Tag Archives: Russell Islands

George Wingfield, Jr. (George)

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: 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/

Well of Information (Roscoe)

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: December 5, 1943 envelope

: December 5, 1943, p. 1

: December 5, 1943, p. 2

: December 5, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4 Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Dec. 5, 1943

Dear Mother,

Just finished a letter to the Folk and one to Sis so maybe if I hurry I can get one out to you before I run out of things to say. It’s funny but my well of information is very shallow and it seems to take some time for the thing to even get enough to cover the bottom not to say anything about filling up.

We had turkey for noon day meal today. At first I thought it might be what was left over from Thanksgiving but it wasn’t at least it didn’t taste like the leftovers we used to have. Due to my being away on Thanksgiving I missed that meal but

[page 2] we had our fried chicken instead and one can’t kick on a good meal of fried chicken. I wrote you about the chicken in yesterday’s letter.

I’ve been wondering what Dr. Van Kirk will do now that he is out of the Army. He probably will be in demand at his usual work – possibly more now than even before. The way he liked Army life I’m sure he must have been displeased with his discharge. Maybe that will help the other Drs. in the area. At least that will be one more to call and find out of town.

I thought there had been a law passed to keep the pre Pearl Harbor fathers at home and why is Socky Wilson so near to being drafted? There are others with fewer children than

[page 3] they have.

Some of the Drs. here do their own laundry and I’m think[ing] of doing mine also. The first bunch I got back from the laundry was a surprise. I told them I’d paid for those clothes before but the price sure is in keeping with new ones. I thought when I left The Russells I was thru with laundry but I may change my mind. At least we have good hot water here and at that place everything was cold but the drinking water.

Later – about 9 hours. Had a little work to do and just didn’t get back to this. It’s now about 11:30 PM and almost my bed time but I may read for a short time if I can find something to read – So
Good Night –
Love Daddy

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/07/18/well-of-information-roscoe/

Flashback! (Roscoe)

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[Editor’s note: I recently discovered a letter from June 1943 misfiled in the binder of October 1943. The postmark on the envelope was difficult to read so that might be why it was in the wrong place. The letter also seems somewhat relevant, considering his next destination. Since Roscoe was incommunicado on October 28th and 29th, I figured I would use this letter to fill in the gap. On October 28, 1943, Roscoe arrived at Navy 131 at 1100. He remained there for several days. Navy 131 was Roscoe’s old post at Noumea, New Caledonia. So far on his journey, Roscoe has left the Russell Islands, stopped at Guadalcanal, continued on to the New Hebrides/Vanuata, and landed at Noumea.]

: June 27, 1943 envelope

: June 27, 1943, p. 1

: June 27, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:
June 27, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

It finally happened Joe R. caught up with me however it was just for a night because he is returning to a little different place than he was before. It sure was a pleasure to see someone from so near home – after he came we just sat around and chewed the fat – each giving his experiences in rel succession. His Dad keeps him pretty well informed of the Drs. around Watseka that I know. We’ll probably be able to write notes back and forth now that we have proper connections.

Yesterday I received 2 issues of the Clay city news and a letter addressed from The Walkups at Earl Park. Your latest is still June 11, received about 3 days ago. Just saw a two ton truck pass by pass by our place stacked full of mail bags. Maybe they dropped off a few bags at our place. I’m not certain but I sure hope they do.

I thought when I started this I’d have lots to write but on further analysis of what Joe and I talked about I find most of it is not writable. His wife writes him all about you and the boys. In fact he knew about Mark’s tonsillectomy – so his mail must be about as late as mine. I believe in

[page 2] your last letter you wrote of her visit to Kentland.

Last night for chow we had fresh apples and fresh potatoes and this A.M. we had a whole apple as our fruit – Sure did taste good. I think the food situation is much improved and will continue with of course a meal of spam etc. thrown in now and then. That was one thing – Joe has had pretty good food ever since he has been out and mine has been pretty bum. Joe also said he didn’t want to go back to New Zealand – said he didn’t like cold weather. That wouldn’t be my reason for not wanting to go there – The cold weather would be swell but I’d rather have it in the Northern Hemi. Somehow I believe the cold of the south wouldn’t fit like that in the North.

My garden is rapidly becoming a flop. Even the lettuce doesn’t look as if it’s going to amount to anything, can’t tell for sure yet nor can Judgment be passed on the onions or carrots.

I’ll have to write the folks again today – Just one letter from there this week and the two C.C. papers so will have a little to write about. The thing in the paper that gave me a laugh was the practice dim out they were having at Clay City. Then To them it just be serious but from our point of view it doesn’t seem that way at all.

Well must get going –
Hoping you are the same
Love Daddy

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/05/12/flashback-roscoe/

Heading South (Roscoe)

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[Editor’s Note: Roscoe left the Russell Islands on 10/26/1943 at 1400. Two hours later, he arrived at U.S.N. Base “Bevy.” This was the Naval code designation for Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands. The following morning (10/27/43), Roscoe left “Bevy,” heading towards Navy 140 in the New Hebrides. He arrived later that morning at 1100. He spent the day catching up with some old friends. His journey continued on the morning of 10/28 when he departed at 0700. He was not able to write on October 28th or 29th.]

: October 27, 1943 envelope

: October 27, 1943, p. 1

Letter transcription:
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Mob. Hosp. #4
Navy 132
Oct. 27, 1943

Dear Mother,

The address I’ll use on the outside will remain the same for several days but you use the one on the inside.

I’m spending the night with my old boss Cmdr. Frericks. Thought while passing thru I’d just stop for a short chat. We are discussing our times together in the days gone by. Just like Old Settlers.

These letters that I’ll write in the next few days will of course be only notes but later on I’ll try to be a little more specific.

Spent last night with Hicky Reinhart and of course we chewed the fat long & loud. Didn’t turn in until way late and was up pretty early in the A.M.

Your letters if you use the address may have a race with me because our mail had been much faster in the last few days. I’ll do better in the next few days.

Lots of Love
Daddy.

P.S. Hold the phone –
Hi folks – Sure grand to have my friend “Doc” here with me.
H.F.

Map courtesy of the University of Texas libraries http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/australia/solomon_islands_pol89.jpg

©2015 copyright owned & transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/05/09/heading-south-roscoe/

Farewell Party (Roscoe)

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[Editor’s note: According to Roscoe’s travel log & military papers, he left the Russell Islands on October 26, 1943 at 14:00.]

: October 26, 1943 envelope

: October 26, 1943, p. 1

: October 26, 1943, p. 2

: October 26, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Mob. Hosp. #4
Navy 132
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
Oct. 26, 1943

Dear Mother,

No mail yesterday and I was really anxious to get the latest for I’m afraid my mail will be slow in getting to me now for a few weeks but I guess I’ll just have to wait as we have had to in the past on various occasions.

We had a little party last night – consisting of liquid refreshments, sardines, anchovies, canned chicken,

[page 2] canned tuna fish, cashews, melba toast, bread and ended with fruit cake. Just a little jungle get up. You can understand the reason for the party I think. The boys here have all been very swell to me and I really have enjoyed being around such a group.

Maybe I’ll be able to write more interesting letters as time goes along. More topics or I might say new topics. Censorship may be a little different also.

[page 3] As far as this is concerned with respect to tour of duty it should have no affect. It’s just a break for me. I don’t mean just for me but all are being given similar breaks, however I think I have the cream for the area. At least that is what I’ve been told.

Well Dear I’ll write as often as I can during the next few days –
Lots of Love
Daddy

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

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/05/07/farewell-party-Roscoe/

Moving On (Roscoe)

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[Editor’s note: If you have been picking up on some of the subtle clues the last few weeks, you may have realized that Roscoe was about to leave the Russell Islands. The biggest clue was not from Roscoe, but actually from Gladys! All the envelopes that Gladys addressed in the past few weeks had Roscoe’s address Navy 60 crossed out. His mail was being forwarded to Base Hospital #4 or Navy 132. Since I have copies of his military orders, his transfer was approved on October 16th. It took about 9 days for Roscoe to receive the official news.]

: October 25, 1943 envelope

: October 25, 1943, p. 1

: October 25, 1943, p. 2

: October 25, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S.Yegerlehner
Mob. Hosp. #4
Navy 132
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Oct. 25, 1943

Dear Mother,

Another Monday rolls around and I find I have plenty of work to do as usual.

If you use the above address I think it will help me to get my mail much faster in the future. Just one of those things which you understand.

Yesterday your v-mail of Aug. Oct. 10 came and the one in Sept. telling of your episode with the belly bug. I guess you got over that

[page 2] OK because it wasn’t mentioned in your later letters. I’m so glad that Ruth could come and spend a few days with you.

Today is laundry day again and it doesn’t seem to be a very good day but it’s early and maybe the weather will improve as the day moves along. I’ve just simply got to get a haircut today also because I’m like a “shaggy” dog and the tropical weather doesn’t make lots of hair desirable.

I wrote Joe Roberts the other

[page 3] day but didn’t hear from him as yet. I may see some of his friends in a few days if things go as planned at present.

My mail may be a little irregular for a few days because of numerous duties coming up but I’ll write as often as possible.

I’m in a little bit of a hurry so for the present –
Lots of Love
Daddy

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

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

Rommel’s Defeat (Roscoe)

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#Navy

: October 24, 1943 envelope

: October 24, 1943, p. 1

: October 24, 1943, p. 2

: October 24, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
Oct. 24, 1943

Dear Mother,

Just finished writing the Folk. Reversed the order for a change. I thought that perhaps while writing to them I might get an Idea or two to write you. It didn’t work so well because the idea hasn’t hit as yet.

Yesterday in the news Oct. 23 was being discussed as a date that would go down in history because of the start of Rommel’s defeat in Africa. They should have also added that was the day I learned of D. arrival. At least I think that was the day. It was near enough to that anyway to be important.

[page 2] I’ve finished my running around for this morning so far I think but have some little to do this P.M. The tropical atmosphere does give one a type of lassitude which is hard to shake off at times and one is about as comfortable while on the move as while sitting still.

I’m taking a long time to write this letter or rather a long time trying to think of something but the time as I figure isn’t wasted because while I’m thinking of something to write I’m also thing[ing] of you and there is a certain satisfaction in that. It’s a type of visit by proxy – not good but not bad under the circumstances. I often wonder what other officers write their families. I suppose it’s about

[page 3] the same with a little more “boloney” one way or another. Some probably slice it thin others thick but it’s all taken from the same chunk.

A long pause – visitors. The topic of conversation ran from sore heels to lizards – to the possibility of nurses on the Island and on & on. None of which were interesting or educational. Just a means of passing time.

I’m hoping that some mail will find its way into camp today – It has been some time now since late mail arrived.

At least we can hope.
Love
Daddy

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

The Only Mail (Roscoe)

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: October 23, 1934 envelope

: October 23, 1943, p. 1

: October 23, 1943, p. 2

: October 23, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

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

Dear Mother,

The only mail yesterday was the C.C. news and the Newton Co. E. The C.C. news was June 11 and the Newton Co. was Aug. 26. So you see the news from home by that route is rather stale. I’m at a little loss to understand why Mark takes such an interest in 4H work. The account of their outing was in that issue of the Newton Co. E and it seemed to me the boys were older – of course I have no objections but it does seem a little queer and I was just wondering. I’m hoping that there will be some fresh mail today because it’s about time again.

[page 2] Last night we heard Jack Benny on the radio. It was pretty clear. Much of the time programs like that aren’t very clear. In last nite’s program he married a rich gal after giving her a raw deal as a new paper reporter. You probably don’t remember the episode. They generally condense a half hour program into 15 or 20 min. There is no advertising. Not a mention is made of their sponsors, and that is true of all the programs so when that is cut out the programs are much shorter.

I’ve hit one of those slumps when it seems there isn’t a thing to write and I just sit a perfect blank.

[page 3] Just thought of something. Maybe you had mentioned it before but I saw in the paper the item telling of the arrival of the Schultz baby. I just couldn’t help but think of her varicose veins – naughty naughty one might say – Maybe you don’t remember what I mean. Or do you? I spent lots of time, when I’m not thinking of the family, running thru the happenings of the past – thinking of this and that patient and the little off the record side lines that make life worthwhile.

Well, I’m what you might say exhausted as far as writing is concerned so
Lots of Love
Daddy

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

Letter to Jim (Roscoe)

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[Editor’s Note: This letter to Jim Foster was included in Roscoe’s letter to Gladys of October 22, 1943. It is unique to the collection because it is likely the only letter that Roscoe wrote to someone other than Gladys and the boys that survives. Faithful readers will notice a definite change in writing style and tone. The letter’s survival is due the the fact that it was mailed to Gladys, whether intentionally or by mistake.]

: October 22, 1943, p. 1

: October 22, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

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

Dear Jim,

Your v-mail written Aug. 1^st arrived today so I’ll hurry and return one – The letters you wrote before took about 6 mo. to get here and I was certain you would be moved before I could return a letter to you – anyway thanks for writing me and I’m duly ashamed for not writing to you sooner.

I’m truly sorry about your mother but I’m at a loss to give her my medical service because of distance, etc. Financially I think Gladys has enough to give her the medical attention she needs – It really was fine that you could get home to see her if it was only for a few days.

I have plenty of shoulder brass so no need to send more – and anyway out here it would not make any difference. In fact I didn’t wear any for some time for I didn’t want to be a prize package. It’s quite customary in certain

[page 2] regions for all officers and men to wear the same uniform. However, we are very much civilized now that is in comparison to our first month or two.

I suppose you are interested in seeing some of the old world and are anxious to get out. I was just that over one year ago but somehow I’ve seen more than somewhat and that good old flat land around Kentland would be a sight for sore eyes. The tour of duty here has never been clearly stated so I’ve no idea how long I might be here. If it’s going to be a long time I do hope I can push forward because monotony is a slow way to pass time. I had some hope of getting home by Christmas but it begins to look doubtful. Anyway I can’t ask favors because other have been out as long as I have and they have vital interests at home the same as I.

Gladys sure has been a Dear in keeping things going and has been assuming the home responsibilities in a great big way and believe me I’m proud of her and desperately in love with her as much so as say 15 years ago – pardon the romantic side of an old salt.

Hope you get to stay in the good old USA because I know Thelma will appreciate it lots. Best wishes to Thelma and Regards.
Jake

Wanting Sympathy (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: October 22, 1943 envelope

: October 22, 1943, p. 1

: October 22, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

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

Dear Mother,

Your air mail written Sept. 27 came yesterday and as you might imagine there wasn’t much news in it because it was almost one month in getting here. However, one always appreciates letters regardless of how old.

There goes that word appreciate again – The more I thought of yesterday’s letter – the one I wrote – the dumber it seemed but I can’t see how or what I can write unless I go off on a tangent like that because vital news of each day’s happenings are not available – yes I’ve wrote that same old excuse so often it’s trite by now. I guess repeating that is a form of topics sorta pleading for sympathy. And every human at some point or another wants sympathy in one form or another. How on earth did I get started on sympathy? Must have been something in the diet.

In yesterday’s letter you said something about Reed Walker wishing I was there. I wonder what

[page 2] his trouble might be – my mind sure does roam, because you wrote in another letter saying he was going with Mrs. Jack Kindig – maybe he needs an over haul on the organs of internal combustion preparatory to an all out assault. That could be classed in the realm of smutty, nasty or catty depending upon the view point. Poor Reed, and how about that “little Devil.” I don’t mind the Devil but he could have left the little off. Once when Adm. Halsey, as the story goes, was walking along the deck of a ship heard a sailor say “There goes that old S.B. – “ where upon The Adm. Turned and said “Who says I’m old.” It’s time for the laugh now.

It seems all I’m doing now is throwing the “Bull” and someone has said that in this era of meat shortage many people would be sufficiently nourished if they swallowed their own “Bull.” Sounds good in theory but practically I’m afraid it wouldn’t stick to the ribs as most “Bull” don’t stick to anything unless its real instead of fictitious and on ad infinitum.

Please Dear excuse the crudeness of this –
Lots of Love (and that’s not Bull)
Daddy

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