Two PM went to a briefing and 7:00 to another briefing for our hop to Dakar. Took off last night at 10:35 to fly the South Atlantic. Right now it is 8:03 AM on March 8 and we are about 1:07 out of Dakar (I hope). Up all night flying and working.

Everyone at Fortaleza bought boots - except me - almost everyone had sore feet - except me too. Saw Ed Lampich again at Fortaleza.

Well we finally s out the Coast of Africa. We had a wind shift or something because my ETA was way off the beam. However we did come in about where we were supposed to. We landed at Eknes Field, Dakar, for the first time on steel mat runways which make a screeching noise. First off we noticed the red clammy earth. Something new. The place was very dusty and windy. They had a black native soldier guarding the planes. He was the blackest that I had ever seen. He wore khaki shorts - OD coat with leg straps. He had on a red fez and carried a long rifle with a long pointed bayonet. I had my picture taken with him and Boles - the co-pilot. When we landed most of us were very tired, as we were working all nite. We all were thankful to get across safely. I was especially!!

They met us in trucks and took us to operations where we checked in and I turned in my maps. Then a captain drove Fish and I to the center of camp where all the activity was. It was way the heck out - just like Blythe, Cal. and all the soil was red dirt. There was the PX, barber, post office, mess halls, Officers' Club, barracks, and transient headquarters where we were assigned beds. Our barracks were formerly used by the French Foreign Legion and the walls were lined with small round holes (14" diam) for windows. All cots had mattresses and mosquito nets. We went to the PX which was a large affair containing a restaurant separate and ate. I had hot dogs and a can of grapefruit juice. No American money could be used for exchange here. We had to turn in Washington bills for francs. No silver, but everything was in paper bills, even 1 franc which equalled 2 cents. Later we bought chocolate ice cream and cokes. In the PX they had little native barefoot boys giving free shoe shines - probably as an inducement for customers as the whole place was no beauty. After our 2 meetings in the afternoon and early evening we went to the Officers' Club which was nothing more than a few card rooms, pool table, porch and bar which only serves cokes, fruit juice, wine and brandy. I went to sleep about 9:30 after writing to Mom and my Honey.

Slept pretty soundly until about 5:00 AM when someone tried to wake me - finally did. The toilets here (joke) are lulus. No plumbing at all just wooden holes - some fun - reminds me of good old Fort Niagara.

We took off this AM about 8:00 and climbed to 9000 feet where we headed north to the next stop which is Marrakesh, N. Africa. We just passed over the town of Tindouf and are now heading for the coastline to get around a bunch of the high mountain ranges (17,000 feet) on our way to Marrakesh. We are smack in the middle of the Sahara Desert right now. On all sides as far as the eye can see stretches nothing but endless flat red sandy soil. Earlier before the sun was so high, the sand dunes made excellent picture studies as their deep shadows were contrasted against the light of the earth in many symmetrical patterns. We just turned in toward Marrakesh. We should be there in about 26 minutes. Next hop will probably be to England - I hope not.

Well what do you know, the next hop was to England. We took off at 2:10 AM on Saturday March 11th. Flew up to the coast of Spain and Portugal on up past France and then turned about 90° - picked up a radio station and flew in on it. We landed at St. Mawgan Apt. at about 1:00 PM that afternoon. Everything was foggy and clouded over as per usual. After checking in at operations we changed and a truck took us to the nearby city of Newquay, only 3 miles distant. The hotel called the "Great Western" was taken over by the U.S.A. and R.A.F. for its personnel. Boles guarded the plane that night so we 3 took a room (#37) with 3 beds. After eating across the street at Anne's Pantry we walked downtown (central) and went to the Victoria Theatre. Saw a British Charlie Chaplin - and a Margo, Dennis O'Keefe oldie - not too bad however. Still no sleep to speak of in about 7 days. We ate supper and went upstairs. Fisher went to bed, Taylor went out and I wrote Adele a letter and went to bed. Felt pretty good in this morning when they called us about 9:30 the next day, over the PA system. We were supposed to take off for our final destination but weather cancelled the trip and so after working out a system whereby each man would have his share of guard duty, I went back to the hotel with Boles and Taylor. Fisher drew first guard from 12 noon to 3. I was to relieve at 3:00. We had a dandy chicken dinner - cranberry sauce, candied yams, creamed cauliflower, pineapple ice cream - delicious indeed. At 3:00 PM I relieved Fisher guarding the plane. During my 3 hour stay I cleaned my pistol and chatted with several crew members who hung around. After 6 i went back to the hotel, ate cold cuts and met Boles and Fisher and saw free movies in the lounge. We saw "The Fighting French" on the March of ??? and also Kay Francis and Charleston Heston in "Always In My Heart." Excellent show. Afterwards we took a walk in the inky blackness to a little restaurant and had spam and chips (french-fried potatoes). Very good. Went back to the hotel, I shaved, took a bath and went to bed. We were awakened about 9:00 AM by the loudspeaker which said we were to report to the flight line. We reported and while hanging around we opened several boxes of rations and ate breakfast and dinner.

About 12:30 we took off for Warton where we are now about ˝ hour out of. All through the trip Bray has been singing songs - clean and dirty. Just passed an English town full of castles and high stone walls. Bray is now singing "Bye Lo My Baby" - cute too. Now everyone is singing "Home On the Range." At 2:40 we landed at Warton, England, whereever that may be. Right off the bat someone swipes 9 pair or silk stocking belonging to Ish. It seems we all left the ship to check in. Then they told us we would lose the ship so Ish and I went out in a jeep to start unloading. We saw 3 guys there - one on a tug and 2 jump out of the ship. I questioned one and he was checking the Form 1-A. I let it go at that and they scooted off as Ish and I went inside and found the stuff missing. I quickly called the MPs and Ish and I and MPs and their jeep started a merry chase for the vagrants. I was positive I could identify the man I talked to so we started off checking tugs that were out at that time - and drivers, etc. Meanwhile it was nearing 6:00 PM and we hadn't even eaten any breakfast - plenty hungry. One Lt. in a ahngar gave us some of his cake that was apparantly sent from home. Anyhoo we went to the GI barracks and finally rounded up the 3 guys - but of course they denied everything and invited us to search the barracks. It came to pass that this mechanic (Pfc. Goldfarb - Irish), No. 1 - had no permission to enter and search airplanes, No. 2 - was completely out of his appointed area (Zone 4), No. 3 Claimed to be checking the Form 1-A which wasn't even on the ship, as Ish had turned it in, No. 4 - was joyriding with the tug on the army's time, No. 5 - admitted he had bad intentions because he was looking for some tools which he intended to steal.

So after hemming and hawing back and forth, I realized we couldn't accuse him of stealing without the goods - (and besides I was starving). I let the whole matter drop. It was Ish's loss and he hardly seemed interested - but you know me - always a good guy. Anyhoo didn't do much that night except eat and go to bed. Slept late the next day. Wrote to Lenny - in Liverpool.

That evening 8 of the crew went to town (Blackpool) and started walking around. We lost one by one of our men as they dropped off in saloons and restaurants. Finally only Bugger, Rod, Dyas and myself were left - at a place called Winter Gardens - big dance hall, etc. They had a dance there and the place was enormous - hardwood floors. Spent many pennies in machines - chances etc. - won many useless gadgets - gave them back. Before dance us 4 went to movies and saw Lucille Ball in "Best Foot Forward," an oldie that I had seen before but it was enjoyable and very entertaining. Also a picture about juvenile delinquency - because of war parents.

After dance, which broke up about 10:00 Dyas and I went to a fish and chips place and for the first time we got fish with our chips (french fries). Then we caught a train - met Fish, Ish and Joe B at station - and went home. Left the next AM about 10:30 and went to the train station. Hopped a train bound for Stone - little bit south. We had regular trains as far as Stafford where we stopped for an hour for eats - naturally everyone was starved - who got up for breakfast? We ate cold meat pies, buns and unsweetened tea, but it tasted like steak. Then we took another train for the last 15 minute ride to Stone. All 10 of our crew sat in a little compartment of which the train was composed. (As I write this I am trying to smoke a King Edward cigar - what a job! what a feeling!) We arrived at Stone and GI trucks took us about 3 miles out to the camp. Out here I met Meistrich, Ed Lampich, Tom Perry, Evans, McCormick - old pals from way back. We registered and were given food. They told us this was a Rest Home and that we would be there 6-7 days and then we would go to Ireland for 12 more days training and then on to our permanent base. We are quartered in Barracks D - Room 44 which contains 2 double beds. Wednesday night (March 15) didn't do much but go to bed.

Thursday (yesterday) we awoke about 11:00 AM and went out and had chow. At 1:30 we had an orientation lecture or two in the auditorium - sex lecture - welcome lecture - English traits - words to use and words not to use, etc. We saw a one hour film "Welcome to Britain" starring Burgess Meredith with a short by Bob Hope - very good too. After that about 2:30 we drew new gas masks. We were supposed to be restricted for 48 hours but that evening (last nite 16th) found us 4 walking 3 miles to Stone from where we took a bus to Hanley - about 10 miles distant. It was pretty dark when we arrived there and we began galavanting around town. Presently we bumped into 2 gals who directed us to a pub (beer joint). Right away Taylor and Boles took over. Fish and I followed. Taylor bought 6 beers (brau or ale) and we all drank. Even I - it wasn't too bad - not good either. Shortly I said that Fish and I would walk over to a dance which was being held nearby at the Arcade. We finally stumbled to the door and went upstairs. Admission was 9 pence (1 and 6 for 2). Upstairs things were really humming - lotsa music - pretty gals galore and lots of soldiers - of all ranks and insignia. We didn't feel like dancing after walking so much - I never feel like it anyhow - so we pulled up 2 straw chairs, sat down, crossed our legs and just watched the proceedings. We expected Taylor and Boles to show up but they never did. Everyone was having a good time. Majors, Captains, Lt. Colonels, all cavorted with the local blonde chippies and everyone was merry. We watched it all from our ringside seats. Promptly at 10:30 they played the British National Anthem, everyone rose and stood at attention. This patriotic display only lasts a few seconds as compared to the American "Star-Spangled Banner" (I am getting very groggy from this cigar). We walked over to the motor pool and got on a truck for Stone which left at 11:30 (half-hour wait). We got off and walked the 3 miles back to camp. C.E. and I.W. were in bed when we arrived. It seems they were doing OK with their women. They made dates for tonite with them as the girls had an open house tonite. Fish and I went promptly to sleep (Just put the doggone cigar out - very groggy - chewing gum - gotta rest a minute). Here I am again.

Today (Friday March 17th, 1944) we again got up at 11:00 AM, went out and ate chow. Oh I forgot to mention - back in Blackpool - Tuesday afternoon I bought 620 Brownie folding camera from some dealer who had it in his store window. It cost 55 shillings or $11.00 - I hope it proves OK. This afternoon I shot off a roll of Ish and I and Taylor in front of the barracks - Fisher wasn't around at the time. We went to the club later and read the papers.

Today after noon chow I sent 2 cablegrams home - one to Adele and one to Mom - cost 2/6 - 2 to 3 day service, so he said.

About 6:00 the other 3 guys left for town but I wanted to stay here. I cleaned up our room as it was becoming unlivable. I threw out all the papers and junk, swept and mopped the floor, put bags under the beds, made up the beds and hung away the clothing. Place looks real nice now. It is exactly 8:41 PM - I am on my bed - top bunk - I wish I hadn't smoked that damned cigar.

We have tailor service here but no laundry service because of the shortness of our stay. Tonite I did a big washing. I really can appreciate how you felt back when - poor you!

About 12:30 AM, old Ish struggles in, pulls on the light and put it off. He ate a K-ration and went to bed. Fisher came in later - no light - he ate a K-ration in the hall and then went to bed. About 7:30 AM walks in CE - fully dressed. He hops in bed too.

I got up early this AM (March 18 - Sat.) about 10:00 AM- went in and shaved and got cleaned up. I woke Fisher up and we went out to eat chow. We had Chili Con Carne, not too bad.

Tonite Ish and I went to the Beatty Hall auditorium and saw Judy Canova and Dennis Day in "Sleepy Lagoon" - a 4th rate pic and plenty sleepy. Fish went out alone tonite.

It's now about 10:40 PM March 18. Sat nite Fish just breezed in and rushed to the K-ration box exclaiming, "Damn it, you can't get any food anywhere in town." I rose out of my sleep (?) and said "grab me a dinner and I'll split it with you." So he threw me a dinner and old Ish a breakfast, and we put the lights on and started eating. Right now I've got my mouth stuffed with American cheese and Nabisco wafers. What a life.

Got up at 10:45, went and got washed and brushed my teeth. Fish and I went to eat. I mailed 2 letters which I had written the night before. One was to Uncle Jack and the other to Avc. Len Robinson. We had roast beef, potatoes, gravy, peas, bread, butter, coffee and chocolate ice cream. Best meal since we've been here. At one o'clock in the afternoon Ish and I went to Howard Hall where they had a movie. All movies are free. We saw "Panama Hattie" - Ann Sothern, Red Skelton, Ben Blue, Dan Dailey, Jr., etc. Very good but very old. I came back to the barracks just now and made some lemonade and opened up a supper K-ration and as I write I am eating corned pork loaf and drinking lemonade. Mmmm. Just finished eating, feel good!

Time 3:37 PM. After eating supper Ish and I went to another movie. This time at Beatty Hall. We saw Spencer Tracy , Katherine Hepburn in "Keeper of the Flame." An oldie but one that I hadn't seen. It was very enjoyable. Also a comedy with the 3 Stooges which was a howl. Incidentally tonite for supper we had sausages, tomato sauce, mashes potatoes, carrots and peas, marmalade, coffee, buns. It was the first time since I've been in the army that we didn't have cold cuts for supper. Nice change.

Coming home from the show we noticed brilliant searchlights scanning the sky off to the north east - tell that by locating the North Star. We saw occasional flashes of light - but soon everything went out. Came inside and Ish is eating a K-ration and lemonade.

CE and Fisher have been gone all day. Somewhere in town. Must be having fun, or something. Tonight I bought a watch from Ish for 4 pounds ($16.00) Easily worth more - I shall use it for speculation. This afternoon I took 6 or 7 pictures of Ish and I standing by a fence with a pastoral background. Hope!

Nothing much happened today. Rod, Bugger and Dyas woke us up about 9:30 AM. I shaved and we went out to eat. Had fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy. Excellent. Cut off a lump on my chin while shaving and it bled for hours. Sat around and gabbed all afternoon. Took a shower, put on clean clothes, shined my shoes. Then went out to eat again - vegetable plate. Ish and Fish went to town. C.E. dragged his long nose in, and clothes and all went to bed, dragging his chin on the floor - what a guy! As per usual! Fish told me to mail his letters if I was going past the club. So about 7:00 PM I strolled down there and mailed them. I walked into the card room to watch the games. Next thing I knew it was costing me money. About 11:00 PMwhen I quit I was several pounds out. Much fun however and an evening spent. Came back and ate a whole dinner K-ration.

About 11:00 AM we all woke up in a bunch and rushed our dressing and rushed down to eat. We had stew, corn, rice, marmalade, chocolate pudding and coffee. Not bad at all. Came back to barracks. It looks like we might be getting some mail soon (if we stay here long enough) as C.E. got a letter today. Sat around all afternoon telling dirty stories and drawing dirty pictures. Fish bough some lemon balls. Pretty good. I washed 10 hankies, 8 pr. socks, 1 undershirt, 1 undershort, 1 bath towel. Now 4:10 PM - not on shipping orders yet. Hello again. Take back that last statement. Went on orders today. Tonite 4 of us went to the movies and saw "Wintertime" with Sonja Henie, Cesar Romera, Jack Oakie, Carole Landis, Woody Herman & Band - Very good show. Came back and started to pack - same time in the AM. Got lots of nice clean clothes now - goodie - good nite.

At 3 PM assembled at orderly room prepared to go. 4:30 - left on train at Kolby Station to which we walked - rode all evening until 1:45 AM March 23 when we detrained at Stranraer Harbor, Scotland. Before that we stopped at Carlisle for coffee. We marched from there for 8 miles (?) to a camp where we were put up (?) for the nite. We went to bed at 2:30 AM. They put us up in shacks with round tin wall and roof. Our beds were wooden cots - solid hardwood - no blankets or pillows - little stove - freezing weather - very cold - very tired - enjoy yourself. Most miserable nite spent in many days - since Adele and I slept in railway station in Richmond, Va. Couldn't even begin to sleep so we all got up at about 4-5 AM and huddled like dead men around the insufficient fire. We had bacon and potatoes at 7:00 AM and then marched to the docks. As we marched through the small Scotting town people were already up and they waved to us from the windows. We looked in several windows and invariably in each house I saw teacups on a table or on a dresser. Most of the women were typical mothers just like my own dear Mom. You could tell by the way they looked at us boys - just like at their own sons - very touching.

About 9:00 AM the boat took off and we arrived in N. Ireland about noon. We took a train from where we landed. Here we were given K-rations by the army. At 1:00 PM we took off and close to 2:30 we arrived at Cookstown. Here we were boarded on GI trucks and brought to camp - 11 miles distant. Saw a lot of my old buddies here - Meistrich, Evans, Barry Brook, Perry, etc.

Sunday all afternoon Fish, Taylor and I played softball with the E.M. in their area. It was the first time we all had played in many years and we sure did feel it. Last nite we went to the movies and saw half of "No Time for Love" - Goddard, McMurray - but in the middle of it all the fuse blew out and we all went home. General Jimmy Doolittle was on the post today but i didn't get to see him. Too bad or is it?

We all have to wear Class "A" uniforms around here all the time - rules. We have a dandy club here with mess which is good and a movie house right in the club. Beer, wine and certain liquors are sold. Yesterday after playing ball I tried to shave and shower - and it's no fun with cold water, let me tell you. The shower is a tin can with holes to whic 2 hoses are emptied into it from the taps at a nearby sink. Last nite Fish and I went to the Post Theatre and saw "Shadow of a Doubt" with Joseph Cotten and Teresa Wright - a Hitchcock production which was excellent - different and full of suspense. This AM we got up, ate eggs for breakfast and came back for our 8:15 meeting. We were told we might get passes starting today so we are just hanging around waiting. Time 8:59 AM - Monday AM - Last night and yesterday afternoon they had a party and dance at the club with imported gorls from nearby Belfast. A good time was had by all if the condition of the club this AM is any criterion. They had quite an entertaining floorshow with a Captain (Irish?) for M.C. He sang Shoo Shoo Baby with some major playing drums. He also sang his own version of St. Louis Blues, full of dirty limericks. Cute too. Some of those Irish belles sure are nice. Yeh! Sat around barracks, gabbed, played cards, played ball this afternoon - real rough! Had beans for supper and went to see the 7:30 show. At 8:30 when they still hadn't fixed the projector we all took off and called it quits. So I don't like Frank Sinatra anyhoo. Especially in "Higher and Higher." Looks like we're going to get about $126.00 per diem for our trip over here. Not too bad. Not too bad.

Tuesday. Got 48 hr pass and went to Belfast arriving about 6:00 PM. Roomed at Kensington Hotel for 4 (80 cents) per. Went out walking at night, plenty dark, not much to do - broke as all heck.

Went window shopping in the AM. Lots of good shows and theatres in town - vaudeville. Plenty of girls but can't tell much in the dark. Fisher and I visited all throught the city hall and various places. At nite we went into a joint where they had an art exhibition of work by U.S. servicemen. They really had some wonderful stuff. Our boys sure are OK and I don't mean perhaps. At nite did more walking, then came back to hotel and ate sardine sandwiches, cheese sandwiches, tea with milk and sugar. All places close very early and we get very hungry just about that time.

Got up at 8:10 AM, checked out and went to the Great Northern RR across the street to get a train out at 8:45. On the train we ate breakfast about 10:00 AM on the diner - bacon, sausages, tea, bread and butter and marmalade. Changed at Dungannon for Cookstown and arrived at about 10:45. Walked downtown, we were hungry again as per usual so after finding out that we would have to wait until 1:15 PM for the shuttle, we went into some cafe and had honest-to-goodness steaks - real big ones for 3'6 - very well done - very good too. While in Belfast we went to the Classic Theatre and sae "guadalcanal Diary" and "The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo" - a real real oldie. Many theatres there had cafes atttached, upstairs - odd but true. Walked up and down the town of Cookstown looking in and out of store windows. Steaks sure were good. Tonite I wrote to Molly Miller, Uncle Jack and Millie Golden. Sign off - 9:16 PM - Nitey nite.

Got up, shaved, cut my nose off. No breakfast, pork chops for lunch. School this afternoon. Last nite is was really cold here. Fisher made a red hot fire, but it only lasted a few hours. I slept in underwear, heavy wool undershirt, pajamas and socks, and 4 blankets. No mail as yet but still hoping. Got a letter today from Adele - very happy. Tried to see the movie "As Thousands Cheer" but projector broke down 6 times and sound track wasn't working so we finally quit. Very happy tonite.