September 24, 1942 - In Town of Blythe

Dear Folks,

Just a short line. I’m going to Blythe tonight to look the town over. I managed to get off last night and I went in too. This isn’t hard at all. We don’t have much to do at all. Things will be fine if we don’t move to another spot. I think we’ll be on maneuvers until Oct 20. I’ll write you a letter tomorrow.

Love
Bob

Newpaper Article on Desert Maneuvers

Blogger's Note:

This newspaper article was amongst Poops's letters. It is not mentioned in any of his letters so it could be something Gramma Nor read and included with Poops's letters, or maybe Poops just enclosed it with one of his letters but didn't mention it.

September 23, 1942 - Camp Was a Picnic Compared to This

Wednesday After.

Dear Mom + Dad,

Well here I am in the middle of the desert. I thought I had it rough back in camp but believe me that was a picnic compared to this. This is the first chance I’ve had to write a letter since yesterday. I guess I’ll have to give up my daily routine of letters while I’m here. I don’t know if I’ll get much of a chance to write during the day and of course there are no lights at night. So if you don’t hear from me except now and then don’t worry to much. I’ll try to do as best I can under the circumstances but I can’t promise you anything until I get off these maneuvers. I trust you will understand that and try to bear up under it.

I don’t know how long we will be out here for sure. It may only be a few days then again it may be three or four weeks. I rather prefer the former but then what can I do about it.

After getting all set yesterday we finally pulled out of Camp Young at 2 P.M in the afternoon. We arrived here at Blythe about 4:30 and started to set up our hospital. Well after 4 hours of hard labor we finally got everything up. We have to sleep out of doors in pup tents, however last night we didn’t need them and slept on the ground. This morning we got them up. I’d just as soon sleep on the ground as the pup tents are of no help unless it rains and of course nothing like that happens out here. You remember me describing the bivouac at Barkeley well this is the same set up as we had out there. This field work is no fun at all. You live under the worse of all possible conditions and you work your head off.

I’ve been working around here fixing everything up in the camp and then at 3 o’clock they tell me I’m going on duty in the operating room of the hospital for 24 hours. Of course there is nothing to do over there except lay around as this set up is just about a place look pretty. I’d feel sorry for anyone that had to be operated on here.

In fact I don’t think we are going to have much to do but here we are here just the same.

The maneuvers are going on all around here but it is very hard to make head or tails of them. We only see tanks, trucks and troops moving by us but we don’t see very much of the actual combat.

You can continue to write to me at my old address as the mail is being forwarded out here. In fact I’m waiting now for the mail to see if your Sunday letter come in on time. In fact I’ll quit now and not seal the letter and if anything should be added I’ll do it. So hold tight for awhile and my mail will get you sooner or later and as often as I can write.

Love
Bob

Your letter arrived as per schedule and it was good to hear from you out here. If it is bad to miss a few days before I’m afraid things will be a little rough now. Then again I may find time to get quite a few off but don’t count on it to much.

The memorial to Mr Dever is I think a fitting tribute, he deserves it.

I got a copy of the Home News today and it made very interesting reading.

I suppose you are in the midst of moving and it must be hard. But never mind it will be worth it when you get through. Just thing of me I moved and look what I got when I moved. At least you’re going into something nice.

So Sweethearts rear end has been acting up? I noticed a noise in that once and thought it was dry so I had Bill shoot some grease in but that didn’t stop it. That must have been the start of the trouble.

Well that’s that. I’ve added a few comments on your letter.

Love
Bob

September 22, 1942 - Going to Blythe

Tuesday Morn.

Dear Mom + Dad,

I just dropped a card in the mail box telling you about my leaving for maneuvers. It should arrive at the same time as this. I didn’t think I’d have time to write to you before leaving but as it turned out I have.

They pulled us all out of the hospital and are shipping us all to Blythe. Blythe is right in the middle of the desert and is just about the hottest spot there. We are going to live in our pup tents I think. I don’t know for sure how long we will be out there but it will probably be 3 or 4 weeks.

You can write me at the same address until I find out if we are to have a different one or not. I guess I’ll get mail anyway.

I don’t like this but there is nothing I can do about it. At least it won’t be to long as maneuvers will be over in a few weeks. Well thats all for now. I’ll write again the first chance I get.

Love
Bob

September 22, 1942 - Called Out to Maneuvers

Dear Mom + Dad,

Just been called out to go on maneuvers. Leaving for Blythe the heart of the desert. I guess we’ll be out 3 or 4 weeks. I’ll write you all the details the first chance I get. Keep using same address until I tell you otherwise.

Love
Bob

September 21, 1942 - Sleeping on the Job

Monday Afternoon

Dear Mom + Dad,

Your letter that should have arrived yesterday arrived this morning so everything is O.K. I also received a letter from Leata that I enjoyed very much. I’ll answer it as soon as I finish this one.

I was interested in your saying that Russ has left the country. I hadn’t heard from him in about 3 weeks. At that time I received a card from Augusta Ga. and he said he would only be there a short while. Mary wrote me the other day and said she heard he was in California. I just wrote a card to his folks inquiring as to his where abouts the other day. Try and find out the details about it for me if you can. If he is overseas they sure railroaded him in a hurry. But that’s the breaks you get in the army.

I can picture the turmoil you must be going through in preparation for moving. But I know after it is all over you will really have something nice. I can’t say how good it makes me feel to know that you have that home of your own now. It’s about time you had a life of your own.

I’m sorry to hear that you fell Dad but I guess you were lucky enough not to hurt yourself to much. You’re also quite a spring chicken going up and working out in the gym. I’m also surprised that you got Brother out for some of those things. He needs the exercise to remove that stomach of his.

Things are really hopping around here as the 64th our neighbors are moving to a different area of the camp. All their boys are out here working pulling down the last of their stuff. I think I’ll get pulled out of the hospital because they are leaving. We shared out details with them and now with them gone we’ll have to do it all ourselves. The first sergeant says he is going to pull us out tomorrow. I sure hope it is true. I’d like to get out of there and come back to my own outfit. Well maybe it will come to pass.

I haven’t slept at all today as last night I slept for 6 hours on the job. I don’t feel the least bit tired so I’m not resting up for this evening. I don’t really need it.

Nothing new on the air corps but I don’t really expect anything yet for awhile. It just a question of sitting around and waiting now.

I’m enclosing a lousy picture of me for you to have. It isn’t much good. I’m going to take a few soon and then maybe I’ll get some good ones.

I guess thats all for now.

Love
Bob

September 20, 1942 - Moving Out Soon?

Sunday Morning

Dear Mom + Dad,

The Thursday night letter didn’t arrive as it should. As there is no afternoon mail Sunday it will probably come in tomorrow morning. Regardless I’m going to scribble off a few lines.

My new job on the ward is a lot easier than the other one but it’s only going to last until Monday. In away I’d like to go back to the other ward as I had a chance to write letters and read while I was there. As it is now my time is wasted. I managed to get quite a little more sleep but I was getting accustomed to not sleeping. Regardless of what happens things aren’t to bad. I have two boys on the ward subject to epileptic fits and they are the only two I have to worry about. One of them had a convulsion last night and I had to care for him. The fits only last for 5 or 10 minutes so it isn’t so bad. I know I will be a doctor now, I’ve seen just about everything in the books now.

I was talking to Captain Bailey, my ward officer and one of the officers from the 5th field last night. He told me the 5th would start to roll very shortly now. I wouldn’t press him to much for details. But evidently we will be moving out of here soon. The only thing I’m afraid of is that it will be to Frieda to go on maneuvers. At least it is encouraging to know that we will be under way soon. I imagine as soon as maneuvers are over we will move some place else. I sure hope so. As you probably know my main concern is moving out of this desert. The future will show up things so I’m not going to worry to much. There has been nothing but rumors ever since we’ve been here but the time is getting ripe for our move so just hang on to your seat.

I feel bad about the slump my Dodgers went into. They certainly blew a sure thing. I still haven’t given up all hope yet but it looks like the Cards are going to win. I guess I’ll have to go back to the old Dodger saying “wait until next year.” Isn’t it a pity. I don’t have enough worries without my Dodgers letting me down to.

I sure must write a lot as I’ve almost used up all the paper Mom Gastrein sent me in a week. I still have the envelopes but the paper is running shy. Oh well I still have quite a stack of U.S.O and Red Cross paper.

Well folks I guess thats about all for now. I’ll write again tomorrow.

Love
Bob

September 19, 1942 - New Schedule of Writing

Saturday Morning

Dear Mom + Dad,

I’m trying out a new schedule of writing. I have now finished my afternoon nap and am awaiting supper. As I told you last night I can’t write on the ward because there is no lighting facilities. Thus that practice will have to discontinue until I get another ward which won’t be before Monday. I don’t want to give up my daily letter to you so I’ll try and sandwich it in during the day.

The ward I have now is a lot easier so far as work goes. I slept for about 3 hours last night. I don’t have much to do as the patients are just about to be discharged from the hospital. I still don’t like it though and wish I could get out of it. I don’t think it will be long now as I told you we will be out of here by the end of the week as we will be needed in our own outfit.

I got some information about my transfer today. I have wait until notice comes through to the office that I have passed the exam. Figuring on the usual time for thing going through the military channels it will be at least a month. Whenever it does come in I then submit a letter to the colonel stating why I want a transfer. Then I wait for the colonel to come to a decision and by that time I’m called up to go. I’m going to give it a try at least as soon as my papers come through. Again just another case of awaiting results.

I was very glad to hear that you are finally going to move to 860 Marion Street on the first. I ought to try and get a furlough and come home and help you. But of course, you know that is out. I really would like to help you move. I know you’re going to really enjoy your new home when you finally get settled. Maybe someday in the future I to can enjoy it with you. Although if I stay here to much longer it will be time to have my own home. And me with no real prospects. I guess I’ll just remain a bachelor for the rest of my life.

Well folks that’s all for now. I expect your Thursday letter tomorrow and an answer will be forthcoming then.

Love
Bob

September 18, 1942 - Working in Different Hospital Ward

Friday Evening

Dear Mom + Dad,

I’m in again! Tonight I’m writing you from a different ward. I’ve been transferred to one of the wards that have convalescent patients and is housed in a tent. This letter is being written by the light of a flashlight as we have no lights down here. It is getting cold around here and I’ll have to put my jacket on soon to keep warm. This is really a fine mess.

I almost got out of being up here if it wasn’t for one boy who had to butt in. Came roll call tonight and my name wasn’t called out. I could have then gone back to my outfit as I wasn’t assigned to any duty. One of the boys popped up what about Haring so I had to go up and talk to the sergeant. There was one man out on a 3 day pass so I’m taking his place here. Maybe when he comes back I can get relieved. I sure hope so. I’ll just have to wait and see what develops.

I have just heard that our outfit is scheduled to go on maneuvers the first of October. I think we are going to move out to the real heart of the desert, Freida. If that happens I’ll be really sad. The 64 Medical Battalion is moving out tomorrow and from all reports we are going to take their place. From the looks of things it will be quite awhile before we move out of here.

I’m going to work on a transfer to the ground force of the air corps. You see here is the set up. I’m now passed the cadet exam and am awaiting call. In this status they put on what they call detached service. This is you do work where you stay in this country. I will then probably be transferred to some other outfit that is not a field unit as we are liable for duty at any time. Thus I’m going to try and swing a deal to get into the ground force of the air corps. At least that will help me on my training for the cadets. I don’t know whether I can swing it or not, but I’m going to give it a try. I have to write a letter to my colonel telling why I want the transfer. I’ll get to work on it in the next few days. I really want to get out of this medical corps and the sooner the better. So heres hoping.

I had a nice trip yesterday. I rode through the San Berdardino National Forest just back of Palm Springs. It is really beautiful. You climb from sea level to about 5000 ft. You go from desert into this beautiful green forest with lakes pastures and green trees. It just doesn’t seem possible a few miles could make so much difference - I hitched back from Hemet and had no trouble at all catching rides. I came back to Indio about 9 P.M. and hung around there awhile and then came back to camp.

I’m rather happy that I passed and that the future will get me out of this medical corps. However, I’m more than ever discussed with my outfit. I suppose that is just an aftermath. I’m going to have to quit as this light is going dead. I guess I’ll have to review my writing schedule. See you in tomorrow letter.

Love

Bob

PS. Received your usual Tues. letter today.

September 18, 1942 - Made the Air Corps

Friday Morning

Dear Mom + Dad,

I am no longer a member of the medical corps but rather am now in the air corps. I took my exam yesterday and passed it. I’m writing this short note and sending it out air mail to let you know just how I made out. I’ll write my regular letter tonight at the hospital. My schedule has been rather messed up this week because of my two trips.

I had to take the mental exam yesterday also. It was rather hard as a lot of it was on technical work in the air corps. However I came through with a little to spare. You needed a 78 to pass and I got a 89. That took up all the morning.

In the afternoon I took the physical and didn’t have any trouble with it at all. I was worried about my eyes but I came through it all right. It was a very routine physical, a lot of different that the one I took last year.

As soon as the papers go through I become a member of the Air Corps Reserve. That means I’m waiting for an appointment as a cadet. I won’t be sent overseas as long as I’m in this capacity. I’ll probably have to wait 3 months before I get in or perhaps even more but it will be worth waiting for. It takes 7 months to go through school so I’ll be out of this war for quite awhile yet. I lose my status in the medical corp and become air corp unattached until I get assigned. They used to give out furloughs until you were ready to be called but they just cut that out recently. It is a shame or I could have had 2 or 3 months home with pay. Anyway, I’m still better off being in the air corps. Probably it won’t look so good after I get there but right now I like it.

Well that’s the dope I passed and I go in the air corps as soon as they call me. You can figure three months from now anyway if not more.

I know you don’t like the idea Mom, but I think I will be happier there. And believe me anywhere in the army is dangerous during war.

I’ll write more tonight.

Love
Bob

September 16, 1942 - High Hopes for What Tomorrow Brings Forth

Wednesday Eve.

Dear Mom + Dad,

This isn’t following the usual pattern of my writing as it is not being written at the hospital and it is so early it isn’t dark yet. It really is much nicer this way. As I told you I’m off tonight in anticipation of my exam tomorrow. I’m leaving camp tomorrow morning at 5:30AM in order to get to Hemet by 8:30. I’m riding down in a jeep. Isn’t that just like the army to send you to some place where you couldn’t get to in a million years. I don’t know why the army picks such outposts and inconvenient places there is in the world.

I have my hopes pretty high and hope to make it. I’m going to bed early and get a good rest. I’ll need it tomorrow. Keep you fingers crossed for me. I’ll write you again as soon as I get back tomorrow night and let you know how I make out.

I finally received my ration money from my furlough. The office came through with it today. I received $7.68 and I am now again in the chips. If I keep getting all this money I won’t know what to do with it all. I didn’t think I was going to be able to send any home this month but with ration money I may be able to yet. I have about $24 now and only 2 more weeks until the end of the month. This month I’ll receive a little over $50 with my deductions out. I’ll have to wait and see how things go by the end of the month.

Six of the fellows got released from the hospital today for good but I wasn’t one of the lucky ones. I think it will come soon as the station hospital are supposed to get some new men in. I sure hope it is soon as I’d like to get off that graveyard shift and lead a normal life again. At least I don’t have to go to work until Friday. Maybe by that time they’ll forget all about me.

Your letter arrived today as per schedule. So they’re getting you ready for the army. I’ll get a cot set up for you out here. I know you’d love it. But I’d advise against you coming.

Too bad it had to rain while you were at the lake. But isn’t that just your luck? That sure was some card you sent me showing where you were. I know just about where the domain was on the Lakes. As you know I’m pretty familiar with that Lake for some strange reason. It couldn’t be because of Emily or could it.

I guess that is the news from California. This is your corresponding son signing off with high hopes for what tomorrow brings forth. I’ll be back with the latest again tomorrow.

Love
Bob

September 15, 1942 - Report for Air Corps Exam/Weekend Details

Tuesday Eve.

Dear Mom + Dad,

Here I am back on this darn old ward again. It sure is tough to go back to work after a three day vacation. I received some good news today. I have to report for my examination for the air corps. on Thursday of this week. I have to go to Hemet which is about ninety miles from here. I’m off from work tomorrow night so that I can rest up for it and I’m getting a 24 hour pass which means I won’t have to work Thursday night either. Of course that makes me feel good as I’ll be off until Friday night. I’m getting a ride down there in one of our trucks so I don’t have to worry about the transportation angle either. I have to be there at 8:30 so I guess I’ll have to leave pretty early in the morning. I’m glad that it finally came through as then I’ll know if I’m going to get in or not. You know I’d like to make it so cross those fingers again for me. I’ll let you know the results as soon as I find out myself.

I’ll now give you a few details of my weekend. I did a crummy job on a letter this morning but I’ll try and do better tonight. I had a ride already for me on Saturday morning. One of the fellow’s brother who lived in Pasadena came over after him so I made arrangements to go with him as Pasadena is only 9 miles from L.A. and connected directly by trolley. We took off about 12 o’clock and stopped for something to eat in Indio. We arrived in L.A. about 5:30 and then went to look for a room. We got a nice one in the hotel with a bath. Incidentally I was with a friend of mine and we got a double room for $2.50 or $1.25 apiece per night. Then after cleaning up a little for supper, I had some very fine veal cutlets and a decent meal for a change. We then took off on a tour of several night clubs in L.A. and then over to Hollywood to tour their hot spots and finally late at night back to L.A. I didn’t really do very much this weekend except see several shows and travel around L.A. and Hollywood.

We slept Sunday morning until almost noon and after getting up we took off for Hollywood. I then had another delicious meal this time Italian spaghetti. We then went to a rehearsal of the Lux Radio Theater broadcast. We saw Tyrone Power and Barbara Stanwick (in person) in “This Above All”. It was very good. I had seen the picture before and I enjoyed that very much. After this show we went up to the U.S.O. for awhile and spent some time there. They give out books free there to take back to camp with you. I usually grab three or four when I go over there and this was no exception. We then decided to go see another picture this time “The Talk of the Town” which also was very good. After the show another tour of the L.A. hot spots and so to bed. Monday morning we got up around 10 AM and went to another show “Holiday Inn” which was another good picture. After getting out of the show we started hitching rides back to camp. We left the heart of L.A. about 2 P.M. and had some very good rides back with no trouble at all. We arrived in Indio at 7 P.M. 5 hours to travel 120 miles and we stopped for supper in Riverside. I’d say that was very good time. We then hung around Indio until 10 P.M. and took a bus out to camp. All in all a very good three days. I didn’t do an awful lot except see movies and do a lot of running around. However, it was just what I needed. I just had to get away for awhile and now I feel a lot better for having gone. I really enjoyed myself.

I signed the payroll today and as this is the middle of the month it won’t be long before another payday rolls around. This time it will be $54 instead of the $50 due to my advancement. I now have only $15 left but as I won’t get away again for awhile it should be ample to last me to the end of the month. The three days in L.A. cost me about $15 which isn’t really so bad for that trip.

I got a carton of cigarettes today from the collection taken up at the Arlington. This is the second one I have received. It is really swell and I appreciate it no end. Also this stationary is a gift as I told you, of Mom Gatrien. I guess she didn’t like my red cross stationary and figured I needed some. So I’ll do my best to use it up even though I’m addicted to U.S.O and Red Cross paper. Today is the day Fran is suppose to leave for the army. Another one of my friends gone the way of the rest of us.

I wrote to Mrs. Devers and expressed my regrets. I’ll write to Jimmy as soon as I get caught up. Mr Devers death really beats me. I still can’t make myself believe it.

I was rather puzzled about Leota’s cousin running a gas station in Indio. You didn’t tell me anything about it that I remember. Maybe that’s a letter that got lost in the mail. I never have looked up her sister as L.A. is a big town and I’d never find her place. Besides I don’t have much time to myself when I get up there.

Glad to hear your vacation has been swell. To bad it rained for a few days. Hope your rumor is true about Gardeners moving. That’s all for now folks. I’ll write again sometime tomorrow.

Love
Bob

September 15, 1942 - Back at Camp

Tuesday Morn

Dear Mom + Dad,

I’m just going to scribble off a few lines now and write you a long letter when I go to work tonight. I got back last night from L.A. after having a pretty good time. You haven’t heard from me in quite a while as I only got off one card all weekend. I’m rather tired and I want to sleep a little so this will be short and details will come tonight.

I’m writing this letter on stationary I just received from Mom Gatrein. She sent it to me so I could write to her. Rather nice of her isn’t it. I’m having a tough time with this letter as I’m trying to write it balanced on my knee. So please forgive the scribbling.

I received your letter on arrival back this morning. One of fellows collected all my weekend mail for me. It will keep me busy now catching up again.

I have a rather nice weekend and it was good to get off for a change. I really didn’t do a lot but I saw several shows. It seemed good just to be free for a few days. Saturday I had a ride with one of the fellows and went right into L.A. Coming back was easy too. I hit a lot of good miles and made Indio in 5 hrs. 120 miles which isn’t bad time.

I’m going to close now and get some sleep. I’ll give you all the details of my journey tonight.

Love
Bob

September 13, 1942 - In Hollywood Again

Sunday Aft.

Dear Mom + Dad,

In Hollywood again having a good time so far. I just saw the Lux Radio Program with Tyrone Power, Barbara Stanwick in “This Above All”. It was very good. I’ll tell you more about it when I write. This having 3 days is the nuts. I have plenty of time. I’ll write later.

Love
Bob

September 11, 1942 - Got the 3-day Pass

Friday Evening

Dear Mom + Dad,

I received one of the biggest shocks of my life today when I opened your letter and saw the clipping about Mr. Dever. Somehow it just doesn’t seem possible. I feel very bad about it. Of course you know I had quite a lot to do with the Dever family and Mr Dever was very close to me. I thought the world of him and I spent many an interesting hour talking to him. I also feel that he was interested in me and liked me and I was rather proud of that fact. He is was one of the finest men that I ever had met in my life. His death is a great loss to everybody that he had dealings with. I deeply regret the happening and I know there will be an empty spot in my life when I return home knowing that he isn’t there. As soon as I finish this letter I intend to write Mrs. Dever and express my regret.

Well, now on to a little more cheering news. I got my three day pass. I’m off as soon as I finish work tomorrow morning at 7. I don’t have to be back to camp until Tuesday morning at 6, and I don’t have to go to work again until Thursday night. It sure makes me feel good to know that I can get off for a few days. I intend to take off for L.A the first thing in the morning and hope to be there shortly after noon. I can hitch hike there very easily as I get off ahead of the mob that leaves on weekend passes at noon. Then I will be coming back Monday and most of them go back on Sunday. All in all the situation is very favorable. I’m looking forward to enjoying myself and to getting a little rest in a hotel. It sure will be wonderful to get some sleep that will be uninterrupted. My letters will stop now for a few days because of the trip. However I’ll try and drop you a few lines during my stay in L.A.

From your descriptions I know just about where you are located on the Lake. It sounds pretty nice. I’d like to be there but at least I’m getting off now for a few days and I will feel a lot better when I come back. Maybe next year I will be home to go on your vacation with you.

I’m enclosing the card you sent me in regards to the bank. I guess that should fix everything up on my bank account. I still have just about $30 left from last months pay and here it is almost in the middle of the month. Of course I will put a big dent in it this weekend but I deserve to have a good time. Anyway I have plenty in reserve in case I really need it.

This darn ward is enough to drive you crazy. Things looked very quiet again tonight when we came in but now another emergency appendix case had to turn up. It sure takes all the pleasure out of life to have things like that happen. I suppose it our job so I just have to make the best of it.

I just about time to knock off for awhile and eat. Oh before I forget. I think I have messed up my absentee ballot. I saw one fellow with one today and I noticed a place I forgot to sign, at least I think I did. I’m keeping my fingers crossed and hoping it goes through. At least I tried to do my duty and if it doesn’t go through it can’t be helped.

I’m going to take off now. I’ll write for sure as soon as I get back.

Love
Bob