An After Christmas Card

(Post Marked December 30, 1943 - The last message for the year. Dad mentions some picture post cards in his letter which is written on the back of the card,and Geraldine wrote on the back of the envelope that there were some pictures enclosed with the card. Those pictures are in my previous post from Geraldine's Scrap Book.)

Hello Sis

Well Christmas is over now, and I had a pretty good time. I got a pass from 3 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday. And I came in 2 hrs. late. First time I was ever A.W.O.L. But there were so many late that they never said much. I went to the Pallidum and had a pretty good time, got a picture taken. But can’t send them so good. I have some picture of camp Irwin on post cards I am sending you. We have the hard part of our training over with now and we are taking it easy. I am pretty sure I will be home by February. I sure was glad to get that Xmas box as it sure come in handy.

Well so long and write soon.

Bert

Geraldine's Scrap Book

In addition to the stack of letters that my Aunt Geraldine kept from my Dad, she also kept a scrap book, which has also been passed down to me. Unfortunately she taped and glued many of the items to the pages of the book, making it rather difficult to scan or even take pictures of for posting on this blog. But, I am going to try and include as many items as I can in this blog.

Below are some picture post cards that are in the scrap book, which I think Dad either mailed her in a bundle, or carried them home when he finished basic training. It doesn't appear that Dad actually wrote a message on the cards and there are no post marks on then. I assume this was the only way that Dad could capture some pictures of what it was like during his training.

Well Here I am in a Pup Tent

(Written December 21, 1943 - Post Marked December 27)

Hello Sis

Well here I am in a pup tent still on that 10-day problem. It’s pretty tuff going but I will live through it (I hope). I received the money mom sent and the Xmas box. Everything in it was swell. Sorry I couldn’t weight until Christmas to open it. I bought a table cloth about 3 weeks ago for you. I will send it and the picture when I get back to camp. The problem will be over Friday the 24^th so we will be in camp Irwin for Xmas. So long. Happy New Year.

Bert

A Postcard about "Problems"

Dear Sis

Well I know you haven’t heard from me for a week now and you won’t hear from me for maybe 2 weeks as we are on a 2-week problem now. We just go back from a 3-day problem and we had to go out for the 2 week one the next day so we could be off for Xmas. I won’t be home until February 1.

So long for now.

Love Bert

We Came Out Here to Camp Irwin

(This letter was written over a period of 6 days and sent around December 18, but I can’t read the postmark clearly. This paper that was used folded up on itself with one side of the paper being used as the address page, so there was not an actual envelope. I think the statement at the bottom of the document regarding that the letter and those that come “later on” will provide interesting reading…is an appropriate statement for this series of blog posts.)

(Monday) Hello Sis

Well as you know Monday we came out here to Camp Irwin. We have been going to the west range in the day time but come back here at night to sleep. It isn’t bad at all.

(Tuesday) Well Tuesday I was on guard. I had to go to the west range. I was on 4 hours and off 8. And we came back to Irwin for 8 hours off. Someone said they condimed the west range for camping on the ground. We got paid today.

(Wednesday) Today I went on the switch board again. And listened in to all the gossip. I was on for 24 hours but there was 2 of us. So that is all I did Wednesday.

(Thursday) Today we went to the west range and they fired the 90 M.M. You know what they fire at don’t you. A plane pulls along white thing they call a sleve. They said our Btry did the best.

(Friday) Today we went to the west range again and I watched they fire the big gun again. I never did anything all day. Did I ever tell you they issued me a M1 riffle. And I have to keep it cleaned.

(Saturday) Today we had inspection but they didn’t inspect my riffle as they used it to guard a prisnar. They sure are a lot of guys going over the hill. Well I will close for this time and try to write more often next week. Love from your Brother Bert.

Desert Training

Here is a short video that shows a little bit of the "scenery" of the desert conditions of Fort Irwin where Dad was taking part in some desert training:

Yesterday was Thanksgiving

Post Marked December 1, 1943 - (Dad evidently wrote this letter on Friday, November 26, 1943, but it wasn't sent out until December 1. I am posting the letters using the Post Mark date as a guide.)

Hello Sis:

Yesterday was Thanksgiving and we really had a good supper. Just like home. We are going to the desert Monday. It isn't the west range but camp Irwin. The tents are better there than the ones here. I will write you more tomorrow or Sunday. It is getting late and I will have to go to bed. So good night. Be good.

Love,

Bert