We went back on movie duty today - I suppose that's the most boring job we have. Some of the boys always want to smoke and you have to keep telling them not to - you feel like an elderly school teacher, and the films are usually terrible.
Made a yarn doll today to start crafts with - it was a hula dancer - such business makes me nervous. I'm not the craft type - no patience. But...I can show them how, that's all that's required.
Mrs. Kingdon-Ward, an English writer, visited us and asked us so many questions we were worn out, but she is nice and sincere. She's writing on "Americans in Britain" - I could tell her!
Found a Cleveland boy on #22 who looked gaunt and hungry. He confessed he's not getting enough food as he's lost so much weight. I told the K.P.s and they promised to "load his tray". And they will!
Miss Jack so much - wish the (surrender) would come tonite.
4.5.12
Friday, April 6, 1945
Army Day
A busy day tramping the wards with stationery, matches - requests and flowers. Mrs. Dugdale of the Dugdale Tea sent us several hundred daffodils and I got three N.P. patients from the 28th to deliver them to all the wards. Underwood helped me take 9 birthday cakes and I went back at 8.30 tonight to a Kentuckian's bed to eat his with him and have coffee. (Jack's old ward) The other boys had cut the cake and eaten theirs, but Pettit waited for me to come! I took him a pipe and smoking tobacco and we had a good chat about jobs, etc. Both his legs were badly cut out by a shell while he was in a covered fox hole. Said that's what made him mad - applied his own tournaquet but he had to wait a couple of hours to be rescued and they gave him 7 quarts of blood and plasma to save him. Must look up McElfish tomorrow - he was so sweetly appreciative of the song I played for him. His eyes are little more than slits, but he peers out cheerfully. Saw Johnson today who was in a jeep when a mine exploded under it. He looked terrible a week ago, but fine today.
A busy day tramping the wards with stationery, matches - requests and flowers. Mrs. Dugdale of the Dugdale Tea sent us several hundred daffodils and I got three N.P. patients from the 28th to deliver them to all the wards. Underwood helped me take 9 birthday cakes and I went back at 8.30 tonight to a Kentuckian's bed to eat his with him and have coffee. (Jack's old ward) The other boys had cut the cake and eaten theirs, but Pettit waited for me to come! I took him a pipe and smoking tobacco and we had a good chat about jobs, etc. Both his legs were badly cut out by a shell while he was in a covered fox hole. Said that's what made him mad - applied his own tournaquet but he had to wait a couple of hours to be rescued and they gave him 7 quarts of blood and plasma to save him. Must look up McElfish tomorrow - he was so sweetly appreciative of the song I played for him. His eyes are little more than slits, but he peers out cheerfully. Saw Johnson today who was in a jeep when a mine exploded under it. He looked terrible a week ago, but fine today.
Thursday, April 5, 1945
Jack called promptly while I was writing letters for Ward 28. My N.P. Evans was framing letters to Oxford professors when his Harvard English teacher wanted to meet. The point was to ask them to come see him without seeming to be presumptuous. Anyway, Jack was charming and already had plans for trains to Cheltenham. We'll meet at 10 am at the Red Cross on Monday. He says this marriage must gt settled, and "pretty damn quick". I asked him on the phone if we could go to to the Mardi Gras and he said, "You haven't been to New Orleans?" and then named half a dozen places there. He said wistfully, "We have so much to make up for". Doesn't know yet if he'll stay in the U.K. or go to France.
Benny gave me a good L3 permanent and told me about his wife throwing away his NAZI flag he'd seized under a rain of bullets, because "it smelled bad"! Said he was in a fox hole last summer digging in his tank when the letter came telling him she's ordered a lynx jacket - he likes her that way!
Benny gave me a good L3 permanent and told me about his wife throwing away his NAZI flag he'd seized under a rain of bullets, because "it smelled bad"! Said he was in a fox hole last summer digging in his tank when the letter came telling him she's ordered a lynx jacket - he likes her that way!
Wednesday, April 4, 1945
Wrote one ward letter - visited four wards at night - very sick boys, some of them with their heads shaved or bound up. We're concentrating on neurological cases now. Several blind boys, asn always they are cheery to talk to.
Jack called at 2:30 - is working in the personnel department there (ahem!) and thinks it is a strategic spot. I'm hoping he'll stay in the U.K. If we do, there're all sorts of rumors that this hospital will move to the continent. Jack will call tomorrow about our Monday visit - thinks he can get a 24 hour pass. I decided on Cheltenham for a good place to visit together. We have a lot of things to talk over. An enlisted man must file for a request to marry two months before the date. It's a lot of fun to think about - Jack is in dead earnest. Jimmie is said to be returning the 14th - I do not count on it, why should I/
Jack called at 2:30 - is working in the personnel department there (ahem!) and thinks it is a strategic spot. I'm hoping he'll stay in the U.K. If we do, there're all sorts of rumors that this hospital will move to the continent. Jack will call tomorrow about our Monday visit - thinks he can get a 24 hour pass. I decided on Cheltenham for a good place to visit together. We have a lot of things to talk over. An enlisted man must file for a request to marry two months before the date. It's a lot of fun to think about - Jack is in dead earnest. Jimmie is said to be returning the 14th - I do not count on it, why should I/
2.10.10
Tuesday, April 3, 1945
Visited about 16 wards today. Delivered papers, toothpaste, ditty bags - talked, talked. Jack called me but I was unavailable, so he'll call tomorrow. I am as sure of Jack as I am of the sunrise. He loves the idea of "Mrs. Strong." It scares and beckons me. But I may.
I asked Lt. Larson when Jimmie was coming back if at all. He said the show opens the 16th, and he'll be back then. Thank God the bombs have just about gone since Holland is evacuated of Germans. He's in the greatest dither of his life - rehearsals! He's probably running the whole show. Curious how I adore that boy - he's the sun and the moon - and he's forgotten about me, almost. That's because he's so tremendous a person, things absorb and take possession, whatever it is at the time. Nice to know that, but hard on people who love him so much.
I asked Lt. Larson when Jimmie was coming back if at all. He said the show opens the 16th, and he'll be back then. Thank God the bombs have just about gone since Holland is evacuated of Germans. He's in the greatest dither of his life - rehearsals! He's probably running the whole show. Curious how I adore that boy - he's the sun and the moon - and he's forgotten about me, almost. That's because he's so tremendous a person, things absorb and take possession, whatever it is at the time. Nice to know that, but hard on people who love him so much.
My Beloved Ginger
2 April 45
Nine o'clock
My Beloved Ginger -
I am at the same table at which we had our tea, and it is the heady smell of your perfume that is filling my head with fantasy and my heart with the peaceful hurt of wanting you. Always, I know it will be there when you are from me.
After leaving you I immediately inquired the time of the next train and found that it would not leave until 19.23 hours so I found my way into a below-stairs restaurant and inveigled them (there being no other potential customers about) into giving me a glass of ale, no spirits being available. It was a large place with lots of the old woodwork and supported by eight-sided and square columns having quite beautiful tiled panels half-way from the floor, and mirrored panels from that point to the ceiling. The square columns had little brass-railed shelves. The ceiling was of long arc-ish sections, quite grimy. A semi-Continental waiter, of Welsh or Scottish origin presided. It did not at all fit my mood, however, so I moved on until I arrived at a hotel that seemed to catch the eye of others of the passing dog-faced throng, but my peripheral noted that most of them were emerging almost immediately upon entry and for the most part, bewilderment was quite evident dans le visage. So I spake unto myself, saying, This must be the place I am looking for!!! And, ma petite cochon, it was!! Truly a place of ours, it was, with its lofty ceils and just-sufficient light, soft talk and softer appointments, a place of romance tempered ever so Britishly with the ageless dignity of middle-aged stewards who lead you to believe that they have been in your personal service for years past. We shall enjoy that another time, my sweet.
So, bowing over my table, the grey hair and tails enquired, "Have you been served, Sir?" knowing full well that I had not.
No - said I - but I should like a double scotch.
Terribly sorry, Sir - said Tails - but we are quite sold out of spirits.
What a shame - I mourned - for I desired to drink to a lady and to our meeting in the future.
Is that so, Sir - Tails sympathized, and then inspired - Will you be so good, Sir, to remain here for a moment?
He glided from sight to reappear almost at once, bearing upon his silver tray the small glass of amber stuff, and a tumbler of water.
Double, was it, Sir - he almost beamed - Two and nine - he said.
I was very pleased and chuckling inside as I placed five shillings on the tray. He reached for change and I said - That's all right.
Thank you, Sir - said Tails.
3 April 1500
It is now tomorrow and your perfume lingers on me. It's a trap, a snare. I'm hooked.
Having just read what I wrote last eve I find that I have become a master of ambiguosity, but that I don't worry about - you will know what I am saying. Perhaps, too, I will learn to write legibly again. That does bother me.
You know I miss you, Ginger, so I will not reiterate.
I am going to try to call you now, so be there 'cause I am working from four-thirty till midnight.
See you later, darling.
Jack
Monday, April 2, 1945
Was called in time for breakfast - a vague spam-y meal with cruel coffee. Got a train to Lichfield, and with the help of the M.P. and the Field Director of Camp, let Jack know he was to meet me at the Red Cross at the Depot where I got a ride on an army truck. A beautiful day, and the fields and orchards lovely. The Red Cross was helpful and cheery, and Jack got a pass. I waited an hour for him - he had difficulties with his sergeant, but as usual surmounted them. He looked so sweet to me somehow, he was so glad to be with me again. We held hands in the Red Cross library over sandwiches and he had no appetite. This army is hell on men like him. Said he's even considered going psycho so we could be civilian again. I flattened that, although I'm terribly trapped in the army, too. We could have such fun. We had a compartment to ourselves to Birmingham, very sweet. Had fish and chips, and parted rather seriously.
13.9.10
Sunday, April 1, 1945
Wrote more letters for new patients - delivered special requests. Talked to Bria and wanted to tell him he was going home, but was not allowed to. He wants to tell his wife "all about me".
Talked to Underwood, another P.N. patient - have to be careful with these young men, they get attachments. He'd been reading Maughm's "The Razor's Edge" - intelligent reaction. I told him to keep on reading everything, that he'd never have time enough in his life to get it all read. He's changed here - he's better.
Took a bus to Cheltenham and entrained for Birmingham. Got a hotel room by chance and was not able to call Jack at the Depot 14 miles distant. Had coffee and the eternal cheese sandwiches in the lounge - went to bed after finishing a letter to Jack which I'll give him. Mail is so slow and he's not had a letter from me yet!
Talked to Underwood, another P.N. patient - have to be careful with these young men, they get attachments. He'd been reading Maughm's "The Razor's Edge" - intelligent reaction. I told him to keep on reading everything, that he'd never have time enough in his life to get it all read. He's changed here - he's better.
Took a bus to Cheltenham and entrained for Birmingham. Got a hotel room by chance and was not able to call Jack at the Depot 14 miles distant. Had coffee and the eternal cheese sandwiches in the lounge - went to bed after finishing a letter to Jack which I'll give him. Mail is so slow and he's not had a letter from me yet!
Saturday, March 31, 1945
Wrote letters this AM for three patients. They are invariably "improving every day...don't worry...nothing serious". This, when they are paralyzed from the waist down - or deafened - or almost blind, or shattered of arm or leg. You find this the most gallant aspect of the war in a hospital. Celebrated our 10,000th patient with a special radio program. I was not on it - Soph spoke for the ARC. I wrote a speech for her, which she liked, but army-like, they couldn't use it. Patient's name was Robert Henderson.
Jack called about 8 from the Reinforcement Depot near Birmingham. Had been on guard and very tired - missed me too much. Told me to come on up and find him Monday. Made candy, colored fondant - fancy for our Easter open house. Did not go to the Club dance.
Jack called about 8 from the Reinforcement Depot near Birmingham. Had been on guard and very tired - missed me too much. Told me to come on up and find him Monday. Made candy, colored fondant - fancy for our Easter open house. Did not go to the Club dance.
Friday, March 30, 1945
A tiring day, but one wherein you feel you've accomplished something. Took some flowers to Bria for Good Friday. Delivered odd items - took yarn for teddy bears - wrote a radio program on Home Town News - gave out five cakes, one huge one, and served it. The volunteers brought lovely hyacinths, and daffodils, and eggs for us. Package came from Mabel with a watermelon pink sweater, lipstick, perfume, and carnation soap. All reminds me of the Maywood Apartments. How much more contented I am over here, but every day I have the burden of anxiety over J. in London. One of the nurses said tonight that 100 people were buried in a tube station in London recently. Jack and I heard several explosions while we were there, and we heard one here tonight while at mess which could only be a bomb. I'd give anything to have him safe back here, though I suppose he would die of frustration after London. Jack did not call from the Center - but he will tomorrow probably. Hope he stays in England, he's such a comfort.
4.9.10
Thursday, March 29, 1945
Spent the day writing letters on wards. - saw Capt. Eschelbacher do a skin grafting job, minor operation he invited me to watch. The boy was smiling and non-chalant. Capt. E is a remarkably fine, sweet person - the only doctor I really like personally. I can always depend on him to be around to talk to at my infrequent Club visits. His patients rely utterly on him.
Jack called from the 10th Reinforcement Pool at 8.40 - said he was going to ask for a pass to come back, the idiot. Travel is restricted until next week so we may not get together, though I'll try to go to Birmingham Sunday night if he's able to meet me. I told him I missed him so I wanted to resign and follow his camp - it's all right with him! He said he was in the Birmingham RR station, and when he heard my voice he started to breathe with considerable difficulty...how wonderful to affect a cool, self-sufficient man like that! Wonder if it will last. I wrote him a letter that will please him. I laughed through half the conversation as usual. What a guy!
Jack called from the 10th Reinforcement Pool at 8.40 - said he was going to ask for a pass to come back, the idiot. Travel is restricted until next week so we may not get together, though I'll try to go to Birmingham Sunday night if he's able to meet me. I told him I missed him so I wanted to resign and follow his camp - it's all right with him! He said he was in the Birmingham RR station, and when he heard my voice he started to breathe with considerable difficulty...how wonderful to affect a cool, self-sufficient man like that! Wonder if it will last. I wrote him a letter that will please him. I laughed through half the conversation as usual. What a guy!
Wednesday, March 28, 1945
Wrote letters for Godalchek (paralyzed arm and cast on the other)and for Thibido who's blind - shrapnel entered right eye destroying it leaving nerve gone - is easy and cheerful. Very young, easy to talk to - tried to make him promise not to touch his face and bandage. He must have handcraft.
Took seven birthday cakes, fun as usual. Some boys in my psycho-neurotic ward got hold of liquor last night and came back and tore the ward apart. Got sent to the closed ward. They frightened Bria and Evans, poor things. I played Ave Maria for Bria today on the program - he told me later he heard it. Slept this PM - at least he was quiet. Told me later so haltingly, "You are so kind...thank you...for...everything". Underwood is definitely coming out of his dark blue moods.
Met Jack for dinner - we had a wonderful time as always. He is the kindest, finest person. Wants so much to marry me. Maybe I shall.
(pictured: Jack C. Strong)
Tuesday, March 27, 1945
Back at 9,30 - saw Bria after his cousin came in the office, so good to have him know me, and thank me in whispers for what we had done. He's better, "I must get better" he said. Talked to new patients - tiring, but good and satisfactory. Went to Capt. Hagen's birthday party at the Club. Capt. E's birthday so we had a drink and he reported on home news. Good man.
Lots of good mail - Maria, John, John Keates, Vito, home - Violet Morgan, Mabel, good letter from Durham last week.
Bria recognized my voice on the radio - progress!
(How is my beloved? Will he come back this weekend to open his Christmas boxes? He's now casting director for Special Services. Jack is coming tomorrow - reports for duty Thursday.)
22.8.10
Monday, March 26, 1945
Met Jack at 10 at the Savoy where we had a luxurious corner overlooking Hyde Park. We were so pleased with each other and the view that we could hardly nibble our toast. Went out then and found a fine basement bar where we drank gin all the afternoon and Jack planned our married life. It is rather dangerous fun I suppose. He's perfectly serious - is so sure of us. Somebody told us to go to Gretna Green in Scotland and get married. Fortunately we had tea and sobered a little. Looked for hotel rooms from a cab to no avail - then I went to the hotel where I have been before...buried my heart...we got rooms on the same floor - very nice. I went to dinner at the Berkeley with Jno. Green. Came back and found a note on my pillow, "I love you". We got an early train - Jack very sweet to me - he left me at Swindon.
Sunday, March 25, 1945
Very busy day - called on a lot of wards - took home town papers which is always fun. Sally White visited the wards with me - her first experience. Saw Bria and told him his cousin may come to see him. Took him some comfort articles - treat him like a child, he is so tired and in pain, but he brightens a little and says "Vir -gin-ia". Makes my heart ache, and also swell with maternal solicitude. See progress there.
Jimmie called - gave me a number - very busy. Jack got on the train in Swindon - happy as a drunk. We got to London in no time and went to the Red Cross where he billeted. I got one at 10 Charles and we sat and talked 2-1/2 hours. Told some G.I. we were married - that's how he "rated" me. He's crazy and wonderful to know. A bomb went off at 11.30 - I trembled for Jimmie whom I couldn't reach by phone. It was the church near the Scala Theatre. Another bomb went in half an hour. An alert at 2.30 - Jack had to leave me then.
Jimmie called - gave me a number - very busy. Jack got on the train in Swindon - happy as a drunk. We got to London in no time and went to the Red Cross where he billeted. I got one at 10 Charles and we sat and talked 2-1/2 hours. Told some G.I. we were married - that's how he "rated" me. He's crazy and wonderful to know. A bomb went off at 11.30 - I trembled for Jimmie whom I couldn't reach by phone. It was the church near the Scala Theatre. Another bomb went in half an hour. An alert at 2.30 - Jack had to leave me then.
Saturday, March 24, 1945
Jack arrived after the radio program. Very amusing to see him admitting his state of mind about me. He was always independent - women have never bothered him - even the one he once married. We had a jolly reunion with cafe royales in the office in the evening. He's so much in love he's crazier than ever. We howl with laughter over it - went to a pub and got mixed up with G.I.s - such fun with him. Everybody gathers around...a man's man, a good soldier. Then we went walking in the moonlight and found a farm yard to pause in. Home late and coffee in the mess. Jack wondered if he should take me over his shoulder coming in the gate...I merely wondered if I should walk in with him as he is an "enlisted man". I like that guy, I'm nuts about him!
Found my battle fatigue case - Charles Bria. Was able to get him to talk. Satisfying. He repeated my name - "Vir-gin-ia".
Found my battle fatigue case - Charles Bria. Was able to get him to talk. Satisfying. He repeated my name - "Vir-gin-ia".
Friday, March 23, 1945
Got up at 4.15 AM to great new patients - 66 - some psycho-neurotics. Most of the men smile and acknowledge your greeting and accept cigarettes and gum. Some are too tired. I was so struck with one face - tortured, painful, unseeing - that I asked Capt. Eschelbecher to find out which ward he was sent to. Will follow up the case.
Jack called again - misses me - coming tomorrow. Good to see him. ARC entertainers on the radio, tiring to take them to the wards, but gratifying when the boys liked them.
Jack called again - misses me - coming tomorrow. Good to see him. ARC entertainers on the radio, tiring to take them to the wards, but gratifying when the boys liked them.
Thursday, March 22, 1945
Worked on my psycho-neurotic patient today - the artist - Underwood. He got a haircut to please me and looks better. He's one of those unhappy lost souls, they attach themselves to you - and why not? I personally cut his fingernails, and gave him some nice soap and talcum. He was pleased - has a remarkable talent for illustrating his pain. Several new artists in #22 - Jack's old ward. One is fine. I had coffee tonight and showed the other one his work. Missed Jack.
On the radio talked about Oxford and Phyllis played the accordion. Jack left this AM after we got back at 9.30 - carrying a very heavy barracks bag - he's visiting friends in Swindon. Called me tonight, misses me terribly, "Did I tell you I love you? I love you!". This I have heard from a different voice in the last month. Jimmie hasn't called this week. Jack is sincere, serious. I have a heartache so big and frightening that I simply have to close my mind. Jack has probably saved me from idiocy.
On the radio talked about Oxford and Phyllis played the accordion. Jack left this AM after we got back at 9.30 - carrying a very heavy barracks bag - he's visiting friends in Swindon. Called me tonight, misses me terribly, "Did I tell you I love you? I love you!". This I have heard from a different voice in the last month. Jimmie hasn't called this week. Jack is sincere, serious. I have a heartache so big and frightening that I simply have to close my mind. Jack has probably saved me from idiocy.
4.8.10
Wednesday, March 21, 1945
Jack came to the door at 9.30 am while I was in robe and PJs - all ready to go with me to Oxford! I flew around, got ready and met him on the square downtown. We had coffee and began our hiking to Oxford 39 miles away. Stopped at three pubs, rode on trucks, all English rides. Arrived at Lechlade, about 1/3 of the way, and took the train. We barely caught it - such fun. We found rooms at the ARC in Oxford - ran across Willard Fairchild in the officers' lounge, and we three walked around the colleges - saw Exeter - Jesus - New - Lincoln - the silence and tranquility of those quadrangles with their ancient turf is beyond telling. Jack and I adored the houses and apartments on the adjacent streets. They all have bright brass door knockers, and are clean and inviting. We had rum at the Mitre bar - and were very merry. Dinner there - took a 5 o'clock train home. We were alone in a dark carriage - delightful business. Jack is in love with me.
26.7.10
Tuesday, March 20, 1945
Drinking my 8th cup of coffee now at 11.00 and planing to catch a ride to Oxford in the AM - hope Jack can get away to go with me. He leaves here tomorrow - 7 day furlough, then a replacement pool ( hated words), then limited service. He has enough shrapnel here and there to keep him out of active combat again. Good man - wounded four days in a row before they got him down as he was applying a tourniquet to a pal. A third man was killed nearby. Was offered a field commission, but his C.O. was wounded at the same time. His account of intrigue in Montevideo is the funniest thing I ever heard. What a good friend - or companion. Or is it even better than that?
(pictured: Sgt. Jack C. Strong)
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