening incident. I love when we get these tidbits to the past of what was really going on.  I have to believe this is how a lot of Dad’s days were while he was overseas. The supplies had to be delivered to the front lines and someone had to do it. It is foolish of me to believe he didn’t have many more of these missions.

Courtesy of Murray Combs Family

Courtesy of Murray Combs Family

I had never heard of St. Vitas Dance but it seems as though it is a real disease which affects mostly children who have suffered rheumatic fever. According to Wikipedia “It is characterized by a jerking motion  localized in the hands and face. Sydenham’s chorea is more common in females than males and most patients are children, below 18 years of age.” I bet that Dad was also scared but I bet for that poor “kid” it was something he never forgot.

I hope our daughter isn’t crying to [sic] much now Darling. I guess with all Mom being sick and Mary being off tune you have been having yourself quite a time. I know damn well I should be home to help take care of one. Haven’t had much experience at taking care of anything lately but my gun and dog. And the dog does pretty well by himself.  Wow I am on the ball tonight. They gave us this paper today and I like it so well I can’t get stopped. Guess I am going to have to turn it over so I can write smaller. Its [sic] almost bedtime now so I guess I’ll have to stop. I love you so much my Darling. I still have about two letters to answer so when I don’t get one I’ll answer them I love you so much honey. I love you and all you have told me about our daughter. I love you honey I love you I love you so much I love you I love you. All my love Darlings, Lefty

Dad wrote "Coffee Time, (Gerald) Dennis, (Myron) Morris, (Raymond) Linden, (Alexander) Weil, (Reynold) Hanson

Dad wrote “Coffee Time, (Gerald) Dennis, (Myron) Morris, (Raymond) Linden, (Alexander) Weil, (Reynold) Hanson

16 February, Buzz-Bomb Alley, Stahe, Germany

My Darling Wife & Daughter, Gee honey did I get the mail today. 10 letters. All back mail though. But all (or Some) of the letters came telling about Mary and they were the ones I wanted. Boy oh Boy I got an announcement from Mom on our daughter. Which I and about everyone else thought was quite clever. Then I got a congratulation card from Aunt Dick and I haven’t yet figured out why she sent one to me.  After all you did all the work. I only had a small part to do. It was nice anyway. Then I got a Valentine from Madelyn. She hasn’t written in ages. Have you heard from her. Guess I’m going to have to write and tell her about our daughter huh? I’m sure jumbled up I don’t know whether Mary had red or blond hair. But in one letter its blond and the next its red.  Hope she hasn’t taken to dye it yet. I finally got the lessons I sent for. I don’t know how long it has taken to get them here but they seem pretty much what I wanted. Have to work all the harder now. Have to work for when I get home.  I have 14 months to complete the course but am sure it won’t take half that long. They have a couple more I want to take if I have time. Gosh there is lots I could say about your letters but they are so old I’m not sure I haven’t said it before  I’m glad you liked the flowers. I sure don’t know what I’d do if it weren’t for your Mom and Pop. Sure have a lot to thank them for.  Know the picture I sent home to you some time ago. Well Dad had some made of those and gave all the kids one.  Guess I should have sent some good ones. Didn’t realize he was going to do anything like that. While I am on the subject I’ll send home some more. I’m sending them three at a time and hope you get them.  I sent in what rolls I had taken to be developed that should make near 200 pictures I have coming.  I’ll just send the interesting ones and keep the rest and bring them When I Come!! Honey you wouldn’t be the only happy one if I were home. I love you so much my Darling. Sure hope you and Mary and Mom are well now and you are getting the rest you need. I love you sweet. I love both of my girls. I love you so much. All my love, Lefty

"Lefty" Woodside

“Lefty” Woodside

My father’s pictures number right around 200. I want to make sure you know that at one time Dad mentions getting pictures from Dudley. This would be Oswald Dudley from Missouri and if I understand things correct someone, like Mr. Dudley would take pictures and other soldier’s would order “copies” of them. They in turn would send them home to their families. So in one case Dad mentions that they had ordered 80 copies. This means that somewhere out there are 80 other people thinking they have pictures that their family member had taken, just as I had and now I know many other’s will have the same pictures. I hope some day to find others with the same pictures. I wonder what the odds of that would be?

17 February, Buzz-Bomb Alley, Stahe, Germany

My Darling Wife & Daughter, Hello honey, How’s everything this fine rainy morning. I just came off guard and its [sic] about 3:00 A.M. So you see it is morning. Didn’t get any mail from you today but did get one from Mrs. Vance. She congratulated us and said how George was. [This is the George Vance, who introduced my parents back in 1937] Also said Della was thinking of getting married and had been sick. Everything else was in order I guess. Say you know this book I’m reading from that school is pretty good. One would think to be a carpenter all you would have to know would be which end of the hammer was the hardest or which wall the nail fit. But its [sic] different than that. This one telling the different cuts on trees to get the best material and the different trees. Its [sic] quite interesting and so far I have learned quite a little about drying lumber and such. Only have 18 books to read so it will probably be old. Have 14 now and 4 more to come. Hows [sic] Mary? Sure wish I could bring the dog I have home. I believe if I could learn him to like civilians the two of them would get along. He is smart as a whip and everyone says he is a good looking dog. You know he was out all night and came in about 10 this morning. I guess someone had him shut up someplace because he usually fallows me. The other day some civilian was walking by to [sic] close to the truck and happened to hit the open door. Man did the dog raise heck. Just like he owned the place. The man sure didn’t fool around either. The dog is just a pup but learns fast I think. Tell Mom I got the picture from the Sat Evening Post she sent. Not bad. I can sure see what she means. I’m going to write her as soon as I have time. This is mighty early in the morning to go into any details about the length a letter should be. I need my beauty sleep. So I’m going to say I love you so much my Darling. Don’t let the red hair and temper get you down. I love you so much honey. I love you both Darling. All my love Darling, Lefty

Some of Dad's wood carvings

Some of Dad’s wood carvings

My father enjoyed doing carpentry in his retirement. It started with a shelving unit at one end of our living room. He made some other furniture, one dresser for my sister in which he used no nails and only dowels and glue, and he built several buildings on our property. He also loved to whittle. This would be something he enjoyed until his fingers could no longer hold the knives. He carved saddles pins and cowboy boots.  He also carved birds and people. I am lucky to still have quite a collection of his carvings, one of my most prized possessions.  But my father did not become a carpenter.  After the war he had a very long career as a driver. Driving what? Ah you will have to wait and read the epilogue.

© 2013 notsofancynancy

Truman “Ben” Howard, Robert “Bob” Winter, Oswald Dudley, Gerald Dennis, Myron J. Morris, Alexander Weil, Reynold Hanson, Raymond Linden,

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Posted by: notsofancynancy | July 6, 2013

Nostalgic

The Five Guys Who Went to the War

The Five Guys Who Went off to War together

My Grandfather is the second from the right. He stands with his brother and three other buddies. The one in the middle will marry my grandmother’s sister. On this day all five of them went off to join the Army and fight in World War I. Taken about 1917.

I had seen this picture for many years without knowing the story of it. Last year I found my grandmother’s photo album which told that these five all went off to war on this day.

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Posted by: notsofancynancy | July 4, 2013

World War II, chapter 71, Buzz-Bomb Alley

World War II

Buzz-Bomb Alley

Chapter 71

5 February 1945 Quartermaster moved to Stahe, Germany-“Buzz Bomb Alley”

Dad Wrote "The Mill I told you about. The only picture that was good. Bob, Edlund sitting, Haviland, Hannery (sp)"

Dad Wrote “The Mill I told you about. The only picture that was good. Bob, Edlund sitting, Haviland, Hannery (sp)”

I found a great article written by a man who was only 15 years old in 1945 and was living in the area when Buzz Bomb Alley was given its name.  Bernard Bergonzi  explains that the bombs were called Buzz Bombs or Doodlebugs because of the sound they made.  At first they were confused as to what this new weapon was as they had never seen its likes.  Come to find out these Buzz Bombs were unmanned, self-propelled, radio-controlled bombs with wings. Once it reached its range it would crash, detonating on impact. The problem with these planes was they were not accurate at all. I guess this is why it became an alley as opposed to all them hitting the same place.

(Read “Bernard’s story” here)

6 February, Stahe, Germany

My Darling Wife and Mary Lynn, Now finally I got enough data to find the unknown facts about the baby. One some time ago from Mom said Mary has red hair and now its [sic] blonde. Well she (Mom) said it just looked red but red or blonde its [sic] ok by me.  I’m going to love her just as much. Gee honey she sure sounds first class. And as Mom said it wasn’t as bad as you expected. I’m glad of that too. I love you honey. The mail came in finally. I got 4 or 5 letters from you and to [sic] V-Mails and one letter from Mom. A letter from Dorothy Peterson, Eva Woehrle, Mike and Lucille and one from George Wagner. It seems so good to get mail again. Boy this crowd is almost getting along now. And once in a while a small argument but nothing much. Most are answering the letters they have been waiting so long. But now every things [sic} under control and the mail will be more steady now. So keep me posted on that baby-cause ah wants to hear lots about her. I’ll start answering back about Dec 28 and answer them all. The mail will be more steady now and I think I’ll get more tomorrow. George Wagner said he saw you at the show “Since you went away.” We have been shut off from all shows and all the rest of the so called privileges. (as if a man in this country had privileges.) Well someday I’ll tell you why but this ain’t hurting us any. 

I wonder if the reason they are cut off from” privileges” is they went dark to hide from the enemy bombs. I can only imagine.

We have been having a little rain lately. But the best part is the frost. Its [sic] coming out of the ground now and being from Kansas you should know what that means. There’ll be better days. Just waite [sic].  Well Mommie we get gum here, but only once in a blue moon do we get Dentyne and that’s my gum. I guess that’s why you sent it. I have plenty of it though so don’t worry about [it] anymore.  Well look here I’ve filled one big page and haven’t completed but one of your letters. Its [sic] sure easy to write when you have some good letters to answer. Of course I’m a long way from the important one. (17th) I’m off again. Sounds like Deloris is getting along ok huh! I hope she is having a good time. What did she think about the Australian Officer? Or did she say. That sewing machine was jinxed. We didn’t make much of anything. Had some shoe taps we tried to sew on and some other things but nothing came out of it. Broke the needle to [sic] soon and had to do the sewing by hand. There wasn’t much to write about in that one. Best to read here- comes No 3. Bob and I usually writes [sic] together and mail them the same way. So I imagine the one you received was miss sent there and was fastened to his. Say you didn’t need the castor oil did you. She should have had you eat some cheese. You would have waited another hour or so. That’s pretty close though Mommie. Every January at 11:30 will swing a big one. That’s splitting the difference in half. Well so Lila and Lester’s getting married. Good for them. (should I have said that) I don’t think so much about Betty and Paul though. Not my way of living I guess. Honey I am about run down for tonight so I’m just going to keep the last letter and answer it tomorrow. I’ll have a big enough fun for tonight. I love you my Darling. I love you Sweetheart. I love you Mommie and Mary. I love you I love you I love you. All my love Darling, Lefty

Dad and Bob Winter

Dad and Bob Winter

I was wondering how that letter made it to Cozad. Now it makes more sense. Bob Winter was from Cozad which is where my father’s family is from so when I saw it was sent to Cozad I wondered why it went to Pasadena by way of Dad’s hometown and how did they know it was his hometown?  If his letter was stuck to Bob’s it explains why it went to Cozad first.

It took 31 days before the letter with the details of the baby came. Dad now knows Mom named my sister Mary Lynn. She was born with red hair which would turn blond from the sun. All five of us kids would have that same hair.

7 February, Buzz-Bomb Alley, Stahe, Germany

My Darling Wife and Mary Lynn, Gee honey I got another letter from you today. It was Jan 31. Sure hope they are coming and you are getting mine. I’ll answer the one I didn’t last night. I have read about twenty times and still enjoy reading it. I sure hope Mom gets over her cold soon. Boy it sure seems to be hanging on. In your letter of the 17th she had it and still had one in your 31st letter. She had it and she better stay in bed. We have colds here but they don’t last. We have two small ones instead of those long affairs. I’ve solved the problem of how to keep Mary Lynn from kicking you in the stomach. Turn your back to her. You can do that now. But don’t you go to sleep [like] that.  Yes I know Mrs Dorothy Grilla. I graduated with her sister Alyee. Also went with her Bro until the 6th grade. Then he quit. Her name was Halfrider. Read quite a bit about her husband in the paper. Did she give you a line about me. We didn’t get along so well. But then it didn’t make much difference. No law said we had to get along. Bob just came in maybe I can get in the mood now. I just don’t seem to be able to write when he isn’t here to interrupt me every once in a while. He is reading his mail and every once in a while he smiles so I guess Madeline still loves him. Boy honey I would be proud of you if you hadn’t saved a nickel. But look how much more prouder [sic] I am since you have saved what you did. It doesn’t make any difference Honey the money is yours to do as you please with. I only wish I had more to send home. That’s what I want most just to give you and Mary what you want and when you want it. Boy if it ever comes the time when I can’t I don’t know what I’ll do. I guess then you’ll have to find yourself a new husband. Then when we were having ice cream we had to have a fire to eat it by. It was about blizzarding [sic] everywhere. Have had it each time. But the snow cream we had was lots better than we had at mess. (They are talking and getting me all mixed up). Gosh no Mommie I’m not disappointed about Mary. I guess there aren’t to [sic] many boys in the family cause I wanted a girl. I haven’t said anything because I knew you thought I would have been disappointed if it hadn’t been. Bob and I had been discussing that long ago. I’m more than pleased honey if I were only home so I could enjoy her. I imagine she will be a big girl by that time though. We sure have a bright future don’t we. They can’t teach a dog new tricks. So the daughter has to start in early to laugh up until you wrote that you said our daughter and then you said your daughter. See what I mean when I said I wish I were home to enjoy her. Then you could hear me laugh. I just teased old Ben about the blanket Ann sent. He seemed pleased or as usual. In case her allotment doesn’t come through ok. Let me know. The Dr. could have sent those papers in, and had it done. But I imagine the Red Cross will get things done. I feel the same way as you about Frank and Dorothy. Man they have had a hard time keeping two and here they have about 9. Christ I would have to quit 10 years ago. Guess they like it though. I love you my Darling. I love you both honey. Just you and Mary Lynn. You know I like that name better every time I read or write it. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. I love you I love you honey I love you both. All my love, Lefty.

The paper Dad is using right now is pretty fragile. Not in a thin way though. The letter dated 7 February almost fell apart as I opened it. It did rip in one of its folds.  As I take this letter out I see it is the same material as that previous one. The paper is larger than others, he writes small and fills both pages.  It is a lot of not talking about the war going on. I open it with caution.

Courtesy of Murray Combs Family

Courtesy of Murray Combs Family

8 February, Buzz Bomb Alley, Stahe, Germany

My Darling Wife and Daughter, How are my best two girls today. Its [sic] been swell today. No snow no rain no sleet and not to [sic] much work. We keep busy and that’s enough.  I got the first word from my correspondence Course today. Sometime ago we sent a tracer to find out what happened. And got an answer from that. It seems they sent one lesson the 5th of Jan and I didn’t get it. So they sent another the 19th and I haven’t gotten that either but it kinda enlightens one to know something about it. At least maybe the $2.00 wasn’t wasted. Its [sic] been over three months since I sent the enrollment in. Sure wish I could have gotten it right back because I’ve wasted a lot of time. I sure hope you can read this because I’m setting in a chair writing and should have spurs and a saddle. One leg is broken on the chair and everytime [sic] I move it slips and my looking glass is in danger. I have forgotten just what I wrote last night so if I double up don’t think much about it. I thoroughly agree with you about Frank & Dorothy and also think the same thing Harold & Rosa. Man they are making cannon loaders for the next war [hard to read] But if they like it let them go. Just don’t you get any ideas like that though. I don’t like large families. Yes Mommie it gets awful dark here. But you should have seen it when all the snow was here. Boy nights were just like days. You see the wind didn’t blow and it just clung to the trees. Some bushes had as much as three inches on them. The pines were a mass of snow. Then on [#14] top of that a big moon. It sure was bright. Dark again now though. I love you both so much. I love you Mommie, I love you I love you I love you. All my love Darlings, Lefty

I carefully fold this fragile letter and slip it back into its envelope. As I do I wonder if anyone else will ever take it out and read it again. I then move it back in the stack and move on. It reminds me of how lucky I am that I have these letters and how blessed that I have the time to record them.

10 February, Buzz-Bomb Alley, Stahe, Germany

My Darling Wife and Mary Lynn. Hello honey. Hows [sic] my wife & daughter? Well honey this should be short and sweet unless I have more luck than usual writing. Have a detail at one so must work this afternoon and that isn’t far away. I didn’t have time to write yesterday so I would have missed two days. But maybe this will fill in. I didn’t get any mail yesterday. So I haven’t a letter to answer. But there surely will be some today. I saw a Dutch windmill finally. This one must have been over a hundred years old. All hand made and sure was something to see. Boy the blades on it must have been a good 25 feet long as far as blades it had four of those. Then on top of the tower was made to turn so you can turn the blades into the wind. That was done with a hand crank on the outside. The shaft the blades were on must have been just a big tree squared and fastened on. On the opposite end of the blades was a large wooden clog wheel. It must have been twice as high as I.

Dad's Drawing

Dad’s Drawing

That is quite a drawing but it explains more than I could tell. The whole thing was very quaint and really a good job of building with what they had to work with. Well at least the damn thing is still going. I love you my darling. Its [sic] almost time to eat now and I have to get things lined up so I can get to work. I love you honey. I love you so much. I love the both of you. I love you I love you so much. Gee honey tomorrow Mary Lynn will be a month old and not long until we will be married a year. Congratulations my Darling. I love you so much. All my love Darling.

What I find interesting is they find this “Dutch Windmill” in Germany and not back when they were in Holland where you would expect to find a windmill.

11 February, Buzz-Bomb Alley, Stahe, Germany

My Darling Wife and Mary Lynn, Hello Mommie and Daughter. How are my two best girls tonight. If you feel like I do your awful. I got three letters and a Valentine from you, Mom, and Mrs. Johnson. Mrs. Johnson sure gave me heck for not telling her about the baby. She said she had gotten your card and also announcement. But said she was waiting to answer until she had a box ready to send. She said what, but you have probably gotten it and me telling you again would only bore you. She also wanted to send me some gum and candy but I wouldn’t send her a request. You’ll probably hear about that too. Or I don’t know her. Sounds like the daughter could lend me a couple of her blankets huh! I’ve seen the time I needed them but not now. It isn’t so cold and I believe it will be better soon. I saw some dust today. First in about 4 months. Yes I hit a bump and some rose from the floor boards. And that’s about all we will see for some time. I sure hope Mary Lynn has gotten over the stomach trouble. She is a month old today huh! Yep Mommie I think Mary Lynn is worth several rooms. After all when we get old there will still be a moon. We can look at that one. You know I’m sure glad you are there and still enjoying them both. Even if you can’t see to [sic] much of the moon. I’m right proud you haven’t a mess like over here to put up with. I sure hope those pictures are good too. Man am I aching to see some of her and you too. Boy honey I’m so sick of mud and rain that if anyone mentions it to me when I get home I think I’ll just go nuts. You have heard of all the mud they had in the last war. Well I didn’t believe it but now I think I can add a little to their stories and still not make it B.S. Now I’ve hurried so much I have forgotten what I’m going to write. I just toasted a piece of bread. But the damn stuff is to[sic] fresh and wouldn’t be good to eat though. Which reminds me I didn’t have supper. Got in a little late and was to [sic] lazy to go down after it. Was a little beat up from these rough roads too. I told you the lights were going out. They did and I haven’t even told you about my dog. Yep got another dog. Named him Adolph. I’ll tell you more about him tomorrow if he comes back. I love you my darling. I love you so much honey I love you both and wish I were home with you. I love you I love you so much. All my love Darling, Lefty

Being “beat up by the roads” is one thing my brother remembers our dad talking about.  That’s right I have a brother for anyone keeping track. But he is the baby of the family. From Dad’s writing and the pictures he really went through the mud and rain while he was overseas. Thankfully it sounds like they are finally out of the snow.

© 2013 notsofancynancy

Robert “Bob” Winter, Truman “Ben” Howard, Murray Combs, Judson Haviland, Donald Edlund

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Posted by: notsofancynancy | June 27, 2013

World War II, chapter 70, My Dearest Wife and Daughter

World War II

My Dearest Wife and Daughter

Chapter 70

Dad on the left

Dad on the left

It has been 15 days since my sister was born. Dad still does not know the particulars including what she was named. It seems as though someone has told him the baby has red hair. I don’t see Dad having a problem with that though as it seems he is just happy to be a Papa bragging about her to all his buddies.

26 January, 1945 Quartermaster moved to Bettwiller, France

Bettwiller is located in northeastern France. It seems the 35th Quartermaster is closing in on Germany.

26 January, Bettwiller, France

My Dearest Wife and Daughter, The mail hasn’t gotten here yet and man am I getting low on writing material. Boy oh boy if I get this page full you’ll be lucky and if I have to start another I’ll be unlucky. This is the last page and I forgot to go to the supply room for more. Unless a brain storm comes along I’ll be ok.We are about to have coffee. Some French lady is making it for us. I hope it is good. Also we are here in the house. Bob, Judson and I. Our lighting system seems to be on the unlighted side. We have one but not so good. Mom was telling me about all the babies that were in the hospital with you. Boy oh Boy it sounded like a production line. How is our daughter tonight? Hope the red hair hasn’t gotten you down. I sure wish I would get some mail telling me more about her. I know it is coming but dog goned [sic] it sure is taking its [sic] time. And I am in a hurry. What does Mom and Pop think. They wanted a boy huh! I didn’t. Wasn’t going to say though. I would have been happy with a boy. They sure have been kidding me. We had the first girl born to anyone in the platoon. Its time someone changed the routine though. And I’m not complaining a bit. I love you my darling.   I love you so much. Gee honey sure makes a difference having a baby too. Now I can say I love you both and I do honey. The two most precious things in the world to me. I love you so much honey. I love you. I love you. All my love Darling, Lefty

From everything Dad has written so far he is happy Junior is a girl and being the first girl born in the platoon sure makes Dad one proud soldier and that sure gives him something to talk about.

Marvin Cain, Shirley B. Wood, William G. Price

Marvin Cain, Shirley B. Wood, William G. Price

28 January, Bettwiller, France

My Darling Wife, I slipped up on Bob. He is in the other room doing something and I’m using his paper and pen. So if I have to change in a hurry don’t mind. Just came in from guard. It isn’t so cold out tonight and the moon would be out if it were clear. Boy you should have seen the moon last night. It and the snow sure lit up things. Just like Kansas with the snow. I wish to God I was in Kansas now. I finally found out what was wrong with Fred. After so long a time they have written me about it. He is in the hospital with trench foot. Of course they didn’t have sense enough to tell me how bad if they knew. I don’t know why in the hell I write home They just give me a brief resume of what goes on and leave it at that. I would know more if they wouldn’t write and I just ask someone else. We still haven’t gotten any of your mail so I’m still in the dark about the baby. Sure wish some would get here soon. I’m getting awful anxious to know what you named her. And how the both of you were and all the rest. This mail sure leaves one in a bad position once in a while. Here I am a father for 18 days and know nothing more about it. Rumors of mail tomorrow so I’ll waite [sic] and hope. I made a gallon of coffee before I went on guard and Bob has finally consented to make another one now. So you see how much sleep I’m going to get tonight. But I like the coffee so I’ll help drink it. Boy I’m having a hard time getting this page started. First Bob came and I gave him his pen. Then I couldn’t find anything to write about. Then the darn stove ran out of gas and we had to fill that. Now I can’t think of anything to write again. I read your letter again about Grandma at Christmas time. Sounds about like mother before she died. For the kids sake (me too) we had someone dressed as Santa and usually mom would have to help everyone else before she opened anything for herself. Of course that’s been a long time ago and I can hardly remember. Well honey I hope you and the Girl are getting along well. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. Gee honey how I would like to be home with you. I love you Darling. I love you so much I love you I love you. All my love Darling, Lefty

That is a story I have never heard about Dad’s mom. There are very few stories I remember about her. She passed away in 1936. Dad was only 16 years old and from the stories he told he did a lot of the care and entertaining while she was ill. I don’t know much more about her so this is great insight to the kind of person she was. I sure would have liked to meet her.

29 January, Bettwiller, France

My Darling wife. Boy Mommie was I up in the air today. I got a letter and looked at the date. It was the 13th and I was so anxious I didn’t look to see the month. Well what do you know. It was Dec. instead of Jan. So again I am out. Still haven’t found out anything about the baby. Boy am I hoping for another mail call. I sure hope to get those lost letters soon. The one I did get though was quite swell and I sure needed the encouragement. You talk about making stew. Boy I sure would like to try some of yours. This stew we have been cooking up around here sure isn’t what its [sic] cracked up to be. We haven’t had to [sic] much but what we have sure is good. Besides the time I can eat that is when I am so hungry anything would taste good and then that goes down the hatch. Its [sic] about time we were having some more pictures. We haven’t had one for some time now. There must be some in the E.T.O. we haven’t seen. Boy have I been going around today. I started out to fix the lights so I could read when I went to bed tonight. Well I had one small bulb and one large. After test run and what-do-you-know. The big one was burned out and I have to do the whole darn thing again. Only this time Bob got the light and I have it fixed so I can write with it. After a while I’ll change and read. Perhaps some of the others will want to write first and by that time Bob will be in and I know he will write. (Sure am filling up space aren’t I) I got the most interesting Christmas card from Ventura yesterday. It was not so much reading on it all it said was Christmas Greetings-Betty Boyer. God she should have saved the money it took to send it. I almost blew my top. I sure hate to get something I can’t read. Oh yes to show you how well I’m up on my correspondence it was sent to Nashville, Tennessee. [Dad was stationed there before he was shipped overseas] Say Mommie were [sic] going to have to change that razor strap idea to Mommie with an apple switch. Well honey I’ve been thinking and there isn’t another darn thing I can think of so I guess its [sic] time to say I love you honey. I love you so much my darling. I love you honey. I love you I love you I love you. All my love Darling, Lefty

The View through a WWII Soldier's Eyes

The View through a WWII Soldier’s Eyes

30 January, Quartermaster moved to Verdun, France

30 January, Verdun, France

My Darling Wife, Well honey here I am again. Boy have you been the neglected wife lately. You know I just have had about time enough to eat sleep and sleep and sleep. Well anyway where I was at last night it was too cold to be trying to write so Bob and I went to a show. “Dust be my Destiny.” (Don’t mind my writing I was interrupted) The show wasn’t so good but there was a comedy that was swell. About an organ grinder. “To go on with the show.” It cost us 15 francs about 30 cents and wasn’t heated. Well I sat there for quite a while. Finally had to put my gloves on but still my feet were cold and I wasn’t exactly warm otherwise. But later found I should have stayed because it was lots better than where we were sleeping and although I didn’t sleep cold it sure was hard crawling out this morning. But who cares I didn’t freeze and everythings [sic] ok now. Another experience in the E.T.O. [European Theater Operation] Hows [sic] the girl tonight. Still no mail and I’m not sure just when it will be here. But we have hopes of it being here someday. You know I still have about 5 packages coming from Christmas. Boy if there is anything to eat in them. I better not be hungry when they get here. Back to the baby.  I sure hope everything is ok and she has to beat Mary Sue. Drop a few beans and little spinach in her diet. We have a schedule to meet now. I wrote about two days ago and again you’ll probably get them both the same time because I think they got in to [sic] late for the mail and I ‘ll have to do it all over again. Sure hope you haven’t been looking for a letter every day. I haven’t missed on purpose honey but sure hate it anyway. I’ll catch up now though. You know I ‘m sure sweating out this letter because there isn’t anything to write about. And believe me I sure can’t do any good with what I have. I’m getting to [sic] old to write. I’ll have to get home so you can keep up my correspondence. Oh happy day. Well Darling I have some good news for myself. Am on guard so I must close this and get some sleep. I love you so much honey. Gee honey I love you so much. I love Mommie. All my love Darling, Lefty

31 January, 1945 Quartermaster moved to Rijckholt, Holland approximately six (6) miles SE of Masstricht, Ninth Army Sector.

31 January, Rijckholt, Holland

My Darling Wife and Daughter, Hello honey I sure fixed you tonight. Had a hard time filling those big pages so now I have found this. [small lined paper] To [sic] much brain work to be writing that much. Have to save the brain! That [sic] all. Hows [sic] our daughter tonight? Have you walked the floor with her yet? I’ll bet she is a pip. Boy I can see the two of you (sure wish I can see the two of you) getting along there. Remember Mommie someday you’ll have to tell me all about it. I imagine by the time I get there she will be big enough to exploit that red haired temper. It won’t be long now until she’ll be a month old. And it won’t be much longer until we’ll [#3] be married a year. Happy Anniversary honey and I hope by that time we will be home together. I sure wish I could get some mail so I would know how you were. In a couple more days. I guess some will be here. You know I sure thought I could get a couple pages written on this paper. But no luck. I have been playing cards with Bob. You know if I keep on telling you there isn’t anything to write about you’ll believe me in time. How many letters have I missed writing that in. Another bad habit of mine. Well I still haven’t finished this Mommie. I got started playing cards again and still haven’t had a brain storm and it is almost bedtime. I love you so much my Darling. I love you honey. I love you I hope some mail comes so I can read how much you love me honey. I sure like that part of your letters. Boy honey I love you I love you so much. All my love Darling, Lefty

2 February, Rijckholt, Holland

My Darling Wife & Daughter, Hello Darling how are you and the girl coming tonight. Boy I’ll bet you two are getting right up in the lights there. How does Mom and Pop like her by now? There is something I would like to say but I just don’t know anything about her. I’m sure sweating out those letters I have coming. It was tough waiting until she arrived. Now to find out complete news is worse. Well I guess it will nice when it does get here. Say on about two letters before this I have been dating wrong. Here it is the second and last night I had the 31st on your letter. I guess I have forgotten how fast time does fly around here. Going to have to get on the ball I guess. Yes here we are in Holland. Considerably different than anything we have seen yet. The people here speak lots of English. I was surprised. Its [sic] different in ways then the book says too. Well enough for that. The S&S [Stars and Stripes] tonight has a big picture of Shirley Temple getting her said first kiss. They didn’t have my picture on the first one I had. What a joke? Someone said a kiss is a kiss even if it’s a cow. So she didn’t do anything so great.

The then 17-year-old, Shirley Temple starred in a movie called “Kiss and Tell” in 1945. But her first onstage kiss was reported by many sources to have been Dickie Moore in the 1942 movie “Miss Annie Rooney.”

I got [unreadable] again tonight. I went into the other room and a little girl of about 6 who lives here was playing hide and seek. Boy she is as smart as a whip and sure had to laugh at her. She got so excited she would jump up and down. Once she had a G.I. helmet on and every time she jumped it would fall down over her eyes and she couldn’t hide for moving it. It was better than a show. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. Gee honey I love you an awful lot. Every day it seems I love you more and long ago I thought I loved you all I could. I love you honey I love you I love you. All my love Darling, Lefty.

Courtesy of Murray Combs Family- Murray on right

Courtesy of Murray Combs Family- Murray on right

4 February, Rijckholt, Holland

My Darling Wife, Hello honey this has to be short and sweet. I have to go to bed. I have been on guard and have to get up early and after all I have to have my beauty sleep. I got two letters and New Years card from you today. But both were before the baby came. So I don’t know anymore about [her] then that.  I did. But they sure was nice letters though and the card was really grand. I like them since you have been writing on them. But before they were discouraging. Well you were talking about New Years. It wasn’t so bad. We had a good meal and all the rest. I guess that’s all we can say about it. Lots of water passed under the bridge since then Wow. The weather isn’t so bad now. At least it isn’t so damn cold you can’t turn around without freezing. We were awful lucky the winter didn’t hurt us much as a whole. Awful miserable though. Gosh honey any letter I get from you sure isn’t dull. Boy how I miss them when I don’t get them. The only difference between you and me. You can write what you do from day to day and I can’t. It seems nice to be able to really what goes on during the day. The only thing I want now is the first letter you wrote after the baby was born. Then all the rest I have missed. Boy will that be a happy day. I guess. Yes Mommie I guess 179 would beat me. The last time I weighed was 12 stones 12 lbs. and that should be about 130. That was a long time ago. I might get the 12 lbs now. Boy would I have liked to seen you then. I would like to see you just any time damn soon. The announcement sounded like they might be good. By now someone else has read and laughed like I did. I thought they were funny but good. I don’t like the name Margaret named her baby. It was quite a boy though wasn’t it. But if they do call him Ronny it won’t be bad. I think I heard about Hartwell in the church paper. Although then I didn’t know who he was. Well honey I love you lots. Gee if I could only see you and the baby. I am so looking forward to the time when you and I are together. If this damn war was only over. Honey I was going to send you some money for our Anniversary but we haven’t been paid yet. So if it’s a little late I’m sorry. I love you my darling. I love you I love you so much honey. I love you I love you darling. All my love Darling, Lefty

My sister is now almost a month old and still no current letters from home. It sounds like Dad must have gotten a current letter from my grandma though if not, how did he know about the red hair? If he did get a current one why did Grandma Susie not tell Dad the name of the baby? Maybe she thought Mom did and maybe Mom’s letters are just not there yet. It is just like the rest of this journey. I can only speculate and with all my speculation I just have more questions.

© 2013 notsofancynancy

Robert “Bob” Winter, Judson Haviland, Marvin Cain, Shirley B. Wood, William G. Price, Murray Combs

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Posted by: notsofancynancy | June 20, 2013

World War II, chapter 69, And Baby Makes Three

World War II

Chapter 69

And Baby Makes Three

Dad Wrote "This is us. I could name a few but Vi will know some and we all have Cognac." Dad is the one in the back on the right downing the bottle

Dad Wrote “This is us. I could name a few but “Vi” will know some and we all have Cognac.” Dad is the one in the back on the right downing his bottle. . . Look at how happy they all look or is that drunk? You can click on any picture to see it bigger.

My oldest sibling is now 9 days old and Dad still has no word that it has been born. It seems as though the Quartermaster is on the move once again. Since he is on the move I bet it will be harder to get a message to him, or will it? I hope there isn’t snow in Mitz so these soldiers can get warmed up.

I have searched the internet to see where Mitz is but found nothing. When you type that name in you get Metz. So I went back and rechecked both the original document called “Stations and area’s occupied by the 35th Quartermaster since its induction” and also I have a Yoo Hoo reunion brochure and checked it. It also says Mitz. I am not sure where it is but it looks like the 35th Quartermaster moved there on a cold day in 1945.

20 January 1945 Quartermaster moved to Mitz, France

20 January, Mitz, France

My Darling Wife, Hi honey hows [sic] Junior? Boy I’ll bet he is here by now huh? Well we got a little mail today. But none from you. Perhaps Tuesday. I heard from Bob and Norma and Harold and Rosa. They didn’t have much to say. I guess everything there was ok. The letters were a month old. I also got a Christmas card from Madelyn. But all I wanted was a little one from you and it didn’t come. And did I feel bad. Perhaps next month. Would you like to be here? Have a nice fireplace and good coals in it and could we roast some wieners. In fact I just did have a couple that way. Sure were good. Well maybe you can’t be here but I have your picture here in front of me and it sure is nice. That’s the only part of you I want in a place like this. Now of course if I were there that would be nice too. Oh Darling I love you. Well the hot dogs tasted so good [a] while  ago I had to have another. Then did a little thinking and still haven’t anything to think about. I have been in about all kinds of weather here now. From a small blizzard to a good warm day and even a little to [sic] much rain. Its [sic] nice now though. Well anyway better than usual. Gosh here I’m going to have to stop on two pages again tonight. I just can’t seem to write when I haven’t a letter to answer and sometimes not then. But I sure wish some would come so I could try. I love you my Darling. I love you so much honey. I love you I love you Mommie. Don’t let Jr whip you-? I love you. All my love Darling, Lefty

Dad wrote "Imagine Pop will be interested in this cognac. All the cases in the picture is just that. Lots f drinking stuff huh? We drew five loads."

Dad wrote “Imagine Pop will be interested in this cognac. All the cases in the picture is just that. Lots of drinking stuff huh? We drew five loads.” If you click on the picture you can see there are heck of a lot of cases there.

21 January, Mitz, France

My Darling Wife and Daughter, Congratulations honey. I got your telegram today and was I ever glad to receive it. Gosh I just don’t know what to say. I have been sitting here thinking of something nice and gosh I still don’t know anything nice enough. I’m like Bob I guess. I showed him the telegram and he said “now we can both breathe easier.” Gee honey I’m so happy and you know a month ago I told Bob I hoped it would be a girl. Why I don’t know. I guess I’ve always wanted that. Well now I have to get home and damn soon. I also got two letters from you and one from Mom. The 9th & 10th. Boy it was sure good to get them also. I hadn’t gotten mail from you in so long I guess I had even forgotten how you wrote. All in all today wasn’t a half bad day. Everything turned out swell. And am I happy. Now would be a swell time to open that quart of Cognac I have been saving and get gooseawaled.

I am including the pictures I have of Dad, his Company, and their cognac. Although he does not talk about it in any of his letters what I know is that his Company “drew five loads” of the liquid gold. I bet that was one Company who had one hell of a party.  I am not sure exactly when they got this detail but with him having some left over it had to be before now. I would have to say that this was a good time for these soldiers because they sure look happy in the pictures.

 Wow if I were only home now. Bob just said Madeline wrote and she had just received a long letter from you and that by now I should be daddy. Well she didn’t know how right she was. That is all he said about it. Oh yes if you have gotten the letter I wrote last night forget about the fireplace. It wasn’t bad but two other burned through and we had a little fun. So today I found a stove. The darn thing is made of concrete but is sure putting out the you know what. The two fires didn’t do any damage but sure stunk up the place. The stove makes a lot more than that anyway. The picture you sent is good but as you say it doesn’t look like you. You do look rather fat though.

He has got to stop talking about Mom’s weight. I can’t imagine how much this hurt her. For goodness sake didn’t she just carry his baby for nine months?

Bob said you looked  like you had all your teeth pulled. But I informed him you were only catching flies and had to have your mouth open. I was sure glad you sent the picture though. Now I have a change of scenery for a while. I have looked at all the rest so much I believe I know every wrinkle by heart.  Now I can start learning this one. Of course its [sic] like the map of Europe now, changed considerably. But oh my what a change. Do you realize when I get home I’ll have someone to tell my tales too. It sure seems like it will take that long. They had a U.S.O. show today. It wasn’t to [sic] bad. I was kinda disgusted until the last picture they had and I nearly died laughing at that. So that raised the average of the show a little. Sounds like my mail kinda got to you all at once. 10 Letters in two days. Well I have gotten 6 but only two from you. In them should have been the names I picked for the daughter. I’m sure they were sent along about that time. I hope you liked them. I imagine you had different ideas and if so swell. Mom wrote Gerald was back in the states. That’s sure swell. I hope he did get to the hospital he wanted. It will sure be nice for Aunt Dick if he can make it. Then she can be near him. Its [sic] nice Ralph can be too. But I’m awful sorry they were hurt. I’ve been lucky I guess. I’m in a good outfit too. Have you been spending any money I have been sending home. It sure doesn’t sound like it. Gosh honey if we had been married when I first wanted to clear back in Robinson we would have been millionaires by now. I love you Darling. Well honey I had something else to write but sure can’t think of it now. Bob wrote a note to go with this. I love you darling. Take care of the little one. I love you honey. I love you so much. Must write to Mom tonight and its after 10 now. I love you Darling. I love you so much so very much. All my love Darling, Lefty. I never did hear from the correspondence school. Its 7 weeks today since I sent it. Sure wish it would come and glad you like what I took.

Eleven days until he got his telegram announcing the baby’s arrival.  What I did find interesting is although he knows it is a girl he still does not know which name Mom decided on. I wonder how long it will be before he knows the name of his child.

See what I mean? Rough in the ETO."

See what I mean? Rough in the ETO.”

How awesome! In this next letter from Dad there is a letter to Mom from Robert “Bob” Winter. It is fun to see his handwriting. I feel like I know Bob even though I have never met him. I say never but I can almost bet that I met him at one time or another growing up. I just wish I remembered him.  I do want to add a note here. I found the names of Bob’s son’s names in a roundabout way. I then looked online and found a possible address for one of them. I wrote and sent a letter 14 May 2013 explaining who I am and a bit of the story. I have hopes I may find Bob’s family.

Letter From Bob, You can click on it to make it larger

Letter From Bob, You can click on it to make it larger

Dear Mama Woodside & Daughter, Just returned from a busy day and received the glad tidings a little bit ago. May I take this means to congratulate you. (Confidentially I was looking for twins) but mighty happy for the daughter. I have congratulated Mr. Papa now. I only hope I can do as well some day.  Madeline said she had a mighty fine letter from you. I’m pretty happy for the present. Two letters from her today. My morale  is up. 99 ½ now. Will be for the next ten minutes then it will die clear to a -10. Say hello to Mom and Pop for me and I shall remain with Love always Bob

22 January, Mitz, France

My Darling Wife & Daughter. Gee that sure makes a heading for a letter. Sure hope the letter gets here soon so I’ll have something to call our girl. I know what she’ll be called if you got my letter but if not I don’t know. Well I am waiting anyway. I got three more letters from you today. Dec 2 and Jan 4 & 5. Boy was I glad to get them. Its [sic] like old times now. Having some mail. Of course the ones that aren’t from you don’t count so I neglect to consider them. I also got a Christmas greeting from George Wagner Jr. So I’ll send that to you and you can do what you want with it. I imagine you have seen enough of them but if you haven’t perhaps you would like to see this. We went to another show today. It was all G.I’s but good. Now if they would stop this old bull and put on some picture shows we would be satisfied. Also we have a rumor they might have a dance sometime.  I think that will be swell. Well I want a dance so any kind will do. I’ll take Bob for a chaperon so I’ll have to be good. Boy sounds like you got the works for Xmas. I haven’t had a list like that since I left Grocery business. People used to bring in orders for a months [sic] supply (I think) and have us put things up. Now where are you going to put all of that. You got your Evening in Paris perfume huh? Well that saves me from buying it. It would probably be all over when it got there anyway. Well enough of that. I sure hope Moms [sic] throat got well. Man I can sure feel for her. I haven’t had one but some of the fellows have and have really gotten down with it. I don’t believe it was quite 15 days between the letters I got from you but it seemed lots longer. Now I’m like you. I’m getting them all at once. But I like it. Bob and I have been building houses. Man have we been having a time. Of course we have it all on paper and now that’s torn up. But I sure have been disagreeing with him. Well honey I guess I better stop for now. I love you my Darling. I love you so much honey. Gee Darling I hope the baby and you are ok and all those things. I love you honey. I love you I love you I love you. All my love Darling, Lefty

Dad wrote "Cognac"

Dad wrote “Cognac”

23 January 1945 Quartermaster moved to Moyenvic approximately twenty (20) miles NE of Nancy, France Seventh Army Sector

24 January 1945 Quartermaster moved to Gungwiller, France

25 January, Gungwiller, France

My Darling Wife and Daughter, Hi Mommie. Hows [sic] my daughter today. Mom said she had red hair and Rosa said she was born on the same day as their boy. So now I know two things. Perhaps the mail will have some glad tidings I hope? I haven’t written the last couple days. Just haven’t found time until it was to [sic] dark and I can’t write then so I haven’t gotten it done. Perhaps I can do better now. Anyway I am thinking I should. Another thing I haven’t gotten a letter written to Mom & Pop. I should get that done soon too. From the Cablegram you sent I figured the baby to be born about the 16 but I guess Rosa got a letter from you the same day she was writing me and added that they were both born the same day.

Not only does Dad not know what his daughter’s name is but he also is not sure about the date she was born. She arrived on the 11th of January, the day before my mother turned 21.

Dad wrote "Same here Rough in the ETO." Dad standing in the back blond hair on the mid-right

Dad wrote “Same here Rough in the ETO.” Dad standing in the back blond hair on the mid-right

So in other words the Cablegram was dated the 16th and got here the 21 so that’s not traveling very fast. It was dated over here. And yet all the papers over there say the mail and news from home are reaching the troops in good time.  Bull Shit. . I’m sure glad I got it when I did though. Sure hope everything was well at that time and from now on. You know if I keep on the mail might get here before I finish this. I sure hope so because then I’ll have something to write about all I can think of now is you and the baby and I guess that is enough. Just think honey next month we will be married a year. But lots has happened since then. Are you sorry you got married? I’m sure not. Not with you and a daughter to greet me when I get home. Boy am I looking forward to that. I love you darling. Say I’ve been finding out things. Ray Linden has a boy don’t know anymore [sic] about it than that but its[sic] almost official. He is keeping it more a secret than I did. Bob and Ben was all I told and they put out from there on. Not to [sic] many knew it before she was born. I think you knew Ray. He rode with Ben once in awhile.  His baby was born about the same time as Harvey’s. The mail hasn’t come and I’m not sure it is tonight. So I’m going to finish this and go to bed. Am pretty sleepy. I was on guard last night and when I finished this morning at 6:45 I came in and went to bed and you know my feet were cold and didn’t warm up until I got up at noon, or about that time. Well honey I love you so much. I’m all run down now my Darling. Be good to our daughter and don’t let her kick you around to [sic] much.  I love you so much honey. I love you I love you so much. All my love, Lefty

I have to wonder what that was like for Dad. I wish I had the cablegram to know what information he got when the news came. It must have been bare essentials; it’s a girl and not much more.  I wonder why they did not include the baby’s name and why was it sent 5 days after the baby was born. Was it because Mom wanted to send it herself and had to wait until she was out of the hospital to get it done?  It seems as though the more I learn the more questions I have.

© 2013 notsofancynancy

Robert “Bob” Winter, Raymond E. Linden, Truman “Ben” Howard, Hawker Harvey

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Posted by: notsofancynancy | June 16, 2013

My Dad was the Milkman

My Dad was the Milkman

Footfill Dairy about 1955

If you follow my blog you know my father drove a truck in WWII.  Right after the War he drove a city bus down in El Monte, in the Los Angeles Basin.  I can remember seeing an article from a newspaper where he had gotten an award for being the “The Safest Driver.” He had gotten no tickets or had not had any accidents the whole time he was there.  I am not sure how long that was as it was before my time.

My Dad was the Milkman.   OK don’t laugh I have heard all the jokes about “The Milkman.”  When I was young it was the standing joke, Your dad was the milkman..hahaha… Really I did not get it until I was much older. For some of you who may not remember these jokes milkmen use to actually deliver milk to peoples houses. It was said that these and other delivery men were hit on by the lonely housewives producing children who were said not to be the husbands, if you know what I mean.

That is right back in the old days you could have milk delivered right to your house.  That is how Dad’s career working for Foothill Dairy in Azusa Ca., started.  He went door to door delivering milk.  I am told he got up at 3am and worked really long days.  You could really tell what a compassionate man my Dad was when he befriended a little old lady on his route and she became our Aunt Pansy.  I don’t remember much about Aunt Pansy but I know that she had no other family, or she did not like her family, so she spent all the holidays with us. My sister told me she was mean and grumpy, I don’t remember. When she passed away she left all of her possessions to Dad.  I even heard that she had left him some money too.  He was always such a kind man and he would give you the shirt off his back.  I am sure he did a lot of things to help out this old lady as well as others on his route that was just the way he was. Come to think of it my husband has those same traits.

Many years down the road my father moved up in the company and became a wholesale driver.  This is the part of his career I remember.  He drove the same route for many years.  This route consisted of business’s, such as restaurants, grocery stores, and liquor stores.  I can remember what a treat it was for me and my brother to go on his route with him.  We could never sleep the night before, we were so excited.

Dad and his Truck

First we would have to go to the Dairy to pick up his order for the day.  The Dairy itself was a pretty cool place.  All the cows and milking machines were fascinating to the young girl who held her father’s hand as we toured the dairy.  There were men there where all they did all day was hook up cows to the milking machines.  It certainly did not look comfortable for those cows but they did not seem to mind.

In the loading dock of the dairy was a long conveyer belt that came out of the cooler and on to a cold cement platform so the drivers could get their order and put it on the truck.  My dad would hand over his order in the double swinging doors and like magic everything on his list started coming out on that conveyer belt. He would check the items against his order. We got to check it off the list as he shouted “24 gallons whole, 10 quarts half and half, 15 pounds ole” (butter), etc. Once the truck was loaded we were off down the road.  At Dad’s first stop we had to always wait for the store to open.  My Dad was always at least a half hour early.  So we always sat in the truck and slept until the owner came.  Well Dad slept I was just too excited.

My father was a genius when it came to the numbers part of the sale.  He could add those numbers in his head in a wiz.  He did keep a notebook with him and some of the bigger sales he made he might use it to add them up.  He taught me to always add everything twice to make sure you come up with the same numbers.  After all there were no calculators in those days.

As the sun came up it was my favorite time.  Going to see all his customers was a dream.  They all loved “Lefty” and always made such a fuss over us.  It seemed like our birthdays or Christmas when we went with him.  Everyone was always giving us stuff to eat.  It was like one of those progressive dinners.  You got a little something everywhere you went.   I will always remember those times spent with my father as some of the best days of my childhood

Mom, Dad, and one of my sisters, about 1956, notice the milk bottle in Mom’s hand.

At Thanksgiving his bonus was a fresh turkey.  I still have one of the boxes they came in.  Although the box is not in great shape it holds memories, memories of a simpler time

With Christmas came the big party.  It was always held at the VFW hall across the street from the dairy.  It was right next to the trout farm.  I don’t remember much other than Santa came every year and it seemed like the more people drank those special drinks that the children couldn’t have, the happier they all got   I tasted one of those special drinks one time and I sure did not understand why these adults would want to drink something that burned your throat, make your eyes water and make you want to throw up.  The Christmas party was a big part of our Christmas festivities. It seems one year my older sister had some of those special drinks because she kept falling off her chair. Really I did not understand why and now that I look back I still can’t believe she drank so much. It is one of those moments that is funny now.

The reason Dad got to be there with all the big wigs from the dairy was he was their milkman. From the time they opened to the time he retired.

The reason Dad got to be there with all the big wigs from the dairy was he was the milkman who delivered to this restaurant. From the time they opened to the time he retired.

Foothill Dairy itself was a big part of our life.  My Dad worked there for more than 30 years before he finally retired.  Foothill Dairy use to sit in North Azusa at the entrance to Azusa Canyon but it stands no more.  It has been gone for a very long time and in its place they have built condominiums. In my memory I will always be able to see Foothill Dairy. In my dreams I will revisit the dairy and hold my Dad’s hand once again.

Life moves on. Dad has been gone for twelve years now. My heart hurts for him but I will always keep him in my heart.

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Posted by: notsofancynancy | June 13, 2013

World War II, chapter 68, Bob goes Snow Skiing

World War II

Chapter 68

Bob goes Snow Skiing

Belgium

Belgium

My oldest sibling was born in Pasadena, California on January 11, 1945. I am not sure how long it was but I know it was the smallest of the siblings weighing 6 lbs. 2 oz. Not small until you look at the fact I weighed in at 10 lbs. 5 oz. Dad was in Belgium braving the cold weather and he would not get the news of the birth for a while. Pop, Mom’s dad drove her to the hospital and waited with my grandmother in the waiting room while she labored and delivered the baby. Pop had enough of the baby business when my mother was born (Mom turned 21 the next day) and I am not sure he wanted to do it all again but Grandma Susie didn’t learn to drive until after Pop died in 1972. Let’s see how long it takes for Dad to get word of the baby.

11 January, near Arlon, Belgium

My Darling Wife, Hello honey. No mail from you today. I did get a V-mail from Mom written the 25th. Also I got a package from Madelyn Murphy. It was candy, fruitcake and one handkerchief. Sure was good candy though. We stirred up some snow cream and ate the cake with that. Have you ever heard from Madelyn. I haven’t in over two months. She doesn’t write often though. Gosh I wish there had been a letter from you. Well I guess I’ve even answered all the letters I’ve gotten from you. So have to think of something else. If you can’t read this the table is kind of wobbley [sic].  I have a box setting on top of a couple water cans and it just isn’t so good. You should have seen Bob. Somewhere we got some skies and he was trying them out. The hill was about 200 yards down and he didn’t get all the way down on skies [sic]. I got a picture of him when he did get down. Nope I didn’t try today. I got on a rabbit track and tried to find him. I haven’t seen a wild rabbit here and was just out so thought that would be something to do. Of course we couldn’t shoot them but would have liked to seen them run anyway. All we found was tracks though. They have deer here too. But we didn’t even see a deer track. We ended up by watching them ski awhile then came home. If I get a chance I think I’ll try tomorrow. So wish me luck. Bob didn’t get killed at it so I shouldn’t either. Wish I had scoop shovel I’d show them. The Readers Digest is getting on the ball. We got Dec copy today and Nov yesterday. That makes about three I have gotten since I left. We are right up in the news now. Its [sic] about time to stop and I must write Grandma Schultz tonight. I love you my Darling. I love you sweet. I hope you and Jr. are getting along ok. I counted three more gray hairs today. I love you darling I love you I love you so much honey. All my love, Lefty

Dad Wrote "Bob (Winter) Skiing

Dad Wrote “Bob (Winter) Skiing

I don’t remember my dad talking about the war very much but there are a few things I do. One is the story of those skis. The story as I know it is that Dad’s company came upon a wrecked railroad car that was full of skis. It seems that they borrowed them so they could partake in a little recreation. I am not sure the story is true or not as it is just a fleeting memory but it was one of the few I remember. Dad also talked about how cold it was and it left a lasting memory of how rough they had it.

Growing up in the Los Angeles Basin in California we did not get much snow. I remember it snowed when I was in the 6th grade. Once in all the time I have been here it only snowed once and of course it did not stick. So when Dad said they made snow cream I had to check it out. Maybe some of you out there have partaken in this cold treat but I have not. I searched around and according to Wikipedia you add snow, a little milk or cream, sugar, and a flavoring agent such as vanilla and mix and you have snow cream.  It was a sweet treat for those soldiers.

12 January, near Arlon, Belgium

My Darling Wife, I got two letters from you today honey. 26-27th. They were sure good ones. I also got one from Lucille. She felt pretty bad Christmas I guess. At least she said so. They weren’t home all day so I don’t know. They were up to some relations at Cozad and said they enjoyed it very much. She said she looked for a letter from her Bro but didn’t get one. Well that’s about all she had to say. She said she hoped we were home next Christmas. Well we all hope that. And it seems like we are going to have to do a little more than hope. Well I have the shoes I’m going to ware [sic] on my first pass in Berlin. Bob gave them to me. They were to [sic] small for him. Oh! Yes they are just GI’s but I have spent three days sewing tops on them so I wouldn’t have to ware [sic] leggings. Now I’m going to hoard them until well at least summer. Well that stationary had your name attached to it. I’m sure of that. Or was I looking wrong. Seems to me you sent it. Its [sic] been so long I just don’t know for sure. I am sure I didn’t thank anyone for it so you had better have sent it. I think by the time Junior got there you should have the names I like for it. If not you should. Its [sic] been almost 6 wks since I sent them. Boy I’ll bet you’ll be mad when you do get it. I made some wise cracks in that letter. Well I always open my mouth at the wrong time. Well I hate to answer both letters tonight, but I sure haven’t anything else to write about. I can’t even think of anything that’s happened to write about. I’ve been trying since I got your letter saying you liked the ones I did write. I guess I better hurry up and get this done. Have to go on guard shortly and that isn’t good. Well it isn’t so cold so it won’t be bad. I want to think about your other letter before I answer it. Its [sic] one of the best I have gotten and I want to think about it. I love you my Darling. I love you honey. I love you I love you Gee my Darling I wish I were there. I love you. Hope you and Jr. are ok. I love you. All my love Darling, Lefty

I sure hope my Mom got those names. What would that have been like, waiting a month and a half to get a letter on what Dad wants to name the little one. In a previous letter Dad narrowed down to two names he liked best. Terry Lee if it is a boy and Mary Lynn if it is a girl. I will let you wait for the details with Dad until he gets the news.

14 January, near Arlon, Belgium

My Darling Wife, Well honey here comes the Daily Bugle. We didn’t get any mail today. Guess we did the works yesterday. Say isn’t this the big day. I’m sure hoping so. And more than hoping I get the word from it before to [sic] long.  This is getting awful waiting and now knowing for sure just how you are. Well I guess you have had the longest waite [sic] anyway because we sure have had enough to keep our minds occupied most of the time. I have been reading a book. Its named The Glorious Pool. I am not sure it has been released for civilians use or not. I’m not sure it would pass the censors. Man does it have the language in it. It is by far the screwiest book I have ever read. I just finished rebirth and that was bad but this was a lot worse.

“The Glorious Pool” by Thorne Smith is now available online as an e-book. I did not take the time to read the whole thing but here is a link to read it if you are interested. I am curious how bad the language was compared to what is published these days.

(Click here to read “The Glorious Pool“)

The letter I didn’t answer last night was the one you answered about the feeling a wife will have when we come home. I kinda thought that was the way you felt honey. But the kid who was talking like that always talks about how much nicer his wife is than anyone else’s and as you said he is about first to go out. Well it is his business but it makes me so damn mad when he starts bragging I just half [sic] to leave. Well one could say something and stop it but I find it better just to keep still. He hasn’t anything to talk about and in the end I’ll be just twice as happy as he and I don’t have to run around. Well Mommie I guess I love you so much I just can’t stand anyone else. Its [sic] just as easy to stay around here and find something to do as run around town and whore around. Nope I never did and since I’m married it sure no time to start. Well I guess I’ll just send the money home. I would have to sure do that and we can have a lot of fun when I get there. I love you so much my Darling. Gee honey I sure made a mess of trying to say I love you to [sic] much to be running around over here. When I know you wouldn’t there. But I am sure of one thing my darling. And that’s that I’m so much in love with you. I think of what we will do when I get home and what good times we’ll be having even if now we are deprived of them. Well I do now darling I couldn’t have fun with anyone else as I can with you. I love you my Darling. I love you so much honey. I love you I love you I love you honey. All my love Darling, Lefty

15 January 1945

15 January 1945

15 January, near Arlon, Belgium

My Darling Wife, Hello honey hows [sic] everyone tonight. Expecially [sic] you and Junior. This isn’t going to be much of a letter. Had a man get sick last night and stood his guard then have been going today. The guard wasn’t bad but it sure ruins one’s sleep. Besides that I guess the snow and driving isn’t doing my eyes any good because they sure are running. About like ones nose when you have a good head cold. Guess I’ll have to see the Medics tomorrow and find what he can do for them.  We didn’t get any mail today and I’m not sure we will for awhile. The mail just doesn’t seem to be coming through. Sure wish it was on the ball. Man am I watching the news. I was reading some old letters and looking at some cards you sent that I saved. Boy I sure enjoyed them even if I had read then a dozen times before. Man if I ever get tired of you saying you love me, shoot me. I love you so much Darling. I went to church yesterday in a little Chapel. Boy was it nice inside. Of course our Chaplain was there, but the chapel was what surprised me. I just don’t know how to explain it in writing but maybe someday I will be able to tell you. Also in a big church sometime ago. And you know the people here really put in everything to decorate a church and keep it nice. I love you my Darling. Gee honey I’m worried about you and the baby. Sure wish I had the news about it now. I love you honey I love you Darling, I love you I love you I love you, All my love, Lefty

16 January, near Arlon, France

My Darling Wife, Well I’m alright so far. No mail today.And it looks like there won’t be for another few days. Man am I tired. That old truck sure gave me a beating today. The roads are sure rough. I guess I better ask about Jr. he has been on my mind all day. I have to get it off early so maybe I can think of something else to write. I hope you and he are both the best you can be. And believe me he has to beat Ernest’s baby. Boy he didn’t even get his seed back. Harker Harvey got his. His boy only weighted 5 ¾ I think. Man that isn’t much either. Got a cup of coffee now that should be clear the cobwebs out of the old noggin and maybe I can think. Bob made it and I believe its half sawdust because the grounds are floating on top and I know he cooked it enough. I was talking to Don Walker today He didn’t have much to say. Guess he had been doing his share of riding. He said his Bro was now stationed in the states. Some people have all the luck. He is in the Navy. Well Darling it doesn’t seem that even the coffee could do job. I just can’t think of anything. I love you honey. I love you so much my Darling. I love you I wish I were there. I love you. All my love, Lefty

Dad Wrote "This one was take in a small blizzard"

Dad Wrote “This one was take in a small blizzard”

17 January, Arlon, Belgium

My Darling Wife, Hello honey hows [sic] my wife tonight. Its [sic] mighty cold here. But I guess we are ok. We have a good fire and everyone is trying to talk at once. Man I wish they would run down. The damn rattle has been going on for three days and its getting tiresome. I guess I’ll live over that one too. If they would only get some mail over here. I would sure like to have some of that. We haven’t gotten any for a week and it looks like none will come for another. This mail situation is sure getting rough and just at the wrong time. Man [would] I like to know how you and Jr. is. Boy I’m kinda worried. Well everything is ok at least you say but yet I just don’t know. I would feel a lot better if I knew. We had some more snow cream today. And someone had some fruitcake left over and we had that. Wasn’t bad at all.  The news sounds good doesn’t it. Well in ways it does. But I don’t know if the papers are doing justice or not. I see in the S&S [Stars and Stripes] that Betty Grable was about Kidnaped. I wonder if that is good or bad. Well maybe she is looking for another husband and using that for an excuse. Boy honey the news is scarce. I just can’t seem to think of anything to write except that I love you very much my darling. And I can’t write that enough. I do love you honey. I love you so much. Did my laundry today. And you should see it. Man I didn’t know how much I had. I love you darling. I love you so much Gee honey I love you I love you I love you Darling. All my love Darling, Lefty

My oldest sibling is now six days old. How much longer will Dad have to wait before he gets the news?

© 2013 notsofancynancy

Harker Harvey, Robert “Bob” Winter, Don Walker (not on roster)

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Posted by: notsofancynancy | June 6, 2013

World War II,chapter 67, No Mail Again

World War II

No Mail Again

Chapter 67

Dad Wrote "Medics, Belguim"

Dad Wrote “Medics, Belguim”

It was snowy in Belgium in January of 1945. It was cold during the day but at night it was making life miserable for these soldiers. There are many pictures taken of them in the snow there. I know they stayed in the Courthouse in Arlon, Belgium at least a couple of nights. Then they housed down in a four story chateau in Gurish. What I don’t know is how long they stayed within the warm protection of that chateau.

4 January, near Arlon, Belgium

My Darling Wife, No mail again today. My good luck didn’t last. Sure wish it would have held now a couple months. But someday it will get here. Then I’ll be in the mood again. I finally got a letter off to Aunt Clara and Uncle George. It wasn’t much but I couldn’t think of much to write. Boy have I been down on my letter writing. This Christmas Holidays (I wonder what they are) sure cut the line I had. I see Bob got a record from home. He has been carrying a Victrola with him for a long time. Now he can throw it away. He only had it to play this one little record. We didn’t have any more. The record is one his folks made. I still haven’t heard from the correspondence school. I wish there was some way I could tell them to jam it. I’m getting tired of waiting for it to come. I’m finding enough to do though. Today I started taking a lining out of one coat and put it in another. I didn’t need to. But the lining came from a German coat and it was kind of rayon or something and I liked that. Well I haven’t gotten it done but am working on it. Then there is the usual things to do. I read some short stories and some long ones. We have our usual coffee and unusual guard. And the old B.S. usually ending up with women. Well we haven’t to [sic] much time to ourselves.  Mississippi and I made some snow Ice Cream today.

Dad Wrote "Tribble, St Jean Fr." (Herbert E. Tribble)

Dad Wrote “Tribble, St Jean Fr.” (Herbert E. Tribble)

I looked at the D-Day roster I have and there is only one man from Mississippi from Dad’s platoon, Herbert E. Tribble.

It was good. I guess you have made it. We have plenty of material to make a lot more so I imagine that will be about the same as coffee. Well honey its [sic] about time I was lying down. I haven’t been in bed for almost a couple hrs. And have to go on guard at 12 so must have my beauty sleep. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. I have the snizzles [sic] so maybe I am catching a cold. Gee honey I better get home soon or I don’t know what I’ll do. No one to greese [sic] my back. I love you my Darling, I love you I love you so much. All my love Darling, Lefty

6 January, near Arlon, Belgium

My Dearest Darling, Hello honey the mail man struck again today. I got two letters from you. One Nov 22 and one Dec 22. Also the letter from the church you sent when you were the sponsor. Well Mommie it didn’t pan out as George wanted but I’ll read the things I was suppose[sic] to and think of you while I’m doing it. Hows [sic] that? Oh yes I read quite a lot once in a while. Along with your letters I got one from Eva and a Christmas card from Mike and Lucille and also one from a cousin in North Platt. And she wrote a letter. Well Lucille did too. She said I was a better man than my Bro even if he was the biggest. It was just after you had written her about Jr. Holey Golly Mommie I would sure like to see one of those days you were explaining in your Nov letter. Man I don’t like this cold. Although I have seen lots worse in little old Nebraska. But little old Nebr furnished a lot more possibilities for a man than this. Sounds like George is at odds with everyone doesn’t it. I hope he makes it. Although I don’t know. I haven’t seen him for a long while and I don’t know her very well. But I’m sure hoping he has the right one. Just to spite the rest if nothing else. Well finally another show came to the place. It was “Take it Big.” Well it was a lot of laughs and I thought good besides. They also had several shorts this time and that is unusual. Sure took ones [sic] mind off a good cold for awhile. Oh yes! I guess that damn shower we took did it. Couldn’t stand the draft. It isn’t to [sic] bad and I have been doing things for it so I’ll get by. I guess Dick was more lucky than you on your birthday. I didn’t send any thing. I didn’t have enough money to send to do any good and couldn’t buy anything. I guess I’ll just have to wish you a happy birthday my Darling and let it go at that. I’ll make it up to you somehow someday honey. Oh yes I got a Christmas card from you yesterday. I guess you sent it just after you received the box I sent. Anyway I got the one with the picture some time ago. Both were very very nice.  Gosh Darling I love you so much. I’ll never be able to fill another page. I love you my Darling.  I wish I could be with you. I love you I love you with all my heart I love you. Oh if I were only there. I love you I love you. All my love Darling, Lefty

It is nearing my mom’s due date. The baby can come anytime now. I can’t imagine what it was like for them. Dad not knowing if their baby has come and Mom not really know if Dad is alive.  What also amazes me about my dad is the whole money situation. When he left to go overseas they had only been married a couple of months. It seems like Dad is sending most of his money to Mom and trusting her do the right thing with it. With all the saving she is doing it was certainly a good plan.

Belgium, Truman "Ben" Howard

Belgium, Truman “Ben” Howard

7 January, near Arlon Belgium

My Darling Wife, Hello honey. Hows [sic] my Darling tonight. I hope ok. Hows [sic] Jr. I’m wondering if I am a papa yet or not. You said something once about being early and I sure thought about that. Well if not it sure won’t be long. I sure wish I was there. This is rough being here and you there like that. Mom’s got me up with curiosity too. Boy I wonder what she could have gotten Jr. Be sure and tell me. Or maybe you have. Say maybe John’s wife won’t have to worry about keep now [I have no idea what he means here]. Since all the men have to register for work. Boy will that make a difference. Maybe they won’t have bombs or shells to get gray headed from. But by God now they have a worry too. And it isn’t half as bad now as when we start coming home from this. Did you tell Mrs Johnson about Jr. I have hinted a little but I don’t think enough to really let her be sure. I’m letting her sweat out a couple more letters just to keep suspense up. Boy will she be excited over that. You said Barbara and Dot were setting around the table. Well I grant you in that case they won’t be getting much done. Especially if there is anything to throw. I’m glad the cookies were good. Boy waite [sic] you won’t get anything done but bake them. Some woman in Idaho has a recipe I’ll have to get. I know she sends Judson some every once in a while and are they good. Of course they aren’t by the time they get here but the ones we got in the states sure were. Eva said in her letter that Ray, a kid I use[d] to run around with and who used to go with her wrote and asked if they couldn’t take up where they left off at. Well he isn’t the one she’s suppose [sic]  to marry but I’ll bet they will be going together again as soon as Ray gets there. He has been in the Pacific over three years now and about time to come home. Is she having man trouble. Well honey I hope Jr. isn’t to [sic] bad. I love you so much Mommie. I love you I love you I wish I were there. I love you. All my love Darling, Lefty

8 January, near Arlon, Belgium

My Darling Wife, Boy was the mail man good to me. Two letters from you one from mom and Lucille and Mike. I also got a letter from Grandma and Grandpa Warta. Well it was a Christmas Card with a letter on it. Sure was nice though. Lucille didn’t have much to say. Said Fred and Rosa sent Ruth $50 for Christmas I wonder how he didn’t that.  Well he should be getting a little. They are getting as much as we are and look he hasn’t been in a year yet. Well I’m satisfied. I have a much better deal than he. At least I think so. I guess Mike had the Barber’s itch. Otherwise I guess everyone and everything is ok. If this seems all balled up don’t blame me. The Medicis here and he is a screwball. He gets a lot of laughs. At least we have been laughing at him. He told a good one a while ago. Well now he left so maybe I can get down to business.

Dad Wrote "Herbie the Medic"

Dad Wrote “Herbie the Medic”

(Is this Herbie the medic? Insert picture Herman Poppe or Herbert Morgan?)

I’m glad you liked the letter I wrote about the time we were here. I ran out of material and can’t think of more stories like those. Well I can think of a lot of them but the best ones involve the wrong people and I have to look out for my social standing. So you got the Christmas cards. You know those must have came right though. I thought you would be getting them about the time Junior was born. If I didn’t intend on that they would have taken months. I’m glad they came though. Sounds like quite a problem of putting our things away. I didn’t realize we had so much. I guess Jr has most of it though. He should after all you sure have been working for him. I sure enjoyed Mom’s letter too. Man I thought she was mad at me or something. It must have been 5 weeks since I had heard from her. I guess she has been awful busy though. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. Gee honey I love you. I love you Darling. I sure wish I were home I’d show you what cold feet are. I love you honey I love you All my love Darling, Lefty

My dad must have been worried not hearing from Grandma Susie for five weeks. Susie was always such a chatterbox and she always told it like it was. She had Dad worried I am sure.

9 January, near Arlon Belgium

My Darling Wife, Hi my Darling. Here we have monkeyed around and its [sic] 9:30 and I’m just starting. We went to a show and came home and then popped some corn. And then spread the manure around a bit and now I’m writing. I didn’t get a letter today but got your box. The one with the stamped envelopes. It was sure nice. The candy was all stuck up. But I’m sure getting it eaten anyway. Bob just tried some and commented on it. Said it was sure good. The show tonight was “Dough Girls” and was it a mess. Last night we saw “When my Heart was Young and Gay.” And between the two I think I have changed my idea of shows. Of course any show we can get here we should appreciate cause they are sometimes few and far between. And damn lucky to see any. Sunday night we saw “Two Girls and a Sailor” and it was darn good. Well if they have another tomorrow all will go that can because there isn’t anything else to do-But of course waite [sic] to come home. Yes Pa [I am not sure who this is] thinks the candy is good. His bed is double decked over me and he is more than eating. Has one hand going one coming and for five minutes I’ve been wondering whether he is going to stop to chew. N.C. [North Carolina] was sure a warm place huh! Compared to this I sure don’t think so. Say I’m wondering how Deloris likes D.C. now. The paper says it has been awful cold. Man that has nothing on this either. We have enough of both cold and snow. In your letter you said only 4 weeks until Junior comes. Now only 4 or 5 or am I wrong. Has he supprised [sic] you and come. Boy I wish it was so I could be called or be there. Man this is awful. Now knowing whether you’re a Papa or not. Well my Darling its [sic] almost time for lights out And I must end this. I love you my Darling. I love you so much. I love you honey.. I love you I love you Gee sweet I hope you are ok. I love you. All my love Darling, Lefty

This is breaking my heart. How lonely and helpless Dad must have felt. You can feel it in his words. Once again I wonder how long before he gets the news.

10 January, Near Arlon Belgium

My Darling, Boy honey some late mail came today. I got one from you Mom and Dad all of the 30th of Dec and one from Bob for the 29th. Gee I hope they keep coming. Well my worries about Fred weren’t in vain. The letter from Bob said he was in the hospital. Didn’t say what was the matter or anything about it. But I guess he is. Oh yes while I’m about it a kid I used to run around with has been awarded the Silver Star for something or other he did.  Had quite a write up in the paper. He is the kid who wanted to come back and go with Eva again. Well maybe she will go for a Hero. He is in the Pacific. Sure had some good fruitcake awhile ago. One of the fellows got it. It sure tasted good for the big trip it took. Dad was sure tickled about the box you sent him. Also about the letter. He said it wasn’t as good as if he had done the job. He said he wished he was here to help me drink some coffee. Man I’m sure glad he isn’t. I wouldn’t wish that on any man or beast. Holey Crist I wish I were out of here. Bob has been in the corn field. I guess the corn isn’t doing so good. He said about 35 or 40 bushels to one acre and from home that isn’t good. Norma told about Christmas and not much more so that’s that. I don’t think Uncle Gerald will be in the hospital long. Well they keep one there so long even if you think you should be out you’ll be there at least a couple months. I sure hope they don’t have to spend three Christmas’s out like that. Man if I do you just as well look for another husband. I’ll be to [sic] far gone. Someone got a letter from his wife today. She was telling how she has to tell a couple of 4F’s off. They wanted her to go out and she wouldn’t. Well she told then [sic] that if she thought if he was good enough to be over here fighting she should be good enough to not run around. They said your [sic] sure dumb and then she did get mad. Well I’d hate to be the 4F’s if the kid gets home cause they’ll be in hot water and with him nothing counts. The more I think about things like that the madder I get. People are killed for a lot less than that. Yes a hell of a lot less. I love you honey. Gee my Darling I hope Jr comes through ok. Boy it sure is getting that time isn’t it. I love you honey. I love you so much I love you I love you Happy Birthday My Darling. I love you. All my love Darling, Lefty

According to answers.yahoo.com 4F means that they were unfit to serve. This was something mental or physical. The ironic thing is Dad was both color blind and walked with a limp due to an infection he got from a blister incurred when they did not have the money to buy socks. I have always wondered how he got around that. I am not sure if back then he knew he was color blind but that limp and the scar on his leg was something that he could not have hidden.

When is that baby coming and how long will it take for Dad to get the news? The suspense is killing me.

© 2013 notsofancynancy             

Robert “Bob” Winter, Herbert Tribble, Herman Poppe or Herbert Morgan, Judson Haviland,

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