Sunday, December 27, 2020

POST SIXTY-NINE ( My Uncle and the Corporal ) 8 SEPTEMBER 1943

24 days before arriving at Camp Shanks

for embarkation to Northern Ireland.

September 8, 1943

Dear Folks,

Once again I'll drop you all a few lines, hoping to find you in the best of health. Keeping up courage is a big help. I know you're all holding that chin high. The only thing is, tell brother not to put his nose up in the air too much or I'll clip him one, Ha ha, you know bring him down to my size. Hi, brother, how do you feel? When I get home you'd better be feeling like kid muscle because you and I are going around a couple of times, maybe right in the kitchen. ha ha

We sure did a lot of firing to-day. My head is going like a top and I can hear birds inside. (For those who have never been a soldier shooting all the rifles, mortars, tank guns, bazookas, howitzers etc. can cause a concussion reaction where the soldier could have hearing problems, pressure wave feelings like getting hit in the face and other reactions. Sometimes soldiers would even keep their mouths opened when there was a lot of shooting happening to relieve the concussion pressure.) I may have a little cold.

Gee, has it been cold. Just the same to-day. Some boys put on long handles this morning. The boys from the South don't like this cold weather. They all want to go back.

I had a nice letter from Mr. Thomas to-night. He told me about many of the boys from home, Paul, Vin, Wescott, Foster etc. Told me about his new job at the shipyard which gave gave him a little time off to write. He wrote my letter from there.

A lot of the boys are getting ahead in the Army and I know some people think its funny. I'm still just a yard bird, but you can't do it if you don't get the chance. (Advancements, medals, and awards were not always given "equally" in the military. Some soldiers were noticed for their actions of bravery etc. while others either wasn't seen by his commander or their position denied them a medal. Many times, for example, in the thirty or so books I have read on WW II the medics wouldn't be given medals for their bravery while helping an injured soldier while under heavy fire. It made many soldiers angry because they had deep respect for the medics.) So now, I'm just sweating out time. All I care about is coming home. I had a few more words with the spic to-day. He's only a corporal but sure does like to throw his rank. I wish it was civilian life; I'd knock his d--- head off. No one gets along with him. I'd like to know where his brains are. See if you can find him in the group picture. I think the first row near the right. (Dunhearn)

I told you in my other letter about that fellow from Chicago we call Baby. Well he broke his ankle the other day. Too bad it wasn't someone else (like the corporal). I shouldn't write like this but it makes me mad to think because he has a couple of stripes he can ------- all over you and rub it in and you can't say a word. I told him to-day, sometime he'll come down to our level. (This corporal and my uncle hasn't got along since the guy was transferred into his unit.)

Mom, do they do any work at the pulp mill now? Guess the corn shop had a big run.

I suppose school has started by now. Happy days aren't they, Mom?

Mom, tell Dad this joke.

(Driver says to farmer) Sorry Mister but I've run over one of your hens. Will a dollar pay the bill?

(Farmer says) Well Mister you see I have a rooster that was very fond of that hen and I'm afraid the shock will kill him too.

Dad, that's special, don't you think? On that one I should sign off?

Mom, say hello to Joe and Helen. Give my love to brother and all.

Love

Charles

^^Sep 7 987 Dutch Jewish transported to Auschwitz Concentration Camp

^^Sep 7 Fire in decrepit old Gulf Hotel kills 45 (Houston, Texas)

http://www.gendisasters.com/texas/3403/houston-tx-gulf-hotel-destroyed-fire-sep-1943

Gulf Hotel Fire - Two Top Floors Gone

^^Sep 8 Lieutenant-General Omar Bradley flies to Carthago/Algiers from Sicily.

Gen. Omar Bradley

# September 8, 1943: Marshal Pietro Badoglio announces the surrender of Italy to the Allies, orders Italian forces to "cease all acts of hostility against the Anglo-American forces wherever they may be met."

Marshal Pietro Badoglio

A Video to Honor Those Who Trained to be Replacements.

We Would Not Have Won the War Without Them.

*Source 1 https://www.thoughtco.com/world-war-ii-battles-2361453

*Source 2 https://americasbesthistory.com/timeline2ndworldwar1943.html for major battles

**Source 3 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1943_in_the_United_States

^^Source 4 https://www.onthisday.com/events/date/1943

##Source 5 https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/us-home-front-during-world-war-ii

copyright of letters and any original material Peter Lagasse

Monday, December 21, 2020

POST SIXTY-EIGHT ( Railroads and the War) 7 SEPTEMBER 1943

25 days before arriving at Camp Shank

September 7, 1943

Hello Mother Dear,

Before I write anymore say hello to Dad and brother also for me. Gee, Mom, I miss you all so much. Yesterday, last night and all day it has been cold with a strong fall wind. The sky has been cloudy which hasn't made it any more cheerful. The days are so short. It think it gets dark starting about 7:30. I don't mind the cold, in fact, I like it a little cool you don't sweat so much.

Mom, you're really holding that chin up aren't you? Tell Dad to keep up courage as the news sure is good not just looking good. (I am assuming that Uncle Charlie may be thinking how we are beginning to invade Italy, and he may have heard of some Japanese ships sinking. That may have given him encouragement? The soldiers grabbed unto any news that may give them hope the war would soon end. We know his optimism will not last. Even with his hope he mentions in this letter a possible address change and he is sending his old clothes home he is not planning to wear again. Something is in the air I think and it's not all hope I don't believe.) How is brother? Mom, you know I think a lot about that kid brother of mine. I sure feel proud when I show that small picture I have of him. I know he'll be ok when I come back. Tell him not to kick even if it's a little hard now. I'm glad he's not here.

If I send you a new address be sure to let Flavilla, Helen, Grammy, etc. know as I might forget. If you ever care or feel like writing or asking Marian anything, it will be o.k. She may someday write to you.

If I ever send anything home you look at it first and if you think it best not to show it around well just put it away. I'm in a hurry and I might pack a few things that would be better if they were kept a little personal. I'm sending home some pictures marked personal. If you care to look at them that's ok., if not then put them away until I return. The rest of the pictures just put them away wherever you like, out of your way. If you can find an old frame to fit or cut down and would like to, well it's ok for that Battery picture. Notice the little fellow from Texas beside me (Hickman). He's the one that tailed the cow. (I believe he is writing about cutting the cow's tail shorter since a cow's tail can hit your face if it is too long.) I told you or Dad how the cow kicked and broke his nose. You can see the bone because his nose was never set in place. He also slept below me in the other barracks. He's from Texas but he sure is different from most of them. Dan, Hickey and I gave him the name "Tex". Then there is Dan and Hickey in the third row, I think from Massachusetts (two Yankees) good pals. Baby Hays from Chicago (look at his hat ha ha) swell guy. R.L. Jones from California, he's a nice fellow. Emnan from Brunswick, Maine (I don't know if he's on there or not). Harold on the left and he's from Texas. There are some more good ones but I can't think just now. You see Dan, Hickey and I have been together all the time. Start to count from the left.

PICTURES BELOW: Uncle Charlie #23, Hickman #24, Hickey #48 Dan #47, R.L. Jones #27, Harold #35, Baby Hays #54

I had three Portland papers ahead of me, so to-day I went over them quick as you can't let things pile up on you.

I see where Willkie is going to Maine.

I got your box to-day but had to send some back. I was sending a box home anyway so didn't want to waste it. Ha ha, you tell Dad I see all the beans I want. Wish someone would throw some of these (at camp) away. Oh yes, how come I found corn in my clothing when I came back from furlough?

Use what you can of the clothes I'm sending home or cut them over. Dad may be able to wear the socks and underwear.

Well Mother, I must be closing as we get up at 5 in the morning. Going out to fire a 105 MM Howitzer.

Mother, I love you because you're Mom and you'll never know how many times a day I think of "you", Dad and sisters and brother. Hope this soon will be over with. Don't get discouraged or blue but keep your chin up. "Always look up, never look down."

Love to All

Charles

For Mother xxxx

^^Sep 6 "Congressional Limited" train derails near Frankfort, Philadelphia, USA, kills 79 http://www.trainweb.org/fredatsf/cong43.htm

Everything appeared in order as the train passed through North Philadelphia station ahead of schedule and slowed its speed, but shortly afterward, as it passed a rail yard, workers noticed flames coming from a journal box (a hot box) on one of the cars and rang the next signal tower at Frankford Junction, but the call came too late. Before the tower man could react, disaster struck as the train passed his signal tower at 6:06 pm traveling at a speed of 56 mph. The journal box on the front of car #7 seized and an axle snapped, catching the underside of the truck and catapulting the car upwards. It struck a signal gantry, which peeled off its roof along the line of windows "like a can of sardines". Car #8 wrapped itself around the gantry upright in a figure U. The next six cars were scattered at odd angles over the tracks, and the last two cars remained undamaged, with bodies of the 79 dead lying scattered over the tracks. As it was wartime, many servicemen home on leave were aboard who helped the injured, workers from the nearby Cramp's shipyard arrived with acetylene torches to cut open cars to rescue the injured, a process that took until the following morning. The rescue work was directed by Mayor Bernard Samuel. The work of removing the dead was not complete until 24 hours after the accident. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1943_Frankford_Junction_train_wreck

"Congressional Limited" train derails

John Michael Montgomery - Letters From Home

Sunday, December 13, 2020

POST SIXTY-SEVEN ( Never Open It) 6 September 1943

September 6, 1943

Dear Mother, Dad and Brother,

A few lines to let you know I'm o.k. and please don't worry.

I sent my bed roll home last Saturday. I addressed it South Windham. In a few days, I'm going to send some extra clothing home in a box. Don't try to save them that's why I'm sending them home. All I care about is a few new handkerchiefs and a new tie. The rest is old so use them. If you find a package marked (personal) put it upstairs. You know I have two packages upstairs now and have written on them. I know you'll do what I ask as there is nothing inside except a few letters. I keep them for personal reasons of my own. I trust no one will ever open them.

Oh yes, I'm sorry, Mom, that I don't write to Helen (sister) but I felt sure I had heard you say you see her sometimes. I get mixed up. Tell her for me and I'll try to write her soon.

Ha Ha I heard all about the bear story as I got a letter from Edith Mains to-night. What is the answer?

I also got the pictures you sent. That one of me on the car was good I think.

Helen Ladd wrote me a letter. Seems to me she's working too hard. Also said she got hurt on her bike trying to carry two boxes of ice-cream.

Mom, I sent home the Battery picture I told you about. (It was the Battery B, 15th Field Artillery Battalion I wrote about in the Special Post.) I sent it to-night. Hope you get it o.k. Please let me know. Ha Ha, Can you find me in the picture? I only missed getting the names of a few boys. About 25 boys from Texas were home on furlough at that time.

Please don't worry or let things bother you too much. Try to do something so you won't be so lonesome.

Well, Mom, it's late at 12:40 at night. We made 20 miles today and I've been working hard getting ready for a big T.B.A. inspection to-morrow. I guess I'll say good night to you all.

Love Charles

The picture with him on the car July 1943

I feel my uncle is sensing there is going to be a change at Camp McCoy. First, he sent his bed-roll home, then his old clothes, and then a box of letters not to be opened. He is beginning to tell his mother more not to worry, that he's o.k. etc.

When my Uncle Charlie died in the 198o's, his sisters found several letters and decided to throw them away. Darn it. History thrown away!! Can't blame them, I guess.

*September 3-17, 1943 – Invasion of Italy (European Theater) Allied invasion force lands at three locations on mainland Italy at Solerno, Calabria, and Taranto after Mussolini had been deposed and an armistice with the new Italian leaders signed on September 3. Resistance by German troops was stronger than anticipated, eventually leading to their withdrawal from southern Italy, south of Rome, and a defense of their Winter Line favored by General Rommel of Germany in the north.

Troops: USA/United Kingdom/Canada 189,000; Germany/Italy 100,000.

Casualties (Killed/Wounded/Missing): Allies 12,560; Axis 3,500.

More information: https://www.thoughtco.com/invasion-of-italy-2360451

^^Sep 3 British 8th Army lands in Reggio, Southern Italy

Bombardment of Reggio

Landing on Reggio

Half-truck and Howitzer being unloaded on Reggio

^^Sep 5 United States air land at Nadzab, New-Guinea

Landing at Nadzab

Italy and Germany

Invasion of Southern Italy

Italy Will Surrender

British 8th Army and US 5th Army land in Italy

and advance after gaining a beachhead

*Source 1 https://www.thoughtco.com/world-war-ii-battles-2361453

*Source 2 https://americasbesthistory.com/timeline2ndworldwar1943.html for major battles

**Source 3 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1943_in_the_United_States

^^Source 4 https://www.onthisday.com/events/date/1943

##Source 5 https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/us-home-front-during-world-war-ii

Saturday, December 5, 2020

POST SIXTY-SIX (COUNT DOWN TO CAMP SHANKS) 1 September 1943

This count down is the days before

arriving at Camp Shanks on Dec. 2nd

to prepare for embarkation to Northern Ireland.

Sept. 1, 1943

Dear Folks and Brother,

Here I am after completing a 15 miler late this afternoon. Before going to bed I'll write a few lines.

Monday we went to Camp Williams for that air demonstration. It was o.k. as far as learning how to recognize different planes but gee, was it hot. We sat in the open on the ground with the sun boiling down on us. Some of the planes came over our heads just a few feet up going over 500 miles an hour. You'd look at them coming then they'd be gone.

You know, Mom, I think Camp Williams and Camp Douglas are the same place except that Camp Williams is the airfield part of the two. I noticed a sign near the station as we came out of camp that read Camp Douglas.(It has had a variety of names over the years.) Isn't that where Jack Fuller is? Is his wife still with him?

I am going to send some things home that are only in the way. Think I'll send my bed roll Saturday. It will come Express at South Windham that will make it easy to get. When it comes, unroll it, air it out good, put it away. Maybe in my closet. I don't know. Do whatever you think best.

Well, Mom, not very long to-night but I'm o.k. Please don't worry. I'll write again soon. Don't worry about me and women. I don't care to get burnt that way.

I'm going to write to Grammy and send her a couple of snapshots of me.

I've got to shave before going to bed so guess I'll be saying good night to all. Love to Mother, Dad and Brother.

Charles

^^Sep 1 Chiang Kai-shek again becomes Chairman of the Nationalist Government of China

Chiang Kai-shek

Armistice with Italy; September 3, 1943

Military armistice signed at Fairfield Camp, Cassibile, Sicily, September 3, 1943. Went into force September 3, 1943, made public Sept. 8th. It was supplemented by a memorandum on September 23, 1943, as amended, and by instrument of surrender of September 29, 1943, as amended. Terminated September 15, 1947, upon entry into force of treaty of peace of February 10, 1947.

FAIRFIELD CAMP, SICILY. September 3, 1943. The following conditions of an Armistice are presented by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Forces, acting by authority of the Governments of the United States and Great Britain and in the interest of the United Nations, and are accepted by Marshal Pietro Badoglio, Head of the Italian Government. Those in the signing were the US Brigadier General Kenneth Strong, the Italian General Giuseppe Castellano, the US General Walter Bedell Smith (future director of CIA) and the Italian officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Franco Montanari, interpreter for Castellano.

US Brigadier General Kenneth Strong, the Italian General Giuseppe Castellano, the US General Walter Bedell Smith (future CIA director) and the Italian officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Franco Montanari, interpreter for Castellano.

The Conditions

1. Immediate cessation of all hostile activity by the Italian armed forces.

2. Italy will use its best endeavors to deny, to the Germans, facilities that might be used against the United Nations.

3. All prisoners or internees of the United Nations to be immediately turned over to the Allied Commander in Chief, and none of these may now or at any time be evacuated to Germany.

4. Immediate transfer of the Italian Fleet and Italian aircraft to such points as may be designated by the Allied Commander in Chief, with details of disarmament to be prescribed by him.

5. Italian merchant shipping may be requisitioned by the Allied Commander in Chief to meet the needs of his military-naval program.

6. Immediate surrender of Corsica and of all Italian territory, both islands and mainland, to the Allies, for such use as operational bases and other purposes as the Allies may see fit.

7. Immediate guarantee of the free use by the Allies of all airfields and naval ports in Italian territory, regardless of the rate of evacuation of the Italian territory by the German forces. These ports and fields to be protected by Italian armed forces until this function is taken over by the Allies.

8. Immediate withdrawal to Italy of Italian armed forces from all participation in the current war from whatever areas in which they may be now engaged.

9. Guarantee by the Italian Government that if necessary it will employ all its available armed forces to insure prompt and exact compliance with all the provisions of this armistice.

10. The Commander in Chief of the Allied Forces reserves to himself the right to take any measure which in his opinion may be necessary for the protection of the interests of the Allied Forces for the prosecution of the war, and the Italian Government binds itself to take such administrative or other action as the Commander in Chief may require, and in particular the Commander in Chief will establish Allied Military Government over such parts of Italian territory as he may deem necessary in the military interests of the Allied Nations.

11. The Commander in Chief of the Allied Forces will have a full right to impose measures of disarmament, demobilization, and demilitarization.

12. Other conditions of a political, economic and financial nature with which Italy will be bound to comply will be transmitted at a later date.