"43 DAYS"
April 26, 1944
Dear Mother,
Here I am wondering how everything is back in the hills of Dear Old Maine. Thinking about you, Dad, brother, and sisters and want to say, in case you're all wondering about things over here, that I'm still well as when I wrote last. It's been a day or so since I wrote last and answered all your letters. I have but a little news so for a few lines. Know you like to receive a letter, or should I say a note with, hello - feeling well - good bye so as up to that date you know everything is alright.
First thing I have this to write. Now just because I write this please don't start to worry. Remember always look up and never look down and you can't cross a bridge until you've reached it. As of this date I'm allowed to write I'm somewhere in England. Ha ha, who knows maybe I may bring you back a little English Gal.
Oh yes, Mom, I asked Rich about Donald Rich and he said it was his cousin on his father's side. He told me to come down to the island when this was over and spend the week end. He told me I would go home with a nice lot of lobsters.
I just sent a package I got some time ago so be on the lookout.
You know, Mom, I've just been reading some newspapers, ha ha, oh yes, it's news but the papers date back in January. This may sound funny but I saw a picture of a new snowplow being tried out and you may not believe it but I got a little homesick. Made me think of the old crisp air, zero weather, deep snow, frosty moon light nights along with ice fishing all a part of the land I love --
why because it's Home. Sure sounds funny to be homesick for snow, but I was. Gee, life will seem different to me when this is all over with.
I got a swell Easter Card from Mr. Stevens, Fred, Cora, and the Boys. Thank them for me in case I can't write. It was swell of them to think of me. Also a letter from Flavilla.
Oh yes, while reading the papers Telegram Press Herald March 5, wish you'd see the office and get it as there are some pictures I'd like to see and a good article. Keep it until I get home if you can.
Guess I'll close for to-night but have faith and the day will come. Don't forget Dad and all. Good night from your loving Son Charles.
From this letter we now understand why Uncle Charlie does not share where he is in the April 24, 1944, letter. The soldiers were not allowed to share in their letters until April 26 they were somewhere in England. It shows again the seriousness of their mission. Even what is allowed on the American television stations is heavily censored. Today, we live in a totally different world when it comes to news and a war.
Uncle Charlie tries to prepare his parents and other family members about his new position. He knows they will be concerned as I am sure my uncle and the other soldiers have similar concerns. He is able to "feel their pain" because he clearly states through his thoughts of Dear Old Maine he is also in pain. Emotional pain. Soldiers are brave and courageous but fear is a normal reality when one thinks they may be entering battle. The Great War was happening when my uncle is born. He shares in an earlier letter he had heard the stories from the vets of the war we now call World War I.
It still amazes me the ability my uncle has to change from this announcement to other news and issues he knows his family will be interested in. Trying to get their attention off from their worries and concerns.
His statement he may bring a "little English Gal" back home reminds me that more than 60,000 U.S. servicemen married women overseas during and immediately after World II. The US promised their wives and children would receive free passage to the U.S. The U.S. Army's "Operation War Bride", eventually transported more than 70,000 women and children to America.
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I met online this week a gentleman from Barry, Wales that is chairman of the Barry War Museum. I was searching for information about what my uncle and the others soldiers are doing while in Porthcawl, Wales and later Barry, Wales before embarking on their mission to France. His name is Glenn Booker and he is sharing a great deal of information with me. Below is a sample of the information Glenn has shared along with the museum in Barry, Wales.
http://www.barrywarmuseum.org.uk/
The 15th Field Artillery Battalion
in World War Two
in World War Two
By: Colonel Ed Hrdlicka
Captain of Battery A of the 15th Field Artillery Battalion
The 15th Field Artillery Battalion left the USA and arrived in Northern Ireland late October 1943. The 15th was billeted near Armagh, at and around Markethill, a small village. The Battalion HQ and staff and Battery commanders plus other officers were housed in Gosford Castle, one of the oldest and largest castles in Ireland. The Battalion trained here while in Northern Ireland. Before we left Northern Ireland we were addressed and inspected by General Patton.
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Gosford Castle |
The 15th moved on April 17th, 1944, embarked on the James T. Parker to our marshaling area at Porthcawl in South Wales. After finishing tactical training, the Battalion was billeted in a group of resort hotels along the Esplanade overlooking the Bristol Channel, and began specialized training.
While in Porthcawl the Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Robert L. Cassibry, staff officers and Battery Commanders were billeted in a large two-story house. I can't remember the name of the lady who owned it. She remained at the home and was so very helpful in "caring" for us. Often we would provide her with rations and she would cook "home cooked" meals. I have never forgotten this! I am sure this home is still there... All the people in Porthcawl were nice to all of us, soldiers and officers -very helpful, always.
15th FAB Commander
Lt. Col. Robert Campbell Cassibry
Will become a Brigadier General
Battery Commanders
Capt. Edward B. Hrdlicka
Battery A - 15th FAB
Capt. Emil F. Meis, Jr.
Battery B - 15th FAB
Both captains will become colonels
Capt. Herbert W. Hartung
Battery C - 15th FAB
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