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June 7, 1944 -The Joy of
Receiving Mail and Packages
Newhaven, England
"...For quite some time, days, maybe weeks
I haven't written you. As I stated before whenever my mail doesn't
come in a steady stream consider me being busy and I'll write at my
first opportunity. Vic's (Dad's sister) letters having been coming
so regularly have always brought me joy which I can't explain. That
they continue to come in is all that I pray for. Mail really has the
preference at least by me. I also received along with numerous letters,
Vic's package. The chocolates proved a dream come true... A couple
of days ago I went to the Chaplain and received confession and communion...
(before D-Day) You should hear me pray sometimes..."
July 13, 1944 - Does Blondie Know Me or What?
Newhaven, England
"...Tell Blondie to hire a preacher. I'm going to hook her before
I get it. Truthfully, I might sound screwy but I can't get her off
my mind. Even think marrying her would be swell. She knows me, how
I act, my ambitions and still says I'm her one and only. She writes
every day and I almost as often if I can. Does everything I ask. But
still I can't be sure. Been two years you know since I last saw her.
I or she might have changed. That's the hell of this war..."
When Will I Be Coming Home?
"...I figure on being home by the end of this
year. Leastwise I can hope. Nothing definite so I shan't get all hep
over the fact (Jive)..."
Where's the Album?
"...I'm waiting for the album and corners.
The one I have is about shot..."
What about D-Day?
"...How did invasion day go off in the States?
Over here it went off with a bang. ha ha. You said it - what a joke.
War humor though..."
July 25, 1944 - Letter from Mrs. Box - V-Mail to Local Newspaper
East Quay
"...Received a letter from Mrs. Box, and
she told me about the nice letter you'd written her...I sure appreciate
her kindness. You ought to see that kid of hers. Boy is he cute. Just
about Lynda's age and cute isn't the word for it..."
"...I sent a V-mail, which we were allowed to the papers at home
telling them about my participating in the invasion. Publicity, that's
all - huh? Lost a little weight and thank God it was off the frame
for a change. No gut. Still the same old story I reckon. Ship's okay
now and that sure means a lot."
July 26, 1944 - General Eisenhower's Message
Returning after Arromanches Landing
"...All's well on this side. Sending you one
of those things Eisenhower (General Dwight D. Eisenhower) gave all
the soldiers, sailors and etc..."
August 2, 1944 - Send Money - Home by the End of the Year - Talk
of Marriage
East Quay
"...As is you find your brother in very good
health and spirits. Feeling fine and happy as can be. Whenever I start
out this may, naturally, you suspect I'm wanting something which is
true. As soon as you can I'd like you to send me a money order for
fifty dollars. Lately I've spent a lot and want to sort of catch up
on my debts. They don't come near fifty but I'd like to be a little
ahead of payday..."
Home By End of Year
"...All's going well and it looks as though
I should be home by the end of this year. From all fronts we seem
to have them on the run (Germans) so let's pray for a hurried victory..."
Talk of Marriage
"...From all indications I might take a wife
when I get home. A little cautious though so don't think for a moment
I'm doing things foolishly. Blondie's still the one and I've yet to
ask and that does take courage and much thought. Two years from her
so everything might change at that. We'll see and talk it over when
I get home. You're still and always "my mother sister" you know. What
say "mom", can I get hitched? Old enough you know--or am I foolish?
ha..."
August 8, 1944 - Receiving Mail - Blondie - Album - Home for New
Years
East Quay
"...Receiving your latest letter brought me
overwhelming joy. Pleased? Very much so since mail from that part
of the globe had been scarce. Wish there was some way one could explain
how much a letter means to a guy. Your are, and always will be my
favorite sis and that's why I look forward to your letters especially..."
"...Blondie...She's now and always will be tops...No album as yet
but will let you know as soon as it arrives...Keep your fingers crossed
and by New Years I might be around that fireplace. Say it still snows
there huh?..."
August 22, 1944 - Money Order - Aspirin Tablet Kids
Aboard Ship at Arromanches
and Port-en Bassin
"...Received the money order for fifty-dollars.
Thanks ever so much...From all indications and you can't trust that
too much, I should be home within three or four months...Sure cleaning
house over here of late. The aspirin tablet kids Adolf calls us. Headaches
for him. ha."
September 5, 1944 - Still in Love With Blondie
Lymington Banks
"...Haven't much
to say just letting you know that I'm still around...As things stand
I've been away from home a long time. I left in love with Blondie
and don't believe that's changed...Perhaps...you might be around to
throw rice-and lose a few ration points...Look for me to be home in
a few more months and we'll both celebrate..."
September 6, 1944 - Writing Letters
and Daily Routine
Lymington Banks
Undated V-Mail (Postmark
Date)
"...My letters in the direction of home of
late have been very few. Even now I find this short one difficult
to compose...Same routine over here. From what I read in the papers
lately people at home are far from knowing a war is going on. Sure
wish I could say the same..."
September 11, 1944 - No Mood for Writing - Visit to Brighton
Lymington Banks - Southampton
"...I'm well in health and hope you can say
the same for yourself and yours. The letter is short but I'm actually
in no mood for writing. I can say I'm in England and visited a place
called Brighton so the censor says..."
September 24, 1944 - Things Going Wrong - On Verge of a Break
Weymouth
"...Honestly, I've been on the verge of a
break since so many things wrong came all at once. Feel alright now
though..."
October 17, 1944 - Home by First of Year
Weymouth
Last letter that Dad sent while he was
Overseas
"...As is the general practice with me, I usually write each and
every chance I get. Lately through laziness and through being a bit
busy I haven't written anybody. Then too, I really haven't much to
say since news as well as anything of interest is a scarce as American
women...In health I'm fit...my coming home as yet remains a mystery
more or less. As a hint let's say to look for me around the first
of the year that should be it..."
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