April 2, 1944 "Frustration Sets In" (Post #37)

67 Days

                   

 Northern Ireland        

April 2, 1944              

Hello Mother Dear,

     Another Sunday here with plenty of Irish Sunshine (you know by now what I mean by Irish Sunshine or Star Dust) but we have not had much rain lately so shouldn't kick. The only thing I have to kick about is the fact that another Sunday finds me with another detail. Seems every Sunday, as you've noticed by my letters for the past four or five weeks, I've got some damn job to do and never get a day off. Here it is another Sunday and in just a short time I have to get ready to go on guard. I've just had chow. Oh well, that's the army but if I ever get the chance for a change I'm going as you can't get space here even if you try. The main thing I want is to get out of here and back on a real job where I can get some money and get ahead. I may not even go back to S.D.W. unless Waterhouse makes good that promise of a foreman place in the sorting room. That's the job I was headed for when I had to leave so when I get back I'll strike while the iron is hot. On the other hand, I may go for this government training to be given to servicemen when this is over. Right now it's get this thing over with.

     So you sent for a knife but need a request. When I wrote about one I didn't believe you could get it but now you have it I'll send a note. Pauline (his girlfriend) sent a V-mail and wants me to send a request as she has me a knife but I never said a word to her about one. I'll write to her and say I've asked you for one so don't need it. Guess people back home knows more about my business than I do. Some think I'll be married the same day I arrive but by gosh they're in for a big surprise. That kind of thing makes me mad. I've sent about one letter or maybe two in over eight weeks. The last one I had was more sickness.(change subject)

     Mom you said about receiving that little Irish house I had but did you get the other package? (handkerchief, calendar like sister's, Irish blessing to hang on the wall ) I sent them just before the little house. I have this other package all ready to send if I ever can get it censored.

     Some time ago about Christmas, I wrote you several letters at three or four o'clock in the morning and you wondered what I was doing. Well at the time I was on detached service for my unit and spent a little more than a month on M.P. duty. Guess I never did write a word about it to you. They wanted me to stay another month but the brass said no. You see in such a long time I'd miss lots of training with my own outfit.

     What does Dad say about Spring back in the hills of Dear Old Maine? Does he think you'll have an early spring? You know it seems so long since I've really seen a lot of snow. (Forget the rain. I've seen a little-er a little.)

     It seems about time to get ready for guard, shave, change clothes, clean rifle and it all takes time so will say good bye for now. Will write a few lines soon, even if it's just hello. I'm well and hope you all keep the same. Give my love to all as you may be sure I'm thinking of All. Keep up your courage Mom and Dad.

                                     Love Your Son Charles

Sir Alan Brooke Inspects US Troops 
In Northern Ireland With General Hartle.

detached service: military service away from one's assigned organization or unit.

S.D.W.: S. D. Warren Paper Company

Pauline: As we have noticed throughout the letters, my uncle's girlfriend appears to be pushing the idea of marriage. This makes him mad since people back home think he will marry Pauline as soon as he returns to Maine. He is also distressed about her constant complaints about having one kind of sickness or another in most letters he receives from her.