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SECRET WAR DIARY Hq Hq Sq 18th Air Depot Group SHEET 1 DATE 1 April 1944 to 30 April 1944 PREPARED BY Roger M. Porter, Sgt
1 After a good day yesterday (payday) and now that some of it has changed hands, the lucky boys have raced to get Bill Hidden, keeper of the exchange to see that the money is headed home instead of to some of the boys. Bill again seems to be getting about 80000 to go home by M.O.
2 Baseball practice in full swing today after many days labor on the preparation of the diamond. The "A" team defeated the "B" team by a 5 to 3 count and then both the victors and the defeated settled down to steak dinner with onions and all the trimmings.
3 Learned today that fresh meat wouldn't be as plentiful as in the past. Only once a week at the most to the mess sergeant says. Not a way to be treated after being spoiled for over a month by having fresh meat every night. Movie night tonight--the usual thing--a lousy war picture. Opinion has it that everyone sees enough of war without their being an attempt at being entertained by it.
4 Five of our boys turned out for the call for a group softball team tonight, under the management of Lt Barrell and if the five get on the first team we'll have a good representation on the team. Received another issue of Yank today so it begins to appear that we will get it weekly now.
5 Between volleyball and baseball, most of the boys are getting their exercise. Volleyballists are scheduled to play the Radar Team in a couple of days so it makes it necessary to cut the team down to six men instead of the nine we have been using lately.
6 Received more clothes from last months salvage. As usual a few odd sizes but on the whole a pretty good show. Oh, well, it wouldn't be the army without misfits--very few outfits in the civilian life would turn a very good job indeed. Operations picked up a German jeep for the line crew but it needs lots of work on it--it just barely runs.
7 Today we were honored by the presence of a barber in the barracks. An Italian who was proud of the fact that he had cut hair for his outfit for 15 cents--not a bad price to pay--at this rate no excuse for long hair as it seems. Were beaten by Radar Team in volleyball tonight. Five games played--well, we won one.
8 Had another good PX today. Plenty of cigarettes, candy and a coke per man. Also topped it off with plenty of razblades. G.I. There are now plenty of books and magazines in the library--thanks to the Special Service Officer.
9 A quiet Easter Sunday on the base. No more than the usual Sunday except for a better showing at church and a couple of ball games to top off the afternoon. Had fresh pork chops for supper.
10 The best movie we have had so far--"Princess O'Rourke." The boys are much happier about the whole thing and say that is the type of picture we should have all the time. Progress throughout the base moving at a rapid pace--had a yellow alert tonight but it never did get red.
11 Due to lack of materials the new mess hall is now at a standstill as far as construction is concerned. Most of it is up, but no roofing available. Figure it should be finished by the end of May with a little luck.
12 Received official word today that an old member of the squadron went down over the target. He transferred from the outfit and went to photography school for 3 months. We met up with him overseas and then it was later rumored he had gone down. Quite a blow to all as he was very well liked.
13 A banner day today what with plenty of packages and papers. Very few letters tho. Had a red alert tonight, but the planes went over to Barletta instead. The Spitfires on the base came back and said the raid picked him off. Class B or lower movie tonight.
14 Instructions published today that all trips to the foxhole would be made with gasmask, helmet and rifle. The rain this morning began to fill them up and the roads were covered. When it rains here it really rains.
15 Trouble upon today a Wellington went out of control and crashed into the squadron ambulance which was on the flying line at the time. Very luckily the crew went home unharmed and nobody was standing near. Had I not been down in the ambulance it would have been the end for the vehicle was torn to ribbons. Few again tonight--carry, keep plenty.
16 The Quartermaster introduced some new gadgets to heat the wash water. A much better system than the old one for it is less work and doesn't involve so much soap. Had roast pork tonight--fresh meat now becoming a treat. Also had our first fresh butter in two weeks time.
17 It was a very quiet day today, but at 2000 hours a Wellington loaded with bombs blew up on the runway. Everyone on the base went to the scene and a second ship that had caught fire let go with a 4000 pound block-buster and one bombs was killed. A third ship caught fire and burned for over an hour. I guess everyone slept well after it was over.
18 Had fresh eggs today--the first in a long time. The cooks introduced us to lettuce once again--don't think anyone has seen some for about eight months. Had police call on the runway early this morning--took over 4 hours to clean up last nights mess.
19 A few more tents springing up around the squadron area what with more men coming in. The barracks (?) is getting crowded and there is some indication that more men will move out before long. Going to have fewer men to the room.
20 Nothing happened at all today. More Wellingtons cracked up tonight but that didn't effect the squadron much.
21 Today we celebrated (very quietly) our 8th month overseas. Seems like a long time--and it is--but then again others have been over 2 years so I guess we are classed as rookies at the game of overseas duty. No birthday cake, but did have steak and pie. Movie tonight much better than usual.
22 Again K-X and the usual good ration. Word getting around there will be a USO show on the base shortly. Wonder how good that will be judging from past arrangements. Ball game tonight--a practice session-- the team looks pretty good.
23 Learned today that the boys who were homeward bound for more training are to return to the squadron. Orders were rescinded after they reached headquarters. Must be that they have enough Aviation Cadets in the States. Some of our Master Sergeants may go back for B-29 crew training too.
24 Finance section moved out on us--a most welcome occurrence. The mess hall is fast becoming a place for dining. Posters ranging from "Save Food" to "Watch out for VD" are all over the place. Not very inviting while eating a meal too, no posters. Something out to be done about that.
25 Photo-copy section pretty busy making pictures of plane crashes. All personnel are instructed that no more personal work will be done. Had a series of "shorts" tonight in lieu of a feature picture.
26 Chemical section and Sgt Bill Wentland working hard a civilian personnel office. Sgt Bill has put out over 100 signs in the past week and the bar is becoming "sign happy". At least one Bill show ones way around. The chemical men handle all civilian payroll, hiring, firing, etc. Not to soft a job for not being able to speak the native tongue.
27 Won another ball game tonight. Beat Radar Team by a 3 to 1 count. Makes up for the wallop ball losses. Had a red alert tonight--the enemy at one time only fifteen miles away. They bombed Naples instead but all were pretty close to the foxhole.
28 Had PX today (V-mail) just before the ball game. Guess the chocolate candy was too much for the players asthe officers team beat us 12 to 9. Oh, well, our day will come.
29 More clothes back from salvage and wondering when suntons will be issued. Not much news to this day. Just that evil look in everyones eye as pay day is tomorrow.
30 Today was just payday and that's all. Nothing else happened to Hq Sq.
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