June 1942
June 1
First entry in 12 days.
I sent the cable home to Ray on the 21st. We did not see the Giants Causeway and pulled out of Bally Castle on May 29. Moved on to Castle Parnoon from the 29th through the 31st. Our homes were tin huts amid a woodland camouflage. Whereas we had travelled in buses, we took to a truck convoy to go on to Omagh on Sunday, May 31. It was the first time I missed Mass in a long time. Forgot to mention I had mail on the 29th from Billee, Gert and Victor B. Also three Journals. In Omagh our company is quartered in a huge former work house that was built in 1841!
Wrote to Mom last night.
June 6
So far, so good in Omagh. This is Tyrone County whereas we were in Antrim before. This is Saturday and we haven't had rain since Tuesday -- a record! During the week I attended a field day for the British soldiers -- the Royal Ulster Rifles and the Inniskilling Fusiliers -- as well as the Auxiliary Territorial Service (A.T.S.). It was very dull!!
The coast artillery band has a concert every night outside the "Y" and it looks like the people enjoy the march music in contrast to the British bands. Saw two movies during the week. Prices range from front to rear: ninepence; one shilling, fivepence; two shillings. Had mail from Betty and a card from Estelle Burke from Palm Beach.
Tomorrow is Ray's birthday!
June 15
Opportunity to catch up on writing and rest comes today while I nurse a bruised elbow. Baseball team lost to 133rd at Caledon on Sunday and I was a casualty. Had ambulance ride to Castle Urban yesterday for X-ray. Medics have amazing facilities in tin huts there. Looked for C.Reid (venereal) there but suspect he is in Londonderry.
Mail delivery almost every night now. Mom's letter the other day said El is getting married in Sept. Had swell letters from Dot, Al, Berta, Ruth T., Ruth R., Grace, Gert and of course -- Billee. Journals still coming. Anniversary edition was much better than I thought it would be.
Getting weekly rations of cigarettes, beer, Coke, etc., now.
Attended United Nations service yesterday.
Lt. Col. Swoboda was transferred because of being over 45, 'tis said. New Battalion C.O. is Major Swenson. Battalion issuing weekend passes now.
Sent cables to Ray and Billee within the past week. Story from Washington says men can send cables for $.60 but we are still paying at least 8-4.
Airgraph service, also supposed to be in effect, has not reached us.
Read of Graham McNamee's death in Journal last night.
June 21
Tobruk falls to Rommel!!
Southern Irish ports said to be opened on F.D.R.'s demand. Fleet of U.S. planes said to have been ferried to Northern Ireland.
Today is the first day of Summer, Mom and Pop's anniversary, Father's Day and Pat's birthday.
Cabled Billee last week for our anniversary.
Parliament screaming for reason of Libyan failure just as they have for other losses.
June 23
After walking six miles with full pack yesterday we journeyed 32 miles today. It was 12 miles to noon before leader of column missed direction on way back. Battalion C.O. saw truck coming out to pick us up. Chaplain Hoke S. Bell is supposed to have led column.
Going on mortar range tomorrow and then work on problem for Saturday which is to be checked by a "ton of brass!"
June 27
Fired mortar for first time three days ago, after which "H" Co. and "E" Co. staged an attack problem for the benefit of all officers in the division yesterday and today.
I was to go to Belfast for this weekend but came in from problem too late.
Mail still coming -- mostly from Billee.