wadhams raymond (1 risultati)

Unbound. Condizione: Near Fine. A collection of 35 letters written by Ray Wadhams to his family in Connecticut while serving with the army during World War II. All letters very good or better with tears from opening. A small archive of letters written by Raymond Wadhams while serving with the a tank company and later the 7th and 1st Armoured Divisions during the Second World War. Many of the letters are written on Armored School and Company stationary. Ray began his training at Fort Knox in Kentucky and later became a gunner and techniciation. His early letters discuss training, other cadets, and prepping for overseas duties with vaccinations. They have parties at the camp one of which included "a band and 60 girls." He writes of his recent studies, "I am doing very good in school.We were studying about the transmission today. These transmissions are so big we use a chain to lift [it]." By the summer of 1945 Ray is stationed with the Army of the Occupation in Germany to help in the post-war relief efforts. He writes, "the men still have to get up at 6:30 am and have drill and still have the same old army hell." They change locations frequently with Ray writing, "The Russians have taken over all those towns that I was in before." His brothers are also serving with various military branches and he reflects, "I hope one day soon we can all give up this letter writing." Towards the end of 1945 he makes a decision to stay in the army instead of taking a 30 day leave and a reassignment in the Pacific. He writes, "I think it will be some time now before I see you. I have gotten the job in the first armoured I asked for. I hope you all can understand why I am staying over here. I could have come home, but then I would be sent to the Pacific and to me that is not good." He continues, "I took the 1st armoured division.first because I am going to get my job to work on tanks and second because I don't want to fight anymore." Although he is hopeful the war will end soon writing, "The navy is blowing hell out of the Japs and the Japs can't do a thing to stop them. It looks to me as if they were about done." Later of his years long time with the army he writes, "I now have three battle stars, one purple heart, and a good conduct metal so you see I am well dolled up." Following that with, "I have learned a lot since I have been in the army." By 1946 he rose to a position where he was In charge of all maintenance. The turmoil of post-war Germany is seen throughout with letters describing the state of cities and the lives of soldiers. "We caught our mail clerk stealing the packages and not sending the mail out and taking food and selling it to the Germans. He is getting 20 years." A modest but interesting collection detailing the final years of World War II including post-war.