Tag Archives: Noumea

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/

Laundry (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: January 6, 1944 envelope

: January 6, 1944, p. 1

: January 6, 1944, p. 2

: January 6, 1944, p. 3

: January 6, 1944, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4
Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Jan. 6, 1943 [sic]

Dear Mother,

No mail today and no show tonight so we just sat around and chewed the fat. In fact, lots of talkie talk with nothing settled and nothing elevating being told.

I played Lentz 3 games of Acey Ducey and he beat me 2 out of three but next time it will probably be reversed. It’s only a matter of pride because we don’t have anything bet unless it’s a chew of tobacco or a cigar.

Today was the first time in two weeks we were able to send any laundry. People

[page 2] here really take their holidays seriously and it’s really hard to get anything done. 2 to 3 weeks is the usual length of time for a vacation and they all seem to take them around Christmas time.

I believe I have given you the total taxable amount for the year of “43. If I didn’t here it is and if so here it is again. The total taxable amount as I figure it is $2,566.00 less of course deductions. The office may give us the exact figures but I think those are very near. I don’t believe we will have any tax to pay but possibly we do have to file anyway. You

[page 3] may do what you think best about that. We should have enough bonds to cover all the back taxes so we don’t have to worry too much about them. Right now I have very little on the books so you can’t expect any extra for a while. When I get enough I’ll send it home – but I’m going to think some of traveling money for the next month or two. Outside of laundry expenses aren’t much more here than at the last place. The food costs the same but what a difference. I still weigh about 12-13 pounds less than when I left Noumea but I was a little fat when

[page 4] there. This A.M. I weighed 151 and one time in Noumea I weighed 165. Chubby wasn’t I? I’m not complaining or feeling sorry for myself because I feel good and really don’t care to gain anymore – not that I’m on a diet but that is just the way it is. To tell the truth my appetite or I should say my choice of foods is much more limited now than previously, because we were over fed in some lines – peas for example. And we still have lots of them.

It seems I’ve written this whole letter about myself – please excuse I’ll try to do better next time.

Lots of Love
Daddy

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/09/23/laundry-roscoe/

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

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/05/15/old-stamping-ground-roscoe/

V-mail Was Better (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: September 12, 1943 envelope

: September 12, 1943, p. 1

: September 12, 1943, p. 2

: September 12, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Sept. 12, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.

Dear Mother,

Your air mail of Aug. 25 and v-mail of Aug. 30 came yesterday. This is one of the first times that v-mail was better than air mail. I still want you to keep up just the way you have been – mostly air mail with a v-mail at times.

I was glad that Glenn could come and no doubt your mother appreciated it very much. I wish they could stay and help you for a time but I suppose you’re their work keeps them from doing that. I’m sure your mother would be better off in the hospital and I’m sure you would have less to do but the traveling back and forth

[page 2] would also be equally difficult.

Your expenses will probably mount very much but inform those concerned that we will pay as y we go along and don’t let it worry you. With times as good as they are anyone you become indebted to should be able to carry along without our paying on the line. So much for that – I’m sure it will work out OK and aff after all that is only a small problem considering other things going on today.

You didn’t mention anything what Dr. VanB said about John’s eyes – possibly he hadn’t written you as yet, and to date I have not heard from Dr. Cole.

I just happened to remember that

[page 3] months ago I sent you some films of pictures we had taken in Noumea – you never did mentioned them. I just wonder if they never arrived or if they were no good? You probably wrote of them but that letter hasn’t arrived as yet. Pictures are pretty much frowned upon here and of course I couldn’t bring that camera with me and I’m not sure whether it was packed or whether Dr. P. or W. kept it. The box was cracked and it wasn’t much good anyway.

This is the day to write the folks so must cut off here and write them a note –
Love
Daddy

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

Calendars and Watches (Roscoe)

4 Replies

: August 27, 1943 envelope

: August 27, 1943, p. 1

: August 27, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Aug. 27, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 San Fran. Cal.

Dear Mother,

Your v-mail of Aug. 10 came yesterday – That was the latest but your air mail of Aug. 8 came a week or more ago. I suppose the Burgess are about the same as ever – when I remember how I used to put up with her I wonder – I guess she was OK but the world just didn’t understand. I was glad to hear what Miss said about the piano and also what she said about John. I imagine her suggestions about him being a composer will spur him on to more of it and he probably keeps the neighborhood well pianoed most of the time, but the houses are far enough apart so that the neighbors shouldn’t have to suffer too much.

Some time ago I read in the Newton Co. E. that the telephone rates were raised – How much does that affect our rate? Maybe it’s a little hard for you to tell since for you told me during your mother’s sickness and D. accident you had so many long distant call – I hope with that increase in rate the service was increased but I’ll just wager the service is just as poor and probably worse because of the help situation.

You know a calendar is a wonderful thing but after all it’s not so useful out here – this one I have

[page 2] hangs just over my bunk and of course I look at the date quite frequently – Seems to me all that one would need would just be a ’42, ’43, etc. and a watch that is something else, I haven’t worn mine in 6 months. It went on the bum in Noumea and I had a fellow fix it but the regulator spring was rusted and he couldn’t slow it down enough. It wasn’t bad if I just kept it off my arm – my speed made it run faster – Then all of a sudden one day the minute hand dropped off so it doesn’t run and I’m none the worse because there is a bell for each chow time and our ships bell sounds the bell every half hour and one can’t go far wrong under those circumstances. This climate is very hard on watches – sweat and moisture soon causes them to corrode and rust.

I’m hoping for additional mail in a few days because that one v-mail wasn’t very much. There was a considerable amount of mail but most of it was from neighboring areas – I got a letter from a fellow who had been transferred and others got letters from those areas – but mail like that doesn’t count.

Well, here’s hoping –
Lots of Love
Daddy

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

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