August 1942
Aug. 2
Mail coming slow for me. None from Billee in a week or more.
Sol Solow goes before the board tomorrow re officers' training.
Had a chance to go to Mass today for the first time in three weeks. A box of cookies and Billee's stationery arrived during the week. Also, we were paid two days ago ($85.00) for me, including June's raise. This was our first pay under the raise to $50 base pay, plus 20% for overseas.
Aug. 9
Capt. Kanstrup leaves company tomorrow. Lt. Lund from "D" Co. comes here as C.O. Major Swenson is replaced by Major Lee.
Made Corporal Aug. 4.
Visited "Baronscourt," estate of Sir James Hamilton, Duke of Obercom and Gov. of Ireland on Aug. 6. On return there was scare concerning rumor paratroopers had landed at Enniskillen! Tomorrow we leave on maneuvers again.
Sent $50 to Billee yesterday. Received four letters from her the other night.
Aug. 24
Left Omagh on Aug. 22 and arrived at Eli Lodge, five miles outside of Enniskillen on the afternoon of the same day. We are now in County Fernmanagh, situated beside Lake Erne, a beautiful spot, scenically speaking. Our tin huts, erected by Americans, are vast improvements over the British huts. The mess hall is the best we have had, even to the extent of having an ice cream freezer.
Lt. Bailey, Sgts. Thompson and Wiseman are transferred to the 108th for training in Scotland. My O.T.S. blank will wait for time being. Heard Joe Higgins is on his way back to the States for O.T.S. in Signal Corps.
We were on maneuvers again from Aug 12 to 17 -- rain, mud and hardship all over again. During it I was attached to 1st, 2nd and 4th platoons.
Mail showing up again with only Billee's letters keeping up. Letter from Jackie last week said she was being married in October to Ray Warren!! (Army.)
Said "Goodbye" to Gwen and Bertie, the Magee kids in Omagh, and I'll miss them for a while at least.
Aug. 31
A weekend in Belfast with Bob Paulus and Earl Reagan. Stayed at U.S. Consulate Building. Saw G.W.T.W. and visited Bellevue Park. Damage done by air raid 16 months ago very evident. Bought camera and film for 14s. Train fare: 6s return.
Solow left during week to work with Corps postal at Lurgan. Al Lange leaves Tuesday for O.T.S. at Croft!!! Gave him Billee's address.
Al Jolson & co. to be here Thursday. This is the best spot we've been in yet. Lt. Lund very lenient on drill. I will get Lange's squad!! What a crew!!
Billee's packages arrived with everything in them.