War Diary | February 1944 | 18th Air Depot Group

WAR DIARY: Hq & Hq Sq, 18th Air Depot Group BY Sgt Roger L. Porter

DATE: 1 February 1944 to 29 February 1944

Things at the staging area went on as usual. We were still unloading at the end of the day and it looked like we'd be doing so forever. In Foggia the men were getting ready to spend the rest of the winter. A barracks was picked out yesterday and today crews built, bunks began to appear. Mess found in the building. We were still in the wet, but by time this is read, we will be on a big scale.
The remainder of the equipment was unloaded from the boat today. A good C ration lunch topped off the morning's work and by nightfall the vehicles were unloaded from the ship. Looks like we will get the trucks ready for movement in a few days.
A few of the men are in the hospital today. Don't know whether the trip over or the weather are responsible, but it looks like they will follow us to Foggia as we are listed as a hospital convoy. Not much chance to knock around these last few days as each day has been a good day for plenty of work.
We hit the road today for the long and tedious journey over the mountains and through the snow to Foggia. It will take at least 6 to 8 hours to complete the trip so we heard, so a good sleep last night will be handy. The first part isn't so good AL and the rest of two had a long trip. The big creek almost caused an international fracas when the Loren began to tear down all bridges nearby after we crossed over. Much disturbance but this article was left at the dump on H/W. The mountain roads were as bad as expected and a light rain made it twice as bad.
A bunch of tired and dirty men woke up in their new quarters today after spending most of yesterday on the road. It wasn't long before cleaning and polishing took place and door latches and window replacements were made. Barracks bags and other equipment went through quite a few hands to get them to the right rooms and right owners. In a few days when all are settled it will be much more convenient. CPL Slumburge visited CPL Enders today, left for their new organization today. CPL Slumburge stated CPL of the men to go to the 51st General Hospital since the arrival of the men--including those who came up on D3.
Operations inaugurated their new building today. Although there were no flowers or messages of congratulations, it was a good thing for all concerned. This building is the roomiest of base operations we know of and has plenty of counter space, five telephones, a switchboard, and a weather office. This is much better than a pyramid tent in a snowstorm. Our first meal in our new mess hall today. The building leans on an angle of about 15 degrees, but Sgt Moore will remedy that we hope.
Some of the men are now working on their regular jobs already but most of the men are unloading the equipment and sorting boxes. Some of the trucks straggled in from Naples today and we have only two or three more to come. Plans have been made for squadron headquarters building and a building for the cooks and the maintenance men. We had fresh meat for dinner tonight and rumor has it that we will have fresh meat at least one meal a day from now on. Good Rumor.
Some of the line crew began working on ships at Operations today. The rest of the squadron is slowly beginning to get things lined up for future work. The photographers have now a dark room half built, Ordnance is moving in near Engineering, the Dispensary is almost finished and as usual, the balance of the squadron is busy with routine.
Today we receive a word that besides being headquarters squadron for an Advanced Depot, we would also play host to a boat group of B-17's. It was a rainy day today and yet the Fortresses came in to their new roost to prepare for some work against the Hun. Lots of excitement on the line. Question of the week? When will the movies begin?
We got our first glimpse of a bomb group in action today as crews were launching west out to give Jerry hell. Our weatherman along with others was on the line and Engineering provided flying equipment for the trips. Photographic lab is now ready to swing into action. Cpl Joe Gowner brought in a great deal of mail today for a momentous mail call. Lots of happy faces on the field and (not nearly) man received at least 5 letters. Tope was 22 so it was heavy. Also payday today. 'Nuf sed.
Squadron meeting held tonight. Just a few words of what was expected of the squadron and what remedies should be made for a good future. The following week there would be a stiff inspection of the barracks, while the rest of the men would see that outside work has to be in good shape. PX shops for dinner tonight...the first time in one long time. Nothing else that mattered today.
Transportation section is in fullswing now and have a good motor pool set up. One 6x6 truck has been given over as a bus from the airdrome to the city. The truck is also used by the squadron each night of the week to take the boys to town. What with a theatre and Red Cross in town the bus is always full on the last trip in.
A restful and quiet Sunday today. No activity to speak of other than skeleton crews working were needed. Many of the men using their spare time to take a trip to the 5 showers over by Engineering section. Roast beef on the bill of fare for the day.
No valentines sent out today. Just another Monday in the lives of soldiers. Had a yellow alert early in the evening, but Jerry didn't get close enough to make it hot. For boxes previously used by other s are now being cleaned out for future use. It is desired not to have to use them again in the future.
Signed the new payroll today. Always something to lighten the future. The orderly room is about ready for occupancy and it won't be long before we'll have our grand CQ day.
Orderly room now occupied. Shelves are being built for I-O items while makeshift tables are being used for the present. Some new furniture is due to arrive soon. Base Operations became loaded down with a cord of wood for the fireplace and two stoves in the building. Always give more comfort is the motto.
Informed today that censorship has to be more rigid. Too much information is this vicinity to aid the Hun. Looks like the letters will become smaller for a change unless the boys are adept at paraphrasing. Notified today that there would be a PX on the morrow. Another big bunch of mail today. The mail man is becoming a popular fellow.
A wide variety of goods offered at the PX. A much better spread of candy--mostly chocolate, and plenty of cigarettes and cigars to suit the most critical smoker. Cpl Gowner also announced that the Stars and Stripes would be sold by him at no profit to himself. It's the Naples edition. News that available through the weather teletype at Operations. The latest news looks good for a change. No more waiting for hometown papers to see if there is still a war on.
Base Operations added a new service besides it's regular duties. They now have coffee and donuts. The coffee is homemade while the donuts are given by the Red Cross. The pilots like the idea, but are afraid they might be briefing with coffee and not some pilot off the course some day. Oh, well, it's nice for the base as long as two thousand don't all come at once.
Another week gone by and not much to write about today. Again a skeleton crew working on the depot. The weather inclement enough so that no ball games or sporting events can be part of the days events. More new B-17's coming in today which is unusual for Sunday. A Jerry (Wellington) blew up after taking off tonight. To quote a phrase: "It sure made one helluvaneexplosion". Embers were gathered and everyone started for foxholes. It wasn't long to be explained that the British had lost another ship. Of course, church today.
Dropped around to see the office of civilian labor today. Found the chemical man busy hiring and firing Ities. It has 27 civilians in charge of the office and has three non-coms under him. All work to be done by civilians must be arranged through this office. Red Cross had a girl out to pass out donuts at lunch today.
Sgt Bob Arnold, laugh man of the squadron, MC'd a stage show at the downtown theatre tonight. He really went over in a big way and brought down the house with his impersonations. A majority of the squadron was there to see him and although they have seen some of his routine they kept up the laughing just as if it were new to them. Work is being done on the officer's quarters making room for a bar and mess. Should be ready in a few days according to reports.
Books and other reading matter being gathered from men in the squadron and from the homes for a library in the barracks. The days are crammed with work, but like all theatres of war the nights are long and often without entertainment. The chaplain had a meeting of the men tonight and offered a few words of advice and voiced his opinion on a few subjects of importance.
Operations received a load of coal today to keep the fires burning and it wasn't long before the pile had come down quite a bit. Rumor has it that travel is so fast. Work on the runway being done much to the relief of Operations. It was making a terrific beating ride with B-17's and plenty of bad weather. Nothing more to report today.
Found out today that the Stars and Stripes would be sold on a weekly basis. The mail man went to the hospital, but the boys are hoping that won't affect the mail reaching HQ. While on the subject, I got a cigar this time for a cigarette lighter that was ruffled off. The price remained the same, but there sure were plenty of slips in the hat.
Squadron barracks inspection today was about the only highlight. Announcement of a few more promotions in the squadron. A big rumor spreading that Coca-Cola will soon be on the PX list. That is, a month or so more. PX cards were given out to be used next week.
Many more men working together on the next numbers. The depot is more active now and requires more men on the job. Church services were held in the tent, and in town other services were held in town. Operations plans to have a jeep with radio to assist parking planes. Another yellow alert tonight, but still Jerry has a hard time getting through.
No beer, and hope that the Yank magazine will soon be available to the squadron. Of course a limited number of copies will be distributed, but at least there will be enough to give all a chance to read it. Everyone sweating out payday while the day ended without weather or event.
Leap year day makes it just that much harder on the man keeping the diary. One more day to try and elaborate on. One way to look at it. On the other hand, one or two days less to write on. It doesn't make sense. Anyway, it was payday and that made a few boys very happy after being initiated in a game of chance club during the month. They especially were glad to see their pockets bulge. Of course, the usual "charge" to check up on the health of the squadron. Three pork chops per man for dinner--a good way to end the month.

War Diary February 1944

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