13. Routine Work in Oran

Editors note: the following two postcards were written by Howard to his parents; unfortunately, I am unable to reproduce their images here as they are unavailable to me.

POSTCARD:
Dec. 22, 1942 North Africa

Dear Folks, Just a line or two, to let you know I am alright. I am well and feeling fine. Hope every one back there is the same. This is about all I have room for so will close.

Love, Howard

POSTCARD:
Dec. 25, 1942 French North Africa

Dear Folks, Just a few lines to let you know I am alright. We had a nice sun-shiney Xmas here. Will write a letter soon.

As Ever, Howard

From The Stars and Stripes (9 Dec 1942), an article reminding us of strict censorship and what may be said in our correspondence. (Note that the above postcards I wrote comply with this).


From The Stars and Stripes (9 Dec 1942). A little military humor, although strict censorship was vital to our safety and the success of the invasion.

Friday, January 1, 1943
Worked all day. Weather is clear and cool. Has rained for several days. Saw Tarzan movie. Chicken for supper. Wrote letters to Lois and Ma.

Saturday, January 2, 1943
Nice day, worked. Wrote letters.

Sunday, January 3, 1943
I am on guard duty at "A" dump. Very muddy. We are on alert.

A large supply dump similar to the one in which I worked. [(c) Time, Inc.]

Monday, January 4, 1943

Nice day, work, send $40 home.

Tuesday, January 5, 1943
Work, rain in evening

Wednesday, January 6, 1943
Nice day, machine gun class, built new tent frame.

Thursday, January 7, 1943
Rain, built machine gun nest, get Christmas package from Jean and Rene

Friday, January 8, 1943
Nice day, work in dump, get job as warehouse man.

Portable warehouses were quickly erected with tarpaulins and poles, which helped protect vital supplies from the elements. [courtesy: www.diggerhistory.com]

Saturday, January 9, 1943
Good weather, work. Get package of candybars from Ardyce. See show "Star Spangled Rhythm."

Star Spangled Rhythm: starring Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Fred MacMurray and Dorothy Lamour [courtesy: www.imdb.com]

Sunday, January 10, 1943
Good day -- worked.

Monday, January 11, 1943
Work, very windy.

Tuesday, January 12, 1943
Work. Get package from Edna, also Krantz's.

Wednesday, January 13, 1943
Work in dump as usual.

Another large American supply dump. [courtesy: www.diggerhistory.com]

WAR UPDATE: JANUARY 14, 1943. Casablanca Conference begins between President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill. President Roosevelt announces that the war in the European Theatre can only end with the "unconditional surrender" of all German forces.