Northern Ireland
Feb 6, 1944
Sunday
Hello Folks,
How is everyone over there? I'm still okay in health. In the past two days I've received twenty two letters, well four were cards, and one package from Mrs. Wilcox and Delta. They sent me a pair of home knit socks with a package of cigarettes. (I never knew my uncle smoked.) Those socks were just the thing as I can sure use them as it takes so long for us to exchange things and two pair of the four pair of socks I have are ready to be turned in with big holes in them. It's no fun with wet feet so a few extra pairs of socks will sure come in handy. I'll write them later.
About eight letters from home. One from Eugene. New girl at the mill wrote. She was there last summer when I was home on furlough.
This letter will be short but will take time later this week as I answer all your letters but it is now late. One did have some stamps on it.
Hey, Mom, I've had fresh oranges twice now. Gee, they sure tasted good. (We take things so for granted don't we?)
I saw Zip and said hello for you. He seemed pleased that you asked about him.
Had the blues a few nights ago but got over it. Wrote Helen a note but guess she won't like it very much. Told her I didn't think I should write when I started. She's written a few times so felt it about time I answered. (An old flame before his present one? Hmmm.)
One night very late just before starting out I got packed a little early and with the pack and everything on I laid back on my wooden bunk and in the dim light read the eleventh chapter of Hebrews on faith. That was the one you asked me to read. I took my Testament from my pocket and by the time I'd finished the chapter it seemed to touch on nearly or at least many parts of the Bible. ( Best book to read in war and in peace.)
Well this is short but will write later.
Good Night All,
Love Charles
An obituary I found that deals with some people mentioned in today's letter.
Andrew Lyman Wilcox, a former resident of Presque Isle, died at his home in Gorham, Maine, Dec. 26, 1940. Mr. Wilcox was born June 15, 1855 in Trescott, Maine, the son of Elizabeth and Gardner Wilcox. In early childhood he moved with his family to Balls Mills, now the town of Mapleton, where his father took up land and became one of the pioneer farmers of Aroostook.
In 1883 he married Vesta Grendell (this is Mrs. Wilcox mentioned in the letter) of Chapman, Maine. With his wife and daughter, he moved to Presque Isle in 1890 where he made his home for forty years and as a carpenter and builder took an active part in the work of building that city.
For the last twelve years he has lived in Gorham, Maine, but was always keenly interested in every thing that concerned Aroostook and its people.
Services were held at his late home, conducted by the Rev. Walter Colby, pastor of the South Windham Baptist church. The bearers were Walter Stevens, Frederick Parkhurst, Charles Knight (this is my uncle writing all these letters), and Raymond Mains.
Mr. Wilcox is survived by his wife and a daughter, Mrs. Merrill Cloudman (this is Delta mentioned in the letter) of Gorham, and a nephew and foster son, Floyd E. Garland of Presque Isle.
General Patton (standing in Jeep) in Armagh in Northern Ireland where Uncle Charlie was stationed when he wrote the letter in today's post.
The officer sitting in the back of the Jeep above is Major General Walter Robertson of the 2nd Infantry Division that my Uncle Charlie served under during the war.
(Black and white pictures from After The Battle, Home Away From Home and http://www.eucmh.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment