Saturday, February 28, 1942

Fort McArts, Belfast Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

My Sweet Vivienne

I have just received your letter of the 14^th, (they are sending some of our mail by airplane I think) I was so happy to hear that you are going to be a Nurse. I think you would make a fine Nurse and our need has never been greater. I also feel that it is a suitable career for a woman. I’m not sure I like all of this talk about women having to work in factories. I know we are in dire straits, but it just seems such a great sacrifice to give up our way of life. Hopefully this war will not last long and we can return to normal soon.

I have some good news, the school children he in Belfast have been collecting books to give to the servicemen. The books were really meant to go to the Brits but the children were nice enough to let us rummage threw the bins and take what we wanted. I found an old copy of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, that has always been a favorite of mine. I also received an Austrian book by a Vicki Baum, “Menschen Im Hotel, (People in a Hotel) I have never heard of the book before, but it was banned in Germany, so I thought it would be interesting to see what it is that Hitler does not want his people to read.

We wake early each morning and go for a run into town and back, followed with a large breakfast. Lots of pork and potatoes, but not enough eggs, but there is plenty eat and I am grateful for that. The rest of the day is spent either in guard duty or in training. They rarely give us any free time. The officers tell us that we must be ready for battle at a moments notice, and we train as if combat is imminent, but I don’t think it is, but still we train. We are learning a lot about combat, I hope I will never have need of this knowledge. Maybe they know something we do not. I must say that I do enjoy the running, it gives me time to think, but it is dreadfully cold here.

When I run I think mostly of home and the people there that I miss, you especially. I am almost glad that my parents have pasted. I would hate to think of what they would be going through with me over here, so far away. They would worry, like I am sure you do, but don’t, worry is an evil thing that does no good to anyone. I am safe enough for now, the only threat I face is boredom, and being overworked.

I think they will let us have a night off this week, and we are planning to go into town to a local pub we have all heard about. I have met a few fine fellows the past few weeks. We could all use a bit of fun.

I am tired.

Love

Jack