Tag Archives: New Caledonia

The Big Reveal (Roscoe)

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Postcard of Noumea, New Caledonia

Postcard of Noumea, New Caledonia

The big secret has been revealed. Where was Roscoe exactly? The Navy finally allowed the men in New Caledonia to give their specific addresses to loved ones at home. Since the beginning of September 1942, Roscoe was stationed at the U.S. Naval Advance Base in Nouméa, New Caledonia. For the first time, Roscoe used his specific address on the return envelope as well as including it inside the letter for all to use. I can’t imagine it was much of a security breach at this point. The Japanese surely knew there was an American base on New Caledonia. Roscoe had provided many clues for the family at home. The islanders spoke French. They had a distinctive red hair color. He included references to a certain National Geographic Magazine article about New Caledonia from July 1942. And of course, he gave his location to Gladys in code, right from the very beginning. The above postcard was mixed in with the letters. There is no writing on the back so it was most likely sent as a visual reference for Gladys and the boys, tucked into one of the letters.

In one of many internet searches of New Caledonia and the surrounding region, I came across a 1943 United States Army handbook for military troops serving in New Caledonia. I love the section in the back for speaking French and the basic phrase book.  Pocket Guide to New Caledonia

Note from Roscoe with change of address

Note from Roscoe with change of address

I am not exactly sure which letter the following slip of paper belonged to originally. I found it with the letter Roscoe wrote on November 19th. However, the context did not make sense. On the 19th, Roscoe was already correctly addressing his envelopes with the new address. The last letter in which Roscoe used the White Poppy format was November 16th. Based on today’s letter, it is apparent that he had already sent the new address at least once. I am therefore deducing that this paper probably belonged with a letter prior to the 17th. If Gladys received a group of letters in a bunch, it is likely that this slip may have ended up in the wrong envelope.

Letter transcription:

Nov. 17, 1942

Dear Mother,

Just a little time between chow and work. It being 5:45 P.M. and the weather cloudy. Needless to say I want you to write me when the check and money orders get there. It might have been foolish to send them when mail is heavy but maybe it won’t be so heavy they there by the time those arrive. We didn’t receive any mail again today. Seems like at first when we came – but maybe that new address will help. That is the third one now so all in all we should fare better. Just in case you didn’t get it

Receiving Station
U.S. Naval Advance Base
Noumea, New Caledonia

There is no doubt now about our location but I suppose you had a pretty definite idea where

[page 2] it was. If you see anybody who cares to write tell them of the new address and I’ll write to some of them also.

We are still pretty busy but it runs in streaks like it used to at home. Out of our original bunch there is very near half at other locations even my old friend Lentz. That makes ones address very uncertain but the mail will always be sent on, so use that new address and in case I leave it will be alright.

I haven’t seen Dr. Ash in so long, guess he is still where he was but I haven’t had time to go swimming so miss our meetings. Swimming was OK at first but anymore the new is worn off so I don’t care so much anymore and along with being busy I don’t care.

Had some sardines yesterday – some fellow go [got] some and with crackers and

[page 3] a little beer we had a fine mid afternoon snack. Of course I wasn’t very hungry when evening chow came along but the meat was corned beef and the cook didn’t use any spoon he just threw all the pepper in he had so I didn’t care for much. We had lamb again today. That seems to show up often and I don’t care so much for it but it’s better than canned meats.

It’s time to think before long about that state gross income tax for the whole year and if there is any questions see Lamb or Agnes Molter and also about the federal. Guess you have done that or will before long. David should come in for his share of tax reduction.

Well, I’ll have to confess there isn’t much in this but there just isn’t much to write.

So Solong
Love Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/05/the-big-reveal-roscoe/

November 16, 1942 (Roscoe) Part IV

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Letter transcription:

Nov. 16, 1942

Dear John,

I wrote Mark first this time, because I wrote yours first last time.

Enclosed you will find a little Christmas present and you can spend it as you like but ask Mother for suggestions and as I told Mark if you don’t have enough stamps for your bond use some of this to buy more stamps. I want you to spend some of it in the way you want.

So you like to go to the Jr. High School. I was sure you would and I think some of that gym work will do you good. Some of the things they do might be a little rough but try to do them

[page 2] for those things will make you have big muscles.

By now you probably have clinkers to carry out of the basement and I suppose there is lots of extra work with David but I believe you and Mark will help Mother loks lots while I’m not there and at least not give her trouble.

In case Mark’s present should get lost I wish you would share yours equally with him. I’ve asked him to do the same in case yours should get lost.

David will get his with Mother’s.

Lots of love,

Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/18/november-16-19…roscoe-part-iv/

November 16, 1942 (Roscoe) Part III

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Letter transcription:

Nov. 16, 1942

Dear Mark,

I’m writing you first this time. Last time I wrote John first so will switch it around and make it turn about.

You will find enclosed a little Christmas present that Mother will tell you how to get the money from it. This is yours to spend or keep as you like but let Mother suggest and help you with it. If you haven’t enough money stamps to buy a bond I’d suggest that you use some of it that way. Or you might use some for clothes but some of it you can spend as you see fit.

Surely by this time you have had some pretty cool days

[page 2] but we have had hot weather almost all time.

I suppose now that David is there you have extra work to do and I do hope you will help Mother where ever you can because she has lots to do and think about while I’m gone and she depends upon you and John for help.

I’m sending John a present also and in case one would get lost and the other gets there I want you to divide yours with John equally. I’m sure you would be willing to do that and I’m going to ask him to do the same for you.

I’m sending David a present with Mother’s.

Lots of Love
Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/18/november-16-19…oscoe-part-iii/

November 16, 1942 (Roscoe) Part II

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Letter transcription:

Nov. 16, 1942

Dear Mother,

I sneaked away from work for a short time in order to write letters. I wanted to get the presents out to you and the boys so I’ve written both John & Mark – won’t write Davy. I’m sending his $10 in your check. You can buy clothes – stamps or whatever you like for him. I thought the boys would get a kick out of the money orders, and I want them to spend some of it as they see fit. Yours you can do the same. Apply it to that I have sent etc. The last figures you sent me on the bank acc. were pretty good so I see no reason why you need spend this or that which I sent you for your birthday on things for the house – use it for yourself.

We still don’t have any mail today

[page 2] must be because of heavy Christmas mail or simply because it hasn’t come.

I finished your letter in a big hurry this A.M. because I wanted to get it off today. I didn’t tell you that after church we had a show and as of olden times I was called away to go to town for some work. Our show house is simply on the hillside with a screen down the hill and the projector up the hill and the seats are the ground in between.

While in town I had banana ice cream on apple pie. Then when I got home I had a bottle of beer and my stomach almost soured on me during the night – didn’t sleep good. Won’t try that combination any more for some time. I’m just not used to things like

[page 3] that.

We listened to the Jap broadcast last night and some of the things they said were downright funny especially to us who know. So in case you hear some of the things don’t believe them until you are very sure. The news all over as far as we are able to get it is good, hope it keeps going that way.

I must get back to the hospital – will add more if mail comes. Guess I’d better not because I want this letter registered and I must do it before the P.O. closes. I’ll sign the check to you and you won’t have to use your power of att. but no one can cash it but you.

Well, I’ll have to do the registering now after I get the whole thing censored.

Love Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/18/november-16-19…roscoe-part-ii/ ‎

November 15, 1942 (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Nov. 15, 1942

Dear Mother,

Pre World War II 10 Yen

Pre World War II (c1930) – 10 Yen

To begin with I sent you some Japanese money in yesterday’s letter, that according to the censors is OK. You probably won’t be able to spend it for anything or at least a very small amount of what it was worth at one time. I never did know what it was worth but some said it was the same as $5.00. Don’t ask how or where I got it, because I won’t tell. Not now. I have some other money but it isn’t passable just now then today was pay day so I have some other USA money and I’ll send you a check in tomorrow’s mail I think. It might be Tue. and I’m also sending each of the boys a little for Christmas. Yours and David’s will be together – but the other boys will get theirs in a letter. Now that’s the third time I’ve told that to you so hope you get the whole business and needless to say I’d like a report on it when it arrives.

Things have been quiet and not much to do. A few days ago another (jg) and I had a 107 patients to take care of. We of course were responsible to a higher up

[page 2]but it was our job to take care of them and that’s a pretty good sized job. For that’s as many as we often had in St. Elizabeth Hospital. And it about twice as many as could get into Iroquois Co. Hospital.

Had chicken for chow at noon – ½ chicken per person and seconds if necessary, mashed potatoes gravy – asparagus tips, pea soup and apple pie. So you see that isn’t half bad and today was the day for another carton of cigarettes. That comes in our monthly mess bill. Doesn’t sound like rationing here.

No mail yet today but we still have hopes. It’s just about time now for the usual delivery but have [not] seen or heard anything. There is always a disturbance when it comes in.

Took a bath this P.M. Sewed a pair of pants, washed my head and now have my dirty clothes soaking for tomorrow’s laundry. Pretty busy Sunday P.M. but we are always busy in the morning, up to noon, and those things have to be done when we have time.

Last night when I went into the Hall to

[page 3] write your letter it was clear – with the moon shining and all at once it began raining like the duce. We all ran because our tents were open all around – reminded one of closing windows back in civilization.

Did you ever give Dr. Joe’s wife my address for him? I have never heard from him, so can’t write him unless I’d write to her and have it forwarded, but I’d rather write direct.

Maybe mail will come and I’ll write to the folks now.

No mail. I’ve written to the folks but it is now Monday morning. We were busy up until light went out will write more this Eve.

Love Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/17/november-15-1942-roscoe/

November 14, 1942 (Roscoe)

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The United States military created many films during World War II. Some were for the folks back home, while others were for the service members. This film was made to highlight the army’s activity on New Caledonia. While this film does not specifically reference anything in which my grandfather would have participated, it does show the terrain of New Caledonia. If you watch all the way through to the end, you will be honored with some native dancing. This film was made in 1942, most likely just prior to Roscoe’s arrival.

Letter transcription:

Nov. 14, 1942

Dear Mother,

Sat. nite and I suppose there is the usual Sat. nite crowd in town, but it doesn’t seem as if it makes any difference here. We don’t even have boxing shows here anymore so as usual all we have to look forward to is going to bed. Again today we have had the gale which seems to get a little stronger each day. Hope it doesn’t get too stout. It sure makes the sun from being so hot. At night the breeze sure blows over us but with a sheet, blanket and spread it isn’t too cold.

No mail again today – That seems to be getting the usual procedure again, but of course we are spoiled now since we had been getting the back wash so regular. But it is rather discusting [disgusting] to know there is mail coming and none here.

You know this letter writing is getting to be a problem because one day is so much like the last and the ones before etc. I did go to town today and one thing I noticed was

Amborella, a native species of New Caledonia (Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons)

Amborella, a native species of New Caledonia (Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons)

[page 2] the increase in green, that seems to be the result of the rains we had here while back and the warm weather. Then too there were odors. I couldn’t distinguish the flowers th it was coming from but it was very noticeable along the way. There are also some very beautiful flowers – deep colors etc. Most of the flowers are small, and all the trees around here are small and there are no jungles in our parts, but plenty of young mountains. In fact our toilet is practically on top of one of them or maybe it just seems that way when we start up in a hurry. I’ll be able to walk all the way to town when I get back without complaining. I haven’t had my oxfords on but a few times since we landed. Always heavy marine shoes and heavy grey socks. Those light back [black] ones I used to wear at home are too thin for heavy walking.

Bridge playing waxes and wanes. I haven’t played any for several days but will start

[page 3] agin [again] one of these days.

Tomorrow is pay day and I’ll try to send some money home. Yours & Davids I’ll send in one chunk, but I’ll send Johns & Marks separately. I’m telling you this so you can check on it. I told you about it once before so that should be enough until after I send it. Guess you have to take care of the folks because I don’t know what I could do.

We lost another tent mate today. He was with us about one week. Here today gone tomorrow, but we seem to stick on the same old stamping ground. Don’t know if that is good or bad. I won’t even hazard a guess.

Well, I haven’t asked for anything so far and I’ve filled up about the usual space so will sign off with Lots of Love,

Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/27/november-14-1942-roscoe/

Phases of the moon (Roscoe)

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Roscoe brings up an interesting scientific question about the moon. In case you are wondering, here is a link that will answer the question for you: http://museumvictoria.com.au/planetarium/discoverycentre/faqs/moon-phases-on-other-side-of-earth/

Letter transcription:

Nov. 13, 1942

Dear Mother,

Just about 1700 or ½ hour before Chow. This was my P.M. off and again all I’ve done is sprawl on my bunk and finally took a bath. Nice bath and fine rest. I can’t say anything about the weather other than the sun is still very very hot and I don’t believe there was a cloud in the sky today – Just the clear blue all day long with the saving feature – The breeze. It’s really more than a breeze almost a gale. When making that ambulance trip the other night I noticed the moon shining over the water and it just reminded me of the South Sea Islands we often read about. I believe the romance that is often referred to the South Sea is true, but needless to say it is wasted on a bunch of stags but one can still dream.

Mail came today but I was the little man who wasn’t there. Not even a V-mail. It’s sorta disappointing but not your fault. I think they just grab a bunch and if

[page 2] mine isn’t there it is too bad. Some letters were dated as late as Nov. 2. So we do keep up, but I didn’t score. And all those letters that I was supposed to get about David’s arrival have never showed up. Not even a one. I believe you said Dorothy wrote an air mail and Uncle Wes & others but none have arrived. That space of about 4-5 days has never arrived. I’m going to chow – and it may be 8:00 or 9:00 before I finish.

Planes Blast Enemy's Ships (UP - November 13, 1942)

Planes Blast Enemy’s Ships

Again – It’s not as late as I expected. Now 7:45 P.M. Got the news and according to our source it’s just a repeat over last night. Locally we have none to be given.

There is one thing I’ve wondered about for a long time. Whether the moon is in the same phase there as here. It’s beginning to get about ½ moon here now. Of course by the time you get this you will have no way to check on it. Maybe I can get a penna alamanac. That probably is spelled wrong, but you know what I mean. I’m afraid things would be different here than there.

[page 3] So far this Eve I have thought of nothing to ask for but as things come along I’ll probably be asking for them. I saw some more Christmas cards yesterday – 3 for one two dollar – but I’m too much of a Scotch to even pay that. They are nothing but water colored pictures on a piece of folded drawing paper. And a fellow bought a boor’s tusk – which was polished and paid better than $15⁰⁰ for it for his wife. He wouldn’t say how much but he did say it amounted to more than $15. I can’t see that maybe I’m still hard hearted. I’ll send the do-re-me and you can by [buy] a good Dress for that.

We are spending the Eve in the lighted mess recreation hall because the mosquitoes are pretty bad but the wind is blowing so hard they are all blown away or should be.

Will proceed with the news tomorrow
Lots of Love
Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/24/phases-of-the-moon/

November 12, 1942 (Roscoe)

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I have been going through some of FDR’s speeches and World War II government films to add some more World War II historical context to the blog. Since the television was not an appliance found in American homes during this time, people went to the cinema to see their motion picture entertainment. Or perhaps such films were shown to children during the school day. The following film was one made by the Department of Defense in 1942 as part of a series. Titled “War Comes to America,” it is quite the masterpiece of American propaganda.

Part way through this letter Roscoe mentions President Roosevelt’s speech that he made from Arlington National Cemetery on Armistice Day. I was unable to find an audio recording of the speech. However, if you follow the hyperlink in the letter, you will find yourself at the FDR library’s website and the digital images of Roosevelt’s typewritten copies of the speech he made that day.

Letter transcription:

Nov. 12, 1942

Dear Mother,

Got two letters today one a V-mail dated Sept 25 and one an ordinary letter dated Sept. 9. Both were rather stale and why couldn’t I have gotten the Sept 25 before the Oct. 6. The first that I knew about David. Anyway that’s the way they came and still the latest news is Oct 27 which came several days ago. Maybe things will happen tomorrow. We always keep thinking that. And once in a while it really hits.

WPA Censorship Poster

WPA Censorship Poster

I’ve been officially appointed on the censor board. I’ve censored lots before but not officially. It’s a job that isn’t very desirable but still has to be done. I’ve heard some of the enlisted men say they just put things in to see if the censor will catch them. So you see why it has to be done.

I started just a little late to finish this by daylight. So I may have

[page 2] to stop any time now. Due to the fact that I had night duty and didn’t have a flashlight I was given one of Navy issue today. So if you have granted my desire I’ll have two which won’t be too many because one never knows when one will go bad.

Our mosquitoes are truly viscous at night if we aren’t in the hall. We have to be under our nets as they really carry on. Even bite thru shirt & pants, but we can really thumb our noses at them when inside the net.

I’ll have to stop – have been listening to news broadcast from both sides and strange as it may seem both sides think they are going to win. Things do look pretty good. We heard the president’s speech as it was rebroadcast. We heard it at about 4:00 AM this morning.

At 8:00 tonite
This is my night off so I hope I can go to bed and not be disturbed by mosquitoes also if you could get some of the ointment that

[page 3] that we had when we were in Wis. last year I think that would help. It would keep them off while we got undressed for bed.

Had very good chow this P.M. – Hamburger balls, a cabbage pineapple salad and peach cobbler that’s all I can remember but it was good. Our chow is much better now than it was a few weeks ago. We don’t seem to be rationed on anything but love & kisses and we just don’t have those at all only in our dreams – which don’t help much.

You had better buy all the gas you can and preserve the supply so if you have to make any trip to Lafayette you’ll have enough to make the trip.

I started this letter about 6:00 PM and it is now about 9:20 PM almost bed time and soon time for taps when all lights have to be out.

Well, I’m all run down So Solong

-Lots of Love

Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/22/november-12-1942-roscoe/

Armistice Day (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Nov. 11, 1942

Dear Mother,

This being my P.M. off I have done exactly nothing. Right after noon chow I came to the tent crawled into my bunk and have been here since, only to take a bath. Have had a little sun bath since my tent bunk is along the west side of the tent and extends north & south. And with the flap of the tent up the sun comes in late in the Eve. One has to stir around during the day or use the net because the mosquitoes take unfair advantage and bite in the day time when they are supposed to do their work only at night.

We were fortunate enough last night to hear some news from U.S.A. again. We got the news mostly from North Africa. Not much from our section was mentioned.

My tent mates are talking of eating – about steak, baked potatoes, etc. Wonder what those things are like, but our eats haven’t been bad. We’ve had fresh meat now for some time with emphasis on lamb. I’m not so crazy about lamb but it could be worse.

This being Armistice Day there was some

[page 2] little celebration. One fellow who was in the last war had a little whiskey and invited us to take a drink. Said he hadn’t missed since the last war and didn’t want to today and he didn’t. Had to go very easy because there was only a small amount of the stuff left. He said his wife always let him drink on that one day. She took care of the calls etc. That day and the next. He now has two boys in the air corps so he knows what the whole situation is like. We do meet some varied and unusual people. There is one father & son combination here both are rated the same – live together and work together, both are hospital corpsmen.

So far today no mail but it is a little early 1645. It may come in around 1700 as it frequently does.

Our mornings are generally much warmer than the P.M. The breeze in the P.M. helps lots. I was lying here in the sun this P.M. not think I rolled over, the metal from my dog tag touched me and I’ll swear it burned. That’s the way the sun feels. Guess it’s a little different there although you may be having some pretty warm weather there as

[page 3] is often the case in November.

I haven’t seen Dr. Ash for some time. He hasn’t been over my way and I haven’t been in his direction so we just haven’t compared stories.

When the Christmas rush is over I want you to send me a small box of crackers and a couple tins of sardines. Just small boxes. We can’t buy things like that and that would be fine to munch on now & then. We have so much carbohydrates that candy doesn’t seem to hit the spot so well. No the reason I didn’t write about those before was because I didn’t think or wasn’t hungry for those things. Don’t send them during the Christmas rush or it you do wrap them very good. I finish later we may get mail.

Later – no mail today – have been rather busy now for the past few hours. Went to town in the ambulance and have been ranting around in general. Maybe more mail will be coming tomorrow I hope –

Good Nite
Lots of Love
Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/09/armistice-day-roscoe/ ‎

November 10, 1942 (Roscoe)

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This letter mentions something that I have no understanding of or have a frame of reference for. It is a mystery that may be lost to the ages. Roscoe writes,

“I noticed the 2000 the boys had on their letters and I smiled to myself when I saw it because I knew how they delighted in that.”

I have no idea to what this refers. A percentage of letters that John and Mark wrote do not survive. Roscoe did a good job saving Gladys’ letters, but he did not save many from the boys. Mainly because the letters are nonexistent, I honestly do not know how often the boys wrote to their father. I am thankful for the ones that do survive, albeit few and far between.

Letter transcription:

Nov. 10, 1942

Dear Mother,

Sunset over New Caledonia

Just finished Chow and will try to get this before dark, but when the sun goes down here it is dark. There is no twilight. It is just about 6:00 P.M. but still pretty light.

We’ve been working pretty hard the past few days. I should say Fred and I. He is another (jg) and it seems a large part of the work falls to us with the exception of the commanding officer, but we don’t mind – it makes things go better.

I noticed the 2000 the boys had on their letters and I smiled to myself when I saw it because I knew how they delighted in that. Guess I forgot to tell you I got a birthday greeting from Floyd & Ruth. That calls for a letter to them. I guess so far I haven’t written them – never knew where to mail a letter to because they are here there and everyplace else generally.

Had pretty good chow today

[page 2] This Eve had sauerkraut & wieners, mashed potatoes and some kind of a bread peach pudding which wasn’t so terribly bad.

Since our roommate with the radio moved out we don’t get the news, and we sure miss it because it was one of the bright spots of the day. We wanted him to leave the radio with us but you know how one would be in that respect. It was a battery set and of course in time will run down. It could be used on regular line if there was one available.

I don’t know if you could get one or not but one of those small atlases would be a good thing to have here. Several of the boys have them. They are 5-10 pages with maps of various parts of the world. Don’t bother too much. Wish I would have brought several of those maps we had

[page 3] there from the Chi [Chicago] Tribune. That’s a good idea, better than the atlas. If you aren’t using them send several of the most detailed of all parts of the world. A good big envelope will be sufficient to mail them. Didn’t think of that for Christmas.

Didn’t get any mail today. I’ve been spoiled. This is the first day for some time. Some packages came but it’s hardly time for mine yet as I have it figured.

Mom said she had sent chewing gum – candy – comic books and stationary and two Indianapolis Stars. C.J. Easley [Charles J. Easley] helped her fix up the box. I’ve thought several times of writing to C.J. but just didn’t get started.

Well it’s almost too dark to write and it is about 6:30. So it didn’t take long for the darkness to descend.

Love
Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/18/november-10-1942-roscoe/