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MONTH OF 1 December 1943 to 31 December 1943 BY Sgt Roger M. Porter
EVENTS
Dec. 1 The first day of the month found Lt Col Jeremy and Lt Miller on the way to Algiers. English were secured and the information was a graphlip [in a fact to be learned whereas at the end of the month], among the supplies brought back were stencils, it seems that in this particular phase there never are enough of them. This supply should furnish at least 147 special orders and other mimeographed bits of information. The backquarter and other- trade repair, still suffers the lack of these bits of "blue magic" and will cease cooperate until a shipment comes in from "home".
2 The 2479th QM Det plat, originally with the 19th AD Gp, later to be known overseas, dropped in to see the the "bunch that liv on the hill". They were to remain in a nearby staging area for a period of time and thus called to pay their respects and to see their old friends. It was good to see old "Miller faces" after looking at one another for a number of months. Looks eager, gallant, asked further progress in his military endeavors and became a part of the 817 crew as radioman.
3 Some tricks of Army trade become evident as some of the Operations men took charge of washing aircraft at the Air Base. All in all there are 6 servicing men and we can brag the transports now mention from the Base. A lookv like a busy day for the boys as air traffic is brisk. At present, if the Germans left in great haste, they neglected to take any planes. As far as the eye can see--that is one left in tank. A gift of the II Zone, the squadron transportation has turned it over to the QM to take trips from center of Geneva[?] to center.
It is mighty comfortable but needs a "grassy oldfield at the palm to keep it from going off the road.
4 As the sub-Depot becomes more and more in demand it became necessary for the supply section to go to Cairo for more supplies. Lt Col Maknew, Captain Miller, Lt Murphy, five Mills and Turner and pre Wallace made up representatives from this organization, while a couple persons are sent along to see the sights.
5 Four C.O. with consent, took a day long tour to Oran and back getting in a few sights, such as Hill 609, German tanks strewn along the road, and the like. Upon their arrival they found that the organization had signed for the garbage that afternoon. One difficulty in arriving a signature arose when Captain Pierson and Major Russell learned who was not an officer in charge in fact Captain's absence. James rank, rather than job was the deciding factor, and Major Russell made himself accountable.
Transportation came in the form of a one meal and created a trailer for two 2-2 tractors, a 2,000 gal gas truck and trailer,--a good deal to say the least. Steak was on menu as everyone took to the mess hall at 1700 hours.
6 What with a war going on it seems that the world is in enough trouble without trying to spill some of it on Headquarters at, 19th AD/GP. This Monday started out with taking over Base Operations (Operations little on maps, but hardly versed at running a Base without an Operations Officer). S-3 seemed to run smoothly through the day as the dispatchers and the tower men "sent it out" or "called it in" as regularly planned. James Elkins, who had been detailed there for awhile, gathered up all he could and ----, and Col John, Captain and his tower men, and James Ellie and Col Larry Davenport, much of the radio equipment was left so that a tower could be maintained. And it was, since a solid iron grown in one "hallows mast". "Above suspicion", a Hollywood hit, provided the entertainment for the day.
7 The Cairo crew arrived about noon today and related a somewhat "close call". Seems the Cairo crew proceeded to fall all over too much for the fuel tanks and the C-47 landed just in time. They reported their mission with full help posts, praying or something, as the tank left in such a hurry they left behind a good amount of gasoline from the quartermaster--as chicken for dinner plus plenty of fresh butter for the bread. Wonder how long this will last?
8 Operations personnel found it a rugged day as the transition from over-flow Car sub-Depot operations (very small office) to a new over a whole Air Base was rather sudden and without much notice or orientation. Everything authorized during that day kept in two tower and the notice was not what had been expected. The basketball team arranged a game in Algiers but it was close considering the lack of practice by at least the towers. They have at least had the satisfaction of winning the first half.
9 Steak and fresh butter made this day a memorable one. There were also plenty of peaches in evidence as Lt Col Maknew brought in the mail bag. The sky itself was rather quiet except for the remodeling of a few rooms on the base to accommodate these quarters.
10 The group dispensary began to take place and was outfitted to have more of all personnel of the squadron rather than its being split between the area for living quarters and the area in which work was being done. Tonight was chicken night and it begins to look like a habit.
11 Preparations are made to start cleaning up the new barracks and area. Lights, shelves, doors and windows were installed.
12 Personnel are notified that they will soon have quarters on the base. Construction and rehabilitation of barracks is in effect as doors, windows, and other necessary equipment is installed. According to the ones already resident in the night when the last of the chicken left by the G.I. will be consumed.
13 Several of our the 1st Sub Headquarters outfit has been put on the base to insure everyone gets fed. For a while, it began to look like the supplies in the warehouse so it unfair to eating and now we'd have to go on crash now basis. Best movie to show tonight--"For Whom the Bell Tolls" to be at the Red Cross.
14 Nothing of interest happened today.
15 Jeep show at end Ground crews large crowd as two deuces go out--one at 1845 and one at 2100.
16 Lt Col Maknew and crew fly to Algiers to FT for supplies. Colonel basketball game--host plays at Bizerte. The team members are too busy to practice, so they play.
17 Notice comes out to effect that G.I.s will sweat the collar this winter season. One army blanket is issued to each man. What's going to get cold this winter? Of course there will be but enough boots to go all around, but the men working outside are able to get them and they work morals.
18 News comes from the hospital that S/Sgt Paul Turner, photography section is to go back to the states for further limited service discharge. This was a sad blow to all the men, as Paul is, was, and will be one of the best liked men in the squadron. We think he will leave ten days before Christmas.
19 Weekly review of a sunset. This time on the bay to take over the barracks. No rays play in depth. 10 men to a room. All suite assignments are being made with some hesitancy to get some of the barber while worthwhile and operational strip. Pvt Steven Marsh, badly burned last month in jeep fire from the hospital, roast beef on top hill of fire. Beef Sunday at that. And just before Christmas.
20 Under the supervision of Lt Leonard W. Kay, the base officers club began to take shape. A French artist is painting cards on the wall and it is expected to be finished by Christmas Eve party--with ladies. Officers are qualified that membership would be limited officers this sole. The carpenters are using full blast so the barracks and other buildings are finished.
21 We picked up a fire truck for the base today. All the men are learning how to run it so there will always be persons available in case the regular crew needs a replacement. It took long enough to get it, but all good things come to him who waits. Most of the boys are waiting for the end of the war which will be another good thing.
22 Members of the organization took a trip to Surt today tossed out some difficulties that seem to be arising. It begins to look like something is in the air--from all indications. Ward should leak out presently. Another movie at the Red Cross--in fact a double feature. One feature was shown a week ago so it looks like someone goofed up.
23 Personnel were notified that all PX rations would require a play card and exchange to be made in Algiers. A voucher is issued here second by the lexical city each night at 1745. Judging from the lines during the day it is well to go in late. The system is being instituted all over the Tunisian area.
24 Christmas eve in North Africa. A new one on the boys. A big party for enlisted men in their recreation room with plenty of spirits to keep things lively. The Base at the officers club with the addition or suggested make the party even livelier. Nine French chorus girls to provide entertainment. The French had also sent a movie for them--which didn't seem to celebrate Christmas with Patrique. No ticker in this diary signed his name! Tom and Merri--but who didn't?
25 Today was officially a day off except for maintaining a skeleton crew in essential parts of the base. The Red Cross had a full day program from Church Services to Christmas carols to a show in the evening. A big dinner made the day much more pleasant than could be expected for overseas. It was nice to experience a normally Christmas, but it won't happen many more times.
26 Major Russell, S/Sgt Kindelid, Sgt Dome, and Pvt corps, went as an advance party to Italy after it was learned that the squadron would soon move into Italy. Work resumed as usual even though it was Sunday. The weather has made air travel less and less so Operations section caught its breath over the holiday.
27 It was definitely learned that a bomber squadron was moving in to the airbase. They should arrive not later than the first of the month--or more technically--tomorrow. A telephone machine is on the way so they claim, so weather permits, will be easy to get until the squadron moves on later. Lt Steve fighting outfit also moved in a tow fire truck went to Algiers finally used by Algiers, S/Sgt Turner departed for the states today.
28 After the disappearance of a jeep, Captain Ender, Transportation Officer, decided for the good of all concerned, all "pool" boys be turned in so the place so "lock" go on anyone should a thing like that happen again. All jeeps are now getting chains and padlocks to bind the steering wheels. Just an added precaution.
29 Notice came up to the effect that guns would be inspected by the ordnance department in the near future. Although the M-1s have been used [?], somehow the occasion might arise and the presence is out to catch any when they may need additional working on.
30 Preparations are being made for a new year's eve party for the officers, also one for the enlisted men. It is rumored that a French floor show will provide entertainment. Physical inspection of all enlisted men was held today.
31 Headquarters blew up year's eve. Between the rain and a supply of beverage on lid way it looks like 1943 will go out with a bang. In a different sense, it did. The evening wore on with much hilarity and for a few short hours all troubles were pushed away and life again took on a happy-go-lucky outlook. In a few hours it would become serious a sin, but the boys were happy and without care for a while. It's good to have a New Year's eve once a year--not because it's bound to come but because it doesn't seem so complex.
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