Tag Archives: New Caledonia

At Last I landed (Lentz)

[Editor’s Note: Dr. Edmund T. Lentz was one of Roscoe’s oldest Naval acquaintances. They both arrived together in Norfolk, Virginia, and shared a room during the early summer of 1942 at Mrs. Evans boarding house. They were shipped out to Noumea, New Caledonia, in August 1942 as part of the CUB 13 unit. During the fall of 1942, Dr. Lentz and Roscoe parted ways when Dr. Lentz was shipped to another location. They were reunited in Wellington, New Zealand, at Base Hospital #4, for a few months before Roscoe was shipped out first.]

: July 2, 1944 envelope front

: July 2, 1944 envelope back

Letter transcription:

July 2 44

Dear Roscoe – Well, at last I landed in U.S.A. – Thursday nite – an am quartered in this hut until notified of my assignment which I expect to be in a few days.

Was out to dinner with Frank Olrich last

[page 2] nite and today when I called Jim Graeser of Cub 1 Hosp. – he notified me that they are having a Cub 1 shindig or reunion tonite so I will be off to the Races in an hour or so.

Frank gave me your address – why the hell didn’t you write?

Had quite a time at the Pool les Bateaux

: July 2, 1944, p. 1

: July 2, 1944, p. 2

[page 3] then drove up from there to Auck. – in the meantime had 7 days leave, spent at Rotarua.

Hope to see you if I can – I expect to go by train, don’t like flying; flew part way up, got stuck for 12 days in N., waited for ship.

[page 4] I can wire you when I get to Chicago – how about it?

Quite a place – this country – but hell to be a stranger or a serviceman I can see that.

Well – cheers
Regards to the family
Ed

946 Duncan Ave
Yeadon, Pa.

: July 2, 1944, p. 3

: July 2, 1944, p. 4

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/03/08/at-last-i-landed-lentz/

News from George Wingfield, Jr.

1 Reply

[George Wingfield, Jr., served with Roscoe in the Russell Islands and New Caledonia. They shared a tent together at one point. This letter was forwarded by Gladys in her June 6th letter.]

June 2, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

June 2, 1944

Dear Yegie,

Am home again on a week’s leave and while I’ve been away, new orders to Naval War College, Newport, R.I. came thru, so shortly I’ll be leaving S.D. in time to get there by 1 July for a 5 month course in tactics, strategy, etc. – then a staff job somewhere. Expect to stay in Chicago 2 or 3 days with my mother Mrs. Paul D. Hamlin, 1301 Astor Street, sometime between the 22 – and – 27^th. In case you have a local phone number eave your number there for me. She’s in the book.

Mates Frericks and Howell

June 2, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] are still “put.” Jim Gardiner called me when he returned. He’s with the Marines near San Diego.

Got registered while I am home as otherwise I couldn’t have voted in the coming election – and I did want to offset a good new deal vote with mine – and will!

Feel great and the fishing is good. I’m ready to lick bears or Newport socialites – come what may.

Jack’s letters to others indicate that the Japs may have infiltrated as far back as New Caledonia! How times do change.

Regards,
George

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/02/22/news-from-george-wingfield-jr/

Warmer Than Usual (Gladys)

1 Reply

: January 15, 1944 envelope

: January 15, 1944, p. 1

: January 15, 1944, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland, Ind.
1-15-44

Dear Daddy –

Sat. evening – have been busy all day – It was warmer than usual or I mean it is unusually warm and I got started washing windows on the outside and couldn’t stop – I washed the car and Mark watered the evergreens. It has been so dry this winter and now that the ground isn’t frozen I thought it would be a good idea to give the shrubbery some water, especially the new tree. We had David out in the yard this morning a while and again this afternoon. He does enjoy being out in the open spaces. Jimmy Ed is still recuperating from the flu and hasn’t been out in the spring-like weather. Lucile went with me to see Clarice in the Watseka Hospital and she said she wasn’t going to take him out for a few days. They got a sun lamp just for Jimmy and he had sun baths every day. I felt a little badly about not having one for us to use but David seems to get along just as well. However I still wish we had one. Do you think they are of any value? Ed just happened to find the one they have – they can’t be bought just anywhere now. Like so many other things – none for the duration – unless you are lucky enough to find one someone doesn’t want.

The hospital is full and they had a

[page 2] bed in the hall. Clarice was in a double room. She was feeling fine except for her breasts. She is one of rate persons capable of feeding an infant. The new boy is named John F. He weighed 8-9 – quite a sizeable baby. Clarice is coming home Mon. They still have the 8 day rule. After see [saw] C., we went to see Mrs. R. There is an artist at Joe’s station and he made a portrait of Joe and painted a snap shot and made a greeting folder with it for Christmas. Joe is still hoping to come home at the end of 18 mo. I hope that ruling holds for you too.

Do you remember Dick Simons? He is in the Merchant Marines and is home for a 30 day leave. He just returned from the Pacific. Said they were in N.Z., N.C., and Island north. Said they unloaded gas in the Russells and Florida. He was in Tulagi. He seemed to know quite a bit about Wellington, N.Z. I asked him if he knew you and he said he did. He is Johnny Simon’s brother (Elsaleah’s boyfriend).

Yours of Jan. 3 & 4 came today. So glad you rec’d the pictures. I had another roll I’ll start taking with now. You should receive two more groups of pictures I sent out in Dec. The one (3) is of David in a folder. I do want you to get it.

This warm spell has about ruined the skating at the pond. I told Mark he couldn’t go now because it’s too warm to be safe.

It’s about time to get supper started and I am hungry, after all the day’s activity.
Love Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/10/09/warmer-than-usual-gladys/

Still Traveling (Roscoe)

1 Reply

[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

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/05/23/still-traveling-roscoe/

A Good Big Meal (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: November 2, 1943 envelope

: November 2, 1943, p. 1

: November 2, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

11-2-43
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 133 USN Base Hosp. #4
F.P.O. San Fran Cal.

Dear Mother,

A short note again today. It’s hard to concentrate in a stage of moving and I’ll really do justice to a letter when things get settled down.

I really had good food since getting here because everyone here I know feels that we deserve a good big meal and really I feel stuffed most of the time. I possibly have gained all that I lost which wasn’t very much.

Just now was offered some

[page 2] Ice cream but refused. In fact I don’t care much for Ice C.

I’ve had to bum stationary for the past few days due to the fact that mine is all packed neatly away but I guess it will arrive to you just as well.

Must get going now.
Love Daddy

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/05/20/a-good-big-meal-roscoe/

Awaiting Transportation (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: November 1, 1943 envelope

: November 1, 1943, p. 1

: November 1, 1943, p. 2

: November 1, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner
Ba U.S.N. Base Hosp. #4
Navy 133
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
Nov. 1, 1943

Dear Mother,

Happy birthday – I sure wish I could do better but can see nothing better at present.

I’m still kicking around here and will be for a few days awaiting transportation.

Yesterday when I wrote you I was at a rest camp and it really was fine. I wasn’t there for the rest cure however but just as a visitor.

My poor rear felt happy yesterday because I was given a ride in a fine new

[page 2] Plymouth Sedan – yes just like one we see back there – a most welcome change from the Jeep, etc. Things around here seem almost State Side a big improvement over last year at this time. Seems I miss out on things but I sure am glad I’ve been here in the area as long as I have. I’d hate to be just starting as so many I meet but they are fresh and full of the stuff. I’m not run down but I’m ready for a vacation which I hope will come in the not too distant future but I still have my fingers crossed as to the time. I think I’m going to enjoy

[page 3] where I’m going because if will be so different.

Just had some conversation with some fellow officers – Different from that that we used to have but never the less time consuming and thought breaking up.

I have several things to do so must get busy so I’ll be ready – will try to get a letter out each day from now on as nearly as possible –
Love Daddy

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/05/18/awaiting-transportation-roscoe/

Fresh Milk (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: October 31, 1943, p. 1

: October 31, 1943, p. 2

: October 31, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Oct. 31, 1943

Dear Mother,

I have a little more time today and it being Sunday maybe I can collect myself for a better letter than in the past few days.

My getting the incorrect address will slow my mail somewhat but I’ll go past the place of that incorrect address and pick up what mail that might be there and also arrange to have send the other mail sent on. It was all my fault as you can see a similarity in the address. I’ll not be as I said before with Joe R. friends but in that vicinity.

At present I’m at the old

[page 2] stamping ground and will be here for a few days. My clothes were wrinkled and dusty but no moth, etc. The blues will certainly be needed and you can well guess my khakis are getting pretty well worn and the whites are – well you can imagine.

Yesterday I had two glasses of regular fresh state side milk and a good big chunk of lettuce. That was the first of things like that since Aug. of ’42. Imagine how they really tasted. Things like that should be more easily obtained at my new station. I hope.

Really I’m ashamed of myself

[page 3] for doing all this running around when you have to stay at home and assume the responsibility of home. However you know it isn’t of my own free will and accord, but it is a grand experience some parts of which were more thrilling than others – a few even frightening but those are all over now and it’s back to more or less hum drum.

I’ll have to stop and write the folks as this is the usual day for their letter and I want them to have my new address.

Love Daddy

P.S. My last letter from you was dated Oct. 10 and it will be several days before others will find me.

Old Stamping Ground (Roscoe)

2 Replies

[Editor’s note: Roscoe spent the next few days in Noumea, New Caledonia. His first post in the Pacific was at Noumea where he was stationed for about six months. Before he left for the Russell Islands, he put some of his unnecessary clothing in storage.]

: October 30, 1943 envelope

: October 30, 1943, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner
U.S.N. Base Hosp. #4
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Oct. 30, 1943

Dear Mother,

I have now missed writing two days but have a little time right now. Notice the address – This one is correct – My mail will really be in a bad way for some time to come but I guess it will all get there in time.

Right now I’m back at the old stamping ground – My clothes as far as I have gone into them are OK but I haven’t given them the good once over.

I’ll try to write you a better letter in the near future and give you more dope.
Love Daddy

A Keen Interest (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: July 9, 1943 envelope

: July 9, 1943, p. 1

: July 9, 1943, p. 2

: July 9, 1943, p. 3

: July 9, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner
Navy 60 F.P.O.
July 9, 1943

Dear Mother,

Your v-mails of 6-21 & 22 came yesterday as well as the ones the boys wrote for Father’s Day. So v-mail isn’t so terribly slow.

I have all the dope regarding the checks I sent and also the Insurance loan etc. So that will or rather can be dropped from the subject matter of future letters. Yesterday an officer was here from my old stomping ground and he told me

[page 2] Drs. Porterfield and Williams were still coasting along as per usual. I’m still very much pleased that I was able to leave there because this has been a much more exciting and enjoyable duty. It however now is beginning to come monotonous but I suppose we can stand that OK.

The rats have taken a keen interest in our then tent and seem to be everywhere at all times during the night. Here and there they can be heard jumping around and one

[page 3] “sorta” expects them to make a mistake and land right in the middle of nude anatomy but so far all has been well.

I didn’t know that there were any pea fields around Kentland. That must be something new – maybe a war measure that has been developed since I left there.

I got a v-mail letter from Red & Ruby Brewer. It seems funny but I was just thinking of them only a day or two ago. She said the boy was nearly 4 years old – Just doesn’t seem possible but I guess it’s true.

[page 4] I keep think[ing] of those babies and kid as I knew them over a year ago now.

The conversation started and the letter writing almost stopped – The conversation was nothing to brag about but it was enough to slow down writing.

So far no time set for pay day but I think it will come in a few days I’ll let you know when

So Solong Love Daddy

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

News from Noumea (Dr. Porterfield)

1 Reply

: March 31, 1943 envelope

: March 31, 1943, p. 1

: March 31, 1943, p. 2

: March 31, 1943, p. 3

R.S. USA PB
Noumea NC
7 PM San Fra Cal.
3.31.43 –

Dear Mrs “Yege”

Thanks for the letter. Sorry your family are having the measles. The pictures did not arrive until after he left. His mail is being forwarded from – here – I had word direct from him yesterday by messenger and he is ok. Conveniences are not as good there as here. But will improve very soon.

[page 2] We miss him very much and felt that we would be left together but one never knows out here what the next move is. One of my boys is out here someplace but I haven’t seen him. Hope the boys are over measles by now – I remember when mine had them. Oh – Boy –

[page 3] Everything is running along very smoothly here and we are really living very comfortable under circumstances. But there still remains the longing to see our families, which we hope will not be too long over the year we have sorta set our hearts on.

Sincerely the Country Doctor
M. H. Porterfield