Category Archives: Foster

SeaBees

: Map of Norfolk, Virginia from 1960. Magnolia Street and Camp Allen are highlighted

: June 3, 1942 Envelope

: June 3, 1942,p. 1

: June 3, 1942, p. 2

I have done some searching today in an effort to discover more about my great uncle Jim’s naval career. I really don’t know what my great uncle Jim did for the Navy during World War II. I don’t know enough about military abbreviations to figure out what Jim’s actual rating or job entailed of as yet. At this point, the major clue I possess is his address in Norfolk in May 1942: Camp Bradford c/o Camp Allen. There are a few more letters from Jim mixed in with all the others that I haven’t unburied. I’m sure the puzzle will unravel itself eventually.

Camp Allen and Camp Bradford were the first bases for the SeaBees in Norfolk. And what, you might ask, was a SeaBee? If you didn’t already know, a SeaBee was a member of the United States Naval Construction Battalions. SeaBee is short for Construction Battalion, or CB. The SeaBees were responsible for building bases and any other military construction projects, often in combat zones. They were also expected “to go all over the world; they were to receive combat training and would be expected to build, fight, evacuate wounded, unload ships, or do whatever other odd jobs might be needed”.¹ Construction battalions were created after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Civilian construction workers could not be used or protected adequately enough in combat zones. On 28 December 1941, the Bureau of Navigation created three Construction Battalions. These original battalions each consisted of 1,073 men and 32 officers.² By March 1942, a new naval training facility for the Construction Battalions was built at Norfolk. By the time great uncle Jim arrived in late May 1942, Camps Allen and Bradford were already overcrowded.

When great uncle Jim enlisted, he was 38 years old. He was 10 months older than my grandfather. Neither my grandfather nor my great uncle seems to have been the typical soldier. Both were older men and they had a skill to offer the military. In my grandfather’s case, his skill was quite obvious. I’m not sure what my great uncle was good at yet though. On the 1940 census, Jim was the assistant manager at a wholesale plumbing company. Ten years earlier, he was a clerk at a plumbing company. I’m betting that my uncle knew a thing or two about pipes. As I further research the probability that Jim was a SeaBee, his rating as CSF(T) on the U.S.S. Sylvania in 1945 becomes a little more clear. He was more likely a Chief Shipfitter instead of a member of the Security Force.

Notes:

The Naval History Blog has a lot of history and additional information about the SeaBees. http://www.navalhistory.org/2012/02/29/seabees-name-and-insignia-officially-authorized
Ibid

Map of Norfolk, Virginia was found here.

Letter transcription:

Wed.

Dear Mother,

Guess I’ve gotten three letters since I’ve written one Tue P.M. and two today, also got a letter from Dr. Roberts. Don’t know if I can answer all the questions or not. I’ll see if I can find Jim this Eve since I know his address now. I’m not sure that I know where Camp Allen is but I guess I can find it.

All I got about the narcotic papers was the tag I had on the wall. You said narcotic papers in Auth[?] letters but that’s the only thing I’ve gotten. I suppose they will come tomorrow.

That bill of Morgans is Ok. I had forgotten what I told him but now that he mentioned it that is what I’ve told him.

Got a letter from m

I’ve written you about the car registration several times but don’t expect anything for the car. Just get someone to take you to Lafayette one week from Fri and I can meet you at the ferry on Sat noon. It looks like I’ll have that Sat P.M. off since I have night Duty on Fri of that week. So plan on that. If we can get around to see the town OK if not we can look at each other. One of the boys from Ill[inois] was transferred to Great Lakes so maybe I can still live in hopes.

I wish you would see what dates I bought the Diver[?] + Uit B from Mass. I believe at that time I was even with them. Then I paid one check after that. Their bill seems a little high but maybe it’s right.

Alma probably has adhesion and they no doubt will cause her some trouble but there isn’t much she can do about them. They will gradually become less bothersome. I’ve been trying to think what I gave or did to Larry Reed the last time I was there, guess it didn’t do so well. That doesn’t sound right-he lived 3 mo. more than most people thought anyway.

You shouldn’t drive the car when that card is on the way. You might get run in.

Well, I’m going to write to Joe. He asked me about uniform etc.

Love Daddy

P.S. I haven’t done anymore about the flight examiner thing. I’m not sure of it being of any value after all.

Amanuensis Monday – June 2, 1942

9 Replies

: June 2, 1942 Envelope

: June 2, 1942, p. 1

: June 2, 1942, p. 2

I think I will be using this theme on Mondays to help log what I have accomplished so far and to summarize what has transpired for my grandparents during the previous week.

My grandfather has been in Norfolk for almost two weeks. I have transcribed fourteen letters from my grandfather. I have also transcribed two letters from my great uncle Jim Foster. Jim also enlisted in the Navy, but not as an officer. He was stationed in the Great Lakes while he was doing his basic training. He has arrived in Norfolk, but at this point my grandfather and his brother-in-law have not made contact. So far in the narrative, none of the letters my grandmother wrote during this period have survived. It is apparent that several of her letters had questions about billing patients and paying bills for my grandfather’s practice. In one letter, she must have suggested that four members of the family were planning to come to Norfolk to visit my grandfather. I am assuming that she was including herself and the two boys. I am not sure who the fourth member of the party would have been, possibly her mother. My grandfather was obviously frustrated by this as he had been trying to find housing for just my grandmother (with no luck in that department).

During the last week, my grandfather had been thinking about the method of transportation for my grandmother’s impeding visit. Should she drive or take the train? If she takes the car, there is the question of gasoline and perhaps acquiring an X card. Gasoline was already rationed in May 1942. The drive from Kentland, Indiana to Norfolk, Virginia is just about 1,000 miles. My grandmother was also 5-6 months pregnant. Speed limits of 35 miles per hour were also instituted during this period. All things to consider before she makes the trip.

My grandfather was sharing a room with another doctor, Dr. Lentz, at a house on Magnolia Avenue. One night during the week, my grandfather was convinced to go out with Dr. Lentz and two other doctors. It quickly became apparent that the doctor who was driving was inebriated. My grandfather concocted an excuse to get out of the car and refused to go on with the outing.

Another issue that was on my grandfather’s mind was his future. He was unsure as to how long he would be stationed in Norfolk, and if he was transferred out, where would he end up.

Letter transcription:

Tue.

Dear Mother,

I’m writing this from the P.O. Had to come down town to get some more clothes.

I haven’t got your today’s letter yet but I got one addressed to Granby St. that you wrote some time ago. I think it was the first Sun. you wrote. The one in which you told me about buying the bond.

I don’t know yet what to tell you about coming down. Lentz hasn’t found out anything about his leave and then as I wrote you last nite I’ll wait until I get the car registration card. I’d say for you to come on the train but I don’t know what you could see or do without the car. This town is long but not so wide and from the middle of the town to the ocean either way it is about 10 mile one way and 18 the other and who want to ride on the street car that far. Of course if you want to stay right in town the transportation is nothing but I suppose

(page 2) you would like to see a few things while you are here. That long a ride in a car isn’t best for you at present either- so there you are. If I thought you I could get a leave in a few wks. I’d say let matters stand as they are and I’d bring the car back with me. Of course But there is the leave condition again. At least I can find out if I can get an X card with the card you send.

Haven’t seen Jim yet. I’m expecting a letter with his address and until then it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

This town is much worse than Chicago to walk or drive in. One is apt to get run over at any point it seems.

I may write again tonite-depending upon what your letter has in it.

Love Daddy

Word from Jim

I had a little trouble last night…

4 Replies

: May 31, 1942 Envelope

: May 31, 1942, p. 1

: May 31, 1942, p. 2

: May 31, 1942, p. 3

: May 31, 1942, p. 4

This letter starts casually enough but very quickly gets rather serious. I can only imagine my grandmother freaking out when she read it. I say freaking out because I know I would be if I were in her situation; even if I didn’t know more of the back story. On the surface, I see a pregnant wife with two other children with a husband far away from home. If anything happened to my grandfather, what were the options for my grandmother in that day and age as a widow? It is one thing for your husband to get killed in the service of his country, but to be killed because he was the passenger in the car of a drunk driver is something completely different (and unexpected).

I am impressed by the clear thinking of my grandfather and his ability to not cave to peer pressure. Forgive the expression, but he had some balls that night. My grandparents were not drinkers. What I mean to say is: they had an occasional drink now and then, but they weren’t habitual. My grandfather did keep a stock of hard liquor in a special cabinet in the house. My father can attest to that. When he was in college (I believe), he snuck his first drink from that cabinet. That’s a funny story. I’ll have to get him to write it down for me again. But I digress; my grandparents weren’t drinkers because they knew the risks of drinking.

By the time my grandmother was 15 years old, her mother had kicked her father out of the house for good. One of the reasons I was given was because of my great grandfather’s drinking. I don’t know the exact year that this occurred, but sometime between the 1910 and 1920 censuses. I know very little about my great grandfather’s life. He eventually ended up in Pennsylvania. I know this from his obituary and a letter I have which was written to my great uncle Jim. I have yet to locate him on either the 1920 or 1930 census, but I’m pretty sure the man I found on the 1940 census is him. He was living alone in Erie, Pennsylvania. He gives his place of birth as Illinois and his age as 70. These are both consistent with the other sources I have. He was working as a gardener for a private home. He also gives his marital status as married. I don’t think my great grandparents ever got legally divorced so this would also be correct.

So when I picture my grandmother reading this letter from her husband, I know the role alcohol had already played in her life. I think I also have a pretty good idea about how she felt about drinking. I also appreciate the apparent honesty in my grandparents’ relationship. He felt comfortable enough telling her about this escapade and was able to (hopefully) reassure her that it wouldn’t happen again.

Letter transcription:

Sun

Dear Mother,

Just finished reading the paper and thought best to write now and maybe finish later on in the day. Dr. Lentz is playing golf but I don’t believe I want to start that now or because that’s one habit that grows and I don’t want to buy clubs etc.

Don’t forget to send in the next Income tax installment before June 15. Guess they wouldn’t throw me in the jug but it would mean lots of red tape. Then some day when you have lots of time you can total up the Jan, Feb, March, Apr + May income for next year it should be simple from then on.

Haven’t seen or heard of Jim. I don’t believe you gave me his correct rating because the CK doesn’t mean anything. SK would but the CK seems to be foreign.

I had a little trouble last night. My roommate drove over to 2 other Dr’s rooms and they started

(page 2) hitting the bottle. Then they wanted us to go along to get something to eat which was agreeable but the driver was half tight – drove down the wrong side of a two land highway + honked + wave at everybody, finally when we got near the YMCA I said I wanted to see if there was any mail there and when I came back I told them to go on without me. Where upon they seemed much put out and coaxed etc.-but I got sore and told them I didn’t like their carryings on, and walked away from them. Lentz came in about 1:00 AM and seemed a little ashamed of himself, said he wanted to get away also and the one of the other Drs. Wanted to get out also, but the driver of the car was the one who caused the uproar. He is a bachelor and doesn’t care what happens etc. Has no relatives etc. but from now on I’ll stay out of his car. So much for that. I took care of myself in that situation so don’t worry I can do it again if necessary.

I’m going to ask for leave in a couple of weeks. It’s a little soon but they can’t anymore than turn me down.

(page 3) I guess you have enough money to go one for a while- I thought some of sending home some but I’ll have to buy a blue suit ($45) 2 or 3 more whites $8.50 each and I have about $45 charged downtown so if I keep what I have I can almost clear that up by the June 15^th pay. After that I’ll have an allotment sent home each month.

Kate Smith is supposed to be around here someplace today but those programs are mostly for recruits. There is always a small portion set aside for officers but they sorta frown on too many going. They think we can pay for our entertainment.

After today when we go out in the Eve, we are supposed to war only white uniforms. Even if we go out to eat, but those things get dirty very easy. Anyplace away from the base white is supposed to be worn. The K. is only for work. The overalls so to speak. I’d hate to think what a white suit would look like after I’d ride the train home.

Mark wanted some pictures of the peers etc. Those don’t seem to be available. There are cards with army guns

(page 4) but nothing of anything along the coast. Maybe I can find something to send them again today. We may go out driving this P.M. but only with Lentz and if he gets to acting funny I’ll get out and walk again.

I just happened to remember you asked me the charge on the Henderson baby, it was $30.00. You might let me know the amount of the Bank acc. of course less the first of the month rent which they take out. When you get the bills ready to turn over to Cliff, send me a list of them first. And did you get that old bit you had on that pink sheet of paper. There may be one or two good ones there-probably not. Did you ever write to Shell Luce in Clinton about(the accident. case)? Do you know if Jim or Joe has gone yet? It seems like ages since I was there but its less than 2 wks. So really I guess not so much has happened since I left.

Well, my space is limited. I’ll not sign off just yet however-Guess there is nothing more so [this is written in a different ink]

Love Daddy

James L. Foster (1904-1994)

2 Replies

: James L. Foster, in uniform, circa 1940s

: May 30, 1942 (6:30 post) Envelope

: May 30, 1942 (6:30 post), p. 1

: May 30, 1942 (6:30 post), p. 2

I find today that I am not sure what to write about in addition to posting the daily letter. I’ve looked at all the suggested writing prompts from Geneabloggers for Thursday, but nothing really seems to fit. So I shall take the time to give a quick biography of another family member.

One person that has been already mentioned several times by my grandfather is my great uncle Jim. James Laughead¹ Foster was one of my grandmother’s brothers. My grandmother was the youngest of six children, born to her mother Emily “Emma” H. (Lawhead) Foster. Jim was the sibling closest in age to Gladys. They were both born in Terre Haute, Indiana about 21 months apart. I think they had a fairly close relationship and Jim is the sibling I knew about before I started doing genealogy. Until I started doing my own research, I didn’t know about the other four.

Jim was married twice and had no children. His second wife was Thelma Mayrose and they were married in Terre Haute, December 31, 1934. Like my grandfather, he enlisted in the Navy in 1942. He was also sent to Norfolk for his naval training. Roscoe and Jim did eventually meet up in a few weeks after today’s letter. There are several letters written by Jim to my grandmother that are also included in this collection.

In 1945, Jim was serving on the ship U.S.S. Sylvania (AKA-44). He was a CSF(T). I don’t know what the CSF means. I have come across two separate possible explanations: a staff member assigned to the Center for Naval Security Forces or a Chief Shipfitter. The (T) means temporary.

In his civilian life, Jim worked in the plumbing & heating supply industry. In 1965, he was working for the Eastman Central D, Rawlplugs and Mayfield Manufacturing Co, and his beat was the state of Kentucky. Like Dr. Lentz, Jim also loved golf. After he retired, he became a “snowbird”, spending his summers in Indiana and the winters in Florida. I believe he lived in the Sarasota area, near where Roscoe & Gladys retired in the late 1970s. Jim Foster died in 1994, aged 90.

Letter transcription:

Sat.

Dear Mother,

This was pay day – got $113². I’ll be sending some home I think the first of the week and as quick as I can I’ll have an allotment sent home rather than getting it all here – but it takes at least 30 days to do that.

We have had one of hottest days here that it’s been since I’ve been here and we had a rather hard day. Lots of recruits and lots of shots to be given.

Haven’t seen Jim or Raymond yet. I don’t know where to begin to look for them as there are so many camps around here if you could send me their addresses I’ll look them up.

I think we are going out to the beach for a little while. They say there are some ships in and I sorta like to see them. Don’t think I’ll do any swimming, etc.

Got my second shots todayᶟ. So far they haven’t bothered me, hope they won’t.

I didn’t get a letter today. Guess it was a holiday-but the mailman went the rounds.

Well, I’ll write more tomorrow

Love Daddy

Notes:

Jim’s middle name was his mother’s maiden name. You may notice that it is spelled two different ways in my narrative: Laughead and Lawhead. I tend to spell the surname Lawhead as the contemporary records invariably used this spelling of the name. In the case of Jim’s middle name, it was spelled Laughead. This was the legal spelling of his name so I will use this spelling when referring to him.
Check out this website for rank classifications and pay scales in the Navy during WWII: http://www.cv6.org/company/muster/organization.htm
American servicemen were also inoculated for a wide variety of diseases before being shipped overseas. The most common vaccinations were for smallpox, typhoid, and tetanus, though soldiers assigned to tropical or extremely rural areas were also vaccinated for cholera, typhus, yellow fever, and, in some cases, bubonic plague. (Taken from online article “Battlefield Injuries and Medicine” by David White and Daniel P. Murphy, Ph.D. (http://www.netplaces.com/world-war-ii/the-horrors-of-war/battlefield-injuries-and-medicine.htm)