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WW2 Era Soldiers Diary Day 1-4, 1945.

Article about: This diary belonged to an Edward Strokirk. The diary starts on January 1st 1945. There are tons of entries that cover his initial training in the states, his voyage overseas, disembarking in

  1. #1

    Default WW2 Era Soldiers Diary Day 1-4, 1945.

    WW2 Era Soldiers Diary Day 1-4, 1945.
    This diary belonged to an Edward Strokirk. The diary starts on January 1st 1945. There are tons of entries that cover his initial training in the states, his voyage overseas, disembarking in France, through Belgium, Germany Etc. I will gradually post his entries in order over time.
    WW2 Era Soldiers Diary Day 1-4, 1945.
    “Monday, January 1st 1945

    Arrived at fort Lewis last night from delay en-route, with Ratkowity, Reitano and Popken(?). Returned to Co.B 156 M.T. Bn. Camp Murray. Someone had a bottle so we had a drink and called it new years Eve. It is raining today and I’m going up to the main fort for an X-ray. The men are all back now and the greetings are about over. Everyone has his story to tell. “
    WW2 Era Soldiers Diary Day 1-4, 1945.
    “Tuesday, January 2nd 1945

    Reveille and Fatigue duty. My barracks bag’s didn’t come so I’m one of the chosen few. No details. Wrote a few letters and received several Christmas cards and packages. Lots of mail, including Christmas card from Sgt. Charles Roch in India. “

    “Wednesday, January 3rd 1945

    Everyone is wondering what unit they will be assigned. Orders will be arriving in a day or so. My barracks bags haven’t arrived so I missed the hikes and tent pitching. We are getting used to the rain. “
    WW2 Era Soldiers Diary Day 1-4, 1945.

    “Thursday, January 4th 1945

    Cloudy and rain. After all the sunshine we’ve had in the past five months it’s a bit disconcerting. Still no barracks bags. “

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    Thanks for posting, I for one look forward to reading his exploits as they appear.

  3. #3

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    No problem! I look forward to sharing!

  4. #4

    Default WW2 Era Soldiers Diary Day 6-9, 1945

    WW2 Era Soldiers Diary Day 1-4, 1945.
    “Saturday, January 6th 1945

    It’s raining as usual. What a day to go to town. I have a weekend pass. Men are dew eyed and we escorted a young female around. Wound up dancing at the Crescent. Stayed at the uso.”

    “Sunday, January 7th 1945

    Up at 11am. Had breakfast and went for a walk. Then up to the bowling alley. Hit 168-174. Ran into Eddie Anderson and Brennan. Back to Lewis about 7pm.”
    WW2 Era Soldiers Diary Day 1-4, 1945.
    “Monday, January 8th 1945

    Went to the movies with Mike Cassata, Eddie Anderson and Brennan. Mike was assigned to co a 151 st. Wish he was in our shipping list. Brennan is still waiting. Maybe he’ll go with us. Ran into Sgt. Gice(?) he’s with Mike.”

    “Tuesday, January 9th 1945

    I finally found out where I’m going. Camp Howgle(?) Texas to the infantry. They say Sgts. Setine(?), Hunter are there, also whimple and some of the old “D” co 703 m.p. gang. Should be leaving Wednesday. Still no barracks bags. I hate to make that trip without enough clean clothes.”
    Click to enlarge the picture Click to enlarge the picture WW2 Era Soldiers Diary Day 1-4, 1945.  

  5. #5

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    Hi JB.

    I don't know how I missed this first time round, thank you for sharing it with us. I am looking forward to reading more of the story.

    Kind regards,

    Will.

  6. #6

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    Hey Will,

    I look forward to sharing more!

    Good day,

    JB

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    WW2 Era Soldiers Diary Day 1-4, 1945.
    Wednesday, January 10th 1945- All aboard for Camp Howze, Texas. We feel codly about leaving for another branch of the service after taking the medical technicians course. Climbed on the bus about 1pm. It is now 4pm. Brennon, Anderson and I are together. The A.S.F. band came down to the train and played “Deep in the heart of Texas” for our benefit. Rupert Miller is aboard. He’s feeling good and we may get a drink.

    Thursday, January 11th 1945- This would be mother’s birthday. I’m glad she doesn’t have to be here to suffer through another war. We are still in Wash. Spokane coming up. This will be a long ride at this rate.
    ———————————————— ———————————————— ————-
    WW2 Era Soldiers Diary Day 1-4, 1945.
    Friday, January 12th 1945- En route through Idaho and Montana and Wyoming. Thought we’d go thru Denver. I always will like Colorado.

    Saturday, January 13th 1945- En route Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma. The canteen at north platte is one of the best. They sure treat the service men well. Today is Billy Pud’s birthday. The kid from Kentucky. He and Flores were in our Co. at Lewis.
    ———————————————— ———————————————— ——————
    WW2 Era Soldiers Diary Day 1-4, 1945.
    Sunday, January 14th 1945- This is it- Camp Howze, Texas. We were up at 5:30am. The train came to a jolting stop at 8am. A few officers and non coms to meet us. The first sign says 2.A.R.T.C. We fall in and march about 3 miles to our barracks. Did we ask for this? Roll call and assignment to quarters. Eddie Anderson and I drew C Co. 47th Bn. 12 Regt. Brennan is up at “D” Co. We sure feel lonesome. This is a big place. A shower and a meal and over to the service club. Movies 6-8 and so to bed.

    Monday, January 15th 1945- Reveille 6:30. It’s cold and my teeth are chattering. Eddie drew K.P. He always does. A always is the first letter of the alphabet. Capt. Patten read the riot act this P.M. All the do’s and don’ts that we’ve heard a thousand times before. Personal problems were discussed- allotments, pay, ration money, furloughs etc.
    ———————————————— ———————————————— ———
    WW2 Era Soldiers Diary Day 1-4, 1945.
    Tuesday, January 16th 1945- Reveille 6:30. The chow is still lousy. Inspection 10am. Rifles clean and dry. Clothing and bunks. The fort lockers will be safe according to our platoon Sgt. It isn’t quite so cold today. No mail yet. Maybe today.

    Wednesday, January 17th 1945- Reveille 6:30. Inspection 9:30. Supply Sgt. gave us our crossed rifles. Spoke to Capt Patten about O.C.S. I believe he comes from Long Island. He knows some of the boys in “L” Troop N.Y. State Police. Close order drill till noon. There are some who never have learned the manual of arms. The cadre non coms are pretty good joes. Tonight we go for screenings. Everyone will pass with flying colors. The medics will see to that. The Bn. marched to the officers club for the physical. It is raining hard. Return 10pm. Lights out.
    ———————————————— ———————————————— -

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    I was originally planning on posting the full thing here. But after finishing transcribing the whole diary, I feel it is too much content to place here. So I’m just going to link to my Imgur post where I’ve posted the full diary. That way I’m not having to paste each individual photo and text here. The full diary is here if you’re interested- https://imgur.com/gallery/VQpvLBo

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    Quote by Heartfeltzero View Post
    I was originally planning on posting the full thing here. But after finishing transcribing the whole diary, I feel it is too much content to place here. So I’m just going to link to my Imgur post where I’ve posted the full diary. That way I’m not having to paste each individual photo and text here. The full diary is here if you’re interested- https://imgur.com/gallery/VQpvLBo
    You should have considered turning the diary into a book for publication, that's what I did with the diaries I kept on my operational tours. It's 10 years since they were first published, and they are still selling.

    Cheers,
    Steve

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    I actually thought about doing that. I just didn’t think there was enough content here to warrant having copies made and then selling them. But it’s still something I may consider in the future. As well as possibility putting my letters into book form as a “Letters From War” styled book.

    Good day,
    JB

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