Keywords
Charleroi;World War II;United States Army
Transcription
[Transcription begins]
“Somewhere in Belgium”
30 November 1944
Dear Miss Blaney,
I have been procrastinating this brief note for quite some time, but finally I’m letting out with a few lines. Honestly, Miss Blaney, I owe you a great apology for not writing much sooner. Am I excused?
Since you have last heard from me, I have done quite a bit of traveling, some probably which may be somewhat familiar to you. I can say that I have four countries to my credit, namely, England, France, Luxembourg, and Belgium. At one time, I was fortunate to take a little trip to Maastricht, Holland, and also a couple of German villages.
Of all the countries, my travels were most extensive in France. I landed in Normandy in June and from there I proceeded to Montebourg, Ste Marie Eglise, Valognes, St. Lo, etc. Yes, I was fortunate enough to take in Paris, too. Paris, the most beautiful place I have ever seen with its numerous historical sites, the Arc of Triumph, Trocadero, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, Napoleon’s Tomb, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier--why, I could go on forever naming these places!
In Belgium, I have visited a few places, such as, Liege, Namur, Chaleroi [sic], Waterloo, Napoleon’s battleground, etc..
How is everything at Bryant? Have there been any changes in the teaching staff? How is “Dottie” Hines? You give her my regard for me, please, Miss Blaney.
I shall close for now; my space is limited. Remember me to all at school, and if this gets to you before Christmas, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Sincerely, John [Transcription ends]
