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WAR DIARY, Hq and Hq Sq, 18th Air Depot Gp, PREPARED BY Roger A. Porter, Sgt PERIOD 1 June 1944 to 30 June 1944
1 After quite a few months of stepping off to work at 0800, and that's early enough, an order came out today that we would be at work at 0730. As some of the boys are used to breakfast at the last minute this came as quite a shock. The "A" team, well up in the league, lost to the 47th DSS in a poor game, 6 to 0.
2 An order came out today that vehicles would not leave the base without a trip ticket after five o'clock. Too many of them in town for personal reasons, we believe. Art Webster, Sgt in charge, has enough trouble with his second-hand trucks without having to worry about stray jeeps.
3 Had regular inspection today and finally came thru with flying colors. It's been a long time (about 10 months) since we had a barracks all spic and span with no "jigs". Also had a good amount of mail today which took Cpl Joe Kenner out of a "spot."
4 Eight of our war weary men headed for the Group rest camp at Anzio today. From what we hear, the mountain ride is reason enough for a rest once you get there—if you make it. Understand there will be nothing but loafing and eating and more loafing for five glorious days.
5 While the 5th Army was steadily on the move most of us were glued to the mess items from the teletype and listening to the new radio that Pvt Delascalla, Special Service man extraordinary, had acquired from the Service Command. Pvt Vito P. is quite an operator and has charge of the movies to boot. We're doing a pretty good job considering his girth which makes it hard for him to maneuver around.
6 There was not much in the squadron today but interest in the Invasion which took place today. Understand that a lot of celebrating took place in the evening—most especially at Operations Building where everyone was a member of the Goodfellows.
7 Today marked the completion of the new mess hall. Chief Mess Sergeant Bob Hogan and Ed Clark, Col Perry Haptonstall and Joe Laugher Wentworth and Homer Brooks puttin' on the finishing touches. This means we will be having our first meal in a day or so. That is, our first meal in the new building. It measures 116 feet long by 25 feet wide and has plenty of space in the kitchen. The cooks won't be crowding each other for a change. Also has a big store room for powdered eggs, cream and G.I. rations.
8 Today we inaugurated our new mess. The dinner was baked ham (a delicacy) potatoes and cake and all that topped off with PX. There's plenty of tables and benches and it is neat and lots of room to play ping-pong and read. Painting of the interior behind the 9th we hear.
9 Had an early and rude awakening this morning having a Wellington (now classified by ourselves as the British Secret Weapon) blow up on the runway. Most all were ready for the occasion, just as practice we was explained. Engineering is being heavy pressed with aircraft coming in—especially after some of the tough raids the heavies have been making.
10 Painting of the mess is now in effect, the barber has moved to the old mess hall for his tonsorial art and the squadron area in general is getting a thorough going over.
11 With our "B" team somewhat cocky over recent victories on the diamond, they played a beautiful game of errors and fumbles as they lost to the officer's team 10 to 3. This was quite a shock to manager Ross Wertheim and a couple of players faced suspension. One more baseball game for dinner today. Fried chicken and ice cream. An almost beef-like smell on the part of the boys was revived "seconds" on chicken. It was broken up just before it started and that's all.
12 Today our T/O was in the change stage. After a long wait for this to happen we learned we'd be broken up and that changes in status would also come into being. Room knows what will be what at present but it looks like the finish for Operations. We lost a pair to the 344th tonight which puts the "B" team near the cellar.
13 After a few words here and a few there, Major Action picked up an ice box for the squadron. It's big enough to have a dance in it, if there were someone to dance with. Just understand, the mess Sgt, thinks he will have it filled with goodies before long.
14 Signed the payroll today and after that there was a physical inspection to see if anyone was stepping out with the wrong company. Understand that a quiet day behind the lines.
15 Operations lost its men technically that is—for while the boys have been transferred to three different squadrons they will continue to be at their old jobs. They also seem to like the Hq Sq cooking for the chow for dinner and supper when they should have at someplace else.
16 There's a hot one running around folks—seems that beginning next week all personnel eating at the squadron—just to take care of incidentals such as ice, etc. Put in another taste of homemade ice cream today and the portion was a big one. The old gang had supper with us again—looks like the place is habit-forming.
17 Today we turned in our C.B.I.'s to Sgt. Kellenberg, the tough old supply sergeant. Suppose we'll need them in case of air-raids through when hell arrives, but with three months to go no one should worry about it later in the year. Supposed to have the new gas mask in in a few days. Lots of changes.
18 Looking about the section, after 6 months in Italy, we slipped in on Sgt Bill Newland who is an artist by trade. Bill, since his arrival in this land, has painted well over 600 signs ranging in type from name plates to "Please Flush". We hear that he has been working nights and daubking paint here and there and seems to be happy working at something he's suited for. One swell number that came out first: "Recruit, anyway".
19 Dropped in on the Office of Civilian Personnel today and found the C.S. section well up to their necks with payrolls for their Italian laborers. Also it seems that a war is on. With men and such, this is quite a vital spot in the war effort and two Italians Frank Goblet and Jerry Preston can vouch that it's no easy task even with an interpreter handy.
20 We stopped at the Engineering office today and found Gene Worley, John Clapp and Bill Clinton well knee-deep in aircraft records and status forms. What with over 40 ships in the depot for repairs, these boys find each day is a full one—not that recording what other guys do is, of course they have various shops working under their wing too. The records show a lot of work has gone thru their office since arrival in February.
21 Bill Gunyens Ordnance Shop was our stop today and we found Willie and his boys with over 400 guns on repair. Part of the work consists of stripping, cleaning and repairing guns before sending them back in combat. Incidentally, Bill is going to return to the U.S. before long to be a part of the B-29 cadre.
22 At this usually goes to press the Operations Office, it is only fitting to not a plug in to let the world know that this office is as busy as the rest. Workers who went to a large building with 8 phones, this place is usually a beehive of activity. Besides all the paper work there are hosts of people (over 60 a day) who are potential passengers to all destinations. Too bad they can't be charged a dollar a head—50¢ for the pilot and 50¢ for Operations.
23 Stepped in at the Photo Lab today to find Fred McCurlin and "Reb" Ebert well up to their necks in negatives and prints. The lab is quite modern in its equipment altho there are a few incidental items that are local talent. The boys turn out about 200 to 300 prints a month and bulk in addition to favors done for the boys on the base.
24 After looking in on Base Headquarters and Squadron Headquarters we decided both are just a hub-hub of paper work that only they understand. While miles of red tape from these boys tangle with tools of paper and the pile just keeps getting higher. Oh, well, they won't have to worry—Gen. Montgomery once said the war would be over in 1946 because the Allies would run out of paper. These boys are relief in sight.
25 to 30 As the empty personnel to the Group rest camp there is not much but female to add to these days. The rest camp was all it was supposed to be, swimming, eating and loafing and the mountain road was a cause for rest. In our stay we heard that Lt Col Jeremy had gone to Service Command and that Lt Col Kaufman was new base commander. Lt Col Rode was also transferred to the 364th S.G. We received our first beer of American brew at 2¢ during this period and of course pay day was on the last day of the month.
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