Tag Archives: George Wingfield Jr.

Golden Wedding (Gladys)

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: January 3, 1944 envelope

: January 3, 1944, p. 1

: January 3, 1944, p. 2-3

: January 3, 1944, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Jan. 3 – 1944

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Dec. 17, 20, 21, 22, 23 came today. Also a letter from Geo. Wingfield. He is in San Diego now. Said some mail just caught up with him and a letter from you asking him to write me. Said after the war we would have to visit Reno and fight the war in retrospect as it should have been. He spoke very highly of you, and I believe he was sincere. He mentioned the flowers so he must have been the one to send the roses in Sept.

I hadn’t had any letters for several days and getting five at one time helped the old morale. I do hope you are getting all mine and hope the pictures I had made of David for Christmas

[page 2] get to you soon. I am sure they will give you a lift. David was rather cross all morning, but I think that one tooth that has been trying to push thru for so long is pretty responsible. One point is thru now so he should feel better soon. He seems to have more cold but can’t “hack & spit” like his mother (tho he tries to imitate me) and can’t get rid of the mucos, only as it runs down his nose. He has no temperature and wasn’t so cross if turned loose, but I was busy trying to work so penned him up in the nursery and he didn’t like that. I handed him a toy and he threw it down as quickly as he could. He has quite a bit of “spunk.” He is so used to being admired – yesterday Mrs. Zell was here and I had David on the toidey – when he had finished I put his pants on and turned him

[page 3] loose – He walked away from us a few steps then turned and looked at us, as if to say “don’t you think I am cute?” with a merry twinkle in his eye. I told Mrs. Zell, or rather asked, who could ask for a girl when they had a boy like D. She said that was always the way she had felt about their girls, but Mr. still wants a boy. I said, really I don’t think it would have made any difference to you whether we had boys or girls. However, having had all boys I don’t know the real answer. Mr. Z. wants a boy so much after getting three girls he wants to try again. Mrs. Z. says she thinks she has all she can take care of and now since fathers are being taken Mr. Z. may have to go. I wrote you that Bob Shurtter had enlisted in the Navy, but evidently his commission didn’t go thru because he is waiting to be called to the Army. He is registered in Laf. and his number was about up when he enlisted or

[page 4] tried to enlist. E. Wilson got a 3 mo. deferment and unless he can get another when it is up will have to go if passes the physical. The new law provides $40⁰⁰ for each child, so anyone with 3 children will get $120. Doris is due to have her baby soon, so that will make her allowance 160.

The A.D. Washburns are celebrating their golden wedding tomorrow. They will receive guests informally at Howards from 2 to 4:30 and 7 to 8. The announcement was in the paper but I received an invitation. Did I tell you Howard bought the Canine farm? The moved some time ago. Mr. Tackett, the new coach moved to the place Howard vacated.

I am upstairs having dried my hair. I hear David. He has been taking his nap downstairs. He didn’t sleep too long, so may be a little touchy.

Love Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/09/16/golden-wedding-gladys/

George Wingfield, Jr. (George)

1 Reply

: December 28, 1943 envelope

: December 28, 1943, p. 1

: December 28, 1943, p. 2

: December 28, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Dec. 28, 1943

Dear Mrs. Yegerlehner,

It’s been over two months since my return and in the meantime Jake (that’s what we called your husband) has been transferred to the cooler areas someplace, I think, in New Zealand, although I’m not too sure.

At any rate a lot of mail that has been following me for three months caught up – finally and in it, a letter from the Doctor. He said to be sure and drop you a line

[page 2] an believe me I wouldn’t fail him.

His 18 months should be up the first of February although it may take a little longer in that things aren’t quite as automatic as they sound. Jake was fine when I last saw him in August.

We had a lot of fun out there amongst ourselves along with the harder side of life as the Solomons (Russell Islands to be more specific) aren’t exactly a playground even in peace time.

Jake is not only a good doctor – and that I mean – but a good friend as well – and he spoke so much of his wife that I couldn’t help but admire you both for what you are to each other. I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you when this is over. Happy New Year and the wish for your husband’s quick

[page 3] return. You must all stop off in Reno sometime when you are out West and we’ll “fight the war” in retrospect as it should be fought. We’ll all sing “Indiana, Indiana” in Nevada.

Sincerely,
George Wingfield, Jr.

P.S. Jake was so anxious that you got the flowers. I hope they arrived in good shape.

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/09/06/george-wingfield-jr-george/

Flowers (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: October 14, 1943 envelope

: October 14, 1943, p. 1

: October 14, 1943, p. 2

: October 14, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran C.
Oct. 14, 1943

Dear Mother,

Yours of Sept. 24, 27, 29, 30, Oct. 1 & 2 came yesterday. I’m at a little loss to know why 24, 27, & 29 were all post marked Sept. 29. Probably was a little slip up some place along the line and doesn’t make a great deal of difference. In one of those letters the 7 months pictures and the letter you wrote way back there were present. I can’t understand that either but I guess these P.O. in the field have a lot to do.

So glad you got the flowers – I just knew this friend wouldn’t fail and I don’t feel badly about sending that amount of money. You should get another bunch of flowers along about your birthday from another fellow. In case you don’t get those all I can say is happy birthday. What I meant to say was I’m taking this opportunity to wish you a happy birthday because I can’t send anything – not even money in time and I didn’t send any sooner because I didn’t have any and won’t until the last of the month. So I have you get the flowers in time.

[page 2] I’m sorry your mother’s condition fails to improve. If it isn’t a carcinoma it has to be a hardening of the liver and the treatment of either is futile but I still think it is carcinous and the Gall stones have nothing to do with the condition. I’m afraid you are going to be pretty short financially because you only had a little over $150 so early in the month. You hadn’t mentioned before about paying the hospital as you went along which I think is a good idea if you can but it if cuts you so low that you can’t make the rent & insurance stall them off for a while – don’t ask Jim for more than half the expenses and I guess Glen isn’t able at this time to aid in that respect. I’m sure the finances will work out OK so don’t let that worry you.

Now about you – Your invoice sounded good but let me warn or prepare you – In sickness an individual who is responsible for the care of sick will often go on their nerves – Then when it is over if proper care isn’t taken a relapse or let down is evident and that is what you have to guard against. Get plenty of rest – sleep and let the house work go for a while. Your indigestion is probably like what I had when

[page 3] Openshaw, Mathews, etc. were out of town and I was run ragged remember. Don’t blame the strep you had last winter too much. Of course you might have a recurrence but you didn’t have a strep the year before and one got you last year so just because you did have that last year is no reason to expect one this year.

100 pounds, dark hair, Green eyes, 5’4”, pleasing features, a little slim but just my type. Do keep healthy Dear – just as if you won’t try?

The one year old pictures were good and but don’t try to send the movie films. Of course I’d like to see them but don’t take the chance of losing them and I don’t know the size nor the size of our machine here. Where is the pressure coming from for D. hair cut? Don’t tell me just let me guess. I won’t express myself on the subject. You probably know how I feel. Isn’t that a big help?

Those letters are such a big help when they come in as late as those yesterday – Thanks and lots of love
Daddy

P.S. I received a letter from the fellow who sent the flowers and he told me he had done so. He is from Reno, Nev.

[Editor’s note: The fellow from Reno, Nevada was mostly likely Roscoe’s former tent mate, George Wingfield, Jr., who was transferred a few months previously.]

YEG1943-05-15 - David on stoop with tulips

One of David’s 7th month photographs

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/04/11/flowers-roscoe/

V-mail From Jim (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: August 23, 1943 envelope

: August 23, 1943, p. 1

: August 23, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Calif.
Aug. 23, 1943

Dear Mother,

A v-mail came from Jim yesterday. It was written Aug. 1. That was the first letter from Jim in anything like good time as I answered it immediately in the hope that he gets it before he changes his address. I suppose he is really anxious to get out of the States and go places as most of those fellows back there are or at least they say they are that way. In fact I think I had the same feeling but that was probably due to the place where my first tour of duty was endured – Norfolk!!!? I was afraid I’d have to stay there for the duration – I didn’t.

Some time ago I read an article in the Newton Co. E. relative to mosquitoes – That really is a problem to consider there for it some of these malaria cases get up north it sure will spread. We use a big spray can and a good mosquito dope at night to kill the critters out before going to bed and that wouldn’t be a bad idea there because I

[page 2] remember how numerous they were especially this time of the year – Maybe I’m a little late but it is something to think about.

I don’t believe I wrote you anything about Geo. leaving – He went back to where Dr. Ash is located to have some work done on his teeth and also for a general physical check-up. I don’t believe he will come back – not because of his health primarily but I believe he will get a new assignment. Maybe back to the U.S.A. Out of our original gang that came here that leaves only two of us. That’s not Drs. That includes all the officers – So you see we have quite a turnover. Dr. Gardiner (dentist) came out with our gang but didn’t come here until a month or so ago.

At this point it seems I’ve been wordless – just simply blank for I’ve been sitting 10 min. just sitting and nothing comes to write. But So I just decided to fill up the space with telling you I could think of nothing further. Anyway.

Lots of Love
Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/12/29/v-mail-from-jim-roscoe/

We The Three of Us (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: July 28, 1943 envelope

: July 28, 1943, p. 1

: July 28, 1943, p. 2

: July 28, 1943, p. 3

: July 28, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
July 28, 1943

Dear Mother,

It seems yesterday was a big day for coconuts to drop because just above where I’m sitting now three plunked on the tent at one time and a little later 4 more all at once – Just happened to think of that while sitting down to write. It sure does make a racket when they come down and stirs up dust and dirt which has been untouched by the black boy.

Our mail seems to have taken a permanent shut off because it has been several days with not so much

[page 2] as an ad for laxative or tooth paste arriving.

We the three of us – Jim unmarried, Geo divorced and myself often have arguments about romance, homes & families and it seems to me I win the arguments as they come up. For example – The topic of breakfast came up. I remarked that with me breakfast was never a heavy meal and often times I would pick up a cup of coffee and toast etc. in town – That to them was unheard of. Geo said that that was one of the requirements that his wife get up and have a huge breakfast ready when he got up regardless – and Jim said he expected the same thing because his mother often brought his coffee & toast to him in bed. My idea was that if the little woman wanted to sleep – give

[page 3] her the break – especially if I had to be up a little early. I can see that Geo. is very much set in his ways about things of that nature and of course Jim just doesn’t know from “nuthin.” My idea is to act to the best advantage under the circumstances at hand and be prepared to see the other person’s viewpoint. The whole point to this is this – I was just trying to tell them what it took to be happily married and I think I have gotten that across many times for several persons have remarked that they sorta envy me because of my family and believe me I’m more than somewhat pleased with the boys and most of all their capable, attractive and sensible Mother. I’m sorry I can make my compliments sound more romantic etc. but you know me anyway I mean well and I hope you are able

[page 4] to interpret the things I’ve written as they were intended to be understood. As you know I’m not a writer of letters which will stir a woman’s heart by romantic phrases and because maybe I haven’t had that gift of gob – many of the men’s in their letters to wives and sweethearts are full of phrases dealing with love, affection and to me other trite expressions but I just can’t put them down to make meaning – maybe things like that are full of meaning and maybe they are meaningless – Let me end this by using this small phrase and truly meaning it –

Lots of Love Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/11/06/we-the-three-of-us-roscoe/

New Stationary (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: July 22, 1943 envelope

: July 22, 1943, p. 1

: July 22, 1943, p. 2

: July 22, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

July 22, 1943
Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 – F.P.O. San Fran

Dear Mother,

You will note the new Stationary – Geo. was able to pick it up someplace – came I with two boxes and I just kidding told him it was nice of him to bring me a box – so he just up and gave it to me.

I wrote yesterday of the difficulty of writing to other people because they expect news of natives, war etc. which of course is after the first time or two exhausted. I know you don’t expect such and it would be an impossibility to write news each day. So I have to turn more to the thoughts that pass thru one’s mind while there is nothing else to do. I imagine it’s something like a person being in jail and having time for reflections. Of course the shame and disgrace of our lot is absent which is unlike the fellow in jail so

[page 2] maybe our thoughts are much more pure. Milton wrote “Paradise Lost” while in Jail but I don’t think I could do any such but and I’ll be satisfied if I can only write a letters which will not make you feel badly and but on the contrary make things a little more pleasant and help make the time pass more rapidly – the most rapidly passing part of the day and the most enjoyable part of the day is letter writing time. I shouldn’t say the most enjoyable because – letter received hold that place but that happens so infrequently that it would be a long way between uplifts. Don’t miss-understand – my letters don’t uplift me but it’s a time when I’m doing something which concerns you directly and I enjoy writing them if they only get over to you what I anticipate. If the things I’m writing bore or have the opposite affect

[page 3] of what I’m trying please tell me and I’ll try to reform.

I read lots of letters from the boys to their wives and sweethearts and I’m sure lots of them are very disheartening to those who receive the.

The first break in the letter – a red headed Irishman came in to complete the electrical fixture – we now have lights in our tent but the use of them is somewhat restricted. Anyway this red head is like all electricians full of conversation and in no apparent hurry to get too much done. He has spent about 15 years in the navy part of which was in the last war and those people take their tour of duty as a matter of fact because it’s a part of their life’s work.

I hope I have made this letter interesting and if I failed I’ll still try to redeem myself by saying
Lot of Love
Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/10/26/new-stationary-roscoe/

11 Months Ago (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: July 8, 1943 envelope

: July 8, 1943, p. 1

: July 8, 1943, p. 2

: July 8, 1943, p. 3

: July 8, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner
July 8, 1943

Dear Mother,

Again we have another month behind since this is the 8^th and we left Moffitt Field way back 11 months ago. Maybe that means something, maybe it doesn’t – we don’t know.

Your letter posted July [sic] 18 came yesterday and it answered questions which I asked about that loan and the Ins. policy payment so you can skip the answer I asked for a few days ago. You gained a few dollars in that deal because the entire

[page 2] amount of the loan was around 250 and the money I sent home was around 280. I hope that will help keep you going. I’ll, as I told you before, send some money as soon as it can be obtained here for the other loan and also for you to have a little surplus or for bonds.

The Newton Co. E. came yesterday again and I noticed the rules and regulations for the coming black out were printed. Maybe I’d better not express any

[page 3] my opinions on that as you have my reactions already.

I hope the picture you had taken of D. will be good. He is rather a good looking baby according to the pictures I have already. Must have received his looks from his good looking Mother. You know I think she is OK, not only in looks but numerous other ways.

The book I wrote you about yesterday is really worthwhile and if possible be sure to get

[page 4] a copy to read. I’ll repeat the title “The Consultation Room” by Fredric Loomis. I’m sure you would like it.

Geo. is moving back into our tent today. The other M.D. left so now there are only two – The dentist and myself. So Geo. is coming back to keep our spirits – either up or down. Depending whether we are talking of Nevada or Indiana – The other fellow here is from La. so he just isn’t in the picture at all –

Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/09/27/11-months-ago-roscoe/

New Tent Mate (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: June 15, 1943 envelope

: June 15, 1943, p. 1

: June 15, 1943, p. 2

: June 15, 1943, p. 3

: June 15, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran Calif.
June 15, 1943

Dear Mother,

I did get a stamp for yesterday’s letter and was able to buy one dollars’ worth from a fellow so I’m pretty well set for a time.

The package of seeds came yesterday and the picture but the picture was pretty badly wrinkled. I thought you had sent the seeds in a regular air mail but coming as they did explains the delay. I’m going to make another try at gardening to see if something will grow in an

[page 2] eatable form.

My new tent mate – Dr. Thompson got several issues of Colliers, Sat. Eve Post and Esquire so our reading material has increased. All my old tent mates are scattered and now this Dr. and one of the dentists that used to be in Noumea are in the same tent. Funny how thinks keep changing from day to day. Geo is still in camp but his duties required that he live elsewhere and of course we have the medics off to themselves so that they can’t cause any harm.

[page 3] Several issues of the Newton Co. E. came also so I had to do some scanning to see if anything had been missed in the letters you and other people had written. I noticed in one issue that my address was now A.P.O. 43 and I also noted that this one and that one had been home on leave which sounds god and would be better if it would apply to other people I know. Patience will accomplish those things in time so why fret now.

I wonder if you listened

[page 4] to the radio news. We listened to KWID and heard ourselves mentioned. Sounds funny and also makes one feel he is going his duty by being a part of the thing. Wonder if the boys are still keeping newspaper headlines.

The moon is getting bright again and it sure does make things look pretty – shining on the ocean thru the palm trees but we like the dark nights better.

Well, hope we get some more mail today but I have a feeling 4 days in succession is the limit.

Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

Finally Got Some Mail (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: June 8, 1943 envelope

: June 8, 1943, p. 1

: June 8, 1943, p. 2

: June 8, 1943, p. 3

: June 8, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

June 8, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Finally got some mail from you – your air mail letters of May 15-16 and May 17, and v-mail of May 12, 21 and 22. The v-mail was latest but Geo and another fellow got air mail dated May 28 – somehow it just doesn’t seem I score as well as I used to, but I won’t complain as long as they keep coming, but as I advised write each every other time if possible to do so. Mark’s letter was in with yours of

[page 2] May 15 but John’s v-mail hasn’t arrived as yet.

The garden seen you sent is still on the way someplace and it might be like the package I sent you from Noumea. The seeds I did sow don’t seem to be doing to well. I think it’s too shady. That might be hard for you to understand but have you ever been in a cocoanut area? There is pretty much of an umbrella growth over head and try as you may there aren’t any areas but what are like that only on the beach and that

[page 3] is hardly the place for a garden. Your letters came late yesterday and I had a hard time getting them read. The interference I had wasn’t the same as yours but I believe more annoying but that’s the way things go, so what?

I don’t believe I would make Mark work any arithmetic out of his L. pad. Encourage him to read for pleasure and a good little problem once in a while involving some of the principles concerned would be OK, but don’t make

[page 4] it a burden for him in the summer time. The cornet idea is good and should be purchased for him if the money is there and maybe a few private lessons if the cash is available. That might help keep him in line as much as hard & cold arithmetic problems.

Lentz and a few of my former friends have been sent to New Zealand for a rest. That was some months ago. Hope they don’t do that to me. I’d rather go thru here and serve my time and then head for U.S.A.

Well, that about takes care of the present –

Love Daddy

A new runway, Russell Islands, 1943

Chewing Gum (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: June 4, 1943 envelope

: June 4, 1943, p. 1

: June 4, 1943, p. 2

: June 4, 1943, p. 3

: June 4, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

June 4
Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Yesterday P.M. a box came from Mom. It had chewing gum, a can of peanuts and some lifesavers. It was in a tin box with no wrapper and just my name and Noumea address but no stamps or indication of postmarks. It looked as if someone might have brought it but it came in the mail. The content was in A-1 condition.

The mail in general is not very good and I’m not sure it it’s

[page 2] v-mail, air mail or why anyway write a few of each.

I just stopped long enough to write a letter to Dr. Porterfield. It had been some time since his last letter came and I just got the urge all at once.

Was invited out for noon day chow yesterday – Had roast beef and then at home we had roast beef again so I was pretty lucky all around. You will note I’m back on the eating again. Which next to the weather is a good topic to write about.

Yesterday while reclining on the bunk I saw a huge lizard about 8 in long on one of the rafters.

[page 3] I pointed it out to my new tent mate and he was rather disturbed. He wanted to kill it right there and the only thing he could find was a spade but since the thing was so fat he was afraid it would “squish” all over on to his bunk. So after much deliberation I chased it higher with our fly spray and so far as I know he is still squirming around over head. I felt something cold hit me last night while sleeping in the raw but I’m not sure if it was a lizard or what. I just brushed my hand over

[page 4] the spot, rolled over and went back to sleep.

I see we have a small leak around my chewing gum patch so will have to get another patch fixed up.

Last night Commander Fredricks, Geo and I had onion and sardine sandwiches. Two or three sardines between a couple slices of onion. That was the night cap. It really is amusing the way we go after those things.

Well, hope your mail is getting there more regular as to mine I’ve almost given up –
Love Daddy