Tag Archives: Solomon Islands

No thoughts came (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

June 5, 1943
Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60, F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Up to now I’ve sat here about 5 min. and no thoughts came so maybe with a line for stimulation I’ll get an idea or two. I’ve written so often of our weaknesses such as sardines onions and the likes of such that to dwell on it more would be very boring indeed, but in passing we still do those things.

Yesterday evening late, I got a letter from Mr. Healy and that he said was the second letter he had written – also got a letter from Hicky Reinhart

[page 2] and again our letters passed on the way – maybe after a time we will be able to correspond regularily. Mr. Healy said he missed me coming in the back of the drug store – wonder if he thinks I miss coming in.

Yesterday morning a letter came from Mom. A v-mail dated May 18 which wasn’t bad. She said she had gotten a letter from you and everything was OK but I’d rather get the letters direct. Probably some will come along in a few days.

I see the Chaplin coming this

[page 3] way – don’t know what I’ve done now – no he turned to port and is headed for the head. He is a swell gent and is well liked by all the men and officers. I think he would like to move back to our tent and use his for the library and his office – I don’t mind because he is regular and there is no restraint.

Commander Frericks got two fruit cakes yesterday. They were sent in Dec. as a Christmas present. Strange as it may seem they were really good. Nice and moist – That’s what I call Christmas in June. Some

[page 4] fellows get packages just as nice as the day they were sent but most of mine have been battered and banged into many shapes.

True to the good old Navy custom we had beans for breakfast and also have inspection and that always means I have to tag along as a part of the inspection party which is tiresome before it’s finished.

Well, I did get some written, after a poor start, but and one might say – poor all the way thru –

Lots of Love
Daddy

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

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

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/24/no-thoghts-came-roscoe/

 

Chewing Gum (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

June 4
Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Yesterday P.M. a box came from Mom. It had chewing gum, a can of peanuts and some lifesavers. It was in a tin box with no wrapper and just my name and Noumea address but no stamps or indication of postmarks. It looked as if someone might have brought it but it came in the mail. The content was in A-1 condition.

The mail in general is not very good and I’m not sure it it’s

[page 2] v-mail, air mail or why anyway write a few of each.

I just stopped long enough to write a letter to Dr. Porterfield. It had been some time since his last letter came and I just got the urge all at once.

Was invited out for noon day chow yesterday – Had roast beef and then at home we had roast beef again so I was pretty lucky all around. You will note I’m back on the eating again. Which next to the weather is a good topic to write about.

Yesterday while reclining on the bunk I saw a huge lizard about 8 in long on one of the rafters.

[page 3] I pointed it out to my new tent mate and he was rather disturbed. He wanted to kill it right there and the only thing he could find was a spade but since the thing was so fat he was afraid it would “squish” all over on to his bunk. So after much deliberation I chased it higher with our fly spray and so far as I know he is still squirming around over head. I felt something cold hit me last night while sleeping in the raw but I’m not sure if it was a lizard or what. I just brushed my hand over

[page 4] the spot, rolled over and went back to sleep.

I see we have a small leak around my chewing gum patch so will have to get another patch fixed up.

Last night Commander Fredricks, Geo and I had onion and sardine sandwiches. Two or three sardines between a couple slices of onion. That was the night cap. It really is amusing the way we go after those things.

Well, hope your mail is getting there more regular as to mine I’ve almost given up –
Love Daddy

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

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

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney.
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/22/chewing-gum-roscoe/

Canned Pheasant (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran

Dear Mother,

This time I’ll start with the most common topic food, because we sure had it last night. Geo. got a whole pheasant canned from the states: weighed over 2 ¼ pounds. It came in the mail yesterday and he invited the commanding office, another commander and myself so after all the rest had had their meal we went to the mess hall and had the feast. The gravy was excellent and the Hearts of palm salad and onions sure topped things in A-1 style – and also I forgot asparagus. Really I doubt if one could have a better meal anyplace. Hope

[page 2] that doesn’t make you hungry. That can probably cost 4.50 to 5.00. It was from a privately owned farm out west and canned for exclusive trade and at that price why wouldn’t it be. However, Geo can talk in high figures for he really has the potatoes. He often talks of going bird hunting with Marshall Field’s daughter or granddaughter but being in the hotel business in Reno he meets those people under the usual divorce proceedings – So much for Geo and the good meal.

Just took a peek at the turnip and radish seed I sewed day before yesterday and they are sprouting very nicely. So if the cows don’t come in and beat us to them we

[page 3] may have a vegetable now and then. This morn. I was awakened by the chomp, chomp, of a cow right outside the tent where the grass picking was good. Sometime at night those milk carriers give us a fright as they graze through camp.

If I have things figured correctly this month is the last month for payment on the old Hancock policy of mine. We should draw dividends on that now each year. I suppose you will get some kind of a notice that it is paid up and of course we will not try to cash it in at this time, but I would like to repay the loan if you haven’t done so. If your bank balance is too low to repay the loan, I can help out if I ever get paid –

Well, solong Love Daddy

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

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

©copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found:  https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/20/canned-pheasant-roscoe/

 

 

Tickling Lizards (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

June 2, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother

Finished my morning chores a little late again this A.M. and then had a few complaints about flies in the mess hall so had to try to see if that could be fixed up. Seems as if there is always something. Flies in the mess hall, mosquitoes in the shower rooms or flies in the heads. We have been very fortunate in having screens and squirt guns to aid in the cause.

One of my tent mates moved out of the tent so I moved from

[page 2] one side to the other. He had a dresser for his clothes and I thought it easier to move myself than the dresser. It’s just like you moving the furniture around at home – helps change the surroundings somewhat.

The ground hasn’t been dry enough lately to do any first class gardening so yesterday I sprinkled a few radish and turnips seeds around in some loose dirt hoping that the soil is good enough them to grow. My latest potatoes are up a few inches

[page 3] but some of them rotted.

All our enthusasium (can’t spell that one) for shell hunting has waned and we are still in the process of having the ants eat out the inside of the ones we did collect. I’m going to have a look at mine this P.M. to see if the odor is gone if so I’ll try to make something – Don’t know what but I’ll try.

There is a tiny lizard hardly an inch long crawling around. At that size they are rather cute. They crawl on the outside of the misquito net and I like to get a hair and tickle them on the belly – Some fun to wtch them wriggle – So much for lizard play

Love Daddy

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

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

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/18/tickling-lizards-roscoe/

Just Got Word (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 San Fran
6/1/43

Dear Mother,

I’ve been running around this A.M. trying and finally getting an officer started on his way back to the States due to an eye ulcer. I at least saw him leave our place but don’t know what the big Drs. will say further back the line. The only mistake I made was not making him sick enough too that he would have had to have medical attention on his way.

[page 2] All this running around has slowed down my garden making but maybe I can get started this P.M.

I got a litter from Rev. McCloud last Sunday. It was type written a but not signed. His return address on the outside of the envelope gave me the identity.

Wasn’t so lucky with the wash yesterday for it rained just about the time it was right for ironing – I got in all but two towels and a pair of pants and have them hanging around inside.

[page 3] Just got word that there are two boys in sick bay to see so I’ll have to cut things short – They aren’t very sick from the word I got so maybe I won’t have to hurry to much. If some of these fellows had to pay for every call I’m sure I wouldn’t be nearly so busy. Or I’d be making a high salary.

Well, guess I’d better see what the score is –
Lots of Love

Daddy

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

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

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/16/just-got-word-roscoe/

 

Which Is Faster (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

May 31, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Just finished re reading your air mail letter of May 8. That is two days later than you latest v-mail but the v-mail came 3-4 days ago. So I can’t tell which is faster. So I guess maybe if you wrote a few of each it would be better. U

You mentioned about the bank balance – I wouldn’t buy bonds at present with the balance that low, and if I can ever get my money I’ll send it to help. Not being paid since Jan. makes a

[page 2] a little balance on hand. Hope the boys’ colds are better and by this time the warm weather should help.

The second box you sent hasn’t arrived as yet but maybe it will be along. The chicken bones were still in the box but they weren’t in too good condition. All tough and stuck together.

And I didn’t write that v-mail letter like I said I was going to. I forgot whether I told you in yesterday’s letter – I got radish, lettuce, carrot and turnip seed from Mom yesterday.

It’s chow time will write more tomorrow
Love Daddy

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

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

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/14/which-is-faster-roscoe/

 

Another Sunday Morning (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

May 30, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60. F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Another Sunday morning rolls around and I can’t see any difference in this one and numerous ones that have passed before – Just hot and damp.

I wrote Boonie and Bob Hufty yesterday and there was a little drip in the tent and both got wet but I think they will dry by mail time. However wet seems to predominate around here. There was a spot just above my face

[page 2] in the tent and on numerous occasions I was awakened by a drip drip in my face. The only thing to do was to get up and move – Yesterday I had a very bright idea. I chewed up several cakes of gum and repaired the said hole – and after a little downpour last night my repair job was perfect.

Just got a letter from Mom with lettuce, radish, turnip and carrots seeds. So my gardening will soon start. Seems as if I get letters from everyone but

[page 3] you. Her letter was dated May 8. And was an air mail with 12 cents postage. Anyway I’ll be in the garden business before very long. However the crabs and other vermine might beat me to the garden

There is still a possibility that more mail will arrive. Usually the v-mails are the last to be delivered.

Well, I must write the folks so solong.
Love Daddy

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

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

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/12/another-sunday-morning-roscoe/

George Wingfield, Jr. (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

May 29, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Just looked at the calendar and decided that if the Indianapolis races were to be held this year it would be day after tomorrow but since they aren’t being held I guess that particular date doesn’t mean any more than any other day.

A letter came from Ruth Y yesterday eve, just telling of their move and a little gossip at the end about Dr. Bond and his office girl which didn’t impress me in any way whatsoever. I guess things

[page 2] like that happen often and whenever they do there is always much talk – regardless of the truth.

It was cool enough for a while last night that I used the sheet and bed spread – maybe that is a sign of winter – However, this A.M. it’s as hot and sticky as ever.

The commanding officer asked me this morn. where I’d like to spend the weekend. I told him I’d like to go the beach and camp out for a night or two. That was the end of the conversation.

Yesterday I told of having eggs for breakfast – well it was different this A.M. – beans and toast. What a meal! I think however we will

[page 3] have cuttin meat today maybe twice. Sure hope there are some of those potatoes left so that we can have French fries. Here I go into the food subject again. It always starts in the conversation as – “How would you like to have a big think steak” and then all the elaborate trimmings that one ever heard of to be added.

Well, I hope some mail gets thru in a day or two –Ruth M & Ruth Y’s letter were both dated May 10. Which is four days later than yours.

So Long
Love Daddy

_________________________________________________

Although this letter does not mention Roscoe’s tent mate George, his initials appear on the envelope as the naval censor. At this point, Roscoe has dropped enough clues about his friend George that I have been able to figure out who he was. George Wingfield, Jr. was born 5 May 1914, and died 11 November 1987. He was the son of George Wingfield, Sr. and his wife Maude A. Murdoch. George Wingfield, Sr. was a very powerful and important person in the history of Nevada. In 1993, University of Nevada history professor C. Elizabeth Raymond published her book George Wingfield: Owner and Operator of Nevada. By the 1940s, the two Georges were co-owners of at least two hotels in Reno. In February 1943, Ensign George arrived in the Russell Islands with Roscoe on the U.S.S. John Penn.

Navy Muster Roll of the U.S.S. John Penn, from February 1943

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/10/george-wingfield-jr-roscoe/

Some Extra Work (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

May 28, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

I’m a little late this A.M. due to some extra work and I may have to cut this short. One letter from you John and 3 from you came this A.M. but they were all old letters Apr. 24, 25 & 29 – was glad to get them of course but would appreciate later ones more – one came from Ruth M. yesterday. It was dated May 10 – a v-mail. I think I mentioned in yesterday’s letter to keep writing some v-mails along with regular air mail.

This A.M. for breakfast we really had a treat – Eggs – sunny side up and bacon. Seems as if one

[page 2] of the fellows did a good job of procuring. We had only 18 eggs so only 9 of us got to share in the ordeal. That’s the first since early in Feb.

Just let one of the fellows have John’s letter to read – he hasn’t made any comment yet only on the party where he said only educated people liked the oboe.

Well, I must get going will write more tomorrow –

Love Daddy

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

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

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/08/some-extra-work-roscoe/

They Were Expendable (Roscoe)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

May 27, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Again I find myself with pen, paper etc but very little if anything to write but maybe ideas will come as the writing progresses.

One of the fellows got several cans of boneless and skinless sardines yesterday and another got some various assorted cans of turkey and sardines etc. He also got the book “They or we were expendable.” I forgotten the exact title. In my wandering I’ve met the fellow Kelley who has so much to say in that book so it really gives the book a personal touch, or something.

Our stamp and stationary supplies are rapidly becoming a problem but I think before the supply is entirely depleted we will be able to get more or maybe I’ll have to write v-mail letters in your regular air mail – Maybe one or both will come thru. I keep changing my mind on that so often but I do that as situations arise.

Took a short trip thru the jungles again the other day and it’s almost like the time when John had candy all over his

[page 2] face – I don’t believe what I see. The growth is much thicker than the movies show and more interesting. The parrots, cockatoos are very pretty and about as colorful as the marine life around the islands. Those things are all interesting to see but as I feel now I would never have missed anything had I not seen any of these things but maybe I don’t feel quite that bad. I really hope we aren’t forgotten out here and I’m willing to give the ball bearing “Waves” a chance to get off their fat fannies and do their stuff outside the continental limits of the U.S.A. We get word now and then that there are men there anxious to get out so more power to them. Don’t get the idea I’m too homesick or that I’m feeling sorry for myself or want other people to feel sorry for me but I do hope a schedule is worked out where by changes are made to relive the men overseas.

I’ve rambled and jambled and said very little and I hope you taked take what I’ve written in good spirit.

Lots of Love
Daddy

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

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

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/06/they-were-expendable-roscoe/