England

The MS Capetown Castle arrived in Liverpool, England the night of November 2, 1943. The men walked off the ship into thick fog and almost total darkness. The lights in Liverpool had been turned off for the most part to make it as difficult as possible for German bombardiers to locate and strike their targets, which appeared to be the entire city. The soldiers boarded a train bound for their new station, Ogbourne St. George.

November 14 — Your letters finally came through and I feel worlds better. Mail call and the return trip home are the only things to look forward to here.

November 29 — The flu has hit here and the weather is just right for it. Typical English weather. I can't understand why these people don't evacuate this island. The country people have unbelievable rosy red cheeks. I can't comprehend why.

December 3 — Time hangs heavy now. I'm out of a job for the first time in a year. Headquarters has eliminated my job from the battalion. Was told yesterday that my new job would be in battalion supply. Frankly, I am extremely glad to be getting out of Headquarters. Sgt. Major says I am very fortunate. He'd like to learn something new. All helps.

December 11 — We have received a radio from the Army for the Mess Hall and often I sit after all have left and listen. Mac and I always eat together and we tune in on a U.S. broadcast that evidently has been recorded there and flown here for rebroadcasting.

December 16 — Have fifteen miles to do tomorrow with pack. Made ten on Tuesday and fog descended on us on the way out and froze, laying down a nice frost. Kept us from getting too hot.

February 4, 1944 — Been all around England, practically -- school and other work. Was able to stop in a town overnight and see Berly. He drove me all around town. They've really been hit by bombs. Worst I've seen. The week I was in school I know Gertrude was worried. Could not write nor receive mail. Then the packing time and the trip and the work here have really cut my writing down. Kept up pretty well for awhile but not anymore.

March 11 — Sgt. Ates got a wire today that his wife is in the hospital in Fort Benning. Had an operation. Nothing new here, Hon. Still blue and loving you.

March 15 — Really worked yesterday. Got a court martial out in record time. Still picking me for that work and I don't mind. I am happier when occupied.

April 7 — I'm burning up from heat. Have to wear our jackets underneath our fatigue clothes and can't easily shed them. Sunday there is a formation of some description -- review, parade. Don't know why.

April 21 — Spring is nice here. Been going into the streams and fields in the evening. Found some eggs this afternoon but didn't bother them. The English don't like for us to be on their property and I don't blame them.

April 23 — Had a swell week. Letters from everyone. Surely is beautiful here. Nothing like this in the States. Hiked out eight or ten miles this afternoon and then played softball.