MS 984 - Byron Armbruster World War II Papers Transcripts (Eloise Higgins, March 1944)

March 5, 1944

5 March '44
England

Dearest -

This is a very quite afternoon. Many of the boys have gone into town, to see a show. Several of we fellows just stayed in and are going to relax. We had a pretty good dinner this noon, including chicken. It perhaps would taste better still if we could eat it off of china instead of from mess kits. We have used mess kits exclusively since our arrival.

Yesterday I received three North-Wests. They certainly pile them up. Have they received any other word concerning the fate of Benton Lowery?

Last evening we poped some of the corn that Jo and Tom sent. It certainly tastes good.

Tell Lauren that it is impossible to mail what he ask for, but if by the end of the war, he doesn't already have any, I'll be sure and get him a pair.

Sorry we can't put on paper, what we have in our minds. However, its all for the best.

Love to All,
Byron

March 9, 1944

9 March '44
England

Dearest Eloise -

This letter will be rather jumbled up, as I'm in a hurry. Have you heard any more of Jerry Wendt? Have they found the fellows that caused all the disturbance at Long's?

I received mothers birthday greeting yesterday. It was even on the way almost six weeks and it had two airmail stamps on it.

Remember dear, it will be two years this month that we went to Toledo, for you know what, remember? Does it seem that long?

Tell mother that she needn't send any clippings unless she thought that I'd be very interested in them. She mentioned Kenny sending me some data from Arizona. When she writes him tell her to mention it to him. That would be swell. He wanted to send me some thing, from his P.X. I thanked him and told him not to.

I got a grand long letter from Mabel and family but I have nothing to write them.

We spent last evening with the Hughes. We had a lunch including a fried egg for each. We expect to go back and visit them Sunday. Their daughter and son-in-law who is an officer in the British army, will be home.

My thoughts are with you always, even in the midst of training.

Love,
Byron

March 14, 1944

14 March '44
England

Dearest -

The same old thing - no news. I have been staying pretty close to camp.

I received both of the letters that you sent Feb. 29th also the one dated Feb. 25th. I think I received all the mail. I received mom's dated Feb. 28th. Today I received an Easter card from Lucy Bechtal and a letter from Blaine Foughty.

Bert certainly is lucky. Does he have his commission now? I wish him all the luck in the world. Has Stan been transferred yet? If so, where is Eleanor?

Things here remain about the same. The same old routine.

When you see Bert, tell him I said hello and tell him to drop me a line.

Please excuse my writing this evening as I just can't keep my mind on writing. It difficult to write when news is so scarse.

Closing with heaps of love.
And more Love,
Byron

March 18, 1944

18 March '44
England

Dearest -

It was two years ago yesterday that I left home and it has been over a year since I have seen Kenny. Remember how disappointed we were because my Company Commander would not extend my furlough by two days, so that I might be able to meet him, who was on his way home from Phoenix, thinking all the time that I might be home when he arrived.

Today received letters from Freda, F.M. and two from you.

If Lauren leaves for the Army, is F.M. and Larry Lee moving?

I should think it would be nice if they moved home. He would perhaps be gone for quite a spell.

Please tell my folks to send me some pop corn. I wish they would send me some every couple of weeks. We all crave it, here. Anyway it makes the evening go by faster and keeps one from thinking of home.

Well dear, again news is scarse, so shall sign off. Sending my love to you and your parents. I hope grandmother continues to grow better in health.

Love,
Byron

March 22, 1944

22 March '44
England

Dearest Eloise -

Today I received your letter dated March 7th. I can hardly wait to hear from you from one letter to another. I haven't received Bell's gift, as yet. Is it something to eat? I was so glad to hear that grandmother is feeling better. I hope you will get nice spring weather soon and then everyone will feel better. Do you have our home picked out yet?

Sunday afternoon and evening we had a grand time at the Hughes. Their daughter and son-in-law were home. He is an English Flight Officer. I never shall speak of the Army after I return but shall tell you of the places I have visited and of the nice times we have now and then. Mrs. Hughes and both her children are graduates of Oxford. They have friends in the States, which they met in school and may visit the States sometime after the war.

This is Wednesday and I have had a busy day, but must shave and wash my web equipment before I can call it quits.

Give my regards to you folks and Mrs. Burton.

The Hughes thought your mothers poem was grand.

Call Mom and tell her that I'm thinking of her also while I'm writing this letter, but have know additional news. Everything is O.K. so don't worry. You are always in my prayers.

Love,
Byron

March 27, 1944

27 March '44
England

Dearest -

Today I received a card from Paul Leifers, a letter from Emma, one from Marcille and three from you. I'm so glad you met Vanada. I knew you would like her.

Nothing pleases me more than to know that you and my mother are such good pals. It means so much to both mother and myself, at a time like this. I do hope dear that you are now feeling O.K. I also hate to go to a dentist. I've only had to have two teeth filled since I've been in the army.

The spring flowers are now in bloom and it makes me wish I were back home, in my own yard, digging away.

Where is Eleanor moving? Is she going with Stan?

We have pin up girls and often I have looked them all over. I think the picture Frances Mary took when she graduated would lay them all in the shade. Tell her if she has an extra one, I sure would like to have her send me one. That's the one is brown and side view, not the one in pink. I'll perhaps lose it after I leave England but I could certainly enjoy it while here.

I can hardly wait until the pop corn arrives.

Closing with all my Love,
Byron