8 Nov 1943 "Arrived in Northern Ireland" (Post #8)

                                                                                                           Nov. 8, 1943



Hello Folks,
     Just to make a change from the letter I wrote yesterday saying I had no mail. It was a sure long time coming but late last night some came in. I got three letters and two small packages...…One package from Dad and the other from Joe and Helen. Helen's box had the corners broke out but I don't know as anything was gone. You really have to do them up good when sending them across the pond...…......
     One thing for sure Helen got a man that isn't afraid to work. As far as Eugene he doesn't know when to quit. Those two are doing their part and as you say if there were only more like them...…......
     As far your shoes I don't see that you paid too much . If they feel good on your feet thats what counts. If you had to pay for a pair over here you'd faint away. One fellow told me a little old bracelet that cost about $5.00 at home would cost equal to four to ten pounds which would be about $40.00.
     You wrote Pa was going to lay a floor. It will make the room better. The floor is small so it won't take him long. 
     Give my love to all. I'm sure looking to the day when this will be over. Keep smiling with your chin up.
                                                                              Love
                                                                                   Son Charles
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Some thoughts as I wrote Uncle Charlie's letter.
1) Hearing from home was extremely important to the soldiers.
2) The word "pond" stood for the Atlantic Ocean
3) Helen was my uncle's sister, Joe was her husband
4) Doing hard work was considered something to be pleased about.
5) Everyday situations were discussed from buying shoes to laying a floor.
6) Prices in USA versus Northern Ireland
7) One could see my uncle was already anxious to get home but at the same time tried to tell everyone to keep their chin up and smile. (The inner struggle of a soldier as well as for the family.)

USA at this period in Northern Ireland

Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the US agreed to take over the defense of Northern Ireland, thus freeing British Troops to engage in campaigns in the Middle and Far East and allowing American troops time to complete military training in preparation for war.

The first officers arrived in Belfast on 23 January, 1942, followed by 3,900 troops on 26 January. By May of that year 37,000 American servicemen were billeted here. US airmen were stationed across the province – at Eglinton, Maydown and Mullachmore, County Londonderry, Toome and Maghaberry, County Antrim, Cluntoe, County Tyrone and Greencastle, County Down. Eventually there were 120,000 USA service men in Northern Ireland.

http://www.secondworldwarni.org/default.aspx?id=6&LearningMaterialsID=6