 | England 30 Jan 45 Tuesday My Darling Peggy! Am really sleepy and can’t figure out why – I haven’t done anything – guess I must be tired from doing nothing! A great life! All I do is think of you all the time - wish I knew just what was going on. I seems funny that I haven’t any idea as to how you feed & just what’s happening – I do know that I Love You My Darling! It has snowed quite a bit the last few days – this morning it was raininv and this afternoon the sun’s out – such weather – It’s as unpredictable as the Army. There’s nothing like the good Ole U.S.A.!! |
 | The Russians are sure raising a lot of hell these days – every mile they get saves that many ore Americans - sure hope they keep rolling – wouldn’t doubt but what our side will be ablaze one of these days – things are really getting to the point for the Jerries! Have been wondering whether Joe has got home as jet – they’re rotating those guys pretty fast – and with all the Service and Campaigns he has in over here – I know of some guys out of our outfit that have gone home already – hope htat soon everyone takes off for home! I Love You Darling! Wad glad to hear that Eddie |
| | joined the Merchant Marines – he’s the only smart one in the family – if I had to do it over it would be the Merchant Marines 10-, –better pay- better work & more opportunities! I Love You! Hope you’re feeling well Darling – It’s 8 down & one to go - everything will be O.K. Honey – I Love You! So Long for today – God Bless You I Love You My Dear Love & Kisses Your Johnnie |
January 30, 1945
January 27, 1945
 | Saturday 27 Jan 45 England Dearest Peggy! It’s quite late and the light will be going out shortly – but will at least say hello and that I Love You Honey Just Loads! Am still roving mad about your picture – It’s really so swell!! Didn’t have any mail today – but I haven’t answered hardly any that I’ve received so it’s no wonder! Have really left my correspondence go – the only one I write is you and then I haven’t done as well as before – Just seem to have time for sweating – darn but I hope things break soon! I Love You My Darling! Am quite worried about you – It’s getting so darn close to your “D” Day! |
| | Would sure like to be with you during the time – but seeing as how I won’t I’ll Pray that all goes will – and that our baby will be a healthy one! It sure is going to have a Wonderful Mother! I Love You My Darling! Well Darling it’s goodnight again - take care of yourself & get everything you need! God Belss You Honey! I Love You Loads! Love & Kisses Forever Yours Johnnie |
Transcribed by Ken Brey
January 26, 1945
 | England 26 Friday My Darling Wife! Happy Birthday Darling!! Have really been lonesome for you all day – that picture really has me – It’s so darn nice – I’m in Love with it! I Love You Darling! Reviewed a lot of mail today- all {Actodin?} stuff – heard from Earl Palmer (Believe it or now – and furthermore I’ve already assumed it! Surprise!) also had letters from Bill & Edna & “Uncle” Barbe! Earl sounded a bit down hearted – but after the time he’s spent out there I don’t blame him! Old Bill is really the guy though – he says he’ll never forget how I looked when I turned & waved |
| | goodbye to them – he really impressed me, and naturally he had to tell me of all the stuff he has son the last couple of months playing Bingo! I Love You Honey! There still isn’t anything exciting happening around here – same old Routine day after day – but It’s a heck of a lot better than the front – there’s a good warm bed here & they don’t eat C Rations! Am still waiting & hoping & Praying t that I get back home!! I Love You Darling! Goodnight Honey – take care of yourself & baby! God Bless You! I Love You! Loads of Love & Kisses Johnnie |
January 25, 1945
 | England 25 Jan 1945 Thursday My Darling Sweetheart! Received your Birthday Card and picture – the picture is certainly beautiful Honey – It has me lonesomer than ever – Thanks ever so much – I’ve waited a long time – but the picture was certainly worth the wait!! I Love You Peg Darling!! Haven’t did anything all day – but still it seems like I haven’t any time to do anything – guess I’m nuts! This Hospital life has certainly spoiled me – just feel like eating & sleeping - but it won’t be long till I’ll have to get on the ball & wake up! Happy Birthday Darling! I hope the little gift I sent reached |
 | you in time – guess we’re both getting pretty old eh? I Love You My Darling Wife! It’s really cold here – probably around zero – but it seems like it’s 60 below to me – It’s such a damp cold that it penetrates right thru! Hope the Baby isn’t kicking to much – the way you’re letters sound we’re probably going to have a son – course a firl couldn’t kick that much! Guess it really taking after the old man from the start! I Love You & Miss you awfully! Still there isn’t any news about getting back – I’m getting a bit impatient & worried about |
| | the deal! Pray Hard Honey that all goes well! I Love You & Want to be with you So Darn Much! Should write Chess a letter – he was one of few that came thru in pretty good shape – he sure is a fine guy! Well Darling take care of yourself & don’t do any work! God Bless You! I Love You Loads! Love & Kisses Yours Forever Johnnie |
Transcribed by Ken Brey
January 24, 1945
 | England 24 an 45 Wednesday My Darling Peg: Will get on the ball again and write each day – because I know how I Look forward each day to your letters- and I don’t want to disappoint you - guess you know why I slacked off before – the deal is still on but gosh only knows when! I Love You Honey! Am getting anxious to get March over with – you’d almost think I was having the baby! But Honey I can’t help but wonder and worry about you – If I can only get home shortly – It would help you a great deal I’m sure – and to me it would just be a Miracle! Just imagine Honey you’re the |
| | only one of our Lebanon friends that has an ole man left – it leaves me with an awful funny feeling when I think about it! We’ll have to see Ruth as soon as we can when this blasted war is over! Am feeling fine – only hope you’re feeling O.K. Honey! Darling there’s nothing gooing on around here – so goodnight & God Bless You Honey! I Love You! Love & Kisses Johnnie |
Transcribed by Ken Brey
January 23, 1945
 | England 23 Jan 45 Tuesday My Darling Peggy! Still here Honey – I’m beginning to wonder if all plans are made to be changed – gee Hon I sure hope these go astray! Have always tried to keep it as far back in my head as I can - but just can’t help thinking how wonderful it will be if I get home in time for the baby’s arrival and getting home to you – I’m really Praying! I Love you my Honey!! Yes Honey there are female Nurses around here – they really deserve a lot more than they get - because this war is still a Man’s business – and they are really in there pitching! I Love You! |
| | My mail is still coming in – can’t even attempt to answer them – there’s jsut o many – I Love You Peg! Hope you’re feeling well – am thinking of you always – but there’s conthing I can do but hope and Pray that all comes out well! Well Darling keep your fingers crossed – God Bless You! I Love You With all my Heart! Love & Kisses Johnnie |
Transcribed by Ken Brey
January 21, 1945
 | England 21 Jan 45 Sunday My Darling Sweetheart Hardly know how to start this letter tonight – I’ve only received 12 letters from you today – some from as far back as October – and a 3 that were wrote in January! I Love You My Darling Wife! Honey first of all I want to tell you I’ve never held anything back from you! If anything I’ve told probably more than I should – but Honey believe me there’s nothing withheld from you! It’s probably that you haven’t received all my mail as yet! I Love You Hon & believe me there are no secrets! Sure hope you’re feeling |
 | O.K. Honey! Get quite a kick out of the way you’ve described the baby’s kicking – just like it’s old man!! I Love You Momma! Yes Honey every time I think of our arguments and petty things that didn’t amount to anything I always think to myself It won’t happen again – and Honey I really believe they will be fewer – cause I don’t believe I’ll be quite as pig-headed as before – battle really did things for me – but it will remain to be seen – I’m hoping! Our kid(s) are going to have a good home life that just won’t be marred by bickering - I Love You Hon! Enclosed is a picture taken |
| | Xmas day – look pretty spry for having been out only a couple of times – eh? I Love You! Darling please do take care of yourself – cause you’re old man is going to get back whether it’s one of month or one year – God Bless You Darling! I Love You Honey! Love & Kisses (Lots of them too!) Johnnie Give my best regards to all! Love |
January 19, 1945 *Partial*
 | I Love You Hon! My Darling Wife: |
 | Have had my teeth over-hauled - just had one to be filled & a good cleaning for the rest - they look almost white now anyhow! Hope you're feeling well Honey -- wish I could be with you before the baby's born --- but don't suppose I will. I'm with you in spirit all the time however - and am Praying hard that all will be al-right! I Love you Hon! Was thinking a lot about our stay in Pa. lately - How wonderful it will be when we're together again! Hope they can get Veal Cutlets back home!! Remember how I used to thrive on them -- and olives! But most of all being with you is what |
 | counted! We've had a lot of fun and we have an interesting life to look forward to - our responsibilities are mounting with each step - our problems will be rougher and tougher each year - but I'm sure of our ability to meet them - because I'm sure of our Love! The Last four months have been perplexing to me - battle was another world - and the will to fight when death lurked at every corner - we just kept going kept Praying & hoping - times it seemed only a Miracle would bring us out alive -- Still everyone laughs and Jokes as though we were maneuvering -- It's hard to figure out - when you're brought back wounded it suddenly strikes you just what you've been through - and |
[Additional pages missing]
Transcribed by Ken Brey
January 17, 1945
 | England Wednesday 17 Jan 45 My Darling Wife: Believe it or now but a couple of my Xmas packages arrived – and the most important one, yours, was one-- Honey the ring fits perfect – It’s beautiful – I Love it! The stuff was pretty well beat up – as I expected – but still wonderful! Hve been feasting on candy bars all day - will look like a Hershey pretty quick! Also had a box from Bill & Edna - It was filled with eats! Christmas was late but enjoyable! The cigarette lighter was really a God-send ‘cause matches are almost nil here! I Love You My Darling! Have had oodles of mail – so much that |
 | I can’t do justice to it – even Uncle Bill wrote – and I received an awfully nice letter from Father Hughes! Must try and answer so many as I possibly can – but I’ve been having a hard time staying awake long enough to write! Getin Lazy – hey? I Love You! The war news has certainly been encouraging – we just heard that Warsaw was liberated – those Russians will wind Hitler’s tail around a few notches! Can remember when we’d get Prisoners how happy they were to be captured by Americans than Russians - They’re really afraid of those Russians and a good reason why they should be! Maybe this thing will end one of these days after all – I hope and Pray! I Love You! |
 | There isn’t any more news on getting back – Am just waiting & praying!! Gee Honey I hope everything goes O.K.!! I Love You Hon! Won’t be long – hey Mom!! I’m getting more concerned every day – and am looking forward to it eagerly! Not that I didn’t before – but it’s more so now! I Love You Honey! Goodnight Darling! Thanks a Million for the ring and stuff – I Love You So Much Hon! God Bless You! Love & Kisses & Hugs Your Ole Man Johnnie |
Transcribed by Ken Brey
January 13, 1945
 | England 13 Jan 45 My Dearest Honey! Received another flood of mail today – 5 from you, 3 fro home & one from Edna & Bill! Am sorry to hear that my mail isn’t coming thru to you – I hope by this time you’ve received all that I’ve wrote – since being hospitalized I haven’t been writing as much as before – but at least 4 letters (or notes) have left here every week – felt kind of bad that you’d even think I’d write everyone else & forget you - because whenever I do writ it’s a letter to you first & then if there’s time I write the rest! Can’t write |
 | a suitable explanation why I’ve let up a little – but there’s definitely a reason – will tell you when I see you!! There’s one think I’m sorry I did – and that was giving you the impression that I’d return to the front shortly – I knew better – but didn’t want you worrying about me! I Love You Peg Honey! It all hasn’t been to Rosey Hoey – My knee is feeling much better – but is stiff & sore – and more than likely be a constant reminder for a few years to come – hope not – but joints are pretty delicate (and not beer joints)! And the other stuff is what we’ll discuss rather privately!! I Love You Darling! Am glad you were up home for Xmas – I was certainly hoping you |
 | would! Wish I was with you! I Love You Darling! Honey each day is bringing us closer & closer to our first child – am quite worried and would like to be at least in the States when it comes - Mu hopes are high – Honey to tell you not to be afraid would be like telling a guy to stand up under fire – but be brave Honey & I’m sure all will come out well! My Prayers & thoughts are with you every minute! I Love You Honey! Had letters from Ma, Sam and Ann—all served well at home – Sam sounds as though he’s growing up – and Ann just as devilish as ever! Mom sounded quite concerned about all -- each letter mentioned you – I’m convinced |
| | that they’ve finally realized that I have the finist & most wonderful wife in the world!! I Love You! Bill and Edna have been having luck with Bingo – he naturally listed everything he’s won in the last month! Well Darling five my best regards to all! Am going to Holy Communion tomorrow! God Bless You! I Love You Darling! Love & Kisses Johnnie |
Transcribed by Ken Brey
January 12, 1945
 | Still In England – Friday 12 January 45 My Darling Wife: Received my first letter direct to here – I sure seemed wonderful—I Love You So Darn much Honey! I’ll start writing every day from now on—guess you know why I’ve been just jotting a line here & there – each day I’ve been looking forward to a trip – but the time is passing quickly & I’m still here – It isn’t hard to get over here – but getting back is a problem! Keep Praying hard Honey and all will come out in our favor! I Love you Darling!! Was really sorry to hear |
| | that Ruth Olson had Scarlet-Fever - It must have been pretty rough on Her – wish I could have let you know sooner about Ole – but just couldn’t! I Love you Darling! Well Darling will close & send a short note home—God Bless You! I Love you with all my Heart! Love & Kisses Johnnie P.S. The name of John Edward is swell - sure hope it’s a boy! Take care of yourself Peg Honey! Often think of that Joke about what they do with babies in Mexico when they are born! I Love You Johnnie |
Transcribed by Ken Brey
January 10, 1945
 | England Wed 10 Jan 45 My Darling Peggy: It’s a beautiful day in England - for a change – it has stopped snowing and the sun is out doing it’s job -- makes life look rosier for a change – I feel so darn lonely – wish I could snap our of it! I Love You so dard much Honey!! Hope everything is going O.K. for you – I’m sort of getting on edge myself – you’d swear I was the one that was going to have the baby! Hope I can get home before or right after it’s born! It’s really something to Pray for – I always hoped to be back by March – one never knows – I may! Don’t build the castle to high – but I’m |
 | suppose to go home – however there’s so many things that can upset it that I’ve been holding my breath for the last week! Better not mention this to anyone cause it’ll be like on of those expected furloughs for sure! I Love you Honey!! As usual there’s nothing doing around here – excepting the process of getting well – haven’t had any more mail – sure would like to get a sack full today – am hoping my Xmas packages catch up to me here one of these days – probably they’ll get here in time for next Xmas! I Love You Darling! Am feeling pretty good – and get around quite well – just finished taking a good bath – clean clothes – feel like |
| | a million bucks!! I Love You! I suppose by this time you’ve heard from Ruth – It’s really to bad- I’ve had that on my mind ever since it happened – and if I don’t start forgetting I’ll be going nuts-- Well Darling will close – Just can’t seem to settle down & write a decent letter lately – but then who wouldn’t be sweating? God Bless You Darling! I Love You with all My Hear! Love & Kisses Johnnie |
Transcribed by Ken Brey
January 4, 1945
 | I Love You Honey! England Thurs 4 Jan 45 My Darling Sweetheart! Happy Birthday Honey! Enclosed is the most suitable gift I could think of – buy yourself something – and be damned sure you spend it on yourself!! I Love you Darling. Isn’t much going on around here – It’s pretty cold out today – an odd snow flake her & there – but that’s England! Just recieved today’s mail - and had a Xmas card from Mary & that was all – guess I’ll have to sing the blues tonight – and hope again for tomorrow! Sure am looking forward to a direct letter from you - gee I miss you Honey! I Love you! |
| | Noticed that Mary’s letter was mailed here – so it probably won’t be long now!! I hope! Hope everyonoe at home is well-- and you, Mrs Brey, Please take care of yourself- and if you must bowl just wait till about June or July to do it - (the Old Man is talking)--- guess I’ll have to come home & take care of you – I wish--- Darling will close – must serve supper to the cripples – tah tah!! Good night Darling – God Bless You & Keep You Safe!! I Love You Hon! Love and Loads of it! Kisses Your Johnnie |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)