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WAR DIARY: Hq Hq Sq, 18th Air Depot Group PREPARED BY: Roger M. Porter
DATES: 1 May 1944 to 31 May 1944
1 The usual exchange of money took place on this date. Those who weren't investing it in "I" or bonds. Others were madly attempting to make more for the month. Such is the situation every first of the month. Costs soaring of something, we assume.
2 As base operations is a 24 hour function it is not easy to report, in a terse manner, the exploits of Lt Charles Smiley, Sgt. J.F. Foster and Pvt Paul Parker. These three, along with others from other squadrons on the base, formed a searching party into the mountains for a wrecked plane. After 24 hours of driving and walking and learning to talk Italian, they were rewarded with their efforts. They found the plane and also found that mountain climbing isn't the sport that movie short makes it out to be.
3 After some month's time of getting up without a morning program to call when the countryside, Sgt Loftin Myer, installed a loud speaker in the mess hall so that good music could be heard at breakfast. It helps take that groggy edge away and now more men come to the mess for the first meal of the day.
4 As the local residents have been bothered by mosquitoes of this vicinity for a few days they've now been informed that these are taking. The war team went forth to another victory this evening and are suggesting all that their team is one of the best on the base.
5 The usual line at 5 o'clock formed in front of squadron headquarters today. Needless to mention it was PX time and a real treat. Had coke and beer both on the beverage list. Some bird was overheard saying at the lack of candy. When he walked out with 3 candy bars, the ration for all, he changed his tune. The "B" team took a scrubbing from town later in the evening.
6 The squadron has now designated a public relations man to keep the home folks posted on Johnny till he comes marching home. We feel the XV Air Force is doing a good turn letting people behind the scenes. The inspection today found each bed with a net over it to keep mosquitoes mosquito all to herself. No malaria cases yet--may the record hold.
7 We hear this is the last day our men are guards on the post. Their jobs will be taken over by a colored outfit. This seems to have made a few men happy at least. For a while we were pleased to have become cut off from the outside world, but the ball club pushed us off base thru with very few of us at. All seemed satisfied with the outlook.
8 Now it is is still for Dick Tracey to decide, but every time the thinkers play our "B" team the very heart is played out by each side. In a rough and tumble airscrap--just minor bruises--we vanquished the foe 11 to 8. It is rumored more than a few litre bas of vints after the game was over.
9 Due to crowded circumstances some of the men are being transferred into tents. The whole spirit of camping followed the order in true pursuit. At least 6 more tents will go up. Two men were sent to the quarters at Operations due to a need for mechanics at night. The movie tonight was the usual thing--worst they ever.
10 There was a spirited ball game against the 12th QCS tonight. We beat them 8-6 and almost murdered an umpire besides. There were some bowling matches tonight, but our Ain, De Polencia, wasn't in the ring tonight. We may show up in a few weeks though.
11 There's evidence of reconstruction everywhere as our headquarters moved into their new hut yesterday. The new place will have more general offices for Lt Stewart, Adj; Lt Witt, Depot Commander, Adjutant, Sergeant Major and a few other pundits. There is still more work to be done but it won't be long before it is all complete.
12 Now that instruments have been obtained, a group dance band is to be formed. No sad sack strings, as yet it is to be all swing or tangies. Work at the photo lab is now to be done by written permission only as too many men have been getting into the lab or into the owner the place.
13 Same K-X ration today--still getting the same food supply. Someone informed our reverend Blondes pike was still low for a group our size. Sort of 9.12 is in a good light. Don't write heathenherss too we don't write much about such things.
14 We were issued two sets of khakis today for we start wearing them soon. Of course they were late, large and loose but enlisted men's approval, but all in all not "Tailstern" not a good supply on hand. What is being found we noticed that: the swimming pool was being colored up, our mess hall is taking shape and that the depot has all huts on the line for repairs. Everyone's busy these days.
15 The Chemical Section began a wall shoot of their own in which they deal in supplies of gas. Supply office is getting a new staircase and new counter. We are long they will have a very nice looking place to work. Sgt Ensley figures that work turned out is even nil at about this date and is swearing for OCS before we leave.
16 K.P.'s were packed neatly rolled hastily or just tossed into "B" bags as coming were formed today. The laundry problem will now begin, no doubt. Can't quite figure it out, but with all the soap available why is it enlisted men can't sit thru a whole movie without interruption? It's become so common to see a movie in Paris that men are used to it. Something ought to be done about it in the general opinion of those who enjoy a good show.
17 Today we received a letter of commendation from the 301st Bomb Group for our efforts while the bombers were on the base in early spring. It seems good to hear from someone who appreciates our work, and at Operations there was a little beaming because they were cited in one paragraph in the letter. Headquarters Squadron isn't, those egg boys.
18 Order came out today that ties were not compulsory with the light uniforms. This in itself is highly met with approval from all. Old Fords, of the supply section, tore out his hair as he handed out the gas barrels today. Seems he had to get them all empty while there is a few day's shortage from the main line.
19 We heard today that if five or more men wanted to take a trip on their day off, transportation section would furnish the driver and the truck to give the boys a "look-see" at Italy. This, of course, met with instant approval from everyone. Had a double ration of liquid at the p.x.--beer and Coke again.
20 The swimming pool was filled a few days ago, and now that it has been cleaned up a little it's much improved. Men are still busy are getting in a few dips during the summer days. This added comfort and/or luxury is a fine thing and too many bases must have this added spot for recreation.
21 The roof of our new mess hall is beginning to take shape after a long wait for materials. The crew in dirty clothes, Bill Barrett and Pete Strock and "Smallpox" are the boys really getting in the neck being done. They figure all will be set within 2 weeks--and that includes a cement floor when the top is on.
22 For some unknown reason the movies are improving. Less of the "bery-pery" and more high entertainment is filling in the screens. Even the generator is working tonight. The most constructive "bitching" is a good thing and very stimulating. "B" team had another game tonight, but are still far from 1st place.
23 After much rejuvenating at base operations, the painters are now giving the interior and exterior a fresh coat. With most supplies that are being picked up around base and sent to depot, the buildings all over are being made into fine looking buildings which to work. It takes a lot to be able to work under such conditions.
24 A third set of khakis was issued today. Also received our bronze stars for being in a combat zone.
25 Rumor now running around that the rest camp will open soon. Just waiting for the good word now. Official, but ??? "We cooks had a big supply of fresh meat on hand tonight, and in the shape of pork chops. Had enough for 3 per man--not so often such a thing as that happens.
26 Another p-X day with the usual items again. Only hanger size coke time with more boxes and papers today. The roof at the mess hall is most finished now and the tar and weatherproofing will be on in short order.
27 Today we learned that the showers would be cold--not only for today but for a few more days to come--the boiler had overworked. Nothing else seemed to happen today.
28 Had two ball games with some Canadian Bombardier. And they can really play ball. The beat us in the afternoon, but we came back to even it up in the evening. Also had ice cream for dinner tonight and there was enough for two servings per man. We saw at the movies--"Destination Tokyo"--the first type of picture that does a war-weary body some good.
29 Things coming into their own as far as the rest camp is concerned. Apparently it will start next week for a week per man. Haven't found out yet what to take or where it is but should learn soon.
30 Major McHugh talked on P-X setting at noon today and told the boys where the rest camp was and just what to expect. Also said the new mess hall would be ready for occupancy in about a week and one-half, as getting a big ice-box for it--something to keep the food in good shape--and to keep the beer cool in. We'll keep men another phase to put them in the place. Completed the mess hall floor to begin tomorrow.
31 The roof finally up on the mess hall--seems all around the place being worked--on a ball game and saw a good movie. Just an all around good way to end the month--and with hamburger and onions.
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