ENGLAND
WINCHESTER BARRACKS
“Just think, Rita is nearly a year old and I never even saw her yet. I guess I’ll have to be introduced when I get back, but it seems like I’m going the long way around to get there.”
Soon after Lawrence turned 23 and recovered from his weeks-long stomach illness, the 9th was aboard the USAT John Ericsson along with 20 other ships in the convoy. Their destination was England, where hordes of troops and equipment had begun pouring in from America in preparation for the invasion of France. They arrived in Liverpool on Thanksgiving Day and immediately loaded trains to head south to the town of Winchester, the ancient capital of England 45 miles southwest of London. It was a welcoming upgrade in accommodations for the men. They had actual beds to sleep in and could understand the local language around them. As kids during the Great Depression, most had more money in their pockets than they ever had before. The 60th Regiment was especially welcomed considering the 60th Rifles of the British Army had been stationed there before and the numeric brotherhood was much celebrated around town. However, there still was a distinct rivalry growing between the British and American troops.
The British troops didn't appreciate us in England, the Yanks had all the money and we were taking all the girls out. We were in a little place outside of Winchester called Sparsholt. When we landed in England, everyone got a furlough for seven days. I wired home for $500 and that meant you were rich in England. Somebody told us to go to Charing Cross, but we never spent a night there. Instead we drank and partied for two days in a palace with a swimming pool owned by an older woman hosting a party for all the servicemen. – Medic Robert Hughes
England had already lost more than a million of her young men. The women of the British Isles were particularly interested in this influx of so many American men. A spirit of ‘nothing to lose’ combined with impending danger and the glamour of the uniforms. The military atmosphere created an emotional tinder box. The British men had three regular comments about the American soldiers: ‘overpaid, oversexed, and over here!’ Despite this, the British-American cultures were distinctly harmonious. The Americans had great admiration for their hosts and a sincere appreciation for their British environment. Men from around the world converged in Britain to form the greatest strike force ever assembled in the history of mankind. – Captain Matt Urban
Another Sergeant from our company and I spent our seven-day leave in London. We rented a room in a private hotel just off Trafalgar Square. London was getting bombed very often in those days, and when the sirens sounded, most of the people would spend their nights in the subways. If we were asleep in our rooms, we would not move, for we knew we would be back in the thick of things before long. We figured that it didn’t make any difference if we got hit by a bullet on the battlefield or a bomb in London, so we just had a good time. We got a little tired of hearing the British say, “don’t you Yanks know there is a war on?” We knew all right. – Sergeant Charles Willsher
Nov. 29, 1943
Dear Mother,
I got your letter of November 10 today. I was very sorry to hear about Aunt Lizzy, it sure is bad luck and I hope it gets better soon. Everything is O.K with me now, I didn’t feel very good for a while after I got out of the hospital. I received two packages today but the ones you sent haven’t got here yet. Aunt Margaret and Grandma sent an awful nice assortment of useful things. Well I guess there’s not much more to write. I’m fine and don’t worry about me. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Until next time.
Lots of Love,
Lawrence
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Miss E.J. Elliot R.R. #3 Stillwater, MN
Dec. 1, 1943
Dear Aunt,
I received your nice letter today and don’t be afraid it was too long, the longer the better. I always read them two or three times. Well I am now in England and it seems very nice compared to where I was. It sure would be nice to get in on some of those weddings. I can’t say I’ve had any good times since I left. I didn’t have a very pleasant birthday and less for Thanksgiving. I wish the boys didn’t feel that way, they have been pretty lucky to stay out of it. I would give anything to be in their boots. Well there’s not much more I can write. So until next time.
Love to all,
Lawrence
P.S - Write whenever you can
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Dec. 4, 1943
Dear Mother,
I received your letter of Nov. 23 today so I’ll answer right away. I wasn’t sick from what I had eaten, it was trouble with the liver, it was the same that Ronny had. Of course I couldn’t keep anything much down so I guess it did have something to do with my stomach. You know how it is, I couldn’t say just what it was. Well I suppose Steve and Bernie are settled now. They went together quite a while, I was beginning to think it would be like Tommy and Gertie. I had a letter from Freada, she said she wished I could be there to stand up for Steve, it would be all right but I guess Gene could do as well. It’s been so long since I’ve been anywhere near a wedding or dance, I wouldn’t know what to do. If I remember right, the last time I danced was at Wathrow. It’s alright about the watch. I may be able to get one over here now, if I don’t, the heck with it. Two of those little packs of candy came and tasted pretty good. It sure took a long time. Well I’m fine and will write soon again.
Love to all,
Lawrence
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Dec. 8, 1943
Dear Mother,
I haven’t heard from you for a few days so I’ll write anyway. The mail comes a little faster now when it comes. Well everything is pretty nice now. We can at least understand the people. The money is a little harder to make change with, but after a while I’ll get used to it. Ronny and I were at a dance last night, the first one in a year. We had a pretty good time. Mrs. Benson sent a watch to him. It cost about thirty, very nice, waterproof and shockproof. The first time I go to town and have a little money, I’ll try and get one. I didn’t draw any last month so I’m quite flat now. I went to church this morning and the chaplain was surprised to see so many. He said he wanted to see that many on Sunday after this. Well there’s not much more to write tonight. I’m fine and pretty busy everyday. Hope to hear from you soon. Until next time.
Love to all,
Lawrence
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Jan. 3, 1944
Dear Mother,
Received your letter yesterday and it made me feel better. I didn’t know what was wrong when I hadn’t heard from you for so long. Well I suppose Gene is finding out what it’s like in the navy now. I hope he gets along alright, but I know he’ll find it different than he thought. It’s so different from being a civie that it’s just like walking into another world. Just think, Rita is nearly a year old and I never even saw her yet. I guess I’ll have to be introduced when I get back, but it seems like I’m going the long way around to get there. We have been running around so much lately that I don’t even have time to write as many letters as I should but I’m trying to see as much as I can while I have the chance. Well, must close for now. Write whenever you can.
Love to all,
Lawrence
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Jan. 17, 1944
Dear Mother,
Sorry I haven’t written for a while. Nothing new, same old grind. We do get a chance to go out pretty often. I guess that’s really why I have let letter writing go. Well I suppose Gene is settled by now and knows what the score is. He got to see quite a bit of country right at the start too. I think I have a pretty good record for miles in the time I’ve been gone. If I ever get the chance, I’d like to see some of it again in a little different way. I saw Martin the other day for the first time since he was sick, but didn’t get a chance to talk to him. Ronny’s fine, I see him nearly everyday. He is taking some course in radio or something. So he might have an easier job if he makes good. Well I must stop for now, I have about six more to write before the lights go out. Write often.
Love to all,
Lawrence
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Feb. 6, 1944
Dear Mother,
Received your letter of Jan. 15 yesterday, so glad to hear from you. It’s true you did ask a lot of questions, but that makes it easier for me to answer. I have tried to answer all the cards and letters from the neighbors that I got around Christmas, but I’m afraid I missed a few. Yes, the time has gone by fast, the fourth of next month I’ll be over one year. I’m very glad you are getting the lights put in, I’m sure they will be nice and you’ve been waiting so long for them. I got Aunt Catherine’s letter today and she told me about Dick being in India, that’s not too pleasant is it. I know just what Gene is having in his first three months, both my arms sore all the time. Ronny didn’t say anything about Gene Powell so I won’t mention it to him. About that watch, I’ve looked all over here and the cheapest one would be almost twice the price of the one you spoke of, so I didn’t invest. So if you get a chance to get one, I would like to have it and I’ll see that the money is there for it. By the way, I think I’ll take out an allotment. It’s hard to save it in your pocket. I guess I really don’t need anything, that is I can get by on what we got, of course some candy always tastes good. I get hungry for some real home baked cookies, but unless they are wrapped good, they break up easily. Tell Margaret I received her letters, but you know it’s hard to answer everyone, but the next time I write home I’ll write to her. I haven’t met any Stillwater boys anywhere, the closest I’ve met lately was from St. Paul. Ronny and Martin are both fine and we get together as often as possible. I have to get ready to mount guard now so must close. I’m fine and having a fair time seeing the sights.
Until next time, I remain your son,
Lawrence
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Feb. 20, 1944
Dear Mother,
I haven’t been able to write for ten days now as I was on leave, so I suppose you will be glad to hear from me again. I got back to find four of your letters waiting for me. Well it sure surprised me to hear about Caroline, she has been writing all the time and even sent this paper only a couple weeks ago and she never said a thing about it. “Oh well”, maybe it’s all for the better. There’s more than one shell on the sea shore. But don’t get me wrong, not over here. Well I had pretty good time while I was free, but it would have been so much nicer back in the states. It was nice to go and come as I pleased just one time. I guess I spent more than I should have, but it’s only once in a lifetime a person ever gets a chance to see this place. I haven’t heard from Gene yet, only through your letters. I’d like to hear how he likes it straight from him. I haven’t seen Ronny since I came back, but he must be O.K. I have so many letters to answer that I must make them all a little on the short side. I’ll write more in a day or so. I’m fine, hope everyone at home is too. Until then.
Love to all,
Lawrence
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Mar. 7, 1944
Dear Mother,
I received your letter with the picture yesterday but I didn’t have time to write till tonight. The picture was real nice and I was glad to get it. I haven’t got any pictures of you and dad together and I wish you could have one taken, I really would like to have one. I had pictures made when I was on leave, but it don’t look good, but I’ll send one anyway. If I would request it, maybe you could send some film, my buddy has a six-twenty, then I could take some snapshots. Well I’m darn tired tonight and I still have eight hours guard to pull, and I have walked about thirty miles in the last twenty four hours and not much sleep. I’ll try and write soon again.
Love to all,
Lawrence
On March 24th, the Ninth was visited in Winchester by Winston Churchill, General Eisenhower, General Bradley, and General Collins. The second image shows Churchill and Eisenhower reviewing Lawrence’s F Company. Captain Matt Urban is standing at attention on the far left.
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Mar. 28, 1944
Dear Mother,
I got your letter today with the clipping and John’s letter too. It was nice to read about it. You know Crocker was here about six weeks ago and asked for all the boys from Minnesota. I know quite a few that were mentioned in the column. There are two others from Minnesota in the hut with me and they were glad to read it too. You don’t need be afraid about sending anything like that because none of the mail from home has been censored yet. It didn’t bother me in the least about Caroline, but she sure pulled off a big deal. I wrote her about three weeks ago, and boy I really gave her a line and put it on plenty thick. I got a letter from Gene yesterday and I hope I have time to answer tonight. I also got a nice Easter card from Aunt Margaret today too. I guess there’s nothing much more so I won’t write any more now. Hope everyone is well, until next time.
Love to all,
Lawrence
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April 8, 1944
Dear Mother,
I received your letter a few days ago and I’ll try and answer now. I hope John is all better by now and up and going again. I know I wouldn’t want to go through with one although it’s not too serious an operation if it is taken care of in time. I have some more of those pictures, but I thought they looked so bad that I didn’t want anybody to see them. Those ribbons aren’t much to see. The one with the stars on is a campaign or ETO pin. The other is a good conduct pin. I also have one more, that is worn on the other side and it’s a little nicer than the others, dark blue with a gold frame and it’s equal to the D.S.C. I say to heck with the ribbons, just let me go home. I haven’t heard from Gene for two weeks or so, but I suppose he is pretty busy all the time. I suppose you have the lights in by now and are getting some use from them. You know those Kranz twins from Willernie, Catherine spoke of them coming or being over here. Well I just found out they are in the outfit with me. They haven’t been here long and I haven’t got to see them yet. Well I have one more letter to write and I’ll be all caught up. I haven’t got many letters just lately so I finally wrote a few at a time till I have them all answered. I must close now, so until next time.
Lots of love,
Lawrence
Above: Likely one of the pictures Lawrence had taken in England. The location of the picture he describes in the April 8th letter showing his medals is unknown. The dark blue pin he writes about is the Distinguished Unit Citation awarded to the 2nd Battalion for their defense of Djebel Dardyss in Tunisia. Below Right: General Bradley presenting the D.U.C to the 60th Infantry 2nd Battalion at their Winchester Barracks. Below Right: Lawrence’s ETO medal he describes in the April 8th letter. It’s the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. There is one star device on it, though there should be four stars on it representing Tunisia, Sicily, Normandy, and Northern France.
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April 18, 1944
Dear Mother,
Sorry to have let a week go by since I wrote, but I guess I go out too much and don’t take the time to write. I sure wish this was over so I could come home and settle down. It’s too wild a life for anyone to live for long. About those bonds, there was some mix up about the way they took out for them and I never bothered to take them out again so I guess they must have sent what there was home. I have taken out an allotment to start from the first of May so you can expect that to come after that. That will be thirty dollars a month and it will come home there made out to dad and he can take care of it. I had a pretty good Easter and it turned out to be a nice day. I’m staying at a hotel now and it’s pretty nice living quarters and very nice all around. Glad you got the lights in now, they sure must be nice. Must close now, hope everybody’s well. Write when I can.
Love to all,
Lawrence
Springtime in England saw the 9th Infantry move south from their Winchester Barracks to the coastal town of Bournemouth. The 9th repurposed a beachfront hotel as their living quarters and resumed hard training. Even with the increased amount of furloughs and day passes, the time spent in England was full of training. From the moments they disembarked from the boat on Thanksgiving Day they began close order drill, long hikes, speed hikes, and commando training – all combat loaded.
9th Infantry soldiers take cover during a training exercise. By April of 1944, training was intensifying for all units in England.
April 27, 1944
Dear Mother,
I’m sorry, but I haven’t had a chance to write for a few days and I only have time for a note now. Well I’ve been pretty busy it seems I never will get any time to do things I want to. I don’t care what you do about the watch but I’m afraid that Waltham wouldn’t last long, it’s not a very tough one. That other one I had would be better. I think it needs a main spring. It used to be in that strong box with the papers. I’m glad John is getting on fine. It’s very nice to have the lights after all the waiting. Must close for now, write again next week. I’m fine and hope everyone is the same. Until then.
Love to all,
Lawrence
The Waltham watch gifted to him by Aunt Lizzy.
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May 1, 1944
Dear Mother,
I have been getting your letters quite regular and they have been coming in less than two weeks. Six days was the shortest time for air mail. Glad you finally got the watch and I’ll be expecting it to come in a few days. I haven’t heard from Gene in a long time either, but I suppose he hasn’t much chance to write. It sure must be swell with the lights now and the kids sure can turn them on when I do get home, but this mess has to be settled first and God knows when that will be. It’s pretty nice here now and warm enough to stay out in the field most of the time. I’m glad John is better, with the busy season coming on. It’s too darn bad that Freada isn’t satisfied with me writing her only twice a month or so. I think it’s more important to write home than to a bunch of women, although I do write to a few now and then. I can’t hardly realize that the kids have grown so much, that’s why I’d like to have some pictures so I could believe it. Yes we hear the wireless and they are lousy. Some times we can get some from the states, but not too often. I never thought the English were so far behind as they are, it’s pitiful and they’re stuck up about it too. Well I must close for now, write soon again.
Love to all,
Lawrence
P.S. - If you can send some candy or nuts, caramels or gum drops mail the best.
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May 9, 1944
Dear Mother,
It’s been a week since I had a chance to write and haven’t much time now either. The watch got here safely and works fine and the cost doesn’t matter, you take it out of the allotment when it comes. The first one should come sometime in May. I’ve been busy as hell lately and haven’t had a chance to write to anyone but I suppose I they understand. It’s not like Fort Hamilton as you mentioned because I’m still going to wrong direction. And I might be tall but will probably have grey hair when I get back from this bloody mess. That blue pin is a Presidential Unit Citation and there are very few combat units that have them. It is equal to the Air Corp Defense medal, so now you have the scoop on that medal. Neither Ronny or Martin have it so I wouldn’t say anything about it. I haven’t written to Gene yet, but will when I have time. It don’t seem possible that the twins are that old. The time sure does fly. In Margaret’s last letter, she said Gerald wasn’t feeling so good. Probably when the weather gets warm he will improve. Well I haven’t much time so I’ll close for now and write again soon. So until then.
Love to all,
Lawrence
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May 13, 1944
NOTE: The Distinguished Unit Citation was the original name for the award created in 1943. Lawrence refers to it as its current name, the Presidential Unit Citation, indicating it was redesignated at that time.
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Dear Mother,
Well I finally got a minute to write a few lines, although I haven’t much to say. The watch has been keeping good time and it seems to be pretty good. I haven’t had time to write to Gene yet but may have today. I suppose everyone is busy in the fields by now. The weather must be settled and warmed up now. It’s been very nice here and it feels very spring like. I started this last night and some of the boys came in from town and we started talking and I never did finish. Today is Mother’s Day, very nice out, but I’m staying in. I have plenty to keep me busy. About six more letters to write, some clothes to wash and maybe I’ll be on guard before today is over. This is the first Sunday I had to myself for about two months. Well I must close for now. Write when I have time.
Love to all,
Lawrence
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May 19, 1944
Dear Mother,
Got your letter today so will answer while I have the time. Still bating my brains out everyday and not much time to write. I haven’t been getting much mail lately either, it seems to come in bunches. I write to Margaret once a month or so, but I’ll write to Gerald next time. It’s nice Gene gets along good where he is, I wish I could say the same. I’m ready to leave anytime and the sooner the better. I thought Robert’s was tough, but I’ll take it anytime and say nothing. It’s pretty nice now and I spend most of my time outside. How about some pictures if you can get film? Well must close now, will write soon again.
Love to all,
Lawrence
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May 25, 1944
Dear Mother,
Received your letter tonight and I was waiting for it. I’m always glad to hear from you whether there’s any news or not. They really sent the check through in a hurry, I didn’t expect it to get there so soon because it only started the first of May. First I want to straighten up for that watch and then put it in the bank. I don’t want to fight the war and finance it too, let some of those guys that draw big salaries and sit around do something. When I come back I want to be able to get the money right then. It is something like the weather at home but it seems so be farther behind and more like March or April. Although it does get real nice some days. There is quite a distance between us alright. I hope we can all get together before too long. I didn’t think they had any winter where Dick is, they probably have rain instead of snow. Yes, I’ve seen quite a lot of farming. They are behind the states though, still using fordson tractors, but they do have rubber tires. They really have some nice horses, most of them are big. Those with the hairy feet and they use them single, mostly in two wheel carts and also for dray in the towns. Very few times have I seen two worked together in a team. There is no corn, all small grain and potatoes. I’ve seen some very nice herds of shorthorn cattle and not many mixed or any other freed as a whole. I don’t think much of there way of farming but they seem to get returns from it. I wrote to Gene some time ago but haven’t heard from him yet. I’m glad he likes it because anything one doesn’t like makes it so miserable and I’m talking from experience too. It sure is a shot in the dark that Simmons well ever meet up with us, but things like that do happen. I had heard about Archie R. being killed. I didn’t exactly know him, but the family yes. I think Stan should feel lucky that he can be driving a truck around home and have nothing to worry about. I’m sure I would if I had the chance knowing what I do now. Forget about the film, I probably wouldn’t get to use it anyway, although I would like some pictures. Well I must close for now. I’ll try and write soon again.
Love to all,
Lawrence
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June 5, 1944
Dear Mother,
I haven’t had time to write for a while, but I hope you will understand. I’m just fine and plenty busy everyday. I got your letter of the 23rd yesterday. The watch is O.K, but it’s not quite what I wanted. For one thing, it’s not waterproof. The first week I had it, I was going across country and had to cross a stream neck deep and wet it, but I got it dried out and it seems to run all right yet. Haven’t heard from Gene yet, it’s almost two months since I wrote. I suppose he is busy and then the mail has a long ways to go. I saw a good show the other night, Tunisian Victory. It was very good and I had a part in making it too, so I really got more out of it. I was sorry to hear about Grandma, she may never have good use of her knee again. Well I must close again. I’ll write when I can again. Hope this finds you all fine.
Love to all,
Lawrence
General Eddy addresses one of his 9th Infantry companies days before the D-Day invasion.