January 30, 1945

1945-01-30_Page_1 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.!!

1945-01-30_Page_2 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

1945-01-30_Page_3

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 27, 1945

1945-01-27_Page_1 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!

1945-01-27_Page_2

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

1945-01-26_Page_1 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

 1945-01-26_Page_2

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

1945-01-25_Page_1 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
1945-01-25_Page_2 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

  1945-01-25_Page_3

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

1945-01-24_Page_1 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

 1945-01-24_Page_2



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

1945-01-23_Page_1 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!

 1945-01-23_Page_2


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

1945-01-21_Page_1 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
1945-01-21_Page_2 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

  1945-01-21_Page_3

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*

1945-01-19_Page_1

  I Love You Hon!
        England
          Friday
            19 Jan 45

My Darling Wife:


    Haven't had anymore mail
from you - but heard from Mom
& Aunt Gert - what a surprise!! don't
think I'll answer till I find out what'll
happen to me -- ain't building my
castles to high -- maybe I'll get home -
and then maybe not - It's still the
blame Army - you never know till
you're there - and am I ever Praying -
sure want to get home for the
baby's arrival!  Speaking of the Baby
Honey - Just when it it due?  What
a question!  But you've mentioned
two dates - seems to me it should
be around March 25th- I love
you Darling Mama!!  Love you're ole Man?

1945-01-19_Page_2 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
 1945-01-19_Page_3 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

1945-01-17_Page_1 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
1945-01-17_Page_2 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!
 1945-01-17_Page_3 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

1945-01-13_Page_1 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
1945-01-13_Page_2 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
1945-01-13_Page_3 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

   1945-01-13_Page_4

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

1945-01-12_Page_1 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

 1945-01-12_Page_2


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

1945-01-10_Page_1 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
  1945-01-10_Page_2 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

1945-01-10_Page_3

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

1945-01-04_Page_1 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!

 1945-01-04_Page_2

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