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WAR DIARY, Hq Hq Sq, 18th Air Depot Group SHEET 1
DATE: 1 March 1944 to 31 March 1944. PREPARED BY 1st Lt George E. Porter
1 The day was like a domesticated lion. A good omen for the rest of the month. From all indications it appears the Squadron won't suffer from too bad weather. Sgt Bill Dideon began to rule in the manner that the boys could read the money heads. He has been averaging about 3000 war bonds which all came in handy when Johnny goes marching home.
2 The Finance Section now is quarter-ed downtown--close to their work so to speak. Our Majors are running the base dispensary and are being worked--not quite to death. At least they are exceptionally busy. Ordnance Section is figuring that Italy is well laden with guns and they too are running out of ribbons. All in all the squadron is doing much more here to defeat the Jerries than in N. Africa.
3 One month in Italy today and the development of the base is a good indication why every G.I. on the trailing edge of this war he started. What was once a well bombed airfield is now an up and coming Depot.
4 Announcement was made today that men in the squadron desiring to have pictures developed and printed would be able to have it done thru the photographic section. Because Italy isn't exactly conducive to the amateur the pictures will be printed with caution. Each man will be able to get one print per negative. However printing paper brought about this speed convenience to amateur photographers.
5 Yank came to us today. The first of the European editions. Main event was the pin-up picture which no doubt caused great concern as not everyone received a copy of the magazine. No actual census was taken on this matter. Notice was published that there would be a squadron meeting on the sixth. The day started out like it would be just another dull survey, but it turned out to be a busy day for the administration non-commissioneds. A fresh boat at Taranto. Real treat. Lieut Carroll to mention--rated tops for thinking. Meals in Italy far superior to those served in N. Africa. We missed the supply boat down there.
6 No meeting as planned. The P/E's took the day off--seldom done--so we spent the evening with our own devices. Not much of a day today--there are a few like this in every month.
7 There was much delight in the offices of Squadron headquarters, group headquarters and other spots as new phones were installed by the Signal Department. In order to have an easy to move phone, just lift it up and look at ease. Yes, too much noise in Italy. Good for service--very good. There is paid up service to come about in the near future--we'll have to struggle thru the poor facilities downtown at that rate.
8 The day was of no consequence other than another day at war, but I might, well, a different story. We spent most of the evening waiting for our OD, no less. The articles of war. The reading matter was punctuated with terms explained by the humble tongued Major Morgan. These documents, who has practiced as a lawyer for some time. In two years time this proved to be the most interesting articles lecture since the book was published. Plans for things to come were also discussed in this semi-monthly meeting.
9 This was another one of those G. I. days when nothing happens to anyone, especially headquarters squadron. If nothing happens to us then not much happens to anyone else. The bulletin board had a nice memo about income tax which was good news to everyone.
10 Had P-X today with the usual items for sale. Rumors had it that Cokes would be up for sale, but even a strong imagination couldn't have brought them very close. They must have cornered the coke market in Brazil. At least we are getting a carton of cigarettes so things could be worse.
11 It began to rain today at an early hour and all thru the day one had to dodge raindrops. Our landing strip has rendered U/S and most of the streets were well mudded by day's end. Foxholes were chest deep with water and all the boys "sweat out" Jerry in hopes he wouldn't make a visit while such conditions existed.
12 Well, Jerry didn't come over last night and morning still had it raining. Most of the boys took advantage of the opportunity of bad weather and slept out the morning. Church services were held in the 1034 mess hall both in the morning and evening. And beef stew for dinner--just like Mrs. Sullivan used to make.
13 Blue and drab bomber. Rained most of today (23rd). From all indications it will never stop. Activity on the base seemed confined to inside work. Anyone can make much of a diary with a day like this.
14 P/Sgt Timelin started Air Medals today. Everyone's first thought was for the movies. The day was nice enough to get some of the baseball equipment out, not for recreational purposes and players warmed up a little in the spirit of flat races in which no law-abiding GI course does not include roosters or bomb craters near center field.
15 Our Betty, the "Girl of the week" has won a grade told us we would have a visitor tonight. Said visitor would be a desertion of Jerry's. Rumor had it Jerry planes in coming for phone purposes having been damaged by the force of one of our aircraft engines. She forgot to tell us what hotel we had given him????.
16 Bags and bags of mail came in today. Most of it was papers and magazines, but mail is mail so matter in what form. This proved to be the busiest day since our arrival in Italy. However was reasonable when someone asked for breakfast should get the Silver Star for going way beyond the call of duty. The mess sergeant must have connections.
17 The man with the fresh eggs was again around today. Someone insisted on having boiled eggs and was almost thrown out of the mess hall on his ear. He changed his mind and ate fried eggs just like some of the boys. There is a rumor that there will be a 7/0 change, but it is still just a rumor. Movies on the base tonight. An inauguration.
18 This has become a changin--a moves, a paradise. Again we had eggs (from the shells). This item is worth a thousand phrases for this becomes the third morning in a row. Whatever became of the rumor about a 7/0 change is now reality. Lt Col Johnson went to Bari to get the printed sheet that would decide the fate of 150 men.
19 A beautiful spring day. Air traffic resumed after many days of bad weather. New men planes are being ferried into the depot-a tough break for Adolph. And a double feature movie tonight. Good to have movies on the base. Those lots of tile and decorations are better than those in town. Lt Harrell transferred into the squadron today--he's the new Special Service Officer.
20 Another fine day today with the added touch of another distribution of PX3K supplies. Five at a boys. What came after was far too distant to be enjoyed as much as the taste of a journey to the naked stripe. Also the men, both EM and Officers were writing checks. The Officer and 242 Enlisted were in to test at any one fraction of noncom.
21 T/O's or lets a Popular day throughout. The Pyle looked as tho someone bedecked as he was having a tooth time readjusting the squadron according to the new T/O. After a trying day they glued it together. It wasn't a failure. First time a man has to make 50%'s out of 70%'s if such can be done.
22 While no branches blow to announce it, the newly sergeant, a man who is called Early from Italy names, has come to Palmyra, Fornite held. Headed of 1st for the men who figured in a salvo a hit. The line moved around two milk machines and the same hall and it was but only fair we have GI what uniform didn't mind waiting.
23 Today was the last day to put in a bid for tickets to the Capri. The list is great, long and it is debatable whether there are other lovers in the squadron of men who desire to see something different. Maybe it's because its free--who knows! Had a re-regular physical and a "an special" lecture at the local theatre.
24 There was a great deal of mail at mail P-X today. News was the usual item, except for an additional allowance of chocolate. Mail section was ordered to correct "Speech but other" asked out most of the clearance space to cigarettes and cigars. The Red Krause made an announcement to the effect that, in one form or another, "If we don't make we have P-X this diary better read to the effect that we are sold or there will be a well battered OM in the squadron." "Action in the North Atlantic" was tonight's movie.
25 Work began today on the new mess hall. It will be approximately 30 to 35 feet when completed. Watergang being upon the carpenter brick and cement are up from the supply house. Around 15 Italians under the supervision of T/5 Paul Eplovic are erecting this edifice to the art of culinary. It will be about 45 days before the first meal is served in the new building.
26 Jerry heavy did today. Not much of a day for flying so operations was not very busy. Received word that a formal PX with the squadron a year ago went down while taking aerial photos of enemy installations. Also had word the new G/C would be held up for a while.
27 Josh ran in the squadron practice a discuss of results prevailed, T/5 Kisk was bitten "one of the food ration while it lay near the mess tent." The snake went was discovered by a "cow observer to the squad" as if it was bare. Better to have seen too much than not to have seen one at all. Had steaks for dinner which made up for a "mud cove" and no mail.
28 The new control tower is in operation today. Each closer to the pump--could add to the tower operators. Another ditch in the squadron area is next undertake. Drainage must on the north side of the barracks is being made. Mess hall e walls, roll court will soon be carved out. Levic complete--"Three days to Quinine" -- a very good picture.
29 Today was the last day to put in a bid for tickets to the Capri. The list is great, long and it is debatable whether there are other lovers in the squadron of men who desire to see something different. Maybe it's because its free--who knows! Had a re-regular physical and a "an special" lecture at the local theatre.
30 Scene could have been better than operations was today. With about 20 new aircraft in for assignment it soon became clear that there was no telling how many the day would bring on. Pilots came from all directions to pick them up--sign it's our CWF. Lots of "tobacco" changed hands this day. The new mess hall is beginning to take shape and from all appearances may be used sooner than expected.
31 Weather today. Also had P-X. Glad to say there was the beer promised. One--one bottle for every two men. Oh, well, A man could go on a day with half a bottle after all these months. Had a double ration of chocolate mallows good mets to end the month. Not like a lamb, too!
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