February 6, 1944 — Air Mail From Dip

Feb. 6, 1944

S.W. Pacific

Dear Mom & Dad: -

It’s Sunday, and I just came back from playing 18 holes of golf & 3 sets of tennis. Did we have a good time! Gene & I took our two farmerette friends to the golf course about 10 miles from here – they packed a picnic lunch which we consumed at the nine hole mark. After the game we still had some life left in us so we went home & played tennis till dark. Then we proceeded up to the house for a cup of tea (a “must” in this country) & from there back to camp. None of us played a good game of golf but we did have lots of laughs. I’ve never seen two sisters get along so well & have so much fun together as these two Langridge girls.

Lt. Gene Eckroth with Winsome and Lillian Langridge

I’m the only officer left in the Btry. this Sat. & Sun., the rest are in town dissipating. I believe Gene & I had more fun than any of ‘em. Took a chance by being away from the camp today, cuz when only one officer is in camp he should stay in the immediate area. Oh well, Columbus did so why can’t I? As it happened nothing came up, so I guess I’m O.K.

I received two of your letters at once about four days ago – none since then. You asked a lot of questions which I’ll try to answer.

Yes, I got the shower soap – did I forget to mention it?

No, that $50 Xmas money order is not too much – how do you get that way! You buy something for the house for that – a direct order! Don’t want to see it on my account. If you want to bank some money for me you can cash this $60 money order I’m enclosing & stow it away for me.

About the comparison of various prices with the states – Hotels here are about 10 shillings ($1.50) a night; meals 35s & 6d (60¢); shows 2s (32¢); night club cover charges about 10 shillings.

There is a liquor shortage here too – only place you can get it is black market. However all of us American officers get a weekly ration of 1 qt. of bourbon & 1 of wine or gin. Whenever we go to the O. club dances in town, setups & ice are served & we furnish all our own spirits. Beer is abundant here &, Daddy, they drink it at room temperature in this country – how would you like that? No – me neither.

The climate – about like June in Mpls – days nice & comfortable & nights rather cool. Capt. Healy is freezing all the time simply because he’s the cold-blooded type.

Yes, that’s the town! Lots of large buildings, theaters, schools & parks, four golf courses & scads of tennis courts. Tennis seems to be the leading sport here – with horse racing next.

Their bands here are not too good as a general rule, but our division has 4 good bands so we always furnish our own music for the dances.

I see where Daddy & Pete Atcas are making the sport headlines again. That’s pretty good going! Also see where Elaine is showing her well shaped pins of her’s. I believe the photographers call it “cheesecake.”

I certainly enjoy those miniature Star Journals you send every so often. Hope they keep making them. What do you do just stop in Donaldsons & ask for them?

We are also having a big War Bond push & yours truly, being the Jr. Officer in the Btry. Is the War Bond Off. (in addition to his other & varied duties).

My goodness aren’t you folks digressing a bit – working jig-saw puzzle! Next thing you know you’ll be playing MahJong!

Hope you had some ritzy big time at the Potentate’s Ball – it surely sounds like a nice dance; at the Nicollet & formal.

I’m going to sign off now & I do hope you are both in as good health as I am. Say hello to any old friends you meet. G’by for now.

Love, Dorance