Tag Archives: Russell Islands

Canned Goods Will Suffer (Roscoe)

6 Replies

Letter transcription:

Mar 24, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
A.P.O. 43
% Postmaster
San Francisco, Calif.

Dear Mother,

Plenty of sunshine today after the wet rainy spell of yesterday. Just the way it should be plenty of water yesterday and a good day for laundry today. I put my clothes to soak and soap yesterday A.M. and later in the day put them in freshly caught rinse water and this morn put them out in the bright sunlight and believe it or not they came out nice and white. Three of my tent mates had the same idea this A.M. but they didn’t soak their clothes as I did and

[page 2] hush! They had tattle tail gray. I think you’d get a kick out of laundry day on the ——- ——-. The blanks are for the missing location. Some day I’ll let you know where the blanks refer to but at present it can’t be done for obvious reasons.

Instead of having tea this P.M. we had lime juice and pineapple juice. The only thing lacking was the tinkle of the ice cubes and don’t let me miss lead you. The pineapple juice was canned. However there are a few around here in the natural state.

The moon at present is about as bright as one will ever see – I mean at night – really

[page 3] I think I could write at night. Last night we had fish again and they weren’t brought in in time to prepare before dark so we ate them in moon light and they were sure swell. Fried in deep butter. That is one of the most pleasant experiences after eating spam, corned beef and canned hash. Really I believe the spam companies will go out of business after the war and I’m not so sure but what all canned goods will suffer. Maybe I’m in one of weak moments just now.

Our mail of course is slow as usual but when some does come we are spoiled and keep looking every day for a few days

[page 4] ant then when all hope is abou  abandoned here comes a big bunch. I surely hope mine is getting to you with some regularity.

There is a huge cocoanut just outside our tent door which fell with a resounding thump. It’s about one foot in diameter. That is with the outer covering over the nut. That outer covering is the nuts to get off. It resists cutting prying and sawing but after tedious hours of stabbing one gets a foothold and then the whole outer shell peals off rather easily. However I haven’t seen anyone eat any of the meat for days. It very easy to get filled and stay filled with the stuff.

Well, I feel like I’ve been very extravagant with paper today and said very little so solong
Love Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/03/07/canned-goods-w…-suffer-roscoe/

Just so much to write about (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Mar 23, 1943
Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

A swell rainy P.M. and I’m reading a book. “A bullet thru a cap.” A very exciting drama but thought I’d better stop before darkness came on and get this letter written. Really though I can’t see that I do any better even if I am rushed because there is just so much to write about and the subjects are quickly exhausted.

Our trip yesterday was the most extensive I had taken on land and was quite interesting but there again I’m stopped because

[page 2] no description allowed. We did see a lot of cocoanuts trees and a lot of water and the water was fine swimming but shells are almost absent. We did see a small amphibious fish along the bank that when it was frightened it would scamper on land and run along then jump back into the water. Tropical fish are really a sight to behold. Almost all colors imaginable.

The rain is almost stopped and all our buckets are full of nice rain water so I can rinse those clothes I put to soak this A.M.

Well I’ll go back to my book for a while now.
Love Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/03/04/just-so-much-t…e-about-roscoe/

Getting Dark Rapidly (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Mar 22
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner US MCNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran

Dear Mother,

This will have to be rather short and rapid – since I’ve been out a little late and it’s raining and getting dark rapidly. While we were out – went swimming gathered some limes and saw some orange trees but no luck in getting oranges. The rain has made the roads very muddy and it makes a jeep sort puff to come thru but we haven’t been stuck yet.

Fibber McGee and Molly, 1937 (Image via Wikipedia Commons)

Fibber McGee and Molly, 1937 (Image via Wikipedia Commons)

We were able to get Fibber & Molly last night. It was the first time I had heard them. The program was the inspection of the

[page 2] milk supply – I just wonder if you heard that one. We also got the news and some scuttle butt from Japan. We like their tall tales.

I’ve been told lately that our mail no longer goes by air and I wonder if that is true – if so no use to spend the extra but I’ll keep writing air mail as long as I have stamps and until I hear from you on the subject.

Well, It’s almost dark so must say –
Solong
Love Daddy.

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/03/02/getting-dark-rapidly-roscoe/

The Motherlode (Roscoe)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

Mar 21, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner MC USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran. Calif.

Dear Mother,

Mail came this A.M. and we spent much time reading and re-reading. 18 letters, 4 papers and two packages. The letters were from: Statons, Allgood, Sykes, Mom, Boonie (2), Wayne W., C. J. Easley, Bob H., The Earl park Walkups, The packages from Dr. M. and Floyd. I snitched this paper from the office and will try to answer a few providing I can get some stamps and envelopes. Your letters were of the latter part of Jan and the first part of Feb. So the letter I got the other day dated Feb. 19 is still the latest. Our mail has to be

[page 2] re forwarded and that always takes time. Your Valentine missed St. Pat’s day 5 days so you weren’t far from wrong right.

My letters may have been interesting but anymore there is nothing to write about. Description is out – Traveling is not as extensive as the last place and activities not for publication are more numerous. So the letters to  in answer to those today will be short and not very “ready.”

The newspapers were all the Newton Co. E. so I was able to catch up on a few things. Jim sent a Norfolk paper dated Sept. 23, so that was pretty old reading. I hate not to write

[page 3] all those people but if I see I’m going to be caught short I’ll just skip them.

All writing has to be done in the daytime because each night there is a total blackout and even the lighting of a smoke has to be done under cover. So you see there isn’t as much time to write as before.

I’ve ceased worrying or even thinking of the taxes but and wish I could get some extra money home but that is impossible at present – Maybe later that can be arranged.

I’ll try a few letters to others now after writing the folks
So solong Love Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/28/the-motherlode-roscoe/

Another damp cloudy warm day (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Mar 20, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner MC USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. S. F. Calif.

Dear Mother,

Just another damp cloudy warm day – very little rain but just damp. We just won’t know what it’s like to put dry clothes on in the morning. During the night our clothes seem to collect moisture and water almost drips. I got out an extra pair of shoes today from my sea bag and they were moldy and the whole sea bag smells like an old basement.

With all the above, however, we were commenting the other night that we were a pretty lucky bunch being out here

[page 2] where the air is fresh with opportunities to go swimming, fish to catch, nice tropical moonlight nights – Then when we think of those poor fellows back there who are all shut up in hot, smelly, smoke filled rooms who have to drink beer etc  for entertainment or maybe have to sit thru 2-3 hours of a no good show. That really makes us feel very lucky, horse feathers. [an expression meaning disagreement, disbelief, or frustration]

Yesterday I sent each of the boys a little present. Just mentioning it again today.

Well I think I’ve beaten my gums enough for one time – so solong
Love Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/27/another-damp-c…arm-day-roscoe/

A Real Spendthrift (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Mar 19, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner MC USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran. Calif.

Dear Mother,

I felt real spendthrift like today and wrote each of the boys a letter and sent each a small souvenir (don’t know if that is spelled correctly). I think if you look it over carefully and use your imagination you can piece a story together. Those things are made to be arm or wrist bands. Those I made myself and you can see they aren’t so fancy but things to send home from here are very few in number. We could send cocoanuts but on second thought you can buy them there as good and as cheap.

Last night we heard some news and also Kay Kaiser. In the news they told of the great league ball teams having their spring workouts at Lafayette and Bloomington

[page 2] Indiana and after all those towns are pretty close home.

You mentioned that Statons had written and Funks but other than Ira, Geo, Bob & Bonnie I have had no mail for ever so long – your letters are mostly missing since Jan 25. Just those came that I wrote of yesterday. Of course we always have high hopes.

We are getting real civilized – Even have a few candy bars now and then but no refrigeration so know that means – Spam corned beef and canned hash bless the stuff – oh yes we still have powdered eggs and some bacon.

Well, I’ll not use any more paper this time – we have a pretty good supply but one never knows if more will come – So

Lots of Love Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/25/a-real-spendthrift-roscoe/

Six letters came (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Mar 18, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner MC USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran Calif.

Dear Mother,

At least there is a little to write about today, because six letters came – 2 registered from you – One with the pictures – the other of Feb 7 and a v-mail Feb 19. At least that brings the news up to only about one month behind times. Also got a letter from Geo T., Bob N. and Boonie. Those I answered a few days ago – really ahead of time – when I wrote Ira D. Maybe I’ll be able to write to them individually some of these days when more paper comes floating around. Your v-mail of Feb 19, must have been written about the same time you got the word that I left the previous station and I certainly do hope my mail is coming thru to you now regularly and it should because there was only 4-5 days that writing was impossible

[page 2] but it may not have good connections out like at the last place. Boonie got my last letter to him in 7 days – If ours would only come that way.

The pictures were really swell and I agree that those you didn’t have printed were bad. Fact of the matter is I hid those. That necklace looks like the duce, I think. Hope you have the other one I sent. It’s too long – I mean the one you had on in the picture. I saw the Padgett picture before I saw the name and I sure thought D. had grown. Even the fly leaves of that folder are stuck together but I can get them apart easily.

I like this place so much better than the last place – and I’m afraid that in time I might be sent back but hope not until I can go farther back than that place. Some of these days censorship will ease up and we can write more of our

[page 3] location. I still say watch the papers and listen to the radio. Last night we had Bob Hope and then got some news from K.W.I.D. You probably could get that easily on our short wave but their program starts at 12:00 midnight and you would hardly be listening at that time. Then just for diversion we get Radio Japan and listen to how we are not doing. It’s really funny – when one really knows and then hear their version. Of course we don’t know everything but we are in a position to have a few facts.

Our tuna fish shure sure was swell. The colored mess boy fried it in butter after rolling it in flour and after canned hash beans and spam it sure was one fine meal.

Well, I’ve used my quota of paper today – so solong Love Daddy

P.S. Is that an army suit Mark had on – if so shame

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/23/six-letters-came-roscoe/ ‎

Tuna Fish (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Mar 17, 1943
Lieut Yegerlehner
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran

Dear Mother,

This will be a race with darkness because I was busy and didn’t get started until late and along with being engaged this P.M. we caught a Tuna Fish which weighs about 20 lbs and we are having it for evening chow. That is another reason why I’ll have to hurry. That must sound funny to you that we have time for a little fishing but never the less it’s true.

I found a few shells but they are not nearly as nice as those I’ve already sent – some of the same variety however.

[page 2] We were able to get a small radio and last night we heard on of Jack B. programs. Tonight we want to get Reno as they are having some services at an airport and since two of our fellows are from there we want to listen. It isn’t much of a radio but any is better than none.

Well I’ll do better next time – promise – Lots of Love

Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/21/tuna-fish-roscoe/

Strangers in fox holes (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Mar 16, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner MC USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran. Calif.
Dear Mother,

I may have dated yesterday’s letter the 14th because I was a day behind and if I did you will get two letters dated the 14th and none the 15th just an error in rec9k0oning.

Today is one of those hot steaming days like July or Aug at home and one sure does feel worthless. Just this noon we were talking about some of the movies of the South Sea Isles and to the man we all agreed that they were the bunk but I suppose when we get home and have to wear clothes, be polite and civilized we will get a yearning to be back were[ where] life is free and easy etc. That a lot of bunk.

Our heads (toilets) are burned out 2-3 times each day – a little gasoline is poured in and lighted and

[page 2] the burning destroys the eggs etc. Well it seems my urges and the burnings come at the same time. I’m so used to it now that by the time I come home we’ll have to run the hot water thru the toilets in order to get the proper setting.

Our “Fox holes” are usually pretty well populated with spiders and lizards but when in need of a good “Fox Hole” we just simply “shew” out the strangers and enter without the least hesitation – funny about how one feels at a time like that.

Our mail seems to have taken another vacation for it has been 3-4 days since any has arrived. I believe when the new address comes thru it will be more regular. All the mail with the old address has to take a stop over there and that all takes time. Jan 25 is still the latest mail I have received so you see I’m way behind.

Well, even though I have some extra paper I still have to conserve some so
Solong love Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/19/strangers-in-fox-holes-roscoe/ ‎

Much Harder to Write (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Mar 15, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner MC USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San F. Calif.

Dear Mother,

You should have noted if I didn’t mention it that I have some new envelopes. I was able to buy a little and today wrote Ira D a letter and asked him to tell the others he had heard from me.

It seems so much harder to write from here than at the last station. The reason being restrictions I suppose and fear that a little slip will be made.

I washed my usual two day washing this A.M. or rather put them to soak – will finish tomorrow A.M. That seems a long process for a pair of shorts socks towel etc. but why hurry. I’ve let my watch run down and

[page 2] have a calendar up to go by so I guess I won’t miss anything.

Last night it really rained and I expected to see the ocean raise a foot or two this A.M. Really I looked for holes in the sky where the water poured thru but everything was natural this A.M. so it was just another hard rain.

One of the boys just brought in a bunch of bananas but they are a little too green at present for eating purposes. We have had several limes and a few pineapple right fresh off the press so we get a few fresh vitamins.

Well I’m tired of balancing this pad on my knee – so solong
Love Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/17/much-harder-to-write-roscoe/