July 23, 1944

July 23, 1944

S.W. Pacific

Dear Mom & Dad:

I’m back at camp again playing soldier after a most enjoyable 5 days leave at the Division Officer’s rest camp. It’s Sunday afternoon and a dreary one – it’s raining and has been since this morning.

I’m the “O.D.” today – just finished mounting my guard. In ten minutes I have to go out & take the “report” at retreat formation. I spose it’s mostly the weather, but my morale is sorta low today. Not even the encouraging war news seems to cheer me up. I guess it’s maybe just a direct result of having too much fun while I was off on pass. I surely hated to come back.

There goes the bugle now so excuse me for five minutes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

O.K. ready to go again.

The rest camp was situated right on the sea shore. It consisted of a lodge made from a wealthy Frenchman’s house, stables for a dozen horses, two quansette huts for quarters, a tennis court (concrete), & lots of beautiful palm trees.

The main diversion there was loafing & just plain everyday relaxing. Of course we got plenty of exercise too playing tennis, badminton, table-tennis & riding horseback. At night we had some good bridge games with the two Red Cross girls who were in charge of the camp. We had some very cozy evenings in the lodge playing cards alongside the fireplace – just like home.

Meals were really a treat. We had fresh meat twice daily, plenty of fresh vegetables, & real eggs for breakfast. We also had fresh milk – the first I’ve had on the island. We even had ice cream for two meals. The food was well prepared (French style) & well served.

Lee was out one afternoon for a set of tennis & some riding. We did both, although Lee had trouble letting his horse know who was boss. We had to spend most of our time riding near the stables – horse didn’t want to leave. My mount gave me a little trouble at first but I subdued him, & after that he went anywhere I wanted him to go.

When I got back to camp I expected more mail than I got. Only had 4 letters waiting & none from home. I know you’ve written tho so I guess the mail got hung up somewhere.

Gosh, I don’t know what’s happened to Dorothy’s mail. I haven’t heard from her since she moved. It must be lost somewhere.

The picture I’m enclosing was one that Lee had enlarged & gave me. I think you already have a small one of the same shot.

I’ll say g’bye now – keep your fingers crossed for this thing to end soon.

Love, Dorance