Somewhere in Germany
29 April 1945
Dear Mom & Sisters
How are all of you this evening? I'm fine.
I am trying something new in the way of letter writing. Since I am
so far behind on my writing I decided just to use some carbon paper and
writing four letters in one. I wrote to Leona last night which was
the first letter I had written in at least ten days. Now its just
like a lull after the storm and I hope the storm don't start again like
it was. Perhaps now I can get caught up on some of my "home work".
Interruption number one is over so now I will continue.
It was supper time and one has to eat. We have been having moderately
fair weather the past month which has really been in our favor in the present
whirlwind campaign. Summer is practically here. The trees are
getting pretty well out in leaf and the country side is green in general.
I don't like to say anything good about Germany but this is truly a beautiful
country. Its too bad it has to be spoiled by such people as the Germans.
The past two or three weeks has been confused and
hectic days. As a result of the sweeping advances of the allied armies
thousands of prisoners of war and forced labor from German occupied countries,
mainly Russians, Poles, French and Belgians have been freed. The
roads and streets are lined with them. They are confused, hungry
and in dire need of transportation back to their native land. The condition
is a sad and serious one. The result of their hunger and want is looting,
pillage and murder. That's the situation before Military Government
is set up and its job is no simple one. To add oil to troubled waters
the availability of an over abundance of German hard drinks makes the job
that much harder. The American soldier takes advantage of the German
liquor too which creates problems within our own ranks and our battery
is no exception. These displaced persons are a common sight around
kitchens of units stationed within towns looking and hoping for food.
They grab any edibles that's thrown in the garbage can. Not many
mornings ago as I finished eating my breakfast a Belgian who had been watching
me grabbed my mess kit and washed it for me hoping to get a bite for his
troubles and what else can a person do. I don't suppose there has
ever been a time in history when there was so much confusion, and homeless
peoples in the world. God will I ever be glad when its all over with
and the displaced people reach their homeland. Transportation is
very limited but in due time they will all be taken care of.
The war situation in general looks exceedingly good
with gains in all sectors. The link up of the Yanks and the Reds
was really great news and of course the virtual capture of Berlin and the
swift advance of our forces in Italy isn't far behind in significance.
It looks like that V-E day might not be too far off.
I have been getting a lot of mail lately even though
I have not been writing any. Consequently I am greatly behind on
my letter writing. I have eleven letters to write to catch up.
However these five will help matters considerable. Mom I regret to
have to admit it but I have had three letters from you since I have written
you! I will not let it happen again. Your letters were written
Mar. 27, Apr 1 & 8th.. Margaret, your last letter was written
Mar. 31. Cleda your last letter was of Apr 2. Mary I got a
letter from you the other day but I've misplaced it. I'll find it.
Nellie I think I answered your last letter! Did you receive it?
Ottawa has really been receiving her share of floods the past year.
Got a letter from Jay the other day. He is
as you probably know cooking on troop trains now. He seems to like
it pretty well. As yet he hadn't received any mail since last Nov.
So much for this time. Hope this finds all
of you well.
With Love to All
