Tag Archives: Auckland

USAT “WILLARD A. HOLBROOK” (Roscoe)

FOURTH ENDORSEMENT USAT “WILLARD A. HOLBROOK”
Fort Mason,
San Francisco
California
1 March 1944
From: The Transport Commander
To: Lieutenant Roscoe S. YEGERLEHNER, MC-V (S), USNR
Subject: ORDERS

Reported for transportation this date.
Subsistance was furnished without cost to you.
Proceed and carry out basic orders.
Transportation completed 15 March 1944.

W.H. IRVINE
Lt. Col. TC
Transport Commander

USAT Willard A. Holbrook during WWII (Image courtesy of http://www.navsource.org)

There are no known surviving documents describing Roscoe’s return trip to the United States at this time. Since the trip originated in Auckland and concluded at Fort Mason, San Francisco, Roscoe crossed the equator and the international date line. One item which survived the journey was Roscoe’s membership card from the Domain of the Neptunus Rex. Roscoe described this ceremony in detail on his journey across the Pacific in 1942. While the card is undated, it bears the name of the ship USAT “WILLARD A. HOLBROOK.”

©2012-2016, copyright owned by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/01/04/usat-willard-a-holbrook-roscoe/ ‎

Third Endorsement (Roscoe)

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THIRD ENDORSEMENT U.S. NAVAL OPERATING BASE,
P16-4/00 AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

28 February 1944

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: Lieutenant Roscoe S. Yegerlehner, MC-V (S), USNR.
Subject: Orders

Reported 27 February 1944
On or about 1 March 1944 , you will report to the Commanding Officer of the vessel or plane verbally designated for further transportation in accordance with your basic orders.
Government quarters were furnished you.

H.E. TALMADGE,
By direction.

© 2012-2016, copyright owned by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/01/03/third-endorsement-roscoe/

All Progressing Satisfactory (Roscoe)

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February 27, 1944 v-mail

Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA

Lt. R.S. YEGERLEHNER (MC) USN
RECEIVING BARRICKS
NAVY 132
℅ F.P.O. SAN FRANCISCO CALIF.
2-27-44

Dear Mother,

Just a line to let you know all is progressing satisfactory. Hope you received the cable a few days ago.

I think I wouldn’t write anymore until I send you an address because this one might cause my mail to be delayed.

You will be hearing from me as soon as I can get word to you

Love Daddy

[Editor’s note: This is Roscoe’s last letter on foreign soil. He did not write any further letters until he arrived in the United States two and a half weeks later.]

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/12/31/all-progressing-satisfactory-roscoe/

Change of Duty (Roscoe)

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Change of Duty orders, dated February 26, 1944

Roscoe received his orders to return to the United States on February 26, 1944. The journey would take a few weeks. Before he left Wellington, he presumably sent a cable home to Indiana as he makes reference to one in a v-mail written on February 27th. The cable has not currently been located, if it still exists. The first stop on the way home was to the north, in Auckland, New Zealand.

Still Traveling (Roscoe)

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[Editor’s note: Roscoe did not write on November 3, 1943 as he was traveling. He departed Noumea at 0700. This time he flew via Gov’t Air and departed from Tontouta airport. According to his personal Navy papers, he was a Priority Three South. He was limited to 65 lbs. of baggage. His destination was Auckland, New Zealand where he arrived at 1530. Roscoe departed Auckland at 1530 the following day (11/4).]

: November 4, 1943 envelope

: November 4, 1943, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 133 USN Base Hosp. #4
F.P.O. San Fran Calif.
Nov. 4, 1943

Dear Mother,

You probably will note an unsteady hand to this writing since I’m practically a frozen mass. The transformation from there to here has been a decided one and I think as far as temperature is concerned a pleasant one as soon as I get accustomed to it. I’m still traveling but should be settled in a day or two. I missed writing yesterday but from now on should get back on schedule.

As yet I’m not sure of censorship so must be a bit on the non committal side until I find what the requirements and regulations are like.

My mail to you should come thru about as usual but due to that error of mine in giving you that incorrect address I’ll probably not get any mail for some time. At least I’ll keep writing.

Love Daddy