From Hugh - May 25, 1944

England

May 25, 1944

Dear Dorothy,

Today the V-letter written May 12 and air mail for May 15 came today.  I have had a nap and before that I washed my field jacket.  Since I was not off Sunday it was awfully dirty and I didn't do too good a job.  After that I aired my blankets.  Now my bed is all made and it is a big temptation to go to bed.
Donald just came in and we are going over and call Mrs. Renshaw.  We waited a little late in the week to call.  They may already have something planned.

The letter that came today was the one that was all mixed up.  I enjoyed it. It was a nice long one.

Bob could make reservations for you if you made the trip to Colorado.  That would really be a nice trip.  I hope you can make.  Colorado is a very pretty place, I hear.  Some day when I have rested about 4 years I would like to make a trip there.  Maybe we could look up Ray and Fay.

We went over to call Mrs. Renshaw but there was a line waiting for the phone and it was already late so we decided to wait until tomorrow.  There is only one phone here that we can use so there is usually a long line.

I had the lable from a pr. of socks that you sent me and John Heckman said he used to work in the mill where they were made.  It is in Reding, Pa.

Everyone else is in bed so I suppose it is time for me to quit, but not before I say, I love you.

Love,
Hugh.

From Hugh - April 6, 1944

England

April 6, 1944

Dear Dorothy,

I have just come from a show where James Cagney made a personal appearance.  It was a ver good U.S.O. show and he came on at the last and told a few old jokes and did a few dance steps.  It was only a personal appearance but the rest of the program was very good.  "Truth or Consequences" is on the air.  They are playing from Atlanta.

Tonight I got a box with 2 boxes of candy in it, from Aileen.  I just got her letter saying she had sent it.  It was Easter Greetings candy.  I have really hit the jack pot this week but no letters from you tonight.

I am feeling much better tonight thatn I did last night.  I am satisfied it was something I ate so it just had to have time to clean out.  Who said I am a chow hound?

I guess we have been listening to English jokes too much.  None of us seem to get the point of Joe Childens' joke about Bob Burns new song: "I wish I had a paper doll- or I could call my own."  We could figure out the one about Wilkie having his eye on the presidential seat.

I don't have any information about the allotment for mama.  Maybe they could find it by checking my serial number.  You did enclose that didn't you?

I intended mentioning this but I don't htink I did.  The Red Cross Club buildings in most cases were hotels before they were taken over.  The point I was getting at is that none I have been in have connecting baths.  You just had to "follow the arrow" as it were.  There are a lot of things that I have learned about the English that I didn't know.  The English are nicknamed Limeys."  There are several explanations as to the origin but that cannot be blamed on the G.I's.  It is a lot older than since we came over.  Everything English is called Limey, usually not complimentary.

I have Mrs. Ree's address but not her initials:

Mrs. Ree

15 Mauldeth Road

Withington

Manchester 20,

Lanc. England.

I don't know what it all means but Lanc. is the County, Lancashire.

The radio stations are going off witht he Star Spangled Banner so I must sign off with love.

Love,

Hugh

P.S. I know how the Camp Gruber soldiers could go to England and get rained on too.  H.R.

From Hugh - November 8, 1943

England

Nov. 8, 1943

Dear Dorothy,

I still don't have any V-mail so I have to use this.  Tonight I am tired.  We have been having exercises and it is the first I have had for some time.  I will probably be stif tomorrow.

I did not get to go to church yesterday.  There was only one service and I could not make it to that one.  On the way over there was only one Chaplain.  He was Catholic but held services for us.  It was mostly prayer services.

I surely do miss you but there is one thing sure, each day that passes means that it is one day closer to the time I will be back with you.  I love you and think about you all the time.

I am still looking for a letter from you.  I have no idea when they will catch me.

Love,

Hugh

From Hugh - November 3, 1943

England,

11-3-43

Dear Dorothy,

This is the first chance I have had to write for some time so I suppose you have been wondering.  I am getting along fine.  I have been seeing lots of interesting things but there is so little to talk about now.  There doesn't seem to be a lot of difference in the people.  A few different customers etc.  I can tell you how much I love you tho.  I miss you so much.  It is very nice here and I wish I hae you here to stay while I am here.  That is out tho.  I expect to have a new A.P.O. but in the meantime use this one.  If I change it will be forwarded.  Today a man came around to take cablegrams.  I sent one to you and Mama.

I had some V mail forms with red borders but here we hae to use black borders so it will probably take this longer to get to you.  As soon as I can get some I will start using that.  I am taking for granted you will be home by the time this gets there.  I was not sure about the cable but I knew you would see Mama's if you were there.

I still don't have any English money.  I hae a chart showing what they have but I don't understand much about it.  I suppose it will be easier when I get some to look at and compare.

I have been trying to think who I am supposed to know in England but I would not know where to look for them.

Do you ever hear from Marion?  I thought about her when I was in N.J. but I didn't know what town she was in and I probably didn't have a chance to get in touch with her if I had know.

We have to have ration tickets to use at the P.X. and so far I don't have any.  I had some candy and cookies so I have not needed it.  We should get them in a day or two.  I could use my civilian shoes if I stay here but until I find out something certain I will let things stay as they are.  There are several things I could have brought if I had known about it.  I must stop now and gee I sure do love you.

Love,
Hugh.