WW2 Era Letter Written by American Red Cross Nurse in New Guinea.

[Heartfeltzero]

This letter was written by a Mary Moore. She was a nurse serving with the American Red Cross. The letter was written in 1944, and in it, she writes of her experiences in New Guinea. I did a basic search for Mary, but as I have no other information about her besides her name, I haven’t been able to find any details about her. The letter reads:

“ Oct 19.
Somewhere in
New Guinea

Dear Jauri- so much has passed since we both left Washington for parts unknown. I am anxious to know where you are and all about what you are doing and such. Never ever thought I would end up in the New Guinea area, it’s all so very different. Our trip over, a pleasure cruise, new ship, 8 and 4 to a room- 2 showers, soft waters, (remember all the salt H2O soap I bought). We came alone as the ship was fast and I presume you carried the Mae West around and sat on the hard dirty decks like we did. Simply ruined our slacks, though of your tailored ones.

Now about N.G.- Remind me to sue R.C. when I get back- practically every thing I bought of the (?) is a total loss- even to the fact the seersucker numbers we were issued- presume you were issued the same gear at POE. We were all that has been returned but the gas mask. We are allowed at no time to wear anything but our G.I. pants and khaki shirts. High top, G.I. or nurse shoes, (must wear leggings after 5:30 PM). No white shirts or even the blue shirts issued. You gradually get used to the heavy shoes and leggings tripping you up when you try to dance.

We lived for 2 weeks in the R.C. compound. They didn’t seem to know just what to do with all of us. The compound was near the water and surrounded by high fence with M.P’s and Guards on duty at all times. We had to sign out and in and could not leave without an officer escort, the R.C. bus or M.P. going with us. We are allowed to date only officers in this theater of war, this fact ,of course, causes much dispute among the G.I.s. They feel they are getting the worst of the deal, that and the fact some girls are definitely Brass happy. We lived in grass hut (just like the pictures we saw) open all around. 14 of us slept on army cots- no sheets- or pillows and mosquito bar at nite- (which the army supplies- remember what we brought).

We carried water to wash our face and brush our teeth. We walked 1 back to cold showers and outside Johnny- Nothing like pioneering. Our food is good. There were some pretty wild gals with us. Two have been sent home and 1 resigned. At first they allowed dances for the G.I.s and we could go, but that was stopped. We were not spost to have blind dates with the officers, but they worked out a deal. They had arranged different officer dances, but that was also stopped. Our rules were quite strict and rigid, but you can easily see why. The weather has been cool and fortunately has not rained so much. I sent all the civilian clothes home, including the little red Lennie and all our 1pr of shoes. I never wore my blue jersey dress and several of us plan to send them back to shoppers service and let them sell them- oh me- Leni- and Leann I say.

Lida Owen has been with us all the time. She was one of the 14 in our little grass hut. There are a good many girls from our class with us. Remember Murphy? At first I didn’t like her but grew to be quite fond of her. Penny Clark and Jean Petegella were with us and were sent on to a place together. Personally I think they 2 widows on the loose. I believe Ann (Georgia) went to Europe.

All this time I have not done any work. 6 of us were sent up here and flew from where we were. It was grand flying. Our quarters at our new station are quite nice. It’s a new set up and we have since portioned rooms. Inside showers and flush Johnny plus wash tubs and ironing board. Some class after the others. It’s warm, as our quarters are a little ways from the ocean.

We eat with the officers. If we leave this part of the area, the officer must carry a gun, and two couples must go together. There is a good beach and we have gone swimming every day. As I said, I haven’t worked as the club here is under construction. But sometimes I wonder just what good, if any, we do here. The G.I.s resent the fact they can’t go out with us (as they put it, we are just for the officers). They even say they loose no respect for us or R.C., then again you feel, when you talk to the boys, you can and are doing some good. Some of the fellows haven’t seen a white woman in 8 mo. Most have been over here 30 mo. and are much disgusted and home sick.

Right where we are living was the scene of one of the worst battles and the beach where we swim was a landing point. Seems impossible, and how quickly people forget.

Now I am so anxious to hear just what you are doing. I do hope R.C. advised you right when it came to bringing all your civilian clothes and shoes. I have thought of that so often and wondered if you sent them home like I did. When we get back to civilization, presume we will have to be educated to the finer things of life all over again. Lida did not come here with me, she was very much afraid she would be sent to a WAC club.

We take atabrine, most likely you do also. It does turn us a slight yellowish cast.

Our mail has been so slow in coming thru. I had been assigned to a Navy club, but they are quarantined and am not sure I will be sent there. Would like the Navy. They say they have grand quarters and fine food.Then the air strip canteen looks good.

Shall expect to hear from you some time in the future and tell me all you are doing.

Mary, if you are in this part of the world, I understand you can address your mail Inter Island and it won’t go back to N.Y. S. H.

Have you met your General yet? So far have found no one that appeals to me and they are all married anyway. Some gals went to Australia from our group. They still are confusing my mail with the other M. Moore. My 2nd pay check has never come.

[Willmore]

Hi JB.

Another great piece of social history, thanks for sharing it with us.

I had a search too, but couldn't find anything for either person.

Kind regards,

Will.

[Heartfeltzero]

Hey Will,

No problem, happy to share. And yeah still haven’t had any luck. Thanks for the comment!

Good day,
JB

[BlackCat1982]

Another very descriptive letter, great that you are rescuing these as they are a real treat to see transcribed. Thank you.

[Heartfeltzero]

Always happy to share! It brings be great pleasure to know people enjoy reading them. It can be challenging at times with transcribing. I actually never learned cursive in school, we weren’t taught. So when I first began collecting letters, I couldn’t read 95 percent of them. I’d have to request help from others. But over the years, forcing myself to spend hours reading word for word, I eventually taught myself. Luckily most ww2 era cursive is mostly similar. Some are written sloppier than others of course, but nowadays I’m able to read 99 percent of what I come across. I still do make the occasional mistake or have the occasional word or two that I can’t make out. But overall it’s become much easier for me, and is one of my favorite things to do.

Appreciate your comment!

Good day,
JB.

[Willmore]

Putting so much time and effort is a great approach to the hobby and it has really payed off for you JB, your threads are always a pleasure to read.

Kind regards,

Will.

[Heartfeltzero]

I’m glad you think so! I certainly enjoy it. I definitely appreciate all the help you’ve given ever since I first joined the forum.thank you.

Good day,
JB.