Document Type
Personal Letter
Rights Management
All rights retained by Bryant University
Transcription
[Transcription begins]
At camp
23 September 1944
My most beloved Sweetheart:
This is one of the screwiest situations that could have happened to use [sic], and since I have the opportunity I shall tell you about it. Darling, this letter is confidential and must only be known between you and me.
We left last week as per schedule and boarded a very nice British transport. The ship had formerly been used as a passenger liner on the London—Cape of Good Hope run. The room (a stateroom which I shared with 4 other officers) was very nice and modern, and the dining salon was exquisite.
Boy, the service in the dining room was elegant—8 pieces of silverware graced every plate. Each and every meal had fish as one of the side dishes. You should have seen Shaw “bitch.” He dislikes fish, but before we had to return to port he began to eat it with relish.
We ate but twice during the day, once at 8:30 in the morning, and again at 7:00 P.M. Golly, the first day I practically starved until dinner came around. The food is fine, but the British have no taste as far as seasoning food is concerned. You are probably aware of the fact that the British draw a very strong line of demarcation between officers and enlisted personnel.
While the officer accomodations [sic] were “super,” the enlisted men slept in hammocks suspended from the ceiling (tightly pressed), and ate in the same room which they used as a mess hall. Golly, we feel lousy about the whole deal, but what could we do?
Aside from carrying something like a pack weighing 500 lbs. on my back and a val-pack weighing 1,000 lbs., boarding the ship was not so bad. The procedures went like this—camp-train-ferry-dock-ship, and I might add that we went through the exact same procedure when we returned here. We returned because of some reason known only to the War Department, and should embark in a day or so.
I’m going to call you from New York City, if I can, and you’ll probably get the shock of your life.
The incident has brought forth much ribbing by the enlisted men. They say that the 84th Div. must have a “dry” run or practice run before they do anything for keeps. So far it is true.
I received 3 of your letters and should receive more in a day or so. I was deliberating whether or not I should call you if I get a chance to visit the city again.
My desire to hear your voice for [sic] outweighed any consideration that you may have remorse or pangs of sadness. I know you’ll get a kick out of the whole thing and take it in the proper spirit.
Sweetheart, I’m so absolutely, completely in love with you that I can’t ever imagine living with anyone but you. Also, you are a good cook!
Bubs, when are you going to start your USO work?
I’m sending you a little coupon for a Coronet subscription. Send me a subscription and whoever else you desire.
My best regards to you all. Love,
Vic
[Transcription ends]
