April 6, 1942 - Dear Audrey
It's a wonder I didn't break my neck running through the dark...
Sure Dad, very funny. I’ll chalk it up to too much drilling and marching. Anyway, can you imagine the chaos of an alert at midnight? Especially since he’s only been there five days. I do think he was able to become a patient man. I have not been able to find a picture of the draftees from Natick he mentions. I’ll keep looking. I have reached out to the City of Natick. I'll keep you posted. The 7th is their one month anniversary so go ahead and drink a toast! Laura is Dad’s sister and Frank is her husband. The Uncle is Ed and his wife is Mable. Starting today, he is well stocked with green ink.
Original Letter
Transcript follows:
Boston Globe - Evening Edition - April 6,1942
They call helmets "bonnets" which is adorable. Note that India demanded freedom on April 2, 1942. The Indian Congress informed Sir Stafford Cripps that they don't want to wait for the war to end; they want Britain out now. Note that Japan is very active is the Pacific theater. Unfortunately for them, MacArthur is on the job.
1942 Easter Parade in Boston
Both the parade and churches saw a big turnout for Easter 1942.
More from the Globe:
I guess these are the big-wigs.
Transcript
Dear Audrey,
Well sweet, do you miss me or have you located some guy yet. They keep me pretty busy here. The other night the major wanted me to come over and play bridge with his wife and daughter. Naturally I refused because I wouldn't have any place to sleep except with the daughter and I wouldn't do that. Also, the captain wanted me to go out on a party but I had to refuse him too. I've only been in the army 5 days now and I can't be giving these fellows all the breaks.
So I've been going to bed at 9:30 nights. It's just a coincidence that the lights go out at 8:30. Last night they had an alert all along the coast that is from Boston up along the Maine coast. It was around 12. We had to get up, dress, grab our guns and run for the gun pits. There must have been a boat in the harbor or something that refused to stop. Anyway, it didn't last long but they kept a constant vigil most of the night. Us rookies weren't of much use, so they lined us up and made us stand in line until 3:30. Boy was that tiresome and cold too. I am gradually learning to be a patient man. I'll be able to wait a minute for you to powder your nose when I get out of this.
One of the fellows from Natick just came in with the Natick newspaper. It has a picture of the draftees coming down the main street. We didn't March very good and we still don't although we look the part. It's a wonder I didn't break my neck running through the dark last night with my rifle just trying to look and act the part.
Was last night our wedding anniversary (the fourth week?) I went over to the camp store and had a can of beer for the occasion. Laura and Frank came over to see me today and they brought my Uncle and Aunt. They are the ones who have been over to Bermuda for over a year now and I was kind of surprised to see them. All that big money that my Uncle has been making is bothering him because he wanted to do something for me - anything at all.
Well lights out they say and so lots of love.
Joe
Next letter tomorrow April 7.
Comments welcome :)
