July - December 1943
Somewhere in Tenn.
7/3/43
Dear Folks -
Enclosed is a clipping of interest. Please watch the "Life" magazine. There will be pictures of our unit in it.
We are now twenty miles south-east of Nashville. Arrived last nite, but are moving out the fifth.
We will receive mail to-nite and maybe we won't get any more until next week end.
The tribs here are terrible, but I'm getting along O.K.
Please drop Eloise a card and tell her that I may not be able to write her this week. No more mail going out.
I still think Ill be able to get a furlough later on.
We have 50,000 maps to distribute tomorrow, so no Sunday for us.
Love,
Byron
P.S. You won't be able to visit me at this time.
To Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Armbruster
Napoleon, Ohio
R.R. #3
From Pvt. Byron Armbruster
H.S. Co 326th ENGRS.
A.P.O. #472 % Postmaster
New York, N.Y.
3 Sept. 43
Dear Folks -
Everything is O.K. I received your letter and one from Emma to-day. Did Eloise send you her letter? This may be the last letter for a little while. I didn't get up to the Stage Door Canteen. I would have liked very much to have gone.
Some of we boys are going to the show tonite and they are almost ready, so I'll cut this letter short.
When writing me, always let me know when you received my last letter.
News is scarce, so I'll close wishing you all the best of health and happiness.
Love,
Byron
Send mail
12 Sept
19 Sept
26 Sept
10 October
18 October
November 7
" 14
" 22
" 28
To Mrs. C.H. Armbruster
Napoleon, Ohio
R.R. #3
From Pvt. Byron Armbruster
H-S. Co. 326th Engrs.
APO # 472
% Postmaster New York, NY.
22 Sept. 43
Dear Mother and all -
Just a note to let you know I'm O.K. Nothing new has happened, since I wrote Eloise the last letter.
The last letter I received was September, the third and I don't expect any for a couple of weeks yet. However when I do catch up with the mail, I should have a quite a few letters to read.
When writing Kenny and Bert, please give them my best regards. I don't see how Bert can like the navy. It makes me feel like I'm drunk, all the time. Is Kenny still stationed at the same place? I hope Ruffer likes her job. Please let Jo Groll Rettig read this letter. I haven't enough news to write to all.
Wishing you and the rest of the folks the best of health and happiness and Please don't worry, if there is any to do, let me do it. Assuring you all is well.
with Love,
Byron
To
Mr. & Mrs. C.H. Armbruster
Napoleon Ohio
R.R. #5
From
Pvt. Byron Armbruster
15100919
H & S. Co. 326th. Engrs.
APO# 472, % Postmaster
New York, N.Y.
26 September '43
Dear Folks:
Just a note to let you know that I'm O.K. We have been in a port for a couple of weeks and go ashore nearly every day and take long hikes through the countryside. It sometimes seems to me that I'll wake up some time and find that it has only been a dream. The scenery and homes reminds me of some of the stories we used to read in school.
It seems rather difficult to write, so shall writ very few persons with the exception of you and Eloise. I hope the rest will understand and I know they will.
Well its time to throw my blanket on the floor and go to sleep. For some unknown reason I'm unable to rest in a hammock.
I'm going through an experience that time will be unable to erase, taking the bitter with the sweet and all in all the moral of the group is very high.
Dad, are you still in the race for State Treasurer? If so, I wish you a lot of luck. Are you still working in Adrian? I'll undoubtly get a lot of news when I catch up with my mail.
Wishing best of health and happiness to all.
With Love,
Byron
30 Sept. '43
Dear Folks -
Just a note to put your minds at ease and please always remember that no news is good news.
We have been delayed enroute and are in port.
The last mail I received was just a month ago and I do not expect to receive any for a couple of weeks yet. Also you may not here from me again for several weeks. Even some of the letters I have written previous to this, will not be received for a couple of weeks yet.
Love,
Byron
Dear Folks -
Please give Eloise and all, my love. Does Lucille Ruffer like her job? Ruffer always was a swell kid. Whomever you wish may read this note but especially leave Jo Rettig read it.
Answering you all is well and God willing, I shall remain so.
Much love to all, especially you Mother, Dad and Eloise. I know you are remembering me in your prayers.
This is certainly an experience, time shall not be able to erase.
Again assuring you I'm well and happy.
Love,
Byron
6 October 1943
Dear Folks -
I've traveled by air, water and land and I still prefer the latter. I'd make a poor sailor.
We are now in another port and everything is O.K. Conditions have improved, especially the food situation.
How were the crops this fall? How did John Wright make out on his farm up North?
We usually get the world news here on board ship, but I haven't heard any for the last couple of days.
Best of wishes to all,
Love,
Byron
11 October 1943
Dear Folks -
We are on the high seas and this morning it is very calm, quite a contrast to yesterday. Yesterday I was O.K. as long as I remained lying down, but the minute I stood up, my neighbors had to beware.
Its been over five weeks since I have received any mail and don't expect any for about two weeks yet. There should be a goodly number awaiting me whenever I do catch up with it.
There is a lots I would like to tell but it would not pass the censors, so shall remain mum, until my return.
I'm hoping you received the two letters I sent, we were allowed to mail two letters containing only one sheet, on one side to let the folks know we were O.K. I didn't understand it that way and wrote two pages, so I took one sheet out and put it in another envelope. That is why you received the two, the same day and the one was a continuation of the other.
I'm sitting here, bobbing up and down, and can't think of anymore to write,
so shall close, Sending love and best wishes to all
Byron
P.S. Mother, have Eloise take you over to Harrys and get those statuettes, while getting is good. Please.
Somewhere-In-England
Dear Folks:
I am indeed impressed by the beauty of this country. The homes are beautiful.
We arrived yesterday and had twenty seven letters awaiting me plus several papers. The last one was dated October the eight. It was from Marilyn Ann. Continue to use V-mail as they come through photographed very well with the exception of one from Mother. Please use a well sharpened dark lead pencil or a pen or typewriting. Pleae inform the North-West News of my change in address. They are now going through my last camp and it takes for ever to get here. It even takes mail from two weeks to two months to get here.
Tell Emma, Fredia, F. Mary, Marcille and the rest that I appreciate their letters and to please keep them coming my way but I expect them to get the majority of the news from the letters I write Eloise and you.
The chestnuts here are plentiful and they taste pretty good. I haven't tasted any of the chestnut puddings as yet.
Time is limited and my pal wishes to use the typewriter, so shall close.
Keep your chins up and love and best wishes to all.
Byron
P.S. Also received a letter from Pastor Zschoche.
28 Oct. 1943
Somewhere-in-England
Dear Folks,
I received a letter from Henry the other day and I managed to answer it to-nite. I'm not going to do very much writing for several reasons. One I don't have much spare time and second, we just don't have much that we can write about.
If this was during peace time, I could certainly enjoy it here, as the countryside is simply beautiful, with its English Ivy, holly and chestnut trees. Civilian traffic is all in two wheeled horse drawn carts or bicycles. Can you picture Eloise and grandma Frease ridding a bike out home for a visit. They all ride here regardless of age. It seems I'll never get used to the traffic traveling on the left side of the road, and the handling of the English currency.
I wish I could tell you where and how I am living, but that is impossible at present. I'm sure its not like you think. Its to my advantage. I'll have plenty to tell you when I get home and it wont be about the Army. I'll never want to speak of that.
Assuring you I'm O.K. Tell everyone that I look forward to their letters, even if some are three or four weeks old when I get them, usually two weeks.
Love,
Byron
31 Oct. 1943
Somewhere-in-England
Dear Folks -
Last night the Red Cross gave a ballroom dance in town for the American boys. It was my first time out. We have been pened in on account of mumps. There certainly are a variety of uniforms worn in town, by both men and women. I have just finished building a shelf in out room. Several of the boys just left for London.
We have changed our American currency into that of the British and we no longer speak of dollars and cents but pounds, shillings, half crowns, florins, and pences. A pound has about ------ cents, florin - twenty cents, half crown - fifty cents, etc. Their pennys are about the size of the American silver dollar, and has about the value of two cents in our money.
The British people are rationed --------- severally. We are not supposed to buy food from any of the stores, as that would deprive some worthy British of that article. We get much better and more food than the civlians.
Everything is O.K. here. Give my love to all.
Byron
6 Nov. 1943
Somewhere-in-England
Dear Folks -
I received your letter to day, dated Oct. 26th. It doesn't pay to send anything air mail, as there is no air mail service between here and the States. Everything goes by ship. It took the air mail ten days, the same as straight mail.
Sorry, that I won't be able to send many greetings this season but I think everyone understands. Thanks for the clippings. I hope Dwight gets along O.K.
I'm sending a few novel Christmas greetings. I know everyone will like them.
If you don't feel equal to caring for my herd of cattle, feel free to dispose of all of them you care to. There's no need of you overworking.
Have you given the North-west News my new address? We all feel that we aren't getting the amount of mail that we should.
Thanks a lot mom for writing me so many letters.
Love to All,
Byron
8 Nov '43
England
Dear Folks,
I really haven't any news but feel that I should drop you a line now while I have the chance. The time may come when I will not be able to write so often.
My friends, relatives and neighbors certainly haven't forgotten me. Many said that they have gotten my address out of the North-west News. Everyone that has gotten it from the paper has, S-S Co. instead of H-S. Co. The cards and letters are pouring in. Yesterday I received twelve. I don't think I'll be able to acknowledge them all. I hope they will forgive me. From among the many, I received a beautiful card from Eloise's aunt and uncle from Florida.
I had a grand visit in a private home Sunday afternoon. The master of the house was a vicar of the Church of England. I received a lot of information on where to go and see different things of interest, if and when I go on leaves.
We no longer use our fireplace but have a little heater similar to Mrs. Longs. We pop our corn on that. Its sure swell but nearly all gone. Will close and "shoot the bull" with the boys the rest of the evening.
with Love,
Byron
12 Nov. '43
England
Dearest -
Just a note to let you know I'm thinking of you. There isn't much I dare tell you. I'm going with a friend of mine, on pass, to Sherborne, the middle of the week, to visit a friend of his that he knew in the States. I'm getting to see my share of England.
Tell Russell to keep up the good work and carry on as my guard.
I've been sitting here now for half an hour reading the last five V-mail letters I've received (three from you and one each from Fredia and Marilyn Ann) and I can't think of anything to write.
I'll now drop your Aunt and Uncle, in Tampa, a note of thanks and spend the rest of the day doing nothing.
Hoping you all have a good time over the holidays.
with Love, Byron
12 Nov. '43
Somewhere-in-England
Dear Folks,
Can you picture yourself going into a city the size of Fort Wayne or Toledo, some nite in a total blackout, with a dimmed out flashlight and cigarettes the only lights showing? That is the condition over here and on top of that sometimes the fog is so thick you can almost cut it with a knife. (Believe it or not) It will be a happy day when the lights come on again, which we think will be very soon.
This is indeed a beautiful country. I have seen many homes as beautiful and larger than Neuhausers brick home, with grass roofs.
I received my first package yesterday, one from you, one from Marcille and one from Garnet. I received one from Fredia to-day also a letter from Marcille. I'm glad to hear that Mabel and baby are O.K. and also Dwight. I received a north-west paper yesterday dated Sept. 15th and two to-day. Have you given them my new address?
Up to now, I have enjoyed my stay here in England, better than at Bragg.
With Love,
Byron
P.S. Thanks for packages.
Mr. and Mrs. C.D. Huddle,
Napoleon, Ohio,
R.R. #3
13 Nov. 1943
Somewhere-in-England
Dear Sir -
I received your Christmas package yesterday. Thanks a million. It certainly was a practical package. Everything that I have received, is very practical. No excess baggage, which I hate. Please if you see Marcille, thank her for here box. I won't be writing her for several days.
I hope by the time you receive this, that Dwight will be well enough to be home. That was quite a surprise. I received an announcement from Mabel to-day and two letters from Eloise.
I'm planning on going into London either this week or next on a pass.
This will be my second Christmas spent in the Army and I hope it shall be the last, however I like it here just as well, if not better than I did at my last camp.
Love and best wishes to all.
Byron
P.S. Thanks for your letter Marilyn Thank ------------ too. I'll be dropping you a letter one of these times. Hi Hurdy and Joy, have you had any sledding or skating yet?
Miss Marcille Armbruster
1324 Superior St.
Toledo, Ohio
16 Nov. 1943
England
Dear Sis:
Why I am writing is a mystery to me,
Can't tell what we're doing or the things that we see
The places we're been, or are apt to go,
Must not be discussed, there a secret you know.
Our port of embarkation and the name of the ship,
Must never be mentioned by pen or lip,
The day that we sailed is a secret too,
And our time of crossing the ocean blue.
Any mishaps or action we might have seen,
Would be taken out by the censor, so mean,
Cant tell where we landed, or what town we are near,
For fear it will reach the enemy ear.
Any sort of weapon, from a gun to a knife,
Is truly a secret to guard with our life,
Vehicles, no matter how large or small,
Must never, no never, be mentioned at all.
Now what can we say that the censor will pass?
In a letter to mom, or my beautiful lass?
I'll tell you now so you won't get sore,
In case my short letters are such a bore.
That the food is good and I'm happy and well,
That we have lots of fun and work like hell,
Any games that we play, or shows that we see,
Can all be discussed from A to Z.
Anything more might be out of bounds,
And the censor would be on me, like a pack of hounds,
So if you don't mind, no more will I write,
Just say "so long", and sign off for tonite.
Love,
Byron
21 Nov 43
Somewhere-in-England
Dear Folks -
I was out for a few days and upon my return, I had four letters awaiting me. 1 was from Eloise, one from Marcille and one from Emma. I've received frou packages, Garnets, Marcilles, mother's and Fredian. Eloise wrote that she has sent the pop corn and razor blades, that I requested.
I now weigh eleven stones and two pounds (156 ibs.)
I've been sitting here now for an hour writing a line, then "shootin the bull," and then writing some more. We are really one big family and what one has he shares with the rest. At present, we are eating the prunes that Fredian sent. Our food here is very good, but we like to peace, in between time. Tell Emma that I might be able to arrange to visit Mrs. Cheneys sisters, if I get their address.
Can't think of much to write, so best of luck until next time.
With Love,
Byron
P.S. Hows Dwight?
22 Nov. 43
England
Dear Folks,
I can't remember if I have already told you or not, that I visited Sherborne with a friend of mine, that has a girl friend from the States that is a nurse here in England. We had a nice time talking about Ohio. They are both from Warren. Last nite we visited some English friends that we have met. The Mr. is a vicar. They live only a five minute walk from camp. We took some pop corn along and popped it over the fire in the fireplace. We also had cake and coffee. They had never seen anyone pop corn before. Please send me some more corn, please. We certainly enjoy it.
Are you watching the papers. If so you can see what is taking place.
Hoping all are well and wishing you a Happy New Year.
With Love,
Byron
P.S. Hi Clorrie, I know you will get to read this. Love, Byron.
24 Nov. '43
England
Dear Folks -
To-morrow is Thanksgiving but I guess some of our turkey must be in the bottom of the ocean, as we are not having the amount that everyone thinks we are. However we are having a good meal altho we haven't time to lay off for the day. One can give thanks and still continue to work.
Yesterday I received a package from the Brinkmans and one from the factory. Both were certainly grand.
Of course, I knew John Wright was dead. Don't you understand? When was that letter written?
I received your letter today, containing the Address of Mrs. Cheney's sister. If I get to London, I'll look her up. A month ago to-day, I was in Liverpool. I wish you could have seen it, you in the States would indeed feel that you have something to be thankful for.
We are getting along O.K. I received a letter from Kenny yesterday. Tell him to stay where he is, if possible. Ratings don't mean a thing. This war can't go on forever.
Best of wishes to all,
Love,
Byron
30 Nov. '43
England
Dear Folks -
I spent a few days in London and took an escorted tour of the city. If it were permissable, I would write a ten or twelve page letter on what I have seen, both bitter and sweet, however that isn't possible and I only have one comment to make, at this time. I'm afraid you people from the States fail to realize how fortunate you have been.
From my observation, the Red Cross is doing more for the Service men here than any other organization. One of the hostess here knows Mary Alice Jackson. I also saw Junior Spiste.... name on a registration book, in another city.
The war seems to be going along O.K. I hope I'll be able to spend Christmas of 44 at home.
I have a quite a collection of gums, razor blades, toilet articles and candy, that I have received in my Christmas packages. There isn't another thing that I need. Thanks a lot.
Assuring you that I am O.K. and as long as I am here I shall take in all I can and tell you about it when the war is over. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas.
Love,
Byron
15 Dec. '43
England
Dear Folks -
Mail has been light the past week, for everyone. I haven't received but only a letter or two, within the last five days. Whats the matter? Write often, if you find time. Please inform the North-west News to use my current address. They always omitt the first part of address and the paper is always so old, by the time it reaches me. I received one tomto dated Nov. 4th.
I should write Kenny more often, but I haven't anything much to tell, so please forward all news.
We are having about the same weather here that I imagine you folks are having, only maybe not so much snow. We had a few flurries but they didn't last long. Can you imagine sleeping out in a tent, now and then? I do hope this thing ends soon, altho I consider myself very fortunate. We have a lot of fun mixed in.
Will close, and as an Englishman would say, "Cheerio" I've never heard one say good-bye.
Wishing you all a very, very Merry Christmas. Are you having a get together this Christmas?
With Love,
Byron
Italy
Dec. 23, 1945 [1943?]
Dear Friends,
How nice it is when you are so far away to have friends think of you. when we know our friends are still with us it is much easier. Where ever we go or where we are there is nothing like a friend to help you along. So thanks a lot for the very pretty Christmas Greetings. It does not look much like a white Christmas here. If it keeps on raining it will be mud. I do hope you folks had a Merry Christmas. So I will wish you a Very Happy New Years.
Yours truly
Orville Bennett
Season's Greetings
From Great Britain
Byron
(Picture of American Eagle with two stars on wither side of it)
(Picture of Holly along the left and bottom edge of page)
(Four Pictures of the North Star)
(A Map of England)
[Pictures all white in a field of black]
Dear Folks -
I though you might be interested in knowing just how well I was remembered by my friends at Christmas time So below is a list of friends who have remembered me and if you should meet up with any of them please give them my regards as I will not be able to acknowledge all the cards.
|
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Knepley |
Francile Heiser |
All's Well
Love,
Byron
P.S. And Eloise of Course.
