[Diary of F. Dewitt, 1943-1944]

              WOMEN VETERANS HISTORICAL PROJECT
DIARY TRANSCRIPT
CREATOR: F. DeWitt
DATE: April 16, 1943 – January 23, 1944
January 1
Joined Army
June 1, 1942
April 16, 1943
Learned today we are leaving midnite Saturday. Rushed around getting ready for inspections and
packing bed roll & barracks bag.
Got a funny feeling when I heard the news. The colonel is very strict about promptness & no
communication with the outside. Confined to area of 3rd general.
April 17
Said good bye to Camp Rucker. Had three happy weeks with Major (Pane?"(7th Corps) while
there. Still miss him a lot. I wonder if I will ever see him again.
What a day. Up till 4am getting out barrack bags & bed rolls. Of course my bed roll was 12 lbs
over weight. 50 lbs. 85 lbs. 40 lbs. Keep ringing in my ears.
Took our beds at 1pm. Felt like immigrants being pushed to 6905. Paid fond farewell to 6906.
105 nurses. Add in 1905. Try to find a place to sit. Most of beds not. Left for train @ 1245am.
Went to movie earlier. Was called back. False alarm. Still waiting at station.
April 18, 1943
Waited till 5am for train. Wet & cold & darn tired. Off to H.Q. at last I hope.
Enroute. Still raining. Sleeping most of day. Chow served on paper plates (in seats) with coffee.
My seat companion is Miss Bailey from Fort Knox. Nice girl.
April 19 – In Atlanta
Stopped in Atlanta & got some exercise on platform in Atlanta.
Still moving & enroute. It’s so dreary in Virginia this AM. Slept lousy on chairs we fixed up as a
bed. Walked in station at Washington. Reached Camp Shanks @ 10PM. Raining hard & cold.
Place is a mud hole. Chief nurse seems very nice. Might get 12 hrs leave.
No hot H2O. Took an ice cold shower. Small beds.
April 20, 1943
Up at 730am. Weather improved. More like spring. We are so near home but unable to go.
Feeling homesick. Not much doing today. Had inspections of equipment. Meals not bad. Took
advantage of hot H2O today. Am rooming with Helga Rogers for time being. Everything a mess
& mixed up. Hope we have time to pack decently. Can’t leave area 16-K. Am now known as
1254RR. Last camp & name to be completely forgotten. One thing I’ll never forget about Camp
Rucker. Miss him a lot. Hope we meet again some day. Very tired. Am going to bed early.
April 21 – Dreary & Rainy again
Up at 730am. Dreary and raining again. Meeting at 745am which no one knew about. Thru
efficiency of “Madam” Chamberlin, was awakened last night around midnite & asked what size
long underwear I wore!! Went to have typhus shots this PM. Walked 3 miles to get ¼ mile for
shots. Led by La Chamberlin.
Ate off aluminum sectioned plates in mess today. Not as bad as I thought. Honored by large
number of WAACS in our mess hall. They look pretty snappy. At least (better?) than use(" the
A.N.C. Hope we get O.D.’s soon. Went to movies. Saw Reap the Wild Wind for the second time.
Nearly froze in the show. Still raining. So to bed at 1130am. Wrote some letters for first time
since news.
April 22
Went thru gas chamber today. Cried for rest of day as result. Good news. 12 hr passes were
granted to leave post. Went to N.Y.C. at 5PM. Had a swell steak dinner at Ruth’s & did some
shopping. Bought some precious toilet H2O and dropped it on street & broke it. Went all over
town. To Aster Columbia Room, Taft Hotel, Duffy’s. Ate breakfast at (Childs?) at 3am.
Returned to base at 4 dead tired.
April 23
Got in bed at 530am. Had to get up for 740 meeting. Some effort!! Due to the wildness of a unit
of paratroopers who are here we are restricted to our area. No PXs, or anything. The paratroopers
visited the WAAC’s (two barracks full line in our area) in a platoon and serenaded them. Madam
Chamberlin reported them thus the resulting order. The WAAC’s are a snappy looking outfit.
Nice uniforms. They are doing K.P. in our mess hall where they also eat. Don’t blame the
paratroopers. Signed pay vouchers. Hope we get paid before we go. Went to see “The Moon is
Down” very good show. To bed early. Dead tired after packing bed roll.
April 24
Up at 630 for a meeting. Partial pay vouchers to be signed. Had a quiet day. Slept all morning.
Went up to the new PX for nurses & WAACs. Everything sold out practically. Stopped by
guards everywhere. No one allowed off post or area. Wrote some letters. To bed around 12.
Some nurses who came after we have left during nite. Hope we go soon.
April 25
Went to church this AM. Doesn’t seem like Easter Sunday. Feel very home sick today. Got our
shipping order today. Things might happen now. The WAACs are keeping us entertained. They
come walking down the street, interspersing a dance step here & there, probably former
Rockettes. Restrictions still on. Everyone getting restless. Movies don’t change very often . Our
only diversion too. Got my packing practically all done. Am all ready to go. May it be soon.
Played some gin rummy & michigan. Lost .19 at rummy & won .11 michigan. Betty K. won as
usual. Go to bed.
April 26
Meeting at 8. For not much of anything. Got paid today, partial payment. Went to movies tonite.
A new officer’s club for task forces was opened tonite in our area. Had a fairly nice time. Came
home with a flyer. A Dutchman , a kindred soul, says he is going out tomorrow maybe. We are
starting to work in the station hosp. tomorrow 8-430. What a break. We are always being pulled
in for that stuff. I work Thursday. I hope we are not here by then. Good nite diary.
April 27
Everyone is going “stir crazy.” Various enterprises have sprung up on our floor. One beauty
salon, managers Murial Spalinger & Betty Klein, chief op. Frankie Siders. Prices increase as you
make an appointment. .15 for a shoe shine, bring your own polish, no deliveries. Cleaning &
summary(", etc. by Kitty Vanee, Prophalaxes Station run by Betty Kelly. Peaka boo ran by
Faunia & Ruth Barthel. Everyone is a screwball. Went to the officers club last night, men galore
but no good lookers. Came home with a pilot, Paul Van Ort nice boy from Michigan. Ran into
some interference with the guard. Went to movies tonite. Lousy shows, but nothing else to do.
Raining this afternoon. Had typhus shot today. Arm sore.
April 28
Uneventful day for us. Two groups of nurses went out today. It seems everyone but us is going.
Very discouraging. Passes were issued to N.Y. to the other 50% of the group. Went to the
officer’s club. No one there worth a second glance. Why am I so fussy. Goodness knows I
haven’t so much that I can afford to be. But after the ones I have had I can’t stand the little pip
squeaks I see around here & those in my unit included. Helen was very rude last nite. Walked off
& left me standing by myself without even a word of excuse. But then she’s more interested in
the males here than I. Area restrictions were supposed to be lifted at 2PM today. Waiting line at
mess hall decreased considerably. Food still lousy.
April 29
Up early today. Reported for duty at the hospital at 8am. Was informed not needed. 12 of us
went to cafeteria & had a second breakfast & dilly dallied before coming back. Return at drill at
930am. We just missed it!! We get passes to N.Y. tonite. Have some shopping to do. Usual rush
in city. Didn’t get what I wanted. Time is so short & it flies when shopping. Had a good dinner
and came home @ 130am. No excitement.
April 30
Up at 830 for signing of pay vouchers. No drill because of inclement weather. Heard Major Julie
Sternson(" speak today. Very charming person & she gave good advice. Went to movies
tonight. Saw The Human Comedy with Mickey Rooney. Very good show. Expresses what one
finds so hard to put into words. True to life. Very well done. Thunder & lightning shower
coming up. To bed early.
May 1
Went to N.Y. at 1PM today. Got myself some brown shoes before getting the train at Hoboken
for home. Just made it by the skin of my teeth. Virginia was surprised to see me. It sure was
good to get home. How true that song is “There’s no places like home.” The boys have grown so,
both as tall as I. I envy my sister in a way, wish they were mine but then I feel as though they
practically are. Got home at 630PM left at 10. Got back to camp exactly at 2AM. The other
groups have to be back by 12PM today. Hope there is really something in the air. Am tired of
staying around here.
May 2
Quiet day, slept late.
Went to U.S.O. show “Something for the Boys.” Only fair. With Allan Jenkins, Bell Johnson,
etc. Heard 4 of our officers went on as an advance group under sealed orders. 20 more to go this
AM. Had to pack barracks bags & bed rolls tonite to be ready by 5am. Looks as though we are
really going at last.
May 3
Bed rolls & barracks bags picked up this am early. Expect to be ordered out at any time. Had a
physical after noon. Med. Officer glanced at throat & back. Wonder we all passed, it was so
strenuous. Had another typhus injection today. Arm still sore from last one. Will look like the
tattooed lady time I get out of this army.
May 4
Getting ready to leave Camp Shanks. And I’m not sorry. Hand luggage all ready to go by 5PM.
How I even got it closed is beyond me. Left in trucks at 6PM. Went by train to "" Took ferry to
N.Y. Boarded boat (Louis Pasteur?) directly from ferry. A band greeted us on docking at the
ferry. A cheery note. In C6 state room with 17 girls. Some have 30 girls. Got our meal tickets
soon after boarding. 6 at a table. Dining room nice. Hear we are going to Casablanca. I like that.
There is an advance division, signal corps some quartermaster troops on board also. We are only
medical outfit. Sailing in the AM, will probably be asleep when we do. Will struggle to keep my
top bunk & to sleep I hope.
May 5
Was kept awake by loading during nite. Sailed at 7AM. Unable to be on deck until after we had
cleared harbor & were out of sight of land. Some men on deck but not us. Passed a convoy going
out. We are not having one. Supposed to be a fast ship. The Louis Pasteur (23-30 miles per hr)"
Crew is English. We are zigzagging. Boat is heavily armed. Guns all over. There is so much
water. A beautiful day. Sea is calm. Wouldn’t know I was on a boat if I didn’t see water & of
course the quarters help. Getting more rough in evening. They say Capt. expects a storm. Heard
the radio graph picked up a sub. Only a rumor. Saw nothing but water. To bed.
May 6
Slept extremely well. Sea fairly calm but ship is rolling more today. Quite a few sea sick. 6 cases
of mumps reported. Am on call in O.R. in AM. Spent most of day on deck."". Lovely out there.
Water is so pretty & blue. Zigzagging leaves a wake for way back. Talked to members of crew.
Very very English you know. Had fun. Listened to victrola. Nice dining room. Fairly good
meals. Nice service compared to former arrangements. Quarters for enlisted personnel bad. Feel
sorry for them. We have to bath [sic] in salt water. Fresh H2O in face basin, faucets turns off at
8PM though. Sea is getting rougher now as evening comes on. Had a black out tonite. Planes
patrolling frequently. They look reassuring to us. Have no fear really. Seems funny not to. Time
set 1 hr ahead.
May 7
Rained most of day. Sea rough. Had two almost-bouts of seasickness but warded it off by stay
[sic] on deck in the rain. Ship is rolling a lot. Quite a number sea sick. Was on duty (on call from
7-3PM, not called). Usual boat drill. Guard said another boat passed us before dawn. Would like
to see something besides water. Have seen no planes today. Still take a zigzagging course.
Played cards in officers lounge.
Went out on deck (rush order?) last nite. Sea rough & noisy dark as a dungeon. Lights are out in
ship’s of course.
Went to bed in a hurry to prevent loosing [sic] my supper. Time set ahead another hour at 11PM.
May 8
Much clearer day. Cloudy at times. Had boat drill at usual time also action alert signal. Got sort
of scared when I heard guns but turned out to be practice only. K. Gibbons was already to run
with duty bag and all. Wished I could have seen it from the deck. Was on deck most of day. Am
getting a nice sun burn. Enjoyed talking with an English officer on deck. Imagine the amusement
at accent is reciprocated. Went up to lounge in evening. A colored orchestra string quartet were
there to keep privates(" tame. Played "" Sea was calm most of day getting rougher at night.
Wish we could go on deck after dark. Still no other ship besides our own on the sea. Had 2 more
atabrine pills today.
May 9
Went to church today in officer’s lounge. No boat drill. English officers appeared in shorts,
rather cute!! The water is much bluer & clearer today. Sea weed which looks like ") is floating.
By this AM. Spent entire day on deck. Saw some flying fish. Sea calm, is really beautiful day.
Black out time comes too early 740 tonite. Black out is complete believe me. Got a nice sore sun
burn on my face. Enlisted boys came on deck with string instruments and gave us some music.
Made it seem like a pleasure cruise instead of a troop ship. Feel sorry & guilty about the quarters
the boys have. Wish I could do something about it. Hope they have better trip back. Played cards
in lounge all evening.
May 10
Another beautiful day. Sea very calm. Saw only one flying fish today. No other signs of life.
Water is getting lighter & clearer in color . Sun very hot up on deck. Have quite a sunburn.
Talked with a very nice Lt. from the Ordinance. Real cute boy. Had to work from 6PM to 12,
poor thing. Doughterty, who bunks below me is always (teasing?" She’s a card, funny. Marion
& I spent the entire day on deck as usual. Salt air gives me an appetite. War news of Tunisia &
Bizerte being taken sounds good. Maybe we won’t stay in Africa for long. Am anxious to see
Casablanca. Had masquerade of sorts in evening given by Mrs. Chamberlin. Her promotion
party. Most unique & original hat was a ") with ") for "" Ship rolling considerably. Heard a
sub almost rammed last nite by us. Was up to (charge battery?).We were going too fast to stop.
May 11
Very windy & cold on deck today. Low planes circling us again also a destroyer appeared on
horizon. Both looked good to us. Although in dangerous waters do not feel afraid. The sky was
beautiful today. Sea very calm. Almost glassy. Also saw some birds flying around close to water.
Will be glad to see land. Jumped up to bed last nite (top bunk) and hit my head on the electric
light bulb which broke entirely off. Got a sore spot on my head today. Had a shampoo. Some
beauty salon they have on the boat. Ship is rolling considerably all day. We are following in
wake of the destroyer. Are debarking at 930am tomorrow. Got food rations today. 3 pkgs B.D.S.
Rolled my bed roll for the morning. Want to get up early & go up on deck.
May 12
P.S. Had bubble and squeak & fried egg for bkfst. (hash to you)
A beautiful day. Up on deck @ 630am. Saw land at 10am. Debarked @ 3PM. Had no lunch. Saw
ships in harbor which had been bombed. One almost completely submerged, others turned over.
One with no stern, a lot of damage done. Casablanca looks like a modern city. Buildings similar
to southern California. Look very modern. Inhabitants on street very dirty & poor looking.
Ragged clothes. Saw some women with (vests?) others without. Are quartered in a boys school.
The johns are funny. A place for the feet & you squat. A smelly dirty place. 39 of us in one
room. Cots for beds. Have to go downstairs to shower. Boys 8-12 have school here. Priests
overseers. Very colorful gardens. All kinds of flowers. Geraniums are profuse & roses. All colors
together very pretty. Water is obtained out of lister bag for drinking . Feel sort of land sick also
slightly ill from atabrine. May be here a month. Hope we get better quarters.
May 13
My second day in Casablanca. It’s really a beautiful place. Most of people are French & speak it.
Hope to learn to speak it myself. Got my things straightened out today. Drove in some nails then
I hear we have to move tomorrow over to the École de Jeune Fillé [sic] with the others. A
number of girls are sick from atabrine. Flies are profuse. Mesquito [sic] netting a god send.
There are lots of nurses here. Too many will go on duty mon. we are on 36 hr restrictions. Have
to walk about 1 mile to mess hall. Food very greasy. Hot but there is a nice breeze. Slept most of
day. Don’t feel too good myself. Sore throat, stiff neck. APO # changed today to 668. Rumors
that we will not stay here. Ann sick. taken to hospital 66 after trying two others they finally
admitted her. Hospitals crowded. Tonight is beautiful. To bed at 11PM.
May 14
Moved over to École Lysée Lyanty [sic] today. Quarters very crowded. Two to a cubicle. Ann is
going to live with me again I think. She has pneumonia. Went down town today. Rode in an
open carriage. Had some money changed over. Bought a French conversational book. Amazing
how much I have forgotten of my French. Hope to pick it up again. Feel very lonely as if I didn’t
have any friends left. What is wrong? Restrictions being put on right & left. Colonel Donnelly is
a bitch of the worst kinds. Hope he gets his due some day. He lifts restrictions for his girl friend
though. Maybe out 4 hours at a time & only 5 from our house during that time. Think if I want to
go out I’ll go anyway. Bonsoir.
May 15
Another lonely day. Quite warm in the sun but cool inside. Went to the hospital to see Ann. She
is better. Got a ride home in a jeep with a medical Capt. Very nice. The homes around the
hospital (old Italian consulate) are very pretty. Plenty of palm trees in town. The Boulevards are
especially attractive. Some native children gathered around me for souvenirs. Had none but was
given 50 centimes piece. Other 16 girls moved over to our section tonite. Broke my mirror today.
After carrying it all the way from Alabama!! A.P.O. number change again to 3A22. No one
knows anything in the 3rd gen it seems!! Only confusion.
May 16
Went on a tour of the city by bus and sponsored by the Red Cross. Went in the Sultan’s Palace
gardens, saw the new & old medinas (native living quarters). Went thru native districts off limits
if not on a tour. Streets & people there are terribly filthy. Beggars galore. Saw house of
prostitution. Quite an impressive place! Went to officers club in evening with Lt. from
Engineers. Had a nice time. Going on nite duty so unable to date him again.
May 17
On duty at the 6th gen. hosp. from 830 to 1130. Did nothing but sit. Went on nites at 630 tonite.
Uneventful day. Slept in afternoon. Hospital has mostly casualties now. Lots went out on last
convoy. Others waiting to go now. Pts (casualties) for next 6 wks are being sent to a gen hosp. in
Oran. They alternate every 6 weeks.
May 18
Went on night duty last nite. Had a hard time trying to stay awake. Have to cover two wards of
12 beds each. Not bad. Most of pts are out of bed. Uneventful day. Slept til 1. Gave back my
impregnated(" clothes, washed my hair, & went back to bed til 500 pm. To work at 715pm
tonite.
May 22
Went swimming out to Fedala. Nice swimming but the beach is dirty sand only. Had fun playing
ball. Met a cute officer. Got some sunburn but sun wasn’t out too much.
May 23
Got some new pts in tonite. Casualties from Tunisia not too badly hurt. Gave all the boys some
candy bars tonight. Got more enjoyment out of their pleasure than if I had eaten them myself.
May 24
Slept later today. Nothing new. Nites the same old routine.
May 26
Usual night & day.
May 27
Got up at 1130 today to go swimming. Had a terrifying experience. Bob & I walked out too far
into the waves and were unable to swim back under our own power. Some boy helped me back
ashore. Bob another boy who had gone out too deep were pulled in on the life line. I sure thought
I was finished. I hope I have learned a lesson.
Was dead tired tonite. Hear we are leaving soon for Bizerte. Will be glad to go.
May 28
Same old story. Lot of sleep & work.
7PM 7AM
May 29
Nothing new. Same routine.
May 30
My last nite of night duty. Thank god. Hasn’t been too bad. Had 2 nice wards and nice patients.
But it’s good to get off. Went swimming this PM. Water nice. Air cold. Saw Lt. List again. Cute
boy but doesn’t seem to go for me. Would like to go out with him. Looks very young though.
May 31
Off tonight but nothing to do. The irony of it. Was supposed to go (with?) Bob Ames but don’t
care about going with him. I’m too fussy I guess. Should take what I can get and enjoy myself.
Memoranda
Paul Warren 2nd Lt
Army Air Corps
Charleston, S. Carolina
June 1
Been in this army since 1 yr ago today. Haven’t regretted it one bit. Met a very very nice Lt in air
corps. Paul Warren from S.C. had loads of fun. Could go for him in a big way. Nice looking, tall,
personality plus. Hope he comes out O.K. Gave me his ") wings. Hope I can see more of him.
May be stationed near us in Bizerte. Got to bed at 130am.
On C.Q. duty today from 1230. Left at 340 to go with the Lt. mentioned above. God help me if
the madam had caught me.
P.S. joined the “Short ") tonight too. Cost me $1
June 2
Miss Paul very much today. Went downtown in AM. Bought a few things. On CQ 5-930 missed
out on a (doggie?) roast with Lt. Ames (not that I cared)"
Have been thinking of Paul all day. He called at 4PM. Will probably leave before day is over.
May be back end of week. I sure hope so. How can I like him so much by just knowing him for
one day? He’s so sweet. Says the things a woman wants to hear. Please god let me see him again
& be stationed near him.
June 3
On CQ 8-1230. A gold –bricking job if there ever was one. Went to town today to P.X. to get my
4 bars of candy. Had a coke. The Navy gave a dance in the Rec hall here at Lycée Lyanty & gave
us a drink. Went out in the evening with a naval officer. & from Easton. Knew places I knew &
people also. Girls I played basket ball with. Went to the A.B.S. officers club. Had a fairly nice
time. Missed my flyer. I do want to see Paul again. He’s wonderful.
June 4
Nothing new. Went downtown. Bought myself a ring. To bed early.
June 5
Paul was in Casablanca again today. Went to the Allied club for a drink and then on to the
automobile club. Had a wonderful time with him as usual. Saw an iron cross one of the boys had
gotten from a German general. Paul exchanged the wings he gave me before for a better pair. I’m
crazy for him. Says all I want to hear. Wish he could be around more. To bed at 200am
PS Paul also told me he’s not married now. Divorced 3 months after his marriage 6 yrs ago.
June 6
Tired today. Went swimming at Fedala. Nice but a little cold. Went out to the beach on a party
with some men from the transportation. Had a fun time. Missed Paul. Would have been perfect
with him. Left one couple there. had to go back and get them. Some fun.
June 7
Went to town again as usual. Didn’t buy anything. Had fun in shops trying to lower prices. Went
to a 3rd gen party in the rec hall. Very few 3rd gen officers there. Met Lt. Purcell-King…
Had fun dancing. Plenty of men around. None appealed to me after Paul. I got it bad!"
Please hurry back Paul! Nurses had to be in quarters by 12. Had bed check. Our Colonel sure is a
_ _ _ _ _!" Of the first order. And we also are restrained to quarters.
June 8
A meeting at 830. Expect to move to staging area soon. Learned we are to have baggage ready
by 8am tomorrow. Spent the day packing. Seem to have a lot less to pack. Bed roll is enormous
though. Uneventful day. Still restricted to quarters. To bed early.
June 9
Immediately on arrival here everyone robbed the lumber pile in back of camp. Tables, shelves &
everything imaginable built. Some tents fixed up very nice. Think it’s going to be fun. Telephone
can’t be used until 5PM for personal calls. Message "" Hope Paul finds me.
Arrived in our new quarters at 230pm."" tents with board floors. 4 to a tent. Betty Kelly,
Marion Gundry, Ann, & myself live together. Betty C.Q." Think it will be nice. Cots have
mattresses, nice!! Latrine about 1 block away. 8 holes back to back 4 on a side. Good old
fashioned method!! Privacy has gone for duration. 15 rolls of T.P. for 116 women per week!"
Probably revert to newspaper or Sears Roebuck Cat. Wash room & showers way down the other
end. Have tablecloths (sheets) on tables in mess hall. Food excellent after Lycee Lyanty & the
Arabs! Good to see our own boys working in there again. Have a Rec hall with radio, victrola &
furniture. Paul was in today for few hrs. Couldn’t see him, he was unable to leave field.
June 11
Up at 730, the last to breakfast & first to other meals. Paul was in again today from 11 to 4PM,
but couldn’t see him. Was terribly disappointed. I like him too much for my own good. Hope he
comes in again very soon. I’ll see him next time he comes in even if I have to go AWOL. Wish I
knew how much he thinks of me. Wrote him a letter. Hope he gets it & answers. Did nothing all
day but lounged around, played some ball. To bed by (11?)PM. Still restricted.
June 12
Restrictions lifted today at last. Thank goodness! But not my day to gout. Are divided in two
groups. 50% go out at a time after 530pm and only 5% of the 50% out before 530pm. Hope Paul
gets in town on my day off.
Was supposed to have inspection but didn’t. Dull day. Nothing much to do. to bed early.
June 13
Went to chapel in area 14. A five minute walk. Had G.I. transportation. Very good short sermon.
Went swimming in afternoon ") with the chaplain. Betty Haines asked me if I wanted to go on a
double date with her & who should it turn out to be but the chaplain. Seems nice but chaplains
are not up my alley as far as dates are concerned. Water was swell. Got some sunburn. Went to
movies in town at nite. Saw “Man(" power” again. Movie given(" by red cross. Free.
June 14
Started our training program all over again. Only the 3rd time. Like drilling & calisthenics but
not the classes. Very hot today & much cooler this evening. My nite in. Mess not so good today.
Feel hungry for some sweet desert [sic]. Had letter from Ginny. Made me feel better. Wrote
some letters home.
June 15
Usual day of training period. Planning to have a show for our enlisted men next Wednesday.
Should be able to give a good one. Saw a show given by the 66th Station Hosp. Quite good &
entertaining.
June 16 -1
Today was complete. Saw Paul tonight. He was as sweet as ever. Went to the ABS officer’s club.
Lights were out. Closed day. On to the automobile club. Had an orchestra. Danced. Paul much
better dancer than I had thought he was. I’m crazy about him. Wish he liked me as well. He
wanted to buy me a gift because I gave him a box of beech nut gum. Hope he didn’t leave it
somewhere. Expects to move up this week or first of next. I’m praying we get together up the
line. Would be heavenly to see him often.
June 17
Went on a 4 mile hike today. Tried to go into a native village but the women said her husband
was crazy & she didn’t know what he would do. Husband though we wanted to buy a baby. How
many women wanted to in he asked? 10 we said. Do they all want babies? He asked. Wife gave
us two chicken eggs as a gift in exchange for some gum and candy. Went thru the field and it
was hard walking. Tired when I got back. Looked for Paul to go out. He was going to signal.
Must have missed him. Wish I could see him again before he goes out. I got it bad.
June 18
Usual routine. Heard we are leaving around July 1,2,3 for Mature [sic]. I do hope we get near the
314 Troop Carrier Com 62nd Sq#650. It will be wonderful to see him more often. I can’t think of
anything nicer.
Very hot. Tent is extremely warm.
June 19
Inspected the enlisted men & our officers quarters this AM. Our officers live one in a tent & with
beds with springs & mattresses. And they say they are treated badly. They had apple cake too
which we didn’t get till later on in the day. To keep us quite [sic] I guess. Did nothing in the
evening. Wish Paul were here. Miss him a lot. Helped Ruth B & Dora L. get ready for a date
with some colonels. Some circus!"
June 20
Went to church today. Very nice service. Hope we get that chaplain in our unit. He’s good &
interesting. Cloudy this morning. Sun coming out now and it is getting warmer. Got some new
girls last nite (3). Are going to have a 2000 bed hospital. Are getting more nurses, officers &
enlisted men.
June 21
Went to a (must?) affair by the ABS officers. Given to nurses of vicinity & other med off. Held
at Hotel Robinson. Had fair time. Had salted peanuts. Tasted good I can tell you. Met Capt.
Clarkner from Washington, NJ. What a small world after all. He’s a nice dancer. Not bad
looking. Said he hasn’t had a date for 4 months. Came home with him in jeep.
June 22
Usual day. Drill, calisthenics classes."" folding. Hot as hell. Can see why the natives flop down
anywhere & go to sleep during the day. Wise people. Thank goodness it cools off at night so we
can sleep well.
Are preparing a play for our enlisted men. Hope it goes over well. We all have our doubts.
June 23
Had the play. A big success with the enlisted men. They looked cute bringing there [sic] canteen
cup for coffee which we served with donuts after the play. The play was a number of skits
starting with a hike at Rucker, Camp Shanks interlude on train, on ship & here in Casa. Also a
Mex. Dance number by Lupie(" & Katie, a jitterbug dance, singing, and an orchestra. Went over
very well, everyone liked it. Raised morale of our boys 100%.
June 24
Supposed to have retreat tonite but was cancelled (nurses only). Very hot day. Feel tired all the
time. Went out to dinner to “Coup(camp?) de Ponli(?)” with Capt. Clarkner and Major Kellan &
Mona Sobrin. Had a good chicken dinner. Best meal since I’ve been here. Watched the surf for a
while. Pretty rough tonite. Reminds me too much of the time I got caught in the undertow &
couldn’t get back without help.
June 25
Went to Casablanca today had some ice cream "" Chocolate had cherries in it. Funny kind of
ice cream. At least it was cold. Very hot in town but not quite as hot as in camp. First shopping
trip into Casa since I moved out. 30 red cross & 3 WAAC officers moved into our camp tonite.
Just off the boat. Hope they like Africa. Not a bad place. A(" Park left today for Mateur. 10
nurses. Wish I could have gone by truck rather than by train. It’s going to be a long hard journey.
June 26
Had to turn our mattresses in today, much to our sorrow. We’ll need all the sleep we can get
before starting out on that train trip. Dread it very much. Went to the navel dance. Met a very
good looking officer George Whitney. Had ice cream & coca cola also chocolate cake. Was it
good too!! Got home 1am.
June 27
Went to church. Large attendance for a change. Went to town in the evening and saw “as you
were” a play given by the Red Cross. It was very good. Especially the one with a woman as
president. Very funny. Had a truth & conseq. show at the end of program. I was the only nurse
up there (not by choice) had a very easy question “who was the 1st woman to popularize bobbed
hair?”
Got two pkgs cigarettes as a prize. And I don’t smoke. Enjoyed the show very much.
June 28
Left for Rabat at 9am by bus. 2 of them took a large number of nurses. Got there at 1030. Saw
the medina, the old sultan’s palace with beautiful native costumes, jewelry, & such. Beautifully
embroided [sic]pieces. Climbed to top of minarete. Wonderful view of the city. The town is
much cleaner than Casablanca. The natives are also. Had dinner & supper at the Chontilier("
Res. it was delicious. Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, & such & cantaloupes which were so
good. Expect to have after effects but it will be worth it. Also had ice cream & berries. Went to
ARC off. Club. Talked to some nice officers.
June 29
Have had no water for two days. Getting (acute?)-water turned on later in the day. Very rusty
and messy. Gives one canteen to drink. Oh for some good old N.Y. Water again. Washed my
clothes and have to do them over again due to the rust in the water. Got some peanuts at the P.X.
very good. All moving ") & sun. In two loads. Have had warnings(" about censorship. We are
getting too talkative. One does get careless without "" must be more careful. Have been warned
by censor once and that’s enough for me. Went to post movies in the pit.
June 30
Uneventful day. Same routine & heat. Wrote 6 letters this evening. Wish I could see Paul. I miss
him very much. Water situation bad. None again today except for a very short while. Mess hall
has been taken over by A.B.S. Food a little better.
July 1
Had barrack bags ready to go at 1PM today. Went to Casablanca for the last time. Did very little
shopping. Went to the engineers officers club outside of town. A beautiful place. Formerly a
French villa taken over by the U.S. government. A large formal garden, tennis court, etc. had the
Royal Caseliers(" Orchestra. Was with Bob Galioppi, from N.Y. A wonderful dancer. Had a
nice time. Got home at 1AM. To water today after 9AM
July 2
Our last day in Casablanca on Don Passage Camp. Have enjoyed it here a lot. But am anxious to
move on to new fields. Bed rolls went at 1pm. We go at 730. Inspection of Camp @ 7PM. Had
to take a cold shower with a minimum of water. Felt good after but oh- getting under the thing.
Supposed to leave at 830pm. French ran off with our train. Entrained(" @ 12 min. train filthy.
Had coffee & sandwich @ 11 before getting to train. We were last to leave. Good bye Camp Don
Passage.
July 3
Enroute. 4 to a compartment built for six. By rearranging the seats we were able to stretch out.
But didn’t sleep well. Stopped in Petite Jean Kidi Kagam(" and had breakfast @ 1030am. Dog
bisquits [sic], hardboiled eggs, coffee, & applebutter. Had lunch there. Cornbeef on bisquits,
watermelon, lemonade. On our way @ 1100pm. Went thru beautiful country. Irrigation system
wonderful. Landscaping pretty. Many native villages spread out. Laid over in Fez from 6PM to
2AM. Had supper in restaurant in station. Saw a train load of prisoners (German) on way to Port
Lyanty [sic]. Seemed happy. Scenery wonderful.
July 4
Woke up to find our compartment full of bed bugs & full of bites. Had it deloused but still leery
of it. 7 more days of this. Oh oh. Had breakfast at a stop over. Another load of German-Italian
prisoners came in while we were in the station. Got a mess kit utensils & medal from them for
cigarettes & candy. They were singing & seemed happy. One spoke English. Were forbidden to
talk to them but got around it. Saw a train wreck! Completely demolished. In Spanish Morroca
[sic]. Costumes more colorful than any seen before. Stopped in Ouidja for 6 hrs. called Paul but
he had moved out 1 wk ago. Talked to some boys. Gave one can pineapple chunks. Water scarce.
½ canteen only. Meals lousy. Corned beef, lunch yesterday, lunch today & supper today. Left
Ouidja [sic] @ 2am. Set time ahead 1 hr.
July 5
Slept sitting up last nite. Not so good. Passed thru beautiful country this AM. Very deep valleys
& high mountains. Somewhat cooler. Stopped for breakfast & lunch in Sidi Bel Abbes. The
home of the French foreign legion. Did not see the town. May Arab children on way. Pitiful
looking creatures. Story of the duck- Frenchman met(" train & said soldiers had stolen a duck
from last station. Sgt Dourl appeared with it freshly picked (15 mins after). Quite dead too. Told
Frenchmen duck flew into train. Was very much amused and ""
July 6
Passed some more prisoners who hadn’t had anything to eat or drink for 3 days. The damn
French in charge of them.
Stopped in African(" rell Milliana [sic] for a shower. Got 12 pounds pork prepared meat,
pineapple chunks, peanut butter from 8 boys stranded here. Haven’t had any bread yet. Meals
lousy. Sleeping problem same. Went thru beautiful country. Full of grape vineyards. Miles &
miles of them. Mountains. Saw train which had been bombed full of holes. A wreck. Got a
French engineer who pulled out of station & left 300 nurses & officers & enlisted men. Continue
to next town before we could get him to stop, then under protest. Train very jerky. Things
continually falling down on us."" of Arab children, pitiful creatures begging for candy. Supply
gone almost.
July 7
Were told not to talk to enlisted men even in a friendly fashion with a threat of court marshal
Went thru outskirts of Algiers. Picked up rations there. had a good breakfast for a change.
Scrambled eggs, good coffee. Had a shower in Betty’s bathing suit under the spigot used to fuel
engine. Felt good but am still dirty. No bed bugs greeted us this AM. Still pretty country and
cooler. Got much hotter today later on. Engine broke down this afternoon. Had to wait till it went
to another station. Sat on platform watching scenery & trying to keep cool. Talked to some
engineers at station. Gave us some scotch. I shaved one boy who looked like an Arab with his
whiskers. Did a pretty good job. Only cut him in one place. Restrictions put on some girls for
talking with enlisted men. 9PM curfew for all. Had supper late tonite. 930. Beautiful ¼ moon
with a perfect star just below. Feel so badly over poor starved Arab children.
July 8
Took Allen & another boy off (Malano?) train to hospital (35th) 1230 last nite.
Stopped for breakfast in St-Donat for bkfst. Saw a lot of fortresses & transports in air field there.
Heard Paul was at couple stations us(". Called from --- chart. He’s there but out when I called.
Saw a prison camp and an area which looked as though it has been bombed. Very disappointed I
didn’t get to see Paul. I cried but did no good. Cest la guerre. Can only hope to see him later on.
Country side dry & very hot. Saw a number of army camps along the way. Passed near
Constantine. Had only two meals today. Got an arab who brought this bottles of “ocno” with him
as brakeman. Didn’t work brakes at all. Too busy drinking. Saw a lot of banged up British tanks
brought up from Tunisia. Some pretty well wrecked. (1st army) also talked to train of boys who
had fought in Kasserine Pass. Some girls restricted for talking to enlisted men. So far have
escaped ""
July 9
Had breakfast in Souk Ahras. Saw two train loads of German prisoners unguarded. Also a train
load detraining this AM and being taken to a prison camp. Talked to some officers stationed
here. Still mountainous country. Mess much better in spite of fact we only ate 2X’s yesterday.
Talked to some boys from another train who had been at Kasserine gave me some German
souvenirs, a bayonet ribbon. Told of some interesting experiences. Talked to some others who
hadn’t spoken to an Amer. girl since he had been here. Very pathetic. Feel very sorry for these
boys. They only want to talk to a white girl. Stopped in Sidi ") for supper. Very short stop. Had
to eat our meal in the train & keep our dirty mess kits. Mateur rumored to be 35 miles away.
Goodness knows when we’ll get there though.
July 10
Saw the German cemetery in back of Camp- ")20 Germans & 1 "" 3 unknowns.
Arrived in Mateur @ 4AM. Was asleep. Got up for breakfast at 7AM at station. Town practically
devastated. Not much left. E.B.S HQ Hosp 6 miles outside of town. Large air field near by.
Planes in air at all times. Many of them. Those who greeted us at 5AM had been out. All but 3
came back. Good record. Very much surprised at the hospital. 50 buildings of concrete. We live
in tents. 1 each. Won’t be bad when we get something to put our clothes in. greeted by the
madam with a meeting. Started scrubbing in the afternoon as soon as we got finished & were
supposed to work till 9 but I decided till 7 was late enough. Building very very filthy. Place built
by French & taken by Germans but retaken again. 9th ") moved out before we came in. expect
to be ready for 500 pts by wed. Some work place, is full of activity. supplies coming in & etc.
went to bed dead tired.
July 11
Were told there were many mines in the surrounding fields. Also in the graves & fox holes
around everywhere. A German wreck place to the left. A tank field. P38 field & P25’s. Some of
boys saw a German plane shot down just a little beyond camp. Taken prisoner, other killed. On
July 5 had a bombing at Ferryville. Could see it clearly form here. Still excitement around. The
chow line is terrific. Also the wash line. Stand 1 ½ hr. Scrubbed all day today again. Hope we
soon finish up. We are restricted until we get the hosp started. Advance party did not do much of
anything apparently except have a good time & see the surrounding towns. Had supper in our
own mess hall. Tonite much better. Still using mess kits. We’ll get settled sometime I hope.
July 12
Up at 700am. Have a bugler now who blows at 6AM. Scrubbed again today. Place still a mess &
needs lots of work. Tried painting walls but paint is too dark green. Hands full of cuts & nicks.
Very hot here today. Eating in our own mess hall, much better than before. Do not have to wait
in line so long. Flies terrific. Stick like fly paper. Have to go down hill to Chamberlin’s rooms to
get a shower. She’s got a luxurious apt! Says she would rather live in tent with girls, but oh
yeah!! High ranking officers (maj & col) sleep in buildings too. The lazy hogs.
July 13
The same story. Scrubbing & cleaning up O.R. Still on restrictions. Loads of planes going &
coming all day. Lots of activity. Mail came in but didn’t get any.
July 14
Served(" again today. Made myself a dresser with drawers out of card board boxes. Quite spiffy.
Also a wardrobe out of some more cardboard. Covered my floor with card board also. The
colonel won’t let us take boards or wooden boxes so we have to use paper ones or do without.
Hot as the devil. Thank god don’t have to wait in the chow line 2 hrs anymore. Had dishes to eat
from (enamel ones). No more mess kits. Camp was inspected by General Blessing(" today- One
star gen. One colonel, with him asked me to shorten his English shorts for him.
July 15
Served(" covers(" for O.R. all day. Only cool place is on duty. Came to my tent from 1230-3
and nearly died. Mail came in again today. None for me. Very disappointing. Food tasted good
today. Miss Frete is responsible. Takes a woman’s touch in the kitchen. Food is scarce though.
Get small portions. Finished my building(" today. Wish restrictions were off so could go out. 10
nurses went on nites today. No pts so far from outside Sicily.
Wish I could see Paul or even hear from him.
July 16 -1
Good news. Paul called. Had landed at P38 field but could not leave. Went out in a few hours.
Circled over field & waved to me. I’m crazy about him. Wish I could see more of him. Still busy
in O.R. never worked so hard in my life. Restrictions still on. Pts still trickling in. also sending
some on by an evacuation.
July 17
Restrictions lifted at last. Stayed in talking to some Air Corp boys. They had to be off field by
1030. Policed by Lt. Polingham & Miller. What a life. If only Paul could get here. Think I must
be in love with him. Hear Chamberlin has a boy friend too. May make her human.
Funny to see the infusion of men the first nite off restrictions. All can have dates if they want it
so, plenty of Air Corps!
July 18
Met some air Corp boys. Went over to their club. Had “slow rolls” very good. Started ") the
P38. A very complicated affair. Wish I could fly. Had a late pass to go to movies but didn’t
really need it. Miss Paul very much. Got some more pts today. Did our first operation. I & D ""
Went to Catholic services. Missed protestant services. Heard they were given by Air Corp
Chaplin & very good.
July 19
Still a lot to do in O.R. Worked hard getting things together. Don’t realize the detail involved till
one starts.
Hot as hell today also tonite & first nite has not cooled off.
Had memorial services for M. Allen tonite. Chaplain Tobel(" spoke very well.
To bed early. Had some ice water.
July 20
Another scorching day. Heat terrific. Stayed on duty all day because tent was too hot. Going to
get awfully tired in this heat. Am on call in OR tonite. Must sleep down in building "" Some
more trouble. 100 Italian prisoners arrived today to work around hospital. They seem happy
enough. Someone swiped my candle(" today.
July 21
Missed out on dates.
July 22
Saw Bizerte for the first time tonight. Went with a Lt from the Air Corps. The place is a mess of"". No building left standing. Saw loads of troops down by dock waiting to go over to Sicily or
Italy. Met hundreds of prisoners. Mostly Italian. Had prisoners in our mess hall for supper
tonight serving. One is so crosseyed! They look healthy enough. OR. Taking shape gradually.
Lots of work. Hot as hell again. Must walk up from parking lot to "" A dirty trick since we have
to walk so much during day.
July 23
Went out with Capt. Stevenson tonight. Met him thru Miss Chamberlin. Had a wonderful time.
First swim in the Mediterranean. Wasn’t very nice. Steve is from Buffalo and in the tank
destroyers. Am seeing him Sat & swimming again. Hope he shaves off his moustache. I hate
them. Saw a lot of wrecked German planes in Ivory Air field in Bizerte.
Saw a horrible leg would today. Big hunk shot out. Poor boy. Quiet death in hosp. assured. Some
pretty sick boys here now.
July 23
Went to Bizerte again with Capt Stevenson and Lt. Bukey. Had dinner. Got tight and sick(". had
a nice time though. Reuters boy friend Rhinelander shot himself thru the head while cleaning his
gun. Very sad. Sorry for her. Was to be married in 2 weeks.
July 25
Went to church this AM. Nice service. Was to have gone swimming with George but he didn’t
show up. Probably has a good excuse. Hot as the devil in tent this PM. Rained for about 5 min.
Very welcome.
July 26
On call in the OR. Worked till morning. 715 to 1PM then had to ") from 615 to 1000 on a case.
Exploded men. Horrible wounds. The boys are sure getting messed up. Too bad the civilians at
home can’t see what the boys have gone through. Might wake them up. The food is sort of on the
scarce side. Small portions & lousy. Mussolini was dismissed. Good news. Badoglio is Prime
Minister. He’s favorable to terms("" Probably war with Italy is over. Still a big job to do.
Maybe we’ll land in Europe yet. Hope so.
July 27"" A very happy day. Paul is in. Landed at the next air field. Saw him at 4 & went to Bizerte for
dinner. Had fresh strawberries. Laid on the beach & talked & talked. He’s so sweet &
considerate. Took his ring off because he thought I wouldn’t like. Hard(" to see it. The darling. I
love him. Got in at 1AM. Told me about going over Sicily. He was lucky. God please don’t let
him get hurt. He cried when he talked about it and the story of the prayer(" book. I don’t know
how I can stand to not see him more often. He’s lost weight, poor boy.
July 28
Went to Bizerte & had steak with Capt Stevenson. Was so sleepy I practically fell asleep while
talking. Very windy.
Paul came up this AM. Was going to take me up but I was scrubbed and couldn’t get off. He had
breakfast at our mess and slept in receiving. Wish I had known. I’m positively crazy about him.
Wish he felt the same.
July 29
Missed Paul very much today. Very tired too. Am going to bed early. Have been trying to get my
orthopedic OR set up to suit me. A scramble to get tables, etc. Still windy and rather cloudy for a
change.
July 30
1030 curfew lifted as of today it is now 12mn. Much better & everyone is happier. The officer’s
club to be opened tomorrow nite. We’re invited but cannot take our friends. To hell with it.
Nothing new. Hot this PM again. In tonight on 50%.
July 31
Had a date with Lt. Lodge. A nice boy. Expects to leave soon. In coast artillery. Went out
between Bizerte & Mateur & sat in the field listening to radio. A beautiful night. Had fun.
Fern(" Mary Terry Betty K were along too. Had a PM today, did nothing. Hot as usual. Same
routine. Wish I could see Paul. Keep thinking of him constantly.
August 1
Time sure flies. Nothing new. Tom Lodge came up to say good bye. Bemoans the fact he didn’t
meet me two weeks ago when he first came instead of the last night here. Expects to go to Sicily.
Hospital busy. 1000 pts or so. O.R. quiet today. Went to church. A nice service. Had a letter
from Hilda today. She’s married at last. Hope she’ll be happy.
August 2
Lt. Lodge didn’t get down. Stayed in, went to bed early. Got over 100 casualties in tonight in the
convalescence camp. 500 pts there now. A veritable dust hole. No facilities either.
August 3
Went to Air Corp party. Had Rum Collins. Good but strong as hell. Had a fairly nice time. Came
home with Lt. White of Air Corp. Went with Lt. Thompson of Ordinance. A dirty trick I know.
He was cute too. don’t know why I did it. Didn’t particularly like Lt. White.
August 4
Had a PM. Was supposed to go up in plane with Major Busses but didn’t pan out. PM wasted.
Reorganizing convalescence camp today. Has been a mess & terribly busy. As is the entire
hospital.
Went out with Lt. Dick Thompson of Quartermaster. Also with Lt. Bussle & Thurman. Went to
Ferryville to a bar there. Met an English officer who took us to his camp & gave us Scotch
cherry brandy & wine. Had fun. Bar closed at 9PM.
August 5
Lt. Thompson came down again tonite. Sat on blanket in rec tent. A new moon tonight. Very
pretty. Heard we had to move two in a tent. Went down to see the colonel. Said it was an Act of
Congress T.B.A. Said he would try to get more tents. Didn’t really get much of anywhere as
usual. Heard we didn’t have to move right away. Expecting 27 new nurses. We can use them to
good advantage.
August 6
Went thru Sedjena. There had a fierce battle. Saw a lot of prisoners.
Some AM. Went swimming to Cape Serat. Some ride. Saw a scorched plane on the way &
decided we would like to investigate. Got lost. Went over trees & high bush. Hard going in sand.
Thought sure we were lost. Finally got out. Met Betty Haines “Kurt”. I was with Lt. Eugler. He
got tight & almost wrecked car on way back. A very curvy mountainous road.
Air raid. They seemed to stay suspended in air so long. The tracer bullets were beautiful. Just
like a fourth of July fireworks. Some German planes were supposedly flying over our hospital.
Beacons were on all over the place. Real exciting. My first raid. Hope I never get in one. Didn’t
do much damage.
August 7
My night in. Lt. Thompson came down. A day early for his date. We sat on my blanket down to
the rec tent & talked. Got some tables & chairs in the tent today & a few grass rugs. Much prefer
my blanket though. A lot of planes around today. After last night’s raid they are probably giving
the Axis more hell. Air raid early this AM. 330 to 515am towards Bizerte & Tunis. Bombs sound
just like thunder. Saw flashes of light here & there. Also flares were dropped.
August 8
Worked til 430 went swimming with Lt. Thompson. Rather cold & windy. A regular sand storm
down by the beach. Ate dinner at Quartermasters mess. Had good roast beef. Acquired a white
mosquito bar but Dick said I didn’t earn it, but he gave it to me. Also a can of corned beef. Have
a date with him for Wed. gave me a box of cigars for the boys in OR.
August 9
Busy day in OR. Boys untrained and a trial. Hear tails of prisoners which make me burn up.
Cook tells boys not enough jelly for them(" & prisoners so prisoners get it. At least the Colonel
has gotten around to fixing sewer around mess hall. Gave a box of cigars to boys. Glad to get
them. Also bought my rations of cigarettes and gave them to the patients. Got two tootsie rolls
today. Very windy & cool. Everything covered in dust an inch thick. Put up my new mosquito
bar. Very nice. Hope I can keep it up. On call tonight.
August 10
Stayed in tonight & went to bed early. Tired. Pts still coming in from Sicily. Still cool today &
dusty. Tent a mess.
August 11 – off
Thurman was killed last night in a jeep accident. Arab cart without light was the cause."""
Harry, & 3 air corp boys. Too bad. Thurman was a nice kid. Went out with her on a date other
nite. Had fun. Quite a shock. Expected some restrictions but none so far.
Busy again today as usual.
Wind has stopped at last. Getting hot again.
August 12
Rained a little this AM.
Went to Ferryville with Lt. Thompson to officers club there. Had a few dances to ") music. He’s
a nice dancer. If we only had some good music to dance by. Wish Paul would come up. Miss him
a lot. Thurman buried at 2PM today in American cemetery outside of Mateur. Couldn’t go, on
duty.
Cleaned my tent today. Also dresser was full of silver fish & they do bite. A few in my bed but
not many. Capt Stevenson came down tonite. Wanted me to go to dinner with him. Had a lovely
date. Am seeing him next PM Sat.
August 13
Busy in OR again. Hot & still today. weather back to its old routine. Went out to dinner with
Dick Thompson. Didn’t say anything about future date. We’ll probably try new fields. He’s
welcome.
Had a terrible case in OR. Major in Air Corps. Got head wound, lost of brain tissue. (Went out
later). Good thing. Had been on bombing tour over Rome.
August 14
Usual busy day. Hot again. Had a PM. slept most of afternoon. Went to dance with ") Cobe to
Bizerte. Met an English R.A.F.’er. drove a Mercury taken over by English from Germans. Sure
did feel nice to ride in a civilian car again. Came home with him. Wants to take us to Sicily Wed.
don’t think I can get off. Inspection by Col. Donnelly & visiting Colonel. Have one about every
other day.
August 15
No rest for the wicked. A very busy day in OR. 12 cases. Had first hours. Had a memorial mass
for Thurman. Unable to go. Saw 5 horrible burn cases dressed in OR. Many boys. What these
poor soldiers go through. Legs, arms, hand, feet. Off. All are a mess with shattered bones. But in
spite of all they are swell patients & sports. Makes me want to cry to see them. 20 new nurses
arrived with Colonel ") wait till Chamberlin gets a hold of them. Poor kids. On call. Saw ""
Flannigan, on her way to Sicily.
August 16
Dead tired today. OR is getting worse & worse. Col is taking some help out. The dope. All he
can do is inspect them. Where is he. Am out tonite but have no date. Dick was up last night
trying to get another date.
Capt Stevenson came to chief nurses office today to see if I could go Sat. Looks as if I won’t get
to go Wed to Sicily.
August 17
Usual busy day. Toni Hardy came down tonight. We went to the Bob Hope show. It was pretty
good. Bob looked very ") in his suit. Acted tired. One of the pts remarked when Frances
Langford comes on the stage “My nurse is prettier than she.” Toni had the mercury sedan. Made
definite plans to go to Premire tomorrow. I’m so excited I can hardly wait. Watched another air
raid from the parking lot. Quite spectacular. I didn’t think I’ll sleep tonite. Too much excitement.
August 18
What a red letter day. Actually got to Sicily. Left Bizerte air port at 10am. Rode up from here in
the “purple hornet” a ruttle trap jeep. Nearly got hit by truck making left had turn without
signaling. Going up was thrilling. Went in a C47, big transport. Cliff Carter, Morty, & Toni
went. Beautiful flying about the clouds. Mediterranean much bluer in Sicily than here. The fields
were all laid out in symmetrical design. Had lunch at the English air field mess. Got there at
1130am. Saw a P38 crack up. Not much left. But pilot escaped. Went thru Palermo. Stopped in a
bar for wine which they mixed with orangeade. It was delicious. The woman was so glad to see
us. The carts
& homes of the natives are all painted with various designs & picture scenes from Romeo &
Juliet & such. Children yell at you but don’t have any idea of what they are saying. The town
itself was beautiful. Many trees & boulevards. Met much damage done by raids. Saw a hotel
high up in a cliff. Must have been beautiful up there. the beach was nice. Warm & blue as blue as
it could be. Undressed & dressed in a deserted home across the street. Left the Palermo air field
at 4PM & got in Bizerte at 530. Saw Jean Ackerman in the waiting room at the airport. Was dead
tired. Ate at Monty’s mess. Came home at 10. Saw the worst air raid yet at 12. More noisy.
Felled(" 20 England last nite. Hit P.O tonite & ammunition dump.
August 19 & 20
Yesterday’s trip is still got me keyed up. I had the most wonderful time. Toni is nice but so
young (20). Had a small air raid later tonite or I should early morn.
Went to bed early, very disappointed that I didn’t get to see Paul yesterday. If only to talk to him.
I’m crazy about that guy. Wish he felt the same.
Went to a private English dance with Toni. Got Reuter for Cliff Carter. Toni had the roadster &
it caused quite a lot of foment. No wonder in this land of G.I. trucks & jeeps & etc. had a fairly
nice time. Toni got stuck once. Got in a courtyard & couldn’t get out. Had to be lifted out by
some G.I.s.
August 21
Busy in O.R. Am on call tonite. Am going to bed early. It’s hot as hell today. Must be a sirocco.
Notice went up that we could get a few days leave to go to Cairo (Maybe). We’ll have to work
on Toni. Wrote & told Paul, wish I could go with him. Would be heavenly to spend two whole
days with him. “Stage door canteen” on tonite. Might go to the show instead of to bed.
Fell asleep during the movie. Was dead.
August 22
Nothing new. Hot as usual & busy.
August 23
Was on call tonite by "" Usual busy day.
August 24
Paul was in today. Came up to O.R. Was I glad to see him. I think I must be in love with that
guy. Went to Bizerte. Paul had a quart of Old Grandad Bourbon. Tasted very good. I think Paul
drinks too much. Never shows it though. Can’t figure him out. Is he or isn’t he afraid to go out
on missions. From his talk he has me puzzled. It was heaven to be with him. Went down to the
beach & laid on the blanket. Swell listening to the surf. Got home 10 min late. Nothing has been
said about it. Got me an egg sandwich at the Café. Tasted good. Paul leaves in AM.
August 25
Had a hectic day in orth."" rooms so far away from supplies. It exhausts me. Have been in a
terrible mood all day. Miss Paul so much I could cry. Got electric lights in our tents today. Sure
makes a difference.
Missed seeing Paul go out. He must have gone early.
August 26
Must have
August 27
been a most
August 28""
August 29
few days
Poor diary
Arlene Reuter broke her arm. Poor kid.
August 30
Usual day. Loads of planes around.
August 31
Windy & dusty. Nothing new. Stayed in tonight again. Have been to bed early every night. Am
doing gen. surgery now. Marie is in orth."" was very nice to work for.
September 1
Dust, dust everywhere. Had an organization party tonight. Didn’t go. Was a nice party I hear.
Am thru with 3rd gen parties myself. Heard the Col. got a dresser off one the ") and gave to his
g.f. What a mess he is!"
September 2
Very windy and dusty still. Tent is a mess. Useless to fix it up. Am getting used to dirt I guess.
Am in again tonite. Haven’t had a date for a week. Makes me too lonesome for Paul.
September 3
Hot today, for a change dust has stopped blowing for a while. On call tonight.
September 4
Usual day. Had a date with Bob Nelson from Air Corp. a nice boy. Went to club and drank & sat
& talked. His first date since here. Says he didn’t see any cute girls to go out with. Was pleased
(he said) with his blind date. A lot of Transports came in tonight. Paratroopers too.
Still in Naples. Went downtown this PM. Shopping at P.X. didn’t buy anything. Looked at
cameras.
January 14
Reported to surgeons office. Sent to staging area. Sent back again. Stayed at Parco hotel over
nite. Wonderful view of Mt. Ves., Bay of Naples, & Isle of Capri. Lava flowing over sides.
Visible at night. Had a hot tub bath. Wonderful. First since I left states. Went to Allied Officers
Club. Had fun dancing & talking with boys after.
January 15
Left Naples for 8th Evac @ 10am. Reached here at 12. Every one seems very nice & friendly.
Miss Berry too. Appears to be very understanding person. Have a stove in our tent.
January 16
Can hear the guns booming and see the flashes. Don’t mind them at all as I thought I would.
January 22
Being an MD(". No time to sit for a minute.
January 23
Am going on duty in O.R. tomorrow. Wish I could stay there. Busy today on ward. Some sick
boys. Heart hurts for them. Lost one today.