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

July 5, 1944

France '44
July 5

Dearest -

Yesterday was 4th of July and I guess plenty of fireworks on the front lines altho I'm not anywhere near there, at present. Everything was rather quiet in this locality. Yesterday I received letters from Marcille and Emma. I received the Northwest yesterday, nine weeks old but still interesting news. I think it expires this month. Please check.

Since I now have time to stop and think, I feel like a cat with nine short lives and I still have a couple left.

I'm enclosing a couple five franc notes for scrap books.

Please give one each to your mother, Emma, my folks, Lauren and yourself. A franc is two cents in our money.

As far as the war is concerned I haven't much to say, other than we are progressing and shall drive the murderers to their homeland in time. I'm not in much danger at present, so please never worry.

I hope you have a pretty good idea as to where and what we are doing. I know you have, if you remember the division I'm in and listen to the radio. If you have forgotten the Division look in my scrapbook. It's the second outfit I was in. Of course we never write it on our address, only the Battalion.

Hoping this finds you all well. Must get to work.

With Love,
Byron

July 22, 1944

22 July '44
England

Dearest.

I hope you don't feel that you have been neglected. I have just returned from a leave, which did me a world of good. While on leave I stopped in Cardiff to see Charles Benecke and called from Red Cross and was informed that he had moved. When I returned to-day I had twenty letters awaiting me.

I'd certainly like to be home picking my own cherries instead of having the German prisoners doing it.

You certainly have been having a lot of company at the lake, almost like a hotel. When mutual friends come in and out, please give them my regards. I was so glad to hear that mother and grandmother were spending some time with you.

You always tell me to ask for things, so here are a couple things I could use a nail clippers, pop corn and I understand there is a prepared ice cream mixture on the market. Only about one home in a thousand, here in England have refrigerators and the Hughes among the fortunates. I could freeze it there.

With best of wishes to you and

Much Love,
Byron

P.S. Thanks a million for the box of nuts, dates and candy

July 30, 1944

30 July '44
England

Dearest -

This is a Sunday afternoon and all is quiet. Last evening Steve and I spent a few hours with the Hughes. We spend the last two days of our leave in there home. Her daughter may drop you a few lines some of these days.

It must be nice at the Lake, this time of year.

I should write mother a letter but I haven't any news, so shall wait a few days. I just finished writing Kenny a letter, the first for nearly three months. So you can see that I'm a poor letter writer.

Give Belle and Gertie my regards and how is the red headed lady that was ill?

Sending All my Love,
Be- Be.

August 19, 1944

England
19 Aug. '44

My Dear,

We had a treat last evening, we had ice cream for supper. It was the first some of us have had for a year. There is no such a thing as ice cream, in England, during this strict rationing and if there were, we wouldn't be allowed to purchase it. It would be depriving the civilians of there food.

How is Lakeside by now? Did you ever get to see Marge? Have you seen Vaneda? Where is Charlie stationed now? Has Marcille made up her mind to get married? Are you getting tired of my asking questions?

News is scarce at this writing, so I ask that you remember the boys in the front lines, with your prayers, as they need spiritual as well as worldly backing, in order to continue there successful advances.

Yours Always,
Be - Be

August 26, 1944

26 Aug. '44
England

Dearest -

I haven't received many letters from you here of late, whats the matter? When do you intend to close your summer home and move to Napoleon? You certainly have been swell to the folks by having them at Lakeside so often during the summer months.

I mailed you a couple of company pictures like I had sent mother. You keep one and give the others to Tom and Jo. I also sent back the picture of Mabel's family. I had know place to keep it. It's a swell picture so please keep it for me.

This is Saturday evening and nearly the entire company has gone to town. I worked late so have decided to stay in, clean up and read.

Give my best regards to our mutual Lakeside friends.

With All My Love,
Be Be.

England -

Dearest -

It seems like ages since I have had time to write to you. I hope you don't think that I have forgotten. You are in my thoughts always.

Dearest a lot has happened in the last month. We have been cited by the President so shall wear a framed blue ribbon above our right pocket on our blouse. We also are getting glider wings to wear, similar to the wings the paratroopers wear, only where they have the parachute between the wings, we have the glider. It is made of sterling and indeed looks very ritzy. It will be worn on the left side. I really shall be decked out, won't I?

Three ribbons, a star and wings on my left side, plus marksmanship metals and a ribbon on my right. I think we shall soon be getting a new cap insignia. It will be a glider and parachute, one right upon the other.

How do you like my new ink? You know we can't be fussy, in the Army.

I started this letter at 6:30 and it is now 8:00, so you see I just can't think of much to write.

I was sorry to hear about Howard Long and Lillian Pattersons, husband. Tell pop that he was Polites son, from Archibold.

If at any time you shouldn't hear from me for several weeks, please don't worry, as it will only mean that we are very busy or on the move, or any number of things. The whole thing is, please never worry.

Marcille has written me that she is getting married. I wish her all the luck in the world.

Well dear, I suppose Lakeside shall soon close for the season. I understand you and my people have had many good times there during the summer.

Must close and read the paper.

With All My Love,
Cpl. Be - Be